Fantasy Alexandria City [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

‘Something new.’

It was in the air of the café Polaris, the scents of fall heavy in the air, but paired with zest. A new flavor of cookies were on display, leaf-shaped and green, scented lime and basil. Another was besides it, a spiral pinwheel of pumpkin goodness, and another, of tart raspberry.

Teas and tea lattes steamed the air, as fairy lights glittered like rain drops in the windows, and under the counter. Mild rock streamed through the air, and cobwebs dangled over the ceiling – fake, of course, for the season that was upon them. It was the Friday before Halloween, and the parties were soon to be in full swing if they weren’t already as a gentle rain began to beat out a pattern on the sidewalk.

Soon, it would storm.

Perfect for watching horror movies, or partying inside.

It was enough to keep a smile on Videna’s pink lips as she brought out a matcha green tea latte to one of her regulars, and set a small oatmeal cookie on the side. A “thank you” was whispered from the girl with her nose in a book, and Videna just gave a small nod that likely went unnoticed, as she moved back towards the counter and took a glance at the clock. A half-hour longer before her own shift was up and she was free to go enjoy the sights.

And oh, the sights!

She knew there were going to be plentiful costumed people out there, she had already seen a few on their way to parties. Then there was a haunted house she was quite curious about, wondering what truly scared people these days. Those she’d spoken with said it was mostly jump scares, but there were a few good visuals.

She was hardly certain where she wanted to begin, in truth.

And she hadn’t fully decided on a costume, either. Dressing up as fairy was hardly going to be considered much of a costume. Videna knew she should have decided this much earlier than now, yet here she was, at the last minute as always.

The glass-and-wood doors of the café opened to allow a trio of students in, one she knew to be a werewolf, and the other two his human friends who tagged along with him, what they termed ‘ride or die’ friends. They were all regulars just as well, “Good evening,” she greeted them cheerfully and waved.

Ah, she couldn’t wait to get out of the uniform. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t comfy – the black button up, the black slacks, the black apron, it was all so…boring.

“Good evening.”
“Hey.”
“Good to see you – how have you been, Dina?”

The chorus of greetings reached her as they came to the counter, and she let her green eyes settle on Silvan, “I have been well. I still do not have a costume, though,” she confessed, “Are you three doing anything?”

“Tonight, yeah – tomorrow, we can’t,” Silvan offered. Tomorrow was a full moon. The wolf would be locked away, and their friends would be on duty to make sure they didn’t get out and cause any harm. The unfortunate fate of the wolf was the lack of control. “Tonight we’re going to hit up the community center party!”

Mina added, “And then we’re checking out the Darkness,” the haunted house. She sounded absolutely thrilled.

“I just wanted to go to the Dollhouse; I hear they’re throwing quite the party.” It was Erik who pouted, the wolf, and Mina groaned.

“I hate that place,” she folded her arms over her chest, “It’s just a place that sells sex.”

“They sell relationships. Fake ones, but…I don’t know, I think it might help.”

“More likely you’ll fall in love with the siren there.” Sylvan said, then noted another enter, “Ah, I guess we should hurry up and order,” he chuckled, and the three chimed out their orders, which Videna keyed into the cash register, before moving aside to make it, “One moment,” she addressed the newcomer, who’s face she didn’t immediately recognize.

That wasn’t too strange here, at least. She had plenty of regulars, but it wasn’t a small town.

Still, she could not help but think this blonde woman was the ‘something new’ she had felt in the air as she went about making the warm beverages for the trio so they could get on their way to enjoying their night.

~***~

The Dollhouse was the Host Club in town that catered to a variety of needs – needs of men, needs of women, needs of those who did not classify as either. There was an inherent need to connect with people, but it was not always so easy, and not always so timely. For those with money, the Dollhouse was that place to connect with others. In the college town of Alexandria, host to creatures and humans alike, they profited on the lonely with the marketing scheme that it would help people to make real connections.

Many came there after having no where else to turn, morale and confidence low. The Dollhouse could teach one how to love themselves again, through the love of the Dolls.

Well, at least, they would call it Love, and some, certainly, had a more caring nature.

Then, there was Carmilla – at least, that was her ‘Doll’ name, her Hostess name. She couldn’t recall how it felt to love. At that point, she wasn’t even sure she’d loved anyone – mother, father, brothers? No…she didn’t recall such powerful emotions. The only thing that really seemed to drive her any longer was hunger, the one thing that wouldn’t just leave her be. Were it not for that, she may have easily slipped away from others.

Oh, but she could act.

Figuring out what people wanted wasn’t difficult for her. She had a regular stream of patrons who came to her for just that. They were convinced she cared, and those ones she used for blood, now and then – it was how they felt ‘gratified’, how they were convinced they showed their own ‘love’.

It wasn’t that.

But she wouldn’t tell them as much, as she dressed for the night, the Pre-Halloween events. “Please tell me you’re not dressing up as a vampire.”

That question came from their Siren, who’s appetite was more demented than her own – well, not really, but most didn’t want to consider their innocent little winged beauty ate only flesh and blood, and raw, at that.

Ada Lovelace cast her red eyes back to take a look at the attire that the Siren was in. “You have dressed like an angel, and you would dare to tell me I cannot dress as a vampire?” The Siren played up the fact she had wings all too often, and was even known as Seraphina.

Honestly, no one was subtle here.

Their patrons weren’t looking for subtle.

“Technically speaking, I’m not an angel.”

“Whatever you say, Gabriella,” it was her current nickname for her. She’d long forgotten what Seraphina’s actual name was. She tended to forget most of them. It wasn’t terribly important. “For the record, no, I am not dressing up as a vampire.” She slipped on the strappy gold sandals, “Something else inspired me.”

Greek Goddess was slutty enough with enough slits in the long dress, and a low cut gown. The fact that the literal Hades had stepped into her life had been something she was not expecting in the least, and she likely should have questioned it more, but at this point? It felt like a waste of time.

