Birds of a Feather. (Vela)

Jonathan swirled his glass around, watching as the colourless liquid inside caught the light of a few hundred candles like a singular, golden glow. It was beautiful, to be certain, a spectacle and a feast for the eyes. He was standing on the raised balcony, overlooking the massive garden of their most respected and generous host, senator Marcus Julian, watching as the party spread from inside the main hall, all the way down to the small pond not far from here. It was a majestic thing to behold, the nobility in their dresses and finery, all in the latest fashion and from the most expensive fabrics, jewellery positively screaming affluence…Jonathan sipped his wine, smiling slightly. Such a great show…All these people, strutting around like peacocks, trying to outdo each other in great displays of wealth, of social backbiting and the formation of cliques…It amused the Demonhost, the way these people with all this power, all this influence still spent most of their time doing nothing more than playing largely meaningless games with each other. And why shouldn’t they, really? What was more human than to play after all, how else would they occupy their time, time that was largely wasted on them otherwise…Jonathan grinned. He understood it, their little dance, their little act…And he relished in that knowledge, relished in the fact that though he played as well, he had another purpose than just fill an empty loneliness…Jonathan was far from empty, far from alone…The Legion had seen to that…

The Demonhost turned away from the balcony, emptying his glass with a quick swig and making his way back to the main party, straightening his coat with his free hand as he moved. Jonathan wasn’t following the fashion, not entirely at least. He had learned it was easier to only pay the slightest bit of homage to it, while doing your own thing. To Legion, that was something with a definite military leaning, or a suit. Straight lines, pronounced shoulders, shoes with only the slightest bit of heel. He did make some allowances for comfort and style, no army would send its officers to war in a silk uniform and the coat was more embroidered than was customary…But it was a hot evening night, Legion wasn’t going to wear anything that’d make him sweat more than a horse…Image was important at these functions…

He exchanged his glass with a wandering servant, trading his empty one for another filled with more chilled wine, making his way down the stairs slowly, looking around as much as being seen. For now, there wasn’t a lot for him to do here. He had already met most of the important playing, dropping some compliments, some hints and some threats in that typical courtly language these people used to converse with one another. Jonathan wasn’t caught up in any power struggles though, only peripherally perhaps. Most people found him too charming a man to really consider him much of a threat and those who knew better were aware that he preferred it that way…Slightly boring now though…Perhaps he’d just leave once his acte de presence had filled its role. He wasn’t really feeling like mustering the interest needed for these functions…Sipping his glass again, he sighed…His kingdom for some excitement. If only the musicians would start playing some music that could be danced on…

”You look slightly discontent, Lord Steele…”[/color]

Jonathan turned slightly, making a swift, fluid bow in the direction of the lady talking to him. The senators wife was an older lady, with a full figure and a bosom that could only be described as matronly. She was a sneaky, conniving, backstabbing woman, who, when angered, screeched like a fishwife. Legion liked her. She was tough as nails and knew what she wanted. He respected that…

”A slight fatigue, milady.” Legion smiled, taking her extended hand and pressing a kiss on it. ”Nothing of real import.”

She smiled, a wicked little grin. [b]”Hmmm, and a slight boredom, I think as well…”[/color]

Jonathan faked a slight grimace, as if he had been found out. He hadn’t hidden it too much, his annoyance with the lack of action here. ”You remain as observant as ever, milady. I must admit, I am somewhat bored…” Making a quick gesture towards the ballroom, he continued. ”No fault of yours, of course. The party is absolutely exquisite…Yet I find myself annoyed.”

