Returning Home...

Author: Countess Yvain de Chrys

Date: 06-20-04 01:11

I arrived at the Manor around midnight.

There were a few candles left burning and I was met by a smiling Briant. Two lackey's were sent to retrieve my baggage and Briant himself helped me.

"It is very good to see you again Madame La Comtesse." He said in a low tone while bowing slightly.

I giggled and laid a hand over his well-formed forarm. "My dear Briant, I see that you are still the lovely man that I remember. Thank you, it feels good to be back...even if this is a new place, Oh, and incidentally please call me Yvain."

He smiled and nodded and into the house we went. All I can say is that the furnishings of this Manor were more exquisite than the last and simply breathtaking.

I was show quickly to my room of Ivory and Silver. The room was exquisite and bore the scent of the White Oleander's I had requested.

One of the maids, a pretty little thing, came by and drew me a scented bath as well as arranged my clothing. Once bathed and dressed; I reclined in the beautiful turkish chaise and stared out the big picture window into the midnight sky.

A light knock sounded on my door and the houskeeper entered.

"I'm real sorry to bother you Madame, but Mr. Briant would like to know if Madame is hungry or in need of something to drink"

I smiled at the maid. "No thank you. I have this lovely Burgandy here so please tell Mr. Briant that I am quite well off." The housekeeper curtsied and departed.

I locked the door and went to stand by the window.

'I'm finally back!' I thought to myself and smiled. I couldn't wait to see my daughter or my dear friend Amneris; Hell, I couldn't wait to see all the people that were here now.

With a sudden spurt of girlish playfulness, I sprinted toward the bed and jumped beneath the sheets laughing to myself. I lay back and relaxed. Sleep began to slowly drift over me.

My last thought or rather image was of a young man...or was it a woman..., No it was a man...no, a woman...who was walking through the wooded area of the grounds. 'I must tell Briant to prepare a room for that...person...' the image drifted off as I sunk into a fitful and much needed sleep.

Phoenix Consumed

Author: Princess Amneris HathorRa

Date: 06-20-04 01:41

I was standing on the edge of a cliff...

There was no one there to stop me and no one their to goad me on...

I just stood there...

An ill wind blew in the air and I felt this subtle form of terror.

Suddenly I felt a shadow wash over my back and slowly turning around I was confronted with the horrible image of my dead husband...Prince Khufu!

His burnt, sizzling, and smoking skin gave off a sickning smell as he stepped to me, his face not even recognizable. I recoiled back from him and he continued to walk toward me with this feral...almost murderous leer on his face.

His lips began to move, but I could hear no sound from them. I struggled to hear his words and to move out of his way, but I was glued to the spot where I stood.

He reached me and just when I thought he would push me over the edge, his face...or what was left of it; fell into an expression of dejected unhappiness.

It seemed as if suddenly someone had turned the sound back on and everything assailed my ears like a mighty rush of thunder.

I closed my ears hurriedly, wincing in pain. He gazed at me with a sad and loving look before placing his deformed and hideously hands upon me. I struggled to scream but only succeeded in releasing a hoarse and gutteral groan.

He spun me around on the precipice where I was dangerouly standing and made me look into the abyss...a open yawning chasm of darkness...no end in sight.

His burnt and charred lips were pressed against my ears and he spoke in a hoarse and pained whisper.

"How I miss you my Lotus...it is time for you to join me...how long can you survive being the way you are? You've done it for too long and all you fell is torment and loneliness. Come and join me for eternity my love..." His words trailed off as I stared harder and deeper into the chasm...

Suddenly the darkness began to spin like a maelstrom and without warning an intense incinerary heat began to creep upwards and a light at the heart of the dark malestrom began to glow brighter and brighter until my eyes were blinded...

It took a moment of realization to late when I felt him push me off the precipice and I began to fall into...THE FULLNESS OF THE SUN!!!!!!

A hideous blood curdling scream tore from my raw and ragged throat as my skin began to sizzle and burn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I jumped up screaming loudly and Varsuviya instantly sat up in alarm, grabbing my arm.

I continued to scream, still feeling the burning sensation upon my entire body and noticed that my skin was burning and sizzling and falling off me quickly.

"OH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP ME!!! HELP ME!!! I'M ON FIRE....I'M,,I'M ,,,,,I'M BURNING; SOMEONE HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I jumped out of the bed and Varsuviya's grasp and ran around the room.