Even if they were lying, they hadn’t asked anything much of her to truly be a bother. They were just new to the town – and not going by Hades. Didn’t even look like a man, and apparently, all those stories of Prosperina or Persephone, Kore, those were lies. Not that Ada was surprised.

She’d long ago any semblance of religious practices, letting her lares shrine go unrecognized for years. It was there, of course, in her home. Some habits died hard. But she hadn’t offered anything to it in quite a while.

The black gown was donned, and she easily styled her hair up, letting those black ringlets play around her face.

‘Soon.’ Only too soon would it all begin.

But first, apparently, she was going to have to deal with bad karaoke remixes of songs.

“Her skin is pale, her eyes are red
Her leaden voice commands the dead
To rise and stand beside their dreadful queen
No mortal power escapes her thrall.”

“Jesus Christ, what are they doing?” Seraphina asked, before she left the changing room to head into one of the main rooms. Ada was not long behind her, and it was no surprise at all for her to see the beloved nixie laid out on the counter with the microphone in his hand, for the amusement of all the others, singing away.

“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene,
Is risen to destroy the realms of man!”

“I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU SING THAT WHEN WE HAVE GUESTS HERE, I WILL FLAY YOU ALIVE, NIKOLAI!”

Nikolai cackled into his microphone as a cacophony of boos and pouts arose from the other employees, who tended to enjoy Nikolai’s antics. His easy confidence and playful energy was never a ruse; he had fans among the hosts and hostesses themselves, but Carmilla just shook her head in exasperation.

At least their boss had some sense. “FINE. I’LL JUST PLAY THRILLER ALL NIGHT! Killjoy.”

 

[MistahJ]

Throughout her travels Lila had witnessed some truly terrible places; towns struck by poverty, governed by misogynists and sociopaths but the college town Alexandria perhaps scared her more. Because here it was normal to be demented or cruel, she'd only been there one day and she'd already heard various students laughing about the creatures that lived among them as though they were of little concern. The kids didn't seem concerned by attacks from vampires or being torn to pieces from a werewolf, apparently that was part of the run of choosing such a place for their studies. What was worse was that in her youth, eighteen nineteen years old she too would have loved to live there. In amongst the damned, watching shapeshifters and pixies living without worry.

The town was baffling that was for sure. Lila had arrived the previous afternoon and had immediately checked into the lodge on the outskirts of the town, wanting to have some kind of neutral ground to retire to each night. The couple that owned the eight room building were friendly enough, the lady who had handed over her keys that taken Lila up the two flights of stairs and showed her to her room personally. Nice people. Seasonal people. The room was decorated shamelessly with fake cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, a toddler size skeleton propped up in the empty wardrobe and a Freddy Krueger glove sitting on top of her bed. It had made her laugh, even the most normal lodgings she could find were not untainted by the place itself. The room besides that was lovely and Lila could not complain; a wooden desk propped by the window to overlook the small garden outside, a four poster bed that looked straight out of Frankenstein with a fluffy pale blue duvet and pillows to match.

It was there Lila had spent the remainder of the afternoon, having abandoned the chair in favour of sitting on top of the desk instead to get the best view of the garden. Every so often a guest or one of the hosts would step out there, wander across the grass sheltered by large trees on every side but she never heard any noise. Nobody spoke out there, even when coming outside in pairs. It was an odd affair but no less peaceful. Despite the occasional distraction Lila knuckled down to gather her plan and review the information she had received so far. Her task was clear and the source she'd used was rarely wrong, she trusted him and after spending merely a few hours in the town she expected him to be right. There was nothing ordinary about Alexandria, even down to the iron gates by the train station or the sign that boasted Welcome to Alexandria - better the devil you know.

Eventually Lila had made it into the heart of the town to explore and Alexandria did not disappoint. It was decorated for Halloween from earth to sky and people bustled by even late into the night, with students and residents all moving confidently despite the October chill filling the air. Her evening was spent getting to know the locals, just making polite conversation and to her surprise it was a thoroughly simple task. The students there were friendly and hyped for the celebrations over the weekend, within a few hours Lila felt like she'd been there weeks. Late evening was spent in the red brick library, it was practically empty as most were off preparing for Halloween so she was able to find a corner with a beaten old couch and settle undisturbed, surrounded by tall aisles of fiction and town history alike. It felt safe there, hidden and peaceful, Lila was sad to leave it when closing time hit.

She felt bold enough to stop off at a bar on her way back to the lodge, that too was unsurprisingly decorated but what did surprise her was the staff were already in costume and serving halloween based drinks. She ordered a Van Helsing cocktail, double hennessy mixed with doctor pepper and just a splash of cherry sour and the young man behind the bar wearing fake fangs with a red satin cape chatted to her above the low thump of music while he made it. The bar filled up at ten o'clock, students coming in half dressed in costume and some already fully kitted out. She passed various slasher movie villains, two horned devils and at least fifteen vampires all with varying forms of commitment. What was certain was that none of them had dressed for the weather.

The next morning brought no headache but Lila did spend it by getting up early to go and purchase a costume. On the dance floor of the bar she'd learned to be titled Satans Hollow, hilariously named, Lila had gotten a recommendation from a sexy nurse complete with stethoscope. So she had ventured to Can I Get a Severed Hand? and spent an hour just browsing through the many costumes, for a tiny shop the rails were packed thick and already busy with last minute costume buyers. It seemed not everyone in the town was as well prepared for the upcoming holiday.

With a costume chosen Lila spent the majority of the day just exploring. Apparently Darkness was the big talk of the town, the local haunted house that managed to still scare thrill seekers year after year. Had Lila not already made Halloween plans she would have been certain to check it out, various students who had been the year before swore by the scare factor.

Her plans, however, were unmoving. There had only been one recommendation given to her by her source and that was The Dollhouse. A host club, a place for people to suspend their belief for a few hours in the hope that this would cure their loneliness. It seemed a very valid concept, save for the unsavory staff there.

