Kristin smiled despite herself, her nose crinkling just a bit as she did so. His questions were amusing, she did have to admit that much. "Carnevale is italian for Carnival. It's a big festival that often lasts days... and this one took place all over Italy. They celebrated it for a full fortnight... Actually, they still do celebrate Carnevale, I think... its just a bit different now, as I'm sure you can imagine. Anyway... it was their way of celebrating and getting rid of excess food and wine before Lent began."

Taking a deep breath, she thought for a moment, again deciding how best to describe things to him. "Anyway... Lent is a stretch of religious days, ranging from Ash Wednesday, to Easter Sunday where people would fast and abstain from festivities as well... as a way of giving penance. They also prayed a lot more often and gave alms to their neighbors. Nowadays, people still do it.. but more often than not, they just give up one thing they love and do a lot of charity work."

Looking back over at him, she said back some. "When the Italians celebrate Carnevale, they have great masked events and things like that, and use it as a way to get rid of their excess food and wine, I suppose not having the stuff around makes them less likely to want to indulge during the holy days?" She shook her head, biting her lower lip gently as she thought about it.

"Its an odd tradition, but Carnevale, especially in Venice, seems to be one of the most popular celebrations in history I think."

Saeraphena tried to remain hard as she was still skeptical of Tal's sincerity, despite being somewhat drawn in by the kiss. The blood, however, she could have done without. Still, she had no chance to express any of this before Talna'xel had left and David came back a stuttering mess.
Though she was unsure of Tal, she had to admit, David's fumbling was rather cute. Yet, she had no clue as to how to respond to something like this. Cassandra was the one to handle the human side of things and only let this side of her out for the more paranormal things. She ruffled her wings and allowed took the opportunity to bow out.
Cassandra opened her eyes, remembering most of what had happened though more from the third person perspective. She smiled at David and asked in a teasing sort of voice, "So you want me to come to bed with you?"
She then giggled slightly and nodded reassuringly. "You don't need to be so nervous with me, David. I'm not going to bite, not unless you ask really nice anyways. Still, it's a little early for sleep. Is there anything you need to do today to make up for the lost time?"

David calmed down a bit and tried to remember what day it was. Losing a day can have that affect on a person.

"I had a few days of vacation I was taking just to catch up on homework and shit... but i can do that later. I need to grab something from the System Administrator at the college. Bastard took my cell after he caught me using it to set up port forwarding on my systems here for faster downloads..."

((I know we have an OOC thread but this is an important announcement for everyone, thought it will also be posted in the OOC thread and added to the front page.

From now on, every single post needs to have a timestamp! The timestamp is very simple. It consists of the day and the time of day. An example is: Day 1 Afternoon

The reason for this is that we've coem to realize at least two characters are interacting when they're on separate days. Since I do not expect you all to read every post everyone else has made (though I certainly don't discourage it) the timestamps will make it clear when each character is so that we can keep from creating temporal anomalies.))

Day 3 Morning

Cassandra had no idea what he was talking about with his cell phone or port forwarding but she knew the System Admin of the college personally. He was a rather interesting werewolf, in fact, who owed her a favor or two. This gave her an idea that she got a little too eager about for Saeraphena's tastes.
"You said you needed rest, so you go ahead and get some and I'll go get your cell phone and restock your fridge, since it's looking like you need to do some grocery shopping." she spoke, not offering so much as informing him, with a confident smile.
She took him by the hand and led him to his bed, patting the bed with one hand.
"Is there anything else you'd like me to get for you while I'm out?" This time she spoke with an offer, but that same smile.
She was so used to helping others with their otherworldly problems that being able to help in a more mundane way made her almost proud of herself and it showed. She was practically glowing with excitement.

Day 3 Morning

David began to argue that he was fine when he felt another wave of exhaustion. His place was right on the campus, so it wasn't like it was out of her way. The grocery shopping was a bit odd, especially since he lived off of the day old stuff from the coffee house, but he wasn't about to complain.


"That would be great actually... I guess I'll just crash for a bit with my Chai and my pirated movies. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 should be about finished downloading by now. we could watch it when you get back?"

