CHAPTER 5: Feast or Famine?

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 05-11-03 12:04

With so many new guests now residing in the manor, it seems the time has arrived for a bit of socializing and festivity. The proud Sir Drakonic and mysterious Lady Somatra have brought savory gifts for the Kindred already in residence. One cannot help but think a party is brewing.

But a synonym of party -- although in a different sense -- is "faction." With such a new and diverse assemblage in the manor, and so many strong-willed individuals, can the harmony established when the Vampiress Dahlia ruled this roost be maintained? Perhaps this night will reveal if Crimson Kiss manor will remain a congenial sanctuary, or become a competitive arena.

Either way, there can be no doubt that the answer will be found though the relentless interplay of "unfettered self-expression and interesting interrelationships."

***

Divided Loyalties

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 05-12-03 14:18

For the second time in as many days, Laura awakens in Lady Violet's arms. Her eyes' acclimation to the otherwise complete darkness allows her to discern a trace of golden afternoon sunlight striving to declare its presence around the edges of the heavy window shades. This provides just enough illumination for Laura to make her way out of bed and across the room to where her clothes are draped over the back of a chair.

Cool air against naked skin raises goosebumps and hardens nipples. Laura sighs shakily, still amazed by how, increasingly over the past week, the slightest stimulation now arouses in her the strongest desire. She turns to look back at Lady Violet, still sound asleep on the bed.

Laura is tempted to climb back into bed and stay at Lady Violet's side until she awakens. Although Laura remains troubled by the thought of making love with a woman, it has been recently only with Ladies Violet and Narcissa that she has found any satisfaction. However, the contentment she might find by dallying in Violet's chambers is overshadowed by Laura's growing concern that Narcissa will be furious that Laura did not do as she asked, and attend to Sir Drakonic last night. True, Drakonic had dismissed Laura, but Narcissa might see that as evidence that Laura had not performed properly.

Laura fears that Narcissa will be especially upset if she discovers that Laura spent the night with Lady Violet instead of Sir Drakonic. Of course, Narcissa obviously holds some rather libertine sexual mores, and it was she, after all, who originally suggested two nights ago that Laura spend time with Violet, no doubt knowing where it might lead. None the less, Narcissa had never explicitly suggested, much less instructed, Laura to give any time or attention to Violet last night, as she had with Sir Drakonic.

It would simply be normal human nature for Narcissa to feel jealous that Laura had spent another night in Violet's bed, even if they did nothing more than snuggle. Wounds remain on Laura's neck and thigh from the last time she felt Narcissa's wrath. Yet, Laura fears even more that if she displeases Lady Narcissa too much, she will lose forever her approval and companionship. The idea of living without Narcissa in her life has grown unbearable. She feels incomplete when not with Narcissa.

Despite the triple dose of addictive vampiric essence -- that of the Vampiresses Belladonna, Narcissa and Violet -- now, unbeknownst to Laura, thoroughly infusing her blood and shaping her desires, Laura retains enough self-awareness to wonder how she could have grown so devoted to someone who treats her as Lady Narcisssa does. But the memory of the unbearable ecstacy from Narcissa's harsh caresses suggests a potential answer to that conundrum, a possible explanation buttressed by the simple joy Laura's friend Tricia apparently finds in surrendering herself, body AND soul, to their hosts. Yet, that does not seem a complete explanation to Laura because it seems so spiritually vacant for what are, in their essential form, acts ideally expressive of love. Laura shakes her head, unable to discern the missing piece to this puzzle.

For now, Laura only knows one thing for sure: That she does not want to displease Lady Narcissa. As she dons her black slip and red dress, Laura again looks at Lady Violet's naked form. In the dim room, Violet is merely a pale silhouette on the dark bedspread. Laura is equally hesitant to defy Violet's wishes. She feels a similar affection for her as Narcissa. Moreover, the cold welcome Violet bestowed last night warns Laura that of the two, Violet may actually be far crueler than Narcissa.

Laura worries about Lady Violet's reaction to waking up alone, but remembers that she had told Laura to "spend the night in this room" with her. It is now afternoon. Laura is not wittingly relying on a technicality. Her freewill and spirit greatly eroded, Laura has become very literal in outlook, and it simply does not occur to her that even if Lady Violet happens to remember her precise words, she still might think Laura has violated her implicit intent.

Barefoot, Laura slips quietly out of the room and walks up the corridor to the suite she and Tricia share with Lady Narcissa and Lord Guillaume. Laura presses her ear to the oak door and hears nothing inside. She tests the knob and it turns readily. Peeking in, she sees Narcissa and Guillaume asleep on their huge canopied bed.

She enters the room silently, and quickly crosses to the small chamber she shares with Tricia. Laura sees their tiny bed is empty. Laura sighs with relief. She hopes that Tricia having spent the night with Sir Drakonic, Lady Narcissa will not be upset that Laura failed to serve him.

Laura is about to undress for bed when she glances back into the boudoir where Lady Narcissa and Lord Guillaume sleep. If Narcissa awakens and finds Laura sleeping in her own room, Narcissa might conclude that Laura had disobeyed her entirely. It might be better if Narcissa found her waiting nearby, ready to explain what had happened, and that Tricia had remained to attend to Sir Drakonic.

Laura returns to the main bedroom and approaches the canopied bed. Lady Narcissa and Lord Guillaume are both nude, reposing atop the covers. Guillaume lies on his back, and Narcissa snuggles against his side, her left arm and leg draped across his body in casual familiarity. They do not stir a bit as Laura steps up next to them, even as the fronts of her thighs lightly press against their mattress.

