Party Favors

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 10-30-02 05:27

"Yes, my Lord," Laura replies docilely to Guillaume's suggestion that she address him in that fashion. He knows he has not yet tamed her soul. He does not want to... yet. But this one hypnotic suggestion that she call him "lord" will suffice to show the other Kindred his notion of a mortal's proper place. He hopes to lead by this example.

He hears Narcissa's voice speaking with the others in the parlor. He had hoped to eavesdrop a bit, to learn how his Chylde fared among other Vampires in his absence. But he can tell that she already has some inkling of his presence. Even if she remains uncertain of his actual return, her awareness of his proximity will only act as an unnecessary distraction to her.

So he moves out of the shadows of the diningroom and stands at the head of the long table. He looks to Laura sitting to the left, and to Tricia, across the table on his right.

"Come, my dears," he commands, offering each of them an arm. "Let us join our guests in the parlor. There may be drinks to freshen and cushions to fluff, or other such services required, and I am sure you both will be happy to help entertain our prestigious company."

Knowing

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 10-30-02 06:07

She smiled as she watched Narcissa, it was then that she knew what had distracted her young hostess. A knowing smile crept into her features as she watched, and then finally heard the whispered name. She had been the same way when it came to being around Lex.

She smiled at Narcissa's appology. "I know Narcissa. I know all to well." she said softly. She moved to return to her chair, a contented sigh slipping past her lips as she seated herself. "Narcissa, surely those two women should be finished with their breakfast now. Wouldn't you think?"

She smiled softly, and gave a glance to the direction of the dining room. A mischevious grin spread across her features, as she heard voices coming from that direction. Though she said not a word to Narcissa. She figured that would ruin the surprise of her learning that her feelings were correct that he had in fact returned.

She idly ran a hand through her hair, seeming to have forgotten the necklace around her neck. When indeed it was something she would never forget, she simply wished to not let herself get pulled back into something that could not be changed. She lifted her chalice to her lips, only to sigh and set it back down. It was empty.

She stretched idly, and turned to Ian, and listened to his song. She smiled, before turning her gaze back on Narcissa. "Come sit down. If your feelings are right, perhaps he will make himself known to you soon. But, until then, sit with your guests, enjoy their company."

She smiled and waited for Narcissa to come and join her. Now, all that was needed was Guillaume to make himself known to his Chylde.

***

Now waiting

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-30-02 10:46

Still leaning against the chair her gaze moves to Violet who is the first to speak up. She grins as she talks about Guillaume, waves of satisfied pleasure just at even the mention of his name wash over her and she nods.

"Yes, Violet. You're right. I'm sorry. I should be getting to know all you now and worry about that later."

She takes a seat next to Violet, relaxing against the plush cushions of the couch. She notices her bag still on the ground next to them. She says nothing however figuring Briant will get her settled in as need be. After a slight pause, and Violet's mention of them, she sits up. The girls! How she'd almost forgotten about Laura and Tricia as they all got through their introductions. She's hoped they hadn't slipped into the parlor to come across their conversations.

"Oh gosh! You're right! I'd almost forgotten they were eating breakfast in there."

She laughs at her own memory loss and is actually intrigued at how mezmerizing the older vampires could be. She had lost her train of thought, just watching them alone, much less talking to them. They must all be quite powerful indeed to even enchant her this way. With that, she shrugs, as she still sensed the two girls were in the dining room.

"I'm sure they'll come out when they are ready. But I tell you, I'm getting antcy. I could swear my sire is here. I feel a strong urge to go find him, but I don't want to you leave you, Paysha and Shen. The feelings are kind of confusing actually."

No sooner are those words spoken, as the trio steps away from the dining room and into the low light of the parlor.

Service with a smile

Author: Tricia

Date: 10-30-02 11:09

Tricia takes Guillame's proffered arm and walks lightly, eyes slightly downcast with a bemused smile on her face. Having worked as a Waitress one summer in high school, she feels very comfortable helping take care of the other guests. Tricia likes knowing that she can be of use and perhaps be allowed to stay.......She does not want to leave either Narcissa or Guillame. She hopes to lead by example and show Laura that staying can have many benefits ... hopefully of the carnal nature...... Hopefully with both Guillame and Narcissa..........

Why Wait

Author: Ian

Date: 10-30-02 11:36

The manor was finally starting to fill with a group visitors its Mistress would have appreciated. What a pity she had left. Ian hoped she would some day return. In the meantime, he knew he had struck a chord with her guests, the largest audience he had enjoyed in many decades.

Knowing he now felt the pulse of the room, he played on.

~~~

What a sight for my eyes

To see you in sleep.

Could it stop the sunrise,

hearing you weep?

You're not seen, you're not heard

But I stand by my word.

Came a thousand miles

Just to catch you while you're smiling.

What a day for laughter

And walking at night;

Me following after,

Your hand holding tight.

And the memory stays clear

With the song that you hear

If I can but make

the words awake the feeling.

What a reason for waiting

and dreaming of dreams.

So here's hoping you've faith

In impossible schemes

That are born in the sigh

Of the wind blowing by

While the dimming light

Brings the end to a night of loving.

