<![CDATA[The First Age - Residential, Estates & Hospitality]]>

<![CDATA[The First Age - Residential, Estates & Hospitality]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/ Sat, 02 May 2026 01:57:09 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Searching (Radiance)]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1938.html Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:10:29 +0000 Olivier de Volthström]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1938.html
He pulled out his computer and began to browse the web. Olivier was looking for something new to do. His typical marks were fine and were already funding many projects. He couldn't explain it. There was something that just drew him to take what unethical wealthy corporations didn't need and give it to the ones they hurt. There was the thrill of risk added with the joy of helping those who truly needed it. Part of him disliked the anonymity, even as he understood it.

It was mostly the same stuff. He noticed that Kael Vayron, an archery rival was throwing some shade at him in the public sphere. He was saying his immense success was due to him being a Volthstrom. His PR team would take care of it. There was nothing to worry about there. He was just mad because he was going to lose in the upcoming tournament. But there was a post that caught his eye. The poster had sent a few out. It wasn't a name he was aware of. Whoever it was was likely new. But the post spoke of bravery. He opened his messaging and sent a message to the poster, encrypting it of course.

Olivier spent a few more hours in his room before heading downstairs to the bar. He was tempted to send Carter, his cousin, a message to see if he wanted to get together. They at least got along. Of course he didn't know how much Olivier argued with his parents. They hadn't spoken for awhile, but Olivier wasn't looking for any specific company tonight. He just wanted a few drinks before he turned in for the night.

The bar as pretty high class. He expected no less at Radiance. He went to the bar and took a seat. "A Negroni, please," he asked the bartender. The bartender brought his drink and he took a sip. He'd play it by ear. Maybe he'd socialize, maybe he'd message Carter, or maybe he'd just have a few drinks and then turn in.]]> <![CDATA[Checking In]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1906.html Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:46:25 +0000 Cruz]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1906.html
But Cruz wanted to know how Rachel was doing. He could ask Emily, though he was pretty sure that she would blow him off. And Rachel well, that could happen too, but better to go to the source.

She would still be pissed at him for the things he did, but he still cared. Still wanted to make sure she was alright. So he popped off a text to her.

I heard about what happened. I'm just checking in to see how you are doing? I know we aren't together but I still care about you. Want to make sure you are still okay. Maybe we could need for a coffee and talk?]]>
But Cruz wanted to know how Rachel was doing. He could ask Emily, though he was pretty sure that she would blow him off. And Rachel well, that could happen too, but better to go to the source.

She would still be pissed at him for the things he did, but he still cared. Still wanted to make sure she was alright. So he popped off a text to her.

I heard about what happened. I'm just checking in to see how you are doing? I know we aren't together but I still care about you. Want to make sure you are still okay. Maybe we could need for a coffee and talk?]]> <![CDATA[A Christmas Carol [Shale House]]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1870.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:16:42 +0000 Emily Shale-Vanders]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1870.html
Rachel was lying down in her bed. Jared and Mara had gone out into the city for the night. They had all thought it would be easier for Rachel tonight with less people here. Then, at least, Rachel wouldn't be overwhelmed. The sickness she was experiencing wasn't worrying her tonight. It was Rachel - because she wasn't getting better. Emily didn't think it was because of what happened with the sentient. It was because Rachel wasn't trying to fight it anymore. Maybe that was exacerbating things. Emily didn't know. Emily didn't care. She just wanted her sister back. Then Emily had heard the rumors and whispers. She followed them and found they were true, and it led to tonight: Christmas Eve.

Emily finished emptying the contents of her stomach and began to wash her hands, hoping that was it for the vomiting for tonight. Emily looked in the mirror. She wore no makeup tonight. She never needed much of it to begin with, but without it, she couldn't hide the flushing of her face from throwing up or the way her eyes looked tired. She hadn't had the energy to even pick a "nice" outfit to wear and wore simply a pair of jeans and a light blue t-shirt. As Emily looked at herself, she felt like she was seeing a woman who had tried to be strong for so long and was on the verge of snapping. That made sense because it was true.

Emily was pulled from her thoughts from the ring of the doorbell. She could have used her wallet to see who was at her door, but she didn't need to. She knew who it was. It could only be one person. Emily felt her breath hitch as she left the bathroom. She paused outside of Rachel's bedroom for a second, hoping that this worked. If it didn't, she would know what she would do.

Emily took a calming breath as she headed downstairs, wishing she had time to get a drink of water before answering the door. The breath was unhelpful. As she neared the door, her nerves began to take over and her anxiety grew heavier. She reached for the knob and opened the door to see her guest. "Hi," she said, her voice quiet. "Ummm...please...come on in."

