Jul-26-2001 8:51 AM Message 174 of 245

Subject: Congratulations & Warning [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 172 ]

Guillaume follows Dahlia through the dark forest and toward the highway, relying on her knowledge of both the local geography and the local population to guide him on a successful hunt. Given that they need nourishment not only for themselves, but for Belle and Anya as well, it will take all of Dahlia's wisdom and guile to harvest the necessary prey without drawing undue attention from the local authorities.

Despite her professed blood loss, Guillaume notices a galvanic exhilaration in Dahlia's graceful stride. He surmises its source. "I take it Belle ultimately surrendered herself to your full gratification," Guillaume suggests softly, studying Dahlia's profile. She only smiles, so Guillaume continues. "You are most fortunate to have possession of one such as this Belle. I sense a depth to her soul far greater than her mortal years. No doubt she will serve you well... if you can control her."

***

Jul-31-2001 1:52 PM Message 175 of 245

Subject: Control?

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 174 ]

~*Dahlia laughs heartily at Guillaume's last statement.*~

"My dear Guillaume, there should not be any doubt in your mind as to my controlling Belle. You alone, besides Briant of course, are the only one present at the Kiss that knows my age. 5,000 years is quite a long time to survive my dear boy...controlling a Childe should be no problem. Besides, when my fledglings wish to leave me, I let them. I create out of love, not lust or egotism. That loves commands that I let them free and not smother them in my grasp.*~

***

Aug-1-2001 8:12 AM Message 176 of 245

Subject: Tracking [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 175 ]

"Of course, my Dear," Guillaume responds to Dahlia's protestations. "I never meant to imply that you would enslave Belle. Even I would not treat a companion so.... Well, at least not if she were Kindred." A cold grin erupts at some memory, but then his eyes focus back upon the present. "But I certainly need not tell you of the emotions that rage within the newly Converted. And do not forget, I have witnessed Belle's passion for you. Such devotion cannot be taken lightly, for if it is not properly nurtured, it may turn into disappointment, resentment... even hatred."

Before Dahlia responds, they come out of the trees where a dark, two-lane highway cuts a straight path through the forest. A small red sports car is parked on the other side of the road, locked and empty.

"So," Guillaume resumes, changing the subject, his grin having widened with anticipation of sating his hunger. "This is your domain, dear Dahlia. Where will we find the most promising hunting ground?"

***

Jan-2-2002 4:51 PM Message 177 of 245

Subject: Chrysalis.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 171 ]

Ian returns to the manor house and enters the parlor. Belle lies upon the love seat, so pale and still that anyone who did not know the true nature of her slumber would mistake her for dead. Ian, of course, knows better. While Belle's exterior remains as cold and unmoving as a chrysalis, inside Belle a metamorphosis progresses as Dahlia's blood effuses its essence -- a substance humans, as humans always do, had overanalyzed and defined with a simplistic label, DNA -- into Belle's flesh and bones.

Only one last step remains to complete Belle's transmutation into a vampire; she must drink fresh human blood. If she did not do so, and soon, her body would reject Dahlia's foreign essence and Belle would die in agony. Only human blood could bridge the gap between Belle's prior mortal life and her new destiny as a Vampire. The regular consumption of human blood allows an originally mortal body to support the demands of a Kindred's immortal metabolism.

Of course, this transformation would also alter Belle's psyche. The effect on Belle's soul could not be so easily predicted. She might follow in Dahlia's idealistic footsteps, or she might become like Guillaume, the pragmatic and remorseless predator.

Ian kneels next to the sofa and studies Belle's serenely beautiful face, masking the biochemical turmoil now raging inside of her, and the spiritual upheaval it portends. He knows she faces a moral crisis, and that her soul is of such complexity that no one could possibly predict whether this change will lead her to virtue, to iniquity, or, perhaps the worst fate of all, to melancholy apathy. He sings softly to her.

~~~

The master playwright

urges you to play right/play wrong;

life is long and every night's the first night.

The wardrobe mistress

urges you to dress left/dress right;

what a mess, well, your underpants are too tight.

Who's on the stage door

to help you find the way in/way out?

It's not a sin to be knowing that you don't know.

When you breathe your last line

will you make your exit stage left/stage right?

Well, you might decide while there's still time.

You have an angel on your shoulder

but you wear the old god's horns.

And you dance around the maypole

while the vicar makes a toast

to the pagan celebration

and extends an invitation to us all

so he can save us when we fall.

~~~

Finishing his song, Ian leans forward and softly kisses Belle's now-cold left cheek. He stands, turns and heads to his room. He will leave his hostess and her other guests to their sanguinary feast. While Ian recognizes that the inevitable conclusion to this evening is natural and necessary, he has no particular desire to witness it.

***

Oct-26-2001 3:51 PM Message 178 of 245

Subject: Somnolent Scares [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 171 ]

After her disturbing dream that her best friend, Belle, had died, Laura finally manages to fall back into an unsettled slumber. She continues to toss and turn, and whimpers softly when the nightmare returns. She again finds Belle in a coffin, still, peaceful and cold. Tears streaming down her face, Laura bends down to kiss Belle's cheek, to bid her farewell one last time.

