Feb-25-2002 12:51 PM Message 130 of 523

Subject: A new morning

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 129 ]

::The night was relaxing yet restless for her during her first night at the Kiss. Daylight broke through closed curtains sending a line of of bright morning sunlight across the foot of the bed. The light warmed her feet and she slowly started to come out of the haze of her dream world only to find herself in the haze of this reality. She remembered last night clearly, but even that seemed to be like a dream...she'd never had thoughts of that nature before, but Belle had brought something out in her. She remembered her dream as well, and all the thoughts combined started to arouse her. She sat up a bit propping up on one elbow still wearing the red dress from the night before and she felt a wave of wanting passion fall over her....She thought of Guillaume and sighed heavily wishing to see him again, and soon. Her thoughts turned to Belle and then her imagination took over. She pictured herself writhing against Guillaume with Belle watching across the bed and this thought brought a wicked grin across her lips.

She decided to wake up and change into a new outfit for the day. Perhaps she would step outside and inspect around the house...perhaps she could find a companion to join her...perhaps that companion could be Guillaume or Belle. The sexual thoughts for both of them continued in her mind and were strong....tonight, she would be with one of them...come hell or highwater.::

***

Feb-25-2002 6:02 PM Message 131 of 523

Subject: Mounting Frustration [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 129 ]

When Tricia opens her eyes, the steep angle of the sunlight through the windows informs her she has slept into the noon-hour. This does not surprise her, given yesterday's long drive and last night's unsettling interruptions.

She needs a shower, but decides she should check on Laura first. So Tricia pulls the light robe -- meant for Florida -- out of her suitcase and cinches it around her waist, then she steps out into the hallway. She sees Laura on the landing below, looking out a window.

Laura does not turn when she hears Tricia's door open and her friend stop by the railing at the top of the stairs.

"Good morning," Laura calls without moving.

"Good morning," Tricia echos. "I'm sorry I slept so late."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I only got up a little while ago myself. It was a very strange night."

"Yes...." Tricia responds uneasily.

"You know that dream I told you about? That Belle was alive and safe."

"Yes, of course I remember."

"Well I'm not so sure it was a dream." Laura turns to look up at her. "You had better come down and have a look at this yourself. It doesn't make sense."

With Laura standing in front of the sunlit window, it is obvious through the translucence of her thin cotton camisole and skirt that she wears nothing underneath. As Tricia descends the stairs, she studiously tries not to notice Laura's body, even as she glimpses large nipples protruding in the cool spring breeze blowing through the open window.

When Tricia reaches the landing, Laura again kneels on the window seat to peer outside. Tricia joins her and looks down to see a black Miata parked right next to their rented Neon.

"That's Belle's car," Laura tells Tricia.

Tricia shakes her head. "I'm sure that wasn't here when we pulled in last night."

"No. It wasn't. And if you look back, you will see its tire tracks roll over ours." Laura sighs. "I looked all over the house. She's not here, but I did find this under the windshield wiper on Belle's car."

Laura hands Tricia a crumpled sheet of stationary. Tricia reads.

"So you weren't dreaming last night," Tricia concludes. "You did see Belle."

"I guess," Laura shrugs. "But it doesn't make sense. It still feels like a dream. We just said a few words and then I fell back to sleep."

"You were exhausted," Tricia reminds her.

"Sure, but the whole reason we took this crazy drive was to find Belle. I don't care how tired I was, I would not have just laid there and said 'Oh, hi Belle,' and gone back to bed. And where is she now? Why would she leave her car?"

"That note says she doesn't want us knowing that, or trying to follow her."

"I won't accept that, dammit!" Laura practically yells. She spins to face Tricia, and seizes her elbows, pulling Tricia forward to stare at her with frenzied eyes. "Belle's my best friend! I must find her. I couldn't bear to live without her! I mean... I couldn't bear not knowing... Not having... I mean... We have to find her...."

As she rants, Laura continues to pull at Tricia, until their breasts are pressing together and their faces only a few inches apart. They freeze like that for a moment, Laura panting in near hysteria.

Then Laura blinks and laughs uneasily. Her head drops to one side and she rests her forehead on Tricia's right shoulder. When she finally speaks, her words come amid a disquieting mixture of sobs and giggles. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I've felt so very odd these past few days, ever since those dreams about Belle started. And you've been so wonderful and supportive through it all."

She wraps her arms around Tricia and nuzzles her neck as she hugs her warmly. "Thank you, " Laura whispers. "You've been such a good friend and companion."

Laura sits back on the window seat and pulls her legs up underneath herself. Tricia sees she is flushed. The blush starts in her cheeks and continues down both sides of her neck, spreading across her chest and disappearing beneath the scooped neckline of her camisole.

"I just really need to see Belle again," Laura repeats, her breathing audibly deep and steady. Again appearing a little desperate and vulnerable, she looks up at Tricia. "I know classes start again tomorrow, but is there anything I could do to convince you to stay up here with me?"

***

Mar-1-2002 7:51 AM Message 137 of 523

Subject: Reply to Aradia {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 103 ]

She walks silently and cautiously in the forest, careful not to snag her long burgundy cloak or the carpet bag at her side on the grasping branches, also careful to make sure no one can surprise her. She knows what creatures lurk in this wood, and she doesn't need any unwanted attention. She follows an unmarked path that none can see until she reaches a nearly hidden door where she knocks quietly. A man opens the door.

"I'm looking for Aradia, is she here? Oh dear, where are my manners this evening...My name is Virani, I have been informed that I am to find her here."

