It takes one to know one

A wise martial artist had once said that you do not truly know someone until you have fought them.

After having had his 'formal' introductions into the manor proper, Khalid had the pleasure of addressing Roderick, one of the aides of the head butler, apparently slightly nervous but a man that kept up a very well trained business-like demeanour.

As the butler talked Khalid through the night-to-night live of Clan Anantya in the manor, arrangements were made for Khalid's suite to be made in order. Roderick furthermore pointed out all the facilities the Manor - and the Manor grounds - had to offer. When he mentioned the training facilities in a separate building for weapons training, Khalid decided it was time to take inspiration from the words of the wise martial artist, before seeing Mai. He thanked Roderick for his time, left him the belongings that would need to go into his lodgings and with a brisk pace, left for the training facilities.

Once there, he looked around and the assassin was pleased and impressed. He expected no less from Clan Anantya, but it was pleasurable still to see that he could literally train with every weapon he had. A firing range, a gym, a dojo and even a small obstacle course and urban combat training room.

Figuring it had been too long since he had practised his martial arts, Khalid entered the dojo, waiting to see if some other Vampire would be there or would show up for sparring.

Khalid 10 years ago
Khalid was mostly silent when Amir was busy with his damaged protégé, only speaking up when the Elder asked where Ran had gotten the assassin, but in an absent minded, almost whispering manner.

"Both. Neck and shoulder. Minor discomfort in the former, limited movement in the latter. Nothing time will not fix."

It was interesting to see the two interact. To an extent, it reminded the Egyptian of a father and a son. And to be more exact, to an extent, Amir reminded Khalid of his own father.

The man had always been a Mortal and was long, long dusted and dead, but had influenced the assassin to become the Vampire he now was regardless. The 'gangland' of Cairo had been his father's kingdom and he had made it into Khalid's training grounds when the Egyptian had still been Mortal.

Rough, tough and tumble through danger, that was how it had been. Violence was a way of life, a method to get what one couldn't get in any other or honest way. Injuries were treated much like Amir was now treating Ran; just as violently and matter-of-factly as they often originated.

The second time Ran woke up, Khalid could see his leg was already improving and it didn't surprise the assassin he was feeling well enough to talk again. A nice battle, eh?


"Agreed. This was indeed a nice battle. It was a long time ago I had put in effort during sparring. Well done, ser."
Amir 10 years ago
Amir chuckled at Ran's comment about only bringing one Amir, and sat quietly, supporting his second youngest, as he drank. His eyes closed for the briefest of moments at the bite; pleasure flooded his body and he sighed very softly when Ran pulled away, looking better by the minute.

He did not offer any blood to Khalid. Amir was not in the habit of giving, particularly not when he already hunted far more than most vampires his age to keep himself sane. Hell, Ran couldn't even have expected it but Amir did have a soft spot for the blue-haired Islander.

He did, however, give Khalid a careful once-over with his eyes.
"There's a young woman down in the library at the moment. Her name is Sarah. She will offer to give you blood; I would take her up on it."

Sarah was one of the few humans wandering around the Manor who was unattached. Her owner had recently been killed and she'd come here looking for refuge. She needed another vampire to take her in; even Amir was almost move by her sadness and sense of loss. He was thinking about taking her himself; an easy meal was always a good thing to have around. She'd be happy to provide for Khalid if only to feel wanted for a few minutes.


"And since you haven't been challenged enough," Amir said, rising gracefully to his feet, "I think you and I should meet here tomorrow evening."

He looked down at Ran and then back to Khalid.
"You have damaged what is mine, and it is only fair I be allowed to fight for him, since I think there's a good chance he might be sore tomorrow. But this was good practice for him, and I thank you for taking care of him, Khalid al-Mufrid."

He gave a little bow, keeping his words and actions slightly formal since Ran's opponent seemed to prefer that. From the floor Ran growled, "Sparky."

Amir blinked down at Ran.
"Excuse me?"

Ran looked up at him. "He's Sparky."

Now completely confused, Amir looked back and forth between the two, then his gaze settled on Khalid again.
"You sure you just got him in the leg mostly? Not the head? Repeatedly?"

