Shell of a Sheath [Vanessa]

[ReDead]

[atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc425/SoSGal/Graphs/ValdisBack.jpg); height: 500px; width: 300px; ] ''Tales by the Bug Palace'' Valdis felt the hunger sate. That was dangerous, of course, but she knew how to cover up bodies : she knew also, not to kill them within the city. But that had been a few days, of course : she had taken her time, as the undead felt no hurry. In fact, she mulled over tactics : her mind reject most of the under handed techniques she thought of, automatically denying the darkness that her undead life provided. The ReDead slowly came to her own conclusion : she would use the knowledge she gained to good use. Mostly, she had learned that Vanessa was a Hylian knight : that automatically meant, in most cases, that they would have high honor. Sometimes, that could be doubted, but a gamble was a gamble. And that's what the creature would bet on, adjusting her collar for the umpteenth time. This was not only going to be humbling, but it was a bit shameful. However, her past was one of the few things that Valdis really wanted and needed : so a great many things would fly out the window, as the blonde ReDead was nestled against that tree once more. It was her favorite place in Castle Town : not that anyone could tell, since she would only stop in town once, or twice a week, not even. And then on random days, having random patterns : it was just the way that Valdis was. But it was her favorite spot, as she wondered the note the ReDead had left with most of the shops in town would make it's way into the ear of the knight. It was primitive, but perhaps the best way, as the ReDead knew that if the knight caught wiff of the note, that she would show up here. Because the note was that short : two lines, saying that this person needed to talk to this knight, at this location. And that it was important. Simple, and yet efficient : so all that the ReDead had to do was wait. The wait might be killer, but the undead didn't care : the note said to come meet the person at this location. So the zombie would wait forever if she had to : because sometime, somewhere, Vanesssa Ferre would stop and get a note. That much was sure. So patience was just the key for now. [396] -- Sword! Totes made it, and urm, hopefully made a reasonable entry condition. X3

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[VANESSA FERRE]

It was tedious being a knight, especially a Knight of the Royal Family -- everyone wanted something from her whether it be a conversation or her life, and everyone, or at least most of the population, knew her name. Upon the cherrywood desk in her personal quarters was a pile of unread messages, a pile of wants, needs, threats, hates, likes, and et cetera. So it wasn’t surprising if she missed the two line message within the pile of nothings, and it wasn’t as if she wasn’t willing, not at all; it was merely that the general population failed to understand that she only took orders from the Royal Family. But if the matter was pressing enough, she’d have to see to it regardless of how busy a woman she was.

This particular case did not pique her interest; under other circumstances, she would have brushed it off as some kind of threat letter, but this person had went out of their way to post the two-liner into every shop in the Castle Town. It was worrisome, and since everyone was now pestering her about the rather ambiguous message, she had no choice but to meet the said “Valdis” under a tree. Sighing, the Knight-Sergeant made her way to the designated meeting area.

“Pardon me, mi’lady. May you be Valdis?” The proper etiquette of Knight, never ceased to amuse her; a tongue too familiar and a tad formal, but it was truly the only tongue she knew save for the one coated in silver. And something was off about this one, but Vanessa couldn’t quite place it. Being a Knight meant not to brush intuition aside, so she opted for the more tactical approach, observation; there would be no fight in the middle of Castle Town. And with an equally practiced smile that struck mercury, she continued, “How may I be of service?”

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tags: valdis, vanessa
word count: 314
notes: ;w; dun eat me

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[ReDead]

[atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc425/SoSGal/Graphs/ValdisBack.jpg); height: 500px; width: 300px; ] ''Tales by the Bug Palace'' Of course, Valdis was nervous : not that she would admit that. She had fed quite plenty : her skin had a pink flush to it all over, and her appearance was more then adequately human. But of course, the knight was busy, and the blonde on note of courtesy, had given her name : just to make sure that the knight did not take this lightly. However, she refrained from using her master's symbol : that was too ostentatious for one, and for a second, she was on personal business, not on business for the house. Steps, scent : blood. Metal. That's when any further nervosity was shoved out the window : she had no time to be self-conscious. She was, strangely put, an honorable undead : and that meant she would face anything with a clear face, and leave with a clear conscious. As the knight approached, and began to speak, Valdis gave a lipped smile : no fangs, no teeth, as the girl bowed, blonde strands short a bit today, fluttering as she did so. ''Milady Ferre, I am pleased that you received my message and came to meet me. Yes, I am Valdis.'' she said, fulfilling the introductions, as the undead gathered itself. Honor did not include grace, funnily enough, as the undead dropped to her knees, hands on the ground, bowing her head to her heads, the mere flesh of her hands separating her forehead from the dust and dirt. ''I am in dire need of your assistance, so please, hear my words.'' said the woman, her gaze shut, as she trembled softly. Pride would also take a nice blow to the nads. After all, honor wasn't necessarily being prideful or graceful : although in some cases, those two attributes mixed in that definition. Honor was like honesty : upholding a code that existed, to the best of any of your attributes. And one of Valdis' ingrained codes was simple : be honest in what you desire. Which might explain how she would smile and tear things apart, telling them about it : or how some days her loneliness caused her to go find a friend, and be honest about her not wanting to eat them. Pure honesty in words is simple and most powerful, as the ReDead waited for the knight to acquiesce her request to speak. [391] -- D'aww. I swear Valdis isn't trying to be cute. She just happens to.

