Life of the Party [M]

MorningStar · February 01, 2024, 12:24:21 PM

The air inside the quaint little cabin hung heavy with tension, the strange couple's unsettling behavior having cast an eerie shadow over the room. Damien's sharp eyes noticed Missendria's sudden pallor, her complexion turning ashen as if the weight of the world had descended upon her shoulders. Concern etched across his features, he opened his mouth to inquire about her well-being, but before he could utter a single word, she abruptly rose from her chair and dashed towards the door.

The distant sound of her retching beyond the door grated against Damien's nerves. A myriad of thoughts raced through his mind, a cascade of worries and possibilities. Was she unwell due to the events of the day? Or could it be something else entirely? The unsettling suspicion that she might be pregnant sent an unexpected chill down his spine. He had been far from cautious, and his mind whirred with the potential consequences of their recent encounters. Yet, he swiftly dismissed these thoughts, choosing to focus on her immediate well-being.

His gaze flickered towards the peculiar couple at the table, a growing suspicion gnawing at him. A sudden decision gripped Damien, and he excused himself from the table, taking a shot of the shine to ease his nerves and try to remain somewhat grateful - and to soothe the gnawing sense of unease accompanying him - before he approached the door.

As he stepped outside, the crisp night air offered little relief. "Missendria? Are you okay?" he called out with genuine concern. However, his own equilibrium faltered. The weight on his shoulders intensified, his vision blurred, and an overwhelming sensation of dizziness consumed him. With a staggering stumble, Damien crumpled to the ground, unconsciousness enveloping him like a suffocating shroud.

In the hazy realms between consciousness and oblivion, he caught fleeting glimpses of the strange couple, sinister smiles stretching across their faces as they hovered ominously over him. The world faded to black.

visualspice · February 03, 2024, 05:33:47 PM

Missendria groaned. She retched a few times before her stomach was somewhat settled- and then a series of events unfolded before her she hadn't expected.

Damien following after was somewhat expected- the man seemed to truly love her. It was still strange to her- that they had fallen into each other's lives this way... buy when had anything she'd ever done been planned? Eith Obrin, before- she hadn't meant to fall so deeply in love. And now...?

She started when she saw Damien suddenly collapse.

"D.. Damien!"

Immediately the sickness was an after thought and she was on her knees beside him, gently trying to shake him awake. She kept saying his name before she realized he was atleast only unconscious but not dead.. not that it made her any less concerned but...

When she caught sight of the couple looming , she immediately tensed and a bad feeling chilled her gut. She grit her teeth, not wanting to seems accusatory, but the way they looked...
Those weren't concerned expressions.

"What did you do to him?" She asked carefully, guarded, her body tense as she leaned over Damien's form protectively.

MorningStar · February 03, 2024, 08:48:00 PM

The couple exchanged sinister glances as they observed Damien's unconscious form, their mouths curling into twisted grins. The wife, with a voice that oozed malevolence, mocked, "Looks like your man can't handle his alcohol."

Before Missendria had time to react, the husband chimed in, "Quick, tie up the girl while I bring him inside."

The man's plump fingers gripped Damien's unconscious leg, and with a sinister chuckle, he started dragging him towards the house. "Dinner is served!" he proclaimed with a twisted glee, the chilling words echoing through the air.

The wife set her sights on Missendria.

visualspice · February 04, 2024, 04:39:45 AM

So much happened within that moment, and perhaps if she were some other woman she'd be completely taken off guard and near useless in helping her unconscious lover- but Missendria didn't live the good life a newly wed woman ought to- with long talons of a powerful man manipulating her every move.. she had grown calloused to the darker aspects of our world...
And also adapted in the way do she could survive. So Missendria wasn't going to simply let the elderly couple with their putrid nicknames, come along and simply believe whatever sinister plan they had in mind would actually work.

So when the man moved to drag Damien away, she dodged away from the wife and dropped down beside Damiens form and threw her whole body weight into the man's leg. She could feel him losing him balance and she scrambled away, eyes going towards a farmer's hoe resting against the building nearby and she fetched it up snd swung it warningly towards the old woman.

"Either of you touch him and let's see what happens!" She all but taunted. She was tired, she was sick- but she was a fighter who simply refused to just give up. Years of being worked by Opus Dey left her becoming resourceful- and also she knew how to watch her own back. She kept her eyes darting between the man and woman, a dangerous glint to her eyes.