The woman smiled, that wicked little grin of hers that, if she had been only ten years younger, would’ve interested Jonathan. The smile of a cat who was put next to the milk, or of a woman who knew more than you did and was savouring that taste, before divulging it. [b]”Hmmm, don’t worry my dear…We have a special guest tonight…I’m certain she’ll be of some interest to you…” Her smile widened. [b]”But you’ll have to find her for yourself, I have to leave you for now…Lord Steele…”[/color]

”Milady…” Jonathan made a small bow, before turning back to look over the marble handrail. A special guest…Of special interest to him…Legion grinned. His interest was peaked now…Perhaps this might still be an interesting evening. His eyes scanned the room, trying to find this guest…

Strutting around like peacocks they were, but who had more experience at the activity than a peacock herself? Vela peeled herself away from the vanity she had been dressed by to descend the stairway into the loud party below. It was uncommon that she would be a special guest at an event like this, and so it was relished. After aiding the Senator in preventing a rather horrific attack on his political image, she had been welcomed into their home graciously. The Senator knew of her species, but to save even further on his image, she would not reveal it to the rest of the party patrons. If his peers were to learn of his dealings with a demon, he would be ruined more than a faux drafted speech would be able to. Her gown was grotesquely lavish and laced with intricate workings of mirrors, metals, and gems. The beauty of it all made even her a little sick to the stomach.

A fantastic train of peacock feathers--not her own--was set on a frame and attached to the back of her dress. It tickled the stairway as she made her way down to greet those that came to her in thanks for saving the poor Senator. The great hall and ballroom were dimly lit, to her request, so she need not hide her eyes from unnecessary light. Vela landed like a gentle great bird onto the bottom floor, and with a over exaggerated sweep of the ornate arm, she curtsied and flashed her lashes at those who adored her. She was elated. Elated to a point of self-satisfaction that the sense of another dark being present did not call enough of her attention for her to care.

Legion was looking for this guest the lady of the house had mentioned, letting his eyes trail over the crowd, bopping over the ocean of heads, hats and hairdressing, trying to figure out what his host had meant by saying he might find that person interesting. She was a smart old lady, knew far more than she let on. Anyone else telling that would probably be meaning the guest was someone military, a war hero or something, or a great combatant. Those were always entertaining, of course, people who understood a little better what it was like to live in a moment of suspended clarity, or people to test his skill against, but his host wouldn’t be that obvious or shallow…No, she meant something else…What would it be…

He looked around, spotting someone he recognized as being a minor player in the smuggling business, mostly narcotics and salt, things that were easy to traffic and could bring in quite a bit of money. No, that wouldn’t be it. He had his investments there, but they were only a low priority thing…Another lady standing in the corner of the room, decidedly uncomfortable, was a bit of a budding artist, very good with the harp…Maybe it would be that? Some people knew he practised the violin, enough to have it augment his status, but not enough to really seem too proud…No, not that either…He kept looking, sipping his glass again and leaning over the railing, looking…

When the crowd hushed slightly around him, when he could feel that slight metallic tang, the taste of blood and tears lingering momentarily on his tongue, he knew he had found her, turning slightly to look behind him, he recognized what the senators wife had meant. A demon, one of his kind…Jonathan turned slightly, trailing her with his eyes as she descended the stairs, cutting a path through the crowd like a farmer scything through the grain, people standing aside to let her pass. Legion didn’t need to, really, but as she went down, he could feel those feathers on her back graze along his face. The people were looking at her, many whispering softly behind their fans or hands, others standing there with their mouth agape. She was beautiful and she knew it and the dress she wore, though decidedly showy, was stunning. The orchestra had been playing something in decidedly minor key before, but as she descended they had grown louder, and now she stood upon the floor of the great room, they spiralled into something that could only be called a crescendo. Enchanted by her beauty, regal bearing and aura, or even if it rehearsed, it was beautiful…Artistic even…Legion smiled and sipped his drink again, watching with interest…

The moment passed, but it had impregnated the very air…Whomever else was this party, countess, marquis, perhaps princess or even queen, she ruled over them. The senators wife caught his eye for a moment, a naughty twinkle in her eye and Jonathan winked, letting her have this victory. Then raised his glass in a small kind of salute to the newest entrant, with the greatest entrance of the evening…He downed his glass and made his own way down to the floor himself, making his way slowly towards the lady, before the other overdressed vultures had a chance to collect themselves, trying to mask his own demonic aura as he went…It’d be more fun this way…