The feeling of burning was great and I wanted the sweet release of death so bad. I continued to run and run while Varsuviya ran behind me distraught and trying to calm me down.

I began to feel faint and instantly saw the ceiling meet the floor before everything went black.

The last images were of Varsuviya's scared face and the faces of Yvain and Briant standing over me; before I slipped into a dark and deep, dreamless sleep.

Princess What is Wrong?

Author: Countess Varsuviya Ignatious

Date: 06-20-04 11:29

It had all happened so fast.... too abruptly to possibly follow properly. All i could remember was closing my eyes and being hopelessely lost within my own dream world before I heard a loud, penetrating scream that shocked me awake. The Princess was in bed, the sheets failing to cover her beautiful body, her eyes wild with terror; mouth open in a horrific scream. I did the only thing I could think of to do...and seized her arm, attempting to calm her and determine what was the matter. But it was to no avail, as she pulled out my grasp and bolted out in the hallway; with me struggling to keep apace with her.

"Oh God! Help me! Help me!" The first understandable thing she'd said after all the screaming. I'm on fire...I'm...I'm burning! Somebody help me"!

And then as if she'd tripped on some invisible rope, I saw her suddenly lose her balance and topple hard onto the hard wood floor.

In a fit of panic and fright I ran up behind her and grabbed her naked waist; my arms tightly bound around her supple frame as I struggled to pull her up. We soon sat on our knees in the hall.

"Princess"! I screeched; struggling to be heard over her continous hollering and screams for help from some unknown source. She clawed the air before her; some invisible enemy that was tormenting her somehow. "It's all right! Everything's all right! Now come with me..back to the room."

Amneris twisted her body abruptly, and in the dim hallway light I could see that her face was drenched with tears. It broke my heart to see her so. Her apparent nightmare had drove her mad and unstable, so that she didn't even seem to notice that she had ran out of our bedchamber completely naked. I had managed to drag a silk sheet with me on the way out; it still showed my body underneath, but it was better than nothing if someone managed to step into the hall.

"Amneris..."I whispered, and moved forward to stroke her cheek. She had stopped her terrifying screeching, and instead she was crying. I moved closer to her and before I could embrace her myself, she pulled me close to her and buried her nose in my shoulder, in a seizure of wild sobbing.

I rocked her back and forth in the hallway as we slowly stood to our feet, making our way back our bedchamber. Kicking the door closed behind us, I sat the shaking and weeping princess on the bed and moved beside her. I went to go and lock the door, but she screamed out for me again,

"Where are you going?" She shrieked, grabbing at the air like a madwoman. "Don't leave me here alone to die! I don't want to die alone!"

I moved back to her side and threw my body at her, allowing her to release her distress. She dug her nails into the flesh of my bare back and bit sharply into my shoulder, in an attempt to revive her senses. Her teeth had unintentionally drawn blood, but I did not protest.

I gently pulled her in front of me so that she could face me, but her face was lost between her knots of matted hair. I was determined to find out precisely what was wrong with her.

"Amneris." I said in a strong, emotionless voice. "What is wrong dearest? I insist that you tell me..or my heart shall never be content"!

I briefly knelt my head down and kissed each of her bare breasts as I waited impatiently for her reply.

Heavy in her heart.

Author: Countess Yvain de Chrys

Date: 06-20-04 11:57

I had been deep in slumber and dreams when a blood curdling scream tore through my head to the very fibers of reality.

I instantly jumped up out of bed on instinct. It was Amneris!

Grabbing my robe, I quickly ran down the hall and turned down one of the vast corridors passing a stunned and silent Briant. I bade him come with me and we quickly ran toward the last room down the corridor; a spacious romanesque room of deep maroon and silver.

Running inside I stopped dead in my tracks, seeing the writhing form of my old friend, Amneris, twisting and weaving in a grotesque manner.

For a moment she seemed so unrecognizable and so utterly haunted.

'this depression may be deeper than I thought.' I thought to myself.

I could see that the Countess Varsuviya was stroking her while trying to grab her immensely strong arms, and was having much trouble doing so.

"Briant, help me get her if you please!" I said quickly running toward her.

He and I approached and I could here her screaming that she was on fire and burning. 'Hmmmmm, I believe this has something to do with Khufu.' I thought. Briant and I were about to catch her when she stiffened a bit and passed out.

Kneeling down beside her, I placed a cool hand to her skin and was surprised that she was truly, scalding hot.

"My goodness, this woman is extremely hot!" I said.

Briant and Varsuviya looked at me with question and concern.