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[VANESSA FERRE]

Milady? Vanessa almost chuckled out loud at the overly flowered title -- she was a lady, yes, but she was hardly a Lady, though her parents would have loved for her to be such a thing. Formalities were more than a waste of time, but as a Knight, she had to abide by them, demonstrate courtesy and whatnot, which exasperated her at points, but it was truly for the best; why make enemies when one didn’t have to? But it would be foolish to think everyone a friend even if one were to make no enemies. So, my dear, what are you? What can you do? --

What? A snap of light blinded her sight, striking her against the temples as she winced almost imperceptibly. Blood Reign. When the frail-framed girl dropped to her knees, the Knight felt her stomach drop with the blond -- increased heart rate, panic flushing to her cheeks. There were beggars and there were criminals (who were also beggars) who often dropped their knees at her feet, begging for something whether it be for a couple of rupees or their lives. Vanessa wasn’t too charitable when it came to lives. So, the act took her guard and bashed it against the ground with some whimsical abandon before she composed herself, holding out a hand to help the woman up. The sudden unexpected performance had misdirected her sense, and she cursed herself for making such a mistake. But even so, Vanessa raised a platinum brow in surprise; this girl wasn’t your average Mary Sue.

A small smile, still practiced down to the finest curve touched her lips -- she was here now, and she supposed it didn’t really matter if the girl was normal or not; there was still a message to resolve. It was merely surprising. “There isn’t any need to be upon the floor, Lady Valdis.” There was an element of awkwardness for the Knight, awkwardness that lodged into her very joints with some concept of truth and justice within her words, “That is what I have come to do. I shall hear your words, but I can promise nothing.” She smiled again, this time, a smile of knowing and interest, “May you be a healer by any chance? What may be your plea, Lady?”

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sight lvl 4 activated

tags: valdis, vanessa
word count: 378
notes: CUTENESS OVERLOAD ASKfhskh TAT make Vanessa miss with sight

[ReDead]

[atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc425/SoSGal/Graphs/ValdisBack.jpg); height: 500px; width: 300px; ] ''Tales by the Bug Palace'' The undead was a bit startled, as the other seemed to be accepting. The question of a healer made the girl blush softly, as she rose softly, those blonde strands almost floating as did so : wispy and free, as the crimson eyes settled on the knight. ''On occasion, I am a healer.'' she said softly, responding to the inquiry of the woman. She was pretty sure that was what she did in her living. But she couldn't be sure, she didn't know : and therein lay the crux of her problem, and the reason for her very presence in front of the knight, the fact she had sought for this one. After all, knights tended to disregard the undead : but Valdis had the assumption that the other had not discovered her true self, just yet. And that was good, as the revenant took in a breath, her cheeks still flushed, and those wide crimson eyes almost watery. ''I.. I have something unbearable to ask of you.. but before I even ask, I will tell you why.'' said the woman. Honesty was the best policy, and as she could already be killed for being undead, although she wasn't sure how the hell it happened, she couldn't take more chances by being dishonest or manipulative. Didn't help that her honor wanted that the other gave the sword out of free-will : she would feel guilty otherwise. The undead clasped her hands and put them to her breast, as if in prayer : similar to the abbey that had once existed, and had been.. unique to say the least. ''I.. I don't know anything of who I was, or how I came to be. In relative honesty, I'm no longer... well : but now.. there's a chance for me to understand who I was. There are two options : give up the pendant of the one that raised me after I forgot everything, and gave me a life to live for my name, or the entirety of my life for your sword. Two years, I have wandered, trying to understand who I am or why was I born like this, why was I put forth like this? It's.. not the Goddesses plans, I think that much. But still, I can't help but wonder why such things were set forth.. and the answer lies in my past. And either I give up who I am now, which is the pendant, or I ask a total stranger for help.'' the undead said, softly, as she paused, closing her eyes, knowing that tears threatened to escape.e It made her slightly scared that she was getting so emotional over this, but the undead kept her surprise to herself, as she opened those blood orbs once more. ''That pendant.. it means a lot to me. It means that I overcame the instincts that haunt me, and that I can become.. something better, something that belongs to this world, rather then a mindless beast. I.. I don't know what to do : I avoid people on the most part, and even then, my word is my bond : I will not break my vows, nor soil my honor. I will give you my word this is true : I will beg you and I will do anything. I do want to know my past : but my present has given me so much that I don't wish to give it up.. and to be honest, I loved my Master.'' She felt a tear escaped, and quickly wiped her face with her hands, as she took in a trembling breath. ''I love him.. he saved me from the hell that was being lonely.'' she said softly, once again struggling to cap her emotions : it would be no good if she slipped into a startled mode.. but Valdis wanted to make her point clear, as she looked at the girl before her, appearing normal, a living being, like she had once been as a Nun. ''I ask of you, valiant knight, my humble request. May I take your sword to discover my forgotten past?'' [681] -- Almost crying ;w; so cuuute... I wonder if Vanessa can withstand this x.x Just mrf!