Day 3 Morning

Cassandra had almost expected that she would have to convince David to rest and let her help out and so was pleasantly surprised by his response. She nodded her head excitedly. "I'd love that! I was hoping to see that yesterday but all the showings were sold out."
She then gathered her things and paused a moment. She dropped her bag and without warning, gave David a quick hug. Cassandra tossed her bag over her shoulder and rushed to the door.
"I won't be long!" she spoke over her shoulder, "Don't get into any trouble without me!"
And with that, Cassandra was out the door, the door shut behind her quickly but not slamming. She stood for a moment outside of the doorway, thinking over everything that had happened. Even for her, someone who had more otherworldly friends than human ones, this had been unusual. Still, it felt right, so off she went to cash in a favor and buy some groceries.

Matahiru's smile seemed to only grow at the sight of Kristin's smile. "OHhh.. Oh!! wow.. I feel ignorant. " he laughed " yes of course, as things do tend to change as the time does. ohhh~ well that explains why there's so much food at festivals!" he laughed a little "Not that I mind, I love the fruit dishes that people come up with. yum!" he stated rather loudly then he blushed quietlying again "oops" he stated touching over his own lips with his fingers as he laughed a faint bit.

"Ohhh ... ! ohh.. ~ I thought you meant... um... yeah never mind what i meant um. That sounds rather interesting. I bet they where so hungry after that! unless there was some sort of spiritual thing that made them not hungry. I guess that makes sense if you believe in that sort of thing. " he paused listening then nodding again "well. To bad all people don't do that a little more hm? the world might not be so chaotic if that where the case. "

"Ohh mysterious~ Masked events you say? " he laughed a little "that's all good and well but what if a masked man did something innappropriate like .." he jumped up sitting on his knees on his chair and leaning forward so that he was right in her face. His lips but inches from her "like steal a kiss then flee the scene. how would they ever know who he was?" he asked as he laughed then sat back as he nodded agreeingly "I guess so. Without temptation around they couldn't really give in to temptation hm?"

He nodded a bit "It sounds important. I wonder what it would be like to attend one of those carnivales." he paused then he nodded a little. "I suppose it would be alot like the temple some places have here still hm? "

Day 3 Morning


Man that had to have been some party. Nikkolai woke groggy and in his bed, "I still can't believe she denied me! ME!" he screamed as he threw his hands down on the bed.

<"Why are you waking up in my body now!?" Malaek asked Nikkolai, quiet irritated that Nikkolai seemed to be more incliended to take over the body as of late.

"Shut up, you can have it back in a minute" barked Nikkolai, "I've got to make you look good."

Nikkolai proceeded to make a mess of Malaeks closet, picking through all his clothes and actually going as far as to throw some of his things in the garbage. "This will not do!" he mummered as he finally found a pair of old dress pants. "This is riddiculous. I know!" he said with a tone of excitement as he ran down the hall into Malaeks parents room. Hopping into his fathers walk in closet and walking out moments later, looking suave.

Walking downstairs, he sat down at the kitchen table and began to take a look at the news paper, deciding to make some tea. He headed out the door. Briefly being stopped by Malaek's mother, who could only mutter " Is that your father's.." before he made it around the corner, heading towards the campus. He took his sweet time walking, admiring the everything around him.

<"CAN I PLEASE HAVE MY BODY BACK" Malaek screamed, as he was now highly aggrivated>

"Soon" Nikkolai replied as they entered the Library on campus, taking a seat in a plush chair, crossing his legs in wait. Hoping to see that girl again, to give her a peice of his mind. "if this doesn't work we're heading to the house" he whispered as he flipped the card.

<"OH HELL NO">

Day 3 Morning

Takai kept quiet the entire ride, his mind going over how he was going to handle Mala. She would not be happy that he was bringing Skye home and he was more than a little worried from the past experiences. Most his male lovers had simply brushed off Mala as an overprotective, little sister-type, but she could be downright cruel at times.
He chewed on his lips, considering calling ahead, but he thought waking her early would only upset her more. He tapped on the steering wheel, nervously and stared into nothing. He didn't even stop to consider that he was showing his nervousness to Skye.
Fortunately the ride was short, only lengthened by getting stopped at two red lights, both traffic lights between her home and Takai's. He parked the car and got out quickly, going to open Skye's door for her.
"Here we are. The place might be a bit of a mess, but only if Mala had company last night." he spoke, not really looking at Skye and then he realized he hadn't mentioned his roommate before.
"Oh, Mala is my roommate. She's a little... odd but don't worry. She isn't dangerous... to you..." Takai's voice showed his anxiety but he brushed it off as he led her inside.
Opening the door, he called in, "Elisabeth?... Mala?... you home kitten?"