"Varsuviya, please run and get me some towels soaked in water and Briant would you be kind enough to open a couple of windows and then bring me some chilled wine."

Both nodded and went to retrieve their respected things.

I picked Amneris up and brought her extremely feverish body toward a turkish chaise where I laid her down and Varsuviya returning with the towels, began to cool her off.

Much, much later as the sky began to lighten in the horizon, I stared at Amneris for the umpteenth time.

Her face was composed and once again she was the beautiful egyptian mystery I had grown to love, but her eyes now burned with an intense and feverish light.

'I shall really keep my eyes on her' I thought to myself.

She glanced at me and laid her hand across mine.

"Thank you so much my dear friend." She said in that usual dark and velvet voice of hers.

"I am greatful that you are well Amneris and that I was here. But my darling..." Here I lowered my voice, "...we really need to tal..."

She cut me off with a quick, intense glance.

In a deep and quiet voice she replied. "And we will talk Yvain, I have much to speak to you about. I just don't want to burden anyone here, especially Varsuviya or Vladira. But trust me, you and I will talk."

I nodded my head and as the first rays of the morning sun broke over the horizon I turned around and cast a look upon the calm figure of Varsuviya deeply slumbering. My thoughts caressed the dream I had. 'Who was that young man?'

Arrival of the Third Countess

Author: Countess Varsuviya Ignatious

Date: 06-20-04 18:05

Princess Amneris was far too distaught and unstable to reply to my pleading, and dissolved in yet another fit of tears and screams. I watched on helplessely as she writhed and twisted on the sheets of lace and satin.

Just then, our unlocked bedchamber door flew open, and in ran the tall gaunt Butler with his expressionless face and an exotic woman clearly of some power that I had never seen before. Clad in a robe she rushed over towards Amneris' twisted frame and touched her, astounded to find that her own cool hand contrasted in temperature so alarmingly with the Princess's heat. I heard her muttering to herself, mentioning some being by the name of Khufu, perhaps an Egyptian God of some sort.

I turned to see Briant staring at me with his powerful eyes, and I instantly pulled the sheets to conceal myself; still a little surprised by what I percieved as an intrusion by these two individuals. The woman turned to both of us, and sent me to retrieve some cold towels, which I did quickly and willingly and for Briant to open the windows in the bedchamber and then to bring some chilled wine. Once I'd returned with the cool towels, I watched on by one of the windows Briant had opened as the unknown female stranger started to console and stroke the quivering frame of the Princess, who had managed to pull herself together enough to thank her for her support. Apparently, the two had known each other a considerably lengthy amount of time.

For that I felt left out and jealous.

I assumed a reclining position on the bed, which was soiled a bit with a mixture of sexual juices and sweat, but did not close my eyes. I could feel the eyes of the other woman on me, ever pondering, ever observing. I didn't quite know what else to do or think, and before I knew it....hot tears were welling up in my eyes and streaming down my soft cheeks. I wondered if the two women could hear my sniffling and tiny gasps of air,as I clutched a lace pillow and cried myself near sick.

I would not, could not sleep. I clutched the shoulder that Amneris had bitten and felt the blood gush quite thickly on my fingers. Was everyone so consumed with Amneris that they failed to notice my painless, yet still exisiting injury?

But who was I to feel betrayed? I had no real reason to. I had betrayed two women. I was so confused. But I adored Amneris and would not tolerate her being taken from me. No words could quite describe how I felt inside the moment we first met, and how crushed I was during her extended absense. I could not lose her now to this monster she was fighting inside herself or anything else.

I stared into the dim nothingness, all silent mind Amneris' heavy breathing and my subtle, distressed whimpers.

Reacquaintances

Author: Vampiress Laura

Date: 06-21-04 13:18

Five years....

Over five years have passed since Laura set foot in a place such as this.

She has changed so much in that half-decade, seen things she would not have previously believed, done things she could never have before imagined. Yet, as these changes in her came, they have all seemed to come so naturally, that she often wonders how much truth there is in the old cliche: The more things change, the more they stay the same.

That certainly seems true of Crimson Kiss Manor. The old Sanctuary was destroyed almost three years ago, a cataclysm of which Laura and her traveling companions had first learned only through disregarded rumor; the awful truth only dawning on them as more details came their way over the course of many anxious nights. Now, as she walks up the drive, Laura cannot help but be struck by how much the new mansion appears almost identical to its predecessor. If she disregards the steep mountainside rising behind it, she can well imagine she is again strolling the grounds of the original manor, five years before and two thousand miles to the east.