The senator was next to the star of the evening, obviously a little nervous, but also quite pleased. This special guest of his was obviously someone of value to the man and showing her off to such great effect…It was like having the prettiest dress on the entire dance, even though she would not hang on his arm for this evening, she’d be the jewel to his attire…The Senator noticed as Jonathan walked up towards them, smiling broadly…

”Ah, lord Steele…So glad you could make it tonight…”

Jonathan bowed fluently, thrusting one arm slightly behind him as was required and smiled a soft, friendly smile, paying just enough attention to his host to be extremely courteous, but distracted enough to pay homage to the lovely creature that was his guest of honour…

”The pleasure is all mine, milord Senator…” He straightened again. ”I wouldn’t have missed it for all the world, even more so now I know who would also make an appearance…” Legion smiled and threw an open, but courteous glance towards the magnificent demon…Who reminded him of an exotic avain, then looked back to their shared host. ”Will you do me the honour to introduce me, milord? I find myself curious in the extreme as to whom this jewel of tonight might be…”

Vela would not remain by the Senator through out the night. He talked of politics and that subject bored her to tears. No, Vela would meander around, letting all present marvel at her accomplishments and beauty, dance, drink, and just be generally merry. Being in the spotlight was rare for her. Though she loved to be seen, she also hated it. Being two-faced in several ways, Vela liked to have the ability to disappear into a dark room to escape the noise and people if she needed to. It would be hard to do in an event like this, but at least the ballroom was large and the outside balconies were moderately silent.

Lord Steele approached the two and she nodded respectively, though did not lose her air. He was fancy...not more so than the other party-goers present, but his fanciness was unique! Military...he must have been important. The demon stepped forward and smiled, "He shall do no such thing. I have a voice of my own--and it is quite capable of introducing me itself." She held out her hand, the knuckle facing up and the fingers in some pointed line of perfection, before curtseying gently, "I am Vela...it is a pleasure Lord Steele." The Eye of Good Fortune stared into his while the Eye of Bad Fortune remained hidden behind a decorative headpiece that extended to a dainty eye patch. The long white mane was piled in cascading ringlets behind her head, and fell around her shoulders and back before eventually stopping at her waist.

People were moving around again, though she knew she was not lost in the crowd so quickly. There was still a space granted around the three, possibly through fear of damaging her attire. And fear it should be. Vela grinned, "So tell me Lord Steele, how are you acquainted with the Senator?"

Jonathan, or Legion, they were hard to separate, if indeed such a thing were even possible…They were both, perhaps better said ’all’, interested in this new entrant, for different reasons of course, but their interest was undeniable. She was unlike any the collective had met in this life, unlike most demons. Many of them had only lived once, developing what could be only be called psychopathy and sociopathy as they grew up…Babies, in terms of mental and sociological integration, incapable of understanding human nature…Boring too, elemental really…Legion understood them, far more easily than he understood other humans, but they were really quite annoying. Just obstacles in his story…

This…Lady…Calling her otherwise would be an insult, she was different. He could feel it when he approached, the delicate, delicate, deliberate nature around her was different to the feeling of a new demon. She was older, yes…Different to him, but that wasn’t unusual. Unusual was that he could feel a different vibration originating from her. A softer touch, a velvet glove that held the knife…He was curious. She was a challenge…A question, a different kind of thing than he was used to. Legion smiled slightly…Lights, merriment and a touch of mystery. What else could he wish for?