~~~

Abiding

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-30-02 12:24

Despite her antiauthoritarian propensities, Laura does have a taste for elegance. That was one of the reasons she endured the petty demands of sorority life. It was so much more pleasurable to socialize in a stately and well furnished house than to attend the raucous events of the cold concrete dorms.

Thus, Guillaume's reminder of the "prestigious company" gathered in the parlor appeals directly to Laura's natural congeniality. Violet LeBlanc, whom Laura had met only briefly, had nonetheless impressed her as quite refined in her manner. And regardless of Narcissa's claims to be little more than a street tough, and Laura's initial impression of the same, Laura now thinks of Narcissa as one of the most charming persons she has ever met; the only other possible contender for that distinction being Laura's best friend, Belle Phillips.

So Laura immediately stands and wraps her right arm around Guillaume's proffered left elbow. Tricia simultaneously and enthusiastically takes his other arm. Together, they turn and walk toward the enticing sounds of conversation and music coming from the parlor.

Appearances

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 10-31-02 05:15

Guillaume stands just inside the wide doorway, with Tricia on his right arm, Laura on his left. He looks across the parlor to where Narcissa reclines, sharing a couch with a beautiful vampiress with strikingly rich brown eyes and hair.

Another Kindred couple sits off to the side, seemingly more interested in relaxation than conversation. Guillaume cannot blame them. He has also traveled many long and tiring journeys of late.

Ian, of course, remains on his stool at the far end of the room, finishing up a pleasant tune.

Narcissa's eyes turn to Guillaume, and he answers with his smile.

"My darling," he greets Narcissa. "I have returned."

Guillaume sees on her face the relief that has replaced the uneasiness she felt having had to meet these older and more powerful Kindred alone. Guillaume decides to bolster her status, even if by a bit of presumption.

"Narcissa," he continues most formally. "Please do me the honor of introducing me to your esteemed guests."

The lords return

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 10-31-02 09:12

An audible gasp escapes her lips as she sees Guillaume standing before her in the hallway. As he lets go of Tricia and Laura's arms, she moves to him, and quite quickly at that, wrapping her arms around his neck and practically smothering him in kisses that have been stored up.

"Guillaume, I've missed you so much!"

She whispers to him, even though it had only been a day since he left, the feelings for him being gone ran quite deep. He laughs, and she joins him in the laughter leading him back into the parlor followed by Tricia and Laura.

"Guillaume, this is Violet LeBlanc, Paysha, and Shen."

With that, she allows him the honor of furthering the conversation, all the while staying close at his side.

Sit This One Out

Author: Ian

Date: 10-31-02 10:57

Ian smiles coldly at the ancient warrior's return. He picks what he suspects is the most appropriate song... just an excerpt, really.

~~~

The Poet and the Painter

Casting shadows on the water

As the sun plays on the infantry

returning from the sea.

The doer and the thinker,

No allowance for the other

as the failing light illuminates

The mercenary's creed.

The home fire burning,

The kettle almost boiling,

but the master of the house

Is far away.

The horses stamping,

Their warm breath clouding

in the sharp and frosty morning

Of the day.

And the poet lifts his pen

While the soldier sheaths his sword.

And the youngest of the family

Is moving with authority.

Building castles by the sea,

He dares the tardy tide

To wash them all aside.

The cattle quietly grazing

At the grass down by the river

Where the swelling mountain water

Moves onward to the sea.

The builder of the castles

Renews the age-old purpose

And contemplates the milking girl

Whose offer is his need.

The young men of the household

Have all gone into service

and are not to be expected for a year.

The innocent young master --

Thoughts moving ever faster --

Has formed the plan

To change the man

He seems.

And the poet sheaths his pen

While the soldier lifts his sword.

And the oldest of the family

Is moving with authority.

Coming from across the sea,

He challenges the son

Who puts him to the run.

What do you do when the old man's gone?

Do you want to be him?

And your real self sings the song.

Do you want to free him?

No one to help you get up steam

And the whirlpool turns you `way off-beam.

~~~

Not to Decide...

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 10-31-02 13:32

Laura smiles as Narcissa leaps up from the couch and rushes across the room toward her.

Laura releases Guillaume's elbow, ready to hug her friend, but Guillaume steps forward, and Narcissa goes to him, wrapping her arms around his neck while accepting his eager embrace.

Laura shakes her head, feeling foolish, and hoping no one noticed her presumptuous misconception. Of course Narcissa's joyful reaction was for her returning lover, and not for Laura, but that only makes Laura regret all the more that she had let Narcissa seduce her last night. While she is relieved that Narcissa finally seems content to let their friendship return to a purely platonic relationship, Guillaume's return makes that one moment of indiscriminate ecstacy Narcissa had bestowed upon her now feel like a shabby one night stand.

Laura glances out of the corners of her eyes to where Narcissa and Guillaume still stand pressing their bodies lasciviously together.

