Oct-25-2001 6:32 PM Message 207 of 245

Subject: First Taste [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 204 ]

Belle's eyes flutter open. They focus upon Dahlia's face, the first image Belle will remember from the beginning of her new existence.

Dahlia senses the strength --- not simply physical formidability, but also a new confidence of spirit --- the ongoing transformation has already given Belle. Dahlia smiles at confirmation that the misfortunate, departed Mitch was the perfect first "meal" for Belle. His masculine vitality provided the perfect catalyst for the metamorphosis being wrought upon Belle's pure femininity by her earlier consumption of Dahlia's own vampiric essence.

Returning Dahlia's smile, Belle licks her lips.

"Oh Dahlia, my darling," Belle whispers huskily. "I never imagined anything like it. It is so fulfilling... so... so... delectable!" Belle parts her lips suggestively and reaches up to pull Dahlia toward her. "Come, kiss me and share its intoxicating flavor."

***

Sep-11-2001 2:09 PM Message 208 of 245

Subject: Success.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 207 ]

~*Dahlia makes a small sound of exhiliration at Belle's obviously successful transition. She bends down and kisses Belle softly, slowly...tasting the blood on her lips and tongue.*~

"Mmmm, you're right. He was perfect for you. Do you feel up to joining our friend Guillaume? I'm sure he's disposed of the annoying females he brought home. "

***

Sep-13-2001 5:55 PM Message 209 of 245

Subject: Awakening [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 208 ]

Barely seeming to notice Dahlia's words, Belle fidgets where she lays on the sofa as she tries to become accustomed to her heightened vampire senses. Her right palm presses against the cool leather covering the back of the couch while her left hand strokes the soft fabric of Dahlia's dress. Belle crosses her legs and rubs one calf over the other, enjoying the sensation of her own smooth skin. She then presses her thighs together tightly and sighs.

Taking a deep breath, Belle sits up to face Dahlia. Belle's hands continue to wander, exploring every texture and shape within reach. She finally settles down, and limits her movement to three fingers of her left hand slowly tracing small circles on the rich burgundy velvet covering Dahlia's right thigh.

"This is all so incredible," Belle whispers breathlessly as she closes her eyes and turns her head to hear the tiniest, most subtle sounds of the room. "It's as if before tonight, I was deaf, blind and numb... as if the true nature of the world were hidden from me.... I cannot wait to experience... to feel... um... everything this way."

Belle's eyes blink open and she smiles coquettishly at Dahlia, then shivers with anticipation. Noting the expression on Dahlia's face, Belle sighs. "But, of course, you say we should resume our visit with Guillaume. I suppose you are right, given what has happened. I must present myself to our...." She hesitates a moment, then the word comes to her, as if from somewhere deep in her subconscious, "Kindred."

***

Sep-15-2001 1:02 AM Message 210 of 245

Subject: A Challenge

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 205 ]

The door to Ian's room opens and Guillaume leans in.

"It's all over... all of it," the vampire offers. "Belle will no doubt soon return to reintroduce herself to us. I thought you would like to be there."

Ian does not respond, but simply meets Guillaume's eyes. With little expression, and with no introduction, Ian strums his mandolin and starts to sing.

~~~

I see a dark sail on the horizon

set under a black cloud that hides the sun.

Bring me my broadsword and clear understanding.

Bring me my cross of gold as a talisman.

Get up to the roundhouse on the cliff-top standing.

Take women and children and bed them down.

Bring me my broadsword and clear understanding.

Bring me my cross of gold as a talisman.

Bless with a hard heart those who surround me.

Bless the women and children who firm our hands.

Put our backs to the north wind. Hold fast by the river.

Sweet memories to drive us on for the motherland.

I see a dark sail on the horizon

set under a black cloud that hides the sun.

So, bring me my broadsword and clear understanding.

Bring me my cross of gold as a talisman.

So bring me my broadsword

And a cross of gold as a talisman.

~~~

The ballad over, the bard speaks softly. "I've known you for most of a millennium, Sir Guillaume. I watched when you stood shoulder to shoulder with the common bowman at Crecy, and a century later at Agincourt. You fought with selfless determination against desperate odds. What since made you such a pragmatic cynic?"

***

Sep-17-2001 8:49 AM Message 211 of 245

Subject: Rejoinder [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 210 ]

"I've known you for most of a millennium, Sir Guillaume," the bard reminded the vampire. "I watched when you stood shoulder to shoulder with the common bowman at Crecy, and a century later at Agincourt. You fought with selfless determination against desperate odds. What since made you such a pragmatic cynic?"

Guillaume stood motionless for a moment, considering Ian's question. He smiled sadly. "Do not give up on me so easily, my friend. I would again go to war, were the cause sufficiently important."

They exchanged a long and meaningful look, then Guillaume's countenance brightened into a sincerely cheerful grin. "But let us not speak of such things here. It is time for us to go and become reintroduced to our newest Kindred, Belle."

***

Sep-17-2001 2:13 PM Message 212 of 245

Subject: The party has just begun.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 209 ]

~*Dahlia helps Belle to her feet, bending down to give her another kiss.*~

"The life of a Kindred is wonderful Belle. You can appreciate the world with enhanced senses. Everything is beautiful with vampire eyes. Every sound wonderful, every touch..."