Finally came the part of the day Lila had set aside her as her alone time, time to just reflect and prepare herself for whatever would follow from the weekend. She stepped into cafe Polaris and was hit by warmth and the scent of pumpkin, a flavour she really only tolerated during the Halloween month. Due to the cold she'd experienced the day before Lila had dressed in ripped black skinny jeans, yellow boots and a dark parka coat that concealed the further two layers she was wearing underneath. She pulled the yellow beanie off her head, stuffed it into her pocket and moved further into the cafe towards the counter.

Three people were already ordering and as she got closer Lila heard snippets of conversation. The word 'siren' caught her attention but her eyes remained unmoving from the selection of sweet treats on display, paying no outward attention except to hum some response to the acknowledgement from the young woman behind the counter. While the obvious students in front of her waited for their drinks, Lila reached for the hair tie around her wrist and pulled her long hair up into a messy bun to sit on the top of her head.

Once the trio in front of her had received their drinks and had begun moving off, Lila took a moment to allow the woman to regard her again. There wasn't any rush and she certainly wasn't going to spend her first official day appearing rude.

"Happy Halloween," She greeted with a wry grin, it was close enough at least. "Could I get a chai tea latte... and, one of those leaf shaped cookies? Thank you."

​

Every century came with a bit of a shake up, a new fascination to keep the gods occupied and the Goddess of the Underworld was no stranger to trying something new. When you were as old as time itself it was hard to find excitement most days, Hades had rather readily settled into the groove of keeping to herself for quite a number of years until something caught her off guard again.

Her shake up this century was Videna, the Goddess of Dreams. Hades had known her forever, of course, was more than familiar with her work throughout time but it was only recently that her perception had so thoroughly changed. She couldn't even pin point what had settled in her mind, what had clicked and connected so readily but something had caught her off guard and she'd been enchanted ever since.

So Hades had done the noble thing; she proposed Videna marry her. Truly, the goddess of the Underworld had thought it was quite a good offer. She was quite a catch, certainly not ashamed to admit it and she was willing to dedicate the rest of her days to making Videna eternally happy. What woman couldn't fall in love with that?

Videna, apparently. Maddening.

But Hades was not prepared to dwell on this, not even when the Deity anxiety had came to her in a panic to inform her that Videna had disappeared off to earth. It had taken some scouting to track the goddess to Alexandria but she'd managed it, Hades always did. So naturally she'd followed, as all heroines did when their love interest was showing reluctance and she'd been so incredibly patient. She hadn't even gone to Polaris yet, not while Videna had been on shift at least. Instead Hades was biding her time, giving that little bit of space Videna no doubt needed to clear her head. Hades doubted it would be long until she saw sense.

Her evening was due to be spent at The Dollhouse. It was the first time she was planning to actually go there as a guest, it wasn't her usual scene and Hades was rather opposed to appearing desperate enough to seek company from what she considered no better than actors but her mind had slowly been changed. It would be fun, a challenge while she worked out how best to approach Videna.

Within the Underworld Hades placed the final touches to her costume, it was quite an inspired look in her opinion. She had chosen to go old school; Hades hoped Carmilla would find it amusing when she found her. The look for the evening was Count Dracula. Knee length black boots, fitted black trousers, a clean high collared black shirt with a white waist coat over the top. Over the waist coat was a flowing black coat with attached a cape, Hades had refused to complete the Dracula look without one. She was a sucker for a stereotype, after all.

After a short debate with herself Hades decided the dark cravat was just the right amount of over-the-top, she grinned the entire time she tied it then stepped back to fiddle once again with her hair. She'd swept it all up, with just a few locks tumbling down around the side of her face. Being a shape shifter was beautiful for such an occasion; Hades managed to grow in an instant sharper cheek bones and a jaw she liked to think could cut a human. She also designed some fangs, pearly white and thoroughly unnecessary if she was being honest with herself.

With the look complete, Hades left the Underworld in an instant and reappeared at the entrance to The Dollhouse. A small queue had already formed, but Hades swept passed it with a look of indifference. The security on the door didn't question it, they'd no doubt seen a version of her around before or maybe were just smart enough to avoid a scene. Either way, gaining access was easy.

It would be an interesting night for sure, Hades was convinced of it.

 

[Lucyfer]

The young woman before her wanted just a chai latte, and one of the cookies. Chai was a fairly common order at this time, and Videna gave a nod, “Of course – and happy Halloween!” she returned easily, “Did you have a preference for size of the chai? And for here or to go?” That would determine the cup. They had plenty of glass and ceramic mugs for those who stayed.

She would wait for those clarifications, before totaling it up and taking one of the cookies out of the display and putting it on a napkin to hand to the stranger.

Then she would move along to begin preparing the beverage. Chai was, thankfully, quite easy – not that all the beverages weren’t by now, but the chai mixture itself was liquid, and splashed in with the milk meant she just had to steam them together rather than do any layering, or add in any espresso.

“Do you have plans for this Halloween?” She inquired. It was usually good small talk, and seemed safe enough to assume, based on the greeting. Perhaps it was only to cozy up inside with a warm drink, but it was still a relaxing plan that could be enjoyed.

As she was asking, another entered, this one a young man with messy black hair. Her replacement. Polaris never closed, one of the only cafes that didn’t, despite how many creatures preferred the night. Most of those creatures didn’t care about coffee – but even the students who took night classes needed their coffee and sugar rush.

Jack was rarely late, which was nice, but he was also rarely this early. Videna cast him a look, but he just shook his head, droplets of the rain scattering over the floor as he headed to the back to put on his uniform. Apparently, it was a story for later.

~***~

Only too soon did the Dollhouse start to open its doors, those with appointments always let in first before the trickle of others would come in. More than usual, this time – they hadn’t accepted many appointments on a holiday, preferring to make it into an event so they could gain new clientele without the pressure.

The Hosts would be more mobile, and more interactive, without appointments to hold them up, and so people could find one that fit their tastes easier – just with that cover fee, of course.

