Jun-9-2001 1:06 PM Message 127 of 245

Subject: Suppertime!

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 126 ]

~*Dahlia's smiles spreads at Belle's knock. She looks at Guillaume and Ian and then nods to Briant.*~

"It is time gentlemen. Briant, would you do the honors?"

~*Briant nods and gracefully bows before answering the door and holding it open for Belle.*~

"Hello, m'lady. Welcome back. M'lady Dahlia and her guests await you in the parlor. Can I take anything for you?"

***

Jun-10-2001 1:34 AM Message 128 of 245

Subject: Nature's Way

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 127 ]

Ian sighs when he hears the young mortal enter the foyer. Part of him had hoped she would not show; that she would flee the intrigue with which Dahlia had enticed her and return to the security of her normal, human existence.

But Ian will not, can not, interfere. The fact that the girl came, essentially of her own free will, is in itself proof that it is as it should be. The Kindred have the need and the right of procreation, and certainly prolific humanity can spare one of its own to that purpose.

Indeed, it is likely the girl herself will find fulfillment, eventually, in her metamorphosis. She will enter a world full of wonders and rewards of which her mortal peers could scarcely dare to dream. And the price... Well, all things have a price proportionate to the benefits they bestow.

Again, Ian sighs. Then he strums his mandolin and starts to sing.

~~~

The leaded window opened

to move the dancing candle flame

And the first Moths of summer

suicidal came, suicidal came.

And a new breeze chattered

in its May-bud tenderness,

Sending water-lilies sailing

as she turned to get undressed.

And the long night awakened

and we soared on powdered wings,

Circling our tomorrows

in the wary month of Spring.

Chasing shadows slipping

in a magic lantern slide,

Creatures of the candle

on a night-light-ride.

Dipping and weaving

Flutter through the golden needle's eye

in our haystack madness.

Butterfly-stroking on a Spring-tide high.

Life's too long (as the Lemming said)

as the candle burned and the Moths were wed.

And we'll all burn together as the wick grows higher

but before the candle's dead.

The leaded window opened

to move the dancing candle flame.

And the first moths of summer

suicidal came, oh, suicidal came.

To join in the worship

of the light that never dies

in a moment's reflection

of two moths spinning in her eyes.

~~~

***

Jun-14-2001 2:24 PM Message 129 of 245

Subject: First Impressions [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 127 ]

Belle surrenders her purse and the bottle of Merlot to Briant with a "thank you." He then escorts her as far as the parlor door before heading off to the pantry.

Belle stops just inside the parlor. The first thing she notices is the musician in the far corner. He plays a mandolin and sings what sounds like an old English folk song. Nonetheless, despite having had a class in such music --- and regularly listening to "Simply Folk" on NPR --- Belle does not recognize the tune.

"To join in the worship

of the light that never dies

in a moment's reflection

of two moths spinning in her eyes."

The song ends with a final flourish on the mandolin, then the singer bows and tips his hat to her. Belle smiles in appreciation.

She turns to where Dahlia stands with another guest by the fireplace. Belle is about to address Dahlia when she notices the clothing of the handsome gentleman next to her. He wears a maroon smoking jacket with a gray ascot. He looks like some Edwardian lord. Belle had assumed Dahlia's friends would be artists and writers. This tall man obviously had the eccentricity often ascribed to such people.

Finally, Belle's gaze settles on her hostess. Dahlia, always beautiful, looks absolutely stunning. Her burgundy dress accents her perfect figure and the red highlights of her hair glow in the firelight. Her makeup is exquisite, even dramatic, but not garish.

Dahlia appears the perfect personification of feminine salacity. Belle's jaw actually drops at the sight of her and she has trouble catching her breath. She does not dare try to speak, and simply stands in the doorway waiting for someone else to initiate the conversation.

***

Jun-11-2001 9:11 AM Message 130 of 245

Subject: Appraisal [Guillaume].

From: Anborn

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 129 ]

Guillaume takes one look at the mortal woman in the doorway and immediately understands why Dahlia is so taken with her. Petite, dark, slender and lusciously vivacious, Belle appears almost schoolgirlish in her blue suit and white blouse. By contrast, however, Guillaume senses a maturity in her well beyond her years.

