deadlooks-blog

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Your agreement is very much appreciated-- by the way, gold bar. It'll be in your dorm by sundown, so if anyone steals it, I'll destroy them. Hopefully Liam makes a promising impression; if he falls out of rank with your family, I fear the worst. How has the child been?

I would certainly hope so. I don't pay high for nothing.

Awwwww, well jeez I’m touched that they think so highly of me. However I can’t agree more. I vote we just sick to being the good ole’ Dynamic Duo, shall we? [ She nods, smiling back. ] Of course they are! I know Mum and Daddy wouldn’t want to sit with anyone but them. Nor would I, and Liam… is Liam. 

Well I suppose first impressions of Ministry officials are the most important. However I’m sure your looks surpass any Muggles, not matter how well dressed they are. 

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They do adore you, darling. When I told them I spoke to you when I arrived, they begged me to propose-- while we do make a lovely team, the only diamond you'll receive from me is one to ress your neck. [ He smiles. ] I'll absolutely do so. I imagine our families will be spectating The Games together anyway-- you'll certainly be able to speak to them then.

Absolutely. You should some of the slaves belonging to the Ministry- nearly better dressed than I, and I never wear anything but suits.

Oh goodness, I’ll have to meet up with your parents. It’s always a delight talking to them. Oh goodness. That’s certainly a curious thing to wonder about isn’t it? You’ll certainly have to keep me posted.

Hmmm… I suppose since I’ve got my crowns already, I’d rather have a nicely dressed salve by my side. Besides, first impressions are everything when you’re as high up as we are.��

I do indeed. I’m sure Trevor will do what he needs to do with his slave.

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As do we. I hear we have two to every wing in the Manis mansion currently, which doesn't surprise me-- though I do wonder what my father will do if he is to grow bored.

Not certain, but lower Polizei were babbling about him. I'd say you should dress yours to make yourself comfortable. If you'd like to appear like a queen, rags. If you'd like to make a good impression with your slave-- as I assume you will train him well-- on the other hand, dress him well.

Oh, I'm certain she does. You've met my brother, after all.

Isn’t it though? [ flicks her hair over her shoulder ] Oh yes. We are The Rhodes anyway. We might as well be royalty, so naturally we deserve our own slaves.

Debate? What’s wrong with him? He is a strange looking boy like I said. I asked for one as well, but I can’t decide whether he should be dressed nicely, or in rags… It’s a tough decision. [ scrunches her nose ] That’s an interesting choice. I certainly hope she knows her place.

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Ah, it's lovely to hear your family has procured you both your own slaves. You were both royalty a few weeks back after all, yes? 

Ah, Connor. There was a debate if that boy could even properly act as a slave. I asked for one myself and they've captured her; the Manis family as a whole has many, though. Tarryn has that fickle girl Faith-- the artist.

Apparently my family as a whole only got one, but Liam and I get our own personal ones!

Apparently the family’s is some guy name Dante and I’ve got that guy Mason whatever his last name is, and LiLi’s got some weird looking boy named Connor. How many do you have?

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How many did your family get? I'm waiting on mine to be shipped in, but I hear the rest of my family picked up a great amount of them.

Life is literally so fucking great. I officially have to do nothing for myself.

Oh isn’t it just grand?

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Any intelligent conversation must gather interest if not for the subject, for the passion in which the person speaks. Your passion is very clear, Miss Milton, and very enchanting.

The Polizei also aren't normal human beings, darling. The competition there is rough and I have seen children attack each other for a higher position. Terrifying, really.

weak.

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Lips red as blood, skin white as snow, hair dark as night; Eris Langston was no Snow White, but Mendel knew the dark haired woman from miles away. It wasn't Tarryn's babble that made him recognize her, nor the very few visits she payed at the Manis Mansion-- it was her picture plastered on boards that held the names of those loyal to the Ministry, and those who could be used against traitors to the Ministry. Never was there a moment he paid any real attention to the Langston until he was asked to revise the boards, and never had he realized how important her presence was in the Wizarding World.

"Losing track of time, Miss Langston, is never a proper excuse when speaking to a member of the Polizei. Fortunately, I believe you." Or maybe he didn't-- maybe she was a minx who he couldn't wrap his mind around. Nonetheless, he wouldn't focus on her purpose for being out in the chilling Scottish air. "You need not dress for me. Manis may be a large name, but certainly not royalty in any respect-- and I'm not my brother." While he was a man who dressed only in suits, he never expected anything greater than basic clothing out of everyone else.

His olive eyes stared her emerald ones down until they moved from his badge. Whether or not she truly judged him, he felt it in the air around them. Lord, when the rest of his family found out he had it, they would destroy him. There was a feeling he had in his bones that told him his brother had eyes on him the moment his carriage left Hogsmeade.