Laura thinks back to her last night in the first Crimson Kiss, when Violet first assured her with sweet words that being a Vampiress did not mean she was a soulless monster, then proceeded to prove it by her kindest acts...

Not just once, but twice in rapid succession, did Violet prove to Laura that the latter could still find the ultimate ecstacy in acts of love, not only in murder and blood.

Afterward, Laura realized that the orgasms from intimate affection differed markedly from those she experienced when gulping the blood of Camilla, that sheriff's deputy, or even sweet Elan. With those victims, her climaxes had been overwhelming rushes of power, exploding from her loins to sear her senses all the way from the top of her head to the tips of her fingers and toes. Making love with Violet was quite the opposite. The pleasure built at Laura's extremities and drew inward, until Laura felt as if she was made of warm honey flowing across Violet's fingertips and gathered on the tip of Violet's tongue. Then, with Laura's spirit wholly consumed by Violet's loving mouth and gentle hands did the honey spill out again, filling every aspect of Laura's being -- from the curling of her toes to the rainbow lights flashing behind her scrinching eyelids -- with indescribable joy.

As she lay there catching her breath, Laura knew she had never before experienced such complete physical pleasure. She had noticed ever since Violet made her into a Vampiress that all her senses, including touch, had become acutely more sensitive. Caresses that once brought simple delight now caused sheer ecstacy. And acts that used to ignite the most torrid ecstacy now inflamed...

GOD! Such absolute pleasure! Laura reached down to where Violet rested between her legs, and with vampiric strength dragged her back up to lay on Laura, face to smiling face, breasts to heaving breasts, hips to thrusting hips. Laura's tongue explored Violet's mouth as their hands roamed freely over each others' bodies. Soon they assumed a numeric pose best expressed in French, taking turns on top, or with both on their sides using the other's soft inner thigh as a pillow while their lips bestowed tantalizing kisses in the most intimate of places.

They continued their lovemaking, in myriad positions uncounted, for extended time unnoticed. Sometimes they alternated, one demanding delight that the other willingly bestowed. Other times, their mouths and fingers worked together, until both women screamed in a harmonious chorus of simultaneous joy. Finally, even Kindred stamina succumbed to the exertions of their delectable exercises. Their satiated skin too sensitive for further intimacy, the two Vampiresses slipped to opposite ends of their huge canopied bed, both shivering from the aftereffects of the incredible, countless ecstasies they had just shared.

Finally, Laura opened her eyes to see her lover at the far corner of the mattress, relishing the passive caress of a fur laid there, the remnants of recent raptures still gracing Violet's lovely face.

Violet seemed in no hurry to move. Laura, however, bubbled with the excitement of youthful discovery. In that regard, fledgling Vampires are no different than the young of any species.

"Oh, my dear, darling Violet!" Laura whispered as she crawled toward Violet across the smooth blue sheets. "You were more than right! I never imagined that love could be so complete, so wonderful, so... so.... My God, Violet! I've never felt anything like that before! It was as if all of love and sex and friendship and desire and fun were distilled down and poured into each and every one of my nerve fibers! I've never felt so close to anyone before; never felt such a bond... such love!"

Laura stopped to regard Violet seriously, to gaze deeply into her eyes, choosing carefully what she wants to say.

"Oh Violet," Laura continued, more forcefully now. "I must confess, until now, part of me resented what you had done to me... the killer you had turned me into. But if that's the price to know so much joy, such companionship, so much love -- and to know it for all eternity -- then it's a price I'm happy to pay. Violet, my darling... I will do anything to stay by your side through all our immortal lives."

Laura again slid forward across the damp sheets, until her mouth reached Violet's lips, and they shared another impassioned kiss. Laura pulled away only slightly, smiling brightly.

"Violet..." Laura sighed, as if the name was her very breath of life. "I love you!"

Five years....

Over five years have passed since that night when Laura discovered that the greatest gift of vampirism was not immortality, but the mental, physical and, best of all, sensual acuity enabling her to relish life, no matter how long it might last, to degrees impossible for mere humans. To Laura, the incredible experiences she has enjoyed, and sometimes suffered, since becoming a Vampiress themselves fully justify the once unthinkable acts that provide such astonishing sensations. Even Laura's Sire, the Vampiress Violet LeBlanc, has been astounded by the enthusiasm with which Laura has already embraced the darkest practices of her Kindred.