The man doesn't utter a word but leads her to an empty room. She sets her bag down at her heels and waits for the source of the call she recieved not too long ago.

***

Feb-27-2002 1:00 PM Message 138 of 523

Subject: Initial Greeting {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 137 ]

Aradia wakes to soft knocking on the bedroom door. The silver light filtering between the curtains indicates daybreak is only moments away. She slips out from between satin sheets and pads across the opulent chamber.

She opens the door just a crack and bends to peer out with just one eye. The butler, Briant, stands in the hall.

"The Lady Virani awaits you in the parlor," he announces.

"Thank you, my good man," Aradia replies. "I will attend to it. The sun will soon crest the horizon. You should get to your rest."

"Thank you, Madam. That is most considerate." He bows and turns away.

Aradia shuts the door and goes to the duffle laying on the floor near the window. The top is already partly open, and when she reaches in, a sleek black cat jumps out, then turns blinking at her.

"Sorry to wake you, Artemis, but the first has arrived." Aradia pulls the midnight blue, light cotton dress the cat had been nesting in out of the sack. Mumbling a few words, she pulls the entire length of the dress across her extended left forearm. Its wrinkles disappear; the cat hair falls away.

Artemis mews loudly and Aradia looks up to see her glaring.

"No, I am not being wasteful," Aradia explains. "It is important I look my best as I greet our Sisters, and carrying an iron would be impractical." She pulls the dress over her head, letting it fall arounder her as she pushes her arms through the sleeves. She loosely ties the laces between her breasts, nicely framing the amulet hanging there.

She slips into sandals, runs her fingers through her shoulder length, dark brown hair, and heads out the door, the cat scampering along behind her.

When Aradia enters the parlor, she finds a young woman in a long burgundy cloak standing near the fireplace, examining the various artifacts displayed on the mantel. The woman turns as Aradia approaches. They embrace warmly, trading sincere kisses on both of each others' cheeks.

Aradia then steps back, and examines the new arrival.

"It is nice to see you, Virani." Aradia smiles. "Thank you for answering my call. I see the years have left you no worse for wear."

***

Feb-27-2002 12:56 PM Message 139 of 523

Subject: Goings on

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 138 ]

::Having fully re-freshed herself to face a new day, a shower and washing her hair, she moves to her bags which lie by the door. She feels an adventure into the woods is due today so she slips on a pair of tight blue jeans with the ends frayed from being too long, a tight green lace shirt and her old boots on again. As she's getting dressed, she hears some action outside her door and figures these must be some of the "strays" Dahlia has taken in. She opens her door quietly and peeks out seeing two women. She hides behind the door merely peeking out from behind the heavy oak wood. Her shock of red hair is obvious and does not hide her well, but the women seems to meander off down the hallway anyway. She slips out from her temporary lodging and stays close to the wall watching them and hearing them talk in whispers. She manages to follow them without being detected for the time being.::

***

Mar-1-2002 7:46 AM Message 140 of 523

Subject: Initial Greeting {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 138 ]

"It has been far too long since we last spoke to one another, Aradia. I'm very glad to see you. Speaking of your call, nothing's wrong I hope?" Virani watches Aradia with concern masking her usually expressionless features.

***

Mar-1-2002 11:52 AM Message 142 of 523

Subject: Inkling {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 140 ]

"It has been far too long since we last spoke to one another, Aradia" Virani agrees. "I'm very glad to see you. Speaking of your call, nothing's wrong, I hope."

"No, nothing specific," Aradia concedes. "I just felt a gathering of the Sisterhood was long overdo."

She looks around the large, well-appointed room. A silver tea service sparkles with reflected candlelight on a sideboard near the fireplace. Fait wisps of steam curl out of the spout of the teapot. Aradia wanders over, lifts the lid and inhales... Jasmine!

"There is just so much craziness in the world right now." Aradia carefully fills two small cups as she continues her explanation. "Iconoclasm... Dogmatism... Even a new world war. Remember your history -- like the Seventeenth Century -- we Sisters do not fare well at such times. The masses want their scapegoats, and the leaders are only too happy to find them. The Piscean Age is crumbing around us, and the stresses are everywhere. Even here, in the Sanctuary of the great Lady Dahlia, we are not entirely free of it. Can't you feel it, Sister? The air is thick with it. Something unusual is happening here. The tension around us is inordinately sharp, even for a nest of vampires!"

***

Mar-1-2002 1:28 PM Message 143 of 523

Subject: Listening in

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 142 ]

::She remains away from the women outside the tea room concealed as best she can in the shadows. She listens carefully nodding in agreement as they speak of malcontent in the world. After all, isn't that why she ran away? She keeps her body pressed against the large stone wall and peeks at the women, not ready to walk in their conversation. She catches bits and pieces, but hears them mention Lady Dahlia and the coven of vampires. Vampires?!? She slides down against the wall and sits on the floor. Vampires...vampires. This couldn't be true...vampires don't exist. But it would sure explain a lot...the night hours they keep...the antiques....the unexplainable desire for Belle and Guillaume. Without making any further judgements, she continues from her spot on the floor listening in. Perhaps their conversation will reveal more.::

***

Mar-2-2002 8:55 AM Message 144 of 523

Subject: {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 142 ]

Virani visibly relaxes. "I've noticed all of these things as well. Perhaps we will be the scapegoats once again, but you must remember that this is a much more accepting world than it was then. There's a possibility that we won't be blamed." She gathers a small cup between her hands from and inhales the steam slowly. She stifles a yawn. "Oh dear, pardon me, its been a very long trip. If you don't mind, perhaps we could continue our conversation after I've rested a bit? I must admit thought, I feel like someone's been watching me since I entered this place. Is it only me, or have you felt it as well?"

