Avaline Dawkins

History

• "Wake up, little one..." The voice drifting through the young woman's dreams caused her brow to furrow with a small grunt in response as she rolled from one side to the other. A soft hand grasped her shoulder firmly, shaking ever so slightly the mound of flesh that belonged to this 'little one.' She grumbled under her breath from the jostling and icey eyes greeted the dreary grey of early morning. "I'm up, Clarice..." She mumbled with a little rub to her eyes from a loosely fisted hand. The woman referred to as Calrice shifted to stand before the lounging heiress and pressed a hand to her forehead. "Every morning it becomes harder and harder to wake you. Have you been up staring at the moon again?" The nanny stood there with a brow at the ready to rise, a heeled foot ticking away the seconds as she waited for a reply from the young woman. Silence was the answer, and Clarice took it to heart, grabbing the sheets of silk to throw them from the warm body of the child she had cared for. The curtains were pulled back just as quickly, leaving the sun's weak glow to settle upon the smooth, ivory skin that lay motionless in slumber. Clarice hefted a sigh and went downstairs, shaking her head and grumbling about young women needing their beauty rest. From the silence, the young woman opened her eyes cautiously and slid from off the bed. Pale hair flowed past her shoulders as she stood up to tickle at the supple skin of her legs. She stared blankly out the window from her bedside, her nightgown too revealing to near it until she was prepared by her beloved Clarice, wishing that there was more than the color grey. She sighed and weaved a hand through the tangles of her fine hair as she walked to the door to grab her robe. Tying it without much care for perfection, she toddled down the stairs of the large estate and into the foyer. Applying a foot to floor would seem like the proper means for transportation, but Clarice had gone to keeping herself busy preparing breakfast and hadn't noticed the young blonde standing behind her. "Oh, heavens! Don't you sneak up on me that way." She scolded, and the young woman perked a brow in silence as she tilted her chin up in small rebellion. The nanny scoffed, "It wouldn't hurt to try and make a noise, at least..." Upon hearing the small quiver in her care taker's voice, the young woman simply turned and left the room. Clarice was dear to her, more family than the rotten mother and father whom left her here within their gilded cage. London, England... A place one goes to when they prefer the hustle and bustle, but care not what the sky holds. She sighed, thinking of the freedom and loss of time that clung to her whenever she was able to see the stars. Her gown seemed to grow tight, her breathing shallow, and suddenly she knew she wanted something. Desperately. She'd heard of the Titanic setting sail for the Americas, she'd heard her parents telling her that it was supposed to be a fine cruise ship and voicing their opinions on buying tickets. She thought, as all young women do, that if the location were to change, her life could change. Actually, the night sky was all she wanted. The night gave her hope. For what, she wasn't sure, but it didn't stop her from longing for it. She traced her steps and ran right into Clarice, causing the tea set that was balanced so meticulously to shatter upon the floor. The young woman immediately backed away, careful to avoid the broken shards of porcelain, and tried to avoid the glare of her nanny. "Now what are you up to?" Clarice asked it as if she were looking after a child once more, striking a nerve with the woman who'd just been so hopeful. Clarice saw the change in her, stepping around the fine slivers to take her into her arms. She let the same hand that woke her that morning brush back her hair and smooth it away from her face. Clarice's pale brown eyes met her iced hues. "What did you wish to tell me?" She asked calmly, feeling the subtle shake of the younger woman's nervousness. Or excitement. "The Titanic, Clarice... I wish to go to America. I want a chance to see the stars light up the ocean beneath me and the full moon watch over me. Oh, please, Clarice? May i?" The nanny's face grew tight, her lips pursing as wrinkles knotted together in thought. Or complete disapproval. "Miss, that would be highly... inappropriate for a woman of your status." She backed out of the nanny's arms quickly, hope turning to rebellion in an instant. "Hey, little o-" Clarice began, but was interrupted, "No. It would be perfectly fine if I were with Mama and Papa, or even if I were betrothed. It would be expected. They are never here and I will die a woman untouched, that much is clear, Clarice." The young woman tugged on her robe as if it would help to straighten out her attitude, but to no avail, she only looked childish. "Avaline... Enough." Clarice grasped her in another hug before the younger of the two could protest, her eyes welling up in her desperation. "I just want to be free, Clarice... If only for a little while... I just want to be one with the night. Is that so wrong...?" Tears that slipped between the two women were rare, but once shown the grace, the other was always there to hold onto. Silence swallowed Avaline's tears, clouding her world just as the bleak sky of London. Clarice spoke after the tears that fell slowed, "You will be courted and betrothed, for who you are, and when you are ready. Life cannot be-" "Clarice, it's not that simple. I'm of age, I have been. No man has come to call on me, and no band or child will grace me before I am buried and gone from this world." Clarice let a frown crease her brow. "What world is this when a young woman, only nineteen, must worry over such things? Come now, we will have our tea for the morning and discuss this further when I have gone over details with your parents." Avaline's eyes went wide with new hope and she tightened her hold around her nanny briefly before letting go. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise I'll learn how to tie my corset myself." Clarice immediately clucked her tongue and shook a finger at Avaline before she bent to pick up the shattered tea set. "A proper miss does not tend to her clothing herself. If all else is sheets to the wind, I will ask to accompany you to America."