Laura scowls as Narcissa kisses Guillaume repeatedly, like a giddy schoolgirl.

Laura frowns in envy of the unmistakable love the two share, the kind of passionate, absolute love Laura had always imagined... but never found.

Laura glares with jealously at -- Laura shudders with the thought -- at the attention Narcissa is paying to Guillaume, instead of to her. Laura closes her eyes, trying to force her inappropriate desires out of her mind, but her lips still tingle in their craving for Narcissa's touch.

Laura opens her eyes to find Narcissa and Guillaume walking away, with Tricia close behind. Laura again considers simply leaving the manor, and relegating all the emotional turmoil that has accompanied her short friendship with Narcissa fully to the past. But she does not know how to get back to the Phillips' lakehouse from here. Besides, if she just walked out now, she might disappoint or offend Narcissa, and she cannot abide that thought.

Laura decides she has little choice -- for the time being -- but to stay, despite how uncomfortable she feels around Narcissa, especially now that Guillaume has returned. Sighing at what she thinks is her decision, she follows Narcissa, Guillaume and Tricia to the set of comfortable sofas and chairs by the fireplace. What Laura does not understand, and could not do anything about even if she did, is that she actually has no choice at all.

***

Pressing the Flesh

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 11-01-02 05:40

Guillaume makes the full circuit of introductions. First he waves to Ian at the far end of the room, laughing approvingly at his choice of song, and all it reveals of his old comrade's uncanny wisdom.

He moves to where Paysha and Shen sit together. The gentleman stands and they shake hands. Guillaume then bows to kiss the hand of the lady. Though they have never before met, Guillaume recognizes the name. She is an ancient Vampiress and highly regarded among the Kindred.

Guillaume then turns to greet Violet. Again, he bends to kiss the back of an alabaster hand. He knows nothing of this Vampiress, and immediately discerns her comparative youth. After they, too, exchange greetings, Guillaume takes a seat on the couch next to her, in the place Narcissa vacated upon his appearance.

Narcissa having had it first, it seems only fair that he share. He reaches up and playfully pulls Narcissa down into his lap.

"I apologize for my disheveled appearance," Guillaume sighs. "But I just completed a long and stressful journey." He looks to the other Kindred in turn, then stares into the fire before speaking further. "It is good to be back here. It is such a warm and welcoming place. Pray tell, is there anything in particular that brings you all here at this time?"

Greetings and Jealousy

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 11-01-02 05:52

Violet smiled as Gillaume entered the parlor with the two mortal women. She let her gaze trail lightly over him, he was definately a handsome man. He was old, that was obvious. She let her gaze move from he and Narcissa as she greeted her sire. Her heart ached slightly, because the younger still had the physical bond with her sire. She closed her eyes and attempted to push the thoughts from her mind. She did not want to get pulled back into thoughts of Lex right now. As it was her slumber would be full of them.

She shifted slightly in her seat on the couch, a hand moving to her empty chalice, and remaining there for a few moments. She let her gaze drift to two mortal women, they were both very attractive.

She watched Gillaume as he greeted the two elders in the room, before turning and greeting her. She smiled slightly when he kissed the back of her hand. She knew he sensed her youth. She smiled when he sat down next to her and laughed slightly when he pulled Narcissa into his lap. Suddenly her eyes held a saddness, as she turned her gaze to the fire. There was also a slight hint of jealousy, as she looked at Narcissa and Gillaume out of the corner of her eye. She had that loving intimacy once, but she was unsure if she would ever have it again.

She was snapped from her thoughts by Gillaume's question. She pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind, before she answered. "A new beginning." Was her short answer, though it was laced with many emotions, saddness and jealousy probably the two most promonent though.

***

Beginnings

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 11-01-02 06:19

"Pray tell, is there anything in particular that brings you all here at this time?" Guillaume asks the Kindred relaxing in the mansion's parlor.

Eight hundred years of predation hones the senses. Guillaume can detect the strains of some recent tragedy or regret in the face of Violet LeBlanc, the Vampiress sitting next to him. His question intensifies that, but also masks it slightly with a trace of hope.

"A new beginning," Violet replies.

Guillaume chuckles warmly. "Well, I dare say that this is the place for it. You certainly would not be the first lady to find 'a new beginning' here."

He wraps his arms more tightly around Narcissa, and lightly kisses her cheek before asking her, "Isn't that right, my darling?"

A comfortable position

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 11-01-02 10:29

She smiles as Guillaume takes the lead as now she can relax. She was starting to feel a bit judged, but that was probably just her own imagination taking a turn for the worse. She gasped quietly as he pulled her into his lap. His affections for her hadn't waned since he'd been away and she was quite grateful for that. How desperately she wanted to turn on his lap and unbutton his shirt to show her passions for him. But, in this company, that would be perhaps the most rude thing to do. She patiently bides her time with conversation and sits on his lap leaning against the arm of the couch.

"This is the perfect place for a new beginning. I can vouch for that."