While ‘Vlad Dracula’ may have walked through security, the owner was not so impressed, having observed it all from the window that was her view to the outside. She arched a brow as they entered, “Impressive,” the comment came, indicating some acknowledgment of whatever power or glamor they held, “but the charge is still the same - $20 flat.” And then they expected to make up quite a bit on drinks and other things.

Perhaps there was some fortune to Carmilla passing by with a tray of clean glasses – for she paused and gave the figure a dull stare, before addressing the woman, “They’re with me – free pass this time.” Though it was not the appearance she had last seen Hades in, there was an unmistakable aura about them, a scent too familiar to be anything else.

“It’s coming from your pay.”

Carmilla just rolled her eyes – as if she had ever cared about that. She could make it rain and buy this club if she wanted it. Carmilla gestured Hades on after her, and into the ruckus that was one of the public rooms, already full of hosts and clientele alike, laughter and smiles brimming at the surface as Nikolai teased a shy boy into bright red hues and Seraphina serenaded another group, lounging on a table in a rather suggestive way.

Carmilla made a beeline for the bar first to pass on the cleaned glasses, “What are you doing here?” She asked, her tone catching the attention of the barkeep, who quickly shot a dirty look at her guest, assuming they must be something like a stalker or someone she knew outside.

They weren’t used to Carmilla’s ‘normal’ tone. They just knew her Host tone, and this one wasn’t so friendly as that.

 

[MistahJ]

"Just a regular thanks, to go will be fine."

While she did plan to spend time inside the cafe Lila preferred the take-away cups to mugs, she found it held the liquid at a better temperature and the preference had just stuck. She transferred the paper bag she was holding containing her costume to her other arm to reach for money from her coat pocket, realizing that she'd had plenty of time to be ready with the exact change if she'd been more prepared and had read the blackboard behind the counter carefully enough.

She took the small cookie with a smile, looking forward to settling down for a while before the night ahead took shape. There wasn't a solid in place for the evening, Lila had come to terms with the fact that things rarely worked according to plan when dealing with such interesting creatures. Vampires in particular were never easy to guess, some were surprisingly down to earth and still welcoming to new faces despite the long years they'd lived but others had grown tired of constant interaction. She'd once met a vampire that refused to speak until Giants were extinct; apparently there had been some kind of past trauma there but Lila had asked too many questions.

Lila handed the right money over to the woman as she returned with her drink and laughed slightly at the question, despite it being such an innocent one. She supposed it was common practice and most buzzing around town did seem to have plans in place for the holiday.

"Sort of, yes..." She nodded, appearing unsure. "I literally got here yesterday and so far all I've heard about is this placed called The Dollhouse?"

Lila cast a glance over her shoulder at the young man who had entered, then returned her focus quickly to the young woman. "Honestly I don't know if it'll be my thing," She was over-sharing, a rather freeing experience Lila loved when she got to play the role of 'new girl in town'. "And the closest I've come to solid directions is it's pretty far but it sounds fun. And it's Halloween, so I'm trying something new."

Lila grinned again, picking up her cup from the counter. "What about you? Don't tell me they've got you doing the night shift."

​

Hades chuckled lowly, appreciating that she had been caught out and seemingly by the highest ranking member of the staff. She'd fully intended to have a quiet, unproblematic evening but sometimes she just couldn't help herself. It was too easy to push her luck, but the goddess had no problem admitting when she was called out on the behavior.

She was even willing to pay but luckily Carmilla arrived at the right time and took the hit in her stride, barely even batting an eye at the loss of money from her pay. Hades doubted she needed pay, even from the little information she'd gleamed from the vampire so far.

Instead of trying push things too far she followed after Carmilla into the one of the rooms, immediately greeted to the sight of various parties in full swing. It seemed the hosts were already busy with patrons, entertaining and pleasing as usual. The guests all looked to be having a fantastic time and drinks poured freely, most tables looked to be sharing anyway.

The goddess stopped by the bar, throwing a truly sickeningly charming smile at the barkeep since she really did welcome drama whenever it appeared in front of her. "My first intention was to order a bottle of wine," She turned her head to the barkeep, significantly more polite in the tone she directed at him this time since he was the one that could easily refuse to give her anything. "Red, something French if you have it, expensive enough to keep up with the patrons already here."

It wasn't as though money came to her freely, Hades had to pull a certain amount of strings whenever she planned on an expensive night amongst the mortals but it could be done with enough planning. She'd been preparing for Halloween for a few months, even before Videna had left, there was always some kind of party to attend in the mortal world and the opportunity to dress up was too attractive to miss.

"Then hopefully there is a table spare." Hades tilted her head, doubting Carmilla really cared about her plans for the evening as long as she didn't interrupt her work. "It's Halloween. I like a change of scenery."

 

[Lucyfer]

The chai was brought over in a to-go cup, even though the blonde woman had settled a bit. It was not strange; plenty did prefer the to-go cup even if they meant to linger a while longer, or the whole time. There was always that ‘just in case’, and it was such a hassle to go up and ask for a to-go cup.

“Ah,” Videna nodded, “I have been hearing of its event, too,” after all, the werewolf had just come through, “They have quite the singer from what I hear, I have thought to ask if maybe she would like some part time work here. We like to have live music sometimes,” a siren was certain to draw a crowd.

They did so too easily.

She did give a nod, “It is a bit aways from here, I’m afraid. I believe they wanted to be a bit further from the campus to help keep out the underage,” anyone under 21 was not allowed in, just due to how the alcohol flowed so freely there. It would be only too easy to shut it down from such incidents – though she imagined they still happened.

“It is a Host Club. They tend to cater to offering…mm…experiences in relationships. If that is what you’re looking for, it may be fun,” she wouldn’t judge, the thought was an intriguing one, and they had such varied Hosts. “I hadn’t quite decided yet what I would do. I thought to just wander and see the lights and decorations, and costumes. There was also the Darkness, a haunted house here,” she noted. “Thankfully they’re not keeping me here all night, just a few more minutes, actually,” she laughed a bit at the good fortune.

