CHAPTER 3: A New Horizon

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 10-08-02 17:48

It is an unsettled time at the Crimson Kiss.

The manor's mistress, the Vampiress Dahlia, is traveling abroad on an extended sabbatical from her estates and their daily responsibilities. She is accompanied by her Vampire Chylde, the young Belladonna. No one knows when they will return.

(If you care to read the intriguing and often erotic story of the events leading up to Dahlia's flight, you will find them by following this hallway to the Chronicle compiled by Laura.)

Meanwhile, the operation of the mansion remains in the capable hands of Dahlia's brother, Briant. Thus, its doors remain open to all Kindred, as well as the other ancient races that now must sequester themselves from the busy, "scientific" world that humans arrogantly call "civilization."

The current guests at Crimson Kiss include: a Triad of powerful Witches; the strange and dangerous magical Being for which they are caring; and a fledgling Vampire Chylde, left unattended by her Sire, and recently having come into possession of two hapless humans who recently suffered the horrific ecstacies of a vampire's kiss....

***

Present Tense

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-09-02 12:31

Dictionaries define "tension" in terms of the strain caused when an object is pulled by balanced forces in opposite directions, resulting in a strained equilibrium.

In that sense, at the very least, Laura is tense.

She wakes unsurprised to find herself in Narcissa's bed, her head resting on Narcissa's bare right shoulder. Dim afternoon light seeps around the edges of the room's heavy curtains, allowing Laura to see Tricia mirroring her position, her friend's dark hair spilled across Narcissa's left shoulder, down toward her breasts. Nor does it shock Laura to recall that they are all naked under the blankets. It had seemed so natural when they climbed into bed at sunrise that morning, after the longest, strangest night of Laura's twenty year life. It is no wonder that she had fallen immediately asleep.

Nonetheless, in spite of the physical comfort she finds cuddling against Narcissa's oddly cool skin, the tension remains.

The tattered remnants of Laura's free will invisibly push at her, urging her to leap from this bed and flee the mansion. Despite allowing Narcissa to make love to her last night, deep inside Laura knows she is not a lesbian, nor even bisexual. She honestly believes that people's sexual orientations and lifestyle choices are their own business. But as for herself, Laura finds the unfettered, sordid and wanton sexual practices of Narcissa and her lover Sir Guillaume personally repulsive. Laura still cannot comprehend how Narcissa managed to seduce her last night, even if only for one ecstatic moment. Never again, Laura silently vows, knowing her best course would be to get up now and leave....

Therein lies the source of her tension.

As fiercely as she desires to escape, an equal and opposite force draws her to remain at Narcissa's side. Laura whimpers soundlessly as her body unmistakably signals its need to again feel what Narcissa's fingers and tongue had done for her last night. She tries to reject these urges, but is overwhelmed by the emptiness her mind perceives in any conception of separation from Narcissa.

Caught between her desperate desire to escape Narcissa's dark seduction, and her irresistible need for Narcissa's companionship, Laura finds herself unable to act on either impulse, and so simply lays there, simultaneously excited and repulsed by the touch of Narcissa's naked body so snugly against her own.

Tension affects people in curious ways. Often, when faced with unresolvable stress, the mind seeks solace in sleep. Despite her inner turmoil, Laura soon again dozes.

It will never be known if the situation might have been different -- if the balance would have tipped sufficiently in the direction of flight -- if Laura had known that Narcissa, the woman laying so silently next to her, was a vampire.

***

Dawn of a new night

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-09-02 16:27

As the sun creeps down, and the moon beckons them for a new day, her eyes begin to open, but only slightly as her body still motions her to sleep. She had almost forgotten that she had brought these two beauties into bed with her the night before, but the deep sleep had made her forget about Guillaume leaving, at least through one nights slumber. She looked to both sides seeing the both of them on either side of her...their warm bodies pressed against her...their warm blood pulsating through their veins. She wonders if she should take just a little from each before their night begins. Would it be selfish? Would she wake them?

Guillaume never taught her how to steal blood from the living without them knowing. If she did it while they were sleeping, would it wake them? How did Belladonna do it to Laura without waking her? So many questions started to fill her head and she rose from the bed like a dark angel sliding up from a shadow. She decided against trying to take any more blood from either of them, at least for now. Perhaps later she could share in secrets. For now, it was time to shower and rise for a new night. She would need to hunt however, with or without Guillaume. Who would be her next victim was the question she would be asking over the next couple of hours, and that thought distracted her, even now. She slid quietly from beneath the covers leaving them both in a slumber, or at least she thought, and moved towards the bathroom.

She decided to check for those damn fangs again...hoping and praying they were in. She opened her mouth and looked in the mirror, half bent over the sink in all her nakedness. She lifted the corners of her lip...and there she saw, the sharp tips. Her ecstacy almost came undone, until she looked over to Laura and Tricia. She clenched her jaw and happily shut the bathroom door quietly. She couldn't help but jump, just a bit and grin ear to ear at the fact her fangs had finally arrived. So trivial, yet so vital.

With that, she starts a bath, scalding hot water to boot, just the way she likes it and adds the magnolia scented bath oils Dahlia so generously left behind. The large marble bathroom was enough to allow her to sink into the tub and be happy to start a new day with her very own beauties to play with.

***

Disconcertion

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-10-02 14:29

The reassuringly ordinary sound of running water filling a tub reawakens Laura to her extraordinary circumstances.

Narcissa's absence leaves the huge bed feeling lonesomely empty, despite the warmth of Tricia's naked body scant inches from Laura's own. Laura slowly and carefully slips out from under the covers, hoping her friend will not awake to find Laura between the sheets with her.

Even before the events of the past evening, Tricia had hinted she hoped their friendship might become more than platonic, an idea Laura had rejected automatically. But Tricia surely knew of Narcissa's seduction of Laura. In fact, given that she's here now, it probably disappointed Tricia when Laura rejected Narcissa's invitation to have Guillaume -- and presumably Tricia, too -- join them in bed. But what might Tricia assume if she found Laura remaining in Narcissa's room with her now?

Laura silently makes it to her feet beside the bed. The cool air raises goosebumps across her fair skin. She looks down, relieved to find Tricia still asleep.

Laura hears the water stop running in the adjoining bathroom, and someone -- presumably Narcissa -- settle into the tub with a breathy sigh. For the past few nights, Laura herself has found needed relaxation in a nice, hot bath. Without thinking, she takes a few steps toward the bathroom door, as if planning to join Narcissa in the tub. Then she stops suddenly, violently shaking her head in rejection of such an absurd idea.

Stopped in the middle of the room, Laura crosses her arms over her bare breasts, pressing her wrists against erect nipples, stiffened (presumably) by the room's chilly temperature.

Trembling slightly, Laura glances around the huge, ornately decorated and lavishly furnished bedroom, looking for clothing. Narcissa had mentioned the availability of a "large wardrobe," but Laura decides it would be better to simply slip back into the short black dress she had worn here last night. It remains where she had left it, draped over the back of a chair, still clean and fresh. She had donned it right out of her bath, and worn it only briefly, during the hasty trip here from the Phillips' lake house, and for a short while after arriving.

