A nightly trail...

Author: Camilla Ashner

Date: 07-03-03 22:29

It had been a summer of work putting it all together, but I think I had finally done. Phone calls and paperwork were finished and I was now off on my way. I decided to take my first trip through Wisconsin and Minnesota. The area there had specific books, with specific locations. I had heard the tales from my mother, who often read the books that Michael Norman and that other woman would put out. However, I never found the books that interesting.

I had heard of the old Tabernacle Cemetery, just outside of Eau Claire. I figured it would be a good start to this nonsense that I had gotten myself into. When I had proposed the idea to research into myths, legends, and old haunts, I never thought I would find myself out in the middle of Wisconsin on a wild ghost chase. The stories of old Tabernacle varied. Some people say disappearing headlights, not to odd with several roads winding around there. In addition, others saw a man standing in an old pine tree. I figured it could be school kids as none of these apparitions were always there.

* * *

I had been right about Tabernacle. It was an odd place, but nothing seemed to be real. The man in the pine tree never came, the headlights had been that of a police car patrolling and the dogs were neighbor dogs that, were not to friendly, were real, and not a ghost. I decided to just follow my instincts. It was about time to research something I had interest in, something I wanted to know if it was real or not. I wanted to learn more about Vampires.

Since I had been a little girl, vampires were something that interested me. I loved their tales of seduction and carnage. Dracula had first drawn me to the fold. I wasn't sure if vampires were real or not, but if I had the chance to research, to find out myself I would be all too happy.

I decided that I would start in the smaller towns. The ones surrounded by forests, deep forests. Forests had always been part of the stories I had learned as a child. Vampires 'always' lived in forests, I had been told. They own big castles in which they house their slaves and fellow vampires. I never believed the tale. I felt that vampires wanted to live much like they once did as mortals and it wouldn't have surprised me if they could walk out into the sun either. So many tales often turned wrong, but than again, I was going into this completely unprepared. The machinery to find such a castle was not readily at my fingertips, but I was able to get some. I had hoped it would have been here sooner, but if I unfortunately have to trudge through the woods without them, I would. I doubt I would find anything anyways. Vampires couldn't be real.

* * *

I wandered a little town in the north for a few days. Nothing had arrived from the university and nothing was turning up in the town. No one had ever told me I would find anything, but I would like to at least to find a little something to take back to the committee, the same committee that would give me my grade. As the sun set slowly on the little town I drove my car towards the woods. I always liked to hike at night because you were able to see the stars brighter. Nothing would get me out in these woods, nothing was here. I knew I was just on another wild goose chase and that to me all vampires didn't exist. They were merely a childhood figment of my imagination.

***

Something Awaits...

Author: Somatra Manjula

Date: 07-05-03 02:20

Somatra cultivated a steady though meaningless conversation with Ian, canting her head in a nod every few moments when one of the others in the room would add their own thoughts. While the changing subjects of their dialogue was, to say the least menial, it gave each their own time to compose themselves whether it be by burying themselves in their own musings or not. Somatra herself had not noticed when the conversation between those in the salon died down to a companionable silence. Locking her gaze on Syntyche's she kept her somber expression though her old acquaintance caught the look in her gaze easily enough, a glint of curiousity and invitation as Somatra dismissed Dusty, the last of her offerings to attend to Syntyche though the other woman hardly seemed in need of attending. Ian was again playing the piano, and if not he, then it must have been chords that were reliving themselves in her memory for the notes so vividly danced in her ears as she once again turned her gaze out the window, this time idly. It would be mere moments afterwards when her senses were suddenly engulfed in an alien entity and she found herself barraged by the thoughts of another.

Or, to be more precise, the lack of. Emotions swathed themselves around her, dark emotions that, while not her own, were so very like them. Cool detachment, empty restlessness, dark amusement and disdain all swirled inside the being, a man....mortal? Her own senses moved inside him, searching out thoughts, energies one would not think could exist...decidedly mortal. And yet....and yet....something inside of her sparked, as if from some sort of recognition and she stilled in her search. There was more to her presence here at the manor than the coaxings of her old companion, more than contrary obedience to a being she no more followed than she loved. This ominous reason was hidden from her, abstruse yet simple....it was a cloaked sensation that drew her despite her defiance of it and this excursion, her latest in a myriad of wanderings, had been the only time she had ever followed the sensation, allowed the feeling to draw her. She had been suspicious, yes indeed she had, when suddenly her bloodling companion had vanished, leaving behind riches he knew she would have no interest in, his letter echoing the sentiments of this invisible entity....'back to the Americas you go my dear,' he had written. She knew then, too much had fallen into place, and this time, she could not ignore the sensation that had come to embed itself inside her. So after millenias, ('could it truly have been that long?' she would later contemplate) fighting this orphic mysterious call she finally heeded, and came.

Somatra's eyes had closed throughout, as though in mere contemplation, her expression as dignified as her demeanor and aura were peaceful. She, like many of the older members of the ancient races, had learned to obscure and hide her thoughts, her energies from any curious or prying eyes. That this mortal had awakened such a reaction inside her, little as it was, spurred her to call out again, as she had the night before she met Matthias, and if he should answer...why would he not when by some unascertained reason he had been brought to her attention...if he should answer, then she would, most likely, be well on the way to finding out the reason behind the whispers that had billowed to her on the wind for ages now. It was another moment before she returned to searching out the very being of this mortal....she would call to him, when the night was done she would call.