Thus has Violet decided to send Laura ahead alone, to pay their respects and thank Dahlia for rebuilding her Sanctuary so quickly. This shall be Laura's first time among the Kindred without her Sire. It is to be a test for her, and for them.

It does not surprise Laura when the huge oak door opens as Laura ascends the stairs to mansion's front entrance. Some things do never change as the butler Briant waits there to see her in.

"Good evening, Miss Laura," he intones formally, as though she had just returned from an evening stroll, rather than a five year absence.

"Good evening, Briant," she responds by wrapping her arms around him and greeting him with a passionate French kiss, not knowing that she is simply repeating a tradition her hostess had enacted several hours earlier. Thus it is Laura, not the butler, who is surprised when he simply responds in kind, with a kiss that reignites the always smoldering fire in Laura's loins.

Laura steps back and draws a ragged breath.

"By my fangs, Briant!" she gasps. "Did you miss me THAT much?"

"This household missed all the Kindred during our unfortunate hiatus," the ancient butler replies calmly, as if they had just shaken hands. "Many, like you, have hurried back. I regret to tell you that most, including the Mistress, have already retired for the night. I believe, however, that Lady Damiana and her companion remain in the parlor."

Laura recognizes the name, but cannot recall if she ever met Damiana. She must be one of the half-dozen or so vaguely familiar scents filling the foyer as Laura enters, leaving her bags on the stoop for Briant to tend. She wonders if one of the fragrances might be Belle.

Violet had said Belle would probably have returned to Crimson Kiss with Dahlia, when the latter established the new Sanctuary. Laura cannot wait to become reacquainted with her former sorority sister, now that they share immortality. It was Belle, after all, who had unwittingly led Laura into this dark existence.

For now, the only scent Laura recognizes with certainty is that of Narcissa. Memories of the horrible ecstasies Narcissa had once inflicted upon her again quicken Laura's breath. She wonders why she does not catch even a whiff of Sir Guillaume. Perhaps, like Laura herself, Narcissa has returned to Sanctuary without her Sire. If true, then it is better than Laura could dare hope, but she confirms that those plans will need to wait when she enters the parlor and finds, as Briant had said, Narcissa already absent, leaving only her sweet musk behind.

Instead, she finds an unfamiliar Vampiress standing near the white marble fireplace, speaking in soft tones to someone in a chair with its back to Laura.

The Vampiress looks up as Laura enters and, with hands on hips, regards her cooly.

"Good evening," Laura offers as she steps forward, extending her hands in greeting. "I am Laura. You must be Damiana. It's so nice to find someone still up on this first night back home!"

MOTHER!

Author: Vladira

Date: 06-21-04 19:24

I could sense her. My mother, Yvain, was near. I had gone back down to join the others and talk a while, when I closed my eyes and smiled. I felt a hand on my shoulder and didn't even look up at who it was.

All I could hear was a voice asking, "Countess Vladira, are you alright?"

I nodded slowly. "Oh yes. My mother is coming. She's nearing the door."

And, as I opened my eyes, I looked to see Briant lead her to the Parlour where we all were. I could see the look of happiness in her eyes, as were in mine.

"MOTHER!" I shouted as I jumped up and rushed over to see her. We embraced. Feeling her hug me again was comforting. Then, Iooked around for Wolfgang.

"He is gone, Vladira."

I was shocked. It had been a little over two years since I had seen her, and didn't know what had happened to her. Even she was wondering where Deianira was.

I shrugged. "I don't know. She disappeared a while back, with Jonathan.

I do have a new servant up in my room, if you'd like to see her later." Yvain seemed pleased.

As we sat and talked, HathorRa also arrived. My life had started to become complete. My "Family" was here, at least, part of it. And, for now, I felt safe, and almost whole.

Waking Up To....?

Author: Elsa von Spielburg

Date: 06-21-04 20:37

I had wondered what secret Vladira kept. Then, she revealed it to me. A Vampiress! She was a real Vampiress! Now I found out why she was so mysterious. She had brought me out of sadness and dispair, into I don't know what!

We had a bath together, and then, she told me more about herself. As she told me about what she needed to do to me, I was frightened.

"Do not be afraid, Elsa. I will not let you fall. Just do not move."

Then, she palced her hands on my upper arms and held me close to herself. Our bare flesh against each other, I had never felt this sort of intimacy. I had only enjoyed a man's affections, hot flesh of a man against mine. But, something felt strange about this. Then, she struck!

