It was just barely the clock’s strike when our lady arose. She had summoned the elders to the Dark Tower for an important meeting and the event coordinator, Thomas Bladswell — a human, was at her side already spewing off about problems that did not much concern Pandora. As she walked, he followed… I followed. The meeting hall was soon filled with the Centurians and Ancients of the coven; those that could well sustain the light of day. I quickly took my chair at the desk made for the scribes, I listened and I wrote.
“M’lady, we have acquired word from the merchants that two previously confirmed are unable to make the date.” The fair Roslyn stated.
Lady Roslyn Bosworth had once been a lady in waiting to great Queen Elizabeth the I. She came of royal blood and her poise and composure always showed her high society. She had been unfortunate one evening as she encountered a rogue that turned her into a vampire and left her almost immediately; disshelved, confused, and with an extreme thirst she did not understand. Much like the famed Lestat, she had to learn what she was on her own. Having met Pandora and Marius, it was he that urged Pandora to take up her care. Marius was very fond of Roslyn, but she barely knew him as anything more than a mentor that taught her the new ways of immortality that we all share. Through the many centuries Roslyn developed a more unique closeness to Pandora. As one of the oldest living female vampires, Pandora was a role model to many.
“Well, then what other merchants could we extend the offer to fill the empty spots?” Pandora asked the seated crowd that before her. “Perhaps the Lady Foxie would entertain taking a spot? Have we reached out to her to join us?” Marius spoke, looking to Pandora. “Excellent idea. Foxie and I have a great rapport, and I am sure she would look forward to the opportunity to market her shop. I believe she runs it with a friend of hers, a Lord McDee. I will make it a priority to convey our desires for their attendance to them today in person.” Pandora said with a smile, facing the rest of the elders.
Other logistics were discussed that morning and soon Pandora and Marius took their leave. Marius of course preffered to use his gift of flight, while Pandora called for her horse to be saddled. Ichabod was always roudy in the light of day, it was still quite painful for the beast. One of the stablehands, under shade, placed a large heavy leather covering over Pandora’s beloved mount. This would shield him from the burns of the sun. And as if walking on air, Pandora glided to seat at her saddle.
“Who shall I thank for the protection my dear Ichabod now bares?” she asked the young stablehand, still easily mistaken for human. “Miss, Lord Nox provided the leather for us to build your horse a thicker coat for the sun’s rays.” said the stablehand. “Aha, well please convey my gratitude when he arises at dusk.” Pandora said. The stablehand nodded and off she went to visit the nearby merchant shop of her friends; afterwards she would be off to the city of Umbra where preparations were underway for the fair.
Pandora rode Ichabod to a house she knew well, built on a beautiful pier. The shop was done in lovely old english oak to match the splendor of the wood in the pier. Lovely, and one of Pandora’s favorite shops — this was the merchant shop owned by Lady Foxie. She knew there would be a good chance that she would be there, and she sure was. The two chatted about the hot weather today, of course Pandora, in full masquerade, played along with Foxie mentioned she was awfully pale and in need of a helping of today’s rays. She mentioned to Foxie that several merchants were unable to make it and asked if Foxie could throw something together in a matter of mere hours. Foxie said she would speak with Lord McDee, friend and co-owner of the shop, and they would certainly think of something to aid Pandora in her predicament. Foxie’s shop is well known throughout the lands and she had previously declined to attend so that other less known shops can benefit as well — always the ethical thinker. As Pandora hopped back on Ichabod, whom had already been acting up after only short while, she waved to her friend and told her she would see her later. Foxie agreed and waved back.
When Pandora arrived at Umbra, she was greeted by pale skins that work within the city walls. Most of whom hath sworn their allegiances to our coven and greatly revere Pandora and Marius as their leaders. Most of the vampires in Umbra are under the masquerade, and although pale they are still able to pass as humans rather easily. As Pandora stabled Ichabod, Marius greeted her with an exasperated look.
“Well, you are not going to like this dear, but they delivered only half of the drink we ordered. I just sent word that we need the rest as soon as vampirically possible.” Marius said with a slight grin. Pandora, tucking the saddle in and removing Ichabod’s heavy coat, smiled at her lover, “That was all this town had on hand my love, not many mortals here that drink ale so they keep a low supply. The rest is in transit from the great city of Luna, so need not worry, sire.”