Laura recalls her disorientation during that trek to this secluded mansion deep in the dense forest. The realization that she has no idea where she is, or even the direction to the nearest public road, induces increased anxiety for Laura, bordering on panic. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she pulls the dress on -- realizing she had neither worn nor brought underwear -- and steps into her shoes.

Now dressed, she again considers leaving, and thereby avoiding -- with luck forever -- the embarrassment of facing Narcissa after last night's intimate indiscretions. But she immediately rejects that option. She cannot bring herself to such discourteousness to Narcissa. Narcissa deserves better, especially after all the generous things she has done for Laura....

What were those again? Laura knows she is obliged to Narcissa for some help she had given, but...

What was it? What had Narcissa done for her?

Well... THAT, of course, Laura recalls, a flush rising on her cheeks, not entirely from shame. But, no, there was something else... She remembers Sir Guillaume explaining how honored she should feel that Narcissa had taken time to assist her...

To assist her with....?

To help her when.... ?

When I was so ill? No... Someone thought I might have the flu, but Narcissa had said it wasn't so.

But I'd been hurt... Hadn't I?

Oh. Right, I broke a glass and cut my fingers... Or was it my wrist?

Laura remembers Narcissa bandaging her wrist, and looks over to see the strip of gauze she had removed before bed still laying in a wad on the dresser. Concerned. Laura examines her right wrist... then her left... and is amazed to find no wounds... And none on her fingers, either.

What was it about her fingers? That's right. Narcissa had gone so far as to actually suck gently on her cuts to pull out any glass shards that might have remained... What an exceptionally thoughtful and unselfish act... No wonder Laura feels so grateful for the attention Narcissa has given her...

But that means her fingers MUST have gotten cut. Laura remembers the blood on her hands, then on Narcissa's lips. There is no way the wounds could have healed so quickly....

And was that really why she felt so obliged to Narcissa? Hadn't she cut herself after Guillaume had said....

Laura's confused ruminations are interrupted by the sound of an opening door.

***

An evening shower

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-10-02 16:18

She had been relaxing in the bathtub when she heard the squeak of floorboards near the bed. Normally, they would go unheard to the normal ear, but she heard them loud and clear. A smile parts her lips, but she keeps her eyes closed to see if she can figure out who it is. She listens more, but the rising beauty tries to remain as quiet as possible. She splashes quietly in the bath, scrubbing her skin with a soft sponge and soap provided listening to see if there is any conversation...perhaps they have both risen. Hearing none, she moves the sponge between her legs to clean and just the thought of both of them in her bed arouses her. She moans softly as the soft sponge caresses a most sensitive area, but she continues to bathe as normal. She knows the time will come when she will be sated again. She continues to listen, but Laura is quiet as a doormouse as she moves about. She sniffs the air and can easily tell who has risen to the occasion. She decides to get out of the bath and rises out of the water. She leaves the still scalding water still in the tub and grabs a white fluffy towel from the rack. Her curls now drip as she wraps the towel around her and grabs another for her hair. She opens the door only to see Laura dressed and looking around desperately.

"Laura, are you going somewhere?"

Is said with utmost innocence, as if she had no idea Laura would be in such turmoil today, although she does know better.

"At least have a bath and some breakfast. Relax and enjoy this place for what it is."

As Laura looks on, a bit shocked that she was caught, she reaches out a hand towards Laura and drops the towel for her hair. A full rising lust for this woman now takes over and she looks to her with a seductive grin. Her eyes almost seem to lighten as she catches Laura's gaze, luring her to stay, and head towards the bathroom. She unhooks and drops the towel that covers her body leaving her cool skin exposed to the air.

"Come...join me in the bath."

***

Caught

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-11-02 13:05

Despite her embarrassment, Laura finds she cannot look away from Narcissa's intense gaze.

Evidently, Narcissa had somehow discerned Laura's deliberations on leaving the manor without even a "good bye." Rather than taking offense at Laura's ingratitude, Narcissa had kindly reminded Laura of the mansion's fine amenities now at her disposal.

Something in Narcissa's voice has relaxed Laura, even while shaming her a bit for contemplating running out on Narcissa. Laura decides there would be no harm in staying a while to enjoy Narcissa's hospitality. It was certainly more polite than just leaving. Besides, it will give Laura an opportunity to ascertain directions back to the Phillips' lakehouse.

Laura sighs silently having made this decision. She will breakfast with Narcissa, and thereby have an opportunity to express her appreciation, and then take her leave once and for all. Laura intends to put their brief lesbian encounter fully behind her, stored deeply and secretly in her memory as an impulsive and one-time act of youth, never to be repeated.

Having made this determination, Laura flinches when Narcissa suddenly drops the towel wrapping her, and stands nude before Laura. Laura opens her mouth to protest.

"Come," Narcissa commands before Laura can speak, her eyes flashing as her stare bores deeply into Narcissa's very core. Automatically, Laura stands. She is quite content to keep her gaze fixed on Narcissa's eyes, and thereby avoid the temptation to stare at Narcissa's naked body, which Laura recalls all too well as firm, but sensually curved, quite different from Laura's own skinny frame.

"Join me in the bath," Narcissa suggests seductively. That makes sense, Laura decides. Sure, she had bathed early that morning, but she had slept all day, sweaty from snuggling Narcissa under heavy blankets.

Without breaking eye contact with Narcissa -- and, consequently, without further thought -- Laura slips off her dress, steps out of her shoes, and obediently follows Narcissa as she backs into the steamy bathroom.

***

Seeking Warmth

Author: Tricia

Date: 10-11-02 19:04

Tricia awakens to a feeling of a very cool breeze against her skin and attempts to snuggle back into the body that was next to her Narcissa. As she move into the middle of the bed she feels only empty bed. Craving the warmth of another body, she throws off the covers and stands up beside the bed, stretching like a feline, fingers spread, feeling the air caress her lush body. She hears the water splashing in the bathroom and just knows that she will find her Narcissa there, for the moment forgetting about her friend Laura, only focusing on Narcissa. Tricia almost purrs as she pads over to the door of the bathroom and looking in sees both Narcissa and Laura in the tub. Without a second thought she smiles and says" Room for one more in there Narcissa?"

***

A bath for three

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-12-02 14:37

Her lure of Laura to the enticing bath had been successful. As Laura approached, she made no sexual gestures toward her, only taking her hand and leading her to the bath. The water was well settled in a warm steamy bath, ready for any human to partake of. She smiled and propped herself at the edge of the large tub, enough to hold at least 5 people in it, to help Laura over the edge. The entire time, she could see a shy confusion in Laura. And why shouldn't she? This poor girl was gripped with feelings she's never felt before....a world she's never seen before and certainly a breed of people she only thought existed in fairy tales. Laura was visibly more relaxed after their intimate encounter last night, and she was hoping this bath would relax her even more. As Laura settled in, so did she, back to the bubbles and oils provided for them.

"There are several soaps you can use if you want. I chose magnolia...it's so light."

No sooner had she said that, then she turned to see Tricia standing at the doorway. A wide smile parts her lips as she inquiries about joining them.

