Oct-26-2001 3:40 PM Message 24 of 245

Subject: In the heat of the night... [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 12 ]

Dark, disturbing dreams stir Belle's sleep. Faint whimpers escape her lips as gruesome and bloody images well up from the unfathomable shadows of her subconscious.

Her breathing momentarily calms, then quickly resumes a different intensity. New sounds whisper from deep in her throat, a ragged purr punctuated with soft gasps and moans.

The stifling oppression of the sweat dampened bedclothes awaken her slightly. She kicks away the blue satin comforter and squirms out of the black velvet robe, leaving only the silk nightshirt between the cool air and her glistening skin.

Having never wakened sufficiently to give thought to her surroundings, Belle eagerly returns to her dreams.

***

Mar-2-2001 3:59 PM Message 25 of 245

Subject: Listening intently. [Dahlia {reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 24 ]

~*Dahlia looks up from her book, listening to Belle's gasps and moans. Obviously the young human was having a nightmare. But from the sounds of if she wasn't neccessarily not enjoying it. Dahlia's lips curve in a self-knowing smile. This girl could all too easily be seduced into the Dark. She must be very careful not to lead the girl astray...unless she asks of course.*~

***

Mar-2-2001 4:04 PM Message 26 of 245

Subject: Memories [Vampiress Dahlia {reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 25 ]

~*Belle's moans grow more heated from the room next to Dahlia. To a mortal they would sound like mere whimpers of sound through the wall, but to her undead ears they were as loud as if Belle were right beside her.*~

~*Placing her book on the dresser next to her, Dahlia slides out of her bed and walks through her room and the hallway to Belle's room. Standing at the foot of Belle's bed, she gazes down at her. Her covers and robe had been kicked aside to reveal creamy pale skin glistening with sweat and a sheer white silk gown. Belle's breasts heave with every labored breath she takes and her gasps sound like those of a wanton lover. Dahlia's mind takes her back to nights when Natasha would lay in her arms just so...gasping and moaning under her touch.*~

~*Pushing the lustful memories aside, Dahlia feels the Hunger rise within her.*~

'No!' she shouts to herself mentally. 'Belle is too innocent, too pure, too undeserving to be fed upon like a cattle.'

'But you would be gentle...you would kiss her pain away...' the beast inside of her whispers.

~*Growling Dahlia kneels down on the bed, brushing her lips over Belle's neck. So warm, so soft...Dahlia takes a deep breath and breathes in Belle's scent. The scent of blood, sweat and Belle's own unique musk drives her Hunger further. Dipping her head, she pricks Belle's skin...not hard enough to break the jugular, just enough to break the skin. A thin line of blood wells up and trickles down Belle's neck. Dahlia flicks her tongue out and gently runs it up Belle's neck, licking the blood away.*~

'More!' the beast shouts.

'No.' she tells herself. 'Just a taste.'

~*Biting her own tongue, Dahlia lets a drop of her own blood spill onto the tiny wound and it closes instantly. Kissing the spot she had just bitten, Dahlia stands and walks out of the room, clearly shaken by her own actions.*~

***

Oct-26-2001 3:44 PM Message 27 of 245

Subject: Morning Glow [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 26 ]

Belle awakes from the evening's final dream with a gasp and a sigh. She lies in bed, her eyes closed, as the images, emotions and sensations of the dream echo through her.

She has had this dream before, or at least as it started. In it, she and her boyfriend, Brad, are together in a field of tall grass. Brad kisses her, and touches her, all the while imploring her to finally give in and go "all the way" with him; while Belle, as always, steadfastly refuses. (In that detail, at least, the dream is simply a reflection of mundane reality, except that the conversation usually occurs in Brad's fraternity bedroom, or the backseat of his father's Cadillac.) In the dream, Brad gently kisses her lips, then begins to kiss and nibble her neck.

It was at this point, on this occasion, where Belle's dream followed a different course. At the gentle touch of teeth to her throat, Belle found herself suddenly and overwhelmingly aroused. She found herself whispering: "Yes, my love. I will. I will! Please, make me yours."

At these words, her dream lover pulled away from her neck and smiled warmly. But the face was not Brad's. Instead, she saw the fine countenance and long dark hair of an aristocratic women. The lady spoke: "If that is what you desire, my dear, I shall."

