gathering of the wicked [gideon]

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Ryanna did not go to the circus often. She just did not understand why people cared about women growing beards or men with an awful lot of muscle tissue, or people who could juggle with ten balls. Honestly, it all didn't seem that impressive to her. However, the cirque de la morte, it was a little bit different. The woman actually liked the life-threatening stunts, and she had to admit that every once in a while, she'd like to try that out. She was certain she could make it, but since she was not able to die anymore anyways, it would not be really that interesting. In the same way a lot of things were no longer that interesting anymore. But these acrobats and performers, they were all human. Ryanna could almost hear their blood rushing through their veins as they made that one deadly jump, could smell the blood dripping out of them when they had cut themselves open. There was nothing like the smell of human blood. Every once in a while she kidnapped a performer from the circus and sold it. They were highly wanted slaves. Maybe she would do something like that today, because though she had been forbidden to visit the circus anymore (the owner knew she was behind the vanishing of his performers), who in earth dared to stop her? Especially not if she was going with the man she was going with. No, Gideon Osbourne and her were too intimidating to stop from anything they wanted to do. If they were alone, but even more when they were together. Yet, Ry wouldn't call them friends, since the word 'friends' did not exist in her vocabulary and she was sure it worked the same way for Gideon. They were the closest they could get to friendship though. Being evil always meant having to watch your back, but by now the vampire believed that both evil creatures had enough respect for each other to not betray each other. Plus, together they were over 5000 years old, who on earth would be able to be a threat for them together? "You're lateeeee," Ryanna called out, blowing out some smoke of her cigarette as her dark eyes spotted Gideon entering the circus ground. He was a rather attractive man, and she certainly enjoyed looking at him and all that jazz, and she liked how they looked together. The anxious looks on people's face were enough to make her feel overly joyful because of their agony. Because they would never be this pretty, obviously. "I couldn't be arsed to buy a ticket." Ryanna said to the guy who was checking people's entrance tickets, with a look that did not leave room for denial, and strolled on, together with Gideon. Oh, it was lovely to be as wicked as she was. "So, is this a fun trip, or a business trip. What would you like it to be today?" She asked her partner in crime as they took their seats. Honestly, Ry would not give a fuck. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

Of all the strange human customs he had witnessed, the circus was one of the strangest. It seemed that the entire theme of a circus was to display odd feats of bodies being used in abnormal fashions, physical anomalies, and sideshow freaks all flocked together to be cooed and gawked at by humans who were looking to escape the inanities of their own, daily life. Humans were drawn to the unfamiliar, the twisted, and the outrageous because they were spectacularly underwhelming: boring, useless... Gideon had never valued them, or developed a taste for them as he knew other supernaturals beings had, especially with age. No, Gideon had seen the destruction that could come from idle humans and their twisted wants that went unspoken, and he had a silent fury toward them that was only satisfied in certain moments, when the time was right.

Gideon walked past the initial gates into the Cirque de la Morte, aptly named, since it more resembled a vast ghost town than a place of liveliness or joy. Although he couldn't find much joy in the circus, he imagined that others could; yet he had the taste for the darkness and had been frequently referred to as a "monster." So easily humans forget themselves, then blame it on me when I don't hide my true nature.[/color] Gideon's own thought amused him, and he walked down the center of a large walkway, looking at tents and various acts that lined the main drag through the attraction. Then, he saw Ryanna: she was poised, hungry looking, and taking a long drag on a cigarette. Gideon had never been fond of a smoking habit, although he had tried it once, back in the 1950s when even physicians smoked. He never developed a taste for it, even if he knew they wouldn't kill him with their cancerous side effects as they did humans. Ryanna chastised him for being late, but he knew it was just play. They had a distinct admiration for one another, even if neither would refer to it as 'friendship.'

"Oh, fashionably late is never a bad thing, my dear," Gideon said, then offered his arm once she had put out her cigarette on the ground. Most people who looked upon them would make the mistake that they were a couple, but if it was a ruse they needed to act upon for show, they were more than happy to oblige. They walked near a ticket taker, who looked at both of them expectantly only to get a menacing glare from Gideon and harsh words from Ryanna as they strolled past. Nobody would stop them. Nobody would dare. They practically reeked of danger, of death, of promises that an ill, tragic fate would become any who came too close and irked them, even if it was slight.

Ryanna's question caught him by surprise: sometimes, even the older beings that walked the earth could be spontaneous, he supposed. Even though he didn't have a tendency to err on the side of spontaneity himself, he didn't see a need to step on his vampire companion's toes.

"You look positively starving, darling. Pick someone you like, and we'll discuss business matters over your lunch," Gideon said, as if he needed to even tell her twice. Ryanna had a mind of her own, and it was something he rather enjoyed: he liked a spirited woman, and the fact that she was exceptionally gorgeous didn't hurt, either. "Although, I did hope to speak with you about your business endeavor, and ways that I might offer some of my... assistance."

Gideon knew that the slave trade was bustling, and that she had a keen eye for entrepreneurship, however, with his money and his connections, they could expand the business beyond her wildest dreams. Already, he had built a very large, very popular hotel in the middle of the city center, with a fully operational office facility beneath that could be completely secretive to suit their needs. It always felt good to him, as an investor, to support a cause he truly believed in: the exploitation and abuse of humans spoke to his soft spot, if such a spot existed.

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Ryanna spotted him before anyone else did, practically feeling the evil aura he had from miles away. It wasn't as if the vampire was a psychic, but she had a certain feeling in the gut for certain people. People she really liked or really hated. She had her Gideon tracker, because of his aura she loved so much. It had this certain feel of havoc and misery that fitted perfect with Ry's. They made people shrudder just by walking by and if that didn't help, a vicious look in said direction would be enough. Oh how Ryanna loved to terrorize people, especially those filthy humans. They did not deserve to walk around on this planet and were only useful to feed off and to play with in the most vicious and torturous ways, but furthermore had no significant function. Oh, anyone could tell how much Ry loathed humans. She hated them so much they made her want to vomit on them. There was one other aura that Ryanna would never forget anymore; Westley Taylor's. After their encounter in her den to be exact, she had made a mental picture of his face, his attitude, his voice, everything about him. The next time they met, this hunter would not survive, he could be sure of that. What Westley Taylor had done to this killer woman was not something she was gonna forgive. It was not something she should forgive. He had taken her heart, killed it and also killed the child in her that belonged to the man she loved. He had taken everything from her except her business and even that could not make her fully happy. Not that Ryanna would ever admit that, ofcourse, but still. It was true. "Oh cut the crap, no one believes that fashionably late excuse." The woman said, rolling her eyes and glid with her hand around the arm Gideon had offered her. Whatever it was, this 'mutual respect and admiration' sorta thing, it felt good for Ry. It was different than with her brother, with whom she always clashed about the most minor thing and mostly about power. Ronan was constantly trying to gain power for himself and with that push Ryanna away from the leader role. However he never accounted her being such a vast and strong leader and that was where they fought mostly. And so far Ryanna had always won. But with Gideon, she knew that was not how things worked. He was a solo person, and so was she, but every once in a while they came together and enjoyed eachother's wickedness, while not wanting anything from the other in return. It was for the kicks of it, not for business, though ofcourse they talked business at times. She liked how people darted away just by the mere sight of them, judging their intuition for once. Stupid humans, was all Ryanna thought as she glanced around, a scowl on her beautiful face. They positioned themselves in the big tent and Ryanna glanced around, wondering once again why people would go through all this difficulties just to be here. She herself was not that impressed by the acrobats, since she knew she could do anything they did without getting hurt or killing herself. It all seemd so simple and it probably was. "Let's just see which performers excel during the show okay? Though I doubt it will be anything extraordinary." The vampire said to her companion, flashing him a faint smile. He was right though, she was starving. Ry had found herself eating less and less now that she was so frustrated about everything with Westley and that she had let him go when she could've finished him off. It made no sense to her, that flash of weakness, in which all she had seen was Anthony looking up at her, beggin for mercy, and not Westley. But ofcourse it had been Westley, Anthony was not coming back. Ryanna listened to Gideon as he mentione discussing business. She knew he really wanted to help her with his money and connections, and maybe she'd let him, but the dark-eyed beauty had always had a difficulty relying on other people, depending on other people and especially owing other people. But she knew that he could make her business blossom in a way that would take her years longer to do so. And it was certainly an offer to think about seriously. "I might consider it, if I have had proper lunch." She said with some sort of a teasing grin, knowing all too well she was probably gonna take his offer anyways. Some chances were just there to grab them, and then you should, because they wouldn't stay there where they were forever. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

