Archer stops the carriage and considers the old mansion with a frown. It seems overgrown and uninhabited at first glance, but all the windows are intact. For a place that's supposedly been abandoned for several generations, as according to what he's heard about, it's surprisingly well kept.
That, and a familiar prickling on his neck, sensation that he knows well from his time as a hunter. The presence is faint but unmistakable, wrapped around the grounds and even reaching into the forest nearby. Well, he's not paid to dawdle; Archer jumps to the ground and hurries to open and hold the carriage door.
It's been a lengthy trip and Yona's eager to finally step out of the carriage and stretch her legs. The burning curiosity that has simmered beneath the surface all this time hasn't abated over the hours of travel, either.
Reaching out to slip her fingers into Archer's hand, she lets him assist her down from the carriage as she waits for her legs to be sure beneath her. And then she lets her gaze trace the outline of the massive old building before them, breath hitching softly in her throat.
"It's in better shape than I'd hoped. I'd been half afraid we'd arrive to find it uninhabitable."
Once again his newest charge proves herself favorably and instead of foolishly venturing on her own inside or into overgrown gardens displays caution. Archer is impressed but opts to serve one of his 'old grizzled man lectures', as Rin calls it.
"I'm not going to hope for uninhabited. Those old mansions have a life of their own. Sometimes you may think your ancestors left it mere moments ago."
Sometimes a presence is so strong it can affect a whole building. There's been a case of haunted house where everything has been kept as its late mistress liked it, from the time the fireplaces were lit to the food kept in the pantry. Anything that didn't adhere to her personal tastes was either misplaced or lost. It has been a personal grievance to her grand-grandson.
His warning has her grimacing a little as her fingers tighten against his palm before she withdraws her hand and smooths down the skirt she wears.
"Considering the power Hiryuu wielded and bequeathed to pass down to me with everything else...? I wouldn't be surprised at this point. Although I do hope it's not haunted. I don't think that would make for a very comforting atmosphere here. Not to mention the poor dead that should be resting peacefully."
She glances up to give him a slight smile, looking a little uncertain but determined all the same. "Shall we go in and see what we have to work with?"
Is it haunted? Not really. Not in the most literal sense. There are no ghosts leaving mark on the mansion, nor wraiths found in the walls. There is no life, aside from moths, spiders, and butterflies that made themselves comfortable in the surrounding gardens.
There is, however, a presence, and it stirs. As if the whole building made a weighty sigh. A flutter of curtains on a lower floor. A creak of the door coming somewhere from within.
Waking up before the sun has fully set hasn't been a thing in literal ages. It happened only because of— unexpected guests, arriving in the evening.
"Indeed. Let's make sure at least one room is hospitable before the sun sets." he quickly ensures that everything is set right before he turns fully towards the house. Those horseless carriages are a wonder, but in such remote regions are a rare sight. At least the superstitions (and the distance to the nearest village) will keep the curious away.
He keeps himself next to lady Yona as they approach the house. It's old, much older than he thought at first. Now it seems as if it's been supposed to be left forgotten rather than abandoned. Not inhospitable, no— there's nothing to suggest they're encroaching where they shouldn't.
Honestly, two months ago he wouldn't even think of having anything to do with the profession he retired from. Not after his last run in with the bloodsuckers that almost cost him his life.
His suggestion is a sound one and she nods, heading for the front door and taking out the large golden key tucked away in the pocket of her skirt. her fingers grip it tightly - almost nervously, as she takes in the house looming larger and larger over them as they climb the few steps to the landing at the entrance.
Her new home. What a strange concept. She barely knows how to feel about it yet.
The key clicks in the lock and the door swings open without so much as a creak. Odd, for a place left forgotten for so long. She steps inside, booted feet sinking into a rich carpet that protects the gleaming hardwood. It's faded and dim in here, the air unnaturally still, as if she's the first to take a breath inside it in many ages. She lets her gaze roam around the massive entry hall, taking in what she can see - although the statues are covered with sheets and the fading light from beyond the open front door only reaches so far into the darkened interior.
Still, it's easy to see the beauty this place had once boasted, and she makes a soft sound of appreciation. "Oh, I think this will be lovely, once we clean it up."
The moment Yona steps inside Archer is right next to her, one hand resting on his weapon. He doesn't relax when no attack comes, colorless eyes assessing the interior warily. The covered statues he keeps in sight— it's impossible to tell whenever those really are statues or something more sinister.
"It must have been beautiful."
