Professor James Henry Blackstone (illusionfun) wrote in zionmystiqueic, @ 2019-11-01 23:20:00 |
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Entry tags: | !backstory, !thread, eva, james |
Who: Professor Blackstone & Eva Alta Valdez
When: Flashback - last year (Part Two)
Where: The illusionist's tent.
What: Meeting for the first time.
Rating/Warnings: Mature (adult situations)
Status: Complete and Closed
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It had been about a month. She’d seen and smiled at the professor when she passed his tent and even attended one of his shows. Eva was sure he still thought she was a figment. Then, things got strange.
She caught his eye behind the tents as Miss Lola ushered her on stage. After the show there was a blow off, she wasn’t a part of it, instead Cliff- Miss Lola’s brother brought a man behind the tent. He was older, not that attractive. They exchanged some money and Eva took his hand and lead him into a tent behind the backstage area. It was their tent, but one bed was sectioned off and everyone knew what it was for. Little did Eva know, her interaction had been spied upon by a curious magic man.
—
Time flew though Professor James Henry Blackstone rarely paid it much mind. His work and research consumed most of his days, and in the downtimes the sorcerer performed his shows to bring in a bit of coin. Items and potions were carefully crafted. Spells were tested and practiced over and over. Yet every now and again; while out for a stroll across the carnival, or on his way to grab a spot of food, Blackstone spotted Eva around. Oh seeing her beyond the confines of the tent had given him a moment of pause to be honest. However it wasn’t the first time he had seen an illusion of his out and about. Hell there were times when he’d strike up a conversation with his wife while reading or writing, and the figment of his dearly departed would be there...conversing right back while she sat in the rocking chair and worked on knitting something.
So to see Eva about didn’t trouble the man by any means. However when he was returning from dinner and spotted her with something else, that caused James to do a literal double take. Unsure of what to make of it all he moved into that small tent to investigate for a moment. But when he spotted her there with another man, a look of genuine confusion took hold. “I beg your pardon, but...well what is going on here?” There was no real trace of anger or jealousy either. If anything the sorcerer was just lost...and more than a little worried that he had somehow created another figment of an unattractive older man this time too.
--
The man was half way out of his trousers, Eva laying back on the bed putting on a show of being interested when James barged in. The vampire did her best to hide her amusement as her trick quickly covered himself. “Excuse me! Look, I din pay for no interruptions.”
Eva gracefully rose from the bed and sat the man down, “One moment, love.” She said, brushing her hand along his jaw. “It’ll be worth it.” She may have made him feel a bit of extra lust for her as an incentive. As the man nodded, and agreed to wait, Eva moved to the Professor and escorted him from the tent. “James.” She said softly, her cold hand brushing the edge of his hair. “You must be very confused. Please. Give me…” She looked back to the closed tent. “Five minutes… fifteen tops. I’ll meet you at your wagon.” Her dark eyes looked back to him. “We’ll clear everything up then.”
--
Over the years James had created all manner of illusions, yet never one like the man. Just seeing the stranger with his trousers tugged down a bit...and catching sight of other bits too...it was surely a bit of a shock. To say the least. The fact that the guy was apparently a paying client of Eva’s only muddied the already muddled waters of the sorcerer’s mind too. So when she calmed the stranger down with promises of it being worth his while, and escorted Blackstone out of the tent too, he was beyond bewildered. Just the fact that she requested five to fifteen minutes had the professor reeling as well. Since it was becoming quite clear that something was amiss.
“I...I don’t understand. That man was no figment of mine. So how…” A single hand of his moved through his wild hair, scratching his head as James tried to sort out just what was going on. When she spoke of clearing everything up though he finally offered a weak nod of his head, before turning and heading back to his own wagon.
--
She felt a little bad about letting James walk away so confused. But she knew Lola would be real mad at her if she didn’t give the senior what he paid for. She was right, it didn’t take long for him to finish and she slipped a slip dress on over her undergarments- not what she’d normally wear to go out, but it covered her up enough for the back lot.
As promised, Eva went to the Professor’s wagon and knocked gently before letting herself in. “Hola James.” She said, closing the door behind her.
