Prelude: Life Begins at Night

"Must beauty blossom, rooted in decay, And night devour its flaming hues alway?" Oxford - Week 0,  Michaelmas,  2009 Autumn has come to Oxford, but you'd never know it. The golden rays of the fading sun still shine on into the early evening and the city basks in the memory of a summer that, in truth, is already dead. Tonight, the kindred of the Oxfordian covenants gather beneath the roof of Balliol college to ring in the coming of the new academic year. Hosted each year by a different clan or covenant, this annual event might be considered akin to a mortal harvest festival. Especially after the long days and sparsely populated nights of the summer break, the oncoming flood of naive young freshers is a long-awaited reprieve to every vampire in the city. The sun sets tonight at twenty-six minutes past six, and the doors open at nine pm... 

Sat in his office, Liam McCarthy shuffles some papers around. The university had high standards for its teaching and expected certain things to be in order so that the quality of the course remained high. Liam cared little for such things though, ticking the boxes that needed to be ticked, and winging the rest. What did interest him though was the list of new tutees and their application photos; he took great pleasure shuffling through and deciding who he would pick to sculpt, predicting what his new flock of worshipers would be like. He glances up at the clock. Nightfall was approaching. Unlike most of his kindred, Liam never struggled to feed. Even when there were few humans on the streets, they would still find their way into the more sophisticated bars where he preferred to play at the weekends. Fresh meat though, was always exciting. And this year, with the Festival at his old college, he especially looked forward to it.  "Mehdi, I think the base guitar tonight, I may make a surprise performance with the Obinos." His gown hangs on the wall, ready for the evening, but beneath it he will wear the crisp ironed white shirt and black trousers, completely as expected in the company of his kindred. He shuffles more papers, and Mehdi has the impression that he is less avoiding the work after all but that he may be nervous. The stark contrast when he has to socialise with his kindred to his cool, easy nature within the mortal world.

Liam's discomfort was echoed in his assistant. But Mehdi wasn't concerned with dealing with a room full of vampires, he was practically invisible to them and that was almost comforting. For the changeling, the new school year meant his Fetch would be returning from whatever exotic place he'd spent the holiday. He was the elephant in every room, and the possibility of Mehdi finally confronting him made the hairs on the back of his neck rise. "I figured as much." he says before stepping over to the case and opening it to make sure all was in its place and ready to go. As he lifts the case and places it near the door of the office, his wings shift uncomfortably beneath his blazer, invisible beneath his mask. He turns back with a look at the idly shuffled papers. "Any good prospects?" he says, hoping to ease his boss' nerves.

Liam is still idly shuffling. He looks up quizzically. "Hmm? Oh these! Yes actually, this is going to be a good year. My Monday, Tuesday, Thursday has the potential to be very interesting. A Russian, the son of a banker, the daughter of a tech company COO who just got back from a gap year and the fourth young lady mentions religion about 20 times in her application. They are always the most fun to break. And if we start with entitlement to inheritance, that should make some fireworks." He grins,the mood instantly eased. " Thank you Mehdi . You always know how to ease my mind. Shall we go? "

"Sounds promising." the interest he shows is clearly feigned but polite nonetheless, as you would show interest in a friend rambling on about a specific interest you aren't personally invested in. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Liam nods. "Very good then. Shall we take your car?" He gets up from the desk, collecting the robe as he passes.

Mehdi chuckles. "You would want to make an entrance, huh? Yes, we can take Jetty. Just need to open a big enough hedgeway. Any suggestion on where I should bring her through? A garage, double doors, anything wide enough. She's a big girl."

"I know a place." Liam smiles. "Garage not far from here. It will be closed by now."