~*She runs her fingers down Belle's breast, over the nipple and she shudders.*~

"Fantastic."

~*Grinning, Dahlia takes Belle's hand.*~

"Are you ready?"

***

Sep-17-2001 6:52 PM Message 213 of 245

Subject: Fashion Statement [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 212 ]

"Are you ready?" Dahlia asks.

"Ready?" Belle's chuckle comes like a ragged sigh. The evening's extraordinary events, and the incomprehensible change they have brought her, have left her so overwhelmed with physical sensations and deep emotions that she feels ready for nothing... and for everything.

As she had dozens of times when preparing for social occasions in her prior, mortal life, Belle automatically glances down to check her appearance. She looks up at Dahlia frowning.

"If this is to be my 'debut' as one like you, then I do not care to make it in these children's clothes. You dress so perfectly, Dahlia. I gather from what I've seen so far that the Kindred have a particular sense of fashion, and I want to make a good first impression. You have loaned me clothes before. I would hope we could spare enough time away from our guests to go to your room so you can begin to teach me how to present myself in a way appropriate to my new lifestyle."

***

Sep-18-2001 11:32 PM Message 214 of 245

Subject: Something suitable.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 213 ]

~*Dahlia chuckles and takes Belle's hand.*~

"Of course. You can have anything you want from my closet."

~*She leads her down the corridor to her bedroom and throws open the bureau. Taking out a long emerald green crushed velvet dress with a satin bodice and built in corset, she looks at Belle, appraising her figure with passionate eyes.*~

"You would look ravishing in this...."

***

Sep-19-2001 5:35 PM Message 215 of 245

Subject: Sensual Veneer [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 214 ]

"You would look ravishing in this!" Dahlia declares, displaying a gorgeous green velvet and satin dress.

"Oh Dahlia, that's perfect," Belle responds enthusiastically. "There is a slight hint of red in my hair that you only notice when I wear green."

Belle slips the black jacket off her shoulders and hangs it across the back of a chair. Next she unzips her pleated skirt and pushes it off her narrow hips, letting it fall in a bundle around her feet. She then removes her sheer white blouse.

The cool air caresses her nipples, crinkling them into hard points. She shivers, but not from the chill. The low temperature of Dahlia's home feels perfectly natural to Belle now.

Wearing nothing but panties and black sandals, Belle slowly approaches Dahlia, but stops at the corner of the canopied bed. Wrapping her arms around the tall bedpost, Belle presses her body against it and lifts her left leg to rub her inner thigh against its intricately carved and richly lacquered surface.

Belle sighs sensually. Her head lulls, then she looks up at Dahlia though half-closed, sultry eyes. "Oh Dahlia, what a gift you have given me! You were right about how I'll appreciate my new, enhanced senses. Are you sure you want me to dress? Our guests can tend to themselves, and I would much rather stay here with you and explore just how more... um... sensitive I've become."

Dahlia's silent smile speaks volumes of the eternal conflict between desire and duty, but leaves no doubt as to which impulse prevails in this instance.

"Oh, alright," Belle chuckles. "You always are the perfect hostess, aren't you?" Disentangling herself from the bedpost, Belle accepts the green dress from Dahlia, and thanks her with a gentle kiss. Belle wiggles into the dress and adjusts the corset so the boning will press and lift her small breasts into some suggestion of cleavage.

She turns her back to Dahlia. "Lace me up good and tight," Belle requests. "I don't have your natural attributes, and I want to look my curvaceous best when I reintroduce myself to Guillaume... Now that I'll be meeting him as Kindred... as an equal."

***

Sep-21-2001 8:55 AM Message 216 of 245

Subject: Dessert [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 211 ]

"Briant, where is your Mistress?" Guillaume asks as he enters the parlor.

"Lady Dahlia and Miss Belle have repaired to m`Lady's bedchamber," the butler replies.

"Oh." Guillaume sighs with palpable disappointment.

"No, no, Sir, it is not that at all," Briant explains. "Miss Belle simply wanted to change into attire more appropriate to this auspicious occasion."

"Wonderful!" Guillaume smiles, then chuckles as he fills a large goblet with bloodwyne from the crystal decanter on the sideboard. "It will be interesting --- to say the least --- to observe the dear young lady's demeanor on this, the first day of her new life."

***

Sep-24-2001 1:13 AM Message 217 of 245

Subject: Grand entrance.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 215 ]

~*Dahlia carefully laces up Belle's corset, pulling the strings taunt so that her breasts perk up further and appear to spill over the top of the bodice. She then carefully ties them in a bow at the small of Belle's back. She steps back and slowly walks around her, examining her appearance with both a critical and an appreciative eye. Belle's breasts are pale and small, beautifully rounded at the top of the bodice. Her waist is tightly cinched and only enhances her delicate bone structure. The dress flares out at her slender hips to pool at her feet. Dahlia chuckles.*~

"A bit long, due to my superior height. Lucky you, you are not an amazon. But you look ravishing my dear. Here..."