Gideon and Ryanna made their way to the big tent where all the performers were getting ready for their acts. The demon and the vampire took their seats, right in the middle of a row where they would have the perfect view, as if such a thing truly mattered in the scheme of things. Gideon knew that Ryanna, however, would likely want a decent view so she could try to find a suitable meal for later. The man had noticed that she had been watching with carefully practiced vision, lurking and scoping everything with a pulse that crossed their path as if sizing them up and debating what looked good on the dinner menu of the Cirque de la Morte. Only for Ryanna would such a place be a restaurant, Gideon mused. He admired her passion and her ability to act upon her own desires, not taking into account wants or needs of others. His method of operation was very much the same way.

Or, it had been, until he had crossed paths with a peculiar little faerie. Part of Gideon wondered if perhaps it might suit him to keep her safe from Ryanna, though he suspected that there wouldn't be any issue between the two of them: Jyli didn't seem to have any specific alignment to light or darkness, so there wouldn't be a conflict of interests there. Secondly, he hoped Ryanna would trust his judgment, as one of her business partners, to know the quality of those he put in his employ. Just the last week, he showed her how seriously he took quality, when a werewolf/human hybrid who had once been a security guard, ended up in her clutches. Gideon wasn't sure what had happened to the young man, so steadfast and seemingly brave, but he had rubbed Gideon the wrong way, and such actions had dire consequences, so he could not bring himself to care about the man's fate. He knew how Ryanna operated, and what business she preferred to run, and that was enough to give him a widened scope of possibilities.

The acrobats were warming up over on the other side of the tent, stretching their muscles in tight spandex, then waving to the human members of the audience. Ryanna didn't seem to be focused on any of them, however, but on the performers themselves. She was looking to up the stakes, apparently, depleting their numbers instead of taking a human from the crowd, which would have been the easier (and more obvious) choice. Gideon smiled: of course Ryanna would not take the easy way out. The performance started, and Ryanna responded to his request by saying that she would make her selection based on performance ability. Gideon chuckled, knowing that none of them, not even the ones at the top of their skill, would be able to impress either of them. They had high standards, and Gideon knew of vampire speed and stamina, and therefore knew that none of their tricks would be beyond her capacity. His, perhaps, but he was also in fine shape, which put him at least on par with the fittest humans. When he was a guardian, he had been a soldier, and he had kept up with his fitness and training even after falling from the heavens, into his new life.

"Are you enjoying the show, my dear? You seem positively underwhelmed, but I suppose that an all-human circus is not something either of us find spectacular."

They continued to make small talk as the acrobats soared over their head and loud music blasted from speakers that were worn-down and cheap, likely from years of use without repair. A while later, Ryanna gave him an answer to his offer, although it was still aloof and nonspecific: he didn't know why she would turn him down when he had made an generous offer.

"Don't think on the offer too long - I'm only trying to help, you know. There's no need to insult someone who wants to see you have resources and abilities for a cause I fully believe in." Gideon knew that Ryanna would understand his being curt, and hoped she would give him an answer soon. She was someone he saw great value and potential in partnering with, and enjoyed their rapport. Sometimes, it was good to cling to the darkness, especially when the light was threatening him... Jyli had been making him feel things he thought were impossible, but he shook her free from his brain and focused instead on the show, the miserable humans and the stench of it all. And mostly, he focused on Ryanna.

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Ryanna had a trust in Gideon that she did not have in many other people. Exceptions were ofcourse her brother Ronan and her sisters Calila and Hera, but that was different. They were family. And while the vampire ofcourse wasn't dumbly trusting in blind family trust, she knew how her brother and sisters were. They would not defy her. Though things with Ronan had been struggly ever since she had taken over the lead, because he had always been the leader and didn't take it very well that Ry was a stronger person than he was, because he's definately older. Coming to think of it, the woman might even trust Gideon more than she trusted her own brother. But then again, it didn't mean she'd depend her life on Gideon. No, Ryanna Coliste would not depend her life on anyone but herself. As they entered the tent, the familiar husk of human stroked along her nostrils unpleasantly. As much as the woman enjoyed feeding off them, just to get back at them and kill them as mercilessly and painfully as possible, she hated the smell they cast off. She loathed it, she loathed them and wanted it to end. But then again, it was the price she had to pay for wanting to find food in such a with humans-crowded place. If she had wanted the easy way out, she'd just have to go to a deserted alley and it would not have been easy, just jumping the first human that came across from the shadows. But that ain't fun, now is it? Her dark eyes followed the acrobats through the sky, a slightly mocking smile on her lips. There was nothing they did what she couldn't do, but that was also because part of all those tricks, it was between the ears. It was something in humans that whispered in their ear, telling them to be afraid, exposing the dangers of falling, the impossibility of succeeding. And then they didn't. But Ryanna, who had no such voice in her ear anymore, since despite people with stakes there wasn't really anything that could hurt her anymore, and thus she was aware of the fact that if you stuck to your plan, nothing could go wrong. Would go wrong. But with that knowledge, the kick of being able to do it had left as well. It was no longer special, it was no longer dangerous and lifethreatening. Now did Ry have to admit that there weren't a lot life threatening things in her life anymore, if any. She no longer believed that hunters could kill her, though Westley Taylor had come closer than she liked to admit. Nevertheless, even he hadn't been able to succeed, like none of them could. "Are you enjoying the show, my dear? You seem positively underwhelmed, but I suppose that an all-human circus is not something either of us find spectacular." Well, Gideon had stated it there just right, voicing the thoughts as they popped into her head. It was both the scary and the good thing about her companion, he was so alike he most of the time knew she was thinking, but not till the deep deep details of her being and personal life. He couldn't read her mind, didn't know about Westley, and it all didn't matter. At all. "Yeah, you're right. Though that muscled guy who seems so full of himself would be nice to humiliate." The woman said, pointing with her slim finger at one of the trapeze acrobats. Oh how she'd love to punch that confident smile from his face and mutilate him in such a way that he no longer could be called handsome. Oh yes, Ryanna loved that vicious thought, she feeded off them. Judging on the tone of his next words, Ryanna realized she might have insulted her companion with her vague answers. But honestly, he should understand, she needed to think this through deeply. As much as she trusted Gideon, which was already quite something for her, the vampire had been betrayed a lot. Also by people she thought loved her and she loved back, or people she thought she did not have to fear. The woman did not like trusting others with things that were precious for her, because they could also ruin it. And her business was among the last things she still had that made her happy. Happy because she was able to take revenge and earn money. The market was her baby and she was careful with it. But if anyone, Gideon would be the guy. "You know that if I engage myself with anyone business-wise, it will be you, Gideon. There's no doubt about that." The woman said, her dark eyes gliding towards her 'friend' for a moment before turning her attention back to the show again. Letting out a sigh, the woman turned to the demon, not interested in the show anymore now she realized she had her target. "You know I don't mean to insult you. I just cherish my independance. But your offer is a very generous one and I am certainly considering it, unlike many other proposals from other people." She said, hoping to reassure him a little. After all she did not want Gideon to be mad at her, not because she was scared of him, but because she's miss his companionship and all. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