Lord Guillaume is a handsome man, with a lean and muscular physique. Yet Laura finds herself nearly overcome by her need for intimate closeness to Lady Narcissa's smooth skin, long and fragrant hair, and firm but curvaceous body. It is all Laura can do to resist reaching out and caressing Lady Narcissa, but she dare not waken her. Laura had planned to wait on the chair near the bed for Narcissa to rise, but now realizes how bad it would look to be found watching not only Narcissa, but Lord Guillaume, sleeping naked.

A plush rug of some sort of fur covers the hard oak floor at Narcissa's side of the bed. Laura sits there facing away from the bed. She intends to stay awake, but the past several days have been strenuous, sapping much of Laura's physical and emotional resilience. Soon, Laura surrenders to the temptation to curl up on the plush rug, and quickly falls fast asleep.

***

Welcoming The Night

Author: Somatra Manjula

Date: 05-13-03 04:07

Somatra moved silently along the first floor of the mansion, having bathed and clothed herself in a dress that loosely clung to her curves, the garb revealing and concealing all at once. The dress seemed to add a more subtle atmosphere to her overall manner. The wispy material highlighting her figure in a way that made her seem almost fragile, her emeraldine gaze fathomless. After brushing out her steel blue locks she had gone downstairs to explore before the others woke up. Moving to pass by an open door she stopped and glanced inside at the piano, stepping inside before inspecting the room itself. The walls were covered with a creme wallpaper that gave the room a touch of elegance. Red velvet covered the furniture, the window lambrequin seemed made of a light silk that added a sort of comfortable atmosphere lovers would have found appealing. Seating herself before the piano she slid her fingers along the keys. She had learned the craft of this particular instrument in what was now known as Leipzig but had withdrawn from it later on. The tinkling of the keys echoed as she moved into a more comfortable position, her thoughts wandering as her fingers caressed the ivory keys. The strains of a relatively unknown pianist by the name of Antonin Dvorák filled the room as her mind wandered back to the night before.

She had sat there quietly, listening to Asha speak. Rusty had moved to sit behind them as he should, the boys all obediently subdued. Soon the waif finished her story, her expression a mix of apprehension and expectation as she returned Somatra's gaze. But before the older woman could come up with a response there was a quiet knock at the door. Asha had stiffened almost imperceptibly as Somatra answered the door to find the lank vampire of moments (or was it hours?) before standing there. Knowing instinctively that he was leading her to her room she turned to Asha and angled her head in a diminutive nod. The boys stood and dutifully assembled behind her, their heads slightly bent.

"I shall see you on the morrow I believe. Where else have you to go?" she murmured softly, with another short nod she left, taking her pets with her.

The boys had all bathed and changed into the old sweats she had provided, by the time she had finally finished unpacking. Clothes they would wear the next night were laid out on three of the chairs that scattered throughout the grand room she had been placed in. The bed was large enough that they could all sleep on it comfortably. How thoughtful of him she thought of the one now known to her as Briant. He had been efficient and had withdrawn once assured that she needed nothing else. Straightening the collar of one particular shirt she glanced towards the boys who were all asleep save for Matthias who lay on his side watching her. They all knew their fates now lay in the hands of those that chose them and they accepted it fully. All save for Matthias. Walking to the bed she sat down, her expression not unfriendly but not quite benevolent.

"Something to say?" she queried softly.

"Can't you keep me? Can't you be the one to take me?" his words were tentative for he feared what lay beyond her solemn, and seemingly kind exterior.

The faint shadow of a smile found it's way across her lips, her verdant gaze glinting with amusement as she flicked an errant lock away from his forehead. His pulse beat faster as she trailed one finger from his temple to the nerve jumping in his jaw. His gaze darkened as he took a shaky breath. She had called to someone the night before they met in the bar. While she had expected an ancient to meet her she was not distressed to realize that 'twas he that had heard her summons and come. This was his path and she had known it upon meeting him. If she had been younger she would have questioned it but after decades of such a life one moved on and simply learned.

"Why did you come to that road house?"

"I...well...I guess..." his brow furrowed in concentration before he shrugged, "I don't know. I just felt like going for a ride and before I knew it I was there...I was going to leave when I saw you."

"And why did you approach me? Was it truly my apparel that caught your eye?"

He shook his head, not quite sure what to say, it was obvious to her however. He had felt the pull, not of her aura...but of something else. A silent voice dictating commands that one felt they must fulfill. He had approached her because he was supposed to, all words that passed between them had been inherently inconsequential. As the thoughts flowed through her mind so they seemed to occur to him.

"But...why to these people you don't know?" there was a faint edge of hurt in his voice.

"You are my favorite, what guest would I be if I only gave them second best?" she

paused, letting the words sink into his mind before standing, "Sleep. Tomorrow night your true journey begins.."

With that she had left the mansion, only returning once dusk was on the horizon. Her mind returned to the present though her gaze remained distant, her senses focused on any movements in the household. Changing pace she played Dvorák's piece entitled Allegretto, the notes wavered, intensifying then slowing down and her mind could not help but picture the pianist as she had known him which, at the time, was only in the night when he dreamt. She watched him during the daylight hours, fascinated by the oddity of the man in whose dreams she had come to be the sole focus. She had left him sometime near the later 19th century to accompany her kindred companion. She saw him again years later, he had been near death then and she remembered experiencing a sense of pity and fascination as she watched his deterioration.

