ghoulification

Something familiar...

Something about the figure nearby that causes him to inspect her closer. Memories of different kind flood in- myriad and with varying potency; some not as pleasant as another, but they're shut off regardless.

He was here for a specific purpose.
And she had a key for it.

"Araceli?"

He approaches closer. In another environment, perhaps addressing someone like her would've gotten him in big trouble... but they're not at home.

Things are different here. He tasted freedom - albeit, the past and present remains unchanged.

"Is that you?"
(Ambrose Roche)

The visit to Osrona resulted in very little, the Songstress instead deciding to return to the Waystone. While she did not own property within, it had very much become her home in recent years.

What she did not expect, however, was to be approached by a rather young individual. Most of her clientele within Esshar were older, though she did not hold prejudice against the youth either.

"Mm?"

A quirk of her brow, as her attention was fully drawn to Ambrose.

"Who might you be?"

A slight tilt of her head to the right, as she took a step forwards, before pivoting to her right to fully face the young man.

"Are you interested in a session, or something along those lines?"

Her poster was placed atop billboards all over Esshar, it was probable that he was just a potential client. Araceli's voice was soft, yet it traveled the distance to Ambrose via manipulation of sound magic.

Words spoken in a near sing-song fashion, as her gaze shifted to Tartarus and Kasai on the side, but only momentarily.
(Araceli Vellier)

There are words meant to be spoken near the rest.

And then there are words that aren't meant to be given such treatment. What he would have for her and what he intends to say is, for the most part, something that he could not afford to speak right here.

"Ah-"

"I'm Ambrose."

He only speaks his name. Who he is exactly, his origins, or different characteristics remain unspoken. Still...

"And... yes."

"I believe you could call it a session."

It's better to simply go along with this, considering the circumstances. A brief adjustment is made upon his hair- his golden locks brushed aside a little bit, after which he remarks.

"Do you have a better suited place?"
(Ambrose Roche)

Araceli considered his words carefully, quietly, before offering a nod. It was not unusual for the woman to be approached with similar propositions, given her line of work.

Business better spoken in private, especially when it came to therapy.

"Very well, mister Ambrose. I do believe that the office within the Waystone will suffice."

Light blues then shifting to Tartarus and Kasai, scanning the duo with an amused expression.

"If you would, mister Shukun and Task, I can provide payment after the meeting has concluded."

Araceli knew well enough the art of business, and would not believe herself above such fees. Given they were far away from Osrona, there was no other secure area for the therapy.

The office would have to do.

"You may follow me, mister Ambrose, but do keep in mind I also require compensation. Unlike mister Shukun here, I am not charitable."

Not in the slightest, payment would always be required. While helping others may be viewed as good nature, it is also lucrative.
(Araceli Vellier)

The necessity to be removed from the public eye was important.

As such, he merely agreed to that with a nod- besides that, it would soon be clarified as to what exactly this is all about, and he was more than certain it'd turn different.

Nonetheless...

"Of course."

"Let's get going."

For now, he remains silent. Not another word until they're in place.
(Ambrose Roche)

The Songstress led the youth away and into the depths of the Waystone, a cellar in fact. Despite it being within the ground, however, it appeared to be well furnished.

A wayward home, one to serve as both office and secure meeting space.

"Make yourself comfortable, mister Ambrose. Mayhap I could interest you in um, ah-"

Pausing, as she fished within the desk, scavenging through drawers in search of potential goodies. She disregarded the aforementioned cigars and wine, however, considering the boy's age.

After retrieving the dated, tan-colored box, she slid it forwards, before opening it to reveal some rather aged, stone-hard cookies.

"Chocolate chip cookies?"

A smile offered, her best attempt at hospitality. Forgetting that she had purchased the box two years ago now, though they didn't appear to be rotten.

"I am not one to partake in such delicacy, so they are all yours. Though I presume you did not approach me for cookies, but a session, yes."

A nod, as she leaned forward in her seat, hands setting atop the table.

"Or was there something else you required?"
(Araceli Vellier)

It's a strange feeling.

