*Ciara slips on a pair of dark stockings over her long legs, quickly dressing in the large bathroom of her Haven. The last piece of the evening's outfit, all she had left to do was find an appropriate pair of shoes for the night. Taking a moment to make sure the lace sundress was setting just right on her thin frame; the dark-haired Ventrue makes her way over to the large mirror that hung on one wall of the bathroom.

Water still clung to the glass surface; Ciara having finished her shower only a few minutes before. She was running late, thankfully her outfit for the evening was loose and flowing; something that was easy to slip into. She was preparing to meet a patron for a very special negotiation, and she was doing her best not to keep him waiting. But at the same time, Ciara wanted everything to be perfect for the meeting.

One of her herd is waiting for her by the mirror, the mortal woman smiling in greeting as Ciara draws close to her. Ciara greets Amelia in kind, with a gentle smile, holding perfectly still as her assistant began to apply a light dusting of make-up for the evening's meeting.

Ciara was never one to favor heavy make-up, instead preferring just enough to help return the healthy glow of life to her pale complexion. The annoying part was the Curse of her Blood made it very taxing to apply the cosmetics herself; and the tall Ventrue had a feeling she would need every ounce of willpower tonight. Best not to squander it on something as frivolous as being able to see herself.

As Amelia began her work, Ciara glances over at the blurred reflection in the fogged-over mirror. She had grown used to not normally casting a reflection, but it did make certain everyday activities challenging. She keeps her face neutral and relaxed as her assistant applied various foundations and powders, ending with a little blush.

Ciara closes her eyes as the mortal woman applies eyeliner and mascara; once more going through her mental checklist of everything she needed for the evening. Lost in thought, old fears creep up on the unsuspecting Ventrue and call out to her from the dark shadows of her memories.*

He is going to hurt you...

*Ciara's eyes instantly snap open; the sudden motion drawing a startled gasp from her assistant. She ignores the mortal woman, her eyes locked on the mirror that hung on the wall. For once, her image was crystal clear in Ciara's eyes. It was not because of any exertion of her will or arcane trickery. The image came from her own memory; though one would be hard pressed to recognize the dark-haired Ventrue if they could see it.

The normally sharp lines of her face were puffy and bruised; dark purple splotches discoloring her usually pale skin. One eye was swollen shut, her mouth slightly open in shock and pain.*

Just like the others...

*Ciara snarls, reaching out a thin hand and running it angrily across the phantom visage. As she does, the image of the battered mortal girl disappears from Ciara's eyes; the water on the mirror pooling and flowing away to once more show the blurred reflection of reality.

Amelia cowers a few steps away from the angered Ventrue, Ciara returning her her attention to the scared mortal. The tall Ventrue lets out a soft sigh, reaching a hand out to take Amelia's and draw the frightened woman back to her.*

Do not worry, I'm not angry at you... *She gives her assistant a reassuring smile, gently petting her trembling hand. The words and motions seem to calm the frightened mortal; though Amelia was very glad she had to step away from the pale Kindred to get a brush for Ciara's hair.

As Amelia steps behind Ciara and begins to brush the long, black hair; Ciara glances once more to the large mirror. Her reflection remained as blurry as ever, Ciara nodding her head softly to herself.

She had healed those wounds long ago. If she had to, she'd heal them again...*