On that thought her mind returned to the present as she considered Asha and all the girl had told her. Of Matthias and the rest of her offerings. Of the ancients and witches..and humans that she had sensed if not seen. The symphony floated through the air, caressing the ears of those who could hear it despite the many walls separating them from her. Beckoning them to awaken, to hunt..to dance. Notes shimmered before she moved into a different miniature, melding the two songs together so that the entreaty was soon a seductive cry for heat and death, blood and pain...the aria crescendoed, it's climax imminent as the imploring notes became almost violent in their plea, pulling at the listener for some response, some reaction to gratify it's lust and for one brief moment, as the music exploded it's audience would sway as one, their beastial needs awakened. The final shattering note hung in the air as Somatra murmured a soft salutation to the night, her whisper twining with the note as sunset continued it's lazy approach.

***

A new night with new vision

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 05-13-03 07:20

The morning and daylight had offered a long luxurious sleep for both her and her lover Guillaume, and when the sun set, the night offered a chance for her to view the world with different eyes. The sun was but a whisp on the horizon as she slowly opened her eyes to start a fresh night and hunger tore at her stomach. She peeled herself from Guillaume lightly as he lay in slumber, deciding to let him sleep in, as he had spent a long night teaching his chylde how to be a better vampire. She sat up slowly as not to awaken him, and stretched before sliding off the silk sheets. But as she did this, she felt a body on the rug beside the bed and looked down with a sleepy gaze.

There lay Laura, her now adoring slave. Laura's red curls lay disheveled around her face, almost haloing her as the last shard of sunlight splayed against her from between the curtains. She wore her red dress from the night before which made her wonder exactly how long Laura had been in their room. She did not smell the scent of Drakonic on her, and he had a distinct, almost spicy scent to him and she wondered what he instructed Laura to do. Obviously he somehow rejected her, and she even wondered about that. She had offered two beautiful young mortals for his pleasures and he only took one? She shook her head not knowing yet that he only used Tricia to launder his clothes as she stepped over her impudent slave.

She had an urge to sip from Laura, but knew that her hunger would take her beyond the boundaries of mistress and slave, and perhaps into the realm of her true nature...a murderess. And she did not want to kill Laura. She also had an urge to toy with her little slave as she lay there in quiet slumber. To lift her dress and part her legs with a finger to tease her slave, but instead, lets her lay there in her sleep. Perhaps later she can toy with her slave. She does want to know what Laura did while she was busy with Guillaume.

She turns from the bed and quietly closes the door to the bathroom to use these moments alone for a nice steamed bath. She starts the soft water, using the hot faucet to scorch the sides of the marble tub the way she likes her bathwater. She adds the fresh scents of magnolia bubbles to the water and eases into the tub as the bubbles start to fill to the top. She dunks her head down in the water soaking and refreshing her fiery locks washing them thoroughly as the last remainders of her slavery from the night before are washed away in the bathwater. She turns off the water and lays back enjoying the dying sun against the window and the bubbles against her skin. The entire upstairs is quiet, and she take the opportunity to let her mind go free...thoughtless, unbound, and most of all, quiet. For now.

***

Misplaced Expressions

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 05-15-03 13:42

Laura hardly stirs as Lady Narcissa slips out of bed and steps over Laura, where she sleeps on the floor. Moments later, Laura awakens to the sound of water filling the tub in the suite's large and luxurious bathroom. Laura stands up, blinking the sleep from her eyes.

Lord Guillaume remains asleep on his back atop the bedspread, fully nude. Now that his form is no longer obscured by Lady Narcissa snuggling against him, Laura cannot help but pause to admire his naked body. He is an impressive man, handsome, well-muscled and fit, with broad shoulders, a firm stomach and... well, everything else that makes a man a man.

There is a phrase they had coined in her sorority for moments like this. What was it? Laura struggles to remember. Her days at college seem distant memories, even though no more than two weeks have passed since she left school for Spring Break in Florida, then afterward detoured up here to try to track down her best friend, Belle Phillips. But to Laura it feels like a lifetime since that strange night when Lady Narcissa and Lord Guillaume first appeared at the door of the Phillips' lakehouse.

With every passing day since, Laura has found herself increasingly drawn to their enticing, libertine lifestyle. It is certainly more exciting than anything school has to offer. In fact, Laura suspects that some compatriot of theirs was the mysterious lover who had lured Belle away. Remembering the unique ecstasies of the past few evenings, and the contentment she savors in the company of such fascinating people as Ladies Violet and Narcissa, Laura finds it hard to blame Belle for being seduced away from her promising, but dreadfully ordinary, academic career. It occurs to Laura that she has somehow started down a similar path.

Still, something deep inside Laura rebels against the urge to fully surrender to the temptations these past few nights have offered. She is sure that would mean dropping out of school, after working so hard to gain the scholarships that made attending her prestigious university possible. She would lose the intellectual challenges on campus and the social comradery of the sorority. But already Laura finds it hard to remember -- with the exceptions of Tricia and Belle -- the faces of her classmates and sorority sisters, or any of the things they did together.

I can't even remember that silly joke... that phrase we always used about good-looking guys! Laura scowls in frustration. Laura's psyche grasps for that memory, trying to assure herself that she has not lost all touch with her college life....

