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Oakhurst was cursed.
If they knew about the supernatural world, they knew that town was cursed.
First off, Oakhurst was soaked to the bone with blood. Wars and mischief had long took place around that area before the Goldsmiths arrived. But then they did, that caused the second problem with Oakhurst. Vampires were dangerous, cold, and rough. But Goldsmiths? Who were as rich as dragons, who practically defined what nobility meant, who were the text-book definition of vampires? Yeah... no surprise that Oakhurst soon was wrapped around their claw. However, there was one more thing wrong with Oakhurst. Yes, the pine trees had roots living off of blood instead of water because blood was more constant, and yes, vampires had infected the land like the corruption from that island nearby, but the humans who were crazy enough to live there? They cemented Oakhurst's fate.
For the first two-hundred years of when the Goldsmiths arrived, everything was relatively peaceful. The townsfolk would offer sacrifices for the manor, the vampires would keep Oakhurst safe, and for the most part, everyone was fine. Then traveling priests came in, and soon whispers and murmurs came in, and soon a revolt came about, and soon... soon there was only a single Goldsmith left. He was cradled close by his sire, a beg escaping his sire's mouth for the fledgling to leave, to escape, to run. Scott saw his sire turn into ash, saw him fade away as the stake stuck through his body. Scott watched as the priests came closer, grinning at the defenseless vampire.
But Scott had developed a moral code right then and there, soaked by the blood of his coven mates and sire:
"Don't bother with grief, instead avenge the ones you lost."
So he did.
Until he was powered by holy blood and the deep-rooted desire to feast, kill, and avenge. Until the town his coven cared for was drenched in crimson, seeping into the long-standing trees that rustled in delight at the familiar taste of blood. Until he stood alone in a field, sopping in human blood, having killed every single beating heart around. Scott wouldn't have known at the time, that he was cursed much like Oakhurst, he wouldn't have known he was writing his own downfall. But as he trudged back to the manor, droplets of blood marking his path, he had cemented his own fate. One that would be whispered and talked for years to come. One that would make him infamous.
The next Oakhurst massacre happened two-hundred years after Scott's own massacre. The three-hundred year old vampire wondered if there was a pattern here, but he brushed it off. At this point, Scott was sure he had been cultivating the village and his own coven well! People and vampires were fed, he governed the town with an iron fist but trade and culture was booming, everyone loved him, and he got to party almost every night! It was a wonderful time for him. He got to drink spiked wine with his fledglings, sitting around a large table while blood and conversation were passed around. He could walk around Oakhurst with his parasol, enjoying the human's gazes of fear or admiration. Though the death of his sire and old coven mates sometimes hit him whenever he visited the village, Scott ignored it. Why should he bother with ghosts? Even if he was young when it happened, it was still a while back! He had new coven members to worry about after all. He was now the sire, he was the important one.
And he wouldn't let anyone ruin that for him.
So, when whispers began yet again, and resentment built up yet again, Scott killed them. No remorse. No guilt. A lesson for all. He did it with a grin, with a flourish of white hair and sharp fangs, He didn't kill all the humans, but the ones who were doing too much. He kept his coven members close, didn't involve them, they were too young after all. They were his fledglings, and he'd protect them. Even if it meant Oakhurst was covered in another blood bath, Because of this lesson however, the humans kept a grudge. Some left, unsurprisingly, while some fledglings expressed some discontent. Scott didn't care for the humans, instead soothing the kinder vampires of his coven, ensuring they understood the point of loyalty and the protection he would always provide.
