Forever the Watcher

Author: Amantara

Date: 06-27-03 14:18

Amantara thought she saw recognition in Sir Guillaume's eyes, but couldn't be sure. She sat as he requested and listened as he introduced each of the kindred in the room. She was slightly curious as to why he didn't introduce the two mortal men, but let it pass. Sir Guillaume stood at the mantel, observing.

Amantara stared at him, taking in every detail, he was very handsome. She thought maybe she had seen him long ago, but he wasn't old enough for that. She finally tore her gaze from him and examined the vampires sitting around her. Sizing them up. The conversation flowed on, Amantara paid little or no attention.

Amantara rarely spoke, but when she did it was always eloquent and to the point. She rarely confided anything of importance in anyone, her secrets were her life. Without really meaning to she heard Sir Guillaume's thoughts. She couldn't help but smile at them. She was not here to take Lady Dehlia's place. Amantara had traveled thousands of miles to merely be in the presence of other immortal night walkers.

She wondred why the kindred male at the mantle didn't cloak his thoughts, maybe he didn't know how. Amantara kept her mind closed to other vampires and mind readers. She could even cloak her presence if she wished. That is why the young vampires in search for her never discoved that she was sleeping beneath their very feet. She again looked at Sir Guillaume. She inquired in a soft voice,

"Is their a piano in the manor?"

She had never played one but had seen a mortal playing. It had facinated her, the way the mortal's hands gracefully moved across the keys. Each note ringing loud and clear. The melody was haunting her, she could hear it in her mind every moment of the night.

***

Meeting Amantara

Author: Vladira

Date: 06-28-03 11:14

Vladira saw Sir Guillame walk in with another vampiress that he introduced as Amantara. She had the look about her of someone who seemed quite lost, or haunted.

Vladira walked over and sat across from Amantara. "Hello, I am Vladira Lucarda." She offered a hand, but, it was kindly refused.

"I have a couple of outfits up in my room if you'd like to try them on later." Vladira offered. Only a slight nod came.

Victor had returned with a small goblet of wyne for Vladira, one for Amantara, and what appeared to be brandy for himself. He handed Amantara her wyne, and Valdira hers, then sat beside Vladira.

"Is she alright?" He asked.

Vladira shrugged. "I do not know, Victor. She seems to be lost, or something."

Amantara had wondered if there was a piano around, Vladira mentioned that she thought she saw one in another room a bit ago. She, and Amantara were escourted by Victor to the conservatory. But then, Vladira's pendant began to glow. Victor had noticed it, and Vladira had looked down at it to see what was going on. Then, the last thing she saw was Victor's face, and then.....nothing.

***

Vladira

Author: Amantara

Date: 06-28-03 13:44

Vladira walked over and introduced herself to Amantara. She offered her hand to Amantara who kindly refused it. Amantara wasn't sure if she trusted this vampire yet. Vladira offered to let Amantara borrow some of her cloths. Amantara just nodded, a young man came into the room. Amantara guessed it to Vladira's servant or companion, he handed Vladira a goblet of wyne and then handed Amantara hers. She quickly drank it, loving the taste of it.

After she mentioned the piano Vladira quickly told her she had seen one in another room. Her male companion escorted both women into conservitory. Amantara had noticed the pendant around Vladira's neck glowing, she was curious as to why but didn't mention it. Then she saw Vladira look down and suddenly she had a blank look.

Amantara quickly stepped into the shadows, not wanting to be involved in what this kindred woman and her companion were doing. She clouded her presence to the others.

***

Revolutionary Punishment

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 06-28-03 14:36

She balled her fists into white knuckles as all three girls sat there. Where was the princess? And who was this girl? She clenched her teeth together as the deafening silence took over the room after she said Laura's name. She approached the bed in Laura and Tricia's room looking squarely at Laura, her fierce gaze now intense as she moved in with soft steps. But what would she do? What could she do? This new girl had no idea she was in a coven of vampires, she had no idea what Laura and Tricia are...and she herself didn't even know what Guillaume's intentions were with her. It was a delicate situation and she wasn't sure exactly how well she would be able to handle this. Her fury was rising and wanted to know why things were not as she wanted them.

She turned seeing Zalen still standing in the doorway and decided in this moment, she would utilize him. She turned back having taken a deep breath, perhaps the thought of Zalen helping her crossed her mind into a twisted bliss as she looked upon Laura with a softer, yet still stern gaze.

"Laura, who is this person that I've never seen before?"

Laura rose from the bed, perhaps a bit shakily as she looked between them, although she donned a gracious smile to play hostess.

"Mistress, this is Dieanira. She was locked in one of the rooms and needed some help...."

Her mind flew into a flurry of thoughts. If she was locked up, there was probably a reason for it. And she was sure this was the same mortal scent she had felt when Guillaume returned. And if she unlocked Guillaume's prisoner, she was sure he would punish her far worse then anything she could think of. Laura was her slave, but she would enjoy her lover punishing her. Perhaps she could learn a thing or two.

She took a few steps back and looked down at the floor clasping her hands. She could feel Tricia's unease at the situation and decided that Guillaume could deal with his mortal downstairs. She could also feel this girl's piercing gaze looking at her as an equal...and wondering why she is treating her newfound friends in such a way.

"Tricia, please take Dieanira downstairs. I'm sure Sir Guillaume wants to see her again."...She looked up and saw the sudden delight come into Dieanira's features as Tricia moved off the bed motioning her to follow. "Tricia, take her to the library and find Guillaume when you get down there."

Once the room had cleared, she motioned for Zalen to come in and shut the door before pushing Laura back on the bed, having her in a laying position. She laughed lightly and looked down at Laura's surprise at her actions.

"Laura, this is my new friend Zalen. He has just arrived here and needs to be shown the ropes. I want to show him what it's like to have a disobidient little girl around him. Now, did anyone ask you to open that door for Dieanira?" Laura responds with a quiet ..."no." "Then you should have never let her out"...she growls, moving her hands under Laura's skirt, pushing the fabric up to her thighs.

"And when were you planning on coming downstairs? I'd thought you would have been down there at least a half hour ago..." Again, Laura looks a bit shocked as she was doing as she was told.

"It looks like the new girl diverted your attentions...Where is the princess? I wanted Guillaume to meet her too." Her voice was becoming more fierce as she shoved her skirts up to the top of her thighs, now exposing the dark shadow between her legs, with a hint of pink flesh showing through. She could hear Laura take a sharp deep breath as she could tell her mistress was horribly distressed now.

She smiled wickedly as she shoved Laura's legs wide apart now as she lay on the bed. She turned to Zalen to test his limits, and to find out if her new friend was just as wicked as the rest of them. But she was quite unsure if Zalen knew anything of slave/vampire relations, as she had only come into herself...and quite enjoyed it thusfar.

"Zalen, my little darling here has disobeyed my orders for the night...and it's still early mind you. What do you think we should do to punish her?"

She looked back down at Laura, whose face was horror ridden as this strange man was now a part of this process. A wicked thought passed through her mind, as the ultimate humiliation of her mortal being could be done..right here, right now, by Zalen taking her. But was she truly that evil? And would Zalen have that wickedness inside of him as well? She said nothing wanting to hear what he would bring to the plate.