~*She reaches into the bureau and retrieves a pair of deep green satin sandal-like heels.*~

"I believe these will be the perfect compliment. Thankfully for you, I have unusually small feet for my height."

~*Belle takes the shoes with a smile and a kiss and slips them onto her feet. Dahlia likes the way the heels give her added height and elegance, and how they also make Belle's cute behind stick out slightly. She walks over to her and gives her a lingering kiss, then pulls away and offers her arm.*~

"If you are ready..."

~*Belle nods and Dahlia leads her down the corridor. She knows Belle is nervous about meeting Guillaume as a Kindred. Possibly fearing scrutiny? Disapproval? As they step into the parlor, Dahlia awaits Guillaume's reaction...*~

***

Sep-24-2001 10:17 AM Message 218 of 245

Subject: Dulcet Duet [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 217 ]

Guillaume, standing by the hearth, leaning against the mantlepiece and staring into the fire, looks up as the two vampiresses enter the parlor, arm-in-arm. His eyes naturally first go to Dahlia --- the taller and more imposing of the two --- in the beautiful, burgundy gown he had helped her select for the evening. Then he turns to examine Belle, in her elegant emerald dress. The dramatic arrival of these two examples of absolute feminine beauty practically overwhelm him. His two centuries without the company of female Kindred, then this evening's arousing encounter with the mortal Becky, ending only with him simply feeding upon her, have taken their toll on his usual aloofness.

Drawing a deep breath to regain his self control, he bows deeply to Dahlia. Stepping forward, he takes Belle's hand, raises it to his lips and kisses her upturned wrist. Still holding Belle's hand, he greets her. "It is a pleasure to meet the true you, darling Belle."

Then turning to Dahlia, he adds, "You have outdone yourself, my dear. She is truly the loveliest addition to our kind I have seen in untold centuries." His gaze moves slowly from one beautiful face to the other several times, then he sighs deeply. "And you have convinced me of yet another regrettable consequence of my practice of staying away from the affairs of the Kindred."

***

Sep-25-2001 9:28 PM Message 219 of 245

Subject: Reintroduction [Belle]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 218 ]

Belle bristles at the way Guillaume refers to her in the third-person, as if she were just another objet d`art in Dahlia's impressive collection. Then, from somewhere deep in her soul, she discerns his behavior for what it really is. Like all predatory species, Belle realizes, Vampires must play dominance games, just as wolves vie in the pack for the "alpha" position.

Belle immediately recognizes that any sign of weakness among the Kindred must have dire consequences. She will willingly subjugate herself to Dahlia, with the love born of true affection combined with her gratitude for Dahlia bestowing the gift of immortality upon her. For the same reason, Belle could never accept a secondary role to anyone else, because to do so would dishonor Dahlia.

Belle formulates her response. "Indeed, Sir Guillaume, it pleases me to reintroduce myself to you, now that we are equals." She firmly withdraws her hand from his grasp, and pointedly moves closer to Dahlia, so that their shoulders and hips actually touch. "As such, I do not think it remains appropriate that you address me with that girlish, mortal nickname. From here on out, I will appreciate it if you call me Belin...."

Her given human name sticks in her throat. From deep inside of her, a new identity emerges. She stares deeply into Guillaume's eyes, with an intensity so surprising that he involuntarily leans back an inch. She smiles in cold satisfaction. "From now on, please call me 'Belladonna.'"

***

Oct-26-2001 8:55 AM Message 220 of 245

Subject: Reacquaintance [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 219 ]

"From now on," the fledgling vampiress intones, "please call me 'Belladonna.'"

Her confidence surprises Guillaume. It does not, however, entirely displease him. He encouraged Dahlia to bring Belle, now "Belladonna," into the Kindred because he sensed she would add vitality to their ranks. Her immediate adroitness in her new status confirms Guillaume's instinct.

"Well then," he responds, bowing very formally. "I am pleased to make the acquaintance of the new you, Miss Belladonna."

As he straightens up he smiles and glances at Dahlia, raising his left eyebrow.

***

Oct-29-2001 3:01 PM Message 221 of 245

Subject: Cycles.

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 219 ]

Ian had taken his usual place in the corner just before the Vampiresses entered, and sat quietly tuning his mandolin while Guillaume greeted the newest Kindred. The confidence and assertiveness of Belle, forevermore called 'Belladonna,' does not surprise Ian at all. It simply makes the song with which he decided to greet her --- one of the oldest in his repertoire --- all the more appropriate.

~~~

There were three men, came out of the West,

Their fortunes for to try,

And these three men made a solemn vow:

John Barleycorn must die!

Well, they've ploughed, they've sown, they've harrowed him in,

Threw clods upon his head,

`Til these three men were satisfied

John Barleycorn was dead.

They've let him lie for a long, long time,

`Til the rains from heaven did fall,

And little Sir John sprang up his head

And so amazed them all.

They've let him stand `til the midsummer's day,

`Til he looked both pale and wan;

And little Sir John has grown a long, long beard

And so became a man.

They have hired men with the scythes so sharp

To cut him off at the knee.

They've rolled and they've tied him `round the waist,

Serving him most him barbarously.

They've hired men with the sharp pitchforks

To prick him to the heart;

And the loader he has served him worse than that,

For he's bound him to the cart.

Well, they've wheeled him `round and `round the field,

`Til they came onto a barn,

And there they made their solemn oath

Concerning a Barleycorn.

They've hired men with the crab-tree sticks

To split him skin from bone,

But the miller he has served him worst than that,

for he ground him between two stones.

Here's little Sir John in a nut brown bowl,

And brandy in the glass,

And little Sir John in the nut brown bowl

Proved the strongest man at last.

Now the huntsman, he can't hunt the fox,

Nor loudly blow his horn

And the tinker he can't mend his pots

Without John Barleycorn.