--
A little cloud of smoke swirled around the inside of his wagon, shifting and moving about as if it was alive. Even as he puffed away on his pipe, sitting there in his favorite chair, the scent of fresh baked apple pie wafted through the small space instead of the scent of tobacco. So many questions danced through his mind, yet most answers seemed to elude the professor at the present moment. By the time Eva knocked on his wagon though one thing was painfully clear to him...she was not an illusion at all. Well, of that Blackstone was eighty percent certain.
Hearing his name on her lips drew the man’s gaze, and as if the pipe smoke sought to protect him too it shifted and seemed to fly about the room. Taking on the form of a tiny smoke made dragon. However the moment it neared the door of his wagon the poor little thing dissipated when the breeze wafted in from outside. “Hrm? Oh do come in, Eva.”
--
“You are upset with me.” She suggested, approaching him slowly. Her hair was pinned up and neat, makeup subtle.
--
Her remark was met with a silence for a moment as the man pondered just what to say or do. After all, it wasn’t exactly every day that he found himself in this sort of situation. Plus, despite having accidentally made the mistake of thinking her to be a figment of his creation...well Blackstone really did possess a keen intellect for the most part. So as he mentally reviewed all that he could recall of Eva, and their time together, little things started to spring to mind. Her lack of body heat, among other physical things, was certainly a bit of a red flag. Initially he had thought it just a result of a half finished illusion. Now though, given what he knew of the different types of creatures out there...well only one really seemed to spring to mind.
“I am not upset. Merely a bit taken aback by...well by my own foolishness. I can freely admit that thinking you a figment of my mind now seems a bit far fetched, yet I hadn’t even considered that you could be a vampire until now. Which makes me doubly foolish I suppose.” With a soft sigh the professor shook his head, this time at his own folly. Oh he felt a right fool for so many reasons, yet really he was more at a loss for why she had played along with his false premise to begin with. “Might I ask why you bothered with one such as myself?”
--
Eva moved before him and lowered to the ground, her hands on her knees as she looked up at him. “You seemed… at ease with the idea that I was just a creation of yours.” She said, laying her cool hand over one of his. “And you seemed to need me in that moment. I didn’t want to destroy the openness you showed me. I could tell it was a release that was long overdue.”
At his question she rose to her knees and brushed fingers along his cheek adoringly. “Oh, why would I not want to be bothered with a brilliant man?” One so broken and just asking for her to put back together. “A maravilloso as you.” It felt nice to be depended on, adored, cherished. Even if it required a bit of work to tame a new pet.
“And I will admit.” Eva added, looking away with a faux coyness. “It was nice to be real man’s fantasy. Not one of these men who solo piensa en mí como una puta- who don’t know how to respect a woman.” She turned back to him. “You made me feel special. I am sorry that I did not tell you who I really was.” She wasn’t sorry, but at least her words sounded true.
--
Flattery wasn’t something that Blackstone was normally prone to, still seeing here there before him...realizing that this beautiful creature was truly real and not a mere figment. It was certainly a lot to handle. More than that though; James couldn’t deny how his body reacted at her touch. Nor could he deny that she spoke the truth about how he had needed her, and that release. The last few weeks since savoring their exchange had been far more enjoyable. More joyful too then most of the last few years.
Between that, and the way his cheeks flushed as Eva brushed her fingers against them, the sorcerer knew he could not be mad at her for the deception. Especially since he had been foolish enough to allow himself to be so readily deceived. A part of his brain screamed to be cautious, given that she was very much a creature of the night. Still giving in to fear had never been the way for the man. No, he was the one who tended to seek out the darker side of the world; to study and learn what he could from the world that most humans knew nothing about.
When she spoke of feeling special, and didn’t recoil at the notion that she had been his fantasy, the professor let out a soft sigh before reaching down to gently brush his fingers along her ear and cheek in kind. “I harbor no bitterness or anger towards you, my dear. Oh I feel all manner of silly for having… for having failed to realize that you weren’t real until now. Still can you fault an old fool for thinking you too beautiful and breathtaking to be real?”
--
Eva rose up and slid upon his lap, an arm draping over his shoulder. “Not at all.” Her fingers played with his short locks of hair. “I wish I had more time tonight. But there are only a few more hours and I have… needs I must take care of.” Such as venturing out for food. She enjoyed he didn’t seem repulsed over her being a vampire, she often thought people jumped to conclusions over her kind. From what her sire had told her not all vampires are as civil as they are. Some are downright monstrous. They gave all vampires a bad name. Granted some might think her outlook that humans make good pets and play things might not be a ‘good’ thing, but she didn’t pay those people any mind. She would take care of her pets, and they would love her for it.
