NationStates Jolt Archive

Keep all OOC here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=467782)

Character List

Nicolai Kruschev (Gaeltach)
Aeschia (Hyperslackovicznia)
Tark (DMG)
Azhar Badr (Largent)
Jade (Mare Serenus)
Boaz ([NS]Wooshaba)

*****************

“I smell trouble,” The seer known as Marie said in a quiet voice.

She was seer to Zanaar, self-proclaimed Prince of Vampires. She had as a young girl been freaked out by her visions. She thought she would be punished by the Norns for having them and cut out her own eyes in order to stop the visions. That of course failed and she was left blind and still had the curse of the visions. That led her to a mental breakdown and she was left in a mental hospital. There she was found by Zanaar and turned, the rest as they say is history.

“I see the smell in my mind,” she then said. “It stinks of death.”

Zanaar placed his chin on his hands. “Not the dragon, demon and sand again is it?” he questioned his seer.

“No,” she replied, drawing the sound out. “Sand, demon and dragon are not involved, this is a new prince rising.”

Zanaar scowled, he instantly knew what that meant, a threat to his status as the Exetergrecia prince. This vampire… he would have to find out who he was and destroy them before he gained enough support. His eyes turned to his seer.

“Do you see is face?” he questioned her.

“No, the mist is getting thicker, his face he is a mystery,” Marie replied.

Zanaar slammed his fist against the arm of his chair. That was not what he wanted to hear. It meant he was going to have to send someone out to find information on who this vampire was plotting to overthrow him. He had of course enemies who would love to see the back of him, they were his first choice in suspects. However they would never openly admit it nor would they wish the title of prince themselves, most of them anyway. Their preference was to have a puppet prince, Zanaar felt, something he would never become.

“Find out whom this vampire might be,” he then ordered his seer.

“Yes my Master,” she said, bowing in his direction.

**


A scruffy looking man in a trenchcoat and hate lit up a cigarette as he stood outside a nightclub in the Draconian capital, Exetergrecia. He inhaled a large puff before blowing out again, he didn’t care about the cities strict anti-smoking policy. The last person to have taken it up with him had ended up quite dead. He leaned against the wall and inhaled another puff as he looked around.

Jonas could often be late. It wasn’t his fault, he was a 15th generation vampire afterall. As a 15th generation he couldn’t sire anyone as his blood was too thin, he was also a rarity as 14th generation vampires could barely sire anyone themselves and to be a 15th generation was strange to other vampires. Not to Rube however, he saw lots of potential in Jonas, when he was on time of course.

“Stupid kid,” he grumbled.

Rube then looked up to see Jonas heading down the street toward him. He flicked down the spent cigarette and stubbed it out.

“Took you long enough, kid,” he said, strangely for him it was in a calm voice.

Jonas shook his head, “Sorry, got caught up.”

Rube raised an eyebrow. As a Ravnos he had gypsy blood in him, in his old life he had been Romany and could still speak the language fluently. Saying nothing, he moved away and headed down the side alley, Jonas followed closely behind. The alleyway was dark and as it had been raining recently, water had collected in pretty large puddles.

“So what are we doing?” Jonas quietly asked.

Rube muttered something in Romany under his breath before stopping beside a door. From under his hat, his eyes turned on Jonas, “We’re here to pay someone a little visit,” he then said.

First he thumped on the door before kicking it in. Jonas just watched as the scruffy man walked inside. He knew to stand watch and make sure no one else turned up. Rube meanwhile searched the premises, but the vampire he was looking for wasn’t there. Instead it looked like they had previously left their lair and hadn’t returned for sometime.

“Shit,” he swore.

“Not good is it?” Jonas asked.

To that Rube could only shake his head. If the vampires had already moved then finding them was going to be even harder than it should. Rube muttered a Romany curse under his breath.

“So what now?” Jonas then asked, looking down the dark alley to see if anyone was coming.

