Mar-22-2002 7:39 AM Message 176 of 523

Subject: As night falls

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Narcissa_ [ Message 172 ]

::she makes her way slowly downstairs, her thoughts wandering from one existence to another. In a way she kind of misses the city...the people, the noise...especially the noise. It is so quiet out here in the woods. She never knew a place could be so quiet...all the time. She looks around from room to room and finds herself a bit famished and the kitchen sounds like a good place to be right now. She hasn't seen any servants, and decides to grab a bite to eat before anyone wakes up or finds her wandering around the house. She approaches the kitchen and hears voices....perhaps these are the witches from earlier? She enters the kitchen and tosses back her long red locks seeing the women gathered at a table. Now her presence is known and quite clear to the women whom she was trailing earlier. She stops at the counter as all eyes turn to her....their conversation comes to a screeching halt as well. She clears her throat and musters up an introduction.::

"Um...Hi. I'm Narcissa. I uh...was a bit hungry....so I thought I'd raid the fridge."

::Her voice detects she is certainly not from around here and the fact she is hungry for real food indicates she is certainly not vampire. She knows she interrupted some conversation, but really doesn't care as her stomach grumbles.::

"You guys don't mind do you? Is anyone else hungry?"

***

Mar-22-2002 10:27 AM Message 177 of 523

Subject: Reflections {Aradia, w/Stardust, Selah & Narcissa}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: azzizs [ Message 174 ]

Aradia finds herself at a loss for a reaction to Stardust's admission to having attempted to resurrect Jenny. She certainly understands the impulse, but is surprised that even her refractory cousin would act so audaciously... and so recklessly.

Even magic must obey the fundamental laws of Creation. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Power cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed. In trying to return life to Jenny, Stardust imperilled her own.

Not that Aradia would ever presume to judge her cousin. Aradia is -- at best -- first among equals in the Sisterhood. To whatever degree the Covens look to her for leadership, it is based somewhat on her personality, with its particular penchant toward organization, but primarily on Aradia's peculiar knack for anticipating problems and opportunities.

Lately, she's seen only problems. She wonders if Stardust's rash act is another manifestation of the threatening extremism that has gripped the world. Aradia suspects Stardust never stopped to consider the Sisterhood's most basic Creed: "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will."

Of course, it is not an ironclad rule. At times, one Harm must be balanced against another, either for self-preservation, or for the sake of the greater good. Aradia wonders how Stardust's attempt falls within the Creed. Could she have harmed Jenny? There is almost certainly no way to know.

By definition, the living cannot know of the Afterlife. Its reality is beyond comprehension. On those infrequent occasions where contact is made with the Departed, only knowledge of this world is revealed. In the few, even rarer, reported events of someone actually returning -- of which Aradia has only read old stories -- their recollection of the Afterlife is gone. It worries Aradia to remember that in the Chronicles of those who have apparently crossed back voluntarily, they have usually done so for an evil purpose. It seems the virtuous -- and Jenny would certainly count among them -- have little desire to return.

So Aradia hopes that Stardust will consider the ramifications of what she attempted. Perhaps a full Coven would have the necessary power to succeed, and if Stardust asked, she would be hard to refuse.

Aradia sighs, acknowledging silently that the Sisterhood does look to her as a leader, and with that honor comes certain responsibilities. Sometimes, the only way to lead is to suggest the right path for others to follow. She need not lecture Stardust on the Creed; and to do so would only offend her cousin. Most of it does not apply here anyway. Aradia realizes, however, that the final four lines of that long, sacred poem are perfect to set Stardust's deed in its full context.

The silence following Stardust's confession is broken by Aradia's soft recitation:

"Be true in love; This you must do

"Unless your love is false to you.

"These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"'An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.'"

Stardust's eyes widen slightly, and it looks like she is about to reply when they are interrupted by someone clearing her throat in the doorway. Aradia turns, expecting to see Virani, but is surprised to see a women she has never before met.

"Um... Hi. I'm Narcissa," she says. "I... uh... was a bit hungry.... So I thought I'd raid the fridge."

She is not part of the Sisterhood; Aradia would know if she were. Obviously, she is not Kindred. While their hunger is legendary, their sustenance is not found in refrigerators. Dahlia must keep this kitchen as a courtesy for visitors such as herself and the Sisterhood.

Aradia takes a calming breath and OBSERVES the woman. She is young, vivacious and -- despite the black minidress clinging to her firm but curvaceous body -- wholly innocent, at least as such things are judged in these environs. But how could a simple mortal be wandering this manor?

"You guys don't mind, do you?" Narcissa asks. "Is anyone else hungry?"

"Of course we don't mind," Aradia replies. She stands. She wants to touch the woman, to confirm a horrendous suspicion. "I'm Aradia, and these are my cousins, Selah and Star. It is a pleasure to meet you." Aradia offers her hand, and Narcissa takes it, shaking it casually.

Aradia's knees almost buckle when her hand joins Narcissa's. Violent images -- some sanguinary, some erotic, some both -- explode into her consciousness. She reaches back with her left hand to grab the back of her chair and steady herself.

Aradia does not need her elusive gift of Premonition to know the poor girl's fate is already sealed. Narcissa has been bitten by a Vampire. One of three futures awaits her: death, madness, or the eternal night of the Kindred. Of course, there is a spell that would save her, and with Selah and Stardust completing a Triad, the necessary Ritual could be easily performed....

But that is not an option. For countless centuries the Sisterhood, the Kindred, and many other Followers of the Old Ways, have shared an unspoken agreement: to never interfere with the affairs of the others. Only through this passive alliance could they survive against the constant efforts of so-called "Civilization" to deny and destroy them. According to the Chronicles, the last time that tacit bargain was violated, at least on this Continent, was over three centuries ago, at Salem.