***

Mar-4-2002 10:50 AM Message 145 of 523

Subject: Observances {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 144 ]

"I feel like someone's been watching me since I entered this place," Virani admits. "Is it only me, or have you felt it as well?"

"Of course," Aradia agrees sympathetically. "We probably have been watched, and may well be under observation right now by someone... or some thing. That is simply the way of things in a Kindred Sanctuary. Such places attract all sorts of strange, even unnatural visitors. That is one reason the company of vampires is so beneficial to us in times of crisis. Their unholiness is a good complement to our natural abilities."

Aradia clacks her tongue and shakes her head at her own biases. "I probably should not have used terms like 'unnatural' or 'unholy.' Remember, Sister, what is 'unnatural' or 'unholy' is often simply in the eye of the beholder. It is perfectly 'natural' that vampires take the blood of their victims, usually to fatal results. And don't forget, there are many -- such as the self-proclaimed 'White Witches' -- who deem the Arts we practice to be 'unholy,' irrespective of the merit of our ends."

Aradia notices Virani suppress another yawn, and sighs. "Of course, we've discussed this many times before, and you need some sleep. The room next to mine is available. I'll show you to it. Then I think I'll stay up. I expect more of the Sisterhood to arrive this day."

***

Mar-4-2002 2:28 PM Message 147 of 523

Subject: To believe or not to believe

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 146 ]

::She peeks her head around the corner from the floor to get a quick glance of the witches. She is quite surprised at how normal they look...being witches and all. The so-called witches of the city always wore black...had black hair, black nails, lipstick...the works... and basically held themselves in contempt of happiness. She never really hung out with those girls, but never gave them a sideways glance either. But these two looked so...clear headed...smart. As they talked about the vampires again, a chill ran down her spine. Why hadn't she seen any the night before? She always thought vampires would be pretty easy to spot. Little did she know what was to be learned. She stood up against the wall and sighed wondering what was going to happen now. Would she even live to see another day?

She slides away from the wall and moves to a doorway which appears to lead into a kitchen area. She slides past ovens, cabinets and other various appliances to a small door which seems to lead outside. She opens the door and squints against the glare of light although it is an overcast day. She wanders away from the house and into the woods nearby with thoughts still astray::

***

Mar-7-2002 9:28 AM Message 150 of 523

Subject: {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 145 ]

Aradia clacks her tongue and shakes her head at her own biases. "I probably should not have used terms like 'unnatural' or 'unholy.' Remember, Sister, what is 'unnatural' or 'unholy' is often simply in the eye of the beholder. It is perfectly 'natural' that vampires take the blood of their victims, usually to fatal results. And don't forget, there are many -- such as the self-proclaimed 'White Witches' -- who deem the Arts we practice to be 'unholy,' irrespective of the merit of our ends."

Aradia notices Virani suppress another yawn, and sighs. "Of course, we've discussed this many times before, and you need some sleep. The room next to mine is available. I'll show you to it. Then I think I'll stay up. I expect more of the Sisterhood to arrive this day."

Virani nods silently in agreement with Aradia's opinions of the 'White Witches.'

She follows Aradia through the corridors and whispers to the woman in front of her, "Who else is supposed to be coming?"

***

Mar-7-2002 9:30 AM Message 151 of 523

Subject: Stay or flee?

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Vampiress_Dahlia [ Message 149 ]

::She looks up to the sky and it almost appears bright to her, even though it is a bit overcast. The trees somehow seem dull here...all the colors reflect a dismal gray color for some reason. Perhaps it is just her state of mind having overheard the witches and all. She bites her lip and looks beyond the walls that make such a grand statement against the woods. There is nothing else she can see...nothing but trees and the sounds of the forest. Could there be a road that lies ahead? A road that takes her to another mansion hidden in these woods? She stands up and follows the steps down into the woods. The old oak leaves crunch loudly under the weight of her heavy boots. There is a bit of a chill in the air, but quite warm enough for her attire. She cautiously steps into the outlying area following around the house. She takes in the magnificent details of the house, the stone walls, the intricate inlays around the windows and doors, but it's the windows that catch her attention. She wonders why all the curtains are shut. You'd think with such a serene view Dahlia would want to keep her curtains wide open for a peaceful view.

After all, if there were vampires in the house, wouldn't they be hidden in coffins in the basement? The modern tales of old vampires she's seen in the movies and on t.v. got the better of her mind. She was fooled by those images and really didn't know the truth. She thinks about Guillaume and Belle again and her mind is overwhelmed with desire....her breathing deepens and she reaches out to the old stone wall near a window. She caresses the stone and closes her eyes. How she longed for their touch again...how desperately she wanted to see them again, but she refuses to interrupt their sleep...after all, she could go on only a few hours herself. She presses herself against the stone and silently weeps to herself...how desperate she must look right now...it's as if she wants the wall to engulf her into the house again.

Suddenly she pushes herself away with tears in her eyes, she turns and runs into the woods, but her steps do not take her far from the house. It's as if a barrier surrounds her from leaving the perimeter of the house. She melts down and falls to her knees in a pile of oak leaves.::

***

Mar-7-2002 11:42 AM Message 152 of 523

Subject: Accommodation {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 150 ]

"I expect more of the Sisterhood to arrive this day," Aradia declares, almost as an afterthought.