When one existed for as long as Gideon had, there were certain benefits that began to surface. A keen eye to behaviors, observational skills beyond that of even the most trained, and the ability to act as somewhat of a walking lie detector. The ancient demon had witnessed so many facets of humanity, and had seen, quite literally, the growth and decline of society many times over. Therefore, he knew that even though trust was something that would take a while to build, he could forge such a bond with Ryanna. The vampire was also old, like him, and could likely see many of the same things in him that he saw in her: stability, openness, and respect. Also, Gideon knew Ryanna was smart enough not to lie to him outright, because more often than not, he'd be able to sniff it out, and the consequences could have the capacity to sever their flourishing bond. It was nice to have found someone who shared the same needs and desires as him, especially from a business-minded perspective. Ryanna was determined, and had built her market from nothing, and Gideon admired her drive, because it reminded him of his own. A lot of Ryanna reminded him of a younger version of himself, of who he had been a thousand years ago... and he rather liked what he saw. There was great promise, and he wanted to nurture said promising traits.

Yet, as he looked closer, he could tell that something deep down was troubling the vampire. Gideon wondered, for a moment, if it was reticence about getting into a deal with him and accepting his offer, but then decided that it likely pertained to a more personal matter. Ryanna didn't seem the type to entertain personal struggles, so this was likely a rarity, and he decided not to ask. If she needed his help with something, she could ask him instead, and he would do his best to meet her needs.

Then, as if she sensed his silence and felt that it meant he was feeling insecure about her response to his deal, she replied. Gideon smiled at her words, feeling more comfortable knowing that she was considering his offer, and that she seemed to hold him in such high regard. They could do a lot for one another, and he saw it clearly. Gideon knew, however, that she was playing smart business: she had to weigh her options before jumping on the first train that rolled into the station, no matter how lavish it was.

"I appreciate your consideration. It's very rare that I make this kind of offer to anyone: I make it to you because I see the possibilities. Truthfully, you remind me a bit of myself, when I was starting out in the world, building my own empire. You'll go places, have many successes. I'm an investor, Ryanna - my purpose is to help you get to those places, not take over your business. You'll do with the market as you like, and know that it's well-funded."

His reply must have come off more insecure than he had hoped, because the vampire replied with the closest thing either of them could relate to an apology. They weren't the type to show weakness, nor apologize and admit when they might have been wrong. No, they forged ahead and pretended that nothing they had ever done was a mistake.

Gideon responded quickly, not wanting her to think that she had offended him, as she seemed to believe. He understood her hesitance, and truthfully, he wouldn't have respected her as much for just accepting his offer without thinking it over a bit first.

"Ryanna... darling, you haven't insulted me. Not at all. I respect your will and your desire to accomplish independently. I had to build my empire alone, and even though I'm proud of the work I've done, it would have been nice to have a 'Mr. Osbourne' offering to fund my projects." He paused, then looked away from her to watch the show. One last line in the water, and they'd go on to better things. "Come by the Luxor D'Monaco when you've the free time - I've built a space underground for you, and I'd like you to see it. Then, you'll make your decision."

Ryanna making room in her schedule would give him the opportunity to make a few last-minute detail changes, and ensure that food would be awaiting her when she came to visit. He'd speak to his guards about going out to capture a few humans, and the shipment of chains would be in by Friday, with any luck. Gideon smirked at the show: the acrobat that Ryanna had mentioned earlier was finished with his routine, and flexed his muscles to the audience. Then, he turned and went to walk out of the Big Top, likely to change back into his normal clothes. Ryanna was still watching him.

Quietly, Gideon made a suggestion to the vampire.

"Let's follow him, shall we? I know you're so eager to bring some chaos and ruin to that pretty specimen of disgusting humanity."

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Ryanna could tell when someone was lieing to her the moment they did it. She had an enormous knack for human behaviour and body language and after more than 2000 years had so far analyzed the traits of humans and supernaturals alike, how they body language changed when they lied, that even the most skilled liar would not be able to lie to her. And it would be a stupid mistake to do so. Ofcourse there were always exceptions as there were to every rule, even Ryanna was not flawless and there were always people out there that might outsmart you. She was highly observant for them, nearly looking for people who might lie to her. But at the same time she knew Gideon would not be one of them. First of all because he knew she'd see it the moment he told a lie and secondly because she'd never lie to him too. Their bond was based on respect, on a sort of inexplicable trust that had grown from the moment they met each other and not fucked each other over. It was special and Ryanna cherished it, because Gideon might be one of the only persons that liked her and she geniunely liked back. And yet she would never tell him her personal problems. Hell, sometimes she wouldn't even admit them to herself. Troubles were weaknesses and weaknesses were something one should not have. Every weakness the woman had (she knew she had some) she cut out and pretended not to have, her haughty attitude hiding her weakness. And it worked. The moment people can't find your weak spots, they can't go and strike you there. They are lef tto try and see what would be the most logical thing to strike one person, but that was not where her weaknesses lied. But she as cool with it, it made things easier for her. Yet that one pesky hunter had found her weak spot and pressed on it, and it still hurt. It still frustrated her since that was not how things were supposed to go. But for now she'd let the thought of wanting to strangle Westley Taylor go, and focussed back on her task; getting a decent meal. She chuckled at his referance to his younger self. She knew she was much younger than him, but after 2000 years you did not expect people to refer to you as 'young' anymore. "Sorry, I did not laugh at you." She explained herself, still grinning slightly. It was rarely seen that Ryanna Coliste had a geniune grin on her face, not one that mocked or made fun of anyone or was fake, but Gideon Osbourne had gotten her there. "I know that's what you want, Gideon. But what's in it for you, huh?" The woman asked, knowing far too well that nothing was for nothing. Everything was trade and taking something meant giving something back, she had a keen eye on business after all. The vampire did not like owning other people, because they always seemed to get back at you at the least favored moments. As he invited her over to come to the Luxor D'Monaco, she nodded in agreement, her eyebrows furrowing in thought. "That sounds like a plan to me. I'll contact you once I've checked my schedule for this week. I believe we have an awful lot of auctions this week, it's insane." The dark-haired woman said, shrugging her shoulders so her hair bounced along. Her eyes followed the acrobat as the show was over and at Gideon's suggestion she nodded once again. Getting up, Ryanna seemed to slither through the crowd as she if she was a leave, blown around by the air, that was how smooth she went. Some people stopped to stare at the woman with the beauty of an ancient Greek statue, but since the vampire gave none of them any attention and her air was soon picked up and froze people to the bone, they left her be. Following the acrobot, the woman knocked on the door of his dressing room/house thing which she never understood how to call it. He opened it and at the sight of a beautiful woman at his door grinned smugly. "Hi. I saw your show tonight and I was wondering if maybe I could get an autograph. You were amazing" The woman said, putting on her best bimbo voice like she only could when she was hungry. With another grin the man agreed to that and went inside to get a pen. Instead Ryanna followed him inside and gave him a kick in his neck, like she had learned from her material arts. He would only be unconcious for a while. Throwing the dude over her shoulder, Ryanna grinned at Gideon with somewhat excitement, because damn she was hungry and the squealing humand would be a nice show. "Let's go to the forest. I have no intention to have a hunter after my ass today." Ryanna said, rolling her eyes as if hunters were just annoying mosquitos buzzing around your head. After that she made her way into the clearing of the forest, feeling the man who was swung over her shoulder stirr a little. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