"Well of course...the water is nice and hot and we were hoping you'd come in."

She looks to Laura, who has now broken away from relaxation and perhaps looks a bit panicked as Tricia offers to join. She lays a comforting hand on Laura's knee in the water and speaks.

"You worry too much Laura. Perhaps we could all scrub each other's backs?"

She says that with a jovial tone as Tricia now eases into the large bath.

***

Into the woods

Author: Paysha Talamas

Date: 10-13-02 13:11

"Deep into the woods, Shen. I am afraid that is where we are going."

"But Paysha, Why? We spent so much time setting up a proper household and now we flee because of some vision you have. This is madness!"

"Relax. The house will still be there for us to return if needs be. And it is not just any vision. I see a group of beings like us calling us into their clutches. I can't explain it. I just know I must go find them." Being of Paysha's making he can't pry from her mind the ultimate seduction of the beings in the dream; the fire that spreads through her as the dream occurs.

With a shrug of his shoulders, "Well I have followed you through many lifetimes, guess I can follow you into the woods. Why not?"

Before the conversation even has time to wane, they enter a clearing in the trees and the rocky crag before them transforms into a house of immeasurable means.

With her companion Shen Grah in tow, Paysha climbs the steps to this mysterious mansion. The doors swing open of their own accord. A handsome man steps out to greet them. "Welcome Paysha, Shen." Until now Paysha hadn't understood her compulsion to come here. But looking at the gentleman standing before her, Briant was the name she pried from his mind, she felt welcome. His preternatural state was apparent. She knew he was brethren. She knew now that the need to be with more of her kind had brought her here. With a graceful sweep of his arm they were invited in. A large gallery opened up before them. "I hope you will find everything to your liking. We have prepared a room for you both. And yes my name is Briant."

Walking through the halls Paysha senses the presence of mortals somewhere within. Shen feels it also and a grimace spreads across his face. Briant replies verbally to their thoughts immediately. "Don't worry. They either don't know who they lay with or they are friends. The ones that don't know, will realize soon enough I suspect." A facetious grin escapes his lips at the last comment. Paysha hears the subtle sounds of ecstasy coming from one of the rooms as they pass by. What is this place? Paysha's thoughts become confused. Briant directs them toward their rooms. "It will be daylight soon. Remember to pull all the shades before then." Another facetious grin and he is gone. Left to their own volition Paysha and Shen bed down for the coming dawn.

***

A new Arrival

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-13-02 13:58

I stretched as I reached the edge of the woods, my single bag in my hand. My body still ached for the touch of my beloved, though I knew it would not come. It had not come as I ached for it every night since his destrction. My skin was once again flawless from that night, bruises and scrapes I had recieved, because I was simply too beautiful to kill. Or at least that is what they had said. But it had been taken care of. They will not seek out another immortal again.

As I stepped into the dense woods, my hands instantly went to the chain around my neck, fingering the crest ring and small vial with my beloveds essence in it. "Here's to a new beginning my dearest Lex." I moved through the various brush and trees, as if I had navigated this path a thousand times before. Finally I reached my destination. A hand lifted to knock on the door. I waited a few brief moments and heard the sounds of the door opening. I offered the butler a soft smile. "Good eve." He nodded slighlty and motioned me in. I sighed softly and meandered my way in to the parlor. I sat down on one of the couches near the fireplace and sighed, my bag being set on the floor next to my feet.

I cast another glance at the butler. "I hope your Mistress will not mind another visitor." I leaned back on the couch after tugging my jacket off and laying it across my lap. I let my gaze linger on the fire in the hearth. It seems I was alone in the parlor this evening, at least for right now. I could feel the stirring of those that resided with in these walls, as well as those that did not. I had a feeling that compared to most here I was young, but something told me differently. But here I doubted my age mattered.

The butler turned to me and offered me a goblet of wyne. "Thank you." I said with a smile sipping the warm spiced liquid. It tasted wonderful, I hadn't dared feed from anything local here, because I simply did not wish to compromise myself before I had found this haven, or what I hoped would be a haven. I drifted into my own thoughts, I barely noticed the fact that the butler had taken my bag and moved it to a room when he had left after giving me the wyne.

I crossed my legs and let my fingertips dance on my leather pant cladded knee. ~Why are you here in the first place Violet?~ I asked myself. In truth I had no answer to give myself. I didn't know why I had come here, or what I would be doing here. All I knew for sure is that it was the start of something new.

***

To Help Violet.

Author: Ian

Date: 10-14-02 11:12

Ian silently enters the parlor and beholds the young vampiress on a sofa facing the fire. He does not think he recognizes her, but he already has a taste of her spirit.

Thereby inspired, Ian pulls a flute from his haversack and plays his first song of the evening.

~~~

In days of peace,

Sweet smelling summer nights

Of wine and song,

Dusty pavements burning feet.

Why am I crying? I want to know.

How can I smile and make it right?

For sixty days and eighty nights

And not give in and lose the fight.

I'm going back to the ones that I know,

With whom I can be what I want to be.

Just one week for the feeling to go

And with you there to help me

Then it probably will.

I won't go down

Acting the same old play.

Give sixty days for just one night.

Don't think I'd make it: but then I might.

I'm going back to the ones that I know,

With whom I can be what I want to be.

Just one week for the feeling to go

And with you there to help me

Then it probably will.

~~~

***

Riptide

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-14-02 13:03

"Room for one more in there, Narcissa?" Tricia's voice asks from the bathroom doorway.

Narcissa breaks eye contact with Laura to turn and answer. "Well of course.... The water is nice and hot, and we were hoping you'd come in."

Laura looks up to see her friend Tricia, completely naked, padding across the tile floor toward the large whirlpool tub in which Laura and Narcissa have been bathing... just bathing, but Laura suddenly realizes the sordid situation into which she has once again unwittingly placed herself.

Confusion wrinkles Laura's damp brow as she instinctively slides to the back corner of the tub. She remembers that, scant minutes ago, she had determined to take her polite but final leave of Narcissa and put this inexplicable and solitary lesbian encounter completely behind her. Why then had she immediately thereafter undressed and joined Narcissa in the bath?

Unlike their torrid moments in bed together the evening before, Narcissa had employed no physical seduction. She had simply taken Laura's hand and led her to the tub as if two women bathing together is an ordinary, everyday activity. Laura has always found a hot bath the best way to relax, and she had given the odd circumstances no further thought until Tricia's entrance, which disturbed her and Narcissa's soothingly mundane conversation about soaps and bath oils.

Tricia's sudden appearance brings to Laura's mind Tricia's unmistakable but unsuccessful proposition of two evenings ago, which naturally reminds Laura of Narcissa's seduction of her last night. Instantly now cognizant of the inappropriateness of sharing a bathtub with other women -- especially two who have let her know they desire her sexually -- Laura moves to escape.

"You worry too much, Laura" Narcissa says, leaning toward her and setting a hand on her submerged left knee. Laura turns to glare icily at Narcissa. Their eyes meet and Laura's protest melts in her throat. All that emerges from her lips is a vicious but stifled snarl, overcome by the tingling heat spreading up her left thigh, and the comforting warmth in Narcissa's amiable gaze. "Perhaps we could all scrub each other's backs," Narcissa suggests as Tricia slips into the tub with them.