"Who else is supposed to be coming?" Virani asks.

"Well, I sent a general summons, but I am not sanguine as to the response." Aradia sighs. "Even as the Goddess reawakens, so many of the Sisterhood stray... Following false ideals... 'New Age' illusions."

Aradia stops and sets her hand on the knob of a heavy, six-paneled, oak door. She shakes her head. "I have no doubt the Twins -- Stardust and Selah -- will arrive soon. Few have kept the faith as ardently as they. And I have no doubts that others will trickle in as circumstances permit. But I am hopeful that at least one more will be here presently. The signs portend it. Then we will have our Pentagram, with all the advantages that spring therefrom. I am uncomfortable in this nest of vampires with any fewer."

Aradia opens the door to reveal a large, opulent chamber, dominated by a huge canopied bed, its four cherrywood posts carved with intertwining dragons. "One advantage the Kindred have over us mortals is the wealth they amass over their countless lifetimes. This is one of the more modest suites. I trust you will find it comfortable."

Aradia steps back to allow Virani access to the bedchamber, then adds, "I am familiar with the ways of Kindred Sanctuary. I know a first visit can be quite... unsettling. If you need anything, anything at all, I'll either be in the parlor awaiting the others, or next door in my bedroom." She leans forward and kisses Virani's cheek. "Blessed be, Sister."

***

Mar-10-2002 7:44 PM Message 158 of 523

Subject: The Choice[Tricia]

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 131 ]

When Laura looks up at Tricia and says,"I know classes start again tomorrow, but is there anything I could do to convince you to stay up here with me?", Tricia feels like her mind is going 100 miles an hour. While she knows that Laura is not into what she is into she seems so desperate and vulnerable, it would be so easy to tell her, that the only way she would stay , is if she could have all night with her in her arms. But , as Tricia cares too much about Laura to take advantage of her that way, finally Tricia says, "All you have to do is be my friend I will stay as long as you need me to Laura. You have become very special to me and I know that I cannot leave you on your own until you find out what happened to Belle. Anything you want to do is your decision not mine." Tricia smiles a tremulous smile and rubs Laura's shoulders gently, then says" But before we do anything I need a shower and Coffee."

***

Mar-11-2002 12:21 AM Message 160 of 523

Subject: Road Trip, part II {Selah & Dusty }

From: azzizs

Reply to: Kamala [ Message 159 ]

They drive for a few hours without speaking, the years apart finally driving a rift between them. A familar tune fills the speakers and Dusty sings along softly, staring out at the trees.

When this old world starts getting me down

And people are just too much for me to take

I climb right up to the top of the stairs

And all my cares just drift right into space

On the roof's the only place I know

Where you just have to wish to make it so

Up on the roof

When I get home feeling tired and beat

I go up where the air is fresh and sweet

I get away from that hustling crowd

And all that ratrace noise down in the street

At night the stars put on a show for free

And darling you can share it all with me

I keep tellin' you that right smack dab in the middle of town

I found a paradise that's trouble-proof

And if this old world starts getting you down

There's room enough for two up on the roof

Up on the roof

"I'm sorry I hurt you Selah. You don't know how much I wish I could take these three years back. I ran away from everything and everyone. I think I'm still running away. I...I don't know how to explain it. You are a part of me Selah, without you around something was missing. But when Jenny died, it...it left this big hole in me. And I couldn't stay. I've spent the last three years trying to fill the hole with anything. Even misery. And I couldn't take you with me on that. I couldn't...Don't be mad at me Lizzie, I'm sorry I left, but there's room enough for two up on the roof. I won't disappear again."

Though she struggles against it, a single tear rolls down Selah's cheek. She hastily brushes it away as she pulls off the road.

"Star� I was hurt by so many things. You leaving. Mom and Dad leaving. Jenny's death." Selah gulps hard, her tears falling more quickly. "I shouldn't�. I shouldn't have said those things. You were hurt as much, if not more, than I was. There has been so much pain� and� I don't want this to continue. It can't continue� I love you Stardust," Selah reaches out, Star meeting her halfway.

Stardust's tears match her sisters, "I love you Selah. More than I can really say."

After a period of time passes, the twins regain their composure. "Want me to take over driving?" Dusty asks.

"Yeah," Selah replies wiping away the last of the tears. "But since we're already stopped, I say we eat. I'm starving."

"Mrs. Woodbury packed us some turkey sandwiches. I'll get them out of the back. What do you want to drink?" Dusty asks.

"I'll have the grape soda, oh and the salt and vinegar chips and... give me some of those Whoppers as well." Thomas chooses that moment to jump on Selah's lap, purring loud enough to be heard miles away. "And Thomas would like some turkey and milk."

"Ok, but you start eating kibble again when we get there again, ya furball." Stardust grabs a Turkey Sandwich, Diet Pepsi, and corn chips for herself. "Here's your food Selah."

After the trio finishes eating, Selah and Star swap seats. Thomas goes back to his napping spot. With Stardust at the wheel, they continue on thier trip.

About a hours later, they enter a woodsy area that Aradia had told them about. They find a spot to hide the car among the woods and set off for the area where the coven is gathering.

"Do you think my car will be safe here?" Dusty asks as her brow furrows in concern.

Selah laughs, "Who out here are you worried about? That squirrel over there?"

