Journal Four: Turning the Tides
2004--Blood Ties�

Chapter 47 -=X=- Dark Matinee -=X=-

 

Lupine Territory 2004

Woodland Outrskirts, 8:34 pm
The sound of music and laughter echoed throughout the woods, coming from none other than the band of Gypsies that were passing through Romania. For the life of a Gypsy, it was all fun and games, music, food and dancing around the bonfire along with roaming the country side in search of a new place to set up camp. The light of the fire bounced off each and every wooden wagon in the circle. The horses and mules were munching away on their feed bags, getting ready to bed down for the night to rest for the long traveling at early sunrise. But there was one wagon in the circle that seemed to stand out. It held the constant sent of Jasmine and Rosemary. Candles of black, gold and white were lit around and inside the wooden box on wheels and on the back steps, silently perched was a young woman clad in tight fitting black leather and silks. Onyx tresses were teased slightly beneath a wine colored head band as those catlike hues watched the celebration. But to as what they were celebrating? She did not know... It was the way of her people, but she just didn't have the desire to participate. Luceria did not migrate with the rest, she kept to herself mostly as if a reject of some sort. But people were fond of her talents indeed and came from miles around just to have a fortune told or their palm read. Even her own kind had respects for the talents she possessed, and that would be the only reason keeping her in "the circle"

~A rumble off in the distance could be heard as the Ninja SX-E was geared down and slowed as front tire left the pavement and began to roll along the dirt path that a hand jetting over his shoulder had pointed out to him about twenty times in the past minute or two. Dark eyes were quick to pick out the flickering of bonfires as closer they came. He really had no idea why he was out this far in the county, but he had promised he would take Maggie to see this fortune teller, and so he would. the bike was rolled to a stop and the motor shut off as he leaned up and gave another slow study of the wagons and people scattered among the twilight, then standing, he looked to Maggie a moment as he sighed~ Are you sure this is the right place? ~A few of the passer bys eyed them both as he shot a glance their way. Give them a boat and they would be the equivalent of pirates, and pretty much would steal anything not nailed down hard. shifting his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, he awaited little Miss's direction as those 50. eagles weren't far from his touch~

Slim frame hopped off the back of the bike as she slid the goggles and helmet off. A piece of paper was pulled from the tight fitting corset top as she struggled to make out the directions. According to Bosco... It'll be the sixth wagon from the right. She snickered lightly as kohl lined hues scanned the dancing Gypsies. And I thought I stood out... She muttered and a halfway leather clad hand slid down to straighten those striped thigh highs. I think the woman's name is... Icy hues squinted as she tried to read Bosco's chicken scratch. Ma-dam Lu-ce-ri-a Dr-ac-ul... She shook her head. Bosco says she is greatgreatgreatgreatgreatgreat.... And a bunch more greats.... Granddaughter of Vlad the Impaler. A light shrug was issued as she began looking for the right cart. But Bosco cooks duck liver so who knows.

Sixth wagon... ~He lifted a brow as he watched her a moment, the amusement showing on his pale features.~ This ought to prove to be interesting, especially since R Bosco recommended her.. ~Slight bite of sarcasm laced in that mutter as he turned and started to survey the wagons..wondering which end he needed to start counting from.~ I just can;t understand why you need your fortune told, it's not like you don't have all the time in the world to do what you want to do.. ~With that he looked back to Maggie and grinned. He thought it was funny anyhow~

She paused and looked to him for a moment. I thought it was J. Bosco... A brow quirked as she spotted the candle lit cart. A light pause was given as she took off towards the cart. Anywho, Bosco was babbling about Gypsies... And I wanted to see one. She said, almost tripping over a drunk man... That reeked to high hell. Good god, one that didn't stink anyway. She knew that Bosco was infact a Gypsy... A banished one at that and oh did he get pissy when the subject was brought up. But other than that, the man seemed happy... Unless you screwed with his cooking. So off she went, stepping over smelly, drunk men, heading towards the cart.

Emerald hues had spotted the newcomers upon their arrival and pierced ears had picked up on bits and pieces of their conversation, including a very familiar name. So, their affiliated with James Bosco... She thought to herself as the young woman approached. Only was it then she sensed Kindred, and oh did that send a smirk shooting across crimson colored lips. Luceria was brought to her bare feet with a jingle of anklets, bangles and bells as the two approached, the silks of her long skirt slightly flowing as catlike brows quirked.

~He hurried to keep up with Maggie, knowing he better not let nothing happen to her or Beth would have his hide tanned and painted to look like a cow if so. But, what worried him more was the fact she was spending way too much time with the fruity gourmet..dark gaze skimmed about as they moved closer to the deemed wagon of the Mistress whateverhername's was.~ I'd worry that Bosco was trimming his meat alittle close to the bone these days...why's is so important that you see one of these vagabonds? The streets of the city are littered with 'em. And let's not forget the Ravanos Ragheads.. ~His memory drifted back to Raine a moment, all save for the princess, he despised them about as much as he did Setites, but amuse the chylde he kept reminding himself. Dark eyes spotted the woman as she stood, his hand jetting out to lay upon Maggie's shoulder under caution as they approached.~ Alittle slower, if you would, girly.

Vagabonds eh? Was heard from behind. Oh, she was a sneak indeed, creeping behind the wagons and ease dropping. We're no more Vagabonds than you are... Kindred... That heavy Romanian accent twisting with a slight hiss. And let me clarify something... I'm not like the others as you will soon find out, nor am I like the phonies that roam the street... I am what you call... The real thing. She finished with a light nod.

Hearing the voice, she whirled around on big heels, almost bumping into Blade. But you were.... How did you? Oh nevermind.... Ma'dam Dracul I presume? She asked extending her hand. Eh... Erm.... And please don't take offence to anything Blade says... He's got a big mouth... She said jokingly, forcing a slightly nervous smile.

~He turned as well, letting his guard down for only a moment to dodge Maggie's maneuverer. Standing up fully, he straightened out his jacket and then fished out a clove from his jacket as dark gaze cut their scrutiny over the deemed Madame Luci..~ Indeed, it runs in the family, big mouths..and little wallets, so whatever it is ..that you do, it better be affordable, saying your living in a wagon camp.. ~Lighting the tip of the smoke, a few puffs plummeted from his so called big mouth as a cynical smirk tugged to either edge. Nudging Maggie with his elbow, he hoped the girl would get whatever it was she needed done with and soon, the crowd seemed to be getting louder, as with the motions of dancers. How long had it been since he was the minority..? The scent of mortals was thick in the air and feeding time might come too soon.~

She took the young lady's hand ever so lightly and held if for a moment. Please, call me Luceria. Almond shaped hues darted to the man for a moment, then back to the strange woman. Kindred... And blood relation at that. I see... She said with a nod. But he isn't your sire, you have manners. She finished, pulling the lady to her cart. What is your name my dear, if I may ask.... And how can I be of service to you this evening? A palm or Tarot reading? Shall I look into your future or is it a spell, potion or remedy you seek? She said, finally releasing the leather clad hand to pull back a pink and gold, Indian print sheet. Guests first... She finished with a light nod

She sneered at Blade as the woman lead her to the cart. Luceria... My name is Maggie... And that's Blade and how do you know all this... She paused for a moment, towering over the small woman. And I don't know yet... Maybe you can look into my future.. She said, climbing into the cart. Hot damn!!! Will you decorate my room? She said, examining the beautifully decorated interior. Silver, gold, burnt oranges and pinks with a hint of blood red and beads adorned with candle light made it seem cozy. The shelves were lined with bottles and drawers... Potions and such no doubt.

~He muttered under his breath as the two women chatted back and forth, or should he say as the catty woman began her speech of lure and elude. He followed them as far as the wagon's entrance, then decided to sit this one out, parking himself upon the stairs of the wagon and taking guard to anything that might slither their way. The only other comment that he would offer as they disappeared behind the sheet was to Maggie.~ Remember, nothing that explodes and no more new pets.. ~Eyes then scanned the treeline as he wondered how far into Lupine country they were, and if the Gypsies even realized this.. all in all they gave him bad feelings about things in general, nothing good ever came in dealing with one, or several; they never went away once you started feeding them. He did keep an ear turned to the wagon, listening in on what he could only hope was a short and sweet secession before they were off and on their way home again~

Hues studied Maggie for a moment as she watched her actions. This one was strange indeed. She was more new aged that the others she had dealt with. Kindred, Lycan, Mortal, it didn't make a difference to her... Money from all walks of life was good in her eyes. Then on to the chyldes confusion, which brought a smile across those lips. You see, I know things the common bystander would never pick up on. I'm not your average gypsy fortune teller. She said with a light nod, taking a set amongst the many pillows behind a small table. Now come my dear, let us see what the future holds for you. Giving Maggie and open invitation to sit as a small black kitten slowly crept from behind Luceria. A light 'mew" was heard before the feline made itself at home among the silks of the Gypsy's skirt.

She examined each and every bottle on the shelves, so tempted to search the drawers but that would be entirely rude. But she did take notice that cats were popping up here and there. A pair of gray Siamese, a white fuzz ball here and there... Black, calico, yellow... Spotted... Good lord the cats... She thought as more ran through the door. Um so, you like cats I take it? She said, taking a seat among the pillows... And felines. And Bosco said you are greatgreatgreatgreatgreat... And a bunch more greats... Granddaughter of Vladimir Dracul... It's true right? Blunt she was, not afraid to question one if the chance came around, that was Mags for ya.

~Dark eyes watched the scantily clad women dancing around the firelight, he was male, of course, so he was going to watch a free show. Lips held on to the clove as he puffed along, enjoying the evening breeze, if nothing else would come of the woodsy trek. Feeling a brush against his leg, he glanced down a moment to survey a set of rather large green eyes staring up to him..cats...it was as if a million of those things came out of the dark then, slipping quickly past him as a few pounced on him to get through the door, arms rose to fend them off as he stood, shivering in his boots as their chorus of hissing filled the air. He sighed lightly as he looked around to the curtain over the door to the wagon, lifting a brow he inched closer as ear tried to pick up what was being said on the other side. One last cat sped past him and he offered his own hiss back to it before he took a seat on the steps once more..grumbling under his breath.~

She chuckled lightly, slowly rubbing the kitten's head as the crystal ball slowly began to glow. James Bosco is right about that, I did decend from the Dracul bloodline, but as you see... Vampir, Nosferatu, all of the above he was not. A light sigh passed her dark lips But you can't tell a Gypsy anything. They still believe the myths, thus being of the Dracul bloodline, would mean banishment from "the circle." That's what became of our dear Bosco. Heavily lined hues peered into the glowing ball as a couple of cats made beds in Maggie's lap I see he's a chef at large estate now... And quite fond of you... Your cooking no, but you... Yes...

She listened to Luceria and snickered lightly as the two cats climbed into her lap. Banished for being Kindred... Good god, what a bunch of racist bastards... She said, petting the kitties... Which the wagon was now jam packed with. James... That's what the J stands for.... HA! Just wait... A twisted grin crossed her onyx kissed lips as she picked up one of the cats and began examining it. And yeah, he don't like my cooking... The cat began to hiss and wail as Maggie held it upside down by it's tail and tickled it's belly. But he's fond of me... I don't get that... She finally droped the cat and watched as it darted out the door.

And you said Kindred were the egotistical ones..we look out for our own kind, unlike most mortals who toss those that become 'different' out into the streets..You see my dear, We're not all that bad, we take in most anyone..much like you and your....-cats-... ~He hissed as he stepped into the dimly lit wagon. Tired of sitting outside getting the evil eye from those gypsy fiends, he slipped through the opening in the curtian and stood just inside the door, dark eyes giving the place a once over before they lit upon the mysterious cat woman before her crystal ball. Hands slid into his pocket as he tugged out a 50 spot in Euro, laying it to the edge of the table.~ Maggie, It's getting late, wrap it up soon.. ~His eyes never left the gypsy's face as he spoke, gaze daring her own to meet his in the candlelight.~

Hues fell upon Blade for a moment, as did a few of the cats. Head dropped to one side as a smirk crept across her lips. Yes yes, that is correct. But all walks of life have the tendency to hang on to those who are of some use to them... She said, referring to the Gypsies not banishing her for obvious reasons. She gave him the once over as almond shaped hues met his gaze. And I see... There are a few similar 'issues' you have with a select few kindred. Tell me, Blade... You have a sister... Currently in another country... Have you spoken with her lately? She asked as a dark brow slowly quirked.

She had zoned out, this time playing with a few of the cats... Enjoying herself as usual... When Blade came in... Bitching as usual...She just shook her head and listened. It was on now... She wanted to see what became of this little conversation... It was obvious Blade didn't like Luceria... But does Blade like anyone?

~Shifting to stand fully, he moved closer to the woman, slow, methodical steps that were almost as if his feet never really touched the floor. Obsidian eyes holding upon her form as a soft brow was arched to her question. How clever she was...most of the Regent's business and his family was pubic knowledge to anyone that cared to ask, especially if they ask the know it all Bosco. He still wasn't mildly impressed with her so called insight, but alright, he would play along.~ My sister is her own, as you can clearly see from her chylde...When Beth wants to speak to me, she will, and not before..even if I would like to. Why do you ask, witchy woman? What bargaining tool are you looking for with the know it all forum of theWolfbanes?

She shook her head lightly. Your sister is fine, I never doubted the the fact she couldn't care for herself... She glanced to the glowing crystal for a moment, then back to Blade. But I see something from the past coming fourth... It isn't clear whether or not it holds any threat... Don't let your guard down, for it shall be coming through Beth... Hues began to glow with a slight hint of amber flashes. And as for you my dear... You don't take me seriously... A chorus of wails and hisses filled the wagon as each and every cat scrambled for the door. The blue and purple calmness of the crystal changed to an erie reddish glow. Heed this warning... You aren't trusting of many, I can see it in your eyes... But those few you can trust may be the wrong ones......I see danger everywhere you turn in the near future... Beware the wane of the moon, for deception lurks in the shadows.  And that was all she said as the glowing of the crystal stopped. The cats had made their way back to woods, leaving the sounds of pointless celebration echoing through the air.

-s- You see alot in that little orb, Madame...some things that really need be left to the gods themselves to determine..~Hand lifted, pale skin almost glowing in the candle light as he outstretched it before her, turning it over from palm, to the back, then around once more to allow his palm to rest hoovering over her lap, three gold doubloons twinkling in the center of his hand before her eyes~ I'll heed the warning, but only because you have been alot more honest in your 'seeing' than most... ~He stood up then, allowing the coins to fall where they may as he turned to move back to the curtain. He drew it back, looking to Maggie before he stepped out~ I'll be outside when your done... ~then disappeared outside as the curtain was left to billow in his wake. He had alot to digest, and alot to ponder..halfway thinking that was just as she wished it to be.~

Upper lip slowly quirked revealing a pointed, catlike Canine as a low growl rumbled in her chest. She watched the coins fall and listened to his words, then watched him vanish behind the curtain. A light shake of the head was given as she looked to Maggie. Being his sister's chylde, you should keep an eye on him. His future looks grim and his stubborn ways force him not to take warnings. Tis' the way of the Wolfbane I suppose. The ones who carry the good Regent's blood are more or less damned. She scooped up the gold and tucked it away then slowly stood. My dear, if you need anything, you know where to find me... If not here, a lonely cabin deep within the woods... Just follow the cats... She finished with a nod, stepping around the table, offering Maggie a hand.

She eyed Luceria for a moment after Blade left, not believeing this. But she did, things around the estate just didn't seem right as of late and it gave her a creepy feeling. She thought for a moment and then took the gypsies hand. Yeah, since Beth isn't around I've been filling her position as house snoop. She pulled herself up and gave the place a final once over. Eh hum, hey... You wouldn't mind coming up to the estate, there's a kinderd that's confined to the place... And maybe you could do one of those things... Oh... An exorcism? Oh, no, that's a movie... Um.... Say-once? Yeah! That's it... She said, stepping out onto the steps, getting that first whiff of Lupine. Ick, Blade... You smell that?

The foul stinch of dog? Yes, indeed. Their close, not more than a half a mile at the most.. ~He turned then, looking Maggie over to make she she wasn't stowing any cats under her clothes then nodded as he offered a hand out to her quickly.~ It's time we said goodbye to the gypsy woman and make tracks for the estate.. ~Dark eyes lifted up to see if she was following Maggie out, then gave a shrug as he turned and all but pulled Maggie down to his side.~ I'd advise those fires be made to burn higher..might ward them off...

Of course, I love making house calls my dear Maggie... She said, standing on the wagon steps, watching the girl being drug off. A few cats had returned from the woods with twitching tails and ears laid back. The cursed dogs were near and that was her cue to exit, and she began doing just that as did her most recent guests.

 

Chapter 48--Happenings in the big city... And a familiar stranger

 

Berlin, Germany, 2004

Downtown Berlin, 12:30 am
Slim frame slowly weaved in and out of the crowd outside Kant-Kino. "Tonight's picture must be something..." She thought, referring to the mass of bodies, speaking in foreign tongue. DAS MONSTER were what those hues read on the neon billboard as she passed. A Friday night thriller no doubt, something Maggie would probably enjoy. Too bad the petty mortal race know nothing of the true monsters that walk among them. A monster in mortallities eye is a funny thing. Swamp creatures, sea monsters... Zombies... Anything that gives a false sense of fear, and that fact is what puzzled her greatly. "Temporary fear gives one delightful pleasure..." Her thoughts paused for a moment as she turned, letting hues fall upon the crowd. But it's not so pleasurable when it's the real thing... The words lightly passed deep crimson coated lips as a rusty brow quirked slightly. Form made a quick turn and she was back on her way, leaving the good people to their entertainment...

Downtown Berlin was slightly quiet this time a night, nothing but the usual crowds flocking to cinemas for a late showing of the newest picture. But once out of the safety of the bright neon lights, it was another story. Typical indeed, a street walker here and there, a thief or two... But it really didn't really matter where Beth was concerned, her bite was more deadly than the occasional bark. To her though, the night seemed slightly different, there was a strange chill in the air and a presence was felt, one she just couldn't place her finger on. Not a sound was heard but the clicking of stiletto boots against concrete and the distant sound of horns blowing laced with a siren or two.

Leather clad frame slowly turned down an alley as slim hands slowly rested in the pockets of a long black coat. The streets were lined with fog and there wasn't a soul in sight as she lurked through the darkness like a black cat, leaving the hustle and bustle of the big city behind... But it got slightly strange after that. No horns, no sirens, no noisy crowds... Just the clickady clack of stilettos and unusually cold gust of wind here and there.

Audrey Wolfbane... A voice cut the chill and the darkness like a knife. No, it cannot be... She died many, many years ago... You must be her daughter, Bethany, my how you've grown into a lovely young woman. The voice continued, but not a soul was in sight....

...Do I hear the hollow sound?...

He had waited in the shadows for Bethany, knowing good and damn well she'd be down this way. He had no intent to harm her... It was just coincidence he ran across her. And oh, did he need both Wolfbane siblings on his side, and Bethany seemed like the one to start with. He knew both children quite well, Blade being the more hard headed one to deal with, but naturally, the boy is cautions for all the right reasons. Bethany on the other hand is slightly trusting, but then again, times have changed and the little girl has grown up.

Barlow had become more or less a drifter after the death of his beautiful wife, Bella... And the betrayal of his dear son. Most of his life was concealed in the shadows, where he was happy, so it seemed. But now wasn't the time to think of his happiness, things had to be done to stop future events from taking place, events that could critically maim and possibly be the demise of the Sabbat...
...Of footsteps resounding on this frozen ground...

Aquamarine hues studied the young woman for a moment as the footsteps came to a halt. You are the spitting image of your Mother my dear... With those words he finally stepped from his sanctuary in the shadows, revealing an average sized man, covered in a black cape like trench coat. A black rimmed hat rests upon wild platinum locks and nothing but a monotone look lay plastered across aged features. It has been a while child, but please don't tell me you've forgotten...

That feeling she couldn't place minutes ago was shown to her in the dim glow of the street light. Slender digits curled into small fists as they dug deeper down into the leather pocket of her trench. She shivered, but it had been ages since she had, quite refreshing to know something could produce such humanness about her. Tilting her head, a long, loopy red lock whisp gently against one porcelain cheek. Dark tinted eyes narrowed lightly out of curiosity. And with a voice as soft as an angel she whispered back to this phantom stranger. .."Why, no. No, I haven't forgotten."

 

"Tis been a long time since our paths have crossed, tell me, how is your father?" ::He ask as he inched closer to her. He longed to see his old friend again, but both time and bad blood had drove them apart. That cursed Marcus and his schemes. His hands rose, pressed together and laced at the fingers briefly before they went into a ringing motion.:: "And..and your brother?" Oh, mercy! He so longed to hear about the old land. His land. What he had been so obscenely robbed of. By his own flesh and blood.::

 

"Father is as he always is. Conceded and forgetful. And my brother..well he's still the same old Blade. Nothing ever changes with him." ::A pity, he really could stand to use a good vacation now and then. "But, Sir Barlow. I don't think you followed me all the way into this danke allyway to reminisce about the bygones of the days."

 

::He smiled, and for the first time in forever, he chuckled. Oh how she could read him like a book, it seemed. His headed jetted up, then downward as those cloudy hues focused upon her once more. Now as he approached her, he tilted his head downward, fully bowing before her as that hat was tipped.:: "Your quite right, Madame Bethany. I do seek something from you." ::He rose swiftly then, hat sat back upon his head good and proper before he offered one arm out to her.:: "And I think I may have something to give you in return." ::A grin was hidden as he tried to keep that demure expression in check. "If you will give me a few moments of your time, and permit me, I shall tell all."

 

::She wanted to giggle at his old fashion ways, they were comical to her, to say the least. But as shaded hues lifted about to gaze over him, she nodded her head once, then lifted a hand out of her coat to slip gently into his extended arm.:: "It would be a pleasure, Sir Barlow. I find that the best allies are the oldest allies. After all, you were almost a part of the family." ::Almost was right, and thanks to her brother's schemeing mind, he had saved her from a fate worse than any Tiz's dungeon. Marriage to his son, Marcus. Now that would have been one living nightmare. She knew that he knew Marcus was a bastard, and as it were, all his boastful talk of Barlow's demise had been greatly exaggerated. The old fart may be ghost like and cryptic, but as their steps began to take them out of the narrow passage, he was very real walking next to her. Maybe now she could finally load that gun of her's with enough ammo to send that damn Marcus back to the lower pits of hell. Where he came from. As they moved baxk past the theater, the light sounds of orchestra music filled the darkness. But, this night belonged to them alone, and Berlin became their oasis as the whispering voices of two in a rather peculiar conversation of lies and deciet was looked upon as joyous and lighthearted.::

 

 

Chapter 49 -= new 'sheriff' in town =-

 

Lupine Territory, Romaina  2004

Shipwreck Lounge, 8:15 PM
~* Trixie slid into the bar just after night fall. Another day of scavanging the docks for clues into the 'Fangs, another lost find. Taking a seat at the counter, she waved down the tender as she slide her hands from her pocket, five dollar bill slapped down as she ordered the house special. Turning to give the room a once over, she sighed lightly as she shed her trench and lay it aside. Curling fingers against the counter, she tapped it lightly as she waited.~*

Stalking in like he owned the place, Ben surveyed the place looking for the one who'd he'd contacted pertaining to the previous leaders demise. Black shades covered his eyes even though it was night, a black leather jacket covered his muscular form as he looked at the bar. Moving with measured strides he simply grinned maliciously, as he sat down next to the woman. Ordering a shot of Tequila, he would simply wait for the girl to start talking, as his blue hues scanned the place, looking for anyone with ill intent on his part.

~*Danity little thing she was, almost demure in her motions, but it was the starkness of sapphire eyes that gave away mischief as she panned around to take a glance to the 'company' next to her. A smile tugging to one side of those glossy lips, almost a smirk in it's curve. she looked him over carefully, from top to toes before leaning back into the curve of her seat.~* Why hello there, hot stuff. ~*Did she ever meet a stranger? Who knows where she was concerned, he looked like a man on a mission to her. Hand moved to curl aroud her drink before it was brought to her lips for a quick taste. A purse of her mouth from the sourness, then eyes fell back on the man~* Looks like you need a drink, huh?

"Perhaps, but im here to find out what you know. Im not here to flirt, and let me tell you something..until I have evidence from a better source then you, you killed the previous leader as far as I know. So prove me wrong, neh?" Grimacing at her, he would reach towards that freshly poured shot, and grip it in one of his large hands. Wrapping his muscular digits around it, he quickly lifted it to his mouth and poured the contents down his parched throat. Smiling a little, he slammed down the shot glass hard on the counter, motioning for the 'tender to retreive him another one...quickly.

~*Eyes stared at him a moment before she chuckled.~* Bone heads must run in your tribe. ~*If she didn't know any better, she could swear that underneath all that brawn lie Abel himself. Attention turned back to her drink as she stirred it with her finger~* Everything has it's price, Lycan. I'm sure you know this by now. What I know could be considered privvy, saying I almost got my ass shot off right along side of the poor bastard. ~*She took another sip from the salt drenched glass then looked back to him.~* Did I happen to mention I take pictures for a living?

Sighing, he thought to himself that he should of known. Turning around to face her, he simply shrugged as he narrowed his eyes. "How much?" As he looked towards the Tequila with some wicked thoughts crossing his mind. Pulling out a lighter, he simply lit the zippo, undoing the top, then flicked it shut. Repeating this process and not faultering, as he slowly picked up the shot and sniffed it lightly. Setting it back down, he motioned with his middle and index finger for her to anwser.

~*She smiled slowly to his finger's motions. It held little humor.~* Money, no. What I think would benefit you better would be a truce. As it is, Abel was not an idiot, nor do I think you one as well. Nobody assumes leadership without a reason... ~*Her hand slipped into the pocket of her trench, plucking out a snapshot between her fingers~* No, if we were to agree on overlooking the other while in the 'fang territory, I could get more of these for my boss.. ~*Hand lay the picture to the countertop, the image of an Asian man seen in the foreground, casino lights seen in the back. But it was the bag in his hand that one manicured digit pointed to, hoping he would ask what was in it.~*

"Alright, what the hell is in the bag?" He said with a sigh, tired of these stupid games, simply wanting information not all this dumb 'crap. Flicking the zippo shut, he would rest both his hands on the bar, and put his face on the cup formed by his hands, glancing over at her. Of course nothing was free as this woman would quickly prove the saying true. Giving her three more minutes of his time before he acted against this huge waste of his time.

~*Eyes narrowed to his words. She stared at him along moment befores she lifted a finger towards him.~* You called me, remember? And other than having me tailed, I'm not too happy about having to drag my ass out to this bar. Now, listen, and listen good, Mister. The bag held the head that use to rest upon this body.. ~*She slapped down the other picture in her coat, revealing the white signature trench of Abel as well as the brand marking seen in his right wrist. His cold hands still curled around the anaconda .44 mag he toted.~* Now then, you have all that I know, be off with yourself.

"You won't dismiss me like your dog, woman." He said in almost a growl, as he glared at her, hellfire in his eyes, even as he thought about force feeding her a couple rounds from that FN P-9. But that might go down bad, so he simply tossed the Tequila from the shot at her, before getting up. Wondering if she would dodge the drink, he quickly lit the lighter, smiled at her, then capped it. Walking out of the bar, he dissapeared into the night, wondering if he should have let her get off so easy, and lit her hair on fire. Oh well, to late for contemplation now.

~*Turning as the liquid was tossed her way, she sighed as the chair toppled over with her in it. She sat up and watched the beastly man storm out, a chuckle given as she stood and brushed what little droplets were left on her shirt. Oh well, his loss, and his arrogance. If he wanted to go off half cocked, then that was his business, she, on the other hand wouldn't be so inclined to offer her help again. Unless, of course it would be to fill his ass full of buckshot, that way he would have a reason to be picking at his ass like that. She grabbed her coat and headed on out to the parkinglot. ~*

 

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Lupine Territory, Romania 2004

Street of Dreams Cafe, 9:15 pm
::Smudges of black dirt brushed from the lower pant legs of her worn 501' jeans told those that knew her, Kara had spent the last of the sun's lights in one of her many gardens. Black tank tucked in her 'run-into town' look completed by a slightly less worn jean jacket revealing the necklace, which she only removed when she knew she was safe with him. Bill paid to the man at the docks who made sure selected plants, she needed for her arts, got past customs, and yes, this was the time to make sure her accounts were settled with many, stepping in to the cafe.::

Ben walked into the cafe, clad in his usual soft leather jacket, with a white t-shirt underneath. A pair of black denim pants completed the attire, as he glanced around for the contact who was supposed to meet him here. A pair of black shades shielded his eyes from the worst of the suns annoying rays. As usual he had his regular Colt .45 1911 tucked into the small of his back incase he ran intro trouble with anyone. Narrowing his blue hues, he crossed his arms over his broad chest.

::.Samantha would glance up from her diligent efforts to get the cash register to cooperate, curses hastily dying on her lips. Expression smoothed, a polite and welcoming smile offered to those entering as she eased away from the evil machine. Yeah-yeah... she seemed to have a real problem with the mechanical aspects of this business. Instead, she moved toward the far end of the long counter, fingers anxiously brushing at the front of her apron... a less-than-stylish black affair that sported the cafe's name. But hey, it did offer some protection from the possible explosion of latte onto sleeveless linen dress.::

~Long, leather clad legs were propped up to a table in the far corner, the boots resting upon the table, the shine of steel seen briefly from those razor spurs as she idly rolled a spray can in her hands. Been there for quite sometime, the cup empty upon her table once more, but she didn't call for a refill. Dark eyes gaze a casual glance to the patrons entering, then can was lay to her lay as cigarette was slid from behind her ear, tucked into one corner of her mouth, and the lit with the candle on her table. Other than a deep drag to the cancer stick, she remained, as she had been; silent and content in her corner~

::yes, there was the one Kara needed. Focused for the moment on attending to business. Reaching the end of the counter. Warm tone.:: Evening, ::taking a beat as dark eyes met Samantha�s:: I have an outstanding bill I'd like to pay. Can you help me with this or do I need to come back another time?

I'd be happy to help you.. ::.Soft contralto was tinged with a hint of confusion, but she was obviously willing to aid the other woman. Wide, disarming smile was offered as she rummaged under the counter for her receipt book:: What was your name, ma'am..? ::..And brows would quirk upward in question as she began to idly page through the carbon copies.::

Walking to the counter, he looked at the woman who was the tender or whatever. Wondering who stole her sleeves, he looked around for a menu, as she conversed with someone.