((ooc: Ran's words and actions with permission, obviously. Also, Sarah is just an NPC. Feel free to do with her as you will.))
Ran Iyala 10 years ago
Ran felt a little bit of happiness when Amir got all protective over him. That wasn't normal, that possessiveness, but Amir knew Ran was always eager to please and eager for approval. And Amir obviously approved of Ran's trying to better himself even if he got his ass kicked doing it.

And then Amir rattled off Sparky's name like he did it all the time. Ran's jaw fell open and he growled out his nickname for the man who hadn't so much as introduced himself. It created plenty of confusion, which was a pleasant side benefit, and Ran made a face at Amir behind his back when he asked about being hit in the head.


"He didn't hit me in the head enough for that," Ran said. "He's Sparky until... until... uh, until he isn't anymore."

Well so much for being a smooth talker. Surely there was plenty of leeway for being wounded and pathetic. After pounding each other around the dojo for who knows how long now, Ran would prefer to earn the guy's name, not learn it secondhand from Jackal-McKnowItAll.
Khalid 10 years ago
After hearing out Amir, Khalid started smiling. A rather honest smile, even. He genuinely liked pushing his limits - hence his hobbies being some extreme sports and whatnot - and fighting the Elder would certainly accomplish the pushing of his limits.

"I am afraid we were a little anxious to start sparring, so I had not yet formally introduced myself to Ran. I suppose he gave me the nickname of 'Sparky' for one reason or another - as it happens, I did not hit his head too often - at least, to my standards."

Contemplating about what to say next, the Egyptian was silent for a few moments.

"As far as your challenge goes, I will gladly accept it, Elder Amir. Nothing pleases me more than to face a consummate warrior. Thank you for the opportunity. And, also thank you for the tip. If the two of you will excuse me, I will be in the library..."

With the same polite bow he used earlier, Khalid indeed excused himself, turned around and started walking towards the exit, towards the main manor, in search of this "Sarah".

OC: I'll take the walk to the library in this thread, but I'll leave you two able to respond for a bit
Amir 10 years ago
Amir could sense Ran's frustration when Khalid responded, still not formally introducing himself. Damn, that just made him like the guy even more. Ran gave him so much shit on a regular basis, it was nice to meet someone who could give shit to Ran.

His challenge was accepted and Amir smiled. He would make it a good bout, that was certain. He nodded his head to Khalid, who left in search of Sarah, and said,
"Tomorrow evening then. Ten." Then he looked down at Ran.

"Sparky, huh?"

Ran groaned and hit the mat beneath him with his fist.


"Easy Kudzu. You couldn't have done too badly," Amir said, placating his frustrated offspring and pupil. He understood Ran; the younger vampire craved approval and hated to be caught in a failure. "He didn't look any too solid on his own feet."

Ran just sighed. Amir chuckled.
"Come on. Let's get you out of here and someplace more comfortable. Do you want me to call Mina for you?"

He didn't mind asking Ran's familiar to the Manor; if she was there for the purpose of feeding Ran it would be fine, and Amir would chaperone her to Ran's suite if need be. Taking care of Ran - it felt all right. Not an inconvenience. Amir always took care of those he turned. He bent, slid his arm around Ran's shoulders, and lifted him easily in spite of the other vampire having several inches on him. Ran hissed in pain and went white but he hobbled along well enough; no permanent damage had been done and he would be fine in an hour or two if not sooner.

In the meantime Amir had someone new to spar with. The guy had to be at least decent, and that made him glad. He could never get enough practice.


((ooc: we are assuming you meant to say Elder Amir up there, not Elder Ran. Ran would just get a big head if Khalid called him that. And while Amir is not actually an Elder he is, at least, an Ancient, and he says if Khalid wants to call him Elder he's just fine with it. It's respectful and such.))
Ran Iyala 10 years ago
Frustrated and sore, Ran was reduced to growling and muttering when Khalid left without the introduction he was hoping for. He didn't know why it mattered. Probably the same old reason as it always was with Ran; his pride. If he'd fought better, maybe... well, next time.

Amir didn't seem to think too badly of his presentation, though, and Ran took heart in that. If anyone was worth pleasing it was his Creator. He huffed a soft sigh and said,
"Maybe. Yeah, I guess," when Amir offered to call Mina for him.