Rube lit another cigarette and dropped the match in a pile of old newspapers, setting them alit. Having watched the flames grow, he breathed out a large puff of smoke and left the building. He looked toward Jonas and said nothing before heading back down the alleyway and into the street. The young vampire followed, still wondering what Rube planned to do next, he knew better than to try and ask again.

“Back to the drawing board,” Rube muttered as he headed through the wet streets with Jonas in tow.

The younger vampire stayed quiet as they headed inside a tavern situated away from the more popular areas of Exetergrecia. This tavern was a vampire haven, situated in an area away from the prying eyes of the public and largely unknown to vampire hunters, especially to those belonging to the Cyredathem family.

The female vampire behind the bar looked up and nodded at Rube. Once she had been a member of staff at the old vampire haunt, The Red Cow before it had been burnt to the ground in an attack by the Cyredathem family. She wore what could only be described at stereotypical gothic clothing, black with black hair and black makeup that brought out the paleness of her vampiric skin.

Rube took a seat in the corner and lit up a cigarette while Jonas ordered a couple of ales. From there Rube decided on how they should go about finding the information they needed. Since The Dead Cow was rather popular with vampires looking for information themselves then perhaps he could strike up a deal, if of course they were local and knew where what was going on.

Rube idly looked up at the tavern door as he downed his ale.

“So what exactly are we looking for?” Jonas then asked.

The scruffy vampire tipped his hat up, keeping his eye on the door. “The usual suspects.”

Gabriel lounged in his loft appartment as he practiced a few of the simpler of the techniques of Melpominee, the discipline unique to the Sisters of Cacophony and Sons of Discord even thought there were scant few of the Sons left. He was presently working on luring one of his favorite Kine to his appartment by use of the ability commonly called Tourette's Voice. His whispered words were conveyed directly to her ears, slowly planting the idea that a visit to her on again, off again lover, Knight might be a nice idea tonight.

Some half hour later when Mico, an attractive young asian woman, arrived he met her with a smile on his pale lips and a song in his voice. Using the Voice of Tourette with a faint overtone of the Toreador's Bane, he painted a beautiful scene for her as he fed enought to sustain him, about the average donation of blood to a bank. After his meal, he carried her to the bedroom.

Sometime later Mico left happy, satiated and pleased with her liason with the charming and trendy Gabriel Knight.

OOC: Edited to compensate for mistakes.

Jade was waiting. She found that in her line of work, waiting was an ok sign. It meant that you were ready to make a move but the world at large wasn't. However, Jade wondered if she could have found a bit more comfort in travelling. Right now she was in a shipping container that smelled of wet dog and rotting fish. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like to travel in the old days. Months on sea voyages with nothing but the rats and the sickly to dine upon. Jade would have gone insane.

Though in another way she enjoyed the solitude that travelling brought. You didn't have to worry about enemies trying to kill you, friends trying to betray you, in a way it was in travelling that Jade found the most peace. When you traveled all you had to worry about were the sun and accidents, but those were beyond Jade's control so she ignored them. While traveling Jade liked to do peaceful and simplae tasks, like meditating and brushing her hair or cleaning her weapons.

The alarm clock on Jade's watch began to beep, trying to draw Jade's attention to the time and date. She brushed a few more strokes of her hair and then put the brush back into her travel box. She then braided her hair into the customary braid that she usually had. Then she silenced her alarm and got the mattress in the box ready. She checked to see that all the weapons that she had brought with her were secure and the laptop containing all the information on the target was safe. She then lowered herself into the box and ontop of the air mattress. She moved the lid of the box and secured it to the top with latches on the inside.

The outside of the box had many warning labels, such as, Fragile, Handle With Care, and The Person or Persons Who Damage This Box Will Be Prosecuted.

The spaceship pulled into spacedock and began to unload its cargo. Shipping container 2316 was moved to a Planetside Warehouse D. Inside the warehouse the shipping container was opened and a box taken out of it. The box was taken by truck to an apartment that had recently been rented. It was one hour till dusk.

Darkness, shadow. These had become close and trusted friends to Nicolai. Pale slender fingers turned up the collar of his coat, sheilding the sides of his face and neck from any onlookers. His steel blue eyes were everywhere, examining every unexplored space as he walked quickly down a narrow street. Dusk fell early in the city, aided by manmade barriers.