The surroundings suddenly change, as they will in dreams without reason nor question. The sunlit chapel in which Belle lay becomes a dark catacomb. Laura finds the white satin coffin lining now soaked with fresh blood, and Belle's white silk shroud gone. Suddenly Belle's hands, folded across her breast, move deliberately toward Laura, as if to embrace her. Then Belle smiles luxuriantly, revealing sharp fangs!

Laura screams as she wakens. Tricia, Laura's Spring Break hotel roommate, turns in response to the frightful sound. She sees Laura sitting up in the other bed, her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

***

Aug-4-2001 2:12 PM Message 179 of 245

Subject: Predators.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 176 ]

~*Dahlia, also growing impatient with conversation, tosses her chestnut hair over her shoulders and looks at Belle's car.*~

"I'd love to walk...something about moonlight and night air adds to the hunt. But it wouldn't be convenient if we're to bring back two humans. We'll take the car."

~*She walks over to the driver's side door and, not wanting to bother with picking the lock even though it would take her mere seconds, wrenches the handle hard enough to snap the steel lock pin and opens the door.*~

"I'll drive. It will be faster that way. We're going to a local pub. I'm sure we can get some slobbering drunks to follow us out in no time. I'll work on getting a sober male, if possible. I don't want alcohol in Belle's system just yet. It might delay or even impede her transformation."

~*Guillaume walks over to the passenger door while she is talking. She bends down and unlocks the door via the electric button. They both sink down into the seats and Dahlia finds a spare set of keys in the glove compartment.*~

"Good thing too...I'm in too much of a hurry to hotwire this thing right now. Plus, you have to admire the leather, it's absolutely sensual. I'd hate to damage it."

~*Dahlia looks over to Guillaume and grins, her fangs glinting in the dull moonlight. Then, she turns the engine over and speeds off into the night.*~

***

Aug-6-2001 8:52 AM Message 180 of 245

Subject: Twenty-First Century Chariot [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 179 ]

Guillaume's head settles back into the plush headrest as Dahlia pulls the little car onto the highway with a spray of gravel. He watches with interest as her slender hands move upon the steering wheel and gearshift while her feet work the accelerator and clutch. He finds the purr of the finely tuned engine intoxicating.

"I suppose I should learn to drive one of these some day," he says introspectively at he watches the seemingly endless line of trees whipping past. "Back home, although I enjoy relative seclusion and privacy upon my estate, it is still an easy trip on foot or horseback to several well populated villages and towns. I guess in this country, by contrast, one needs more mobility than even we Kindred naturally possess. Is that, perhaps, why we have been so late in establishing ourselves here, do you think?"

***

Aug-8-2001 12:11 AM Message 181 of 245

Subject: A Waking Nightmare (Tricia)

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 178 ]

Tricia sits up in bed, pushes her golden curls from her eyes and sees her Spring Break hotel roommate, Laura, sitting up in the other bed her face in her hands and sobbing. Only a stone and unfeeling statue would not respond to this poor crying girl and Tricia was more tenderhearted than most. Throwing the covers off and standing beside the bed, she whispers "Laura are you ok? Can I help you?" Even to her own ears, the words seem to Bounce off the walls. Tricia walks towards Laura and as she reaches the bed, she puts a hand on the sobbing young womans shoulder.

***

Aug-8-2001 1:28 PM Message 182 of 245

Subject: Arrival.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 180 ]

~*Dahlia looks over to Guillaume and smiles.*~

"It is true, we are of the old world. We prefer luxury, quiet and above all privacy. America rarely offers any of the three except luxury. But, unfortunately, the more modern Kindred have taken to following the typical vampire stereotype. They dress in all black, wear heavy makeup, drive fast cars and own penthouses...I find it absolutely idiotic, but then again, I am old enough to be their ancestor."

~*She laughs and glances toward the lights approaching rapidly. When she gets within thirty yards of the pub she pulls to the side of the road and parks the car, turning off the headlights and cutting the engine.*~

"We'll walk from here. I don't want to take a chance of someone memorizing the license plate.*~

~*Guillaume nods and Dahlia grins, holding out a crooked arm.*~

"Shall we, darling?"

***

Aug-9-2001 8:56 AM Message 183 of 245

Subject: Always Stylish [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 182 ]

Dahlia's mention of current Vampire fashions causes Guillaume to glance down involuntarily at his own Edwardian garb. Although he owns a couple relatively modern suits for traveling, he has not replaced much of his wardrobe for nearly a century. Not only has he had no particular need to do so, but he simply prefers the luxurious apparel of that bygone, opulent era.

Guillaume examines the rural tavern as they approach arm-in-arm. As out-of-place as he will look in there, he doubts anyone -- at least any of the men -- will take much note of him, given Dahlia's appearance in her low-cut, tight bodiced, burgundy gown. He knows Dahlia will not need her hypnotic telepathy to lure ample prey.

They step up to the pub's entrance. With his free hand, Guillaume pulls open the door. "Ladies first, my dear," he says with a smile.

His grin turns cold and predatory as Dahlia steps into the pub. The way the bar's raucous conversation dies away into subdued whispers confirms the effect Guillaume knew Dahlia's inhuman beauty would have on the mortals inside. For an unlucky few, it will be the last pleasantness of their lives.

***

Oct-26-2001 3:53 PM Message 184 of 245

Subject: Midnight Madness? [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 181 ]

Laura jumps at Tricia's touch on her shoulder. She turns to look at her Spring Break roommate, but her eyes don't really focus.