Day 3 Late Morning

Cassandra was exhausted after arguing with the System Admin to get back David's cell phone. He had always had a thing for Saeraphena and suspected from the minute Cassandra came in that she had a new interest. She insisted it wasn't "like that" but he'd always been pretty paranoid and possessive. Still, she got what she wanted and an apology too, so it wasn't too bad.
The grocery shopping took about as long, but not because it was troublesome, just that David's fridge had really been bare and she wanted to make sure he was eating right. That was a problem for the types whose other half used up too much energy, and often caused mundane problems for them. Cassandra had actually failed a semester of college for this reason.
She came back to David's place with all the essentials and a few extras as well. She knocked, or rather kicked, as she was standing in front of the door with her arms full of bags.

Day 3 Late Morning





David jumped from his desk and ran to the door shouting loudly so she could hear.

"SHIT! Sorry! I meant to give you a card before you left! WHOA!"

David was shocked at the amount of food she had. His typical description of groceries was enough to make a few Ramen meals for a week or so... maybe 15-20$

"Here, lemme grab some of those... you REALLY didn't have to do this... I dont even know how to cook half of this!"

He didn't wait for a response as he reached the kitchen and started setting everything down.

" I might not even have room in my tiny kitchen... unfortunately the only payment I have for you is some pirated Pirates 3!"

Day 3 Morning

Elisabeth heard the door open and Takai calling her name. She growled. Malkav had not come home last night which meant he must have a new toy. She hated his toys. All of them, so cocky and arrogant and yet they practically worshiped him. They all looked down on her as nothing more than a little girl. She almost hated that too, but there were advantages to looking so young. They never suspect the innocent, little girl.
She rose from her bed, still in a silk and lace, white nightgown. It took her less time than one would expect to dress, especially given the Lolita-style get up she left the room in. Her hair falling in bouncy ringlets all around and the lace a frills all around her, Elisabeth look the perfect, Gothic doll.
Her face lit up and she tackled Takai. "Malkav! I missed you!"
Nuzzling into him and hanging from his neck, Elisabeth then noticed that what Takai had brought home was not the usual man, not a man at all. She inspected Skye almost like a wild cat preparing to choose prey, determining if she was worth the hunt it seemed. She then turned to Takai and in her sweetest voice asked, "Master, did you bring Mala a friend?"
She didn't wait for a response before unlatching from Takai's neck and grabbing hold of Skye's hand, dragging her into the living room. Insisting she take a seat and then sitting next to her, Elisabeth smiled brightly. "You're much prettier than most the toys my Sire brings home. Will you be mine?"

Day 3 Late Morning

Cassandra just smiled and sighed with relief as he took the groceries from her. She brought the rest to his kitchenette and assured him, "Don't worry about a thing. It's the least I can do and I'll make sure to cook whatever you don't know how. You've got to eat well from now on.
"Talna'xel uses a lot of your body's natural resources so if you don't eat well, you'll get fatigued too easily and get sick more often. Not much here is hard to prepare and a lot of it doesn't need to be refrigerated. Plus, I'm good at making room for these sorts of things." she explained with a smile.
After unpacking all the groceries, Cassandra turned to David, phone in hand. "Did you get enough rest while I was gone, or would you like to rest some more? I don't mind coming back or just keeping quiet if you need some more sleep?" she offered in a gentle voice, hoping he'd let her stay.

Day 3 Noon



David slid in the DVD he created for Pirates 3 and pressed play.

"Im not sleepy, but I could use someone to watch this movie with! I guess you'll be here often... checking in on me and whatnot. You are welcome anytime."

David smiled as he threw a keycard into the air at her.