Her thoughts were suddenly shattered, her senses returning to her as though being pulled back through a vacuum and the ambient silence that had caressed her ears before vanished beneath the faint voices of the strigae in one of the other rooms, close to the salon she sat in. Glancing around she noted the two additions...Vladira and...she could not recall the name of the man who accompanied her, the bond between the two stating their relationship of Mistress and Chylde quite well. Canting her head in a polite nod she would have murmured a greeting if not for the tense rage she felt thrumming through the air, moments passing before she sensed the wave of emotions now filling the manor that was soon followed by two exuents. One had been the elder who had summoned Luke to pass her note to Sir Guillaume, the next Narcissa.

Glancing out the window she saw the faint flash of red hair, soon obscured by the great tree trunks. Turning back to look at the others, her gaze landed on Syntyche and suddenly the image of Asha returned to mind, she did not take any care in concealing the subject of her thoughts though her thoughts themselves remained tightly concealed. The girl would soon stand against her Mistresses Syntyche and this other Somatra had yet to see, she was sure that in the childs mind she had become, no longer a possible ally but a possible enemy. What she wondered now was how to remedy the situation. While the night before she had felt a curiousity that would have pulled her into the festering complications between Mistresses and pupil, tonight she could not recall the emotion.

Yes she would have to remedy the situation, if this unknown energy that had pulled her across ocean and land was any clue to what lay in store for her...she needed no more enemies.

***

A new ally

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-05-03 11:58

She merely laid next to Amantara silently listening to her monologue while staring up into the canopy of trees beneath the crescent moon. The warm air and the words she spoke mixed and blended well this night giving her the mental images of Amantara's long life in only two simple paragraphs. She sighed and stood up with Amantara as she offered a hand and brushed away the leaves and brush from her hair and dress.

"I know I'm new to this life, but I believe in what Guillaume wants to do. You're right, we shouldn't be scared of what we are, but we still have to use discretion don't you agree? I mean, look at the technology out there in this day and age...we can easily be found. A simple sweep of a helicopter overhead could find us in an instant."

She finished dusting herself off, still hating the fact she was in such a formal gown and was desperate for an old pair of jeans right now. She led Amantara back to the manor house and heard barely a sound inside save for another song started by the bard Ian.

"Come on, let's go back to the library and find Guillaume."

She moved back through the grand entrance of the hallway, past the parlor, and now towards the library where a feeling of calm has come back over the most of the, but Guillaume was no where to be found. She looked around and the princess was missing as well, and a smirk crossed her lips...he had decided to feed, finally.

"Hey, I'm gonna go see if I can find him. I'll be right back."

She slipped away from Amantara, leaving her with the mortal girls, and hoping for the best. She selfishly, went off to find Guillaume and roamed the bottom floor in search of her lover. She could feel his presence near, but had never really toured the maze of rooms before. She followed the smaller blackened hallways until his scent, along with the princess's was strong...but it wasn't just the smell of their flesh, it was the smell of the princess's arousal, the musky scent that filled her nostrils as she approached what appeared to be a small green room in the hidden depths of the house. The moonlight splayed through the windows and she could see the milky white naked flesh and blonde locks of the princess embraced by her lover, but could also feel his still immediate anger. She stayed quiet, motionless, like a cat in the shadows as she watched how her lover would feed this night as she had never seen him fully feed on a human life. It was almost as if the rich royal blood of the princess was overcoming him as he slowly enchanted the princess with his mezmiric ways. The princess was only half naked though, and she could see Guillaume ripping the dress from her body, like an animal ready to tear her flesh apart. Her low moans of passion would soon be replaced with the cry of fear, at least she hoped her lover would not want to take another slave in. She watched as Guillaumes hands roamed the princess's body, preparing her for her own death, preparing himself for a bountiful feast. She still wasn't sure if she was ready to watch her lover fuck some princess whore, but she stood there, watching as he slowly had his way with the mortal flesh.

She slowly slipped back into the shadows not wishing to interrupt her love as he devoured this one. He needed the time away from the rest of them...away from Amantara and her outburst, time to reclaim himself and come back in full force. She went back to the library quickly, making a mental note that she would have to come back to this part of the house and explore more.

"Sorry, Guillaume's a bit busy, but I'm sure he'll be back pretty soon. We'll get this all sorted out I swear."

***

Comforts

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-05-03 12:27

"Sorry, Guillaume's a bit busy, but I'm sure he'll be back pretty soon. We'll get this all sorted out I swear."

Amantara knew what Guillaume was doing, she could smell the mortal girl in his arms. She smiled and said,

"Do not worry my dear, everything will work out fine. I will have to swallow my pride and truely appologize. He may not forgive me but he will let me reside here, he needs me," Amantara smirked as she went on, "Its nice to know you are needed for something."

He needed her power He needed her to make new vampires, with her blood they would be very strong from the first night. He needed her wisdom.

"Narcissa," Amantara said while looking around at the mortal girls, "may we retire to a room where we may speak in private?"

***

Blood Fire

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-05-03 13:06

Vladira had lost track of Victor after they had gone to the Parlor. He had stepped out of the room for a bit, and never returned. Her chylde wasn't ready to be away from her for too long just yet. He couldn't control his hunger like some kindred could.

Victor had decided to go wandering around the manor. His curiosity had given way to hunger, when he saw a female figure outside in what appeared to be an old garden. He stepped outside and decided to follow the woman. "Who is she?" He thought to himself. He continued to follow, and cornered the woman back amongst some trees. The woman seemed lost. An intruder. Or was she?

"Who are you?" Victor asked.

The woman turned and gasped. "I...I'm from the city. I'm Candy. Candy Dillon. I got lost on the road, and my car broke down. I was hoping to find some help, and I guess I took a wrong turn." She said.

Victor smiled. "I'm Victor. I can help you find your way."

He walked up to her, and she was mesmerized by his stare. His dark eyes glaring back at her made her weak in the knees. He put his arms around her picked her up. He turned and carried the woman back to the manor. It was dangerous to do so, but Victor didn't seem to care at the moment.