Laura's entire body trembles with revulsion, even as her right hand automatically reaches up to the marble shelf behind the tub and retrieves a large, and enticingly soft, natural sponge.

***

Getting Hungry

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-15-02 04:51

She takes a definate note of Laura's discomfort now that Tricia has entered the bathroom. She furrows her brow as Laura still refuses to give up and resists every move her body makes. She can tell that Laura's body makes the movements, but her mind is moving the opposite way. She knows that after a while, trying to appease Laura will get tiring. She looks between the two women...Tricia...so demure in her mannerisms, so obidient, so loving. Her dark hair and eyes reflect a secretive creature whose only mission now is to please herself and Guillaume. Tricia is transitioning into her role so easily, so smoothly.

Then Laura...she is taller, thinner, with flowing light curls and porcelin skin. So tormented by the transition, so confused by her own feelings. She is bound to declare anarchy against her and Guillaume at some point unless something is done.

"Laura, you can scrub Tricia's back. I've been in the tub already for a while."

With that, she eases back in the tub flipping her long fiery curls over the edge of the tub and closes her eyes thinking about methods of controlling Laura better. She will need help and understanding of what is going on...she will need to know she is not losing her mind. There are different methods for different matters, but Laura's is complex. She could coddle her every whim and try to comfort her every time, but she knows her nature is not to coddle...her vampiric nature is to kill and love and love to kill. Besides, to try and comfort her would only become a tiring task that she will lose interest in, and perhaps quite quickly. But then that would cause Laura to leave, and with her essence flowing in her blood, it would only cause insanity. She would need to keep Laura around.

Perhaps discipline every time Laura acts against her new nature. A loving hand with strict discipline...perhaps like a dominatrix? She shakes her head unsure...she would have to do it in front of Tricia, to show both women what is expected of them and what would happen if they resist.

Perhaps the only solution for Laura is to turn her....if she were to become a creature of the night would she be able to accept that? She is already having trouble accepting the fact her sexual longings for women are real, how would she accept herself as a creature that feeds from humans?

It will be a long twisted road for the both of them handling this and she sighs audibly. She will have to say something to Laura in private about what she is now. Damn, when is Guillaume coming home? Her longings for him far outweigh her feelings for Laura and Tricia, as he has led her into a world of true love and happiness.

She opens her eyes to see Laura scrubbing Tricia's back lightly, their bodies lightly touching against each other. With Tricia's back to Laura, she can see the look of ecstacy on Tricia's face. Her eyes are closed, but she is breathing heavily as Laura scrubs her back slowly and softly. A wicked smile parts her lips as both women seem to be entranced with each other. And all she did was invite them into the bath...

As soon as her thoughts of watching them together were starting to flourish, another sense came to. She sensed others...not the witches, but more. Others like her...other kindred. She sat up a bit suddenly, but not enough to distract. She contemplated getting out of the tub, but decided to let Laura and Tricia decide for her.

***

Questioning Rather than Observing

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-15-02 07:26

I jumped slightly not hearing the gentleman enter the room, and more so when I heard the sounds come from his flute and the sound of his voice in song. I listened quietly as he sang and played, my foot tapping lightly as he played. I smiled as I turned to look at him.

Once the song finished I spoke finally. "Good evening. I am Violet LeBlanc." I turned slightly on the couch, still holding the glass with the wine. "Perhaps you can tell me who is the Mistress of this place." I ran a hand through my hair, in the short time I had been sitting here, I had picked up the smell of other Kindred, but also the smell of mortals. Hmmm...I wonder, no. I quickly quelled that thought and turned my attentions back to the gentleman who had entered.

I cast a glance down the hallway briefly, wondering which room my bag had disappered into, but I needn't concern myself with that now my mind told me. I needed to find out about my surroundings, about this place, about those that lived here. Generally I have leared to gather information by simply sitting and watching, but that was me before I had lost my beloved, my creator. Now, I question things that I normally wouldn't have. I have very little trust in mortals, in truth I have very little trust in any one now. Yet here, I feel like I can trust those in this place at least on some level. I sense that I will be safe here, but truth be told, I doubt I will be safe any where.

I was snapped out of my thoughts as the gentleman in the parlor started speaking again. I smiled weakly at him in appology. "I'm sorry I got a bit distracted." Come to think of it I've been getting distracted quite a bit since the loss of Lex, perhaps I was meant to be destroyed with him, but through some odd twist of fate I am still here and he is not. Again, I snapped myself out of my thoughts, you needn't deal with this now Vi, my mind told me. You need to concentrate on finding out where you are.

I forced myself to concentrate on what Ian was saying, making sure to note everything of importance. Hoping that he didn't realize that I was still a bit destracted by my own thoughts.

***

Gentlemanly Reply.

Author: Ian

Date: 10-15-02 10:53

"The Vampiress Dahlia is mistress of this manor," Ian replies, then chuckles as he continues. "She is currently abroad, as it were, traveling with her Chylde and familiar companion, the Vampirette Belladonna."

Still holding his flute, Ian plays his next tune.

~~~

Ladies of leisure,

With their eyes on the back roads,

All looking for strangers,

To whom they extend welcomes

With a smile and a glimpse of

Pink knees and elbows,

Of satin and velvet;

Good ladies, good fortune.

Ladies.

They sing of their heroes,

Of solitary soldiers

Invested in good health,

And manner most charming,

Whose favors are numbered

(None the less well intended)

By hours in a minute,

By those ladies who bless them.

Ladies.

~~~

***

Adrift

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-15-02 13:40

Laura sits cross-legged behind Tricia, gently stroking her back with a large, sudsy, natural sponge. Laura is content to comply with Narcissa's request and engage in this innocent delight. Despite Laura's discomfort at sharing a bathtub -- admittedly a sufficiently large one -- with two women, if this is all Narcissa has in mind, then Laura is happy to stay.

Of course, deep within herself, Laura recognizes where Narcissa intends, and Tricia hopes, for these casual caresses to lead. The same inner dread that nearly allowed Laura to flee the mansion when she first awoke this morning away from Narcissa's immediate influence, now desperately pushes Laura to get up and leave. But here in Narcissa's presence, that impulse is only expressed in an occasional frown darkening Laura's countenance, or a momentary shiver loosening her grip on the sponge.

With Narcissa scant inches away, Laura cannot believe she almost ran out on her friends. Both Tricia and Narcissa have been so kind to her. Last week, based on nothing but Laura's vague premonitions, Tricia had agreed to cut short her Spring Break vacation, and drive all the way up here to help Laura look for their classmate, Belle Phillips. Then, last night, Narcissa had succored Laura though illness and injury.

Laura sighs quietly, nearly overwhelmed by feelings of deep gratitude. Even love? Well, sure, but only platonic love, Laura insists silently and desperately to herself... tormented by the suppressed knowledge that in Narcissa's case it is something more.