As the sun drops below the horizon, a cold body stirs from its sleep. Sitting up from her bed, Raziel stretches before loosing her hair and letting it fall around her face. She thinks that she may go for an early evening run, but remembers the date. "Oh right, it's at Balliol this year." she says to herself. Rising, she gets dressed in one of her usual distinct outfits, grabs the hanger holding her attire for the event, and heads out of her apartment. Before long, she finds herself at the door of the cottage that she considers a second home. Searching in her pocket, she finds the key to the door and lets herself in. "Hi Eve, good evening!" She calls out as she enters the space. Rounding the living room to the bedroom, she finds her close friend and sire standing before a large wardrobe, her hands on her hips. Placing her evening outfit on an armchair, she walks up and gives Eve a quick embrace. "Hey there, trying to decide what to wear?" Reaching out, she picks up a midnight blue blouse "How about this one? I love the way it makes your eyes shine." Rae's smile then fades a bit as she really looks at Eve "Are you feeling ok, dear? When was the last time you fed?" 

With a small huff of effort, Mehdi picks up the guitar case and slings it over one shoulder. "Lead the way."

Liam leads the way through the twisting underground tunnels and, with a brief safety check of his watch, leads the way up into the crisp autumn air. Its a short walk down the road to the car park. The streets are still quiet, though Liam knows that won't last much longer. 

Eve walks back and forth between her wardrobe and the mirror, holding up various outfit choices. One by one, they join the big heap of clothes on the floor. Frustrated, she stares at her wardrobe like it is a petulant child refusing to give her a nice evening outfit. When she hears Rae approach, she shouts "Come in! I don't have anything to wear!" Eve returns her friend's hug and crosses her arms, looking at the blouse. "But what do I put with it? It has to work for the house party AND nought week drinks!" Unlike her usual calm demeanour, Eve seems a little short-tempered tonight. Patiently, Rae helps her pair the blouse with some snug leather trousers and heels. Eve sits down on the edge of her bed and lets Rae pin up her hair. "I'm okay, just hungry, don't worry my dearest. I got a little lost in Montaigne over the last few days. Have you read the part with the carriage yet? The way the metre mimics..." Eve continues talking about the marvels of Montaigne to Rae for a little, and when the girls are ready, they head out towards the party. The walk along the river up to New's grad flats is short, pleasantly empty this early in term. The path that runs between the river and the hedge is narrow, but with colleges overlooking it all along the way, students use it throughout the night as a safe shortcut. When they get to the grad complex, Rae lets them in with the code and leads the way to her friend's flat, where the party is already picking up speed. Eve's looks help her blend in easily with the crowd, in fact most people assume she is an undergrad. Some of the students here are familiar faces, although most are people that she doesn't know. A few freshers look a little lost still, one guy who almost looks like he is hiding out in the courtyard. With a wink at Rae, Eve approaches him, holding her own drink. "Excuse me, are you a fresher? It's pretty intimidating, right?" She laughs and smiles at him, looking up at the old, looming buildings.

Stepping into the flat, Rae exchanges a playful smile with Eve, then they separate. Wearing a tight-fitting burgundy blouse, heavily distressed black jeans, and heels along with a pair of golden earrings that resemble Native American dream-catchers, her outfit and manner wordlessly announce her age and status among the mixed gathering. Approaching the host of the party, a girl she met in Advanced Sanskrit the year before, she hugs her and chats a bit, thanking her for the invitation. Picking up a drink, she finds a secluded wall, as she often did in these settings. After a time of listening to the varied conversations of the crowd, she reaches out with her mind and instincts, allowing The Beast to lead her senses towards her goal. Eventually, her gaze falls upon a young woman, likely no older than 22, speaking energetically to a small group that surrounds her. Moving closer to them, Rae can hear the distress in her voice. 

"...I just don't know what to do, I can't afford to cover the rent on my own, but I shouldn't have to put up with that right?" The woman continues, unaware of Rae's silent approach, seeking confirmation and support from friends who seem to be doing their best to comfort her but are clearly more interested in getting back to the party around them.

Overhearing this information, Rae sees her moment and steps into the group. "Hi, do you remember me? You watched my stuff for me in the library while I ran to my room awhile back. I happen to overhear a little of what you were just saying, are you ok?"