Vladira looked around the manor trying to find Victor. She came across Narcissa. "Hello Narcissa. Have you seen my chylde, Victor? I can sense him nearby, but, I can't seem to find out where."

Narcissa shook her head. Vladira thanked her and went back to the conservatory. "Where are you chylde?" She asked herself.

Victor made his way back to his and Vladira's bedchamber. He put Candy on the bed, and she looked up at him. "Where are we, Victor?" She asked.

Victor looked into her eyes. "In the manor. You should rest."

He pulled off his shirt and she looked at his physique. Victor was muscular, and quite handsome. Candy had only met him a few minutes ago, but, she felt as though she had known him for a long time. She sat up as he sat beside her and they began to kiss. Together they removed her t-shirt and he caressed her torso.

Victor gently laid her back onto the bed as they quickly removed their clothing. He couldn't wait. Her heavy breathing beneath him added to his longing. "How sweet is this Candy?" He asked softly. She looked up into his dark eyes as he took her. Her moans added to their passion. He let his lips trail along the right side of her neck. Then, he struck. Candy cried out as he drank her precious wyne.

Vladira was walking down the hallway to her room when she heard the scream. She rushed into the room to see Victor, on top of a woman. She could see the woman's legs kicking around Victor, trying to fight. Vladira rushed over and pulled him by the hair and off of the woman. She flung him onto the floor, and she looked down at the woman. Vladira felt for a pulse, and there was one, but faint.

"You should have let me finish, Vladira!" Victor growled at her.

Vladira noticed the crimson wyne on his lips and at the corners of his mouth, dripping down. "Victor, you must learn to control the blood fire. Taking a woman like this is dangerous. She must rest. You will NOT touch her again. Now, get dressed. I have to discuss this with Narcissa and Sir Guillaume."

Victor was angered. Vladira had begun to feel that making him her chylde was now regretful. "If he did this behind her back, how many others will he take like this?" She thought to herself.

Vladira and Victor walked out of the room to find Narcissa. She would know how to handle this.

TBC......

***

Situations

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-05-03 15:07

She smiled softly as Amantara offered words of ease. She was thankful this elder would come back and perhaps help in Guillaume's cause. She also thought that Dahlia and Belle would be quite surprised to come home to such a large coven now, and their numbers seem to be growing exponentially now. She offered Amantara a grin and turned to Damiana before leaving the library.

"Damiana is it?" Damiana nodded at the correctness before she continued. "If you want to have your dinner in privacy, there is a dining room just off to the side there. I enjoyed that room myself for my dinner."

She grinned and looked at Tricia and Dieanira. "Tricia, take our newest guest to the parlor and attend to the others out there. Have this little blonde sit in a corner and behave lest she face punishment from the master."

Tricia knew exactly what she was talking about and nodded gleefully to her mistress. She turned to Amantara and offered an arm for escort.

"Let's go up to your chambers where we can talk in peace. I haven't seen to many of the other rooms around this place and wouldn't mind a change of scenery."

Amantara left the room with her, but as soon as they started their ascent to the bedchambers, Vladira and Victor were hastily making their way down, and seemed a bit...panicked. She stopped with Amantara and looked worriedly at them.

"Vladira, Victor...what's the matter?"

***

Onlooker

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-05-03 16:09

Amantara was glad Narcissa had agreed to talk with her. On their way to Amantara's chambers they were interupted by Vladira and Victor. Narcissa asked what was wrong.

Amantara knew what was wrong, the look in Victor's eyes told all. She could still see the drying blood in the corners of his mouth. Vladira couldn't handle her chylde. Amantara smirked, letting her distaste show for the fledgling. Vladira wasn't handleing the situation well at all, she had let him out of her site on his first night. Foolish on many accounts.

Amantara stayed silent while the two vampiresses talked, she stared at Victor. He was handsome in a modern way. Amantara knew he wouldn't last long, he wasn't built for immortality and all the horrible gifts it had to offer. She could hear the faint heart beat of the mortal he had fed on, very nearly dead. The girls name came to her from Victor's open mind. Candy. The name gave Amantara a sour taste in the back of her mouth. Such idiotic names mortals had.

Picking a name for your offspring was important in her day. The name decided the future of a child. Fred wouldn't have hacked it. Amantara had great distaste for the modern world, vulger and dirty. She had learned of cars, helocopters, and speed boats. Read magazines on fashion, and make up style. The scents women wore were putrid to her nose. All of it made her want to go back to her slumber.

She longed for her kingdom, her subjects were kind and loyal. Even when she could only be seen at night, they did not question her. She longed for the clean air, the beautiful clothing, she longed for the past. That is why Amantara stayed, even as an onlooker in the manor. She shared Guillaume's dream, she wanted the kindred to rise up and take their rightful place.

The idea of ruling again sent shivers down her spine. She knew it would be difficult to over throw the mortal race, but it could be done. Despite their guns, and atomic bombs. The kindred have something the mortals don't, infinate strength, and other powers, and of course immortality.

Amantara looked at Narcissa, watching her handle the ghastly situation at hand. She made a good hostess, she would endure.

***

No rest for the watchful

Author: Zalen Honowithe

Date: 07-06-03 12:22

Zalen smiles softly as he hears Laura's proclamation. He was curious as to the hesitation, and pondered it himself. The affects about her such were plainly evident to attract males. But he noticed that there was such desires in Laura and although he had observed similar affections before, he remained curious. Once she had shown him his room he stepped past her and looked around, it was quite a bit more improved then the street where he had been staying as of late. He paced the room to take in the sybtler details of the room. Finally he turns and approaches Laura carefully watching her reactions to his movements and offers a small smile.