Knowing that he's heading into a room with not just a woman - but with a Beast; a monster that hides behind a mask of civility. As much as she may be full of hospitality and even remain entirely civil, all of them have the nature of the Beast hidden deep within.

It can never change.
Then again, he's used to it.

"You're kind. Not how I remember home."

The rule of dealing with the Vampires in Apropriya as a low-born was rather simple; obey, and do not dare make a peep against them, and you might just get away with only being fed on, or perhaps forced into servitude.

Dissidents were slaughtered instead, like a cattle.

"Though, I'm not sure if you're keeping appearances, or the time here changed you."

It's an off comment, almost meaningless- akin to thoughts out-loud. In any case, before her confusion grows any further, he remarks.

"I'm not here for a session." He pauses.

"I am Ambrose Roche, and I hail from Falkenrath." From their home, Apropriya. "I was sent here a while ago, but I went through a shipwreck and spent a while gathering things up."

"I'm sure it would be... unsightly, if I just appeared before you as dirt-ridden, smudged refugee."

Another pause. That alone should already clear things up.

"Although.."

"Before finding you, or the rest of Midnight Aristocracy, I didn't waste time." With that statement alone, she should already know.

He's aware.

"I was looking at cities all around. They seemed..."

"Easy to infiltrate. Easy to get their trust."
(Ambrose Roche)

The words that flowed from Ambrose's mouth were not at all what Araceli would have expected. In fact, she had never expected her 'family' to dispatch another servant.

After having received Seneca already, she was content with the contribution from abroad. However, with the truth lay plain atop the table, her demeanor seemingly shifted altogether.

The sing-song voice fading into a lower, more mature sounding alto. The chirpy soprano she used so often disappearing altogether.

"A pleasure, mister Ambrose Roche."

A slight bow of her head in greeting, though she didn't move to remove the blue contacts lenses either. Unlike her other meetings where her identity was known.

It was not as amusing when the party was already well aware of what she was, ultimately.

"As you have likely surmised, my name is Araceli Falkenrath. To answer your claims, however, I would not say that I am pretending, nor has Esshar changedmy inherent nature."

"I am a very, very old vampire, and have lived for centuries now. The aggressive, trigger-happy nature found within my counterparts of Asphodel is naught but a product of their youth."

Her longevity had brought wisdom, and diminished her bloodlust, even if it still existed deep down. Learning to control her gifts, the blessings of Cain.

"I must admit that I was not expecting you. Is there a purpose for your coming here? I am guessing that you aren't a ghoul, at least not yet."

"But yes, it is as you say, the people of Esshar are easily influenced, as well as gullible."
(Araceli Vellier)

It's just as expected.

For her demeanor to shift, and for her to grow slightly defensive- after all, someone knowing her identity in such manner was a threat on its own, no doubt, but...

Ambrose here wasn't an enemy.

"The pleasure is mine."

Yet, while she explains it all, he seems somewhat... in disbelief. Weren't the great cities also flooded with the Vampires all around, and they'd engage in nightly feasts, with the low-born being fed on regularly?

Or perhaps by aggression she meant actually killing people.. as opposed to merely feeding on them.

"I see."

"I was wondering about the purpose of their activity, but maybe it's just for amusement." It wouldn't be too far fetched to assume some of the Vampires to live that lifestyle specifically.

"And.."

"They sent me here as a test, I suppose. Back home the threat from the Order is minimal, and the Savage Folk keep to their forests. With some of you all already being here, they knew about commotion in Esshar."

"I will either ascend as a magi and perhaps earn my place for the Dark Gift, or.." He pauses.

".. fail and die."

All magi grow as result of conflict and strife, regardless what kind of magi they are.

"And no."

"I haven't imbibed anything like that for a very, very long time."
(Ambrose Roche)

"With youth there is an innate desire, a bloodlust which is more amplified. I experienced it, though my case was especially... particular, I suppose you could say."

It was odd to recall such distant memories, though in a way it felt not that long ago. Time had seemed to meld in the background, and years became insignificant.

There was no reason for her to avidly keep track of time when she was free of such shackles of mortality to begin with.