It was when the woman then leaned forward, pressing her body to Belle's and again kissing her lips, that Belle awoke from her dream.

As Belle comes fully awake, the beautiful image of the woman in her dream stays with her. "Dahlia," Belle whispers. It is only then that Belle remembers the prior evening and suddenly realizes where she is.

***

Mar-2-2001 4:10 PM Message 28 of 245

Subject: Sleep of the Dead [Lady Dahlia{reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 12 ]

~*Dahlia lies in her bed, the silk crimson pillows billowed comfortably beneath her head. Her red silk covers are perfectly arranged over her body, folded and tucked beneath her arms. Her face is serene...pale and peaceful with her long ebony lashes shuttered and brushing her soft cheeks. Her hair is fanned out in chestnut waves over the pillows. She doesn't move, doesn't breathe...she just, sleeps.*~

***

Oct-26-2001 3:46 PM Message 29 of 245

Subject: Awkwardly Awake [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 28 ]

Belle sits up and tries to orient herself in the dimly lit bedchamber. She sighs in relief to see her clothes neatly folded on an ornately carved oak dressing table across the room. Her hostess' butler must have set them there while she slept. She also notes laying on top of her clothes the same silver brush set she had used in Dahlia's boudoir the evening before. The smile this brings to her face immediately disappears as Belle realizes this might mean that her hostess realized she had used her things.

Belle gets out of bed and neatly spreads the blue satin comforter across it. She then picks up the black satin robe she had shed in the night and drapes it across the arm of a chair. Crossing to the dressing table, she examines the silver brush and mirror. She notices one difference about them. If they are indeed the same ones she had used the evening before, then someone had cleaned and polished them while she slept.

Looking in the mirror, Belle notes the mess her turbulent sleep had made of her hair. She takes extra time brushing it out, simply enjoying the luxurious ambience of her opulent surroundings.

Finally, her hair brushed to a lustrous sheen, she takes off the silk and lace nightshirt she slept in and dresses in her own clothes. Leaving the nightshirt folded on the table, she steps out into the hallway. She sees that the door to Dahlia's bedroom stands open, so she peeks inside. She can tell her hostess is deeply asleep. Belle stops for a moment to admire her ivory skin and dark brown hair framed by deep red pillows. Dahlia's serene beauty strikes Belle, and still disturbed by the parting images from last night's dream, she withdraws and walks quickly down the hallway to the parlor.

She notices a writing desk in a corner, with a stack of fine stationary under a fountain pen of apparently genuine gold. She composes a note.

Belle folds the letter once, then sets it on the mantle above the now cold fireplace. She finds her leather jacket on a rack by the front door, and with a sigh heads back out into the woods.

***

Mar-2-2001 4:20 PM Message 30 of 245

Subject: Awakening [Vampiress Dahlia {reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 12 ]

~*Dahlia slowly begins to become conscious at sunset. She can feel the silk sheets and pillows around her, floating on a delicate softly woven haze. She can still smell the heat in the air as the sun slips below the horizon. Once the scent of burning fumes is a distant memory, Dahlia opens her eyes. Almost immediately she senses Belle's absense. She also smells her scent in her room...more strong and recent than the night before. She'd been in her room while she slept. Doing what? Standing, she walks into the hallway, looking into Belle's empty room, the bed made. She then walks into the Great Room and takes her seat in front of the blazing fire that her servents have prepared for her awakening. A goblet of bloodwyne is brought to her, and after taking a sip, she spots the note on the mantle. Walking to it, she takes it up and reads.*~

"Ahh, so my Belle...you've flown away. Tis probably for the best. I've sipped from you twice. You've got to be feeling the side effects by now. I'm so sorry."

***

Oct-26-2001 3:48 PM Message 31 of 245

Subject: Amazingly Awake [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 30 ]

A little past four o'clock in the afternoon, Belle finally forces herself to sit down and relax. She'd had an astounding day. Somehow, the long night's sleep at Dahlia's home had left her better rested and more energetic than she could ever remember.

Although she had left the large house in the dawn twilight, she had no difficulty finding her way back to the highway and her car. Dismissing the annoyance of the orange flag stuck to the Miata's windshield --- suggesting the vehicle had been abandoned and would be towed --- she drove back to her family's lake-house at well above the speed limit, arriving just at sunrise.

