A Light Among Shadows (Bacchus)

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It had been a long week, from all of the study and working she did, and all that Maia wanted, was to just go home and relax. But given the current time, with her still at work, she knew that wasn't possible. At the moment, Maia just got done with her studies, and was about to go home. She called ahead of time, to let all of her family knows, she was leaving. While on the phone, Maia got asked by her aunt, to stop by the shop to pick up a few items to take home. Maia agreed, then hung up and left. She wanted to start out, so she could get home before it got dark.



But as she was walking, Maia kept up at a good pace and a eye on her surroundings. She didn't have far to walk, but her aunt's shop wasn't exactly close either. It took her a hour and half to walk there. But once Maia got there, she checked in with her aunt. Then Her aunt asked if Maia could run to the bakery down in town, to pick up some items that were needed. Maia looked out the window, she saw there was still some time left, but asked a serious question then. "Hey Auntie? If it gets too late, can I just stay here with you and uncle tonight? Cause I don't want to really be walking around alone after dark?", she asked. Her aunt Diana smiled at her then. "Of course dear. We would love to have you visit at anytime. You know your welcome here all the time, or just stay here if you can't make it home before it gets dark. We will call your father to let him know your here", Diane said. Maia thanked her aunt then left and headed over to the towns bakery, and hoped she would make it back before dark.



Maia made it to the bakery in town, but once she got there, her mood changed. She saw that there was a line of four people ahead of her, all waiting for their order to be done and made. Maia placed her order then took a seat. The bakery was cozy, with tables and chairs around the place. Maia took a seat at a table near the fire, to keep warm. As she gazed and looked into the flames, she lost track of time. It wasn't until she felt someone touch her arm that made her jump. Maia turned to see it was just the owner. "Hello Madam. Sorry it took so long, but your order is ready now", the lady said. Maia thanked her, before following to go her her order. Few loafs of bread and couple of muffins. Once the owner wrapped everything up, Maia paid for it. Not as she did, she saw nobody else was there in the shop.



So she asked the owner where did everyone go? Maia learned from the owner that it was late, and the shop was about to close. Maia thanked the lady, then left. As she walked out in the village, Maia pulled her cloak closer to keep warm. When she was about half way to her aunt's shop, is when Maia started to feel strange, like someone was following her. With not walking to lead them to where she was going, she slowed her pace. As Maia walked quietly, she tried to listen nut didn't hear anything. Her instincts warned her to be careful, so Maia decided then to use her empathy power, to try and get a sense of who was following her. What Maia felt from whoever it was, was not danger, but like they were curious. The person was curious about her.



With this knowledge, Maia shopped by a shop with it's light still on, but she stopped in the shadows, and waited for the person to finally reveal themselves. As she waited, Maia took a few strong options out of her bag, but stayed to where she was standing at. Maia's empathy told her, that the person was real close, but she couldn't see where they were, and Maia was getting tired of waiting. So she just spoke. "Alright who are you? And why are you following me? Just show yourself already.." , she said. Maia was glad that her sister packed her bag with everything that she needed. With things from different potions, stakes, silver and other things, so Maia was ready to deal with anything. With a stake in one hand, and a potion in the other, now all Maia had to do was wait. The sooner the person showed themselves, then the sooner Maia could go home.

TAG: @bacchus

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He could be allot to take in the first time one saw Bacchus. Though not as prideful to admit as his brother Sedaiyus, he was depicted as a naturally very blandiloquent man. He had evocative alluring ocean blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the light, almost hypnotic and entrancing if one let themselves go to the near enticing appeal. His body was was near flawless, well toned, muscular in a swimmers kind of build, yet not too buff or burly holding onto great masculinity without giving up many elegant features more akin to a woman. No doubt bringing cynosure to many men who idolized such a figure. His skin was always well blended and tanned just right, not too light but far from bronzed. His skin itself was silk like, soft to the touch, never rough despite how active he was in athleticism and combat. There was a gentleness to his touch, fairly graceful in fact in his movement, always with purpose and calculated too. At the same time it was apparent he held great strength and security about him, illuminated with self confidence. He had a nice smile, a smile that could light up the night sky seemingly. Even his soft and mellifluous voice was something to behold easily soothing and warming.[click] ]Bacchus wore very nice pair of dressy pants with a button up white shirt and a vest that matched his pants. All were made of fine material.[/a] [click]