"Are you alright?" Tricia asks.

"I had a bad dream," Laura replies dully, as if barely aware of her surroundings. She turns her head away again, to stare off into tormented memory.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Tricia kindly persists.

Laura sighs, but then she speaks as if a dam had broken. "You know Belle Phillips, from school; I dreamed she was dead, and that something really awful had happened to her. But it's more than that. I've dreamt about her for three nights straight. The first two were just horrible! In both, it was like Belle was willingly, even purposely, giving herself over to some sort of self-destructive evil, and no matter what I did, she wouldn't stop."

Laura shakes her head, meets Tricia's concerned eyes, and continues. "I hope you won't think I'm nuts, but I've had premonitions before. None of them were like this... so symbolic, and yet so emotionally solid. I even called Belle's mom, to make sure Belle is okay. Guess what? No one's seen her since Sunday. But they're not concerned because she's up at their lake house writing a paper and there's no phone, so they did not expect to hear from her. Now we're stuck down here, and I won't know until this coming Sunday if she's even alive!"

***

Aug-11-2001 11:17 PM Message 185 of 245

Subject: The fog is lifting [Tricia]

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 184 ]

Tricia sits on the side of Laura's bed and takes her hands. She asks, "Have you ever been wrong before with your premonitions?" Tricia then lets go of Laura's hands with her left hand and putting her fingers to Lauras chin, looks her in the eyes and sees the fear and certainty there. " You don't have to answer that question I already know the answer. When we get back to school, if Belle is not there we can take my car to her parent's Lake House. OK?" Then you can make sure she is ok. " Tricia looks at Laura and feels a shiver down her spine and repeats," OK Laura? It will be Ok."

***

Aug-12-2001 1:09 PM Message 186 of 245

Subject: Picky

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 183 ]

~*Dahlia turns to Guillaume and shares a secretive smile over the way they attract the full attention of the pub's inhabitants. She reaches down to take his hand, pausing in the act....would it be a bad idea to portray Guillaume as someone she was intimate with, or better to make the other men jealous?....deciding in the end that it would be for the best, she takes his hand and leads him to a nearby table. Once there she turns to face him, still holding his hand and presses it into her back, lifting her other hand to his face and smoothing it down his cool cheek.*~

"So, who looks particularly tasty to you? I am getting Belle the handsome blonde in the corner there, barely sipping his beer in an effort to not look like a fool here. He hates the taste and wishes he were elsewhere. I think we can arrange that."

~*Guillaume grins wickedly and she stands on tip toe to gently kiss his lips, to further boil the blood of the men nearby.*~

"You can have anyone you wish, except for him of course. I myself am very picky."

***

Aug-13-2001 8:53 AM Message 187 of 245

Subject: Smorgasbord [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 186 ]

Guillaume savors Dahlia's kiss, and pulls her sightly closer, to let their lips linger together a moment longer. Even this casual intimacy with the lovely Dahlia heightens his hunger, and so will make the upcoming feast that much more delectable. Still in each others' arms, they turn slightly to again survey the crowd, as Guillaume continues to softly stroke and massage the muscles along Dahlia's spine, tense with anticipation.

"You can have anyone you wish, except for him of course," Dahlia says, pointing secretly to a fair-haired young man in a dark corner of the tavern. "I myself am very picky."

"Do not worry about competition from me for the men," Guillaume chuckles. "I'll confess, even if it makes me seem terribly provincial by modern standards: I find it... well... disgusting to get so intimately close to a male -- you know, sucking at a neck or wrist -- to feed off a man. Except for the time I've spent on battlefields, I have always fed from women. Indeed, it has been centuries since I last preyed upon anything but female mortals."

Guillaume surveys the barroom for his dinner. His attention quickly settles on a petite, but feisty, little brunette who -- together with a tall, thin, bleached-blonde woman -- is cleaning up the pool table against a pair of beer-bellied bikers who would no doubt buy those girls drinks all night, but nonetheless probably not receive in return what they so obviously, desperately seek.

The brunette hands her cue to the blonde, then takes a sip of wine-cooler right from the bottle. Guillaume tilts his head in her direction.

"That little peach will do fine. And we can take her blonde friend for Anya. That way, one will not notice the other gone, and it will be that much longer before either is missed."

***

Oct-26-2001 3:54 PM Message 188 of 245

Subject: Insomnia [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 185 ]

"OK Laura?" Tricia's voice waivers, and it seems she is trying as hard to reassure herself as she is her roommate. "It will be OK."

For a long moment, Laura does not speak, but simply examines Tricia's eyes, trying to find comfort there.

"I honestly don't know, but since there's no way of telling until Sunday, we'll just have to deal with it as best we can." Laura sighs and smiles embarrassedly. "Now I just hope I can get some sleep. That last dream was so scary, I'm afraid to close my eyes!"

***

Aug-14-2001 6:15 PM Message 189 of 245

Subject: Naughty.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 187 ]

~*Dahlia grins, her eyes narrowed with sly amusement at Guillaume's words.*~

"Why you naughty boy, I can practically hear the gears in your brain clicking away. Smart move, darling. So, shall we go fetch our prey? I'm becoming fairly antsy myself. I feel as though my blood itches in my very veins..."