This lady moved forwards, casting off the proverbial protection of the senators personage, the shade of his illustrious character like a cloak, like a butterfly throwing off its cocoon. It fit her better, Jonathan had to admit, smiling as she put one foot forwards and strode just slightly past the senator. Deliberate or not, the signal was clear. She might be the star of tonight, but she wasn’t his. Jonathan smiled slightly broader, she was interesting indeed…

He laid his hand gently underneath hers, cradling it and bringing it to his lips, his back bending slowly into another slight bow, a grin on his lips as he looked to the side, slightly to the senator…

”Ah, it does seem she is like a diamond indeed…” He smiled back at the demonic lady, peering from behind her hand, a slightly teasing, but polite grin on his face. ”They always have the finest edges. The honour is entirely mine, milady Vella.” Letting go of her hand he continued, looking around with a slightly sardonic grin. ”And what an honour it is…”

She was beautiful…A shocking kind of etherealness, coupled with a lush kind of perversion. It was a strange thing. Jonathan could feel the enchantment, being man in body, demon in soul. A dangerous kind of beauty…Jonathan liked a challenge…

”Ah, milady…Let politics be politics for tonight…There are other stars that shine.” Jonathan smiled easily. ”I have offered my services to my gracious host in days past, as a good guest is wont to do. No more, no less…”

The ‘gracious host’, he was nervous indeed, understandably so. Legion didn’t need much to know that the senator knew what she was…Or had an inkling to her nature. Not much more was needed for him to land on the pyre, Jonathan knew…The senator didn’t show, but he knew too…

”Indeed, indeed…And good service it was indeed…” The older man smiled winsomely…”Perhaps I should ask them again, milord Steele…Would you be willing to be as gracious to accompany milardy Vella for tonight?”

It was uncommon for a lady to go alone, unaccompanied by a man willing to defend her honour. Usually this was a relative, but exceptions existed...Jonathan smiled slightly, bowing slightly again. It had been a long time since he had been asked and honestly, he was quite curious. This Vella had not shown herself in polite company among the republic yet, he was sure he would’ve felt her…Accompanying her was a challenge and a chance to learn more about her…

”It would be an honour, milord…” He smiled winsomely at Vella. ”If the lady would accept me, of course…”

This Steele fellow had a certain alluring air about him, much like own but at the same time, different. Vela could not place her finger on it...perhaps it was his smile? No, it was more than that. Her concern was washed away by the gracious kiss upon the back of her hand, at which she became elated with a feeling of royalty.

With the subject of escort in play, Vela would have almost certainly crumbled under the intense pleasure of such attention had she not been sure it would be unsightly. The demon smiled and latched on to Lord Steele's arm like some jewel-encrusted leech, "All this talk of honor...you seem to be an honourable gentleman Lord Steele--I should take no other!" Her smile floated to the Senator in a way that excused the both of them to enjoy the merriment of the party.

Vela allowed him to lead her and squirmed within her mind upon seeing the jealous faces of the other able-bodied young gentleman who missed their chance to be her company for the evening. How lucky they thought Lord Steele to be! Perhaps someone would fight. No...wishing violence would not be appropriate...just her nature. The demon brought her exposed eye to her escort, "I am parched. What drink have you found desirable tonight?"

Vela shone, happy in the centre of attention, all eyes focused on her and basking in the adoration of the crowd. Legion hid a small smile of amusement, it was quite endearing really. She was drinking the attention like wine, letting it flow into her and feed her, like oil to a flame…The Demonhost understood that tendency completely, quite revelled in it himself at times. Even now, the jealous looks of much younger and openly affluent men was something of a special spice to his evening. He let his smile show as Vela slipped her arm through his, a slight grin as he bowed his head slightly into the direction of their host, the senator.

”Can’t deny her now, can I? By your leave, milord senator…”

A small smile played around the older (at least visibly) man, nodding and urging Jonathan on to take the role of an escort for tonight, making sure that the lady enjoyed herself…And that she didn’t get into any trouble of course. It was obvious that the senator knew exactly what he was dealing with here, at least where Vela was concerned. He obviously expected Jonathan to keep it from boiling over…Legion was more than willing to take that off his hands…It’d be good to meet a new demon in his domain…

Legion felt the angry looks of many of the young and not so young men on him as he delicately guided Vela through the crowd, most people parting immediately as they caught sight of them, though a few needed some dark looks from Jonathan’s side. Often, these were the jealous men…But most of them backed down…There was still that little nick in his reputation from his younger days, the murder…The death…And the imprisonment. He smiled. A slight shadow was always good. Never have an entire blank slate…