I felt her lips against the left side of my neck, and then, the sharp piercing of fangs into my flesh. I gasped as she fed. I found myself moaning in pleasure as she caressed my breasts, then, darkness. I had passed out from the moment of intimacy.

I awoke later to find I was alone. She had left me on the bed, naked and alone. I stretched out as I lay on my back, looking up at the ceiling. The bed curtains tied back at each bedpost, the room was exquisite.

I still felt weak. But, I began to hear a voice in my head. As it slowly became clearer, I found it was Vladira's. She had told me about this expirience. What would happen to me. But, I felt something was a bit off. I tried to sit up, but as I did, I felt light headed.

I looked over on a nearby table, and saw some food, as well as something to drink. Also was a dress on a nearby chair, along with a note.

"Elsa, these are for you. Rest for now. You may join us later.

Mistress Vladira

I sat down on the chair and looked at the food. I began to eat, and had started to feel better. The link between us was ther, but, somehow, our link wasn't complete.

I felt her near the room, and then heard her voice.

"She is in here, Mother. I am sure you will like her. She is quite dependible." And I dressed in a hurry, as the door opened.

"Ah Elsa. You are awake. Good. This is my mother, the Countess Yvain. Mother, this is my servant, Elsa von Spielburg."

And I felt as thought I had fallen into a horror story, that seemed too unreal.....

Vladira's friend...

Author: Countess Yvain de Chrys

Date: 06-22-04 09:38

It was wonderful holding my daughter and seeing her again after the two year hiatus. Vladira had changed much over the short time we were all away. I couldn't pinpoint it, but my darling child had indeed much more grace and a great sense of inner determination.

I was proud of her.

My God! We must have screamed and jumped around the parlor like school girls for about five minutes:) I was truly happy to see my daughter.

We chatted about various things and introductions were made around the parlor. Their was a much more interesting crowd of people here than two years ago and of course there were a few new faces and some old ones that I missed. I would inquire later.

My daughter was telling me of a new 'servant' she had accquired. Now the only reason little old me could fit in is because I was one of the guardians to the ninth gate of Hell and a seeress/psychic. I was not an immortal and didn't think I would achieve that status unless 'someone' was very pleased with my progress.

So saying that it was still hard for me to understand that my daughter would have 'servants' or 'chyldes.' I had just been reconcilled to the vampire bit, but alas I guess I shall never understand.:)

I was led to Vladira's chambers and there I was introduced to the child Elsa von Spielburg. Poor, poor Elsa.

She really looked white as a sheet when we both entered and I could instantly feel the confusion in her mind. Now I don't profess to know everything about vampire's but this thing did bother me to a degree. It was much more easier for some reason to deal with my dearest friend, Amneris being a Vampiress or the others as well, but my precious Vladira? I was still trying to stomach that.

I smiled and walked toward the obviously frightened child.

"Good Morning Fraulein von Spielburg." I said smiling and extending my hand.

The poor girl cowered a bit, her eye's quite large and full of warriness and fear.

I smiled while thinking I would have to speak with Vladira.

"Come, child, I'm an old woman and I promise I wont bite you." I said chuckling a bit.

Elsa reared back as though she had been slapped and her hand quickly went to the side of her neck, where I saw the two healing bite marks.

The smile fell off my face. What a way to make someone's accquaintance I grimaced.

I smiled and walked toward her embracing her in a motherly hug. She was quite stiff but eventually the tension eased out of her and I released her.

"My dear, you and I shall have a talk sometime later. It has been a pleasure meeting you" I smiled once more and turned toward Vladira, a worried expression on my face.

"Come Vladira, we must talk." I said lightheartedly though my face did not hold the same expression. Vladira stared at me with some questioning as I walked from the room.

Once outside with the door firmly closed I turned to her.

"My darling what is a 'servant?'" I asked and her face held that same questioning look.

"What I mean is what is a 'servant' or 'chylde' and will Elsa be one? I don't really know much about vampire's and the like so please explain. Or better yet, I just want to know if dear Elsa will come to any harm?"

Servant or Chylde? Explanations

Author: Vladira

Date: 06-22-04 18:34

Mother was wondering what I had meant by Elsa being "My Servant", when we were down in the parlour with the others.

I took her up to meet Elsa. I realized I had taken too much blood from her. So, I had Briant bring some food and drink up to her. That would help.

Yvain took me aside and we spoke in hushed voices. "What is the difference between "servant" and "chylde", Vladira?"