Guillaume straightens and is about to step forward to introduce himself, as a gentleman normally should, but he checks himself. The girl is Dahlia's project, and she has made it clear that she plans to keep tight control on the evening's progress. Guillaume senses his hostess' excited anticipation as she herself regards the lovely creature in the doorway, and no doubt reviews in her mind the prurient program by which she intends to introduce Belle to the wondrous world of the Kindred.

***

Jun-11-2001 5:20 PM Message 131 of 245

Subject: Introductions.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 130 ]

~*Dahlia smiles as Belle steps into the room and is quite obviously taken with her. She thinks that this will be easier than she had thought. Sensing Guillaume's approval she gives him a wink and then walks over to Belle, taking her hand and waving her arm to encompass the room.*~

"Belle, I'd like to introduce you to Guillaume and Ian. Ian is quite new to my home, but Guillaume is an old friend."

***

Jun-12-2001 9:52 AM Message 132 of 245

Subject: Formality [Guillaume].

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 131 ]

Guillaume steps forward and takes Belle's free hand in both of his. He lifts it to the level of his chest, and bows his head forward to kiss the back of her hand, his lips lingering just a moment. He then slowly releases it and takes one step back.

He stares deeply into Belle's eyes, smiles, and speaks in a low and formal voice. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Belle. Dahlia has told us so many wonderful things about you."

***

Jun-12-2001 12:20 PM Message 133 of 245

Subject: Little fanfare.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 131 ]

Ian bows low to Belle and brings his arm around to pull the green cap from his head and down in front of him, tickling the floorboards with the long pheasant tail feather stuck in the hatband.

Then he stands, gently strums his mandolin, and sings a short greeting.

~~~

Along the coast road, by the headland

the early lights of winter glow.

I'll pour a cup to you my darling

and raise it up, say "Cheerio."

~~~

***

Jun-12-2001 5:55 PM Message 134 of 245

Subject: Ironic Resolve [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 131 ]

The easy and open, even presumptuous, familiarity with which Dahlia takes her hand shocks Belle. Belle secretly confesses to herself that she has completely fallen for Dahlia --- both physically and emotionally. The amorous feelings she carried to bed last night, and the compelling desire with which she later awoke, have not left her.

Dahlia, with her experience and wisdom had obviously already discerned Belle's feelings.

Now, the sight of Dahlia in her lovely and provocative dress and alluring makeup has reignited those forbidden thoughts in Belle. At the touch of Dahlia's hand, Belle feels a flush of excitement grow in her cheeks, and spread down through her chest to sink into aching hunger in her loins. But, Belle insists to herself, that doesn't mean I am going to act on those feelings. I certainly have said nothing to Dahlia to make her believe that I have any romantic intentions toward her!

By contrast, the intimate way in which Dahlia has taken her hand in front of strangers practically declares they are a couple. Belle still finds inconceivable that she --- who has never even given herself fully to a man --- might willingly surrender her body to a women. Despite herself, Belle wonders how it would feel. Already a hundred times this evening --- while bathing, getting dressed, driving here --- Belle has imagined being held by Dahlia, feeling their breasts press together while Dahlia's lips gently touch her own... And for the hundredth time, Belle's pulse quickens as her breathing becomes fast and ragged.

Belle takes a deep breath and regains her composure. She needs to find a polite way to rebuff Dahlia's advances. She cannot claim lack of interest, Dahlia has certainly perceived the truth. Belle decides she can always plead her religion. Although actually ambivalent toward Catholicism's views on sexuality, Belle realizes they provide her with a plausible excuse, one that Dahlia will more likely accept than the truth, which is --- Belle has to admit to herself --- that she is a frightened prude who cannot overcome her bourgeois inhibitions.

Belle is startled out of this moment of introspective clarity when Dahlia leads her into the room, and introduces her to the other guests. "Belle, I'd like to introduce you to Guillaume and Ian. Ian is quite new to my home, but Guillaume is an old friend."

Even as Belle is trying to determine how best to pull her left hand from Dahlia's gentle, yet firm, grasp, Guillaume has seized Belle's right hand. He kisses it. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Belle. Dahlia has told us so many wonderful things about you."

Belle smiles weakly and nods, then sees Ian --- still in the corner with his instruments --- bow to her in a grand gesture that makes her think of Raleigh before Queen Elizabeth. Ian then starts to play and sing.

"Along the coast road, by the headland

the early lights of winter glow.

I'll pour a cup to you my darling

and raise it up, say 'Cheerio.'"