Laughter escapes her lips, but she turns to Tricia and Laura as she says that as well. Little do they know they are certainly finding a new beginning here and don't even know it. She motions for them to sit in two adjoining chairs near the fireplace to join in the conversation. Certainly if mention of kindred is made, Guillaume will take care of the mistake. She smiles wickedly as they sit, both returning a smile in return, grateful to be asked to join. She moves her hips slightly rubbing against him as he grabs her tighter and leans her head back to whisper in his ear.

"Tonight Guillaume...unbridled..."

She leaves it at that and looks at Violet again.

"I know you are sad Violet, and you asked me not to ask any more about Lex, but I want you to know you can trust us. Perhaps when Guillaume is busy at time, you would be willing to...teach me...things."

The deeper meaning of her sentence sinks in with her meaning that if Guillaume is tied up, perhaps Violet can show her the ways of the kindred. She had wanted to ask that previously just as Guillaume had entered the parlor.

Pedantic

Author: Ian

Date: 11-01-02 11:21

Ian's smile returns when he hears Narcissa's request, and all that it implies. Of course, every vampire is a teacher, as much by necessity as by nature. Chuckling, Ian lifts his flute to his lips.

~~~

Well the dawn was coming,

Heard him ringing on my bell.

He said, "My name's the teacher,

For that is what I call myself.

And I have a lesson

That I must impart to you.

It's an old expression,

but I must insist it's true.

Jump up, look around,

find yourself some fun,

no sense in sitting there

Hating everyone.

No man's an island,

And his castle isn't home.

The nest is Full of nothing

When the bird has flown.''

So I took a journey,

Threw my world into the sea.

With me went the teacher

Who found fun instead of me.

Hey man, what's the plan,

What was that you said?

Sun-tanned, drink in hand,

Lying there in bed.

I try to socialize,

But I can't seem to find

What I was looking for,

Got something on my mind.

Then the teacher told me

It had been a lot of fun,

Thanked me for his ticket

And all that I had done.

Hey man, what's the plan,

What was that you said?

Sun-tanned, drink in hand,

Lying there in bed.

I try to socialize,

But I can't seem to find

What I was looking for,

Got something on my mind.

~~~

***

Getting It All Wrong

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 11-02-02 09:01

Attachment: blkd010.jpg

Laura takes the seat Narcissa indicates. She glances around the circle of faces lit by the blazing fire. There is something unusual about the three newcomers. At first, she had dismissed it as simple snobbery. Just as Guillaume had abandoned Tricia and her upon entering the parlor, the strangers act as if they are hardly there.

But as she observes them, Laura decides it is more than that. She sees it first in the lovely woman with the odd, foreign name. She has a detached serenity that Laura realizes has nothing to do with how she looks upon others, but is rather a manifestation of complete self-assuredness. Laura had noticed similar confidence in Guillaume over the past couple nights, but Paysha Talamas has the composure of a mystic.

Laura sees it in varying degrees in the rest of them. Even Narcissa, who is certainly never aloof, still moves with aplomb despite what would normally be self-conscious intimacy in the arms of her lover, Sir Guillaume.

There is something so... so... seductive -- that is the only word she can find for it -- in the way they are all so completely comfortable with themselves, their bodies, and each other. There is a sensual quality to these people Laura has never seen before. She watches Narcissa as she shifts ever so slightly on Guillaume's lap. Every fibre of her flesh seems geared to enjoying the touch of her lover. Laura can't help but stare.

She feels herself blush. For the past week she has found herself becoming sexually aroused at the oddest times or by the most unusual thoughts. Now here she is, in a room full of strangers, and she can barely contain her need for...

She forces her eyes down, and concentrates on the patterns on the carpet between her feet, wanting to find something to divert her from the desires aroused by Narcissa's proximity. Other than a few recent stray thoughts about her friend Belle Phillips, Laura had never had any lesbian desires until she met Narcissa. What is it about her that affects Laura so?

Laura's futile introspection is interrupted when she hears Narcissa suggest to Violet, "Perhaps when Guillaume is busy at times, you would be willing to... teach me... things."

Laura notices Narcissa's hesitancy, and realizes she endeavors to avoid revealing some unnamed secret. Laura again glances at all the faces around her. Whatever that secret may be, only she and Tricia do not share in it.

Laura immediately thinks of the previous night, when Narcissa had seduced her, then invited Guillaume to join them in bed. Laura had rejected that idea forcefully, but suddenly it all starts to make more sense. Narcissa and Guillaume obviously associate with people who enjoyed such things -- such as bisexuality and group sex. Narcissa must be new to it all, and is asking Violet to show her... "things"... that she thinks will shock Laura and Tricia if they hear of them.

It suddenly occurs to Laura that Narcissa -- as an enthusiastic newcomer to this group -- was probably trying to do nothing more than impress Guillaume with what she did to Laura at the lakehouse last night. Laura feels used, betrayed, and -- she has to admit -- hurt; there is a small part of her that had actually hoped Narcissa had seduced her out of love. Suddenly furious, Laura decides she should leave as soon as possible, and somehow convince Tricia to come with her. Obviously, she can't do that now, and make a scene in front of all these people. But as soon as she has a chance to be alone with Tricia, she will need to tell her in no uncertain terms that they must leave.