~~~

***

Oct-29-2001 6:02 PM Message 222 of 245

Subject: Family.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 221 ]

~*Dahlia smirks at Guillaume, nodding at his raised eyebrow. She waits until Ian finishes with his song before running a hand over Belle's hair.*~

"I'm sorry my dear, but I will still address you as Belle. For that is what you are to me. A refreshing new voice to lift my spirits. Consider it a pet name."

~*She steps away from Belle to take Guillaume's hand and holds out her empty one for Ian to take.*~

"We are all a family now."

***

Oct-31-2001 12:40 PM Message 223 of 245

Subject: It�s All Relative [Belladonna]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 222 ]

�We are all a family now.� Dahlia reminds Belle, and pointedly takes the hands of the two men.

�As you say, my Beloved,� Belle concedes, while leaving her arms at her sides. Her eyes flash and she chuckles coldly. �But I do not think the manner in which Guillaume looks at me is quite the appropriate way for an �uncle� to behave!�

***

Nov-1-2001 8:22 AM Message 224 of 245

Subject: Redefined Relationships [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 223 ]

Guillaume laughs loudly at the new vampiresses� suggestion that she should look upon him as an �uncle.� With a twinkle in his eyes, he smiles and replies, �Actually, my dear Belladonna, I would prefer it if you thought of me as a very distant cousin.�

***

Nov-1-2001 10:24 AM Message 225 of 245

Subject: Clarifications.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 224 ]

~*Dahlia smiles and goes back to Belle's side, taking her hand and pressing a small kiss into her hair.*~

"Tis true, my dear. Guillaume was not my sire, nor was I sired by any of his fledglings. As a matter of a fact, our bloodlines aren't even close to one another. Even though we are close to the same age, I do believe."

~*Dahlia smiles down at her partner, her mate, and can't help but feel a swelling in her chest. For the first time in a very long while, she feels complete again with Belle and Guillaume here. Her own little family.*~

***

Nov-5-2001 3:16 PM Message 226 of 245

Subject: Taking Action [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 206 ]

Despite the warm comfort of having Tricia sleeping next to her, Laura's nightmare returns. It starts like the last one, with Laura finding Belle dead in her coffin, in a room draped in white. The scene turns sanguinary more quickly this time, with Belle converted into an even more ferocious creature, hissing at Laura when she bends down to bid farewell.

Laura's eyes snap wide open, and she finds herself back in her dark hotel room. She lays there a moment, letting the smell of the Atlantic wafting in through the open patio door, accompanied by the regular crash of waves on the beach below, chase away the horrific images from her dream.

She hears Tricia breathing regularly and softly behind her. Laura realizes she must have rolled away from Tricia in her sleep, perhaps causing the nightmare to return. Laura slides over to again snuggle against the other woman.

Laura is grateful for Tricia's suggestion that they share a bed tonight. It again makes her think of all the times she held Belle through the night, whenever her friend felt especially unloved by her family or taken for granted by her boyfriend.

Laura sighs, knowing that Belle's feelings in those regards are not unfounded. Belle's mother thinks she best shows love by giving her daughter a nice car and a credit card. Laura cannot understand how she could let Belle stay alone at their secluded lakehouse, and then remain unconcerned that she had heard nothing from her daughter all week.

And Belle's boyfriend was even worse. Brad showed natural disappointment that Belle had decided to stay home and do schoolwork rather then join him in Daytona for Spring Break. That was no excuse for his behavior. At the first party down here, Brad had made a pass at Laura herself, Belle's best friend!

At first Laura tried to tell herself that Brad had just been drunk. But when she saw him the next day, he did not apologize, and through a few well placed double entendre, made it clear that he still wanted to get together with Laura. Laura has avoided him since then, but she has little doubt that after she rebuffed him, Brad found someone else to keep him company in Belle's absence.

Laura is not looking forward to telling Belle about Brad when they all got back to campus.

"If Belle comes back to campus..." That thought pops automatically into Laura's mind. She cannot shake the conviction that something dreadful has happened to her friend. Laura has always tried to be there for Belle whenever she had a problem, and Belle has often helped Laura as well. Why should now be any different?

Laura turns to face Tricia, their noses scant inches apart. The movement stirs the other woman, and her eyes flutter open, sparkling in the moonlight filtering through the patio door.

"Still can't sleep, Hon?" Tricia asks.