They walked out of the stables and on the city. Because of the shade, this city was well hidden from the effects of the sun and a lot of its citizens could walk about unharmed, or at least barely uncomfortable, and word of the fair had spread. The city was busy with travelers and merchants — both vampire and mortal. A young man approached them both and bowed, “Madam, Sir… the cooks are hard at work in the tent and should have the food ready well before the official guests arrive.” “Excellent, well done Guy and be sure to thank your mistress in Britain for her thoughtfulness in sending her cooks.” Marius exclaimed. “Will do, sir.” Guy said as he turned and quickly walked back to the tents.
As Pandora and Marius approached the tents themselves, Thomas Bladswell met their stroll. “The booths are ready for your inspection, ma’am.” He nodded to Marius. “Ahhh yes, allow me to take a look. Marius, shall thou accompany me?” Pandora said, her gaze turned to Marius. “As you wish, my dear.” Marius said with a smile on his face. As the three of them walked through the streets to inspect the booths that had been set up the night before, many other city officials and merchants came and went asking Pandora various questions and providing status updates as needed. Everything was coming together nicely.
As the merchants started to arrive, hours before the event was to kick off, they all had conference with Pandora about the decor of their booths and the wares they were going to be selling that day. Pandora, always the lady, showed no opposition to any of the merchants wishes on presenting their shops. Of course Lady Foxie and Lord McDee did in fact make it, and having done events of this type many a days, once they were finished with their own booth also went on to help other, newer merchants. Certainly a welcomed and great help to the fair.
Lord Nathael visited with Pandora in the tents and he arranged the powerful wizards of his Queen to conjure a gate travel portal spell from the city of Luna and also from Haven. The Queen’s contribution signaled a peace with our coven that had been earned in the great battle against the evil Ix Tab at Red Skull Bay. The Queen had been very grateful for the assistance, as many vampires were able to take the hardest blows that surely would have ended a mortal’s life yet only slightly injured us. Soon after the gates had been put in place, the visitors started to trickle in.
The shade of Umbra afforded Marius and Pandora, as well as other elders, the ability to put on the masquerade really well. Ancients always have the hardest time with it, since they grow to be very pale, almost marble like in complexion. But no mortal was able to decipher exactly what that paleness was amongst the patrons and local merchants of Umbra, so they ignored it. All us doing our best to recall the times when we too were human…
One young lad had been travelling through, Octavious by name. He stopped to enjoy some of the food and certainly helped himself to one too many drinks. He was soon sparring with Pandora and others, laughing and having a great time. Surely the gambling would come along soon and sure enough. Octavious challenged Pandora to a checkers match, which she of course completely lost. Games have never been her strong suit. Other visitors played well with Octavious and everyone was having a lot of fun chatting it up.
Rotep had made his way to the fair. Of course Pandora had known him from many previous events, knew him well enough to know that well… he’s a few whiskers short of a cat’s smile. The Lady made him feel as comfortable as possible, even though Rotep kept mentioning how pale all the locals were. Drawing attention to our white, marble skins is never really a good thing when we are trying to keep the masquerade. But the ramblings of an old dotty weren’t taken all too seriously.
Another visitor that was of the familar clan of Pirates was Captain Aneirin of the Flying Dutchman. He was uncharacteristically polite, although of course only after being offered all the free ale his bowel can handle, which anyone that has ever hung around a pirate knowns is a lot. He mingled with the rest fo the visitors, enjoyed a full lot of ale — a few barrelfuls if I can recall — and joined in the fun.
Of course Foxie and Hammer took a few chairs to their booth and enjoyed mingling with all the likes that visited. They too joined in some of the games and chatted with some of the other merchants, always happy to hand out tips and tricks of the trade. Their booth was superbly decorated and visitors really enjoyed the gifts they brought. Also Debi, another one of the merchants, was happy to introduce Pandora to her sister, who co-owns the shop they run. Debi and her sister had inquired about putting up some employees at our city to sell some of their wares. Of course, Pandora welcomed them to do so.
Pandora took to a little stray dog that had been sniffing around the area. She is afterall a animal lover, in more than one sense I mean she is lover to Marius. I believe she left to visit the city of Britain for a short while and brought back some fresh bacon for the puppy, who thanked her repeatedly by licking her face. Pandora retains a great love for the city of Britain, once her main adobe from many years on by. The butcher there always oblidges her wishes whenever she is catering an event, as she often does.
In all the event went very well; our lady was pleased with the turn out. And the merchants were able to almost completely sell out their wares as well as promote their shops. It was now time to gather the coven and go hunt for the evening’s blood… as the tents came down and booths were disassembled, Pandora gathered her troops for a pass through Bedlam. Surely there would be plenty of fresh, warm blood to go around there.