***

Nothing But Darkness......

Author: Vladira

Date: 06-29-03 05:24

was what Vladira saw! "What has happened to me? Was it the wyne she had earlier, or, was it the pendant about her neck?" She thought to herself. The sounds of her own thoughts echoing in her head. She stood in utter darkness. But, a small red light shining from her own pendant lit her way. She walked along blindly, not knowing where she was bound. The same feeling was there when she had been reawakened recently.

She could feel a warmth come from the pendant as the light from it grew brighter. Then, she saw them! Her father, and the others of her clan. Her own kindred, or, what was left of them. Dismembered, and thrown into the darkness. A dark pit near their own home.

"How could this happen Papa?" She asked. "Why am I the only one to have survived?" But, no answer came.

She felt a tear run down her right cheek and it hit the pendant. The blood red jewel absorbed it, and grew brighter. Then, a voice from behind, back in the darkness calling her.

"Vladira? Wake up Vladira!"She knew the voice, and turned to follow it.

Victor had taken Vladira back to their room after she had fainted. He kept calling her name over and over. Finally, she awoke.

"Vladira! I'd thought you were lost there for a bit!" He said with concern.

Vladira sat up on the bed and looked about the room. "How did I get here?"

"I carried you up here. Thought it would be best. Especially since things might be getting ugly here. As I passed one of the rooms carrying you up here, I saw into one room that had some girls in it. I wonder what that was all about?" He pondered, rubbing his hands together.

Vladira smiled. "If it's intimacy you're after, Victor, they are off limits to you, from what I can guess. They all here think you are my servant, and you have to do my bidding. I guess, in a way, you are. So, you must act the part while we are here. Something tells me we are going to be part of something big. But what?"

Victor nodded. Vladira stood up and as Victor watched, she turned and let her dress slide to the floor. Victor stood up and took Vladira in his arms. As they kissed, she moved her lips towards his right ear. "Was this what you are longing for, Victor?"

They made their way back onto the bed, as Victor ran his hands along her flesh, then removing his own clothes. "Vladira, do it now! I want to be with you always!" Victor said softly as he kissed her.

Vladira smiled. Her left hand caressing his dark hair on the right side of his head. "If you wish, Victor. It will not be easy for you, though." She said.

His longing gaze made that decision. He indeed wanted to be with her, and she would fulfill that desire. She pushed him over onto his back, and she had lain on top of him. Slowly, she kissed him, then, her lips touched his neck. She could feel his pulse pounding, hear his blood working through his veins. Now, she had him. The blood hunger raging inside of her, she struck!

Victor moaned as she plunged her fangs into his flesh. She could feel his pulse and breath quicken. She stopped for just a moment to see how he was. She made a small slit on one of her fingers with a fingernail and ran it along his lips. In his weakened state, she saw his tounge slowly take in the wyne.

She went back and finished taking in his delectable wyne, her finger still pressed between his lips. Then, she felt his pulse stop, and his breath shutter, and nothing. She had to wait. But, for how long? She had not done this since the night of the massacre. What if this hadn't worked? She fell aside of him onto the mattress. Full from Victor's wyne, she fell asleep. But, not for too long.

She awoke later, her tiredness gone, she looked to see that Victor was no longer next to her. And had wondered how long it had been. She looked to see him standing at a window, looking out into the darkness. Fully clad again.

"So, this is what it is like then?" He said softly. "I had no idea that this could be so longing. The longing for what you had called "wyne". I feel it calling."

Vladira arose to join him. "Come with me then, chylde. I will see to your needs." Vladira said as she was getting dressed. He turned to see Vladira, and they walked down to the parlor together.

***

An Expression of Unyeilding Sadness

Author: Amantara

Date: 06-29-03 13:45

Amantara stood in the shadows as she saw Vladira fall to the floor. Her companion looked worried, he gently picked her up and took her to her room. Amantara stayed behind, not trusting Vladira yet. After they had left the room, she spotted the piano, slowly she made her way to it. She sat down at the bench letting her finger tips glide over the smooth and cool ivory keys.

She just sat for a long moment, thinking of the melody that had been haunting her. By instinct she began to play, the notes coming to life. She closed her eyes and let her body rock back and forth. The music poured out of her soul through her finger tips into the music. Her mind was completely blank except for the pain. The music went on and on, it grew faster and more frenzied.

Amantara thought she heard crying over the music, it took her a long moment to realize it was her. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, landing on the keys. She kept on playing, the music was letting her escape. She felt like she was floating out of her body. She felt free from her eternal wanderings.

Finally, her fingers stopped. The last note rang clear and then silence desended upon Amantara. She floated back into her body, back into her eternal prison. She opened her eyes, blinking away the tears. She stood and walked out of the room, making her way back to where the kindred were gathered.

***

Tests and answers

Author: Zalen Honowithe

Date: 06-30-03 01:10

Zalen remained near the door as he watched, closing the door behind him as the others left. He listened to Narcissa scold the woman who was now laid fully down upon the bed. He watched as Narcissa raised the skirts of the Laura up above her thighs to reveal her dark recess of her sexuality.

"Zalen, my little darling here has disobeyed my orders for the night...and it's still early mind you. What do you think we should do to punish her?"

He watched curious slightly as to why he was asked, she played the same game as he now. He removed himself from near the door and walked around in a half circle to come to the right side of the bed, a fair distance from them still to watch.

"We? hmmm.. what would you suggest Narcissa?" *he pauses for a moment as if to be in thought and a small smile crept across his features as a seeminly random thought occured to him. "What would you like "me" to do?"

He stepped back slightly to the chair he had positioned himself in front of and sat down, crossing his left leg over his right. Observing the scene before him. He watched Laura's face as it contorts in horror, most likely from him he observed. But it did not bother him, for now he would remain elusive, so he changed his facial features from the small smile to a calm and collected as he viewed what was before him. Learning what he can between the two, Narcissa obviously in control and Laura unsure of both what to do and what was going on.

***

New Arrivals

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 06-30-03 06:52

The conversations have broken down into smaller, hushed groups.

The ladies Violet and Somatra sit off to one side, chatting casually and quietly with Sir Drakonic, being attended by Somatra's two remaining manservants. The other two vampiresses have wandered out, heading in the direction of the conservatory at the end of the hall. Ian remains in his corner, strumming a breezy tune.

Guillaume watches Briant walk through the parlor on his way to answer the latest knock at the door.

Guillaume's mind starts to wander as he sips his wyne. But after a moment, he looks up when Tricia enters the room and approaches him.

"I beg you pardon, my Lord," the young woman says softly. She wears a provocative black leather dress. "Lady Narcissa sent me. I have taken Sir Drakonic's guest to the library and made her comfortable. And there is another woman... Deianira's her name. Lady Narcissa thought you know her and would like to see her."

The vampire nods. "Thank you, Tricia. You have done well. Return to the library, and I will be there shortly."