It must've been two-hundred years, again, when the Thornvale vampires introduced themselves to Scott and his coven. If Goldsmiths were known for being the epitome of bloodthirsty vampires, then the Thornvales would be known for being the epitome of diplomatic vampires. They cared for humans, or at least, thought that working with them would save their own hide. Scott, unsurprisingly, didn't like humans all that much. They had good blood, and some made good cleaning staff for his manor, but otherwise? Boringg~ and were worthless. So, at the arrival of these human-loving vampires, Scott made sure to throw a grand party! Filled with human blood, lavish decorations, and Scott sitting happily ontop his throne, looking at everyone else. And just to rub in how much better they were, Scott and his fledglings wore extravagant clothes with fluff around the shoulders, long flowy capes, gold draped around them, and silk hugging their frames perfectly. Scott even allowed the humans in his manor to wear more defined and intricate uniforms than usual, which were worth much more than their lives.
In Scott's defense, however! He was just having some fun! It wasn't his fault that he was so charming and amazing! And... sure... a few passive aggressive comments made here and there might've been a push.... and yes... maybe he shouldn't have let some of his fledglings start a fight... but how was he supposed to know that the Thornvales were so sensitive?? Like! Scott wouldn't have truly hurt the humans! These ones were more... chill, less likely to revolt. But ohhh, of course the Thornvales had to storm in and ruin the perfect little peace that kept everything peaceful. So, sooner, rather than later, another Oakhurst massacre occurred. With some Thornvale vampires.... and Goldsmith vampires thrown into the mix.. and killed. Scott could care less about the humans, could care less about the Thornvale coven. But his own? They dare touch one of his own?
Of course he killed the town.
Sure, he left a few, mostly the families who worked in the Goldsmith manor. But the rest? Dead. With their still rotting heads put in a nice little bow for the Thornvales as a farewell gift. This, obviously, caused a coven feud, but Scott could care less. Seeing as, it was becoming increasingly clear he was, one, unkillable, and two, becoming an Elder Vampire.
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He was cold.
Freezing to the touch.
He.. he remembered his parents.
Their screams as they were killed.
'Vampire helpers' the murderers said, 'Thornvale fiends' they added.
They were supposed vampire hunters, but still let him slip through their fingers, despite all their... bravado.
He was cold.
So, very, cold.
He had been running-- for a while now.
Snow had been falling, crunching beneath his feet. He ran out of food days ago, and was eating snow for water.
His parents.. they were friends with this old guy. Good friends.
That friendship killed them.
...
He was cold.
His breath was shortening, puffs of air escaping his mouth as he ran through the snow.
He didn't remember why he was running.
But he had been, for a long while.
He was so, so tired.
And cold.
His stomach growled again, he wished it would shut up.
Why did his parents befriend someone dangerous?
Why?
Why couldn't they just stay? With him?
He was their only child, a miracle they called him.
They loved him.
But he didn't cry when they died. Or did he?
He couldn't remember.
He wasn't shivering anymore. And the coldness was becoming numbing.
He could see his parents bloodied faces among the trees, reflected by the red glow coming from the moon.
His legs were becoming slower, it was harder to breathe, every inhale felt like sharp glass entering his lungs.
He blinked, and suddenly he was face first in snow, which was glowing red. With a pant, and with whatever strength he had left, he rolled around. The sky was a dark blood red, like his parents blood, with a bright red full moon shining down onto the forest, onto him. He had laid in a clearing, large pine trees surrounding the space. Piles of snow were littered on said trees, weighing the branches down. While the dark red sky had stars littered about, twinkling softly, almost singing a lullaby to him; He couldn't hear that song though, distracted by singing he swore was an angel's.
'I've got to deal with destiny...' it was soft, quiet, eerie in how the voice echoed around Abolish, '...I've bargained with fate...' it was coming closer, luring Abolish into a sense of unease yet safeness at the same time, '..this business is bound to the prophecy....' he could now hear the crunch of snow, the voice was nearer then, 'Am I the fool?..' Abolish thinks he could fall asleep, he wanted to, but the way the voice sung, it kept him weirdly alert, even in his final moments, '..have i just made...' finally, the voice broke from the forest, filling the clearing like fog, '.. a mistake?'
"Oh dear... what's this?" The voice, but it was no longer singing. It was low, elegant, and... powerful.