Forgetting for a moment that Dahlia stills hold her hand and is standing closely next to her, their arms and hips lightly touching, Belle grins in honest appreciation of Ian's remarkable voice. Nonetheless, it crosses her mind that he has made a strange choice of songs. While realizing that "Cheerio" is sometimes used as a friendly pub toast, it still seems an odd song with which to greet her. As far as Belle knows, "Cheerio" is most often used to bid a person "farewell."

***

Jun-12-2001 6:34 PM Message 135 of 245

Subject: Angst.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 134 ]

~*Dahlia begins to sense Belle's rapidly churning thoughts and smiles. So, her little pet is uncomfortable? Ah, but she knows what Belle does not. The second she releases her hand and moves away, Belle will feel cold and incomplete, even lonely. Deciding that putting Belle on an emotional rollercoaster ride will result in her own favor, Dahlia withdrawls her hand and retreats to Guillaume's side, sliding her arm through his just to twist the knife a little deeper and to add a pang of jealousy in Belle's breast.*~

"I'm sure you're famished, Belle. Let us open that marvellous wine you've brought with you and have some appetizers. How does crab ragoon and beluga caviar sound to you?"

~*Dahlia snaps and Briant goes to fetch the food he has prepared earlier in preparation for the mortal guest, while Dahlia smiles at Belle and waves a hand to the fireplace.*~

"Let's sit."

***

Jun-13-2001 9:14 AM Message 136 of 245

Subject: Teaser [Guillaume].

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 135 ]

Dahlia's maneuver --- abandoning Belle's hand to come and slide her left arm around his right --- catches Guillaume momentarily off-guard, but he quickly recovers when he recognizes the tactic. Belle's sudden confusion and disappointment, bordering on actual despair, practically reverberates through the room, at least for those with Kindred sensitivities. Aha! he thinks to himself. The "Demonic Angel " has already returned, and with a vengeance! Guillaume turns his face to Dahlia and smiles broadly and sincerely, immediately recognizing that the warmth of his gaze upon Dahlia would only serve to heighten Belle's desperate sorrow.

Dahlia orders hors d'oeuvres and proposes they sit by the fire. In addition to the two plush chairs normally facing the fireplace, Briant had earlier added a small couch, just wide enough for two people, set perpendicularly between the chairs and hearth. Four seats for Dahlia and her three guests, but the two on the sofa would necessary sit intimately close together.

Upon Dahlia's suggestion that they sit, Guillaume casually brings his left hand across his body to rest it affectionately on Dahlia's left elbow, now hooked inside his right arm. He leads her toward the fireplace and the little couch. He expects Dahlia will want to play this jealousy game at least a little longer. By raising Belle's hungers to a fever pitch, her hot blood will simply be that much more satisfying for Dahlia when she ultimately seduces Belle to darkness, and makes Belle her own.

***

Jun-13-2001 11:28 AM Message 137 of 245

Subject: Sensual Necessities.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 135 ]

Ian cannot help himself; he smiles in sepulchral appreciation of the way Dahlia toys with Belle. He thinks of a scene he had witnessed in the woods that afternoon. He came across a feral cat that had caught a chipmunk. It did not immediately dispatch the poor little creature. Rather, the cat would hold the chipmunk beneath its paws, occasionally lowering its fangs toward its hapless victim's neck, as if to seal its fate. Then, the cat would let it go. The chipmunk would scurry for the brush, believing it could escape, but its feline tormentor would pounce upon it at the last moment to drag it back into the clearing and repeat its game.

Ian had never doubted the outcome. In time, the cat killed the chipmunk and devoured it. Ian never moved to intervene. Both the cat's sadistic game, and the chipmunk's ultimate demise, were as Nature willed and required; the activities were intrinsic to their place in the Universe.

Ian knows that Belle's destiny is equally certain, although he wonders what tantalizing anguish Dahlia still plans to put Belle through along the way. As with a cat and its prey, Dahlia's need to bring Belle to the pinnacle of Life's sensuality, even as preparing her for "death," was both necessary and proper.

