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Bastion Grounds
Topic Started: Jun 21 2012, 08:00 PM (159 Views)
Telsa
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With the magnificent backdrop of the Bastion's shining black stone walls, the carefully manicured gardens of the front lawn fill the senses with comfort and welcome. A tall outer wall of the same stunning black stone as the castle rings the grounds. Lined with towering oaks, thick pines, tall thorn sharp hedges and clinging vines, it provides a dividing line between the lushness of the gardens and the nothingness of the beyond. The main walkway is wide, lined with tiny pebbles of white, black and grey. It leads a straight path to the immense front doors.

The gardens of the Bastion reflect the magical origins of the castle they surround, with stunning roses of spun glass sparkling alongside their softer cousins, benches of heavy white marble so intricately carved the cherubs seem almost alive, and thick carpets of green grass accented with lush beds of tiny flowers that slowly shift their colors. The sweet scents of rose and jasmine waft through the air, carried on a soft breeze that seems to whisper promises of delight. Slender pathways wind their way through formal plantings of flowers, crossing the main walkway and converging at one of the two artfully sculpted fountains that grace each side of the front grounds.

To the right and around the back, an open area of grass lies between the castle and the tree-lined outer wall. A few scattered chairs lounge in the occasional shade of the towering oaks that dot the way. To the left of the castle lies a series of large gardens, filled with freshly and healthily growing vegetables and herbs; as well as an orchard with a variety of tall trees, all heavy with their abundant fruits. The growing season runs long, and these areas are always producing to meets the needs of the inhabitants of the Bastion. Past the orchard and gardens towards the outer wall lie the various outbuildings- kitchens, etc, Behind these buildings a break leads to a densely wooded area, known simply as the outer grounds.
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Dominic

Cont from Ballroom Terrace

Dominic strolled through the gardens, his eyes moving constantly as if he took it all in for the first time. It had been nearly twenty years since he'd been here last, and he realized now that he hadn't truly appreciated it. Moving with no particular direction in mind, his path led him to a large oak in the far eastern corner. Its branches spread out and gave thick shade, reaching over the edges of the outer wall and out far into the garden's edge. A soft carpet of grass, two marble benches with intricately carved runes along their edges, a single rose bush that bloomed perfect roses of what appeared to be spun glass.

Sitting now on one of the benches, Dominic let his mind move back to his first arrival in Sanctuary, preferring that to thoughts of the time before. His green eyes lost focus, and a shiver ran through him. Power had touched him, old power, beyond his reckoning; and at the time he hadn't even realized it.

He'd passed through the doorway, on the run with the threat right on his heels, and found... another world. For all that he thought he knew, it had rocked him. It was real. He'd thought only briefly of why or how, at first simply relishing his unexpected escape. He'd been standing there gaping when she arrived. The Baroness, she'd introduced herself with a curtsey he would have laughed at anywhere else outside of the Court. But this was a fairy tale garden, with spun glass roses and a princess who might, perhaps, look just a tiny bit evil.

Dominic's feline side had hissed a warning, just as the fact of her condition broke through his self-absorbed notions. "Vampire!" It rang in his mind, and he had reacted with an instinct that he had cursed more than once. His shift tugged at the leaves on the trees, pulling energy into himself from the area around him more rapidly than he ever had before or since. Where he had stood was now a large black cat, standing thigh high to the lady of the house who now had an alabaster hand laying softly over her mouth. She hid her smile, and didn't laugh, but it sparkled it her eyes.

Shame made him hang his head, his long black hair falling loose over his face. He'd been so angry he'd spit, literally, adding to the humiliation. Then what was supposed to be a graceful leap away to disappear in the bushes turned into a frantic sprawl for the branches of the tree. The wolf had appeared suddenly, a harsh growl rumbling deep in chest as he approached. Panic was instantaneous, and it was up the tree he'd flown.

That had done it. There he'd sat, high in the branches of the tallest tree he'd ever seen, looking down with feline disdain from his safe perch. It was good he could pull off the look naturally in that state, as he certainly had not felt that way. The good Baroness had scolded the wolf, but the laughter kept breaking through and keeping her from sounding serious. It wasn't about a dog chasing a cat. The wolf looked at him with the same disdain that his own kind did, or at least those that had once claimed him as their own. He'd recognized Dominic for what he was, and as the Baroness chided him, reminding him of the rules, Dominic had realized for the first time there was some things from which one could never walk away.