Suspecting nothing of Narcissa's vampiric essence coursing through her veins, nor of the effect its has upon her, Laura cannot understand her burgeoning sexual desire for Narcissa. So she tries to ignore it, concentrating on nothing but tenderly scrubbing the soft white skin of Tricia's slender back.

***

Time for breakfast

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-16-02 04:37

The thoughts and scents of the other vampires in the house are making her restless as they sit in the bath. Now that Belle, Dahlia and Guillaume are gone, she seems to be the lone curator of this house and even though Briant is taking care of the guests, she still feels compelled to greet the guests. She is still new to the house and not familiar, but at least knows her way around the area, just a bit. She can feel the other vampires are older than she and that makes her a bit nervous. She already knows they will look down their noses at her, and that makes her resentful, even before meeting them. Perhaps this is an opportunity for her though....she will need to hunt, and soon. One of them might be willing to help her while Guillaume is away. Oh how she hates asking for help though...hopefully, she thinks, she will be able to control herself long enough to supress the urges to sink her new fangs into some unsuspecting victim.

Her gaze upon Laura and Tricia return as they have spent plenty of time in the bath. Their sexual urges, for all of them, including herself, will have to wait as they need to get downstairs.

"Come along you two, we need to go have some breakfast. You both have been through a lot the past few days and you need to nourish."

Of course they both have been through a lot, but they do not really exactly how much. It is a secret she plans on keeping until the time is right. She rises from the bath and dries herself off leaving them to their own pace of drying and getting dressed. She moves to her suitcase, which still remains open on the floor. She pulls out a pair of old denim shorts, a black t-shirt without a bra (of course) and her suspenders from her other pair of shorts. She slides on the loose fitting shorts, which are ragged looking and slips on her boots as well. She lets her fiery locks air dry and looks towards the bathroom.

"Come along girls, we need to get downstairs."

***

Becalmed

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-17-02 11:44

Laura, of course, remains completely unaware of the recent infusion of Narcissa's vampiric essence into her bloodstream. Therefore, she has no basis to even suspect that the heat of the bath has accelerated its saturation into all the organs and tissues of her body, amplifying her physiological addiction to Narcissa, which Laura inevitably begins to mistake for genuine feelings of true friendship and passionate love.

Instead, all Laura knows is that she continues to grow increasingly comfortable with the odd circumstances in which she finds herself... having shared a bed, and afterward a bath, with her classmate, Tricia, and their recent acquaintance, Narcissa. Sure, it was strange for three women to sleep naked, and then bathe, together as they had, but then again, that was all they had done together. Laura begins to hope that Narcissa has no further lascivious objectives.

Narcissa, though American, was obviously quite close to Sir Guillaume FitzHenry, with whom she had been hiking the night she first met Tricia and Laura. Laura understands that Europeans are much more comfortable with nudity than Americans. Perhaps Narcissa had acquired that attitude herself, and her preferred sleeping and bathing arrangements signified nothing more than familiar friendship.

Of course, Narcissa had shown a quite different attitude back at the Phillips' lakehouse, when she seduced Laura in a moment of confused vulnerability. But, ever since Laura had expressed, in no uncertain terms, her rejection of Narcissa's and Guillaume's libertine sexual ways, all of Narcissa's further affections had remained purely platonic, even while they shared a mattress and tub, together with Tricia. Laura hopes, and even begins to assume, that she will no longer have to worry about offending her friends by refusing any future lesbian advances.

This belief is reinforced by the fact that the bath -- which Laura had initially worried was disguised foreplay -- has led to nothing but a suggestion of breakfast. Laura smiles slightly and nods to herself with restored confidence in Narcissa's and Tricia's beneficent and innocent intentions.

Nonetheless, Laura finds it impossible to feel entirely comfortable being naked with two women who had previously expressed sexual interest in her. So, after Narcissa has left the tub and gone into the other room to dress, Laura tries to stand well away from Tricia, and turns her back to her, as they remain in the bathroom drying themselves with large, plush towels.

"Come along girls," Narcissa calls from the next room. "We need to get downstairs."

Laura is surprised when she turns toward the door to see Tricia hang up her towel and leave the bathroom completely nude. Laura still cannot bring herself to act quite so casually about her body in front of her friends. So she wraps herself in her towel, tucking a corner snugly over her left breast, before entering Narcissa's bedroom.

***

Where you Lead........

Author: Tricia

Date: 10-17-02 19:40

Tricia hears Narcissa say" Come along girls.We need to get downstairs." , and sighs lightly. She was so wanting to continue in the bath but senses the authority in Narcissa's voice. So Tricia climbs out of the bath and tenderly dries her lush body, hanging the towel on the rod and saunters out to the bedroom completely nude and strangly comfortable that way. Looking at her clothes from the night before on the floor with distaste, she instead walks to the armoire on the wall and looking to Narcissa for permission asks"What should I wear Narcissa?"

***

Fitting Attire

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-18-02 13:41

"What should I wear, Narcissa?" Tricia asks their hostess as Laura enters the bedroom. Tricia, still nude from their bath, stands near a large armoire opposite the huge canopied bed on which Narcissa sits, tying her boots.

Narcissa looks up and smiles. "Vam.... Um, I mean, Dahlia, the woman who owns this house, has quite a huge wardrobe, some of which she left in here for us to use. Help yourselves."

Laura had planned to wear her short black dress, which she had donned only briefly before their bath. But when Tricia excitedly flings open the cabinet doors, Laura decides to have a look.

Still only wrapped in a towel, Laura tries to not rub against the naked Tricia as she leans in to examine the dresses -- at least two dozen of them -- hanging there. They mostly show classic cuts and lines; some almost old-fashioned with rigid and laced bodices, and long flowing skirts. Yet they all seem fairly new, made from the best materials and apparently individually tailored by a seamstress with the skill to give any style a universal timelessness.

Whoever this "Dahlia" that Narcissa keeps mentioning is, her clothes betray her sophistication and wealth even more than her huge mansion.

Laura selects a long, black, sleeveless dress with a matching short jacket. It will work with the shoes she wore from the Phillips' lakehouse. Its length will avoid the awkwardness and potential embarrassment she would have faced wearing her own short dress, given that she forgot to bring any underwear.

Leaving the outfit on its satin padded, wooden hanger, she carries it into the bathroom, closes the door, and lets the towel fall away from her body. Slipping the dress out from under the jacket, she puts it on and inspects herself in the full-length mirror on the back of the door.

Dahlia must be a bit taller, and fuller in her figure, than Laura, but the dress fits well enough, and Laura relishes the sensual feel of its fine fabric. With a contented sigh, she slips on the jacket and returns to the bedroom to see what Tricia has chosen to wear for what Laura, despite her earlier apprehensions and thoughts of escape, is starting to believe will be a pleasant evening after all.

***

One on One

Author: Aradia

Date: 10-19-02 07:03

Aradia shivers awake. Dark night has replaced the afternoon sun that had filtered through the loosely shut blinds when she had dozed off earlier still sitting on this couch. Nonetheless, the wan moonlight now striping the floor provides sufficient illumination to confirm that the strange, magical woman -- for whom she and her cousins, Selah and Stardust, have been caring -- remains asleep on the bed across the large room.