After a long and relaxing bath, she had spent an inordinate amount of time fixing her hair and makeup, given that she had no plans to see anyone all day. It did not help that her image in the mirror seemed a bit blurry. Belle supposed the silver on the old mirror had become tarnished.

When it came time to dress, she found herself frowning at the heavy clothes she had packed. They all seemed so restrictive. She opened her closet to see what remained from prior summers, and found a sleeveless pink chiffon minidress. It was totally inappropriate this early in the Spring, but Belle had always loved its comfortable femininity.

Belle then went to work on her honors thesis for Anthropology 411, the completion of which was her primary goal for spending Spring Break secluded in her family's summer house. She usually liked to write in the sunroom overlooking the lake, but found it hard to focus in the bright morning sunlight. So she opened her laptop on the large diningroom table and set to work.

She had allowed herself six days to finish the paper. It took her less than five hours. Never in her life had she thought with such clarity. As she reviewed her notes, the facts and issues fell right into place. Without lifting a pen or pressing a key, she could visualize a complete outline of the thesis in her head. So she just started to type. Four hours later, she had completed the entire eighteen page essay. She clicked on the spell-checker. Other than not recognizing a few names, it buzzed right through the text. She had not misspelled a single word nor had even one typo in the entire piece!

The completion of this academic feat had not left her fatigued, but exhilarated. She rose and looked around the large old house, which until her arrival had stood empty since Christmastime. Without stopping to think, Belle found a cloth and a can of spray polish and efficiently went about dusting every horizontal surface of the large Victorian mansion. Her mother always accused her of blindness when it came to dirt. Not this day. Belle found that despite the growing afternoon shadows, she could easily see into every nook and cranny of the old house.

By the time she finishes this chore, she notices that the sun has fallen sufficiently behind the trees to shade the sunroom. Thus she comes to take a seat and consider what to do next. Belle has to will herself to sit still as she thinks.

Having completed the thesis, she knows she should probably head back down to school. She has other reading she could use the rest of Spring Break to complete. But with Brad and all of her friends in Daytona Beach, school might be lonelier than even this big empty house. Not that school would seem much more attractive right now even if her friends were there. Belle realizes she has grown bored with all that her friends say and do.

Belle resists the urge to stand and pace. With her pent-up energy turned inward, she finds herself acutely aware of physical sensations. Her bare feet press against the tile floor, still warm from the earlier sun, in contrast to the cool draft crossing her naked legs. The upholstery of the chair feels like sandpaper against the back of her arms, while the thin silky lining of her dress caress the tops of her thighs and breasts like a gentle lover's hands. Belle sighs with the slightest movement.

No, Belle decides silently, It is too pleasant here to leave early. I'll stay the rest of the week. She feels no urgency to again see her family and friends. They all now seem so mundane, with their lives focused on common concerns: money, grades, careers. Belle seeks more from life, and now she thinks she has found a kindred spirit: Dahlia.

Belle thinks back to their conversation of the previous evening. She sensed in Dahlia a serenity and confidence for which she had always longed but believed unobtainable. Belle wants to spend more time in with her and learn more about her. Belle feels confident she'll be welcome. After all, had not Dahlia called her a "cure" for her own confessed "loneliness"?

With a new goal, Belle leaps from her chair and heads up to her room, stripping off the pink dress as she walks. Again, she rejects the blue jeans and heavy blouses she packed for the week. Dahlia dresses beautifully, Belle reminds herself, and her lovely home deserves a visitor dressed in something better than denim. Again Belle rummages through her Summer clothes. Finally she settles on a dress that while white, was of heavier fabric and so is not completely unreasonable for late March. She steps into a pair of pumps and heads downstairs and into the wine cellar to retrieve another bottle of the same Pinot Noir she and Dahlia had enjoyed last night. Belle knows it must be getting cool outside with the sun setting, so she grabs a beige London Fog overcoat on her way out the door.