It is not Aradia's place to decide Narcissa's future. Aradia reminds herself that what has happened to Narcissa is only a natural part of the Kindred way. Indeed, for Aradia to interfere would be an act of Harm against whatever Vampire had chosen Narcissa to receive his or her bite.

Although it is, to Aradia at least, an odd application of the Creed, she withdraws her hand from Narcissa's, resolute to say nothing... to NOT interfere with the woman's fate. As she unsteadily returns to her seat, Aradia repeats silently: "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will."

***

Mar-23-2002 3:37 PM Message 178 of 523

Subject: A condition unknown

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 177 ]

::She takes Aradia's hand gladly and offers the women a smile::

"A pleasure to meet all of you...I have to say...I've got some...

::As quickly as she starts to ask, she notes Aradia buckling beside her. She rushes to help the woman offering her assistance to her seat::

"Are you alright? Do you need some water?"

::She wonders if perhaps Aradia sensed something about her that she didn;'t want anyone to know. Of course, she has no idea that she was even bitten by a vampire, but she knows something is different today. She looks at Selah and Star hoping for a quick explaination, but knowing she probably won't get any.::

***

Mar-23-2002 4:49 PM Message 179 of 523

Subject: The Long Travelled

From: alexis_lee

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 24 ]

"Travelling to get this, god what is this" Shannon mumbles to her lost in a form of sickness. "Why did I come". Looking out the window of one of the creeps she hitched lifts with, the car stopped and she got out. She started walking, the pull dragging her.

She was only a young girl, 18 years young, but what she feels was an ancient desire, a feeling given, but not taken away. But she doesn't know, understand.

Night raising as were her fears, but the pull stronger than ever, it pulled her across the world, she tried to work out what cause, what thing made her feel crazy inside.

She could only think of one thing, a short time before this pull, this longing, this madness began, was a trip, another of her rich bitch trips, her memory putting it together slowly, remember what happened. She remembers a guy, but isn't there always a guy that messes things up. She remembers something happen, but not what.

Shannon looked though the think trees and she saw the outline of an old house, she thought how it looked like something out of a 30's horror movie, its then she knew she was being pulled there.

Around 20 minutes later she was close, she had worked her way though the trees, and was now by the door, but fear was making it hard for her, for her even to breath. Her backpack carrying everything she owns weighs her down. She slowly sits pulling her back off her, leaning on the house, trying to work out what to do, it seemed the pull was less somehow which was good. Shutting her green eyes for a few minutes she felt better, calmer.

***

Mar-23-2002 9:29 PM Message 180 of 523

Subject: Running Interference - {Dusty} (for Azzizs)

From: Kamala

Reply to: Narcissa_ [ Message 178 ]

When Aradia begins to buckle, Star exchanges a look of concern with her sister Selah. Quickly Stardust rises from her seat and goes to help Aradia in the young woman's place. "Here, let me help you." She says taking Aradia from the stranger's grasp. "You'll have to excuse my cousin here, she sometimes suffers from low blood sugar. Could you get her a glass of juice from the fridge?"

Star then helps Aradia to a seat, even though Aradia doesn't really need the help. Both Star and her sister recognize when their cousin has premonitions. And this one seemed to be particularly nasty.

As she is sitting her cousin down, Star whispers in her ear. "I'm sorry. I didn't think..." She breaks off as the young woman comes to the table with a glass of juice for her cousin.

"Thank you." Aradia says to the young woman, careful not to make contact with the woman's hand. Keeping her voice neutral, she says, "I'll be alright."

***

Mar-24-2002 8:45 AM Message 181 of 523

Subject: Discovery {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Iethro_Tullius [ Message 24 ]

Virani awakens in the room designated to be hers after a brief nap. She sits up and looks over to her bag, its opened. {Oh shit} she thinks {the cats outta the bag, or rat in this case}. "Ad, where did you go?" She searches the bag, tossing her clothes and personal items on the bed. Not finding him, she goes thru every corner and drawer in the room. She sighs and starts putting her clothes neatly away in a dresser when Adrian jumps on her lap and glares at her. "What are you doing?" He just lookes at her. "I know, I know, I'm sorry, but I was just so tired from the trip, and I knew you could get yourself out if you really wanted to. Please don't be mad." Adrian's gaze softens ever so slightly and Virani smiles and hugs the little black and white rodent. After she's done putting her stuff away, she stands up and looks at him. "I'm going to check out my surroundings. You comin' with?" He slightly declines his head and curls up on the pillow. "Alright, suit yourself." With that, she slips her cloak around her shoulders and exits the room, making sure to close the door firmly behind her. Virani walks up and down long corridors glancing at the decor as she passes. Before she knows it, she's at the front door, she ponders this for a second and decides it couldn't hurt so she pulls open the door and walks outside. As she turns to shut the door behind her, she notices a figure covered with a black jacket of some sort and jeans. She closes the door and walks over, curious to find who this person is. As she gets closer she notices littler features that she couldn't quite see from the door, her firey hair and her long, slender arms, one of which is bare. Virani reaches out to pull the jacket gently over the girl's bare arm. She's very curious but the girl does not look well. She's debating what to do; should she take the girl in and wait till she wakes, or should she wait for the girl to awaken here to get a few answers? She doesn't know Dahlia's preferences about this so she sits beside the girl and waits.

***

Mar-24-2002 9:52 PM Message 182 of 523

Subject: Running Away - {Stardust w/Selah}

From: azzizs

Reply to: Kamala [ Message 180 ]

With all of the emotions in the kitchen and the prevailing feeling of dread, Star feels claustrophobic. For a few moments she shifts in her seat and then Stardust stands suddenly, tossing Thomas from her lap. The surprised kitty cat shakes his head, hisses briefly for effect and huffs off towards the bedrooms. Star announces to those present, "I have to go out to the car and get some stuff."