Not surprisingly, it all reminds Ian of a song.

~~~

Muscled, black with steel-green eye

swishing through the rye grass

with thoughts of mouse-and-apple pie.

Tail balancing at half-mast.

...And the mouse police never sleeps ---

lying in the cherry tree.

Savage bed foot-warmer

of purest feline ancestry.

Look out, little furry folk!

He's the all-night working cat.

Eats but one in every ten ---

leaves the others on the mat.

...And the mouse police never sleeps ---

waiting by the cellar door.

Window-box town crier;

birth and death registrar.

With claws that rake a furrow red ---

licensed to mutilate.

From warm milk on a lazy day

to dawn patrol on hungry hate.

...No, the mouse police never sleeps ---

climbing on the ivy.

Windy roof-top weathercock.

Warm-blooded night on a cold tile.

~~~~

***

Jun-13-2001 1:53 PM Message 138 of 245

Subject: Decisions, decisions!

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 137 ]

~*Dahlia looks around the area by the fireplace and sees the two ornamental plush chairs as usual and a matching loveseat Briant had moved from the corner of the room to face the chairs with it's back to the fireplace. She quickly does a run through in her mind of the possible pairings for the loveseat. Guillaume and Ian would be uncomfortable having only known each other a short time. Belle would be extremely uncomfortable if she sat next to herself and that would not bode well for her plans later on this evening for Belle would want to escape her discomfort as soon as possible. So, Dahlia opted for choice number three, and sat on the loveseat, patting the space next to her for Guillaume. Just then, Briant came back into the room with the hors d' oeurves and sat them on the coffee table. Dahlia looks at Belle and sees that the poor girl is eyeing Guillaume narrowly, probably trying to discern if he and herself were a couple. She smiles and indicates the platter on the coffee table.*~

"The finger food has arrived, I think."

***

Jun-14-2001 9:01 AM Message 139 of 245

Subject: Promoting Hunger [Guillaume].

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 138 ]

Guillaume casually rests his right arm along the top of the back of the sofa, behind Dahlia, not quite touching her shoulders. Guillaume intends the gesture's ambiguity. He knows that Belle will find it impossible to tell whether it shows mere amicable familiarity between him and Dahlia, or if it represents actual intimacy.

Belle still stands there fidgeting, obviously perplexed by the sudden role reversal Dahlia has presented to her. Guillaume smiles warmly at Belle and points to one of the solitary chairs, which would place her near Dahlia, but separated by a corner of the coffee table. "Please, my dear, take a seat and join us in our repast."

***

Jun-14-2001 2:28 PM Message 140 of 245

Subject: Starvation [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 139 ]

Belle's jaw drops as Dahlia releases her hand and steps over to cuddle against Guillaume. The cool air stabs her palm where Dahlia had held her, sending a cruel chill up her arm and then through her whole being. While a moment earlier, Belle had resolved to find a polite way to rebuff Dahlia's apparent advances, she now finds unbearable the thought that Dahlia's seeming attraction to her was perhaps just a fantasy, merely a conceited self-delusion that such a beautiful and sophisticated woman --- who surely could have her choice of partners --- might take interest in her.

Dahlia says something about food, then she and Guillaume walk arm-in-arm across the parlor to snuggle into a small love-seat by the fire. Belle follows hesitantly, unsure if they will welcome her company. Guillaume, however, points to a chair and says, "Please, my dear, take a seat and join us in our repast."

Belle immediately sits in the chair he indicates, which is right next to Dahlia. Belle wants to touch Dahlia, to take her hand, to feel her coolly refreshing skin to assure herself that the woman who had befriended her over these past few nights was not a dream. But the corner of the coffee table separates them, so no casual contact is possible, and Belle fears any overt touch might offend Dahlia.

Despite the others present, Belle suddenly feels completely alone. She now realizes that the experiences of the past few days --- having shared, even peripherally, in Dahlia's resplendently cosmopolitan, bohemian and lucullan lifestyle --- had conclusively severed all emotional attachments she ever had to the mundane world of her family and friends. She suddenly finds thought of returning to that dreary existence not just insufferable, but wholly inconceivable.

Now, it seems, she likewise cannot expect to find a place among patrician sophisticates and scholars like Dahlia and her friends. Belle sits silently in her chair, her bare knees pressed together, her head bowed, staring at her hands folded upon the front of her blue pleated skirt. She realizes she must appear as no more than a little girl to the others in the room. Loneliness almost overwhelms her; she can barely fight back the tears.