He would've felt scared, he knew he should, but all he felt was that he was too numb, too cold, too close to death's grasp.
"So close to death... hm... can you speak?" The voice asked, and maybe he should've looked over to see who it belonged to, but he didn't. He doubted he'd know who it was anyway. But, it was impolite to not answer, and if no one else was going to remember him, at least this one man could. So with a cough, a dry voice filled with ice, and a dying pant, he answered the voice.
"A-Abolish..." another cough, "Abolish Veylocke.." he muttered softly, eyes fluttering close. He heard footsteps approach his soon-to-be corpse, and then a cold hand brush his bangs to the side. His ears only heard his own slowing heartbeat and shortened breath, and somewhere in his half-awake mind, he felt the instincts to run, as if some apex predator had found him. As.. as if something worse than the people who killed his parents had found him.
"Veylocke, hm? A traitor's family.." mused the voice, a quiet chuckle leaving his lips. Abolish could only hum, trying to open his eyes, trying to look at the last person he will ever see again, at the last person who will ever know his name.
"Sorry.." he muttered, but he didn't quite remember who his family was a traitor to, before finally managing to open his eyes. He was facing two blood moons.. wait no those were eyes. Bright, red eyes that looked like jewels, sparkling like they were just cleaned. It was all Abolish could focus on. Not the fangs, not the snow-white hair, not the pale skin. Just those crimson eyes.
Silence passed between them, and for a moment Abolish was sure this is how he'd die, and maybe he would be fine with it. Truth be told... he didn't want to. He wanted to live. Maybe avenge his family, maybe see the world, maybe have a family. He wasn't sure. But he did want to live. However, just because he wanted it, didn't mean he'd get it. So, his eyes fluttered closed, his breathing evened out, and whatever strength he had was finally dissipating.
. . .
"How... irritating," the man muttered, and the next thing Abolish knew, he was being picked up and wrapped around with a fur covered cloak. It was warm, and relatively cozy. He was being held by toned arms, pushing him into a body with no body heat. Yet, because he was freezing cold, that zero body heat was warm, warmer than what he was feeling. He felt himself warm up, but he was also filtering in and out of consciousness. By the time he was placed on what he assumed was a bed, he knew he wasn't going to die. Not anymore. People were murmuring around him, some gasps being heard. He didn't care, more focused on keeping the cloak around him close while he snuggled into the bed.
It was hard to sleep however, despite being so tired. So, his eyes fluttered back open, eyelids so very heavy. There were blurs of people around him, before they eventually left what he assumed to be a large bedroom. He was on a four-poster bed, with some sort of cloth being laid upon the poles that connected each corner, with a cotton mattress underneath him and soft pillows beneath his head. It was strange. He had only been on this sort of fancy bed once, and that was when his family stayed over at that one fancy old dude's manor. He was nice, Abolish supposed, and definitely old, but he was now the reason his parents were dead.
Thornvale.
Abolish wanted to be angrier, wanted to do more, but all he did was snuggle further into the bed, into the cloak around him. Until, he heard that fancy voice again, and his eyes met two pools of blood –- or rather eyes, but they looked so much like blood.
"Mm, I'd like that cloak back," the man mumbled, walking closer, sitting on the side of the bed. Abolish felt that this.. man?... person?... thing?.. wasn't usually this kind or gentle. He felt like the other would usually demand something and it would automatically land on his hand. So, he took advantage of this theory, and snuggled more into the cloak.
"Rude," he teased, hand going through Abolish's hair before pulling back, bed no longer sinking down as he got off the bed, "sleep well child," the man said as he began to leave, but Abolish wouldn't just accept that, forcing his mouth to move.
"Wh-.. what's your.." he started to cough loudly, wincing a little. Thankfully, the man didn't leave him behind, but did seem to be annoyed at his sickness. A goblet of water was soon pressed against his lips, and he drank it quickly before it was placed back on the bedside table. Apparently it was always there, Abolish didn't notice it before however. Hell, he didn't even notice the bedside table, only the comfy bed and the man who saved him.