Laura just wishes that, in the meantime, she could stop thinking how much she is going to miss Narcissa.

***

RE: CHAPTER 3: A New Horizon

Author: Shen Grah

Date: 11-02-02 09:05

Paysha listens quietly to the conversation around her. Surveying all knowledge from the room. Shen had regretted ever buying her that copy of "The Art of War" from the shop in Rome. She had read it in two hours. Her preternatural speed amazed him at times. She decided to put it into full practice. Always know the strengths of your friends. Always observe the weaknesses of your enemies. He could see the wheels in her head turning. But surely, even Paysha had to feel the sense of comfort and security in this room. This was a hard thing for Shen to admit. He had some bad encounters with other kindred through his wanderings with Paysha. He preferred the solitude of Paysha's company usually, but he now understood the need she had to come here.

The conversation subsides and all eyes seem to fall on him and his mistress. The voice he had followed for years rang through with a simple "We decided to take a walk in the woods" and smiles slyly to the audience around her. But she seemed to fixate on the two familiars. Shen couldn't discern what interest she had in these two, so naturally the jealousy starts to well up inside his chest; but he chokes it back. She immediately looks over to him and whispers "Don't worry, you're still my favorite." Shen hated when she read his thoughts. But he could feel his desire for her rise at the coy little grin she gave him now. The room just seemed to melt away and Shen was transfixed on her lovely face.

She carried on her conversation with Sir Guillaume and the other lovelies in the room. She told them of their meeting in the woods at the prompting of Sir Guillaume's questioning. But all he seemed to notice for the rest of the night was his mistress. She had bewitched him and now he could hear her call to come and feed with her. But it was in audible to those around them. She rose to make their apologies for the meet and dash but she was famished and needed to retire to her room before going out for the evening. He found himself moving right behind her following her lithe form ascending the staircase.

Acceptance of an Offer and a Question

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 11-03-02 13:28

Violet smiled softly as she watched Narcissa and Guillaume, though her eyes were filled with a saddness that none of them could possibly fathom. She was snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Narcissa's voice. She nodded as she heard Narcissa's question. "That is if Guillaume would not have a problem with me doing such Narcissa." she said with a soft smile, her gaze drifting over the woman's handsome sire.

Her eyes then drift to the form of Laura, a slight hunger flashes in her gaze as she looks at the young woman. She blinked slightly and turned her gaze toward the flames in the hearth. She was only a guest here, and it was obvious the two young women where slaves to both Narcissa and Guillaume. She was unsure that they'd be willing to share. She didn't bother to ask.

She smiled and turned her gaze back to the couple next to her. She again reached for her chalice and brought it to her lips, forgetting that it was empty. She frowned slightly and set the empty chalice back in it's former resting place, she sighed wishing she had managed to feed enough from the vagrant she had fed from, but couldn't, because she did not wish to be found out.

She looked to Guillaume, a mischevious tone in her voice as she spoke, the double meaning in her words quite obvious to the other kindred in the room, yet would be lost on both Laura and Tricia. "I am going out for a bite to eat, is there any place you'd recommend to find the best meal Guillaume?" figuring that he out of them all would know the lay out of this area better than the others.

Instructional Opportunities

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 11-04-02 05:45

"I am going out for a bite to eat," Violet declares. "Is there any place you'd recommend to find the best meal Guillaume?"

"I am fairly new to these environs myself," the vampire replies. "But there is a busy pub just a few miles from here to which Dahlia took me one night for dinner. It has a varied and appetizing menu. It even offers what I believe these Americans call 'carry-out.'"

Narcissa, Violet and he chuckle slightly at that comment, and Guillaume wonders what the two human girls so intently observing this apparently mundane discussion make of that reaction. Guillaume would actually prefer to stay in and share the evening with Narcissa alone. Her subtle movements on his lap and whispered promise of "unbridled" passion are hard to resist. But he knows his Chylde's other hunger is more pressing just now, and would prove a distraction in the bedroom. So he resigns himself to the demands of the moment.

"I ate earlier, on my way back here," Guillaume continues. "But I doubt Narcissa has had dinner yet. I could take you both there now, if you wish, or perhaps we will spot another promising locale along the way. Shall we leave now?"

Guillaume turns toward Laura and Tricia. "Or shall we have these young ladies refill your cup, and fetch the rest of us something as well?"

While finding the mortals at the manor was a pleasant surprise, Guillaume thinks it might have been better if Narcissa had waited for his return before bringing them here. She clearly has not had the time, nor probably the experience, to properly train them for their new duties. It really matters very little. Guillaume has ample experience in such things, and the girls' training will provide an excellent opportunity for furthering Narcissa's education as well.

A second glass....eventually

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 11-04-02 06:42

"I am fairly new to these environs myself," the vampire replies. "But there is a busy pub just a few miles from here to which Dahlia took me one night for dinner. It has a varied and appetizing menu. It even offers what I believe these Americans call 'carry-out.'"