“Promise me that you won’t use this new revelation as an excuse to lose that charming smile of yours.” She said, using a finger to gingerly lift his chin. “Or I will have to come back and do something about it.” It was a promise disguised as a threat- a tease.
--
The sudden feel of her moving to sit on his lap drew the faintest whimper from his lips for a second. With wide eyes his gaze drifted up to her, putting aside his pipe as the professor listened to Eva speak up once more. It was the mention of needs that drew his focus away from how good it felt to have her atop him, and while it took a moment or two to wrap his mind around what possible needs she could have meant...well in the end James finally nodded a little as he caught on. “I must admit, I have little experience dealing with the act of a vampire feeding first hand. Though I’ve been called upon from time to time, to handle the cleanup when things grew too...messy. Are you capable of feeding without taking a life, my dear?”
That curious nature of his rose at the chance to actually glean a bit of new information from another supernatural creature. Oh it was a tad challenging to maintain his focus as his body stirred beneath hers. But still as he pondered the thought of her feeding process, there was no denying that he was earnestly considering allowing her the chance to feed on him. After all, she had been there for him when he needed it. So turnabout seemed fair.
--
“Now, now.” She tapped him on the nose as if scolding him. “A lady doesn’t talk about such things.” The smile across her lips wasn’t reserved as normal, allowing him to see her fangs. “But of course… I’m not an animal.” She’d only killed once, and technically he would have died from the slit throat if she hadn’t drained him. Now, her sire had cautioned her that prolonged periods without feeding could cause her to mess up- akin to a man starving and eating his napkin among his food. But Zion and the towns they visited had given her plenty of meals to choose from. She tilted her head at him, eyes narrowing slightly. “Why James… are you offering?”
It couldn’t be denied that she did so want to feed off him. Having her pet at her beck and call. She hadn’t had much practice at summoning those she’d partook from- either by disinterest or they were out of range. But having him right there? He would be wonderful to practice on. “You know.” She hummed. “I have heard that my bite is quite pleasant.”
--
For a second Blackstone frowned ever so slightly when Eva tapped him on the nose; worried that he had somehow unintentionally offended her. However when she allowed him to see her fangs, and continued on, a warm chuckle fell from the man’s lips. Oh he blushed anew when she asked the question directly, both because he was a tad embarrassed by how his pulse quickened as Eva held his gaze, and because a part of him stirred at the notion of letting her drink from him too. “I...well, I suppose it would be fair to at least offer. Given that you were there for me when I needed it, Eva.”
That hum of hers, and her sultry tone as the young woman spoke up once more, had the professor biting his lower lip to stop himself from making any sound. Already she could feel his manhood pressing up beneath her, especially after hearing how that bite could be quite pleasant. However instead instantly offering up a vein, James earnestly paused to speak again. “Indeed? Well that is uh, that sounds...fascinating, to be sure.”
--
“I mean… I haven’t actually asked, but no one’s ever complained.” A pointed tooth caught on her lip as she ran a hand down his arm. “And you are too kind.” Eva didn’t mind a little quid pro quo. “But you know, I was not there for you, just to use you later.” Oh yes she was. “I feel I may be too much of a distraction for you.” She said. “You must have had important work to do this evening-” Her other hand moved to his chest, fingers playing with the lapel of his coat. “Hard work.” She said, with a knowing smile. “But I would be lying if I said I didn’t find myself compelled to tell you,” Eva leaned in, her lips brushed at his ear. “I really want to show you how good I can make you feel.” Teeth nipped at his earlobe, no fang, as she pressed her chest against his. “I bet I can make you feel good without even touching you.” She smiled and kissed tenderly at his neck.
Heart racing, blood pumping. It was deafening, the smell of him was intense. It took so much restraint to not take advantage and just bite him as her tooth grazed him- but didn’t break skin.