Standing now on the other side of the massive gardens, again letting his gaze take in the sight as he let his soul take in the peace, Dominic reflected with much shame his attitude when he was here last. He'd used every excuse under the sun, anything to explain why it wasn't really his fault, how he'd been unfairly punished for something he couldn't have stopped anyway. How easily he'd skipped over certain facts, certain aspects. Not only in the telling, oh no, and that was bad enough. He'd managed to believe it himself. "Whine, whine, whine", he thought with much distaste. "Can't blame her for kicking me out ."

That event in itself had been quite simple. He was simply there, on the island, as she walked him through a winding cavern beneath the castle. Without a word she handed him a set of keys, a map of the city they were in, and pointed down the street. She was gone in a blink, the disappointment in her blue eyes not really registering until many, many years later. No, he'd just moaned some more at the time, and for quite some time after that.

Then he came face to face with himself in the mirror, watching the only person he'd grown to care for in his time on the island die in his arms. How badly he'd wanted to look down on the one responsible and pass judgment, to lay that blame squarely on the shoulders of the one to which it belonged. It had been a bitter message, the similarities to his own situation too deep for even him to ignore.

With a sigh, Dominic began walking again, making his way back towards the front of the castle. He shoved his hands his pockets, letting his black hair hang down in his face as he continued his contemplation. It had been a week to the night when he'd had the dream. Tears welled in his green eyes, the thin circle of gold seeming to spin with dizzy speed. He swallowed hard, pushing his hands further in his pockets to keep from reaching out to her. The very core of him ached, and with a choked back sob, he couldn't help but whisper her name.

"Estie..."

The night sky stretched out over his head; and Dominic stretched out on the cool, green grass, watching it all. Various memories had played out in his head. The times in secret behind the castle, which he knew now weren't really so secret after all, when he'd tried to repeat the quick change to his much-hated battle form. It never happened, and he'd finally concluded that it was the magic of his arrival in Sanctuary that had clung to him, had made it possible in the first place. His job on the island was simple physical labor that had hardened his lean muscles and bronzed his skin to a golden-brow glow. When thoughts of Estie pushed into his mind, he pushed them away. The depression that had plagued him since her death wasn't something he wanted to fall into again.

With a sigh, Dominic pushed himself upright and looked again around the empty gardens. The loneliness of the place was haunting, and he wondered how the Baroness had stood it all these years.
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Telsa
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Cont from Central Park


The air shimmered around her, a few leaves danced across the ground and it seemed the very air sighed as she stepped down on the grounds. In that instant she knew where each person was located, Dominic on the front lawn, the staff going about their business. It washed over her as it had time and time again, information that filled her with each return. It had become so common to her that she no longer gave it thought, simply stepped off down the pathway and moved towards the front of the massive castle.

As she moved Telsa reached up with one hand, removing the dark glasses and tucking them into the pocket of her coat then reaching up again to pull the large hat from her head. She shook her head, jumble of black curls tossing about, then with one finger loosened the belt of her coat. The other hand she kept firmly clasped on the brown envelope, a certain feeling of dread riding along her shoulders as she walked.

Why would the Dark Dreamer contact her? How had he even known her name, much less her connection with Jimsonweed? Those questions and more had scrolled through her head but her face reflected only a serene power as she glanced about her. When she saw Dominic rise gracefully from the grass and move towards her she waved him away. Time enough later for him, she wasn't interested in sharing whatever might be in that envelope until she had taken time to study it herself.

Quickly up the steps, the massive front doors swinging open to admit her, and she talking quietly as she walked. "Esther, see that Jimson's rooms are prepared, I'll be in my study." The soft command reached the woman easily where she worked upstairs, and before Telsa had crossed the width of the great room the lady was moving to obey.

Cont in Telsa's Rooms
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Dominic

Not sure how to take being so quickly dismissed, Dominic hung back and waited for Telsa to enter the castle. He glanced around, at a loss for what to do, then slowly made his way to the central path. He took his time, pausing to enjoy the sharp scents of rose and jasmine. At last he found himself at the steps leading up to the door. He waited another moment, then with a shrug moved up the stairs.