With no new people entering, there was no reason to head back immediately to the cash register, and the stranger didn’t seem to have a book or phone to retreat into yet, or the desire to do so, “What brought you to Alexandria?”

~***~

The bartender was not usually spoken to directly by guests. The Hosts served as the intermediaries, since they took a cut of the upcharged drinks. He had to know who to apply that upcharge to, and so his brows raised a bit as the stranger as they spoke to him.

Carmilla added, “Oh, go ahead,” that night it would not go on anyone’s tab. It would all be divided up at the end, “Start a tab,” Carmilla wouldn’t be getting her out of further trouble; entrance was covered, but if Hades sought to drink? Well, she wasn’t about to find out how expensive that tab could run. Competing with a deity was a bad idea all around.

He gave a nod, “Right, I’ll just need some ID or a card,” he said as Carmilla already moved around him, seeking a French red that would fit that description. Not that she knew the difference from one to another, but she had learned from others, and soon enough found a deep Bordeaux wine.

With the bottle, she grabbed only one glass – hardly any reason to pretend she cared about wine – “Would you like this area, or one of the quieter ones?” Carmilla asked. While this was a more ‘open’ night, they still had to cater to guests who did not do so well in the louder areas. Carmilla had been there before bringing glasses back here.

Nikolai and Seraphina were quite good with this kind of group movement and entertainment, of flickering between others without truly shunning anyone and making each person feel important, or of keeping an entire group involved, even the quieter individuals. Carmilla could play on that field as well, but she knew her preferences.

Still, if Hades wished to remain here, she would certainly find a place – the needs of the client always came first, after all.

 

[MistahJ]

Prior to her chat with her source Lila had never heard of a 'host club' in her life, she'd expecting it to just be the usual night club that students frequented and if she were to be truthful she was rather intrigued by the whole experience. It wouldn't be a place she ever went to again, the plan was just to see if she could seek out the vampire and get a feel for how they interacted with the public. Then she could decide on how much of a treat the creature was and whether or not it was worth risking trouble for.

"A singer? Well I suppose I should go and find out what all the fuss is about." She liked live music, had attended various concerts throughout her time in college and halloween was the perfect excuse to celebrate. Lila hoped that even if she found the whole experience at the host club horrible she would at least find the music and the shared tab worthwhile.

Carefully, she set her cookie in the napkin down on the counter and placed the paper bag beside it. "I'm not really looking for anything in particular, to be honest. But it sounds fun, I try to say yes to everything at least once." This wasn't untrue, Lila did like to try things out of her comfort zone but she couldn't say going to a place that catered for the fake relationship experience would have ever been top of her list of things to try. It all seemed very... modern, she supposed.

"I've heard of that, the haunted house. I was actually hoping to go there tomorrow, so if you do go I'll have to catch you for your opinion on it." Also the truth, Lila liked to think she was fairly good when it came to horror and jump scares so she wanted to try and put that to the test. First she'd have to find a group to go with, she doubted she would ever be able to test the theory on her own just in case it really was too intense.

Lila smiled lightly, her eyes flickering to the clock just to double check the time. She'd have to get ready some time soon, it struck her that she might not have as much relaxation time as planned. "Lucky you, just in time for things to get truly spooky out there I hope." She joked.

Her reasoning for coming to the town varied depending on the place, Lila had a couple of stock answers saved up but she took her time with answering so she didn't appear too confident. Locals didn't tend to trust a newcomer that came in with too many ideals about what the place would offer. "I finished college in July so I kind of promised myself a few months off, I'm not too sure how long I'll stay here. Long enough to meet some cool people I'm hoping."

​

Carmilla seemed to be willing to humor her for the evening, Hades sensed this was the professional in her, but it eased her own mind to know that there was no need to worry. The host would go about her night like any other, entertaining her usual guests and meeting some new faces, Hades could fade into the background somewhere and watch as the mortals interacted.

They didn't have the worst idea, buying love and attention for an evening. Hades had been known to dabble in many forms of debauchery over her many years visiting earth, the people sitting around her were just enjoying themselves and since there was no upcoming marriage to speak of Hades wanted to do the same.

She reached inside the black coat and held up an ID card to the barkeep, the ID was a driving license for Margot Ryker, 31. It was Hades preferred form these days, the woman seemed to be attractive and young enough to hold attention but normal enough to avoid too many questions. When the barkeep seemed satisfied she placed the ID away, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

"Quieter, if you have any space." She was attempting to be genuine now, for her own piece of mind, because while Carmilla was doing her job Hades saw no reason to make it any harder for her. Not when she had just walked in off the streets, being too bold as usual without first reading the atmosphere around her.

Still, she hoped the host would be able to find a spot for her in one of quieter locations since the offer was still standing. The concept of a host club was still relatively new, Hades wanted to get a feel of the business before she waded in heels first. The reason she had arrived in Alexandria returned to her mind and Hades inwardly sighed; she wondered what Videna was getting up to for halloween.

 

[Lucyfer]

Videna nodded to confirm the singer was notable, not making the addition that the singer was notable due to being a siren. Whether or not their singing voice was truly grand was irrelevant when their magic was all in how they vocalized. Though, likely, they also had a great singing voice. It was just their fortune.

Who ever heard of a siren with a bad voice?

Though that might make for a cute children’s novel….

She drew the wandering thoughts back in; the conversation had moved on without her, and she managed a careful nod as a statement of trying new things was made. That should be encouraged, shouldn’t it? Of course. New things was how this world improved and remained fascinating. That was her realm entirely, new things. “If you need someone to go to the Darkness with, I could go,” she offered. “I am not sure I will get out to it tonight, and if you are so new here, I do not imagine you know many people just yet.”

Perhaps it was forward to offer. Perhaps the stranger didn’t like her. ‘Oh but she doesn’t even know you yet.’

“Oh!” She realized then, and laughed, “I didn’t even introduce myself before making that offer, did I? I’m Videna, and I am sorry, I did not think that through in the slightest. Congratulations on graduating, though. What was it you majored in? I have been thinking of going to school here, but I can never decide on what to pursue.”