"Wait! Star!" Selah jumped from the chair, her fingers wrapping around her sister's wrist. Stardust was going to retreat again and Selah would not allow that to happen. Raw pain shown through Dusty's emerald eyes and Selah's heart went out for the woman who faced the harsh realities of living alone after the death of a true love.

"Do you want some company?" Selah asked, a small smile of understanding on her lips.

Star hesitates. She looks deep in her twin's eyes and knows that she understands. She then looks at her cousin, then at the woman who has joined them in the kitchen. Narcissa is her name. Stardust feels a sharp pain when she looks at the girl. Looking in Aradia's eyes she knows the girl's fate is sealed. The urge to flee is once again great. She squeezes her sister's hand. "I'll just be a minute...I...I'll be right back..."

Without waiting for a reply, Star heads for the front door. Quickly she is outside and takes a deep breath of fresh air. The sun is quickly fading as she walks towards the car not noticing Virini and the young girl. Without natural auras the world has a much different feel than Star was used too. . The dimming light adds to Star's growing disorientation and agitation. I didn't think... *Did I really say that? g-ds I am getting lame...* Stardust thinks to herself. Of course YOU didn't think! Her mother's words haunt her and sting anew. YOU never think! I didn't mean it! I don't know! Everything that comes out of your mouth is a excuse! You have such potential Stardust! Your IQ scores are off the chart, but g-d forbid you actually use your brain! THINK, STAR, THINK!?

By time Star reaches the car, she is out of breath. She puts her head on the hood trying to push back the voices. Think...failure...disappointment... With shaking hands she unlocks the car and sits in the drivers seat. Drive...Run away...Leave... Star turns and looks in the back seat for her earlier liquor purchase. She finds a bottle of Tequila and quickly opens it and takes a long drag on the bottle. "Jose Cuervo, you are a friend of mine!" she sings as the familiar warmth of the alcohol takes the place of the voices in her head. She gathers the remaining bags together to take them back to the mansion. Drive...Run away...Leave... "Arrrrgh!" She puts her hands to her head. The temptation to flee is strong. Running away was familiar to Star. In times of stress she tended to withdraw. One way or another...

"Stupid, stupid, stupid...I should have let Selah come with me!"

Selah... "I promised her...I can't disappoint her." She sees the tortured look in her sister's eyes as they confronted what happened by the side of the road. "I can't do that to her again...no, I can't" Star gets out of the car, removes the bags, then locks the door. Drive...Run away...Leave...You can be hundreds of miles away by morning. No baggage, no one knows who you are... She again sees her sister's eyes, but this time the understanding reassurance from the kitchen. She wishes her sister was with her now, to help calm the voices in her head. "SHUT UP!" Stardust yells at the coming night. "SHUT UP!" Frustrated by the desire to flee and start over, she throws her car keys into the forest. "JUST shut up! Please shut up..." She tries to create a stardust trail to calm herself, only to be disappointed. Her magic's truly gone... It's gone...Do ye no harm...Is it gone for good? Did I...Did I harm myself? She looks at her hand like it is a three-eyed monster. In frustration she pounds her traitorist fist into the nearest tree. "OWWWWW! DAMN IT ALL!" The tree unquestionably wins. "SON OF A..." Star pulls back her hand, the pain is intense. "Damn, Damn, Damn..." She kneels by the tree as the pain dims slightly.

Unsure if she broke any bones, she gingerly examines her hand. On the right side of her hand, there is a gash from a piece of the tree's bark. She can feel several splinters still in her hand. She tries to remove them, but stops at the accompanying pain increases exponentially.

Star makes a heart-hearted attempt to find her keys among the forest's leafy floor. But the dimming light makes any attempt futile. She returns to the car, takes another swig of tequila. She then grabs the bags with her good hand and heads back towards the mansion. Selah... Stardust sighs, "I better return...before I do more harm to myself..."

She arrives back at the Mansion and quietly goes to her room, hoping to avoid any attention.

***

Mar-25-2002 9:17 AM Message 183 of 523

Subject: Deviations {Aradia w/Selah & Narcissa}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: azzizs [ Message 182 ]

Aradia sits quietly, trying to drive from her mind the violent, yet compellingly erotic, images of Narcissa's immediate past and future. She is only vaguely aware of the conversation between Stardust and Selah, although she recognizes Star's desperate desire to flee. At the moment, Aradia finds herself in uncharacteristic sympathy with her cousin's attitude.

Stardust leaves, and Aradia knows she is again the focus of Selah's concerned attention. Aradia just needs a little time to adjust to the impressions her contact with Narcissa has left on her consciousness -- to sort future possibilities from past memories, and then to untangle Narcissa's memories from her own.

Aradia stands, her eyes fixed on the door.

"Please excuse me," she says to no one in particular. "If you don't mind, I think I should go and check on Virani."

***

Mar-25-2002 10:39 AM Message 184 of 523

Subject: Left alone

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 183 ]

::she finds herself suddenly alone in the kitchen wondering what the hell just happened. The witches were obviously spooked by something, and she has a strong suspicious that 'something' was her. She can't possibly fathom what she did to spook them however and wonders if it is perhaps her appearance or manners that did them in. She shrugs off the sudden departure and turns back to the fridge to hunt down a meal.::

"Damn those witches are skittish."

