The Courtyard

*runs into courtyard, and stops*
Nikki?
*quickly wipes face off*
Who's this?

*thinks* She looks a bit upset.
And I don't think Jumpy was expecting another new person...

*mentally sighs in relief*

Rizzo.
Were you out hunting?

*glances at him and back at Rizzo*

This is Melan.
I noticed him wandering our courtyard earlier.

Greetings.
-half smiles once more-
As I told Nikki here, I heard of your place in my travels.
It looks... lovely.
-stares at both of them-

*eyes him*
*tenses*
Oh, I see.

I'm Rizzo Mancini, the Head of Security here at the house.
Where exactly did hear of us?

I have my ways, you see.
-eyes her up and down as well, as if gauging her qualities as head security-
There are many that have heard of you, whispers fly.
Men, vampires, werewolves and nature alike fear you.
-Stares at them silently for a moment-
So I have heard- anyway.

*smiles menacingly, fangs showing slightly*
*hand goes to sword, fingering hilt*
As well they should fear us. We don't take much lightly, especially threats.
You'll find that our family is... tight.

Jumpy and her brother - my husband - are both away at the moment, but there are others here who would be... happy to meet you.

*thinks* I don't know if I trust him. I'm getting some bad vibes...
*glances at Nikki*

I would me more than happy to linger outside, if that is what you would wish of me.
As I have stated, I am a traveller. I am used to the elements and conditions of the land.
I have had my fair share of harshness in its many forms.
I do not wish to hinder any of you.
As you wish, whatever you wish, when you wish it.
-continues staring intently at them, smiling slightly, face otherwise completely blank-

*stands next to Rizzo*

It would not be of our hospitality to leave you here.
It can be very unpredictable, especially this time of year.
Do not tread those rumors lightly though.
They came to be true because of what we did.

*stops and looks at Rizzo*
*wonders if Stefan will ever come back to the house*

*jumps down out of tree*
*nods to Rizzo and Nikki*
Hello.
I caught most of what you said while I was in the tree.
*stares at him for a long time unsure of him*

*gestures towards front door*
Well, I think our fellow family members would be insulted if you didn't go inside to introduce yourself.
I'm sure they've seen you by now and are curious.
Any new person is welcome, of course.

*heads for the front door*

*thinks* I'm still not too sure. I'm going to keep an eye on him...

*looks slightly annoyed at Raine*
*whispers*
This is not the time nor place. Please excuse us.

*beings walking inside in front of Melan and next to Rizzo*

*sideway glances indicating they need to talk later*

This is our front entry way.
*gestures to gorgeous area*

-Nods slightly at Rizzo and Nikki- following silently-
-Stares blankly at Raine in passing-
-Goes into the house-

*stay put in the one spot*
He is diffrent.
Very diffrent.
*watches them go in*
I get the felling Nikki doesn't really like me.
Maybe in time

(sorry for the double post.......)

*she comes outside and sits under the tree*
*her eyes close*
I don't get it.
Nikki is diffrent and maybe something happend.
I don't know.
*she opens her eyes which are slits now*
Calm yourself

*walks into the courtyard and sits down*
*listens to the sound of nature and how soothing it is*

*thinks*
I wonder if I'll be able to track down Scorpius.
I haven't sensed him in ages...
I shall keep that fact to myself. Rizzo has enough on her mind.

-Watches her for a time silently-

Greetings, Nikki.

*silently annoyed but keeps back turned*

Hello.

*thinks*
So much for peace and quiet.

-Sits next to her, showing for the first time a small amount of humility and kindness-
I am quite capable of being quiet, if it is what you desire.

*sits silently*

Why have you come out here?

*looks towards trees*

-pointedly does not look at her-
I saw you sitting out here, alone. I thought that perhaps you might like some company.

*is slightly surprised but doesn't show it*

Company is slightly over-rated.
Why do we need to depend on someone else?
Why can't we be independent for ourselves..

*trails off*

I have asked the very same question for many ages.
-Sighs for effect-
-Looks at her-
What ails you? Those very thoughts alone? Or is there more?

*glances slightly at him and looks away*

Those thoughts and reasons are my own.

I may not be old but I have seen many woes of this world in my life.


*thinks*
And experienced them...

I know you have experienced them. We all have. In our own ways.
You know...
-Pauses-
Ah, nevermind.
-Looks away-

*looks at him slightly off-guard before controlling her facial expression*

Do I know what?

*thinks*
First. He's creepy.
Then. He's being nice, sort of.
Now. Like he knows something I don't.
I don't know what's going on.