A Baro’s Vardo (Ravnos x Fennix)

[Yayoi]

As the sun began to set the Kumpania had settled where they planned to make famp for the evening. Vardos of all shapes and sizes sat end to end, creating rings of circles around a central bonfire that was already raging. Flames rising up to lick the sky as embers floated through the air. Even though is was night time the Kumpania was still bustling with life. Men and women milling about completing chores or catching up with one another. Older members sitting on their porches telling stories to the younger children of days long past, monsters that lurked just outside the safety of the Kumpania and stories about the many exploits of their illustrious Baro.

The sound of voices and laughter filled the air as many began to gather around the central non fire to settle in, dance, play music and sing songs. It was a typical night in the safety of the Kumpania and there was no place safer than there. There were legitimate threats in the darkness outside the rings of Vardo.

At the center of the camp sat one particular Vardo. Large with intricate designs carved into its wooden outer exterior. Curious designs and perhaps some even more curious symbols. Perhaps they were wards to keep those who might try to snoop around. It would keep any interested parties out while protecting those who dwelled within safe. When there were occupants.

Suddenly the door to the Vardo swung open and out stepped a devilishly handsome dark haired man who’s green eyes seemed to glow in the dim light of the bonfire. A thin cigar settled between his lips as gazed about the camp, smiling fondly. The door closing behind him as if by an unseen hand. Which was fine. There were precious things contained within. And a certain red head that he was quite fond of. For the moment he had some time to himself and he figured it would be a good time to make an appearance amongst his mortal family. Unknowingly they protected his Vardo during the day when he could not venture outside.

Glancing up at the night sky he admired the stars that blinked and twinkled in the inky night sky. A beautiful sight to the Ancient Vampire.

Moving towards the bonfire there were many who greeted him. It had been a while since they had seen their Baro before he had returned from the temple to go in this adventure with Grendel and they were al eager to hear his stories that he of course had to share. Passing them on to the story tellers of the group to repeat at later times. As he drew close to the fire Ravnos settled himself down into a long bench. The remnant of the tree they had cut down to create some firewood. He settled himself, taking a long drag from his cigar he nodded to those that greeted him. Smoke drifting from his mouth and swirling up into the night sky.

“Uta”

 

[Uta]

Night had fallen, and Fennix found himself move among the shadows of the Kumpania. Like many that came before him, and those surely who could come after, Fennix came and went as it suited him, spending long swaths of time on his own, stirring up adventures, or more accurately, a good deal of trouble. Most recently he'd spent some time in the city, having stumbled upon a new friend, who was as oblivious as she was studious. Fennix had had such a delightful time as the story he wove of their assumed-but-forgotten friendship that he now had his own city-dwelling, free of charge, if he ever was inclined to return. While he had and preferred his own little vardo, the idea of a city haven as another place to stash more of his things worked well in his favor.

For now, the bonfires, the movement of mortals and vampire alike, were familiar to him and comforting in their way. He wouldn't stay long--Fennix never did, of course--but he did have a few tokens from his travels, and a night among kith and kin would be a delight. He was on his way back to his own vardo when something caused him to stop, dead in his tracks.

Oh.

Oh he knew that feeling, and that was never good. It struck without warning, and was all but impossible for him to ignore. He'd try, of course, but it would do no good, gnawing at his very being, until he had at last given in to its unwavering demand. Unfortunately, today's mark was one Fennix knew would cause him nothing but trouble--and that only made the need to investigate all the more great.

One peek. One look. One attempt.

Logically, he knew this was a bad idea. It was never good form to snoop around the camp like a petty thief. But this wasn't just anybody's domicile -- this one belonged to the great Baro himself -- Ravnos. It would be stupid for him to try to take a closer look, to see if he could get get even one foot inside, to calm the sudden driving need, but then, Fennix knew he wasn't a smart man. Additionally, the added danger and greater risk only added to his driving need to give in to his weakness. He knew he should high-tail it and flee the kumpania and try to find some way to curb the need. But even if he ran, he'd find himself right back here, more reckless than ever. Oh, gods smite him, because Fennix knew he wouldn't be able to resist the temptation.