--
The sound of his laughter rang out across the small but cozy wagon when Eva remarked about the lack of complaints. Still when she spoke of not having been there merely to use him later, James nodded and offered up a warm smile too. “I know, my dear. You were most kind, and I merely thought it would be good to offer kindness in return.” Sure he had heard tales, and warnings too, about vampires. Yet Eva had had the chance to harm him when he was at his most defenseless but instead she offered comfort. Of course her words, and the way her hands moved against him, made it difficult for the professor to express such things with any real clarity. Already he was straining to keep still, when his body desired to roll his hips up against her. “Hard...indeed. I, um, things are always...anyways, I am quite free for the moment, Eva. My evening was already unburdened with chores and whatnot.”
When she spoke of wanting to show him how good she could make him feel, his whole body trembled with unadulterated need. Even as he weakly nodded his head, James’ hand moved to rest there between her flawless thighs. Fingertips drifting across her flesh, higher and higher until they were felt brushing so lightly across the fabric of her underwear. “Oh I...I have no doubt that you could make me feel so very good indeed. With a touch, or without it, Eva.”
--
“You want me.” She said, her hips pressing her against his fingers. “Desire me… But do you need me?” Eva wondered. “Surely a man can please himself if he truly wanted.” She pulled back, just enough to look at him. “If you do, you need to tell me. You have to ask me to feed, tell me you permit me.” It wasn’t a vampire rule, but one that management had put on them. One she’d sworn to her sire she wouldn’t break. Besides it was nice to hear someone beg for it. “I promise, you won’t regret it.”
--
A look of slight confusion swept across Blackstone’s face for a moment when the vampire spoke of need. However when she informed him that he’d have to tell her, to grant her permission to feed on him, the professor finally understood. Earnestly the rules of the Carnival weren’t exactly lost on him by any means; yet the man had never fed off anyone before so those specific rules had never directly applied to him either. At last, after considering it for a moment longer, he finally nodded his head before softly speaking up again. “I grant you permission to feed on me, Eva.”
--
She leaned in and took his lips in hers as a thanks before she reached and reluctantly pulled his hand up from between her legs. While her bite would heal up quickly, the are would be red and marked for a few days- she didn’t want it to be in a place that was so obvious. Wouldn’t want people to talk. First, she helped him remove his jacket and then she pulled his sleeve up, revealing his forearm. She could feel his eyes on her as she looked at him. Eva’s eyes appeared darker as she pulled his wrist to her lips, just a trick of the light however.
The bite was… good, nice, actually quite pleasant. There was a soft prick, but very quickly the area tingled and it felt quite pleasurable. Like a warm blanket on a cold night or a firm massage. It wouldn’t be hard to see how, mixed with a moment of intimacy, the feeling could even be a turn on. She felt his blood pool in her mouth as she took from him. It was always a fine line between taking what she needed and making someone feel the effects of blood loss. Blood draining from the extremities could make them feel cold and light headed. She tried her best to just take a snack, enough that she would be kept but he’d barely notice any missing. Her tongue raked over the two wounds, her saliva helping to stop the bleeding and close the wounds, leaving only two red marks from where she’d bitten.
--
It was a strange, yet not unenjoyable, experience to find himself on the receiving end of a vampire’s bite. Even as she helped herself to a bit of his blood the professor carefully studied her actions. Mentally making note of the sensations he felt, while his scholarly side catalogued it all within his mind. Earnestly he half expected to feel woozy or lightheaded when she was done, however he felt perfectly fine. Fine, and amused to see those two little wounds closed up after her tongue lapped against the bite marks. Without hesitation he raised his arm up to inspect the marks carefully, chuckling to himself as Blackstone nodded at last. “How fascinating! I hadn’t expected to find the injuries sealed when you were done, my dear.”
--
“Of course. Can’t have you bleeding out on me. Though I would caution that not all vampires are as considerate as me- or so I’ve heard.” Her sire shared some horror stories about deathwalkers. Honestly, she wasn’t sure if he was telling her as a warning, or to scare her. Like a fairy tale. Eva placed her hand over the wounds, applying the slightest bit of pressure. “Careful, they will be sensitive.” Whatever made her bite pleasant remained in the injury, it didn’t hurt when she pressed on it, but had that same pleasurable feeling. “I wouldn’t want you to accidentally bump it at breakfast tomorrow- or maybe-” She laughed a little, her other hand moving between them to feel beneath his trousers. “Maybe I didn’t take too much so we can give you something to remember when you rest your arm on the table and forget that you’re hiding evidence of taboo.”