"I had another nightmare," Laura confesses. "Tricia... Remember how I told you I've had premonitions before? Well, I have never really acted on them... I've always figured it was just coincidences... my mind playing tricks on me. But this time's different. I have never been so certain of anything as I am right now that something has happened, or will happen, to Belle. But because it's based on these weird dreams, I can't describe to anyone what it is, so I know no one will believe me. I can't wait �till Sunday to find out if Belle is okay. I have to do something!"

"Okay. What are you going to do?"

"As soon as I can tomorrow, I'm going to rent a car. If I leave by noon, I'll be up by Belle's family's lakehouse early Saturday morning. That's a whole day-and-a-half earlier than we'd get back to campus --- not to mention then if I needed to head north from there to find Belle --- if we wait to go back on the bus with everyone else. With enough coffee, I'm sure I can manage to drive straight through, but it sure would be nice to have company and someone to trade off with behind the wheel. Will you come with me? I don't know about you, but I'm bored down here anyway. If it turns out I'm wrong about Belle, it will at least be an adventure. We can surprise her up there and have some fun... but if it turns out she really is in trouble...." Laura shudders and looks intensely into Tricia's eyes. "How about it? Will you come?"

***

Nov-6-2001 9:30 AM Message 227 of 245

Subject: Alternative Relationships [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 225 ]

"`Tis true, my dear," Dahlia tells Belladonna, confirming Guillaume's suggestion that she think of him as a distant cousin. "Guillaume was not my sire, nor was I sired by any of his fledglings. As a matter of a fact, our bloodlines aren't even close to one another. Even though we are close to the same age, I do believe."

Guillaume raises an eyebrow at that last comment. Dahlia knows as well as anyone that he is not much more than eight hundred years old. She, on the other hand, has always reckoned her age by millennia, and Guillaume has never doubted it.

It makes him wonder. Certainly she is not misstating her age out of vanity, as a mortal woman might. Immune to the ravages of time, vampiresses generally --- and, he knows, Dahlia in particular --- consider longevity an asset. Perhaps due to his long seclusion, Dahlia has forgotten his relative youth, but such a mistake would be uncharacteristic of her.

Then Guillaume realizes the most probable reason for Dahlia's misstatement of his age. By her words and actions, she is obviously trying to help her new companion understand and accept the more libertine mores of vampiric culture. Dahlia is not trying to suggest she is particularly young, but to emphasize, at least from a mortal perspective, that both she and Guillaume are themselves ageless.

"Indeed, my dear," Guillaume continues Dahlia's thought, and adds a small joke. "The blood which binds us most is that of others." He winks and then lets his wide grin settle into a sagacious smile. "The term 'Kindred' does not refer so much to familial relationship as it does the closeness we Vampires --- a tiny but privileged minority in the shadows of what humans call 'civilization' --- the closeness we Vampires develop with one another over the centuries, in fact millennia, of our existence. Those relationships have all the possibilities found in mortal's lives, and given our time on Earth, many other permutations you've probably never considered. Centuries of experiences lay before you, dear Belladonna. You must open your mind to all of the options that time allows."

***

Nov-6-2001 6:19 PM Message 228 of 245

Subject: Semper Fidelis [Belladonna]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 227 ]

Belle sighs contentedly as Dahlia returns to her side and presses her lips to Belle's hair. She listens with polite attention to Guillaume's description of the nature of Kindred society. "Centuries of experiences lay before you, dear Belladonna," he concludes. "You must open your mind to all of the options that time allows."

"Thank you for your insight," Belle replies. "You can rest assured that I will not squander the precious immortality Dahlia has bestowed upon me." Belle raises her face to address her benefactress. "As for myself, I am delighted to continue to be your Belle, Dahlia..." she sighs, snuggling into the arms of the taller Vamipiress. "...and no one else's!" she adds pointedly, scowling at Guillaume. "Sir Guillaume and I may be 'cousins' --- and so I take it you and I are as well, Dahlia --- but he and I need not, I trust, be 'kissing cousins.'" Belle again tilts back her head to look up into Dahlia's eyes, and parts her lips seductively. "I will reserve that relationship for you, my love."

***

Nov-13-2001 6:26 PM Message 229 of 245

Subject: How It Always Is...

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 228 ]

Ian grins as he listens to Dahlia, Belladonna and Guillaume banter. It brings to mind the first time he heard the term �Kindred� applied to vampires. It also, of course, reminds him of a song.

~~~

My telephone wakes me in the morning --

have to get up to answer the call.

So I think I'll go back to the family

where no one can ring me at all.

Living this life has its problems

so I think that I'll give it a break.

Oh, I'm going back to the family

`cos I've had about all I can take.

Master's in the counting house

counting all his money.

Sister's sitting by the mirror --

she thinks her hair looks funny.

And here am I thinking to myself

just wond'ring what things to do.

I think I enjoyed all my problems

Where I did not get nothing for free.

Oh, I'm going back to the family --

doing nothing is bothering me.

I'll get a train back to the city

that soft life is getting me down.

There's more fun away from the family

get some action when I pull into town.

Everything I do is wrong,

what the hell was I thinking?

Phone keeps ringing all day long

I got no time for thinking.

And every day has the same old way

of giving me too much to do.