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[VANESSA FERRE]

“You want Claymore?” The Knight was taken aback by the request; not only was it straightforward -- it was painfully difficult to get an efficient answer nowadays -- but it was in regards to her sword. And it wasn’t everyday that the dead came looking for her. Though the undead’s situation was pitiable, Vanessa was at a loss; the sword was never an option no matter what happened. She could be dying in the wastelands and still the sword cannot leave her hands as it meant more than anyone knows, more than what the Knight herself knows.

But still, the woman’s words wrenched at her heartstrings, and she felt as though if she refused, she would be taking foot to a beaten kitten. It was all too much for the Knight and she wanted nothing more than to tear out the flavescent locks from her scalp. But what must be done, must be done. “Please accept my humblest apologies, mi’lady. I cannot give Claymore to you.” Silver softened with pity as she reached into her pouch and offered the undead a kerchief. It was the least she could do.

Vanessa stepped back. The situation was odd -- it wasn’t very often that one came seeking out her blade: no one knew the nature of the blade and no one came for it...save for one unfortunately unfamiliar being she had the misfortune of running into. “What do you know of Claymore, Lady?” Mercuric eyes narrowed, but still held their soft edges. “Not many people come looking for my blade, let alone the undead.” Not that the woman bothered her by being undead -- she was bothered by too little -- but it did explain the implacable aura the Knight felt when approaching Valdis.

At the rest of the story, Vanessa could only frown. It was truly tragic to lose a love and to cherish a love. As a woman, she should understand what it is like to cling to the only existence of a past, or the only thread to a mirrored soul. Images of the note flashed within her mind. But as a Knight and as one who has vowed with too much blood poured into Claymore’s hilt, she shan’t be swayed. “I am truly sorry, Lady. But perhaps I may be able to seek some information within the census bureau of the Castle. It is what I can offer.”

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tags: valdis, vanessa
word count: 396
notes: MUST NOT SUCCUMB

[ReDead]

[atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc425/SoSGal/Graphs/ValdisBack.jpg); height: 500px; width: 300px; ] ''Tales by the Bug Palace'' Valdis was having a hard time controlling her emotions. The surprise on the knight's face seemed odd to her, as her blonde strands floated down her face, feather light. The woman seemed suspicious, as those blood orbs stared up, finally, the very surface liquid. It was so bad that the Re-Dead could only see a blurry shape. ''It won't be there.. I can't remember even my name.. and if I give up this pendant, the very symbol of my vow to harm no innocent, the very vow to keep existing and the very vow that is my life, the love that my master gave me, that is only when will I have a name. Until then, I am nothing, no one. Just another.. undead. A monster, a beast that, although eats flesh, deserves to be slaughtered.'' she said, her voice still even, as her eyes shut. But she knew that her composure would lose itself, as a sob heaved out of her throat. ''Is that why? Because I am a worthless creature..? What have I done to come back to such an awful life.. I have the shard of a memory. Smiling faces.. warmth. It pains me that I can never feel that again, not without consuming a living thing. Initially.. I was a beast, much like the others. But.. my master took me, and taught me life : and yet I can only live a simile of it. Have I gone missing? Did I leave husband, children, family behind? Are there those that are looking for me, even to this day? I cannot know such things. Well, I may know, if but for your sword milady.'' she said, her voice cracking now, as the undead shakily rose to her feet. ''I.. I don't even know what the blade does to be honest : or why it's special.'' she said, shaking her head. ''I just know that without it, I have to give up what makes me exist in order for a name. I... I will swear to you, that should.. should you give me the blade.. I would.. do anything. I swear on the honor I hold : the past I lost, the love I .. cherished. The blood of those I have shed : the pain of families I tore apart. I will swear on all of these things.. I would do anything, anything what so ever..'' said the Redead, sniffling loudly, still holding her cries in. After all, she did cry pretty loudly, and was trying her best to hide it.. but she was shaking, so very hard, on the edge, as those blood colored eyes flicked up again. And was most shocking in all of this. Valdis was telling the truth and it shone in her eyes. [458] -- x.x my nose is stuffed now.

