A Calm Before the Storm

Rain.

Such a soothing yet gloomy type of weather. Bellatrix Erickson preferred the rain. In a way, it was as if the earth itself mourned the impending losses that were to be met by her hand and wand. When Bellatrix walked in the rain she felt alive - even moreso when a full blown storm raged in her wake.

By the look of the clouds, such a storm was well on its way. Bellatrix remained at the window, looking out. Absently she ran the tip of her wand over a dagger while murmuring a spell to sharpen the blade. Before one stiletto-heeled boot ventured outdoors, Bellatrix was determined to be prepared for the job or recreation that waited for her.

Artemis gazed at her reflection whilst combing her hair. Distinctly, she heard the light tapping on her window, indicating the rain. The platinum locks had gotten so long. She'd almost lost track of it. She contemplated for a moment a drastic hair cut, how would she look now - she wondered - if she chopped all of her hair off? 

Her hair was soft, naturally straight. It framed Artemis' face quite nicely. It made her look innocent, angelic even. One look at those baby blue eyes and you wouldn't believe that this little girl was the big bad wolf. 

Hesitation. That's what makes her so deadly to her victims. No, she supposed the hair had to stay.

Satisfied with her grooming-work, she placed her comb on the dresser. She put her hair up, tying it the usual way and put a charm on it for good measure. Nothing more frustrating than having your hair in the way when your trying to stab someone. 

She glanced at her reflection again, a last check before heading out. Confident that her handiwork was perfect, she left her room for the empty common room. 

Finding that she was yet again, the first one finished. She gravitated toward Bellatrix's room. 

"Bella?" She knocked but she opened the door anyway without waiting for a reply. 
 

Over and over, Bella ran her wand over both edges on her blade. She wanted it to be as sharp as a dragon's talon before she went out. It was also a meditative movement - slow, repetitious; reflective. It would help her focus as the day, and night, wore on.

Bella was so fascinated by the brewing storm that she barely heard the knock at her door. She did, however, hear when it opened. The Fury whirled around to greet her visitor just as a sliver of lightning flashed across her window. With a smile she sheathed her dagger and wand... the condition of the blade, regardless of what it actually was, would do for now.

"Artemis," Bellatrix murmured softly, pushing a fold of her hood out of her eyes. Stiletto heels clicked as she walked toward her fellow Fury, stopping a few feet away from her. "You look lovely, as always."