"Believe it or not, my parents were founding members of the Order of the Silver Sun. I was taken in my youth by the then Count Falkenrath, who became both my sire and my husband."

While Ambrose didn't ask for a history lesson, she believed it important to explain her circumstance, especially if what he said was true.

"I was the Countess Falkenrath through marriage, and blood was given to me freely. There was no need to hunt, no reason to toil, and I was protected by the Crimson Guard, or rather, the group of ghouls and vampires whose sole objective is the protection of the noble families."

Seneca himself belonged to the guard, though no longer.

"My dearly beloved passed not long ago, to an unforeseen ambush one night.. and I have decided to come here, to leave my home in search of adventure. A new frontier, so to speak."

Which was especially difficult, considering her experience in combat being relatively low. She was the very epitome of a shielded, pampered noble, but had made a home for herself somewhat here.

"I give thanks to Cain, of course, but my purpose and goals here are not to further the Falkenrath family, or Apropriya in general. I intend to make a family for myself, to carve out a legacy here that will rival the great houses back home."

"I cannot help you should you return to Apropriya, but I can deem whether or not you are worthy of his blessing."

There was no future where she returned 'home,' ultimately.

"I can make you a ghoul, if that is what you desire most."
(Araceli Vellier)

She was also part of the Order?

In a sense, that was somewhat revealing, but.. while that detail often goes amiss, given that Araceli had similar circumstances, it felt somewhat more comfortable to share such details.

"Well.."

"Family being in the Order of the Silver Sun? That makes two of us." He pauses.

"My own parents were part of it. Though, I hardly remember their faces at that point."

He was taken young- very, very young. Ever since that day his life was very different, and it was becoming more and more difficult to actually remember them by the passing day. If anything, with time, he's sure that he would not remember much of them at all.

But that's only natural.

Yet, unlike her, he doesn't share much of his history. Why would he? Years of subjugation and being forced into servitude isn't exactly something to boast of - it's only the fact that he showed thetalents of a magi that allowed him to earn this chance to prove himself to begin with.

If it wasn't for that, he'd remain a permanent servant and nothing more, ever.

"My purpose remains here. I doubt that I will be returning to Apropriya anytime soon at all." And even if he would...

That's another story.

As for the offer of ghouling? The memories alone remind him of the taste- intoxicating, addicting... it's been so long ago, and yet he could not forget.

"That.."

"Would be the first step, yes."
(Ambrose Roche)

"I never quite prescribed to their doctrine, but yes. I fell deeply in love, and it helped to foster my adoration for Cain and his blessing."

"To be free of that which limits man, to be given life everlasting? It is a gift unlike any other, mister Roche."

Spoken in fervent fashion, Araceli clearly revering Cain as those in Osrona did their angels.

"In my time here I have met many an individual who worships all manner of 'divine' being, but what do they have to show for it?"

"Naught but suffering and misery, I'm afraid, whilst our people reap the bounty of His embrace."

There were tangible rewards, no blind faith, and that was the allure for Araceli. Something she had grown content with, not at all finding the act of blood drinking detestable.

It was necessary, vital even, and a form of worship in her eyes.

"I remember when I was in your seat, all those years ago. You are embarking upon a journey, an adventure that will span centuries, rather than a few meager decades."

A twinkle in her gaze, as she rose to a stand.

"I must inform you that there is no going back on this, mister Roche, nor is there a method of changing sires so easily."

"My blood will become addictive, it will entrance you, 'enthrall' you, so to speak. Though I consider my family 'retainers,' as thrall is a rather insulting word."

Approaching, though pausing just before his seated position.

"I will require blood offering first, if you are willing. A location that you can conceal easily, so anonymity is kept."
(Araceli Vellier)

He was more than aware.

The day when he tapped into dark studies of Occult, he was far mote tempted by anything that could give him yet another shortcut to power; in a sense, the Vampiric blood wasn't only such a shortcut, but it was also something far more permanent that could last for much longer.

Something that could ensure his success in the long run.

"I understand."

Truth be told, he's seen no alternatives in the long run either. If he were to continue as it is, if he were to simply flee from his past the moment he arrived to Esshar..