::She focuses on making herself a quick sandwich having found some turkey and bread. She doesn't realize how hungry she really is until she bites into the fresh bread. She grabs a glass of water along with the sandwich and makes her way into a dining area. There is a long oak table with many chairs....meant for large dinner parties she assumes. The table is quite dusty however and she finds several cobwebs between chairs. To her, the conditions could be worse and she sits at the very end as if declaring herself the head of the table. The water leaves a damp ring in the dust and the light has faded from the room leaving her in a dim room with nothing more than firelight. She eats slowly and takes in the appearance of the relics on the walls wondering the story behind each.::

***

Mar-25-2002 9:30 PM Message 185 of 523

Subject: {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Narcissa_ [ Message 184 ]

Virani watches as Star runs off to what she assumes is her car. She calls her name but Star is already in the car by the time she does. Virani sighs and decides to take the girl inside. She gently lifts the girl up, using as little magic as possible to help her, and takes her inside and up to her room. She lays the girl on her bed then retreats again to find Aradia and Selah to find out what's going on.

She walks around hopelessly lost , suddenly she sees Aradia standing in the middle of the hall. "Aradia! What's going on? Where's Stardust gone? My goodness, dear, you look like you've been having a..." She pauses in midsentence and looks around them, she can't see anyone but that doesn't mean they're alone. "Is everything alright?"

Mar-26-2002 7:52 AM Message 186 of 523

Subject: Reawakening [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 124 ]

Guillaume's eyes snap open as the last sliver of the Sun's bright arc falls below the horizon.

He draws a long, deep breath, filling his sinuses with the scent of fresh human blood. Guillaume cannot help noticing that it is all female, and quickly also detects in the air the smallest traces of certain herbs and incense, confirming his suspicion: WITCHES.

So!, he thinks in satisfaction. I am not the only one disturbed by the trends of this "modern" world. Only the perception of crisis would bring members of the Eternal Sisterhood to a Sanctuary such as Dahlia's Crimson Kiss.

But most prominent to Guillaume among the bouquet of aromas -- and demanding his attention -- is the fragrance of Narcissa. He actually smiles at the poetry of the phrase as it crosses his mind... "The Fragrance of Narcissa." He wonders if in christening Narcissa, her parents considered the soporific properties of the flower that surely inspired her name. How delightfully ironic, considering the life into which he hoped to lead her this very night.

Guillaume again closes his eyes, and can immediately sense Narcissa's presence with his mind. As he predicted, the combined effect of his and Belladonna's essence had shackled her to the manor, no doubt despite her own common sense. Even with his limited telepathy, Guillaume can feel the desires within her overcoming an increasingly urgent fear.

Guillaume blinks, confused. He can detect a second consciousness nearby, suffering from the same internal tension as Narcissa. But how can this be? Guillaume has bitten only twice since arriving on this Continent: Narcissa, of course; and before her, the young, sweet, Becky, now drained, dead and buried.

This new and mysterious presence both intrigues and worries Guillaume. Despite his usual habit of lounging in bed upon awakening, he swings his feet to the floor and crosses to the wardrobe to dress.

He sighs at the unaccustomed chore of selecting his own clothing, fastening his own cuffs and lacing his own shoes. He missed his servants back home, but traveling with them in this land would have proven awkward, at the very least. They had been efficient and loyal, of course, and, in the end, delicious.

Once dressed -- white shirt and tie, black wool slacks, and black velvet smoking jacket -- Guillaume leaves his room and turns down the corridor toward the parlor. He must learn who, besides Narcissa, so desperately seeks him.

***

Mar-27-2002 9:24 AM Message 187 of 523

Subject: Hesitancy {Aradia w/Virani}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 185 ]

Aradia stands in the corridor, her body taut, staring straight ahead at nothing visible outside her mind. Lest they become inextricably confused with her own memories, Aradia must identify and address each of the myriad visions that exploded into her consciousness when she took Narcissa's hand. They are torrid, violent, even bestial, and Aradia finds several of them personally repulsive, especially those of Narcissa's future. Yet, because the unnatural desires kindled by the vampiric essence in Narcissa's blood are so necessarily interwoven with these events, Aradia cannot entirely resist the erotic reaction these experiences ignite in Narcissa. Aradia has not quite regained control of her emotions when the call of her name breaks her concentration.

"Aradia!" Varani's voice echos down the hall. "What's going on? Where's Stardust gone? My goodness, dear, you look like you've been having a...." Aradia opens her eyes to find the younger witch standing before her, staring in concern.

"Is everything alright?" Virani whispers.

Aradia replies with a weak smile. "Yes.... I mean, at least to the extent that we can expect in a Kindred Sanctuary."

Aradia reaches out with her left hand and gently touches Virani's cheek, then rests her fingers on Virani's right elbow. Shaking her head, Aradia concludes, "But I am beginning to think it was a mistake for us to come here, regardless of how bad it's becoming in the outside world. There are Evils here far more threatening -- in their own way -- than ordinary persecution and death."

***

Mar-27-2002 5:32 PM Message 188 of 523

Subject: Mistakes {Virani w/Aradia}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 187 ]

Virani gently puts her arms around Aradia into a hug. "We all make mistakes, Sister, no one is perfect, not even those who think they are. Do you know of anyone I don't know who is supposed to be arriving? I found a girl unconscious on the steps while Star was running out, I didn't know what to do with her so I put her in my room." Virani looks deep into Aradia's eyes, sensing that she has witnessed something too terrible for words. "Aradia, perhaps we should go in my room and talk." Aradia seems weak and Virani leads the woman to her chamber. The girl is visible from the doorway and Virani wonders if Aradia knows who this girl is.

***

Mar-28-2002 8:32 AM Message 189 of 523

Subject: The awakening

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 188 ]

::The sun has now settled and the room has darkened quickly. Being her vision has now been impared, she rises from her seat in the dusty old dining room in search of a television. She thinks to herself 'there's got to be a damn t.v. around this place...how else would these people know what the hell is going on in the world?'. She finds herself wandering aimlessly from room to room...all quiet, all settled. A tea room here, a library there, but nothing that seems modern. She stands in a doorway in frustration, when across the hall she sees what appears to be a small office. She looks around to make sure it's not some kind of security room and finds a dusty black and white t.v. sitting on a desk in the corner. She laughs and says out loud..::

"Ah t.v....my old friend. Entertain me."