The girl smiles at his compliment. She seems a bit reluctant to leave -- due, no doubt, to the addictive effect of Guillaume's vampiric essence in her blood -- but between wanting to please him, and his assurance that he would soon join them in the library, bows slightly and leaves with a sweet, "Yes, my Lord."

Guillaume takes another sip of wyne, then steps away from the fireplace, ready to greet whomever is now at the door.

***

Anticipation!!

Author: Deianira

Date: 06-30-03 15:51

Deianira waited in the room where she was led by Tricia. She paced back and forth like a caged cat. She was eaget to meet this man of the manor of which she was told so much about. She also wanted to thank the man who saved her in the ally. But why all this waiting and going from room to room. She thought it was strange. yet as she moved in the house, something inside her stirred. The essence was beggining to work inher and she felt drwn to a person she never met. What a strange feeling it was. She never met this man yet for some reason she felt incredibly drawn to him. As if he was calling her in her mind.

She shook her head and tried to get the thoughts out as she continued to pace...

***

Wandering Soul

Author: Amantara

Date: 06-30-03 20:48

Amantara wandered through the many corridors of the manor. Not caring where she went she simply stared at the floor. She wasn't comfortable in the manor, something wasn't right. Some of these vampires were power hungry, others had ambitions which were not pure. She had never seen such a group of kindred in all her immortal years.

Finally, growing weak from the nights events she sat on against the wall. Her chest heaved in a heavy sigh. She let her face become devoid of expression, becoming almost statue-like. She willed her spirit to float out of her body, a trick she had learned in Haiti. She had learned voodoo in her time there, and still kept a shrine for Papa Legba in her santuary.

She felt her spirit shift and let herself float about her body, she floated out of manor in the the night. Amantara's spirt traveled swiftly, it reached the city that wasn't far from the manor. Not satisfied she willed her spirit faster. She flew at an alarming speed. Flying over the Mediterranaen sea, how she wanted those waters to be blue. They were black, night waters. Sorrow filled her then as she tried to recall the blue she had taken for granted in her youth. The color eluded her then, she flew near Venice, Italy.

The sinking city, she had resided there once, before it had began to sink. Her past flashed before her eyes like a film, moments long passed. She flew to Florence, she had once been the patron of Raphael and many other artists. She knew Cosimo de Medici and his nephew Lorenzo de Medici. She had loved the Reniassance, she could roam freely in those times. Basking in the beauty of the city.

Growing weary of the sadness these memories caused her, Amantara willed herself back to her body. In a matter of moments she was again sitting in the corridor. Expressionless. Alone. Standing gracefully, she soundlessly made her way back through the corridors. Finding the gathered kindred, she took a seat and simply watched the others.

***

Newest Arrival

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 07-01-03 06:10

The butler Briant ushered the newest guest into the parlor. She appeared road-weary and slightly disoriented. Guillaume sensed her relative youth. He guessed she had been on this Earth no more than a century.

"Welcome to the Sanctuary of Crimson Kiss manor," he said as he stepped forward in his most congenial mien. "You look as though you've had a long and trying journey. Please, make yourself comfortable."

***

Swift Punishment

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-01-03 07:28

She took a deep breath and turned back to Laura moving away and allowing her to sit up.

"Laura, there is a belt in my bag, a leather one with some studs on the end. Go get it and come right back."

Laura hurried off to rummage through her mistresses bag while she moved to the end of the bed across from where Zalen sat and observed. She turned to Zalen and smirked crossing her arms waiting for Laura to come back.

"Well, it's looks like you'll get a little show before I show you to your room. Laura is a lovely girl, but so disobidient."

Just as she said that, Laura returned with the long belt in hand. She moved her gaze to Laura and grinned wildly as she knew the rough leather of the belt was sure to make Laura think twice about dawdling when she is given a chore.

"Come here Laura, to the bed with your back to me and Zalen."

Laura did just that, with only a few steps from the door and stood, with belt in hand, staring at the headboard knowing something bad was about to happen. She softly took the belt from Laura's hand and ran her fingers down Laura's back, down the soft fabric of the dress.

"Bend over my lovely."

She pushed Lauras back, urging her softly to bend over before she would start. She chuckled low as Laura did as instructed splaying her fingers across the sheets. But just as gently she handled Laura, she viciously ripped her dress up over her legs and hips, exposing her backside fully now to Zalen. She tapped her legs open to spread a bit, as more of her sensitive flesh between her legs is exposed to Zalen. She took the belt and doubled it over giving her one hard smack across her ass. She could hear Laura cry out as the red welt started to form, and followed with 3 more hard cracks across the milky soft flesh. Her voice now howled with an ice cold ring as she spoke to Laura.

"I told you what to do. You didn't listen. You weren't fast enough. I told you what to do!"

She offered 2 more spankings with the leather belt, the studs not brushing against her skin, before inserting her fingers between Laura's legs offering a few quick rubs inside her sensitive flesh. But that would be the last of that. She reared back the leather belt and smacked her across her butt one more time, the hardest blow yet, as a large welt formed across both cheeks. Laura's ass now have several crossing welts, as if she had been whipped and she tossed the belt to the floor. She looked at Zalen before turning back to Laura and leaning over the bed to her.

"Now apologize for your actions."

***

An Understanding

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-01-03 08:44

Vladira stood before Victor. He was still slightly weak, but, managed to control his hunger. As she started for the door, he grabbed her by the wrist.

"What is it, Victor?" She asked, concerned.

He looked at her up and down, then pointed at the pendant. "You have changed, Vladira. It must be the pendant."

She began to realize it. Her dress seemed tighter in the shoulders. She realized that she was somewhat taller, and more curvacious. She ran her hands along her waist and hips. Then, her amulet began to glow again. But, this time she didn't faint. She heard a voice within herself.

"My Vladira, you now are beginning to understand this pendant. The essence of your clan is within this jewel. It will show when distant members of our clan are near. Do not ignore this. Your full potential has not yet been realized!" Then, silence.

Vladira composed herself, and she and Victor returned to the parlor to be with the others. She only worried about how Victor would handle being kindred now.

***

Loss of the East (Disorientation)

Author: Damiana

Date: 07-01-03 11:43

She was shown into a room full of other Vampires by the Vampire who had oppened the door. It was extremely disorienting to see so many gathered in one place. She had known that there were others about, and she had even had some success in finding them lately, but since Alice had died, she's cultivated the habit of staying off to herself, and after the debacle concerning Zalen's re-creation, she had sat alone in the dark for weeks on end, full of self-recrimination, desiring nothing more than to remain alone, so that she couldn't hurt anyone else with her ineptness and stupidity.

"Welcome to the Sanctuary of Crimson Kiss manor. You look as though you've had a long and trying journey. Please, make yourself comfortable." the strikingly handsome Vampire standing at the mantel greeted her. He seemed so sure of himself that she assumed that he must be the man to whom this place belonged, or at least was currently in the care of. Someone handed her a glass of wine, she could smell that there was blood in it, and not knowing quite what to do with it, she took the smallest of sips, not wishing to be less than polite. Uneasy at her current embarrassing predicament, and not wanting said embarrasment to be witnessed by too many people, she approached the Vampire at the mantel and asked to speak to him alone in the hall.