It was normally an easy thing to entice, draw someone in, turn them on, feed and drain enough that they lose firmness and then leave without having to go through the full ordeal. But James was a bit different. She hadn’t had to do anything to entice him but walk into the room. He seemed to hunger for her. Sure, men desired her. But James was different somehow. Other men just wanted to satisfy themselves and then move on. The professor seemed the opposite. He needed more than just physical satisfaction from her- he needed a person to be with. And not like love and marriage- though the ring he wore on a chain she’d seen in their first encounter… she suspected he’s already had that. That was probably why she didn’t feel threatened or scared that she’d have to deal with ‘love’. Love in the life long marriage and commitment and… human emotions. But love that came with loyalty, like a dog.
--
Truth be told the professor nearly laughed when she offered up to the words of caution about other vampires likely not being as considerate as her when it came to feeding. Mostly because this...whatever this bond was that James shared with Eva, well she was the only vampire he had/or would ever have feed on him. “Oh I have no doubt that the others might be less inclined to be so gentle with me, my dear. Still I wouldn’t worry too much, since I have no desire to let any other feed from me.” The news that his wound would be sensitive wasn’t a surprise, yet to learn that it wasn’t pain he’d feel from the mark was certainly noteworthy.
However before he could give it much thought the young woman was already there, her hand caressing that hard length of his through the fabric of his trousers. Just the moan that suddenly fell from his lips had the professor blushing so red. Eva’s enticements had that heart of his hammering away within Blackstone’s chest. Body burning with lust, yet also earnest glee too. Glee and real delight to feel so...alive, after having spent so very long in self isolation. Oh it wasn’t love that he felt. Not the sort of love or connection he had shared with his wife. Still there was something quite splendid about having the vampire around. Having her in his life, when everything else in it was hollow figments.
--
“Good.” She said brushing a finger down his chest as she rose from his lap. “I don’t like the idea of sharing you.” Eva didn’t like to think of herself as overly possessive, but she was. Especially when it came to those she desired. Granted, she had to leave most of them behind when they left- it just wasn’t safe in Europe anymore.
Eva took a moment to look around his wagon. It was nice, if a bit cluttered with science things? Maybe potions and trinkets he mentioned he made. It had a bit of a chaotic clutter about it- which seemed to fit him. “We need some music.” She said, looking to see if he had a gramophone. “I want to dance.” Granted, she’d been dancing for a good part of the evening, but that was different.
--
The prospect of being shared, especially as a meal among the undead, wasn’t one that really held any appeal for James. Well...perhaps allowing Eva to feed from him every now and then wouldn’t be bad. However beyond that, the professor was quite fine with remaining off the menu for anyone else. “I completely concur, Eva.”
His wagon wasn’t the model of tidiness by any means. Clutter, books, and all sorts of research notes/scientific equipment laid strewn about the place. Honestly had anyone looked inside they would have likely assumed a scientist lived there, and not a sorcerer. Yet beyond the bit of mess the rest of the place was warm, dry, and filled with a few comfortable pieces of furniture too. Even the scent that lingered within the wagon was far more akin to a field of fresh wild flowers post rain shower.
When the vampire spoke of music James merely offer a nod before he shifted in his chair. A moment later the man fished out a small but ornate wood music box from his pocket. It took only a second or two more for the professor to turn the little crank yet with a grin he set it aside; as the music began to play.
--
She turned when she heard the music, amused at the small trinket. Granted, it wasn’t the kind of music she’d been expecting- or the kind she normally danced to. But it was a waltz. Eva smiled wide and almost glided over to him, taking up one of his hands. “Dance with me.” She insisted, pulling him to the center of his wagon where they had a little space. She’d waltzed with her father a few times and her brothers at village holiday celebrations. And a few of the single boys… but most of them stepped on her feet.
Eva slipped her arm around his shoulder and took a few steps until he decided to lead. She let out a small laugh, it was nice to just dance with someone without having to pull off her clothing- not that she had an issue with her work. Just, sometimes it was nice to be treated like a lady. “It’s nice to dance with someone again.”
--
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It was a couple months since their dance and Eva had visited the Professor more than once. He’d let her feed a time or two more and they just enjoyed each others company. It wasn’t an every night sort of thing, but their time together had evolved a bit- not just the physical but more. Eva was there to listen to him talk about what he was working on (even if she didn’t know half of what he was talking about) and he had started to anticipate her desires. There was still a long way to go- but he was coming along quite nicely.