"What is it we do now?"

He had a few idea's of what to do. He watched her carefully almost as if she was on display at an art museum and he was a silent gazer. He remained as he was and slowly crossed his arms over his chest, his eye's moving about the room once more out of idleness more then anything else as he waited for an anwer. Rest would have been welcomed but he did not wish to at this point, and he did not let on he wished to. There was so much details, people and things to see and do this night, that gave him the energy to continue on.

***

This Chylde Must Be Dealt With

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-06-03 14:24

Vladira and Victor approached Narcissa. Vladira was angered. Her eyes blood red, and she was breathing hard.

"Narcissa, we have a problem. My chylde here, Victor, has brought in an outsider. He took her back to our bedchamber and made love to her. He has also left her nearly dead on my bed.

As you can see, he drank her precious wyne. I will deal with him, but, what will we do with her? She is still barely alive." Vladira deep down wanted to finish what he had done. To end the woman's misery. But, she decided to ask Narcissa.

Amantara stood looking at Victor. His gaze met hers, and Vladira could see his longing for her as well. He would have to be dealt with. Now she fully realized that all she had done for him, was a great mistake. Victor would have to go!

TBC......

***

An odd situation

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-07-03 05:56

"Narcissa, we have a problem"....Vladira's words rang out and she chuckled thinking 'houston, we have a problem.'...but Vladira continued. It seems her dear new chylde had gone hunting and came back with a tasty morsel for himself. She was actually a bit shocked that Vladira would come to her with a situation like this as the solution seemed simple enough. She spoke to Vladira, perhaps a bit too harshly as her answer spewed forth.

"Well, finish off the girl of course. You don't have to worry about the body or anything, Briant will take care of it."

Her gaze moved to the leering Victor who seemed to be enjoying the curves and form of Amantara a little too much for a chylde's tastes. 'geez', she thought to herself, 'one night as a new man, and already acting like a lech.'

"Vladira, I think your chylde presents a far bigger problem then the girl upstairs. If he already went out on his own, then we risk the chance of him messing up and getting his ass caught, risking exposure. And that, is a problem I don't know how to deal with."

She looked at Amantara, perhaps looking for that answer as she had confessed to killing other vampires. Amantara was sure to have an answer for Vladira, although she still wasn't sure why Vladira didn't have that answer herself having been in existance for quite some time now.

***

Taking ia all in Stride

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-07-03 06:16

"Vladira, I think your chylde presents a far bigger problem then the girl upstairs. If he already went out on his own, then we risk the chance of him messing up and getting his ass caught, risking exposure. And that, is a problem I don't know how to deal with."

Amantara met Narcissa's gaze, 'ahh', she thought, 'she wants me to help her fix this.' Shrugging slightly Amantara looked to Victor who was openly leering at her. She said in an ancient tongue,

"God's forgive me, for I shall take another life, not a mortal life but a kindred. Understand he is an endangerment to us all. I do this not only for me but for the kindred race!"

The look on Victor's face said all, he knew at that moment he had messed up and would probably pay for it with his life. Amantara stepped forward, gathering up the powers that lay dormant inside of her. Then her inner voice said, "shouldn't you ask his maker first?"

Amantara sighed, guilt was an annoying emotion. Amantara turned to Vladira, her eyes tinted red with the power. She said slowly and calmly so that Vladira would understand her intentions,

"Vladira, I am sure you realize the danger your chylde had put us all in. I, myself am not worried, but you and your insolent chylde have endangered the younger of the kindred. Your chylde must be dealt with, I plan to kill him. We cannot simply let him walk out of here, he is to young and inexperienced to know how to hide from mortals," as she said the words a sneer crossed her face, "Death is the only answer I am afraid. Now, I have told you of my intentions, do you wish me to do it, or would you like to?"

She almost wished Vladira would offer to take care of her chylde, Amantara really didn't want to spill kindred blood in the manor. She also didn't want to dirty the gown she had borrowed from Vladira. The interuption was beginning to grate on her nerves as well. She let the question hang in the air.

***

Indifference

Author: Damiana

Date: 07-07-03 12:57

As happened so often with her, once the 'excitement' was over, Damiana had lost all interest in the ongoing drama. What use was it really? Guillaume was absolutely livid, Narcissa had run out into the night after the woman she had seemed so antagonised by just instants before and the mortal people were all cowering together in a corner of the room except for some foreign blonde who kept saying something that most likely translated as "What? What?" over and over again. She turned towards her boy, and tentatively felt around inside his mind...all undone. She'd have to begin again.

Damiana sighed, and looked around to Guillaume, "Whatever game it is that's being played out here, I and my Chylde will gladly assist you, but we really must have some idea of what is going on." she said, her irritation beginning to show through in her voice at the end of her brief statement. "It is not really a fair demand, as you are my senior, but if it puts us in any unreasonable amount of danger, I will take my Chylde and run." She sighed, and patted his arm in a way that she hoped was reassuring rather than offensive. "As for fear, it is fear for each other's safety and well-being that not only makes a society, but also keeps it together. Without fear, we would not know to be at all cautious, and we would be pulled down by others, dragged out into the light of discovery and destroyed. The only creature that I have ever seen that had no fear was a mad dog, running rabid through the streets of Chicago with its own waste drying on it's hocks, matting its fur. I would not exchange places with that beast for anything, fearless or not."

