Memento Vivere ~Open~

[Morto Mente]

It was kind of funny to watch the cat like creature scale the wall of the manor. It didn't take long for it to skillfully reach Alex. It soon sat down next to him on the railing around the balcony. Alex took note of the little butterfly in it's mouth. He chuckled through his nose and nodded. "I can tell you're not planning on eating that.. So I wonder what it is you plan on doing with it.."[/b] Alex's spoke quietly, almost to himself.

He wasn't allowed a pet before coming here. He had heard of people having cats and dogs as household pets, so he thought this creature to be either Saasha's or her house mate's pet. Truth be told, he had never liked the idea of "pets". To be caged, used... a slave. The situation reminded him of his own life. Being forced into seclusion, training, never praised by the adults. It was only his friends who treated him correctly. And for that, he was thankful.

A breath that wasn't so much of a sigh, as it was Alex breathing deeply. It was somewhere in between. The left side of his lip curled into a smile as he gently lowered his arms and turned back to his room. Turning his head to face the creature, Alex spoke to it with a smile. "I don't know if you're able to get in another way, but if not, I will leave the door open for you."[/b] Alex slowly walked to the bed and grabbed his jacket, heading for the room's door.

[Saasha]

"I have my ways in, but I thank you in any case." Joshua spoke nonchalantly to the retreating Alex. He was now in full human form and leaning against the door frame of the balcony, arms crossed and one leg over the other lazily. He knew that his silent change might be a shock to the boy but that is what he wanted. To see how he would react. Joshua knew Saasha was thorough and cautious in letting guests in, but he planned to do his own little investigation. Just as he had done with Melany. Sweet girl but a bit too far on the reserved side for his tastes. Odd thought coming from a feline. But she was pleasant nonetheless and Saasha seemed to enjoy her company so the woman had earned a passing grade in Joshua's eyes. Perhaps this newcomer would do the same?

His golden gaze would meet Alex's firmly if the other man turned to face him. The butterfly was held loosely between the two crossed fingers of his gloved left hand. On the top of his head, the now smaller black ears were pointed in different directions- one trained on the other male and the other laying a bit to the side. A relaxed and calm pose to regard Alex with a mix of mild interest and hidden skepticism.

[Morto Mente]

Alex stopped in his tracks and smiled lightly. Nothing should surprise him now. This world was one that has many surprises, but none should get to Alex. However, think caught him slightly off guard. He didn't expect to get anything from this creature other than a lazy look. Well, he still was. He slowly turned around and looked to where the creature was, only to have been replaced by a human-esque body.

Wait, what? "Okay, that... I was not expecting!"[/b] Alex exclaimed with a nervous smile, after nearly falling over air as he snapped his eyes to the new person's. This situation didn't affect Alex in a negative way or anything. After all, he is a rather cheery person. When he isn't thinking of his curse, that is. In all honesty, he was rather happy to see another being that he could talk to about this world. Thinking about this for a moment, Alex cleared his throat and stood up straight.

"Hah.. I apologize about that. I'm not normally like that.. I was just.. taken aback by my naivety. I should have already come to expect anything from this world."[/b] Alex bowed to the man in the same manner he had with Saasha. He figured this person was he other house mate that she spoke of earlier. 'I can tell he's testing me. Those ears are a dead give away. So, I may as well be myself."[/i] A few calm thoughts crossed Alex's mind as he returned his posture to a more relaxed one.

[Saasha]

"No need to apologize, I am used to those reactions." He was solid minded. Good. He would need that atribute, especially if he met the other tenet and the lord of the manor. Joshua unfolded himself and in a few strides covered the distance between them. He was a tall one alright. Joshua's own eyes came up to just below his, so he needed only look up slightly.

"Expect everything and be surprised at nothing- a good mindset to have in this world. I'm Joshua Bogard." He half bowed his head to return the greeting, his long tail trailing across the floor as he did so. "Welcome to the manor. I assume you recently got tossed into this world?" He wondered how much Saasha had informed him of. Well that would be tended to shortly he imagined; he could hear Saasha preparing glasses down in the kitchen. Most likely he would soon hear her voice echoing up the stairwell, beckoning them to come and relax in the den. But for now he only kept one ear trained on the door.