~*Dahlia licks her fangs for emphasis, her gaze narrows on the blonde man, then remembering she must have her own meal, she zeros in on a slobbering drunk that will not give her any hassel at all. Time was of the essence right now. She looks up at Guillaume and gives him one final kiss, then goes off in the direction of her meal. She slowly approaches him, making sure he sees her coming. She watches his blurry eyes appraise her curves, glancing only briefly at her face to be sure it wouldn't requre the lights to be off while he made love to the body. She sees his approval and stops a few feet short of him, quirking her finger for him to follow and then walks slowly away towards the restrooms...*~

***

Aug-15-2001 9:47 AM Message 190 of 245

Subject: Local Cuisine [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 189 ]

Guillaume strolls over to the pool table. The game pauses as he approaches. As he steps up to the petite brunette he had pointed out to Dahlia, he notices the key-ring bulging in a front pocket of her tight blue jeans.

"Is that your automobile outside?" Guillaume asks with a warm, concerned smile.

"You mean the Camero?" the pretty woman replies.

"Yes, that is right, the Camero." Guillaume stares deeply into her eyes. "It looks like there is something dripping out of the engine. I can show it to you."

"Yes, you can show it to me," she responds automatically.

Guillaume turns, knowing the girl will follow, but he immediately confronts one of the two fat bikers against whom the brunette -- together with her tall, blonde friend -- has been playing pool. The beer-bellied man levels his cue in Guillaume's path.

"You look like some kind of pansy to me," the biker challenges. "What good can you do her? Ain't you afraid you'll get grease on your pretty clothes."

"My good man, I am a... an automotive engineer." Guillaume casually sets his hand on his assailant's shoulder, apparently lightly, but the man winces. "I suggest you stand aside and allow me to assist the young lady." Guillaume's absolute confidence, and something far more primaeval, makes the biker back off, his skin crawling with goose bumps.

Then the blonde woman speaks up. "Are you sure it's okay, Becky? Do you want me to come with?"

"Oh, he must be okay, Marcy," the brunette answers. "Didn't you see when he came in? He's here with his lady. You stay and finish the game. I'll be back as soon as I find out what's up with the car." As Becky follows Guillaume toward the door, the other three pool players start mumbling to each other, but no longer seem disposed to interfere.

As they reach the door, Becky asks Guillaume. "Where did your date go, by the way? Or is she your wife?"

"No, she and I are just old friends." Guillaume smiles. While he does not have Dahlia's highly refined hypnotic telepathy, all Kindred have certain innate abilities for luring mortal prey, and Guillaume is a master. They step out into the cool night. Guillaume turns, takes a step toward the girl, and again locks her gaze. "I am unattached."

"Oh?" the young woman replies dreamily. "And you're an engineer. You sound English."

"Norman French, actually, but I have spent many... years in England. Allow me to introduce myself." He offers his hand. "Sir Guillaume FitzHenry." He knows that for all their egalitarian rhetoric, few things impress Americans more than a title. Never mind that his knighthood was a bit stale, having come from Edward III after a night on the field at Crecy.

"I'm Becky Thomas," she responds in a sultry voice. His seductive stare has started to take effect. She takes his hand and doesn't seem to mind when he does not release it. His eyes, his voice, his touch, they have combined to break down her inhibitions far more effectively than all the alcohol inside the tavern ever would. "So you're French... No wonder your accent's so sexy."

"Thank you, my dear, but should we not check on your motorcar now? I suggest we get inside so that you can start the engine and I can examine the dials." He lets Becky lead the way to a teal sports car parked alone at the rear of the parking lot.

"I'm sorry I have this way back here," she explains, "but it's brand new and I don't want anyone dinging the doors."

She really is a lovely creature, Guillaume reflects. Despite her common veneer, and naivete of youth, he can tell she has a certain native intelligence, even sophistication. Were I settled here, I would consider keeping her on as a servant. One of the many natural adaptions Kindred have developed that allows them to effectively prey on mortals is that by infusing a bit of its own essence into a human's blood -- usually by drinking a bit from a lesser artery -- a Vampire can make a human effectively addicted to the Vampire, becoming a willing servant. Dahlia had done this to Belle, before completely transforming her. Back home, Guillaume often recruited a mortal this way, to come stay at his castle to provide the various services of a woman -- and, ultimately, as a ready source of blood.

Becky's fate is more immediate. With a beep from her keyless entry switch, the Camero's locks click open. She enters the driver's side, shuts her door and starts the engine. Guillaume climbs into the passenger seat. His door closes with an ominous thud.

***

Aug-15-2001 7:40 PM Message 191 of 245

Subject: Melancholic.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 177 ]

Ian sits alone in his room. He knows it is natural for Vampires to add select mortals to their kin. He recognizes that Belle willingly chose to enter the world of dark immortality. He nevertheless finds the death of her sweet human innocence saddening.