::She turns it on and the reception is a bit poor, but with some adjusting of the rabbit ears, she's able to pick up a station from somewhere. The local news is on, so she sits back in a leather chair staring at the screen.::

::As the weather man speaks about a chilly night tonight, a sudden desire rises in her. An overwhelming desire...as if her libido was just awakened by a fantasy long forgotten. She mutters under her breath "Guillaume", unknowing that he has awoken from his slumber. The ecstacy is almost painful and she writhes in her chair dangerously close to climax as his presence is felt down each hallway of the house. Her breathing is quick and shallow as she loses control of her desires. She does not get up to find him however as she is paralyzed, desperate for him to satisfy her. She props her booted legs on the desk, crossing one leg over the other in hopes of stopping the waves of rising pleasure that wash over her mind and body, but it is futile. She leans back in the chair arching her back and moaning quietly hoping he will find her::

***

Mar-28-2002 11:15 AM Message 190 of 523

Subject: Jane Doe {Aradia w/Virani}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 188 ]

Aradia steps into Virani's room to get a better look at the woman sleeping on the bed.

"She is not a vampire," Aradia observes. "You can tell by the skin tone. Vampires are a whiter shade of pale, more like alabaster than ivory."

Aradia steps closer. "She is not one of the Sisterhood. I don't recognize her at all." The unconscious girl is young -- probably in her late teens, or very early twenties -- lithe and quite beautiful.

Still reeling from her prior contact with Narcissa, and suddenly suspicious of the reasons for the girl's presence and odd stupor, Aradia backs away suddenly, and turns to face Virani.

"There is something you might not know about the Kindred," Aradia explains shakily. "Vampires have certain powers over people... powers that evolved naturally for the hunt, but which some vampires bend to less sublime purposes."

Aradia sighs, Narcissa's emotions and longings still resonating inside her. After a moment, she continues. "A human bitten by a vampire, but left to live, will come to desire that vampire so passionately, that she will eventually... willingly... serve that vampire in any way... any way the vampire desires. Don't worry, we Sisters can resist that effect. But I fear your poor foundling here might already be mired in Kindred influence."

***

Apr-10-2002 3:22 PM Message 191 of 523

Subject: Cleanliness is Next to... [Laura]

From: Laura_Junius

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 175 ]

Tricia is about to undress for bed when she hears Laura entering the main bathroom from the hallway. A second doorway adjoins that bathroom to the master bedroom Tricia has been using since they arrived here at the Phillips' vacant summer house. That door is ajar, so when Laura switches on the bathroom light, a bright ray stretches across Tricia's bedroom floor.

That beam widens as Laura opens the door, and stands there for a moment to let her eyes adjust to the dimness of Tricia's bedroom.

When she finally discerns Tricia in the deepening evening gloom, Laura smiles.

"Because I bathed so late last night, I never bothered showering this morning," Laura explains. "There is only a shower stall in the other bathroom. I really enjoyed my bubble bath last night, and thought I'd take another one tonight... unless it would bother you."

For just an instant, Tricia cannot find her voice, as she thinks of the effect hearing Laura in the tub had on her last night. Then, clearing her throat, Tricia responds. "No... It would not be any bother.... Go right ahead."

"Thanks," Laura grins. "I'll try not to make too much noise."

Laura turns and shoves the door shut behind her. It does not close tightly, leaving a bright line of light -- about a half-inch wide -- between the edge of the door and jamb.

Tricia hears old faucet handles squeaking and the sound of water running into the tub. Laura is humming a familiar tune, that Tricia quickly recognizes as "Tiny Bubbles."

A moment later, Laura starts improvising new words to the song, in a sweet, girlish voice. "Tiny bubbles... In my tub... Make me want to... Scrub-a-dub-dub...." Laura giggles and resumes simply humming.

Soon, the faucets squeak shut, and Tricia hears the slightest ripple as Laura slides into the bath water with a delighted sigh.

***

Mar-28-2002 10:17 PM Message 192 of 523

Subject: Nurse Selah {Dusty & Selah}

From: Kamala

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 190 ]

Stardust is on her way to her room, when she realizes she is leaving a trail of blood. "Damn!" she says softly under her breath. She looks around for something to wrap her hand in. She peers into the kitchen and seeing no one there, she grabs a towel and wraps it around her hand. She then heads to her room.

She hears Aradia and Virani talking in what must be Virani's room across the hall. She quietly slips into her room and sees the room is empty, Thomas must be in Selah's room or hanging out with her. Which suits Star just fine. She collapses on her bed and gingerly unwraps her hand.

Yup, the tree won. The bleeding from the gash has slowed and she counts four splinters of various sizes. She tries again to pull one out and the pain is intense. She manages not to cry out and quickly takes another shot of tequila. She sighs and lays back on her bed, pulling her pillow over her face.

*****

The incessant scratching at the door finally drew Selah's attention away from the memories of the previous night that raged through her mind. Ceaseless, inward questions plagued her, yet no answers were forth coming. Sighing slightly, she turned towards her companion, anxiously staring her down.

A brief mew jarred her into full awareness and Selah raced to the armoire. "Thomas! Why didn't you alert me earlier?" Shirts, shoes, an odd assortment of socks and lingerie, all flew from the closet as Selah frantically searched for her first aid kit.

Half a minute later, kit in hand, Selah rushed through the connecting door to Star's room, Thomas underfoot and nearly tripping her.

"Star! What happened?" She asked eagerly as she jumped on the bed and began probing for the wounds.

Relief at hearing her sister's voice Stardust removes the pillow from over head, sits up and hugs her sister. "I came back... I didn't leave... I love you Selah!"