~~~

***

Nov-11-2001 3:23 PM Message 230 of 245

Subject: RE: Taking Action [Tricia]

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 226 ]

Tricia looks at Laura and makes a 2 second decision,then she answers" Laura, If you want to drive back right now I will go with you. I have been sitting on the sidelines too long just watching. I feel the need to help you however you need me to. If that means taking a road trip I am all for it. But now I think we need to try to get another few hours sleep." Tricia pulls Laura closer to her body and lightly brushes her nose with her full lips. " Sound good to you? Rest now then off we go to whatever awaits us ."

***

Jan-22-2002 9:34 AM Message 231 of 245

Subject: You Lose Some; You Win Some [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 228 ]

Although Guillaume expected Belladonna's rebuff, it still disappoints him slightly. That disappointment, however, is more than compensated by the fact that her conversion has nonetheless clearly affected her ethical standards. He saw enough of her during her last hour of mortality to realize that prior to Dahlia's influence, the idea of giving herself to another woman would have repulsed the girl who then called herself "Belle." Now, her every movement practically screams out her desire for Dahlia.

More importantly to Guillaume, he senses absolutely no remorse in the fledgling Vampiress, despite the fact that she had culled her first victim less than an hour earlier. Usually, it takes a new Kindred months, if not years, to accept their need --- in fact, their duty and right --- to take human life to maintain their own immortality. It appears Belladonna has no more concern about the young man she just killed than she might have felt for an apple when she was mortal. This convinces Guillaume that he was right that she would be an ally in his plans to revitalize the Kindred and reestablish their rightful place in the world.

Guillaume smiles fully, revealing his wicked fangs. "I understand you two might wish to be alone right now," he purrs. "But it seems to me this auspicious occasion --- Belladonna's first night truly among us --- demands at least one toast. I think we have much to celebrate."

***

Nov-12-2001 7:09 PM Message 232 of 245

Subject: Celebration.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 231 ]

~*Dahlia smiles at Guillaume and nods. Walking over to the dinette set in the middle of the room, she pours three goblets full of bloodwyne, taking up her own and motioning Belle, Guillaume and Ian closer. Belle and Guillaume take up their goblets, while Ian stands silently nearby. Dahlia knows that he feels as though he is the only one here saddened by Belle's loss of mortality. That was not true. Dahlia would miss Belle's light now that it was replaced by darkness. But she also knew that Belle's light would slowly replace itself as she grew older, much like her own had. She takes Belle's hand and leads her to the loveseat, pulling her down beside her as she takes a seat.*~

"Please Ian. Play something. This is a glorious day for our Belladonna. Nothing too brooding..." she warns.

***

Nov-13-2001 2:28 PM Message 233 of 245

Subject: Missed Misapprehension [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 230 ]

Laura sighs with appreciation as Tricia holds her more tightly, in obvious understanding of Laura's still anxious state about Belle's fate. Then Laura grins as Tricia playfully kisses her nose. Such a sweet gesture!

Thus, although Laura later has another bizarre dream as she sleeps in Tricia's arms, this time it does not frighten her. She mistakenly believes it is just her subconscious reaction to Tricia's warmhearted cuddling.

Laura wakes with the dream kiss still tingling pleasantly on her lips. For a moment she wonders... but is reassured by Tricia's steady, soft snoring -- more like purring. Besides, the angle is wrong. In her sleep, Laura had again turned away from Tricia, although leaving her head on the other woman's shoulder, such that there was no way Tricia could have kissed her while she slept. It was just the dream.

Laura chuckles silently, marveling at the way the subconscious works. A friendly touch, an innocent kiss on the nose, and the next thing she knows, she dreams of siren seduction. At least is wasn't like the terrible dreams about Belle that have plagued her over the past few nights.

Laura looks out the patio door and across the balcony to the ocean beyond. The slightest glow at the horizon harkens the coming dawn, still at least an hour away. Warmly contented by her new friendship with Tricia, Laura has no difficulty falling back to sleep.

***

Nov-13-2001 6:25 PM Message 234 of 245

Subject: Drink Deeply of It

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 232 ]

"Please Ian, play something," Lady Dahlia commands. "This is a glorious day for our Belladonna." The Vampiress examines his countenance and correctly guesses his thoughts, as she is wont to do. "Nothing too brooding," she adds.

He needed no such warning. He would not hinder his hostess' celebration. He already had chosen the perfect tune. He lifts his mandolin.

~~~

May I make my fond excuses

For the lateness of the hour,

But we accept your invitation,

And we bring you Beltane's flower.

For the May Day is the great day,

Sung along the old straight track.

And those who ancient lines did lay

Will heed the song that calls them back.

Pass the word and pass the lady.

Pass the plate to all who hunger.

Pass the wit of ancient wisdom.

Pass the cup of crimson wonder.

Ask the green man where he comes from,

Ask the cup that fills with red.

Ask the old grey standing stones

That show the sun its way to bed.

Question all as to their ways,

And learn the secrets that they hold.

Walk the lines of nature's palm

Crossed with silver and with gold.

Pass the word and pass the lady.

Pass the plate to all who hunger.

Pass the wit of ancient wisdom.

Pass the cup of crimson wonder.

Join in black December's sadness,

Lie in August's welcome corn.

Stir the cup that's ever-filling

With the blood of all that's born.

But the May Day is the great day,

Sung along the old straight track.

And those who ancient lines did lay

Will heed this song that calls them back.

Pass the word and pass the lady.

Pass the plate to all who hunger.

Pass the wit of ancient wisdom.

Pass the cup of crimson wonder.

