Tumgik
#story: hzid
thebramblewood · 23 days
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
It takes the patience of a saint (or a fool) to put up with a century of this.
Previous / Next
Just a note to say this is not a historical story and I'm not aiming for 100% period accuracy with this or any upcoming flashbacks. Please don't call me out if you notice any anachronisms!
Bartender: Sir, that’s the finest whiskey you’ll find in this city! In times like these, you shouldn’t let a single drop go to waste!
Caleb: [hisses disapprovingly] For God’s sake, Lilith! You’re barely a block away. It’s reckless of you. People could see.
Lilith: Oh, what does it matter? I was hungry, and it’s so dreadfully dull lurking in the shadows.
Caleb: You’re already blood drunk, by the looks of it.
Lilith: [grins impishly] Don’t spoil the mood, brother. Do you want in or not? He's dregs by now, but he may have enough left for a sip or two.
Lilith: Gosh, hunting for two really wipes a girl out. When will you start finding your own meals? It’s been years, and you’re no less squeamish. I never would have turned you if I knew you were going to be such a pussy about it!
Caleb: You’re growing too coarse, Lilith. It’s unbecoming of-
Lilith: Of a lady? We are vampires! How many times must I remind you of that? The rules of polite society no longer apply.
Caleb: We should have never gone to Straud. He changed you.
Lilith: He did nothing of the sort! I’m speaking only for myself when I tell you this existence is a gift. Why eternally tether yourself to petty human concerns when you can so easily choose to rise above them? Remember, I didn’t have to give this to you. But I thought you could handle it. The old man had reservations, as you very well know, but I told him you would rise to the occasion. Don’t make me eat my words. Wouldn't it be a shame to prove that dusty old windbag right?
178 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 20 days
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Exciting news: I now have a story page and a characters page! They're pretty basic at the moment, but I'm hoping to think of some fun stuff to add later. For now, you might find a few new nuggets of insight in the character bios! I just wanted a cute little hub for readers new and old to find everything they need in one place. Let me know if you think anything (or anyone) major is missing or if you notice any errors. Here are all the character portraits. Aren't they cute? And thanks to @buglaur for the incredibly easy to modify template!
196 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 1 month
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
The old Helena can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, because she’s dead.
Previous / Next
Thanks to @pxltown for the Social Bunny template I used as a base! HQ under the cut because I had to scrunch the dimensions a bit for the screenshot.
Julia: What am I supposed to tell Mom and Dad?
Helena: Whatever you want. I’m sure you’ll think of something.
Julia: You can’t just run off without telling them goodbye  — or telling me where you’re going!
Julia: [between sobs] Am I ever going to see you again? Will you at least call me? [sniffling] I’ll miss you, Helena. If either of them dies, I’ll never forgive you. But I’ll always love you.
Helena: I love you, too. And I’d do anything to take it all back. But I can’t, so I have no choice but to go.
Tumblr media
190 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Just some sisterly sleuthing (that will surely lead to nothing good).
Previous / Next
Julia: Banjo, is it okay to do a bad thing if it's for a good reason?
Banjo: [yawns]
-
Julia: Come on, just one more good...
Lock: [click]
Julia: Bingo.
-
Cop #1: No fingerprints, no weapon, not a trace of the perp left behind. I doubt the blood matches anyone but the victims.
Cop #2: In other words, we're royally screwed.
Cop #1: Well, I wouldn't put it that way in the report.
-
Julia: [gasps] Oh my God.
-
Cop #2: The injuries line up with the other cases.
Cop #1: I'm aware.
Cop #2: A puncture wound like that must be, what, a wolf, a bear, a rabid dog?
Cop #1: A freak playing at being a bloodsucker?
Cop #2: [smirking] An actual bloodsucker?
-
Cop #1: What's the latest on the kids?
Cop #2: The girl's awake but incoherent. Some kind of short-term amnesia. The boy's in a coma. He might be a goner.
Cop #1: [low whistle] It'd be murder then, and not a single damn lead in sight.
-
Julia: Encyclopedia Vampirica? Oh, Helena-
Helena: What have I done?