[Morto Mente]

"My name is Alexander Gray." Alex bowed his head lightly as he introduced himself. A smile never left his face. He could tell that Joshua meant no ill will by the tone of his voice. He was sure he was slightly cautious, at least. After all, he was a newcomer in his home. "Yeah... I woke up in an alley somewhere near the center of Hallowton not that long ago."[/b] That memory was still fresh in his mind.

Complete nothingness, for what seemed to be the blink of an eye. The feeling of being alone in an unknown place... No. That was something Alex was used to. That sense of being alone was always with him when he wasn't with his childhood friends. "Thank you, I appreciate the welcome... That actually, is the most surprising thing of this world to me."[/b]

Alex paused for a short time. Something was bothering him. To him, it seemed like a big deal, so he decided to ask. "Uhm.. I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but does this room belong to you? If it is, I apologize. I can find a different one."[/b] Following Alex's words was a genuine apologetic smile.

[Saasha]

An amused smile crossed the man's lips. Seems this one might be agreeable as well. He shook his head in response, "My room is on the third floor. I have to be high up so I can watch the grounds." A self-taken job he took great pride in. Many a time he had been of use in that department. Not that much could get through to barriers but when they were down, he was always at his post. Either that or on the grounds themselves.

"In any case it is a pleasure to meet you. Now I do believe we are wanted in the den. Saasha has prepared drinks for us and is now setting them out; she will call up soon." He strode past the silver haired wolf and opened the door, turning back to see if he followed. "Shall we beat her to it?"

[Morto Mente]

Alex chuckled at his own ignorance. Saasha had told him already that Joshua lived on the third floor. Acting in such a way was possibly due to the fact that he was always tended to. Well, in regards to living situations, that is. All in all, he seemed to be slightly happier here already. It was a silly notion, but it still gave Alex a bit of closure in his own feelings.

"Oh, so those aren't for show." A coy tone was put into Alex's words with a smile. He tried to lighten to formal atmosphere, not knowing if that's how Joshua actually was or not. However, Alex responded to Joshua's words with an energetic nod. He did want to make his stay here any less of a burden if at all possible, so he was eager to talk with Saasha about that. Whether or not they shared chores, Alex decided he would do them himself.

He was always tended to, yet he had always wanted to try to do things for himself. Even though up until recently he did live on his own for a short period of time, there was always at least one person that would come to check on him. It was a daily thing. He always wanted to just chase them out, but fought back the urge. He knew that doing so would cause trouble for his friends. Well, not directly, but they would still be worried about him. Doing that, might have just caused his entire bloodline to hunt him down and kill him.

"Yeah, let's go! Oh and mine are!"[/b]

[Saasha]

Joshua chuckled and started off with all the grace that became him. "Interesting man, this one. Might have to get better relations with him after all," he thought as he placed the unoccupied hand in his pocket. but that would come after he was assured that the man would not be competition. Upon reaching the top of the stair he took a single leap over the side, never slowing his pace in the least. In fact it appeared as if he hadn't even moved upward. His feet hit the ground noiselessly and he slowed his pace to wait for Alex to catch up. The den was only one room over but he still wished to be polite at least.

He entered the large room and was met by the scene of Saasha bent over the coffee table in between two soft, tan sofas that sat in the lowered center of the room. She was removing three glasses from a silver trey and onto the table, the rims and sides all frosted half-way down with a fine layer of silver and silver soldering embellishing the tops. Three silver pitchers sat awaiting use as well. She looked up and smiled at the feline, rising and leaving the tray to embrace him in welcome. He gave her cheek the smallest of flick of his tongue and removed himself from her arms with a smile to collapse on one of the sofas.

"I guess you two have already met. Excellent. It is just too bad the other house guest is not in currently. Melany. You might meet her later however. She is almost never home during the day but always returns at night." She rubbed her hands on the cloth on her arm then tossed it over her shoulder in finality. "Dinner is cooking and the drinks are ready. Please, help yourself!" She lighted the steep step and moved to the other side of the table, "Lemonade with fresh mint from the garden, Tea with herbs that I have picked myself, and good old cold iced water." Along with this there was also a small dish of lemon wedges on the trey.