He wasn't sure how he had come to be here. Instincts alone drove him. At the time, he only knew that he had to get out of Gaeltach. It was too dangerous there, as Artemis had eyes everywhere. The company had been the sole reason for his current.. condition. Naturally, they wanted him back. And they probably wanted him dead for all the trouble he caused in escaping. Free will was such an exciting discovery.. Yet it was also costly. Already he was responsible for so much death. Poor Grammian.. he hadn't deserved that.

Snapping out of his silent reverie, Nico payed acute attention to his surroundings. A block ahead, a moving truck rumbled through the intersection, but otherwise, this section of the city had remarkably little traffic at this hour. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, only that he was waiting for something to strike him. And all at once, he found it. Distantly, he heard the steady pulse of bass from somewhere. He was in a warehousing district, and that naturally lent itself to certain nighttime activites. Pursuing a whim, Nico smiled grimly to himself and followed the sounds of the music. And sure enough, he found it. Muffled electronic music exuded from a building ahead, booming bass serving as a beacon for the masses. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he gave a predatory grin and headed for the building.

She was back in Exetergrecia. It had been a while. Aeschia enjoyed the feeling of familiarity, although it was strange to be there without Marius. After 10,000 years with him, she wanted to experience a bit of independence. Marius, of course, did not agree, however they agreed to separate for a while. Aeschia knew he would be faithful to her; however, she had no such intentions. They had been apart for a year now, and she was enjoying every moment of her independence and the different vampires and men she had met, all with their distinct personalities and lives. It was a breath of fresh air.

Aeschia had been traveling around the world, meeting different vampires, most from different clans, doing different things, and enjoying what she had missed for so long. She had even taken some contracts… if the target met her approval.

She was getting dressed for tonight's activities… a gallery opening along with a well-known string quartet and fine wine to accompany the viewing. Aeschia finished putting her hair in an updo and put her high-heeled sandals on. She looked fabulous. She had on a full-length gown, black, with spaghetti straps, fitted, but with a slit up one side for movement. She also had a wrap of black and red lace... more of a scarf, which she wore over her elbows and behind her... a ruby and onyx choker with strands of ruby and onyx dropping all around, and a large ruby pendant hanging from the center. Long matching drop earrings and of course a matching bracelet and rings. Underneath the dress, was a thigh holster with her pistol, as well as a throwing knife and some throwing needles. You could never be too careful.

She intended to go to the Dead Cow, after the gallery... Quite a change of venue, but as usual, she did not feel uncomfortable in either environment.

Aeschia remembered the Red Cow, now replaced by the Dead Cow after the original was burnt down. The Tremere clan in the city had informed her of the new place, found her a fantastic place to rent, and gave her all the news in the city since she had left.

The bell rang and she checked the intercom from her 19th story loft. It was her limo. Time to go. She was more than looking forward to her first night out in Exetergrecia… excited to see new people and new places.

Aeschia stepped into the limo, and she was off.

Irving Morrel had just recently gotten to Exetergrecia. For the last five years he had been hunting criminals, but his clan had sent him a message to come. The Toreador set up a place for him to live in until the mission was completed. Irving had gotten noting about the mission.

While sitting in a chair Irving thought about this past mission. While traveling the world he fought against criminals. When a crime boss was attacking innocent people he killed them. He found them and killed them. The criminals always pleded to Irving to give them mercy. He gave none. During the five years he found many loves and enemies.

Thinking back to the present Irving was going out tonight. After taking a shower he put on his bowler hat, shirt, trenchcoat, pants, and his boots. Before walking out the door he put his colt peacemaker in his holster and some extra bullets. Under his trenchcoat he had his 19th French Navy officer saber in it's scabbard. He was sure he had enemies in this city.

Irving had no idea what the mission that his clan assigned him to do. The only words they said about the mission were Dead Cow, Prince Zanaar, and Gabriel. He found out that was the name of a tavern.