This was all part of not just who he was though, but what he was. Everything about him was designed in appealing to others and filling them with a sense of attraction so that Bacchus could carry out his purpose. Normally that would be feeding and granting those desires they yearned for or helping his mother stake claims to territory in their real to help fuel an empire when she broke free of the demon realm, right now it was more or less to track down his brother Sedaiyus and bring him home for their mother to deal with. Bacchus understood what Sedaiyus was going through as well as his rebellious nature, Bacchus himself hit the same phase. But enough was enough, three hundred years was more than enough time to play. It was time Sedaiyus returned to his family and uphold the duties he was born to carry out. But track Sedaiyus seemed harder than he thought it would be. This world was so unfamiliar and strange, it had been too long since he was last here to familiarize himself with things. Tracking him was not as easy as following his energy trail or reading his victims or lovers, Sedaiyus had made it very apparent he did not want to be found unless he revealed himself.

Walking through a town which was closing down for the night Bacchus stumbled upon a young woman walking along in the night. She had left the bakery though it was unclear if she was from around here. Why was she alone at this time of night? There were plenty of dangers in this world it did not seem like something most people did, especially those who didn't appear to be able to defend themselves well. Before long Bacchus had been following this woman for sometime now without realizing it. She slipped into the shadows just outside a light by a shop. Bacchus saw her look to her bag which he took the opportunity to DeGravitate himself upward similarly to levitating ones body so that he was now on top of the buildings. He swiftly and with cat like silence leaped building to building so that he now was on the other side of the woman. He jumped down onto the sidewalk opposite the side he originally was on and listened as the woman shouted out at him. Bacchus didn't realize how he might have startled her. He understood fear well enough but something like this wouldn't have had the same impact on him as it might others.

Human emotions were so complexing to him. Bacchus stepped into the light and spoke calm and softly to the woman "There is no need for alarm. You are in no danger, not yet anyway. But if you continue at this time of night alone I cannot say for sure that this will not change. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable, this is not my intention I assure you. May I ask why you would risk your life for....whats in the bag? Pasteries? Seems unwise." Sedaiyus looked at the woman carefully eyeing her over then met her eyes. He had a very laid back demeanor like his brother usually held but instead of a carefree or in Bacchus opinion careless way about him, Bacchus stature was much more professional and stoic. His eyes almost twinkled under the little light at this time of night. Bacchus gave a friendly smirk and politely added "Forgive me, My name is Bacchus, It is a pleasure to meet you despite such unpleasant circumstances. I hope you can accept my apology for any fret I may have caused you." It would seem there was much for Bacchus to still learn and relearn. So little had changed yet he still felt out of place. Something else drew him to the woman, something about what he sensed in her, it was unlike anything he knew and it called to him to draw caution something he never got from any other creature even the mighty dragons. It made him even more curious.

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Maia was sebt to do some errands earlier on that day. She picked up a few herbs, potins, and the ladt thing she needed to get, was vead at the bakery. Onky thing us, Maia dudn't expect the line at the bakery would be so long. Time started out early afternoon, and ended up going until after sunset. Now it was night time and dark out, with shops closing for the evening. Maia kept a sharp eye on her surroundings at all times. But half way to her family's shop, is when Maia got the feeling she was being followed. She stayed to the shadows, in hoping it would conceal her features. Just as she passed a closed shop, Maia heard a noise coming from behind her. She stopped next to the shop, and went into her bag for some potions. In her bag, Maia got oyt a stake in one hand and a potion in the other. She didn't know what she was up against, but Maia made sure that she was prepared for anything.


When Maia heard the noise again, she standed where she was at, against a wall on a shop. So at least, nobody could sneak up behind her. Once Maia heard the noise again, coming from her keft, she called out to the person. "I know that you are out there. Just show yourself already", she said. Maia tried to keep a steady voice, but she had to admit, she was a little scared. But she did her best not to show it. Finally the moment came. Maia saw a tall gentleman step into the light. He was taller then her, and looked to have light colored hair, from what she could see at distance. But what surprised Maia, was when the man spoke in a soft tone. Wheb the gentleman was finished, Maia answered him in a voice soft but firm. "Excuse me. I think there is cause for alarm and danger. What else am I'm suppose to think when I have a stranger following me? Who are you Sir? And why do you care on what I have in my bag? Who are you and what do you want? Why are you following me?", she said. Maia had every right to ask these question of the man. But looking around, she saw more shops were starting to close. Not a good sign. Maia and fo do something and fast.