That would be nice. A low-key evening recuperating. Mina's fiery, fresh blood and her slender, pixie-like body curled up next to him on his couch watching a movie. She would enjoy being at his home. He'd never brought her to the Manor before but he figured she should know how to get here and how to get around if need be.

He gratefully accepted Amir's help getting up; his legs was already getting better but it still didn't bear his weight. It was fine. Amir was more than capable of helping him limp along.

When they reached Ran's rooms and Amir had both helped him down to his couch with an ice pack on his knee and made a quick call to Mina with instructions to meet him at the front gate in twenty minutes, Ran was in a far better frame of mind. He really hadn't done that poorly. He'd work a little harder though. While it was unlikely he'd ever be caught unable to use his own abilities, the possibility could arise at some point. So he'd sharpen his skills.

As Amir left to go meet Mina and bring her to Ran's rooms Ran said,
"One more thing - make sure you kick Sparky's ass tomorrow."

Amir raised one eyebrow, looking amused, as if any other outcome were even remotely possible. Ran would have rolled his eyes at the man's ego, if it hadn't been well earned. Sparky had been good, but Ran had had his ass kicked by better, damn it!

"Planning to watch?" Amir asked, knowing how Ran operated.

Ran smirked.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he said.

Amir laughed softly and left the room.


((ooc: Ran and Amir out. Just post Khalid out when he's finished with Sarah and one of the staff will lock the thread for you. If you would like someone to play Sarah with Khalid, that can also be arranged. Or you can feel free to write her into Khalid's post yourself. ))
Khalid 10 years ago
On his way to the training complex just outside the manor, Khalid had spotted what he believed was the way to the library in the mansion itself proper. With the help of some of the personnel, who, surprisingly, were still out and about at this time of night, he actually managed to arrive there relatively speedy. The Egyptian had a good sense of direction, but that helped but a little on unknown terrain - or in an unknown building.

The Vampire was amused his next feeding would be in such a centre of learning. It took him back to his last days as a mortal; studying philosophy, history and the basics of warfare at Alamut. Since him turning in a Vampire, he had visited libraries less and less, keeping it to short visits for the information he sometimes needed to perform his hits.

This was a surprise to those who had some idea of what he could and couldn't do, what he did and didn't know. Khalid had kept up with the rise and development of technology, could use a computer well enough and knew that there was much information available on the internet, but he also didn't like the trail he left when using it. In some circumstances, going to a library, allowed him to keep a lower profile.

The musings kept him busy while walking through the aisles of the mansion's library. It was diversely stocked, as far as the assassin could tell, much to his surprise - or maybe not so. Vampires and obviously their Mortal servants as well, still needed leisure and reading a book, whether fact or fiction, was still a pleasurable pastime to some. Every now and then a new fiction book about those 'fictional creatures of the night' would spark amusement with the actual creatures of the night and would be a topic of conversation for a while.

It didn't take Khalid long to locate the woman that had to be Sarah. Approaching her, intentionally not walking as silently as he could as to not startle her, he put on the most kind posture he had; neutral interest.


"Sarah, I presume?"

OC: if one of the staff would be so kind as to play Sarah? I always enjoy talking to others more than talking to myself Some description of what she looks like and whatnot also welcome. I might want to take her on as 'mine'
Librarian 10 years ago
Although it wasn't the same as working in a public library, Sara had her hands full with the Manor's library. She loved it here though, she had her work to distract her from her recent loss. It gave her a sense of purpose. The collection was extensive and diverse and the number of people, vampire and human, who accessed the stacks on a daily basis was enough to keep her and her assistant on their toes. Some were quite adept at finding what they needed or wanted and she might not even see them but she was, of course, always happy to assist those who needed some guidance and ideas. Some times an MLS and constant exposure to publications new and old, trumped several centuries of life experience. Tonight it seemed some one needed help.

Sara was pretty, but in a rather plain Jane sort of way. Her light brown hair was long and thick, she typically wore it in a long braid that hang down her back, bright hazel eyes and a curvy athletic build that she worked hard to keep trim and just as hard to keep neatly and tastefully covered. So low neck lines or short skirts for her, she was always tasteful, appropriate and professionally attired. Tonight it was a black pencil skirt and a long sleeved white silk blouse with a classic string of pearls and low sensible black pumps.