  ~
  The bleak skies of England brought with them the familiar smoke from the trains and factories. Coal burning her eyes to tears as it smoked without care for her. Her luxurious skirts dirtied upon the cobbled stones as she walked with Clarice to the carriage outside her home. Her tickets already purchased, thanks to her father's connections, she was on her way to see this fine ship. Her small purse within her anxious fingers, she kept to the sidewalks; cautious as the sun behind the clouds that leaked the slow drizzle that early morning. She let her shoe make a dull tap against the small stair as she lifted her skirts to enter the carriage. The ebony horses snorting softly as they waited with perked ears and chewed upon their bits. Her luggage was already being packed by the footsmen as she climbed inside and waited for Clarice to take the upholstered seat across from her, smoothing out the lines in her fabrics and alabaster gloves. Avaline let out a sigh as her nanny offered the men sweets for their hard work. They were members of the estate and Clarice, weathered by time, never failed to show a little kindness whenever the opportunity arose. Avaline leaned forward in her seat to peer out the carriage's open door. "Clarice, at this pace, we shall never reach the docks before the Titanic departs. Please, let us be on our way." Her words, though few outside her home, were bored with a touch of her true whine of complaint. Clarice sensed her discomfort and patted the closed hands of the men, her candies safe inside them, before she, too, climbed within the carriage and let her knuckles wrap upon the roof. The footsmen pocketed their sweets and closed the door, climbing upon the back the carriage and taking their seats below the scenic window behind Avaline. The carriage started forward with the sound of the whip and a jolting motion, the horses hooves clacking upon the cobblestone streets raising in tempo until the driver saw that a certain pace was suitable. Avaline smoothed her pale hair upon one shoulder and began to pet it in her nervousness and Clarice sat back upon her seat with a little smirk. "Are you not as ready as you claimed, young Miss? Should you not be bouncing as a baby in front of a new doggie eager to pet?" Clarice's eyes glittered in her own excitement, for she was just as glad to be given permission to be on the fantastic ship of the future. She suddenly sat up straight and leaned across the small gap to press gentle fingers to Avaline's knee, "All will be fine my dear. It is an indestructible ship. The best of our time and you, Avaline, are one of it's privileged passengers. Hold your head up with pride as you await the night sky, my sweet. Your lovely moon awaits you, and he stars shall call your name as the sea provides the darkness you've longed for." Avaline let her nanny's words sink in and she let a slow smile cradle her lips as she began to sit up straighter, shoulders rising and fingers loosing their previously tight grip upon her purse. Her excitement only grew more as they neared the docks, the bustle of England coming together to see the ship off. She could hear the happy banter of her neighbors and see the dirty faces of the street urchins as they ran beside her family carriage. Prostitutes were seen, through the crows, and their faces, too, held excitement and dreams. Avaline grinned, happy to be one of the many to be given the chance to feel the sea's breeze upon the ship's deck. She couldn't wait to set foot upon the magnificent ship, dine in luxury among her father's colleagues, and whisper to the winds of the night sky all her hopes and dreams for the future. The carriage began to slow and he ship's stacks came into view along the horizon, brilliant against a sky of grey as workers hurried cars and luggage in bulk onto the ship. As they got closer, she saw people of high and low class shuffling upon the planks in their eager happiness to board the magnificent ship. She looked at Clarice. "Why do they get to board the ship? They couldn't have been able to afford the tickets." Clarice's lips drew together in her way of a scowl at the young heiress. She was clearly disappointed in the way Avaline referred to the lower classes. "My dear Ava, don't show such disgust, it does not become you. Envy is not the way a young miss like yourself should base her actions. Now, sit up and look lovely again. It is time we board the ship." With that, the nanny rapped upon the roof once more, and got up from her perch to leave the carriage, muttering to herself about how the young were raised with bias so easily. Avaline was caught off her guard by her nanny's words, and she suddenly realized that she could have just hurt her dear Clarice with her unruly behavior. She got up quickly as a footsmen came around in time to help her with a steady hand out of the carriage. Avaline rounded the back of the carriage to catch up with her beloved nanny and tugged slightly upon her elbow as she leaned close to her wrinkled ear. "I'm sorry Clarice. You