~The can was eased to the table, right next to her purse. The slim edge of wood seen there within the leather bag as she moved to sit upright, the sawed off M-79 her protection for the eve. One could say she was hunting bear, but then again this was wolf country, so she needed just a bit more bite than little hunks of steel. 'Fangs were still here; their scent still fresh in the night air. She was laying in wait for just one of them to show face tonight. She wouldn't be caught with her undies showing this time. Noticing Kara, she let her gaze moved over her slender features a moment, then gaze fell upon that interesting fellow by the name of Malichi. She supposed he was still digging around for bones into who off'd his former leader. What was it she called him last time...bonehead. Ahh, yes. That was it. She always got the tribe names mixed, far too many to keep up with. She wasn't one to play primitive games in the woods with nothing on but a thong and spear for effect.~

Kristen ::right hand moved the leather braided bracelet catching, a round white gold "charm" showing the full moon as fingers locked on the bills pulling them out:: Kara Kristen. ::unfolding the bills gaze moved to the leather clad stranger stayed a few beats before she looked back to Samantha.::

::.Lashes flickered, a brief widening of dark eyes as she glanced from the woman's jewelry to her face, polite expression faltering for the briefest of moments..:: ...And... what did you say the bill was for, Miss Kristen..? ::.She would follow the other woman's gaze to the man, a quick motion producing a slim brochure version of the menu to slide it along the counter in his direction...::

::lick of her thumb two 50 Euro bills counted off, offering them to Sam.:: The bill was for the very special Tea ceremony a few nights ago. ::slow smile:: That should take care of it. I know the tea and cups came to less than 20 dollars. The rest is for any expenses the establishment incurred. Can I get a receipt?

Spotting the chick from the bar, he'd merely look at her. Blowing her a kiss, he'd turn back to looking at the two conversing.

Of course... of course. ::.Relief chased away the last remnants of her obvious bewilderment, and that bright smile returned full force as she plucked a pen from the cup next to the register, totting up a quick bill on the top of the receipt book. Flourishing signature was added along with a stamp of "payment received", and she tore off the customer copy to offer across the counter.::

~Standing, hand slid into her front pocket as she produced enough change to drop into the juke box, other hand carefully sliding 'thumper' in behind the belt to the front of her leather pants. Attention fell to the selected tunes on light infected machine; manicured nails tapping lightly across the glass as she did. Kiss noted and filed into her memory. Mmhm, she could give him something to kiss, alright. A few choice words rolling over her mind for pondering as she searched for a song. Trixie wasn't the kiss and make up kinda werewolf.~

::slow smile relaxed ~something about her voice it radiated a sense of peace:: Thank you. Come by Shadowlight Magick some night and I'll read your tea leave, palm, or perhaps even the Tarot. ::taking the paper folding and slipping into her back hip pocket. As she looked over to Trixie smiling looking back to Samantha. :: Just make sure it's not on Full Moon. ::soft chuckle.::

 

That would be lovely, thank you. ::.Smoothly returning the ledger to its place beneath the counter, she beamed once more at Kara. And then it was back over to the register to attempt to put in the recently acquired cash... and she wasn't relishing a continuation of her earlier fight with the stubborn machine.::

::Turning a shake of her head to Sam's actions understanding her frustration with such. Bills slipped back into her front pocket. Hands moved pulling hair from her collar::

~She fed the machine her coins, then punched in the song code. Satisfied as the loud rock began to blast into the room, she turned to take a glance to the counter. A wave to Kara, a glance to both Sammie and her customer, then gaze panned back to the door as she moved back to the corner to take a seat. She was going to be mildly disappointed if they didn't make an encore presentation; and even more upset if she had to go looking for them herself.~

::.Fist pounded a rapid tattoo on the register, jogging the drawer loose from its former position. Satisfied that she had at least temporarily solved the problem, bills were neatly placed in the proper slot before attention settled upon the stranger still lingering near the counter..:: Can I help you, sir..?

::wave returned to Trixie a glint off the engraved side of the 'moon charm' at her wrist warm smile. ~so like his mother he is... and so like his father in his responsibilities, if she didn't hear from her nephew by Friday she was going to have to track him down.~ Moving behind the stranger at the counter inhaling the males scent nose crinkled to the detection of gun powder.::

"Sure...not really a coffee drinker, so what would you suggest?" Simply watching the woman, casting a smile her way though. Folding his hands over each other on the counter he merely awaited a response, eyeing her warily.

We-ell.. I have several kinds of herbal tea. Or if you don't want anything hot, I have bottled water and soft drinks in the cooler... or maybe an Italian soda? ::.Hopeful, she waited for response to her listing of non-coffee related items..:: Or hot chocolate, I suppose... though you don't really look like the hot chocolate sort. ::.Teasing smile lurked 'round the corners of her mouth as she fell back into watchful silence.::

Noticing someone creeping up behind him, he merely shrugged, keeping his 'shade covered gaze on the woman. Hearing someone smell him, he merely sighed. "Never had an Italian soda before, guess I could try that." Uncertain if anything Italian would turn out to be half good, besides there guns. Craning his head to the side slightly, he glanced at something behind the woman, before returning his gaze back to her.

Sure.. what flavor would you like? ::.Deft fingers produced a small plastic cup, her nails ticking a light rhythm over its surface as she cast a glance across the row of colored syrup bottles..::

"Uh, what�s it come in?" Glancing at her methodical nail tapping, before looking at the syrup bottles. He sure as hell wasn't about to drink some syrup and thought about stating so, but merely put it on the back burner.

::she was on her way out her other business could be settled at a later time. Stopping at the end of the counter:: When you get a chance Miss... I'll take a bottle of water.

Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blueberry, kiwi, peach... ::.Fingers ticked off the options even as she moved to produce a bottle of water from one of the small coolers. A wink and a smile to Kara as she offered it over, still watching the man. His response gathered, she moved to prepare his drink... not that it was terribly complicated, and blessedly it didn't involve the use of any difficult machinery. Within moments, she would settle the fizzy drink upon the counter... a straw settled alongside the cup.::

Glancing at the one who'd requested the bottle of water, he would move his shades down a inch or two so his eyes were visible. This was the one..."I heard you had information concerning Abel. I'll take a Cherry. "

:: gripping the bottle breaking the seal as night dark eyes looked into the shades. cool tone.:: Then you heard wrong, stranger. ::eyes staying on the shades while she took a drink of water, swallowed.::

"Thats to unfortunate." Turning his gaze back to the woman, he searched for a name tag of some sort. Glancing at the drink, he thought it was kinda girly, and shrugged. Putting the straw in the drink, he took a couple sips nodding in satisfaction. "That�s...good. How much I owe you?"

~tired of all this waiting, she already came to the conclusion these fuckers were as yellow as their skin color..Standing, she leaned over to grab her purse, slinging the strap over her shoulder as spraycan was grabbed up as well and slid into the bag with the ammo for thumper. Just your ordinary can of white paint, the label missing, and the etched marker ink reading simply 'litany'. The children of Gaia were methodical in their business, everything they did served as a purpose to the divine; she just had a twisted since of humor when it came to getting others to 'repent'. Boots shuffled lightly against the floor as she neared the counter, pausing, she looked to Sammie as she slid out her folded bills~ "How much does three cups of tea cost me this eve?"

::.First, she would eye the somewhat withdrawn man, a dismissive hand waved in his direction.:: Don't worry about it... when you find something you like, then I'll start charging you. ::.Lopsided smile directed at him before she turned to Trixie.:: Seven. You don't usually hang 'round for three cups... waiting for someone..? ::. Innocently phrased, her eyes wide and guileless... though words were colored with a vague hint of concern for her first and at times only customer..::

::taking another drink as she stood there her focus still on Ben.:: You a cop? ::hand moved pulling out a bill tossing it to the counter.::

~Eyes lowered as fingers gently rolled off the money~ Kinda..waiting. More like wishful thinking...~She smiled as head lifted to look to Sammie, the bills handed over across the counter to her~ I have the worst luck with men. ~She winked lightly with that before stepping back to lift her hand to hold against her bag, gaze panning to Kara as she did~ Tea is very good for the soul.. ~She looked back to Sammie then~ I need to drink more.

"Damn right, assume the position. Get ready for a cavity search." Glancing at the woman, with a bit of hurt showing in his eyes that she would think he was a cop. Snorting in laughter, he turned back to the waitress or whatever she called herself. Seeing that she was busy, he took another couple sips of the Strawberry thing. Turning back to the cop accuser.

::.Sympathy flickered across expressive features, a slight declination of her chin in understanding. And then back to wrestling with the register she went, a hiss of irritation escaping her despite her best attempts to remain calm in front of the customers.::

::finishing the water her gaze had stayed on Ben, recapping the bottle placing it on the counter.:: Yeah... rather funny. ::soft chuckle:: My mistake. ::~no mistake at all she'd learned what she needed to know.~::

~She looked to the infernal machine that she worked with. A lift of her brow as she leaned over the counter to watch~ Yanno, I just bet there's something under the drawer..always happens..

"Heh, I still wanna do the cavity search, but uh nevermind. Anyways you sure you don't know anything?"

It's a bit of an antique...quaint, but not worth the trouble it gives me. ::.Lips pursed, and she glared daggers at the ornate little contraption.:: I just don't get along with these things, you know..

~She nodded, a sympathetic expression held in her blue eyes~ The older things are, the more crotchety they become. ~She turned her head to look to Kara, a smile tugging to one corner of her lips~ What brings you down off the hill tonight, witchy woman?

::eyes narrowed there is a low underlying growl to her voice:: I know you'll never live to the end of the week if attempt such. ::very slowly inhales and exhales as she looked over to Trixie:: Just came
out to settle a few debits. ::eyes shifting back to Ben.:: And inform this stranger... who seems to know who I am...but I still haven't gotten his name. Only his intent. ::nodding to Ben:: This conversation is a dead topic do be careful on your way home. ::moving to Trixie:: Wanna walk back with me? I've got a few favors I need to ask of you.

~A nod as she shifted away from the counter, gaze falling to Ben as she did~ Alright, I think I can manage that. ~Looking back to Kara, all too knowing in her words, but she held her tongue. She had said all she was going to say to the cowboy. Booted feet moved her around past the counter and the patrons as she headed to the door.~ I'll be outside when your ready..~Dark hues already scanning the street as she pushed the door open and moved on out~

'Night, Trixie.. ::.Murmured as the other woman departed, a slight waggle of fingers to her back. Issues with the register resolved for the moment, she turned to wipe down the counter, towel leaving long wet streaks along its surface. Humming beneath her breath, she wandered away from the two remaining in the cafe, keeping an eye on them from a distance.::

Pushing his shades back up to cover his face, his eyes narrowed as everyone seemed to dissapear, leaving him and the women alone for the second. Shaking his head, he merely glanced at the woman with the water bottle, waiting to see if she had anything to say before he vanished for the night. "I guess, unless you got something to tell me."

::nodding to Trixie as she passed.:: Thanks, for the water. ::looking back to Ben:: We finished? ::slightest shake of her head voice calm now, too calm, does speak the truth.:: Only that you're lucky. Cause if you ever speak to me again like you did tonight... I can assure you, you will find out just how lucky it was to breath. ::nod given to him as she back a few steps::

"Alright, just remember I'm always available for that strip search, anytime." Casting a very serious look at her, he stood up, almost falling down laughing. Walking towards the door, he cast one more look at her, shrugging.

~She strode over to the corner of the street, hand slipped into her coatpocket, pack of smokes tugged out, and one inched into the curve of her lips. A passive move that was meant to throw anyone who happened to be lingering around off guard. And, of course, the darkness was deserted. Guess tonight she would have to go to Chinatown for some take out.~

__________________________________

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

South Streets, Midnight
Walking down the street, with his hands tucked in his pockets, looking like he owned the place. Those sunglasses still resided on his face, covering his orbs from easy detection. He'd moved that Colt .45 from its small-of-the-back position to a underarm holster, with the button undone so it would be in easy reach, if any unmentionables were around. He wouldn't like having to explain to the cops why all off his opposition was in boneless heaps, though it wasn't like he could use his powers all the time. Coughing slightly, he looked around for anything of interest.

~The lights of the silver viper were off as it rolled at a speed no faster than the strides of the man. After dropping off the lycan at her shop, Trix was intent on bringing down the asian that lead the raid on the docks, and took the life of Abel. As the car rolled along the sidewalk, she moved up beside the man from the bar, tinted window inched down no more than to allow her gaze to see his legs in stride, she whistled once to get his attention, letting the pacmar grips of her .9mm remain in her left hand.~

Little did anyone know, he had a level IIIA2 Titanium/Kevlar Crisat vest on. Merely continuing walking, not even turning a glance to the woman, already knowing who it was by scent alone. "Something I can help you with, or is this gonna be a drive-by or somethin'? Of course, I could always turn it into a walk by. I do like your little car, small as it is though.." Smirking to himself, though his smirk was hidden by the shadows as he continued walking.

~Why was he so bullheaded? She sighed, maybe this wasn't such a good idea, after all. She did have too much of a caring soul. Window inched down alittle more.~ Look, do you want to take down the slant eyed asshole who killed Abel, or would you rather continue to stumble around asking people questions? ~It was a direct statement, no harshess in her words. If anything, she could use a good pair of hands to help her. Abel had been more than her partner, and she was intending to get some payback, even if she had to do it alone.~

"Sure, you driving? And I hope you're packing some more heat in that car of yours.." As he stopped walking, and looked at her, putting both hands on top of her car, he merely look in at her. Craning his head to the right slowly, as he awaited a response from her. She not like China-men or somethin'?

~Hand left the wheel once the car came to a halt. She smirked lighlty as she finally had his attention and interest. Hand nudge around to the small compartment in behind the seats. Blanket tugged up on one corner.~ We have all kinds of toys to play with, M-29's, H&K MP5's--fully auto, flashbangs, frags..sliver laced of course..and if you dun wanna big entrance, C-4's and detonators.. ~She looked up to him, sure there were better firepower available, but then again the 'Fangs had took almost all of Abel's stash in the raid.~ I know where their hideout is..

Walking around to the passenger door, he opened it and got in, giving her a wolfish grin. "Hope you don't mind..I got some stuff of my own, but whatevers best. I'll just take a G36K, with an underbarrel 40mm grenade launcher. Anything shooting nine mil is more fit for butchering sheep then actual people." Giving her a wink, as he closed the door, not caring if she was pissed for him barging in. Passing her a piece of paper with the address to his stash on it. Pulling that modified Colt1911A2 out, he'd let it rest across his lap, as he waited for her to start moving.

~She snagged up the paper and read over it, a nod as she lay it to the console.~ Buckle up.. ~Hand fell to the shifter as palm slid the shifter into first. motor was revved up as lights came on, then they were off. Viper cruised the exceeded speed limit as she made a beeline to the address he passed her, a few alleyways and not so traveled roads taken to weave their path there. Gaze only offered a hint of a peek his way before the car slid to a stop before the place, eyes and attention dropping to the .9mm in her lap as she inched the safety on and put it under her coat.~

Nodding to her, he got out, putting that custom M1911 in its underarm holster. Where they'd gone was pretty much a storage facility, walking to the unit with measured steps, he undid the combonation lock. Pulling the roll up door open, he motioned for her to drive in.

~Gunning the motor, the car inched forward and inside before it came to a stop, shutting it off as she pulled the trunk relelase. Driver's door opened as she stepped out, gaze panned idly around before she looked to Ben, more concerned with him loading his things than being a snoop. It had went further than that now, she knew Abel, and how he worked. If anything, he trained Ben in the same methodical expertise as well.~

Never having really liked Abel, he had respected him all that same, though that white trench coat was degrading. Pulling the door shut, he quickly walked to a gunmetal cabinet, pulling it open. Glancing inside, he simply retreived two HK MP-7 PDW's, and about 5 clips for each. Setting them on a work table, he quickly peeled off his jacket. Walking to another cabinet, he retreived a rig, which he quickly put on. It had everything someone going into combat would need. Hooking those two PDW's onto two little clips, he stick the magazines for them into pockets on the vest. The Crisat vest was clearly visible, continuing without pause, he walked backto the gu metal cabinet, pulling out the G36K, with the underbarrel assembly already attatched. Grabbing about eleven of the 5.56mm clips, he tucked those into other pockets. Grabbing a wide assortment of 40mm grenades, buckshot, phospherous, HE. Distributing those onto the vest. Grabbing a black ankle long black trenchcoat, he put it on, hiding everything but the rifle. "Get what you want, my house is your house."

~She shook her head slowly as she watched him suit up to be a one man walking army. A rather pleased smile flashed before she tried not to make it too obivious she was liking his style more and more.~ Thanks...~She offered with a soft tone as she moved over to look about the cabinets, gloved hands taking items at random to lay against the fender of the car. When she was finished, she wasn't as flashy in his display, only taking things like grenades and items for protection, starting with a tactical vest. Sliding off her coat, she suited it up to fit her snuggly then began to cinch the bandilor around her in a criss cross pattern. She wanted anything that would blow things up, intent on leaving nothing whatsoever of the hideout. grenage launcher was tugged up and inspected before she looked back to him~ This will do me..

Smirking at her, he made a troubled expression, realizing he had forgot his favorite weapon. Walking back to the cabinet, he retreived four and a half foot long tacticle katana, made by some foreign company. Strapping the sheath to his thigh, the blade had been treated with a silver coating, for all those mean creatures out there. Grabbing a silver six inch delta dart, perfect for sentries, he stuck that in his pocket. Walking to the roll up door, he gave hegave her a nod, before opening, waiting for her to drive out.

~She moved over and put her gear into the car, packing it in with care before sliding under the wheel. Starting the car, it was inched back out into the side street as she waited for him to secure the door. Gaze panned to the rear-view to watch a moment, then she focused her attention around in case they had unwanted visitors lurking about.~

Shutting the door, and locking it he would affix a piece of rope with lampblack on it, that would let him know it anyone had entered his hideout while he was gone, after all thiefs were always lurking around every corner. Climbing into the Viper, he would put that rifle across his lap, pulling out a HE shell. Popping open the breech, he would slide it in, then shut it. "You and Abel had a thing goin'?"

~She pulled the car back out into the street and started it off in the direction of chinatown. Keeping it to the speed limit this time, gaze left the road long enough to look to him, then to his rifle before she dutifully returned it to the road~ We were working together. We didn't get to that part yet..He caught me following the Fangs, then used me for info I knew..after he decided I was more use to him as a partner, things got worse..and that's what led to ambush in the Cafe alley. Abel was their target and the man didn't stand a chance.

"How unfortunate. So, who do you work for?" Wondering why most of the GLs for rifles had to be breechloaded, making it a huge pin to reload. He shoulda grabbed that twelve shot Hawk MM-1, but it was too late.. Wondering where this hideout was kept him guessing, as he wondered if he would get ambushed in some desolate alley..

I work for an origination called Watchtower. The tribe I'm in are the peacekeepers to the Litany scrolls. ~Gaze looked to him briefly then returned to the road~ Laws of Gaia. Anyhow, the Fangs that led the raid have a resturant, and in the basement of that restuant is their other business. They run guns, or steal other's guns then sell them off for a profit. I've been following them since I've been here. Abel just happened to be the one they wanted at the time. ~She slowed the car down as it moved past the Laughing Dragon, then slowly she moved to a side street around the next corner. She pulled it into the alley, then shut it down. A glance to him as she tucked the keys under the visor~ Anything happens to me..if I get shot..or if I become the beast...take the car..I don't expect you to keep me out of any danger.

"Heh, you got yourself a deal. Lead on, oh glorious one." Keeping that rifle tucked inside his trenchcoats folds, until he would need it at the last second. Already not liking these chumps, he merely waited for her to get outta the car, figuring this Laughing Dragon place was where they were located.

~She slid from the driver's seat and picked out the rest of her gear. Taking one of the MP5's, grenade launcher, and an ample supply of clips that she slid to snap on her belt, she was ready. She glanced to the alley, then moved out the back, following the shadows as they made their way behind the line of businesses. Approaching the green building, she ducked into the little alcove where the basement lights underneath shown from the windows. Easing her way up to the side of one, she panned her gaze into the dirty glass to take a peek. Several figures moved about, first mental count brought her six. She looked to him silently as she waited for him to access what was down below the resturant.~

Moving next to her, he saw the six people, but not much else. Nodding to her, he whispered close to silently. "You wanna take them out silently, 'cause I don't feel like fighting the whole Chinese nation." Prepared to merely sneak up on the six men, that Delta Dart, and TK could do alot of damage. Not to mention the PDW's with intergrated silencers. He'd forgotten the Colt's silencer.

~She nodded to his whisper, leaning in as she agreed~ Less noise, less trouble. I'll find a window we can crawl into, and we'll pick 'em off. ~There would come a time when this place would be blown into oblivion, tonight just wasn't that time.~

Giving her a glance, he merely shrugged. They could just take a cloth and break this window almost silently, but there might be alarms...So he just waited for her to find a window for them to go through.

~She slid past him and moved on into the darkness. Coming past several windows, there lay one to the very edge of the underground building that was tilted inward. After checking to make sure what was on the other side, and if it indeed safe to enter, she slid her legs into it and then lowered herself down upon the crates stacked about. It would drop them down discreetly into the back of the place from that point.~

Strapping that rifle to his back, he followed her lead, slipping that silver Delta Dart onto his index finger, though he was more ready to use those PDW's. Standing by her, he unstrapped both, taking one in each hand. Using both at the same time was possible due to the 4x6mm subsonic bullet. Waiting for her to go first, he simply waited for her lead.

~Gloved fingers coiled around the MP5 as index found the curve of the trigger. Silently she moved as booted feet inched along the concrete. She pulled herself up to the edge of the last crate, gaze panned around as she spotted two of the men, neither the one they really came for, but would do just as good. She held up two fingers on her left hand then she squatted down to the floor and took aim, squeezing off one round, sending the silver lead into one's brain before she honed in on the second, a round send spitting out into the air towards him.~

Watching her take the two people, he shrugged, not spotting anymore in the immdiate vicinity. Stalking forward slowly, he looked around for any other guards, damned if she was gonna get all the kills.

~The garage type door was open as two sillohettes lingered there, and from the looks of their passive faces, smoking and chatting..or whatever chinaman who steal shit from others do. The office door could been seen open once they moved foward, and inside it, their asian captain sat, reconizing the scar over his left eye. That left one missing chinaman, so she remained on alert as she tired to pinpoint him.~

Not waiting, he quickly swept into the room, both PDW's raised, quickly pumping a three round burst into the two silhouettes. watching them fall, with a grunt each. Approaching the leader or whatever, he glanced around for the final China-dude. Seeing no weapons in the guys immidiate grasp, he merely motioned the woman forward. The two coughs from each weapon couldn't have been heard by anything less then a superhuman..

~Forward she moved, hoping for a candid expression on the Captain's face as the door was pushed open further and she strode in. Muzzle of that H&K trained down upon his face. She could see his hand in motion as the barrel was touched to frontal lobe of his forehead. Left hand already making the syringe appear as it was jabbed into his knee, liquid amber heat silencing the would be beast in the asian silverfang.~ Don't even think about it... ~ She growled, not sure if killing him the old fashioned way was good enough for him~ Tell me, 'Fang, do you know what it feels like to have your head severed from your worthless hide while your still alive? I know Abel does...mayhaps it's time you learned to reap what you sow..?

"Heh, I just wanna find out where the shipment is..and their vault." Knowing she could thourougly take care of the captain all on her own. Moving to the shadows he waited for the last China man to appear. Grimacing, as he merely waited like a wolf waiting for a stray sheep.

Up.. ~She pushed the barrel into his flesh as he rose after a few moments of hesistance on the capt'ns part. Into the bay she pushed him, and down to his knees he dropped. Words that had no meaning to her spit from his mouth as she kept her eye upon him.~ Where's the shipment you stole from the 'Gnawers..and stop giving me that chink shit and speak in english, heh you live in our country, you should speak the native tongue. ~Ok, so they were in Romania...he got the general meaning. She watched a shaky hand point out the crates and what appeared to be a truck just outside the bay door. Not sure what it was, she moved in front of him.~ Now your vault? I'm sure you can understand the concept of being double crossed.

Putting the HK PDW's back on their clips, he quickly stalked into the shadows, that DD ready. A strangled gurgling would be heard as a body was thrown into the light, showing some China man that had been sitting by with a sawed off. Glancing at he Dart, he would wipe the blood off on his pant leg. Smelly China man blood. Waiting for the Vault to be revealed, as he glanced over the truck.

~Eyes panned up and followed the direction that a shaking hand soon pointed out. To the left of the office door was what she could make out to be a rather large door with a round wheel in the center. The shadow across it going un-noticed to their lycan instincts. ~ Very good, you just pray my partner finds what it is he's looking for. ~She put her foot square in his back and pushed him face down against the dirty floor, waiting until Ben was satisfied with what he wanted of these Fang's loot.~

Walking to the Vault, glanced at the giant wheel, wondering who the hell built a vault in their basement. Walking up to it, he glanced to see if it was open..of course not..."See if you can find out how to unlock it from our mutual friend."

~A sigh~ you so disappoint me 'Fang... ~She leaned down as she spoke, fingernails already showing tale tell signs of her anger as they were nearing the claw stage.~ How do you open the damn door? ~With alittle prodding of the prisoner to the point of a few broken ribs, she stood, seating booted heel in the center of his neck~ There's two dials...one needs to be set on 55, the other 29.. Three turns to the left by the wheel..and if it blows up, we're screwed.

"At least we take him with us." Glancing at the vault very carefully, his narrowed blue hues would look for any kind of booby traps on the floor or dial. Putting his hand on the dial, he turned it. Following the instructions to the letter, he quickly pulled the lever. Thus the thing opened, so he appraised what was inside. Glancing around, it was like going to Heaven. Enough of an arsenal to take on god...and win. Plus about twenty bars of gold, and a bail of platinum. "Just the regular stuff, figure we can do a 60/40 split. You get 60 since you turned me on to Abel's killer, and this hangout.. Im gonna go get the truck, have fun with loverboy over there." Jogging to the truck, he quickly glanced around, not spotting anyone. Opening the door, he found the key in the ignition..careless. Backing it up as far as it would go to the basement,he began loading the stuff into the back of the truck with Abel's stolen arsenal.

~She slid the capt'n out of the way and into the seclusion of the office. Her methods were quick and as painful as possible as she forced one hand into the center of his back, claws digging into the pulpy skin and ripped spine from his flesh, a harder tug as the vertebras rolled out one by one, until finally his head popped off, and she was finished. Leaving the mess to the office, she stepped out and closed the door, wiping her hand across the tarp that lay to the floor. She glanced around then found what she needed, then slid back into the office. After she bagged the head in the same fashion she witnessed in the alley that night, she delcared the deed done, as an eye was for an eye in her world. Stepping out, she held the bag as she looked to the truck, then moved around to where he was loading the loot.~ I'm done. Oh, and if you don't mind, Benjamin. I'll take what's in my bag as payment. Use this to defend your people. ~Sad expression held to her gaze as she turned to take a seat.~

Shrugging at her words, then cringing as she called him Benjamin. He hated that name. Finishing loading the loot, he glanced at the truck, noticing it had sank by a couple inchs. Dissapointed he'd not gotten to use his rifle, he walked to the women, having shut the back of the truck and locked it. Patting her shoulder, he simply walked to the cab of the truck slowly. "We can't save them all..."

Your right, we can't. But we can try, damnit. We can try. ..Take care fo your ass... ~She stood up then as she moved to the openness of the bay door, a motion to him that the coast was clear for him to pull out. Turning, she watched silently from the shadows as she and the head prepared to move back to the Viper. She would return his gear that was in her car..if not tonight, but another day when her emotions weren't showing so much.~

Shrugging as she dissapeared, he got into the cab of the truck, and pulled off, shifting the noisy gears of the truck. Stupid China men truck, was likely to fall apart while he was driving it. Figuring she could keep all the stuff; all his stuff as far as he was concerned. The platinum and gold more then made up for it.

 

 Chapter 50--Night Moves

Stationside, Romania 2004

DelaCora Gallery, 8:15 pm
::The gallery was always opened late, for those who preferred the night. Arianna was in the office looking over some plans for some events the gallery was hosting for some of her out of town contacts. The front doors unlocked and one propped open slightly, letting a soft breeze pass through the gallery from the front door to the garden doors::

::Not one to barge in, Ben would merely walk to the front door, not sure if he was supposed to knock or what. Shrugging, he simply walked inside, with the brisk pace of a man with little time, measured steps brought him to a part of the gallery, though art wasn't really his forte. Clad in the usual white tee shirt, with black cargo pants and a soft leather jacket unzipped, he merely wandered around.::
She could hear the soft steps on the dark wood floor. She looked up from her work and waited a moment, then stood and walked into the gallery. Mostly her own work hung, vampires feeding, demons, lycans, all dark art. She dressed in the norm, black skirt suit, the skirt just above mid-thigh, and a well fit double breasted jacked with a low cut v-neck. Paled gold eyes looked over the man, crimson lips smiled softly as they parted to spill her foreign accent:: May I help you Senor?

"Just looking around, interesting work you got here. Anything for sale?" ::As he glanced at the Lycan stuff mainly, thinking Vamps could go to hell, smelling the woman was a Vamp as well. Simply ignoring the fact for the second, he glanced over the woman's nicely formed body, before going back to the artwork. Digging his hands into his pockets, taking a step back to get the art in the full spectrum.::

They are all for sale. :: She stopped a few feet short of him, offering a soft smile and nod :: Is there anything in particular you seek?

"Got anything particularly gory? Maybe a Lycan ripping a vampires head off? I do love those, and the cash is flowing tonight." ::Taking her scent in further, he noticed her getting closer to him, giving her a nod and a grin. Crossing his masculine arms over his well formed chest.::

No, I'm sorry, I don't have anything such as that. Perhaps if you gave me more detail, I could come up with something in your taste. ::Slender brow rose as she looked the Lycan over. :: I do have a few beginning battle scenes though.

"Sounds intriguing care to show me to them?" ::Turning to look directly at her, arms still folded over his broad chest. Those dark shades were also on his face, never leaving it. Like some sort of scar or something, they just never moved.::

::Paled golden hues fell into his gaze for a moment, then her hand would direct him to a wall near the office, where hung two portraits, both Lycan and vamp battles beginning. the first was a one on one
battle, the other a legion both.::

"I'll take them both if you don't mind." ::As offered he moved to take in the paintings, wondering how much they cost and if he was gonna be broke. Delaying a cringe, he simply looked to her and shrugged, motioning for the price of them with his hand, assuming they were for sale. Nothing like a good 'ole war scene to get the fire going.::

::She followed him to the wall where they hung, her attention turning back to him upon request of both of them. She smiled, pointing first to the one on one battle:: That one is $1100.00, and that..
::Pointing to the legions :: Its $1500.00. I'll be happy to pack them up for you, so they aren't
damaged on your way home.

"Sure thing, anything else you might suggest? I know a woman the will just love one..." ::He thought these were gonna be way more expensive, but since they weren't, he could afford to throw around a couple hundred benjamens to get on Trixie's good side, this is the woman had one. Grinning a sharks grin at her he'd say.:: "So can you fix me up?"