Cont in the Great Room
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Jimson

Th sounds of heavy boot steps was barely audible in the garden. Down the central path a figure appeared as if from a distance, much farther than the outer wall would have allowed. Slowly and steadily the figure of Jimsonweed became clearer and closer until finally he was standing near the front doors coat and gloves in hand the extra gun belt hanging from his shoulder haphazardly. His bright sky blue eyes looked over the gardens taking in the grounds he hadn't seen for a little over a year.

He stood there for few minutes breathing slowly and and letting the atmosphere sink in as he mentally readjusted to the surroundings. As the scents rolled over him his back straightened and his shoulders squared a cold smile spread across his lips. "And I thought the day couldn't get better."
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Dominic

Cont from Rear Aerie

Dominic wandered a while among the herb gardens, enjoying the smell of the air and the soft glow of lights that flickered in the outbuilding windows. The kitchens were busy, and that caused Dominic to pause. His hand fluttered over his stomach, the letter tucked back away in his pocket, and the rumble confirmed that yes, he smelled a variety of delectable scents that teased his now empty stomach.

That wasn't the main question. Even if it was for him, for all three of them, it seemed there was more activity than such a gathering would warrant. Did she give orders, prepare for more? What did she know? Dominic turned on his heel, heading for the kitchens that were housed in the outbuildings. He could charm the cooks as well as the next; at least he hoped he still could. Be interesting to find out.

First, though, he intended to see his way around the grounds, take a look at things from a different perspective. He didn't, truth be told, know a thing about military strategy, and how one would begin to consider the defense of such a place. Getting a look again, now that he had a different goal in mind, should be a good first step. Glancing back over his shoulder as he moved towards the front wall, he spied the hole in the east wall behind the kitchens. Leading to the outer grounds, he had no memory of his return through that route. Feline, that he knew well enough, and though he had no real desire to return to that scene he knew he would have to explore it soon enough. The Baroness, however, had said he was the first to come that way, so he saw no need to hurry. Just as he saw no need to hurry back to the company of Jimsonweed, "just in case I slip and let my mouth overload my ass again", he whispered softly.

Looking around the corner, across the front gardens, he let himself wonder instead if everyone who arrived from the real world, as he still thought of it, arrived the same way. Dominic made note to himself to ask the Baroness, and then started off again, making his way around the gardens by way of the path parallel to the outer wall.

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Jimson

Coming running down the stairs following the path of Dominics movement by the ripples of magical current the young woman made her way out to the gardens. Running her skirt waving behind her she finally caught up with him a little out of breathe near the outer walls.

"Excuse me!." She waved before bending over breathing heavily. "M'lord," another few breaths and she was almost back to a normal pattern of breathing. "s..s..sorry to bother you but the Baroness said to get this to you." She smiled sheepishly as she held out the folder with the information on Thorisson.

"I would have gotten this to you sooner but I wasn't sure where you were. " Looking at Dominic she almost stumbled over her words, speaking out of nervousness. "The rest of the staff said there were only two other guests here, A serious looking cowboy and a handso....." She blushed obviously embarrassed. "um uh, Young man."
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Dominic

Dominic was surprised, but he grinned at the young woman as he waited for her to catch her breath. When she held out the folder to him his eyes widened and at first he barely heard the rest of her words. Grasping it in his hand, he lifted his gaze to her and smiled.

"Thank you, I'm glad to..." A confused look crossed his face. "Wait... you said... two 'other' guests. Are you staff here, or another.. guest? The Baroness didn't mention anyone else having arrived."
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Jimson

"In a way we're all staff here, and guests in a way. I mean no one would be here unless they were meant to be here right?" she laughed. "So asking questions with two variables that can both be true doesn't help."

She stuck a bare foot out from under the skirt and absently slid her big toe back and forth across the ground in an arc watching the movement, too embarrassed to look up at Dominic. "I help out where ever I'm needed, I just usually try not to make a nuisance of myself around the baroness so I guess I don't warrant much thought."