He finally looked at her, and she began to get an inkling of his age, at last. He was older than she could ever see herself as being, yet still in his prime, and although outraged, he still held himself in the tightest of controll. He patted her hand, and then removed it from his arm, collected the princess, and went off to another room to feed. Feeling that he could probably use some time to himself, she stayed in the library, making small talk with the mortals, and wondering a little idly and at the same time a little anxiously, about Narcissa. What if this Amantara was serious about wanting to destroy them all for being...well, still human, and still afraid for each other? Damiana knew that she wouldn't be able to do anything about it, but she was still concerned for the red-headed Vampiress, if only in the most general of ways. Just as she was about to set out to find a vantage point to try and spy them out from, the two re-entered the library.

"Damiana is it?" Narcissa asked her, and she nodded in reply, If you want to have your dinner in privacy, there is a dining room just off to the side there. I enjoyed that room myself for my dinner." 'Has everything been sorted out between you two?' Damiana wanted to ask...but as the two seemed to have come to some sort of arrangement (whether temporary or permanent remained to be seen,) she left the unneccessary question unspoken and nodded again; gathering up the boy, she left the room. But once in the massive dining room, she found that although she was still hungry, she had absolutely no desire to feed anymore. She dismissed the boy, sending him off to his mistress, and sat for a while in the darkness. She was alone, here in this massive and elegant house full of those of her own kind and others just as strange, still she was alone. Zalen. She'd go find Zalen. She had a bit to explain to him after all.

She opened the door of the dining room, and peeked out just in time to see Vladira come trotting down the stairs with her Chylde. Deciding that discretion is indeed the better part of valor, she stayed as she was, watching this new development.

***

Attractions

Author: Laura Anne von Hoeffner

Date: 07-08-03 13:23

"What is it we do now?" Zalen asks after Laura has shown him to his room. Laura recognizes the look in his eyes -- she has seen it often enough on the faces of the boys hosting fraternity parties back at school -- betraying one idea he would like to pursue. While Laura has never enjoyed being the subject of such scrutiny, after her rejection by Sir Drakonic last night, she finds a bit of comfort discovering that at least one man still finds her desirable.

Laura is slightly surprised to discover that she actually cares whether Zalen finds her attractive. Her conversation with Sir Drakonic confirmed for Laura what she had already come to suspect, that she is a lesbian. Oddly, Sir Drakonic had recognized it far more readily and quickly than Laura herself had. Laura knows he must be right. After all, here she is, alone in an luxurious boudoir with a handsome man, and all Laura can think about is how badly she wants to be with Mistress Narcissa.

The cold string from Narcissa's earlier spanking has settled into a warm itch that exacerbates Laura's extraordinary, and now almost continual, libidinousness, caused, unbeknownst to Laura, by the vampiric essence infusing her blood. Of course, no matter how horny she was, Laura would never go to bed with a man she had just met... but, alone in a bedroom like this with someone as attractive as Zalen... well, in the past she would certainly have had a few unladylike thoughts. Now, all she can think of is how badly she wants to return to Mistress Narcissa's side; and if Narcissa is busy, then to Mistress Violet.

Laura sighs, blinks, and clears her throat to answer Zalen's question. "Mistress Narcissa said that after I found you a room and made sure you are comfortable, that I am to join Tricia and the others in the library. So, if you will excuse me, if there is nothing more that you need, I will be on my way."

***

Decision Made

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-08-03 19:34

Vladira hated to ask, but, there were many kindred around. She had been asleep too long. Things had changed so much, that she felt lost. But, now a new courage and power flowed within her.

Vladira's mind lashed out at Victor. "Look at me Victor!" She thought. He still stared at Amantara and ignored Vladira. "LOOK AT ME VICTOR! NOW!"He inner voice shouting at him.

He grabbed his head in agony. He turned and faced Vladira. Her eyes had gone pitch black. He had never seen them like that. She stepped forward and clutched his throat. She lifted him off of the floor, his gasps for air ignored.

"You have disappointed me, chylde Victor. You have placed us all in danger." Vladira hissed.

She looked towards the double doors to the outside. They flung open, a wind blowing through at them. She pulled him close to her."I will not allow a chylde of mine to be disobedient." She flung him out the door to the garden. He landed near an old fountain that obviously had seen better days. He started to get up, but was pinned by Vladira's knee on his chest. He tried to move it, but could not.

"It ends now, Victor."She said as she leaned down and plunged her fangs into juggular. He thrashed about, trying to fling her off, but failed. Then, he fell into unconciousness.

She turned and faced Narcissa and Amantara. Her lips dripping from Victor's wyne."Do with him what you will. I have no need of him anymore."Vladira hissed. She stood back up and walked back into the manor. She felt his death. She knew now that things will be different when she makes another chylde. Victor disappointed her, and disobeyed her. In the old country, that meant final death at the hands of their own kindred. As she started to her room, on final scream of agony and terror. Victor's scream. And, it was over. She felt the pain of his death. It stabbed into her. Cut to her heart. Now, no more.

She made her way towards her room, wondering if she could manage to rebuild her clan. She looked up and saw one of the men carrying a woman's body out of Vladira's room. It was the woman Victor had brought into the manor. She stood aside as he passed. Now, she was alone.

TBC......

***

Again the Watcher

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-08-03 22:09

Amantara watched completely unphased as Vladira killed her chylde. The red in her eyes faded, her eyes were so blue they didn't seem to have any color to them at all. She felt the boy's pain, like it was her own. It ripped through her, each nerve twisted and strained. Her body became taunt, but she merely stood.

Vladira's words had become flat and disconnected when she said she didn't care what they did with his body. Amantara stared at Victor's lifeless corpse. She told Narcissa,

"Tell Braint don't dispose of him yet, I can use him."

The odd look Narcissa gave her, didn't really phase her. Some voodoo rituals required odd things, such as blood and body parts. Amantara shivered slightly, she felt a spirit near. Then again she always felt them, they were always there. She had called her own maker's spirit, to see if he was at peace. He tried to kill her, his ghost was so strong. His eyes were still the vivid green they had been before she had watched him wither beneath her.