Emily found it hard to look him in the eye, so her gaze was downcast. Emily stepped aside so her guest could enter the home unimposed, waiting for him to enter before shutting it behind him.]]>
Rachel was lying down in her bed. Jared and Mara had gone out into the city for the night. They had all thought it would be easier for Rachel tonight with less people here. Then, at least, Rachel wouldn't be overwhelmed. The sickness she was experiencing wasn't worrying her tonight. It was Rachel - because she wasn't getting better. Emily didn't think it was because of what happened with the sentient. It was because Rachel wasn't trying to fight it anymore. Maybe that was exacerbating things. Emily didn't know. Emily didn't care. She just wanted her sister back. Then Emily had heard the rumors and whispers. She followed them and found they were true, and it led to tonight: Christmas Eve.

Emily finished emptying the contents of her stomach and began to wash her hands, hoping that was it for the vomiting for tonight. Emily looked in the mirror. She wore no makeup tonight. She never needed much of it to begin with, but without it, she couldn't hide the flushing of her face from throwing up or the way her eyes looked tired. She hadn't had the energy to even pick a "nice" outfit to wear and wore simply a pair of jeans and a light blue t-shirt. As Emily looked at herself, she felt like she was seeing a woman who had tried to be strong for so long and was on the verge of snapping. That made sense because it was true.

Emily was pulled from her thoughts from the ring of the doorbell. She could have used her wallet to see who was at her door, but she didn't need to. She knew who it was. It could only be one person. Emily felt her breath hitch as she left the bathroom. She paused outside of Rachel's bedroom for a second, hoping that this worked. If it didn't, she would know what she would do.

Emily took a calming breath as she headed downstairs, wishing she had time to get a drink of water before answering the door. The breath was unhelpful. As she neared the door, her nerves began to take over and her anxiety grew heavier. She reached for the knob and opened the door to see her guest. "Hi," she said, her voice quiet. "Ummm...please...come on in."

Emily found it hard to look him in the eye, so her gaze was downcast. Emily stepped aside so her guest could enter the home unimposed, waiting for him to enter before shutting it behind him.]]> <![CDATA[Healing a Headache]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1869.html Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:54:34 +0000 Xander]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1869.html
There was no telling what might happen.

They pulled up to Jensen’s building and Kristian paid the driver sliding out after his new friend. It was a nice place. Better than living in a hotel. But that was part of the whole gig. Xander had places all over the city.

Scandle had desired career. That wasn’t what Xander wanted to do. So he didn’t give the driver any ideas
though he would have if things were different. But Kristian was not looking for scandle.

Kristian followed Jensen through the lobby and to the elevator. He was grateful that he was willing to try. Xander had seen strange things but still he wondered if it would work at all.

In the elevator Kristian stirs to the side space between them, “well then maybe just dinner or a drink, not payment or a bribe?”]]>
There was no telling what might happen.

They pulled up to Jensen’s building and Kristian paid the driver sliding out after his new friend. It was a nice place. Better than living in a hotel. But that was part of the whole gig. Xander had places all over the city.

Scandle had desired career. That wasn’t what Xander wanted to do. So he didn’t give the driver any ideas
though he would have if things were different. But Kristian was not looking for scandle.

Kristian followed Jensen through the lobby and to the elevator. He was grateful that he was willing to try. Xander had seen strange things but still he wondered if it would work at all.

In the elevator Kristian stirs to the side space between them, “well then maybe just dinner or a drink, not payment or a bribe?”]]> <![CDATA[No Giving Up [Shale House]]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1867.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:02:02 +0000 Elyse]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1867.html
They were in Rachel’s room. It was where Rachel spent most of her time now if she couldn’t be convinced to go out. That was becoming more difficult to accomplish. Rachel had only left her bed to go to the bathroom, besides that, she had only moved to switch whatever side she was laying down on. Rachel hadn’t wanted to eat, but Elyse had been able to convince her to do so.

Rachel smelled of fear as she had since the beginning. Occasionally, Elyse would see her twitch or tremble. Living in a state of constant fear wasn’t good for your mental well-being. Fear activated the fight or flight response. At first, Rachel had been fighting pretty hard, but she was beginning to give in to the fear. She was running.

Elyse got up from the chair in the room and knelt down next to the bed. Rachel stared up at the ceiling. Rachel’s eyes that gleamed with emerald fire when she was happy, were dull and unfocused. ”Rachel, honey, you should get up. Maybe we can go on a walk or something,” Elyse said. What they did didn’t matter, Rachel just needed to move.

Rachel didn’t say anything. She had said very little since Elyse had arrived. After a few moments that felt like hours, Rachel shook her head no. Elyse looked down, uncertain of what to do. Some days were harder than others. Today was shaping up to be a difficult one. Elyse just wanted her friend to be better.

”Would you like me to leave? Tell me what you need, hon,” Elyse was scared to ask it, but decided to. She wouldn’t leave the house, but she would give Rachel space.

Rachel shook her head again and very quietly said, ”Please stay.”

That at least meant that she still hadn’t completely given up. Elyse got up and sat down on the bed, placing a comforting hand on Rachel’s shoulder. She would be here for her friend.]]>
They were in Rachel’s room. It was where Rachel spent most of her time now if she couldn’t be convinced to go out. That was becoming more difficult to accomplish. Rachel had only left her bed to go to the bathroom, besides that, she had only moved to switch whatever side she was laying down on. Rachel hadn’t wanted to eat, but Elyse had been able to convince her to do so.