Despite the coming darkness, she again has no problem finding the overgrown trail that leads through the forest to Dahlia's home, and she again leaves her car on the roadside. As she crosses the highway, it occurs to her that wearing a short dress and pumps may have been a mistake, but when she enters the forest she discovers that she has no trouble finding her way between the brambles and across firm ground. Belle feels as if she can almost glide across the soft earth, as would some forest creature like a wolf or a jaguar.

A light mist starts to fall, and Belle looks up to see the half-moon now nothing more than a bright patch behind heavy clouds. Nonetheless, the light remains sufficient for her to find the way to Dahlia's without becoming lost, as she had the night before.

Belle hesitates at the door. For a brief moment she feels a desire to flee, to run back to her car and not stop driving until she is safely back home with her family and friends. "What a time to get shy again; you haven't freaked out about going to someone's house like this since grade school!" Belle scolds herself aloud, misidentifying the source of her apprehension. Taking a deep breath and brushing back her now wet hair, Belle raises the carved brass knocker and gently taps on the door.

***

Mar-2-2001 4:34 PM Message 32 of 245

Subject: An Offer of Aid [Kellaeth {reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 31 ]

Before knocker fell a second time, I flicked my wrist and suddenly the knocker was on the ground a short distance away making nearly no sound on the soft earth. The innocent turns and finds my eyes of emerald gazing into hers quietly, keeping my distance that she knows I am no threat to her I speak bowing deeply.

"Forgive me for mine action my lady......but I felt need to tell thee that there is danger in what thee art doing.......danger in ways I doubt thee would even wish to try to comprehend.....I can see in thine eye that thee art well aware that there is danger....but thee art ignoring the part of you that senses it and seeks to protect you.....an unwise choice..."

Stepping towards her now with unearthly silence I stood now four feet away from her before continuing,

"I would ask thee to consider my lady, truly think on what is occurring to you, what you are feeling, but also everything that has happened, since that night when lady Dahlia was in thine car. The path you are heading towards leads to a life that is like a drug, but as time goes by you go from wanting it, to needing it, and this is not a need of something thee want, but something that thee most likely will curse. The things you hold dear will pale and become nothing unless you have direct need of them, the simple joys and delights thee hold now will become thine greatest pains and fears. My lady I will offer this just once.....and will accept thine choice either way.....will you come to thine cabin this night, and hear what I have to say, then make thine choice based from that place of newfound knowledge, or will you walk ahead into the darkness, never knowing it has surrounded you, and now will never let you go....I ask no more then this night.......how thee follow tomorrow night.........and the next.......I leave to thee.........I ask for this

night....."

I gazed into her eyes the genuine concern for her shining within mine and I knew from her looks that she did not think I was lying to her or attempting something of a shaded nature, that I wished to give her information of great importance, and that I would let her decide how to use it.

***

Oct-26-2001 3:49 PM Message 33 of 245

Subject: A Threatening Encounter [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 32 ]

Belle steps back and gasps as someone reaches over her shoulder and snaps the brass knocker off the door. She turns to face the vandal, instinctively reaching into the right pocket of her overcoat where, were she walking around the university at night, she would have stashed a pepper-spray aerosol. She winces, finding the pocket empty.

The man stares at her with his intense green eyes, muttering something about her being in danger. Belle notices his use of the old fashioned "thee" and "thine" and decides he must be some sort of religious nut. Such men had often accosted her on campus, calling her a "whore" just for wearing a miniskirt. At least this one was being polite.

Nonetheless, when he pauses in his ravings and steps forward, Belle tenses, hoping she can still manage one of the Judo moves she learned in the Women's Self-Defense seminars she attended in the dorm back in her freshman year. The stranger stops a good four feet away, however, and resumes talking. Belle concentrates more on his actions than his words, ready to respond to any attack.

Although still not paying close attention to what he is saying, Belle catches him making a reference to drugs. "You go from wanting it, to needing it, and this is not a need of something thee want, but something that thee most likely will curse," the man proclaims. "The things you hold dear will pale and become nothing unless you have direct need of them...."

Belle's mind races. Could Dahlia be a drug dealer? That would certainly explain her wealth and need for anonymous seclusion. If Dahlia is involved in drugs, then Belle wants nothing to do with her. She decides to listen to the rest of what the man is saying.

Suddenly his voice changes, becoming almost a plea. "Will you come to thine cabin this night?" he requests, then repeats several times that he asks for "no more than this night."