Sure, You can pay when you're done. :: She smiled, looking around the gallery a moment, remembering what was there.:: I have a Lycan in the throws of passion I suppose you could say. But I'm not sure that would be your taste, compared to the two war scenes you have aquired, I would say your a fighter, not a lover. May I suggest another battle?

"Seems you know my taste already, throes of passion wouldn't fit into my dungeon..." ::Changing that grin into a shy smile, as he waited to see the other war scene.::

::She gave a light chuckle :: I have other Lycan art work, but I'm afraid nothing as battle typed as these.

"Hmm. Anything you'd suggest?"::Listening patiently, as he glanced at the paintings already imagining them on the walls of his house.:: "And by the way, who does the paintings?"

I do the paintings, these are all my originals. :: She offered another smile :: I have one I call the hunt, showing a Lycan stalking his prey.

"Interesting, nice work by the way. Care to show me the painting?" ::Smiling at her, yet more. Uncrossing the arms from his chest, he raised his hand to his mouth and coughed slightly. Thinking to himself  ''I'm not feeling so well."::

::She motioned to the back of the gallery :: Thank you. It hangs near the garden doors. :: She slowly walked in that direction, hearing the cough :: Would you like a drink ?

"Sure, think I might be coming down with somethin'. I'll take water." ::Walking into the back of the gallery, spotting the picture she must be talking about, he cleared his throat once.::

::She passed through the doors that lead to the garden, next to the painting, a moment later coming back with a glass of ice water :: It would be a shame to come down with something this time of year.

"Seriously, so much to do.." ::Taking the glass of water from her, he took a couple sips from it, letting it soak in the back of his throat, before finally drinking it down. Nodding his thanks to her, he looked back to the picture.:: "I'll take it, and what's it stalking anyway?"

::She pointed into the distance to a lake where a woman bathed. The Lycan in pounce position, waiting for the right time. She smiled:: Odd how they just don't even know.

::Resisting the urge to growl, he simply shrugged the obvious insult off, he was going to take it home and burn it, burn it very good. Smiling at her, as though nothing was going on.:: "Interesting."

::Although she was referring to the ignorance of the mortal woman in the water, she turned to face him, her smiled faded some, but still lingering. :: So you'll take all three then?

"Sure, how much do I owe you?" ::Pulling out a leather wallet, thick with bills of money, if not a bunch of number and names. Smiling at her, noticing her smile lacking.::

::She turned, slender, lightly bronzed fingers carefully take the painting from the wall :: $3400.00. If you'll come to my office, I will get these wrapped and get your receipt.

"Alright." ::Pulling out 34 Benjamens, stuffing the wallet into his pocket, and stuffing the bills into his other pocket for easy access.::

::She walked to her office, taking up the other two paintings on the way. Once in her office she grabbed some wrapping bubbles and three slender boxes. As she wrapped them she looked over to him :: I am Arianna, LeCrue. May I have your name sir?

"Ben Malachi. Nice meeting you Miss LeCrue." ::Smiling all the while.::

::Returns the smiled :: Nice to meet you as well. :: The three paintings boxed and ready for travel, she turned to face him :: Will that be all I can do for you, Senor Malachi?

"Indeed." ::Pulling out his 34 bills, he'd extend them towards the Spaniard. Crossing his arms over his chest once more, setting the glass of water down somewhere.::

::She took the bills, exchanging them for the receipt which she offered him, taking his glass up with her free hand. :: Are you new to StationSide?

"Yep." Taking the receipt and shoving the receipt in a pocket, retrieving the paintings carefully. Watching her, as she made small talk.

::Looking him over, she decided that he didn't look all into small talk, she smiled, motioning out of the office, she walked out first :: Please, feel free to stop in again. I keep late hours, so if the door is open, so is the gallery.

"Alright, talk to you later." ::Walking out, and going out there door. Walking to his car, he quickly got in and left.::

 

______________________________

 

 

Lupine Territory, Romaina 2004

Street of Dreams Cafe, 8:30 pm

Deep yawns passed through the lips of Zach Dugan as he walked down the long path towards the new cafe in town. Glancing up briefly to look at the brick work that made up the small secluded cafe that had recently opened in his turf. Slowly walking inside he pushed the door open with the palm of his right hand and slipped inside without making any noise. Thank god there wasnt one of those horribly annoying bells that rang whenever someone entered a store. Zach wore his usual attire: dark, almost black jeans that hugged tightly to his muscular legs, a simple white t-shirt and of course his trusty leather coat that he never took off. Black boots graced his feet and yet they made no noise on the wood floor as he weaved his way through tables and stools. A smirk danced on his lips as he watched the young beauty struggle with the cappucino machine. Raising a brow at the curses that passed her lips he shook his head. Surely she had noticed him by now...or had she not? Slipping into a wooden stool infront of the counter he slid his jacket off of his toned shoulders and draped it over the back of the stool. Looking up he slid the black sunglasses off of his eyes revealing his sea green eyes that seemed to possess an unearthly power to them. Sighing softly he watched the scattering of people lingering about, then with a sigh and then sat up abit straighter. His black hair was pulled back into a slight ponytail, he had grown his hair out since the last time anyone had seen him. Slipping a hand into his jacket, he tugged out his cell, dialing quickly as if the number was embedded in his memory, technology had truely had the best of him.  Smiling softly he waited for her machine to pick up. "Hello Trisha......guess who? ::Dark chuckle:: That's right, I'm back and I'm better than ever. Listen, Doll, I need to see you..we need to catch up. Call me and let me know when and where.. later..."

 

 

 

Chapter 51--Night at the River Front

 

Lupine Territory, Romania 2004

River Front Conference Room, 7:30 pm
~Upon the arrival to the River Front, lights would line the pathway down to the resturant. Just inside the door the hostess would direct all those in the party of the Gaia committee meeting. A small dining area set up with a few tables scattered about the buffett style dinner for the eve. Off to the right a table held a few brieflets of papers with a young hostess seated there to greet any that may enter the meeting~

::~Nose crinkled the damp night air holding a smell that felt as if it was trying to wrap around her mind. Her lycan sense of smell made scents become colors along with taste, feelings, shivers pulling the collar of her worn jean jacket up around her neck steps quickened to the door of the River Front.~::

Walking briskly into the River Front, he was wearing his usual soft leather jacket, complemented by a pair of black shades which seemed to never leave his face. A pair of black cargo jeans covered his legs, a FN P-9 tucked into the small of his back. Those folicles were slowly regrowing after having been shaved. Those blue hues would glance around the place, bored out of his mind, as he looked for where he was supposed to go. Hands were tucked into his jackets pockets, wondering and waiting.

~The balcony adjacent to the room is where she stood. From there she had a view of the river and the sloping hills that joined water to land. Rubbing her slender hands over the black silk of her dress suit, she gave a glance around, Eyes settling into the empty room, a quiet confession to herself that maybe Samuel had been wrong to suggest this move quite so soon. Having her doubts any would venture out into the night to hear of procrastination from Gaia's, a sigh fell heavy from glossed lips as fingers rose to push back the sprig of curl cradling her cheek. Stepping back into the seclisuon of the room, she moved with the grace of a dancer over to the door, a peek out offered as she looked up to Ben. A hand extending to him~ And we meet again..Thanks for coming..

"No problem, though can't say im sorry for not dressing up." Shaking her hand with a firm but subtle grasp, he briskly released it looking around for anyone else.

::The hem of her black knit dress ending mid-calf covering black boots making little sound as she stepped into the room. Shoulders pushed together in her shiver hands still inside the pockets of the jacket exhaling slowly. ~the smell was primal that of basic survial~ a few more slow counted breaths to shake the sensation.::

~She noticed his skeptical look to the empty room, this was embarrasing enough for her all dressed up and in heels, but the lack of bodies was the clincher.~ We have a few more that will be joining us shortly, hungry? ~She waved a hand towards the table littered with the offerage of a feast. Gaze panned around him a moment then returned to his face as she smiled. ~ It's free.

"On that note...hell yes." Starting to collect food on his plate before sitting down.

~Shadows became his cover as he gathered them silently around him. The Tzimisce was indeed taking a risk in coming to this place. Even knowing that once he dropped his veil of hiding, the fur might fly. But it was one he would be gladly take if it provided him with enough of an incite into all the rallying of the lycans.~

::A nod given to the woman at the small table hands leaving the comfort of her pockets turning down the collar the neckline framing the garnets Jacket slipped off as she walked past the food table folding the jacket over her arm nod returned to the man who's name she'd not gotten expression changed to quizzical when she reached Trixie. Soft tone.:: Evening... nice place... I was hoping a few more would surface.

Giving a nod to the woman who'd removed her hands from her pockets, he merely leaned back. Not waiting for invitation to eat once more, he simply looked around. Smelling the two females, heh maybe he could get one on each side of him.

~Turning, attention fell upon Kara as she smiled. Their last parting indeed still fesh in her mind. A hand offered to her, sisterhood reinforced with a hug. A nod as she stepped back, her gaze washed over the Get's necklace a moment before she spoke~ As would I. I'm not sure if it's the media's deterring reports or the simple fact of neglect. ~Her attnetion lowered to ben then~ You remember Ben, from the cafe? Chieftian of the 'Gnawers. Ben, this is Ms. Kristen, From the Get Tribe.

Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he stood up, extending his hand to the Kristen woman, wondering why he didn't get introduced as a 'mr'. Waiting for the woman to shake his, he looked at her face.

~The balcony became his place of landing as he watched into the room with interest. A familiar glint of garnets catching his attention. This was a surprise...a tilt of his head as he would merely ease drop in on what they would have to 'meet' about~

~she wasn't much of an evening dress type but the simple black knit with the prince neckline gave the effect of a Madison Ave. ad. ~hug returned feeling a warmth she need of their sisterhood~:: I'd say naviety of the younger ones. ::as the embrace relax a half turn ~attention went to Ben. dark eyes looked into his:: It is interesting to know your name... Ben. ::that was as good as it was going to get at the moment her memory was longer than the summers in Alaska, soft smile hand offered shaking Ben's hand.:: I'm sure this meeting will be on a better tone than the last. ::jacket dropped over the back of the chair sitting across from the others.::

"Indeed."

~Nervous smile returned to her features.~ Well, now that the introductions are over, shall we? I won't make this a windy one, Gaia knows we've no time for that ..crap.~ She moved to the table and took a seat, knowing that Kara would understand the urgancy to press forward. Having only a glass of water before her, she took a sip as she prepared to speak~

Taking her hand he shook it briefly before releasing it. Taking a seat across from the woman speaking, he merely folded his hands over each other, waiting for more.

Yes, well I detest meetings..so I'll just get on with what it is my Chieftain wants to express. As both of you are quite aware of, the Fangs are well on their way to extinction. And, granted since their targets have been anyone who poses a threat to them, Gaia feels they will not cower so easily. The main thing we need to establish is trust between the people, and of course security. The main concern is the businesses of the tribes, those would be the first way to dissolve any tribes, as well as the random display of vigilantism we've witnessed. I have a feeling that the shadowlords aren't far behind the wave of violence from the Fangs.

Simply nodding at all the right moments, he merely crossed his arms over his muscular chest waiting for more. Eying the speaker, he made eye contact. Leaning back in his chair, waiting for this meeting to come to a conclusion.

::listening and knowing that every one of her kind is in great danger:: I agree with you any ideas of just how we get a security system in place. There needs to be some way to find out just where they're hidding. maybe go on the offensive inside of waiting around for them to randomly reek havoc?

~Her gaze fell from Kara's eyes to that of Ben's. Knowing that she had to insure the neutralism that the Gaia's were known to harbor, when it reality it was far from the truth. She knew what was needed, but in achiving it, the litany would suffer greatly. She nodded to Kara's words, then gaze fell back into the soft shift of her words~ I'm not opposed to any aide in achiving that the businesses are safe as well as the people. ~Dark blues fell upon Ben then~ If we had the support of a reasonable minded tribal war councilor. As you know, William is not offering his advice to a bunch of 'tree huggers'.

Sighing, he threaded his fingers together, before speaking. "Alright..I can help out with certain parts."

::night dark eyes met Trixie's blues then moved to Ben as Trixie's look did.:: You seem to have intrigued Trixie ::studying Ben:: what game plan would you suggest?

~Poor Garou. Orginazation like this would get them killed. He waited to see if indeed these three could conjure up a game plan that would go against their precious laws..and if they had the guts to do it~

~She cleared her throat~ We need weapons..to put it mildly..and a small army to man them. Granted this has to be a small, elite group, I think it will be enough to bite the dog that's already bitten the territory.

::Elbows rested on the table left hand curled into a fist her right hand covering it slowly lowering hands to the table looking to Trixie:: Weapons... ::soft sigh:: loud ones I suppose? You know I do perfer the sleath of silence broken only by the squelched scream as the knife slit through the flesh.

"Someone has issues, you should see a doctor. I can provide anything US/German made, other then that, you're on your own."

::calm tone:: There is just something so human-like in killing with out touch... ::the look she gave to Ben could freeze-dry a Bull on his hoof:: And you should learn some manners. Where's the gift back to Gaia for taking the life of others unless it's a sacrifice?

As I perfer to enter the battlefield with what Gaia has armed each of us with, but it simply will be more death..they slaughter with the weapons of man, so we must play their game. If other tribes choose to sink to the standards of technology, then we have no choice. ~Dark eyes lost most of their hatred then as she spoke, wanting an easy means to a unreachable goal. She looked over to Ben then, a nod~ We will be greatful for what you will offer to sell us. As it is, the Gets and the Gaia's are all that are willing to lay their lives down to save others. If you choose not to, then at least that will be a start. ~A sigh, this wasn't looking hopeful at all~

~Blade shifted then, coming from the shadows as the dark webs of seclusion seperated themselves from his form. Dark leather of his armour seen as he simply stood to the open balcony, clearly out of place but no stranger to the pains that the race was suffering. Shifting to hold up a hand, in it a white hankerchief, a odd thing for the Tzi to carry as he would wait his discovery before these Lycans~

::pulling her clinched fist squeezing it tightly with her right hand off the table down to her lap.:: Trixie has faith in what you can offer... I know you're tribe is gifted in the arts of technology. You stand with us... Ben? ::~she was aware he was near she'd felt him his very light almost non-existant scent was etched in her. For same reason it gave her strength.~ hands relaxed & stayed resting in her lap.::

"Sure, nothing better to do." Casting a skeptical glance at them both, before crossing his arms over his chest.

~She sat back, letting her hands fold to lap into her lap~ Then we're all in agreeance to this, it really is our only choice. I'll have the funds for the weapons by the weeks end. Once the group is compiled, then it will be released, After that, there's no turning back.

::nod give to Ben gaze starting to eyes shifted upward pausing on him smile forming as her hand combed through dark hair traveling down pushing it over shoulder.::

~He chuckled~ Am I hearing this correctly? Surely you do not wage war upon your own kind..No matter. I have the answers that I seek. ~He moved closer to the table, were aware that they were armed. The white flashed before them once more then was dropped to the floor~ As it is, if you wage war and it spills over into the lap of the Sabbat, then all will be exterminated.

Simply sitting quietly, he waited, wondering who this guy was. Acting like he was god or something, taking a sip of water glass infront of him, he simply sighed. He hated suprises.

Do we have your word on that, Kindred? ~She ask as her attention turned to the intruder.~ Challanges tossed to the wrong players can backfire, I'm sure your well aware of this little truth, or did your people not vote on it at the last frenzy? ~Gaze shifted to Ben and then To Kara before it was directed back to the Tzi~ Anyhow, it's a private matter, so if you'll be as kind to take your nose someplace else, we'll continue.

::Slowly standing up as her eyes traveled up to Blade's eyes:: It won't ::eyes stayed on his:: We understand we all share this area. It will be taken care of without ending up in the lap of the Sabbat. Trixie... I'm sure he's just concerned as all of the land owners, business owners, and residents are. Isn't that you're reason? ::she knew she'd loose it if she said his name so she didn't. Dark eyes almost pledding in the look as they stayed on the dark orbs.::

~He ignored the lip service from the Gaia vixen as gaze fell upon Kara. A tilt of his head issued a light bow to her as he listed to her words~ Indeed so, why if we all took matters into our own hands, most of 'your' people would not dwell here..as it is, the bondage of lycan to Kindred fell centuries ago when we discovered they poscessed a mind. Fear not, little Gaia and your children as well. ~ A smile offered to her then. Dark in it's intent~ No harm will come to those that seek the truth..and stay out of kindred havens.

~Hand was pressed against her hair as she smoothed it back slowly, counting off to ten to keep from losing her temper. The showboating she could do without.~ What do you want, a promise to go along with some take out? ~She looked to Kara then stood.~ I think we've discussed this matter well enough for the night.

::soft smile as she bowed her head to his words her tone warm as the night:: Thank you... It will be taken care of... ::looking to Trixie:: Yes... I believe we have and all understand the direction we come from to reach a common goal. ::reaching back pulling her jacket from the chair:: It's not becoming for a warrior to be rude to another warrior ::moving:: I will escort you out, Mr. Wolfbane ::standing in front of Blade now looking up:: Isn't it?

Good, I would hate to see blood shed...especially from those unworthy of the gift.. ~His gaze shifted to the Gaia a moment, knowing fully well that anything spoken from her was due cause to be on guard. Dark eyes bore into her before turning their attention back around to Kara~ Why, thank you, Ma'am. I do seem to lose my way around here.

Rude?? Are you kidding me, that's his middle name. He just as soon strike us down as to look at us... ~She shook her head as she glanced to the two. Jaws flinched as she noticed she seemed to be on the losing end of the game.She clinched her fists as she turned to move to the door~ Just remember where your loyality lies.. ~She looked to Kara then shook her head. Nothing more to say, and she moved out the door of the room.~

::eyes met Trixie's as she took Blade's arm in a very medieval way tone calm:: That is a given ::squeezing his bicep eyes almost sparkled as she looked up at him:: Only a wise warrior would do what you just did. Are you trying to impress me?

~He stood in his tracks as her arm coiled around his. A glance given to the woman storming out, and his own jaws gave a jerk from his chin to his ears~ -s- Are we alone now?

::finger pressed to her lips eyes darted to a far corner moving closer to him urging him with her out the door:. Inhaling his scent as she raised up on her toes face moving up the side of his neck lust-filled whisper:: yes ... we are now ::low growl into saying his name.:: Blade.

~He kept his position, dark eyes looking down into her's before hands found the curves of her shoulders, gripping then with the lightest of caresses, he held her back from him. The darkness within them not giving indication of his anger~ Why is it that I find my love in the middle of danger? And what's more disturbing  is hearing your shared interest in this talk of war..can you explain to me why you are so intent on doing just that?

::Soulful dark eyes looked up into his tone soft calm and speaking the truth:: I did not talk of war... I talked of being a warrior of going in stealthy killing the ones who are attempting to bring this into "your" city to stop the cowards from destroying the cohabitation. You heard what the others want. How ::eyes narrowed showing her anger:: Ben wants to stop this. I do not trust one that has no understanding of killing. He's lost what he is to the humans I'm not sure he has the stomach to be what he is. Do you fault me for trying to keep this from coming to you?

~His eyes never lost their mark as he listened to her words. A tilt of his head given in understanding~ I have no cause to step over the boundaries where any lycan is concerned. But they talk of war, no matter how much 'litany' is sugah coated by the evil in the form of it. No-no, I do not fault you, merely stating that you will not be apart of any of these affairs. My people are more than apt to handle anything that comes our way..You will not be a part of it even if I have to see to it myself. Can I make it any clearer? I protect both of us from much needed scantily on both sides.

::bare soft lips parted just so as each word he spoke increased her heart's beat ~there it was again his desirer to protect her even from her own kind~ a feeling of warmth came over her~ nodding as she found her voice:: Yes... you will protect us. Promise me... you mean "us" and not just me. I will not be a part if you promise you will protect us both. ::stepping into him arms wrapping around his waist:: I don't want to be protected if it means not having you. You make me feel safe :: pausing:: thank you. ::she'd never felt she needed anyone until this moment now she knew all she needed is Blade.::

~He let the embrace fall against his form, arms outstretching as they coiled around her slender form~ I mean you and I..and our future. I can't very well leave at the moment, nor give up my position with the Hand..but I can use it to protect us both, and I will. Now you make sure you stay out of all this political war dealings before your led into the slaughter for the wrong reasons. I want you to promise me, Kara. ~Hand reached to touch to her cheeks as he spoke~ I need to hear it from your own mouth.

::hands opened to press against his back looking into his eyes tilting her face into his hand speaking the truth:: I promise you I won't get involved. I do not trust the Chieftain named Ben... the howl hadn't had time to reach his tribe telling of the deaths of the 'Fangs. ::eyes closed for a moment then reopened to met his:: I promise Blade... I'm yours... I know where my loyalties are where my heart is with you.

~Sated with her answer, he nodded to her confession then leaned down to steal a kiss.~ Then I have achieved my goal here tonight. Mark my words, love. A time and a place will be marked  for war by all the creatures of this land, but speeding up the process is not the way to do it. I must go, the night will not harbor the likes of my kind in the hills of the lycan. I will come to you soon, until then, dream of our time together.

::warm lips returned the stolen kiss releasing the embrace soft smile:: You amaze with your bravery as well as your protection of me. I will send out a howl to let the others know you are passing through. Know I dream of you and live for the time when I will awake in your arms. Be safe, my love... as I promise to be for you.

~With a touch of fingers against her cheek he drew himself from her own protective embrace to steal away into the night. The balcony his retreat, and untimely the shadows that would embrace him into their seclusion. As dark eyes took one last, longing gaze to his love, storm clouds of uncertainty brewed overhead. Would there ever be a moment when time would not steal from them what was due? Mayhaps they would find a way to steal time itself. With this thought, a smile lifted his brooding features as he simply melted into the velvetness of black.~

::slow soft exhale as she watched him go, turning and running out the door head thrown back eyes closed it started as a low sound growing with each howl.:: arrr-ooowl... wolf-wolf-wolf-ar---arou..howl-l-l-l ::last heard for an unnerving amount of time before fading into a soft low growl.::

 

____________________________

 

Lupine Territory, Romania 2004

River Front Conference Room, 10:30 pm

~After the vampire took his leave, Trixie moved back into the conference room. A sigh as she glanced to the empty tables and briefs that were left untouched. Slender digits began the task of picking up after the three had came to some type of agreement. Thinking back, she really can't be sure that Kara had offered her help in support to an all out gana war; her hesistance to speak in agreement left alot of issues unresolved in Her mind. Leaning on the counter, gaze panned down to the notes that she took, clearly it had been the Kindred that provoked Kara into some kind of negative attitude, everything spoken before his presence was for stopping the Fangs. Closing here eyes, she rubbed a finger against her temple and tried to forget about the Tzi for a moment.~

::He pulled the car to a halt outside of the Inn. His eye's stared momentarily before he flipped off the radio. Bryan Adams was playing at the moment, some 80's music to his liking. The car was a rental, he wasn't able to bring his Bronco across the sea's, so this rental Mustang would do. He flipped off the lights and stepped out of the car, throwing his beige satchel over his shoulder. He eyed the contents, making sure he had everything. He had heard of a meeting that was going to take place here tonight, he hurried as fast as he could from Romania, but he thought he may have been too late. Oh, well, might as well see what he could savage here. He inhaled taking a few scents into his nostrils. Definitely fellow Garou. He thought he picked up the sent of the dead, but that was odd if a kindred were to be at a Garou meeting. Finally he walked forward and entered the Inn, glancing around.::

~She came down the small walkway with arms loaded down with remnants of silverware and dishes. A white apron hugged her slender waist in an attempt to keep from ruining her silk suit. Soft music played in the background, a level or two above the typical elevator music that was the norm for stuffy places like this. Setting the dishes to a nearby cart, she wiped her hands to the apron hem and started back out through the lobby of the place. A hand reached up, sweeping away a dangling curl from her cheek as eyes fell upon the form of a male entering the place. A tilt of her head as she stopped, wondering where the Inn's hostess was..oh well, not her problem..she was already ticked off she had to clean up the conference room as it was..she was definitely not a waitress. But, a few steps on then she stopped, glancing back to do a double take to the man. She knew him from somewhere, she never forgot a face..or the strange aroma of feral garou..studing his features more she tried to place him before a smile tugged to the corners of her glossed lips. Assuming he was for the meeting, who he was would come to her in a moment as she offered a greeting to him~ Good Evening..~american accent still present as a slender hand was offered out to him.~ Nick, isn't it? ~Ah yes, the wolfman from the ball. She laughed lightly.~ Didn't recognize you without your mask..

 

::His eye's caught sight of the source to the female voice. He returned a smile, recognizing her. His mind jumped back to the ball as he remembered her. He gave a nod, adjusting the satchel on his shoulder.:: Yes, um, Nicholas if you don't mind. ::he thought for a moment:: No, Nick is okay then. No need to be formal. ::his eye's glanced around:: Am I too late for the meeting?

~Seeing her hand going untouched, other hand rose as she clasped them together before her~ Yes..and no Nick.. ~Another smile as she tried to return to the business like demeanor she was use to displaying. The traces of her angry mood fading away.~ The meeting is over, but that doesn't mean that I can't offer you a brief and informative chat about it..that is, if your still interested.. ~Gaze lowered a moment as she noticed the satchel he held over his arm, then gaze lifted back up to his face.~ And Trixie will be fine as well.

::he shook her hand in greeting and smiled before returning his arm back to his side:: Of course I'm still interested. I'm actually trying to figure a few things out myself, so anything that happened at the meeting could be helpful. And I'm sorry about the handshake. I haven't exactly been in the presence of others, especially formal ones for sometime. I'm still adjusting back to the lifestyle among others that live. ::In his mind he was remembering all that they talked about. In his line of work he had to have a good memory, luckily for him his was photographic, unfortunately he forgot to take the lens cap every once and a while. He looked for an open seat and walked to the nearest one. He pulled a seat out for Trixie and allowed her to sit first.:: Before we start, what was present here other than fellow Garou? ::he sat in a seat across from hers.::

~A laugh was offered to his forgetfulness~ Your forgiven...if I remember correctly, you kissed my hand not once but twice that night..that's more than I'm use too... ~With that, she nodded to his words as she moved on to find a secluded spot away from the lingering crowd. Hands slid down to rid herself the the apron as it was casually tossed to the row of plants along the way, then taking the offered seat, she slid into it to get comfortable as she offered a smile for his manners. Leaning up, a slender hand rested against the table as she heard his question, right brow arched upward as her face showed a hint of distainment~ Yes..it seems we had an unexpected and uninvited guest to the meeting.. ~Taking a moment to keep her anger in check, she took a breath before speaking~ It seems he was quite interested in what we had to say as well. I'm not sure if that's a good thing yet, or a bad thing. The Tzimisce around here are nosey ones..

::He nodded:: I see ::he removed the satchel from his shoulder and laid it on top of the table he was next to. He had always made sure to keep the contents of the satchel a secret until he was ready to reveals its contents, it gave him an edge against enemies and made him seem mysterious to allies. He liked to be mysterious, no matter how annoyed he made others. He leaned back in his seat and casually stared at Trixie:: Some kindred can be pests at times. But they also have a large information network. This proves useful in my field of expertise. ::he removed a small book and pen from his satchel. He opened the book and clicked the pen ready to write.:: So if you wouldn't mind, what happened here.. What was discussed? ::he smirked slightly at the feeling he had. He felt like he was a reporter now.::

~She listened to him attentively, those sapphire eyes casually watching him, but of course every motion that he made did not go unnoticed by her. Even the satchel left a questionable thought to what it held. But she also was aware that curiosity did kill the cat too often.~Oh, I agree, the best kept information can be salvaged by leagues with the Vampires, but sometimes achieving the most success was to go through the back door. ~She coiled an arm up as she rested both against the table then. Mind already preparing the information that the meeting held~ I'm not sure if you are aware of this or not, but there's been heavy rallying with the Silverfangs just recently in the city. It's already spilt over into lycan territory and several of our people have lost their lives to the ambushing style of riots that they have issued. At first it was believed to be random, but now the Chieftains aren't so sure, and aren't willing to take that risk. Children of the Gaia are in hopes to form a treaty with The 'Gnawers and Get's who's territory have been the most recent targets..As it is, the Gnawer's leader was beheaded in one of those raids. Now what Gaia proposes is to eliminate the rioting Fangs.. ~She hesitated then as she looked to him then to his paper and pen.~ And fight fire with fire..

Hmmm... ::he wrote down every word she spoke. He was like one of the court typers who wrote every word said in a court room. He stopped writing after her last comment, but decided not to talk about that just yet.:: I actually didn't know about all of this. Shows how out of the loop I've been. ::He glanced down to his notes and looked back to her:: So the leader of the Bone Gnawers was beheaded? What is it that has made the Silver Fangs so upset? ::He read over his notes again, perhaps she already told him and he was being absent minded. His eye's rose back up now::

~Drawing the tip of her tongue down over the drying flesh of her lips, she waited until he was ready to inquire, then offered a soft nod as he did.~ It's happened over a course of a few months, they struck fast and they struck hard. They targeted the Gnawers specifically because of the firearms they trafficked ..All the information that I have personally gathered tells me their stockpiling..getting ready for something major. The only theory I can come up with about attacking the Get's was they are by far the largest tribe in this land, and the most organized in old world warfare.. ~She waved her hand offhandedly~ But, of course I didn't get to the theories yet, thanks to our guest's interruption. The two Lycans that were here aren't willing to join an out and out war, but they do seem to agree some form of protection is needed until the Fang's can be defused. As it is, every lycan is subjected to attack by them.. ~She shook her head slowly~

::He wrote it all down and did a few calculations of when the attacks may have started. He began jotting down his own theories as well. The Silver Fangs were a strong tribe and one to be in fear of. He had never personally met or made an asset of a Silver Fang, but he's heard stories. He looked up to her:: Hmm... well I'm not much of a fighter as far as a war goes. I could, however, possibly dig into this and find some info on what the cause is for all of this. ::he thought for a moment, a mental list of his assets and contacts scrolling through his head. He was in Europe now, that narrowed the list. He tended to be in the Middle East and Africa and even Asia more than Europe. America had a bigger list than Europe. He nodded:: I could possibly do something, it won't be big, but reconnaissance is one of my favorite skills. Do we know anything else? Where the Fangs are based? Is there a pattern to their attacks? What their agenda is? A motive?

~She listened to him, but more importantly, she watched his actions, and his reactions to all of this madness. The willingness to help in something that most would and do consider 'not their fight' was most impressive to her. A tilt of her head as she sat up a bit straighter, features held a subtleness about then as she spoke~ There is no evidence of any kind to be found. It's been a hard road in achieving just what scattered info we have. Here's the part that's been the most puzzling, and personally? I think it might be the key piece in solving it..About 5 weeks ago there was a shoot out in the Carpathian Mountains, that's 300 miles north of the city. A few reliable sources swears there was kindred involved..the media has made a field day out of it, and the rest of the rioting..now what would the Fang's have that would instill the likes of vamps to be involved? And the fact that one of their own crashed our meeting to warn us not to cross into their domain only makes me think they are indirectly involved. ~She sighed, her head was aching now with all thinking she had put forth into the reasoning as of late~ All I know for sure is, Gaia doesn't want to go to war, and on the same token, they can't sit just around and have their people picked off one by one.