Rachel smelled of fear as she had since the beginning. Occasionally, Elyse would see her twitch or tremble. Living in a state of constant fear wasn’t good for your mental well-being. Fear activated the fight or flight response. At first, Rachel had been fighting pretty hard, but she was beginning to give in to the fear. She was running.

Elyse got up from the chair in the room and knelt down next to the bed. Rachel stared up at the ceiling. Rachel’s eyes that gleamed with emerald fire when she was happy, were dull and unfocused. ”Rachel, honey, you should get up. Maybe we can go on a walk or something,” Elyse said. What they did didn’t matter, Rachel just needed to move.

Rachel didn’t say anything. She had said very little since Elyse had arrived. After a few moments that felt like hours, Rachel shook her head no. Elyse looked down, uncertain of what to do. Some days were harder than others. Today was shaping up to be a difficult one. Elyse just wanted her friend to be better.

”Would you like me to leave? Tell me what you need, hon,” Elyse was scared to ask it, but decided to. She wouldn’t leave the house, but she would give Rachel space.

Rachel shook her head again and very quietly said, ”Please stay.”

That at least meant that she still hadn’t completely given up. Elyse got up and sat down on the bed, placing a comforting hand on Rachel’s shoulder. She would be here for her friend.]]> <![CDATA[The Winter Table]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1862.html Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:03:38 +0000 Zixin Kao]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1862.html
From the glass-walled penthouse of the Radiance Hotel, the skyline glittered like a constellation trapped beneath ice. Below, the boulevards of Moscow’s wealthiest district stretched clean and quiet, gleaming with salt and privilege. Up here, forty-one floors above consequence, the city felt almost tame.

Zixin adjusted the cuffs of his ink-black coat. The wool was a whisper of luxury against the charcoal collar beneath. No gold. No ornament. He didn’t need symbols. He was the symbol.

The suite had been stripped of Adrian Kane’s usual decadence. In its place: austerity. A long table of black-stained walnut bisected the room, framed by the icy glow of the windows and the low, ambient hush of a city kept far away. No waiters. No music. No distractions. Even the hotel staff had been cycled off the floor for the evening, replaced by trusted faces whose tongues were already bought.

This was not a party. This was not a negotiation. This was a claim.

A gentleman’s understanding had gone out through the channels: neutrality. No weapons. No retaliation. No blood on Radiance floors. Not tonight. Adrian’s hotel was considered neutral ground now, and no one had reason to test the boundaries yet. Still, eyes would watch from the corners, security swept and reswept. Adrian promised he would ensured it.

There would be seats at the table for the players: the Yakuza captain, likely first to arrive. Punctuality was as much ritual as reputation. The Russians would likely arrive fashionably late - though it remained to be seen whether the Stoyas, Petrovich's, or Vasilev's would arrive first. Adrian, of course, was already here. Always watching. He was both host and observer, in the way predators sometimes pretended to be idle.

Ryker would come when it amused him.

And then there was Ozymandias and Alistair. Wild cards in every way, especially allure. Zixin didn’t need their endorsement, but their presence would serve as a quiet reminder of the game already in motion.

Beyond the table, Adrian had arranged standing space around the edges of the room. A gallery for lieutenants, enforcers, middle-men. Those too important to be absent, but not important enough to speak. Besides, each party was unlikely to arrive unaccompanied. They would hover like shadows, eyes fixed on the table, ears hungry.

Zixin didn’t pace. He didn’t fidget. There was no need. The room already answered to him. And the city. If it didn’t yet, it would.

This wasn’t about violence. This was about inevitability. When they arrived, he would already be seated at the head of the table.]]>
From the glass-walled penthouse of the Radiance Hotel, the skyline glittered like a constellation trapped beneath ice. Below, the boulevards of Moscow’s wealthiest district stretched clean and quiet, gleaming with salt and privilege. Up here, forty-one floors above consequence, the city felt almost tame.

Zixin adjusted the cuffs of his ink-black coat. The wool was a whisper of luxury against the charcoal collar beneath. No gold. No ornament. He didn’t need symbols. He was the symbol.

The suite had been stripped of Adrian Kane’s usual decadence. In its place: austerity. A long table of black-stained walnut bisected the room, framed by the icy glow of the windows and the low, ambient hush of a city kept far away. No waiters. No music. No distractions. Even the hotel staff had been cycled off the floor for the evening, replaced by trusted faces whose tongues were already bought.

This was not a party. This was not a negotiation. This was a claim.

A gentleman’s understanding had gone out through the channels: neutrality. No weapons. No retaliation. No blood on Radiance floors. Not tonight. Adrian’s hotel was considered neutral ground now, and no one had reason to test the boundaries yet. Still, eyes would watch from the corners, security swept and reswept. Adrian promised he would ensured it.