Belle grows more tense. This odd man obviously believes what he is saying, but he is just as obviously deranged: not only a religious fanatic, but apparently some kind of pervert to boot, wanting her to spend the night in his cabin!

Remembering the bottle of wine in her left hand, she shifts it to her right, and lifts it slightly to suggest how she could use it as a club. She recalls learning in Women's Self-Defense seminars that the best way to deal with an assailant such as this is to be firm, show confidence, and make sure he knows you don't intend to be a victim. She raises the wine bottle a little higher and clears her tight throat.

"Listen, buster," she begins in the deepest, strongest tone she can manage, but her voice cracks. "I don't know who you are or what you have against Dahlia, but you just damaged her property and threatened one of her guests. Now you had better get out of here before I start screaming for the cops!"

Belle knows the threat to call for the police is an empty one out here in the middle of the woods, but it is all she can think to say. She hopes if she does start screaming, it will at least get the attention of Dahlia or her butler. Raising her makeshift cudgel higher still, she backs toward the door. For the first time all evening, the high heels of her pumps betray her. The thin heel of her left shoe catches in the recessed mortar between two stones on the stoop and she falls backward, landing on her rump in the arched entranceway of Dahlia's house.

The stranger starts forward as if to assist her, but stops when the door behind Belle opens.

"Oh dear, Belle!" she hears Dahlia exclaim. "You've fallen. Here, let me help you up." She then feels Dahlia's cool hand slip into her own and help lift her to her feet. Belle notes that Dahlia seems quite strong for such a slender and refined lady. Belle turns to face her and she smiles. "Hopefully you haven't ruined that beautiful dress. I'm so glad you've returned. It gets quite lonely out here with only servants as company."

Dahlia's smile fades as she glares over Belle's shoulder. "Kellaeth, hello," Dahlia addresses the man outside scornfully. "Tell me, what brings you here?" Belle finds comfort knowing that Dahlia has taken control of the situation. Involuntarily, she gently squeezes her hostess' hand.

***

Mar-2-2001 4:43 PM Message 34 of 245

Subject: A Knock [Vampiress Dahlia {reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 32 ]

~*Dahlia straightens upon the knock at the door. She smells Belle's warm heady musk through the walls that separate them and smiles. She can also smell the wine she has brought with her.*~

'Another gift, M'Sweet?' she thinks.

~*Sending her servant Briant to answer the door, Dahlia smooths her hair and crosses her ankles, preparing to recieve Belle. Just then she hears a voice...not Belle's, but a masculine voice. Lifting her face, Dahlia delicately sniffs the air. Kellaeth. Her eyes grow dark and she growls deep in the back of her throat. That damned do-gooder was probably trying to warn off Belle...away from Dahlia. Snarling, Dahlia rises to her feet and walks to the door, smiling brightly as she comes to the door that Briant holds open.*~

"Oh dear, Belle! You've fallen...here, let me help you up."

~*Reaching down a hand, Dahlia grasps Belle's in her own, giving Kellaeth a scathing glare as she pulls Belle to her feet.*~

"Hopefully you haven't ruined that beautiful dress. I'm so glad you've returned. It gets quite lonely out here with only servants as company."

~*Dahlia's smile fades as she turns to Kellaeth, her lips barely concealing her fangs as she scowls.*~

"Kellaeth, hello. Tell me, what brings you here?" she says in a bored, uninterested voice coated with cold steel.

***

Subject: Runaway Emotions [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 34 ]

"I believe thee know full well what I am doing Dahlia," Kellaeth responds to Dahlia's icy welcome. "Never would I stand aside while thee take from this girl that which thee have no right, if thee felt that what thee intend was the right thing then I wonder why thee have not asked her. Dahlia, never have I...."

With blood pounding in her ears from adrenalin and anger, Belle turns and snarls at the odd little man. "I already told you, mister, I'm not buying whatever you're selling. Now just leave us alone!"

Kellaeth persists, speaking quickly. "My lady, my name is Kellaeth Serit'tis, from thine eyes thee believe me to be...." Before he can finish his sentence, Dahlia reaches over Belle's shoulder and slams the door in his face.

Facing the closed door, Belle starts to shake. She spins and buries her face in Dahlia's shoulder. Tears start to flow.