Once they were outside the room and hopefully out of earshot of the others, Damiana felt marginally more confortable stating her current situation, but thought it best to thougoughly explain her current situation and the problems regarding her Chylde. She gave a couple of nervous grins here and there, and made a few self-deprecating jokes, but was still nearly in tears by the time she finished with "and one of them told me that sometimes this place draws those that need help to it."

She blinked her eyes clear of the tears that had gathered and were threatening to fall, and looked at the Vampire before her. He had an odd look on his face, pity tinted with amusement, and she wasn't able to keep back another grin and a little giggle. Really it was rather funny, the series of mistakes and accidents and all the bad judgement that had caused the problem in the first place; had it happened to any one else, she might have laughed aloud at hearing the tale. "My dear, you have indeed come to the right place, at the right time and asked the right person for help. Your Chylde, your Zalen, is indeed here."

***

Bottoming Out

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 07-01-03 14:00

"I told you what to do," Mistress Narcissa growls, as if she needs to explain why she is flogging Laura. Narcissa's voice rises as she continues in anger. "You didn't listen. You weren't fast enough. I told you what to do!"

Two more hard cracks from Narcissa's belt punctuate the point.

Laura starts to cry. It's not the pain. In fact, things Mistress Narcissa had done to her last night have started to condition Laura to associate sharp pain with sexual satisfaction. The sting across her bottom spreads as a buzz down between her thighs, to then work its way back up into her most intimate spaces as a tantalizing tingle.

Rather, Laura sheds tears of humiliation. It is not just the embarrassment of being exposed and spanked in front of this unknown man. Worse than that is Laura's private realization that given the choice, she would rather tolerate this public torment than face the certain alternative, banishment from this manor.

Laura has always prided herself on her self reliance and dignity. Growing up, she promised herself she would never allow herself to become dependant on anyone. Now, she realizes that she would do anything just to be allowed the privilege of living among Mistress Narcissa and her extraordinary friends.

With that terrifying realization, Laura slumps forward, burying her face against the bedspread, sobbing. She is fully prepared to accept whatever further punishment Mistress Narcissa sees fit to deliver. At that moment, Laura truly believes she is worthy of nothing else.

And it is at that moment that Mistress Narcissa's delicate and nimble fingers stroke Laura's most private flesh. With her face pressed to the bed, Laura's moan is lost in the mattress as her body tenses toward a climax like the one she enjoyed under similar conditions last night. But before achieving that wondrous relief, Narcissa withdraws her hand, and replaces its terrible pleasure with the exquisite pain of one final thrash from the leather belt.

Narcissa's combined beating and sexual torment of Laura could not have come at more significant time. Laura's addiction to Narcissa's vampiric essence is now absolute. With Laura's once proud spirit utterly broken by her inexplicable dependance upon Narcissa, with Laura's sense of self-identity totally befuddled by her unnatural experiences and desires of the past week, the lashings do more than mar Laura's alabaster skin, they permanently imprint Laura's very soul with an indelible linkage between pain, humiliation, and Laura's physical need for Narcissa's intimate affection.

There is a slight pause, and Laura tenses herself for another cutting slap of the leather belt. Instead, Mistress Narcissa leans across the bed, her body pressed tightly to Laura's. Laura shudders in ecstatic tension as the pleasant warmth of Narcissa' skin against hers combines with the burning agony from her welted bottom.

Mistress Narcissa's breath is hot in Laura's ear. "Now apologize for your actions."

Laura is still not entirely sure what she did wrong. Mistress Narcissa had said to "take your time," and then Anna wasn't ready. Was Laura really supposed to have left Deianira locked in that room?

Laura doesn't know. She will have to figure it out later. The one thing she knows for sure is what she must do this very instant.

"I'm sorry Mistress!" Laura sobs with a rattling sigh. "I apologize."

***

Waiting in the Library

Author: Tricia

Date: 07-01-03 18:18

After advising her Master that she had taken Sir Drakonic's guest to the library and made her comfortable. And Deianira as well, he says to her, "Thank you, Tricia. You have done well. Return to the library, and I will be there shortly." Tricia wars in her mind between staying near her master and obeying him and obeying him seems to be the best course. So she bows slightly and leaves with a sweetly spoken, "Yes, my Lord." Tricia then moves quickly to the Library to advise those awaiting inside that they will not have long to wait. As Tricia walks into the Library and closes the door behind her, she smiles at Sir Drakonic's guest and Deianira as well and says" My Master advises that we wait here as come shortly. Would either of you like a drink? There is cool water here and white wine." Tricia perches on the arm of the divan in the Library and waits for their answer..........

***

Hidden Amusement

Author: Zalen Honowithe

Date: 07-01-03 18:33

Zalen watched the whole scene as he remained on the chair. He watched Narcissa spank Laura thoroughly and occassionally he had to shift in his seat. He had also heard the faint sobs of Laura as she lay strewen across the bed and knew that Narcissa had held back little on the silkey flesh, noting the deep crimson welts that were forming. Each well defined against the contrasting milky flesh.

He watched the change that overcame Narcissa, or rather the other side of the coin. He watched as now both laid across the bed, and shifted once more, perhaps evident of is hidden interest in the two. He clears his throat slightly as he watches.

Hearing Laura apologize he thought it was over and slowly lowers his right leg from where he had crossed it overtop of his left and rose. Looking to the two, not saying a world but if one were to look closely to him they would notice the tell tale signs of his amusement and how he had enjoyed watching it. He stood there and watched.

***

A Request and an Invitation

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-01-03 21:20

Amantara asked one of the random people in the room for a piece of paper and an ink pen. She quickly scrawled in latin a note to Sir Guillaume.

'Sir Guillaume,

I know we have known each other for a few short hours, but I would be honored if you would share a bath with me. I must admit it is an old custom for me. It is as much habit as it is for passion. I will not be offended if you do not accept my offer.

Amantara'

She was sure he could read latin, if not, then it was his loss. She felt odd giving such an invitation but he ignited a passion in her that no female could extinguish. She found a mortal, not sure who it was, and asked it to take the note to Sir Guillaume. She excused herself and made her way to her chambers. She ran a warm bath. She hoped for company, but if he didn't show the bath would be nice none the less.

***

Painful reminders

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-02-03 05:50

Her slave was sobbing. Good. Just as she should be. Laura had apologized and she got off the bed, bringing her skirts back down her welted buttocks and back down her legs. She cruised her fingers through Laura's soft curls and smiled softly.

"Very good then. I know you won't make the same mistake twice. You're a very clever girl Laura."

She looked at Zalen who seemed to have taken great amusement in the punishment she gave to Laura, but sensed something more. A keen interest in the process and perhaps an even keener curiosity into her own developing duopoly. She straightened her own dress, now wishing she was just back in jeans and a t-shirt, but knowing Guillaume would not be pleased to see his lovely vampiress chylde back to her old street clothes...at least not tonight with the arrival of so many.

"Now Laura, I want you to take Zalen to an empty room. Make sure he is comfortable, give him a nice place to rest should he wish it and join the others in the library. If you dawdle, I won't be so mad this time."