Amantara shook her head, clearing the thoughts. She bent her arm at the elbow, offering to Narcissa.

"Shall we proceed to my chambers?"

She said in a soft voice, tainted with sadness.

***

Never truly alone

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-09-03 05:55

She watched silently as Vladira lashed out against her chylde Victor. With great strength she tossed him about like a ragdoll finally ending his life. She watched with curiousity, she watched with shock, but most of all she watched with horror. What if she disappointed Guillaume like that on her first trip away from him? Would he do the same thing to her? She shuddered and merely kept observing letting the elder vampiresses do what that needed to do only observing. She was sure this was another life lesson she would need to remember. When it was all said and done, she looked at Amantara who clearly saw her shocked and paled at the display of a vampire against her chylde. Amantara's tone changed to a sweeter softer tone as did her gaze.

"Shall we proceed to my chambers?"....she asked in a saddened tone offering an arm. She nodded and took her arm moving up towards her chambers. She came in and Amantara closed her door. She looked around at the elegance of the blue and gold room thinking Dahlia's tastes have once again exceeded any mortals taste for extravagance.

She whispered turning back to Amantara, still quite unsure of herself in this ancient kindred's presence, her age penetrating every pore of the aura around her.

"I think I've had enough exciment for the night. I'll be damned that I'm kindred or I'd be craving a beer right now."

***

Too Well...

Author: Mat

Date: 07-09-03 08:41

Mat watched as Somatra dismissed the last of her boys, a rather nice looking boy with auburn hair into Mat's service. Not needing another distraction or burden right now, Mat sent him up to Asha...maybe having a pet would do something to soften the girl. Of course, she ran the risk of having to take him away from the girl if she misbehaved again, but hopefully, she would be more preoccupied with finding things for him to do that would keep him out of the way. She was itching for a fight, but with the Vampires as unsettled as they seemed to be (by who or what she really didn't care,) now was not the time to pick one. She looked at her old companion, Somatra was in one of her somber moods, getting lost in her own inner absences as she'd described it once. Mat had been wearing yet another name that time, what had it been...oh yes, Gwenhwyfar. Even she had to grin a bit at that, the story of Arthur's adulterous wife was still told...although the lady herself had been innocent of any wrongdoing...displaced by a malevolent member of the Unseelie court who had felt slighted when the Christian queen had taken some berries off of his tree and not tied a ribbon on the branch to indicate her thanks to him, he had not known quite what to do to fill the gap. Somehow he had managed to either summon or simply run into Somatra, and (knowing that Mat was always up for a bit of fun) she had summoned Mat. All she was supposed to do was stand around and look like the queen until the offended elf could find her and bring her back...but she'd taken a fancy to Mordred...and Somatra had discovered a deep and intense desire for Lancelot's soul...

It was funny how the three women had been amalgamated over the years, and the three men involved were as displaced as poor confused Gwenhwyfar had been. The elf had been turned into Merlin (who was then turned into a tree,) Mordred truned from a rival for Arthur's wife to simply a rival for his throne, and Lancelot turned from a kight who held a mistress that was not approved of into the man who tempted the great Arthur's wife into adultery...mortals never could keep track of thier own history...

She sighed. Good times those had been. They hadn't had to hide from mortals then, they were known to be about, and if not exactly welcomed with open arms anymore, they at least hadn't been killed on sight. Well usually. Mat had more than one price on her head throughout the centuries.

Somatra's eyes were closed, and there was a tiny furrow in her brow that spoke of a half-felt emotion, but Mat knew that only she could see it. It lay in knowing the face and the presence of the woman who wore it so thouroughly that you could tell, at a glance when something was not right. It helped to be close to her as well, Mat held no illusions as to how much of Somatra's expression she would have been able to see from any further away than she was. The succubi and incubi of the worlds were even better at hiding than the rest of the fae. They stood out to mortals in a way that no other species did, or even could. It was simply a part of thier nature, their being, to be so attractive to thier prey as to be irressistible to them. It must be absolutely miserable.

The sounds of a rather loud argument came wafting into the room on the perturbed air currents, and this seemed to bring Somatra out of whatever dark place it was she had been gazing into. Mat knew her too well to ask, knowing that she would get no answer, but she didn't like seeing the other woman look so lost. They looked into each other's eyes, and the question of Asha came up yet again. Mat swallowed what tasted suspiciously like bile, and grasped her pride by the throat, ready to wring it's neck if need be. Somatra was going to need them, and need them both. She would have to apologise to her student, make nice. At least until certain the the succubus was in no actual danger either spiritually or physically. In order to keep her old ally, she was going to have to declare a truce with Asha.

She simply couldn't get her mind around that thought. She was going to have to apologise. She would have to play nice.

She wanted to vomit.

***

Brekfast in Bed

Author: Asha

Date: 07-09-03 08:57

"I was told to see to your needs," Asha said, trying to be as formal as possible. "If you need to know what time it is, I can go and find out." She stood beside the bed as the Witch sat up. She was at what she assumed a good distance was, close enough to step forward and place the tray on the woman's lap once she had gotten re-settled, far enough away to not seem to be hovering. The Witch sighed, perhaps she had been over formal, but Asha was getting wary of being indiscreet, of being anything less than correct. Nobody liked to be bullied, nobody liked to be hurt, but in her past situations, she had been able to do something about it. Right now she was like a kitten in a windstorm, all she could do was crouch down, make herself as small as she could, and wait for the violence to pass her by.

***

To Rest?