While the demon never shied away from violence, he didn't lust for it like he knew other supernaturals did. He never really enjoyed the chase, or the hunt, and he didn't feed on humans. Gideon didn't mind killing people, regardless of their species. Usually, he would only kill when it either benefited him in some way, or shut somebody up. Every now and then, he would kill as a favor to someone who he held in some form of higher esteem, if it would win him favor with them in return. Gideon never minded having people in his debt, and if it took some bloodshed to get that accomplished, it was just a means to an end. No, Gideon's brand of darkness was more psychological. The demon preferred to break people down, make them hopeless, and have them weak and shattered. Crying, sobbing, weakness... a human wallowing in their own filth and stench, in squalor, or a cage, or darkness... that was always more pleasing to him than bloodshed. But he liked Ryanna, and could not judge her on her personal tastes, because he knew she would not judge him for his. Also, she was a vampire, so people weren't only a means to an end for her: they were her primary food source.

There was something skillful in the way Ryanna convinced the acrobat to let her inside his private quarters, and how she managed to earn his trust so easily. She was charming, beautiful, and absolutely deadly, like an expensive weapon, and even though her style wasn't to his taste, he still admired how her process worked. So, he stayed back and watched her work, just like someone might admire a sculptor or artist do their work, and he smiled to himself as he did so. She really was a wonder.

When she suggested they go to the forest, he understood her need for shelter and obliged, following her and keeping his vision darting all around them, making sure that nobody saw, and nobody was following. He doubted the acrobat would be missed: circus people were a traveling sort, and it wasn't uncommon for humans to just disappear in Manuka, so they were safe on that front, but there were hunters lurking, and he knew that both Ryanna and himself would be prime targets for those looking to put rather valuable notches in their belts.

"Seems like an awfully lot of work for a meal," Gideon remarked off-hand as they walked into the forest. "I could arrange your own feeding room in my facility: you'd have humans on tap. I'll put it next to my wine cellar, for irony's sake." He was mostly joking, but when he thought about it, it was a pleasant idea: he could keep the victims that he was done torturing there when he was done with them, and she could store humans that she didn't want to put through the market there as well. It could be a holding facility and an area for her... personal needs.

They got to a clearing in the middle of the forest and Gideon stopped when Ryanna did, and paused when she put the man down.

"Are you waiting for him to wake up so you can hear him scream?" He chuckled and crossed his arms, listening for a moment to ensure that they were still alone. The demon didn't feel any other presences, and didn't notice that anything seemed awry: they were safe, for now, but it wouldn't always be this easy for her, and he was sure they both were painfully aware of that fact. There were still too many with a soft spot for humans, for reasons beyond his comprehension. Why anyone would side with a clearly inferior race never made any sense to him, but his opinions had rarely been popular where he came from. Only now, with the war, were they starting to pick up speed, and he was delighted to find a number of like-minded people in Manuka. Ryanna especially.

"Well, don't be hesitant on my behalf, Ryanna. Go on, eat up. I bet you look stunning after a kill."

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Ryanna had learned a long time ago already that if you wanted to get things done, you should do them yourself. Never trust other people with work out of your own laziness, because from that moment on , things were bound to go wrong. Because other people didn't care about things that were important to you as much as you did, even if there was something to gain. People were weak, people would slack and when they did, your carefully built empire would go down in self-destruction, all your hard work for nothing. Adding that fact to the trust issues she already had, it made the vampire reluctant to give work out of her hands. But even the powerful and ancient Ryanna Coliste would have to accept that she was limited, just like everyone else. Ofcourse being a 2062-year old supernatural had it's perks and her stamina and strength and all was a lot better developed than that of many others, but yet still limited. As much as she wanted to possess it, she did not have an eternal source of energy and didn't make the mistake to overestimate herself. Cockiness was one of the biggest flaws a person could have and a lack of sleep was a dangerous thing. Being evil meant always being ready for an attack, to fight for what was yours, to defeat those who search for revenge for the murder of a friend, family member or lover. And a lack of sleep slowed you down, wore you out, which was a deadly game to play. Only rascals and bad asses played that game, surviving on cafeine and taurine only. They just made the vampire cackle, becausae they were so ridiculous. After all, they were the most airheaded, dumb people to ever walk around on this crappy sphere of stone and lava. Ry loved to use them as food, to knock them down a few floors. Because unlike them, she did know her biggest flaw: having to survive on blood, rely on it. And Ry hated having to rely on other people, cause they always let youd down. And Ryanna Coliste wasn't one to be messed with. She knew many would see her tactics as sleazy, as yet another feline who used her sex appeal to get what she wanted, but the vampire was far from that. She didn't have to use her looks and the biggest flaw of the male species: the main focus point being their own dicks and egos. it was easy to seduce a man for Ryanna, but then again, it was too easy. the fun of the kill wore off quickly. Plus apparantely some guys (and gays) were immune for it, the pesky hunter Westley Taylor had proven that. The egyptian was annoyed with herself, first of all for letting him go, but then because he kept on crawling back in her mind. Even if those thoughts were filled with anger and hatred, it wasn't where he belonged. Even if they were soothing and satisfying imaginations of plenty ways to painfully, slowly and viciously and his life, it wasn't like Ry to get so obsessed with one enemy. She had too many, so even a slightest focus point on one of them, would make her neglect the others and that was a lethal thing to do. She didn't need that to happen. But this hunter had killed the love of her life and he would pay for it, she sweared to that. A slightly amused grin glid up Ryanna's lips as Gideon mentioned getting her a feeding room next to his winecellar. "I like a little challenge to get my food. After 2000 years of the easy way out it gets a little boring. But that was probably the funniest thing you've said all day. Keep it up." The woman said with a teasing smile, giving him a playful pat on his shoulder. Though with most people she just liked to taunt them and toy with them, Gideon was different. He had a certain something that on one hand got her curious and on the other hand kept her interest with him. And he was about the best partner in crime a girl could have. Damn, the demon was like the bad ass version of Ken, seriously. And she would be lieing if she said she wasn't curious about how he was between the sheets, but since she cherished his companionships over that, she didn't even attempt that. And that was about as much as one could expect from miss Coliste when it came to 'comradeship' and caring. Ry didn't have friends. her lips formed into a malicious smirk as Gideon inquired if she was waiting for him to wake up so they could hear him scream. "Ain't that the best part?" The dark-eyed beauty said with a playfully mocking smile, curving an eyebrow. The acrobat started shifting, which made Ryanna ignore the next remark from her companion and made her bite back the reply that she always looked stunning, kill or no kill. But then again, Ry wasn't that cocky. "Goodmorning sunshine. Welcome to your worst nightmare.." The woman's sneery whispers caressed along the guy's face as she crouched next to the man that was waking up again. Normally she'd take more time to torture him, but since she was with Gideon now the woman just bared her fangs and shot as his neck. A deafening scream echoed through the forest, but soon faded away again. When Ryanna was done, she just wiped her mouth with her sleeve, before getting up again, looking at Gideon. She was experianced enough to not look like a bloody monster after feeding, like someone who eitherway got or had viciously assaulted someone. So the day was all open for all sorts of mayhem. "So, now that that's covered, what's next on our schedule?" She asked, standing up while wiping the dirt off her clothes. She was basically up for anything. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

Even though he wasn't involved in the actual feeding, watching Ryanna do it felt like an entire rush of power to his system. Gideon usually stayed pragmatic about kills, and really only killed out of necessity. However, he knew that Ryanna had other needs, and part of the reason she killed was as much enjoyment as it was sustaining her own biological functions. Gideon's eyes traced over her figure carefully after she was finished and left the man discarded, like a pile of garbage, and grinned. It's probably wrong of me to think this way, given that I'm working so hard to establish a business relationship, but she is beautiful.