Out on the city streets he made his way over and opened the door.

In the limo, Aeschia looked out the windows recognizing some of the familiar streets. This gallery opening mainly would consist of the elite in the city, and would no doubt include vampires and mortals. She was looking so forward to it. There would be art from new budding young artists, as well as old art shipped in from Earth, including, but not limited to, the Mona Lisa!

Aeschia was looking forward to seeing the old Earth art that she had seen so long ago.

The limo arrived at the gallery, and it would wait for her around the corner until she was ready to leave.

The back door opened: "Have a lovely time Lady Aeschia", the limo driver smiled at her. These drivers always called her "Lady". The Tremere had arranged for her drivers to be from their clan. Since the clan was so highly structured, and she was right at the top, not one of the seven who ran the clan, only by choice, the Tremere always referred to her as “Lady”, although she told them all the time it was not necessary for her to be addressed that way.

"Thank you sir", Aeschia smiled back. The smile that melted so many men's hearts. She exited the limo and tipped him in advance for waiting. A very large tip. She was extremely wealthy. After 10,000 years, she had amassed a vast fortune, and she was not above sharing the wealth. She truly appreciated the people who did things for her.

Aeschia walked up to the gallery doors where two door attendants held the doors for her. She nodded at them.

As she entered the gallery, she noticed how absolutely stunning it was... and everyone noticed how absolutely stunning she was. All heads turned when she entered. Aeschia was used to it, but it was so cliché. She was an unusual, exotic beauty.

She continued through the open lobby where people were mingling, and immediately was approached by a man in a tuxedo offering many different types of wine. Aeschia chose a vintage Earth New Zealand Shiraz and tipped the man. She took a sip. Heaven, she thought.

Sipping her wine, Aeschia walked over to a wall of paintings, enjoying the lovely string quartet. They were as accomplished as the rumors said.

So far, she had seen some paintings that were quite good, which were painted by local artists. Two were particularly outstanding. Well, these two artists are definitely going places, she thought to herself.

Each time she went to a different painting, everyone around her gazed at her for a bit. Aeschia ignored it. She was now in front of the Mona Lisa! This painting always reminded her of her Earth days. Wait a minute! she thought, and nearly dropped her wine. This is a fake! She almost yelled out loud. Her eyes were wide open, stunned.

Aeschia had seen the Mona Lisa right after it was painted, and many times since. This was not Michelangelo’s painting. She knew enough about art to notice the brush strokes were all wrong, and even the shading of the face. When she looked around, she saw a three other men and a woman with amused grins on their faces. They were also vampires and obviously knew it was a fake as well. A couple of them caught her eye and they grinned and laughed quietly! No one exposed the fake. Why bother?

Now there was a bit of camaraderie with these vampires. Two of the men engaged her in some conversation. Just some discussion of art, and a few sly comments about the "Mona Lisa". From this point on, they went from painting to painting together, commenting as they viewed. These two men also obviously knew their art.

Eventually they got to a painting that had a crowd around it. She noticed the crowd was all vampires. Aeschia could not see from behind everyone and slowly made her way to the front. She gasped and dropped her glass, which shattered on the floor. Thankfully, it was empty. Everyone turned to stare at her, but she did not even notice. She was stunned and sickened. Not because the painting, which was abstract in a Jackson Pollock style was painted with blood, but because of the name on the painting, which she had seen before: "Jack."

Aeschia began to turn white as a sheet.

“Are you all right?” an attractive male vampire asked her, noticing the look on her face and looking concerned.

She looked up at him and shook it off. “Yes… yes I am. Thank you for asking.” She smiled wanly at him.

The truth was, this painting was made by the only human she ever turned… and vowed never to turn another again.

It was the late 1800s on Earth in England. She met a charming doctor. He was physician to the English royal family. Both her and Marius had spent time with him, enjoyed art and music together, and spent time with the royal family. At one point, he had convinced her to turn him so that he could continue his work as a physician… even to humans after his transformation. Aeschia agreed to this. It was the biggest mistake of her life.