Day 3
Morning

The entire car ride to his apartment, Skye kept her mouth shut, noticing that he was even more quiet than she was. With the exception of the drumming of his fingers on the steering wheel, anyway. Watching him out of the corner of her eye, she waited for them to arrive, wondering at his odd behavior.

He didn't seem nearly as... confident as he had before. By far, he seemed much more nervous than she herself was, and that was an odd shift, considering that she didn't even remember most of what had happened the night before. All she really remembered was that he... or his other half, if they were as much two different people as she felt she was from her other side...

Sides she reminded herself, chewing her lip. There were likely three different sides of herself... three different personalities living within the same body. Shaking her head some, she climbed out of the car as he opened the door for her. Her eyes flickered up to look at the apartment building, and she offered him a small smile. It certainly was nice... probably nicer than anything she could afford. She only had the apartment she did because the couple she was living with didn't really need the extra money, they simply used it for spending... and they were never strict on the rent.

There had been one time since she moved in that she couldn't pay, and they'd simply told her not to worry about it, and to get it to them when she could. She did of course... only a few days later was the cash in their hands, and she'd nearly cried when the old woman had tried to give it back. Skye, despite her trying not to be... was a prideful sort, and she knew it.

When they entered the apartment, she'd hardly had time to register than not only did he have a roommate... his roommate was another girl. A deep blush colored her cheeks as she thought about the fact that she knew how women think... And she could only guess as to what this... Mala... would think upon meeting her.

The sight of the other girl shocked her, and Skye hardly had time to think about the fact that she'd called Takai, Malkav... Sire, Master... Her mouth was half open, as if to speak, and suddenly she was being dragged into the living room.

Sitting down, she stayed quiet as the other girl sat next to her. A friend for Mala? A toy? Be hers? Skye just stared at the girl for a long moment, mouth moving but no sound issuing forth as she tried to decide how to respond. "I... uhm... Well... I..."

Only a split second later, her face seemed to clear a bit of the confusion, but was replaced by a slight tinge of what would seem like desperation. She had to get up... had to walk... had to get away from all this so she could breathe. Eyes flickering from Mala to Takai, she asked in a voice that was far more clear than it had been before. "Where's the bathroom?"

Day 3 Morning

Takai found his head in his hands to keep them from hearing the muttering voice. He quickly followed the women to the living room to try to keep Mala from completely scaring Skye away. He found though, that he was too late. Elisabeth had been becoming more and more like her other self lately and Mala was taking a perverse pleasure in punishing him for not having come home and probably for bringing another woman into the house, a much better built woman at that.
He led Skye to the bathroom and rushed back, his face twisted in anger. "Elisabeth, Mala, whichever is responsible for this, or both, I swear to you, if you so much as unnerve Skye, I will stake you myself! She is mine!"
Takai didn't give her a chance to respond, knowing that she would be calling for Malkav's defense, as he continued, "And don't think Malkav will treat you any different. He... I... we turned her last night and she is too important for you to fuck around with. So just back off!"
He hoped that being so harsh and abrupt would get the point across and that his childhood friend and long-standing childer would heed his wishes. He knew it was a long shot and she could just turn around and become all the more bitter, but he had to do something.

Day 3 morning


Elisabeth was not surprised by Takai's outburst, or at least, she didn't show it. She just smiled sweetly and sat, taking it all. When Takai had finally stopped, Elisabeth took a small breath and asked him, calmly, "My Sire, I would never harm my sister."
She stood then and left the room, walking into her own and shutting the door.

Day 3
Morning

Skye stood with her back against the bathroom door, having locked it as soon as she set foot inside. Normally she wouldn't have bothered with such a precaution... but standing there like that, she felt the added security would be needed. Why? She wasn't sure... She just...

Moving to the toilet, she put the lid down and sat, elbows on knees, head in hands. The girl out there... there was something about the way she'd spoken at a million miles a minute... something about the way she's looked at her. Her words... well they'd been sweet as candy despite how odd what she'd been saying.

But her eyes... The look in the girl's eyes had been venomous, and had sent cold chills up and down Skye's spine. After a few seconds, she rose, going to the sink and splashing cold water on her face. A few deep breaths and she straightened her back, lifting her head at that proud angle she knew she was capable of.