"Ok, ok..." Dusty reaches into the car and grabs Selah's bag and hands it to her. Then she takes out her own, locks up the car. "Thomas, get your butt back here! Don't you know that the squirrels out here are bigger than you? And the blackbirds, hell, they can probably carry your scrawny ass off."

Selah laughs at the expression on Thomas's face, she hooks her arm in her twins and says, "Lead on McDuff!"

"You sure my car will be ok?" Dusty asks.

Selah playfully hits her sister, "Yes, the car will be fine!"

Dusty pulls her attention away from her beloved car, "I think I see a path over here. Stay close Thomas. You never know what lurks in these woods..."

Shortly they reach a large wooden door set into a mountain, "Wow! I, uh...guess we're here." Dusty announces as she uses the knocker to announce thier arrival.

They are all relieved when cousin Aradia opens the door and ushers them inside. "It is good to see you cousin." Selah says.

"Thomas, stay close even in the house." Stardust says to her familar. Without using words she lets him know that she doesn't want to see him a Vampire snack.

Once inside the twins take turns giving thier cousin a hug. Selah asks, "Is there a place we can put our things before you fill us in?"

***

Mar-11-2002 11:07 AM Message 161 of 523

Subject: Trinity {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: azzizs [ Message 160 ]

Aradia greets her twin cousins -- Stardust and Selah -- with warm hugs. Having been born the same day as them, she has always felt almost like their triplet sister. Aradia suspects they share some momentous destiny, three being the most fundamental of magical numbers.

"Is there a place we can put our things before you fill us in?" Selah asks.

"Of course." Aradia's joyful relief at their arrival still showing in her smile. "You know that Dahlia is one of the most ancient and powerful of the Kindred. The size and opulence of this mansion is not apparent from outside, hidden I suspect by some illusion, rivaling even your talents, Star."

Aradia moves between her cousins, and locks arms with each of them, guiding each down the foyer. "Virani is here already. I put her in a room next to mine. There is a vacant one on the other side, and several across the hall. I have not yet met Dahlia, but I know enough about her to trust that she will not object to us settling in while she... rests. We will be safe here, even welcome, I suspect. But we are still too few. I am hopeful a fifth will arrive momentarily to at least fill in the Pentagram."

She leads them along a corridor, then stops in an area with several doors -- two closed, the rest ajar. Aradia points. "That's my room, and Virani is sleeping in there. As best I can tell, the rest are all unused. I think Dahila's servant may have put us in our own wing. While it is natural for us to close ranks at times like these, I don't think the Kindred feel any more comfortable around us than we do with them!"

***

Mar-12-2002 4:12 PM Message 162 of 523

Subject: Jealous Confession [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 158 ]

Tricia finishes her shower, dresses and heads downstairs to refill her coffee cup. Coming out of the kitchen, she notices Laura sitting in the diningroom, with an open laptop computer and a crumpled piece of paper on the table in front of her. As Tricia enters the room, Laura's eyes snap open and her hands jerk reflexively up from her lap.

"I was just thinking... wondering... I was just wondering about Belle," Laura explains, her voice cracking hoarsely.

As Laura regains her composure, Tricia takes the opportunity to lean over and peek at the computer screen. She finds only the twisting lines of a screen-saver, suggesting that the computer has gone ignored for some time.

More curious than ever, Tricia sits down across from Laura, and takes a sip of coffee before asking, "What were you... 'wondering'?"

Laura has regained her focus and answers, "Well, I was rereading Belle's note." She takes the sheet of paper and smooths it upon the oak tabletop. "Listen to this: 'I have found someone, and we are going to make a new life together. But it means I can never return to school, to my family, or to my former friends.' Then she writes: 'Please do not try to find me, you won't be able to. Just know that I am happier than I could ever have the chance to be had I stayed.'"

Laura sighs, almost wistfully, then continues, "Isn't that remarkable? She'd been up here less than a week, and must have spent most of it on school work. I was just looking at her computer. Belle usually procrastinates about her homework, but the essay she came up here to write is in there, completed, and it's the best writing I've ever seen her do. But somehow in that time she managed to meet someone, and fall so madly in love with him, that she decided to leave everything behind and run off with him."

Laura leans forward, resting her chin in her hand. An impish smile betraying that her initial concern for Belle has given way to something else.

Laura sighs again. "Isn't it just so romantic? I mean, wouldn't it be wonderful to meet someone so unexpectedly, and be so entirely enraptured that you would give up everything just to make a life together? I have to confess, I envy Belle. I know it's not politically correct, and I probably shouldn't tell you this, but it has always been my private dream to find someone who would make me want to utterly surrender myself... someone who could find me, take me and sweep my off my feet."

***

Mar-12-2002 11:17 PM Message 163 of 523

Subject: Settling In {Stardust & Selah}

From: azzizs

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 161 ]

"It is so good to see you again, Cousin." Stardust says to Aradia.

Stardust proceeds to check out a room across the hall from Aradia's room. "Hey, this one looks fine to me. Course anything would look fine to me after two days on the road...What do you think, Selah?"

"As long as it has a bed it's perfect."

"This one has a bed!" Star throws her bags on the floor and plops down on the bed. "Ah, yes. Bed..."

Thomas enters Stardust's room and sniffs around. He goes thru a doorway connecting Star's room to a neighboring room.

"Think this will work, Thomas?" Selah asked the feline as he toured the room.

He disappeared quickly into the open armoire, emerging moments later with what Selah could only classify as a smirk. With a barely perceivable nod of approval, he brushed past her leg then returned to Star's room.