Shortly thereafter, gruesome murders began taking place in Whitechappel. The victims were mostly prostitutes and the murderer sent letters to the police, signing them, “Jack”. These victims were not simply drained of blood, but had many of their organs removed surgically, and the rest of their bodies shredded to pieces.

Aeschia went to the police station asking to see photos, but she was refused. She also was not allowed to view any of the crime scenes, however, with her telepathy, she saw what the police had seen. Never had she seen something so gruesome in her life. Overkill by a sociopath. The murders continued. A serial killer.

When Aeschia tried to see the doctor, he had disappeared, or been gone every time she went to see the royal family. The guilt at what she had done was making her sicker and sicker. She had to find him.

Aeschia had created an immortal serial killer. One who does not simply kill, but shreds and mutilates.

For quite a while, Aeschia and Marius spent all their time looking for him, as he continued his killing spree, signing everything “Jack”. Aeschia finally found him after one of the killings. She found him in a carriage on the street close to dawn. He was still weak, as far as vampire strength goes, so he was easy to deal with.

She ripped the carriage open, threw his bag of surgical instruments out of the carriage and dragged him out. Aeschia then contacted Marius telepathically, and he arrived shortly. While Marius held him down, Aeschia decapitated him. The two of them then took the body and the head and staked both into the ground in a field where the first sunrise hits daily and they left.

The following night, the two of them flew to the area they left the body. There was nothing but ashes. Goodbye Jack the Ripper.

She knew his signature, and that was it on the painting she saw. Aeschia grabbed two glasses of wine when the wine steward came by and ran over to the nearest bench and sat down in obvious distress. She would rest there for a while until she collected herself, and then go to the Dead Cow.

Aeschia was contemplating whether she should destroy the painting or not.

As soon as Jade awoke she flipped the latches and pushed the cover off the box. She streched, twisting to remove some of the kinks in her muscles. When that didn't work she did the little bit yoga she knew.

After stretching she looked at her new home for the next few days. It was a low income apartment 1 bedroom, 1 and a half bathroom, the kitchen was combined with the dining room and the living room. It was fully furnished, though the furniture was 10 years old and smelled a little musty. Jade didn't mind she wasn't planning on staying here that long anyway. She went back to the box and started to pull out her weapons. The two Kukri knives, were given to her by Asim, the vampire that had turned her. Then her two custom pistols .40 caliber, they both had legthened barrels to be more accurate. She took out the shotgun pistol, she had it custom made to fit her specifcations. Then she took out Gungnir, named after Odin's weapon that never missed. She had gotten it off a poacher back in old Egypt. It was a beautiful weapon, a thumb hole teakstock, matt black barrel, and it had a 10 round clip.

She checked her laptop which said that a popular meeting place for the vampires here was the Red Cow. Jade pondered what to do for a moment. Then decided that it was better to see what the landscape here was like before hunting.

A few days after his meeting with Mico, Gabriel decided to take one of infrequent sojourns into the nearest vampiric hang-out, a local that went by the quaint moniker of the Dead Cow. His sojourns were infrequent for a number of reasons, foremost among them was his preference to the company of Kine over Kindred. The other reasons for his lack of socialization were the fact that his talents disturbed other Kindred, the Toreador being foremost among them as they were the most vunerable to the melodies he could generated, and the fact that the bloodline from which he hailed was quite rare and necessitated caution.

Sliding on a white silk shirt, and a pair of black slacks as well as the blue jacket taken from one of his suits, he headed off to the Dead Cow, but not before remembering to slip on necklace with a small cross at it's center.

Once entering Irving sat down at the counter. Once seated he ordered a ale. While drinking his ale thoughts raced threw his mind. What was this mission his clan had set him up with? Taking off his bowler hat it reviled his messy hair. While thinking he remembered how he got his 19th French Navy officer sabre.