"Scott Goldsmith. Do remember it." Goldsmith introduced, voice a little more stricter, posh even.
Abolish tried to nod, and hoped Goldsmith understood his small head movements as a nod. In any case, that seemed to be enough for Goldsmith, as he turned back around and left, shadows clinging to his form like the darkness belonged there. Candles flickered, warmth returned, and Abolish felt himself relax. His eyes easily closed, his breathing evened out, and his mind started to calm. Wait... Abolish knew the name Goldsmith, no? His grandparents ran from some sort of town decades ago... and betrayed the Goldsmith 'family' to the Thornvales... that's why they were became long-standing friends or something?.... eh, Abolish couldn't care. After all, he was warm, surrounded by wealth, the smell of a fancy cologne, and wanted to sleep. So, he didn't think much about it.
He wouldn't have known at the time, but a sudden curse was placed inside his soul. One that would lead to endless devotion and admiration.
Rain thundered outside, dark and stormy clouds covering the red night sky, the red moonlight unable to peak through the thundering clouds. Large, tall, pine trees covered the forest ground, hiding the fate that would soon come to pass. The heavy rain and loud thunder didn't affect the party happening at the Goldsmith manor, however. It was mostly happening in the ballroom and dining room. The manor consisted of large black pillars and walls that were decorated with red banners and gold accents, the black marble being a good base material against all the fabrics and gold. It was grand party as always, a blood fountain in the middle of the ballroom== filling up glass goblets, red carpets covering the hallways and dining room, the tinted yet stained windows surrounding the ballroom and dining room, music playing in the corner and on a stage, while conversation roamed around the rooms like a dance. It was vibrant, bright, and alive. Or as alive as group of vampires could get.
The party was a reunion for the Goldsmith coven, all of Scott's fledglings here and happy. He supposed... he was quite happy himself as well. Well, as happy as something like him could get. After a thousand years of living, hell, a thousand and a few centuries -- he had lost count -- emotions and feelings evaded him. Even on the occasion that he left Oakhurst, though he hadn't in a very long time (long for even vampire standards), he hadn't really felt much. There was the occasional awe at new inventions, the slight feelings of anger, and such during such breaks from Oakhurst, but it was mostly empty amusement. Even now, he felt happy... but it wasn't complete. Not entirely.
"My lord?" A valet announced, likely needing to inform Scott of something.
However this man, who was now at least two-hundred years old by now, was almost enough to fulfill that quiet ache in his chest, remove the curse he felt digging into his heart and soul.
"Abolish! Perfect timing," Scott greeted happily, standing up with a flourish and grabbing Abolish's hand. His cape curled around the vampire, shadows clinging to his frame like he deserved. The effect of an Elder Vampire, of course. His striking white hair glimmered in the light, definitely giving him a sort of halo look that he was sure was making him look ethereal. His pale claws curled around Abolish's tan and calloused hand, tangling with his fingers, enjoying the warmth. He knew he had a smirk on his face, his slight makeup making his blood red eyes pop better, having red eyeliner and lipstick put on, with some dark eyeshadow. Everyone reflexively moved aside when Scott stepped into the ballroom, owning the space with a glamor everyone knew well. Once in the relatively middle area of the ballroom, Scott turned around and immediately moved himself in position to dance with Abolish. Abolish didn't object, not the entire time he was being dragged to the ballroom, and not now at the request of dancing. Easily, he held Scott's hand and shoulder, while Scott did the same but instead placed his other claw on Abolish's hip. They moved fluidly, like blood and water mixing and moving together, it was an easy waltz they both knew well. Once upon a time, Scott taught Abolish this same dance, but now, both were dancing in expertly placed steps.
"Can I now get your attention?" Abolish asked, voice low, cold as it always was. Scott grinned at the stoic tone, finding it oh so familiar.