That night she had gotten out of work and snuck into his wagon (which she had an open invite to) and placed out a bowl of stew and some fresh bread (well fresh as of the morning) that had been served to the humans that evening. Asking around, she’d found out that the Professor wasn’t a sight seen around the cookhouse often. It concerned her- the last thing she needed was a sick pet. Now, she was sure that after his show he’d tinker around his tent if he had no one interested in his stock, so she anticipated it. Closing her eyes she reached out like her sire had taught her, she could feel her connection with him- his blood helping to fuel her and ‘called’ out to him, pulling him to her.
Eva, for her part, had dressed in an appropriate outfit, her hair was done up and she looked quite the lady sitting in the chair next to the small table containing the food she’d brought. Eva had only summoned someone a few times before and was unsure exactly how long it would take. She knew her target would come at their own pace, so she tried to remain patient.
--
The last few months had been far from dull to be sure. Oh the professor still was in the habit of losing himself in his work and research more often than not. Wiling away countless hours in his wagon, surrounded by all manner of books and notes. Or he could be found in that tent of his too, testing out a new spell or charging those runes that powered the illusions he used during the day to entertain people. There was no denying that his social life had flourished since crossing paths with Eva. Hell, the vampire was his social life for the most part since Blackstone still tended to keep to himself. All in all, he didn’t mind the company. If anything it was nice to keep company with a real person for change, and James found himself savoring the growing connection. Both the physical one, and the bond of companionship too.
Granted, beyond her, the professor was rarely seen by the other carnival folks. Even during meal times, when he was lost in his own world or a new spell, the sorcerer tended to forget things like eating as well. Not that he minded by any means, but he was still far skinnier than he ought to have been. Tonight was looking to be no exception; lost in thought as he was, sitting there in the empty tent while reviewing his latest calculations for a new potion recipe...honestly the professor hadn’t realized he was hungry at all. However, when he felt a strange and sudden urge to return to his wagon.
A few moments later James Henry Blackstone appeared there in the doorway; looking slightly confused as to why he was here, and surprised to see Eva waiting there too. “Did we have dinner plans or something this evening, my dear?”
--
The look of confusion amused her. She could only wonder how odd it must be to do somewhere without complete knowledge or control of where you were going, or why. But she’d keep it to herself for the time being. The Professor was a smart man, she was sure he’d figure it out for himself eventually. “Nothing planned… think of this as improvisado.” She said, “I thought you might be hungry.” Eva gestured to the food. “Delia said she didn’t see you at dinner.”
--
That expression of confusion gave way to a look of relief when the professor heard that he hadn’t missed some prescheduled dinner. Oh he still scratched his head for a second as the man tried to sort out what drew him here to begin with. Yet an illusionist like James was used to losing track of time, and reality. So in truth, the odd compulsion to come here wasn’t really out of the usual. It was the scent of the food, and the sight of Eva dressed up, that finally drew a soft smile. And with a chuckle he moved to take a seat across from her at last. “Well I...I am not really sure who this Delia is, but I am indeed a little famished. I think I might have missed lunch and dinner today.”
--
“She works one of the food joints- and cooks most of the meals in the cookhouse.” Eva said, “I’m afraid she ratted you out.” She giggled lightly. “And I just couldn’t let my magic man go hungry.” She reached across the table and brushed his hand lightly.
Comfort, routine, he was lacking both. She had other obligations, but she could do her best to give him what she could, when she could. “How was your show tonight?” It was a normal ‘dinnertime’ question, right?
--
For the life of him James couldn’t place a face with the name at all, yet he so rarely paid the others much attention that it wasn’t exactly surprising. Before he could admit such a thing though the vampire was already giggling, and so the professor just chuckled sheepishly for a moment before offering a slight shrug. Being called her magic man wasn’t unpleasant at all, nor did Blackstone mind sharing a meal and a bit of company with Eva either. So for a second he paused to remove his long coat, and after getting comfortable in the chair his gaze returned to her.
The question of his show took a second to process, since the shows all tended to bleed into one another. That was the downside of life on the road. Of putting on a show a few times a week, if not a few times a day. Still after thinking about it, as he helped himself to a spoonful of the still warm stew, the professor finally spoke up at last. “It was a good day, I believe. Plenty of coins, and customers. Though for the life of me, I have no clue what town...or even what state we are currently in.”