Violet listened as Guillaume answered her question. Hmm, well, nothing like leanring the layout of the surrounding areas with some one as new to them as you are. At least he would know where he was going well enough to lead them there.

"I ate earlier, on my way back here," Guillaume continues. "But I doubt Narcissa has had dinner yet. I could take you both there now, if you wish, or perhaps we will spot another promising locale along the way. Shall we leave now?"

Guillaume turns toward Laura and Tricia. "Or shall we have these young ladies refill your cup, and fetch the rest of us something as well?"

She thought for a moment. "I do believe we can relax for a bit longer, my hunger isn't that strong just yet. Besides, I am ready for another glass of wyne." she glanced to the two young women. She looked to Narcissa and smiled. Knowing the young one would probably be most excited about going on her first hunt.

She let her gaze drift back to the fire, as she retreated into her thoughts again. The place she hadn't wanted to go again. This time her thoughts were of when she went on her first hunt with Lex. It was a cool night in New York, probably late fall early winter. It was her third night in this form, she had spent the first few nights feeding from him after he fed. She sighed softly, still lost in her thoughts. Her first victim had been a wealthy man, she had inticed him in to a private room, with promises of passion anda night he would never forget. Indeed it was both. Though she immediately went into Lex's arms after, simply to erase the touch of her victim, it was an accomplishment for the young vampire.

She let her self leave her thoughts for now, she had other things to do. She reached for her glass, hoping that one of the young women had filled it while she had been lost in her thoughts. They hadn't. She frowned and glanced to Guillaume and Narcissa. She wondered just how long she would have to wait for a refill on her wine.

Working girls

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 11-04-02 10:19

The thought of them hunting tonight excited her and it was apparent in her emerald gaze. A new hunger had washed over her, having not even thought about feeding until Violet had brought it up. Now she could feel her stomach rumbling, not just for the nourishment, but for the thrill of the hunt as well. Her gaze drifted to the fire as well as she and Guillaume spoke about where to go. She did not care where they went, she just wanted to go. She was excited to be able to learn, and she knew she would use the skills in the city soon enough.

She moves her gaze back to Violet who again tries to take a sip from her empty glass. She snaps out of it and looks sharply to Tricia and Laura.

"Laura, please refill Violet's glass. She's been waiting long enough for another glass."

She points to a small table by a bookcase that has a bottle of red 'wine' in it. Laura struggles with the idea of having to serve anyone, but rises anyways to refill Violet's cup. She struggles with her own desires of running out the door to hunt and Guillaume can feel that as she sits in his lap. He holds on to her waist though as if preventing her from running. She looks to Violet, then back to Guillaume.

"We can dine at your leisure, although I find myself getting quite hungry now. Tricia, Laura, you will be alright by yourselves here. You will entertain each other. You will stay here."

Epicurean Delights

Author: Ian

Date: 11-04-02 11:33

Ian, for one, is not hungry. He is sated with his music as he starts his next song with a flutist's flourish.

~~~

May I make my fond excuses

for the lateness of the hour,

but we accept your invitation,

and we bring you Beltane's flower.

For the May Day is the great day,

sung along the old straight track,

And those who ancient lines did lay

will heed the song that calls them back.

Pass the word and pass the lady;

Pass the plate to all who hunger;

Pass the wit of ancient wisdom;

Pass the cup of crimson wonder.

.

Ask the green man where he comes from.

Ask the cup that fills with red.

Ask the old grey standing stones

That show the sun its way to bed.

Question all as to their ways,

And learn the secrets that they hold.

Walk the lines of nature's palm,

Crossed with silver and with gold.

Pass the word and pass the lady;

Pass the plate to all who hunger;

Pass the wit of ancient wisdom;

Pass the cup of crimson wonder.

Join in black December's sadness;

Lie in August's welcome corn.

Stir the cup that's ever-filling

With the blood of all that's born.

But the May Day is the great day,

Sung along the old straight track,

And those who ancient lines did lay

Will heed this song that calls them back.

Pass the word and pass the lady;

Pass the plate to all who hunger;

Pass the wit of ancient wisdom;

Pass the cup of crimson wonder.

~~~

Competing Desires

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 11-04-02 13:07

"I do believe we can relax for a bit longer," Violet declares, much to Laura's disappointment. Laura had hoped they would leave for dinner so that she could talk to Tricia in private. Laura needs to convince her friend that they should abandon the company of these depraved snobs, and continue their search for their missing classmate, Belle Phillips.

"My hunger isn't that strong just yet," Violet continues. "Besides, I am ready for another glass of wine."

Laura wonders what has become of the butler. She starts to look back toward the diningroom, where she saw him last, but her attention is drawn by Narcissa softly clearing her throat.

"Laura, please refill Violet's glass," Narcissa directs, pointing to a sideboard bearing a crystal decanter. "She's been waiting long enough for another glass." Narcissa adds that comment reproachfully, as though Laura should have known it was her job to wait on them.