His eyes return to the grandfather clock taking a central place beneath the sweeping staircase leading to the higher floor. Most of it is decorated with stylized tree leaves; oddly its shape resembles the ash tree leaves. Archer notes it to check on later as he hands lady Yona unlit lantern. "I'll check the rooms."
By the time he finds the study fresh scars on his back start to burn with remembered pain. He's thankful that lady Yona can't see his face right now - he must be pale under the tan. She has enough worries of her own to waste time on a Hunter. It's just a sensation of presence that's making him remember his last mission. He huffs unamused breath before addressing his fair company.
"I found a study. There's fireplace, a setee and a few armchairs that look rather comfortable, low table and a writing desk. It should be enough to spend the night."
It's odd how little dust is there. If this house has been abandoned for a century there must be more than a thinnest cover of dust on everything.
"Maybe there's still someone who comes in to take care of it now and then?"
She sounds perplexed, even as she offers it up because there'd been no such mention in the paperwork that had been bequeathed to her on her most recent birthday when she'd finally come into possession of her full inheritance.
Either way, she gives a faint shrug before smiling at him. "I'm not about to complain that the place isn't falling apart, though. Shall we go get settled for the evening? There's still plenty of food in that picnic basket that we packed before departing, as well, so we won't go hungry before we locate and assess the kitchens tomorrow."
Archer waits for Yona to join him. It's too dark outside to his liking. The house should recognize her bloodline and at least keep her safe.
"You're right. I'll bring it after we settle in here." he says in his typical brusque style. The study is dark; curtains are drawn close. It's a surprise how he's been able to notice as much as he did. Perhaps there is some truth in whispers that Hunters aren't fully human. "After starting the fire."
His stern expression softens a bit whenever lady Yona is around.
She just gives him a warm smile as she pokes around the room he'd found. most of the furniture is covered, but there's a surprising lack of dust even here. Tugging on one of the wide sheets reveals a plush and comfortable settee beneath and she settles on it, bouncing a few times before casting him a bemused look.
"There. I'm settled. I think I can manage to avoid getting into any trouble while you get whatever we need. Unless there's anything you'd like me to help you with?
Please don't ask her to start the fire. She might end up actually burning down the house.
Archer isn't going to risk it, menial work is his forte. A hint of frown shows on his face when he checks wood stocked near the fireplace. It's no older than a few weeks. It means either someone's been here despite what he's been told by the inn owner in the village, or that the presence has imbued the house with its wish of how things should be. He's not sure which is worse.
Methodically he begins stacking the chopped wood on the grate, making sure there's enough room. Building a fire requires skill and at least a general knowledge of how to not fill the room with smoke.
She watches as he sets up the fire, chatting with him occasionally to fill the silence, even though neither of them seemed especially bothered by quiet. Once the fire is lit and starts to warm the room, they share some of the food they'd brought with them.
Between her full stomach and the coziness of the fire and being in her new "home", it's not long before Yona starts dozing off, her head tipping forward a few times before she gives in and stretches out on the settee, curled around one of the pillows.
So the guests are staying overnight, hm. The later it gets, the more awake he feels, but even during the day-induced drowsiness his attention still remained entirely on guests.
Impatient for them to fall asleep.
The man remains awake, but the girl— she fell asleep, and the temptation is becoming hard to fight. Perhaps he could go down there, near the fire and the man, her guardian, wouldn't notice...
Despite the late hour Archer stays awake. The presence takes some time to get used to, no more affecting him the way it did at first. He's quite comfortable on the low stool near the settee but not enough to fall asleep. Fire pops and crackles on the grate, reminding him of times long past, when he spent his evenings with a book. A few times he almost manages to doze off, but something, perhaps his instincts, keeps him awake.
The girl is asleep, her neck a delicious, tempting treat, but the man here keeps his guard up. Dozing off, indeed, but he still stays surprisingly awake. Despite the sound of crackling wood in the fire, despite the barely heard night's soft noise.
It's been so long till he got to use this magic, but while keeping to the shadows, he weaves a net of it. Tendrils that feel safe, web of magic that feels warm. It's like being slowly and comfortably suffocated by a spider's net.
It's been so long since he last tasted human's blood, and he can't resist the temptation.
And just like that spider, he leaves the shadow only when he's certain that the effect of a simple charm - sleep - spell have successfully befallen on everyone in the room.
Sharp sting of pain from fresh scars is the only warning Archer gets before he feels the magic. Ugh, he's in no condition to counter it with how weakened and affected he is. It tugs him under, dimming his senses and consciousness. That's not the worst, though; heat immediately spreads through his body, tempting with the promise of pleasure.