***

Jun-14-2001 3:40 PM Message 141 of 245

Subject: Setting it off.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 140 ]

~*Dahlia fingers the bloodstone around her neck as she watches Belle, sensing her emotions and thoughts. Her cold heart aches at the sight of the girl's pain and she thinks that she has gone too far. Knowing that having taken Belle's blood twice, there is a strong emotional and mental connection between the two of them, she chooses to begin to expose Belle to her new lifestyle. Reaching out with her mind, she searches for, and catches hold of Belle's.*~

"Shhh, my dear. It's alright. Guillaume is just a friend. You are the one I cherish."

***

Jun-15-2001 9:05 AM Message 142 of 245

Subject: Success [Guillaume].

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 141 ]

Guillaume does not possess nearly as refined senses of empathy nor telepathy as Dahlia, who excels in both arts. Nonetheless, he can readily perceive that even the minor flirtation between him and Dahlia, and all it might portend for Belle's future, had brought the sweet mortal nearly to her breaking point. Her addiction to Dahlia --- brought on in part by Dahlia's telepathic and biochemical effects on her, but also, no doubt, by the girl's own natural proclivities --- had become total. Dahlia's ploy to make Belle believe that he and Dahlia might be intimate had worked perfectly. Dahlia could now take her, make the girl her own, and shape Belle into whatever sort of companion would serve Dahlia best.

***

Jun-15-2001 2:40 PM Message 143 of 245

Subject: Recovering [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 141 ]

She does not quite catch the words, but Belle looks up slowly, thinking Dahlia has spoken to her. Dahlia leans toward her, an expression of concern on her face.

Belle smiles wanly, and wipes away a tear that had just started to form in the corner of her eye. Dahlia responds with a warm grin, and gently sets a reassuring hand on Belle's left knee. Belle beams with relief and happiness at rediscovering Dahlia's caring friendship.

"I do not know what came over me," Belle declares, realizing immediately that this is not quite true. She then tells an even greater lie, the exact opposite of the truth, in fact. "I guess I'm just feeling a little homesick."

***

Jun-16-2001 1:37 PM Message 144 of 245

Subject: Step by step.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 143 ]

~*Dahlia smiles, and takes Belle's hand in her's. She's glad the girl is now comforted, as she hated seeing her in pain. But she is worried about her strong reaction. She had turned pets before and though their obsession with her was strong, it wasn't as devestating as Belle's. Thinking that it must be because Belle's feelings are honest and truly felt in her heart, she feels a pang of happiness. Maybe she wasn't to be lonely forever after all.*~

~*Thinking back to Belle's comment about being lovesick, her smile turns into a grin. She says in a skeptical voice, but still could be taken as a casual comment...*~

"Are you really?"

***

Jun-17-2001 1:27 AM Message 145 of 245

Subject: Confession [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 144 ]

"Are you really?" Dahlia asks.

"Am I really homesick?" Belle responds, realizing the folly of trying to hide anything from Dahlia. She has again taken Belle's hand, and Belle feels as if her whole soul is thereby exposed. "The truth is: No, I am not homesick. In fact, what made me sad was the realization that my life back home is so utterly vapid. That is why I appreciate your invitation tonight, on top of all the other kindness you have shown me these past few days. It is reassuring to know that such an exciting and unconventional life as yours exists, even if I am destined for mere normalcy!"

***

Jun-19-2001 12:31 PM Message 146 of 245

Subject: Normalcy?

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 145 ]

~*Dahlia gazes at Belle from across the coffee table. She smirks slightly and chuckles, shaking her head.*~

"You, my dear, could never be doomed to normalcy. You wouldn't stand for it and would be driven insane by a vapid, draft existance. And don't think my life is so exciting. Any lifestyle after a few years gets to be settled in and comfortable. And comfortable is just a thin line away from boring. You must find something that makes you feel alive and exhilerated, then you will truly be happy doing that for at least a decade."

***

Jun-20-2001 3:34 PM Message 147 of 245

Subject: Searching [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 146 ]

"You must find something that makes you feel alive and exhilarated," Dahlia suggests. "Then you will truly be happy doing that for at least a decade."

Belle sighs, and with her head still bowed slightly, she looks up at Dahlia, her blue eyes sparkling beneath wet lashes. "That's all well and good, but the truth is, I wouldn't even know where to begin."