[/color] Gideon thought, knowing that sometimes, his needs as a man still surfaced, demon species or not.

Ryanna looked perfectly normal after she wiped the residual blood from her lips with the sleeve of her shirt. She looked stronger, more vivid; her complexion was brighter, her eyes more colorful and alive, and she seemed... happier. Ah, the health benefits of a good kill. Then, she began walking and wiped any patches of dirt that had collected on her clothes off with her bare hands, brushing it aside like it was nothing, and asked for suggestions about the next item in their day. The elder demon was at a loss; he was never really good at acting on the fly, at making decisions without a schedule, and he really hoped that Ryanna wouldn't leave it up to him.

"Well, you're much more active in the town than I. Usually, I spend most of my days cooped up in my office doing paperwork or in business meetings with investors and the like. It's stuffy, I know, but it's one of those things that if you don't keep it under control, it'll run away from you." He paused, then looked at the lively vampire. "I'm sure your suggestions would be much better than mine. But, we can walk and decide: I'm in no sort of hurry."

They walked through the woods, back toward the circus and Manuka, and hadn't gotten far when Gideon's sharp hearing caught onto a twig snapping roughly, and then a scurrying sound to follow. He knew that the footsteps were moving too quickly to be their own, and the snapping of the twig had been abrupt, then hidden; which meant that they had likely been followed or caught. Well, he hadn't physically done anything, but Ryanna had. Which posed a problem.

"Stop walking for a second," Gideon instructed, his voice low. He knew that Ryanna was more than fearsome, and could easily go chasing after whatever or whoever was out there, but he felt that a more gentler touch was required for this sort of mission. Gideon took a few steps away from Ryanna, noticing that the footsteps had stopped. Whoever had been following them had likely felt they were in a safe place, and was likely hoping that he or she hadn't been heard. They would also be wrong.

Gideon walked quietly, careful to barely make a noise, and tried to fixed Ryanna with a gentle, yet stern stare that silently told her to hold back from going into attack mode and trusting him a little. He might not have hunted humans the way she did, but he knew a great deal about how to hold his own, and handle his own business. After he made it about fifteen feet away from where they had been standing, he rushed behind a large bush suddenly, and caught a young man, possibly in his mid-twenties, and definitely human, cowering there.

"Hiding from something?" Gideon asked gently, his face completely devoid of emotion as he did so.

"I didn't... see nothing, I swear." the young man defended, but Gideon knew that this was the wrong answer entirely. Humans could not be trusted.

"Why bring up what you haven't seen if you truly haven't seen anything? Stand up, boy." The young man continued to cower, and Gideon tried a second attempt, a little more forcefully. "I said, stand up." The man stood up slowly, Gideon walked forward and shot a hand out, snatching him around the throat and lifting him off his feet. "It doesn't really matter what you saw." Gideon said, then, in an instant, squeezed until the man's throat collapsed and his neck broke. The dead, limp body slumped to the ground once Gideon released, and he headed back toward Ryanna, who had seen the entire thing.

"I think I'm in the mood for a drink. How about you, darling? My treat?" Gideon suggested, acting as if nothing happened. Because, to him, and to Ryanna, nothing had happened. Nothing important, at least.[/blockquote][/justify]

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) People wouldn't suggest it, but Ryanna hated her reliability on blood. Much more favorable would be her being an immortal or demon, because that way she did not have to suck humans like a leech. She really felt like a fucking leech sometimes. A lethal, rather powerful leech, but still a leech. And yet, with the blood now in her system, it was easier for her to let go of all the unwanted feelings regarding.. well anything at the moment. Westley Taylor was a big part of it and she had to stop thinking about that one anyways, and he was not worthy of her time and space in her mind. But yet somehow she could never fully distract her mind from that pesky hunter and how it had been possible that she had let him go. It was a strange notion to think about, one she would love to analyze with Gideon and yet she'd probably never mention it, because telling it to her companion meant admitting she had been weak and Ryanna Coliste was never weak. She was not to be messed with. Ry knew more ways of killing you than you could count on fifteen hands, she was lethal and yet never used weapons. Because in the vampires eyes, weapons were only for the weak ones who needed them, whose body was not capable enough of killing. And hers definately was. With more than a thousand years of practicing her material art skills, plus her enhanced strenght of being a supernatural, Ryanna Coliste could bring down a trucker who was about ten times her own size. Size didn't matter to the woman anymore and failing was not an option. Not that it had ever been, but now less than ever. Ironically speaking, Gideon would probably be the last person who saw her being weak, even if he might be the outsider she was closest with. Westley had seen her weakness, and that was even more people than the vampire could handle. But she had already though enough for now, and now that her first need in life was fulfilled, she was ready to think of other things without seeing food everywhere. She hated that part of the deal, but well, whatever, nothing to do about it. The girl curved an eyebrow at his remark. She knew he wasn't good without any schedule, but then again, not all things would go as planned. The woman herself preferred a schedule, no one could do anything without a schedule, but she was a freerider when things went wrong and usually impulsively also made the right choice. She thought it was a weakness to only be able to function by means of a schedule, and thus had never liked to make herself that way. She had taught herself the ways without a proper schedule. "My dear Gideon, that is indeed shockingly boring. Luckily my sisters do the administration for my business. They're suprisingly gifted with finances. Not that they make any decisions, but they just keep everything in order for me, so I won't have to bother doing it." Ry said, shrugging her shoulders. She wasn't too fond of doing administration and luckily her sisters were good at it, so she and Ronan did not really bother about it. They started walking and Ryanna was totally cool with that. The circus they might have to avoid, but at the same time she did not actually care whether people would see her descending from the woods with Gideon. Let them think whatever they wanted there was no proof. Her ears picked up the sound a millisecond before Gideon turned her attention towards it. She was kind of annoyed as he continued to treat her like some overly-excited little child, since if there was anything Ryanna was not, it was that. She was reserved and did not kill people on impuls or brutal force only. The dark-haired woman knew many ways, but yet let her companion take care of this one. She wasn't gonna crawl for him or pretend that she did it to obey his wishes, but still, she did listen. But if he continued to treat her like a puppy on XTC, she was gonna say something about it. Ryanna Coliste was not a fucking puppy. She watched Gideon finish off the stupid fool who had seen them and even more stupidly had followed them. Some humans just did not seem to possess a brain. "A drink sounds good. I always get thirsty from terminating people." The woman said with a shrug, making her way out of the clearing. They soon were back on the road, and after strolling along the streets for a while, Ry stopped at a little bar and made her way in, making sure she was followed by Gideon. It was just a tiny place, nothing too fancy, but people didn't ask questions or stared and the woman quite enjoyed this place. Dropping herself down at a table, she let out a sigh, brushing a hand through her brown hair. "I just can't believe some people are actually that stupid. I mean, how is that possible?" She said, referring back to the little fool that had been killed because he had been minding other people's business. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

Gideon could sense that Ryanna was irritated with him, even though she agreed to go with him to get a drink. The vampire, he knew, was volatile, and her spirited nature was certainly something he liked about her, but Gideon's way of operating was much different than hers. Not in a bad way, though; there was a need for brutality, and there was also a need for cunning, calculated maneuvers. Ryanna had been in her element when she had fed off the circus worker, and he had enjoyed watching. It was a way for him to live vicariously through her, and her darkness that was intoxicating and so, so different from his own. But when it had been his turn to step up to the plate, he could have allowed her to attack again, but he felt the situation called for a bit more finesse. Gideon wasn't a man who cared much about what others thought of him, and while he valued Ryanna's opinion, he knew that his clearer head and his reasons for dispatching the other human had been justified, reasonable even. At least to him. But he chose not to bring it up; her irritation would pass.