The Year was 1875. Irving was on the ship Magenta. He had just recently joined the French Navy. He hadn't become a vampire and thought they were just legends. Aboard the ship one of the officers was very nice to him and brought him up like a son. The Magenta sailed all over the world and the officer and Irving became good friends. One day there friendships was broken. The ship was exploded and most of the crew was dead. Irving some how survived and his officer friend did too. While waiting in the water Irving found out that his friend was dieing. So his friend gave Irving his sabre. A day later Irving found land and stayed there for two years living alone. During the two years he trained himself to use the sabre.

Those were memories he thought. That was a long time ago. Since then he had become a vampire.

In obvious distress, Aeschia sat on the bench, and drank both glasses of wine.

No. She would not allow that painting to remain. Anything celebrating that disaster of a monster was a travesty.

She was calm at this point. Aeschia could get rid of this painting easily, as her telekinesis was well developed. She looked up and saw the light that was illuminating the painting. It was perfect... hanging from a long cord. No one would be hurt as all were all behind the velvet rope surrounding the painting.

Out of no where, there was a crash as the painting hit the floor and the light illuminating it fell from the ceiling, separating from the cord... sparks, directed telekinetically by Aeschia, showered all over the painting and lit it on fire. She made the fire burn much faster than it would have otherwise. Everyone backed up away from the flames. The painting was burned to nothing very quickly. The very last of anything from Jack.

Satisfied, Aeschia exited the gallery and returned to her limo, not speaking to the driver, who opened her door, other than to say "To the Dead Cow".

On the way, Aeschia's mood had lightened. All traces of her debacle were gone, and she was hoping the Dead Cow was as interesting as the Red Cow.

The limo arrived at the Dead Cow. A nice underground type place. The driver opened the door for her. "Shall I wait for you, Lady Aeschia?" he asked.

"No", she tipped him well. "I will walk or fly back tonight. Thank you for your services." She smiled at him as she watched him enter the limo.

Aeschia entered the Dead Cow. Definitely the same atmosphere. She was very comfortable here. Many heads turned as she entered, and it was then she realized she was highly overdressed from the gallery opening.

Oh, who cares, she thought. After seeing an empty seat at the bar, she walked over and sat down, oblivious to the looks she received from most the men in the establishment.

"A bottle of Henriot Brut Melesme', 1995, from Earth", she requested, hoping they carried rare champagnes and wines the way the Red Cow did.

The bartender, a bit surprised, answered. "Wow, you're the only one to ever order that! We do carry it, however it is very pricey," she warned Aeschia.

"I am not concerned about price", Aeschia smiled back, and the bartender left to retrieve her champagne.

When the bartender returned with her bottle, Aeschia paid her and tipped her well, and started sipping on her first flute. Lovely, she thought and smiled.

Now that she was settled in, she took some time to check out the clientele. She did feel a need to feed, preferably from another vampire, and, after the wine and stress from earlier, was not beyond bringing someone home this evening... again... preferably a vampire... Someone whom both could drink their fill from each other, and engage in a bit of hedonistic behavior, so to speak.

This is the type of behavior she engaged in during her time away from Marius, and had no regrets thus far.

Aeschia had read a few minds, and found that those of the men she read wanted to take her home. However, these were not anyone with whom she had any interest. She ceased her mind reading and concentrated on her champagne.

Azhar crouched, concealed behind some brush, just outside Exetergrecia. It had been a long journey and a contract was in great need. He stood up and walked into the city. As he walked down the streets his eyes darted from person to person and he decided on possible targets, threats, or simply people of interest. He did not remember where this talent came from but he had never bothered himself to find out.

It was night and Azhar kept to the shadows as much as possible. Ahead of him he saw a tavern. The name read 'Dead Cow'. It looked low-key enough. He sliped inside and gazed around. Again he examined each person thouroughly and efficiently.

It seemed a simple enough crowd until one specimin caught his eye. She was rather beautiful but there was something else about her. He retreated into the corner and simply watched for a few moments. She turned her head and he quickly looked over at another table. Soon considering what it had been about her he turned his thoughts to how nice it would be to drink the blood of those inhabiting another table.

Waiting for a few moments before he decided it was safe he got up and made his way over to what he had gathered was a vampir--Aeschia--although he didn't know her name at that particular moment. When he reached her table he hoped that she would have read his thoughts moments earlier as he asked, "may I join you?"