They have learned it is too hazardous for the woman to leave her unattended. They had once tried restraining her with spells. While the immense power Aradia and her cousins brought to bear by combining their magic had proven impossible for their charge to overcome, she had seriously injured herself in trying to escape. Subsequent attempts to mollify her with magic met with limited success, and the last time they left her sleeping alone, she had stirred and again hurt herself -- superficially that time, thank the Goddess! -- by stumbling around this room blind.

They had found her in the middle of the floor, on her hands and knees, in sightless panic. Aradia had managed to coax her back into bed, and together with her cousins woven a calming spell that got her back to sleep. The physical metamorphosis the woman has undergone over the past two nights is remarkable, but Aradia suspects it is merely a corporeal manifestation of a deeper, spiritual transition.

Aradia wonders if the blindness is a temporary symptom, or essential to whatever the woman is becoming. Selah has not progressed very far in her research. Although the manor has an extensive library, it is not designed for such studies.

Aradia realizes Selah and Stardust must not even be in the mansion right now. If they had returned, they would have awakened her. She had sent them to the house they were purchasing nearby, to arrange the necessary legalities to transfer title, and to begin purifying and preparing the property to become an appropriate outpost for the Coven. Aradia recognizes that both procedures -- the legal and the magical -- could be long and tedious, and it might be some time yet before her cousins return.

Aradia brings her hand to her face and rubs the scar on her cheek. She shivers again, remembering the consequences of the sleeping woman's chaotic but potent command of the elements. Aradia remembers what she had earlier reminded Stardust: "It is tempting to think we would have been better off to just ignore this problem and abandon this wretched creature... but that is not our way. Nothing just happens. Fate has laid this burden before us and we have no choice but to bear it."

So, Aradia would have to stay and watch over the dangerous woman. Until her cousins returned, she would be essentially on her own. If things again get out of hand, Aradia has no idea what assistance, if any, she might expect from the manor's inscrutable, and often aloof, principal residents... the Vampires.

***

Distance thoughts and Another Question

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-19-02 09:35

I nodded slightly at Ian's words. "I see." I settled back into the couch and listened to the next song that Ian sang. As he sang, my mind drifted again, back to when things were easier for me. When Lex was alive. My hand unconciously drifted to the necklace, and I slipped a finger into the crest ring. My body had long since stopped aching from that night, but I doubt my heart ever would.

I let my eyes close for a brief moment, and steadied myself. I pushed thoughts of Lex out of my mind for now, I needed to find out more about where I was. "Who is taking care of this place while Vampiress Dahlia and her chylde are abroad?" I asked again once the song had finished. Taking a sip of the wyne again, and watching him. Though I still did not know his name. I hadn't the desire to ask just yet, I wanted to learn about the place that I had come upon.

I waited patiently for his answer, my fingertips trailing over the back of the couch. I sighed and curled my legs under my form, and rested my goblet on my knee. I wondered if it was just he, the butler and myself in this house right now. But some how I doubted that.

***

Ready to greet

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-20-02 14:19

She watched as both her beauties came out of the bathroom. Tricia, unafraid to bare all, and Laura, still hesitant, even though they had all just shared a bath. She was ready to greet the new guests, sitting on the bed and watching them both.

"Those clothes are for all of us to use. If you can find something that you like that fits, then by all means, wear it."

She watched as Laura chose a lovely black gown that trailed down the back. She raised a brow as she stowed away to the bathroom to go put it on and took the opportunity to approach Tricia as she stood before the armoir looking for something just right. She slipped her arms around Tricia's curvaceous body moving her hands to her stomach and spreading her fingers across her flesh while whispering in her ear.

"I picture you in something blue...to match your eyes and hair."

She slips her hands down Tricia's stomach and to her thighs lightly toying with her between her legs. Her fingers doing enough to get her excited, but not enough to satisfy. She loved playing with Tricia that way and would soon teach Laura to enjoy it also. After all, she enjoyed it being to her, why not do it in turn to her slaves?

She kissed Tricia's shoulder lightly and opened her mouth to bare fangs, but whispers to her first with a loving tone.

"You will not remember this. You will love me more when I am done. You are here to please only me."

With that, she bore down on Tricia's shoulder sinking her fangs in, all the while pleasuring her between her legs. While sipping, she slips her fingers in Tricia pressing against her to numb the pain of her fangs. But it's only for a minute, perhaps two, before she stops and licks the wounds away. She continues to rub Tricia while whispering in her ear.

"You'll only remember the pleasure I give you."

She grabs Tricia pulling her back tight against her own front while continuing the pressure and rhythmic moves of her finger until Tricia finally climaxes in her arms. It is a quick session as Laura is merely feet away in the bathroom and she does not wish for Laura to see her sipping from Tricia. As they finish, she moves her hands lovingly up Tricia's stomach, her soft skin smelling of magnolia, to her breasts where she rubs them lightly while moaning in whisper against her back. She breaks away from Tricia, leaving her perhaps in a bit of shock, but mostly satisfied as she picks out a light blue dress for her to wear. As she turns to give Tricia the dress, Laura comes out in full regalia. The dress is a bit long, but flows against the floor well with her height.

"That dress looks good on your Laura."

Compared to Laura and Tricia, you'd think she had just crawled out of a dumpster with her ragged shorts and boots, but she cares little for any formalities in her new state.

"Come on Tricia...get dressed and let's go downstairs. That dress will accent your eyes."

Finally Tricia dresses herself and prepares to follow her downstairs unaware of the bite she just recieved...only aware of the pleasure. She leads them both out of the room and downstairs until they hear Ian playing. She offers him a smile then moves her emerald gaze to the newly arrived guest.

"Good evening to you...welcome."

***

Beauty in blue

Author: Tricia

Date: 10-20-02 17:01

Tricia trails after Narcissa in the lovely blue dress wearing nothing underneath and barefooted. She has a bemused and satisfied look on her face, a little weak in the knees but not letting Narcissa out of her sight. She stands just to the right and behind Narcissa awaiting permission to sit..................seeing no one but Narcissa.

***

Almost making a mistake

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-20-02 18:33

She was snapped from her thoughts when three women entered the room. The bard was not given a chance to answer. She turned her attention to those new arrivals. "Good evening." She offered as well as a slight smile, fangs hidden.

A nod was given to both women who followed in the first. "Good eve to you both as well." She was a bit taken aback when she didn't recieve much of a response if any from either of the other two women.

Her gaze turned back to the first. "I am Violet LeBlanc. Tell me, just how many ki..." that last word was cut off after recieving a slight glance from the emerald eyed woman. "How many people are staying in the Crimson Kiss?" She asked.

***

Happy to answer

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-21-02 05:17

All three of them move into the study where Violet sits languidly. She can tell the woman is already at ease, which is good, but she does not want to reveal what they are to Laura and Tricia ...at least not yet. She is appreciative of Violet's manners not to speak of kindred.

"I am Narcissa. These are my...friends....Laura and Tricia."

She takes a seat on a large chair next to the couch and lounges in it stretching out and leaving Laura and Tricia to their own devices to find a seat. She looks at them knowingly as Briant comes over to them.