She flashes her a grin and looks back to Zalen. She had sensed other females in the Manor and sensed their arousal upon meeting her lover...it spurned a deep jealousy that kept its ugly head buried...for now.

"If you will both excuse me, I need to check on Guillaume. I think there's been some arrivals I should help him with and I'm sure he's been too busy to get dinner."

She looked at Zalen with a crooked grin, knowing the double meaning of that statement of dinner as she passed by him leaving. She took a deep breath and saw Amantara coming up the stairs. This was one. But instead of playing the fierce street rat, she donned a smile and tossed back long fiery red curls as she stood at the top of the stairs.

"Good evening, I am Narcissa."

***

Reorientation

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 07-02-03 06:06

"My dear," Guillaume smiles. "You have indeed come to the right place, at the right time and asked the right person for help. Your Chylde, your Zalen, is indeed here."

He is rewarded for these tidings with Damiana's look of joyful relief. He nods sympathetically as he continues. "Right now he is upstairs, with my Chylde, seeing to our servants. He is well. We even fed him. He still had only the vaguest notion of his true nature!"

Damiana's sudden frown troubles Guillaume.

"I, too, was just about to dine," he says to change the subject.

Just then, one of the young men whom Somatra had brought to the manor steps up. He hands Guillaume a note, which the vampire slips into his pocket to read later, after he has finished comforting Damiana.

Guillaume's gaze moves significantly back and forth between the waiting human male and the young vampiress. His grin returns, wider now, almost revealing his sharp fangs. "As I was saying, Damiana, I was about to have my supper. Are you hungry? Would you care to join me?"

***

A bath

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-02-03 12:34

Amantara sighed heavily as she decided that Sir Guillaume was probably busy with the other guests. She climbed into the warm bath water, loving the feel of it on her cold skin. She instantly felt better. She gently rubbed the dirt and debris from her body. Leaving her alabaster skin imaculate. She found some scent to put into the bath water, it was lavender.

She let her body slide and she submerged her head underwater. Her black hear floated around her, the dirt and twigs slowly untangling themselves. Her taunt muscles relaxed and she let her guard down. She sighed in contentment, she closed her eyes letting her senses expand. In her mind eye she could see everyone in the manor.

The hunger was again making its presence know, but Amantara ignored it. She could go long periods with out feeding. Still she couldn't help but run her tongue along her sharp fangs, over time they had grown longer and sharper. They were somewhat harder to hide, sometime she would laugh or smile and they would be clearly visible.

She wondered for a moment about clothes, Vladira had offered her some of hers. She didn't have a taste for modern clothing, she much prefered long gowns to jeans and tennis shoes. Finally,she rose from her bath, drying herself off with a towel near the bath tub. She wrapped herself in it, and walked to Vladira's room, she knocked gently hoping she wasn't disturbing anything.

***

Offering Accommodations

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 07-02-03 12:51

Laura stands, staring at the floor, knowing that Zalen is watching her. What must he think, having seen Laura accept such humiliating abuse from Mistress Narcissa? What can Laura say? How can she make him, make anyone, understand -- when she doesn't understand herself -- her devotion to Narcissa, her need to be at Narcissa's side?

"That was all my fault," Laura offers softly. She honestly believes it. Also, if she can justify Mistress Narcissa's punitive acts, and even accept the blame for them, then Laura's acquiescence to Narcissa's lash seems somehow more reasonable.

"She is often very kind to me," Laura adds hopefully, but she recognizes how hollow the words sound after what Zalen just witnessed.

Laura takes a deep breath and manages to focus on the task at hand. As far as Laura can tell, except for those occupied by Anna and Deianira, the suites at the other end of the hall are empty. She raises her head, but is still not able to meet Zalen's eyes.

"May I show you to your room?"

***

A Lite Snack

Author: Damiana

Date: 07-02-03 14:57

Although she had gorged herself before leaving St. Louis, and had eaten well already that night, Damiana had been abusing herself lately in regards to food, and at the kind invitation of the older Vampire she felt her hunger come roaring back to the surface with such ferocity that she stumled a bit from the force of it, as if it had been a physical blow. He steadied her, and she responded to the concenrn in his eyes with a broad (if somewhat shaky) smile, in an attempt to put him at ease. "You understand that I haven't been doing too well for myself lately...hadn't the heart to go out and eat very much, and then the journey here, well it was rather long and I didn't stop much along the way. I'm sure you understand. I could do with a bit of a snack."

He ordered the dark-haired man who had brought him the note to steady her as he led the way into the library.

***

Invisible?

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-02-03 17:59

Imagine her surprise when Amantara simply went by without saying a word. She watched the woman slip by and check a couple of rooms to find an empty suite and move in perhaps for a few hours rest. She raised a curious brow taking note of the rather tired and ragged looking appearance of the woman, but to ignore a hostess was quite a rude awakening. She smelled the scent of arousal on that one along with the scent of her old clothes. A sneer crossed her features as she went downstairs merely leaving the woman be for now. Perhaps she was just tired and did not want to talk to her...perhaps that was customary of vampires but she wasn't sure. She slipped downstairs only to see her lover moving into the library with another new arrival and one of the mortal boys. She furrowed her brow and wondered how many people had showed up exactly this evening and decided to go take a peek in the library to make sure Tricia had brought the princess down for Guillaume to feast upon. She noticed the small crowd in the parlor still talking of old ways, chit chatting about things in many languages, something she couldn't understand. Each looked content enough, however Drakonic still looked a bit pale and in need of food. She shrugged it off and continued to the library where she saw Guillaume greeting everyone yet again. She knew the princess was for his feast and wondered if she should give him a passionate greeting or not. She figured for now, she would just be affectionate, but not overly so.

She slipped into the room quietly and up behind Guillaume wrapping her arms around his waist while laying her head on his back. A heavy sigh parted her lips at Tricia looked upon her concerned. She knew Tricia was probably wondering about Laura and how she was doing.

"Hey baby."

She grinned but he could hear a bit of disappointment in her voice. Before he could ask anything though she said to whomever wanted to listen...

"Laura is showing Zalen a room so he can get comfortable here...."

She looked over at Damiana with a curious brow wondering if this one would greet her instead of just ignoring her as the last one did.

"And who are you?"

Her fingers trailed down Guillaumes stomach resting her fingers in the belt around his waist. She could clearly feel his hunger rising as his gaze was fixed on the princess. She laughed inside as somehow she felt he would take his time with this kill and savor the very essence and taste of such nobility.

***

A Knock on the Door.....

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-02-03 19:58

had sounded. Victor jumped a bit as they heard it. Vladira told him she would answer it. As she opened the door, she saw Amantara. Her hair damp, and there was a smell of lavender. It was one of Vladira's favorite scents.

"Hello Amantara." Vladira said. "Please, come in. In need of a dress now?"

Amantara nodded a bit. Vladira smiled at her. She knew it would be difficult to gain a trust with Amantara. But, she had offered a dress or two that she could borrow.