The woman looks over. "Oh, sorry, yes. " It's clear from her expression that she doesn't really remember, but is too awkward to say so. "Thank you, I'll be ok. It's just... Urgh." She droops her head letting her hair flop downwards. 2 of her friends have already taken the opportunity to back away and have some fun in a more positive area of the party. "You know, sometimes the little things just get you?" She throws back a drink. "You want one? I'm going to get another" 

"Like what? Those little things seem to be bothering you quite a lot  right now. And maybe you should wait a bit before getting another drink, it might help you sort through what you're feeling."

The woman sighs deeply. "You're right. Why are you being so nice to me? Even my friends don't want to listen." She gestures over her shoulder to where the last of her friends is giving Rae an apologetic look as they slip off into the crowd. "This is exactly the kind of thing... maybe this is why he doesn't want to spend time with me." She puts her head in her hands, disguising a little sniff.

"Oh no honey, it's obvious that you're dealing with a major life choice that's causing you a lot of discomfort. Do you want to sit down somewhere quieter and talk about it? Rae puts her hands on the girls shoulders, almost cradling her as she covers her face .

The girl allows herself to be comforted, leaning into Rae's shoulder. She feels a slight shaking against her, the gentle trembling of one finally letting out some tears. "I think I just need to forget him. How about that drink? Maybe a dance?"

Rae's voice is supremely gentle as she speaks  "You need to let yourself feel this, darling. Putting off the hurt till later means putting off the healing till even later. Please take a moment to live in this feeling."

The girl lifts her head from Rae's shoulder, black mascara runs down her face and the smell of salt fills the space between them. A strand of hair is stuck to one side of her face, covering an eye. She gives a shy nod but says nothing, just lets out a little sniff.

Eyes filled with sympathy, Rae smiles weakly as she brushes the hair away. Putting an arm around her shoulder, she walks the girl to a more secluded space on the far side of the flat.

The girl gives no objections, allowing herself to be led by the kindly angel who just entered her life. Finally, someone willing to listen to me. I thought there were no good people left in the world. Or at least, that I had driven them all away. She looks over with a soft smile of gratitude at her new friend. "Thank you. For being here I mean." She looks embarrassed. Rae sees the tell tale signs of blood rising to the surface, flushing her skin. "Look at me, I'm such a mess."

Rae smiles back at her, and as she sees the flush fill her cheeks, the hunger makes itself known. "You're not a mess. You're just human. And that's beautiful." Stepping into what appears to be a guest room, the two exit from view of the crowded party.

The flush intensifies as Rae leads the girl into the other room, blindly following now, overwhelmed by the kindness

Approximately 15 minutes later, Rae and the girl exit the bedroom. Rae's arm is slung around her, and the girl looks much more relaxed and content, if not a little sleepy. "...it's as simple and as difficult as that. Trust yourself, your intuition. You know what's right for you, now you just need to advocate for what you need and make your thoughts and intentions known." The girl stops and hugs Rae tightly, thanking her for her help when she was feeling low and unsure of herself. And with a final smile and a lingering moment of eye contact, she rejoins the crowd.

"Watch our backs." Mehdi asks as he steps up to the garage door. He crouches low and tests the handle. As expected it's locked, so he jams one of his sharp claws into the keyhole, jimmies it and then twists. There's a wince of discomfort but thankfully the lock opens without much strain. "A window cracked, a door ajar. Send me through, send me far." Mehdi whispers his glamour into the door, coaxing it to shift its reality to the wild realm of the Hedge. Grabbing the handle again he rises up, lifting the door and letting it take itself the rest of the way. Instead of seeing the grey concrete and parked cars that were behind the door, Mehdi and Liam look out upon a lush swamp. The foliage and pools of brackish water glow silvery blue in the fae moonlight, and wil'o-the-wisps flicker off in the distance. As Mehdi steps through the new hedgeway, his mask dissolves in a storm of pink petals and dark purple leaves. Liam can clearly see his bat-like features, including the wings bulging beneath his blazer. Mehdi whistles, a shrill note that rises in pitch until it becomes inaudible. He turns back to Liam as he waits for Jetty to arrive. "Do you think I should grab some fruit while we're here?"