Another moment and she finally left the bathroom, walking slowly down the hall and back into the living room area, eyes scanning around but not picking up on the sight of the doll like girl she'd been speaking to only moments before.

Shoving her hands in her pockets, she looked over at Takai. "Maybe... maybe I should go... maybe today's not a good day... I don't want to make your roommate uncomfortable..."

Day 3 Morning


Takai had already begun working on breakfast when Skye returned from the bathroom. He left what he was doing on the stove and was at her side in an instant. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair.
"Don't let her get to you. She's not bothered and if she is, it's not important. Mala was turned while still a child and so she's always been weird, especially around women."
Takai pulled back only enough to look her in the eye and continued to speak. "She won't hurt you. She would never cross Malkav and even still, being one of his childer also, it kind of makes you like sisters."
He realized his words came out sounding far less comforting than they had in his mind and tried to make up for it with a gentle kiss. He then took her to the kitchen with him as he offered the options for breakfast.
"I've got just about anything you could want for breakfast. I mean the ingredients for it all. I can make you eggs, French toast, waffles, crepes, whatever you would like. We've got some fresh fruit and some canned.
"And..." he added with an inviting tone and smile, "...when we're done with that, I don't mind feeding another appetite."
He had hoped that all this would put her somewhat at ease, or at least get her to stay. Takai realized that he was not ready to let go of Skye, even if only temporarily. He needed her to stay, though he couldn't really say why. Something inside him just told him to keep her close to him, safe.

Day 3
Morning

Skye was caught off guard by how quickly he reacted to her entering the room... and how strongly he'd insisted that she not worry about Mala's behavior. Lifting her eyes up to his own, she bit her lower lip gently as he spoke, only to find herself quite willingly returning the soft kiss he'd offered. He meant well, she knew... It was obvious he was not always the best when it came to comforting and showing that he understood where one was coming from. But he did try... and that's what mattered more to her than anything.

When he turned back to the stove and began to talk about what he could offer for food, she listened and soon found herself blushing deeply as he offered to satisfy other appetites. Part of her wondered just which appetite he was offering... the one she knew she felt, or the one she was certain one of her other halves was feeling.

Shuffling one foot some, she smiled and finally leaned against the wall. "Just eggs and toast is fine," she said softly. Watching him for a few minutes, she finally moved to take a seat at the kitchen table, looking up at him. "Takai... why did she call you Malkav?" she asked, looking a little confused. "Is... is that what..." she paused, looking up at the ceiling as she fidgeted and tried to think of how to word her question. "Is that what the other part of you is called?"

Day 3 Morning

When Skye finally answered as to what she wanted for breakfast, Takai was slightly disappointed. He could do better than eggs and toast, and would. He added to the menu, sautéed apples and strawberry and cream cheese pastries
Getting out the ingredients he heard Skye ask about Malkav and wondered why that made her uncomfortable. Further, Takai wonder how she didn't already know Malkav's name. This knowledge gave him a slight bit of confidence, almost like he had a step ahead in some pissing contest with his other self.
Takai nodded and answered her as he pulled things from the refrigerator. "Malkav, or just Mal for some of us. Elisabeth's other self, Mala, is a touch mad and she has trouble sometimes distinguishing the human self from the other self in most people. It can be a real hassle, explaining her when she does it to complete strangers who haven't awoken.
"Still, she's incredibly loyal to both me and Malkav. She's been in love with me since we were kids and I think Mala was in love with Malkav during their lives as Vampires. She'd do just about anything either of us asked, so she really isn't anything to worry about."
As Takai was explaining all of this, he was making the three dishes simultaneously, trying to keep her attention on his talking, so she wouldn't notice that he had added to the menu. He continued, managing to keep his eyes mostly on hers, "Malkav led a really interesting life, from what I can remember of it. I mean, I did.. er.. It's hard sometimes, remembering that while we might be separate in some ways, ultimately, we're the same person. It can be really confusing, even after all these years of it. Don't get too frustrated if you feel like you're losing yourself in all this, because it's something we all go through, even me and I've been awake since before kindergarten."
He laughed at this last part and then finished up making breakfast. Takai set out the table for three, each with a plate laid out as if served in a fancy restaurant. He smiled sitting Skye's plate before her and said, "Hope you like it." before going offer Elisabeth breakfast.