There would be seats at the table for the players: the Yakuza captain, likely first to arrive. Punctuality was as much ritual as reputation. The Russians would likely arrive fashionably late - though it remained to be seen whether the Stoyas, Petrovich's, or Vasilev's would arrive first. Adrian, of course, was already here. Always watching. He was both host and observer, in the way predators sometimes pretended to be idle.

Ryker would come when it amused him.

And then there was Ozymandias and Alistair. Wild cards in every way, especially allure. Zixin didn’t need their endorsement, but their presence would serve as a quiet reminder of the game already in motion.

Beyond the table, Adrian had arranged standing space around the edges of the room. A gallery for lieutenants, enforcers, middle-men. Those too important to be absent, but not important enough to speak. Besides, each party was unlikely to arrive unaccompanied. They would hover like shadows, eyes fixed on the table, ears hungry.

Zixin didn’t pace. He didn’t fidget. There was no need. The room already answered to him. And the city. If it didn’t yet, it would.

This wasn’t about violence. This was about inevitability. When they arrived, he would already be seated at the head of the table.]]> <![CDATA[Links [Shale House]]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1858.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:45:28 +0000 Emily Shale-Vanders]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1858.html
Emily went to her room and changed into her exercise clothes before going to their gym. She found Jared there, working through some martial arts movements slowly. He did that when he needed to calm down. Jared was good at hiding his emotions when he needed to, but he was also good at channeling them into something to relax them.

Emily needed something more physical. She went to the punching bag. Jared responded by moving, gripping the bag from the other side as she attacked it. There was nothing tactical about what she did. She just hit the bag - hard and repeatedly. It wasn't enough. She stopped as she began to sob and fell to the ground. The day had been too much. Way too much. Jared was there in a moment, holding her tight and she sobbed into his shoulder. Neither one spoke. Both of them knew that no words were necessary yet. The only thing she needed was to cry.

Emily finished and released Jared, wiping the tears from her eyes. "What happened at work?" Jared asked, going right to the heart of it. He knew what had happened with Rachel, but he knew it had to have been more than that to cause this reaction.

"Someone informed Moscow Police that there was a bomb threat at the building. We got everyone out okay, and they found nothing, but they have no certain date for when it will happen. They don't even know if it's true, but it's credible. They told me they couldn't tell me much more yet, but they're investigating. Staff is working from home as much as possible, and security is going to be increased at the building until we know what's going on. They say they'll keep me informed as much as possible. At least they're taking it seriously."

Jared nodded, and kept silent as she embraced him again. "I'm going to move on with Rachel's treatment...later tonight - I need to not think about these things for awhile." she said breaking the silence.

"I have a distraction. An experiment I want to try," Jared responded, pulling away and wiping tears from her eyes.

She chuckled and gave a wry grin. "Not until after the baby."

Jared chuckled. "Not that kind of experiment.

She laughed. It felt good to laugh. "Alright - what do you have in mind?"]]>
Emily went to her room and changed into her exercise clothes before going to their gym. She found Jared there, working through some martial arts movements slowly. He did that when he needed to calm down. Jared was good at hiding his emotions when he needed to, but he was also good at channeling them into something to relax them.

Emily needed something more physical. She went to the punching bag. Jared responded by moving, gripping the bag from the other side as she attacked it. There was nothing tactical about what she did. She just hit the bag - hard and repeatedly. It wasn't enough. She stopped as she began to sob and fell to the ground. The day had been too much. Way too much. Jared was there in a moment, holding her tight and she sobbed into his shoulder. Neither one spoke. Both of them knew that no words were necessary yet. The only thing she needed was to cry.

Emily finished and released Jared, wiping the tears from her eyes. "What happened at work?" Jared asked, going right to the heart of it. He knew what had happened with Rachel, but he knew it had to have been more than that to cause this reaction.

"Someone informed Moscow Police that there was a bomb threat at the building. We got everyone out okay, and they found nothing, but they have no certain date for when it will happen. They don't even know if it's true, but it's credible. They told me they couldn't tell me much more yet, but they're investigating. Staff is working from home as much as possible, and security is going to be increased at the building until we know what's going on. They say they'll keep me informed as much as possible. At least they're taking it seriously."

Jared nodded, and kept silent as she embraced him again. "I'm going to move on with Rachel's treatment...later tonight - I need to not think about these things for awhile." she said breaking the silence.

"I have a distraction. An experiment I want to try," Jared responded, pulling away and wiping tears from her eyes.

She chuckled and gave a wry grin. "Not until after the baby."

Jared chuckled. "Not that kind of experiment.

She laughed. It felt good to laugh. "Alright - what do you have in mind?"]]> <![CDATA[A Plan]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1829.html Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:35:41 +0000 Emily Shale-Vanders]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1829.html
It had taken Jared’s help to get her in and in her room and eventually they had got the ear bud in. They played the song on her wallet. Nox had given it to her. It was a song sung by the siren Ashton and it would calm Rachel’s emotions. Emily had been warned about using it too much, but now they needed it. They needed to go over what the plan was for their sister. Mara was openly crying as they sat outside of room and told the staff what had happened and what they had to do. It was going to be hard, but they all loved her and would all do what they could. The biggest was to show her love. Other than that, they’d have to work to get her brain to start regulating her emotions again. In time she would be fine, but it would be a hard road to get there. Check ins were going to be mandatory.