"Yes, yes, what do you want?" He answered, taking a step back and expecting Abolish to follow, controlling the dance easily.
"Louis has arrived," Abolish announced, slightly leaning more into Scott as they danced, looking up at the Elder Vampire. He knew it had been a long while since Louis had come back to Oakhurst. He was a sweet vampire, someone who honestly seemed more like a Thornvale coven vampire instead of a Goldsmith one, and yet, he stayed loyal to Scott. Well, as loyal as a relatively pacifist vampire could to a bloodthirsty one. "He seemed happy to be back," Abolish commented calmly, effortlessly following Scott's movements and commanding steps.
Scott's grin widened, looking down at Abolish with a slight tilt of his head. His fangs were glinting in the light, showing themselves off. For a moment... Abolish wanted to be selfish. He wanted to hold onto Scott, keep him close, keep dancing, keep his eyes on those red eyes of which he loves. But he left that desire go, letting Scott lead the way as always.
"Wonderful, but I'm sure he can wait until we finish this dance, no?" teased the vampire who held Abolish's heart in his claws without even knowing it. For a moment, Abolish's eyes widened before a small smile stretched on his thin lips.
"Yes, of course my lord."
And so they danced, spinning and moving across the dance floor with well-practiced moves and familiar steps. Their eyes were glued to each other, red meeting gray, as they swished around. While Scott had his fancy outfit, with frilly sleeves and a tight corset, Abolish wore something more structured, his usual uniform. But something stood out in both their outfits. Scott wore a long dangling gold earring, with a obsidian stone as the center piece, which felt darker compared to his silk white shirt, black corset, and red flowy pants, which were accented with gold. Abolish, meanwhile, had an extravagant cloak hanging off one of his shoulders, a cloak that was far too warm for the wet summer they were having, a cloak that had too many gold accents and fluff for his simple and useful uniform. When they did finish dancing, neither really wanted to let go, their touches lingering before Abolish stepped back with a slight cough.
"Louis should be in the dining room," he said, before glancing to the side, attempting to calm his beating heart, knowing Scott could hear it.
"Mmm.. show me the way then," the vampire teased, leaning close with a grin. Abolish let himself meet Scott's gaze and stiffly met his words with a nod, unable to stop the blush on his cheek, unable to stop his small smile.
"As you wish," he murmured, leading the way for Scott, despite this being Scott's manor.
Louis knew he wasn't the typical member for the Goldsmith coven. He knew, even before he truly became a vampire and was only talking to Scott, that people often gravitated to him because he was kind. But he.. didn't really understand, when people called him that. For the most part, he pitied the poorer people in the town, and wanted to help them. He didn't like the rude nobles, so of course he picked the side that were against them. So, when he was approached by Scott, someone who was definitely not a person he'd usually get along with, he was surprised by how easily they clicked. it wasn't because Scott was corrupting him, like some townspeople gossiped, and it wasn't because he was power-hungry, like some coven members accused. It was because... he liked the Elder Vampire. He was a weird sort of fun, someone completely carefree and living life to the fullest, plus he was a charming fool, everyone was compelled to like him to some degree. It was because Louis didn't hate Scott that he was probably offered the gift of vampirism from him, maybe because Louis was also so different from Scott that it urged the Elder Vampire to want to keep this anomaly for a long while-- maybe even forever.
But Louis still accepted. Not because he was evil or power-hungry. Not because he was forced or manipulated to. But because.. it was a gift, and he wanted this gift. So here he was, centuries of traveling later, he was face to face to Scott, and a very human valet that should have been dead ages ago. Obviously, Scott hadn't changed much, maybe more lively and carefree than normal. Abolish was similarly unchanged, other than the fact that he should not be alive right now. Louis, on the other hand, had longer hair, was on stage-three, and looked happier.
"Sire, it's been awhile," Louis greeted with a small bow, his tailored outfit showing off his height and changes.