Archer slumps forward as he desperately struggles to stay awake. In last moment of consciousness he bares his neck—
"Shhh..." A figure shows behind him, with his tilted he might get a glance of the bright red eyes, playful finger pressed to the lips in the 'keep quiet' gesture.
The man is resistant and awake. That's a problem yes, but also, a challenge. For the vampire feels the desire cloud his mind, and there is only one imperative leading him: he shall taste them both tonight. The lady and her knight. Guests providing a feast.
Just to be sure he strengthens the spell, arms wrapping around the wide torse as if a lover's embrace. That countered with the ferality in which he sinks his teeth into the bared neck.
It's heat, pain and pleasure that surges through his blood when the first pinprick of pain fades. Vampire venom they call it, warning how dangerous and addictive it is. There are tales of vampires that made Hunters their puppets after drinking their blood. He's never really believed it before, but now, feeling the vampire pressed against him with lips pressed to his neck, he knows it's true.
Bloodsuckers that attacked him in the past wanted to kill him, not enslave. This one, though, wants only his blood.
The spell holds him still as he struggles against it trying to reach his weapon. Another half-gasp, half-moan falling from his lips when the pleasure intensifies. Instead of his crossnow his fingers clutch expensive fabric of vampire's outfit.
The taste is strong, invigorating, and the magic of embrace makes sure there is little to no struggle. The more he drinks, the more it is easy to give into the temptation and drain the victim dry. One more drop, one more...until there is none left.
But before he gets drunk on it and truly passes the point of no return, he detaches himself from the neck, giving them both a breather.
Archer struggles to catch his breath, too aware of lust still burning in his veins and the closeness of beautiful creature on his lap. The haze of a dream still clings to him, threatening to draw him under. He's too weakened now to struggle free, merely a shadow of a Hunter he once was.
The presence - the being - whose focus is on him is old, much older than he's been expecting. Ancient and powerful, grown into this piece of land like the roots of eldest trees.
"What— is your purpose— " he barely manages to say.
Purpose— if there was any, he must have forgotten it ages ago. Just being, existing, dreaming has been enough. The living — vibrant, intense, and warm — that has graced his domain today awakening old desires. When he touches Archer's cheek, it's almost like a caress.
"To give you both a good Dream." he muses, pressing against the man and barely stopping himself from continuing to feed. "Consider it my reward."
And then he's gone, moving out of Archer's reach, knowing well the man is too weak to stop him now. That's where he takes steps towards the sleeping lady. Fingers brushing strands of red hair.
"Do not fear, I have no intention of bringing death upon either you."
He almost gives into the desire to reach out to the man as he slips away. Ironically it's a good thing he's too weak, for Archer doubts he'd be able to let him go, and not because he's a Hunter— it's been a long time, a very long time since he indulged in pleasure and closeness.
"Don't hurt her—" because it's what he has to say first, but then— "Let the weary travellers rest under thy roof and let no harm come upon us. May thy land flourish—"
Guardians have been considered nothing but a mere folk tale by most Hunters. His old man knew those tales were more than superstition, although he was unable to tell more. Earthbound entities, protecting a piece of land, that did form pacts with humans in ages past.
That almost roots him in place. How long it has been? When was he acknowledged as what he was last time? Too long.
"Words alone cannot appease me—!" Cú hisses, baring his fangs in a warning "Don't you dare to try, you may yet anger me."
But he doesn't move aside for putting a hand on Yona's neck. Torn, because— even if it's been too long, refusing request for hospitality still rings disgusting to him. However it alone, won't let the hunger go away.
At the touch of those cool fingers against her throat, Yona shifts, still seemingly caught in the dreams he'd given them. But something else stirs in response. A presence, almost. Invisible, but impossible to ignore, rising up to make itself known. Her scarlet hair shifts beneath his hand, as if stirred by an invisible breeze.
A moment later, violet eyes slide open, their core consumed by the flickering of ancient flames. She looks up at the man standing over her, her gaze steady and unblinking and somehow... not quite the gentle princess who had crossed his threshold a short while before. No, this was where the presence had risen from, filling her up and staring up at him with eyes far older than her few handful of years. Eyes that saw him and knew him for what he was.
"Has it been so long that you've forgotten your purpose? Have you forgotten the oaths you gave, the vows sealed in blood?"
Whose blood she didn't speak of, but there is something knowing in her words as she stares up at him. Patient. Challenging.