His black eyes were dark and mysterious as a seductive smile crept slowly across his lips and he waited for a response allowing his thoughts to wander to how nice it would be to have her tonight.

Aeschia looked at the man who approached her table, and smiled back seductively. Having read his thoughts... even some of his unconscious thoughts. She replied:

"Please sit Azhar." Aeschia wondered if he would be surprised at the extent of her telepathy. She would give him her name, but knew that many vampires were aware of whom she was, her age, and her sire, as well as her strength and were intimidated by this. It usually was not a problem, but some vampires chose to avoid her. It was their choice. However, this man did not seem at all like the type to "steer clear" of much of anything. She grinned to herself.

"My name is Aeschia. I am glad you came to join me. I was getting a bit impatient for some company." She smiled that sly, dangerous, yet seductive smile.

"Please, have some champagne... Earth, vintage 1995." Before he could answer, she had flagged down a server and asked for another flute.

Aeschia looked him straight in the eyes and asked, "So what brings you to Exetergrecia?" Although she was quite sure she knew, and it was likely he was uninformed of the situation with Zanaar. She did not want to continue reading his mind constantly. That made everything so dull.

Looking at him while sipping her champagne, she waited for an answer.

Rube looked toward the bar as the music changed to Lacuna Coil’s ‘Swamped’. A familiar song that was often played in the tavern, it always reminded the scruffy vampire of a vampire game end theme. A few unfamiliar faces had entered the tavern, that wasn’t entirely unusual but a lone unfamiliar face ordered an unfamiliar drink. He’d never known the tavern to never be able to fill a drinks order such was the black market of the Draconian underground, a legacy left over from the Lord Azazel period.

“What are we looking for?” Jonas then asked.

“The out of place,” Rube replied, looking toward Aeschia. “And I think we have a suspect.”

Jonas was about to look over his shoulder but Rube stopped him. He watched as another joined her, there was something familiar about her however.

Boaz awoke from slumber to find himself in a bed with three women. It was daytime so he wouldn't dare walk out into the light. The night before had been a very good night for him. His mother had always said that he was a ladie's man. He looked around at the beautiful women who were around him and sat up. He then slapped one of the girl's butt and told her to get up. The girl smiled and moved out of Boaz's way. Boaz walked to the restroom of the apartment and left the woman on his bed. He smiled into his mirror and showed his fangs. They were dripping with the blood of the girls' who he had just been with. He was a different kind of vampire. He didn't like dirty women but liked to have more than one. He sniffed under his armpits and grimaced.

"A shower would be a good idea", he said to himself. He walked over to his shower. He was already naked so there was no need for him to strip. He turned on the water and washed himself. Soon he heard the sound of the door opening. Boaz looked out and smiled.

"Hey Boaz," said one of the women in the bed earlier. The beautiful woman stepped into the shower with him and Boaz said ,"Part two." Boaz bit into her neck. Blood ran down the drain.

_________________________________________________________________

Boaz stepped out of the shower feeling refreshed. He told the three women that he would talk to them later. He dressed himself and picked up his cell phone and called Tark, a member of his Giovanni clan.

Azhar was pleased to know his hunch had been correct; the mind reading, that was a bonus. However, it did have the nasty tendancy to add a new --and rather obnoxious-- to manipulating others, but he was up for the challange. He knew that she probably knew everything he was about to convey, withhold and lie about so he figured it really didn't matter what he said. Although, there no sense in taking a risk so why not make her work for something.

He toop a sip of the wine before answering. "I am here on strictly business. I'm something of a contract killer and I caught wind of something along the lines terbulance in this area. I'm not sure about what is exactly going on but I have confidence I will learn of it in time."

Now it was time to learn more about Aeschia. She only gave her name and nothing more. He was concerned he was supposed to know her but he was at a loss, and now was not the time to make himself look like an untraveled and totally uninformed man.