"I take that as a 'yes'," Selah called out over her shoulder with a grin as she placed her bag beside the opulent bed.

Stretching her arms high over her head, she glanced briefly towards the door than back to the bed. Both were inviting in their own way and she stood motionless in the middle of room for several minutes, but eventually her curiousity won out and she left to look for Aradia and a quick tour of the mansion.

Thomas leaps up on the Star's bed to find his owner fast asleep. He nudges her a few times and gets no response. Not tired, he goes off in search of Selah and discovery.

***

Mar-15-2002 10:51 AM Message 166 of 523

Subject: Surviving the worst

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 165 ]

::The day was nearing afternoon and she looked up to the tree tops. She was still kneeling in a bed of leaves as the forest kept her protected from the sun which had just recently burst through the clouds. She slowly rose and felt shaky and weak. How long had she been sitting there staring at the ground? She leaned against a solid oak and took deep ragged breaths. She had been there for hours as the goings on in the house had past her by. She felt herself needing some food...needing some water. Her lips her dry and parched...her want of the night to come was desperate.

With slow and dragging steps, she followed the disturbed earth back to the door which led her here in the first place. She kept wondering to herself what was happening? Why was she feeling so weak suddenly? Perhaps it was the fresh air re-filling her lungs with much needed health away from the soot and pollution of the city. Once in the kitchen, she easily found a glass near the sink and filled it....she drank every last drop of the cool refreshing water and it seemed...clean. The water here was unusually fresh, almost sweet. The liquid calmed her inside and she grabbed an apple as she decided to take an afternoon rest in her room.

Her steps were lethargic, lengthy and it felt as if she was weighted by some paranormal desire for this day to end. Once upstairs, she closed the door to her room, almost slamming it. She took bites of the apple while digging through her bag for a much needed cigarette. She did not see any ashtrays, so she merely lit up and used a small bowl by the sink to flick the ashes. She smoke billowed from the stick and she looked into the mirror at the circles under her eyes::

"Girl...what the hell is happening to you?" ::Spoken to herself in hushed tones::

***

Mar-16-2002 2:31 PM Message 167 of 523

Subject: More Curious than ever[Tricia]

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 162 ]

Tricia ponders all that Laura has said while holding her coffee cup tightly and sipping its sweet nectar like the essence of a lover. Looking at Laura, she sees wistfulness and something more. Tricia has even more trouble fighting her feelings. She decides to keep the table between her and Laura when responding. "I think it very romantic for you to think that way. Personally I want to be the one to do the sweeping off ones feet for that special someone." Tricia smiles and says, so what do you want to do now?"

***

Mar-17-2002 10:09 AM Message 168 of 523

Subject: Anxious {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: azzizs [ Message 163 ]

Leaving her twin cousins -- Stardust and Selah -- to settle in and get some rest, Aradia returns to the parlor. Portends had suggested that at least one more member of their Sisterhood should arrive today, and Aradia hopes they prove true. Then they will number five -- one Sister for each apex of the Pentacle -- thereby greatly increasing their power. Nightfall approaches, and Sanctuary or not, she wants the Coven as strong as possible before the Vampires awake.

***

Mar-18-2002 10:53 PM Message 169 of 523

Subject: After Effects {Stardust}

From: azzizs

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 168 ]

Stardust awakes to find herself fully clothed on the top of a unfamilar bed. She sits up and clears her head. "Oh yeah, right, we're at the Sanctuary Aradia found." She sees the door to Selah's room is still open and so is her door to the hallway. Thomas is nowhere around.

Her head feels fuzzy and her body achey like she had too much to drink. But she remembers that she hasn't had any alcohol since the party. Feeling a bit down at the memory, she drags her hand thru the air to create a stardust trail. A move that is so natural to her that it is second nature. But the resulting trail is less than spectacular and puzzles the young witch. She thinks for a moment, "Of course! That must be why I didn't see thru the illusions outside. There must be some kind of dampening field in place!" She feels a surge of adrenalyn at the discovery, but then some apprehension at the ramifications of such a thing.

Stardust's magical ability manifested itself fairly early in her life. When she around six years of age, she started to be able to see thru illusions. And she was able to see energy auras around certain things. While on a trip to Disneyland with her parents and sister, it unfortunately it turned out that the "Magical Kingdom" was somewhat less than "Magical"... It was later in life that she actually learned to cast illusions. When she was around 12, she was surprised by a very territorial dog, that scared the young girl. Without even really thinking she conjoured the biggest monster she could think of and sent the dog back to it's house with it's tail between it's legs. With help from her sister and Aradia they found out more about her abilities. Between the three of them they figured out that by the way Stardust's powers worked she was directly affecting the minds of those who saw her illusions. With a lot of concentration, she was capable of a mild form of telepathy. But the telepathy took a lot of energy and concentration from Star, not the young woman's strongpoint, so she mainly stuck to simple illusions and parlor tricks. Like her stardust trail...

"I have to find the others and tell them about this dampening field." She gets up for the bed and her resulting dizziness almost makes her fall over. She sits back down. "Damn! What the hell is wrong with me!" Last night...

The previous nights activities come flooding back to her. It's not a dampening field at all. Last night Star had far surpassed anything she had ever attempted to do before. In her effort to bring back Jenny, she had used more magic than she even thought possible. The resulting failure had left her so drained that without Mrs. Woodbury showing up, she would not have been able to make it back to the house by herself. As a result of that power expenditure, she still feels drained. "Damn...Damn...Damn!" she puts her head in her hands.