"Hogwarts is a naturally stuffy school, I was never in bed or the castle for curfew, even in storms. Nasty place to learn in." He muttered the last bit, reminding himself not to think of the past. It would only further effect his judgment in the present, especially towards the students he now had to treat like children in an assembly line. Without technically stepping foot in the castle yet, he could at least be casual with Eris for the time being. "Your father may be a level above me but I'd rather not bring students who need punishing to him, family relations or not. Headmistress McGonagall is stern enough."

When her skin took on an even paler tone, though, Mendel realized that her father was no easy mention for the girl. He held his arm out for her to take if necessary but did not touch her, for he could easily be accused of something worse. Again: Eris Langston could be a minx, and Mendel didn't want to be the one deceived by Snow White's vicious twin. "Do you need to sit down, Eris?"

{ 400 lux / eris and mendel }

Eris froze in confusion. She hadn’t really remembered leaving the castle that evening, or where she had gone. She could faintly recall staring at the reflection of the lake, but that was it, and who knew if it were actually real? She stared at the face in front of her for a moment before truly processing the voice and face it belonged to. Mendel Manis. One of the few in the family she could tolerate without having to try to hard. What was he doing here?

"I simply lost track of time." She shrugged pulling her jacket tighter as a bit of a breeze traveled by. "Didn’t know you’d be popping in for a visit, or I would have dressed up for the occasion." Or at least she could have put in the effort to pretend to care. Her eyes caught site of the badge that rested on his chest.

Strange. She didn’t think to see a Manis wearing a Polizei badge. She had always thought that they saw themselves above their that sort of station. They were Lords and Ladies not folks who ran around pretending to be knights. Though she supposed that explained why he had arrived here of all places they seemed to be keeping a close eye on every student. Perhaps they were hoping to insure that there would be no more riots like the ones caused on “Blood Pride” day. Still that badge seemed out of place.

"I went for a walk. I couldn’t stand to stay stuffed up for another second. I didn’t realize how dark it was getting so quickly. I’m sure if you mention it to my father he can find a worse punishment for me than turning me into the faculty will provide." She spoke completely conversational, but there was a look that flashed just for a moment in her currently dull green eyes that showed the disgust at her own mention of her father. Clearly showing the way just the thought of him and the memories he could create just by the mention of his name. She was going to be sick and there was nothing fresh air could do.

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Well, you don't look like a child. Adalheid, if the muggle world does not matter to you, do not mention their opinions. It'll confuse those who have a lack of understanding for your position.

I'm certain the Minister appreciates it, then-- and I probably would have preferred the colorful term. I fear the family is very rarely involved with him, especially duing the school year considering he takes it as his "only freedom." The mudbloods will be dealt with then.

Yes, it would be very much appreciated.

weak.

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{ 400 lux / open }

The marching was silent among the gyrating bodies of people who could only forget to move for men with badges because of how intoxicated they were. Those were the perks of his nightclub-- the drugs within the drinks. It wasn't necessarily legal but people who came to the club didn't exactly come to sleep, so no one truly cared in the morning when they were waking in a bed that wasn't theirs. It kept people coming when his freelancing at the Ministry grew dull with the growing of security and the lack of jobs for him to take on. It kept the club running. It kept people distracted from the horrors outside.

But the Polizei weren't people. Every beam of light that reflected off their badges shot into his eyes when he was standing on that balcony, watching them pass through. They were filth, goddamn were they filth, but they were trying to do what they were raised to believe was good; that, at least, he could understand. The approach was a surprise but the Manis name carried a reputation- and reputations boosted him to the second greatest ranking in the Polizei the moment he agreed.

The purpose wasn't working for them, nor was it supporting the Ministry's corrupt visions for the future. Sweden wasn't involved in this for the most part and he hoped he wouldn't return to a Sweden that was covered in Fuerst's face one day, so that was an easy way out. There were so many way's out but Mendel took the road that would allow him to see him siblings every day as much as he could, as long as he could, until the day the war began and everyone went their separate ways. Most of them were at home but Noirin, Tarryn, Tris, Artemis-- they all traveled the halls that he could see from his carriage.

With a quick 'thanks' to the carriage driver, he fixed the buttons on his English cut steel blue suit. He was about to step inside, ask someone about Tarryn, but before he could there was a body beside him. "Student, it's past dark. You shouldn't be out here, unless the rules changed in the past ten minutes since I re-read them." He turned his full body to the person now, silver badge reflecting moonlight off his chest.

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Of course. My family may not be German but Sweden and German share names on occasion- plus, I hear your nickname is Annie. Far too bland for a woman with such a charming appearance, in my opinion.

Sicher ist sicher. No worries, Adalheid-- I only wanted to check you were still with us. We had a recent betrayal directly in the Ministry lately so one could only be so cautious.

Your choice of words are inspiring. [ He laughs. ] I'd like to imagine I'm far more charming than him, as he does have the tendency to make people feel uncomfortable- whether or not they fear his presence, as I assume you do not. Mudbloods? Well, seems I have more to speak to him about.

Tell me, Adalheid-- do you know where our quarters are? I'm told they are in the professor's dorming areas, but I fear it's been a long while since I've stepped in these halls.

weak.