"Oh Dahlia, it was awful! I was so scared. He came up behind me in the dark. He was talking like a madman." Embarrassed, Belle pulls away from Dahlia, wipes her face on the backs of her hands, and clears her throat.

"He thinks you're a drug pusher or something," Belle continues, the stress and confusion of the encounter still causing her to misinterpret Kellaeth's obscure warnings. "He tried to get me to go to his cabin with him."

Imagining what Kellaeth might have done to her in a secluded cabin, Belle breaks down and again starts sobbing. Her eyes lock onto Dahlia's in an unconcealed plea.

***

Mar-2-2001 4:52 PM Message 36 of 245

Subject: Soothing... [Vampiress Dahlia {reposted by Belle}]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 35 ]

~*Still shaking from her anger at Kellaeth, Dahlia stares at the door. Her eyes fly wide in shock after Belle flings herself into her arms and starts sobbing. Smoothing a hand down her hair, she sighs.*~

"Shhh, it's alright now. Kellaeth's harmless, just a bit confused. He wouldn't hurt you. He just seems to think I will..."

~*Holding Belle close, Dahlia stares at the door, her thoughts dark and violent..*~

***

Oct-26-2001 3:55 PM Message 37 of 245

Subject: Getting Steady [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 36 ]

Finally bringing her weeping under control, Belle steps away from Dahlia. Belle hardly notices as her hostess' butler pulls her overcoat off her shoulder and retrieves the bottle of Pinot Noir from the floor.

Belle shivers, in part from the touch of cool air against her skin, but also in continued reaction to her encounter with Kellaeth Serit'tis. Belle feels unsteady on her feet, and having fallen a moment before from snagging a heel, reaches down to make sure neither of her high heels are loose. The familiarity of this act helps her gain control of her emotions.

She straightens and smiles at Dahlia. "Thank you for getting rid of that weirdo. That makes twice you've saved me out here in the forest." Chuckling, Belle concludes, "If this keeps up, I shall be forever in your debt."

***

Mar-5-2001 2:16 PM Message 38 of 245

Subject: Poor Belle.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 37 ]

~*Guiding Belle through to the Main Room, Dahlia indicates for her to take a seat in front of the fireplace in the chair she had occupied the previous evening. She signals for Briant to open the Pinot Noir and bring them two chilled glasses of the wine. *~

"Belle I'm terribly sorry you had to go through that. Kellaeth is harmless, though a bit fanatical. He seems to think it is his mission in life to rid the world of evil and warn those ignorant of evil about it's presense. Unfortunately, he also believes I am the evil incarnate."

~*Laughing slightly, Dahlia then sighs, sipping her wine and staring into the flames.*~

***

Mar-6-2001 1:46 PM Message 39 of 245

Subject: Casual Conversation [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 38 ]

Belle accepts the goblet from Dahlia's butler and takes a sip to calm her nerves. She frowns, finding the Pinot Noir inappropriately chilled. Belle blushes in embarrassment, hoping her hostess understands the wine must have been cooled during her walk from the car. It surprises Belle how quickly that had happened, almost as if the bottle had been exposed to the touch of an icy wind.

Belle is roused from her obsessing about the wine by Dahlia again mentioning Kellaeth Serit'tis, and reassuring her that Kellaeth is just a "harmless" zealot.

"He seems to think it is his mission in life to rid the world of evil and warn those ignorant of evil about it's presence," Dahlia concludes with an uncomfortable chuckle. "Unfortunately, he also believes I am the evil incarnate."

Belle notes a haunted look in Dahlia's eyes as she falls silent and stares into the fire. Belle thinks of her own momentary suspicion that Dahlia might be tied to illegal drugs , thereby explaining her wealth and need for privacy in these deep woods. "That's remarkable, Dahlia," Belle offers, trying to sound nonchalant. "What in the world could have given him that impression?"