Author: Damiana

Date: 07-09-03 09:10

The excitement was over, for now. Damiana was left feeling unsettled though. Vladira's violence toward her Chylde, and her incompetence in dealing with him in the first place made Damiana's blood run cold. Had she misstepped as badly with Zalen? She didn't think that she could kill him like that, not for simply trying to find his way in the world. Or had the mistake lain in Vladira's choice of mortal? How much of what they became was determined by who they were and what they had been? How much was determined by thier bloodline? Was she and Zalen after her destined to go insane as Alice had before them? Or had there been some instability, some sickness in Alice herself, predating her life as a Vampire, but exacerbated by living so much longer than her natural span of years?

Damiana had to admit to herslef that it didn't look good. She recalled several things about how she had lived and behaved during the long years alone after Alice's death and burial, she remembered the night she had realised that she had been blacking out on a regular basis, didn't that alone indicate that something was wrong with her? Or had it only been a kind of depression, brought on by a protracted period of grief? Maybe she'd never really said goodbye to Alice until she had attempted making Zalen her Chylde. But he hadn't known who or what he was until he'd gotten here, could it be the common blood they shared, that made them a little odd? Or was she reading too much into the circumstances? She'd had an insane mentor, whom she'd killed, she had a guilt complex about it, that was normal. She'd grieved for Alice for a long time, but she was practically immortal now, so perhaps that was normal too. She'd made a Chylde who hadn't fed well or regularly if at all because she'd lost him, and he had seemed a little addled, a little lost to the other Vampires when he'd found them...was there anything normal in that?

She'd have to go find him and see.

Everyone was gone from the staircase now, one of the remaining humans had gone up to one of the rooms just a little while ago, and since then nothing. It was almost as if this place were emptying the staircase just for her, so that no one would see if she started up them, and then chickened out and returned to skulking around in this dining room. She was unsure as to what to do if there really was something wrong with them. Sitting out in the sun wouldn't do anything but hurt really bad and cause scarring, she'd been out in the sun. What other options were there if they were a danger to the rest? They could simply run and hide, she supposed, but eventually they would need the company of others again, and wouldn't isolation simply make things worse? Or perhaps she really was being a bit silly about all this insanity business...why should they be insane? Mortals weren't automatically nuts just because their mothers and grandmothers had been, why should it be any different for Vampires?

She was at the top of the stairs now, and the urge to run was almost overpowering. The only problem was, she didn't know if she wanted to run to him, or from him. She knew exactly where he was of course, she could smell him...and was surprised to find that even from so nebulous a thing as his scent that she could tell he had not eaten well in some time, if ever. She stopped at the door and leaned against the wall, reluctant to go in. She looked down at herself, straightening her clothes, saw a shadow fall across the band of light in the doorway, looked up, and there he was.

***

A New Start

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-09-03 10:52

Vladira was hardened. She had killed her own chylde, Victor. How could she be so wrong in her choice. But, she realized all he wanted was the power. She left his body by the old fountain. Allowing Narcissa and Amantara to do what they will with him.

Vladira walked alone along one hallway. Her breath calmer, she stopped as she caught a glimpse of some of the servants. One caught her eye in particular. Deianira. Vladira stood watching her. Vladira knew that Sir Guillaume had some interest in her as well. But, Vladira would move first.

She stepped into the room where the servants were. The look of fear in their eyes as they saw Vladira's gaze. They knew what she had just done, and were afraid of it happening to them. As she looked about the room, her gaze met Deianira's.

"You, Deianira. You will come with me."

The look of fear in her eyes as she followed Vladira. They arrived to her room, and Vladira turned to face her. Vladira stared at the door, and it closed by itself.

"Now Deianira. I have need of a new servant. It would seem that my old one did not work out, as you probably well know by now.

Do as I say, and you will be spared. I do not wish to kill you. You seem to be terrified. There is no need to be. You will have a new life as my servant, and no one will question it.

Vladira stepped towards Deianira. The girl started to tremble, but Vladira placed a hand on the side of her head. "Now Deianira. Do not fear me. Only a moment of pain. That is all." Vladira pushed back Deianira's hair, and let her lips press down onto her neck. In a short moment, it was done. Vladira enjoyed a little of Deianira's sweet wyne. Now Deianira belonged to Vladira. Vladira set her on the chais lounge in her room, and let Deianira sleep. She had need of Deianira later.

TBC......

***

In the Cambers

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-09-03 20:54

Amantara chucked at the young vampiresses comment. She knew that Narcissa was somewhat uncomfortable around her. To ease her mind Amantara sat in chair, leaving the other one open for her to sit if she pleased. Amantara sat in a passive possition, no malice was in her expression. She was here to learn.

"Narcissa, would you like to take a seat," she said in a soft tone.

Amantara stared at Narcissa taking in every detail, she was quiet unaccustomed to the gown she was wearing. Though she looked ravishing in it. Her red hair was radiant in the soft light of the room.

"I want to begin by offering you something. Something that is undescribable. I offer you power beyond your wildest dreams," Narcissa looked confused yet intrigued, "I offer you my blood."

Amantara waited for Narcissa's reaction, she looked quiet shocked but Amantara continued.

"Understand that I do not offer my blood often, it is something that can be dangerous to the wrong vampire. You, my red haired goddess, can handle it. I can see it in your eyes, the want, the need for something more. You also have the stamina to endure the centuries. With my blood death is nearly impossible. Your sences will be come twenty times what they are know. You will be able to read thoughts with out even meaning to. You will know the mysteries, for I have seen them. If and when you drink my blood, you will see everything I have seen. I offer you a new vampiric life."

She paused a moment letting everything she had said sink in.

***

Small talk?