”Oh, well our host has quite the taste in wines…The white one is particularly good…” He smiled and slowly guided her towards the refreshment table, taking a glass…”Or, if you are in the mood for something with a little more kick, the brandy is supposedly very, very good…” Legion pointed to a pair of men already lounging on the chairs, obviously deeply lost in the stupor of drink. ”They seem to enjoy it at least…”

He poured himself a glass of wine, smiling and letting the conversation drift for a bit, allowing it to take shape according to the whims of association. It was enjoyable, at least. Vela was a puzzle he wanted to figure out, slowly…He sipped his drink and smiled, feeling pretty good with himself…

”Steele…”

Jonathan turned his head to the side, noticing with some distaste as one of the younger pups approached. He was dressed absolutely abominably, using fashion not as a guide, but as a substitute for taste. Especially his hat was horrible, a bicorn compromised of two clashing colours…Behind the young man stood three others, all dressed in comparable colours, but slightly more subdued. Lackeys, yes-men and the like…Steele knew this one. Son of the Marquis of Montrose…An arch-rake…Without the style normally associated with the position.

”Landarn…How do you do?” His tone was curtly civil, coldly and perhaps even slightly cutting. Jonathan felt no respect for this man and he knew that there was no reason to hide it. ”If you’d excuse me, but I’ve got other business tonight…” Turning back ostensibly towards Lady Vela, it should’ve been an obvious signal…But he didn’t take it…

”I expected as much…” The man showed a grin that only pronounced his bad teeth. ”Honestly, I wanted to relieve you of that. I’m certain the lady would rather have someone of more means to entertain her tonight…”

The insinuation might be slightly correct, Vela would of course prefer riches, power and the like…But it was also insulting. And that wasn’t really something Legion would stand for. Mostly because he was supposed to be a gentleman, but also because this man got on his nerves. He turned back to the rake, his brows furrowing…

”I beg your pardon?”

Landarn grinned, showing more of those ugly horse teeth of his, eyes twinkling with a dull light of slight intelligence. ”Oh, you know full well what I said…” He laughed, an annoying sound, peering past the tall form of Jonathan he spoke directly to Vela. ”Why don’t you join us, dear…I’ve got more stamina and I’m more willing to tip than Jonathan ever will be…And who knows, if you work fast, I’ll send you back to him. Double the profit…”

Most of the time, a slap would be enough for a challenge to be issued, usually it would even be a slight tap with a glove. Some had the tendency to overlook those social niceties of course, especially when warranted . Legion felt it was the case here. He swung his hand in a wide arc, a backhanded blow striking Landran squarely across the face and sending him back a step or two. It had been a good blow, definitely something picked up from leading by the fist. It was also nice and audible, heard all across the room as the glass Landarn had held fell to the floor and splintered easily…The man’s lackeys scurried around him, uncertain of what to do…

”Landarn, even you should know better…” Jonathan clacked his tongue slightly, almost regretfully. ”Then again, one cannot expect much of a coward, who turned his back upon his men at the battle of Branburg…” It had been something of a public secret that Landarn hadn’t really shone during his years of military service, but the man had never fled…To Jonathan’s knowledge…It wasn’t what he was aiming for of course…The rake stood there gaping for a moment, surprised at the slap and the charge…Jonathan smiled, turning back to Vela as if nothing had happened. Now the ball was in Landarn’s camp…And Jonathan knew what he’d have to do…

It took the man a minute or so to find the right reply, his voice shrill with fury as he gave Jonathan the lie…No gentleman could stand that kind of allegation…The answer was obvious…And the kind that Jonathan would enjoy…

”Very well then…We’ll settle this outside…”