What life would he doom himself to? That of mediocrity, and eventually falling to the age.

No. What he wanted simply needed time- a lot of time. If he wanted to buy that time, this was the only known path that he could undertake - and eventually earn all that he needed.

"And yes... I'm aware." Of the addiction that this blood gives. Although it's been a very, very long time, the taste of another still lingers upon his tongue.

Perhaps they starved him out of such vitae for a reason - so that he could endure travel from Apropriya to Esshar without going mad; not until he'd get used to living without it.

Such lack of vitae only lasted for so long, until he was no longer a ghoul, the blood naturally running out over the years. But still.. he knows it all too well.

"And.."

A blood offering? There are no means he has to make a precise incision, so instead - he merely exposes a shoulder, one that would be covered by clothing otherwise.

"...The shoulder will do, I suppose."

"Unless you wanted me to make a cut on my own."

Doubtful. Surely her fangs haven't dulled.
(Ambrose Roche)

The offer extended to Ambrose had been made to her ages ago, though it was under different circumstances. A situation wherein she loved her sire dearly, and there was seemingly no alternative, no way she could have refused the gift.

To spend eternity beside someone she adored, even if it did not go that way.

"It is to Cain that we give thanks for this bountiful offering."

"This will not be pleasant."

Her head bowed for a moment, before leaning forth. Lips parting to reveal growing fangs, which zeroed in upon the bare patch of flesh.

Teeth sinking into skin, the vampiric venom taking hold of his shoulder near instantly. As blood was suckled from the opening, the veins around the puncture wounds largened, turning purplish in color.

Seemingly rotting, though it would not be a permanent affliction, even if excruciating. Given sufficient time it would heal.

"Mm."

Moving away from the youth now, her right thumb rising to wipe away a speck of blood from her lower lip.

"Very well, now you must partake."

The woman reaching into the confines of her robe, before withdrawing a ritualistic dagger, one with a moon emblazoned atop the silver handle.

Soon enough was it drawn against her open, right palm, before the gash was raised towards his lips.

"Drink, and you will feel power. It is naught but the beginning of His blessing."

If he partook, he would begin to feel the change almost immediately. The blood providing an intoxicating effect, though the temperature would soon leave from his skin altogether, body heat stolen.

Natural strength and speed enhanced, his wounds healing much quicker. A high unlike any that mere sylvanum could provide.

"You are bound to me, and in time you will grow to know the rest of my family."
(Araceli Vellier)

Ambrose braces himself.

As much as he had experienced this feeling so many times, there's no way that he could get entirely used to it. Quite frankly, no matter how many times you experience, it just feels..

Off.

He remains silent. With the fangs sinking in his flesh, he copes easier by closing his eyes, looking up somewhere upward- almost as if trying to pretend this isn't happening to him. Only after he felt as if it was done and Araceli stepped away..

Finally he opened his eyes; a brush against his bloodied shoulder to ensure that he bleeds no more, before beginning to cover it up with the clothing once again.

"Of course."

He states plainly, akin to someone who's used to such a 'ritual'. Where she offers him blood from the slit skin upon her hand, he drinks readily; the intoxicating euphoria reminded to him from the long forgotten, but deep-seated memories of many years ago..

It takes all of his willpower to not keep drinking like a starving animal - and instead remain somewhat composed, albeit definitely wanting and craving.

If it wasn't for years upon years of Vampires back in Apropriya schooling and disciplining him, perhaps he'd just lose himself in this euphoria right now.

"Mm.."

But it's difficult, still. There's a gulp- he drinks the rest, and looks up at her, wiping his lips. A steady nod is given, and a shudder of his body.

It felt so long since he felt like this.

"Y-yes.."

"Understood."
(Ambrose Roche)

Whereas other vampires within Esshar might simply take and give without much ceremony, Araceli was far more formal and dignified. Akin to that of a priestess during religious ritual, rather than something beastly.

It was what seemingly separated her from the common vampire, anyways. Traditions of the more refined vampires. While the Great Houses were known to hunt at night, it was never to kill their targets.

They would no longer have livestock to feed from freely if they killed each prey.