After a period of time, she decides to take a shower. She realizes with a start that she hasn't had a shower in the last two days. She takes her time, letting the water wash over her. In a way, it feels cleansing on many levels and she enjoys the warmth of the water. After a long time she emerges from the bathroom wrapped in a robe.

She pulls some clean clothes from her bag and her hand lingers on the package Carol gave her. She touches it with a mixture of fondness and regret. She breaks off from the memory and finishes dressing.

She finds Selah and Aradia sitting at a table in the kitchen, chatting over cups of tea. "Hi." Star says a bit sheepishly and takes a seat next to her sister. Thomas stands up in Selah's lap and stretches. He then nonchalantly crosses over to Stardust's lap and curls up to resume his nap. "Sorry, I fell asleep. What's up?"

***

Mar-19-2002 5:04 PM Message 170 of 523

Subject: Trying to Focus [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 167 ]

"I think it very romantic for you to think that way," Tricia responds to Laura's confession that she fantasizes about surrendering herself to some lover who would find her, take her, and make her his own. "Personally, I want to be the one to do the sweeping off one's feet for that special someone," Tricia concludes with a smile.

Something in Tricia's voice -- its confident strength -- sends a little thrill down Laura's back that settles tingling at the base of her spine. Over the past couple days, Laura has noticed little mannerisms in Tricia that has caused her to suspect that Tricia may be interested in more than mere friendship. Laura has done her best to make sure Tricia understands her own preferences do not include women. But suddenly, Laura finds herself wondering -- and picturing quite vividly -- what it might be like to give herself to Tricia, to find out what one woman can do for another....

What is wrong with me today?! Laura asks herself. It actually started last night, after that strange dream about being seduced by a viperous demon. She awoke feeling hornier than she had ever before in her life. Despite several determined attempts to overcome that distraction, the feeling has persisted ever since.

So, Laura does not -- cannot -- share the first thought that comes to mind when Tricia asks, "So what do you want to do now?"

Instead, she pauses, her chin still lazily resting in her hand, her eyes casually focused on Tricia's face, as she secretly struggles to suppress the sybaritic images filling her mind.

Taking a calming breath, Laura answers. "Well, the day is wasting away, and we're still no closer to figuring out what has become of Belle." Again, a vision of her best friend lost in insatiable passion with some mysterious lover momentarily overwhelms Laura's psyche. Closing her eyes, she exhales shakily before concluding. "I would really like to see her again. Do you have any ideas on what we might do to figure out where she has gone?"

***

Mar-20-2002 10:28 AM Message 171 of 523

Subject: Enumeration {Aradia}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: azzizs [ Message 169 ]

"Hi," Stardust says simply as she enters the manor's large kitchen, finding her sister Selah and cousin Aradia sitting together over afternoon tea. She joins them at the table, automatically sitting next to her twin. "Sorry, I fell asleep. What's up?"

"I was just telling Selah that in the same dream that inspired me to call a Gathering in Sanctuary," Aradia explains. "I'd also dreamt there would be five of us at first.... To fill our Pentacle and make sure we could stand up to the Kindred... if the need arose."

Aradia looks wistfully out the doorway leading to the entrance foyer. She sips her tea before continuing. "It will soon be sunset. I suppose I should go and rouse Virani. Four is really no more powerful than Three, of course... But I think it best if we are all together when the vampires awake."

***

Mar-20-2002 11:58 AM Message 172 of 523

Subject: Still restless

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 171 ]

::A wistful sigh escaped her lips as she woke from her afternoon nap. It was long...a few hours perhaps, but only felt like a few minutes. She was tired...anxious, and in desperate need of satisfaction for her cravings. The only ones that could satisfy her were Guillaume, and Belle to a certain degree. She sat up and moaned not wishing to rise from slumber, but her body demanded that she get up. The sun was almost completely gone at this point with just a mere sliver of red and gold cutting through the horizon. She slowly pulled herself from the sheets and decided to bathe again. This was indeed a hard journey, not just physically but more mentally instead. She drew the hot bath water and stepped in letting waves of soft water caress her skin. She knew that whatever was to happen to her this night, it would completely seal her fate and perhaps become her future. But what did Guillaume have in mind? As she pondered these thoughts, several minutes went by and her bath was coming to a close.

Out of the water she came, and to the closets she went. A black mini dress was in order for this night and she dug through her bags to pull it out. After all, this dress made her feel sexy and she wanted to be as desirable to Guillaume as possible. She dressed herself in the tight velvet dress...long sleeves with a high neck that displayed her curves endlessly. She sat on the edge of the bed to slip on her underwear and looked into the mirror across from her. She thought of Guillaume and parted her legs only slightly drawing a soft sigh. She watched herself but imagined Guillaume standing in front of her, partaking of what sexuality she had to offer. This aroused her and she dropped the underwear on the floor deciding not to wear them. Her arousal continued as she reluctantly put on a pair of thick heeled boots. She rocked gently back and forth against the bed as she laced up her boots looking for any kind of satisfaction. Instead of manual gratification, she enjoyed the tease of her own mind. Good things come to those who wait...right?