Hmmm... ::in his head he recalled the Carpathian mountains being mentioned before, elsewhere. He placed his notebook and pen onto the table before opening his satchel and scouring through it's contents. Any onlooking eye's could see numerous sheets of paper, a few books and a 9mm Beretta, it was possibly the biggest piece of equipment in the satchel. He pulled out a red leather bound book from the satchel and flipped through the pages. His fingers scrolled the writings before flipping to the last page. Now only his eye's scanned the paper.::

Hmm... no written location. Thats odd. ::he began whispering to himself:: I would think that anyone would write a location on a map. ::he placed the red book on top of his satchel now and took his pen and notebook into his grasp:: That is odd indeed. ::his eye's scanned her over, he couldn't recall what she had told him that she did for a living, but he felt that it had something to do with investigation type work. He was also trying to read her to see if she was not sharing everything that she knew. It was nothing personal towards her, he did it to everyone. He pulled a stick of gum out form his photographer vest pocket and champed down on it.:: Well, I could possibly find out a few things. I can't make any promises though.

~Smoothing away that pesky curl, she watched idly as he rummaged through his things, a few items taken note of, but not much. She wasn't the snoopy type unless there was just cause to be. Basically she was tired and the stress of the last few days had taken it's toll on her. She watched him silently as he looked over the book, the soft mutters he made elusive to what he was trying to figure out, as with her thoughts. A soft sigh spilt her lips as she leaned back, letting her arms rest to her sides~ Anything that you could possibly find out will be a big help. There's been nothing left at the scenes, and I do mean nothing...even the night that Abel was killed...it was all so..medieval.. ::she blinked the slight stare away as her look seemed to cast a far off look to her eyes as she recanted the scene in the alley that night~

Abel? You knew one of the ones that was killed? ::he lowered his head, his mind getting lost in thought of fellow people that he actually considered friends, whom had died in the past:: How unfortunate. I'm sorry for your loss. ::he was silent, he could think of nothing comforting to say. He learned a long time ago to move on. that is why it is rare that he makes any friends. Most are assets or contacts for him::

~She looked up to him, a hint of a smile trying to form on her lips~ I knew him, yes. But, how well can you know someone that kidnaps you then frees you because they see no real threat from you. It was all so strange, this entire rallying does. And for the life of me..with all my high tech gear and friends in low places...it's as if the entire tribe of these gun toting Fang's are as ghosts.. ~She shook off the lingering chill of her thoughts.~ I'm sure if there's anything out there, it can be found, right?

::he nodded:: It's impossible to wipe a track totally clean. ::he gave a smirk:: I grew up in the wilderness of Alaska, the Wendigo are the best trackers in all of Garou society, I don't mean to brag though. If theres anything to be found, I can find it. But thats is one reason why I got into my profession and why so many request me. Presently I'm working for some guy from Los Angeles in California.  ::he removed the red book from his satchel. It was rare that he would share with anyone, his projects, unless he thought they would prove useful. Perhaps sub-conciously he thought she would be useful. He slid the book across the table toward her. He gave her the German version, perhaps she wouldn't be able to read it and he would be able to keep it somewhat confidential. His Tremere friend had told him to be careful with this book. He intended to do just that.:: He wanted me to authenticate this book and translate it and tell him any info about it I could find. But I can put that project on hold for a while. The employer is a total ass-whipe. Pardon my French.::he watched her, glancing to her and the book. Inside the book was mostly German writing, but also sketches of what were obviously vampire fangs, vampires themselves and farther in the book werewolves. Wolves turning to men and men turning to wolves. The last page was a map.::

~A smile finally tugged to her lips as his words passed her ears. A soft nod to him as she leaned closer to look at the book, slender hands rose to touch it gently. Being an ex-apprentice to all things ancient and cryptic, she knew that care must be issued with such as this. Eyes skimmed over the foreign language, none of it readable to her..she was red, white and blue through and through..only some form if Italian she could speak, and most of that was profanity..She glanced up to him a few times as page after page was turned, the sketches holding her attention for several beats of her heart before continuing on.~ -s- This is an interesting find, indeed... ~Eyes took in each picture with grave interest. She had to swallow a few times, too much of it became real to her eyes. Resting back in her chair, gaze lifted up to him, interest peeked as she was clearing letting it all sink into her collective thoughts.~  Yanno, I know someone that might be able to shed some light on something like this...Have you ever heard of a tribe of Furries that have been sworn to guard the sacred remains of the Mountains that I mentioned before? ~She waved a hand then~ Yes, I know, they are sometimes told to us as ghost stories or to try to make the chieftain look big..but the tribe does exist..to this day.

::he nodded:: It was never told to me as a cub, but through all of my travels, I have heard rumors. No major details. Why? Do you think this book may be connected to them in some way? ::he took out his translated version of the book and skimmed through its pages.::

 

~One manicured nail tapping ever so gentle to a picture detailing the fanged beast of the night on one of the pages of the book~ This..I don't know exactly what it's called, but.. ~She hesitated a moment then, knowing if she told too much she could jeopardize herself into having to tell him all~ I know that it is possible for vampiric blood to exist in a lycan..that is what the book is about, right? Crossing of the species...

::he leaned forward. He had read the translated version many times before he arrived here and knew it fairly well by now:: No, not the entire book. It was written by a World War Two general. ::he skipped many details:: He studied vampires for a time. And when he learned of werewolves he studied them. At the end he begins hypothesizing bout a crossbreed vampiric werewolf. Or even a Werewolf Vampire. But it doesn't mention if he ever encountered one or if he ever created one. I have a theory that there is a second book that the same general wrote.

~Well, now she had let the cat out of the bag by just what she said to him. Her expression took on a serious tone then as her eyes skimmed over his face. She didn't trust many, but he had given her no reason not to trust him, his motives were to help, not hinder. He wasn't like the rest, that night at the Ball was proof enough of that.~ There's a woman that lives up in the mountains...may I? ~She leaned over and took his pen, then began to scribble upon the napkin before her~ She's a ronin Get, and she's also a homid..she doesn't follow the tribal aspect of anyone's domain..she runs a small magic shop there..she knows the Furries better than anyone I know..that could possibly shed some light on this book..or what is it exactly that the Furries protect. ~Looking up to him, she passed the directions to the shop to him~

::he scanned her face as he took the sheet of paper into his grasp. He was somewhat confused as to why she would help him. He was never offered anything unless he asked for it first. His expression revealed his confusion as well. He slowly leaned back in his seat and looked to the paper:: Who do I ask for?

~Catching that look of confusion she knew that whatever she offered to him form here on out would put both her and her son in grave danger. As with the woman that she would speak her name~ Kara Kristen. She's a very close and personal friend of mine. She's kept a lot of our family's secrets..as have I. ~Leaning forward, her voice lowered to a hushed tone~ I'm as much interested in what they hide as much as anyone, but it's on a personal level for me. Lives could be at stake if I inquire. If indeed there is something to tell about a crossed species, then I would be more than happy to pay to know about it..

::he leaned forward and whispered into her ear:: Curiosity killed the cat... but luckily you're not a cat. ::he leaned back and read the sheet with the address before ripping it apart and placing the shreds on the table:: To protect any secrets and your friend, I will leave no evidence that I was ever there. I have memorized the address so don't worry.

~She smiled to his actions, then nodded lightly~ As will I leave no remnants of our meeting. For all that may just happen to see us? It was merely a date that turned sour. ~She leaned over to let her hand rest atop one of his own~ Thank you, Nick. I won't forget what kindness you have offered me in your help..and even if that kindness has an agenda with it? Rest assured, I am no stranger to it.

::he smiled to her. It had been a while since he spoke to another who held feeling and emotions. All of his latest contacts were Humans with hidden agendas that weren't for good or the undead. He pulled a piece of paper from a vest pocket and handed it to her. A number was on the paper:: If you ever need to reach me, call that number and ask for Dr. Jones. You will then be connected to me.

~She took the paper gently, a nod offered as she read over it.~ Sure thing, Dr Jones. ~Fingers rolled it up gently before it was gently lowered and tucked into the slight cleavage showing from her blouse. Equally in turn, a smile shown to him with the softness of her move~ Then I hope I have satisfied the cat in you? Oh..my mistake..I meant the wolf... ~A wink offered to him as she shifted to stand.~ Travel well, and may your slumber be peaceful..~The Gaia once more offered her hand out to him~

::he stood after her and gathered his things, throwing his satchel over his shoulder and looking to her and then her hand, giving a soft smile. He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it before giving it back to her.:: Call me old fashioned. ::he smiled to her before turning and exiting the Inn, his mind recounting for everything that was spoken about tonight. His mind also on where he was heading to. Kara. Perhaps everything was connected.::

 

Chapter 52--Night at the River Front: Afterwards

 

Lupine Territory, Romania 2004

Blade's Lincoln, 12:19 am
~He could smell the tobacco lingering in the air. He wondered as he slid into the seclusion of the Lincoln if the lycan knew she would burn out her lungs in time with such a nasty habit. The roar of the sliver viper followed by the flash of taillights their signal to follow. Blade sat quietly in the passenger side of the black sedan as gaze focused upon the night and the wet pavement before them. The silence of his servant a welcomed comfort in this land of the lupine. Dark eyes held straight on as they simply followed the Gaia. Nerves of steel resting as still as death itself. A soft tone of his voice issued as the car took a nose dive down the twisting road that lead to the heart of the city.~

 

"She suspected nothing?"
"I have my doubts. I wasn't in there for very long."

"And the lycan she met with?"

"No, he was too enthused with the woman to notice anything."

"Good. Just keep up with her. She'll eventually go home."
"Yes, Sir."

 

~The Lincoln came to rest just across the street from where the silver bullet came to a hasty stop. Two sets of eyes intent on watching as the faint click of heels faded, lean silhouette disappearing into the seclusion of the apartment building. As he observed the Gaia, a thought crossed his mind. For some reason Cairo lingered in the back of his memory. He could hear the brush of pen against the small notebook as his servant scribbled down the address. A few more minutes as the Tzi contemplated paying her a midnight visit upon the third story balcony once the light flickered on just as dark eyes panned upward. He would wait; never one to instigate a fight unless needed. He more than gave enough reasons in his speech for her to heed this esculation. He knew she was smart; question was, how much. Gaze turned to look to Knox then as he heard his question.~

 

"So, who is she?"
"Trisha Corradino. I met her once while she worked under the direction of a Setite in Cairo. She was dealing in Egyptian artifacts....she's somewhat of an authority on them."
"A Lycan ..working for Kindred?"
"She wasn't a lycan. That's why I've overlooked her..a mistake that may just bite me in the ass..she is not one to cross."
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Shall I keep tabs on her as well?"
"I see no need to at this point. I've got more than enough information to sate Father.... Let's head home, Knox."
"Yes Sir"

___________________________________

 

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 1:49 am
"I'm not sure that was such a good idea, son. You were merely sent to observe. Once the boundries become as a challenge to these creatures, then it's just a matter of time before someone crosses them." ~Antoine's tone was calm, but the haunting depths of his eyes told otherwise as he gazed to Blade over the length of his wooden desk. He was not happy about the recent killings, not happy at all. And it really went unsettling to him that he need rely on his only son to seek out the information. Fingers resting tip to tip in their usual fashion of authority. The slow pacing that his son moved in much like the rhythm of the clock on the hearth his only calm.~ "Your presence might have just upset the situation more...If this Lycan is intent on starting some retaliation to the rallying tribes, we could very be caught in the crossfire."

~He stopped in his tracks as dark gaze fell to his father, a few beats of the clock before he leaned to the desk, allowing both curled fists to rest there to the edge, holding up his lean frame~ "Do you honestly think I was going to sit by and allow this kind of deciet to continue? Someone had to make sure they knew the reprecussions, My Lord. Your in no position to make trips into the hills, and I am this Sect's authority. The Hand will not sit idly by and allow a fued to spill into our city. You knew this when you sent me out there. Besides, I am a bit concerned..Marcus is getting too chummy with them, or have you forgotten already?"

~He shook his head slowly with a wave of his right hand~ "Yes yes, of course.....And..No, I haven't forgotten. Rachyl's visions were a bit too distorted, the poor child was frightened out of her skin. ~His brows furrowed as he tried to recall that night~ Other than what she can remember, he has not allowed me any more questioning in the matter. He's been making himself scarce these days. I'm not sure to welcome the peace in the house, or question his absence. If anything, the lycans will find him out on their own soon enough. " ~He chuckled lightly as he looked to the distainment held in his son's features.~

~A chuckle rang in with that of the Regent.~ "You mean what kind of candy ass deal can he be making with the likes of the hell hounds..a mind does ponder this and often." ~He moved to take a seat upon the edge of the desk then, arms reaching up to cross as he gazed along the many rows of books and scrolls in the study.~ "The Gaia's involvement could become a problem. Those leashed politicians aren't the type to sit idly by and watch. I wish I knew what's brought them back into the land after so many years of hibernation. But, I did sense some resistance from one of the Chieftians, that's the only positive side to the meeting. Where their's one to hesistate, there will be more."

"Indeed so. In all my years and trials with the local tribes, not once have they tried to rally in the city. If anything, the media has made this massacre out to be more than it really is. I'm not going to let it worry me. Neither should you. The Hand has more pressing matters, I'm sure. As I have my own adgenda to keep. ~He reached to the desktop then as slender digits began to roll up the scrolls before him in the tidy fashion that he was accustomed to.~ Chaos, such is the way of Garou; least we try to figure them out before they can do it themselves." ~He leaned up to summons his servant from the doorway. As he stood, he handed off his finished scrolls to them before making his way towards the door. Turning, he studied Blade's face a moment, a smile etching his features~ "Come, The night is still young. Let's take a walk through the gardens, there's something I'm sure you'll find of interest."

~His mind flashed back to what the Nofie had told him in his own cryptic form of prophecy; Gaia takes care of their own. If this would only be the case, extinction of that species could take place and he not mind it one bit, save for the fact of one lycan in particular, they could feast upon their own flesh and wallow in the bowels of hell for the rest of eternity. ~ "Yes, of course..." ~He nodded to his father's words and he stood up and stretched. Hands moving to peel those two holsters from his upper torso. Following in the wake of his father, he paused only long enough to hand the guns off to Knox, and silently he moved on out into the gardens.~

~Nodding to his master, he gathered up the Tzi's trench and then headed to put them away for the night. A faithful servant he was; but quite often reminded that he was that very thing. A mere mortal at the beck and call of fiendish creatures of the night. A race that he more than wanted to join someday. Again his nerve almost pressed him to inquire about his embrace, and again he refrained. The hesistance this time something other than the sheer fear of upsetting the Tzi fiend. A challange that seemed to come in the form of a Lycan that held his attention in a most peculiar way. He couldn't help but think that in some strange way this would be the challenge needed to insure his place amongst the Tzimisce. He has never disobeyed a direct order before, but he knew he would this time. Keeping a silent vigil on her was in order. He felt he could find out more from her, given the right opportunity, than anyone could possibly manage. And he would do just that, and soon.~

 

Chapter 53--Welcome to my Parlor

 

Paris, France 2004

Sasha Woo's Office, 12:12 pm
Tick. Tick. Tick. Well-manicured nails tapped an idle rhythm atop her desk, the expensive wood polished to an eye-wounding gleam. She was, however, slowly making little half-moon marks in the varnish with repetative motion... a motion that spoke volumes about her current irritation. Taking a deep breath through lips glossed in a deep shade of red, she would jab at the intercom across the desktop. "Zhou, get it here. Immediately." Her voice was cultured, typically modulated into tones of persuasion... wheedling, charming, impossible to ignore. At this moment, barely subdued annoyance thrummed beneath the tiniest hint of an accent. Turning eyes dark as night upon the heavy oak doorway, she awaited the appearance of henchman number... well, she had so many it was pointless to number them, really. He was a bit of a hulk, but useful as a carrier pigeon of sorts- a very large, very frightening messenger. After all, it wouldn't do to entrust some push-over to ferry her instructions back and forth. When his bulky frame appeared in her office, she beckoned him forward with a curt gesture.

"I need you to fly to Stationside. Tonight. Take Ming with you, hm? She's better equipped to handle any possible problems you might encounter. You need to find Yin Tai. He was supposed to be looking in on a little.... meeting for me." Lips curled into a vaguely amused smile, the very thought that those sweet, naive little kiddies out in Stationside would go so far as to organize an entire meeting about her 'Fangs' presence in their insignificant little town.... well, it was almost flattering. But not quite. So naturally she had spies out and about to find if they had managed to get past their squabbling long enough to act. Personally, she doubted it was possible. Then again, it wouldn't do for an unfortunate surprise to sneak up and bite her in her well-toned ass, now would it?

Attention returned to Zhou, an exasperated sigh hissing between her lips. This information couldn't be trusted to someone smart enough to use it himself, and she hated overly-ambitious underlings. Still, she grew weary of manuevering pawns around a board. She needed an ally... an equal. Or, someone slightly lesser-than-equal that she could confer with and then push around. A smirk appeared as she dismissed her little delivery-boy with an expansive wave.  "Go find Ming, she has the rest of my instructions. And you two behave, hm? This is just... information-gathering. I do expect you both back within a day, and you had better have something useful to tell me."

Sasha sat back, staring sightlessly at the numbers and figures crawling across her computer screen. She was tired of play time.... it would soon be time to lose the gloves. She never was any good at playing well with others.

 

 

Chapter 54--Running Blind: The Unveiling II

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Stationside International Airport, 7:30 pm
::Rain, it had been pouring buckets full since the beginning of the week. This was why he hated his homeland; but then again, wasn't that the drab and dreay setting of the immortal. He stood at the airport terminal, outside at limo parked out front, and drenched. Dark locks clinging to his face as the umbrella over his head seemed to do no good in the way of shielding him. Trench was littered with tiny droplets against the bluish black surface. He glanced to his watch, then muttered under his breath about Airplanes and being unpredictable. He needed a smoke, hell he needed to be dry. Wishing he was back home snuggled down in his bed..fleshy legs curled around him in some interesting position. But, alas, he was here and dutifully awaited the arrival of his partner in crime, now if she would only get here. Dark eyes peered down the inside of the terminal, the sea of people going unnoticed to him as he scanned the nameless faces in hopes to find that one he recognized. And he hoped it wore a smile this time.::

*~Well yes, she would be with that sea of people. Emerald, though, did not exactly wear a smile, she sensed he'd want to see one on her. Emerald's features were delicate enough to support those emotions. but she just didn't smile... she almost never did. Not sense she'd started her training to be what she is now. She, unlike him, didn't care about the rain. She seemed to love it. It was the only thing that made her calm. Her attire consisted of a black tank top, sleeve on the side, and even then, it wasn't much of a sleeve, and baggy pants, with the "bondage straps" attacked to each leg. Though she wore a trench coat surrounding her body, it was not buttoned, but left billowing in the stormy wind around her feet.~*

*~One step of her boot after the other carried her towards him. Her arms at her sides, guns tucked away under each arm, she'd snuck by security, crafty crafty her. Her light green eyes watched him as she came to stop in front of him, her eyes looked him over slowly... hmmm.... well there was some tension there, but eventually, she looked up to his eyes once more as she flicked a wet lock of hair from her face, only for a little one to come settling back to rest over her cheek. She tilted her head to the side, just slightly, as if pondering... inspecting.... before those stone-lips of light red parted, and a smile crossed her face.... something that was a rarity indeed.~*

~There he stood with his umbrella teetering to match his light pacing..which soon stopped as the woman approached. His face shown to her..brooding good looks, well that's what the women had said, he doubted it highly, for to be a Tzimisce was to be set apart from the rest. So, he just happened to care about his appearance, not like some of the clans with their grotesque and misshapen selves. He learned vanity from his father, among other things. And his charm, of course. But he'd forgotten to bring most of it with him tonight. Standing tall, he looked over her from head to toe, dark eyes of scrutiny drawing faint memories from their last parting. Then with a slight tip of his head to her, lips offered her the first utterance in almost two hours, accent thick, but enough english to be fluent.~ Your late..I'm soaked, and the limo's double parked.

~The usual emotionless expression of his features held for a mock beat of a heart, or two before a smirk tugged to the corners of his lips. He shifted then to greet her more informally as free arm snaked around her for a slight embrace.~ And a welcomed sight, indeed. ~He whispered before he stepped back to take another long look over her. She seemed in good spirits, and he wondered then if that was a good thing, or a bad thing.~

*~She tried not to laugh at his words, but a smile did crack her lips, and a small laugh did escape them. Her arms moved over his shoulders as he hugged her, and she nodded to him softly at his last sentence. She looked to his eyes, before she looked to the long corridor in her wake, then sighed as she looked back around to him. Lips parted, speaking in light French accent, plenty english to be noted.~* Flying is for the birds... car's are more my style....speed junkie, yanno...*~Putting all the sarcasm out of the way for a moment, she held his gaze gently with her own shimmering hues as she reveled in his powerful presence once again. She finally offered a softly spoken greeting to him.~* It's good to see you again, Vincent..

Mmhm, I'm sure the drowned rat appearance is quite amusing.. ~He couldn't help but to offer a hint of a smile to her as he looked around for her bags, knowing the ghoul would take of it before they left. A hand waved towards the sliding glass doors as he turned to move along side of her. Steps issued to move closer to the black limo, the door coming open as they neared. He held the umbrella up over them both as the pouring rain seemed to target them as they stepped to curb, a few more seconds taken as she was coaxed into the plush interior, then his slender form slid in behind her, door shut as he sat down across from her. He had tossed the umbrella to the curb before stepping in, that would be the last time he used one of those contraptions. Hand slid into the confounds of his trench to adjust each holster that held his baby's safely, the soft crackle of leather heard as he did, then hands fell to rest upon his knees.~ So, how was your trip over? ~Pleasantries of protocol aside, they had quite a bit to discuss once they reached the estate, so why boggle the mind with business at the moment?~

*~She carried only one bag, and even then it wasn't that large, she didn't intend on staying very long. She smiled to him as he took it, thanking him with him with a nod of her head as she walked towards the limo. Slipping in, ears detecting the leather sqruntch underneath her, and eyed watched as the droplets of water ran down them. How long had it been since she had been within such luxury? Too long by her standards. She smiled as she watched him enter and sit across from her~* Well.. to say the least... I think babies are a horrible thing.... I had one screaming behind me the whole time.... and it too quite a bit of will power not to turn around and throw the thing out through the window.... But other then that, it was peaceful....uneventful.. *~She shrugged alittle as she smirked, gaze looking the "drowned rat" over~* .. Wet is a very good look for you.

~He laughed, but it wasn't anywhere the amusing kind as he heard her call him 'Vincent'. Cynical expression crossing his face~ You know, I should have never told you that inside joke, it's bad enough when Beth calls me that..I prefer Blade...you know this you little tart.. ~He was teasing, of course. Truth be told, he did despise the name, too much confusion between him and dear old dad. Leaning back, he turned to make sure they were off and rolling with traffic, then as he heard her candid words of the ride in, he could only nod in agreement with her.~ Baby flesh is perfect for tanning ..young and supple..but easily torn. ~As simple as that the Tzi offered, from his own personal experience, one would never know the likes of his sanguine madness.~ Be fare warned, the house is littered with coven patrons. Dad insists they stay in the house. I'm not sure if he's just getting old and fearful of being alone, or if he's just insane.

*~She smirked alittle at his words of baby flesh. Yes, "Blade" was always the different type of man. She nodded slowly at his request to be called Blade~* And if I still call you Vincent, What are you going to do? *~She said almost challengingly, a smirk crossing her lips as she eyed him. She tilted her head to the side, with a teasing growl added for punctuation. She stretched slowly, and sighed. Yet didn't sit fully back, because then she'd be running the risk of clicking off the safety on her guns, somehow getting the trigger to wiggle, causing a bullet to ruin her trench coat... she didn't give a damn about the seat, or the pipes below the vehicle, no, she only cared about the skin on her ass, and the coat she paid so much for... she still eyed him, smirking all the while~*

~Gaze met the assamite's dead on, she really had no idea who she was issuing a challenge to at that particular moment. He was notorious for instigating them at other's whims, dare he not accept one to claim as his own. Eyes darted upward to the heavens a moment through the moonroof overhead, a soft, almost hissing noise parting his lips~ Tisk tisk, Em, and here we were getting along so well, I'd really hate to have to find a new partner..after all the years I've spent under your torture..I'm sure I can find a nice, drabby dungeon to stow you happily away in, maybe padded vinyl ..no no, I take that back.. ~A quick smile shot over his features then. And a smiling Tzi was not a good thing.~ Leather seems to suit you better...you'd like it down there with my collection of heads...Seeing how pretty yours is.. ~He tried to maintain a stoic look about him, forcing the laughter from his throat with due effort.~

*~A sigh escaped her as she shook her head, looking down, but all the while smiling~* And here I thought sex, and spanks were your way of solving everything... *~She smirked as she looked to him, brow arched slowly as she tilted her head to the side. Again. there was one of his challanges. ... hmm.. interesting. Did he want something from her?~* You know after having me for a partner for so long, you couldn't easily switch to anyone else, and you'd miss me too much, Blade... *~She waggled a finger in his direction, clearly her words were just as teasing as her tone. She'd seen him in action many times, both on the battlefield and off, and she had remained elusive to his tastes in the fairer sex. That was simply one aspect of this creature she did not want to tread upon. His appetite for death was ferocious, dare she try to find out what other interests were the same. No, no...she was just content to tease him.~*

~Leaning back, arms were drawn out across the top of the seat as he watched her, almost methodically as she spoke, a tilt of his head ever so slightly as if to pick up faint traces of something else lingering in the air with her words. They had been on many a mission and saved the other's asses more often than he could count. And let's not forget the small ongoing wager on who could drop the most in one single fight..no all in all she was right. There wasn't another kindred that could be compared to her, or be pitted against him in this type of environment. They had both seen the other's good side, and the bad..in places that most of the others would squirm and run in fear. Not to mention the tourture involved in several of their misfortunes as prisoners.~

~Yes, there has been elaborate history between the two, and sex had never been apart of their partnership. Collective note he made of that very thing. He feared losing certain parts of his body dare he try. He cracked a smile then, the first true one in a while.~ Your right, Em, I could have replaced you long ago, but you know why I haven't? ~He leaned forward then, hands clasp as elbows rested gently against his knees, allowing his legs to part slightly under the weight~ Because your just like me. We're two bad seeds..an odd lot with a passion for killing.. ~His voice dropped in tone then, almost a hushed silence fell upon the interior and between them as dark gaze met that of green from her own hues~ I like that too much to jeopardize it..call me old fashion, but if something works, you stick with it.. ~They neared the estate then, he could make out the thick forest from beyond the flash of iron fencing. The car paused briefly as the gates slowly came to life and cranked inward. Symbol of the Tzi proudly displayed upon them.~

*~She knew he had a point, he almost always did. She smiled as she heard his words, and she tilted her head around slowly before she leaned forward to him, their foreheads almost touching as she looked back into his eyes, almost teasingly, but serious nonetheless, as a cynical smile curved her lips~* You know you are right, and yet you know that I am right as well. We're the purfect match...made in hell, that is.. *~Candid expression fell upon her features then.~* We are both the same, we both like all things morbid that the other does, and we both strive to get things done, no matter what they are...or the cost in fulfilling them..

*~And without another word, she pecked her lips against his cheek before she leaned back against her seat, crossing her legs, and sighing as she did.~* Thanks for always covering my back. Call me crazy, but you are the only male I trust in this unholy place. And considering your history with my kind? I'm thankful you haven't gutted me in my sleep. *~She rested her head back against the seat, looking out the window as she lifted up a finger to trace the droplets trickling along the outside of the glass. Eyes flickered once as she spotted the gates of the deemed estate...what a wonderful site...dragon swallowing it's on tail adorning each slowly opening one.~*

~Peck felt as he was very aware of her closeness, the faint scent of her breed barely detected beneath the soft fragrance of her perfume. Eyes shown to her still as she did so, a finger moving only as she drew back a moment, it jetted up and to the tip of her nose, a light trace of the chilled flesh made with a smile~ -w- Music soothes the savage beast, some say. But what soothes our beast? ~He recanted as expressive eyes darkened then in the shadows of the interior~ ..the look of fear in other's eyes.. right before you take their life... ~He sat back then, letting that statement go untouched, it was the first thing she had told him before going their separate ways in Paris..and something that he, til this day, dwelled on. Watching her like he did, curiosity got the best of him before attention lifted to the door as the limo drew to a halt. Seeing the shaded image of the stoned house that he called home, he looked around to her as the door was opened~ Ride's over, time to meet the masses.. ~He muttered as he looked over to her with a sour look. Oh how he loathed his father's unwanted company.~

*~She laughed lightly to his expression.~* What's the matter, pretty boi, afraid to show me your dungeon? *~Voice almost a cackle as she stepped out of the limo and stood before the threshold of the infamous 'Wolfbane Estate'. She could say she was quite interested in seeing the home of these immortal fleshcrafters. She had heard so many tales of it's legacy in the land. But, being from Paris as she was, she rarely left unless it was to be jetted off to some remote wasteland where ronin kindred had to be snuffed out. Green eyes tilted to look to him a moment before she strode up the stone steps and to the open door. Entering slowly, she paused in her steps to await Blade, not sure if her arrival was expected by the Elder Wolfbane. It had been many years in passing since she had been in his presence, and she felt that she simply could not leave here until she had at least greeted him.~*

~He quickly closed the distance between the car and the front steps, then following Em up and into the doorway, he stopped to shake the water from both his hair and his trench before a hand jetted out and towards the stairs.~ The servants will see to your bags, and show you to your room. I'll give you time ample time to get settled in. And.. when I inform my father of your arrival, we'll get down to business. ~Gaze lingered upon her stoic features a moment before he smiled to her. He knew she was having to take time out of her schedule to be here, so he wouldn't bog her stay down with the unnecessary protocol of the Regent's house. Nobody ever got in any kind of hurry with that wishy wash business. One more thing he despised about the whole thing. This was informal Hand business, and since it fell under his territory, he would conduct business as he seen fit. She would adhere to it, or he'd send her back to Paris and take his sweet time about sending in the reports of his find.~ Rest Well, I'll see you on the 'morrow. ~With that, he turned and stepped on through the long hallway, his footsteps fading as his sillohette disappeared in the darkness.~

 

_____________________________

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 12:04 am

::The study harbored only the golden, subdued candlelight as Antoine stepped into it from the hallway. Kohl eyes shifting slightly around to the tomes and scrolls littering the wooden desk sitting katty-corner and across from the fireplace. There hasn't been a blaze in this room in ages, but tonight he requested the servants light it. The hypnotizing flames drawing his attention a moment or two before he took a mock breath and turned his attention to the doorway. The light clicking of heels told of another's arrival, and the faint wharf of a scent long forgotten to these walls, and this house, for that matter. He was always uneasy with the presence of Assamites within Wolfbane, and it always drew his mind back to that bleak time where his life almost ceased to exist.::

::The death of his wife has not been forgotten, much to both Beth and Blade's protest of his newly acquired bride, Rachyl. He did hold his own reservations of the Sired Tzimisce gift from Marcus, as well as the ill gains he was sure would come by taking such bestowments and allowing both sire and chylde to dwell within his home. Yes, indeed all would come to surface and soon where Marcus and his ways were concerned. But, for the here and now, he had other matters to wade through; those of rallying lycans, and of deceit from his own flesh and blood.::

*~She paused in the archway of the study, allowing green orbs to gaze casually to the man within. How long had it been since she stood in his prepense? Too long by her standards, and a faint smile was offered and she entered, hands clasp together as she presented herself before the Regent. Tipping her upper body, a soft lowering of her head aided her in this as she spoke softly~* 'My Lordship, tis good to see you once more...Thank you for allowing me sanctuary ..." *~She rose then, but kept her head at a lowered position still as she awaited his acknowledgment. She could eel his gaze move over her, the coldness still an unnerving feeling. The power he held felt circling around her slender form, that of great adventures from a past so ancient that the god's themselves must revel. His scrutiny perilous; his honor greatly abound.~*

::Turning, red clad form faced the slender, dark haired woman, his guest, and at one time, greatest confidante. His mind remembered the eve he relinquished his Selphm seat from the Hand and had given it unto this young and power hungry Assamite. He held doubts then, but standing in her presence now, he could only smile as arms uncurled to offer her a more informal greeting:: "Come now, Em, your not to humble as to offer an old goat such as myself the gentle affection of such a beautiful woman?" ::He chuckled as he watched her reaction, indeed it had been many a journey with her that he missed with his reign as Regent, the reclusive title had held him at bay from the world, but it was the world that was being shielded from him. But, a force to be reckoned with need not miss him as of late.:: "Tis good to see you, how have you been?"