She stares again at Lord Guillaume's naked form. Oh yes, that's it, that's the phrase: "A scrumptious slice of man-flesh." They would snicker it around the wide porch of their sorority house whenever a particularly cute or muscular guy walked past.

Come to think of it, Laura suddenly remembers that it was she herself who first came up with the phrase. She had first said it about a guy in their Calculus class upon whom Belle had developed a crush. Laura remembers the fact that he was tall and gorgeous, although she can't actually picture him anymore. They didn't know his name, so one day when he walked into the lecture hall, Laura whispered to Belle: "Here comes your scrumptious slice of man-flesh." Belle had blushed, so afterward Laura teased her with the phrase. Soon the rest of the sorority picked it up and started using it for any hunk who happened by.

A scrumptious slice of man-flesh. Well, that certainly applies to Lord Guillaume. The constant libidinousness inflicting Laura derives, unbeknownst to her, from the addictive essence of three Vampiresses thoroughly infusing her blood, and thereby impelling her desires toward those women. However, the proximately of a strong, attractive and naked man now arouses Laura's true nature.

As she continues to stare at Guillaume's handsome face and firm body, her breathing grows deep and irregular. She steps closer to the bed, until the fronts of her thighs press lightly against the mattress. She shifts her weight from foot to foot, and shudders indulgently as the satin bedspread caresses her legs below the hem of her skirt.

Laura imagines how it might feel to wrap her arms and legs around Lord Guillaume, pressing her body tightly to his with him inside of her. She sets one hand on the mattress to keep steady. Laura has become so horny that she is growing lightheaded, even dizzy.

Her fantasy about Lord Guillaume is abruptly interrupted by the sudden end to the sound of running water from the bathroom, followed by the gentle splashing of someone washing in the tub. Immediately, the influence of the Lady Narcissa's vampiric essence coursing through Laura's veins overwhelms her desires for Guillaume.

Sighing tremulously, Laura turns away from the bed and closes her eyes. Her need for Lady Narcissa is beyond sexual. It is far more fundamental. It is no different than the need to eat, drink and breath. It is amplified by her equally intense and unknown addictions to Lady Violet and Belle Phillips. Desires for the company of all three women plague Laura's soul.

But Lady Narcissa is the one in the next room.

Laura slowly crosses the bedroom floor, unsteady on her bare feet. She pauses for a few moments outside the bathroom door, then turns the knob and pushes it open slightly. She scarcely recognizes her own, breathless voice.

"My Lady? It's me... Laura.... Was there anything you needed?"

***

Awaking Alone

Author: Violet LeBlanc

Date: 05-15-03 21:12

Violet stirred about half an hour before the sun had fully set and found the bed empty. "I wonder where Laura has gone off to." She thought as she slipped from the blankets and moved toward the bathroom. She heated the bath water and added lavendar scented bubbles and slipped into the tub. There were lingering effects from her encounter with Union and the cold night spent with Laura.

She washed carefully and languidly and soaked just until after the sun had set. She then slipped from the tub and dried off with a warm and fluffy bath towel. She moved into the bedroom and found a simple white dress a that was cut low in the back. She dressed and added a few accessories and then left the room and headed toward the parlor.

Gaze settled upon the one within the walls. "Good evening." is offered to Somatra, as she accepted a goblet of wyne from Briant. "Thank you for telling Laura I was alone last night Briant." Violet said with a slight smirk, Briant nodded slightly before vanishing into the woodwork so to speak as the other kindred in the house began to rise as well.

***

Early Inspiration

Author: Ian

Date: 05-16-03 09:59

Ian follows the stirring piano music to the mansion's salon, although the piece reaches its crashing crescendo before he arrives. To Ian, the piano is a new and largely unfamiliar instrument, but one he has played, like the harpsichord and pipe organ before it.

When he enters the room, he finds an unrecognized but beautifully mystical woman sitting at the piano. Also, one of the Vampiresses, Violet, has just settled onto a nearby sofa, being attended by the Kindred butler, Briant. Up until then, Ian had not decided what song to play first this evening. Hearing the piano music, and then Violet's comments to Briant, inspires him.

"Pardon me," he says softly as he slides onto the piano bench next to the stranger and begins to play.

~~~

As I wake up in a room somewhere�

Dawn light not yet showing.

There's just a thin horizon between me and her�

The edge of a half-dream glowing.

Well, you know, I felt her in my dream last night.

Strange how the sheets are warm beside me.

Now, how do I catch the waking edge?

As it slips to the far and wide of me.

Didn't I try to hold it down?

Freeze on the picture, hang sharp on the sound.

Catch the waking edge

Another time.

Familiar shadows in my hotel room

Are still here for the taking.

They seem to linger on as the street lights fade

And the empty dawn is breaking.

Didn't I try to hold it down?

Freeze on the picture, hang sharp on the sound.

Catch the waking edge

Another time.

Private movie showing in my head�

What button do I press for re-run?

And how do I catch the waking edge?

The edge of a dream about someone.

Well, you know, I felt her in my dream last night�

Now the sheets are cold beside me.

~~~

***

Broken Rest's End

Author: Drakonic Sephonis

Date: 05-16-03 10:40

The night had been one of broken sleep, and shattered images. Memories of the past, plaguing him to no end, permitting him little real rest. It was how he spent everyday. Laying silently, motionless in whatever bed he could find, drifting in and out of sleep, waiting for the sun to set, and to put an end to the futile attempts at solid slumber.