Off she went downstairs to meet her destiny, careful not to show her desire or desperation to those who might see her::

***

Mar-21-2002 12:07 PM Message 173 of 523

Subject: Wandering thoughts...........{Tricia}

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 170 ]

Tricia cannot help noticing the way that Laura pauses before answering her question, "So what do you want to do now?" After she does answer, "Well, the day is wasting away, and we're still no closer to figuring out what has become of Belle." Tricia hears the wistfulness and sensualness of Laura's voice and starts to walk around the table behind her. When Laura then says, "I would really like to see her again. Do you have any ideas on what we might do to figure out where she has gone?" , all Tricia can think of to do is to gently caress Laura's shoulders from behind her and lean her chin on Laura's head. "Well we could try to look to see if we might pick up something on the road but it is getting close to twilight now and I think you still need to get your head together. Maybe we can make a list of things, perhaps first, looking at when the timestamp is on the saved paper and then we can figure out from there when she might have met this mystery person." When Tricia feels Laura shiver in response to her touch she presses a sweet kiss to the left side of Laura's mouth unconsciously, and says quickly, "Perhaps the situation will be clearer in the morning��"her voice dropping off as she realizes what she just did, Tricia does not move a muscle, awaiting Laura's reaction.

***

Mar-21-2002 2:41 PM Message 174 of 523

Subject: A Confession {Stardust, Selah, Aradia}

From: azzizs

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 171 ]

Aradia looks wistfully out the doorway leading to the entrance foyer. She sips her tea before continuing. "It will soon be sunset. I suppose I should go and rouse Virani. Four is really no more powerful than Three, of course... But I think it best if we are all together when the vampires awake."

There is a brief period of silence after Aradia speaks. Stardust absently pets Thomas as the words sink in. Power... She looks down at the hand that is causing her familar to purr. The hand that is usually capable of great feats of magic, but now cannot even sustain a stardust trail. It isn't right to keep this information from her cousin and her sister. Without looking up from petting Thomas, unable to meet her relative's eyes, she quietly says, "I don't think I can be much help tonight...cousin."

Star can feel their eyes on her. She continues focusing on petting Thomas and is still unable to meet thier eyes. Stardust continues, "Last night I expended a great deal of energy and...and my magic doesn't...doesn't seem to work today..."

"What happened?" Aradia asks. Suddenly aware that she has never seen her cousin this subdued. Had it really been three years since the three had been together?

"Last night I couldn't sleep," Star pauses. "So I took a walk and I ended up at the graveyard and..." The young witch has trouble continuing.

"What were you doing... oh," Selah gives Star a knowing glance before clearing her throat then continuing. "Has this happened before?"

"No. I've never used this much magic. I mean, my powers don't really do anything. I can make light shows, pretty displays. But...Last night...I...I tried to..." Stardust's voice cracks, "I tried to bring her back...I tried to resurrect Jenny. I used everything that I had," Star ends. Very softly she adds, "Some I didn't realize I had..."

***

Mar-22-2002 5:28 PM Message 175 of 523

Subject: Resisting Temptation [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: goddessT [ Message 173 ]

Laura struggles to resume breathing. The alluring tingle of Tricia's kiss still frolics across the corner of her mouth, the pleasure drifting down her body like gently falling confetti, accentuating the yearning emptiness between her thighs.

Tricia's lips remain close enough to Laura's left ear to send a warm thrill down Laura's spine when Tricia whispers, "Perhaps the situation will be clearer in the morning...." Laura finds herself uncertain if Tricia still refers to the mystery regarding Belle, or if she means the situation between themselves.

Laura had already suspected that Tricia wants to move their relationship beyond simple friendship. Now she feels more certain than ever. While one friend might comfort another with a kiss on the cheek, Tricia had pressed her lips Laura's -- well, at least partially so...

For a moment, Laura considers trying to resume the kiss. I would feel so nice, and would determine once and for all Tricia's true nature and intentions. Then, if Laura's suspicions proved true, perhaps she could find with Tricia relief from her intense but unfocussed desires, against which Laura has been struggling all day.

Laura shudders and shakes her head. What am I thinking? she asks herself. I'm NOT a lesbian! She realizes, after all, that Tricia probably is not either. Sure, her kiss had brushed the edge of Laura's mouth, but Tricia was leaning around from behind. No doubt she simply intended a friendly buss on the cheek, and just touched a bit of Laura's lips accidentally.

Laura is relieved she did not embarrass herself by reacting -- one way or the other -- to what she had misperceived as Tricia's advances. Laura remembers that in two of the many odd dreams she has had over the past several nights, she has dreamt of being seduced by feminine demons. Laura decides that in ascribing romantic intent to Tricia's innocent actions, she was simply transferring her reaction to those dreams onto Tricia. She is sure, however, that all her dreams actually relate somehow to her anxiety about Belle.

It happens again. Since last night, every time Laura considers Belle's disappearance, an image of her best friend in the violent throes of unbridled passion thrusts itself into Laura's mind, filling her head with irresistibly erotic images. Laura's eyes flutter closed and she moans softly. Then, realizing that Tricia is still there, massaging her shoulders, Laura forces herself to ignore the yearning building up inside of her.

Moving with slow deliberation, she removes her glasses and sets them on the table in front of her, hoping this ordinary act will help her regain control.

Staring straight ahead, being careful to keep her voice even, she finally feels ready to respond to Tricia's ideas.

"I think you are right," Laura says. "I guess we should wait until morning before we do any investigating. I think that long car ride affected me more than I expected. I'm just finding it impossible to concentrate today. I'll be better after a good night's sleep."

A breathy sigh involuntarily escapes Laura's throat. She quickly adds, "I'll stay in Belle's room again; you can keep the master bedroom. I think we should retire early. Then we can start tomorrow fully rested and alert. I'm sure a full night of sleep is all I need."

***