“I keep telling you, botany,” that was Jack as he came striding back into the main area, more composed now in his all black uniform, “Or culinary things.”

“But I already do these things,” she countered, “I should go for something new.”

He scoffed at that, “That’s not the way to make money. What if you’re not good at it?”

“So?” She blinked up at him, almost innocently. Being good at it wasn’t the point. There wasn’t a single way to do anything – perhaps she’d discover something different along the way if she was an utter failure. Or teach someone else something.

Why be good at it when she could try it?

~***~

Carmilla moved away from the counter and around it, back to the side of Hades, “Follow me, Count,” a bit of play, as her persona slowly seeped back in. It was better to reflect on it, and try to figure what Hades would actually want, from this apparent whim. She would lead on a few steps, before Nikolai crossed their path.

Naturally, he was up to get more drinks for his own party, but he couldn’t help but pause to greet, “Now, where are you taking this beauty off to?” He looked over Hades shamelessly.

Carmilla stepped back to her, and shifted the glass to the same hand as the wine, balancing it by its stem as her hand mostly contained the bottle. She coiled her now-open arm around one of Hades’ own. Perhaps, not a preferable gesture, but all the same – she had wanted quiet, not playboy groupie affairs. Yet, anyways.

“I’m stealing her away,” she answered, “You have plenty of adoring fans to return to, I hardly thought you would mind if I took the best for myself.” She refrained from a tighter grip, or a light caress from her thumb on the other’s arm.

“Ha!” A sharp sound, amused, but not quite. Perhaps he scented the wealth from the selected wine. Either way, he would let it slide, “Well, if you get tired of this one, you can come back for me later,” he winked, before he sauntered on back to where the bartender was to get in his orders for his table.

It would let them pass on easily enough, out of the main ‘play room’ and into another, with dimmer lighting and softer conversations. Here the focus seemed to fall on one or two individuals at a time, rather than huge groups. There was a piano off to one side, and a violin near it, just as well. Many of them were musically inclined as an art to seduce, though others had learned to draw, or hone other, flattering skills to impress their clientele.

These were easier here, as candle light flickered alongside the electric ones.

In keeping with the theme, there were bowls of candy scattered around – and also bowls of fruits and chocolates, of course.

Carmilla gestured out with the hand holding the wine; there were a few open places, “Where would you like to be?”

 

[MistahJ]

The offer came as quite a surprise but a welcome one, Lila was slowly coming to realize that the residents of Alexandria as a whole were nice people. She hadn't had one bad experience so far, most likely the reason that there was never much bad press about the place. Everyone seemed to be there for the same reason or at least agreeing that the way they all lived was correct, the town was proving more intriguing than an awful place to spend her time.

She laughed softly at Videna's quick introduction as the woman seemed to realize that they haven't even done that yet, it struck Lila that the gesture now appeared even friendlier. "That's alright, it's nice to put a name to the offer. I'm Lila, and that would be great, by the way."

A thought struck her as Videna offered her congratulations that perhaps this meeting was exactly what she'd needed. It would be nice to have a friend of sorts in the town, or even just someone to spend the festivities with. Lila wondered if Videna would just draw the line at Darkness or whether she could be offered something a little stranger as well.

"I did history," People always told her that the British accent matched with her field, she had no idea why but she tried to find a compliment in it somewhere. Her head tilted as Videna mentioned the possibility of school in Alexandria but before she had to think of a response a young man arrived, seemingly the staff member here to take over from Videna. They seemed to be on good terms the two of them and Lila just listened for a few moments, sipping her chai latte with a new possibility in mind.

Lila used her free hand to pick up the paper bag again, having to smile at Videna's words. If she was thinking about going to college just to try something out then Lila wished her all the best in her endeavors, she'd met plenty of people during her studies who had picked a course without actually knowing what they wanted to go.

"You'd regret not trying something way more than you can regret being no good at something," She chimed in with an easy laugh, trying not to sound too inspirational as Lila knew things didn't work out so well every time. "Doing something new sounds fun, bit of a challenge."

​

The evening appeared to only just be getting started and still the atmosphere was buzzing, Hades eyes fell over numerous groups around the main room and she couldn't find one person not having a good time. The hosts truly were that good. However, they only seemed to move a few paces forward, Hades following just a step behind when another host appeared in front of them and cut the journey short.

He was cute, seemed incredibly good at his role and Hades regretted he wasn't more her type. Still, if things got boring she was always willing to mix things up for the sake of a good evening. He would be a fun entertainer, she could feel eyes on the three of them were they stood so Hades already knew members of his group were eager to have him back.

Hades eyes lowered to the arm that moved around her own for a moment then returned to watch the other host's face, she had to admit that Carmilla played an excellent part. Even with someone she wouldn't even consider a true client, it was admirable really. While the evening was so young Hades appreciated Carmilla acting as a barrier between her and more animated fun. Still, she remained quiet throughout the interaction, looking amused rather than offended by Carmilla's co-worker. It was all in good fun, after all.

A flicker of acknowledgement passed through her eyes at the playful offer before he was gone and as they walked Hades wondered if she would ever understand the place before the night was over. She'd done every club there was; but never a club that catered too such... innocent seduction.

The concept was still somewhat lost on her.

The next room she was taken into was more preferable for the moment though no less grand than the main room, just softer with less intensity from both the guests and their hosts. There seemed to be just as many places to get comfortable but the tables and were smaller, encouraging intimacy rather than immediate showmanship.

Hades took a few steps forward at the question from Carmilla, her gaze sweeping across the room at the places available. She was sure she would like it much better in here, the softer sounds of conversation would provide an excellent soundtrack for her thoughts.

"As a first time guest, I'll let the host decide." She was reliqunishing control, trying to appear more easy-going for the night. Since she was already in costume it suited her to continue to play pretend.

 

[Lucyfer]

History was often touted as a ‘useless’ subject, but Videna hardly thought it was, and her eyes did light up a bit, wanting to know what areas in particular, and what she had learned, but the conversation had shifted quite quickly from there. Perhaps she could do history, if there was not so much of it she had already lived.