The news buzzed through the hall quickly, carried by whispering voices as swiftly as the wind itself. There was to be a duel, right here, on the party…Probably on the veranda, between the old lord Steele and Landarn. Men rubbed their hands, ladies swooned slightly, the party was livening up indeed. It had been a long time since Steele had had to try his hand at a duel…And though Lanard was an idiot, he had had the experience. He was brutal…Brutish and without refinement…But still…Interesting…
It was a quarter of an hour later when the two men met each other again, on opposite sides of the patio, each stripped down to their waist, a sheathed sword in hand. Lanard was nervous, it was obvious, but also exuberant. He was the kind of dog to enjoy killing, the kind of man to go to the slums to get his fill…Jonathan despised him…The older duellist stood straight as an arrow, seemingly unconcerned as slight goose bumps ran down his back as the wind picked up…The seconds, one of Landarn’s lackeys and one of Steele’s closer confidantes, had tried, with little actual interest, to get the two to settle their differences peacefully…Neither combatants had shown any sign of wanting to…And so they stood there now, each unsheathing the heavy cavalry sabres they held and taking their position across from each other…

The sign, as cliché as it might sound, would be a dropped hankerchief, held by Vela…Whom Jonathan suspected must be truly enjoying herself now. Few women didn’t enjoy the knowledge that men were willing to fight and die for them…And a demon always enjoyed violence. Legion grinned viciously at his opponent, letting a flash of his true self peek through, then allowed his face to turn cold again…The wind died down again, the warm feeling of combat flushing through his veins…And the hankerchief fell…

Both duellists sprang forwards, their swords clashing once, twice, thrice, before falling back. Textbook blows opened the fight, circling and swinging as if they were just sparring. Each opponent trying to feel the other out, gauge their strengths and weaknesses…

It took Landarn only a moment to figure out he was outclassed, though the young man still did not know how badly. He was good, an ordinary fighter would be hard-pressed to formulate an answer to his brutal, vicious style…But Jonathan was far from ordinary, far more vicious than Landarn could even contemplate. Jonathan toyed with his opponent, allowing his footwork to constantly corner, encircle and entice the foe, deigning most of Landarn’s strokes unworthy of even being parried. He weaved, ducked and dodged more than he used his weapon, jumping back slightly…A deep controlled breath against the hurried breathing of his opponent…

”Show me some of that stamina, Landarn…” He smiled, now going on the offensive…”And I’ll show you how I pay my dues…”

It took three strikes before Legion drew blood, his third blow a feint high, then dropping low, slicing the heavy blade along the hamstrings, the infamous coupe Jarnac, sending his opponent to one knee…The fifth blow drew blood as well, a diagonal cut from one hip, along the side of Landarn’s face, taking his ear clean off. The rake scream a second time that night, Jonathan stepping back slowly…

”I declare satisfaction…” He took the fallen handkerchief and cleaned the blood of his weapon, then tossed it to his adversary, who lay half to the ground, clutching his bleeding head wound. ”Perhaps the loss of one ear will teach you to listen to yourself, so that you know in advance when to make amends….” Jonathan slid his blade away again, making his way back to Vela, bowing slightly. ”Milady, I hope you find the insult sufficiently rebuked…And the stain upon fashion removed…” Jonathan grinned slightly in his bow. ”He’ll never wear an ugly hat like that without an ear to support it…”

"Can't deny her now, can I?"

No...you can't.

Vela would enjoy herself that night just like all the rest of the partiers, but she could not help that happy sensation of malicious eagerness that lurked beneath her skin. It wanted bloodshed. The demon shook the thoughts from her head, knowing that it would not be very classy to desire violence at such a nice event. No, no, no, that was not nice at all. She felt like a beautiful piece of jewelry dangling from Steele's arm until he brought her to the refreshments so she may break away. Taking his advice, Vela went for the white wine, taking a gentle whiff before sipping it happily. It was sweet. She began to chat about frivolous things that interested her, and interested him enough to keep his attention. She talked about traveling, fabric, people, stars, wine, and birds.

She was interrupted by someone seemingly summoning him by name. She looked to the caller and stifled a laugh. For someone to render a giggle from a peacock on the basis of how they looked...that was really saying something. Fashion was hardly Vela's concern. Some fashions called for block-shaped ladies, powdered faces, and necklines so high it was dangerous. None of those looked very good on her, so they did not matter. Looking beautiful did.