are right. It is very unbecoming and I was very rude, please, forgive me?" Avaline's eyes were tearing from both the smoke of the city and the fear she felt of losing the woman who'd raised her and kept her looking her best. Clarice looked at her carefully, her scowl still apparent before it spread into a wide smile and she clicked her tongue. "Forgiven, young Avaline, but do keep in mind that kindness goes farther than anger. Do not belittle yourself to such petty feelings as the rest of your highborn brothers and sisters let themselves take on in the presence of those who are less fortunate. It decays the beauty, my lovely child, that lay within your heart. You were gifted with inner and outer beauty, Avaline, do not let it go to waste and rot you." Clarice's words had always made Ava feel something, and right now, she felt ashamed. Clarice nudged her elbow softly into the young woman's side as they neared the plank, "My words were to inspire the young beauty I know lies within you. We all have moments of weakness, sweet. It is up to you to decide how it is you project them to those around you." Avaline looked up at her nanny with a weakened hope, wanting to believe Clarice's words, and then she saw the spark within her eyes, lighting Avaline's as if a match to the fireplace. She grinned happily then, as their feet began hollow stride upon the plank, for she had no clue what she would do without her dear Clarice.
  
  As the skies began to bleed into an amber cry above the water, Avaline was found bracing herself against the tide with hands upon the ship's sturdy railings. Her eyes alight with a passion and inspiration she had never before felt as she watched the sun set. Many that had been upon the deck with her were leaving to go to dinner, but she would rather starve than miss her first night out at sea. She stood at the bow of the ship, watching the moon become clearer, more stark as the sky grew darker. The stars were unveiled in slow procession, blinking in their fierce energy and reflected excitement. Even if she looked down, the ocean in the distance held the beauty of the night in it's lovely ebony embrace. Such a glorious night this was, she thought as she walked upon the deck, rubbing her thin sleeves quietly to keep herself warm. Clarice was not with her, as Avaline had voiced earlier in the day how she preferred to be alone to enjoy the splendors. For this night at least, she had pleaded to her beloved nanny, whom upon seeing her desperation, allowed Ava her lonely adventure. Avaline knew that it was her only night alone, and she suddenly forgot the chill of ocean winds and as eyes closed, opened her arms wide to feel the essence of night embrace her in it's chilled arms. It was then that she found real arms holding her, and chilled they were, indeed. Fear rippled through her a moment until she noticed that it was a woman, a soft press of bosom to bosom confirmed it. Avaline, caught off guard, placed a hand upon the woman's shoulder gently, tapping softly. She was so cold that her skin seemed to seep it's chill through Ava's thin gown, a shiver ran up her spine and her intuition lead her to believe that something was very very wrong. She tapped again upon the woman's shoulder, this time a little more urgency jaded the touch with a sense of roughness, and the woman's face slid into view. Hair that was short and thick with wild curls framed a face too beautiful to provide description. Avaline was in shock at the woman's allure and sensual expression. Eyes that were dark as the night itself seemed dull but amused, and Ava felt the woman's hand slide up her back as the other pulled her closer. The panic eased away and lead to confusion as the woman 's face became one of pure satisfaction. One hand roamed freely over Avaline's frame, brushing softly along her jaw line to feel the softness of her skin when the slow adventure came to a close. Ava let her brows come together as she stared into the woman's eyes, demanding answer and seeking further exploration from her. The woman merely shook her head as if she had spent years in this very same position, and she spoke. Voice as soft as cream tickled Avaline's ear as she leaned in close once more. "Beauty, my pet, is something that should last forever... Don't you agree, child?" Avaline was thoroughly perplexed and at this point, angry at herself for not wanting the woman to back away. This was wrong, and public. When the woman received no answer, she bent her head to brush her cold lips upon the thin gossamer of Avaline's collared gown. The sensation brought goose bumps to rise upon her flesh in an instant, but a certain warmth spread over her, and in that instant, all was calm. Avaline let the arms that hung by her sides to wrap around the woman before her to complete the embrace. The answering whisper breathed over her ear bred no fear. "You carry beauty well. Tell me you name, young one, I must know what to call my chosen." Avaline felt no confusion, no more intuition, no hesitation as she answered