MorningStar · February 04, 2024, 08:46:08 AM

The confrontation escalated quickly just outside the home of the strange couple. Missendria, fueled by a surge of adrenaline, threw her weight into the husband, causing him to lose balance. A sickening crack echoed through the air as his leg bent unnaturally, and an agonized yell pierced the tension. He crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain.

In a surprising display of determination, the frail wife lunged at Missendria, her eyes ablaze with a fierce protectiveness. Despite her delicate frame, she fought with a fierce tenacity, aiming to defend her injured husband.

Unbeknownst to them, the sedation administered to Damien proved to be less potent than anticipated. Damien began to stir, his consciousness emerging from the depths of sedation. His vision flickered in and out like a faulty bulb, registering the chaos unfolding around him. In his hazy state, he struggled to make sense of the scene, the blurred figures and muffled sounds melding into a disorienting haze.

Act now, think later. His fingertips began to sizzle with fire.

visualspice · February 04, 2024, 11:44:36 AM

Determined or not, Missendria used that hoe to keep the other back. The hoe gave her length enough to thwart any attempts the woman might dare get near'- the first swing from Missendria cracking against the old woman's knuckles- then she aimed for her damn face.

It kept her back, especially as she flipped the hoe snd nearly raked it down her wrinkled face.

"I don't know what you thought you were planning but you won't be getting away with any of it today!"

She gave another swuling to keep the old woman back- then turned to Crack the old man on the shoulder- knowing exactly where to drive it home that it would hurt.

MorningStar · February 04, 2024, 03:05:29 PM

Disoriented and still in the throes of confusion, Damien, fueled by panic, unleashed a surge of fire magic towards the woman entangled in the struggle with Missendria. The flames quickly engulfed her clothes, sending her into a frantic frenzy as she shrieked and hurried back into the house, presumably to find water to douse the flames. However, instead of diminishing, the scent of smoke intensified, gradually morphing into an ominous forewarning.

As the minutes passed, the ominous scent evolved into a creeping haze that clung to the air, slowly revealing the house succumbing to the encroaching flames. The timeworn walls crackled and groaned under the escalating heat, embers dancing and twirling in a macabre waltz. The gradual crescendo of destruction unfolded, each detail etched into the disbelieving eyes of the onlookers.

Watching his cherished abode succumb to the relentless inferno, the man's anguished cries resonated through the chaotic scene. Pain and despair knitted into his features as the house, which held memories and the presence of a sister-wife now lost, succumbed to the merciless embrace of the flames.

Amidst the tumult, Damien, still dazed from the chaos, found himself inadvertently uttering words that echoed through the cacophony of destruction. "Baby, are you okay?" he groaned, a nickname never spoken before slipping through his lips, unintentional and unexpectedly intimate.

visualspice · February 04, 2024, 03:20:51 PM

The fire made Missendria freeze. What had gone from madness turned into sheer chaos, and soon the house was a blaze. She shielded herself from the heat, then noted the old man wailing about infront of his home.

She bared her teeth, hefted the hoe more tightly into her hands and was about to chase the damned fiend off when she heard a voice.

Damien.

Missendria was at his side in a heart beat- the tool resting against her shoulder as she touched him, looking him over with worried eyed.

"Why are you asking if I'm alright?"

She brushed pesky tears from her eyes and continued to look him over to make sure he was truly alright.

"Are you okay?" She asked, taking his hand and looking into his eyes, closely.

MorningStar · February 04, 2024, 04:24:53 PM

Damien, gritting his teeth against the pain, attempted to reassure Missendria through strained words. "I'm fine," he uttered, though the conviction in his voice was lost in the throbbing ache that consumed his head. As he struggled to rise, a sudden bout of dizziness sent him staggering backward, and he ended up on the ground, seated rather unceremoniously.

Still disoriented and with his head pounding, Damien managed to summon a teasing grin. "Gotta tell you, Missendria. Seeing you fight them off, well... that was fucking hot." He peered up, attempting to focus on her, his eyes locking onto hers with a proud expression.

However, his momentary distraction shattered as his eyes widened in alarm. "Behind you!" Damien urgently exclaimed. The husband, seemingly revived, charged directly at Missendria, intent on catching her off guard.

visualspice · February 04, 2024, 04:55:40 PM

She planted a hand on her hip.

"Damien... really, what did you even take that got you this messed up?:"
But they were hardly safe, and with Damien's warning she shoved the hoe up her shoulder so it smacked the man on the face. Turning around, she moved to slam the thing clean between his legs, and he fell over, groaning.