"I have some from my home. They are quite tasteful. Nothing really modern. Sort of Old World dress. I prefer those. I do have some modern outfits though." Vladira said as she opened the wardrobe where her dresses were. Amantara looked through the wardrobe. Vladira asked Victor to step out for a bit. She could see a bit of longing in his eyes, but, Vladira told him to stop. He smiled and walked out of the room.

Amantara found a couple of dresses that suited her. One a long black dress, v-cut neckline down to the cleveage, and lace along the beltline and sleeves. The other was a deep blue, off the shoulders, and hemed a bit short on the front of the skirt allowing for high heel shoes.

"Choose which ones you like, Amantara. I still have plenty of dresses and gowns. Those two would look very nice on you. I even have appropriate accoutriments as well."Vladira smiled.

TBC......

***

Wardrobe

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-02-03 20:40

Amantara had sensed the hostess' complete and utter shock that she did not acknowledge her. Amantara didn't often associate with such young vampires. She knew she shouldn't be rude, she promised herself that she would talk to the hostess later, appologize for her rudeness...

Vladira opened her door, immediately she knew the mortal man was a kindred.

"Hello Amantara." Vladira said. "Please, come in. In need of a dress now?"

She simply nodded. Amantara could see the look of want on the fledgling vampires face. Vladira sent him out, giving them both some privacy. Vladira opened up her wardrobe and let Amantara sort though it. There were some more modern clothes but also some old world dresses. She chose two a black one, and a deep blue. Each would look wonderful on her, Vladira was saying something, but Amantara found it hard to focus.

"Thank you very much Vladira," she said in her lilting accent, "you have been so kind. Please, excuse me."

Amantara left the room for her own, she went in quickly dressing in the blue gown. It made her eyes look like glittering saphires. Not bothering with shoes, she went to the vanity and used the brush there to smooth her drying hair. When her hair gleamed with a glossy sheen, she left the room making her way to where the guest were gathered.

When she entered she saw Lady Narcissa with her arms wrapped around Sir Guillaume. Not wanting to further insult the young vampiress, Amantara gently cleared her throat and said,

"Vampiress Narcissa, please excuse my earlier rudeness. I was in dire need of bathing, I was in a slight hurry. I hope I have not offended you."

Standing there she sensed the other reason this vampiress was reluctant of her, she stank of jelousy. 'Ahhh...' Amantara thought, 'they are lovers, but she is so possesive. A common trait for young kindred, she will grow out of it.' She stared at the back of the vampiress, waiting for her to turn around.

***

Appetizers

Author: Sir Guillaume FitzHenry

Date: 07-03-03 06:54

"Hello Tricia," Guillaume smiles as he enters the library. "Thank you for taking care of these two young ladies while I was busy greeting our other new guests."

He inclines his head toward the woman accompanying him. "This is Mistress Damiana," Guillaume introduces her, using the honorific he previously decided all the human servants should employ when addressing any vampiress. "Please make sure she has anything she needs."

Guillaume does not mention the muscular man on Damiana's arm. He hopes Damiana understood his suggestion, just before they entered, that she not reveal the "true nature of their exclusive society."

Guillaume then turns to the young woman he had earlier brought to the manor. Tricia had mentioned her name... Deianira. Before Somatra arrived with her abundant offerings, Guillaume had originally planned to contribute Deianira as part of tonight's feast, and still may. But with all the new Kindred in the house, she might serve better as an additional slave. She already carries a bit of his essence in her blood.

"Good evening, Deianira," Guillaume says. "It pleases me to see you up and feeling better."

Before she can respond, Guillaume immediately turns toward the beautiful blonde gift from Sir Drakonic. No one has told him her name. He is about to introduce himself when he hears Narcissa enter the library. She steps up behind him and greets him with a warm hug.

"Hey baby," Narcissa sighs against his back. "Laura is showing Zalen a room so he can get comfortable here." He feels her face turn toward Damiana.

"And who are you?" Narcissa asks the other vampiress.

Narcissa's arms remain in place around Guillaume's waist as he turns and puts his arm around her.

"Narcissa, allow me to introduce Damiana. She came here looking for Zalen." Guillaume has no doubt that despite her newness to Kindred society, Narcissa will immediately understand the significance of that. "Damiana, this is my beloved, Narcissa D`Avalon."

At that moment, the door again opens. Amantara enters. Her eyes immediately focus on Guillaume's companion.

"Vampiress Narcissa," Amantara intones. "Please excuse my earlier rudeness. I was in dire need of bathing; I was in a slight hurry. I hope I have not offended you."

Guillaume's eyes widen with anger. She has said "vampiress," here, in front of mortals. A Vampiress of her reputed age and wisdom should have known better! Is she too old to remember, or too arrogant to care? At this point Guillaume can only hope the girls hadn't noticed.

He knows he had bigger problems. The sudden tension between Narcissa and Amantara is almost palpable. Guillaume realizes that his move to become de facto lord of this manor has become unfathomably more complex this evening.

And to think, when he entered this room, he was simply looking for his supper.

***

A New Society

Author: Damiana

Date: 07-03-03 08:32

A couple of steps behind Guillaume, Damiana delicately probed the mind of the man that was supporting her, looking for the best way to ensure his acquiesence to her needs. For some reason blood was sweeter when your victim thought that you were dining at thier insistance, and not out of any real interest of your own. She'd even played coy with her victims on occasion, until they ended up 'coaxing' her into taking thier blood. She was already at work on convincing this one that he wanted nothing more in the world than her bite, had him hoping for numerous rounds of her feeding on him. She had done such things upon occasion, the few times that it had occured to her that it might be a good idea to keep such snacks around. It nearly completely destroyed the minds of the strong-willed, but if Damiana had wanted a life of challenges, she wouldn't have been in a bar 51 years ago watching other people challenge themselves.

"Hello Tricia," she hears Guillaume say as she enters the library behind him. "Thank you for taking care of these two young ladies while I was busy greeting our other new guests."

Damiana watches the woman he is addressing as Guillaume introduces her. The girl is very pretty, with big dark eyes and black hair, but Damiana wasn't sure about the dress...the girl was apparently some kind of servant, but in that thing...well, how useful really, could she be? It never even occured to her that there might possibly be some sort of sexual games going on that related to such bondage, she was simply too young, too new to Vampire society. She had understood his warnings about revealing the nature of such as they, of course she wouldn't be careless about such a thing when living with mortal people all around her, but if not simply for snacks, really why keep them at all?

"Good evening, Deianira," Guillaume says. "It pleases me to see you up and feeling better." and Damiana finally takes her puzzled gaze off of the pretty girl in the black leather dress and notices that there are two other people in the room. Just as she is about to greet the other women, another Vampiress comes into the room and hugs Guillaume. "Hey baby," she says, and Damiana immediately recognises (with some relief) the cadences and speech mannerisms of the current age and culture. She continued, saying "Laura is showing Zalen a room so he can get comfortable here."

An incoherent feeling of nearly insane rage sweeps through Damiana at the thought of Zalen 'getting confortable' with some woman named Laura, her eyes dilated and she couldn't keep back a vicious and feral hiss as her hands drew up into claws and her whole body tensed, ready to attack...