They made it out of the woods quickly enough, and Gideon was glad for that, as he was certainly more of a city dweller than a country one. He had lived in an era before certain luxuries existed, and didn't feel the need to limit himself in modern times. Gideon despised the days before running water, before cars, before cell phones and proper refrigeration technology. Gideon brushed off his suit jacket, feeling as though some piece of wilderness had likely fallen on him as they made their way through the brush, but Ryanna seemed content. "Something on your mind, Ryanna? You seem a bit lost in thought." While their friendship was still new, Gideon was savvy enough to know when someone's behavior meant, with a reasonably small margin for errors. And Ryanna, now that her irritation had ceased, seemed to be thinking very hard about something.

"If it's business that's concerning you, feel free to speak up. I'm happy to entertain any and all concerns." He would have asked her to speak on whatever else was bothering her, since it didn't seem to be business related, but he wasn't a mind-reader, so he couldn't say for sure. Yet, he figured that it wasn't his business if something of a more personal nature was troubling her. The only way it would be his business would be if they became partners and it impeded on their progress somehow. They got to a small tavern that was still slightly small for his taste, but appeared to be comfortable, and Gideon obtained two seats for them in a quiet, dark booth in the corner, where he hoped they be left alone. Their waiter was attentive, and appeared to be something other than human, as Gideon sensed nearly right off the bat. It was probably for the best; Ryanna probably wouldn't have liked to be in such close proximity with a human and not be able to act on it somehow, although he was sure she found ways to manage whilst in public, at least most of the time.

"I'll have your finest scotch, whatever's top shelf, on the rocks, if you please. And whatever the lady is drinking, as well."

The waiter took Ryanna's order, then went back to put the ticket in with the bartender. Gideon smiled at Ryanna from across the booth, and started the conversation up again. "Charming little place, is it not? A little more... homey than I usually prefer." Gideon preferred the lavish nightlife; expensive drinks, beautiful women, good music to dance to. Darts and pool weren't exactly his style. But he'd been known to frequent a few of the lower-end taverns for auspicious means. Never for his own enjoyment, however. "Where does Ryanna Coliste spend her time away from work? Surely you do make time to play... you know the old adage; all work and no play. Makes a very dull girl." Gideon smiled in that charming way, because she certainly wasn't dull. She was interesting, and he found himself wanting to get to know her better, and perhaps even in more than just a business sort of way.

The waiter returned with their beverages, and slid coasters onto the wood surface of the table. Thankfully, it was glossed over with a thick shellac so the wood wouldn't be of any direct harm to his vampire companion. He found that many establishments, especially newer ones, in Manuka were starting to put wooden furniture installments inside, to deter vampire patrons. Gideon scoffed at the stupidity of those people; if anything, he felt it would put a larger target on their backs than just playing nicely. But who was he to judge, really? "Well, cheers. To you, to us, and to a successful business venture down the road, with many riches to come out way. That is, if you end up saying yes." Gideon raised his glass in a salute and clinked the glass against hers, then took a sip of the scotch. It wasn't as old as he preferred, either; usually a fifty year vintage was his bottom-shelf, but this had to at least be a twenty, so he'd learn to live with it, and drink to his companion.

[/justify]

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) It was just the mere assumption that she was nothing but brutal force that ticked her off. Ryanna Coliste was a slippery snake, born with such elegance and dignity that she did not really appreciate being compared to something as harsh and plump weapon like an axe, only wielded to split people's skulls. She was better than that, and despite the fact that she did not like the idea of being used at all, it was just this mere indication that he thought she could not do finesse. Which she could, rather perfectly, thank you very much. But after all, she let her irritation slide, since it wasn't Gideon that ticked her off like that, not to that extent, it was the whole thing with Westley that had invaded her body like some sort of disease. Every moment she thought she had banned that pesky, annoying, obnoxious little hunter out of her mind, he came right back, just to mock her. It was clouding her vision and seriously damaging her temper. But hopefully not today. Today was a day that should be good. She was with Gideon, he was a new 'friend' in some way, and she would most probably become business partners with him today. The fact that she was considering it meant enough about the likeability that she was going to accept his offer. It could open so many doors for her, and her inability to accept help from others, to rely on others, was as much as a good trait as it was a flaw and in this matter, it was a great lapse that had to be taken care off. Unlike Gideon, Ryanna had always loved the woods and nature, to hide in, to blend in with. Like the shadows were a part of her, she could emerge into the woods as if she wasn't there. Sometimes the ancient vampire missed the old days, the egyptian era, the courts of Cleopatra, secretly sneaking away with lover Panshj, being extremely and madly in love like she was back then, but could no longer be now. Her heart had been swallowed, burned and destroyed and now all there was left was a deep dark hole where once the heart had been. Hell, she did not even need the organ for it's basic functions anymore. She reminded herself of the good old days, when society had been actually flourishing and dignified, not the way the people were now throwing their lives away. Civility had been of such high standard back then, even if the barbarisms never disappeared out of any civilization. When Gideon asked her what was going on in her mind, it was the moment that Ryanna got pulled back to reality again, away from the old tombs and ruins that she kept in her memories. The good old days. What a pathethic thought. "I- It's just-" The vampire did not really know what to say, since opening up was not her thing. But this whole thing was eating her up on the inside and she was losing control. If there was one thing miss Coliste hated, it was losing control. "I had an encounter with this hunter the other day. Not just a hunter, the one who murdered Anthony." The black-haired woman started, mentioning her deceased fiancée was never easy, not sure how to say this without appearing weak or senile or anything like that. But it would be good to talk about. "But somehow I let him go. Out of my own free will. So the past couple of days I have been analyzing and analyzing my moves, just to find the lapse in my thinking so it won't happen again." Ryanna finished, quite sure that was all she had to say about it. She was firm about the whole matter though. The next time she'd meet Westley Taylor, he'd be dead. The reason why Ryanna liked the little tavern they got in, even if she saw that Gideon wasn't as smitten by it as she was, was how people actually left you alone and minded their own goddamn business. You could not say that as often anymore these days and it was frustrating to be hit on atleast five times in one evening by stinky humans. It took all her selfcontainment to not punch them on their face and calmly tell them to leave her the fuck alone, but still, they did not go away and swarmed around her like moths to a flame. In this little bar however, people did not pay another glimpse at the breath-taking vampire that came into the joint. It was actually owned by an immortal, who took all measures to make everything as pleasant as possible to his supernatural customers, and Ry could only appreciate that. "A red wine, please. Something good, something old." She told the waiter, who indeed was a shapeshifter, she could smell the disgusting dog-musk from miles away. A small, amused smile graced her lips when Gideon asked her about what she did, slightly teasing her with the dull girl thing. "I do go out to clubs, mostly at night, try to mess a little with those testerone teens that feel as if they own the world. Nothing wrong with that. But I like to spend nights outside, wrapping myself in the darkness and scaring the living shit out of people." She said with a shrug, not even glancing at the waiter as he put their drinks on the table. Her slim fingers glid around the stem of the glass, turning a bit with the liquid, examining it. "How about you, my dark, mysterious companion? There must be something else you do, besides work work work.." The vampire said, trailing a bit with her words, her dark eyes finding the ones of the man opposing her. He was interesting, she could only admit that. She didn't know what exactly it was about him, but she knew they would make a terrific, terrifying pair. It was nice to think about, but unlikey to ever happen. Ry did not possess a heart fit enough for any sort of relationship. She raised her glass to his cheers, nodding in approval. "Cheers. I think I will accept your offer." The woman said, before bringing her glass to her lips. This might prove to become a rather interesting day and evening. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