She pulled at Damien's arm.

"Can you stand? Hell.. will you be able to walk?"

MorningStar · February 04, 2024, 05:13:26 PM

The seemed to stop the man in his tracks. Damien entertained the idea of killing him, yet the prospect of allowing him to stew in his guilt, sorrow, and agony proved more gratifying.

"I'll tell you one thing," he breathed, utilizing Missendria as support to rise to his feet, managing to maintain his balance this time, albeit with a subtle shake. "It wasn't moonshine."

Damien scanned the chaotic scene, the flickering flames painting an ominous backdrop to the burning house. The groans of the defeated man echoed, a stark reminder of the tumultuous encounter. His attention shifted to Missendria, her face pale with an unsettling realization, a nagging illness from before this unexpected side quest.

"Let's get out of here," Damien urged, his voice cutting through the turmoil. His eyes briefly met Missendria's, and with a subtle mouthing of the words "underground," he conveyed the unspoken plan.

visualspice · February 04, 2024, 05:34:35 PM

She frowned but nodded. She still wasn't sure it was wise to allow her, a vessel for Opus Dey, into their secret underground place but...

She supposed this was where her path was leading her- contract or not.

She allowed Damien to lean against her, the mood somber as she looked at the burning place- then glanced back to the elderly man.

"What about him?" There was some bite to the question- but even she wouldn't outright cry for death.

MorningStar · February 04, 2024, 06:46:15 PM

Damien cast a final disdainful glance at the man hunched over on the ground. "Let him rot."

——

The night enveloped Damien and Missendria as they quietly and discreetly made their way through the winding labyrinth of streets towards the entrance of the underground city. Damien's hesitation lingered, fueled by memories of the tension that surrounded Missendria during their last visit. He stole glances at her, wondering how she would be received this time, how Adella's perception of her might have changed.

As they emerged from the residence, the unfamiliar surroundings left them momentarily disoriented. The transition from the strange house, through the woods, and to the bustling streets confused their senses. It took them a while to discern their location, their surroundings beginning to make sense as they pieced together the puzzle of the hidden city.

Damien, navigating with a quiet determination, led Missendria through narrow passageways and hidden shortcuts. The anticipation of reaching the sanctuary weighed on him, the need to get her somewhere safe becoming more urgent with each step. A mix of emotions tugged at him – relief, worry, and a faint hope that Adella would be willing to hear him out this time.

Finally, they arrived at the concealed entrance. Damien exchanged a glance with Missendria before rapping a specific pattern on the heavy iron door. The muffled sound echoed through the underground chambers. After a brief pause, a small window opened in the door, revealing a pair of eyes scrutinizing them.

"And I shall await you at the dock," Damien uttered, the code words unlocking the entrance. The door creaked open, revealing a rustic solid iron hallway that marked the threshold into the sanctuary. Damien ushered Missendria inside, the warm glow of lanterns and candles illuminating the hidden haven beneath the city.

As they walked further into the heart of the sanctuary, Damien knew that within these walls, he could provide Missendria the safety she deserved, reunite with his team, and face the challenges that awaited him with a semblance of control.

"Damien!"

Amidst the dimly lit hallways, Damien's gaze was drawn upward, and he found himself locking eyes with Adella. Her appearance was a stark departure from the formidable figure Damien had known – weak, pale, with puffy eyes that bore the weight of mourning.

"You're alive!"

visualspice · February 04, 2024, 06:54:36 PM

They exchanged quiet conversation as they went, both too exhausted to do little else. They had both survived much, and Missendria was ready to forget about it all. It would be so much easier if she could...

Flash backs to the last time they came here rolled around inside her head, making her anxious- despite her attempts to will it away. Did she have anything to truly worry about with him? He'd proven time and time again that he was genuine..
And she hated that she even bad any reservation. If she could.. she'd just let herself fall both him, open her heart fully...

Yet.. her heart was not ready for that- and she- too scarred. She she did what she could and simply remained at his side. She wasn't expecting to see the other woman so teared up over Damien- and questioned their relationship- even though she hated the idea it painted her as a jealous lover.

But.. she was also not a complete bitch. She knew what this woman must be feeling and it wasn't her place to push her away during her sorrow. She let whatever was to transpire here, transpire, but her gaze- as always, would be wary.