Even with her arms full of books she stopped at the voice and the sound of her name. While Sara didn't claim to know everyone at the Manor, and people were always coming and going, she didn't think she'd met this man before. Still once anyone had been admitted to the property they were not to be questioned. Turning she smile very quietly, faintly.


"Yes sir, I'm Sara. How can I help you this evening?”

Out of habit she kept her voice down not wanting to disturb anyone else who might be in the library. She had a bit of an accent, a blend of genteel southern and upper class British as she'd been born in Savannah Georgia but gone to school at Cambridge.
Khalid 10 years ago
Contrary to popular believe, being dead didn't dull the senses. Quite the opposite, even - well, at least as long as it concerned Vampires. Plain corpses were obviously worse off, but the Undead gained much in the way of sensory perception from their 'condition'. Khalid wasn't aware of any formal scientific research on the matter, but he knew it to be true.

Mostly used during hunting, fighting and other forms of conflict, the assassin knew of other uses for his keen senses, as he appreciatively gazed Sara over. It was like admiring expensive paintings in a museum; you didn't have to be a painter to like them and though you know you probably can't take them home, you like them anyway.


"Madame, as much as I appreciate the books present in this library, I require your personal services. As I understand, you offer sustenance to Vampires?"

While talking, the Egyptian couldn't help himself and gazed her over a second time. It was something done almost involuntary. Mortal men did it all the time and immortal men didn't change much. Maybe Sara wasn't an expensive painting, but she was at least a nice piece of work.

Khalid concentrated again. He was a professional and expected himself to act as such - he wouldn't be caught acting like a stray dog chasing a piece of meat.
Librarian 10 years ago
Sara's breath caught for a second, he was certainly direct. Although she'd anticipated acting as a form of sustenance for one of the many vampires in the Manor very few had taken her up on the offer. That wasn't much of a surprise when you considered she was hardly a social butterfly whether human or vampire people could often over look the quite discreet librarian.

He was quite different from the man she'd been a familiar too. They were of a similar height but Roger had been very slim and had a scholarly and aristocratic air about him with blond hair and warm brown eyes. Sara still missed him a great deal, but offering her blood to others helped fill that void a bit.

Quietly setting the books down on a near by cart, Sara did almost everything quietly, she nodded. Being exceptionally methodical and meticulous she knew quite well when the last time someone had bitten her was and that there would be no issues if the dark man in front of her decided to take advantage of her.


"Yes, when I'm needed it is something I'm happy to do.”

Although, she wished she wished she hadn't worn a white shirt with a collar tonight. Unlike movie vampires the ones she'd encountered since meeting Roger were relatively considerate and usually tidy, still it wouldn't facilitate matters if he chose to bite her neck.

She was willing, but slightly apprehensive. It was a very intimate activity and she didn't even know his name. And while he'd been subtle it was impossible not to notice how he'd looked her over. It wasn't, however, her place to question him.


"Do you require such assistance?”
Khalid 10 years ago
Khalid was pleasantly surprised with the response of the mortal; it was rather to the point and pretty practical. Such things varied across the globe and from era to era and he guessed this was the best response so far, not counting the feedings at Alamut.

The assassin smiled briefly. Alamut, the ancient assassin stronghold. It was the last place he had visited a library at any length of time. Before the internet, it was the most important place to gather information; city maps, history of his marks, relevant data on any and all factors related to his missions, his contracts.

Nowadays, the internet and the ability to peruse it anonymously, had given him all the information gathering powers he needed. Somehow it felt fitting his next feeding would be in a place like this.


"I indeed require such assistance, madame. During my sparring just now, I was...injured, so, a feeding would not go amiss."

The Egyptian looked around him. It required some decorum to feed and this was rather...inappropriate.

"Is there a place where we can get some kind of privacy?"
Librarian 10 years ago
"I am sorry to hear that.”

Vampires could get rough when sparing. She'd seen it before. Apparently some of them took immortality as a reason to go at each other no holds barred even when practicing. Although she understood why, she didn't approve, but then again she was seeing all of this from the roll of a mortal.