Given the situation, Maia had to consider her options. The only thing that was close to her and still open, was a pub. A bar where everyone went to drink. Maia knew what she had on. A pair was black pants, a white shirt, with a brown scarp wrapped around her that covered her head, arms and shoulders. Maia also knew she had a few other things in her bag to. Thinking over all of her optiobs, Maia finally made a decision, and came up with a way to help lose her follower. Then the gentleman did skmethibg that caught her off guard. He introduced himself first to her and apologized for scaring her. Maia looked at hom from where she stood. At least he seemed nice. Was the nan friendly? Or was he trying yo trick her into a trap? Maia finally spoke. "Hello Bacchus. You seem okay. Are you real? And are you truly sincere? If I come back, your not going to hurt me are?", she said. Maia waited for a few minutes for him to object to that. But when silence met her, she took it as hopefully as good sign to her.


So after a few minutes passed, Maia finaly stepped into the light. She noticed the man - Bacchus - moved. Maia saw he shift his stance, and she wonder what it meant. When the gentleman fudn't say anything, Maia looked down at herself. Black pants, brown scard, and her light brown hair showed a little, where a few strands of her hair fell through. Maia looked back up at the man again. She saw he was still standing where he was a few seconds ago, at a distance. Or Maia thought so. When the wond blew, she wrapped her scarf around her more. "So.. Bacchus is it? If you won't hurt me. Do you mind getting out of this cold? Maybe... are you free for drinks?", she said. Maia had a good idea. The bar was a good place to go. It was well lit with lights and warm. At the moment, it was the only thjng open. The second advantage for Maia was, that the bar was close to her family's shop. And third, if need be, and she needed help, Maia had a cousin who worked there. Maia took two steps closer, which put her more into the light. As she waited for Bacchus to answer, Maia used her Emapthy ability to see if anything was wrong. Her instincts read no danger yet, but the only thing she sensed was wonder. Maia was surprised that the man was curious about ger, but maybe that could be a good thing for her. Maia hoped for that, while she waited for a answer from him.

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Bacchus was still getting use to the mortal world here. The way he was use to communicating was a little different, certain things were the same, but often they meant something entirely different in both speech and gesture. Bacchus quick to adapt had learned much but some things still alluded him. The range of emotions he had trouble understanding was vast and things like sarcasm and social protocol alluded him often. Bacchus was quick to argue when accused of following this woman. "I was not following you, I simply saw you, then approached. As far as what I want is not really relevant as I am certainly curious about much that seems to shroud you but I don't want anything."

When the woman questioned his intent, inquiring whether he might harm her or was being genuine Bacchus reflected on the many lectures his mother gave to him. He chuckled lightheartedly and with a grin replied "My mother once gave me some advice that has benefited me greatly in my lifetime. She said that I should trust no one other than myself even when it came to her. Friends can cut deep in terms of betrayal and family even deeper. They know your weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Their intent is too often unclear. Enemies are more simple, you know they which ill upon you and perhaps even harm. One should always be on guard and careful. So I will tell you yes, I am sincere when saying I which no harm to come to you, but whether or not you believe that is up to you. Know that I would not judge you either way though"

The woman invited him to drink at a tavern within eye sight. She mentioned the cold but Bacchus did not notice such temperatures unless they were extreme. He often was warm to the touch no matter the setting. Bacchus smiled and slightly bowed in approval and moved to head to the tavern with her and added briefly. "If that is your desire my lady." The woman seemed harmless enough. Perhaps a witch? There was something mystical about her, Bacchus could sense it but it wasn't something he could put his finger on. His instincts told him that this woman was a threat, dangerous to him, and to stay away. It was very confusing and most curious. The more he felt he should leave, the more drawn he became to finding out why. Bacchus was a higher powered demon, he was centuries old and skilled in his abilities. There was little that posed significant threat to him, so why would this woman? He knew she was not a demon he would be able to recognize even possession. She was no vampire either, he could feel the life within her, it was distinctive. He grew more and more curious.