Throughout the periods of being awake, he could hear a rhythmic breathing, coming from the other side of the door. At times, the breathing was deeper, almost hypnotic and Drakonic knew that it was Tricia, sleeping outside the door. Everytime he would awake, he would hear her breathing, and would marvel at her commitment of her lady.

He awoke for the final time, glancing at the window. The sunlight that had bordered the blinds throughout the day was now a purple hue, darkening gradually, and he knew the day had found it's conclusion.

He swung his legs down over the side of the bed, and simply sat there a moment. The images from the latest of dreams running through his head. After a few moments, he rose to his feet, and crossed the room slowly. He finds the clothes Tricia had cared for. He nods approvingly, after giving them a brief inspection. He dresses slowly, with no real need to hurry. He pockets the few trinkets he had set aside, and walks over to the door. Opening it slowly, he looks down at Tricia, and stands there, waiting.

***

Next instructions

Author: Tricia

Date: 05-16-03 14:03

Tricia feels the door open and is instantly awake, she feels Drakonic's eyes on her and knows that he is standing there waiting for her to acknowledge his presence. Tricia looks up from her spot on the floor and says quietly, good day sir, Have you any requests for me this eve? I hope that your clothing was cleaned to your satisfaction? And as she stands gracefully to her feet without touching Drakonic, she looks down hands folded in front of her awaiting his response.

***

Bath interrupted

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 05-17-03 15:00

It was a long while she had been soaking in a half slumber anyways, when Laura knocked on the door. Her quiet words jolted her from soggy soak and she snapped her emerald gaze towards the now timid woman.

"Laura, good evening. I hope I didn't wake you up."

Not that it mattered if she did, as she would put Laura to work now anyways as she decided to finish up her bath. She sat up brushing the bubbles from her arms and neck, back into the warm bathwater.

"Yes, actually. I need something to wear tonight. Find something from the closets in a busty size 8. I think one of the nicer dresses would please Guillaume tonight. Pick a good color for me dear."

As Laura turns around leaving the door slightly cracked, she gets out of the bath pulling down a soft towel wrapping it loosely around her body whle taking another and fluffing out her fiery curls. She moves towards the door and props a foot up on a small velvet padded stool near the sink, careful to make sure Laura can see her from the crack in the door. She glides the soft white towel down the length of her body slowly sopping up any excess water that drips down the length of her skin. She can hear Laura rustling through the closets and suddenly stop as if she were pulling out a dress, or perhaps more. She peeked out the door and grinned wickedly as she saw Laura's eyes looking over her body as she stood bent over.

She finished drying and dropped the towel on the floor, deliberately, and opened the door wider so Laura could see her entire nude form. Her words were almost a laugh as she saw Laura's expression at such a display. The many shades of crimson that creep across Laura's cheeks endear her to her mistress and she leans against the entry way separating the bathroom from the bedroom.

"Well? Did you find anything good for me? Any good colors in there I can wear?"

***

Slave to Fashion

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 05-19-03 12:53

Of course, it has to be green. With Lady Narcissa's eyes and hair, for her to wear almost any other color would be a waste. Any shade, emerald or deeper, would do.

And Lady Narcissa has requested a nice dress. This pleases Laura. She thinks Narcissa usually dresses poorly, looking more like a street tramp than the noble lady to whom Laura has grown so devoted.

In fact, as she inspects the various gowns in the tall armoire, Laura suspects that none of them originally belonged to Lady Narcissa, despite their like-new condition and that they seem to be her size. Regardless, given the criteria Narcissa set, the dress nearly selects itself: Rich, forest green velvet; short sleeves, padded shoulders; deeply scooped neckline; and full-length skirt with a single slit that will reach nearly to the hip. Laura peeks though the ajar bathroom door to see Narcissa drying herself. The dress looks like its cut will compliment her exquisite figure. Laura finds a pair of matching thin-strapped sandals, hoping they too will fit.

Laura hears the bathroom door open fully. She turns to find Lady Narcissa standing in the doorway, fully naked. Laura's unsuspected addiction to the Vampiresses always peaks when she sees them nude. It makes her want to press her own body against their exposed skin, to try to satisfy the physical cravings caused by the women's vampiric essence infusing Laura's living blood.

"Well?" Lady Narcissa asks as she casually leans against the doorjamb. "Did you find anything good for me? Any good colors in there I can wear?"

"Yes," Laura tries to respond, but the word clogs in her dry throat, emerging as a high-pitched gasp. Laura's blush deepens, spreading down to the neckline of her own, crumpled dress. She extends her arms forward. Her right hand holds the padded satin hanger with the green satin dress. Her left offers the matching sandals. Looking out between them, Laura clears her throat, but her voice remains unsteady.

"I think, m... my Lady, that you would look beautiful... even more beautiful... in this!"

***

Somniferous Deliberations

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 05-20-03 06:56

Guillaume has been awake, although entirely motionless, since Narcissa climbed out of bed. As she moved away and entered the bathroom, Guillaume instantly sensed the human scent in the room. For a moment, he froze, ready to fight. He had heard stories of humans who hunt vampires, although he had never known one to invade a Sanctuary like this manorhouse.

Almost immediately, however, he recognized the aroma as that of Laura, one of their human servants. She was close, but not on the bed. Had she slept on the floor next to them? Probably so. It was a scenario he had experienced dozens of times before, as even the strongest willed humans succumbed to their addiction to Kindred essence, and craved proximity to the vampire who had bitten them.