... but it would also only result in trouble if he got caught. And the idea of potentially pulling off just a little break-in of such a well-known target would be satisfying. He wasn't here to do any real harm, he didn't even want to borrow anything but the more he looked upon the vardo from the shadows, the more he felt compelled. What treasures might be in there? What stories? The outside of the vardo was certainly beautiful and a sight to behold-- the inside must be equally compelling. It was significantly larger than his own, and beautiful designed. The colors and symbols etched upon the outside of the vardo were unfamiliar to Fennix, but that didn't bother him. He never feared the unknown. Reaching up, he pulled at his chin scruff, and stole a glance about.

Its position was ill-placed, right in the center of all the activity. But he had caught sight of Ravnos exiting, which did mean there was prime opportunity to at least take a closer look. Perhaps that would be enough to stave off that absolutely primal need to break into places he was not allowed. Well, there was naught to be done about it but try. The sooner he eased the temptation, the sooner he could scurry back to his own, with Ravnos hopefully none-the-wiser.

Well, if he were to meet his final death by the hands of his Baro, then so be it. There were worse fates than death--and what a story to be told. There weas something poetic about potentially becoming a warning to keep others out, when he spent so much of his unlife breaking in.

Que sera sera.

One moment he was seemingly minding his own business, the next he had snuck closer, moving directly to its back porch. He wanted to stick close to the shadows, and though much of the vardo was encased in firelight, there were still a few good shadows to sink into. His dark hair and skin at least helped keep him somewhat hidden -- though his gold jewelry and bright colored fabrics were less concealing. Well, he'd be quick about it.

Thankfully, his well-practiced specialty meant that mortals, and any younger vampire might not take note of his activities. The gift of obfuscate he was granted helped in keeping him from being caught plenty of times... perhaps he'd be so lucky here. Was the back door open? A little touch, just to see what he might be working with. It was easier to break into a door than sneak in some window, or draw such obvious attention.

Just one little peek and then he'd be gone and the world could continue turning, none the wiser.

“Yayoi”

Well, Feninx had a nice run while it lased... x3 One post before he's smote or turned to dust.

 

[Yayoi]

If Fennix thought his dark complexion hid him from that sharp green gaze well, he was quite wrong. Ravnos was Ancient, far far older than all of his clan. He wrote the book on his clan, quite literally. Ok ok, that was just an epic poem and a giant farce. Ravnos had been surprised anyone had latched on to the idea but they sure did.

As was such Fennix could not escape his sight. Ravnos was a master of many clan disciplines and Obfuscate was easy enough to niggle out. Of course the younger Ravnos made a beeline for his Vardo. Ever since Fennix had arrived in the Kumpania he had had this strange obsession with trying to break in the Disciples’s Vardo. Well, that probably was not a good idea at this time. There was a reason the carvings were there. Why magic infused within it.

When Fennix reached out his hand to test the back door a cloud of smoke enveloped him. The scent of cloves, warm spices and something else one couldn’t quite put their finger in fill the air around him A figure leaned his head over the younger Ravnos’ shoulder. “You know, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I hear there’s something very precious to me and something very dangerous to snooping thieves in there.” Ravnos was not a tall man but he could cut an imposing figure when he wanted to. The reputation that most gave him always proceeded the Baro. Which was fine by him. Give others a reason, real or not, to be wary of your presence.

Laughter filled the air as a hand clamped down on Fennix’s shoulder. If he had scared the shot out of him all the better. And the thought made him laugh more. Guiding Fennix away from the Vardo he directed the young vampire back to the bonfire with another chuckle. “You need to take control of your vice, Prietenul meu. Dangerous things await sticky fingers in there.” Letting go of the other male he laughed a couple more times before he seated himself back on the bench. “Tell me, what do you hope to find in there? There’s much treasure yes but is it worth the risk?” A dark eyebrow lifted as he stared at Fennix curiously, green eyes shimmering in the firelight. The Disciple’s gaze could be a bit unnerving to those who did not know him well. And while he thought of all his clan as family he knew very little about them aside from a small handful. His time had been spent elsewhere, with others. Wanderlust had hit him hard and so he was traveling with his Kumpania for a time.

If Fennix said anything other than yes it would surprise Ravnos. His clan’s reputation as thieves was touted as truth. Every Ravnos was a thief but not all thieves were Ravnos. Some vices ran on the mundane side ehile sometimes others were more to the extreme. But the better the story to tell the better your reputation lived on. And Ravnos had many stories.

Uta

 

[Uta]

The smoke was enough for Fennix to jerk his hand back, as if he'd been burned. The scent was both familiar and unknown, but he wasn't planning on sticking around to try to figure out what the recipe was made of. He stepped back to leave, but laughter wrapped around him, and a strong hand clamped down on his shoulder, causing the pit of his stomach to drop. Every curse in the book ran through his head, for he knew he was caught--and by none other than the Baro himself.