When they were all briefed l, Emily went back in to the room. She had noticed Mara ran to her own room and shut the door. The youngest sister was very upset by what she saw. Jared had followed and knocked on her door. He could handle it.

Rachel was laying down, her calm strange compared to the withdrawals she had before. ”Rachel, can you hear me?”

When Rachel indicated she could, Emily asked if her plan was okay. They knew Rachel might run away because she needed to find her dead attacker. One of the things Nox mentioned was a nano bot to track her. It would allow them to find her even if her wallet was left behind. Rachel was an adult though and she decided to ask - maybe against her better judgement. Rachel agreed to the choice.

It hurt for Emily to send the text to Nox saying that they wanted to do that. She only hoped that even if Rachel had it, she wouldn’t need it. Nox would tell her what to do from there]]>
It had taken Jared’s help to get her in and in her room and eventually they had got the ear bud in. They played the song on her wallet. Nox had given it to her. It was a song sung by the siren Ashton and it would calm Rachel’s emotions. Emily had been warned about using it too much, but now they needed it. They needed to go over what the plan was for their sister. Mara was openly crying as they sat outside of room and told the staff what had happened and what they had to do. It was going to be hard, but they all loved her and would all do what they could. The biggest was to show her love. Other than that, they’d have to work to get her brain to start regulating her emotions again. In time she would be fine, but it would be a hard road to get there. Check ins were going to be mandatory.

When they were all briefed l, Emily went back in to the room. She had noticed Mara ran to her own room and shut the door. The youngest sister was very upset by what she saw. Jared had followed and knocked on her door. He could handle it.

Rachel was laying down, her calm strange compared to the withdrawals she had before. ”Rachel, can you hear me?”

When Rachel indicated she could, Emily asked if her plan was okay. They knew Rachel might run away because she needed to find her dead attacker. One of the things Nox mentioned was a nano bot to track her. It would allow them to find her even if her wallet was left behind. Rachel was an adult though and she decided to ask - maybe against her better judgement. Rachel agreed to the choice.

It hurt for Emily to send the text to Nox saying that they wanted to do that. She only hoped that even if Rachel had it, she wouldn’t need it. Nox would tell her what to do from there]]> <![CDATA[He Will Do]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1795.html Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:56:32 +0000 Roza Vas]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1795.html
They just had to find the right one.

Roza looked around. So many choices.

There was a man at the far end of the bar -- alone, though he looked like he was waiting for someone. While that was doable, it might cause more problems down the line.

A woman at the opposite end of the bar could do, but she seemed to be eyeing the bartender so probably not a good match, even though it would work either way, Esper had that way about her.

Roza didn't care about willing, she cared about what was good for her and Esper -- they were all that mattered now. The Carnival be damned. Though the words did sting a little when she thought them. She tried not to miss home. She knew it was for the best. But now she had to find just the write mark.]]>
They just had to find the right one.

Roza looked around. So many choices.

There was a man at the far end of the bar -- alone, though he looked like he was waiting for someone. While that was doable, it might cause more problems down the line.

A woman at the opposite end of the bar could do, but she seemed to be eyeing the bartender so probably not a good match, even though it would work either way, Esper had that way about her.

Roza didn't care about willing, she cared about what was good for her and Esper -- they were all that mattered now. The Carnival be damned. Though the words did sting a little when she thought them. She tried not to miss home. She knew it was for the best. But now she had to find just the write mark.]]> <![CDATA[Second Chances]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1711.html Fri, 27 Dec 2024 14:22:28 +0000 Christian]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1711.html
"I thought you were asleep?"

Ana smiled. "I was, but I got a text from a boy who is apparently on American time right now and forgot the hour here in Moscow."

"Nox texted you?"

Ana nodded. "I thought it might be an emergency since he'd never text at night otherwise, but it's nothing so dire. He's safe, with Sage but he wanted my advice."

Christian raised his eyebrow. "Girl advice?" Nox didn't like girls, he was not that sort of gay man who was especially effeminate so it wasn't about make up or clothing. "From a motherly figure?"

Ana shook her head. "Well maybe. It's not exactly parenting advice he's looking for, though he has a doll of girl on his hip at the moment." Ana came close to Christian and he could smell her high end perfume she'd always used to lure him into the darkest closets of the house.

He hummed in appreciation and nuzzled her neck. "Are you trying to distract me?"

Ana laughed that knowing laugh and he was ready to take her up stairs but her wallet was held in front of them while she wrapped around his body. A picture of a tiny baby girl lying on Nox's lap. Couldn't be anyone else's legs, Christian knew those ripped jeans anywhere. Most people would think it was a fashion statement but Christian knew otherwise, he was just to unbothered to buy new ones unless they were unsalvageable because of monster ichor.