Now, as Narcissa starts to draw her bath, he hears Laura's dress rustle as she rises to her feet next to the bed, confirming his suspicions. He decides to remain motionless, feigning sleep. Laura is Narcissa's special pet, and he wants to give them this time to continue to develop that relationship.

For a moment he hears nothing but the running water. Then the bed sways slightly as Laura starts to rub her thighs against the edge of the mattress. An intimation of her arousal is suddenly thick in the air of the boudoir.

Although he has never developed the telepathy of many Kindred, Guillaume senses that Laura is staring at him. So far, only Vampiresses have sipped from Laura. Guillaume purposely arranged that, having seen that previously, Laura had no innate attraction to women. Guillaume thinks it will be interesting to observe how the conflict this creates will affect the girl.

The bath water stops running. He hears Laura move away from his bed, and turn to offer assistance to Narcissa, who instructs Laura to find her a suitable dress. Guillaume knows the closets of this suite are filled with clothes belonging to Dahlia, the manor's absent mistress. Narcissa is very similar in size and shape to Dahlia, so should be able to make use of most, if not all, of her wardrobe.

While still pretending to sleep, Guillaume allows the slightest smile to bend his lips. If the plan he is forming comes to fruition, Narcissa will eventually wear much more than just Dahlia's clothing. She will also, at his side, take on Dahlia's position as the recognized matriarch of the Kindred.

***

Dressing for the night

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 05-20-03 07:32

She smiled wickedly taking note of Laura's blushing and reaches out for the dress moving closer to her wonderous slave. She takes the hanger looking over the soft dress and strappy shoes, taking both from her hands, yet lightly scraping a fingernail across Laura's finger as she does so.

"Nice choice my sweet. I just love the color."

She goes to to bed and lays the dress across the sheets and notices a tug at Guillaume's lips and wonders how long he has been awake for. She can't help but laugh wondering if he saw the interaction between her and Laura and how she was teasing her slave with her naked body.

"Guillaume, get out of bed." Said playfully as she took the dress of the hanger. Every desire for him again welling up as he laid there feigning sleep. She had an urge to just jump on top of him and play, the both of them naked, but there were Laura and Tricia to tend to, as well as their newest guests. She also wanted to see how Violet was doing. But the urge to do things to Guillaume, especially in front of Laura now, was strong.

Before sliding on the dress, she looked at Laura, who was standing motionless by the closet, and moved towards Guillaume. Her gaze never left Laura, as she stood over Guillaume and slid her hand down his chest, stomach, and eventually between his legs as she leaned down while taking a deep kiss from his lips. This would surely wake him up, and tease Laura to no end.

"Good morning my love. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed last night."

He only smiled and brought his hand up between her legs, parting and lightly stroking her most sensitive of flesh as the warm moisture started to build. She let out a light gasp as her excitement turned obvious with her body. But soon removed his hand as both their gazes turned to Laura.

She stepped away from the edge of the bed and back towards the dress where she unzips it and steps into the soft fabric of the velvet dress.

"Laura, help me zip this up."

Her words, are not of an asking nature, but demanding, directing her slave as such a master would.

And yet, the panghs of hunger continued to nag at her stomach...

***

Fantastic Frustration

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 05-20-03 13:47

"Laura, help me zip this up."

Lady Narcissa's stern voice shakes Laura from her erotic daydream. She had found it impossible to resist watching as Lady Narcissa and Lord Guillaume, as part of their good morning kiss, fondled each other in the most intimate fashion. Their bodies responded naturally and predictably to such mutual caressing. Of course, this reaction was more evident on Guillaume's anatomy, but Laura saw its complement in Narcissa, too, by her gasping breath and the movement of her hips.

These sights have revived Laura's earlier fantasy about Lord Guillaume, adding to it the exciting thought of having Lady Narcissa hold Laura while Laura made love with Guillaume. Of course, Laura has no idea why this appeals to her so overwhelmingly. She cannot suspect that such an act would assuage her unnatural yearnings for Narcissa, caused by the Vampiress' essence in Laura's bloodstream, while simultaneously satisfying her intrinsic desire to satisfy her resulting extraordinary libidinousness by coitus with a man. Rather, Laura knows only that she has never before wanted... truly needed... anything so badly as she now longs to make love with Lady Narcissa and Lord Guillaume together.

But now, Lady Narcissa stands here, her back to Laura, making it clear by donning her beautiful green gown that Laura's hopes will not be fulfilled any time soon. Laura remembers how just a few nights ago, at the Phillips' lakehouse, she had rejected Lady Narcissa's invitation that Guillaume join the two of them in bed. Now Laura wants to cry out, admit she was wrong, and beg for a second chance.

Instead, Laura recalls Lord Guillaume's exhortations that Laura always do as Lady Narcissa asks, and the terrible consequences she might face by displeasing Narcissa. So, Laura takes the small zipper tab in her trembling fingers and closes the dress as Narcissa has instructed, responding as she does so in the manner Guillaume taught her.

"Yes, my Lady."

***

Redefining Status

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 05-21-03 06:59

"Laura," Narcissa commands. "Help me zip this up."

"Yes, my Lady," the Vampiress' lovely pet replies softly, breathlessly, as her trembling hands fumble with the zipper on the back of Narcissa's green velvet gown. Guillaume sees how Laura struggles with her exceptional lusts. The poor girl must be terribly confused, having no idea of the true origin those extraordinary desires.

Her enslavement seems nearly complete.