*~She lifted her head only then as she heard his soft words, lop sided smile creased her delicate features.~* "Old goat? I see no such a thing in you, Antoine....you're not a day over 50, if that..." ~* She offered to him as embrace was received, her own arms circling his robed form. Holding him close, it was if time stood still in a breath before she leaned back, hearing his words once more~* "I am well, a little perturbed that when I do get the opportunity to tour your homeland, it rains." ~*She grinned then as she looked up, letting her gaze meet his. Thoughtful expression gracing her features.~* "But, as always, I never have the luxury of a holiday, and the horrors of work are nipping at my heels. Where is that detestable son of yours? Keeping us waiting for too long and he just might find himself lecturing to an empty room..."

Mayhaps I need to come back at another time, that is if you two need time to catch up on missed endeavors.." ~Words offered as he stepped into the room, dark gaze shimmering in the light as he eyed Emerald in the arms of his father. He smirked, knowing fully well that hell would be paid if it were not him to catch these two like this. He paid it no mind, as with the job came the secrets. Dirty or not, he kept them. Hand business was just that; taking names, keeping secrets and leaving no traitor alive to tell tales. He shifted the weight in his arms and let the folders fall against the table. Then turning to both Em and his father, he motioned to the chairs positioned around it.~ "Business before pleasure, you know the rules..." ~He stepped away only long enough to close the doors and shut the rest of the house out of their meeting. The quicker this was take care of, the sooner the Assamite could be on her way back to Paris. Although he loved Em like a sister, he held reservations about her in their house, and in his territory. A mild threat if that, he still would slumber better once this small lycan matter was over and done with and she was well on her way back to Paris.~

"Don't listen to him, Antoine, he's just jealous that the senior Wolfbane has always been the one to catch a woman's eye..." *~She patted his arms gently before stepping from the embrace, a glance over to the smug expression that Blade wore.~* "I see your in perfect form, this eve...what treats do you have in store for us, hmm? Answers to the age old question, can we live in harmony with these furry beasts of the land, or has the proven still to remain as our number one concern...we've all just dog meat in the eyes of the mutts?" ~*Tugging out a chair, she shifted her thin frame down into it and made herself comfortable, preparing to listen to what her partner had found out in his investigation.~*

"Oooooh!! Em, that's harsh, even coming from you. Not enough bonemeal in your breakfast? Or has the taste of the finer things in life gone right to your head? Romania does hold the most regal of bloodlines..." ~He smirked to the woman as he drew out a chair to have a seat across from her. Fanning out the folders, he shifted one before her, and one to the vacant seat to his right, for his father of course, if he even cared to sit in on this meeting. Dark eyes studied the Assamite as he waited,~

"Enough, you two, You'll make me miss this work too much and just have to reclaim my birthright ... as both you're boss..." ::He chuckled as he listened to their chatter, curious eye turning from one face to the other has he took a seat beside his son. Nothing would please him more than to have his son settle down with a good woman with a decent strain of kindred blood, even if it was Assamite..the thought appeared across his mind and dissappeared just as quickly once his darker side reminded him of things that will not come to pass for his son. Maybe it had been his fault for not pushing Blade harder in his quest to find a mate...by allowing him a free hand did he seal his fate. He pondered this lightly as he opened the file placed before him, dark gaze scanning over the printed words as he did.::

"Now then, the fax you sent to me a few months ago, Em, was rather distorted and vague. As with most lycan matters. I'm not sure what led you to think it was even their work, so I really had nothing much to go on...I did a routine check of the tribes around here, and nothing out of the norm was found." ~He paused as he shuffled through the papers to pick out one with several highlighted names on it, a listing of current lycan tribes. He held it up for them to note before it was lay to the center of the table.~"There is a rallying ...but it is from the Silverfangs this time, not the Gets. Their homebase and Belladonna resides in Paris. That was the angle I worked on...Sasha Woo is her name, head of a software conglomerate dubbed InFlux...nothing out of the norm there, either." ~Again, he found a sheet of paper with the information on the silverfangs, laying it to the table along with the former paper.~

"I wasn't aware of the 'Fangs uprising until just several weeks ago, and it was a lycan meeting that led me to this finding..It appears that Gaia is trying to insigate some kind of retalliation for the uprising, and so far, they can't get any tribe here in the Northern Terrotory to join forces..So..." ~Blade paused to fold his hands gently together, allowing his gaze to rest upon his father, then to Em as he did~ "That leads me to believe that ..either the Gaia, or the Fangs are responsible for this Paris slaying..we still don't know who the unfortunate bastard was...other than it was male and a lupine.."

"Gaia? What in the blazes are they doing back in Romania?" ::Dark eyes jetted up to his son as he finished his speech.:: "They haven't harbored these woods in...well since I took over reign and ran them out on a rail..." ::He almost spat those words out, of all the tribes, they stuck a thorn in his side the most, never to be as they appear, the so called peace loving band were just the opposite.::

"Good question...." ~*Green eyes lifted to look to Antoine before falling over the stoic festures of Blade. She pushed herself from the pile of papers once she had looked them over, giving the Tzi her full and undivided attention. She knew of no Gaia that would even think of crossing the boundaries into Paris, let alone Romania. They preferred the United States where Freedom rang for man and beast alike, preying on the filth of the larger cities and dwelling in the desolate Midwestern states for their sanctuary.~*

~He leaned up as he began to pass out another set of folders, this time his attitude and his voice became much thicker, as with the darkness that shot from his gaze once he had them laid out to their respected owners.~ "This is the dossier of the one Gaia lycan that we have now living in Stationside ..and with her comes a long list of gloom and doom..I can assure you that this one is up to no good by being here. Trisha Renee Corradino... " ~His gaze panned from his file over to his father as he awaited his reaction..hoping for a shock factor, to say the least while he hid his smirk.~

"Blade, you have got to be mistaken. All this for one lycan??" ~*Green hues lifted up from her paper to look across to him.~*

"I wish I was..and I wish it was any other Gaia but this one in particular...."

::He could feel the heat rising up in his cheeks from the closness of the fire, so much that if he turned and breathed upon the flames, he would be able to extinguish them without straining. He knew the woman alright, and loathed her more with a passion now since it seemed she jumped the fence to cross into Lycan blood.:: "Son...Why didn't you bring this to my attention sooner?" ::He ground his teeth to keep his tone low, for he wouldn't yell just yet....he needed to save his energy.::

~He looked to his father a moment and tried not to roll his eyes at him.~ "Hearing about it before now would not have made a difference..so far she's been the epitome of Gaian hospitality..so much that her halo is blinding to most that preceive her as a do gooder." ~He sighed as he flipped through the papers until he found the one with Knox's handwritten notes highlighted upon it.~ "That's what concerns me the most...not the long list of casualties in her wake..She was the one conducting the meeting I spoke of..trying to form an alliance with the Bone Gnawers Chieftain and the Ronin sister to the Get Chieftain."

"Kristen? What does she need with a blood thirsty Get in her corner...You said she was instigating peace, yet she wants to join forces with them? That....doesn't make any sense, none at all, son.." ::His gaze lifted up to eye Blade then, knowing fully well the name of Kristen and the hatered it held in this house.::

"Exactly my point, on both accounts, it's bizarre, too bizarre at that."

"Wait, did you say Kristen? Where have I heard that name before?" ~*Orbs lifted a moment to glance at Blade, then to Antione before she continued to read over the papers in her hand, shaking off the lost thought.~* "But, anyhow, I see two things...one, a Gaia playing hostess to a bunch of peaceful Gets, and of course, let's not forget the Fangs whom we know nothing about, expect they live in Paris..yet are rallying here in Stationside.."  ~* She shook her head slowly as she looked up to them both once more.~* "Forgive me gents for my french, but this is all ass backwards...things would be simpler if they would stay in their own territories and stop stirring the pot. Where's Samuel in all of this foreplay? I don't know about you, Blade, but I just bet he plays a key role in some of this rallying, if not all."

~He nodded slowly to Emerald's words as his hands shut the folder with a hard slap of the leather~ "Exactly my thoughts on all of this...everything that's the obvious is reversed....it looks like someone's not happy on their own side of the woods.." ~With a sigh he pushed away the folders and stood, a long sigh pressing from his lips.~ "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like that ...if we continue to pursue this investigation.... we're in for a long, hard road ahead of us...one that I'm not so sure I'm willing to travel right now.."

"Son.." ::His voice was low as he spoke, letting his gaze jet up to seek the face of Blade, holding his gaze to that of mirrored darkness from his own:: "If we do not keep up with the goings on in Lupine Territory now, death could very well wind up in our laps, and involve our kindred sooner than we would like to believe. To give up now would be a bad move. At the very least, appoint some of your people to keep watch still..If not for the Hand's benefit, but for the Scet's. I'll write up the necessary doctrines this eve...but I must insist that it be continued...as well as in Paris from Emerald's standpoint..."

~He leaned down against the table, knuckles supporting most of his weight as he did. Gaze stayed locked with his father's as he listened to his words, never batting an eye~ "I was afraid you were going to say that....which...is why I still have my people on the clock with this. Even I'm no fool when it comes to protection of 'our' kindred....Father allow me the privilege of working my territory as I see fit, not as your "Sect" would doctine me to do so.."

"Boys, Boys..." ~*She lifted a brow at the Wolfbane's dead cold stare down, trying to hide a smirk as she stood, collecting the papers before her~* "Can't we all just get along? After all, we are on the same side, here." ~*Papers were cradled within her arms as she held them close against her chest.~* "I'll keep my end under close observation, as I'm sure Blade will in Stationside....Antoine, my Sweet, It was a pleasure to see you again, I hope our meeting won't be so long in coming next time..." ~*With those words offered to the men, she nodded to them, letting her gaze catch Blade's for a moment or two before she turned and strode to the doors, pausing only long enough for them to open before her, then she disappeared out into the hallway.~*

::He broke the gaze then as he heard the raspy soft words from the Assamite, a nod to her as she bid them both goodbye in passing. With nothing more to say on the subject, he pushed himself away from the table and stood, turning on his heels to make his way from the room, knowing that once he left, that it would be the last time he would do so...as his father...for entering again he would be only the Regent ..for it was he who held unfinished business with one of his disobedient coven members.::

~Blade stepped to the windows and with a firm grasp, opened them and gave a push outward, allowing the coolness of the night to welcome him. He despised the way his father looked down on his in matters such as this; crossing of the powers were always a tedious tight rope towalk in his homeland. He swore under his breath as he leaned a shoulder against the window frame..But not this time. He would make sure this matter remained under his watchful eye, not that of the Regent.~

~So many thoughts whirled through his mind as the clouds of confusion began to pick at his nerves. So much that he shut them all out as gaze lifted to the velvet sky and stared to the full moon that hung low overhead...somewhere in the night the wolves would rise up, the beast of their own souls would cry out for hunger, and for an end to their torment. So much alike they were, garou and vampire, feeding a beast that possessed; mind, body and soul...in all the calamity, one could only laugh at the insanity of it all..and it was then that soft chuckles of the Tzi were heard as he closed his eyes, praying to a god that was long since dead and gone in his heart ..praying to make all the madness fade..if only just for alittle while.~

 

Chapter 55--Matchstick Promises: The Days to Come

 

Lupine Territory, Romania 2004

Zeke's Poolhall, Downtown 9:34 pm
::As the setting sun dropped behind the mountain tops Zach walked the slightly crowded streets for no real reason at all except to explore. Running his fingers through his shoulder length jet black hair he sighed slightly and looked up. His brow raised at the new pool hall that graced the town. Sea green eyes ran over the lettering that said "Blood Bucket Pool Hall"...very creative he told himself, but what type of attention would be brought to this place? One could only tell through time. Walking closer to it the faint smell of fear lingered in the air....maybe attention was already being brought to the Pool Hall. Pulling his hands out of his black jeans pockets he opened the door slowly almost waiting for something or someone to come flying through the door. Careful? No just safe. Walking inside his black boots made no noise on the wooden floor, looking around he walked towards a dark corner wondering what would go on. Slipping into a seat in the darkened corner he slid his leather jacket off and sat it next to him::

~A sea of leather and denim became the collective gathering at the pool hall. A haven belonging to the Bone Gnawers tribe, and newly redecorated in the style of anything metal that could crack one's skull apart, and of course that smell of cigar smoke and stale beer for the ambiance. The center attraction seemed to be a littering of marble slated pool tables, and of course an ongoing game in progress which had the scattering of a few men passing bets back and forth around behind the players backs. If it were not for the yelling and screaming, the juke box in the corner could be heard spilling out the loud rock tunes in time with the flashing lights it held. Off to the bar sat a lone figure clad in green camo pants and a plan black tee-shirt. Boots resting in the seat across from her, dark locks tucked up underneath a CAT logo'd ballcap. Attention mildly held to the pool game, but it was the Expression of distrainment that her face held as the scene played out. Eyes shot to the door a moment, and to the lone wolf that entered. A curl of one brow offered a puzzled glance to him before she reached up to curl fingers around a long neck bottle before her. The scattering of papers to the bartop left unattended as she stood and weaved her way closer to where Zach had took his seat~

::Closing his eyes he leaned back and a smirk passed over his lips as he felt her gaze on him:: Good Evening Trixie ::then he opens his eyes and laughs:: or is it Trisha? ::Looking her over like any other male would do he smiled softly then waved his hand out offering her the seat across from him:: Do you own this place? ::Looking around he shook his head, this was abit drastic even for Zach. Sitting up abit straighter he layed his hands on his legs and looks at her fingers wrapped tightly around the bottle as if she was holding onto it for dear life. Funny how it was...Zach didnt touch alcohol, he actually despised it. Why would anyone want to make themselves stupid? He could think of better things to do::

~The bottle was still capped, and was exacly what it appeared to be, a weapon held in the loving caress of it's owner. She smiled to him, a tilt of her head to his words~ Well, Hello Zachery..or is it Zach? ~A mock pout held to her lips as if to blow him a kiss before she planted her cammo'd rear in a seat across from him. She sighed lighty as gaze left him once to glance to the yelling, then turning back around, her back turned to the crowd as the bottle was at upon the table.~  It's whatever you want it to be..I'll answer to both..where have you been hiding? I mean, I did suggest a vacation on our last meeting, but man.. ~She smiled again. Knowing fully well they could have used his brawn with all the ralllying Fangs running around.~ And, no I don't own this place. Wish I did, it's the purrfect place to sink a buck in and make a profit. I'm just looking..kinda scoping out the place. Never know what kind of offers might pop up.

::Nodding softly to her words he then leans towards her as if he was going to kiss her but then smirks:: You can call me whatever you want ..darling ::A splash of laughter seemed to light up his eyes as he looked at her:: But all work, no play right? ::Shaking his head he leans back in the seat and crosses his arms over his chest:: You told me to go on a vacation so I did it. Dont tell me things and expect me not to do them. ::He shrugged slightly and tilted his head to the side abit and felt his hair slide over his neck making him shiver:: I can see that there wasnt to much trouble, your still alive.. ::A laugh erupted from his lips and he shook his head..damn he cracked himself up sometimes::

~Her laughter was offered to his joke.~ That's what I like about you, Doll. You've got a sense of humor. And your the first person to actually listen to me. ~She leaned back, letting her slender form rest in the oversided chair until comfortable. Sapphire eyes held a slight shimmer against the candle before them as she cupped her chin gently in the curve of one palm~ Things here have been horrible, I barley did keep myself alive. ~Gaze and delicate features then took on a serious look about them~ Some people have died while you were away. Not all bad people, either. If it wasn't for one of your own, I would have been decapitated right along wtih the 'Gnawer.

::Ideas flicked through his head...what did you expect? He was only male. Laying his jacket in his lap he shifted slightly in the chair and looked away from her momentarily then his head shot back towards her:: Who is the Gnawer? And one of my own..Who? I know nothing of any fights Trixie ::He looked at her and leaned closer his eyes now all business:: Why have I heard nothing? ::A growl grew under his breath and his fingers curled into the palm of his hand::

Maybe your people haven't told you? I'm not sure, Zach. Honestly, I wish you would have been here. The Fang's attacked the Bonegnawers on the docks a few weeks back. Stole their cargo of stolen weapons. ~Lifting a soft brow she paused to gather her thoughts. The entire ordeal has shook her up and she could also see the rage building within the Get as she spoke. Last thing she wanted was to have him upset before she could tell him the rest. That is if she, too could control herself~ They brought the fight in to the city then and ambushed Myself, The Chieftain of the BoneGnawers, and Kara. We came out of the Cafe and boom..they jumped us, Abel was dead before he hit the ground...They attacked your turf...Zach..~she offered lastly in a hushed tone~

::Usually Zach was peaceful, but anger filled his eyes and he stood up. Pulling his jacket on he simply said nothing as he shoved his way through the crowd. Finally making it outside his hands stayed at his sides yet his hands were curled into tight fists. Why had no one told him? Was his tribe to scared that they had to let someone out of his tribe tell him his business? Growling under his breath he knew that there was more to this story. Maybe Trixie didnt know the other parts of it but he would find out even if he had to fight for information. Walking towards town anger seemed to radiate off of him::

~She ran after him, of course. She knew the blood of his people well. He would not be happy at all until he sought revenge. She plowed through the front door as booted feet pounded against the sidewalk, calling after him as she barely spotted him in the darkness~ Zach Wait!!! ~Knowing fully well that if he was anything like his former chieftain, hell was to be paid with Fang's blood. She ran on, not about to allow him to leave this angry. But what was she going to do..she was not any match to the likes of his brawn~

::Turning down a narrow alley way he pressed his back against the cool wall and leans his head back. His body almost shaking with anger:: Trixie I want names...no one comes onto my grounds and raises hell ::Looking at her he narrows his eyes:: But hell will be raised now...dont doubt that for one moment. ::Gritting his teeth together he felt his anger just escalate as the minutes rolled by::

~Once she caught upwith him in the alley, her hands fell to his arms as fingers coiled arond them gently. Her own chest heaving as she tried to sooth the anger in him~ Hey, now it's going to be alright. I know who issued the raid...~Her voice was trembling as she spoke, both from the tremors his body was in under her touch, and of course the tainting look of the beast as he fought it off~ I know it cuz I killed her henchman..Sasha Woo..but so far she's been a ghost..you hear me, Zach? A fucking ghost.. ~her hands left his arms before a palm cupped to his cheek~ I know you need to go after her, she broke the codes..I'll help you..anything you say..I'll do it.. ~She tried to calm him,but was unsure if he really wanted her around him at all. They knew so little about the other and trust was not handed out so freely.~

::He looked at her for a moment then closed his eyes:: I need her dead I need anyone who helped her dead or in my grasp ::Feeling her hand cup his cheek he almost gasped, it was hard enough fighting off the beast, yet her touch didnt help even though she might have wanted it to. Reaching up he took her hand and lifted it away from his face:: Unless you plan on dealing with me out of control, I suggest you not touch me. But I have no problem with loosing control ::A small joke in with the anger...yes something Zach would do::

~Both hands were raised then as she stepped back from him~ Alright, alright. I get the picture..unless you want me to stick you, then I'm going. ~She had amber in her pocket, always. But, then again, why would he even consider her help as being for the good. Taking in a few quick breaths she leaned her hands to her knees to keep her own control in check~ That's all I know, her name. Do with it what you must. It's not my fight anymore, I don't meddle where I'm not wanted.

::A look of shock passed over his face, opening his eyes he shook his head:: No..you are wanted Trixie. I would trust you on a major job, I trust you to get things done and I am asking for your help. ::He knealed down next to her ignoring the fact that she could "stick" him any moment. Leaning back against the wall a small grunt left him:: I need help with this, I dont know where to even start.

~Her breaths began to slow down as she tilted herhead to look to him, those dark locks falling wildly around her face. Heh, she lost her hat in the run. A smile tugged to one corner of her lips as she forced herself to stand as eyes looked to him with the same look as before, surreal and truthful~ Your the only one in this damn city that trusts me, Zach. except for Kara, and I'm not so sure that is a given anymore. ~A few more beats of the heart and she settled down, tossing her hair from her face with a swipe of her hand~ We'll get that bitch, don't worry. First thing we need is a will, and you've got more than that now.

::He raised a brow slightly:: Why does no one trust you? ::looking at her he takes a deep breath:: But how about you do me a favor and when your around me wear....more clothes ::He smirked and shrugged:: I'm only male darling, males only have so much control ::Zach still had that player attitude, after doing it for so long he had dropped it but sometimes that old attitude seemed to come back in the blink of an eye::

Why? ~She moved over to take a seat, letting the coolness of the stone wall quill the heat raging off her skin~ It's simple, really. I'm a Gaia. Nobody trusts our kind because all we want is an ends to this fighting..peace among our people. Most would rather see us dead than *need* our help. ~A shrug hit one shoulder as she gave a glance to her clothing, then looked up to him~ How about a coat? I have a big one, ugly too..you'd like it. ~She already knew he was more than male, and probably more male that she could handle. She wasn't in anything for the lust, not unless it was mutual. He's stated the obivious, so she would be obliged to cover up more~

Big ugly things turn me off ::he smirks:: I think I like that idea ::chuckling softly he then shook his head:: You cant catagorize someone just becuase of the tribe they are in. Everyone is different with different thoughts and feelings. I just dont understand sometimes. ::Looking at her he smirked as he watched her face as she was sitting there:: You have a funny look on your face...

~She drew her tongue over the curve of her bottom lip then laughed again~ I'm kind of surprised, actually. Most men don't do that with me...they'd rather see less clothing, your the first to ask for more..~Hands pressed to the ground as a gentle push brought her swiftly up to stand. Rubbing her palms against her hips to wipe off the grit before she spoke again~ I know others stereotype alot, but I don't. Your more of a man than that monster you worked for ever was, and I also know that working with you like this is very dangerous...But like I say, I don't go into nobody's turf unless I'm wanted. And if that time ever comes, you do know where to find me. As for business... ~She offered a hand to him~ You got it...

::A smile danced on his lips, this would be a good business match. He stood up and brushed himself off as well before shaking her hand:: And you know how to contact me or where to find me...I must be going now. Thanks, Trisha...and I mean it.

 

Chapter 56--The Smell of Revenge

 

Lupine Territory 2004

Zach's Chateau, 7:00 pm
::Several days had passed since Zach heard of the dealings in his territory. Several days to think about it, and several days to stew in his anger. And now he was ready for some payback. Walking into the dimly lit room of his study,  Zach slipped through the shadows to the desk. Picking up the phone, he dialed Trixie's number once more and let it ring until her answering machine picked up. Anger still radiated from him, with everything said and done, it had been his tribe that was attacked by the 'Fangs, or so he was told. But he didnt care if it was true or not, someone was going to pay:: "Good Evening Trixie this is Zach, I need you to call me back before I kill every last one of the fuckers, I want details, I know your holding something back. I want names, numbers, descriptions, I dont give a hell what else.. I just want it! I am in no mood to play chase the mouse, unless you want blood to paint the town, call me back" ::Slamming the phone down on the hook he turned around and unzipped his leather jacket, tossing it onto the nearby on his way out the door. He walked to the bedroom, then slumped down onto his bed with a groan. Never had Zach been so angry, no one dared walk onto his land and slaughter his people. Zach was just now re-building the tribe, he didnt need this horse shit going on.::

 

________________________________________

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

212 Warren Street, 8:40 pm

::Entering the small flat she deemed her sanctuary, gaze idly held attentive to anything as she went through the motions of tossing her jacket to a nearby chair, then boots were kicked off. She needed a shower and a good hot cup of tea. But, that might have to wait for alittle while longer as she stood and moved over to the livingroom. Finger dropped to flip on the small answering machine, slender frame rested just beside it as she perched a shoulder against the doorframe. A lift of her brow as Zach's voice was heard, distainment his mood, as with the other night. She sighed as she heard his voice booming across the speaker. This wasn't good. She was still trying to gather all the information that she could. But it was a slow process. Zach wasn't one to sit and wait on others, she took his threat as such. Turning the machine off, she grabbed the phone and dialed him back, hoping he hadn't went out and did anything stupid just yet.::

::The calming noises of rain dropping ontop of the roof above his head had put him to sleep. Laying rolled up in the blankets on the king sized bed he slowly came awake with the sound of his phone ringing. Jumping up he stumbled as the sheets were intertwined around his long legs. Growling under his breath he grabbed the phone and managed to bring it to his ear:: Hello? ::Yawning softly he slumped down in the seat next to the desk that held a large lamp and of course the telephone that he was now using. He sat in darkness as he waited for the person on the other line to answer...he just hoped it was Trixie. He had his alarm set in another hour to wake him up so he could go out to town...only he truely knew what he was going to do::

"It's me, I just got home..what is going on over in Get country..?" ::Lips held a smirk as gaze lifted to the window as she watched the rain slither down the glass, turning as the wireless phone was cradled under her chin, she stepped on into the kitchen, flipping on the light. She began to rummage around for her teapot, filling it then setting it against the stove's eye to heat.:: "I got your message, are you sure it's wise to start cracking skulls just yet..?"

::A warm smile passed over his lips as he heard her voice..it was a relief Still alittle weary of her intentions, thought. He was a 'Get', what do you expect.:: Trixie..how nice of you to call. ::He began in his usual sarcastic tone:: Things are...rather...harsh right now. I need some answeres and I need them tonight. Babe, I'm left in the dark here....Now I dont know who it was..I am simply assuming that what you told me is the truth. I need proof, and I needed it two seconds ago.::His left hand curled into a fist, he wanted revenge on whoever was pulling his chain. He was not someone to dick around with::

::She sighed as she leaned over to tug a cup from off one of the hooks. These people didn't know when enough was enough. Guess they wouldn't be happy until they had more blood on their hands.:: Alright..I hear ya. But, I'm still working on it... I don't have much to go on, but I do know where to start. Let me clean up and suck down some caffeine.. .::She turned then as her fingers scooped up a pen and scrap of paper from the counter:: Gimme about an hour or so, then I'll fax what I've got over...gimme your number. 

::He raised a brow, he heard her sigh and that made him have to ask with a playful tone:: Well if you don't want to play with me, Trisha, then just say so. There's others out there more than willing to help me for the bucks I'm about to fork out for this hunt. ::A smirk played on his lips, hell the truth was that Zach wouldnt mind losing money half as much as he would mind losing her on this matter..:: Alright, the number is..687-482-9009.

 

::She laughed to his words as she scribbled down the number.:: God, your such a kidder, alright, just to make this official. Yes, Zach I am handling the case. You just make sure your ready when the time comes to fork over that cash.. I hate to wait...oh and just so you know... It is an obscene amount that we're talking about. Nothing but the best for you, Doll.

 

 ::Running his fingers through his shoulder length hair he smirked again:: Sure..and please do hurry Trixie..I don't think I can afford to wait much longer, not at this rate...my banker won't be pleased...not at all. ::He tried to hold back a laugh but it came out:: We'll talk soon, Sleep tight, now. ::He lay the phone back to the cradle and silently hoped he wasn't making a big mistake involving himself and his money with this Gaia.::

 

::She smirked again to herself before she bid him bye and slid the phone to counter. What a mess, and to top it off, she had an antsy Get expecting her to pull information out of a hat. Three fucking cheers for a magician. She wished she had at least a crystal ball or something that would shed some light on these elusive Silver Fang freaks. Turning, she slapped the note on the counter then she made haste in finishing up her mess, gathering her much need cup of tea. This was going to be a long night...she could already feel it in her weary bones.::

 

Chapter 57--Obsidian Canvas

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 8:39 pm
~Upon sundown, the house became alive with the usual calamity of the coven in motion, their nightly flights into the city setting the course of this eve's Serenade; hallow sanctuary left to just a handful of ghouls awaiting their master's summons. One would not need such for now. The Regent sat within the openness of the library, candle lit haven for the Tzi as quill was pushed to parchment in that perfect calligraphy of old world standards. Only once did dark eyes lift up as a thump was heard overhead, followed by the high pitched squeal of something not of this earth; a curling smile tugged to his stoic features as free hand soon found the curve of a lit clove resting in the porcelain ashtray before him~

~Cat like stretch, eyes opening the red pupils surrounded by black iris gave a haunting effect, shoulders rolled, arms encased in crimson lace floating. Hint of an enlightened smile on crimson lips, slender fingers resting on the dark wood of the door frame. Hourglass silhouette of tightly woven crimson lace mixing with the shadows cast from candle the effect was as if she was covered in blood. What power she beheld as she watched the dark slender clove moved to his lips.~

~White smoke plumbed up around his upper torso, the effect almost angelic as it coiled around him, lingering to caress if allowed. Dark locks were left down this eve, the black river of silk against the regal red of his Regent's robe contrasting to a stark eye catcher glitter, gold embroidered symbol of the dragon swallowing it's tail detailed to each sleeve's edge. He had heard the lovely pats of bare feet against the flooring of the house, as with everything that went on around them. Amplifying ten fold; the house apart of the immortal more than anyone..and tonight it would whisper songs of uncertainty. A tilt of his head as dark eyes shimmered in the light, scrutinizing look bleeding into one of endearment as he beckoned Rachyl forth with a steady gaze of approval~ -w- Dark eve, my dear..did you sleep well?

