Mutiny

[Jasper Hale]

Trust was a difficult thing to determine. Jasper however possessed a gift that benefited this issue; it provided him with insight and the more he learned of the capabilities and limitations of his power, the more he would use it where it would give them an advantage and by them, he meant Maria. She was of course the leader, but out of all three female vampires -- Maria, Nettie, and Lucy -- Maria was the one that Jasper was most attached to. He worshiped her; everything about her drew him to her. It was as if he was in a trance and he did not want to break free from it. He was devoted to her; completely, entirely. And that was why Jasper trusted his instincts when he sensed that Maria was in any sort of danger. He would protect her; he would die for her.

Jasper had been keeping a close eye on Nettie and Lucy. Their emotional state and been unstable. They knew of his gift and had been doing a good job of concealing their true emotions, but it was getting to be stronger and stronger, and therefore, more difficult for them to hide whenever he was around -- which was quite a bit since he seldom left Maria's side. With power and success, came greed and jealously and that was what perhaps led Jasper to conclude about Nettie and Lucy's true intentions. He had confirmed them however and now, his first move was to inform Maria so that they would deal with the threat.

Jasper also knew that they had a few of the vampires that were willing to join them in over throwing Maria. This, Jasper could not allow. He would do whatever it took to protect her position. He could trust no one, and so kept this piece of information to himself. He would carry it to the one person he trusted; the one person he would do anything for: Maria. It was late at night and everyone was in their positions. Jasper made it so that no one was stationed near Maria's chambers for this piece of information was strictly confidential. He told them not to bother Maria and that he would keep guard for the night. And so, he lightly knocked on the doors to her chambers before opening it the slightest bit. "Maria, may I request your company for a moment?" He would always ask, he would never assume that he could enter whenever he pleased, though she rarely rejected his company.

--- Tag Maria ---

[Maria Verdugo]

Maria was in a wonderful mood. Everything was going her way. She had a coven and an army and they were spreading their hold across the west. They had control of her city and even the lowlands that covered the miles out side the city. She was in a house that was grand and large, and had everything she could want. If she grew thirsty, she could drink, if she grew. . . . well, with an army of well shaped men she got everything she wanted from their too.

Maria sat in a vanity chair looking to the the vanity mirror. She used both hands to pull her hair back and pile on top of her head. She was forever young, and would be that way. FOREVER.

When she heard, and smelled Jasper coming she gave a little laugh. Oh we was precious. So serious. Maria licked her lips of thought of the fun she could have him with when he arrived. Jasper was one of her favorites. Strong, and tall, and he had an edge to him. He lacked that control yet, but while it could be taxing in a fight, it was pleasing in bed. Maria pulled off her dress so she was sitting there in her shift, when he knocked and opened the door. "Yes, please do enter and please me with your company."

[Jasper Hale]

Jasper entered, closing the door behind him. He stood at a bit of a distance from Maria, his hands folded behind him and his position was that of a military soldier. It was his indication that he was not here for . . . well, for what they did at times in her chambers. No, it was for a matter more serious. He fought the desire he found himself experiencing. When she was dressed in that way, feeling her own desires as Jasper could feel the same emotions . . . well, he had to remind himself that he was here strictly for business, nothing more. He slightly regretted that she was in a great mood for this news may put a slight dent to that. Of course, she could take this as eliminating a threat, and thus, decreasing the amount of power that she would have to 'share' with others since Nettie and Lucy were not mere soldiers in this fight.

"I come with urgent news," he began, not wanting to waste any time. "I have come to discover that Nettie and Lucy are building a small group to rebel against you. They plan to overthrow you and take your position to have full control of your great army." He stopped there . . . allowing Maria to hear what was now a fact, and no longer a rumor. He would then give suggestions if she were to ask, or carry out actions that she would order. Either way, he stood there preparing for her next words.

[Maria Verdugo]

Maria made a pouting face when he began to speak, knowing well that Jasper often had urgent news. She would pretend to pout though it and then allow him to make a plan to handle it, seduce him and then---

Hell would freeze over.

Maria watched Jasper for a moment, her hands dropping from her hair, and falling to her sides. Her hair fell like a waterfall around her and had she not be shocked and growing beyond angry she would have enjoyed the effect. Standing very slowly, Maria just stared at him for a few moments before speaking very slowly, and calmly. However, as Jasper could read emotions it would be hard to miss the deadly anger that was building in side her. "You might want to explain that statement, Jasper. Because I better have misunderstood."

[Jasper Hale]

Jasper controlled his own emotions as he felt the anger and shock from her. He had to remain calm . . . well, perhaps calm was the wrong word. He had to stay rational so that he could carry out any devised plan Maria would now be forced to create to counter Nettie and Lucy. He looked at her, wishing that he did not have to repeat such horrible news, as he strived to make her content and pleased . . . now, he was bringing with him news that created the opposite effect and Jasper did not like it in the least bit. He had formed a deep hatred now more than ever for Nettie and Lucy for making Maria feel this way -- let alone plot to kill her -- . Jasper would never let it happen.

He took one step closer to her, though remaining in a military, professional position. "I would never exaggerate such a thing to you. Unfortunately, my words hold nothing but the truth." Jasper would hunt down those who were planning on joining the two traitors. It should not be too hard. He would make each take an oath if necessary and any emotions of hesistancy or nervousness, would be an immediate indication that they were not on the right side. He would do whatever it took, and while he had been strategizing on what to do, he did not vocalize anything yet. He would wait for Maria to take in the news for perhaps she would have a different plan. Either way, Jasper wanted Nettie and Lucy and all over their followers, to suffer a horrible death.