[Morto Mente]

Alex followed in stride with Joshua to the den where Saasha awaited them. He couldn't help but again notice the craftsmanship of the manor. Everything was so elegant. It appeared to him as though this place was frozen in time. He continued into the den, still smiling as earnestly as he was just a few moments before. "Yes.. I wasn't really expecting him to have a human form."

Approaching the couches, Alex stood opposite of where Joshua sat as he spoke to Saasha. He stood relaxing on one leg and folded his arms. "Oh, there is a third that lives here? Well, I'll be sure to be as courteous to her as I have been."[/b] He paused to allow Saasha to continue. He smiled gently before speaking again. "I really do thank you for your kindness. As I told Joshua, that is the one thing that truly startled me about this world... How kind you two are really... Surprised me."[/b]

Alex quietly inhaled the smells of the liquids in each pitcher. He never really was a fan of lemonade, but he was always particular to tea. He graciously bent over and poured a little into one of the glassed on the table. He set down the pitcher and grasped the glass by the top with the tips of his fingers. His empty hand was placed on his hip as he stood straight. "Again, I thank you for tending to me.. however, I would like to make a request."[/b] Alex's voice became low. Almost filled with self pity. "Now, I do not know how things work around here between the three of you... however, I do not want my stay to be a burden. I lived a sheltered life... Not one of luxury. I do not intend for that to change. I would like to be able to tend to things around here to show my gratitude."[/b]

[Saasha]

Saasha sat by Joshua as he looped his arm around her shoulders. My he was courteous. "I would except that offer except that there is not much to be done around here. Melany takes it upon herself to do the laundry and dishes at night when she gets in, Joshua tends to the gardens and grounds, and I see to everything else. If you would like to assist us you may but there will not be a lot to do I am afraid. It is very good of you to offer, though."

She shifted a bit uncomfortably, but found that leaning with her forearms on her knees was the solution for the time being. It was time to get some explaining out of the way she supposed. "Now that things are somewhat settled and we have all met, would it be alright if I asked for your story? I remember what you told me in the town, but I have a feeling that there was more locked away then what was told. I understand if you do not wish to reveal anything further, however." She poured herself a glass of the sweet lemonade and a spare mint leaf that was sitting among the lemons.

Of course she would not fault him for not telling her more. If Ragnarok had anything to do with his being a descendant of Fenrir then she would not fault him in the least. Such a history must surely be a rough one. Either that or a very interesting one. Of course that last thought was due to the fact that her traveler's curiosity was beginning to show itself.

[Morto Mente]

Finally, the question Alex had wished there was no explanation for. This story was, at least to him, meaningless. As in he felt that there should have never been history to his blood. The concerned words reached his ears and mind, causing his eyes to become dismal. He wanted to avoid the question. But then again, he can't turn from their kindness and treat them that way. "Ah... that." Monotone words escaped his lips as he slowly sat opposite hosts.

"That's a strange story... It started back during the Old Norse era. There was many misfortunes back then. There were also gods. But as they say, nobody is immortal. It came to pass that one day there would be a great battle involving the gods. They themselves were even told of it. Among the gods, there was also a beast named Fenrir. He was the monster of the river Ván."[/b] His voice trailed off.

All he could see was blood. That was his curse. He could almost make out clear pictures and events of the past. Of Fenrir's past. "Fenrir is a son of Loki, a god, and is foretold to kill the god Odin during the events of Ragnarök... As history can justify, there was no Ragnarök. They never fought. However, Fenrir was tortured. He was a bit of a captive... I don't know much myself, however.. I do know my life was as his. I was born into my own family where the entire lineage lived. I don't know where it was exactly. Somewhere in Europe is all I know."[/b]

He took a few swallows of the cool tea in his glass. The reflection of his eyes were as cloudy as the tea. There is still some spite in his heart directed to his blood. Placing his glass on the table he sighed quietly. "As for me? Well... I was raised in a community of family. It wasn't a loving family. They treated all of us kids the same way. Testing us. One of us had to be the one... Haha.. It wasn't until I was 8 years old that everything changed. Some of my friends went missing in the forest, so I went after them."[/b] A coy smile grew on his face. He was feeling slightly nostalgic.