"Louis! And how long its been, come along then," Scott replied, grinning at the other as he moved Louis to a chair next to his own. Scott sat at the head of the table, on a plush, throne-like chair, while Louis sat on a similar yet smaller chair next to him. "Abolish, get us some wine," Scott asked, leaning in his chair like he was a cat, though he kept his feet planted on the floor. Abolish nodded and followed his order immediately. While he did that, Louis leaned on the table with a small smirk.
"Now, how is it that your favorite servant is still kicking, hm? Despite that beating heart?" Louis asked, the vampire always had this question, considering he had never seen Abolish age when he was younger, but never truly asked, not until now at least. Though, Louis did enjoy the slightly embarrassed action Scott expressed, knowing Scott didn't often show emotion. Although vampires have had long lost the ability to blush, everyone had their tells. Scott's were his twitching ears, something Louis was sure he, himself, learned from the elder.
"He's not.." Scott started but he trailed off, he always had such a hard time lying to Louis. It was irritating. "Ahem.. anyway, it's similar to having a thrall, but Elder Vampires can influence a lot more than normal vampires when it comes to their thralls. Since he's my only one, it's easier to use a fraction of my power to keep him alive for this long," Scott explained, moving his hand a little as he did so, other hand holding up his head as his elbow rested on the arm rest. Louis nodded along, soaking in the knowledge. Scott never really explained vampirism to his fledglings. Sure, he explained the basics when they were young, and helped them through their fledgling periods as the years went. But afterwards, he didn't say too much, not unless asked or the vampire was becoming an Elder Vampire or sire like him.
"Hm.. so.... you're purposely keeping him alive?... for these past two-hundred years?" Louis slowly asked with a slow smirk spreading to his lips. Scott huffed and rolled his eyes.
"Out of all the traits you could've learned from me, you learned how to tease?" Scott complained, but he didn't seem all that annoyed, mildly amused if anything. Louis laughed at that, understanding the sentiment. Fledglings went through a rebirth period, where they were getting used to their dying body and new-found power. Occasionally, some vampires completely changed from how they acted as humans, others changing less or not at all. Louis didn't change, not really, but he still had learnt some things from Scott. Especially when he had been around him and Abolish a lot when he started to get out of that beginning haze, exposed to a lot of different sides of Scott. And Abolish, too, he supposed.
Louis didn't reply to that comment about himself, considering that Abolish was back, so he changed the subject. He started to speak about his adventures, not surprised by Abolish slicing his wrist a little to pour blood into Scott's goblet, before handing it to Scott for him to enjoy. Abolish was always a little weird with Scott, always there for him, always around. He was Scott's personal servant, his valet. But it felt like there was more happening below the unwavering loyalty and devotion, something Louis was sure he didn't want to touch. So, like all of Scott's other fledglings, he ignored it. It didn't concern him, and Abolish wouldn't change unless Scott ordered him or something.
He continued to talk about his adventures and life outside of the Oakhurst, more people joining the conversation until the entire coven was in the dining room enjoying Louis's grand retellings. He was currently the youngest fledgling, even among Scott's fledglings having fledglings. -- It was also why got to see so much of Abolish and often had him around while a baby vampire, since he was the last to gain this gift from Scott, making that only two-hundred years ago when Abolish wasn't a thrall. -- And since he was, most treated him like a little brother. It was rather cute, considering many of his coven mates were a lot like Scott, especially with how bloodthirsty some of them get. Eventually the conversation moved about, those who left Oakhurst explaining where they had been, while those who stayed caught everyone up. Louis did find it a little funny, how much of a family their coven acted despite Scott being rather apathetic and most of them simply using each other. It warmed a small part of Louis's heart, seeing everyone so close again, conversing and laughing like the old friends they were.
So when the witches broke in, none of them were prepared.
So when the coven mates closest to the door died and were staked, none of them reacted fast enough.
So when Scott Goldsmith, the one vampire infamous everywhere for his inability to die, fell to a curse, everyone lost their shit.
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