Vela was smart but missed the first insult he gave to Steele. She knew it was not a desirable thing to hear, but the deeper meaning was lost to her...until the second came. The talk of tips and of being returned...stamina...had they been on a street somewhere she would have helped herself to a little snack at that moment. Possibly the lips and tongue. Would he tip her then?

The demon witnessed the slap with a ridiculous smile. Oh she knew what was to come. Her escort was going to fight this little prick, possibly even kill him. If he did...oh if he killed him. A tip at the end of the night would not be accepted. Vela followed along, giddy and excited--as any young lady would be! However, blood was the last thing she was expecting that evening, so it came as a delightful surprise. Vela waited until they were both at the ready, appearing feral in her hellish vision. Half naked, ready to kill. That was how all men should be! She released the handkerchief and barely had time to blink before the two went at it. Lord Steele was very special...somehow...the specifics were not in her mind at the moment though, and instead she just enjoyed the view.

Each slice brought an even bigger smile to her face. The smell of the metallic liquid made her salivate slightly, but she kept her jaw locked tight nonetheless. Landarn sprayed the air with his red fluid, making a small mess on her guide of the evening. His scream caused a sigh of enjoyment from her lips, and her eyes fluttered for a second. Her physical and mental bodies wanted to further rip him apart herself, but control was taken, and Vela held her ground.

Lord Steele returned to her with his smile and bow, her smile unable to be hidden by ladylike-ness. Vela grinned viciously and moved close to hand him his clothing, smelling the lingering scent of the opponent's loss on his skin. She wanted to keep onto this one. Vela had had puppy dogs in the past and either killed them or vanished after a few days. This one was strong and vicious...like a wolf. And there was that thing again...what was it?! She handed him his things and touched his arm briefly, "You fought magnificently. Thank you Lord Steele..." She still wanted to kill that man, perhaps later.

There was a slight fatigue in his muscles, a small trembling as the tension that came unbidden with the knowledge that there was a chance, perhaps miniscule, that he could die here, bleeding to death on the patio of a senatorial home, seeped away. The evening cold that he hadn’t felt as he fought returned fully now, an almost exultant shiver running across his skin, where a sheen of sweat covered the Goose bumps forming again. Jonathan loved that rush of adrenaline, the tension, the time that seemed to slow as the mind reached a singular purpose, the voices of the Legion going silent as they fell in behind each other…And to be honest, he had enjoyed this fight, perhaps more than was warranted in beating such a comparably weak opponent…Still, he thought, throwing a look back to where the sycophants were bringing his unsteady victim back to his feet, sometimes it was good to crush an insect, to put him back in his place…And few men needed being put in their place more than Landarn had…Jonathan allowed himself a slightly vicious smile as he slid the sabre back home in its scabbard…Sometimes, it felt good to show a little power openly…

The weapon held negligently in one arm, he returned to his lady for tonight, for whom he had apparently just mutilated a young man. Not that it was uncalled for, far from it…And honestly, the fact she seemed to enjoy it was more than enough reason for Jonathan. She was a demon, like him, enjoying the things that came naturally to a demon…Jonathan smiled, tempering the viciousness slightly and took his clothes with a nod of the head. ”Thank you…Hold this for a moment, if you would.” He handed her the heavy cavalry sabre, extending the well-worn handle and the chipped basket before slipping back into his shirt. There would be some red spots on this shirt after tonight, but honestly, Jonathan couldn’t be bothered with washing himself right now. There was the fact that he had to be public now, showing off how unbothered he was by this fight and the fact that, honestly, he loved the smell of fresh blood…The metallic tinge, almost like rust…

He took the compliment with a small bow, a grin on his face as he buttoned up his coat, straightening the neckline and the sleeves of his jacket. ”Right makes might, milady…” The slightly cynical smile showed that he didn’t really believe it, but that it was meant as a compliment. ”And fighting for your honour is a mighty thing indeed…

Jonathan noticed the predatory look she was giving him, the kind of possessive look he recognized and his smile widened slightly. Hmmm, seemed like he had interested her. He wondered how that would work, but it was a new thing to experience indeed. He offered her his arm again, taking back the sword and hanging it in the opposite hand…

”Is there any other way I can be of service, milady? A dance, perhaps?”