Guillaume remembers how last night Narcissa had instructed Tricia, their other human servant, to attend to "Mistress Violet." At that point Guillaume had realized that the aristocratic titles that have such emotional impact in Europe sound vaguely anachronistic, perhaps even irrelevant, here in the New World. The Americas, perhaps because of their long and relatively recent history of institutionalized slavery, employ a different vocabulary. He had decided then to update his thinking for his new home, and at the same time try to finalize Laura's total subjugation.

"Laura," Guillaume begins softly He waits until she turns to look in his eyes. Employing his most powerful vampiric mesmerism, he continues. "I know the other day I told you it would be best if you addressed Lady Narcissa as 'my Lady,' and me as 'my Lord.' But I've come to realize how clumsy those terms can be. It would be much easier for you to simply call Lady Narcissa your 'Mistress,' and me your 'Master.' Indeed, to make it very simple, from now on, with the exception of the servants, you should address all ladies who reside in this house as 'Mistress,' and all the gentlemen as 'Master.'"

Laura's face has gone slack and expressionless, but she nods slightly. To make sure his commands have sunk in, Guillaume looks away, and finishes casually. "Do you understand, Laura?"

***

Finishing Dressing

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 05-21-03 07:51

After Laura had zipped her up, she sat on the edge of the bed to put the shoes on. They were a bit uncomfortable at first as she was used to boots and bigger soled shoes, but her feet fit comfortably in them, and they were not as bad as she thought. She stood up as Guillaume spoke running her hands down her body, smoothing out the dress and going to a mirror to see how it looked on her.

The full length mirror revealed a new woman staring back at her. Her red locks now drying and settling straighter framing her face. Her usually strong body now looks more feminine and refined as the dress hugs her figure and adds ample cleavage beneath the low collar. Her legs now look long and lean in the sandal and she looks...sexy. Not the rugged raw sexuality that she usually put out with her skimpy street outfits, but now a more sophisticated sensual type of sexuality..something only seen on the upper side of town. She hears Guillaume tell Laura to now refer to her as mistress and it actually settles better for her then My Lady.

She looks at Laura who is just staring blankly and yet something in Laura's body language tells her that Laura will break...very soon. She goes up behind Laura as Guillaume awaits his answer and unzips her red dress slowly pulling it down her body. 'very nice'...she thinks to herself seeing Laura is not wearing any undergarments.

She flashes another quick smile to Guillaume as he rises slowly from the bed moving someone lethargically still content with slumber. She slides the dress down a perhaps surprised Laura that her mistress would undress her in such a fashion instead of just ripping the dress off as she had done the night before in such a violent sexual manner. But tonight would be a bit different. She would treat Laura a bit more humanely and see where that got her in the training.

"Laura, please go shower or bathe yourself and change. I want you go get Tricia when you're cleaned up and meet me and your master downstairs."

She did have a question for Guillaume and waited for Laura to be entrenched in showering or bathing before she asked the all important question.

***

Dressing the Part

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 05-22-03 06:32

"That dress becomes you," Guillaume tells Narcissa after Laura leaves the room. "You look more beautiful than ever, and it seems fitting to dress a bit more formally tonight. Remember, Drakonic brought us a gift. It's a noble gesture. We should honor that with a little party."

He opens the closet in which the butler has hung his wardrobe. He pulls out a long, plush bathrobe and wraps it around his naked body.

"As you have seen fit to let your pet use our bathroom ahead of me," Guillaume smiles teasingly. "I will use the empty suite across the hall to clean up. It will only take me a few minutes. Meanwhile, would you please be a dear and select something for me to wear for tonight's festivities?"

***

Submerged

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 05-22-03 13:17

Laura stands in the shower, enjoying the pulse of the warm water beating upon her skin. For the moment, she feels oddly content. It seems that Lady Narcissa was satisfied to find Laura waiting by her bedside this morning. This allays Laura's fear that Narcissa would be angry that Laura had not stayed with Sir Drakonic.

It also pleases Laura that another dilemma has been resolved. Lady Narcissa had once requested that Laura call her "Mistress," but the formalities required by Lord Guillaume had prevented such an intimate soubriquet. Now Guillaume has granted Laura permission to do as Narcissa wishes in that regard. For good measure, he has let Laura drop the stuffy ceremony of calling him "my Lord" as well, instead suggesting that she simply call him "Master." That sounds fitting. Laura remembers hearing somewhere that both Guillaume and Narcissa are some sort of nobility, and they certainly seem in control of this huge estate.

For a moment, Laura remembers a time, not so long ago, when she would have scoffed at anyone so presumptuous as to expect her to call them "Mistress" or "Master." Deep within Laura, her ego still bristles at the thought that she has allowed herself to become so obsequiously dependant on anyone. But then she remembers how empty she has felt whenever away from Mistresses Narcissa and Violet. Among these people, with their outgoing and adventurous vitality, Laura has found a sense of complete security and purpose unlike anything she has known before. How foolish she was before to let her selfish pride stand in the way of earning her place in this wonderful household.

Laura rinses the shampoo from her hair, and then starts to work in the rich, creamy conditioner. As anxious as Laura is to return to Mistress Narcissa's side, and to see Lady Violet again, too, she knows it is necessary that she clean up and dress first. Her whole body tingles with desire as she lathers herself with luxuriously scented soap. Laura's hands linger only slightly longer than is necessary to thoroughly cleanse her most intimate places. Having come to instinctively believe that she is best off to keep Mistress Narcissa happy, Laura somehow manages to resist her yearning for immediate satisfaction, remembering that Narcissa has asked her to fetch Tricia and join Narcissa and Guillaume downstairs. Nonetheless, Laura sighs with frustration as she sets the bar of soap aside and starts to rinse the suds from her sensitive skin.