"Very good."

A nod of approval offered thereafter, as she took a step backwards.

"The gift will not be granted to you so easily, mister Roche. From this point forth you will be a retainer of mine, both a confidante, as well as someone I can trust."

"I demand loyalty, obedience, and discretion, as I do with all of those who are part of my family."

There would come a day where he would be his own vampire, however, but it would first need to be earned.

"Speaking of the family."

Araceli's gaze shifts to Tartarus, before beckoning him forth.

"Mister Shukun and mister Task from prior are also retainers, and I trust you will get to know them in the coming years. Though, mister Task-"

Fangs revealing themselves once again.

"I do require blood offering, if you would be so kind."
(Araceli Vellier)

Tartarus would nod lightly as he lowered his newspaper, snapping his fingers as it became ash within his hands before the remnants of burnt ink were dispersed into nothingness by entropic waves of chronomagic. With a light tug of his cigar, the Task would ash that as well before approaching his lady's side, the retainer falling to his knee as he'd begin to roll up the sleeves on his tunic.

"As always, my lady, I am yours to command, and my hand is yours to guide. Whatever you require of me, that I offer gladly in service."

Falling to his knee, the sunglassed mercenary would unfurl first his left sleeve, revealing what appeared to be a stump where a hand once sat. Vampiric bite scars still sat upon the wrist overshadowed by brands that appeared to be shaped liked a chainlink pattern.

Almost as if some fool tore off their necrotic hand with a molten chain.

After a nod, the other sleeve was unfurled to reveal the pale sinew of Tartarus' right arm. Offered forth bare and without fear regardless of what had last occurred.

"Even if I must rebuild my body each time it is ravaged, I will not fail you or our dream. A Task's word is his bond."
(Tartarus Task)

It's expected that the gift would be a long way off from now.

Perhaps even longer than he expects, but truthfully, how could he expect anything else? The sheer fact that there would be a chance for this was already good enough. It would imply that there's plenty for him to do...

Plenty of work.
Good for his growth.

"Of course..."

Loyalty, obedience and discretion. The words that were all too familiar to him ever since the times of Apropriya in his life - yet here, they would have to maintain and even lower profile than anywhere else.

There's a glance given to Tartarus while he observes him in action- silent, but otherwise waiting.

"I'll do everything that's required of me."

And perhaps some more. Thankfully, what he had in his plans didn't exactly go against what Araceli would need of him.
(Ambrose Roche)

Araceli nodded, approving of Ambrose's apparent obedience. It would do him well, at least for the time being anyways. In many ways she viewed herself as a mother, a sire who was bringing about a new generation of vampires.

A family to call her own, something she never quite had before. In all her years of living, was it motherhood that she envied the most of mortals?

"Mm."

Her gaze shifting to Tartarus then, before moving in towards the man.

"It is to Cain that we give thanks for this bountiful offering."

Spoken in both his regard, as well as the newly arrived Kasai. First sinking fangs into the Task, before the other, partaking of both of their blood.

They were no strangers to this ritual, this offering which she required from them.

"Meet mister Ambrose Roche, he is from Apropriya, and will be a retainer of mine from here on. I hope you can all get along."

Her attention then drawn back to Ambrose, the dagger once again utilized to give him an offering of her own blood. Enough to empower the innate abilities that a ghoul possessed.

Though she was weakened, it was a sacrifice well worth it.

"All I ask for the time being is periodic reports on what you've heard, your whereabouts, as well as anything else you deem important. We are allied with the Aspohdel vampires, though I do not bow to any of them as sovereign."

"You report to and obey me above what they desire, but I do not mind if you play along to their whims."

There was every chance that she could come into conflict with them later, but for the time being they were allies.

"If you encounter anyone who you believe could fit into our family, who would be discreet, do let me know."
(Araceli Vellier)

Such orders were fairly simple.

To report about what they see and hear, and ensure that he would remain loyal, obedient and discreet. After all, they couldn't afford to be exposed to the world like that, but..

Certainly he cannot afford to avoid any and all conflict either. He'll have to find the means of concealing his identity, perhaps - acting in the dark, where none of his actions would lead back to them all.