Sara swallowed rather nervously. She didn't feel completely confidant in her position at The Manor, after all she was not attached to a vampire, but still she was not comfortable going into a dark room, with a stranger and she still didn't know his name. She wasn't certain if the clan would remove her if she refused the vampire in front of her or was perceived to be impertinent.


"Something can be arranged simply enough. I do apologize though, I didn't get your name.”

She didn't -need- his name and there were probably a fair number of humans who would let just any vampire bite them without question. Sara, however, had been a familiar, she'd had a relationship with a vampire. That and good old fashioned manners dictated, to her way of thinking, that names at least should be exchanged.

In case she should take the request amiss she attempted to soften it with a quiet smile.
Khalid 10 years ago
For a few seconds, Khalid just blinked. She required his name? Of course. That would make sense.

It was indeed in Alamut that the Egyptian last had access to serfs for feeding. They had never complained, no matter what the assassin had done, and after the great tragedy that had befallen the mountain stronghold, Khalid had started to habituate to feed on his targets - and they never had much in the way of complaints, either.

Now once more in a situation with serfs, he had assumed the same rules applied. In the back of his head, the assassin scowled at himself. 'Assumptions are the mother of all fuck-ups', as the saying went and he had assumed the same social rules applied within this mansion. Evidently they did not. And even though it made her nervous - the Egyptian being who he was, had noticed the nervous swallowing - she had mustered the courage to ask for his name.

That alone gave her a notch up on the assassin's respect scale.


"My apologies, madame, I forgot common courtesy. My name is Khalid al-Mufrid, a recent arrival."
Librarian 10 years ago
Sarah gave a little sigh of relief when he didn't take offense and simply answered. It would be easier if they had a rule book regarding this things, she was certain not all the servants cared who bit them or even if they were bitten too often. It was a highly enjoyable experience and could be come addictive, some one must keep track of those things though. She didn't think the clan would be so careless with their servants other humans out side of these grounds not of some use to the clan might not always fair so well. Sara knew that and it was part of the reason she'd come here to be useful rather than take her chances after she lost her vampire.

"A pleasure to meet you Mr. Mufrid."

She said with just a touch of understated humor, nothing disrespectful, just light amusement.

"There are some study alcoves here that should give us some privacy or we can take a walk. The Manor has a number of options, but it is up to you. You would know the state of your injuries and your need better than I would."

Her own preference would be for one of the alcoves. That would keep things basic and business like. Not that Sara was opposed to possibly going further with this vampire, but she would prefer to establish something of a relationship first.
Khalid 10 years ago
Taking a walk? This suggestion amused Khalid. Though it had crossed his mind seconds ago to take her on as his own personal aide, of sorts, that moment was, at the very least, weeks away. Walking in the pale blue moonlight was unnecessarily personal, mused the assassin - something for couples, not something for a more business-like proposition. Perhaps later on, when he required her company more often.

"Miss, one of these study alcoves will be just fine. Taking a walk is...unnecessary at the moment."

Vampires were capable of many strange feats and some were able to read minds, or so it was whispered. The Egyptian wasn't one of them and so it was unbeknownst to him he had spoken as if he had read her mind. At the other hand, it wasn't lost on him that this dance they had started would be seen as courting to some. Khalid didn't mind - he required sustenance and it would be nice to, for once, get it without having to kill the source of the blood, for it to be given freely.
Librarian 10 years ago
"Very good."

Sara nodded lightly pleased that Mr. Mufrid was practical about things and not inclined to presume that a bite automatically was an invitation to more. Although she'd only run into that once and it had been a very young vampire, he had physically still been in his teens and she discovered later had only been made within the year.

"If you'll give me just a moment. I'll just make sure we aren't disturbed."

She thought the library was empty, and the alcoves as well but vampires could be extremely discreet. It was entirely possible that someone could have slipped in without her notice. A quick but thorough inspection showed that although they weren't alone there was only one other occupant and they were quite engaged in their own studies for the time being.

Slightly nervous but doing her best to hide it she smiled faintly at the vampire in front of her.


"Right this way. I trust y'all will let me know if there is something specific you might require from me."