~Smile grew to his words~ Very, I dreamt of you.... ::dancer's grace word spoken with each perfect step dark lace kissing the back of bare heels. waist deep in blood. Ice cold fingers tips barely traced his dark silken locks pushing hair back sweeping down to his temple as eyes met his. ~bedroom whisper~:: I was with you... your arm around my waist pulling me closer to your. The silver chalice carved with the same dragons ... you were smiling as I've never see before and pouring blood from above into my wanting mouth. ::cool lips leaving soft kiss on his forehead.~ How are you this dark eve... dear?

Considering the night is still young..and you have graced my presence..what more do I need? ~Apart from that, he nodded lightly as he leaned back into the leather chair, content to watch her for the moment. Lips curled ever so cynical as he listened to her soft musing voice, taking him right into her dreamworld for the moment; their vision becoming one as he recanted the dream from the misty corners of her mind. Dark eyes never taking their looming presence from her own deepen pools of obsidian madness.~ -w- Now, why can't I have dreams like that? ~Smile grew as a hand reached to take her's into his grasp, lifting up for a kiss against the chilled skin~ But, all too soon will we make our own dreams, I've not heard one peep about our wedding arrangements. Is this a very well kept secret..? ~He couldn't help but chuckle lightly as hand moved up the slender arm of the vixen to cup a smooth cheek in against his palm. The touch of her face as pristine as porcelain.~

~China doll face pressed into his palm eyes closed and reopened to met his darkness. Velvet tone.~ I no secrets from you.. ::lips parted just so before saying his name as only she could:: Antoine. ::Dark orbs revealing excitement:: ~Movements slow each a momentary pause of perfect grace~ I got sidetracked while seeing a gift befitting of my soon to be husband. ~knowing smile of a student that feels she's gotten the Master's difficult lesson~ I believe you will understand. May I tell you? ~Her personal parade for the one who's attention she held stopped as she felt the edge of the desk against the perfect heart shaped curves~ I believe the new artist in Stationside is less than talent and more a Fool in Indecent in clothing.

~Dark eyes brought the visage before him into focus as they lowered then rose, washing blackness over each detail of supple curves clad in lace. The color teasing to the eye against pale features. Excitement seemed to flash in his expression as she spoke of such a trek for himself. hint of a smile lingering upon his lips~ Any gift that you deem worthy of your attention will only become the befitting gift in which you speak, but come now.. What is this I hear from your lips...? ~Eyes tilted then, straight shot to the door in which were already closing under his command, only to have the scrolled handle lift and seat the lock into place...and with a mock breath did his attention return upon her, another unspoken command as hands found the firmness of her waist, hips lifted up as he settled her into his lap. A brush of his lips against the coils of her dark locks~ We're alone now, my pet..please, do tell what weighs on your mind this night.

~The door's closing brought dark hair flying over her lace covered shoulder. Instant tingle hitting her body the thrill of Antoine's skills charging her. Eyes met his a true smile feeling his strong hands upon her. Gasp into a shuddered dark purr squiggling her perfect heart down into his lap. Eyes fluttered the tingle heightened from his cool lips tease of rain scented silk hair.:: ~whispers~ You always impress me. ::shiver taking her inhaling his intoxicating scent finding her focus eyes opened as she turned to look into his eyes:: The Torrie Arianna ::conviction filled her velvet tone:: I believe she is a very poor spy for the Camarilla. I've seen her insult the name Wolfbane hence I put our wedding arrangements on hold because as your future wife I must act now as when that night comes taking the responsibility of protecting my husbands name, what he stands for and all he controls. Am I a bad girl? Or my wicked Lord's prized pet? ::slight smile::

~Dark eyes settled a passive gaze upon her face as whisper tones filled his ears. A hint of satisfaction noted in both his eyes and curling lips of impressment. Only one did he wish to feel that need from; warmth and contentment radiating from both her voice and guiding orbs of darkness. But his features took on a darkening aspect, as if the clear night sky was suddenly washed with shaded storm clouds when treachery was spoken from his love. Turbulent gaze met the stillness of her eyes as each word was absorbed into his very bring, omitting passage to his ears first. A stillness much like that of death befell him. Dark eyes locked into her own as mouth could only utter a few words in a forgotten language before fingers rolled their way along the curving slope of her arms to reach shoulders. Eyes flashed red then, wicked fires of the blood rising forth as he reached for her for the first time without touch, or senses...##Auspex~Spirit Link~## ...and like a breath of the cool night breeze did he fuse the bond, his mind probing her thoughts..she could feel him, deep within as he sought out all that his lovely pet had witnessed. Looking for the source of the convictions.~
::She could feel his physical hold upon her shoulders dark eyes widen when she felt him stronger inside her mind. The Torrie has focused on the males of the Wolfbane family yet she has refused protection. ...::

##...I do not believe Arianna has fallen to the Clan's natural flaw of becoming enraptured by the indescribable beauty from the chiseled works of art. She would be focused on only one Wolfbane so much so that she'd risk her life just to look at him. Her attention is on Wolfbanes it shifts from you, Blade and Marcus. What reason would she have to get close to all Wolfbanes since she insults even the smallest gifts offered; She showed no respect for you at the Ball. I visited her thinking a vampier artist would be able to capture me in the perfect form as a gift for you. She wanted me to stay the night. I suggested she come to the estate if such was needed she didn't feel comfortable working outside her studio. You saw how she hunts like a Cammie dog showing no loyalty to any but herself. She was offered sanctuary and refused trice even after the Malkie Leo was sane enough to attempt to enlighten Arianna before she refused the third time. I can think of no reason a Torrie would have to not accept the protect of the Regent who has offered a safe haven... After all they do so bow to the whims of their puppet Princes. I fear she is attempting to get close to you Antoine and not because of the man you are but because of who you are. Why else would one insult what you've offered yet still throw herself at you, Blade & Marcus at every turn.? Betrayal is the emotion I feel when Arianna is around. ##

::Every corner of her mind that held a memory of the Torrie reeled past like many films flickering on a wall of monitors. Her mind bared to Antoine for him to see all she had experienced.::

~::##Yes, Love, become my wicked pet. That's it..look beyond the surface, I want to feel what you feel..what your own blood summons you to feel.....don't be afraid to show me what you truly are..##:~

~He offered as the currents of his thoughts soon coiled around to absorb those jagged pieces of her psyche, and with an iron soft touch of all that he was, drank in the bittersweet certitude of her inner most thoughts. They swirled into his own mind as the tedious process of skimming through the clouds in search of that which was truth..and there in his love did he find just that. Blinded himself by the obvious, the reality washed through him as the tides of his link receded back and fled from their existence within her. The lingering feelings a rejuvenation much like that of feasting, but leaving a weakened feeling as well. Arms circled around her then as he drew her near, mind already complicating just what move he would take with this....Toreador...whisper soft voice fell against her ear~ Drink, my love, if you need..I've all that I need to know.. ~A pleased tone offered in his words as he held her close~

::Provocative exhaustion swept over her from the ending of him seeing into her inner being. Amazed by the knowledge he'd left her with she knew Antoine had lived each moment as she had. Body relaxing into him cool cheek brushed up the side of his neck fangs unsheathing longing whimper into a velvet whisper:: Antoine, my love, you spoil me. ::fang slipped down his neck sinking in just at the hollow cool lips pressed to him soft murr eyes closing to the taste of his dark blood slender fingers slipping under the silk feeling his cold firm chest the soft coolness of the silk through the lace. Drawing strength as his darkness fangs sinking deeper tasting Antoine's anger swallowing nails curled into his chest::

~Hands found the swells of her bosom before he caught himself. A silent curse to himself for being such a martyr and wanting to wait until the consummation..he was more than eating his priestly words as the supple flesh of the woman was stirring all that was male within him. He growled softly as lips found the curve of her lobe once again, a nip offered there to curb the thirst of the creature in his arms~ Not too much, Love ..waste not, want not.. ~He teased as he relaxed and leaned back to rest within the soft curve of the leather chair. Dark eyes a vivid black as he looked to her, a tilt of his head drawn in to the right as he simply watched her, awaiting the moment she would ask of his intentions.~

::Soft growl feeling the nip ice crystals ran through her sending a wave of wanting fangs slipped out as her tongue pressed into his hollow dragging up over one puncture to the other sealing them longing kisses moved up the side of neck. Feeling the sensation of warmth a bit lightheaded from him sating her need. Velvet whisper:: Thank you. ::Dark eyes met his vivid blacks:: Tell me how I can please my darkest love... My husband to be. Tell me what wicked desirer will bring you dreams as wonderful as mine of you?

~His expression was elusive, but that was always the case with his persona. Tone was soft, enduring..for to offer his inner thoughts to her would always be of the strictest in confidantes.~ I trust you Rachyl.. ~He began, eyes falling into a collective repetitions of meeting her eyes, one from the other. His breaths, as hollow as they were, held weight in their summons~ And I have seen what you have, felt what you have. My actions should be as I have received the information, a mutual alliance to protect our haven...and our people. What I propose to you must be in agrance to us both; thus this will be our first league together as one. ~His hand rose to sweep back soft strands of silk from her cheek~ We cannot afford to have a stray in our flock, so we must become the shepherds. And the first lesson that we must show this Toreador is her mistakes. I propose that I pay her a visit, this painting that you ask of her is of great importance. Again, I will instill the need for her to be here, in our home to produce it. If she doesn't not accept -my- request..then I have no choice but to remind her of her position in this fair sect. ~dark gaze simmered with evil intent then as he spoke the last few words to her barely above a dark whisper~ Mayhaps for the rest of her undead life.

::She could feel his blood moving mixing with hers fueling the darkness she is ever craving. Dark eyes staying on his vivid black orbs. Smile spreading over her perfect China doll face. Velvet tone:: Antoine... ::Nipples harden into the restrain of the crimson lace to the intensity of his tone:: You know what it does to me when you get like this? ::Nails sweeping down the neglected side of his neck:: I love it when you are wicked... you make me want to be evil for you. ::soft unneeded intake drawing in of air taken as she leaned closer to his lips.:: It makes me want you... more. ::Tips of her fangs pressed down into her bottom lip puncturing the soft skin just before lips pressed to his starting the kiss softly deepening it as she slipped her bottom lip between his.::

~Fangs were present the moment the smell of fresh blood became evident within his senses, and the beast rose up to partake of it with a furious urgency. Lips drew in her taste as steely prickles of fangs pierced supple flesh, drawing in her life-force swiftly..pulling free, lips wrapped against that bottom lip to suckle as tongue would seal any evidence of wounds to the fairer sexed creature. Strong hands fell to her sides, firm grasp made before he lifted her up and upon the desk with ease. He stood then, looking down to her with that stoic flood of scrutiny to both his features, and those eyes. He chuckled mildly then as the night's breeze came into the room with a rush as the windows just to the right of the room shot open from an uttered command~ Is it warm in here, or is it just me? ~A tilt of her head as he couldn't help but laugh quietly to himself~ There's plenty of time for that, little lady, for now, we shall finish the mess that the Cam has started. ~Knuckles tapped to the desk before his slender form moved to stand before the open window, the night looked upon for the first time this eve.~

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

DelaCora Gallery, 10:00 pm
:: Doors to the gallery open, Arianna would be found behind in the gardens preparing for out of town guests. Dressed in the norm, midlength skirt suit of black and matching heels, caramel colored hair down the length of her back ::

:: After the sun had set behind the horizon, the black limo pulled from the seclusion of the estate to enter the quiet town, and to pull upon the curb of the deemed Gallery owned by the Torrie dubbed LeCrue. Silent steps took the Regent from it's confinds and through the gallery, gaze not offering any hint of interest to the paintings as he sought out only the creator. Stepping to the edge of the deemed gardens, red robed form paused there to look about::

:: Sensing the presense of another, she finished the task at hand, which at the moment was making small center peices that would adorn the tables for the following eve. Slowly upon finishing, her head turned followed by the rest of her. A bit suprised to see Antione, she gave a soft smile and calmly approached him :: Good eve, Senor Wolfbane. What a lovely surprise.

Arianna.. ::A nod to her as she approached:: I was hoping I might find you hear. May we sit and talk? There are a few things that are pressing heavy upon my mind.. ::Hand lifted after the nod was issued. Gaze lowering to cast upon the lovely visage as he did.::

:: She only looked at him a moment, curious as to what the pressing issues where, then motioned for him to join her at a small table, just outside the gallery doors under the awning. :: Please. May I offer you a drink?

::Eyes moved to inspect the gardens a moment, then he nodded to her once again:: That would be fine if it's of no inconvenience to you. You look as if your expecting quite a gathering here.. ::Not helping but take notice to the many tables scattered about the gardens::

:: She nodded as she moved to the mini bar just across from the table he would claim a seat to. :: Yes, I have some out of town fellow gallery owners coming for a meeting we hold annually. :: She poured into a crystal goblet thick crimson fluid and joined him at the table, now claiming a seat herself. Still smiling :: I hope everything is well Senor Wolfbane.

::He waited until she joined him to sit, offering to tug the chair out before he took a seat across from her. Even in his old age, he was not without the subtleties of old world manners. Leaning forward, hands clap together as they rested upon the table. The glass noticed, but not touched just yet:: I was going over a few things with my son about the meeting he held for the lands 'new' patrons, and It seems that you have declined the invitation for sanctuary within the boundries of Stationside, and the Woffbane Sect section, is this correct?

:: His old world charm was still a great appreciation in this modern world. She took the seat, then listened carefully to what he had to say. At the finish of his inquiry, she gave a slight nod. :: Yes, that I have. I hope you and your home find no offense to my desicion.

::He arched an eyebrow as he listned, clearly this was puzzling to him:: May I as to why you have came to this decision?

:: She was silent a moment :: There are many reasons. The largest is that I enjoy my space and privacy. My art requires much open space for me to work.

I see. This has nothing to do with your work, as it is, to revolt an invitation into Tzimisce domain is an insult. Surely your clan knows this, as with all the clans that follow the traditions of the kindred writs. You must realize to some extent that your gallery is in the city, and the city's domain lies within the Sabbat's sect, and I am Regent to that Sect. It's my job to insure peace. And in doing so, I must make sure that all the land is safe for those that dwell here...coming and going, one must ask admittance, or await acceptance.

:: Her eyes cast down :: My intentions where not to insult you or your house. My life is peaceful for once, and in all honesty, I've seen the drama and friction of those who live within the estate and I'm just not sure I could .... :: she couldn't say anymore for fear of offending the gentleman ::

Ms. LeCrue, It is not my intentions to have harm come to you, but I am not responsible for those who would see this as treachery and take action against you. I am not in any position to aide you if indeed harm would come to your doorstep. We do have other Antitrubuites that dwell in the land and are not apart of the Estate, yet hold the invitation as insurance that we are available if needed. ::He lifted a brow as he plucked a scroll from his belt:: I will leave this with you to look over. ::Standing, he nodded down to her, and could say no more either way:: You will have to make your own mind up, as I will await no more than three evenings for an answer. This matter has been offered, and that's all I can do until I have your final answer.

:: She stood as he did, taking the scoll in hand. She eyed the parchement for a moment, then looked to him. :: I will consider your offer Senor Wolfbane, and I will have an answer to you before the time is up.

Very Well, I thank you for your time in this matter. I would have not considered the issue if my Son had not ask that I grant you one more try. Have a pleasent evening. ::A nod offered to her, then he strightened his robe:: I can see myself out, Madam, no need to worry about that.

:: She furrowed her brow a bit in confusion :: I'm sorry, Senor Wolfbane, you said your son sent you to do this?

::He paused in his step:: He petitioned me to consider asking you once more, yes. Is there a problem in this matter?

:: She shook her head :: No, I just find it as odd is all. ::Her lips curved into a curt smile as the bite of uncertainity struck her. Like an unseen serpent did Blade insure she would be in debt to them. Mind in quick calculation, she drew in a mock breath.:: He sure is a busy man these days. I suppose that is what he was doing at the Shadowlight magic shop? Oh, I'm sorry, where are my manners.  I won't keep you  any longer, as I know you're a busy man.

My son sees things in others that I cannot. ::Questionble gaze turned as he looked to her, her last statement catching his undivided attention:: Magic shop? ::Mind drew from memory of the very shop she spoke of, in Lycan terrirory:: I'm....not sure about his business with the Lycans. ..Good Eve.. ::He nodded again and moved on back into the gallery, and to the awaiting limo. Turning to his driver, he spoke with urgancy as he changed his course from the Estate to the Carpitian hills. And to the deemed Magic shop in question. It was high time he reintroduced himself to the one Ms. Kristen of the Get, after all these years, she was sure to forget.::

 

________________________________________

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 2:06 am

::Footfalls were nye heard as the Regent shifted along the corridor of the lower level. His presence made quietly from the shadows as thoe dark eyes fell upon the security station of the estate. Glancing around but not seeing whom which he came for. Stoic features held true to his plae features as he simply watched the two figures manning the station. Knox, the Tzi guardian was the first to pause, and Antoine watched as he nudged the Brujah to his left with an elbow. True he han't been introduced to this wayward Cam, but that was not his reason behind coming down into the working machines of the place. He sought his son; as always, the elusive was his adversary.::

::Clearing his throat as he stepped forth into the room, Tzi and Brujah alike tipped their head in reverance. Antione returned their acklodgement with a stern gaze set dead on each.:: "When my son sees fit to return home from his outing this eve, have him report directly to my study.."

::A summons in any language would be noted by the harshness of his words. He was not pleased with Blade, not at all. Things had been hidden from his eyes for far too long, and would be openly 'discussed' this night. Turning, he moved back out of the small room, knowing quite well that the Tzi ghoul's gaze would fall on his recending shadow as he moved back to the parlor of the estate. Some of his son's tactics were for the good of the coven, other's were intolerable. This time he simply could not overlook it; it bordered deceit far too greatly to be ignored.::

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Blade's Return Home, 4:00 am
::The hum of the car's engine came to a halt after the Lincoln was eased into the drive and parked just outside the garage. Blade stood a moment as gaze panned upon the estate, then off to the right where the forest lay. Even the loons were not out on this eve, guessing the rainstorm had driven them into hiding as well as half the sleepy town of Stationside. Even as he lit a smoke he could not ward off the fact the night air harbored a chill about it, and even on the hallow grounds of the estate did it not find comfort. Slow strides took him on into the garage and then up through the security station as he stopped to make sure things were progressing with Knox on Grey's new training.::

::Peeking in to see the small booth empty, he turned a moment, then gaze drifted back to the rows of monitors along the table. Eyes honed in on one in particular as he noticed the images displayed there were not pleasant ones at all. Taking a seat, he rolled the chair flush with the table as he leaned in to increase the pictorial view of the monitor. The images then began to flash in segments before his eyes. The location was the dungeon, and what he watched in the small and ancient room was even a shock to him. Nobody used that place anymore, not even his father. But, there he was, and whatever that had been hanging before him would go unanswered. The carcass of a body teetered back and forth in slow motion; several more were seen in the shadows speared or chianed upon the wall. all relatively sawed and severed, peeled and charred beyond recognition, so much that even a Tzi like himself could not wager a guess to what they might have been. Strange indeed::

::Hearing footsteps, he turned from the table and stood as Knox entered the room, gaze searching briefly over the ghoul before his hand would return to the monitor, fingernails giving a light tap-tap against it. Dark eyes bore into the submissive gaze of his servant before they lowered in reverance to the Tzi:: "What's this?" ::He ask as he turned to have a seat once more before the table. Leaning back, arms rose to rest elbows on the arms of the chair, fingertips pressed together to form an arc before his stoic expression. Clearly he was upset; not at the mess, but what had created the mess. The dungeon had been condemned years ago after their mother's murder, and it was forbidden for anyone to enter it..desecrating both her memory and that night. But now it seemed his father had did that very thing.::

 

"He's been down there most of the night, Sir. After he came looking for you, he went into the parlor, demanding that everyone leave..he then took all the blood dolls ..and then he locked himself away in the dungeon...I'm..."
"What brought it on?" ::He snapped, not caring to look the ghouls's way::
"I...I don't know Sir."

 

::Blade sprang up from his chair and came at the ghoul then, hand to throat as he pressed him up against the wall. Blade narrowed his gaze to him:: "Why not? You were suppose to be manning the station, not out loafing about..Have I not trained you enough to question things when there -not- right? My father does not go about sawing things in half or burning them beyond recognition without a reason..yet you stood by and watched him..and did nothing, what wasn't I called?" ::He dropped the ghoul then to the floor along with his busted cup of coffee. The Tzimisce then hissed as he took another look to the monitor::

 

"Sir, I was only away for five minutes, he's been down there all night...there was nothing that I could do, you told me not to bother you...you said.."
"Yes yes, I know..'don't bother me'....Where's Grey?"
"Trying to get into the dungeon through the tunnels"
"He's what?!?!?!"

 

::Blade turned to eye the ghoul as he lowered his head, daring him to make eye contact with him again. When he saw that he wouldn't, he sighed as he moved past him and out into the hallway:: "Stay here and do your job. If Grey returns, he needs to do the same, I'll handle my father..."
::Words echoed in his wake as he moved as fast as he could through the lower part of the estate and up the stairs. Emerging on the main level of the house, dark eyes glanced around and he stormed into the parlor, only to find it empty. The silence greeted him as he moved around the room to give a glance to the adjacent rooms in the corners. All empty as well. Where was the horde, he wondered. Turning on his heels, he darted out into the foyer as boots echoed on the tiled floor.::

::He checked the study and then the Terrance..still not a body was to be found anywhere. With a growl, he moved back into the house and headed for the staircase. Any other time there would be more kindred around here to where you couldn't hardly move about:: Rachyl!??!?!?!!?!!? Maggie...?!?!?!?!? ::He shouted as he climbed the steps two at a time, Now was not a good time for Beth to be off and gone to Germany, right when it seemed their father had finally went off the deep end and was carving up the estate's food supply like cattle being led to slaughter::

 

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

The Wolfbane Dungeon, 4:34 am

~As Blade reached the top of the stairs, his eyes lifted up to take in the oil painting before him. Obsidian orbs flashed red as he took in the canvas depiction of his beloved mother. He had her emotionless gaze, never giving away what they were truly feeling. But the look on his face at that second was sorrow. In some strange way, he felt as if he was deceiving her as his hand reached just to the edge of the painting, skimming fingers trailing across the ancient wood of the frame as the latch was found, and his touch triggering the old stone into motion. Stepping back, he tore his gaze away from the painting as he watched the stone edge around to allow him passage. The steps came into view from the torch that was already lit next in the opening.. As if he was being expected. A hand rose and took the torch from the harness, then he pushed away the deceit in his mind as he slowly descended into the bowels of the dungeon. The sawing noise was heard at first..then as he emerged from the bottom of the stone stairwell, it ceased. He caught sight of his father's silhouette standing before the long cabinet just beyond the archway. He stood there taking in all of the gore before him. Idle interest really, to the butchered bodies and headless corpses. His only puzzlement was 'why' had he done this.~ Father.... ~He called out as the torch was held attentively in his grasp. His eyes searched for a harness to place it.::

 

Come, son. I have been expecting you....::The regent hissed, not bothering to turn his back just yet to greet his eldest heir. He had felt Blade enter into the house some time ago. But he wasn't concerned with time. Not unless you count the breaking of dawn. That was forgotten at the moment.:: Come and take in all that is Tzimisce!! ::He hissed louder as he turned, those otherwise black orbs gleaming red in the dim light. His robes had been slid off and thick, black leather took it's place on his thin frame. The buckle and chain style putting any of the modern day goth-bondage style clothing to shame. His chagrin was present on his features, mouth open while fangs filled the space of it. From it crimson dripped down either side of his mouth. Giving his thin and pale features an even more sinister look about them.:: All that is you!!!!

 

::Blade tilted his head as the torch was seated snuggly into a harness, then slow steps carried him around the flesh littered room. He eyed the mess, then gaze quickly darted up to where his father now stood before him. His own eyes had remained tainted red, the glow emitting a quiet dominance to the stronger Tzi. Silence consumed him, as he had already felt a lecture coming on. This was the only way to explain his father's rash behavior. Many times in his undead life has he witnessed his father's erratic nature, but still Blade could not deny the very blood that drove one into a destructive frenzy such as this.::

 

::He chuckled darkly as it echoed in the stony enclosure. The look on his son's face was just the reaction he was hoping for.:: Yes, the madness never fades with age. Come...we have things to discuss, you and I. ::He gave a waving motion to his hand then turned, shifting his attention back to the counter to replace the saw gently into it's usual resting place.::

 

::Blade eyed the man, then turned his attention up to the counter, noticing all the usual odd fashioned carving and slicing tools along the wall and shelves had been cleaned and knocked free of years of dust and rust. As if the tools arose from their slumber and came to life to their master's touch once again. obeying his words, Blade waited until he was finish to follow him out of the front room where they moved to where the barred caves and small metal frames were. A few of the blood dolls were still let alive and seemed to cower back into the corner of their small prison as they entered.::

 

::He stopped before the cages and peered in. Searching the frightened faces if the young women and men, he smiled lighty.:: I took a trip this eve. ::He looked to Blade a moment as he spoke.:: The Mountians..::He nodded lightly as gaze fell back to the cage where one hand rose and traced a bony finger gently against the steel.:: do you know what I found there....while I was riding about? Your car...before the Kristen woman's feeble excuse for a magic shop....

 

::A sickening knot begun to form in the pit of his stomach as he watched his father, lingering on each word spoken. A thought flashed through his mind, then in a frantic rush, he gazed to the faces before him in the cage....then with a soft growl, he shifted back to the front room. Searching each dead and dismembered body for any signs of the Lycan woman.:: What have you DONE!!!!! ::He hissed as he came back through the foyer, bloody necklace in his grasp...the very necklace that he had give Kara for protection. He slammed it to the floor, watching it shatter into a million glowing segments of broken pieces. His gaze burned then as he directed it back to the monster that stood before him.::

 

 

::His laughter rose as he watched Blade in his frantic search. He moved over and took a seat on one of the wooden benches, idly picking at his nails as he waited for his return. Watching the necklace shatter against the floor, he quirked a brow as lop sided smile showed nothing but pure coldness to him.:: Don't worry...your lycan bitch is still alive...Tell me, what were you thinking as you lay between the open thighs of your enemy? Did she give you immense pleasure...cry your name in her climatic bliss? I suppose she tells you that she loves you....::He laughed. Long and hard as he watched his son.:: Yes, while you fornicated with the nasty dog, I was able to slip in unnoticed...see for myself why my son was that far into lycan territory...and I soon found out. How could you, Blade??? Betray everything that goes against WHO you are? Who WE are....

 

::Blade knew he was right, and it sickened him all the more. He realized then just how big a hole he had dug for himself. By the coven standards, any Kindred caught in the presence of a Lycan... Especially the way he was caught, was warranting final death by the Regent's standards..and was expected to be carried out. But, it wasn't that in death he would be corrected..it would be the grueling months, if not years of torture that awaited him. After all, who knows better than a Tzi when it comes to pain and torture. And, not just for him. The lycan would suffer just the same fate. Indeed, Death would be better.:: Father..::He began...then stopped as he slid to him knees before him. He lowered his head, shame filling his senses. His body shook from the rage he tried to curb. Getting angry in front of his father would do nothing in the way of his defense. He could not protect himself from the fate that awaited him..and the gripping reality of it all was, He could not protect her, either. Kara's fate had been sealed right along with his. ::

 

Do you love her, son? After all these years, has that emotion still remained true to your heart?

 

::He looked to his father then, uncertainty laced in his eyes.:: No..I..I tried to love her. physically, I did..but other than those sins of the flesh, my heart still harbors coldness. I am....inconceivable ...of love.

 

::Antoine grew quiet then as he studied Blade's features. He tilted his head as it lowered, long locks banded back out of the way exposed the tender flesh of his neck..blue veins showing as he needed to feed. Red eyes faded as with his rage. He felt sorrow for his only son..and it was with his own shame that he had to actually go out to find him in the bed of a lycan. He sighed, his words uttered softly:: I love both my children..the bond we share is great. I was in hopes of leaving my legacy with both, but as it is now, I'm not sure I can trust it to be safe in their hands. ::He turned his full attention to Blade then, his tone taking a harsher note:: The Kristen woman will die, and it must be done by my hand.

 

NO!!!!! You can't....It was me...she ::He knew then that it would be useless to tell him that Kara had saved his life, that would only open a bigger can of worms...for what he did with the Setite, he growled lightly as his anger rose..:: .. No, I did it...I made the advancements, if you must strike, then strike me!! Not her....  ::He rose as hands found those of his father, gripping them hard as he pleaded.::

 

::He looked down into Blade's eyes then, stern gaze matching that of the younger Tzi.:: -s- What will you do for me, Son...what action or deed can you possibly do to rectify what you have done in my eyes..and to your coven?

 

::He returned that searching gaze, knowing that ultimately there was nothing he could do or say. He swallowed.:: Anything, Father....anything that you ask. Allow the lycan to live, and I am your servant eternally. ::he shook lightly as he lowered his head once more, resting it on the edge of the bench as he slipped his hands from his father. His grip leaving an icy chill even upon him.::

 

::Antoine leaned back then as he heard his son's plea. It did not please him to do this, having to set aside his personal feelings to step into those of his sworn loyalties to his coven. As Blade slipped from him, he rose, booted feet pacing around the room as he thought, gaze dipping a glance around to the caves, then fell back to his son as he stepped before him. His tone returning to the harshness of before:: Then so be it,  I shall spare the lycan's life, and you shall do as I ask. But you will NOT have any contact with her again, understand....?

 

::He breathed a soft sigh of relief:: Yes, Father....

 

Good, then.... ::He paused as he took a moment to offer that sinister smile down to Blade. It will not pain him in the least to tell the Lycan of her lover's fate...:: You will be my sole succession to the Regent's seat. You will put aside the position for the Hand and face your true destiny. You will choose a suitable woman to reign by your side while you serve....and YOU will lead the coven after my introduction into topor. ::He lowered his hands to rest on the bench before Blade then, letting his hard gaze move in to capture Blade's:: And...when I arise...IF your still here....THEN I shall reevaluate this matter....and if I deem it...you will be held accountable for your actions....do I make myself clear....Son?