Ian has a favorite song for melancholy moods. He picks up his mandolin and sings it softly to himself.

~~~

Cold aeroplanes, slow boats, warm trains

remind me of Jack-A-Lynn.

Lush hotels and pretty girls

won't cheer the misty mood I'm in.

Silly, sad, I've never had to write this before,

oh, Jack-A-Lynn.

Funny how long nights allow

thoughts of Jack-A-Lynn.

When phantoms tread around my bed

to offer restless dreams they bring.

And it's just the time and place to find

a sad song to play for Jack-A-Lynn.

Magpies that shriek, old boots that leak

call me to Jack-A-Lynn.

Coal-black cats in policeman's hats

nosing where the mice have been.

And the long miaow's beginning now

and I'm far, far from home and Jack-A-Lynn.

Jack, Jack-A-Lynn

Jack, Jack-A-Lynn

~~~

***

Aug-16-2001 8:52 AM Message 192 of 245

Subject: Invitational Interruption [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 190 ]

Relatively little time passes before Guillaume -- during the supposed distraction of tender kisses -- has opened the top few buttons of Becky's thin white blouse. While he appreciates the view of her cleavage framed by the lacy edges of her bra, his true purpose is to fully expose the deep blue artery running up her neck. He raises his right hand and slowly rubs his palm across the young woman's left nipple protruding under the smooth white fabric. His thumb gently caresses the exposed, soft, ivory skin of her breast.

With a breathy sigh, Becky's head lulls back in pleasure. Guillaume leans down as if to kiss her throat. She cannot see how he has pulled back his lips to expose sharp fangs. His salivating mouth reaches her neck and.... Someone raps on the steamed window of the driver's-side door.

Guillaume sits up and folds his hands in his lap. Without thinking to button her shirt, Becky presses the switch to roll down the dewy window. She looks up at her friend Marcy and snaps peevishly, "What?"

"Oh, sorry, I couldn't see." The blonde blushes. "Those guys inside are a couple of jerks. I came out to see what was wrong with your car."

"It is fine now," Guillaume interjects with a soft but deeply melodic voice.

"Yeah. He fixed it," Becky agrees. Her brow furls under brown curls as if she is trying to remember something. Finally, she just shrugs, and herself starts to blush. "We were... uh...."

"Yeah. I know." Marcy sighs. Then her eyes narrow accusingly at Guillaume. "Say, weren't you with someone?"

"They're just friends," Becky huffs with exasperation, as if it were obvious to everyone.

"She is more like a cousin, you might say," Guillaume adds.

"Well, then I suppose I should let you two alone." Marcy sighs again and glances back at the tavern. "I just wish I knew someone...."

"You know," Guillaume begins as he leans forward to meet Marcy's eyes, even as he rests his left palm on the back of Becky's right hand. "I know where there is a most delightful party this evening. Do you ladies like parties?"

***

Aug-16-2001 11:07 PM Message 193 of 245

Subject: Jiggalo.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 192 ]

~*Dahlia makes short work of the drunken man in the restroom. His only purpose was to revitalize her enough to devote her next few nights to Belle and not her own need for blood. She could go long periods of time without blood if necessary. She emerges from the bathroom and quickly scans the area for Guillaume. Seeing that he, as well as the two women he was eyeing, are gone, she smiles. Walking over to the blonde man she had noticed earlier, she stands hovering over him until he lifts his head. She sees the faint suprise, and satisfaction in his eyes upon seeing her. She tosses her hair over one shoulder to bare the long column of her neck and absently taps a finger on her abdomen, drawing his attention lower, where it settles on her breasts.*~

"May I sit down?" she asks.

"Y-yes...of course." he answers.

"My name is Dahlia...what is your's?"

"Mitch"

"Hello, Mitch. It's a pleasure to meet you."

~*Dahlia extends her hand and he grasps it lightly.*~

"The pleasure is all mine." he breathes.

"Yes." she says huskily. "It will be."

~*His notrils flare and his eyes widen at the obvious suggestion, before his blood starts to heat.*~

"Mitch, I find this place boring. Come home with me."

~*Unable to do anything but nod, he follows her out the door, where she finds Guillaume and the two women. She raises an eyebrow at the picture of the dark one's partial nudity, but chuckles inwardly. She quickly scans his mind and finds what he wants her to say.*~

"There you are, you naughty boy. Running away like that. But I see you found two more guests for our party. So, shall we away then?"

***

Aug-17-2001 8:59 AM Message 194 of 245

Subject: Gathering [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 193 ]

"You know," Guillaume begins as he leans forward to meet Marcy's eyes, even as he rests his left palm on the back of Becky's right hand. "I know where there is a most delightful party this evening. Do you ladies like parties?"

Marcy, suddenly put at ease, chuckles and replies, "Man, we live to party!"

Just then, Dahlia steps up to them with a blonde young man -- the one she had chosen for Belle -- following like a faithful puppy. Her timing could not have been better if they had choreographed the moment.

"There you are, you naughty boy," Dahlia teasingly says to Guillaume. "Running away like that. But I see you found two more guests for our party. So, shall we away then?"

"Of course, dear cousin," Guillaume chuckles merrily. "Why don't you and your friend lead in your motorcar. These young ladies and I will follow in this vehicle."

***

Aug-20-2001 12:21 PM Message 195 of 245

Subject: Bringing home the beef.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 194 ]

~*Dahlia smiles, slipping her arm through Mitch's.*~

"My my, Guillaume...you are so assumptive. You ladies must be shocked, the way he's imposing himself upon you. My cousin is such a terrible flirt."