Julia: What have you done?
216 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Caleb has unfortunately not returned to Forgotten Hollow to curb stomp Lilith's ass (but someday maybe... someday).
Previous / Next
Caleb: LILITH! OPEN THIS DAMN DOOR, LILITH!
Lilith: [smugly] Well, well, well, look who the cat finally dragged back- Jesus, you look a fright.
Caleb: [flatly] They’re all gone.
Lilith: What? Who?
Caleb: The Sages. They’re dead. Murdered.
Lilith: Morgyn?
Caleb: Everyone.
Lilith: Oh, baby brother. Oh, you poor thing.
Caleb: [voice cracking] I didn’t know where else to go.
Lilith: So you came home. Of course you did. You need your family now. You need your big sister. I understand.
Caleb: Oh, God, what am I going to do without them?
Lilith: You’ve got me. We’ve only ever been able to rely on each other. Isn’t that right?
Caleb: [raggedly] This happened somehow because of me, Lilith. One way or another, I destroy everything good I touch. It’s all my fault!Lilith: The only thing you’re guilty of is getting too attached. Humans are weak, Caleb, and temporary. You thought this one was different with their spells and potions, but they’re always going to be marked for death. We’re the only constant. Everything and everyone else fades. [whispering] I’m sorry you had to learn the hard way. But I’ll take care of you now. We’ll have you feeling better in no time, I promise.
211 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 25 days
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Go, Caleb, give us nothing!
Previous / Next
Lilith: You duplicitous fucking bastard.
Caleb: Lilith, what on earth-
Lilith: Drop the act. I know you know who just showed up on our doorstep. You’ve known all along, haven’t you? Yet rather than let me in on that tiny little fact, you chose to fucking deceive me.
Caleb: [momentarily silent] If you’ll just hear me out-
Lilith: SHUT THE FUCK UP! You know, you’re smarter than I’ve been giving you credit for. I’ll let you have that. Oh, I bet you’ve been patting yourself on the back for pulling the wool over my eyes for so long.
I may have been asleep before, Caleb, but I’m wide awake now, and you will never fool me again. I could end you right here if I wanted to. You have no idea what I’m capable of. Of course you don’t! You’re so determined to keep your precious little conscience clean. But is it really about your so-called morals, baby brother, or are you just too cowardly to face the truth? Aren’t you the least bit curious? [whispers] I can show you. Come on. Just a little taste.
Caleb: [muffled] Lilith, no-
Lilith: Then again, maybe it’s more fun to keep you guessing. Deep down, I think you might already have an idea or two.
Caleb: [weakly] I’m sorry, Lilith.
Lilith: You’re pathetic, and this is a waste of my time. The saddest part is you don’t even have the balls to fight back.
152 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 26 days
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
For a brief moment in her eternal existence, Lilith was well and truly shook.
Previous / Next
[incessant pounding at door]
Lilith: It’s nearly sunrise! Who would be calling at such an ungodly hour? [expectant pause] Fine. I suppose I’ll answer it then. Helena? [immediately composes self] Well, isn’t this an unexpected pleasure?
Helena: Let’s get one thing straight, Lilith Vatore. I’m only here as a last resort. I won’t let you have your way with me. Caleb warned me about you.
Lilith: [bemused smirk] Oh? So that’s what’s been keeping him busy.
Helena: [barreling forward] And I read your book. You don’t come off well.
Lilith: It’s hardly my book. That journalistic hack is the bane of my existence. No one alive still cared about the Vatore name until he started nosing around. I’d kill him, but it'd just make more trouble than it’s worth.
Helena: How can you talk about it so casually?
Lilith: What?
Helena: Killing people!
Lilith: Because it’s what vampires do. It’s as natural to us as breathing, darling.
Helena: Caleb doesn’t kill people, does he? I don’t think he even drinks blood.
Lilith: Caleb, bless his heart, is a miserable fucking sadsack. Clinging onto one’s humanity is a thankless task, one he’s bafflingly decided is his personal cross to bear. But we’re above humanity now, Helena. We’re elite. We’re supernatural. Nobody can fucking touch us. Our power is limitless, so long as guilt doesn’t get in the way.