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Maia was a little nervooys and upset that she was caught off guard by the stranger, but at least she recovered quickly. She kept the man in her line of sight. Maia did notice that the gentleman - Bacchuss - was quick to argue that he wasn't following her. She then answered him. "You say you were following me. But how can I know that for sure? You could be anyone for all I know. If you don't want anything from me, then what are your intentions?", she said. Maia was indeed trying to figure this guy at. He seems like a puzzle to her. She had every right to question Bacchus about his motives.



Once she finally got a reaction from Bacchus, she listened to his answers. Maia raised a eyebrow at him, it seemed that some of his logic was right, but not all of it though. After everything was said, she answered him. "Some of your logic is right but not all. Your mother sounds like a wise woman. But family does matter, they can go either way, they can protect or hurt someone. And depends of that person is strong enough to handle their answers", she said. Maia then moved a few steps to the right where she could be closer to a wall, so nobody could sneak up behind her. But she stopped when she heard Bacchus mention that he wished her no harm. Maia tilted her head to the side to study him. She watched him to see if he would say anything else. What Maia felt from her empathy was only curious on his side, she sensed ill will from him. So Maia spoke softly to him. "You wish me no harm? For just a moment there, is you almost made me believe your telling the truth. But again, how do I know that? For I just met you. But we will see...", she said. Maia then gave him one of her rare lovely smiles, before she waved a hand at him. She then looked around her, while still keeping a eye on where Bacchus was. Maia saw it was getting later and more darker. Not a good sign.



To help balance then in her favor, Maia decided to invite Bacchus for drinks that was within walking distance. She was caught off guard a little, when Bacchus bowed to her. That was a first. Maia followed him into the tavdrn. After finding a open table, she took a seat. Maia ordered a shot, but at the same time, she was quiet and just sat back to study him more. There was something about Bacchus that drew her in and made her curious about him. But Maia knew that she had to keep her guard up. She noticed a openjng that could help her, so she went to take it. "Bacchus if you pardon me. I need to use the ladies room for a moment. Perhaps we can do one more round for shots?", she said. Maia then smiled at him, before getting up to walk past a few tables, turned a corner and down a hallway to the ladies restroom. Once inside, she quickly changed her scarf. Instead of the blue she gad on, she pulled a black scarf out her basket and put it on. The lkng black scarf matched her black dress pants, and help hide her brown shirt. As for her looks, Maia pulled out one of her potiobd, she had for a emergency like this. A potion to help her change her apperance.



Taking a deep breath, Maia downed the potion and took a moment to get her blance. The potion tasted awful, but it would help her. Since she had a locket necklace her aunt gave her, Maia used that to focus. Soon her blonde hair changed to grow darker until it was a jet black, and her eyes changed from a lihht green to a derp brown. Maia took a few minutes longer for the changw to be complete. After that, she opened the stall to look in the mirror. Maia looked nothing like herself, but more like her aunt. She quickly wrote a small note. In it, Maia told Bacchus that she wasn't feeling well, and if he truly meant her no harm, then for him to meet her at the same tavern tomorrow in the afternoon. Once she saw another lady walk in to use the restroom, she walked out the door just then. Maia ran into a waitess then. "Hello madam. Can you give this to table five? To a gentleman there. It's from a girl inside, poor thing is sick in there. And here is for your help dwar", she said. Maia then gave the waitress a huge tip for help. When the lady nodded, Maia waited until she left, before going out the back door. Maia ran to the end of yhe tavern and made a left. She quickly ran across the way to her grandmother shop and ran into her grandfather. Perfect. Maia saw he was raking in good, so she went ovrt to help. "Here, let me help you with that dear", she said. Maia then carried the food into the shop for hef grandfather. Once inside, she set things on the counter. After her grandfather went upstaies, Maia put sone cold water on her face and hoped it worked. The potion was already wearing ofc on her hair, when she just walked in. So it should on soon. Maia was grateful tjose short potions worked. Now, she just had to hope Bacchus got her letter. Maia checked the locks and windows, but she didn't see anyone, before calling it a night.

TAG: @bacchus