The Awakening (GreyQueen & Darklaz)

[GreyQueen]

"O-oh!" Sara blushed and as she rubbed her back of her neck. She shifted in place while trying to think of what she should do next. Thankfully, her balcony was angled at a place that not many people would see as it was tucked in the middle with the studio jutting out and blocking where her neighbors lived. Being an artist, she could always explain away having a statue on her balcony, but her curled up with one? That would have been harder. "I...I wasn't sure...o-of course you don't feel cold. I just...It would be rude if I didn't at least...You don't have to..." Biting her lip to stop her rambling, the redhaired woman took a moment just to let her heart run things instead of her head for once and it whispered for her to take him up on his offer.

Stepping closer, Sara hesitantly allowed herself to be gently pulled into his awaiting arms. She must have looked so nervous because she could feel her blush creep up to her ears. Nevertheless, she couldn't help the warmth that flowed through her as his arms and wings encapsulated her form. "...T-Thanks...A-are you sure you're not cold? Because I can go get a thicker blanket...Or I can make you some hot tea...O-or....S-sorry...I just...um..." Sara kept her face tucked down to where she didn't meet his eyes, fearing she might make even more of a fool of herself.

 

[Darklaz]

Wondering at the small bundle in his arms, he gently tilted her chin upwards.
"I am here for you, Sara. I am yours, and you are mine. All is right when we are like this.
My little fire-headed star, you ramble when nervous. Calm. I am here. All is well.
We are together, and that is as the world should be."
He laid a testing, but sincere, kiss on her slightly parted lips.

 

[GreyQueen]

And with that, everything else in the world faded. The slight bite of chill on her bare feet, the worries that awaited her tomorrow of how she would ever be able to focus on work, whatever lay in wait...all that just... disappeared. Even the fact that the winged male had previously only been a mere stone statue that morning, did not last in her wonder struck mind. Everything felt so right.

Sara's emerald eyes widened in utter shock, yet she had no desire to pull away. Instead, she found her eyes closed and her lips press back in return. His lips held the same strange yielding stone flesh, giving delightfully though still being firm. In her lifetime, the strawberry redhead had a rather short list of boyfriends, two to be exact, but neither of them felt like this. Nothing felt like this, truth be told. It was as if everything in her life pinpointed to this exact moment where she shared what felt like the universe pressed thinly between their lips.

Pulling away, Sara found she hadn't the words to say anything at first. She simply stared up at him, her breathing slightly quickened as her heart beat kicked into high gear. "Acheron..." she blushed once again and pressed her forehead against his chest. "...is...this not strange to you? I mean...I'm human..."

 

[Darklaz]

"Nothing feels strange about us, Sara. You are human, yes, but is it truly strange to you?
My form is as human as yours, except for I have wings. I know the words, now.
You feel like nest-mate. Gargoyles mate for life, they have eyries, nesting places accessible by wing.
Accept me, my Sara. Claim me as yours. Nest with me?"

 

[GreyQueen]

"N-nest?" Sara stammered and her heart about exploded in her chest. Nest-mate? He wanted her to be his...nest-mate!? He hardly knew her! Emotions overwhelmed the artist as her face burned with embarrassment, "A-Acheron...t-this is a bit...s-sudden...We...Y-you were just...." Her words were absolutely failing her at this point. He said Gargoyles mate for life. Was he...basically proposing to her?! They had just kissed for the first time! "M...maybe this is going a little fast..."

 

[Darklaz]

"I will not rush you. But I do not like you out of my sight.
There is something out there that is infected of an ancient evil.
I would have you safe, Sara. I vow any threat to your safety will be ended."
He held her close. As long as she trusted him, he could protect her.

 

[GreyQueen]

"I..." the strawberry redhead sighed, closing her eyes in comfort at his touch. His presence calmed her down after the bit of panic she had. Her body settled seemingly perfectly into the his form as if she, or he, were made to be together like this. "Acheron...I just...It's a little rushed for me, my dear. I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything...I did enjoy...the kiss."

She turned her head to where her cheek rested on his chest and she watched the little movements of his wings, "You said something about turning to stone during the day? So you're not always like this? I suppose I need to make sure not to fall asleep like this or else I'll be trapped all day..."

 

[Darklaz]

"I would never allow you to be caught by my stone form.
I can feel the approach of morning in time to release you.
Do you wish to sleep here in my arms? I can promise your safety."
he asked as his wings enfolded her snugly.

 

[GreyQueen]

"I would like that, actually." Sara nodded, her eyes feeling heavy after all the excitement of the day. As her body relaxed and his wings press tenderly against her, the artist allowed herself to drift off into a peaceful sleep. Why did this feel so...right?