~*She winks and grins, a growl wanting to rise deep in her throat at the wicked look Guillaume is aiming at her. Hunger claws at her innards again, but not for blood...for the kill. She wanted to watch both Guillaume and Belle sink their fangs into the ripe veins of their prey. A shiver runs along her spine at the mental image, and she grows impatient.*~

***

Aug-21-2001 8:38 AM Message 196 of 245

Subject: Move `em Out [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 195 ]

"My my, Guillaume... You are so assumptive," Dahlia accuses teasingly. Guillaume scowls at her. He is trying to herd the prey back to Dahlia's manor as efficiently and discretely as possible, but she seems to want to play out here where anyone might see them. Before he can think of an appropriate response, Dahlia turns to Marcy and Becky. "You ladies must be shocked, the way he's imposing himself upon you. My cousin is such a terrible flirt."

Becky, still fully under the influence of Guillaume's mesmeric persuasion, immediately comes to his defense. "Oh, no... you shouldn't say that. Guillaume's a real gentleman." She suddenly blushes and pulls together her blouse, open down almost to her navel. "Um... I'd be happy to give him a ride."

"Furthermore," Guillaume adds, pointing to the red Miata parked on the road, just barely visible through the trees. "Your roadster seats only two. If I do not accept these ladies' gracious offer of transportation, then your handsome friend there will have to walk."

"So, it's settled then," Marcy announces. She does not seem as comfortable with the situation as Becky, but she always backs her smaller friend. She opens the door of the Camero and climbs in the back seat. "Guillaume rides with us. We'll all get together at this party of yours. I'm simply dying for a little fun."

Dahlia and Guillaume exchange amused glances.

***

Aug-23-2001 6:00 PM Message 197 of 245

Subject: Impatience of youth.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 196 ]

~*Dahlia knows that Guillaume is unhappy with her for her delaying of the "party", but she can only laugh inwardly at his scowl. It reminded her of a little boy who'd had his favorite toy taken away. Ahh, the impetiousness of youth. Shrugging she presses her body into Mitch's.*~

"Let's go darling, before my cousin pouts more."

~*With one last glance over her shoulder, she walks Mitch to her car, climbs in, turns the key in the ignition and reves the engine.*~

***

Aug-28-2001 3:22 PM Message 198 of 245

Subject: The Chase [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 197 ]

Becky's teal Camero turns out of the tavern parking lot just as Dahlia pulls the red Miata from the shoulder and onto the highway with a spray of gravel and squeal of tires. Becky presses the accelerator to the floor with her high-heel clad right foot as the Miata's taillights quickly diminish in the distance.

"Your cousin's in a awful hurry," Becky suggests as she finally matches the Miata's pace, her speedometer hovering just above 80 mph.

"Oh, I think it is more that she enjoys the sensation of speed," Guillaume explains. "It feels so much like flying. And her mansion is straight up this road, so you need not worry about any sudden turns. You are doing fine, my dear." He sets his left hand gently upon her right thigh, as if simply to reassure her. Of course, already under the influence of his hunter's gaze and its seductive power, his touch so high up her leg has a far more visceral effect on Becky. Guillaume smiles as her breathing both quickens and deepens. He will have no problem again getting her alone where he can finally feed on her blood.

Her friend Marcy, in the Camero's back seat, presents more of a challenge. Guillaume knows she remains leery. He has not had an opportunity to entrance her, as he has Becky, nor would it particularly serve his purposes to do so. Her blood is destined for the injured vampire lying in one of one of Dahlia's guest rooms. The trick will be to bring Marcy within reach of her fangs.

They can always use force, if necessary, but the resulting infusion of adrenalin leaves the prey's blood sour and unnourishing. Guillaume expects that a less violent opportunity will present itself. Vampires are nothing if not opportunists; the necessity of the hunt demands it.

In fact, he has already identified one subject that will help ensnare the suspicious Marcy. He noticed her sit up with particular attention when he mentioned Dahlia's "mansion." Dahlia slows the Miata ahead, pulling it to the side of the road, with Becky parking the Camero behind her, causing Marcy to ask, "Why are we stopping in the middle of nowhere?" Guillaume adds bait to the trap.

"Dahlia's mansion is deep in these woods." Feigning slight embarrassment, Guillaume offers a plausible -- and, to some degree, true -- explanation. "My cousin is a wealthy eccentric, something of recluse. But don't let that concern you, she is a fine hostess. I guarantee you will remember this evening for as long as you may live."

***

Aug-29-2001 8:48 PM Message 199 of 245

Subject: Coming home.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 198 ]

~*Mitch was quiet during the drive. No doubt he was confused. Dahlia reaches over and rubs his thigh after she has parked on the side of the road. She notices the woman driving Guillaume pulling in behind her and smiles reassuringly at him.*~

"We're here. And home is where the heart is."

~*Dahlia removes her hand from his thigh and climbs out of the car. Mitch does the same and she walks around to meet him on the other side, just as Guillaume and the two woman climb out of the teal vehicle and begin to walk towards them. Dahlia doesn't spare any of them a second glance, anxious about Belle. She turns away and starts to walk into the forest.*~

"Let's go...follow me."

***

Aug-30-2001 9:28 AM Message 200 of 245

Subject: Closing In [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 199 ]

Becky, Marcy and Guillaume follow Dahlia and Mitch onto the narrow forest path. The two mortal girls are obviously reassured -- in fact, intrigued -- by Guillaume's explanation that Dahlia built her mansion in the woods because she is a rich, eccentric, recluse. Nonetheless, they hesitate as the leafy canopy of branches eliminates the last vestiges of moonlight. Although Dahlia and Guillaume see perfectly in the nearly absolute darkness, it leaves the three humans effectively blind.