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Which is why I never claimed to be an expert. Details, darling. I train myself but I certainly cannot figure you out in ten seconds like some can. The surface is very easy to see though, especially since a voice can effortlessly betray a body.

You are truly a wonder, Miss Milton. That was a fantastic examination, as I truly find this whole situation amusing and my confidence rarely wavers anyway. Perks of being raised in my family, I suppose. I don't find myself face to face with people who are willing to have an intellectual conversation as most revolve around people trying to be better than others in my work, so this is nearly holiday for me. 

weak.

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A MOODBOARD FOR: MENDEL MANIS

"Darling, your ignorance of the future cannot go on too much longer. You’ll soon realize that the quicker you accept that this moment right now isn’t your only life, the better you’ll begin to live. I mean, look at me- since you were little I have been changing. I am certain you remember the period when I was an even worse version of Tyrone (Tarryn,) yes? But then my eyes opened up." He winked at her. "Food for thought."

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We'll see about that, then. I analyze you, and you analyze me.

[ He steps around her and places a gentle hand on her right shoulder. ] Taking into account the strength of your posture and your unwavering stance... [ His hand traces from her shoulder and across her shoulder blades as he circles her, tracing his finger up her left shoulder, her neck, and to the tip of her chin. Mendel tilts her head up from her chin. ] Plus the height you tilt your head at, I would say you're far more confident than I took you for when you first spoke to me. A... Charming confidence.

[ He lets his finger linger before he steps back, breaking all contact. ] Or you could be a fantastic manipulator, but every manipulator has a little twitch to them. Your turn... Miss Milton. 

weak.

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I'll be sure to, Miss Ages. And don't worry about inviting yourself; that's absolutely fine. I'm sure my mother would love seeing another baby around, because no matter how many children she has, she has an undying love for babies. If Tarryn has taken a light to your delightful personality, he'll certainly be inviting you anyway.

Of course. I imagine caring for a child in these times can prove to be quite a challenge, after all.

weak.

[her eyes grow wide and she nods quickly] Yes, yes of course, it’ll be as thought it never happened, and I won’t tell a soul. Not a single soul. Living or dead. Just… thank you. If I can ever help you with anything just let me know.

I’m… not really all that surprised actually, that he acts that way, that is. Maybe someday I’ll have the honor of joining you. Tarryn has taken a liking to my annoyingly happy smiles. I’m sorry. I just practically invited myself… that was rude, I take it back. [grins] She will love them. Thank you so much. 

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Well, I could never understand how a person could pass you by and not think you're one of the prettist people around. Excuse me; aesthetics are something we Manis folk tend to be attracted to. I can't help myself, though if you need me to stop I promise I will minimize my comments.

Alright then. And Zinky, exactly! He's a mad little fellow, but he always provided me with strawberry pies. Have you ever had the one where he mixes honeycomb in it? The honeycomb is always from bee farms raised near mint, so it's both sweet and refreshing.

weak.

Actually…no I don’t. I’ve never really had a guy say I was…good looking before, but thank you. Well…I’m not really someone who is complimented often so..

It’s what ever, he probably didn’t want to deal with me for the past month or so anyway. [nods] Yeah, sure okay I’ll remember that. 

Oh… Elves told you about me huh? Which one? Tatty? Dilly? Pipp? Oh oh, I know it was probably Zinky huh? 

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Say it twice and I'll give you the second one.

Plus, you look like an ice queen in the winter in Sweden. I'm sure your brother would appear to be a prince of snow if he joined us more for events and I do wish he would-- we need more men around that place sometimes, as I fear women over populate the Manis family in blood relations and friendships. I appreciate women but I need at least one more male in attendance every holiday. Next time, we'll try banning Ailbe.

Well, darling, your ignorance of the future cannot go on too much longer. You'll soon realize that the quicker you accept that this moment right now isn't you only life, the better you'll begin to live your life. I mean, look at me- since you were little I have been changing. I am certain you remember the period when I was an even worse version of Tyrone, yes? But then my eyes opened up. [ He winks at her. ] Food for thought.

weak.

You can thank Ailbe for that. Fuckin’ leaving me every goddam two seconds. Whatever. So yeah. Enjoy your gold bar. I’ll say it twice if you’d like.

It’s one of the things I look forward to most about holidays! I myself am not the best sport, which is why the two of us are so absolutely unbeatable. So yes. It’ll be a trend. [laughs and rolls her eyes] Well, it’s not a proper Christmas party if no one gets drunk or banned from a country amirite?

Ah man. What a tease you are. Dangling wonderful gossip right in my face like that. Oh well, I won’t press for info. [shrugs] Yeah. I’m taking Tyrone’s side on this. Endings are the worst… and the future is a terrifying concept. So I can’t blame him.

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Of course it would be foolish otherwise. To prepare for ones surroundings is only the intelligent approach to things, and by far the greatest advantage one could have in these moments aside from knowing your opposite completely. Are you trained in body language, Miss Milton?

weak.