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arrival
That, and a familiar prickling on his neck, sensation that he knows well from his time as a hunter. The presence is faint but unmistakable, wrapped around the grounds and even reaching into the forest nearby. Well, he's not paid to dawdle; Archer jumps to the ground and hurries to open and hold the carriage door.
"We've arrived, lady Yona."
no subject
Reaching out to slip her fingers into Archer's hand, she lets him assist her down from the carriage as she waits for her legs to be sure beneath her. And then she lets her gaze trace the outline of the massive old building before them, breath hitching softly in her throat.
"It's in better shape than I'd hoped. I'd been half afraid we'd arrive to find it uninhabitable."
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"I'm not going to hope for uninhabited. Those old mansions have a life of their own. Sometimes you may think your ancestors left it mere moments ago."
Sometimes a presence is so strong it can affect a whole building. There's been a case of haunted house where everything has been kept as its late mistress liked it, from the time the fireplaces were lit to the food kept in the pantry. Anything that didn't adhere to her personal tastes was either misplaced or lost. It has been a personal grievance to her grand-grandson.
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"Considering the power Hiryuu wielded and bequeathed to pass down to me with everything else...? I wouldn't be surprised at this point. Although I do hope it's not haunted. I don't think that would make for a very comforting atmosphere here. Not to mention the poor dead that should be resting peacefully."
She glances up to give him a slight smile, looking a little uncertain but determined all the same. "Shall we go in and see what we have to work with?"
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There is, however, a presence, and it stirs. As if the whole building made a weighty sigh. A flutter of curtains on a lower floor. A creak of the door coming somewhere from within.
Waking up before the sun has fully set hasn't been a thing in literal ages. It happened only because of— unexpected guests, arriving in the evening.
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"Indeed. Let's make sure at least one room is hospitable before the sun sets." he quickly ensures that everything is set right before he turns fully towards the house. Those horseless carriages are a wonder, but in such remote regions are a rare sight. At least the superstitions (and the distance to the nearest village) will keep the curious away.
He keeps himself next to lady Yona as they approach the house. It's old, much older than he thought at first. Now it seems as if it's been supposed to be left forgotten rather than abandoned. Not inhospitable, no— there's nothing to suggest they're encroaching where they shouldn't.
Honestly, two months ago he wouldn't even think of having anything to do with the profession he retired from. Not after his last run in with the bloodsuckers that almost cost him his life.
no subject
Her new home. What a strange concept. She barely knows how to feel about it yet.
The key clicks in the lock and the door swings open without so much as a creak. Odd, for a place left forgotten for so long. She steps inside, booted feet sinking into a rich carpet that protects the gleaming hardwood. It's faded and dim in here, the air unnaturally still, as if she's the first to take a breath inside it in many ages. She lets her gaze roam around the massive entry hall, taking in what she can see - although the statues are covered with sheets and the fading light from beyond the open front door only reaches so far into the darkened interior.
Still, it's easy to see the beauty this place had once boasted, and she makes a soft sound of appreciation. "Oh, I think this will be lovely, once we clean it up."
no subject
"It must have been beautiful."
His eyes return to the grandfather clock taking a central place beneath the sweeping staircase leading to the higher floor. Most of it is decorated with stylized tree leaves; oddly its shape resembles the ash tree leaves. Archer notes it to check on later as he hands lady Yona unlit lantern. "I'll check the rooms."
By the time he finds the study fresh scars on his back start to burn with remembered pain. He's thankful that lady Yona can't see his face right now - he must be pale under the tan. She has enough worries of her own to waste time on a Hunter. It's just a sensation of presence that's making him remember his last mission. He huffs unamused breath before addressing his fair company.
"I found a study. There's fireplace, a setee and a few armchairs that look rather comfortable, low table and a writing desk. It should be enough to spend the night."
It's odd how little dust is there. If this house has been abandoned for a century there must be more than a thinnest cover of dust on everything.
no subject
She sounds perplexed, even as she offers it up because there'd been no such mention in the paperwork that had been bequeathed to her on her most recent birthday when she'd finally come into possession of her full inheritance.
Either way, she gives a faint shrug before smiling at him. "I'm not about to complain that the place isn't falling apart, though. Shall we go get settled for the evening? There's still plenty of food in that picnic basket that we packed before departing, as well, so we won't go hungry before we locate and assess the kitchens tomorrow."
no subject
"You're right. I'll bring it after we settle in here." he says in his typical brusque style. The study is dark; curtains are drawn close. It's a surprise how he's been able to notice as much as he did. Perhaps there is some truth in whispers that Hunters aren't fully human. "After starting the fire."