"Hold my hand," Guillaume commands, and Becky complies. Marcy takes Becky's hand and Guillaume leads the two women deeper into the woods. Dahlia and Mitch, already holding hands, move quickly ahead on the path. Not only does the need to lead two high-heeled woman down the narrow path slow Guillaume, but Dahlia moves ahead with noticeable haste. Guillaume understands Dahlia's hurry. Belle will be well into her metamorphosis by now. If she does not soon consume human blood, she will perish before her transformation is complete.

By the time the dim light from the manor house's open doorway shows through the trees, Dahlia and Mitch are somewhere inside. Only Briant, Dahlia's manservant, greets them.

"Good evening, Sir," the tall, gaunt, butler says as they come up the stairs to the entryway. He then bows slightly to Becky and Marcy, and with the slightest smile greets them simply: "Ladies." Only Guillaume recognizes the subdued sarcasm in his voice.

"Good evening, Briant," Guillaume grins in reply. "I hope you have made the necessary preparations. We are having two more for dinner."

***

Sep-3-2001 1:35 PM Message 201 of 245

Subject: Preparations.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 200 ]

~*Dahlia strolls in the door, waving to Briant with a smile, then walking to the sofa. She smoothes a hand down Belle's cheek, feeling her temperature and checking her pulse and breathing rate. She'd need to eat soon. She turns to her guests and indicates the sofa.*~

"She's sleeping. The poor dear must've drank too much in the short time we were away."

~*Marcy, the more astute of Guillaume's little cows, speaks up.*~

"I thought you said this would be a party. Where are all the people? And music?"

~*Dahlia's eyes flash, the mortal women already working her nerves, let alone having one of them speak to her, questioning her.*~

"Oh but darling, this WILL be a party. And we're going to have loads of fun. You could...bet your life on it."

~*Dahlia smiles slowly, her lips curving in a way that sent shivers through all present, including Guillaume, from it's sheer evil. Turning to Mitch, she holds out her hand, willing him to come to her.*~

"Would you like to have a tour of my home?"

~*He nods helplessly, compelled by her eyes. She grasps his hand lightly as he places it in her palm. She leads him down the corridor and into a drawing room, luxuriously decorated in rich jewel tones, much like the rest of the house. Only this room was done souly in amber and topaz. Gold glittered everywhere, tawny persian carpet cusioned their feet. She leads him to a flaxen-colored satin-apholstered sofa and pulls him down to her. She leans forward and gently brushes his lips with her own.*~

"Perhaps, we can have a party of our own...."

~*With that said, she begins kissing him slowly, her eyes straying to a mirror where she can see Briant in the doorway waiting for her signal. She waves her hand and he disappears.*~

~*Briant nods at his Mistress's signal and quietly enters the parlor. Scooping Belle up into his arms, he looks at the Master and his two female companions.*~

"I will put her to bed M'Lord. No doubt your lovely guests do not wish to look upon a drunken lady sprawled upon the sofa. Good evening, Sir."

~*With that Briant bows and exits the room, heading straight for the drawing room...where the Mistress awaits his arrival.*~

***

Sep-4-2001 12:19 AM Message 202 of 245

Subject: Night Comfort? (Tricia)

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 188 ]

Tricia looks down at Lauras terrified face and smiles a little unsurely.......... Then she very gently lies down next to her, puts Lauras head on her shoulder and gently strokes Lauras hair and says" It might be easier for us both to get some rest if we stick close for tonight. There is strength in numbers... don't you think? Please just think of me as a cuddly rag doll. Something safe to get you thru the night. We will deal with Sunday when it gets here. Till then lets just try to help each other rest........Ok with you? " Tricia says in a calming voice, while continuing to stroke Laura's hair. She feels Laura relax just a little and sighs....

***

Sep-5-2001 11:33 AM Message 203 of 245

Subject: Party Arrangements [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 201 ]

"I thought you said we were going to a party," Marcy repeats her complaint. "This place is more like a morgue."

Guillaume smiles evilly at her unintended joke. "Do not fret, my dear. I assure you there will be much feasting and festivity yet tonight. The rest of the revelers are still in their rooms, and are surely not yet in their cups, like poor Belle. I know there is even one young lady who... appears to be about your age. I daresay she will enjoy getting to know you."

"Sure. Whatever," Marcy replies skeptically. "But before we do anything, I gotta pee."

"Of course," Guillaume sighs. He had noticed Dahlia's annoyance with this impudent mortal, and now starts to sympathize. He looks up as Dahlia's manservant returns. "Ah, here is the butler. Briant, would you please show Marcy to the lavatory. Then I think it is time to rouse our newest guest -- you know, the young woman who arrived this afternoon -- and introduce her to Marcy. It would not surprise me if they share certain tastes."

Having arranged for the feeding of the injured Kindred, Guillaume turns to his own chosen prey. Becky stands gazing into the fireplace, still mesmerized by the effects of Guillaume's seductive entrancement. She purrs as Guillaume steps up behind her, wraps his arms around her waist and bends to gently kiss the side of her neck, just behind her pulsing jugular.

***

Sep-6-2001 2:47 PM Message 204 of 245

Subject: The feast.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 201 ]

~*Dahlia breaks her kiss with Mitch at Briant's knock. She stands up huffily, stalking to the door, pretending to be angry with the interruption.*~

"Who on earth could that be? I left instructions not to be disturbed.!"