Author: NarcissaDAvalon

Date: 07-10-03 12:15

She sat next to Amantara merely looking around at the decor. She wasn't sure why though, she had already scanned it once when she entered the room. She watched Amantara careful to avoid her direct gaze as she knew the woman could easily lull her into what she wanted to change her into. Power. That is what it was all about. Never die? Senses increased? She blinked as she never knew such a thing existed. Hell, she didn't even know there were vampires over 500 years old still alive, much less so powerful. Ancient mysteries...she wondered what exactly that meant. But her last line stuck in her head....

"I offer you a new vampiric life."...the words purred from Amantara to lure her. She was already a new vampire, how much newer could it get?

"But...but what of my sire? What of Guillaume? I love him like I've loved no other. Wouldn't that be a betrayal...to take your blood? Would that mean I have two sires?"

Amantara could see the panic in her eyes, the sadness thinking of Guillaume and the fear of what would happen if she betrayed him. The street smart vampiress, was now turning into a helpless child unsure of the offer and unsure of herself.

***

Soothing the Child

Author: Amantara

Date: 07-10-03 12:46

Amantara moved her chair closer, letting her hand rest on Narcissa's arm.

"Calm down, you do not have to choose now. I have all the time in the world," having heard her thoughts Amantara contiuned, "You would not have two sires, and you would have no addiction or special loyalty to me, other than your own true feelings. You would not be in debt to me. You can ask Guillaume before you make your decision, I understand your concerns," Amantara said all this in a soothing tone trying to calm Narcissa.

Amantara innocently figured she would be doing Guillaume a favor, he needed strong vampires for his cause. Especially the one at his side. She had not ment to frighten or confuse the girl. She quickly changed the subject,

"Tell me of how you came to be a vampire? If you don't mind that is."

Amantara really did want to know these things, she had guessed the girl hadn't been but twenty or so when she was transformed. It hadn't been long ago, weeks at most. She pulled her hand away from Narcissa's arm, the expression on her face told Amantara the coldness and the hardness of it was frightening. Amantara knew she shouldn't pressure the girl on her decision, she could easily persuade her into something she didn't want to do with out even meaning to.

She avoided staring into Narcissa's green eyes, knowing the problems that could cause. Amantara's thoughts had drifted back to Guillaume, she was sorry she had angered him. Her temper had got the better of her. She wondered if he had even read her invitation to a bath, not that it would mean much now. Amantara shook her head trying to listen to Narcissa talking.

***

comings and goings

Author: Zalen Honowithe

Date: 07-10-03 13:31

He nods as he watches you obvious want to depart his compnay and smiles softly.

"I need nothing else, thank you" he says in a calm tone.

He waits until she before looking one last time around his room, he did not enjoy sitting alone in his new room. He removed the jacket he was wearing and tosses it onto the bed before he was about to exit the room and stops staring straight ahead at the one from the night before. He didn't know what to say or think, was she his sire as Guillaume and Narcissa had said. He didn't know what to do, run or stay, so he just froze staring at her, was he to hate or love, he was so confused and this was a first for him. So he remained there starig at her, his hands held at his sides unclenched as he is in shock, but his facial features tell otherwise, they are as if he has no emotions. He has the face he uses when he is observing those around him. Nothing more nothing less.

He just remained there before the bed looking out at the woman that had given him a new life.

***

Wandering the Halls and seeing Zalen passing by.

Author: Vladira

Date: 07-10-03 19:50

Vladira decided to allow Deianira to sleep. She wasn't going to hurry things on her. There would be plenty of time. She decided to wander about a bit. She closed the door behind herself, and just started walking. She didn't see to care where she was.Victor was dead, by her own hands. She had only seen it done once before, long ago, by her father. She had his blood within her, and now began to realize what she was capable of.

TBC......

***

Stumbling upon the Manor...

Author: Camilla Ashner

Date: 07-10-03 22:44

I made it to the small town late on evening. Upon finding a hotel, I unpacked my few belongings and began to search over research from the Tabernacle cemetery. There was so much noise on the recordings that it was hard to decipher if anything was real or not and the video was no help at all. There were a few flashes here and there, but nothing that I could determine the cause of on my own. I decided that bright and early the next day I would begin my journey in the words and I did.

The sun rose quickly and without much grandeur. I drove my car out towards the vast woods that were just outside the town. It was about 5 am when I left the hotel and I was already deep within search around 7 am. When I had set up my search of the woods I didn't take into consideration the vastness of them. They were huge and I could find myself slowly becoming disoriented.

Most of the woods were nothing special, they were just woods. There were snarls of wood here and there that were interesting, but didn't hold any interest to what I was looking for. I still took pictures; it would make the report look littered with actual evidence. The same evidence that perhaps in a few years might be able to get me into an organization or into a museum. It was always worth a shot.

I had spent so much time taking pictures, stopping to take notes, and recording that I didn't even notice that darkness was starting to set in. My path was no longer visible and it was finally setting in that I was completely lost. I suppose I hadn't banked on this happening. Hiking was not my favorite pastime, but I knew how to do it, I didn't think it would be so different than those hiking in trails in the city, but than again this was no city and no path to follow.

I set my backpack down and began to rifle threw it looking for my flashlight, at least I could attempt to get back to the road. My backpack, however, was filled with everything but my flashlight. I surveyed my surroundings. There seemed to be a rock formation, or what looked like an alcove with a door carved in the middle. At this rate I could give it a shot, if it was a door maybe the resident had a phone that I could use or a flashlight I could borrow, anything was better than just standing out here waiting to, what knew what was coming.

My sight hadn't begun to fail me. It was a door with in the alcove. I knocked, well more like pounded. Someone had to be home, than again it would be my luck no one was�Well than I guess I could just wait outside till they came back. Geez it was starting to get cold.

***