"I think Laura and Tricia are ready for breakfast Briant."

Briant eyes the girls and chuckles thinking they must be just fodder for the vampires of the house but complies to their request for breakfast, even though the thought of food makes him sick.

She turns her gaze back to Violet to answer her question.

"Well, right now it's me, Laura, Tricia, Aradia and her 2 sisters Selah and Stardust...**hesitates for a moment**....their friend, although I haven't met her yet really. Dahlia, Belle, and Guillaume have left for business out of the country, but I don't know when they'll be back."

The look on her face says it all as she mentions Guillaume's name. A sadness comes over her features that reveals her deep love for him.

"Dahlia is the owner of this...place. Where do you come from Violet? Tell us about yourself."

***

RE: Happy to answer

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-21-02 06:27

She nodded again to both Tricia and Laura. "Pleased to meet you." is said before turning her gaze back to Narcissa. She made note of the seven currently in the manor.

She recognized the saddness in Narcissa at the mention of Guillaume. She nodded and offered a soft smile. "I'm sure he will return soon." She stretched a bit and sighed, a slight saddness coming over her as well. Her hand drifting to the crest ring around her neck. ~I miss you Lex.~ she thought. It was at Narcissa's next words that she snapped out of her thoughts.

"I am originally from New York. I've lived in the city for about twenty years." Really just over a hundred, but out of curtesy she kept that to herself. It would come out soon enough. "I travel quite a bit. Especially in the past year and a half after the death of my companion Lex." She closed her eyes for a moment, holding back tears she didn't think she could cry again. Her hand tightened on the crest ring around her neck. She opened her eyes and sighed letting her gaze drift to the fireplace for a minute. Images of her sire floated through her mind, she took a ragged breath before she turned back to Narcissa.

"What else would you like to know? I am virtually an open book." she said with a soft smile to Narcissa. She ran a hand through her hair, not bothering to loosen her grip on the crest ring around her neck.

***

Finding Their Place

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-21-02 12:51

Laura pauses behind Narcissa's chair, shuffling her feet in confused hesitation.

She has never before felt so shy upon meeting someone. Usually, she is the first in a crowd to step forward and extend her hand in greeting. But when they entered the parlor and saw the young woman sitting there, Laura automatically deferred the introductions to Narcissa.

Yet, even after the new arrival -- who called herself "Violet LeBlanc" -- had wished Laura and Tricia "good evening," Laura found herself unable to reply. Some overpowering instinct told her to wait until Narcissa had introduced her first. Then, when Narcissa finally did present Tricia and her, Laura found the tone in Narcissa's voice had such definitive finality, that Laura deemed she had nothing to add. Laura wondered if this odd reaction is a remnant of her earlier misapprehension that Narcissa was some sort of aristocratic noblewoman.

Narcissa sits in a chair near the couch where Violet reclines. Laura glances around for a seat. There is a second couch facing the fire, but it is set well away from the others. If Laura and Tricia sit there, Violet would be between them and Narcissa. They would face the back of Violet's head while she was talking with Narcissa. This would force Violet to shift back and forth on the couch if Tricia and Laura joined in the conversation. Laura decides that it would be rude to cause that.

Apparently Tricia has drawn the same conclusion, and solves the problem in her usual direct fashion. Tricia sits on the floor, a little in front of, and a bit to the left of, Narcissa's chair. Although this strikes Laura as more fitting to a dorm room than this formal parlor, she decides it best to follow Tricia's example. Laura moves around to the right side of Narcissa's chair and likewise settles onto the thick carpet, tucking her legs under the flowing fabric of her long dress.

Laura finds she is quite comfortable. She immediately wonders why she has been so concerned by this bit of informality. It obviously has not offended Narcissa nor Violet, who continue their conversation without interruption, evidently finding it perfectly appropriate and natural that Tricia and Laura should chose to sit there quietly at their feet.

***

Breakfast is served

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-22-02 05:30

She listens intently to Violet and smiles as she mentions NYC. After all, that was her old home. 20 years? She thinks to herself...this woman looks young, but she doesn't 'feel' young. It is just a game though played for the sake of Laura and Tricia in their unknowing state. She does not know how much longer she can play this charade in front of them with other vampires in the house. Something is bound to slip sometime, but she is unsure of who will let it slip, including herself.

Briant returns to the study and announces to the girls. "Your breakfast is ready."

He continues to stand there waiting for them to follow him to the dining room adjacent to the study, yet far enough away to be secluded from conversation. She looks to Laura and Tricia, who are now sitting the floor and looking up at her to take the lead. She runs her fingers through both of their hair and smiles softly.

"Why don't you both go ahead, I'm not terribly hungry and I would hate to abandon our new guest."

The smell ol fresh danishes, coffee, toast and eggs wafts through the room and is invariably tempting to the two as they have not eaten well in the past few days. She can practically hear their stomachs rumbling as the scent catches their senses as well.

"Go ahead and pig out. I'll be in there shortly."

They both rise, and rather quickly to follow Briant into the dining area. She is now comfortable enough to speak to Violet in private about who and what she is.

"I'm sorry Violet about all that. They are new to the manor and don't know what's going on. Hell, I barely know myself. Please, tell me everything."

She notes the locket in her grip around her neck and eyes it curiously.

"You haven't let go of that necklace since we came down here. Does it hold a place in your heart?"

***

Emergence

Author: Mat

Date: 10-22-02 08:24

She crawled out of the water, fanning her tail slightly to create a light breeze, just enough to dry her tail and complete the transformation. She could have done it magically in about half the time, but she had heard someone speaking and had thought it best not to do anything that could attract attention. At least not until after she found the one whose call she had heard.

Still hungry, the mermaid (now completely dry,) stood, grabbed her fish and began walking through the forest she found herself in, walking toward the silent call of the other of the Water People currently on the land.

She was carefull with the fish, not knowing how long it would take her to get to where she needed to be. It had already been a long and arduous journey from the Arctic sea, she'd had to change both form and size several times, and she hadn't always had time to hunt on the way either. It had taken a lot out of her to adapt from a salt water creature to a fresh water one as well, and when she finally had reached the lakeshore, she had not been able to keep herself from grabbing that fish. It had, after all, wriggled quite obligingly into her hand. And, all to the better, it was a fairly big one too. She was only half finished with it by the time she reached and knocked on the door.

She didn't even consider that she might be an onorthodox sight. This place was special, and while not quite intended for her kind they were perfectly safe and would be welcome within. As long as they behaved themselves. Mat had not been on the land for quite some number of years, and had no idea how antiquated her manners were, but right now, exhausted and still hungry, she didn't much care to exhibit them. She took another large bite of her fish, and stood there after knocking, naked, soaking wet and clammy-skinned, waiting for the door to be opened.

***

Another Guest {Briant}

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-22-02 08:33

Briant had heard the knocking at the door while he was serving breakfast to the humans. He graciously finished serving them, although he had learned to detest humans over the years. He left them without another word and opened the grand doors of the front parlour only to see a rather ragged looking, naked woman with a fish in her mouth. His expression said it all as he looked down upon her and the foul stench of the dead fish was penetrating his nostrils.