 

::The sickening knot returned to his gut as he listened to his father's booming voice reverberate down and around him. With each syllable, he cringed hearing the fate that was being dealt out to him. Helpless to stop it. The look that washed across his features was that of disarray and sorrow. Everything that he once held sacred had been stripped away, right down to the core. He felt exposed..so exposed. The chill that came with his father's words were like ice raking across his soul.::

Chapter 58--Concrete Jungle

 

� ���s�s��� �
In the �hadows of a �hadow
The Gaia Chronicles
� ���s�s��� �

_________________________________________
...she hangs her head low, her eyes filled with tears,
she is alone, her howls unanswered in the night sky.
her heart filled with grief, her mind filled with fears
._________________________________________

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

212 Warren Street, 8:23 am

~* Bring put on hold wasn't what she had in mind as the clocked ticked away into fifteen minutes of waiting. Sighing, she turned her attention to the laptop before her, the coffee table it sat upon littered with papers and fanned pictures from her recent assignment. Now if only her boss would find the time to actually pick up the phone. Sure, she could call back, or have him call her. But this was a matter she wanted to get settled and the case more than closed. It was the only way she could begin to pull herself out of the misery that the death had effected her with. 'Never get close...' wasn't that what Max was always stressing to her? And right now, she wished his stern voice was here to offer her that mild corrective nature he was known for. He was the strong one; always has been. After so many years working with him, branching out on her own was still hard for her to get use to. Being alone, without him to comfort and to protect. ~*

 

"Ahh, Trisha, sorry for the delay. I was in a meeting. How are things going in Stationside?"

 

"Things are finished, here Samuel. That's why the urgency. I'm sending my report on the fax now as we speak. I'll need to come in with the details, and the evidence. Can you book me a flight tonight?"

 

"This soon? I projected this assignment to be a long and tedious one. What happened?"

 

"The 'Fangs is what happened. Look, I'd just rather wait until I got there to get into the details."

 

"A...alright, I'll have Maria look into the next available flight...Are you okay? You sound .."

 

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm always fine, Sam. Alittle stressed, but nothing that coming home won't cure."

 

"Trisha. I really need you there in Romania. Your the only available agent with history there. It would take months to get another one as deeply embedded undercover as you are."

 

"Look, I know what your going to say, but our agreement was to follow the 'Gnawers, and that was it. Piece of cake, remember? "

 

"Yes, but things have escalated since then. Let me come to you this time. I'll pick up all the information that you've accumulated. We'll evaluate the case again one I return to the 'Tower, and decide what to do from there. Meanwhile, you can rest... take a holiday, maybe enjoy some sight seeing, No?"

 

"Heh, yeah, right. Sight seeing...I've been up to my neck in the layout of the land already, Samuel. Don't think for one minute that I'm about to become a resident of this place, it still gives me the creeps. Everything is so old and decrepit, it's like stepping back in time. You just hurry your ass up and get out here, then we'll talk."

_________________________________________

SO many lives have been taken
and SO many packs torn apart, eternally.
It truly breaks her heart--
_________________________________________

~* Great, now she was stuck here. She slammed the phone down and reached up to close her laptop. Fingernails drummed against the top a moment as she tired to clear her head. Closing her eyes, she sighed lightly as her body lay back. Sinking down into the leather sofa, she drew her robe up tighter around her as she lay her head to the cushion. She wasn't sure she could do this anymore. Not when it involved those that were close to her. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if something had happened to Kara; losing Abel was pain enough. ~*

~* But, the very thought of her sister putting herself in harm's was gut wrenching. She also knew that if she kept falling into the wrong kind of trouble, she would have to start coming up with answers to her reasons for being there. It was a very thin line she walked as it was; deceiving others with her mild mannered job of peace keeper. If who she was ever got out, it would all be a matter of seeing who showed up first at her door with intentions to kill her. Kindred..or worse, her own kind. Funny how she never fit in before, why did she think she would now? wishful thinking on her part.~*

~* She knew Kara would understand her reasoning, and would keep the secrets of the Watcher Agent intact. But, what of the others? She had to come clean with Ben in order to right the wrongful death of the former 'Gnawer leader. Keeping true to the Litany was delivered there; but the Man still knows. How much, she couldn't began to determine. He didn't seem to be too surprised to hear about it; acting like it was no big deal. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise. Still waters ran deep within the mind of the lycan named Malichi. She would have to watch herself very closely when she was around him, or better yet, not be around him at all. She wept again, her tears ran like the rivers of first spring's thaw. Her body trembled with the fear of uncertainity and of the coming of a new dawn. Each day the hate bred; and each day another would lose their life in an endless fight. When would the madness fade? ~Gaia~ Will peace ever shine down upon the frightened faces of her children? ~*

_________________________________________

for she knew that her fears are not based solely on a recent dream,
but rather, it IS a heart-wrenching reality
...she can't understand why her people had to die...."

_________________________________________

 

"Trisha Calm down. I'm sure your just over reacting."

 

"Am I? I mean, really Samuel. You've read the reports..seen the evidence in the freezer. A dead head of a 'Fang stooge is pretty damn good proof something's going on here, I'm not crazy.."

 

"The meeting went well."

 

"No, the meeting was a waste of time, mainly mine. I don't see those country bumpkins on the mountainside so eager to help us; the Gnawers, well you heard that chieftains heisitance. Right now we have a lone sheriff tracking their ghosts...and of course theres what's left of the Jakob Resheme.. I don't see where the 'well' is in this picture..."

 

"What of the Shadowlords?"

 

"The Shadowlords are untouchable. Do you think it's that easy? I would be shot on site for trying to step foot in their casino...and walking up to beg for help..? Especially when it's not even their fight? The tribes today..their out only for themselves..with all the whining I've ran across..the only one that's on our side right now, at this very moment is Dugan, and he's seeking his on vengence in the matter...it's a lost cause, Sam. Trust me. Time to pack it up and go back home."

 

"Not all is as lost as you think, Trisha. Your looking at the obvious. Sasha is a crafty leader, she will wait for years, if not centuries to achive her goals. This is what she wants. To tear us apart at the seams and let the squabbles be our undoing. Mark my works, young lycan. She will not back down from anything we throw her way. That is why another course must be plotted. If we go in gunning for her, she'll simply move the pawns to a different location, and attack from there. I've all the information you have gathered. For now, we simply watch, and we wait. She'll show her colors soon enough. Patience may be our only defense. Trust me on this one."

________________________________________________

~Trixie sighed as she looked in distainment across the table to her Chieftian. Always watch and wait with him, never do and let the chips fall where they may. Yes, she was a hot head sometimes, but in her gut...she knew the only action they could possibly take to stop this threat was a solid reaction to the small time raids. Leaning back into her chair, she reached to pick up her cup of coffee, sipping it to keep down the negative remarks she felt rising within her throat. His arrival had been a day later than the objective. He was suppose to conduct the meeting, but as it was, she was sent in prepared to recruit an army if she needed to, yet only leaving with one reassurance from a lone lycan stranger with his own objective. That was better than she got from the likes of the city folk. She was still trying to get the bitter taste of that damn Tzimisce out of her mouth. His threats only making the Fang's uprising that much clearer; indeed there was a problem. That one didn't step foot outside his doorstep unless the Hand was making noise of getting involved. And they both knew that they certainly didn't need -that-. What a mess..~

________________________________________________

"I've left your schedule open for the next few weeks, I suggest you use the time wisely and try to relax. I need you well focused and ready to move when the elders come to a decision. I'll send in as many watchers as I can spare, but for now, I want you and you alone working on this. Too many Gaia's moving around will be a dead giveaway. Is your cover still intact?"

 

"Other than Ben, it is. I fed him as little as I could get away with. I had to, I needed him that night and he is one tough cookie to crack. I'll keep him in my sights, but I think it's safe to say that he won't talk. Not when there's a deal on the table in supplying firearms. Money talks loudly where he is concerned."

 

"Good, very good. I looked over the briefcase of Vanderson. Nothing much there to help us. Go ahead and turn it over to it's rightful owner. And...as far as the Hand is concerned? Do not provoke them. I'm suprised you reacted the way you did. That's not like you. If the tables were turned, we would have done the same. Taking an interest in one's enemies is only fair protocol. Try not to let your emotions get in the way of your thinking, Trish. Please. For your own safety."

 

"Yes yes. I promise not to lose my temper again. I couldn't help it, though. Not with my past."

 

"Then let it stay there. There will come a time and a place for reckoning...this is not it."

________________________________________________

~After their chat, and he had all the accumulated paperwork packed up, she bid him a fond farewell. Wishing like hell she was going back with him. She still had a bad feeling about this entire escapade, more so now that before. And they were usually right. But, she would wade through the tides of the storming sea, and do as she was instructed. She watched him until he was safely tucked into his limo, then she leaned down to scoop up the paper from her doorstep. Turning, she moved back inside, taking care to lock the door before she fell upon the sofa with a sigh. Laying to one side, her attention fell to the muted TV as fingers idly unrolled the paper. Flipping through it until she found the business section, another sigh as she skimmed over the black and white print~ "Let's see what you got to offer me, Romania..."

 

Chapter 59--Obsidian Canvas II

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

DelaCora Gallery, 10:15 pm,
:: Arianna had set a meeting with Antoine, asking him to meet with her again at his conveneince. She was in her office taking care of odds and ends. Softly Beethovens Fur Elise played over the speakers of the stereo that was equipped within the gallery ::

::Antione arrived just after sundown, the lincoln pulling to the curb before he stepped out. He moved slowly into the gallery, those dark eyes darwing focus upon the furnishings this time as he awaited the lovely owner. The usual attire of red regent's robe traded in for a more casual dress, black Armani suit with a crisp white linen shirt and loafer shoes that offered some echo with his light footfalls. Dark hair was drawn back in a sleek ponytail, setting those pale features off more than the norm::

:: Hearing the steps into the gallery, she rose from her desk to leave her offiice. Looking around to the entrance, she offered a slight nod to the Regent :: Good eve, Senor Wolfbane. I see you received my message.

::A nod was offered to her as she approached as with the typical tip of his head:: That I did. I hope all is well with you this eve..

:: She offered a slight smile, motioning to the garden doors for a seat :: As well as can be expected. I hope the same of you and Miss Rachyl.

::eyes turned to the opening to the gardens with the indication, and with slow strides he moved on within them. Gaze panned about as he did, taking in a few sights of paintings here and there as he did:: As much as we can be at the moment, I'm afraid tis not to our likings. But, who has time to kill anymore.. ::Soft smile creased his features as he held out a chair for Arianna before taking one for himself across from her:: She plans things and I try to remember to show up.

:: She took the offered seat and nodded to his comment. :: I know you're a busy man, and I won't keep you from things that require your attention.

::He folded his hands against the table as he leaned forward, his attention turning to the Torrie as he did:: This has been the most I've been in the city in forever, reminds me I must do it more. ::Another hint of a smile fell upon his features as he setttled down, giving her his full attention:: I gather that you reached a decision, Madam..?

:: She gave a slight nod, her eyes cast to the garden a moment, then she turned her attention back to him. A more serious expression passed her features as the smile faded. :: I have. Your concern for me is appreciated, and upon deep consideration of your offer .... :: She swallowed and blinked once :: I have decided to accept it, gratefully.

::Dark eyes met her's as he listened, the mild expression that his face held never once changing as he listened. he did lift a brow to her answer, fingers spidering over the others as well:: Excellent. I'm glad you have came to this conclusion. I understand your need for your privacy, therefore I see no reason for you to dwell in the estate, That would hinder both families, I think. As it is, we've more than our share of company. You can expect the gallery to be as it has been, with no interferance from us. The Hand will offer you security when there is a need. I gather you know how to contact my son on this?

:: She gave a slight nod :: It seems the logical thing to do since a few of your house have issued their concern for me. :: She paused a moment :: Yes, I know how to contact your son. I will do so at the first chance I get.

Very well, I will see to it personally that your name and business will be added to the doctrines.. without the hinderance of the previous declinations. ::He reached into his suit pocket to take a pen and small notebook, scribbling down a notation as he needed to, then looked up to her for a moment, a tilt of his head:: There was one other item I forgot to inquire about the last time..I am forgetful .. please forgive me .. ::He pushed up a few pieces of paper until he found the page he was looking for:: Miss Xaiver had inquired about a portriat she wanted to have done, I'm under the impression it's to be a wedding gift to myself from her..what were the arrangements on it, do you remember?

I had asked her if she could come to my studio for the portrait, she declined and explained that she spends little time away from the estate for understandable reasons. She suggested the estate to have it done, which I accepted. We where to discuss it further, but she has not contacted me, and with recent events, I haven't had much opportunity to touch base and see where she stands on the issue.

::He chuckled lightly:: Women and their worries..she stresses over this gift too much, but tis what she wants, nevertheless. I'll remind her then..mayhaps a few sittings at the estate will be ample time, no? ::He glanced up to her as he scribbled then closed the book, tucking it back into his pocket:: You will be well compensated, of course, for the special trips out.

:: She shook her head lightly :: Not at all, it would be my honour to have the chance to immortalize her in such a way. Nothing more would be needed.

Very well, I will remind the lass and let her make the arrangements if she is indeed still wanting this done. ::He stood then, straightening his lapels as he did:: And maybe next time I come here, I can actually browse your work..tis a shame business does get in the way of things as delectable as that.

:: She stood as he did and offered a small smiled :: Yes, business has its way of doing such. Thank you for taking time from your schedule to meet with me, and send Rachyl my regards.

Aye, I shall do just that, Madam Arianna. Tis a pleasure to be in your company, as always. Bonjour.. ::He tipped his head to her then slowly made his way from the gardens::

 

 

Chapter 60--Security Measures

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

 DelaCora Gallery, 8:10pm
:: Arianna had just returned to the gallery after a short evening out. Dressed in a sparkly chamaigne midcalf length dress and strappy matching heels, her hair tied up, she was checking messages and such in the office ::

~He entered the front doors and paused to the small counter, gaze panned about the silent showing room as his ghoul stepped in behind him, along with the newest of the Hand's apprentice. Both men remained to the doorway as Blade awaited the owner's presence. Shifting his jacket off to lay against the counter, briefcase resting just beside his booted feet.~

:: When the front doors of the gallery opened, the effect pulled her door half way, so she knew someone had come in. Pulling the door open she stepped out, looking to the room opening to find Blade there. Approaching him, she gave a slight nod and smiled :: Good eve Blade. This is a pleasant surprise.

~A nod to her as he turned to face her, smile offered as well~ Good Eve, Arianna...I hope you don't mind that we bardged right on in, we were just in the neighborhood, so to speak. This is Knox. ~He motioned to his ghoul, then hand waved over to the Brujah standing to his right~ And this is Grey. They work with me on Hand matters. ~Shifting his gaze around to the showroom, he surveyed it a moment before looking back to her, another smile offered~ Mayhaps We can discuss just what it is you seek in security?

:: She looked to both men, then returned her attention to Blade, with a slight nod :: I would invite you into the office, but it's a mess at the moment. :: She motioned to the garden doors :: So I hope you don't mind discussing matters in the garden.

I'd perfer the outdoors myself, offices tend to be too informal.. ~He spoke as gaze panned to the two men, a nod issued to them before he leaned down to retrieve his briefcase.~ If it's alright with you, allow them to take a look around to the building structure..to see what we'll be dealing with, just in case the need will arise?

:: She nodded :: Of course. Gentlemen feel free, nut I ask that you take care not to disturb anything directly in the gallery. :: She turned and slowly made her way to the garden doors, once out the table was on the left, a small bar to the right :: Would you care for a drink?

~He followed her on into the garden, taking care to scan the area as he did, a nod to her offer as he placed the breifcase to the table~ A glass of Wyne would be lovely. ~He wasn't concerned with the ghoul and the Brujah's scouting, they were the best when it came to snooping, espically security measures. A soft sigh pressed his lips as he awaited the Torrie at the table, attention drifting to the garden area a moment~ This is quite a place you have back here..

:: She nodded, joining across from him at the table, setting his drink before him. :: Thank you. :: She smiled, leaning back in the seat comfortably.::

Danka.. ~He took his seat after she did, then leaned to take the glass into his hand. A few sips taken before he leaned back~ I guess the best place to start is to ask what you have in the way of security now..I'll try not to get into something too extravagant, but I'm sure you'll want your work and yourself very well protected.

:: She gave a slight nod, thinking a moment :: It's just a basic door and window system I suppose, I'm afriad I don't know much about it.

I'll know more when they return from scouting. We really don't have alot of violence in Stationside, for the mostpart it's quiet. But, we do get a few Anti's that roam from place to place, and they love nothing more than to destroy all they can get their hands on. ~He leaned down then and brought the case up to the tabletop, laying it down as he clicked the locks open.~ As for yourself, I'll let you choose what you think will suit your needs. I'm sure you have servants and a few trusted people near you..but these are just alittle added bonuses.. ~He turned the open case to face her, within the velvet lined case lay several different sized handguns, a few cylinder viles of mace and sprayers, some no more than the size of a keyring..and of course a few oddly shaped pendants on silver chains with the Red Ruby stones in the middle of the pendent~ Nothing fancy, but are very effective means of close quarters survuval..the pendants are laced with an antitoxin that will burn the eyes and skin of any immortal.

:: She leaned forward, looking in the case and over its contents carefully while listening to him. She sighed and shook her head, almost frowning a bit as she reached to pick up on of the chains and ruby pendants. She really didn't know what to say or how to react :: I suppose one of the pendants will do.

~He nodded as he stood, opening his hand to take the pendant she chose~ Allow me.. ~Fingers grasp the necklace gently as he moved to stand behind her~ These are really all you'll need to escape harms way. ~Leaning down, he drew the necklace gently around her to rest just below the collarbone as he secured th clasp~ All you need to do to release the antitoxin is press the bottom curve of the pendant..that releases a mist forward to aviod spraying against you or your clothing. ~Stepping back, he lowered his gaze to inspect the necklace upon her, gently reaching to adjust it so that it would lay smoothly against her.~

:: She was motionless as he put the peice around her neck, looking at the others as he explained how it worked. After his adjustment, she looked up to his gaze :: Thank you.

~He smiled to her words. Returning to his seat, he closed up the case and inched it back to the ground beside the table~ How do you conduct your private gallery showings and parties? Any particular thing you want..or don't want as far as guests are concerned?

Private showings are by invitation, no invitation, no entrance. I usually have a man at the door who takes care of those matters. :: Her gaze shifted from him to the garden, looking over the dimly lit flowers and greenery ::

~Picking his glass up once more, he stood then~ Would you care to show me around? ~Nodding to the illuminated greenery around them as he did.~ A beautiful place such as this, would be a shame not to host events out here..

:: The pathways of the garden where dirt. Before standing she removed the strapped heels and set them on the table as she rose. :: I host some things here in the garden. Mostly for out of town guests. :: She lead the way down the main path, small ponds with marble benches, the path lined with waist high brush that bloomed white flowers, trees shaded most everything. :: The garden is protected by a 12 ft brick fence.

~He moved along the path next to her, letting his eyes skim along the path and the scenery, a soft nod to her words as he listened. He wasn't too mildly concerned with invasion here, but it was dense enough to harbor unwanted guests if they managed to get over the fence~ With the subdued lighting, I'd advise adding a few electric eyes..nothing more than silent alarms..or we could go one step higher and add security strips..they work much like the bug zappers motrals use.. ~He stopped then and turned to face her, a tilt of his head as he did~ But, from what I've seen so far, I think your pretty well safe here. I wouldn't want to destroy the sanctity of the gallery with technical junk.

:: She thought about what he suggested, then stopped as he did and turned to face him :: Perhaps the silent alarms would be best. Perhaps just around the top of the fence? Then it wouldn't really be part of the garden. :: She then offered a slight smiled, turning only her head to look at one of the small ponds for a moment :: Thank you for your consideration on the matter, this is my place of peace, but you're right to add a little security.

Of course..my pleaure... ~he moved over and took a seat to one of the marble benches, sitting back as he did, letting the tranquilness of the area settle into him gently~ We can't be entirely safe, that is until we meet final death. All we can do is survive.. ~His gaze shifted up as he looked to her again, taking in her form in the dimly lit area~ How have you been, Arianna? Truthfully..I was rather concerned after the meeting if you had rather not be around any of the wolfbanes..Especailly myself.

:: She took a seat on another bench and smiled, looking back to the water as small fish swam beneath the surface :: It's not any such thing Blade. I've been alone for a long time, and have learned to appreciate my privacy and space. To move into anothers home would not be the same. I rather enjoy the company of those in your home.

I don't blame you for not wanting to come to the estate, I'm still trying to find reasons not to go home as of late. Too much going on, too many enemies..it's hard to know who to trust. ~His gaze lifted to the heavens as he spoke queitly, eyes searching against the twinkling stars and their velvet backdrop~ Sometimes I question my reasons for returning to my homeland.

:: She looked over to him, admiring his features, then looked back to the pond :: Odd, sometimes I wonder why I ever left mine. So much of the world is so consumed in time and keeping up. It's easy to get lost in it.

Yes, it is. Most seem to thrive on hate as of late..I find myself coming to grips with alot from my past.. ~He lowered his eyes to the glass in his hand, staring into the rich liquid before it was lifted to his lips and downed. He then cast dark eyes across to where she sat, thoughtful expression resting upon her features.~ But I think you've the right solution to alot of things by choosing your independence. That is one luxury I admire in you, Arianna, always have. ~He rose then, letting his booted feet settle in against the dirt before he stepped to her and offered a hand out to her~ Come, I've taken up too much of your time as it is.

:: Watching him approach and offer his hand, she canted her head a bit to the left and her eyes narrowed a bit in thought as she took his hand and stood from the bench. Before turning her attention to the path that had brought them here, she seemed to study him a moment, then slowly begin to make her way around the bench :: You're always welcome to take my time. And as for my independence. :: She sighed and smiled a bit :: I'm not sure others of your house would agree, or perhaps I misread them is all.

No, you've not misread them. They are tried and true Sabbat and adhere to all things of the coven. ~Gaze panned down to her a moment as he spoke, then returned to take in the lingering scenery on their walk back in~ I use to agree with what my father reigned over...the covenants..but that was before I devoted my life to hunting down my own kind. Now, I'm not so sure it's a way of life I approve of, not for myself. ~Stopping, he turned to her as dark gaze lowered to meet her own~ Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, codes or not, you are still your own boss..I was just making sure that by having a sect's security blanketing you, that you and your work would continue to exist. I never saw the offense that my people claim.

:: She listened and turned to face him, a moment after he had turned. Honey shaded hues lifted to fall into his gaze :: My intentions where never to have offended anyone, especially your father, he's been nothing but kind to me. I've never been one to ask for anything, especially help or things of security matters. It's always made me feel as a burden.

~He smiled to her then~ Trust me, it's no burden..I consider it an honor..remember..I own one of your masterpieces..and hope to aqquire more. I'm in the market for my own home soon..I'll need more paintings, too..lot's more. ~Smile lingered as he stepped onward to the table where he left his case, inching the empty glass to the table as he approached, glancing back to her as he did~ As for my father, he's influenced by too many..Marcus is someone that I feel is a menace to that home, but I'm merely the son therefore my voice is little.

:: She walked to the chair she had been seated in before, pushing it under the table :: I'm sure it must be difficult in a house with so many and none who listen to your words. :: She then turned to face him :: When you get your own home, you will have to give me some detail on what you would like in it, perhaps I could come up with peices of your design.

~Tilting his head, he pondered her words as she spoke, a soft nod following~ I most certainly will. I believe your talents not be wasted on the likes of the dull office suits when there's a home in need of insperation. ~Eyes studied her face casually before he lifted a brow then leaned to grab his case~ I'll go over the schematics with Knox and Grey, and compile a list of what we agreed on for the gardens..then hopefully to your likings, we can have it all wrapped up by the end of the month.

:: Her posture straightened a bit as they went back to the discussion of security. One hand reached to the table, collecting her shoes as she listened :: That would be wonderful. I would like to have it done as soon as possible, I am planning on an opening for a dear friend of mine, I would hate for anything to happen to her peices should an actual need for that kind of security arise.

Ahh, well then I will make sure it's taken care of as soon as possible. ~He moved to her then, offereing a hand out to her~ And I promise to go easy on your pocketbook as well..

:: She smiled, resting her hand within the one he held in offering :: Money is no issue when it comes to the safety of the gallery. I trust your opinion on what would be best.

~Lifting the slender hand in his grasp, he brushed his lips against the back of it before releasing it, a smile offered to her words~ I thank you for that trust..I'll give you a call when we're ready to install the eyes..Take Care, Arianna... ~He bid her in passing as he turned and moved slowly back through the entrance doors of the gardens and on to where Knox and Grey stood by the front door~

Good eve to you as well Blade :: She smiled, letting her hand fall to her side. :: Take care. :: She watched a moment as he approached the two men, then turned to go back to her office. ::

 

 

Chapter 61--Sheep in Wolf's Clothing

 

Prague, Czech Republic  2004

Lucerna Music Bar, 11:59pm

The snow fell harder this eve as each time the door of the club opened, the frigid air outside wharfed in with each new arrival to send brief white, cloudy bursts of the white stuff in and around the entrance. The red carpet was blanketed by odd shaped footprints as the tracked slush became more noticeable across the checkered pattern of the dance floor. A bar maid tried desperately to mop it up in others wake, but only managed to get in the way as random outcries from the Czech-Goth patrons came out in a potpourri of angry dialect. Off in the back of the dance club the noise seemed as if it belonged in a distant land as a rather stern pair of green eyes shot to the door over the designer frame of his sunglasses each time it opened. Heavy pierced eyebrows that framed a tattooed body rose in unison to the scantily clad females lurking nearby, but for Max, he had other things pressing on his mind. Stretching out with a soft sigh, he took one more shot of courage from the glass begore him, and returned his attention back down to the table, and the ashtray.  His ears hurt from the loud music, and his eyes were bloodshot from the lack of sleep over the last 24 hours. The halo of cigarette smoke situated over him tinted blue and sometimes pink under the heavy lights, shrouding his otherwise dark spiked and frosted tipped hair. The techo schemes of flashing, man made lightning flickered at random overhead were glanced to ever so often as he waited, the look on his face a colorful mixture of his usual distrainment. Needless to say, Max Deveraux's eleven o'clock appointment was late. And Max hated it when that happened.

 

The lycan was just about to pay his check and stand when unbeknown to him, another had slipped ever so quietly into a seat and now sat in the booth across from him. The surprise was clearly noted in his face as the green hues stared emotionlessly at the woman over those, without as much as a blink. And, in turn, she smirked back at him. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see me, Max." She spoke, then slid the lit cigarette between full, red lips for a quick toke. Upon exhale, she leaned back as the fur lined coat gently fell from her shoulders to expose alittle more cleavage that would be legally allowed by her standards. He still stared silently; and she still waited. All right, she licked her lips lightly as she silently pondered her next move. When he leaned back and took a drag from his own smoke, she smiled coyly and tilted her head. "Ahh, I see how it's gonna be...Well, the strong, silent type never did look good on you."  He finally offered a smirk then. "Aren't you even gonna say 'Hello'?"  "No."  He finally broke his silence as his deep, gravel voice spit back to her. Amusement seen then as it flashed across those boyish good looks. He leaned up and crushed out the smoke in the full ashtray. When he did, bare, heavily inked arms lingered against the tabletop as elbows bent and were rested gently to support his tattooed upper torso. The open leather shirt he wore groaned softly in protest, before he seated himself well enough to be feel secure in her presence. "I ain't got time for your shit. Now be a good little bitch and go away..." The cold shoulder bit would have to do, for now. Max couldn't afford to blow his cover this late in the investigation, and when Trisha sat down across from him, it might be well on it's way to that very thing. He really wished she would have called first.

 

The smirk that rested on Trixie's features turned into a smile then. But it wasn't one of the humorous nature as she contemplated smacking the living hell out of the arrogant asshole. He would expect no less from her, she was sure. Nails tapped lightly against the wooden tabeltop in that annoyingly pissed way they always did as she left her bitter reply to melt in her mouth. She didn't drag her ass all the way into Czech territory to get insulted from this tattooed and pierced little punk, nor did she deserve the brush off he just handed her. Her choice in the R 'n R that Sam had promised, she finally decided on seeking out her partner..and as she stared unwaviering back at him, she might as well start getting use to the term 'Ex' partner. A sigh, She figured he might be a slight bit irritated that she left him high and dry over a year ago, but even Max couldn't hold a grudge for that long. It was strange indeed and her gut told her to go with the flow. As her own gaze searched his silently, she could clearly see that the Max she knew wasn't really looking back at her at that moment. She blinked as she leaned back, then with a sigh, she lifted a napkin from the table and took it in hand. With a moment taken to jot down her hotel and room number, she folded it and slid it to him underneath her palm. His fingers drummed idly on the wood, then ever so quickly the tips touched the edge of the napkin, and was walked towards his awaiting fist.

Max tried not to stare at her, after so long, he couldn't help but try to memorize every delicate feature on her face. God he missed her, and if they had been anywhere but here, their reuniting would definitely not be so cold and uncaring. He softly groaned, every part of his body already responding to this woman, faded emotions stirring to life in him by the second. He fought for control as he tried not to notice the oh-so familiar fullness of her breasts trying to tempt him. It seemed as if a million years had passed between them when their gaze locked again. He crumpled the cocktail napkin in his hand, then leaned back. Crossing his arms over his chest, he quickly regained the cold edge of his exterior. "Maybe some other time..." He muttered through clinching teeth as the irritating music finally stopped for a moment, and the house lights came up in a flash. That was about the time his so called late appointment approached the table. Clearly he was throwing up a cover for something and Trix caught on fast noticing the man. A frown splitting her glossed lips as she soon stood and grabbed her coat. "Tr�s bien, Monsieur. Mais, vous ne savez pas ce qui vos disparus." And, in her best Frence, she tossed a bitter farewell salutation their way, then sashayed away from the table. She could work it when she needed to; that was the one thing Trisha could do really well. Whatever Max was doing, she didn't really care. She needed to talk to him and it needed to happen tonight. But, with a sigh, it looked like she wasn't going to be able to. And hanging around waiting in this stinking, goth-mortal dive did not even appeal to her. After looking around for a few minutes, she headed for the door. Then as quickly as she had appeared, she left, finally disappearing back out into the artic chill of the night. If he wanted to talk, then he would have to come to her this time.

Prague, Czech Republic  2004

Cafe Franco, 11:59am

    The coffee house was packed, and without making too obscene of a bribe to the waitress, Trisha managed to secure a booth in the far corner. She had been alittle skeptical after it took Max all of two days to finally call her, and for which he got an earful from the little vixen as late fees. So, once the need to see him was determined, he gave her the location of the dive, and a time ... making sure she knew not to be late this time. Well, she was prompt, and he wasn't. Two cups of what passed for coffee later, and Trixie was beginning to wonder if he was going to show.

 

     Max had a bad feeling about this meeting as he stepped out of the cab and quickly sprinted across the street to the Java dive. In through the door he waltzed as shades were removed, and green hues diligently scanning for that woman. Shrugging off the cold, he headed to the back booth, and quietly slid in across from her. A rake of his hand through those spiked locks, and he looked over to her, flashing a devilish smile in the process. "Sorry I'm late, Babe. Got tied up."  His gaze only left her once, and that was long enough for him to lean back and allow the busty waitress permission to turn over the empty cup before him, and fill it with that black liquid. He waved her away, and took a quick sip. Then his full attention returned to the brunette Gaia babe sitting before him.