Selah froze momentarily in her sister's arms, taken aback by the unexpected force of Star's declaration, before returning the embrace with all the love in her heart. Deep down she knew Star wouldn't leave her again. Yet she also knew that Star was fighting a difficult battle against the demons that haunted her.

"Love you too, Sis," Selah replied as she smoothed the tangled mess of Star's auburn hair.

The sticky substance oozing through Selah's shirt was slow to register. "What the� Star, you're bleeding!" She yelled as she pulled back and brought her sister's hands before her.

"Yeah..." Star says numbly. It felt good to be back in Selah's arms. The voices seemed more distant now. There was a comfort to her sister. Star tries to explain. "I had to...I hit a tree."

"You hit a tree? Should I even ask why?" Selah questioned as she began to clean the splinters from the raw skin.

"OW!" Star exclaims, "That hurts!" Star pulls back her hand.

"Hold still or I'll never get this clean," Selah muttered as she firmly grasped her wrist.

Star reaches with her good hand and takes another swig from the tequila bottle. "What if my magic is really gone Lizzie?"

"It's not gone, Stardust." The final bandage in place, Selah raised her eyes and continued, "We have a very rare gift and it comes with its own price. You're drained, both physically and emotionally. You just need to rest.

"It's happened to me before," Selah stated matter-of-factly as she slid from the bed to retrieve the stash of liquor. Pulling out the Vodka, she searched the cooler for the orange juice then returned to the bed. "It was no big deal, though at the time I totally freaked out. I was working on a translation and I lost focus and put everything I had into it. It backfired big time and it was two days before I was even able to create a small spark. But it came back. Yours will too."

"Honest? Everything looks and feels so strange...your aura is gone. So is Aradia's. I can't see it. Outside everything looks dull and different. At first it was just weird and I was tired, so it didn't register. But now...now it is making me crazy. I can't focus..." She takes another drink from the tequila bottle, which is near empty now. "This house...without my magic I feel trapped in here. Something doesn't feel right and it isn't just my magic being gone." Star pauses, then continues. "I screwed up trying to bring Jenny back, Lizzie. And I can't stop these voices in my head..."

"We learn from our mistakes... and ... I don't know about you, but the last time I checked, Jose Cuervo tended to dull my powers and it looks like you've tipped the bottle enough times to dull both of ours."

Stardust clutches the almost empty bottle protectively. "Mine!"

Trying in vain to stifle her giggles, Selah grabbed her sister's good hand, the tequila bottle tumbling to floor. "Come on. I found the stairs to the roof earlier. Let's get some fresh air and play with the stars," She grinned as she tucked the bag of booze under her arm and lead Star to the door.

***

Mar-29-2002 1:10 AM Message 193 of 523

Subject: Bitter Reveille [Belladonna]

From: cyberian_belle

Reply to: cyberian_belle [ Message 165 ]

During her prior, mortal life (which, in fact, ended less than a week ago), Belle would sometimes awake -- usually on a Saturday or Sunday morning -- to a general feeling of regret, having only a vague notion of things she had said or done the previous evening, but sure that she should be ashamed of them. And while the headache and nausea which always accompanied those experiences is missing now, the same remorse makes her bury her face in the satin pillowcase as she recalls last night's tragic events.

Belle understands she had allowed herself to succumb to virtual intoxication upon the sensuous power of her new vampiric immortality, and irresponsibly flitted about, flouting Dahlia's guidance and wreaking unintentional havoc. As a result of Belle's irresponsibility, her best friend has lost any opportunity to choose a beneficent life in the daylight world, and Belle had offended Dahlia, the first and only true love of her life.

Belle turns onto her side to face Dahlia, who lies in apparent serene slumber in bed next to Belle. Belle suspects she is actually already awake, and reaches out to touch Dahlia's face. But Belle's lingering shame makes her hesitate, and she withdraws her hand before it brushes Dahlia's cheek.

As the memories of last night's errors intrude into Belle's mind, she is surprised to find that reflections upon Narcissa dominate her concerns. At first, Belle cannot understand why Narcissa -- a virtual stranger -- should find prominence in Belle's attention. But as Belle's thoughts unwillingly proceed from agreeable recollection, to pleasurable fantasy, and ultimately to insistent lust, she comes to recognize the effects of an outside influence.

Belle suddenly realizes that some tiny corner of her mind is linked to Narcissa, and resonates empathically with Narcissa's sensations and feelings... And what Narcissa mostly seems to feel just now is impassioned desire. Having identified the source of the distraction, Belle finds she can pretty well disregard it, as one might manage to ignore a persistent -- if in this case not entirely unpleasant -- itch.

Narcissa's fate, however, lies in Guillaume's hands. Belle has her own problems. The most immediate is how to best mitigate the disastrous, if inadvertent, effect of Belle's encounter with her best friend, Laura. The other, and ultimately more important, is how to regain Dahlia's trust. Belle suspects the success of the latter is partially dependant upon the resolution of the former.

Belle props her head up on her hand and lies watching Dahlia, waiting for her to open her eyes, so that they may together begin the task of rebuilding their love.

***

Mar-29-2002 7:48 AM Message 194 of 523

Subject: Tantalizing [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 186 ]

Guillaume strolls down the long corridors of Crimson Kiss at a measured, almost leisurely, pace. He remains intrigued by the morning's discovery of a second consciousness -- somewhere now within the manor, he is sure -- drawn by his essence. It remains faint, obscured by the overpowering emanations of Narcissa's presence, but none the less discernible. For the time being, he chooses to ignore the mystery. The answer will inevitably reveal itself, and in the meantime he must concentrate on his plan to bring Narcissa into the Kindred.