~*~
​

A high pitch beeping caused the strawberry redhead to jolt upright, sending covers fly off. Sara panted heavily as she tried to locate the source of the irritation. Finding her phone, she hissed grumpily. Another day, another dive into madness at the work place. Ugh, and she had to much to catch up on. If she left now, she could clock in a bit early to try and chisel her way through the mountain that must be on her desk by now.

Stretching, the woman made her away towards her closet in a daze until something on her balcony caught her attention. A strange grey mass perched just outside of the glass doors almost as if it were standing guard. All at once the previous day's events rushed through the morning fog of her brain and caused her to stumble back. Acheron! That's right! Standing up, she opened the balcony door and slipped out next to him. His body remained unmoving and lacked the same give that his skin last night had whenever she touched him. He really did turn back to stone...He definitely stayed true to his word by making sure she was in her bed before all that happened.

Shaking her head, Sara smiled to herself before leaning up and placing a hesitant peck on his lips. "Okay, enough, before someone walks by to see you smootching a statue." Making her way inside, the woman quickly readied herself for the day. "Hopefully I can actually focus..." she sighed as she walked out of the front door, the letter still awaited.

Hours passed and night settled over the city. Well, she definitely didn't achieve anything worth bragging about. All she could think on was a certain gargoyle waiting for her. Sara sighed as she gazed out the window of the thirty story building dreamily. 'Nest-mate, huh? I wonder...what would it be like...' Her pen that she had been toying with dropped from her fingered. What was she thinking?! She definitely should be letting her mind trail off like that while at work!

Sighing, Sara decided to go to the roof for some fresh air. "Man...I hate working so late...but if I don't, I'll be behind in my article. Helen is already nearly ready to kill me as is...I hope Acheron isn't too worried...Maybe I should have called. Though he probably doesn't know how to use a phone."

 

[Darklaz]

Acheron had awoken at sundown. Sara was still out and he could sense the growing evil.
It had a near palpable presence to it. And a direction.
With a roar, he launched into the sky to locate Sara and guard her.
Whatever this malevolence was, it wanted her.
This was an ancient and powerful evil, currently wielded mostly by those who
failed to comprehend what they were dealing with.

 

[GreyQueen]

Sara stretched and pushed away from her desk. Going to the roof had been a huge mistake. The moment she came back to finish working, Tabby has came over and rattled her ear off about some new show case or another a major art studio invited her to go see. The strawberry redhead tried to explain to her enthusiastic friend that she needed to get her work done, but Tabby was never one to take a hint.

Her rambling did bring up a good point, though: Sara hadn't had a good story to publish in a couple months now. Even the article she just finished wasn't more than an update on one artists' sculpture they had been working on for the past year. Interesting, but nothing ground breaking. Tabby's invite alone would at least provide her with a decent story or two, especially if there were any particular eye catching or controversial pieces. Sara needed something new...

"Hey beautiful." A man's voice pulled Sara from her thoughts as a smirking man leaned against her cubical.

"Rick, hey," the art journalist sighed, smiling at the familiar man. Rick was an old friend from college who got her the job here in the first place. His uncle was head of their department so putting in a good word or two had expedited the process. "What be-ith your reason for blessing me with your presence. How's Janet?"

"Good, though she keeps complaining that you haven't called lately," the dirty blond male chuckled, "You know my wife, she gets worried when her adopted-daughter hasn't kept in contact."

"I literally her age. How can I be her daughter?" Sara snickered and leaned back in her spinning chair.

"Hey, leave me out of that. She decided it so therefore it is so." He shrugged, "And way, I came to give you this. Apparently, some fancy group of art collectors is having a memorial party for someone you might know."

Sara blinked in confusion when Rick produced a scarlet red envelope just like the one that her dad had brought her last night. "Oh," she mumbled, taking the object and pulling out the slip of black paper. Scrawled across in beautiful silver letters were:

Memorial Celebration of Gregory Greyson
​

Sara's head snapped up to meet Rick's soft gaze, "Apparently, this group wants you to cover the galla since you're his granddaughter. It's exclusive and apparently there will be some rather rare pieces there. Jeff wants you to go. Here's the catch. This little shindig in an hour."

"An hour?!" Sara deadpanned, jumping to her feet and gathering her stuff, "Why are you just now telling me?!"

Rick held up his hands, "Hey, hey, I'm innocent. We literally just received the invite. Jeff asked the same thing to them. Apparently they had sent an invite to you yesterday, but it must have gone to the wrong address."

"Oh...yeah." Sara sighed and shook her head, "I just didn't open it..."

"Well, no matter, there's one of the members waiting down in the lobby. He said not to worry about what you're wearing. They have a dressing room at the location of the galla." Rick smiles and ushered Sara off. "Make sure to at least try to have fun."

"Thanks Rick!" The strawberry redhead thanked over her shoulder as she made a beeline for the elevator, oblivious to what lay in wait for her.