smoothly, calmly. It was as if this were merely a conversation at the dinner table regarding which year was the best for wine. "Avaline, Miss. Avaline Dawkins." The woman rewarded her with another kiss to her collar and Ava let out a pleased sigh. "How old are you, Avaline?" Freezing fingers tickled the nape of her neck, crawling with fingernails that produced the most thrilling shiver towards Ava's scalp. Pale hair that was held by fine pins to create a delicate pile atop her head was loosened. A decorative comb fell to the floor with a sharp clatter that was paid no mind by either woman. The stranger's fingers splayed upon Ava's scalp, rubbing gently to free her pale blonde strands from their binding. Ava was lost in the sensation, eyes closing as the cold touch somehow bred warmth within her. Her answer came in a soft mumble that was relaxed, yet sharp with a feeling that she'd never experienced before. "Soon to be twenty..." The woman's hand left her scalp then, trailing nails down Ava's back once more. Slowly, carefully, it seemed that this woman did so, bracing Ava against her chilled frame. It was then, as the woman's nails begin their trip back up her back, that Ava realized with a clouded mind that her back was now bare. Cold fingertips smoothed her skin, bringing more heat within her as the woman's mouth set kisses to the hollow of Avaline's neck. It was then that she looked up at the stars, and the lovely full moon blurred. A tight sensation, a pinch dulling, muscles suddenly so relaxed her knees buckled beneath her. Tears sprang to her eyes, leaving trails of delicate, transparent love down her cheeks. It was odd, this foggy, weightless feeling that gripped her so tightly as her head lolled backwards. The woman's arms a vice that kept her from falling as a warmth began to course over her shoulder, then her chest. It was such a slow warmth, and it made her gossamer threads cling to her belly. Avaline's blurred vision began to darken, and the night sky stayed ever passive as her head swayed to the side. Warmth left her and her body shivered in the cold of the night. The gentle nuzzling of the woman upon her neck was where she found comfort now.
  ~
  "April 12th, 1912 was the night my heart stopped beating. It seems rather charming, really. To lose one's life under the blanket of stars, the comfort of what seems a bottomless sea beneath you. It was just three days before the infamous sinking of the Titanic, but I was in such a daze I don't remember much else from that time so long ago. My sire's name was Veronica. She had made four others in her time before she'd Embraced me. A Daevan Vampire with the ability to impose a feeling of calm on any she didn't feel like being discreet about; like she had to me. I suppose that as time wears on one does lose the desire to hide and follow law. My sire brought me into a different world of night, moon, and stars. Teaching me the flow of politics and human nature through new eyes that could capture their body language and new ears that could hear their speech patterns. I was asked to imbed myself into human culture and society frequently. I was to show Veronica how much I had learned by adapting and blending in with my "peers". She encouraged independence after she had made sure I could hunt, but visits frequently enough to be sure that I haven't lost my sense. I have had many homes within hustle and bustled towns of France, Ireland, and Japan; my true home however, lies within the Americas. My natural appeal only grew more brilliant after I'd changed from mortal to vampire, and now I embrace what Veronica had brought out in me the night of my rebirth. My sexual nature, once bound in a place and time when it was wrong, evil, was brought out for all to see and envy. I embraced it, relished the feel of another body against my own (or two) and I would feed to heighten climax rather than to abuse. I found it is much easier and much more appetizing when their blood is sweet with pleasure than sour with their fear. I bring my dates to my luxurious estate in Salem, Massachusetts and find amusement in how they toss their troubles aside with their clothing. I enjoy the club scene. The bumping rhythm of the air around me in darkened rooms full of mortal bodies glistening with sweat and enjoying drink excites me. One could suppose that i find beauty in many things, but only feed from those who harbor the physical. I still very much enjoy the life around me because the stars still watch over me with their cold, glittering gaze. The only thing that leaves me saddened is when I think of my darling Clarice. She had been one of the many whom had died in the fall of the great Titanic and frozen within the Atlantic's vast waters. At times, I wonder if she haunts me; others I wonder if she had found a way to have peace. She put up with me for so long, I would imagine she deserved it more than anyone else. I wonder if I put her to shame with my way of doing things now. If she is concerned for a woman so beautiful, immortal, and damned..."