***

Jun-20-2001 5:47 PM Message 148 of 245

Subject: Threshold Moment.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 147 ]

Ian recognizes Belle's claim as more of a plea than an excuse. He knows she stands at the threshold of a new and deeper level of existence. She simply needs a little encouragement, with a lot of care, to take that first, irreversible step.

Although he cannot act as her guide --- that right and obligation now belongs to Dahlia --- he can offer subtle counsel, even if only through his song.

~~~

Meanwhile back in the year One,

when you belonged to no-one,

you didn't stand a chance son,

if your pants were undone.

`Cause you were bred for humanity

and sold to society.

One day you'll wake up in the Present Day,

a million generations removed from expectations

of being who you really want to be.

Skating away ---

skating away ---

skating away on the thin ice of the New Day.

So as you push off from the shore,

won't you turn your head once more

and make your peace with everyone?

For those who choose to stay

will live just one more day

to do the things they should have done.

And as you cross the wilderness,

spinning in your emptiness,

you feel you have to pray.

Looking for a sign

that the Universal Mind(!)

has written you into the Passion Play.

Skating away ---

skating away ---

skating away on the thin ice of the New Day.

And as you cross the circle line,

the ice-wall creaks behind,

you're a rabbit on the run.

And the silver splinters fly

in the corner of your eye

shining in the setting sun.

Well, do you ever get the feeling that the story's

too damn real and in the present tense?

Or that everybody's on the stage, and it seems like

you're the only person sitting in the audience?

Skating away ---

skating away ---

skating away on the thin ice of the New Day.

~~~

***

Jun-22-2001 9:06 AM Message 149 of 245

Subject: Noninterference [Guillaume].

From: Anborn

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 147 ]

Guillaume realizes that Belle's implied query regarding "where to begin" to find a new life is the final step necessary for Dahlia to bring her into the fold of the Kindred. By that admission, on top of Belle's earlier claims to desire a radical and fundamental change in her previously mundane existence, she had unequivocally placed her fate in Dahlia's hands on an intellectual, emotional and, in fact, even an ethical level.

Guillaume feels a slight pang of envy, even as he reaffirms silently his admiration for Dahlia's masterful subtlety. Belle would soon be hers completely, and be nothing but joyful for it. The time had come for Dahlia to take possession of what she had so artfully crafted.

"If you ladies will please excuse me," Guillaume begins as he stands. "I think you would feel more comfortable discussing Belle's situation privately. I believe I will go for a walk."

***

Jun-22-2001 3:01 PM Message 150 of 245

Subject: Three's a crowd.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 149 ]

~*Dahlia nods as Belle responds and sits quietly when Ian sings his song. But when Guillaume stands and announces that he is going for a walk, she merely blinks in shock. She watches him head out the door and considers for a moment asking him where he is going telepathically, but then decides it is none of her business. Looking at Ian, then to Belle, she feels that the air has grown suddenly tense without Guillaume's humorous presence. She looks Ian in the eye and connects with his mind.*~

'Maybe you should leave as well,' she says silently. 'I wish to be alone with Belle.'

***

Jun-23-2001 12:27 AM Message 151 of 245

Subject: Life, and All That.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 150 ]

Ian's eyes flash when Dahlia's voice intrudes into his mind. He grins across the room at her, albeit not warmly. He decides upon one more tune before departing.

~~~

When you're falling awake and you take stock of the new day,

and you hear your voice croak as you choke on what you need to say,

well, don't you fret, don't you fear,

I will give you good cheer.

Life's a long song.

Life's a long song.

Life's a long song.

If you wait then your plate I will fill.

As the verses unfold and your soul suffers the long day,

and the twelve o'clock gloom spins the room,

you struggle on your way.

Well, don't you sigh, don't you cry,

lick the dust from your eye.

Life's a long song.

Life's a long song.

Life's a long song.

We will meet in the sweet light of dawn.

As the Baker Street train spills your pain all over your new dress,

and the symphony sounds underground put you under duress,

well don't you squeal as the heel grinds you under the wheel.

Life's a long song.

Life's a long song.

Life's a long song.

But the tune ends too soon for us all.

~~~

"That's it for my first set tonight," Ian chuckles. "I'll be back later with more songs to delight and inspire." He picks up his haversack, crosses the room, then he stops for a moment in the doorway. He turns and takes one last look at Belle. With a loud sigh, he disappears into the foyer. A moment later, Dahlia and Belle hear the front door open, then shut.

***