Looking worried that she might have said something wrong she smiled shyly. "Is everything alright? When I found you looked, distressed."
Edited by Jimson, Jul 13 2012, 04:56 AM.
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Telsa
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Telsa cont from Central Park


Dominic let go of his momentary confusion, finding himself somewhat charmed by her attitude. He shook his head, holding up the folder. "No, this is perfect, thank you." He motioned ahead, a path that wound around the outer walls, crossing the central path leading up to the castle. "I'm just... well, reviewing things I suppose you'd say. Would you like to join me?"



In the far western corner the air shimmered briefly, and stepping through Telsa paused as that sense of knowledge rushed over her. With a sharp step she moved out of the dense stand of ancient oaks, moving towards the east and the central pathway up to the castle
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Jimson

Nodding the young woman stepped a bit closer smiling widely. "I've done all the work expected of me so I've got nothing else to do. If it's not a bother I'd love to accompany you."

With a laugh she practically danced as she moved ahead of him the movement causing the thin skirt to twirl in the air. She paused having run her hand across the wall and looked up at the sky. "It's a really nice night out," She paused holding her thumb and forefinger out in front of her face as if she were going to pick a start our of the sky. "sometimes I forget how beautiful all this is, sometimes it's so easy to lose in the day to day routine."
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Telsa
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"Charlotte..." For the most brief instant something seemed to sparkle in her eyes, some internal debate that she chose not to share. "Dominic," she continued, "I'm glad you have that report, have you taken time to review it yet?" She gestured, her hand clasped around several thick newspapers, for the pair to follow her up to the castle, moving quickly ahead.

"Baroness," he began, then with a quick skip hurried to catch up with her. "I've only just received it," he explained, "I've been working to familiarize myself with the place again."

Telsa nodded and glanced past him to Charlotte. "I'll need you to make a trip for me, see if you can get any further information. First you'll need to get caught up on the situation."
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Jimson

With a nod Charlotte dropped her hand looking disappointing, then as if realizing something important she smiled and followed Telsa and Dominic. She practically danced across the ground moving lightly on the balls of her feet. "Gathering information I can do."

Her movement brought her up beside Dominic and she gave him a knowing wink before speeding up a bit more to be closer to Telsa. "So am I gonna be going at this one alone again?"
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Telsa
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Telsa glanced in her direction, one elegantly arched brow raised ever so slightly. "Most likely, yes. But first you need to study that report that along with Dominic, and we need to go over what I learned tonight." She moved quickly up the stone steps, the massive doors swinging open before them.
Cont Great Room
Edited by Telsa, Jul 18 2012, 11:56 AM.
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Telsa
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Cont from the Streets

The world shifted, a flip of reality as the shadowed darkness of the alleyway was softened, replaced with the pure shimmering light of twinkling stars and shining moon. The caustic air of the city was replaced by a scent so sweet it added to the spinning in his brain. The shadows of tall buildings stretched around him, and became the dancing shadows of immense oak trees. The concrete under his feet fell away and in its place a path of smooth time-worn cobblestones.

"They sparkle," Brandon's addled mind had time to think before the scream that had torn from his throat was silenced by those sparkling black stones coming up to meet his face.



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Telsa
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Cont from Great Room

The gardens flashed by her, her speed pressed hard by age and the power of her title. By the time she saw him there face down on the path the staff was being given their orders. Her private study on the second floor was being unlocked, Esther directing the lighting of candles and Thomas quickly moving chairs and small tables at one end of the room up against the walls.

Carefully she lifted the boy and turned him over, concern sharpening her features as she scented blood. She lifted his shirt and scowled as her fingers moved swiftly to sketch a runic symbol over the bite, a whispered chant in a long forgotten language soft on her lips.
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Jimson

With a soft rustle of cloth Jimsonweed was kneeling next to Telsa his eyes running over the boy. Slowly his pupils dilated so far that they were merely pools of blackness behind his eyelids and he concentrated on his senses even as he fought the urge for blood. "Blood.... poison.... decay." Once again his eyes narrowed and he looked over the boy. "and He reeks of snake."
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Telsa
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Telsa nodded in agreement, brushing the boy's chestnut hair back from his face. "Get him inside, quickly," her voice was sharp as she slipped the canvas knapsack off his shoulder and rose to step back. "But be careful, best if he not wake up just yet." She watched critically as Jimson lifted the boy, then turned and struck off quickly ahead towards the massive double doors.
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