***

Mar-8-2001 2:55 PM Message 40 of 245

Subject: Suspicion? [Vampiress Dahlia]

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 39 ]

~*Dahlia lifts her eyes to Belle's, noticing the faint trace of curiosity in her voice. Curious? The only reason for such an interest would be if Belle, at least on some level, had a suspicion that part of what Kellaeth had said was true. She supposed she could pry into her mind, but deciding that the trama of her agitation over Kellaeth coupled with Dahlia's presense in her subconscious would be too much.*~

"I admit, my ways are odd. Living out here in the middle of nowhere and such...Kellaeth was once welcome in my home. But he insulted me and my...well, I suppose the only way I can put this bluntly is my lover, Natasha. I know some mor......"

~*Dahlia catches herself just as she is about to say 'mortals'.*~

"Er, people can't accept a same sex relationship, so I don't know how comfortable you will be with it. But ever since Kellaeth has not been welcome in my home and has not bothered me again until tonight when he tried to impose his slanderous views on you."

~*Dahlia takes another sip of her wine, loving the way the cold liquid slides down her throat. She watches Belle for her reaction.*~

***

Oct-26-2001 3:54 PM Message 41 of 245

Subject: Understanding (she thinks) [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 40 ]

At Dahlia's mention of her lover "Natasha," Belle nods in understanding. Ah, so Dahlia's a lesbian," Belle thinks to herself, and unconsciously presses her legs together and draws them up underneath herself. That would explain why a religious nut like Kellaeth Serit'tis would condemn her and try to keep me from associating with her.

For the first time since meeting her, Belle notices that Dahlia seems uncomfortable and that she is being careful in choosing her words. Proudly wanting to prove that she harbors no prejudice, Belle asks, "So, does Natasha live here with you? Is she away? I would love to meet her."

***

Mar-8-2001 2:54 PM Message 42 of 245

Subject: Memories [Vampiress Dahlia]

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 41 ]

~*Shaking her head, Dahlia looks at Belle.*~

"No, Natasha and I went our separate ways. She left not long ago. I do miss her, but Natasha was a very needy person. Always wanting my undivided attention even when we were entertaining guests. She was very wild and rambunctious whereas I am more calm. Our personalities conflicted and ended up dividing us..."

~*Sensing Belle's sudden change in the way she held herself, as if the possibility of Dahlia finding her attractive or maybe even desirable was not something she had considered, she grows slightly irritated. Mortals always seemed to think that no one can resist them and the possibility of a forced seduction was never far from their minds. Hoping to ease her fears a bit, Dahlia continues.*~

"I think part of the reason Kellaeth is so annoyed with me is because I refused his offer of marriage. He is a strict believer in polygomy...I believe he has several wives at the moment and wanted me to be number five or six..."

~*Dahlia laughs.*~

"Although I am attracted to men, the idea of being one in a long line of women waiting for their husbands' affection most certainly did not appeal to me."

***

Oct-26-2001 3:56 PM Message 43 of 245

Subject: Uncomfortable [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 42 ]

When Dahlia mentions her recent split from her lover Natasha, Belle cannot help but wonder if this is the reason for Dahlia's interest and generosity toward her. Suddenly, everything Dahlia has done takes on a new significance. Belle remembers how Dahlia has repeatedly taken and held Belle's hand. Dahlia shared her clothes with Belle and let her spend the night. Until now, Belle has perceived these as simple acts of kindness and friendship. While she realizes that may well have been the case --- that Dahlia was simply being considerate --- Belle cannot now help but suspect that Dahlia acted from a more avaricious motivation.

She barely notices Dahlia's reference to Kellaeth's polygamy. "I've heard about some of those weird and isolated Mormon splinter groups," Belle mumbles to politely continue the conversation. "I didn't know there were any of them around here."

Dahlia's chuckles about Kellaeth fade away. They sit together in uncomfortable silence, each staring at the fire. Belle takes another sip of wine, sets down the goblet, and slides forward on her seat as if to stand.

"Well," she begins feebly, unable to meet Dahlia's eyes. "If I'm going to drive home tonight, I probably shouldn't drink any more. I really only stopped by to again thank you for helping me these past two nights. It's getting late and I probably should get going."