Helena: I’m not interested in power. I didn’t ask for any of this. Are you even sorry for what you did?
Lilith: Of course! I thought you were dead until five minutes ago, and I have been mourning the loss.
Helena: [scoffs in disbelief] For yourself maybe. You didn’t give a shit what happened to me. I have no future because of you!
Lilith: Oh, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You’ll make a remarkable vampire someday. I can sense it. I understand you and Caleb have been… bonding. While you’re here, though, you may as well learn from both of us. You might be surprised whose lessons you prefer.
Helena: We’ll see about that.
Lilith: Make yourself comfortable. If you’ll excuse me, I need to have a little chat with my dear brother.
175 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 1 month
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
The dawn of the final day.
Previous / Next
Julia: [muttering shakily] Come on, Jules. Just hit the button. You have to tell someone. It’s the right thing to do.
Helena: [whoosh] [thump] Julia? Shit, how’d you even-
Julia: Helena, w-what did you just... I don’t understand what’s going on!
Helena: If you’d let me explain-
Julia: No, no, no, this can’t be happening! Vampires aren’t supposed to be real!
Helena: [narrows eyes] Who are you calling?
Julia: No one! I was just thinking about it, I swear! [flinches away] Stop! Don’t come any closer!
Helena: Julia, please, I’m not going to hurt you. I would never hurt you.
Julia: [tearfully] But you could have!
Helena: What?
Julia: It was you who hurt my friends, who hurt all those people! I hang out there with them all the time. If you’d seen me, would you have been able to resist?
Helena: Of course!
Julia: Oh, so you were in control? You knew what you were doing and you did it anyway. Who are you, Helena? What are you? Because I don’t think you’re my sister anymore. You’re a-a-a... a monster!
Helena: Please don’t say that. You have no idea how sorry I am. The way I left them... it just loops like an endless nightmare in my head. I didn’t mean to go that far. I just wanted the hunger to stop, but it never does.
Julia: They might still die. Because of you. [scoffs] Migraines. You’ve been lying all along! Helena: What could I have said? You wouldn’t have believed me.
Julia: How did this even happen? Why are you… like this?
Helena: Oh, Julia, I was so stupid! Ulrike and I had just broken up. I was in a bad place, and I trusted the wrong person. I didn’t want it! I barely remember what happened. I just woke up with this fire burning inside of me.
Julia: Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t call the cops right now.
Helena: Because you love me. Because I’m leaving.
Julia: What? Where will you go?
Helena: I don’t know. But it’s obvious I can’t stay. I’m not fit to be around people now. Maybe I never will be. I’m too dangerous — to myself, to you, to Mom and Dad, to this entire fucking town.
Julia: There must be another way. If you turn yourself in, then maybe-
Helena: What, the police will go easy on me because I’m sorry? I kill the police because they don’t? It wouldn’t end well for anyone, Julia. [sighs wearily] At least I never finished unpacking.
157 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 3 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Helena seeks out new ways to satisfy her insatiable cravings for blood (none of which are very successful).
Previous / Next
Chapter 3: Sustenance Methods and Sources
Helena, thinking: Ugh! No way that's going to cut it.
Hmm... [to Banjo] C'mere, boy.
Banjo: [whimpering]
Julia: Banjo! Where are you? I'm ready for my morning kisses!
Helena: [muttering under breath] Oh my god. What the fuck is wrong with me?
-
Darling: Yooooo! Helena! Long time no see.
Helena: [awkwardly] Oh, uh, hey, Darling.
Darling: Interesting assortment of items you've got there. What's with all the meat? Aren't you a vegetarian?
Helena: [nervous chuckle] It's for my parents. They've been away on vacation and I wanted to give them a warm welcome home: burgers for Dad and a clean house for Mom.
Darling: Helena, wait up! I can't believe you didn't tell me you were back in town. We've got so much catching up to do!
Helena: Well, I was hoping not to be back for too long, but you know how the job market is these days...
Darling: Yeah, it's been a real rude awakening after relying on my basketball scholarship so long. But I just landed a sweet bartending gig. I can totally score you free drinks!