Vela took his sabre from him when asked with an open smile. To hold the instrument of pain that was utilized in her honor? Of course! The woman stared down at the weapon as a man would stare at an under-dressed courtesan, a sense of lust behind her visible eye. He smelled particularly good to her now...not just with his foe's blood, but with his own.

The demoness took his arm once more, unable to stop smiling or to keep her chest from heaving with increased heart rate and adrenaline. She zoned out for a moment as she drew closer to the scent and barely had time to snap back to when he addressed her, "Hm? Oh! Yes, a dance...a dance would be splendid." A dance was not what she wanted. Dancing was merely foreplay in the realm of desires she held that night. The fight had warmed her up quite a bit...no...dancing was not the focus of her agenda from that point. She wanted him to kill someone. Vela wanted to watch him kill a man because she told him to.

Vela thought quickly, she had to find a way to lure him out of the party. Ask him to take her home with him? Encounter a thug in the alleyway? Perhaps that would be an ideal target to unleash her control over him. And if he agreed to that, then further control could be taken. A short dance then...no, she couldn't wait.

"Wait! I have changed my mind. I thirst now, bring me more of that white wine? And I hunger...a biscuit?"

Jonathan looked at her from the side, closing his coat slowly. She was enjoying herself, or he was a fairy. Or, she was looking for more enjoyment. He knew the signs, increased pulse, dilated pupils, breathing, slight start of sweat and Goosebumps across the skin. He allowed himself a slight, hidden grin. Still had it…

She was looking at the weapon with something of open hunger, glee. Jonathan didn’t really wrest it from her hands, that would’ve been impolite and uncalled for, but he had to be quite insistent to get her to loosen those hands around it. If Jonathan had expected her to know something of ironworking, he could’ve at least acted like it was the great craftsmanship, close to artistry that had produced the sabre. He knew better of course, it was the blood she enjoyed, the shimmering of emotion that still clung to the blade, the pain, the fear, the hunger of the steel for the iron liquid…If she paid close attention, she’d notice layer upon layer of these vibrations on the blade, singing at her from within the sheath. Legion was far from a saint and this blade, this was his own personal reaper. He smiled, starting to guide the demon to the dancefloor, enjoying the show of inner conflict on her face…Wait patiently…Or now? He wondered what kind of hunger she had now, they often lay very close. Obviously for blood, but whose? That of another? That of him? Legion felt a small shiver start up his back but suppressed it. The danger, the humour, the attraction…It was intoxicating. He drank it in, closing his eyes for a moment as memories swept over him, colour, sound, smells, all drowning. She was definitely a dangerous one…And he was quite interested in exactly how dangerous…The dance floor was now a chessboard in his mind and the only piece he wanted to see play was this one…

Vela halted, struck with indecision, she turned slightly towards him, Legion smiling. She was hungry she said and thirsted. Not for wine or biscuit, as she said she was, he knew better, but that wouldn’t really be something he wanted to show yet. He let himself be carried by her aura, allowing the mind numbing feeling of her presence to exert some influence, smiling softly.

”Of course, if that’s what you desire…” He added just the slightest hint of dulling to the tone, just enough to underline that what power she usually exerted over people was starting to work, if only a little. If he gauged it right, it’d only make her want to control him further…”Anything the lady desires…”

He escorted her to the refreshment table, one placed conveniently closed next to one of the more subtle exits of the premises, taking a glass of wine for himself, seemingly shrugging off some of the fog in his head. ”Sorry, lost in thought…I think.” He toasted her glass gently, clinging the crystal together. ”I’m all yours again…What is it you’d like?”