Narcissa! Guillaume knows she is nearby. Her searing emotions burn across his own psyche, such that when he first hears her, he momentarily mistakes the enchanting sounds as mere telepathic reverberations. Then he realizes it is her actual voice, quavering with lascivious murmurs from behind the half-open door to a butler's cabinet adjoining the library.

Guillaume resists the admittedly enormous temptation to join Narcissa in the small room. He knows if he did, she would give herself to him willingly and, due to his essence suffusing her blood, eternally, if he so wished. But then she would never be much more than a loyal servant... a pet. That is not what Guillaume desires for Narcissa.

Rather, if he is to succeed in his plan to make Narcissa his partner -- his equal -- then at each step of the process, she must be the one to come to him, to seek voluntarily all which he can bestow.

So Guillaume slips past the doorway, silently and unseen, smiling as he hears Narcissa groan desperately in subconscious reaction to his unrecognized proximity.

He makes his way to the parlor, surprised to find it empty except for the butler, Briant, who is efficiently pouring Guillaume a glass of bloodwyne.

"Thank you, Briant," Guillaume smiles as he accepts the heavy goblet. "This is just what I need to fortify myself for what promises to be a most interesting and active evening."

***

Mar-29-2002 9:44 AM Message 195 of 523

Subject: Gotta get away

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 194 ]

::The heat from her body practically warms the room as she can no longer take what she is feeling right now. The overwhelming urge to seek companionship for the evening is too much for her to sit in this small room for. She thinks to herself 'my god..what the hell is happening..was I drugged?'....'I've got to get out of here.'

::With that, she makes a hasty exit out of the room and tries to make a beeline for the front door. Unfortunately, her senses have been paralyzed and she cannot remember how she first came inside from the previous night. She figures a dose of fresh air will do some good, but only if she can get out. She is almost frenzied, manic about finding her way out and after a period of time, she exhausts herself and finds comfort against the cool wood paneling of the wall. She has managed to slip into the parlor where Briant is standing by to serve Guillaume. Her chest is heaving once again at the site of Guillaume and her cool has once again dissapated. She clings to the wall as both their eyes gaze upon her.::

"Gui...Guillaume...h-hi. I ...uh...was...trying to get...some...uhm...air."

::She sighs heavily as the words escape her mouth. She so desperately wants Guillaume to come save her from herself...to take her in his arms and enslave her with a night of sexual desires so strong that not even Marc Antony and Cleopatra could hold a flame to their passion.::

***

Mar-30-2002 9:03 PM Message 196 of 523

Subject: Cleanliness is Next to... Slow Torture [Tricia]

From: goddessT

Reply to: Laura_Junius [ Message 191 ]

Tricia sits on the edge of the bed listening to Laura sigh and splash in the bathtub wishing she had the nerve to go in and ask if Laura needed any help washing. But instead of acting on her urges to go into the bathroom Tricia listens to Laura as her hand drifts down, lower and lower to that tortured part of her begging for release............

***

Mar-31-2002 8:51 AM Message 197 of 523

Subject: New Truths {Virani}

From: litaliamarie

Reply to: Josephine_Maia [ Message 190 ]

Aradia turns to face Virani and shakily explains things to her. "Don't worry, we Sisters can resist that effect. But I fear your poor foundling here might already be mired in Kindred influence."

Virani's eyes are locked on the firey hair framing a beautiful pale face. "So is there no way to help without getting some vampire extremely pissed at us? That hardly seems fair! What did this girl do to deserve that? Probably nothing. So do I keep her here or do I take her out in the parlor since she's already past any help?" She looks at Aradia, she's really worried about her. Something really got to her here and Virani intends to either find out or just get Aradia and the rest of the Sisters out. "You need to rest. I'll go to Star's and Selah's rooms to check if they're there in a while after I do something with her." She slightly nods her head towards the unconscious girl on her bed.

***

Apr-1-2002 7:41 AM Message 198 of 523

Subject: Helpful Suggestions [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 194 ]

Guillaume turns toward the sound of movement at the other end of the parlor. He looks up to see Narcissa slide around the elaborate molding of the doorway, to almost collapse against the dark paneling of the far wall. She leans there for a moment, her body squirming sensuously against the cool, smoothly lacquered wood, even while her tightly shut eyes and desperately short and shallow breathing betray an overwhelming anxiety.

Narcissa sighs raggedly and her eyelids flutter open. Her eyes widen with the shocked realization that Guillaume and Briant have witnessed her distress.

"Gui... Guillaume.... H-hi," she stammers hoarsely. "I... uh... was... trying to get... some... uhm... air."

Never letting his gaze wander from her eyes, Guillaume stands and slowly crosses the room toward Narcissa. "Well, my dear, this is the most pleasant room in the manor," he observes. "The fire is so warm, the sofas so plush...."

Guillaume's nostrils flare slightly as he approaches Narcissa. The brisk, salty scent of her skin mixes perfectly with her heightened, rich, feminine musk to create an enticing bouquet. Despite centuries of expedient cynicism, Guillaume finds himself, just for an instant, overcome with simple delight in Narcissa's innate beauty. Even her natural aroma is poetry to him; he having already dubbed it in his thoughts with floral metaphor: "The Fragrance of Narcissa."

He smiles warmly as he stops in front of her. "You do seem a bit out of sorts. I think it best if you come and sit with me a while," he suggests. "You should at least wait to pay your respects to our hostess, Dahlia. Then, if you are still not feeling well, you could step outside for fresh air, or... if you think it would make you feel better, simply lie down in bed."

***

Apr-1-2002 9:24 AM Message 199 of 523

Subject: Caution {Aradia w/Virani}

From: Josephine_Maia

Reply to: litaliamarie [ Message 197 ]

"You need to rest," Virani tells Aradia. "I'll go to Star's and Selah's rooms to check if they're there... in a while... after I do something with her." Virani inclines her head toward the unconscious girl in her bed.