Helena: Cool. But I'd better get going now.
Darling: What's the rush?
Helena: Sorry. I just can't trust my sister not to burn the place down if I leave her unattended.
Darling: Well, call me if you ever want to hang. I'm assuming you haven't lost my number!
-
Helena, thinking: I can't believe it's come to this.
[immediately gags] NOPE! NOPE! NOPE!
189 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 3 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
This book might as well be called So Your Deadbeat Vampire Dad Abandoned You: What Now?
Previous / Next
Helena, thinking: Well, if it’s just going to sit there, I might as well read the thing…
Introduction: Vampirism is no easy existence and will certainly not be long endured by the weak-willed, faint of heart, or squeamish. Fledglings who lack the knowledge or means to satisfy their all-consuming thirst and guard against their newfound weaknesses are far less likely to survive the initial stages of transformation, in which the craving for blood threatens to override all capacity for self-control. If they find themselves lucky enough to be under the tutelage of an intelligent and attentive sire, young vampires can not only mature but thrive for many centuries in their strange new forms. However, the presence of such a devoted mentor is not always guaranteed. Therefore, this book aims to serve as an instructional guide to attending to one’s needs and harnessing one’s abilities for those newly turned vampires who find themselves without a teacher.
Helena, thinking: Hmm, it's almost a little bit too on the nose.
Chapter 1: Dark Form Mastery
Helena, thinking: God, I feel ridiculous. Did it even work? It’d be nice if I could see my reflection right now.
Chapter 2: Bat Manifestation and Flight
Helena, thinking: Here goes nothing, I guess.
OW! OOF!
That’s going to take some practice.
211 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
This scene is purely for the fluff and not portentous at all. 🙃
Previous / Next
Caleb: Are you sure you can't just stay home?
Morgyn: The new cohort of acolytes begins today, and there's a Council meeting. Faba would kill me.
Caleb: I'd like to see her try.
Morgyn: It's easier to let her believe she has the upper hand. To her, I'm still that baby spellcaster asking too many questions on the first day of class.
Caleb: The only person whose baby you are is mine.
Morgyn: God, you're a walking Harlequin romance sometimes. [weakly] No, Caleb, we can't! [laughing] I have to get ready! You're dangerously close to my lips right now.
Caleb: So what are you going to do about it?
Morgyn: Okay, okay, enough!
Caleb: Just one more kiss.
Morgyn: You're relentless!
Caleb: Hurry back, love. I'm not finished with you.
-
Caleb: What am I going to do without you all day?
Morgyn: [mock sighs] Babe, you somehow made it through a century without me. I think you'll manage. Close your eyes for a minute.
Caleb: Morgyn-
Morgyn: Just do it. Now repeat. I am not going away forever.
Caleb: You are not going away forever.
Morgyn: I will be back later tonight.
Caleb: You will be back later tonight.
Morgyn: I promise.
Caleb: I promise.
Caleb: I think I'll make you dinner. I'm getting better at it! And Grace loaned me some new recipe books to try.
Morgyn: That sounds lovely, darling.
149 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 3 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Supernatural Seduction 101 with Helena Zhao, except she's the clueless student and the teacher is beyond late to class.
Previous / Next
Lilith (Pleasant): Hey, asshole! What makes you think it's cool to follow a girl ho-
[Helena engages in some casual hypnosis]
Lilith: God, where are my manners? I saw you at the bar earlier, didn't I?
Helena: [hesitantly] Y-yes?
Lilith: Yeah, I thought you looked really hot.
Helena: Y-you did?
Lilith: So are we going to make out now or what?
Helena: D-definitely. [thinking] Well, that was suspiciously easy.
-
Helena: Do you mind if I...
Lilith: Go ahead. I thought you'd never ask. You didn't tell me your name, stranger. I'm - oh, that feels good! - Lilith.
Helena: [concentration broken] What did you just say?
Lilith: WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING? GET OFF ME!
Helena: Just a little bit more. I'm so hungry.
Lilith: Please. Don't touch me. [sobbing] I have a kid!