MorningStar · February 05, 2024, 01:36:34 PM

Adella's rapid footsteps echoed in the hallway as she approached Damien, her eyes initially filled with sorrow, quickly transforming into relief. Damien tensed, wary of the implications of what appeared to be her approaching embrace, especially with Missendria standing beside him. However, instead of wrapping him in a comforting hug, Adella's hand met his cheek with a resounding slap.

"I thought you had died!" Her voice rang out, drawing the attention of onlookers who began to gather in the hallway. "Damien's back," murmured some, while others cheered excitedly, "Lola's alive! Everyone, Damien's here!"

Feeling the weight of her actions, Adella took a deep breath, her gaze shifting briefly to her palm before returning to Damien. "Meet me in my office once you're settled. I need a full report." With a lingering glance at Missendria, a flicker of skepticism briefly crossed Adella's expression before softening into something resembling guilt. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "for bringing him home to us."

With those words, Adella turned on her heel and briskly walked down the hallway, leaving behind a mixture of emotions swirling in her wake.

visualspice · February 06, 2024, 08:56:30 AM

Missendria watched the actions transpire- feeling more like a fly in the wall than anything else- before Adella had turned to address her. She nodded in turn, surprised the woman hadn't turned her temper upon her agger she struck Damien. She would have intervened .. but.. she bad a feeling he might deserve it.

After all.. she herself, may have contemplated such responses and acted upon them in her own life. But once things settled, she turned to Damien and shook her head.

"You should know better than to treat a lady that way," she chastised, before smiling and moving closer. Then more seriously, shr asked, "Are you okay?"

MorningStar · February 06, 2024, 11:10:03 AM

"Yeah," Damien responded with a wince, his fingertips gingerly tracing the faint imprint of Adella's slap on his cheek, "I probably deserved that." The sting lingered, a testament to the force behind her reprimand. His gaze drifted downward, tracing the intricate patterns of the iron-clad walls that surrounded them.

Suggesting they make their way to his quarters, Damien led the way with an exhausted stride. The journey through the fortress corridors was silent, save for the echo of their footsteps against the cold stone floor and the occasional shared words.

Upon reaching his quarters, Damien paused at the threshold, his hand lingering on the doorframe for a moment longer than necessary. His gaze swept over the room, taking in the familiar sight of his surroundings with a mixture of resignation and exhaustion. His black book, a constant reminder of his past and the choices that had led him here, lay abandoned on the ground, its pages whispering tales of the work he has done and still had to do.

With a heavy sigh, Damien moved past the book, making his way to the bed with a weariness that seemed to seep into his bones. He lowered himself onto the edge of the mattress, feeling the weight of the day settle upon his shoulders like an oppressive cloak. The urge to report to Adella gnawed at him, a persistent reminder of his duties and obligations, but the exhaustion that washed over him was undeniable.

As he settled onto the bed, Damien kicked off his boots with a tired sigh, feeling the tension drain from his muscles with each passing moment. The offer of company extended to Missendria, a silent invitation for her to join him with a gentle pat on the bed next to where he sat. "Come here," he invited softly, "let's get some rest for now."

visualspice · February 06, 2024, 03:41:20 PM

Missendria smiled- a genuine curl to her lips that she couldn't hide. With boots aside, she sauntered closer, putting an extra sway to her hips as she walked. Then she plopped herself down right ontop of Damien's prone form and crawled ontop of him real slow. Her long hair ticked against his she looked down at him, cupping his uninjured cheek before kissing softly the other , then leaning down to kiss him long and hungrily upon his lips.

"You deserve some rest," she said, but didn't move and kept her eyes upon his- then leaned in to kiss him again.

MorningStar · February 06, 2024, 06:10:29 PM

It appeared as if rest may not be so easy for him, as evident from his hunger and what rose below his waist.

"Ma'am, you," a kiss back, "make it hard," another kiss before adding, "to rest."

Whether she knew it or not, Missendria had complete control over Damien. It's as if she's become his addiction, a craving that only she can satisfy. Every glance, every touch, sends a rush of euphoria coursing through his veins, leaving him longing for more. She's become his obsession, his drug of choice, and he found himself drawn to her with an intensity that borders on reckless abandon.

visualspice · February 07, 2024, 05:51:15 AM

"Shall I leave?" She finally asked, smiling through another kiss. Her hair veiled their faces as she looked into his eyes. There was something deeper there, those words unspoken. She smiled again. Then leaned forward, giving him an almost kiss.