I looked over at Elsa, then back at Yvain. "Mother, a servant is one who is not kindred. They are mortals who serve us. A Chylde is like Deianira, or Narcissa. When a vampyre or vampyress take a mortal and make them kindred."

She seemed a bit confused about Elsa's state of mind, and body. "What of Elsa?"

I knew she would ask. "The only reason I did that was to protect her. I told the others that she was my "Servant". I didn't wish to do so. But, I consider her more of my assistant. She is safe with me.

I was tempted to have her, but, I held back. I have been able to restrain myself more as I have broken away from Vladmir's control these past few years.

I have begun to remember more, even the two other consorts I did have, that he had murdered. Vladmir has been cast out of our clan, and is no longer welcome as Castle Lucarda. If he should arrive at the castle, he has a death sentence against him."

With my daughter...

Author: Countess Yvain de Chrys

Date: 06-22-04 20:33

I listened to my daughter explain the difference between servant and chylde.

I was more than assured that my daughter would allow Elsa to come to no harm.

I listened intently as she told me of the fate of Vladmir. How he escaped the clutches of the dark one was something I didn't really want to think about.

It was funny because about the first of the year, before the dissappearance of Count de Chrys, I could have sworn that when we had been in Vienna, I saw Vladmir in the company of my good friend, Baroness von Schultz.

I pondered over the idea and decided to not mention it to Vladira.

Instead I asked if she had seen Amneris. Of course she wasn't familiar with the ex-countess's first name.

I smiled and told her about Amneris nee Hathor-Ra and the thing she had been involved in.

"My dear would you like to accompany me to see how she's doing?"

Vladira readily consented, stepping back into the room to converse with Elsa.

An Old New Friend

Author: Damiana

Date: 06-24-04 08:19

After Belladonna left the parlor, Damiana was left to figure out what to do on her own. She wasn't quite ready yet to go up to bed, she wasn't in the mood to find the library and settle down with a book, and Rob seemed disinclined to leave his chair. She'd seen him like this, once or twice, withdrawn into himself, not truly wanting to be bothered. She sighed, and had just decided to set off to find Bryant or the kitchens or her rooms or something, when a Vampiress she vaguely recognised was shown into the parlor. Not wanting to be seen to have been pacing, she stopped where she was, and put her hands on her hips, cooly observing the other woman as she came into the room.

"Good evening," the strange Vampiress said, extending her hands to Damiana. "I am Laura. You must be Damiana. It's so nice to find someone still up on this first night back home!"

Laura...Damiana thought hard and fast as she took the woman's hands and said...well, something vapid and socially acceptable. Suddenly it came to her, the face of the girl who had been one of Narcissa's slaves. "Of course, you're the one that left with Violet! Tell me, how have the two of you been?" She didn't ask what she really wanted to know, was Violet coming, and if she were, would she be bringing her dog with her. One of the few things that would drive Damiana from the Manor would be Union, unless he had somehow learned to behave in the last five years. There was a Sanctuary in China that she had been very impressed with, particularly for its cool and calming water gardens...If she felt the need, she could withdraw to there, she had left a good friend behind, someone who'd had a few answers for her...

Damiana shook her head, bringing herself back to the present conversation. "I'm so sorry, what had you just said?"

"Only that it feels a bit odd, coming back."

"And with all of the company retiring to thier beds so early, it also feels a little empty...I imagine that this was how it felt shortly before the old place was destroyed, when we had all fled."

"Were you there?"

"No. I cleaned up the mess I had made, and then Rob and I went back to help pack up some of the artworks, but we were long gone by the time the fires were set. Most probably we had already been out of the country for about a year."

They sat in silence for a few moments, both thinking about past mistakes and lost days.

"Why don't we have a celabratory hunt, Laura? That ought to bring our spirits up a bit."

"Parking"

Author: Hampton Culver

Date: 06-24-04 11:15

What more can a guy want? A nice car, a clear night, and a beautiful girl to share it with. The convertible BMW pulled through the curves up the hill with the trill one got on a roller coaster. But that was not why Hampton's pulse was quickening. The air was crisp in his lungs and the trees that lined the road soared up to dizzying heights if one looked up at them. But that was not why Hampton's pulse was quickening. He pushed in the clutch downshifted to 3rd and gave a bump to the gas peddle causing the car to leap up the backside of the curve and the acceleration pushed the couple back in the leather seats. But that was not why Hampton's pulse was quickening.

Why was his pulse quickening you might ask?