 

   "I hope I didn't pull you away from something important.." Those words rolling from glossed lips with their usual venom. She didn't give a damn what he was doing, only that he showed up. "Oh..nothing pressing...just a rather sweet set of European thighs...now..What's on your so called mind, Trix? I know you didn't come all the way here just to enjoy the weather."  And she didn't. After shrugging off that smart ass comment, she leaned back against the cracked leather of the booth. Concern littering her features as those slender brows rose softly. "I'm at a dead end, Max..and I really need your help." 

 

    A lift of his brow given to her statement, and he instantly dropped the attitude. He had known Trish for along time..ever since he had been converted by the same man that her tainted blood harbored. Two of a kind they were; bad seeds that had been sown in just about every dirty scheme Watchtower had invented. She had learned from a master, and in turn, trained him. They were a team. And for him to sit here and hear her say she needed his help, that took him by surprise. So much that he was almost ready to forget his own mission and come rushing to her aide. Almost...."What's wrong?"

 

 

     She sighed lightly as she lit a smoke, then started recanting her mission so far in Romania. "It's...getting to close to home for me there, Max."  "Have you spoken to Sam about it...told him this?" He ask after hearing what she had to say. "I have...and he insists I remain there. But, I can't. These people are part of my past, they are my family....I can't stomach anymore deceit. Some have died because I showed up..and it breaks my heart to think Kara and even Aaron could somehow be put in danger because of me...I want out, Max. I'm tired of it."

 

    He swallowed those words slowly with another sip of coffee, then turned his eyes silently away from her a moment. For everything she had expressed to him, he knew where she was coming from. Not too long ago he had expressed a similar suggestion to her. He wanted out himself...so much that he was willing to sacrifice a bounty on both their heads to flee. A life together, no matter how long would be worth the wages of death. He knew this in heart to be true. "What can I do?" He ask, not quite sure what she needed. "I...I don't know...Help me think of a way to get out...fake my death, flee..find a safe house....anything to be rid of this damn noose around my neck."

 

    And he wanted to help her, he really did. But, that nagging little voice in the back of his head told him that if he did, he would never see her again. He also knew Sam; Knew that he would not let his Belladonna just walk away. So instead, he focused on another angle. "Trisha..for what you are, you cannot just walk away. To people like us, there is no little white house with a picket fence waiting in the mist ...and certainly no happy homelife, no loving spouse with comforting arms to cling to. This is all we have...Gaia.." He touched a fingertip against the black inked tattoo across the back of his left hand, their tribal insigna. "We both still owe Sam for what he has given us...and to turn our backs on him...well I don't really have to tell you about that...now do I?"

 

    Her anger began to rise then, the last thing she wanted to hear from him was a god damn pep talk from the fucking hometeam. "Stop it!! Damn it Max, did you hear what I said? I can't take it anymore....I WANT OUT!!" She pushed her empty cup across the table in a frantic move to stand. He countered it as both hands rose lightning quick to lock around both her wrists. "Whoa, just calm down, Darling.." He retorted, piercing green hues meeting those icey blues of hers with a mixture of fear and distainment. "If I thought there was a feasible way outta this hell, I would have already taken it by now..." He whispered as he held her gaze with his own. The cup teetered and then fell to the floor. Shattering, it caught the attention of the cafe, and the waitress came over in a rush to pick it up, muttering something incoherent to even Max. Time to go.

 

    He leaned down and let go of her hands long enough to grab her coat and purse, then shoving them in her empty arms, he then turned to toss a few bucks on the table for the damage, then finally escorted her briskly out the door. He should have expected this...knowing what her temper was like. But, that didn't matter. All that mattered was she was here with him now, and the opportunity to help her was lay before his feet. But, he was still uncertain what to do about it. He hailed down a cab and slipped in just behind her, shutting the door and the cold morning out for the ride over to her hotel. For what it was worth, Max had a caring soul...and a soft spot for this woman. Seeing her like this did not sit well with him. And as the cab rolled slowly up the hotel drive, he mentally decided then that he simply could not just let her walk away. Not without him, at least.

Prague, Czech Republic  2004

Grand Hotel Bohemia, 1:59pm

She was three steps ahead of him entering the lobby, her gritted warnings to leave her alone going unheard by the headstrong male. Who in the hell did she think she was to dismiss him like some god damn 'Yes' boy? Once they got to the elevator, he grabed her arm, tugged her around to face him, and politely leaned his body flush with her's. His lips quickly slid to envelope her own just to shut her up, well that was one positive way to do it. Not to mention the fact couldn't resist her anymore. That stubborn streak did it every time. His hands slid slowly up her sides, letting his touch get reacquainted with curves he'd missed so much. The bell overhead quickly chimed and he stepped back, pulling her with him before the steel doors of the elevator car slid open. Still lip locked, the people flooding out sidestepped the young lovers, some smiled; others scowled, but in the end they had been forgotten by the crowd as Max backed Miss Thang into the now empty car. Once the doors closed, he pulled free of her taste and turned to the number panel. "What floor, Love?" He ask as fingers rolled lightly over the illuminated buttons. "Four...but your not staying..." She protested, and he grinned. "I beg to differ....in fact, I'd practically beg for anything when it concerns you, Babe. Now shut the hell up and c'mere.."

 

Max Deveraux was a man use to getting what he wanted, when he wanted it, and right now Trisha was on the menu. Once in the room, all previous arguments were left on the floor with the trail of clothing leading to the bedroom. Lips touched against heated flesh as slowly Trix surrenedered to his command. He was the one addiction she found she could not shed. Memories of their nights together had etched their way into her mind, and now she burned for him...wanting to desperately recapture the nights where the world melted away and their only passion consumed her. Maybe deep down she had sought him out to fill the emptiness. Sure Czech was quite a long way to travel to get laid, but man was he ever a thorough lover. Over and over she gave into her need, and her body unyielding against harderened lines and angles of the male lycan.

 

As much as Trisha hated to admit it, she did need him. Needed those arms around her, feel his body ridged and throbbing with desire for her...and only her. No man had ever been as devoted to her as Max. Which led her to believe he loved her. But, in reality, she didn't love him, she knew that much. Lust; no matter how strong and passionate their sex had been, was in the end, only lust. After Jakob, she swore no man would ever possess her that completely ever again. She had been weak and the maniac had taken every advantage he could with her, too. She wouldn't fall into that mental trap again.

 

It was late in the evening before Trisha woke. The sound of the door closing had rousted her from languid sleep. Eyes cracked open to see Max sitting on the edge of the bed, cell phone glued to his ear and a room service cart within his reach. Whatever mission he was on, alittle romp in the sack with her hadn't deterred it in the least. Leaning over, she glanced at her watch, the rolled from under the covers. Grabbing her robe, she slid it on and double knotted the sash as she headed to the john. Once gathering her composure again, she returned to Max's presence, and what looked like their dinner spread out on the bed. "Dinner is served, Sweetness...nothing like a huge hunk of meat to sate your appitite." He grinned her way, grabbed his hamburger and leaned back against the headboard. She smirked at him, then looked over her own plate. "I gotta hand it to you, Doll, you still know how to show a lady a good time.." Grabbing her own burger up in her fists, she soon joined him and leaned back against the wooden headboard. He grinned over at her. "I aim to please, Babe...aim to please..."

 

After chugging the better part of a beer down with his food, Max wiped his mouth and settled back in against her. He watched as she toyed with her fries, scooping up obscene amounts of ketchup on each bite. His amusing expression soon faded away as that somber one took it's place. "Trish, listen to me..about what you said before. I meant it...it there was any feasible way possible to be free of Sam's grip, I would have done it already..and took you with me. But Babe, just think before you say or do anything. Sam has people planted all over the place. Just promise me you won't do anything rash."

 

She knew what he was trying to tell her, she knew the spies all too well, and was pretty damn good at evading them. What she didn't know until just a while ago was... she was in bed with one of his biggest and best. If Trish had any clue where Max's loyalities really lay before this, she would have kill him outright and not thought twice about it. All these years...all their nights spent in each other's arms..had all been a ploy. Sam didn't trust Trisha's unpredictable nature. Once he had gained her trust, and the deed of removing Kristen from the fact of the earth accomplished, he had already planned on exterminating the lycan primadonna. It was for her own good, so he had told Max. Max had begged to differ in that respect, and in doing so had spoken up too quickly. The task of keeping this woman under control weighed heavy on his shoulders. That is until she left him high and dry.

 

But, to Max's surprise, instead of Sam handing down a death warrant for the woman, he had allowed her to go, and sent her packing with an agenda. Thus being her current botched mission with the 'Fangs. Now ole Max could almost gloat at the fact Sam had been wrong about her. Here she lay wanting out, and trying to convince her only trusted allie to help her: Him.  But that was before they had had sex. Things had changed now. Trisha tilted her head, lifting her eyes up as she slipped the drenched fry into the waiting mouth of her lover. She smiled slowly, cool blue hues scanning the depths of his warm green hues. Even in her sleep she could hear things....like the phone conversation he was so desperatly trying to keep down. She smiled, innocense almost dripping from the corners of those full lips. She leaned up and kissed Max slowly, then whispered. "Don't worry baby, I'm fine now. I was just under alot of stress.."

 

Her fingers toyed with the dark strands of hair across his full chest. She glanced down, stroking fingers fanning out across the rippling muscles. Then leaning down, she drug her tongue slowly across one of his man nipples. He gasp, and she smiled wider. "I promise not to do anything to contradict Gaia...or myself..." Her tongue licked downward, going lower with every quick breath Max sucked in. "Ooh, yes baby, that's it...keep going..." She kissed his warm skin just below the navel. "I.." Then kissed lower as her tongue swirled against his throbbing desire. "promise..." Her gaze darted up to his face, and a smile could be seen briefly before her lips consumed him. Lying never looked so good to her as Max's head rolled back with a groan. There would come a day of rectification, but not this day. For the deception and treachery that she had learned from this man tonight would indeed  take her years to avenge. And she would take tormented pleasure in every gasping breath from his dying lips.

Chapter 62--Enter the Dark Knight

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

Wolfbane Estate, 6:10 pm
~Its chilling to think how easy it is to seduce someone...chilling to think how easily they fall into your grasp...how easy it is to take over their lives. Maybe thats why Blade never let himself  "fall" in love with any one woman.  And now with his father's stern ultimatum, he had little choice in the matter. Love did not mean what it was suppose to be; not for what he needed. He was torn...torn in the fact he had little time. In his mind,  he knew what he needed as far as women were concerned. And up until this point in his life, they had merely filled a desire; to possess, and to feed his bloodlust. But he would need someone who could provide more than that now. And no matter what his thoughts turned to, Kara could not fill that need. So, disgruntled, he would keep playing the board until that one woman walked into his life and made him want to give up his old ways. Want to buckle down, and want to be loyal.~

 

~Yes Blade knew he had this in him...but he also realized that this part of him had never surfaced because the right woman had never really surfaced. Recently he had begun to think he had met this woman in Kara. She was one woman that didn't just want to sit at home and play with her hair all day, or worry if her eye liner was smudged, or god forbid, if there was a wrinkle in her skirt. He knew that the woman he wanted as his bride of power wouldn't mind getting down and dirty; someone who wouldn't mind helping in business matters. He had one in mind, though the problem at hand was...could he trust this woman with his life. His thoughts collectively turned to Emerald. He had heard stories....was she trustworthy? He needed to know that before anything further took place. ~

~He growled. The assassin somehow always left a bitter taste in his mouth. He would die a thousand Tzi deaths before he would take the hand of one of the very clan that struck his mother down. Angry with the world and himself, he sat up and cleared his mind of every thought that had seemed to bubble and churn in that head of his. Walking down to the empty parlor,  he poured a glass of bloodwyne and leaned an arm against the mantel. He was too wound up to think about his father or any of his Regent shit at the moment. This would just become a thorn in his side before too long. Attention turned to the room as he noticed the shadow of Knox shifting slowly towards him.~

 

"..Yes Knox? "

"Sir..I know you told me not to follow the Gaia, but.."

"Go on...."

"Well, I found something that I think needs your attention.."

 

~Leaning over, Blade took the paper from the ghoul's hand and glanced over it. An internet copy of plane reservations..issued to T. Corradino. Destination Paris. He looked up to the ghoul puzzled for a moment, then sighed, returning his attention to the paper.::  ...She's going to Paris, so what? It's a free.... ::He stopped as realization crossed his mind. Reading on, Kara's name caught his attention, Then the Bonegnawer's name under that. And one other that didn't surprise him in the least, Zack Dugan.~

 

"She's not going alone, Sir."

"I see this..."

 

~He should have been concerned with this finding, but he wasn't. Only a mild curiosity at best...he knew why they were going. Then something odd crossed his mind.  His thoughts taking a one eighty turn as he remembered his talk in the sewers with the Nofise. 'The children take care of their own'... He sighed as a hard brow lifted.~

 

"....Gaia...  meddling dogs.."

"Shall I bring the car around?"

"No, Knox, that won't be necessary. I'll handle Ms Corradino myself.."

"Yes, Sir."

 

~He stared into the crimson liquid clinging against the crystal goblet. Dare he dance with the Mistress of the pack herself? Looking through the foyer, he sighed softly. This wasn't going to help him, his father had sternly warned him about staying out of the lycans business...all the more reason to not let sleeping dogs lie. And at this point, Blade didn't give a damn.~ "Come ..death..come and find me...I am waiting".

 

 

Stationside, Romania 2004

212 Warren Street, 7:39 pm
::Bare feet padded silently across the floor as she moved up the spiral staircase leading to her bedroom, the openness of the loft a welcomed relief as she pushed open the windows and took a glance across the empty street below. Soft whisper falling from her lips:: Don't be stubborn.. Trixie. ::She knew she could do this..after all, it's just one lycan, she can't hide forever. She smiled again all for a second or two before stoic expression took over delicate features. Smoothing her hair back, she pinned it up around her head then let hands slide down to unfasten and peel those long legs out of the BDU pants. A sigh. She had put way too much time in searching on that damn computer when she knew the only way to bring the bitch out of hiding was to go looking for her.::

::Turning, she switched on the light as she passed the mirror, stopping there, she studied her reflection with a far away gaze in her eyes..why did she feel so alone? She frowned, she knew why....most people were threatened by her ablilty to not play the helpless female..good lord, she sprouted fur come each full moon, what did you expect? No, she knew deep down she hated all this isolation from the normalicies of life...a loving husband, a warm home...children...but she wasn't like the rest of the picture perfect women in the world..and well, lets face it, most men wanted a lady, not a female version of Rambo on their arm. Laughing to that thought, she turned and slid out of the rest of her clothing, then headed for the shower.::

::She was the epitome of Femme Fatale..make no mistake about that, hard body of a killing machine, and too smart sometimes for her own good. But she was also a woman, supple and delicate, with hungers and needs that up until lately, she was content to surpress. Animalistic more so being Garou.. another beast that she was forced to control. Maybe that's why by the time she had bathed and strode across to the bed, she had made up her mind... falling down against the soft covers, eyes looked up to the ceiling as she pondered. Paris could wait, but Sasha's threat wouldn't. So she would go with the others and continue this masquerade of peace for her people..but she'd need to be careful. Jakob's death was still a mystery and she wanted it to remain that way....She laughed softly, the day of reckoning for Sasha would come soon enough, and she would be held accountable .... accused then damned to the same fate as the mighty Jakob had found..::

 

~The thin sheers draping against the open balcony fluttered softly as his footsteps touched lightly to the stone outcropping. Dark eyes as still as the night peered curiously into the room, casting a mixture of intrigue about his watchful nature to the scantitly clad woman moving about within. Olden days came back to him in a rush. The thrill of the chase, the moment when immortal met mortal..the alluring attaction of the opposite sex. All of it seemed to hold him spellbound, all that is but one minor detail..she was no mere mortal. What was this strange fixation that he had for lycan women? Was it the conquering nature of the beast? He didn't give much thought to it before, with Kara. Had she became just a conquest for him? Or did he feel indebted to honor her with that in which she truly desired...him.~

 

~But now, as he sized up the woman, he could note comparisions between the two..yet he knew in his soul that the difference between each was like night and day. He closed his eyes a moment as he divvied into the creature's thoughts. Nothing major to cause her alarm. She seemed so surreal, so at peace. Was this the true heart of the Gaia? He mildly probed her thoughts, then eyes flashed open as the grizzly ordeal of the Kristen chieftain fluttered across his thoughts. A soft smirk curled up one edge of his mouth as he soon discovered that he now looked upon the terror that had dealt his untimely death. He wasn't surprised. And on that note, he shifted, the curtians parting in the breeze before him as he entered into her room. The old superstition of an invitation was just that. After all, she was no mortal woman.~   ...I hope I'm not intruding, I just happened to be in the neighborhood...

 

::She was busy sorting through her clothes as she packed for the trip. Mind preoccupied in it's usual calamity, so much that she haddn't noticed the kindred's presence. She really needed to invest in a security system, or maybe a dog...As his voice echoed over the silence of room to greet her, she stiffened her body... standing up fully, and left her back turned to him. She didn't have to look to know who it was. Unmistakable accent in his voice, added with a finesse of charm deemed him a Wolfbane. Somehow his words were as chilling as the breeze that wharfed in with his presence. Her stillness was short lived as she turned and looked at him, full lips sporting a coy smirk as sapphire hues fell across his visage. Now why didn't she believe him?:: Oh really.. Well, maybe I can interest you in a map? Kara's shop is nowhere near the city...::She snipped, stepping forward to the bed, then laying the folded pair of jeans gently into the suitcase. She had no time for his buttish habits of sticking his nose in where it didn't belong. Especially in her personal space.::

 

::He couldn't help but smile to her words. It helped curb his anger.:: I brought you something....a peace.. offering if you will...::His hand slid from behind his back to produce a brown paper bag, he stepped to her and offered it before her.:: To make up for crashing your party the other night...

 

::She took a cautious step back as she eyed him, then the bag. A tilt of her head as she made no motion to take it:: Snakes? How thoughtful...thanks but no thanks...

 

::He sighed, this might be much harder than he first realized. He tipped the bag and let the contents fall into his free hand. He turned the pint of ice cream up and held it for her to inspect:: I do believe this is your favorite brand....and flavor..chocolate...am I right?

 

::Now this was quite puzzling, and she was sure it showed on her face. Also very aware of just who he was...and for Blade to have knowledge of her preference in mere sinful treats such as this meant only one thing. He's been having her tailed. That came as no surprise. She smiled slowly to him, but it held very little of her usual social graces.:: I should be flattered at all the attention. ::She took the ice cream, then gaze returned to him.:: Thank Knox for me, will ya? ::It still was cold..but of course, he was cold..a walking fridge. She smirked as she turned and simply walked from the room. She shifted down the stairs and into the kitchen to fish out a spoon. Might as well eat it before it melted.::

 

::Following her silently, he gazed about the small flat, taking in all that he could of this one's style of living. He spotted the painting she had purchased at the Gallery. It hung directly over a grey toned Baby Grand Piano. He tilted his head, surprised to see such a lavish piece of art in the poscession of such a destructive soul like Trisha. He slid off his jacket and then took a seat on the bench before the piano. His fingers moved about, caressing against the wood.::

 

"So, Blade...what is it, exactly, that you want? Baring gifts and all...."

"A few moments of your time is all, Trixie. I hope than you can spare it.."

"Depends..."

"On?"

"Mm, now how long is few moments to you, Blade?"

 

::He lifted his eyes to spot a set of initials etched in gold across the cover of the keyboards. He touched against them...J J K raised up against his touch. Cocking his head, he pondered a moment, then slowly he lifted the cover to expose the keys.:: Not long, not long at all. I have a few questions, then you will be rid of me..

 

::She appeared in the room once more, stepping over to where he was plundering, and quickly touched against the keyboard cover, slamming it shut:: It's out of tune.. ::A quick smile then she turned, moving over to take a seat on the couch.:: Now then...what kind of questions...inquiring minds must know...::Spoon already dipping into the chocolate goodness as she begun to divulge, silencing her and giving him her undivided attention.::

 

::Catching her not so subtle hint, he turned and stood, reaching into his pocket long enough to tug out a folded piece of paper. He moved to where she sat, opening it to drop gently by her side:: These type of questions.... ::Before her lay the xeroxed copy of her plane reservations that Knox had given him earlier.::

 

"So, you have a computer..big deal..." ::She looked over the paper, then lifting a hard brow, one of those 'so what' looks etching her face. Did he really come all this way to show her that? She eyed him a moment then scooped up another bite from the carton.::

 

::He sighed:: "It's a big deal to me when I look at the names on that list."::Leaning down, he swiped up the paper, then wadded it up, letting it find it's on place on the table before her.:: "Or do you not care what happens to them?"

 

"And you do?" ::She stared at him for a long moment...this was not concern she was seeing on his face...or was it?:: "Oh, I get it. You don't want your little girlfriend going, is that it? Well, it was her idea, not mine. I'd just as soon she stay home and dig in the dirt." ::Truth be told, she had discouraged all of them not to come along with her. Ben had complied to her request, but Zack and Kara simply would not take no for an answer. That group of faithful Gaia supporters had gotten the upper hand on Trixie, and well, she really had no choice.::

 

"Kara has nothing to do with why I'm here."::He said rather abruptly as he inched himself around her and took a seat in an arm chair near where she sat. Leaning back, he lay his arms gently on the chair before continuing.:: "She's no longer involved in my affairs, nor I her's. It's for the best, really. ::Yeah, for both their lives, that is. Father has insured that. And that was as much as he cared to say about that arrangement. Bitterness still hinting at his tone.::

 

::She lifted both brows to his words. Had their been a storm she didn't know about? The star crossed lovers are split up? Damn, where the hell had she been?  She scraped out another scoop of the melting chocolate, then it dawned on her what he just said...confusion replacing the surprise of her brow:: "Then, why don't you just spell it out for me Blade.."::Another curt remark made before she continued to dine of the frozen concoction.::

 

"...Trisha..." ::He started, that dark gaze falling to rest on her form. The tone more corrective than authority. Somehow he felt she was no stranger to that tone of voice by now. Knox's report of her Chieftain's visit just recently had him guessing to why the urgancy of her trip to Paris has came about. And her persistance with him tonight told him more than she was letting on.::

 

"What? Yanno, I'm sick of all your damn snooping. Do you see me crashing your little coven gatherings? No, but I can...Blade...I can make that group of vamps you run with the most miserable bunch of blood suckers in the world..::She leaned forward then, spoon lifted at point blank range, indicating that she was more than irritated at his goading tone.::

 

"I've no doubt that you can. I didn't come here to pick a fight with you. We share a mutual interest in this uprising... And I do care what happens to the Lycans. I don't know what I can do to make you understand that..." ::He tried to curb his anger once more. This woman could strike a nerve with him so fast it made his head swim with uncertainty. She reminded him of another just then, and he almost choked on the similarities. On more than one occasion Beth had used the oddest things to emphasize certain mindless points to him. And usually they were sharp, and pointy.::

 

"Heh, it's gonna take more than a little tub of ice cream for me to trust you, Tzi. Or have you forgotten Cairo?" ::She was quick on the trigger then to point that out.::

 

"No, I haven't forgotten. Had I known you were in that ...dead priest's ...room, the.... raid ....would have not been made." ::He shot back, lifting his brow as he did, those words just flowed out without thought.::

 

"You mean the assasssination would not have be carried out!!!" ::Somehow she knew this was enviable..other than business, their chance meetings had been brief and impersonal...she wasn't really sure she was in the right frame of mind to have this conversation with him, if it really needed to happen at all. That was years ago, and her life then was not the same. Silently, she knew she would never be prepared to face what happened then.::

 

::He blinked to her curt reply. He wasn't expecting that. The silence between them grew as did their stare. The past had slipped into the conversation so quickly that neither realized it until it was too late. He saw now where some of her hostility towards him was coming from. No amount of words could ever right the wrong of the betrayal made by him so long ago. Blade leaned up then, letting his hands clasp together in thought. Then they were lifted as they rubbed against his face abruptly:: I'm sorry...::He breathed, then stood without warning:: Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.  I better leave. I....  ::He fell silent again, he really didn't know anything anymore. And hashing it out with her just didn't seem too promising at the moment. He stepped away from her then, heading to pick up his jacket from the piano bench.::

 

::She quirked a brow to his change in attitude...something wasn't right, she could feel it. The Blade that she knew would ..for starters, never EVER show up at her door...but now she found him almost humbled sitting in her living room...and he definitely did not cower away like this when faced with a challange...especially like the one that she just laid at his feet.:: No..Blade...wait  :: She spoke even before she could stop herself. She really wanted to hear what he had to say for some strange reason. Out of all the chieftians, it was he that had seemed to be the most concerned about the 'Fangs reign of terror, even if he was on the other side of the fence looking in on the deed.::

 

::The ice cream was polished off as empty carton was sat gently on the coffee table. Then standing up, she wiped her hands clean against her shirt before she turned to look at him once more.:: "I'm alitle confused here. We aren't in any way, shape or form on the same side. I mean..just look at us...really look. Five minutes together in the same room and we're already at each other's throats.. ::She took a breath as she let her gaze lift up to his, tone dropping in the process:: -s- What can you possibly have to gain by coming here?" ::Her words sincere this time...azure hues taking in his brawny form a long moment or two. She just didn't understand him at all. Then, head tilted as she heard the faint rap on the door.::  Fuck.... ::Lousy timing, just her luck.:: Who in the hell can it be now? ::She muttered.::

 

::He cringed slightly, he knew she was right. What in the hell was he thinking by coming here...they were enemies, with bad blood between them. Shifting around as she spoke, he gazed to her ..the stranger from his past...and for a second or two he tried to push that out of his mind....as if she really was someone he didn't know. Trying to see past that mask of hatred she wore. He got lost somewhere in those words she spoke as a spark ignited his thoughts. Then everything seemed to take a perpetual spin, falling into place. Well, for him, anyways. He always looked at the grand scheme of things, omitting the minor details at the moment. Dark eyes bore into the lycan across from him, mind churning the possibility of a newly found path before his feet. Then, as the knock on the door was registared in his ears, dark eyes shot over to it quickly. Her mutter heard, clearly she wasn't expecting anyone.::

 

::Another knock bled through the air:: "Trixie...c'mon, it's cold out here...open up!!"  ::Damn, she turned from the door just as she was about to open it, looking straight at Blade as Zack's voice boomed from outside. Shit!! He couldn't find Blade here..she waved to him, motioning him into the kitchen as she softly padded away from the door.:: "Zack, is that you?" ::She called lightly over her shoulder.:: "Hold on, I'm not dressed...." ::She cringed with that as she turned to look to the door.::  "And that's a problem? C'mon, I ain't kidding, I'm freezing my balls off out here....open up!! ::She rolled her eyes as she turned to slip into the kitchen.::

 

::Blade was already going through the motions of slipping on his jacket. He was about to make a speedy exit via the balcony as he stepped out of the kitchen and ran into Trixie. Grabbing her arms gently, he turned her and started up the stairs. As he reached the top, he turned to look at the door, then back to her, leaning in close to whisper.:: "We'll continue this another time.."

 

::She nodded lightly, eyes vivid with the surprise of the lycan at her door, growing wider by the minute as she was ushered up the stairs at break neck speed. Turning to take one more glance at Blade, she couldn't help but smirk as he drew dangerously close to her. Of all the men in her life, why did it have to be him that was her enemy? ...He was pretty damn sexy... when you get past the fact he was a Wolfbane...and of course overlook that fiendish shell he hid behind. But, alas, that was all part of the kindred charisma. One that she knew all too well..He was bad news...:: "Yes..." ::She breathed, then watched him turn to go.  She sighed...Her thoughts were fleeing as he disappeared out the balcony doors, slipping back into the night.:: 

 

"Trrrriiixxxxxxxieeeeee"

 

"I'm coming, dammit, keep your pants on, will ya!??!?!?!"

 

Chapter 63--Sunset on the Seine

 

Paris, France 2004

Sasha Woo's Office, 8:19 pm
The sun crept lower and lower, casting shadows across the plush carpeting in Sasha's office. The overlarge windows boxing in her chosen workspace offered a spectacular view of the sunset on the Seine- one that she had no current interest in at all. Instead, Sasha busily glared at the neon glow of the computer screen, typing at an enviable speed. Her intercom buzzed, startling her somewhat... and that, of course, annoyed her.  "Yes?"  Snapped out sharply, that honeyed voice given just a slight edge. She had been anxiously awaiting news from Ming, especially now that some of her little spies seemed to be indicating that visitors were on their way to Paris. Sasha loathed visitors; they always complicated things. That, and she never could fully tolerate others invading her territory. It had taken no small amount of time and effort to acquire this stronghold, and she wasn't in the mood to play games in her home field.

"Excuse the interruption, ma'am, but Ming has arrived and wishes to see you."  The voice was neutral, bland... her desk receptionist wasn't the brightest. Then again, she had lost a few receptionists to very insistent guests and that particular lesson had been well-learned.

"Send her in."  Hands folded neatly in front of her, Sasha eyed the door. Ming had better bring some news worth hearing. Heavy oak parted to admit the small woman, her appearance unobtrusive in the fading light. Ming was Sasha's personal assistant, and very good at her job. Her mannerisms were businesslike, dark eyes sharp with intelligence- in fact, at a quick glance, she didn't look entirely unlike Sasha, a coincidence they had put to good use on more than one occasion. Ming eased herself into the chair opposite the large desk and pushed a small folder across into Sasha's waiting hands, vague anxiety prompting her to smooth imaginary wrinkles from tailored black skirt.

Manicured fingertips flipped through the pages, the tip of Sasha's tongue creeping between painted lips as her concentration deepened. Intent expression never faltered, though her eyes widened slightly as she neared the end of the file. Glancing up, a smile twitched the corners of her lips and she declined her head just a fraction in thanks and dismissal of the other woman. Ming quickly rose and departed, breathing an inaudible sigh of relief.

Back in the office, Sasha swiveled 'round in her chair, fingers steepling beneath her chin as unseeing eyes focused beyond the sunset and beautiful horizon. Not all of the news was good, but it was all very interesting at the least. Not only had she and her tribe attracted the attentions of the local lycans in Stationside... no, they had also grabbed the focus of the local Kindred. How delicious.

 

Sasha was always a bit of an attention-whore, to put it plainly. And the mention of a map piqued her curiosity more than a bit. She frowned as she contemplated the map's current whereabouts and the best way to acquire that prize... especially since it seemed like more than herself had displayed interest in that information. Hm. So far she had been relying on brute force to get her way........ perhaps it was time to play nicely. What was that old saying about honey and vinegar? Smiling that private smile, Sasha turned dark eyes upon the photos in the folder.. memorizing faces to go with the names she already knew. It's only a matter of time now, kiddies.

Journal Five

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