--
“California.” She informed him. “I believe an hour from San Francisco.” Eva hadn’t been there, but she’d overheard some of the Carnies talking about going there, she didn’t remember the name of the small town they were near. “It is good that your show is doing well.” Some shows barely made enough to cover their nut it seemed. While it was nice to be in a show because you could make more money, she could see how one would envy a roustabout as they made a standard wage for their work and had no nut to worry about.
Eva brushed a hand over her hair. “I heard we will be going to Virginia next. Miss Lola is looking forward to it, she has family there.” She said with a smile. “Rumor is she may be leaving soon. Going back to live with family. Something about goats.”
--
Those eyes of his went wide with earnest shock for a second; mostly because Blackstone was a New Yorker born and raised, and this was the first time he had ever been out to the opposite coast...or at least he was pretty sure this was the first time. However even then the professor couldn’t be certain. “Well I must say that California is...not very different than anywhere I have traveled.” Sure the last decade or so had been spent living out of a wagon, and inside his own mind. So to be fair, everything looked the same when all you ever saw was the carnival.
“Oh the show always does well, and it doesn’t hurt that I have no real need for performers, props, or really anything at all. For the most part it’s a matter of simply charging a dime a head, just to let folks stand around in an empty tent.” Of course his customers never saw the empty room at all. Instead they witnessed all kinds of strange and wonderful things. None of it ever real, yet that never mattered to them since they believed it to be so very real indeed. “Hrm? Miss Lola? I...is she one of the cooks here too?”
--
Eva laughed light, shaking her head. “Miss Lola is my boss. Her and her brother run the… dancing show… I’m in.” She reminded him- or informed him.
She considered him for a moment. “You know… we should get you out of Zion one night.” Eva said, not thinking about the risks it would pose to her. After all, they’d been jumping from town to town every month, what were the chances that anyone would know where she- or more accurately, her sire, was? “Maybe find a bar, or see if a bijou has a show playing that we can see.” She offered.
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It sadly took a moment for the man to recall that Eva was part of the dancing show, yet James had never actually been over to see the other performances around Zion. Well that, and it had taken a little while for the professor to even realize that the vampire wasn’t a figment of his magic/mind. “I see. Well, if she is retiring, will you be seeking to step up and take her place running the show?”
The thought of leaving Zion honestly hadn’t crossed Blackstone’s mind in ages. Mostly because he could go anywhere he desired, all without ever leaving that magic tent of his. Yet it seemed like the young woman was earnestly interested in enjoying an outing. So with a tiny nod he chimed in again. “That sounds delightful. It’s been a few years since I ventured out beyond the campgrounds, so perhaps it is time I stretched my legs a bit.”
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“Oh I don’t know.” Eva said with a small wave of her hand. “It’s a conversation to be had with my cousin. It is good money, and I do like dancing-” Even if it meant humans leered at her. Actually, she didn’t mind it, when they admired her. “We’ll have to see.” Could she actually bring in enough on her own though, that was the question.
When he agreed to take a trip into town with her she smiled, no longer hiding her teeth when it was just the two of them. “Oh fantastic! I think it will be good for you. And I wouldn’t mind being on your arm to make all the other men jealous.” Eva giggled. “It will be an evening adventure.”
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As strange as it might have been, James Henry Blackstone really didn’t care about earning money. Oh there was a benefit to possessing the funds when it came time to purchase supplies and research materials. Yet beyond that, well the sorcerer rarely ever strove to make more than he did with just a show or two a day. A few hours had mentioned various possible ways to use his tent to rake in more coins, however the professor was quite content to live within his means. Plus since the tent and show was his alone, the illusionist really didn’t answer to anyone. Just hearing that Eva had the chance to maybe be here own boss, and take over the dancing act too, sounded like a logical progression to him. Still not everyone desired to be in charge of others. Certainly James was far more at ease working alone.
It took a second to realize why she wished to venture out in the evening, since a day time stroll and bit of window shopping seemed like a decent way to spend an afternoon. However when the man connected the dots, and remembered that she was a vampire when the young woman’s teeth were seen in that smile...the professor felt a little foolish. “An evening adventure will be swell, and I have no doubt that they will be jealous too.”
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