It was because of the slender hand from the woman seated next to him, slowly working his pants open after rubbing along his inner thigh. The feelings her hand created and the anticipation of what was to come made it hard for him to concentrate on the road that was as curved in front of him and he was straight in front of her.

If he thought the air was a little cool on his head, it was damn cold on his head. Or it would have been except for the hand that seemed to him to move to the rhythm of the engine.

At last he came up to the point he had been looking for. It was a cliff overlook of one of the Sauk River rapids. He brought the car to a stop just about the time the cool, dry air on his stick shift was replaced by the warm air of his girlfriend's mouth. He was just glad that it was a smooth stop and he was not going to get injured by any jarring.

His hands left the steering well and began stroking the blond hair in his lap, pushing her down as his hips rose up a little to meet her velvet mouth. It felt good and before he knew it, he was ready to christen her mouth with his lust. His hips jerked, and his head rolled back in ecstasy. All he could do was mumble out her name "Amber"--at least he hoped that was her name--as she drank from his fount.

She finished up with him and he looked down to find that her fingers had pulled her skirt up and she herself was exposed save for her hand that covered her thin strip of hair. She had a wicked smile of satisfaction on her face. She wiped the back of the hand across her wet lips before licking off her fingertips. It was obvious to Hampton that she still wanted more of him, and he would be happy to oblige.

At the Buffet

Author: Vampiress Laura

Date: 06-24-04 14:42

The two Vampiresses crouch on a rocky ledge, catching their breaths, peering down into the BMW parked on the wayside far below. Although their kind can cover leagues with little more time and effort than mortals travel mere yards, the residents of the new Sanctuary have learned important lessons from the destruction of its predecessor. Whenever possible, henceforth they will hunt as far away from the manor as their preternatural speed can take them. Laura is glad Damiana had suggested they change out of their gowns and into more practical clothing. Laura couldn't even begin to guess how many score miles they'd just run.

Near the end, they had stalked the sporty convertible up this lonely mountain road. It held ideal prey, an amorous young couple already intent on pushing their sensual limits to the point where the woman was nearly causing the man to lose control of his car. Now that they've parked, their unseen predators would give them more sensualism than they could have imagined.

"Oh... Amber...." the Vampiresses readily distinguish the man's low groan upon the wind moaning in the trees. They look down to see the woman wiping her mouth, confirming the source of her partner's rapture.

Damiana rolls her eyes.

"Well!" she says in more tedium than disgust. "Now that she's had her fun, what say we have a little of our own?"

Laura doesn't respond immediately. She watches transfixed as the woman -- named "Amber," apparently -- pulls up her skirt and starts fingering herself in preparation for a second, more strenuous pas de deux.

"Mmmmm...." Laura finally sighs. "What succulent morsels shall become our feast. And so juicy! Tell me, my dear Damiana, do you have a preference, or shall we share our entrees... family style, as they say?"

Conversing with Elsa

Author: Vladira

Date: 06-24-04 18:22

We had gone back into my room to speak with Elsa. She had backed away from Yvain earlier. I wanted to let her know that my mother would not harm her.

Elsa was seated at the table in the bedroom, finally able to eat. I had finally realized why she had reacted the way she did when I had feasted upon her earlier. She was anemic! The meal Briant had brought up for her was helping. I could see it in her eyes that she was starting to feel slighty better, but, I knew I would have to help her any way I could.

"Mother, I think Elsa will need our help. Do you think she would be able to? I think I hurt her more than I realized. She might be anemic."

Yvain looked at me and nodded in agreement. Then, Elsa spoke. "I am, Vladira. I...I should have told you. Please don't be mad with me."

I walked over to her and smiled down at her. "Don't worry about it, Elsa. There's no reason to be afraid of my mother either. She won't harm you in any way."

As I sat across from Elsa, Yvain sat on the chair next to me. We agreed to get to know each other better. We all had begun a wonderful conversation that made Elsa feel at ease. We even had begun to joke with each other. Mainly, about men. Our likes and dislikes. We three were becoming quite close. Then, Elsa had started to become weak again.

"Mother, I think I will have to give back what I have taken. I don't know if that will help. With Elsa being mortal, what will it do to her?"

Yvain seemed a bit lost for words. Then, looked at Elsa. "Perhapse she will be between kindred and mortal?"

We had no idea what would happen. We pondered it for a while, then Elsa spoke. "I'll chance it, Vladira."

And Yvain and I gasped.