Laura opens her mouth to refuse, and to tell Narcissa what she can do with her aristocratic presumptions, but she cannot find the appropriate words. In Laura's mind, any rejection of Narcissa's request would make her appear as a boorish ingrate. Finding she has no choice, Laura dutifully rises to obey Narcissa's behest.

Laura returns with the decanter of especially dark red wine.

"We can dine at your leisure," Narcissa says to Violet, as Laura fills the latter's goblet about two-thirds full. "Although," Narcissa continues, "I find myself getting quite hungry now."

Laura is about to walk away to return the wine to its table, but Narcissa stops her.

"Tricia, Laura," Narcissa begins. Laura turns to face her and sees Tricia rising to her feet. "You will be alright by yourselves here." Laura finds herself meeting Tricia's gaze.

"You will entertain each other," Narcissa tells them, not in a tone of regret for excluding them from the evening's recreation, but instead like a mother instructing two children how they will need to keep each other out of trouble without a babysitter. "You will stay here."

Laura sees Tricia release a shaky breath, then turn back to Narcissa.

"Of course, m`... m`... um, Narcissa," Tricia replies hoarsely. "Is there anything I can get or do for you before you leave?" Tricia then turns her eyes to Guillaume. "Or for you, my Lord?"

Tricia's obvious eagerness to please Narcissa and Guillaume through service reminds Laura of a freshman during Rush, trying to impress a particularly demanding House. Laura sighs. In part because she finds herself secretly compelled, after being scolded by Narcissa moments earlier, to seek the same favorable attention Narcissa is suddenly paying to Tricia. But mostly because, suppressing that feeling, she realizes Tricia is not at all offended by these people's behavior, and obviously wishes to remain in their good graces.

Laura wonders if she has any chance to make Tricia understand why they should not let themselves be used by such people. Laura realizes her chances of being convincing in that regard will remain hampered until she can somehow shed her jealous desire to have Narcissa smile as favorably and amicably at her, as she is currently at Tricia.

My good girls

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 11-04-02 16:14

She smiles as Laura obidiently refreshes Violet's drink and returns to standing next to her friend Tricia. Tricia, the obidient one. She smiles softly and moves to where the girls are standing. With a few quick steps, she finds herself in front of Tricia, very close. She brings a fingertip to her chin lifting it and gazing deeply into her dark gaze.

"Tricia, you need not provide anything except entertainment for Laura."

Tricia returns a wide grin happy to please her mistress. She leaves her standing there for Guillaume to deal with as she walks in front of Laura.

"And you."

She brings both of her hands up and rests them on Laura's hips. Her fingers gently glide across the fabric around her hips.

"You did well serving Violet her drink. That pleases me to no end dear Laura."

Her hands continue around to Laura's backside without the guests seeing and she squeezes lightly before letting go and turning back.

"Guillaume, are there books or t.v.s around that they could use for entertainment while we're gone?"

She steps back away from Laura as if nothing even happened except a cordial thanks and moves back to Guillaume, this time taking a seat next to him. She moves her gaze again to Violet sensing the ornate sadness every time she looks upon she and Guillaume.

"Violet, I think there's things we should talk about over dinner, things we can help you with. Things we can share."

Formalities

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 11-05-02 06:08

Guillaume grins as Tricia stands there, beaming with the kind attention Narcissa has already paid to her and waiting for his response to her offer of service. He is delighted by how quickly the infusion of his and Narcissa's vampiric essence has transformed the young woman into their eager servant. Guillaume suspects she was predisposed to such an attitude even before meeting them, and he wonders if she played at such things in her prior life, as he knows some mortals do. If so, he doubts that she ever practiced anything close to the ultimate submission of a human in a Kindred household.

"Tricia, my dear," Guillaume says pleasantly. "Please find two more goblets so that Lady Narcissa and I may enjoy a drink with our guest." He then turns to address Narcissa.

"Really, Darling," Guillaume says to Narcissa in a playful scold. "Such informality! Letting these girls call you by your first name is not really appropriate... given the status you've so recently obtained. Wouldn't you agree, Violet?"

Guillaume leaves that as a rhetorical question, turning back to Tricia before either Vampiress can contradict him.

"Tricia understands this. Don't you, dear?" Guillaume observes, again rhetorically, as the young woman returns with two crystal wine glasses. She stops in front of Narcissa and Guillaume, holding the cups in front of her. Guillaume rewards her with an approving smile while he continues to explain to Narcissa, "That is why Tricia stumbles on your name."

Guillaume leans back. While addressing both mortal women, he looks into Laura's eyes. She stands further away, and Guillaume doubts his innate mesmerism will work from this position. It will be an interesting test of the effect of Laura having only Narcissa's essence -- and that of the equally nascent, and now absent, Belladonna -- in her blood. Laura may be able to resist his next command, although he knows Tricia cannot.

"Laura, Tricia," he begins in a low but forceful voice. "You already know to call me 'my Lord.' Likewise, from now on, you must address Lady Narcissa, and our esteemed guest Lady Violet, as nothing other than: 'my Lady.'"