"I do need a chance to clear my head," Aradia admits. "But are you sure you don't want me to stay?" She follows Virani's gaze to the woman and continues. "A vampire's bite inevitably has a powerful effect on the victim's... um... emotions. You might find yourself in an... oh... awkward situation.... Especially if -- but not necessarily only if -- the vampire that bit her was female."

***

Apr-1-2002 12:23 PM Message 200 of 523

Subject: A warm approach

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 198 ]

::She takes an unknowing step towards him, like a moth to the flame, it's instinctual and relieving. As he approaches, she calms down, as if his presence has a total calming effect on her body.::

"Yes...I was watching t.v., then suddenly..."

::She tapers off before saying anymore, knowing that her fantasies were all about him. Before she embarrasses herself any further, she meets him and gazes to the fire.::

"That couch does look comfortable and I suppose conversation will get my head back on track. I've been alone all day...it's probably my mind just messin with me."

::She chuckles half heartedly as he leads her to the couch. She relaxes in the couch taking great comfort in the flames as they warm her already warm skin.::

"Sorry....I guess I'm just trying to get settled in and it seems every corner I turn just makes me want to ask more questions."

::Her emerald gaze moves to Briant, who is obviously ignoring her, then back to Guillaume. She slumps down in the pillows and crosses one leg over the other. She rests her head against the couch wondering if Guillaume can answer questions risen by the witches conversations.::

***

Apr-2-2002 8:10 AM Message 201 of 523

Subject: Provoking Responses [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Narcissa_ [ Message 200 ]

Guillaume sits next to Narcissa on the couch, his hip not quite touching hers, but close enough that he can feel the warmth of her body. He casually rests his right arm across the back of the sofa, again without actually touching Narcissa's shoulders.

He speaks with a soft, kind, patient voice. "Well, you certainly have never shown any reluctance to ask questions before." Guillaume chuckles, but in the manner of a shared joke. "But I suspect as the evening progresses, what you now find strange will sort itself out."

Guillaume shifts slightly in his seat, still never touching her, but none the less accentuating the closeness of his body. He concludes: "For now, why not just relax and enjoy the warmth of the fire...."

***

Apr-2-2002 11:43 AM Message 202 of 523

Subject: Strong Desires

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 201 ]

::The urge to feel herself against Guillaume, to feel his fingers on her flesh is almost unbearable to her at this very moment. 'Why did he have to sit so close?' rages through her mind. She wants so desperately for him to grab her in a passionate embrace, but a trace of control remains, and she sits nervously next to him. Her mind is screaming 'Relax?? Relax?? How the hell am I supposed to do that??' She continues to lay against the couch, but her fingernails are digging into the soft fabric beneath them. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.::

"Guillaume...something is happening to me and I don't know what."

::Saying those words alone lifts a weight from her chest, but not enough to help her. She seems tired as she speaks, but she is well rested::

"Those women here...they say they are witches and they talk about vampires. What are they talking about?"

***

Apr-2-2002 1:02 PM Message 203 of 523

Subject: Adding Warmth

From: Iethro_Tullius

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 201 ]

Ian slips unnoticed into the parlor and takes his usual place in the corner. The mood of the manor has shifted during the day. It has become more intense, but somehow less sinister. The short tune with which he decides to begin this evening's entertainment may not pertain to any particular individual, but it will, he hopes, set the appropriate ambiance.

~~~

I believe in fires at midnight

When the dogs have all been fed,

A golden toddy on the mantle,

A broken gun beneath the bed,

Silken mist outside the window,

Frogs and newts slip in the dark.

Too much hurry ruins the body.

I'll sit easy; fan the spark

Kindled by the dying embers

Of another working day.

Go upstairs, take off your makeup,

Fold your clothes neatly away.

Me, I'll sit and write this love song

As I all too seldom do;

Build a little fire this midnight.

It's good to be back home with you.

~~~

***

Apr-3-2002 7:44 AM Message 204 of 523

Subject: Rousing Reactions [Guillaume]

From: Anborn

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 201 ]

"Witches?" Guillaume repeats in response to Narcissa's question. "Vampires?"

Guillaume leans forward and turns slightly to face Narcissa, causing his right arm -- still draped across the back of the sofa -- to slide forward and rest lightly across Narcissa's shoulders.

"Do you really believe in such things?" Guillaume asks. As if to emphasize the question, he brings his left hand over and -- in the casual manner of a friend touching another to make a point -- gently sets his hand on the warm, bare skin of Narcissa's thigh, just below the hem of her short, black skirt.

***

Apr-3-2002 9:01 AM Message 205 of 523

Subject: Reacting to Arousal

From: Narcissa_

Reply to: Anborn [ Message 204 ]

::First she tenses up as he touches, a sensation she's been longing for, but truly not sure how to handle, then the waves of ecstacy pass through her, starting on her skin and penetrating deeper and lower as he rests his hand on her bare thigh. Her desire to part her legs and let him explore further is strong and she arches her back a little and perhaps a quiet moan escapes her lips unintentionally as he does so. The restraints are slipping off one by one and she wonders if he even knows what she could possibly be feeling right now. Her breathing is shallow and her words escape in a breathy sigh.::

"I don't know Guillaume. I've seen those types in the city, but never thought they were real."

::Before she literally falls into an orgasmic explosion just from his touch, she suddenly stands up, for no apparent reason, at least to slip from his grasp. She moves towards the fireplace and regains control before continuing to speak in her normal voice.::

"It's just that....well...they seems so serious when they were talking. They are not like the kids in the city I've seen. What were their names again....Star...Selah...and Aradia."

::She turns around to face Gulliame confident she can continue as normal now.::

"I suppose witches and vampires could exist...but it just seems so...well.. far-fetched. I mean, what vampire could survive in this modern society?"

***