They were being attacked by a bear, so I went to help them. But before the bear could get to me... I had already transformed into a 5 foot tall wolf. I didn't kill the bear, I've never been any good and being cruel. However, I couldn't change back. My friends went to get the adults to help me, but instead gave me a life of solitude... I was still able to attended classes and learn what I needed to. After classes, and sometimes even through the whole night, I was being trained... Trained for Ragnarök."[/b]

His voice became hoarse with his last word. His slowly picked up his glass and finished the remaining tea. Alex had to come back to reality to realize where he was. His eyes regained their life and energy as he put on a grin. "You sure do know how to pick tea!"[/b] His exclaimed words were a little louder than they really needed to be. He just tried to push out of of the tension he felt.

[Saasha]

With solemn features, the wolf and the feline listened to Alex's story- a sorrowful tale indeed. To have gone through all of that history and all of the pain it must have cause him... Saasha's eyes turned soft as she listened. Funny enough, his story bore many similarities to her own. And Joshua's for that matter. If anything, the story helped to reaffirm her suspicious about his ambitions and confirm that he was indeed a wise choice of tenet.

"I hope this place becomes a safe haven for you. To be preparing for Ragnarok is a grim and dismal path to walk for certain, but it might very well be safe to assume that here that is a path you no longer have to walk if you do not wish to." She had already told him of the fact that there was really no way for him to get back home anyhow. But would that mean his world was doomed without him? Either way, there was more bad news to come... two items had yet to be discussed. Although she would rather not dampen his attempts at reestablishing his good mood, he had to be informed for his own benefit.

"My home is your home, Alex. The doors shall always be open to you. But-" Here she paused, unsure of whether or not to reveal who he was residing with. After all, although she didn't want to raise alarm, and he was possibly not that easily surprised anymore, she hoped that the stereotypes would not come into play. "There are a few things that you must be made aware of. You are obviously aware of the supernatural yes? Tell me, what do you think of demons?"

[Morto Mente]

Alex nodded at Saasha and thanked her for allowing him to stay. A place that was an open, welcoming home was something Alex could never have dreamed of. As unfamiliar of a feeling it was, it made him happy. He smiled gently and poured another full glass of tea and scooted himself up on the sofa. Taking a few swallows from the glass he set it down and rested his other elbow on his left knee when Saasha spoke of demons. His right arm hadn't moved from the glass on the table.

"Supernatural? Demons? Those things are just fairy t-..." He felt foolish. Scoffing at his own ignorance, he placed his once frozen arm on his other knee and laughed through his nose. "That was stupid.. I apologize.. I shouldn't be so ignorant and naive. I know of demons, yes... however I have never encountered one... I suppose we could be classified as demons ourselves, huh?"

Alex's last few words were oddly cheery. His eyes fixated on the tea in his glass while grinning brightly. He lacked the melancholic atmosphere he had earlier. To him, it seemed best to allow his past to remain exactly that. He had new vows that he proclaimed to himself after arriving at Hunter's Manor, whether he spoke them aloud or not.

[Saasha]

Saasha shook her head slowly when he was done, "No, you are not." Her tone stayed rather light but it told of an underlying seriousness that was to be listened to. "There are many dangers in this world. Perhaps more than in your own even. Humans are not at the top of the hunter/ prey list here. Vampires, demons, demi-gods, witches, and many other species reside here as well. But although not all of them follow their vile stereotypes, they are still to be treated with caution. As we speak there is a war going on for control of this world. A demon army being the most prominent threat..."

Saasha swirled the contents of her glass idly, staring into the pale yellow liquid for a moment. Perhaps it would be best to simply be blunt. She lifted her blood-brown eyes to meet his blue ones, "No you are not a demon. But I am."

[Morto Mente]

Alex's smile never left his face as Saasha explained the struggle of Genesis. The power struggle consisting of demons, the way the creatures of the world are not what their race claims to be. As it stands, these matters didn't mean anything to Alex. His future is what he would make it. Nothing will change his resolve.

It wasn't until Saasha's last statement that Alex hadn't changed his facade. Her remark of him not being a demon seemed to catch him off guard. He snapped his eyes to hers. His expression was a little hard to read, but he was surely surprised. "I'm.. not? But... I'm not human..."

Alex's mind returned to his family and their blood line. They are certainly not of human descent. This subject was something that Alex practically knew nothing about. "So... then, what am I? My family is descendants of a beast that is the son of a god... I know I'm not a god. That confuses me."