She felt like that, too, would be something that would not hold her attention for long.

“That’s right!” Videna agreed as Lila offered her own insight, “I suppose, I am fortunate to not worry so much of things like money, or needing to be good at something for my continued existence,” she would admit that she learned more and more about that from others. It was why so many focused on the practical, rather than the interesting.

Jack was working and going to school, with plans of going into agricultural engineering. He wanted to advance his knowledge of the magical and medicinal plants he’d learned about here, and find ways to start introducing them to the wider world, of course – but those were dreams. Dreams he had little plans of achieving, when practical farming tools and advancements would make him money so he could support a legacy and family.

Videna would still try to encourage the other aspect of it, though. “Yeah – you are lucky,” Jack could not keep the bitterness out of his voice.

“I’m sorry,” she said, and Jack’s bristling seemed to go down. He waved it off.

“It’s okay. Whatever you do, I hope it helps you in some way, though.” Even if it seemed she could do just about anything and find something in it.

She nodded, and looked back to Lila, “So tomorrow we shall go to the Darkness, right? If so – I can offer my number, so we can meet up, though I will be keeping the same hours here, if you don’t want to exchange numbers just yet. You can just come by, and we can go after my shift!” And that meant tonight she’d have more time to wander about and take a look at the decorations and costumed people!

~***~

Carmilla did not so much as bat an eye as Hades offered to let her select the area. There were plenty of assumptions to get over in working with Hades, the first, it seemed, that a deity would prefer control of a situation. If Hades was here for an experience, perhaps that did indeed mean they preferred to relinquish their control for a time.

It was not terribly abnormal; plenty wanted to escape by forgoing their responsibilities and thoughts, escaping into a space where they were not counted on for anything. “This way, then,” she had not released the woman’s arm, and would not do so just yet, not until she had brought her to one of the dark, chaise lounges set near a corner, where end tables and a plush stool resided.

It was Carmilla’s own preferred spot, but that was all for the aesthetic of the lounge, really.

She would guide Hades onto the lounge before breaking from her to take a knee and move wine and cup into separate hands, deftly opening the wine bottle with practiced ease – a long nail jabbing into the cork and easily lifting it out – before she poured the wine into the glass and offered it up to Hades.

The area itself, being a corner, also offered plenty of visual vantages of the room, which was another reason Carmilla often liked it. “What is it you are looking for tonight, Count?” It still seemed more appropriate for the holiday to play on the costume that Hades had chosen for the evening, rather than the divine’s name, or their chosen mortal guise.

 

[MistahJ]

The reply caught her attention rather rapidly, not because she wasn't already interested but merely due to the phrasing. Not many people she'd met thus far in the town seemed so financially stable and very few people she'd gone to college with could afford to go without having some worry about funding, but none of that seemed to have entered Videna's head. Lila supposed it wasn't odd to be rich, in fact it was perfectly normal but it had just surprised her. She considered asking Videna to expand on her point but in front of her colleague didn't seem to be the time.

"Tomorrow, absolutely!" She agreed instead, excitement returning to her tone at the thought of tackling the haunted house. Lila reached both hands into the pockets of her coat and brought her phone out from the left side, she rarely used it since she moved around so much but it was a good tool to communicate with old friends from college. None of them could believe she had abandoned her research in favour of hunting vampires but in Lila's mind it was the only choice that had made sense.

She entered the required four digit passcode before she could reach the home screen, but she made a point to look back up at Videna to avoid getting lost in the technology. "We might as well exchange now, just in case! But I can absolutely meet you here after work tomorrow anyway, it seems pretty central." Lila had a much better idea of where Darkness was located, most students hadn't shut up about it but it would still be simpler to travel with someone who most likely knew the way.

Lila tapped a couple of keys to enter Videna's name at the top of her new contact information, then passed her phone across the counter to allow Videna to type in her number. It wasn't uncommon for her to try and enjoy parts of her stay in towns, Lila doubted she could have committed so fully to such a lonely life if she didn't try to make some acquaintances along the way. "Oh!" She grinned faintly, shaking her head. "Could I enter into that awful new-person-in-town cliche too? Just to make you regret these plans already."

She had a feeling Videna was a lovely person but that didn't stop Lila from feeling guilty for having to ask. "Do you know where The Dollhouse is? I'm planning to go back to the lodge to change but I feel much too judged by the couple who own it to ask them. I feel like it's not their scene."

​

Playing pretend for the evening seemed increasing preferable the closer Hades watched the other guests in the room, though she couldn't help but wonder about how easily they seemed to have forgotten they had paid for the service. It was the kind of luxury not everyone could afford, perhaps that was why they gave themselves to the evening so readily.

The choice of area was perfect, Hades had expected nothing less. She allowed herself to be guided down, having taken her attention away from the rest of the room to settle fully on Carmilla. The vampire had such a calmness about her, it was refreshing to meet one who wasn't entirely arrogant or chaotic. Her history with vampires was certainly not the brightest, but over the years Hades had tried to rise above holding a grudge.

"Something... pretty."

The response wasn't much to go off at all but it was the first thing that had entered her head and however vague it was what she was looking for. It was halloween, a chance for her to have some fun amongst the mortals and put aside what lingering thoughts remained. Hades brought the glass up to her lips, taking a slow sip to test the wine she had been handed. It was exactly what she'd asked for, she couldn't deny Carmilla that.

It tasted sharp and rich, not the kind of drink she would ever enjoy during just casual conversation. The night had required something special; fancy even. Hades didn't completely know how the business operated, hadn't wanted to find out too much as it would have spoiled the surprise. But she was willing to expand her mind even further and that in itself was a sign she'd grown too complacent over the modern years.

A half smile crossed her lips but she brought the glass away and instead settled back, crossing one leg over the other to signify that she was prepared for whatever the evening had to offer. "I am assuming that guests pick these quarters for intimacy, for a very personal experience. I'm hoping someone will be able to keep my attention for long enough."