Helena: [tenderly] ...A kid?
Lilith: His birthday's next week. He needs me!
Helena: I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wasn't going to take enough to kill you.
Lilith: Oh my god, you're that freak who's attacking people! It's all over the papers!
Helena: I'm not a freak.
Lilith: Well, then what are you? Why are you doing this?
Helena: I'm just trying to survive. I didn't ask to be this way. If you let me, I can make you forget this ever happened.
Lilith: I'm not letting you do shit!
Helena: Please! Don't tell anyone!
Random bat who definitely isn't a character we all know and love already: [whoosh]
159 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 5 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
The Vampirification of Helena Zhao
Previous / Next
335 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 5 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Book clubs and bestseller lists across Sim Nation are quaking.
Original photos because I was kind of impressed with myself for the old-timey editing when I went back and compared.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
207 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Helena: [looks straight into the camera] I've made a huge mistake.
Previous / Next
Julia: [muffled crying]
Helena: Julia... What’s wrong? Are you all right?
Julia: [through tears] Leave me alone! You obviously don’t even care.
Helena: What? Of course I care. Tell me what’s going on.
Julia: It got them, Helena. That freaking monster got them!
Helena: [hesitantly] Got... who?
Julia: My friends!
Helena: What do you mean, your friends?
Julia: Elli and Guy! [rolls eyes] You really haven’t heard a thing I’ve told you all summer, have you? That terrible animal, person, thing, whatever - it attacked them and then just left them to bleed out. All anyone will tell me is they’re in critical condition. I’m not stupid. I know what that really means!
Helena: I know how scared and frustrated you must be. But I’m sure everyone’s just being cautious. You know doctors. They always prepare you for the worst, but that doesn’t mean it’ll happen.
Julia: [breaking down] I knocked and knocked and knocked on your door, Helena! I was shouting for you, and you wouldn’t answer! I needed you! I needed my sister, and you weren’t there! You’re never there anymore!
Helena: Oh, Julia. You’re right. I haven’t been a very good sister lately. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
143 notes · View notes
thebramblewood · 4 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
If I can find you, so can Lilith. Not to alarm you, but she already knows where you live. I'm sorry I can't do more. - CV
Previous / Next
Helena: Since when do you read the newspaper? I’ve barely seen you crack a book in your entire life.
Julia: I’m catching up on the latest Copperdale Creep atta- [glances up from paper] Holy crap. You look terrible.
Helena: Gee, thanks.
Julia: And you still don’t think you should see a doctor?
Helena: Stop pestering me! Must I remind you who’s the adult here?
Julia: Barely. And being an adult doesn’t mean you can’t be a dumb-ass. You’re more stubborn that Banjo when I try to drag him into the bath!
Helena: I can’t believe you just compared me to a dog.
Julia: Well, if the collar fits…
Helena: [laughing] You’re the worst.
Julia: Anyway, this says a park ranger was ambushed while she was on duty a couple nights ago.
Helena: Oh my God. [hesitantly] Did she survive?
Julia: Just barely. She told the police her attacker was definitely human but, like, freaky fast and strong. Who is this weirdo? It’s like they get off on leaving people almost for dead, or else they’re just a super crappy murderer, in which case they’ll 100% be caught soon.
Helena: [shifting uncomfortably] Yeah, I hope so.
Julia: By the way, you got a package. I found it on the porch this morning. It’s only got your name on it, no return address or postage. Strange, huh? Are you sure you don’t have a stalker? Oh, maybe it’s a bomb! Wait, I picked it up and brought it inside, so it’s probably not a bomb. What if it’s anthrax?
[partially visible glimpse of Helena's handwritten name on the box]
Helena: I think it’s from a… friend.
Julia: What kind of friend dumps a box on your porch without stopping to say hi? Hey, come on! You’re really not going to let me see what’s inside?
Helena: What is this? A fucking care package?
[close-up of a handwritten letter: If I can find you, so can Lilith. Not to alarm you, but she already knows where you live. I'm sorry I can't do more. -CV
Helena: [scoffs incredulously] Coward.
157 notes · View notes