***

A moment alone

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 05-22-03 18:15

She smiles as he rises out of the bed and moves across the room looking over his strong naked form and almost pouts as he covers himself.

"Thank you Sire." She says with a seductive voice, knowing he would enjoy her calling him that, at least as a term of endearment. But he's right. She did offer the shower to her slave first before allowing him the luxury of it and her eyes widen a bit wondering if this will violate any of their terms. But the wisp of a smile that parts his lips and the chuckle in his voice forces her to relax a bit.

"Love, I'm sorry..I..I...should have known better."

She looks down a bit at his feet as he mentions he will use the adjoining bath. She stares off for a moment wondering if the water pressure will go low. She would hate for him not to have enough water...what if it isn't hot enough? What if...? She shakes her head pushing the strange questions from her mind as she knows they don't even really matter. But what if they do? She furrows her brow for a moment reflecting and wondering why she is even caring about such a thing. He snaps her back though as he asks her to pick out an outfit for him for the night. She nods slightly and goes to another closet in the room, this one filled with mens clothes, obviously his, and digs through the contents.

She pulls out what she percieves to be a striking outfit of all black. A finely woven cotton shirt, with a black dinner jacket, and casual black pants. There is a hint of silver woven into the black shirt, complimenting it well with the jacket as she lays the contents out on the bed for him. She also decides to dress Laura this evening, sort of fancying her as a doll of sorts and goes to the same closet from which Laura chose her dress.

In the closet she finds a lovely gold lamay dress, very thin, almost see through if the light were to hit it just right. It was short, miniskirt as to show off Laura's long toned legs and a low neckline, dipping just right so that it droops and bunches, but appears natural. She lays the dress across the other side of the bed hoping to play a bit of a game as for when they both come out.

She sits in the chair by the window and waits for this game to begin when they both appear looking for something to wear.

***

A Moment Together

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 05-23-03 06:15

Having quickly showered and shaved, Guillaume returns to his and Narcissa's suite to find the Vampiress seated by the window, watching the last waning ruddy remnants of sunset fading behind the trees. He wonders how she feels knowing that such is all the sunlight she will ever see for the remainder of her eternal life. That does not worry him, though; Narcissa has adjusted to the dark aspects of their world with remarkable celerity.

He notes the clothes on the bed as he walks past. Still in just his bathrobe, he leans against the windowsill facing Narcissa and smiles.

"The outfit you chose for me is perfect. Pretty much what I would have picked myself."

Guillaume gently cups Narcissa's chin in his left hand and bends down for a kiss, just as they hear Laura, in the adjoining bathroom, turn off her shower.

***

Emerging

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 05-23-03 12:36

Laura dries herself quickly. Mistress Narcissa left her with the responsibility of finding Tricia before joining the others downstairs. Laura is happy to help in this way.

She has come to appreciate the advantages of residing in this luxurious mansion with these fascinating and sophisticated people, especially Mistresses Narcissa and Violet. She finds herself increasingly tempted to abandon school and live this bohemian lifestyle for a while. It seems that is what her best friend Belle Phillips has done, and Belle has much more to leave behind than does Laura.

Laura finishes drying herself. She wraps the large plush towel around her body, and tucks one corner in over her left breast to hold the towel in place. Laura is still deep in these contemplations of her future as she opens the bathroom door and steps out into Mistress Narcissa's bedroom.

***

Let the game begin

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 05-24-03 15:24

She took the kiss from Guillaume gleefully as he seemed impressed enough to compliment her on her choice of outfit for him. "Love, were you planning on sipping from Laura at all?"

She smiled silently to him as Laura exited shortly after he did, only wrapped in a towel, knowing his answer will have to wait. She was pleased now as they were both in the room and ready to dress. She stood up from her seat near the window as Guillaume traveled back to his side of the bed to start dressing. He knew his chylde was up to something, and was quite interested to see what she would do with Laura.

She pulled up a chair as Laura stopped in the middle of the room and sat it at the end of the bed. It was a simple desk chair, no arms and light enough. She sat it in a position facing towards Guillaume and approached Laura. Her smile perhaps said a thousand words but instead, she merely tugged at the towel so carefully wrapped unhooking the neat little tuck that Laura had placed above her breast. The towel came loose and released from Laura's body into her hand as her emerald gaze feasted upon Laura's thin lithe form.

"Much better now. I hope you had a nice refreshing shower."

She takes Laura's hand carefully running a fingertip against her hip as she reaches out and tugs her over to the chair facing Guillaume.

"Laura my dear. I've chosen an outfit for you and it lays on the bed."

She sweeps her hand towards the bed and Laura's gaze follows, but then she looks back to Guillaume.

"Sit in this chair and allow Guillaume to gaze upon your lovely form while he dresses himself. Never take your eyes off of his."

She moves away and back to her chair sitting lazily down in it as Laura sits and crosses her long legs.

"Oh, and Laura, spread your legs and pleasure yourself as your master dresses. Show him how it pleases you to look at him."

It was perhaps a sick little game, but she could care less. She wanted to see how far she could push Laura tonight and the night was only beginning.

***