Well, this was it. He'd had a good run. Already he could envision the Tale of Fennix and the story how stupid, snooping Ravnos had best not go poking around the Baro's vardo. Of course, going out in spectacular style did sound like a great adventure indeed. How might Ravnos do it? Well, he wasn't going to go out a coward, even if he was sure he looked white as a sheet despite his ebony features. Ravnos might well have seen the ghost of his damned soul leave his body as his hand came to rest on his shoulder--but Fennix did his best to steel his expression.

"Good thing I've never been convicted of being a thief then," He stated with a laugh, though if his words trembled, he couldn't be blamed. Ravnos was not just the Baro, but he was the Ravnos. He could turn him to ash with just a thought, he was certain -- and even if he couldn't, he was certain there were other equally damning things he could do. "Now that you mention it, I could have been testing your security. There's bandits and hoodlums all over, Baro," he grinned, knowing damn well he was one of them. "One can't be too careful these days."

He did peek over his shoulder one last time as Ravnos led him from the beautiful vardo. He still hadn't stepped foot in it. Hell, he hadn't even cracked a window or door, much less touched a lock, and he could feel his vice demand he squirm and wriggle and try, try again. He couldn't help it. Whenever he saw signs to keep out, not to trespass, or other buildings and places and rooms locked from him, he couldn't help but want to see what he was being barred from. Or at least, have the satisfaction of stepping a foot inside, knowing that he had not been kept away. Unfortunately, the Baro's vardo was not something he had managed to conquer.... and it drove his vice wild.

Sighing, he settled down by the fire, reaching over to play with the large, golden ring tied within his ebony hair. The thought of danger and risk within that vardo only made him want to investigate all the more. What all was the Baro hiding? He could control his thieving hands, just to have a look. What might be so precious? What treasures could there be? "Of course," he answered without an ounce of hesitation, his purple eyes gleaming brightly with awe at the thought. "The risk makes it all the more appealing," he confessed with a low chuckle. "I'm afraid if you're trying to deter me, you're doing a lousy job," he added with a mischievous grin. Great risk? Treasure? Possible death? Oh, he wanted to run right back and give it one more try immediately...

So instead, he refocused on his hair jewelry. It was as much for his fidgeting and sometimes-sticky fingers as it was for style. But controlling ones vice wasn't easy, and Fennix often fell prey to its demands.

Maybe there was something else that would capture his attention, instead of the glorious vardo. He turned his gaze back to Ravnos, reminding himself that he might well have been walked away once, but pushing it would do him no good. Besides which, he wasn't that stupid.

Usually.

He couldn't promise to never try again, but perhaps for the moment fear would help tamp down on his desire to try again. Perhaps he'd force himself elsewhere for a time, find something else to focus on. But getting through tonight would be a problem.

“Yayoi”

 

[Yayoi]

“How fortuitous for you then, prieten. I would hate to think we had a known thief among us.” Brushing back long; dark hair he leaned back slightly, stretching out his legs and crossing them at the ankle. The firelight shimmering on the gold of his boot heels. That was the way of it though. No Ravnos in their right mind would ever allow themselves to be caught and branded a thief. A cheat. Or any other name in the book that was synonymous with their clan name. At least according to the other clans.

But what did they know? Most were more than eager to look down on his clan. The brand them criminals. Not that it wasn’t true. No. But he would never openly admit if call his family criminals.!it was just their give. Their curse. One he had brought upon them with his own actions. But he had let go of that guilt a long time ago.

Quirking a dark brow, Ravnos tilted his head slightly. His jewelry chimed and flashed, catching the firelight. “Oh? I thought perhaps our little Kumpaniya was rather safe. But thank you for the warning. I will be sure to reenforce my security.” He wasn’t worried about bandits or robbers. Most, and he meant most, knew to stay away from his Vardo. And he had never been robbed himself. But it seemed Fennix was going to be a reoccurring thing. He wouldn’t say nuisance but Ravnos would definitely deter him. And if he did manage to get inside the dark Ravnos would certainly find a red haired deterrent waiting for him inside.