~~~

***

Nov-14-2001 8:42 AM Message 235 of 245

Subject: Skoal! [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 234 ]

Guillaume raises his crystal chalice of bloodwyne and toasts with respectful sincerity: "To Immortality!"

He quaffs heartily from his cup, then he looks to Dahlia and Belladonna, and honors each of them in turn: "And to two perfect examples of Immortality's product and its promise."

***

Nov-15-2001 6:39 PM Message 236 of 245

Subject: Sincere Expressions [Belladonna]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 235 ]

Belle raises her goblet in acknowledgment of Guillaume's toast, then takes a sip of bloodwyne. She finds its flavor exquisite... thick, rich and sweet. She has not tasted anything so delicious since -- well, it has not been long, really -- since her first taste of living blood, just an hour ago. But in one sense, at least, that hour was Belle's -- or, more precisely, Belladonna's -- entire lifetime.

She extends her arm toward Guillaume, lifts her glass, and replies to his sentiment. "To eternal friendship," she begins, then turning to gaze deeply into Dahlia's eyes, she concludes, "and to undying love!"

***

Nov-19-2001 2:35 PM Message 237 of 245

Subject: Embrace

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 236 ]

Ian shakes his head at Belladonna and Guillaume's repartee. It confirms the part Ian believes each will play -- together with Dahlia -- in the evolution of Kindred society. It also calls to mind a recent tune.

~~~

We travelers on the endless wastes

In single orbits, gliding

Cold-eyed march towards the dawn

Behind hard-weather hoods a-hiding.

Meeting as the tall ships do,

Passing in the channel

Afraid to chance a gentle touch --

Afraid to make the clasp.

In high-rise city canyons dwells

The discontent of ages.

On ring roads, nose to bumper crawl

commuters in their cages.

Cryptic signals flash across

From pilots in the fast lane.

Double-locked and belted in --

Too late to make the clasp.

Let's break the journey now

On some lonely road.

Sit down as strangers will,

Let the stress unload.

Talk in confidential terms,

Share a dark unspoken fear.

Refill the cup and drink it up.

Say goodnight and wish good luck.

Synthetic chiefs with frozen smiles

Holding unsteady courses.

Grip the reins of history,

High on their battle horses.

And meeting as good statesmen do

Before the T.V. eyes of millions,

Hand to hand exchange the lie --

Pretend to make the clasp.

~~~

***

Nov-20-2001 12:21 AM Message 238 of 245

Subject: Retiring.

From: Vampiress_Dahlia

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 237 ]

~*Dahlia raises her own glass, toasting both Belle and Guillaume. Tipping the glass to her lips, she takes a small sip before setting it down and leaning over to lightly brush her lips over Belle's ear. She kisses the delicate lobe, darting out her tongue for a quick taste, before leaning back to face Guillaume and Ian.*~

"I think it is time we retired for the night. Belle has been through much tonight. She needs to rest."

~*Guillaume's eyes twinkle with knowledge, but he nods. Ian merely looks defeated. Dahlia closes her eyes briefly, wondering why he remains with them when he so obviously has his doubts as to their characters. She opens her eyes again, standing and taking Belle's hand to pull her up with her. She bids the others a goodnight, before turning and walking to her master bedroom suite. Once Belle has followed her inside, her hand still within her own, Dahlia silently shuts the door and turns to her love.*~

"I hated to leave the others so hastily...but there are other, much more urgent needs to be explored tonight, than that of comraderie."

~*Belle's eyes flare with a bright fire, and Dahlia steps closer to her. She leans down and takes her lips gently, gliding her own across their soft, smooth expanses. She pulls back ever so slightly to run her tongue over Belle's lower lip, bringing her hand up to caress her cheek.*~

"Tonight, my love...I think you will not be the only one who is to be surprised. For I've not felt this way in...too long."

***

Nov-20-2001 9:05 AM Message 239 of 245

Subject: Request [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 238 ]

"I think it is time we retired for the night," Dahlia announces abruptly. "Belle has been through much tonight. She needs to rest."

Guillaume watches the two vampiresses disappear down the hall toward Dahlia's boudoir. He doubts the new Kindred will get any rest before dawn.

He sighs. Too long has he avoided the company of his own kind, and now, it seems, he would be deprived of it longer still.

He turns to Ian, who has started to pack his instruments. "Please, my friend, not yet," Guillaume suggests. "It is still a while until sunrise. Let us have one more song, at least."

***

Nov-20-2001 5:12 PM Message 240 of 245

Subject: Lullaby

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 239 ]

"Well, you know I can never refuse a call for an encore," Ian chuckles. "But I'm not sure it's in me to sing the sort of song you'd like to hear. As you know full well, Sir Guillaume, I have been an observer and friend of the Kindred since long before your birth. I understand the potential you see in this Belladonna. It is clearly there. Under the influence of Dahlia's ancient wisdom and your nascent ambition, she could do much to lift the spirit of the elder races. And while I have fallen under her charms as much as anyone, I must confess I am troubled by how easily she shed mortal sensibilities and embraced her vampiric soul...."