 

[Lucyfer]

Videna was quick to input the number she had been given, saving it under Lila, but making a side note about who Lila was – ‘new person’. As if that wasn’t a note besides a few others. Admittedly, most of those needed to be updated to something more fitting, now that they weren’t new, any longer. For now, it would suffice.

She tucked her phone back into the pocket of her apron, after returning Lila’s, and then being asked the almost expected question, “Yes, I know where the Dollhouse is. I’ve never been myself,” the thought had crossed her mind, a time or two, but with it always came the thought of her suitor and she didn’t want that thought to linger.

She supposed it would be something new, though. And perhaps a way to experience that sort of thing, without the commitment being real. “I could show you the way. I think it might even be worth checking it out,” now that she’d spoken aloud of new things, and confessed to never having been. It only seemed proper to live up to her words.

“You sure you want to waste your money on that sort of thing?” Jack couldn’t help but ask, and Videna shrugged.

“I have thought to ask the singer to play for us. I can use the visit for that, too,” she reminded, and Jack sighed, but gave a begrudging nod. It would help bring in some customers, not that they were hurting for it, but more business usually meant more tips for them all. Even if he’d prefer to just sit back and screw around on his phone for a few hours. That’s why he preferred the nightshift.

“Then it’s settled! If – ah – if you don’t mind, if it wouldn’t be weird?” Videna addressed Lila, to make sure this wouldn’t suddenly ruin all her plans for the Dollhouse. Perhaps she much preferred it as a solitary thing.

~***~

Carmilla arched a brow at the statement of ‘something pretty’. “Should I be offended?” Obviously, she did not feel offended. Even if she bothered with the thought of pretty, she also would not want to be host to Hades, if only because there was knowledge of each other outside of this environment.

She’d rather keep those lives separate. Ada was not Carmilla. Her names usually helped with that, letting her adapt to the mask the name indicated.

Pretty wasn’t what she did. Pretty was Seraphina and Nikolai, and with their extroverted personalities, they usually were occupied with groups rather than individuals.

Individuals had to be particularly generous to catch their eyes.

As the glass was taken, Carmilla decided to note, “The rooms here are usually for Hosts who have already paired with a guest, or group of guests. Hosts are not expected to wander too much from table or group, as they are in the other room,” meaning, that Hades’s desire did not fit the environment. Not that Carmilla wouldn’t pull some strings to see it done, every Host wanted to hope for a new client. That meant more funds. “I will, of course, let others know you are free for poaching, but if you wonder why you are alone for a while, that will be the case.”

It did happen, of course – and Carmilla was among those who stayed aware of guests left in these areas because the other environment had been a bit much. They usually all made each other aware of such things; it was bad manners to leave someone for long.

She had done things in a fashion not typical. Rooms meant for intimacy, after all, meant rooms for an established relationship of sorts – they went there with someone in mind.

She had not risen yet, and went on to ask, “May I be excused, then?” She could let others know, and get back to others more interested in her services, unless Hades had a new thought, with this explanation of the situation.

 

[MistahJ]

Lila locked her phone screen and slid her phone back into the pocket of her coat, knowing full well that if she set it down even for a second then she would forget to pick it up again. She didn't have many high expectations for The Dollhouse, if she were being honest. Most of the students avoided going because it was too expensive, they would much prefer to hang out at coffee shops or the local bars but a few had said it was worth going to just for one experience.

But a club that catered to fake experiences seemed the perfect spot for a vampire and Lila was intending to find one. Her eyes lit up cheerfully at Videna's mention of showing her the way, genuinely appreciating the offer but very quickly the other woman seemed to have something better in mind. Lila didn't mind that in the slightest, she would much rather go with someone especially during such a celebrated holiday.

"No, no honestly that would be great." Lila assured her quickly, "We've both never been, it'll be an experience at the least. And if it's horrible we'll just leave, it'll be much nicer walking out with someone rather than having to make excuses on my own."

Lila imagined that by the time they arrived the place would be fairly full. She didn't know how many hosts were on shift at once, probably not all that many but it wasn't as though she was going to truly sample the experience. Lila just needed to be there long enough to figure out the vampire and watch her for a while; she was fairly sure it was a she, though it would be worth checking just in case.

"You are absolutely my savior tonight," She flashed an easy grin, suddenly looking forward to it a lot more than before. "I was planning to get changed quickly-" She gestured to her coat and boots, "I feel like this isn't their usual dress code. Is there anywhere that's easiest to meet near? I've gotten used to some parts of the centre of town so I know a few locations."

​

If Carmilla did plan on taking offense to her compliment the emotion didn't reach her eyes and Hades merely chuckled as a response. As much as she would have taken enjoyment from playing make-believe with the vampire it didn't seem appropriate; Hades was already blurring the lines of their knowledge of each other by turning up, she didn't need any kind of deeper connection, fake or otherwise and she had a good feeling that Carmilla felt the same.

Instead, Hades listened to the explanation and nodded to show that she understood. While she would have to try and find a host, potentially even a whole party at some point in the evening that time wasn't just yet. She believed that Carmilla would inform the others that she was welcome to approach whenever they had a spare space in their party, but she didn't mind in the least that it might take a while for her to become more engaged. It would give her a little bit more time to get settled.

"Thank you." Her character was polite for the moment, Hades had decided. Besides, Carmilla had gone fairly out of her way to be accommodating so it was the right response to make. There was little doubt that Carmilla would have other guests to go off and entertain, so she nodded calmly.

"Of course you may, I'm sure you have plenty of hearts to toy with tonight." She smirked faintly, already sure that the vampire would be excellent at playing the doting host. In fact Hades would have bet anything that it didn't take guests long at all to readily fall in love with her. It would be something she intended to keep an eye out for; though a host and two men across the room were already starting to catch her attention, just by how soft their entire interaction seemed to be.

It truly was an odd place, Hades thought. She was still yet to understand why Videna had chosen this strange little town.