Liam nods. "I'll never get used to this. A lifetime full of surprises in the year I've known you. If you see some fruit, no harm in taking it. Get what you need. Never know who we might need to impress or fight at these things. The wrong person turns up, the wrong egos flair." He shrugs. "All part of the fun. Need to get some excitement, forever is a long time."

"Oh boy, yeah let me grab a snack. It'll at least replenish some of the glamour I'll be using to take Jetty for a walk." It's not long before the terror toad arrives, preceded by the rhythmic sounds of splashing. The massive amphibian hops up to Mehdi with an excited croak, and he has to hop back in turn to avoid getting splashed with muck. "That's a good girl." he coos as he steps forward and pets the hedgebeast's nose. Jetty is blood red, with a swirling pattern on her back the color of eggplants. Her four eyes are chartreuse and devoid of pupils, and a netlike harness is strapped around her providing hand and footholds for her passengers. Mehdi climbs on top, perching right behind her three prehistoric looking horns and turns back to Liam, still standing next to the mundane building on the other side of the portal. "Be right back." With a whip of the reigns he is off, bounding through the swamp. It doesn't take long for the Hedge to bring him to his secret fruit tree, tucked away in a serene clearing. The ground is more solid here where the wetlands begin to shift into the familiar Gloaming Wood, and Mehdi climbs down and walks over to harvest. The fruit here resembles oblong citrus, though the rind is a vibrant shade of magenta. Mehdi picks two of the ripest ones, each about the size of a grapefruit, and places them in his bag. Around 20 minutes later he returns to the hedgeway, easily finding his way back. As he rides through the garage door, Jetty's mask takes over and the pair appear cocooned in in a multicolored foam of bubbles. The foam pops away, revealing a human looking Mehdi driving a 2009 Toyota Camry, painted the same blood red color as Jetty's hide. He hops down -gets out of the car- and moves to pick up Liam's guitar case and place it in the storage bag attached to her harness. Once he closes the trunk of the car with a believable thunk, Mehdi shuts the garage and then returns to the driver's seat. "Ready?" he says, offering his boss a hand to help him climb up, or hop in, it's always hard for Liam to tell which.

Akil is nervously tapping his leg attempting to remain calm while very carefully observing his surroundings.  He has elected to wear a well fitted jacket and jeans combo to this party but he is now regretting not wearing something with more pocket space to better hold his gloves.  He almost didn't bring them, thank god for his intuition and brief advice his mentors gave him.  The cause of all this tension was a slight itch on the edge of his peripheral vision.  It was probably nothing but considering he had only recently arrived and that he was without a social circle and save for some friends he made in his introductory computer science course he knew no-one here.  Looking around the party with his empty cup in hand he curses his awkwardness and himself, "I should have just stayed home today."

Liam watches with wonder as the car and Mehdi come through the garage. He has seen it a few times now, but it amazes him each time as his eyes try to pierce the illusionary bubble. Maybe a mehkat would see through? We should try it one time.  For now though he just enjoys the feeling of having his head warped. The next bit though, he is less of a fan of. He takes Mehdi's hand and allows him to pull him into the bubble. There is an uncomfortable moment where his head, still on the outside, and his left arm, see his right leg getting into the passenger side of a red sports car. Whilt his right arm and right leg actually feel themselves stepping onto a giant toad. Worse, as his head enters the bubble, one eye still sees the car and his right arm and leg in  a completely different place to his other eye. He pulls through quickly, he knows he should close his eyes as he does it to avoid the dizzyness, but the curiosity grabs him every time. He sits for a second, shaking his head as he adjusts. "OK, lets take a quick ride around town. We don't want to be first at the party. That would be very uncool."