By the time common sense reasserted itself, she had missed her opportuinty to introduce herself to this new Vampiress, and hoped that Guillaume had been good enough to do so for her...and there was yet another Vampiress in the room.

Guillaume's eyes were wide with anger. What had she missed, or had it been her jealous reaction to the mention of this Laura person? She took a hasty half step backward, and nearly tripped on the mortal boy who was cowering on the floor behind her in abject terror. She had still had his mind in her grasp when the jealousy and rage had taken her over...and it was too late to hope that no one had noticed her reaction.

But then again, maybe they hadn't. There was a tension in the air that had nothing to do with her or the boy she was busily trying to soothe, a tension between the two Vampiresses that had just come into the room. The air practically reeked of jealousy, and Damiana didn't know quite why, but she knew who had been courteous enough to talk to her, offer her food, and calm her fears. She left the boy sobbing on the floor, and stepped up beside Narcissa, taking her hand to show support.

Whatever happened, Damiana had just chosen what side of the battle she would fight on.

***

Walking into a Fight?

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-03-03 10:43

Vladira had left her room, and stopped next to Victor. He had watched Amantara headed for her room. Vladira knew the look in his eyes. "You will leave her alone, Victor." Vladira warned. He nodded, apprehensively. He had managed to find new feelings as Vladira's chylde.

As they walked along the hallway, they noticed a potential fight. It would seem there were rivalries in the manor. Between Narcissa and Damiana? Vladira would mind her own ways, for now.

"Good evening Sir Guillaume, Narcissa, Damiana" Vladira said as she and Victor approached. She could see the blood red look in the vampiresses eyes. A fight between vampires was a great horror. Vladira had watched one a short time before she had been imprisoned. It had been between two sisters. They were identical twins who had become jealous of each other after they found they were lusting after the same vampire. He had been intimate with both. The fight went on for days, until one managed to kill the other. Vladira hated the fights.

Jealousy reigned always amongst kindred. But, Vladira didn't want to get involved with this one. Victor watched with a longing interest. Vladira took a hold of his right arm and led him away before things got worse.

"Maybe there is something to feast upon downstairs for you and I, Victor." Vladira said.

Victor smiled."I would like that. Perhapse something young and sweet?" He replied.

He and Vladira made their way down to the parlor, and sat with the others. Perhapse she could "break the ice" a bit more with them? Even she felt a longing for something or someone different. Perhaps a young male with potential? She thought to herself.

***

Anger on the Rise

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-03-03 11:01

Amantara felt Sir Guillaume's anger, yes she was past caring. Death would be a gift to her at this point. She had no real reason to live, she heard his bitter thoughts of her. Immediately her anger rose to a fevered pitch. Then another vampiress came up to show her support for Narcissa. Her eyes dialated and her voice became an octave lower. She said,

"Hear me, all of you. I do not wish to harm anyone, but do know I can and will if pushed to far. I did not come here to make enemies. Look at all of you with your "modern ideas", " Amantara spat the words out with contempt, "I am past caring. These people," she gestured to the mortals, "can easily be taken care of, without their deaths. You all stink of fear, fear of what though? Society? Death? I have been around far to long to fear anyone or anything."

Amantara breathed deeply trying to control the rage within her. It was all going wrong, like so many other gatherings had. Amantara had slain countless fledglings for the sake of the race. Stupid mortals turn by foolish vampires, only to expose themselves and their maker. Being a vampire means more than drinking the blood of mortals, it means surviving for centuries and staying sane.

She looked at the mortals clouding each ones mind, erasing the scene from their minds completely. She said dejected,

"Live in fear! Live your whole lives hiding in shadows, fleeing from the sun. I have stood in the sun, and yet here I stand!" She then looked to Sir Guillaume and addressed him, "Sir Guillaume, know that your dreams will never be realized if the people you assiociate with are cowards. Do not worry about your "friends" I have taken care of them. As for me, I am going to go for a walk. If the doors are locked when I come back, I will know your wish for me to depart and shall do so, if they are open I will accept its as an invitation to stay. I leave this choice completely in your hands. I will not beg for your companionship."

The rage visibly disapaited from Amantara.

"Narcissa, I do appologize for my earlier rudeness, it was not intentional. As for the rest of you, I appologize for my loss of judgement, I did not mean to threaten any of you," Amantara gave a wane smile, " Sir Guillaume, my deepest appoligize if I have offended you, it was not my intention. You remind me of a chylde of mine, whom I loved very much. He was foolish, he let mortals captured him and they exposed him to the sun. I stood on the hill and watched it all. As I said I have stood in the sun, and here I am. I could not do anything to help," Amantara turned her head away closing her eyes, " I can still see it. It was after that I went to the crypt to sleep."

"My earlier words make me a hypocrit. I said you all lived in fear, but I do too, I live in fear of myself," Her voice broke as she said this, "Again, I appologize, I have clearly disrupted your evening, I will take my leave now."

All of it was said in a soft voice, barely above a whisper, but it was filled with emotion. Anger, sadness, desperation. Amantara had to much pride to admit that she did want their companionship, that she was breaking down inside, that she was losing herself in the sea of insanity and needed an anchor. She gave a sweeping bow to all in the room and padded barefoot out of the room.

She opened the door, and walked into the night air. Dawn would be soon, but maybe the sun was the answer to her prayers. One day wouldn't kill her but maybe a week. As she walked through the woods, she sang, in her clear saprano voice an old latin song. Its sad notes echoed through the night air. She walked, feeling the ground beneath her bare feet. Amantara laid back on the ground, letting the smell of the damp ground sooth her. She closed her eyes praying to her gods for guidance.

***

Confused?

Author: Deianira

Date: 07-03-03 11:28

Deianira stood in the room not knowing what was going on. At first it looked as if everyone was joining in for some event. She glanced up and recognized the man who rescued her. Then looked at all the others. more women came in and suddenly it looked as if some of them were angry at each other. She could fel the tension. She looked over and a saw a youngman cowering in the corner of the room. She approached him and put her arms around him trying to comfort him. For some reason the boy was filled with extreme terror.

She looked at Sir Guillime and was about to express her feelings. She was about to demand to know waht was going on in this strange environment. She even heard the word Vampire a few times.

Just as she was going to speak, Sir G, looked directly into her eyes and suddenly she relaxed. her voice escaped her. Something nside her told her to relax. Her heart hegan to beat 3 times faster as she stared into Sir G's eyes, oblivious now to all the others around her. She began to feel a tingly warm feeling in her.

***

What the...?

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-03-03 11:54

She too had noticed Amantara's introduction of herself and her apology...vampiress....'oh no.' She thought to herself. Tricia and the new girls had no idea what they were. Would this be a sting to their nature? How would they handle such a revelation. Just a few weeks ago, she had only thought vampires to be lore and stories, and not really believing of their existance save for those who believed they practiced the lifestyle in some gothic underworld of the city. She was about to speak out and laugh about it to make them seem like a strange society of humans in front of Tricia and Deianira and the princess when all hell broke loose.