The demon wasn't surprised by her answer; she seemed the type to enjoy terrorizing those stupid youths who, to him as well, were stupid wastes of space. Sacks of meat with no hopes or ambition to actually put back into the world what he took for it. Gideon had never cared much for the world, but when it finally dawned on him that he'd have to live on the earth forever, he started to become more conscious about having a world left to live on. To young people who weren't gifted with immortality, it was an irrelevant factor that meant about us much to them as their next meal. The demon smiled at Ryanna's answer, and chuckled softly to himself as he sipped his scotch slowly. ”Those miserable youngsters could use a little terror in their lives. Keep them in line,” the demon's words rumbled, and he found that now that they were settled, the conversation came easily, and he enjoyed the ancient vampire's company. Even if she was a little rough around the edges and still seemed to be bothered by what she had spoken of earlier.

Gideon had been surprised that she had disclosed something so personal, and when she had said it, he hadn't had words with which to respond. Some things just weren't his business. This hunter, Westley Taylor, had been notorious in Manuka, and had pulled off kills far above his age and his level of experience. But Gideon did not fear him, and hoped that Ryanna meant what she said when she expressed a desire to kill him the next time their paths crossed. Gideon didn't like to get his hands dirty, but he was more than confident that he could discover a way to put the nail in the brave hunter's coffin if she was unable to follow through, due to whatever else was causing conflict in her mind. Hunters were nothing but trouble, in his opinion, and needed to be put in their place. Humans playing vigilante superheros, trying to take out creatures far older, smarter, and wiser than them was idiocy. Every now and then, their “hunts” were successful, but whatever being they murdered was a shame to their race. Gideon would never allow himself to be in the track of a hunter, because he'd survive and shame himself enough for his entire race on his own.

His ears perked when she asked what he did instead of work. His eyes looked at her from the rim of his glass, and smirked. ”Why the sudden interest in my hobbies?” Gideon teased, and took another drink, then set his drink down on a coaster. ”I read. I read a lot, actually; have quite the extensive library. Sometimes I read whilst listening to classical music; every now and again, I'll emerge from my cave and go somewhere in public. The cinema, shopping, swimming. Although I have my own pool and spa beneath the hotel,” Gideon said, then finished. ”Every now and then, I spend my evening with a woman, but not frequently.” His mind flickered to Jyli for a moment, and how their 'date' together had been glorious, fun, and more entertaining than he'd had in years. Hundred of years, possibly. Perhaps the most fun he'd ever had, and their night together? Quickly, he moved his mind back to the present instead of living in the past. ”But it's not polite to speak of other woman in the company of someone new. Even devils have their manners. Or should.”

Gideon was a more polite sort of monster, and he knew it. His evil was more in the form of the mob bosses he'd seen in the roaring 1920s, where they had people do their dirty work, and were ruthless and cunning from a distance. Sure, he had muscle and skill, and could take out most foes on his own, but it just seemed so uncivilized. Gideon preferred to be feared through his reputation of what he could have done, all while he sat, untouchable, in his tower that overlooked the city. And death was too quick: it had always been more his style to find what would ruin a person most (spouse, children, family) and destroy it, leaving them a live husk of their former self, with every memory to pain them throughout their years. ”On the whole, I'm quite boring in comparison to you, Miss Coliste.” Gideon didn't consider himself to be boring, and the feisty faerie, Jyli, didn't think he was boring. It didn't matter much to him what people thought, really, because he wasn't much of a social person. This business arrangement, along with other business arrangements were really the most social he got with other people.

After he raised his glass for the toast, she didn't keep him waiting for her final answer, and the agreement made him feel sort of proud and delighted. ”Excellent,” Gideon said, pleased. ”I have a feeling a better business partnership has never been crafted. Think of the damage we'll do together.” The possibilities, he knew, were damn near endless with his capital and connections coupled to her ruthless ambition and talents. But, he couldn't bear her having any distractions; money was lost that way. ”About this hunter... I could arrange to help you with your little problem.” He knew that she'd be unlikely to accept his help with this matter, it bore a personal affect on her history, and she wanted vengeance. ”Not to deliver the killing blow myself; I'd refuse to allow anyone to have that but you. Yet, my reach extends far already in Manuka. If he were to be followed, watched, and you were to know his movements... finishing him off would become more simple, would it not?” Gideon pursed his lips, and sipped his scotch again. ”And you wouldn't have to wait to get your deserved vengeance, darling. Vengeance is so much sweeter when exacted in a timely fashion, don't you think?”

Gideon sized Ryanna up wordlessly, and hoped that she wouldn't be offended by his offer, because he didn't want to step on her toes. When he got into business with someone, he wanted to protect the person as much as any other monetary investment. And now, he was invested in Ryanna, because if she did well, he would do well in turn. It was an interesting outlook on the standard business relationship, but Gideon had been extremely successful, and didn't want to change something that hadn't given him any issue in the past.

[/justify]