But he was on vacation. Well, kind of a vacation. They were searching while they traveled with the Kumpaniya. For a home. For all of them. He did not disclose this fact to many and certainly not to those he did now implicitly trust. Fennix was a slight unknown to him. But perhaps Ravnos would change that. He wanted to know the younger members of his clan. Yo be a visible presence for them. Spending most of his time at the temple, taking care of his children and being with Grendel left him separated from his people. But truth be told he would not have it any other way. The Disciple enjoyed his new found life with Grendel greatly.

“Good answer.” He rumbled. Taking a drag from his cigar as he reached into the sleeve of his shirt and pulled out another. Tossing it to his fellow clan mate. “If it wil sate your curiosity a little I keep some of these in there.” A little tidbit. He knew it would do nothing for the younger vampire’s vice but that was fine. He had no reason to worry about Fennix getting into his Vardo and making trouble.

“So, unul tânăr. Tell me about yourself.” Might as well start with the obvious questions. If he was going to glean any information from him, about him, he should start with the basics.

Uta

 

[Uta]

Fennix still could feel that drive, that desire to sneak back and have another go at it. He felt restless, felt his claws itching to try, try again... Oh, it was a foolish thought, but sitting before Ravnos helped keep him still. No, he would keep himself away from the Vardo for now... but his vice wouldn't be satisfied until he managed.

He could leave the Kumpaniya, find other delights in the city, or in other places -- but the Baro's Vardo had eluded him all these years, and every time he came back he couldn't help but hyperfocus upon it. This was the first time he'd actually tried to get a claw inside, and it went no where. It was the impossible dream, but Fennix was determined. Who knew when his luck might change?

For now, he'd continue to play with his own hair jewels, and try to quiet the nagging need. Ravnos wouldn't be in good humor to deter him a second time this night, so he'd need to give it some time. Play it cool. He didn't actually want to steal anything--just the satisfaction of getting in past barriers and warnings was often enough for Fennix to be sated.. Usually. On the other hand, Fennix had a mighty large collection of borrowed goods in his own vardo -- and there was always a risk something new might fall into his hands.

No, no, no. There were other things to focus on, other things to do. Hmmm. Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned the bit about thieves and bandits -- but then again, adding extra security only meant all-the-greater reward. Well, something to think about later.... He'd need go rustle up shenanigans elsewhere for a time, to ignore the call of his Baro's vardo. It really was like catnip for the poor ancilla - - but a bit of conversation with the big man himself was more than enough to keep him still.

When Ravnos tossed a cigar at him, he immediately studied it, as if it really were some treasure. He gave it a small squeeze, testing its weight, before he put the foot of it up to his nose and took a deep breath. It was a heady scent, and not one he could entirely place. He rolled the cigar reverently beneath his nose, savoring its cold aroma, before he gave a low laugh. "I appreciate the tidbit," he thanked, grateful, even if it would do nothing to sate his itching curiosity. It was something though, and would give him something new to focus on, to pretend he'd filched it himself. "May I?" He asked, waiting for confirmation before lighting up the cigar. The taste of it heated would be different than what he'd smelled, but together, their flavors would be a delight.

Of course, Ravnos question did surprise him. Fennix had simply assumed the great Baro knew one and all, without question. And perhaps he did, and was simply humoring him. That was the more likely story, yes, if some of the rumors he'd heard about the great Ravnos were true. He could still crush him with a thought. However, Fennix was a sociable creatures, though his stories were often outlandish and untrue. "Now let's see... I enjoy long walks on the beach, my food fresh from the hunt, and a good cabernet by the roaring fire," he teased, eyes alight with mirth. No, no, he would be serious--could be serious. Sometimes. "There might be too much to tell, Baro," he mused, trying to suss out fact from fiction. He'd woven so many stories it was hard to keep the truth straight. "I like to roam, enjoy my freedom, and am always eager to explore new places." All the more when they were places he wasn't allowed or shouldn't be anywhere near. "I'm a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, really--oh boy, I can tell I've shocked you with that news, Baro!" He laughed again. Was Fennix serious about anything in his life? Probably not. Unlife was dangerous, but that made it all the more exciting. "I've been an entertainer, a dancer, an acrobat, a tradesman, a daredevil, a collector of rarities, an artist, a locksmith... Shall I go on?" Whether or not he actually was talented in any of those roles remained to be seen -- but there were kernels of truth and even some actual honesty sprinkled within. "Is there something you wish to know in particular, Baro?"

Fennix wasn't actually accustomed to talking about himself. But he could tell Ravnos whatever story he wanted if he had a bit more information on what he wanted to know.

“Yayoi”