The anger in Guillaume rose towards Amantara....the visciousness in Damiana beckoning when she mentioned Laura, and the fear in Vladira urging her and her companion away. She looked between the three of them, horribly worried now and stepped back behind Guillaume when Amantara lashed out with vengeful words. She spoke of 'fear'...fear of mortals, fear of sunlight, fear of themselves. Exactly how old was this woman to speak of such things? She knew she and Zalen were brand new but she had already taken a liking to this lifestyle and its offerings. She could feel Guillaume tense with unheard of anger as Amantara directed scathingn words towards him..it was a quiet anger, a rage, something far more temptestous then what he directed towards her the night before. She literally felt her lover rage inside of her as well and his eyes reddened with exquisite hate, if not towards Amantara, then at least towards her words.

But she was right...what had they to fear? These mortal girls would have nothing to say even if they didn't like the fact they were among vampires. What would they do? Call the authorities? There were no phones here. Run away? Where would they run to and how long would it before they were caught and killed by the kindred. And who would believe them anyways? A coven of vampires...preposterous in this day and age. They had a choice...live or die. That was final and Amantara was right. They had nothing to fear and had all the time to wait for others to join them.

Amantaras final act of justice was to walk out of the room not caring if she lived or died...a feeling she herself could not justify if Amantara did actually die. Guillaume's rage was now at a peak as Amantara stormed out of the room, as she had just insulted him more than any other in this room. She felt tears spilling down her cheeks as she rested her head once again on his back as she had hidden behind him. She whispered softly hoping to calm him, at least a bit.

"My love, please feed first, you are hungry...take it out on the princess as she is the morsel you most want. Let me talk to Amantara."

She could feel Guillaume's anger still there, but he was kind and gentle enough with her to only place a kiss on the top of her head. She looked at Damiana apologetically before speaking.

"Zalen will probably be back down in a few minutes."

With that, she ran out the doors, past the parlor where the other guests had quite clearly heard Amantara's words and out the doors following the scent of the elder vampiress. Within a few moments, she found the woman, laying on the soft forest floor, gasping with heavy breaths, probably from anger. She looked at her sadly for a few moments, feeling the horrid loneliness and sadness that she feels, although she is not sure why. She laid down next to Amantara and pushed back long fiery locks to splay across the forest floor curling up next to her. She rolled to one side nuzzling against Amantara and whispered softly.

"Please do not leave us. We need you to stay. I...want you to stay."

There was strength to be found in Amantara, a strength Guillaume desperately wanted for their kind. A strength he wanted his own chylde to have.

***

Multiple Faces

Author: Zalen Honowithe

Date: 07-03-03 14:17

Zalen offered a smile to Narcissa as she left, he knew she had observed some of the amusement he bore for watching the two, but not the true amusement. True the punishment had been able to peek his interest, but also the view of Laura's supple flesh had its own qualities that were pleasing to a male's sense. He tried not to look disappointed when Narcissa had risen from the bed and departed but looked to Laura offering her a small friendly smile, as if what had just occured was already in the past.

"She is often very kind to me"

He listens and nods slightly, not believing totally but for now he slipped into a different mode, as he was so prone to do with each individual, to confrom to what they felt what they needed.

"May I show you to your room?"

He nods. "Yes please do." He follows her and offers a small smile, deciding to comply with this woman's needs for now. "She is quite the woman is she not? Narcissa I mean"

***

Finding the Right Place

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 07-03-03 14:53

"She is quite the woman is she not?" Zalen asks as he follows Laura out into the corridor. "Narcissa I mean."

Laura does not immediately reply. Her initial instinct is to declare her Mistress the most beautiful and compelling person she has ever met. But it is like that moment on a test at school. An answer comes to mind which at first you are sure is right; then if you stop and think about it, you cannot remember why it should be the right answer, so you start second guessing yourself.

What IS it about Mistress Narcissa that makes Laura willing to do almost anything just to be at her side? Sure, she is physically beautiful... but when has Laura ever cared about a woman's looks? Laura has always before made friends from among the intellectual crowd, and in her sorority. Narcissa is more street smart than learned, and she is certainly not cultured. One need only look at the clothes she usually wears, and the urban slang and syntax in her speech, to know that. So what is it about Narcissa that Laura finds so emotionally, and even sexually, irresistible?

And how does this all fit in with the desire Laura still feels -- when her attention is not entirely absorbed by Mistress Narcissa -- for Lady Violet, and even Belle Phillips?

Laura sighs. How can anyone explain human emotions, especially those of love and lust? On those school tests, it usually turns out that the first answer you think of is the right one.

"Yes," Laura finally responds as she opens the door to the empty suite at the top of the stairs, just across from the one in which she earlier found Deianira. "Mistress Narcissa is truly wonderful!"

***

Confessions

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-03-03 17:10

"Please do not leave us. We need you to stay. I...want you to stay." Narcissa said as she curled into Amantara.

'Yes,' Amantara thought staring into the night, 'Sir Guillaume needs my strength for his dream.'

The young vampiress being so young had some of the warmth of a human. Amantara's body was hard and cold compared to this young one. Narcissa was a beautiful vampire, but she had so much to learn. Sir Guillaume would surely teach her, he was her maker after all. She could see why Sir Guillaume chose her, Amantara herself wanted to let this young one use her own blood to get stronger.

The idea came to her, 'I should let Narcissa drain me, and leave me for death. At least something good would come out of it.' As quickly as it came she realized Narcissa would never do that, the years hadn't had time to strip away her morals and humanity.

Amantara didn't reply to Narcissa's statement, but let her body relax enjoying the feeling of Narcissa against her. Amantara knew if she stayed this one would eventually have her blood, to make her stronger, almost invinsible. Finally, Amantara spoke to Narcissa in a quiet whisper,

"Narcissa, I know you and your lover want me to stay, for different reasons. Your lover has mostly hatred for me, because my words struck home. He wants my power for his dream, his plan. I know I must seem cruel to you, but do understand although my words hurt, they do not bring death. I will tell you something, not because I trust you, but because you are here and I feel like telling it."

Amantara paused for a moment and then continued,

"I am older than Lady Dehlia, older than any other living vampire. The centuries have stripped away my humanity, my heart. For mine has been broken time and time again. I have done terrible things, I've killed many other vampires, out of vanity and arrogance. I even killed my maker. Understand I am not proud of these things, no I would rather run away from them. I have time and time again looked for sanctuaries such as this one, hoping for acceptance. I don't want to be their lovers, their friends, I just want to be in their presence. I myself am quiet and usually just an observer."

She sighed and finished her monolog,

"They would ask me questions about my past, I would tell the truth. They would all turn their backs on me. I can see a persons weakness, just as I did Guillaume's in there. I attack it, unrelentingly. I have tried to repent my sins, how does it go? Forgive me father for I have sinned, it has been six thousand years since my last confession."

Amantara laughed deeply in her chest.

"My sweet child, do not be wary of me. I did not come here to cause harm to any. My temper is terrible, and I have a hard time controlling it. Just know when I am angry and quiet, that is when you should fear. I can kill with simple will power of the mind. Why am I telling you these things? To scare you? No, to scare myself I suppose."

Amantara rose and reached for Narcissa's hand and said,

"Come child, we shall return to the manor and I will do my best to make amends."

***