[RYANNA EVANGELINE COLISTE]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb= style, width: 420px; background-color: D83C40; border: 10px solid #343138; padding: 2 2 2 2px;] Roller blind eyes With your empty smile Feel the bile rising from your guilty past (tagged for gideon) (enough words) (outfit) (run like hell by pink floyd) Ryanna Coliste was hardly ever fascinated by people, wanting to get to know more about them. Sure, if she had an enemy like she was having now, she'd dig into their weaknesses and destroy them that way, the way it hurt the most. She was ruthless and malicious, and she did not care about the level of pain was moral to inflict on people. Life hadn't spared her either and she had learned that it wouldn't, and neither would she. This was exactly why her little act of insanity when it came to Westley Taylor was troubling her so much. As much as she hated him, he fascinated her as well. The bravoure, the intensity of his being, it was intoxicating and Ryanna found herself pondering too long on his mere existence. Attention he did not deserve to have. But she knew it would not happen again. The next time, she'd end up killing him. And ofcourse the vampire knew his arrogance had only grown now that she had let him go out of this strange confusion, but that would only work against him. Because the next time she would be merciless and she'd make sure he suffered before she'd send him off to the other world. The possibilities were endless when it came to making humans suffer, they were so weak and vulnerable. They were pathetic. Everybody knew about Ry's hatred towards humans, but no one knew why. They just assumed she was a cold, heartless being who just liked to turn the world around and shock them, and part of that was true. No, most of that was true. But the deeper, underlying scorn she felt towards those being, was much more. But she did not share those things. Now that she had opened up to Gideon about Westley, she regretted it. She did not like to show signs of weakness, since she knew too damn well that your weaknesses could be the end of you. And she wasn't willing to go just yet. On her own account maybe, when she was damn done with life here on this twisted globe, but she could not leave her sisters and brother alone. They needed her, even if they didn't know that. But if she were to open up to anybody, she knew Gideon was the best choice. She trusted him, as far as the ancient egyptian ever trusted anybody, and it felt good. It felt different and change was good, occassionally. The woman knew he wouldn't bring her down, because he was willing to invest his business in her and she wouldn't let him down. Hell, that would be like letting herself down. A small, amused smile graced her lips as Gideon inquired playfully why she was all of a sudden so interested in his hobbies. "I like to get to know the people I will engage my business with." The woman said with a shrug, smiling back teasingly. Hey, two could play that game. But there was more underneath the surface about Gideon that made her want to get to know him better. Maybe a flare of desire, see how much of a chance she had. Again, something entirely new to the vampire. When she hooked up, she'd hook up with anybody, basically. Sure, not with humans or anyone like that, mere mortals disgusted her usually, except for Daphne Astor, that wicked witch, but she wasn't picky. Plainly because she didn't care. The best part about hooking up with immortals was that they could handle her, because Ryanna was a maniac between the sheets. Much like her entire being and attitude suggested. Ry listened to Gideon as he elaborated his hobbies, once again shrugging her shoulders as he said he should not talk about other women in a woman's company. "I am not easily offended, don't worry. And I don't think you're boring." She said with a wink, taking a sip from her wine, before allowing her finger to trail over the edge of the glass. When he asked her to think about what they could do together, all Ry could do was allow her lips to form into a menacing grin. Ofcourse she had thought of that, she had known that ever since she had met Gideon for the first time. They were terrifyingly beautiful together and able to bring more harm to the world than any had experianced before. The different experiances of combined 5000 years was something a lot of people could not compare to, and Ryanna was glad. The last thing she needed was competition, even if she wasn't scared of anyone. When her companion continued about Westley and wanting to help her, Ryanna merely shook her head. "As generous of an offer that is, I am afraid I must decline. I need to do this on my own. I am very grateful for your offer nevertheless." She said, polite as ever, because she was truly grateful for his offer. It meant he cared, maybe not about her personally, but atleast because she embodied her business and he was doing business with her and they both needed her to do well. To not be distracted. Yet, Ryanna could not let anyone mangle with this. This was her quest, and she knew she would not get the same amount of satisfaction if she had help with it. Plus, she didn't need help with it, so she thought. The actions of her previous fight with Westley had proven otherwise, and yet she was set to not allow anyone to help her. Help was something she did not like at all. "But let's not ruin our evening by talking about pesky hunters who only need to be eliminated. We're here to have fun right?" The vampire continued with a rather suggestive grin, taking another sip from her beverage. Oh yes, she sure wanted to make some fun. You better run like hell You better run all day template created by brooke!

[GIDEON ISAAC OSBOURNE]

Gideon found himself both amused and surprised when Ryanna confessed to wanting to get to know him and when she said that she didn't find him boring. The demon grinned and took a sip of his scotch. ”Well, then, perhaps this business proposition was an even better call that I had originally understood,” he said, looking directly at Ryanna. ”I'm sure you've had other partners, in your day, but I find that my approach to business, as well as my outlook is distinctly unique. I feel that a proper partnership of any kind is when two like-minded people join forces, and each can offer up enough differences to keep things... challenging.” Gideon had seen the wink Ryanna had given him before, noted the playful smirk on her full lips, and felt intrigued. His last sexual encounter had been with Jyli, and while he tried not to make a habit of sleeping with his business partners, it did happen on occasion, and he'd already technically slept with an employee. His morals always seemed to tread along a gray area, walking the line between right and wrong, but either way the action slipped was of no consequence to the demon. As long as she'd be a willing participant, Gideon felt like he'd be a fool to say no. 5000 years of combined sexual prowess could only be explosive, and he wasn't at all a man to deny fireworks where they already existed, even demurely underneath the surface.

”What are your views on the ideal partnership, Ryanna?” The vampire had a brilliant mind, Gideon knew, and it was her ingenuity that had gotten the slave trade market started in the underground. In the past, Gideon had seen many eras and cultures look down upon women and see them as lesser than a man in ways of thinking, acting, and all other levels other than their biological advantages and abilities to bear children. But Ryanna, he knew, was from Ancient Egypt, where women had been considered to be somewhat powerful. Cleopatra had ruled seamlessly until love became her downfall, but Ryanna had likely seen this as an opportunity, and never let anyone tell her that women had to be less than men. Which was why she was so strong, so courageous, and why Gideon actually found that he admired her, even though he normally admired no one other than himself.

Although, this hunter... Westley... he was of a definite concern. The difference between Gideon and other immortal and immortal species he'd met (m en in particular) was that they never considered what might be their downfall. Gideon had seen more than most people, having spent the majority of his 3,000 years watching earth, all of earth, from the heavens. He'd seen great men and woman fall because of their own poor decisions, and the meek and powerless hold out hope that they might one day have power, and achieve it through their own tenacity. Gideon felt that part of the reason he'd lived for so long was because he knew that even he, with 3,000 years of living, was not immune to some great downfall. Something, somewhere could have the power to end his entire existence, and burn his empire to the ground. Rome had fallen. Others just as great had fallen. If you thought yourself immune, you'd miss the signs that the end times were coming. So, he always made sure to keep his eyes open. And, he hoped Ryanna did the same, and was not biting off more than she could chew with the little hunter, who Gideon had always felt resembled cockroaches more than humans with their ability to survive.

Likewise, he hadn't expected her to accept his offer. But he did respect that she had the gumption to desire finishing what she started on her own, without assistance or a powerful ally. Gideon added that to her charms, and smiled. ”Well, shall we toast to the death of a hunter, then?” Ryanna went along with his suggestion, but then offered a change of subject. Fun. Something he knew very little about. Granted, he knew that fun was relative, and different people found varying things to be fun in one way or another. Gideon had once enjoyed the hunt and the kill, but now he was more ambitious and realized that money and investments, power and control, were more satisfying for longer periods of time than the two seconds it took to kill someone, or few days it took to torture before a kill. If he was going to live forever, he wanted to be prepared for eternity, and he wanted his arm to stretch across the globe. No major city would be untouched by his enterprising, and with Ryanna's help, they could make globally-recognized chains of smaller underground markets, maybe even a connecting system. The possibilities were endless. Oh, the damage they could certainly do. That idea was fun.

But he wondered about Ryanna's intent when she suggested they “have fun.”

”What equates as fun to you, Ryanna? Shall we find a human to torment, or are you thinking of something else entirely?” Gideon made a sweeping hand gesture, and chuckled softly. ”I shall go along willingly, since I'm a stodgy old man, and you've still so much inherent life.” Recently, Gideon had found that he was becoming more exposed to actually enjoying nightlife, and building a social life what with his interactions with Jyli, and now with Ryanna. For so long, he had been content to be a loner, just because he felt that people either wouldn't understand what he was doing, or try to kill him for it, but Manuka was a land of plenty: there were plenty of neutral and other dark siders here that would open their ears to his cause. He could start collecting them, making their forces stronger, and when the war came, they'd destroy what goodness was left, and see the dawning of a new era. So many complained that humans are victimized by dark-side supernaturals, but Gideon usually kept his opinions to himself. After all, he knew better: humans had been victimizing everyone for longer than most, and they deserved every ounce of pain they had coming. ”You know, you do look very lovely tonight,” Gideon finished, wanting to get his mind off his ambitious goals and other business plans, because Ryanna was done talking business. Surely, he could find something that he enjoyed just as much as masterminding plans and spreading his influence. Surely, he could find this “fun” that escaped him for so long, perhaps even with Ryanna.

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