His stern expression softens a bit whenever lady Yona is around.
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"There. I'm settled. I think I can manage to avoid getting into any trouble while you get whatever we need. Unless there's anything you'd like me to help you with?
Please don't ask her to start the fire. She might end up actually burning down the house.
no subject
Archer isn't going to risk it, menial work is his forte. A hint of frown shows on his face when he checks wood stocked near the fireplace. It's no older than a few weeks. It means either someone's been here despite what he's been told by the inn owner in the village, or that the presence has imbued the house with its wish of how things should be. He's not sure which is worse.
Methodically he begins stacking the chopped wood on the grate, making sure there's enough room. Building a fire requires skill and at least a general knowledge of how to not fill the room with smoke.
no subject
Between her full stomach and the coziness of the fire and being in her new "home", it's not long before Yona starts dozing off, her head tipping forward a few times before she gives in and stretches out on the settee, curled around one of the pillows.
no subject
Impatient for them to fall asleep.
The man remains awake, but the girl— she fell asleep, and the temptation is becoming hard to fight. Perhaps he could go down there, near the fire and the man, her guardian, wouldn't notice...
no subject
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It's been so long till he got to use this magic, but while keeping to the shadows, he weaves a net of it. Tendrils that feel safe, web of magic that feels warm. It's like being slowly and comfortably suffocated by a spider's net.
It's been so long since he last tasted human's blood, and he can't resist the temptation.
And just like that spider, he leaves the shadow only when he's certain that the effect of a simple charm - sleep - spell have successfully befallen on everyone in the room.
no subject
Archer slumps forward as he desperately struggles to stay awake. In last moment of consciousness he bares his neck—
but doesn't stop struggling.
no subject
The man is resistant and awake. That's a problem yes, but also, a challenge. For the vampire feels the desire cloud his mind, and there is only one imperative leading him: he shall taste them both tonight. The lady and her knight. Guests providing a feast.
Just to be sure he strengthens the spell, arms wrapping around the wide torse as if a lover's embrace. That countered with the ferality in which he sinks his teeth into the bared neck.
no subject
Bloodsuckers that attacked him in the past wanted to kill him, not enslave. This one, though, wants only his blood.
The spell holds him still as he struggles against it trying to reach his weapon. Another half-gasp, half-moan falling from his lips when the pleasure intensifies. Instead of his crossnow his fingers clutch expensive fabric of vampire's outfit.
no subject
But before he gets drunk on it and truly passes the point of no return, he detaches himself from the neck, giving them both a breather.
no subject
The presence - the being - whose focus is on him is old, much older than he's been expecting. Ancient and powerful, grown into this piece of land like the roots of eldest trees.
"What— is your purpose— " he barely manages to say.
no subject
"To give you both a good Dream." he muses, pressing against the man and barely stopping himself from continuing to feed. "Consider it my reward."
And then he's gone, moving out of Archer's reach, knowing well the man is too weak to stop him now. That's where he takes steps towards the sleeping lady. Fingers brushing strands of red hair.
"Do not fear, I have no intention of bringing death upon either you."
no subject
"Don't hurt her—" because it's what he has to say first, but then— "Let the weary travellers rest under thy roof and let no harm come upon us. May thy land flourish—"
Guardians have been considered nothing but a mere folk tale by most Hunters. His old man knew those tales were more than superstition, although he was unable to tell more. Earthbound entities, protecting a piece of land, that did form pacts with humans in ages past.
no subject
"Words alone cannot appease me—!" Cú hisses, baring his fangs in a warning "Don't you dare to try, you may yet anger me."
But he doesn't move aside for putting a hand on Yona's neck. Torn, because— even if it's been too long, refusing request for hospitality still rings disgusting to him. However it alone, won't let the hunger go away.
no subject
A moment later, violet eyes slide open, their core consumed by the flickering of ancient flames. She looks up at the man standing over her, her gaze steady and unblinking and somehow... not quite the gentle princess who had crossed his threshold a short while before. No, this was where the presence had risen from, filling her up and staring up at him with eyes far older than her few handful of years. Eyes that saw him and knew him for what he was.
"Has it been so long that you've forgotten your purpose? Have you forgotten the oaths you gave, the vows sealed in blood?"
Whose blood she didn't speak of, but there is something knowing in her words as she stares up at him. Patient. Challenging.