"Her name is Lily. She's the progeny of rape by monsters, the mother passed giving birth and Nox has taken on the guilty responsibility of raising her now."

"Ana, that's not guilt. He wants more. He's taking responsibility. He's growing up."

Ana nodded. "He took in a handful of other children, that are staying at his place in the Red Light District. There are a lot of displaced orphans and he can't take them all in. A lot of displaced people in general he says he wants to help. A whole church full of refugees. He asked me if I knew any foundations he could contact to set up an idea he had."

Christian laughed. "Growing up indeed. Did you tell him of your work in Madrid?"

Ana shook her head. "Not yet. He's having Sage compile his idea and send it to me. I will tell him of Second Chances after we've read his plan." Ana sighed. "How does the child who is most broken have a more full life than our child? I wish Cruz would see that he is more than Jivana or the Vega name."

"Cruz is finding his way for the first time in his life, Ana. He'll find his way. Nox has been finding his since he was 16 years old. And Sage, well his life hasn't been easy either. The three of them have their own challenges."

Ana laughed. "And Elyse too, she's working Kallisti too. Sometimes I think we should send Cruz there. The house of burlesque seems to be a far better learning environment than Moscow University."]]>
"I thought you were asleep?"

Ana smiled. "I was, but I got a text from a boy who is apparently on American time right now and forgot the hour here in Moscow."

"Nox texted you?"

Ana nodded. "I thought it might be an emergency since he'd never text at night otherwise, but it's nothing so dire. He's safe, with Sage but he wanted my advice."

Christian raised his eyebrow. "Girl advice?" Nox didn't like girls, he was not that sort of gay man who was especially effeminate so it wasn't about make up or clothing. "From a motherly figure?"

Ana shook her head. "Well maybe. It's not exactly parenting advice he's looking for, though he has a doll of girl on his hip at the moment." Ana came close to Christian and he could smell her high end perfume she'd always used to lure him into the darkest closets of the house.

He hummed in appreciation and nuzzled her neck. "Are you trying to distract me?"

Ana laughed that knowing laugh and he was ready to take her up stairs but her wallet was held in front of them while she wrapped around his body. A picture of a tiny baby girl lying on Nox's lap. Couldn't be anyone else's legs, Christian knew those ripped jeans anywhere. Most people would think it was a fashion statement but Christian knew otherwise, he was just to unbothered to buy new ones unless they were unsalvageable because of monster ichor.

"Her name is Lily. She's the progeny of rape by monsters, the mother passed giving birth and Nox has taken on the guilty responsibility of raising her now."

"Ana, that's not guilt. He wants more. He's taking responsibility. He's growing up."

Ana nodded. "He took in a handful of other children, that are staying at his place in the Red Light District. There are a lot of displaced orphans and he can't take them all in. A lot of displaced people in general he says he wants to help. A whole church full of refugees. He asked me if I knew any foundations he could contact to set up an idea he had."

Christian laughed. "Growing up indeed. Did you tell him of your work in Madrid?"

Ana shook her head. "Not yet. He's having Sage compile his idea and send it to me. I will tell him of Second Chances after we've read his plan." Ana sighed. "How does the child who is most broken have a more full life than our child? I wish Cruz would see that he is more than Jivana or the Vega name."

"Cruz is finding his way for the first time in his life, Ana. He'll find his way. Nox has been finding his since he was 16 years old. And Sage, well his life hasn't been easy either. The three of them have their own challenges."

Ana laughed. "And Elyse too, she's working Kallisti too. Sometimes I think we should send Cruz there. The house of burlesque seems to be a far better learning environment than Moscow University."]]> <![CDATA[What is this thing?]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1710.html Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:48:58 +0000 Zephyr]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1710.html
She should make a visit to Jaxen soon. But right now she wanted to tear him a new one and she couldn't exactly tell him he had a son, and that he'd been taken from them cause of some deal he made. When had he made it? It didn't matter, it was done.

And Jaxen still owed her a child. She sent him a text.

Meet up?

She didn't care when, or where, but she needed to give him ... she didn't know what but she had to see him. Angry sex was still good sex and probably he wouldn't even notice.

Zef picked up one device and held the cold metal in her hands, the gem staring up at her. "What the fuck are you?"]]>
She should make a visit to Jaxen soon. But right now she wanted to tear him a new one and she couldn't exactly tell him he had a son, and that he'd been taken from them cause of some deal he made. When had he made it? It didn't matter, it was done.

And Jaxen still owed her a child. She sent him a text.

Meet up?

She didn't care when, or where, but she needed to give him ... she didn't know what but she had to see him. Angry sex was still good sex and probably he wouldn't even notice.