"Might I help you this eve?"

He muttered to the woman as she gazed upon him as well. He wonders how she found this place, but there must be a reason why she was drawn here. Whatever she is, he hopes she keeps a human form.

***

Entrance

Author: Mat

Date: 10-22-02 09:01

The language the Vampire before her spoke seemed to be some odd, flatly inflected, bastardised form of Lower English. Summoning what she could remember of the language, Mat conjured a brief viciously hot ball of Pyr to incenerate the remainder of her fish, and greeted the male standing before her.

"God aven, sir. Prithee mighte ye grant thee entrance?"

She smiled, revealing row upon row of needle sharp, pointed white teeth.

***

Everything.....Possibly

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-22-02 10:13

She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing the thoughts of Lex to flood her mind. She didn't realize that she was ignoring those who were gladly giving her refuge here. Yet, some times the urge to think of him was so strong she had to give in. She did notice the two women leave with the butler. She looked a bit relieved as she came out of her thoughts.

She shifted slightly on the couch as she turned to face Narcissa more closely. "Don't worry about it. I was once as unsuspecting as they." Her words seemed foreign to her for a few moments, remembering back when she first met Lex. She shook her head willing those thoughts back. She took a deep breath and sighed. Her hand still on the necklace.

"I am a Kindred. I was born in New York, in the early eighteen hundreds. Yet, I was reborn, so to speak, by a lover, Alexander Willaimson. From then I watched the city grow and prosper. Lex remained my lover and teacher, for the next hundred and fifty years." She slipped her finger into the crest ring, feeling its weight on her hand. The vial holding her beloved's essence was clasp in her hand. "It was in Europe, we had been traveling, about three years ago, that he was taken from me. Taken from this world. I wasn't killed, because I was 'too beautiful.' I still, bare some physical scars from that night. However, the rest of my scars are emotional."

She sighed and turend to look at the fire in the fireplace. A heavy sigh slipped past her lips before she continued speaking. "The items on this necklace, do hold quite a special place in my heart, and will continue to do so as I walk through eternity alone." She finally slipped her hand from the ring and small vial, allowing Narcissa to get a look at them.

"The ring, is the Crest ring of my beloved Lex. The small vial, holds a bit of his essence. It is all I have left of him. His body was destroyed, I was not even allowed to bury him." She cringed slightly. "Thankfully, those that did what they did, will never harm any one, mortal or immortal again." Her voice was laced with a bit of anger. "It is through the love and energy of friends that I did not parish soon after Lex, and the help of one much older than both Lex and I combined."

She sighed and turned her gaze to the flames in the fireplace again. Almost unsure how Narcissa would react to her full tale. In truth that wasn't even the full tale, just enough information had been given to hopefully erase some of the questions the other had about her. "I have spent the past three years in almost total seclusion, only leaving my loft to hunt when I chose to." She took a deep breath. "Truth be told, I have no clue why I am here in this place, or how I ended up here. I just had a feeling that I would find some sort of haven in these woods, and this is the place I found."

***

A short existance

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-22-02 10:54

She listens as Violet tells her tale impressed at her longetivity. Guillaume and Dahlia are much older, but her tale of love and loss intrigues her. She carefully inspects the locket and wonders exactly who is was that tried to kill her and her lover. But, the pain on her expression relays that she would only be in more pain should she discuss if further. The love for this Alexander is apparently very very deep, as is her love for Guillaume. Her thoughts wander off as well wondering what she would do if she ever lost Guillaume in that manner....she would be completely lost.

"I am sorry for your loss Violet. He must have meant everything to you. I don't know what I would do if I lost Guillaume."

She offers a soft smile as her weaker side shows. She is very sympathetic to her fellow kindred and perhaps the sympathy for humanity is finally taking a shift now.

"I am new to this life myself. I came here by mistake after leaving the city. I thought I'd found a hotel. My sire, Guillaume FitzHenry only turned me less than a week ago. I haven't even gone out on my first hunt yet! "

She leans back and curls her legs up in the chair again looking over Violet with an emerald gaze. She does not seem to be a cold inhuman type, but then again, they just met.

"The two, Laura and Tricia. Me and Guillaume sipped from them. Made them our slaves so to speak. We wouldn't have done it except Belle accidentally sipped from Laura while she slept. We had to do something or else Laura would have gone insane. We took Tricia as well to be a slave. I'm worried they will find out what they are around here...I'm worried they will also leave. I can't believe Guillaume left me alone with two slaves."

Violet can tell she is working herself into a frustrated state just talking about it.

***

Flock of Angels.

Author: Ian

Date: 10-22-02 11:33

Ian apparently takes little note of all the bustle around him both seen and unseen. Instead, he simply leans back on his stool and picks his next song, seemingly at random.

~~~

In and out of the front door

Ran twelve back-door angels.

Their hair was a golden-brown.

They didn't see me wink my eye.

`Tis said they put we men to sleep

With just a whisper,

And touch the heads of dying dogs

And make them linger.

They carry their candles high

And they light the dark hours,

And sweep all the country clean

With pressed and scented wild-flowers.

They grow all their roses red

And paint our skies blue;

Drop one penny in every second bowl,

Make half the beggars lose.

Why do the faithful have such a will

To believe in something?

And call it the name they choose,

Having chosen nothing.

Think I'll sit down and invent some fool,

Some Grand Court Jester,

And next time the die is cast,

He'll throw a six or two.

In and out of the back-door ran

One front-door angel.

Her hair was a golden-brown.

She smiled and I think she winked her eye.

~~~

***

No Stomach for It

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-22-02 13:21

Although she knows she should eat, Laura finds she has little appetite. She looks across the table and sees Tricia likewise picking unenthusiastically at her food. Tricia keeps turning her head to look out the doorway to the hall that leads back to the parlor where Narcissa remains.

Finally, after only nibbling a bit herself, Laura sets down her heavy silver fork and knife and pushes her fine china plate away. With a deep sigh, she drops her head into her hands, then looks up to talk to Tricia.

"I don't understand what's happening to me," Laura confesses. "I mean, what are we doing here? I know Narcissa has been a wonderful hostess, and she is a true friend, but she obviously doesn't need our help."

Laura sits back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrow as memories surface from the previous evening. "In fact... Didn't she lie to us? She said she needed our help because Guillaume was hurt, but then admitted he was just away and that she dragged us here in the middle of the night just because she's lonely."

The anger melts from Laura's face. She cares too deeply for Narcissa to want her to feel badly. But now that Narcissa has a new visitor, would it not be alright to leave? Laura admits she would miss Narcissa's company, just like she misses her best friend, Belle Phillips.

"We came all the way up here to find out what happened to Belle," Laura reminds Tricia, who sits there staring at her. "We shouldn't just be hanging around here, enjoying the luxury of this mansion. We should get back to the lakehouse, in case Belle shows up."

Something in Tricia's face, and the fact that she seems at a loss for a reply to Laura's harangue, suggests to Laura that Tricia has been silently struggling with the same questions. None the less, a sudden change in her friend's expression...

... tells Laura that Tricia does not appreciate even the mere suggestion that it might be time to leave.

***