She blushed slightly. She must have been nervous for the 'y'all' to slip out, usually Sara was much more aware of that. But she didn't apologize for it as she lead him to the most secluded of the alcoves. Although she was quite happy to make herself available to the Manor's residents she didn't like to make a spectacle of herself.
Khalid 10 years ago
Khalid smiled as he followed the woman. Little by little he started to get to know her. She was still nervous - just like Sara was when the librarian had asked him his name. Maybe it hadn't only been that question that made her so. Maybe she was as new to the mansion as the Egyptian was - but with considerably less life experience. Or, well, unlife experience.

How this turn of events influenced her showed when all of a sudden she started to blush after telling him that if he'd need something specific, Khalid should speak up. The assassin was still quite Egyptian at heart and still didn't fully comprehend all the fuzz about slang and whatnot. Hence, he didn't understand why Sara blushed, but the blushing itself was a clear enough message.


"Madame, your blood will do just fine. I personally prefer to feed from the neck if at all possible, but if you prefer, your wrist will be fine."

Just then, they entered the alcove. Being made to study in, it incidentally was also a good place for feeding; studying and feeding had in common that they both required privacy and somewhat isolation of sights and sounds - both into and out of the alcove.

While looking around, the assassin took off his coat and tossed it into a corner. Obviously he didn't have it on while he was sparring, but for the trek back to the mansion and into the library, he had put it on again. While feeding and especially when he had the time for it, Khalid appreciated have a little bit more dexterity and the stiff jacket didn't help in that regard. Having assured it was safe, he turned to Sara.


"Well, what shall it be?"
Librarian 10 years ago
Sara's nerves were taught, but it wasn't all fear or even nervousness there was anticipation as well. Even if all she was going to be was be a bit of fish and chips to him, Mr. Mufrid was an attractive man and she had yet to experience a bite that was not pleasurable.

Watching him remove his jacket, Sara felt her heart rate increase. She did her best to still it and remain completely professional, undoubtedly a vampire would be able to hear a racing heat.

As business like as possible she undid the top three buttons of her perfectly white shirt. There was no need to take it off or be so common as to undo it to the navel and display herself and so Sara chose to keep some sense of decorum.


"The neck will be fine Mr. Mufrid. I trust you'll cover any dry cleaning if necessary."

She smiled quietly making it clear that she was not at all serious about the dry cleaning, it had been a joke. Occasionally she did make jokes when nervous, it was something she was working on but wasn't quite succeeding.

Sara took a small step forward and forced herself to relax, she was at his disposal to be moved, guided, however was most comfortable and convenient for him.


"At you pleasure."

And there was the last and most explicit permission she could give. Until he was satisfied Sara was his to do with as he pleased.

((OOC... complete movement rights for as long as he needs to get a snack!))
Khalid 9 years ago
Maybe this mansion and its serves weren't so different from what he was used to after all. That was the first thing Khalid thought when the woman said 'At your pleasure'. Feeding was always business, because it was a necessary part of his unlife, but as she said that, a smile curled around the assassin's lips.

Moving forward, stepping in closer, so he could cradle Sara in his arms, it wasn't lost on the Egyptian that this was very akin to the intimacies shared by couples across the world and across the ages. Only he didn't move in for a kiss, but he moved in for a bite.

While doing so, Khalid noticed all sorts of things. Had he been mortal, he probably would've noticed the librarian's body heat in a different way, but what stuck out to him, were the changes in her breathing, the trembling he picked up with his finely tuned Vampiric senses and the pounding of her heart, a war drum for her anxiety.

All other things equal, as serious as the man was, the assassin still had a sense of humour, still had the inclination to mix up the status quo. As such, as close as he was to Sara, he couldn't help himself and pulled her even closer, in an attempt to mimic a lover's moment even more.

It didn't last very long. Seconds after doing that, he careful bit in her neck, puncturing the artery with surgical precision, drinking his fill, careful not to spill even but a drop of the ruddy liquid. While drinking, he could feel his body respond - repairing damage where it could and helping the regenerative process along.

A few seconds more and he could feel Sara's legs buckle slightly and he stopped, long before she'd collapse. Khalid let her go and took a step back.


"Well. Here we are. Thank you very much, madame."