Zef picked up one device and held the cold metal in her hands, the gem staring up at her. "What the fuck are you?"]]> <![CDATA[Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1567.html Mon, 01 Jan 2024 21:31:54 +0000 Sofia Vasilieva]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1567.html A cordial invitation to the 40th wedding anniversary celebration of Edita and Konstantin Vasiliev, a masked ball to be held at the Kuskovo Estate in Moscow
[Image: kuskovo.jpg]

If family was an empire, then marriage was the institution through which the Vasilievs boasted the iron strength of their blood. Few could claim such loyalty and longevity, a reminder publicly marked each year by the anniversary party thrown by Konstantin and Edita Vasiliev. It was a lavish and bold testament to wealth and power, and a clear reminder that the family wielded both, as well as being one of the most prestigious and anticipated events of the social calendar.

For this year's festivities, those on the exclusive guest list would be welcomed into the Kuskovo Estate, a country house casting its roots back to the 18th-century, one of the first great retreat residences of Russian nobility now subsumed into the eastern part of the city. Its extravagant riverside gardens and opulent interior would be open to guests’ exploration as the evening unfolded. Vasiliev affairs were never remiss on the entertainment, and this one lauded a mysterious air. The invitation described it as a masked ball.

Security was, of course, paramount. Paparazzi might catch glimpse of the cars which passed the grand gates, but not whom sat within them, unless by design or choice. Upon reaching the glittering reception hall, smartly attired servers circulated with champagne and canapés as the guests were greeted and welcomed by the Vasiliev children.]]> <![CDATA[Datsuzoku]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1499.html Sat, 15 Jul 2023 08:08:14 +0000 Eidolon]]> https://thefirstage.org/forums/thread-1499.html Failed Duties. Datsuzoku means a deviation from routine.]]

When she told him what she had agreed to, at first Kōta had blinked at her in surprise. But he found equilibrium quickly enough, processing quietly for several moments in which Eido sipped her tea and watched him across the table. After a moment he used his hashi to rudely point between mouthfuls. “Not what I meant by “living”, little sister.” But he grinned and shrugged after, and barraged her with his questions. Eido was circumspect with connecting the bridge between Zephyr and Kōta; at least until they could be sure that the trust was rightly placed. But otherwise she answered truthfully, and he accepted her judgement and the risk it posed, as she had been sure he would. Afterwards she asked some questions of her own, about the Syndicate and the man who had travelled from Singapore to lay claim to it here. Kōta answered readily enough with what he knew, and cautioned neutrality whilst the waves were churning up Moscow’s underworld. He gave her a look. But neither mentioned Kiyohito or his quest.

“I remember when you were a child, Hiro-chan. Small and delicate as a button, and too fearless for your own good. You followed wherever I went, whenever you could.” When he’d finished eating he moved away his bowl and leaned across the small space. Beneath the darkness of his close-cut beard a smile tweaked his lips. “But if I blinked and miraculously discovered you missing, it was always with the animals I knew to find you. Especially when there were babies.” He laughed a little and pushed himself to his feet, pausing to tousle her hair with his palm until it wisped like gossamer across her face. Eido gave him a withering look beneath it, but afterwards looked away and smiled quietly to herself at the annoying affection as she pushed the strands from her eyes.

“My name is Eidolon,” she corrected evenly, beginning to clear the table of their breakfast. “You picked it for me. You should use it.”

He only rumbled laughter. It was a well-worn argument between them, for he never used it when they were alone, and Eido never failed to insist. In her peripheral she heard him head towards the bathroom, stifling a yawn and rolling the shoulder joint of his injured arm. “I always wondered if you made your oaths because it was what you wanted, or if you were too busy setting your footsteps in mine you never even considered a different path. Just promise me you are looking where you are going now, Chihiro.”

Mornings were habitually spent alone. While Kōta slept, Eido roamed. Often it was work she searched for, but sometimes she only explored the city’s vast history. Many galleries and museums were free, and there was always something new to see, something new to feel. But today it was a library she visited, ensconced at a private desk with a table full of neatly stacked books. After consideration of what she might need she sent the list Zephyr had asked for, and agreed to share her birth name with a preference for meeting in person to do it. She could not say if it was the right decision, but the balance of scales in her soul saw no other recourse. For now she set aside exactly what she had agreed to make of herself, and the fear and disgust it tightened in her stomach. Instead she focused on why she had agreed to it. The books piled around were all from the maternity section, for what Eido chose to pledge of herself would not be by half-measures, and the life she owed to the woman who spared it when duty bade them both otherwise would be spent to the full. Eido knew plenty about whelping animals but little about assisting pregnancy or babies. She’d known since she was nineteen that she could have no children of her own, nor even nieces or nephews. The research made her melancholy, yet it set in her deep and determined roots too. It was the latter she focused upon.

Hours of quiet study followed. When one of the librarians passed by Eido naturally skirted her eyes from contact, but acknowledged the silent addition made to her book pile with a nod. When she later opened the offered volume, tucked discreetly into the cover was a pamphlet on a women’s refuge. For the graze on her cheek, or the startled wince when she’d reached for the shelves perhaps; neither of which Eido had considered might be observed. The concern made her uncomfortable. She was used to being invisible.

She tidied up soon after.