Skye found herself listening intently to the way he explained things, nodding some as she tried to sort it all out in her own head. "He just... I mean... neither of you ever mentioned the second name. I figured he had one of his own, but..." She sighed some. "When it came to me, he always just referred to himself as my "Sire". But now... I guess that doesn't make him my sire, does it? It makes him her sire... my other side. Or one of them, anyway..."

She sighed, putting her forehead in her hands and closing her eyes as she attempted to make sense of it all. "There are three different people, so to speak, living in this one body. And yet they're all the same person. Almost liking have multiple personality disorder... Except this is all too real, too vivid for that to be it."

Running her fingers back through her hair, she sighed, only to have the smell of food meet her nostrils. Taking in a deep breath, she felt her stomach rumble. There was a lot more on that plate than eggs and toast, she could tell. Opening her eyes she let out a soft sigh that was half desire to eat, half desire to just sit there and look at it. After all... she was a good cook, but she'd never bothered to attempt things like this. Lifting her eyes, she smiled back at him. "Thank you..." she said softly, then watched him disappear, assuming he was going to offer Mala... Elisabeth... whoever she was... her own share of the food.

Sitting back, she chewed on her lower lip and simply poked at her eggs with her fork, deciding to be polite and wait for at least him to return, even if it was alone. Some part of her hoped Mala wouldn't come back out with him... the other girl was odd, and seemed to take no small amount of pleasure in toying with Skye.

Day 3
Morning

Kristin listened to the way he responded to her short lecture on Carnevale and lent and celebrations in general. He seemed at least amused at the whole thing, if not actually interested. Of course... she hadn't been expecting him to get up in her face, either.

Her pale blue eyes had gone wide, and she'd frozen in place. Was it going to happen again? Twice in such a short time period after no one hardly even seemed to know she was alive? And then, he pulled back.

She let out a slow breath, a deep blush coloring her cheeks as she turned away, looking down at the book again as she tried to compose herself. She'd been unusually ready for him to kiss her, though she'd been nervous and frightened as well.

"Yeah... it is interesting..." she said, voice softer now than ever. Turning straight in her chair, facing forward, she chewed on her lower lip as she looked back to the book, but found herself unable to focus. Her mind had returned to the past few days, and how that one night had happened. She felt a tingle go through her, and chewed on her lip a bit more.

Shaking her head some, she looked back at him and forced a small, unsure smile. "So uhm... what are you studying?"

Day 3
Morning

Matahiru was a bit bold in his gestures. Amused completely by the whole idea of Carnevale as he had always been curious about masquerades and he assumed there was many at Carnevale. Which in it's own made him wish to travel to see what was left of the experience. Matahiru would have adored to attend a festival. Usually he didn't have the time. Between running and trying to find a new place to live he didn't really get to do much.

Matahiru may have been quite flirtatious, but he didn't often show force. Especially in those ways. Though he'd been deeply tempted to see how she'd react to his stolen kiss, in those moments, he thought it best not to tempt situation. After all, they had not been speaking for but a few minutes and Matahiru wished more conversation with this woman before he'd be as bold as he normaly was.

He'd noticed the blush upon her cheek at that moment. It was something that made him quite curious. Had she wanted him to kiss her? Had she been thinking about it? or was it just the fact that he could have that brought that color to the woman's cheeks? All these things where running through Matahiru's mind.

He watched her for a few minutes. Noticing her gestures and the way that she bit on her lip. Matahiru, being the guy that he was, could not help but to think so forwardly of it. He leaned against one hand again. Propping elbow on the table as he watched her. "It is quite interesting. Just as you are to me." he stated then he grinned. His own cheeks where a little red, but not nearly what they had been as he'd grown more comfortable around her.

He looked to her with surprise then when she seemed to quickly jump to another subject. "hm? Oh. I'm studying cultures. I adore learning about people's customs and such. As well as their legends and all that. It intrigues me." he stated as he leaned to her holding the book up it read north american culture. "This one is pretty interesting."