But that's a topic for another time.

"... Thank you."

The Vampires of Apropriya were cruel, far crueller than this. He had expected something far harsher to happen to him- perhaps as result of years of such subjugation back home, but..

As much as it is surprising, who is he to complain?

"I'll make sure to report such." A pause.

"Is there anywhere else I can find you, aside of Waystone?"
(Ambrose Roche)

Kasai had maintained the appearance of a mere bartender lending his services to the Songstress until she spoke of Cain and drew forth on Tartarus to draw his blood.

In preparation he drew back the clothing hiding his shoulder revealing two puncture holes and he tilted his head in preparation. Now he scarcely even twitched as the blood was drawn.

He had to wonder if the Sylvanum in his veins affected the vampiric mistress whatsoever. Once the introductions were given he inclined his head toward the young man.

"Kasai Shukun, a pleasure to make your acquaintance mister Roche." He said in that rich bass with an easy-going smile cast their way. His fiery hues shifted toward Araceli, "We will see to helping him settle into the tavern."

Unlike their cousin cabal of Asphodel their specialty was subtlety and thus far they had maintained the mask perfectly so far. "Typically we operate from here unless called upon for a particular assignment."
(Kasai Shukun)

Tartarus would extend his wrist willingly to his surrogate mother, no fear or pause in his movements as he felt the matron's teeth pierce his veins. The drawing of blood had become a familiar effort for the Task at this point; he was amongst the first of Araceli's thralls and had oft aided in the arrangement of these little ceremonies.

A small anxiety in the back of the man's mind was ready to feel that familiar, sickly sweet ache of rot in his other hand. Prepared to amputate again if necessary and become the no pawed bear. But it seemed his mother offered far more restraint this time, perhaps a sentiment of care after overdoing it last time and accidentally maiming the retainer.

Not that he particularly cared. He'd told her when he first swore his rifle to her that there was no cost he was unwilling to pay. Suffering merely offered context.

"My life blood is offered to Him and you."

Head bowed, the Task had little tosay in ways of prayer. He'd been the no gods, no masters sort til Araceli had shown him the real deal, but it wasn't an easy habit to break.

Rising from one knee, the Task's good hand would be offered for a shake with a nod to Mister Roche as he hummed softly in cheer.

"A pleasure Mister Roche. Welcome to our business, you'll find our tastes in luxury and recreation are second to none. If you've entered my lady's service, we are brothers in arms now."

A drag of his reacquired cigar at that, a strand of molten metal snaking across the floor to acquire it with the blood drawing done.

"Welcome to the family."

(Tartarus Task)

"Mm.. It appears I will require another offering, but I will go about finding that myself."

Araceli took great pleasure in her own form of 'hunting.' There was no brute force, nor was there terrorizing random people.

It was through wordplay, willing participation, those who offered themselves through her manipulation which excited her the most.

Any beast could forcefully take blood, but she believed herself above that.

"I either linger around the Waystone, or Osrona, though I travel all over Esshar. I have a home in Osrona, however, and it has served me well for the last couple years."

A place to set some foundation, anyways.

"But yes-"

Gaze shifting to Kasai and Tartarus now.

"I do hope that you two have been well. It isn't so often that we are afforded the opportunity to speak like this, and for that I apologize."

"There will come a day where discretion will no longer be required, but today is not that day."

Araceli fully intended to proclaim her identity to the world one day, to those who believed themselves worthy of Cain's gift. It would be a surefire way to gather more blood tribute.

"My focus will now be upon turning one of you into a vampire. Much blood will be required, but it is well worth it."
(Araceli Vellier)

A brief nod is given to both Tartarus and Kasai; their welcoming was most definitely appreciated and acknowledged.

"Thank you."

Alongside with the further information given by Araceli. Should he ever need to find her for one reason or another, he would at the very least know where to search.

Nonetheless..

"I will be returning promptly enough."

"But for now, I also had to take care of some other business. If I'm ever needed for something in particular, just let me know."

Still so many things to do, even now. The time could not be wasted.
(Ambrose Roche)