The student is indeed a fresher and seems more than grateful for Eve's attention. Reading E&M, he comes from one of many families who expect the eldest son to take over the business, regardless of whether he wants to or not. Eve sympathises, but generally lets him talk. After a little while, she proposes they walk a little along the river, to help clear his head. He excitedly agrees, giving her a cheeky grin before he follows her. For a little while, they actually chat as they walk along. Eve tells him her usual story about how she too was intimidated by the ancient architecture and the overwhelming reading lists for Michaelmas, but how by blues week, it feels like you've never done anything else. When they get to the first passing place, she pulls him in by his shirt and whispers in his ear: "Let me help you relax a little, consider it a welcoming present." She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him briefly, but with his blood so close, she cannot muster any more patience and starts kissing down his neck. Her bite is sharp and quick. The guy lets out a brief, surprised sound that quickly turns into a moan as his fingers dig into her hips, holding on to her as she drinks. When Eve feels him swaying a little, she reluctantly stops herself and licks the wound clean. She gently turns him around so his back rests against the fence, brushing a few strands of hair out of his face. "Thank you, that was great. I think you've had a little too much to drink though, perhaps it would be better if you head home. And don't worry, you will do just fine, the beginning is overwhelming for everyone, whether they admit it or not. Maybe I'll see you around." And with another smile, she is gone. After checking her makeup in her compact, Eve rejoins the party, still hungry but at least no longer starving. She spots Rae across the room and gives her a nod, then scans the crowd for another loner. It doesn't take her long to spot another undergraduate that fits her type: muscly, lonely, staring into his cup like he wished he were somewhere else. Eve grabs another two drinks from the counter and heads over, offering the poor fellow one. "Finding nought week a little much? I did too when I was new. I'm Eve, by the way." She gives him a warm smile as she hands him one of the plastic cups.

Akil looks up from his cup at the figure approaching.  He stares at the newcomer, "Oh is that what it's called?  It's not that bad just this party it seems."   Akil gratefully takes one of the cups,  "I'm Akil, nice to meet you Eve.  Have long have you been at Oxford?"  Akil has a clear american accent as he speaks.

"Longer than you," Eve replies with a chuckle. "Are you from the States? What are you reading?" She looks like she's taking little sips of her drink.

Akil smiles, "Nice guess.  Can you get the state as well?"

Eve taps her index finger against her lips as she thinks, taking her time. "Hmm, I don't know, you don't really sound like anyone I know. Not the Deep South? Haha, Sorry, I give up!" She laughs again. "So the party isn't to your taste? Have you you looked around the college grounds yet? Fairy Hill is pretty cool!"

"In all fairness it's much harder to guess the state," Akil chuckles.  "Unfortunately I haven't had enough time to explore the college grounds, I've mostly stayed near my dorm.  It's got some gyms nearby and good internet.  Oh yeah you asked what I was reading, that's like what I'm studying right?  I'm in computer science if that's what you're after, what about you?"

"Classics, so I guess we both do languages of some sorts! Would you like a guided tour? You're in luck, I know New College very well!" She beams, gesturing towards the gardens.

Akil looks towards Eve quizzically, "You mean like right now?"

Eve lifts her eyebrows: "What, are you afraid of the dark, Akil? Worried the fairies will steal you away?"

"Well I'd assume it would be easier to tour the college during the day,"  Akil stares a little more intently at Eve with a slight smirk.  "I've also heard that fairies are a real trouble, they like to steal away young college students like you and I."  Akil pulls out his phone, "Luckily I have heard that they are afraid of the sun, what's your number?  Maybe we can meet tomorrow, sometime when I can actually admire the campus."

Mehdi nods and leads Jetty away from the car park. The sound of her giant feet smacking against the asphalt transforms into the smooth rev of an engine as he drives the scenic route; sticking to residential streets and avenues was usually his m.o. anyway, better to hide the fact that Jetty was nowhere near as fast as an actual car. After a few minutes Mehdi turns to Liam once again. "Do you think Silas might like a lift?"

Liam scowls and shrugs. "He would have asked I'm sure. Never presume to take initiative with these old vampires. You never know when they'll get grouchy and take offence. Unless you learn something relevant to them. Then you tell them, otherwise they might get grouchy and take offence when they learn that you knew. Other than that you stay out of their way and hope they don't want anything. You know?" He shudders a little.  " I was thinking more about taking a trip somewhere with mortals. Have some people adore us before we have to suck up for the rest of the evening."