By now her brother would probably be awake. She could go back to the bar, wait for Zephyr to reply. But she found herself sitting on a park bench instead, collar pulled up against the changing weather, watching the lives stream obliviously around her.

In some ways it felt like waiting for the gallows.

Kōta’s words resonated, but only because there was no other path but their current purgatory. She did not know what shape her life might now take, or if she would feel safe enough to allow herself the freedoms she currently used to soothe her purposeless life. Perhaps duty would erode what little was left. It was a fair trade if some good came of it, she reasoned. Though as she watched the scenery around her, it wasn’t what she was thinking about now.

If Kōta had known anything he would have told her, and he had only shrugged when she’d asked if he believed Zixin Kao was a man of honour. Even the Yakuza are different here, Hiro, he’d warned her, and Eido had asked no more questions on the topic. It was where their lives diverged, and she did not wish to know about the criminal line her brother strode and where he drew his own moral lines. It was possible that Kiyohito and Haruto were both halfway back to Tokyo by now, and she considered whether she could just force herself to believe it. Kiyohito politely declined any further help. It was none of her business. But reason didn’t abate the pit in her stomach.

She distracted herself collecting groceries and perusing the open-air markets. As well as food, she replenished their low medical supplies, desiring to be prepared. Zephyr would probably have access to other resources, but Eido was accustomed to looking after both herself and her brother, and she enjoyed the mindless rhythm of the routine; to feel a part of the world’s flow, even if only for a moment. Amidst her wandering she was surprised to find a well-used, translated copy of Ningen Shikkaku on one of the stalls, and stared at it in her hands a long while before relenting to handing over the coins. It had been a long time since she had read it, a post-war classic back home. It would resonate differently now.

Eventually all her purchases were packed away neatly into cloth bags, both hanging over the hook of an arm. She was not overladen but felt the drag against her healing wound nonetheless when she adjusted to retrieve her phone and tap a message of her whereabouts to Kōta. She rarely took the metro, and wouldn’t today either. It wasn’t a short walk back, but it was not like Eido lacked time at her disposal. But it wasn’t the bar her feet took her first. Promise me you’re looking where you are going, Kōta had said to her. Yet sometimes it was easier to put one foot ahead of the other with eyes closed. And this was only a detour. A necessary closure.

The apartment block was dilapidated from outside, its walls flecked with rust and peeling flyers. The Korii-Kai owned Tokyo. They would not send one of their sons to Moscow so poorly furnished unless it was a task of disgrace, yet Kiyohito himself had seemed the furthest thing from the kind of dishonour she imagined the Yakuza might mete punishment for. Eido did not pull the card from her pocket as she climbed the five flights up. Her brother had already been gently snoring when she examined it at the kitchen counter this morning. The debt was insignificant, undeserved. Yet she did not like the feeling of scales left unbalanced.

If the stars aligned, he would not be here. He would have taken his brother home, whatever sins had first led them both to Moscow atoned for. Or the beginning step made at least. She knocked, and waited.]]> Failed Duties. Datsuzoku means a deviation from routine.]]

When she told him what she had agreed to, at first Kōta had blinked at her in surprise. But he found equilibrium quickly enough, processing quietly for several moments in which Eido sipped her tea and watched him across the table. After a moment he used his hashi to rudely point between mouthfuls. “Not what I meant by “living”, little sister.” But he grinned and shrugged after, and barraged her with his questions. Eido was circumspect with connecting the bridge between Zephyr and Kōta; at least until they could be sure that the trust was rightly placed. But otherwise she answered truthfully, and he accepted her judgement and the risk it posed, as she had been sure he would. Afterwards she asked some questions of her own, about the Syndicate and the man who had travelled from Singapore to lay claim to it here. Kōta answered readily enough with what he knew, and cautioned neutrality whilst the waves were churning up Moscow’s underworld. He gave her a look. But neither mentioned Kiyohito or his quest.

“I remember when you were a child, Hiro-chan. Small and delicate as a button, and too fearless for your own good. You followed wherever I went, whenever you could.” When he’d finished eating he moved away his bowl and leaned across the small space. Beneath the darkness of his close-cut beard a smile tweaked his lips. “But if I blinked and miraculously discovered you missing, it was always with the animals I knew to find you. Especially when there were babies.” He laughed a little and pushed himself to his feet, pausing to tousle her hair with his palm until it wisped like gossamer across her face. Eido gave him a withering look beneath it, but afterwards looked away and smiled quietly to herself at the annoying affection as she pushed the strands from her eyes.

“My name is Eidolon,” she corrected evenly, beginning to clear the table of their breakfast. “You picked it for me. You should use it.”

He only rumbled laughter. It was a well-worn argument between them, for he never used it when they were alone, and Eido never failed to insist. In her peripheral she heard him head towards the bathroom, stifling a yawn and rolling the shoulder joint of his injured arm. “I always wondered if you made your oaths because it was what you wanted, or if you were too busy setting your footsteps in mine you never even considered a different path. Just promise me you are looking where you are going now, Chihiro.”