Entitled

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 11-05-02 13:12

Laura fights to bring her breathing under control. She is scarcely aware of the conversation going on around her. Her skin still tingles where Narcissa caressed her through the thin fabric of her gown.

For a few moments, the lingering ecstacy of Narcissa's touch, and Laura's satisfaction at knowing she had pleased her friend and benefactress, overcomes all thoughts of departing. For one moment, the memories of Narcissa's hands on Laura's bare skin, and of what Narcissa's fingers and tongue had done to her last night, have Laura wanting to stay.

Laura looks down at the carafe of dark red wine in her hand, and at the goblets Tricia stands holding next to her. Laura will be happy to pour a cup for Narcissa -- and for Guillaume, too -- as soon as her hands stop shaking.

Taking an unsteady breath, Laura glances at her hosts. She finds Guillaume watching her from the couch where he sits next to Narcissa.

"Laura, Tricia," he says. "You already know to call me 'my Lord.' Likewise, from now on, you must address Lady Narcissa, and our esteemed guest Lady Violet, as nothing other than: 'my Lady.'"

Laura nods slightly. That sounds right. She has known since the moment she first met Narcissa that she is someone very special. Well, not exactly from the first moment, but then Narcissa had been so nice to her, and Guillaume had explained....

Laura remembers that she had even thought Narcissa might be a princess... An American turned princess, like Princess Grace. But Narcissa had later corrected that misconception. In fact, Narcissa had said.... Laura shakes her head.

"But that's not..." Laura begins to tell Guillaume, but the title really does sound right for Narcissa.

"Is that right?" Laura asks Narcissa. "Should I be calling you 'my Lady'?"

Owned

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 11-05-02 16:53

She watches with a bit of surprise as Guillaume commands them to call her "my lady." Who uses that language nowadays anyways? He is taking full command of putting them in their proper places as slaves, but she did not think it would be so formal. Lady? Was she truly a lady? Had she become this upper crust when Guillaume changed her? She frowned a bit at the thought of them calling her 'my lady.' It all seemed so formal...so out of character in this day and age, but he new what he was doing and Laura would need to be controlled one way or another. She heard the defiance again in Laura's voice as she started to speak. Guillaume's essence was not infused in her, so it was obvious he would have to do that soon. She snapped out of it as Laura asked her if she should call her that. She suddenly seemed distracted, not just to Laura, but to everyone else as well. The thought of Laura and Tricia addressing her as "my lady" still disturbed her, but it was a necessary evil.

"Hmm? Oh yes...yes. That would be fine."

Now her thoughts started to trail off thinking about how Guillaume will sip from her. Her bright red droplets of blood touching his tongue, the sweet taste of the fresh blood moving through his system. She was sidetracked once again as her hunger starts to grow. Both Violet and Guillaume can see that she will need to feed soon lest she attack Laura and Tricia for their sweet blood. She leans back in her seat and closes her eyes thinking about sinking her teeth into some poor victim whose blood tastes like sweet sweet candy.

Need before Relaxation

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 11-05-02 18:22

She smiled at Guillaume's command over Laura and Tricia. Though this was something she was not used to, she found it rather relaxing to have the two mortal women wait on her. She leaned back a bit in her chair, her gaze drifting over to Narcissa. She frowned slightly.

"Guillaume, I do believe that perhaps we should go out and grab that bite to eat now." Her eyes told him what else he needed to know, Narcissa needed to feed before she attacked the two lovely young women.

Violet stood setting her goblet aside for now. "Give me a moment to change before we leave." she said, as Briant appeared and guided her to the room where he had placed her bag earlier.

"Thank you." she said as she entered the room. She looked through the various garments in the bag and pulled out a pair of jeans and a cotton tee shirt. She slips out of her boots and into a pair of sneakers. She lets her hair frame her face and takes one final look in the mirror before returning to the parlor.

"Alright. Now about that bite to eat?" She said with a smile looking at Narcissa and Guillaume, her mood seeming to have lightened quite a bit. Though there is still a cloud of saddness around her, just not as obvious as it had been previously. Her gaze drifts to Laura and Tricia. The hunger rises in her again. Soon she quickly turned away, feeling the same urge as Narcissa had, she didn't want to attack the two young women.

She leaned against the door frame, waiting for Narcissa and Guillaume to join her so they could leave for their meal.

A Hot Meal...Or Not.

Author: Mat

Date: 11-06-02 06:37

She had listened closely to all that had transpired in the parlor, and was intrigued by it. A few of the names she had overheard she had recognized, the vampire female Paysha Talamas had been around for a very long time indeed, as had her companion. Where she once might have rushed into the room to speak to them and examine thier histories, she had chosen to wait, and realized finally, that she was getting old.

It didn't matter, she had a job to do.

Mat put the empty wine bottle and salt shaker on the countertop, and went to the back stairs. She was going back to her room to hear the Witch's decision on whether or not to tutor the unruly child she had been sent here to restrain. If the Witch had made the decision that Mat wanted her to make, the child would live. If not...Mat was not averse to a hot meal. On the hoof, as it were.