~*She yanks open the door, her face full of mischief that only Briant can see, as her back is to Mitch.*~

"What is it?" she snaps.

~*Briant fights to hold back a grin at his Mistress's acting ability.*~

"M'lady Belle is in a sorry state, Mistress Dahlia. I am fearful for her life..."

~*Dahlia nods, turning to the couch and Mitch with a look of distress.*~

"Oh dear, what should we do?"

~*Mitch stands, the heroic nature in him coming out. Testosterone nearly drips off of him, he's trying so hard to be the big, strong protector to impress Dahlia.*~

"We should get something else in her stomach, coffee or bread perhaps. Do you have anything for her to eat?"

~*Dahlia grins slowly, her fangs gleaming in the dim light. She walks slowly towards him, motioning for Briant to lay Belle on the couch.*~

"Actually, I did have something in mind..."

~*She takes Mitch's hand and tugs him towards her. He's slightly suprised at her strength.*~

"You see Mitch, my friend there is in need of a very special kind of food. A rare kind...a delicacy you could say. And you have it."

~*Mitch is obviously confused, and slightly scared. Dahlia hears his heartrate go up a notch, can smell the perspiration starting to form on his skin, his breathing deepen slightly.*~

"W-What are you talking about? I don't under..."

~*Dahlia lays a finger across his lips.*~

"Shhh...don't worry darling. It will all be over soon."

~*At that, Mitch tries to pull away from her. He starts to panic as her grip tightens. He struggles, but it's no use. To put him out of his misery, Dahlia strikes him in the back of the head, the blow knocking him unconscious. He slumps on the floor at her feet.*~

~*Briant picks him up and props him up against the couch. Dahlia goes to Belle's side, kneeling down so her face is close to her own. She strokes her cheek, gently shaking her with her other hand.*~

"Belle...Belle, darling you need to wake up...come on now, that's a girl..."

~*Belle's eyes start to slit open. She makes a sound of protest in the back of her throat.*~

"I know darling, but you need to eat. Now open your mouth. Good girl. Now when i say so, bite down and suck hard, alright?"

~*Belle makes an attempt to nod, and Dahlia takes Mitch's wrist and turns it so that the veins line up with Belle's insisors.*~

"Now."

~*Belle bites down hard, and begins suckling his blood. Mitch makes a small sound of pain in his blacked out state, but doesn't awaken. Dahlia feels a small pang of regret for his life, for she knows Belle will drink him dry, not possessing the knowledge and ability that time brings to stop just before the point of death. She watches as Belle drains the last drop, and Mitch goes pale with death as his heart stammers to a stop. She sighs.*~

"Briant, dispose of the body please. There will be others to follow..."

~*Briant nods, picking up Mitch's limp corpse and heading out the door. He takes the back entrance so that the other "guests" don't see him. In the drawing room, Dahlia gently strokes Belle's hair as she falls back asleep.*~

***

Sep-7-2001 8:49 AM Message 205 of 245

Subject: Culmination [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 203 ]

With Guillaume standing behind her and hugging her as they face the fireplace, Becky leans back against Guillaume and suggestively rubs her bottom against his thighs. Becky groans softly as Guillaume's cool hands move from her abdomen -- one sliding up under her blouse, the other down to slip inside her jean's waistband -- to teasingly caress her most sensual places. All the while Guillaume continues to softly kiss her neck, cheeks and ears.

Becky quickly succumbs to dulcet desire, writhing within Guillaume's exciting embrace, her fevered skin electrified with prickling passion. Thus, the sharp sting of Guillaume's fangs piercing her carotid artery -- accompanied by the simultaneous stroking of his fingers upon her most sensitive points -- is almost lost amid overwhelming sensations. In fact, the pain from his bite only intensifies the erotic effect of his touch, and Becky moans with salacious pleasure.

Becky's hot blood pulses into Guillaume's mouth and he drinks quickly. By the time Becky suspects something unusual, she has already grown faint. Guillaume feels her stiffen with sudden awareness, realization and fear, but she is now too weak to resist. She quickly loses consciousness, and soon thereafter, she is gone.

Guillaume lets her lifeless body slide to the floor and sprawl across the hearth. He pulls a handkerchief from his breast pocket and wipes the blood from his lips. Leaving the corpse for Dahlia's servant to remove, he goes to inquire into the condition of both the injured vampire, and of the promising new Kindred, Belle.

***

Sep-7-2001 3:08 PM Message 206 of 245

Subject: Getting Comfortable [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 202 ]

Laura gratefully settles her head onto Tricia's shoulder. She sighs, appreciative of her friend's concern and sympathy. Then Laura thinks of all the times she has comforted Belle in similar fashion, holding her through the night as she cried or fretted, usually about the coolness of her parents, or of some thoughtless act by her boyfriend, Brad. Of course, thinking about Belle's vulnerable nature only intensifies Laura's concern for her safety.

"Thank you," Laura whispers, her lips close to Tricia's ear. "I'm probably just being silly... Letting my dreams affect me this way. But it all seems so real. If you weren't here... If I didn't have someone I could talk to... I don't know how I could stand not knowing if she's alright. Sunday won't get here fast enough."

Laura snuggles closer to Tricia and tries to relax enough to fall back to sleep, hoping the other woman's presence will ward off any more nightmares.

***