Ian thought for a moment, then started to sing.

~~~

Keep your eyes open

And prick up your ears ---

Rehearse your loudest cry.

There's folk out there

Who would do you harm

So I'll sing you no lullaby.

There's a lock on the window;

There's a chain on the door:

A big dog in the hall.

But there's dragons and beasties

Out there in the night

To snatch you if you fall.

So come out fighting with your rattle in hand.

Thrust and parry. Light

A match to catch the devil's eye.

Bring a cross of fire to the fight.

And let no sleep bring false relief

From the tension of the fray.

Come wake the dead with the scream of life.

Do battle with ghosts at play.

Gather your toys at the call-to-arms

And swing your big bear down.

Upon our necks when we come to set

You sleeping safe and sound.

It's as well we tell no lie

To chase the face that cries.

And little birds can't fly

So keep an open eye.

It's as well we tell no lie

So I'll sing you no lullaby.

~~~

***

Nov-20-2001 10:37 PM Message 241 of 245

Subject: RE: Opportunities Taken(Tricia)

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 233 ]

After looking at the alarm clock ticking 2 minutes to 8 am......Tricia snuggles into Laura and Sneaks One more kiss before gently shaking Laura awake.....................

***

Nov-23-2001 4:12 PM Message 242 of 245

Subject: Morning [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 241 ]

Laura actually smiles as Tricia shakes her awake. The tingle of a kiss still caresses her lips. She attributes this to the strange but compelling dream she had earlier.

Laura props her head up on one hand and her grin broadens as she looks at Tricia. "Thanks for consoling me last night. Those dreams were just horrible!"

Before the other woman can respond, Laura gets out of bed and strips off the long T-shirt and bikini bottom she had slept in. She pulls a clean bra and panties out of her suitcase, and a green polo shirt and a pair of khaki shorts from the hotel room dresser, then continues speaking while she dresses. "I am so glad you agreed to go back early with me and check on Belle. Even if it turns out my dreams really aren't premonitions -- and she really is alright -- then I still think a road-trip to her folks' summer house will be a lot more fun than hanging out down here in Daytona an extra day."

She steps into sandals, picks up her purse, and turns toward the door. "There's an AVIS in one of the hotels up the street.... And I think I saw an ENTERPRISE nearby, too. I want to get down there and make sure there are cars available."

Suddenly, Laura turns around, rushes back and throws her arms around Tricia and hugs her tightly. "Thank you for supporting me in this!" Laura whispers. Then, blushing slightly, she turns away and again heads out of the room, calling back, "I'd better hurry. Thanks again. You're such a dear!"

***

Nov-26-2001 9:12 AM Message 243 of 245

Subject: Repose [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 240 ]

Dawn approaches.

Guillaume walks to his room, Ian's lyrical reminder of future uncertainties still echoing in his ears. He cannot blame the bard; he had imposed upon him for one last song, after all.

Nonetheless, it had been a splendid evening. Guillaume had feasted on sweet, young blood. Meanwhile, the Kindred had gained a new and inspiriting addition.

Despite retiring alone, Guillaume takes to his bed content.

***

Nov-28-2001 4:21 PM Message 244 of 245

Subject: End of the Beginning [Belladonna]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 238 ]

"I've not felt this way in..." Uncharacteristically, Dahlia appears momentarily at a loss for the right way to express herself. Her eyes focus upon a distant memory, then she smiles at Belle, and winks. "... too long."

"And I've not felt this way..." Belle responds, playfully echoing Dahlia's words as she presses her body even more tightly against her. "... ever." Then it is Belle's turn to appear uncertain. "And that is, perhaps, too true. I have never loved anyone in the ways that I now love -- and, I am sure, shall love -- you, Dahlia... And I make that statement with each and every connotation and denotation which might be attached to it." Belle looks down and away, blushing.

Dahlia laughs warmly, in immediate appreciation of her meaning. "Oh, my darling, do you not think that I understand that? Remember, before you agreed to join me in this life, I promised I would show and teach you about all kinds of wonderful things..." Dahlia's grin widens and her eyes sparkle. "Not all of them necessarily pertain strictly to being a vampiress."

Dahlia wraps her arms gently around Belle, looks deeply into her eyes, and continues. "We have eternity together, if that's what we want. There will be countless wonders to see, philosophies to discuss, tender moments to share. That's the beauty of immortality; there is no need to rush anything, and plenty of time to learn what you want and need to know." Dahlia gently eases Belle down onto the bed, then lays down next to her, still staring affectionately into her soul. "This night is just the beginning of our story -- the very first page -- there will soon be so much more...."

***

Nov-28-2001 4:46 PM Message 245 of 245

Subject: On to Immortatlity...

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 1 ]

Having brought Belle into the Kindred -- and introduced her to a new and wonderful world -- a significant chapter in Dahlia's long life had come to a satisfying conclusion. The next chapter in Dahlia's marvelous life is entitled The Story Continues.

***