​

 

[Darklaz]

Jeremiah Absolem Caine, assistant deputy to the Grand High Magister, awaited Ms Grayson's arrival. After painstaking efforts to orchestrate this showing of her grandfather's refuse, they were finally about to have her in their control.
The Night Guardians would have their own private army of warriors, unquestioningly loyal and never needing food or sleep. This would be the thing that allowed Jeremiah to advance finally to that coveted rank of Neophyte.
With the old man's secrets, they would be unstoppable. They would rival the Templars of old.

Here she came.
"Ms. Grayson. My name is Jeremiah Caine. I represent the group interested in promoting your grandfather's work. We have already managed to accrue quite a few that are interested in possibly purchasing some of his more unusual pieces. I am sorry if this was sprung on you. We will see to updating our contact information within the month. Offices were moved and corporate laid the hammer down. Relocating was and is a pain. Shall I escort you to the gala?"

 

[GreyQueen]

Sara had been busy fretting with her loose hair which previously been in a messy bun. Swallowing hard, she forced herself into her 'professional mode' and smile apologetically while reaching out her hand towards the suit clad male, "Mr. Caine, it's a pleasure! Let me apologize for the hoops you had to go through to reach me. I only recently moved, so it clearly was not a fault on your company's side." Her smile turned kindly, "And I can't say enough what it means to me that you and your company are doing this. My Grandfather would be honored to know that so many enjoyed his art."

Taking a moment, she eyed the man before her. She was rather impressed that this man, likely no more than five or six years older. His sandy blond hair was combed perfectly so that it framed his light blue eyes hidden behind smart looking glasses. He was about half a foot taller at most, which caused her to have to look up at him. Sara had to admit he was easy on the eyes. Before yesterday, she might have been smitten with this type of guy. Acheron had changed everything for her. She couldn't help comparing Jeremiah to the gargoyle.

Her face flushed and she cleared her throat, "Right. Sorry for my appearance. I wasn't expecting to be going to a galla."

 

[Darklaz]

"Just a small gathering of interested individuals. Some art and sculpture enthusiasts. We look forward to your personal input on his work. Your grandfather was a unique individual with a rare talent for potential."

He hoped it wasn't too over the top. Spooking her could cause complications and delays. This would reflect on him personally, as he was entrusted with bringing her.

 

[Darklaz]

Jeremiah Caine

 

[Darklaz]

Possibles for Acheron

 

[GreyQueen]

"Gramps-er, e-excuse me, my grandfather was an amazing man. He passed on his love of art to me. I am eager to see what you have! And of course, my boss is extremely great full that you have allowed me to cover this." Sara eagerly grinned, "But I'm sure I have delayed you long enough. I was told that there will be a dressing room at the gathering. Am I wrong in assuming that you have something that I may change into? I would hate to reflect poorly on both my Grandfather and my work."

She brushed a strand of strawberry red hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear, "Oh! And thank you for coming to pick me up. I had thought that maybe they would just send a driver with a sign to collect me. I must say I'm flattered that they sent a representative to do this."

Spoiler: Sara

 

[Darklaz]

Jeremiah smiled, though it never touched his eyes.
"It was the least we figured you were owed.
As for the dressing room, yes, we have a formal dress hopefully of the right size.
My employers are not used to shopping for women. "
He guided her to a stately black sedan with a driver at the ready.
"The gala and presentation is on hold for your arrival.
We will start once all is ready"
The ride took approximately twenty minutes and ended at what appeared to be a rather grand looking estate.

Meanwhile, Acheron winged out over the city, following the foul stench of evil as it grew stronger.
Unfortunately, Sara's presence was also mixed in with that smell.
She was in danger. They had her and time was short.

 

[GreyQueen]

The oblivious journalist gasped as quietly as she could at the estate. Sure, she had been to quite a number of high class resorts to cover stories that Jeff sent her on. This, however, felt completely different. This wasn't just some resort or company, this was an entire estate! The kind with workers running about to keep in perfect order and beautifully lit balcony's and gardens. This was the kind of place that Sara imagined whenever she daydreamed of what it would be like to filthy rich. "This is where the gala is at? I am...rather impressed, if you do not mind me saying such."

Sitting back from her ogling out the window, Sara smiled apologetically once again, "I am so sorry, to cause a delay for everything to start. I assure you this is not the norm for me, especially with business matters." She waited for the sedan to pull up the long drive way and to the front. A smartly dressed man, most likely a butler, opened her door and helped the young woman out.

 

[Darklaz]

Jeremiah smiled. "Well, yes. It is rather large and a privately owned location.
We had to find the perfect setting to do it justice.
As you will shortly see, the setting is perfect. Setting is 90% of any presentation.
Now that we are here, allow me to escort you in.
I believe we have the perfect gown for you."