***

Mar-15-2001 5:05 PM Message 44 of 245

Subject: The costs of a vampire [Vampiress Dahlia]

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 43 ]

~*Dahlia sighs as Belle announces her desire to leave. She had half expected Belle to become uncomfortable when she discovered her sexuality. It made her wonder what she would do if she only knew of her species. Dahlia is not unlike most other Kindred. Once you have lived for an extremely long period of time you realize that people, no matter what their gender, are sensual and beautiful beings capable of loving you the same. Dahlia looks at Belle and raises her eyebrows, making it clear that she did not believe her excuse for leaving. After all, what fool would drive at least 10 miles and hike all the way out to her home just to deliver a bottle of wine? No, Belle was uncomfortable and probably questioning Dahlia's intentions.*~

'Silly girl.' she thinks. 'If I wanted you I could have you, willingly, in a matter of minutes. Or unwillingly in a matter of seconds...'

~*Almost chuckling aloud at her dark thoughts, Dahlia smiles.*~

"Of course, you may leave if you wish."

***

Oct-26-2001 3:44 PM Message 45 of 245

Subject: A Long Night [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 44 ]

Belle finds she cannot sleep. She lies on her back in bed, staring at the ceiling and angry with herself. She knows Dahlia knew she was just making a convenient excuse when she claimed she had to leave because of the hour. Belle could see it in her face. It had really not been that late when Belle excused herself and drove back to the lake house.

Belle has no doubt that Dahlia recognized that she left because she felt uncomfortable after Dahlia's revelations about her former lover, Natasha. Belle does not want Dahlia thinking she is some kind of hateful homophobic, like that fool Kellaeth. Belle prides herself in her progressive and unprejudiced beliefs.

Belle decides she must do something to show Dahlia that she is not offended by her bisexuality. Realizing she really can't just show up on Dahlia's doorstep a third day in a row, she determines the best course would be to invite Dahlia for lunch or dinner. If I show her that I am willing to have her in my home, Belle reasons to herself, then Dahlia will know I take no offense from her sexual preferences.

Despite her satisfaction with this solution, Belle finds herself still fidgeting under her blankets. With her embarrassment and anger about her sudden departure from Dahlia's now subsided, other feelings --- the true source of her insomnia --- come to the surface. Belle sighs in frustration. She is quite familiar with the problem... and its solution.....

Afterward, Belle does not fall to sleep, as she would expect from past experience. Despite the dark, she can read on the antique clock across the room that it is almost midnight, but she feels as alert as if it were daytime. Belle wants to sleep. She hopes to have company the next day and wants to be a bright and cheerful hostess.

Belle squirms as her thoughts return to Dahlia. It crosses her mind that the way she's feeling might somehow reflect a reaction to learning of Dahlia's lesbian tastes. Belle finds the idea that a woman might find her attractive in "that way" to be unsettling, but also oddly flattering. Belle quickly dismisses the thought. Dahlia had shown no disappointment when Belle announced she was leaving.

Belle also convinces herself that Dahlia has nothing to do with the way her body is tingling as she moves under the bedcovers. While an image of Dahlia had found its way into a sensuous dream the night before, Belle knows from a recent psychology course that it is perfectly normal for people to have erotic dreams involving members of the same sex. (Indeed, Belle remembers having a couple such dreams about her best friend Laura within the past year.) These dreams do not suggest such a person is homosexual.

Nevertheless, memories of those and other erotic dreams flood Belle's senses. Again she surrenders to temptation and succumbs to the demands of her flesh.

Later, as she lies panting between sweaty sheets, Belle again wonders if the things she learned about Dahlia have anything to do with her still unsatisfied feelings of desire. Once more, Belle rejects the idea, remembering that she has felt especially libidinous ever since her first morning up here at the summer house. At that time, she had only briefly met Dahlia, and had known nothing about her. Rather, Belle decides that she had drawn the correct the conclusion then, that amorous feelings just naturally arise when one is alone and relaxed in comfortable surroundings.

Like right now! Belle moans as she again gives in to her needs.

This is how Belle's entire night passes, through several more cycles, each of increasing passion and intensity. Only when the eastern sky starts to lighten with the coming dawn does Belle finally find herself, although still unsated, at least growing sleepy. She breathes a final ragged sigh, knowing she will finally sleep, just as the sun starts to break over the horizon. "Good thing, too," she whispers wearily to herself. "I need some sleep before I figure out what dinner to prepare for Dahlia."

Belle falls into a deep slumber, the last thought on her mind, just like the last word on her lips, being "Dahlia."

***