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[VANESSA FERRE]

Vanessa knew the undead woman was telling the truth, and she wasn’t in question of such a thing as she never needed to see to know the intention of anything -- it was a pain truly since there were too many things already swimming in her head as of late. The Knight swallowed a lump she did not know she was harboring within her throat as the undead continued with her story with tears at the edges of her eyes, and all she wanted to do was to slap her hands over her ears and walk away. But that wasn’t an option, not when she understood what it was like to lose a life -- not to die, but to lose loves, could-be’s, and should-be’s.

“I see... So, there is someone else behind this.” That was all she could say for now, and as much as Vanessa would have liked to help Valdis, she was at a loss; Claymore may not be given away. And there she saw the game, this poor creature. But Vanessa regained her composure with a straightening of posture and a reinforcement of sheer will with a sigh of breath, “Well, seeing as though you are undead, I’m sure time isn’t of the utmost essence.”

A morbid grin stole upon her face, “Very well. You may have my sword on the condition that you requested: anything for my sword.” She touched the hilt of Claymore with tenderness -- this sword was everything to her, and she had no choice but to keep it as everything. “You may have my sword once I am dead. If I am killed, you may find my body and loot it as you wish -- I’m sure you’ve heard of the information broker, Vylira? She would know where my body has dropped. And If I am to die of natural causes, then I shall write a will and command Claymore to be yours to keep and your to do to it whatever you need.”

The blade seemed to vibrate with disdain at her words, and she willed it to silence, as she continued, “But if you so choose to attempt my assassination, then I cannot promise that you will have my sword or your half-life.” It was funny to her, speaking a will. It wasn’t as though she had anyone else in mind to write it to since her own family, if she could even call them such, would have just about everything they could possibly want in exchange for her life. And talking about her death as a business deal seemed quite improper in front of one who so thirsted for it. But she smiled brightly and out of context anyhow, “In other words, I ask that you wait until I die. Will you do that? The sword is yours then.”

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tags: valdis, vanessa
word count: 480
notes: D= get better!!! and hehe...loophole

[ReDead]

[atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc425/SoSGal/Graphs/ValdisBack.jpg); height: 500px; width: 300px; ] ''Tales by the Bug Palace'' Valdis was watching the other, as she seemed receptive, the light sparks of hope in her eyes. There seemed to be a sort of light starting to glow : but then the condition stamped extinguished it, like a sudden snuff. Those red eyes had started to glow with a startling humanity : and as the hope was snuffed, they became an abyss. Wide and empty : almost swallowing in the souless silence they seemed to be giving. The undead's entire body had gone rigid : a stiffness that seemed to meld with the empty heart that lay broken. The undead's apperance seemed to almost shift : her hands began to extend, long claws extending from them, her shaking body almost vulnerable, lost. Her form had collapsed : back on her knees, those claws raked the ground, digging, digging further and futher. ''I c-can't.'' was the only words she could speak, as the tears surged again. The sheer pain : the inner conflict between murder, honor, death and giving up the promise seemed to be tearing her apart. This time, the crying wasn't of shame : it was bitter, it was disapointment, it was insanity, as a low chuckle seemed to greet it. ''I.. I can't. I promised.. not a scratch.. no harm must come to you.. I vowed on it.'' she said, that gaze slipping back to the night, empty and lost : but something was lurking in there. A small, hurt child : someone that had never come to terms with their death, either because they couldn't know or they didn't accept it. With a smash, Valdis' fist hit the ground, blood smearing all over from the violence of the hit. ''I made a vow and to break that vow means breaking my honor : that I will not do.'' she said, her tone firm, strong, and most of all determined, as those eyes flickered. There was a fire in them, as she lfited herself, feeling a surge. Closing her eyes, the claws seemed to retreat as she regained control, pinching between her eyes. Her memory dredged up the piece of advice : and with a new track, Valdis settled her gaze on the woman. ''What do you think of the broker, anyways?'' she said, her voice a bit stuffed, but the control over her emotions was struggling, as the very thought of breaking her vow sent her to near tears again. Who knew an undead could feel so much? Then again, was she really undead? Her fingers curled together, as she wanted to find a way to do this : she did not want bloodshed or harmful tears. Maybe if she brought the entirety of Vanessa, it would be a good deal : that was definitely a thought now, as the ReDead was trying to understand. What was so special about the sword that it couldn't be given? The more the knight dodged around and found no valid reason to explain it, the more logic dictated that something was going on. But Valdis would prod : just a bit longer, to confirm her suspicions. She had to have that sword : death was no option. So if she had to physically kidnap the knight then so be it. That was how it would roll. [542] -- Gaffa, I cried again x.x Valdis' hurt is so poignant QQ and ohhh boy, this might get interesting. XD

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