Mehdi returns the shrug and then flashes Liam a wry smile. "You mean adore you ." Mehdi relished prodding at Liam's ego, but the professor knew it was in jest. In fact Mehdi quite enjoyed Liam's proclivity for socializing and being the center of attention. It allowed the changeling to engage at his own comfort level, basking in the residual spotlight before darting into the shadows if he became overwhelmed. "I did hear someone talking about a party at the New's flat. Probably rife with potential groupies."

"I was thinking of a more private tour,"  Eve holds Akil's gaze, "isn't that most of the fun anyway, tempting the creatures of night? Come on, I promise I won't let a fairy girl get in the way." She winks at him and takes his hand, pulling him along into the courtyard in front of the flat. [Auspex] What does he want?  Eve asks as she feels his veins pulse beneath her slim fingers. Spectral creatures form and circle Akil. A pale predator with bloodshot eyes. A lupine beastman covered in fur. A beautiful man with a bat-like nose and wings. Eve's eyes widen in alarm for a split second, but she quickly composes herself before looking back at the young man behind her with a reassuring smile. How much does he know about the supernatural world? She wonders with some concern. The smoky forms of the creatures around Akil dissolve into mist, which reforms into an arching doorway around him. He is standing in the doorway, on the threshold, crossing from one place into another. Eve feels reassured; it seems he may have had an encounter or something alike, but he is not part of the supernatural world. Why is he here?  She asks, eager to gather as much information as she can before she has to pull back. This time, the silvery aura of auspex forms around Akil into an old Oxfordian classroom with wooden desks and a blackboard at the front. Other students sit around him, each of them surrounded by a shining nimbus of light. At the front stands an ageing professor with a much stronger aura. Eve's lips part in surprise. A mage student! He said he just arrived though...  It seems unnecessarily risky to feed from a mage, even an apprentice one, but her hunger wins her internal battle. Feeling the connection slipping away, she asks one last question that will decide the night for Akil: Does he know I'm a vampire? As her insight weakens, she sees a final image: A cloud of silvery grey fog hangs in the air around Akil, obscuring all. Reassured, Eve decides to go ahead and hopes that a little blood between friends won't cause any trouble. 

Akil raises his eyebrows in surprise at the suggestion,  "A private tour, you are being very enticing.  I'd have to just let my friend know I'm heading out."   He then scowls after taking a brief sip of his drink, "You didn't happen to spike this did you?  Tastes like copper."

Liam laughs. "Of course I mean me. But you get some of the splash there." He chuckles. "Yeah sure, let's check it out. If it looks dead as we drive past we don't have to stop."

Eve drops his hand and waits by the exit. "Of course, you'll find me outside. But don't take too long. Are you saying I look like I need to spike anyone's drink?" She winks, then disappears through the door. Copper? Fishing out her phone, she sends a quick text to Rae as she waits: "Taking guy to fairy hill. Keep your ears open, something weird about him, but I'm hungry. Kiss."

The ride is quick, honestly they probably could have walked but there's nothing like arriving in style just for the sake of it. While the exterior doesn't visibly show the telltale signs of a rager, the thrum of music can be clearly heard from one of the flats inside the building. "Hard to tell whether or not it's a bust from out here. I could scout it out or we could just- hey," he points to a lone woman standing outside of the building. "Isn't she that vampire librarian? What's her name again?" he pauses for a moment then adds "I wonder what she's doing here. Didn't peg her for the partying type."

Akil makes his way inside the house to briefly converse with a friend.  Tasting his drink once more he finds the copper taste to disappear only to immediately return once he makes his way into the kitchen.  Something is wrong.   He stretches his wrists and checked the pockets holding his gloves, making sure they were still there.  He would have to be careful.  Eventually returning to Eve he gestures towards the walkway, "I expect this tour to at least be marginally more entertaining than the party.  Hopefully we at least see a fairy. "