"Aeschia. I've heard the name." He allowed his eyes to stare blankly into space momentarily. "This is a little embarassing. I apologize, but you will have to remind me who you are."

He looked at the vintage bottle and was most interested in learning who exactly he was speaking to.

Just as she was beginning to speak he noticed some men eyeing her from the other side of the tavern, but she would probably have read their minds long before he said anything so he just listened politely to her response.

Azhar had yet to say much of anything or answer any of her questions. Aeschia decided to give him a bit of time. Perhaps he was the type of vampire who was uncomfortable with someone knowing his name without him telling her. Maybe I'll have to be careful about that.

Besides, she thought, there were definitely other prospects here this evening if things didn't go well with Azhar.

Aeschia gazed around the room, waiting for an answer and just people watching. She stopped when she recognized a scruffy man. He was around the last time her and Marius were in Exetergrecia. She was quite sure he recognized her as well. No matter. Aeschia was here for no other reason than to have a good time.

As she looked around the room, she noticed a man who was one of the Camarilla... a Toreador. Aeschia could figure out Clan nearly perfectly after all these years. Well, a brother in arms... I hope.

Aeschia did not intend to hurt anyone unless someone started something or were viciously attacking someone for no reason. She did not really consider any of the Clans enemies, other than the Sabbat, who have proved time an again, to be solid enemies.

Aeschia could be quite impatient, and her mind and eyes continued wandering and waiting. She had never failed to find a lover yet, so she was not concerned… just curious about the crowd.

Just as Aeschia was losing interest, Azhar spoke.

Aeschia smiled. "There is no reason you should know me at all. I don't know where you got that idea." She took a sip of her champagne. "I trust you enjoy the vintage?" She asked him. "If not, I will order something else for you."

Aeschia knew he wanted her to read his mind, thus she did on and off, however, she wanted to hear the words from him.

"And who is your target Azhar? There are so many Assamites, as well as other clans who take on contracts around here. Things are also unsettled at the time." She stated.

Aeschia was still hoping she could seduce this man. She was attracted to him and wanted to drink from him, and she knew he would enjoy drinking 10,000-year-old blood.

She was hoping the two men at the bar were not going to give her any trouble... she just wasn't in the mood.

"So, Azhar... Tell me some more about yourself." She smiled at him.

"The vintage is excellent." he replyed with a smile. "As for my target, that is not yet finalized; however, one could argue that it is." he paused for a moment deciding on how best to tell his story. "You see, I have built up something of a reputation for being reckless, impulsive, and overly confident.

"Some people like to take advantage of this. Various Assamite elders asked that I travel here, although certainly not openly. I picked up on several hints that I was supposed to look for a contract against Zanaar from someone with no connections to any Assamite. I'm not sure why I must be hired by such a person but I can gather a few guesses.

"It seems that it is very hard to find anybody who doesn't have a hidden agenda. So, until I find someone looking to make that contract I have no target and can call myself neutral in this whole ordeal, which will surely work to my advantage as I try to figure out the specifics of the situation.

"As for me? Well, I'm Assamite through and through. Any generalizations you have heard about us most likely apply to me. This is the farthest I have ever traveled for a contract. I'm good enough that I rarely go looking.

"Now, why don't you tell me about yourself. Maybe I'm not supposed to know you by name but I am eager to learn more." He smiled and waited.

"Well, there isn't much to tell Azhar." She looked seductively into his eyes. "I assure you I have no agenda. I have heard rumors about Zanaar, but I personally am not involved with him or his people, whoever they may be. So, I am currently neutral at this point."

Aeschia was, in fact, neutral, although the Tremere were not so neutral. As usual, Aeschia did what she wanted.

"I don't know what you want to know about me. There is not much to tell. I have been traveling purely for enjoyment for a while now. I am separated from my husband, possibly permanently." She gave a sly grin. "Who knows?"

She took a sip of her champagne. "Everything is up in the air, I guess. I only arrived here very recently, and this is my first visit to the Dead Cow. I was previously at an art gallery opening, and that is why I am a bit overdressed."

Aeschia did not want to get into her entire past, as she tried to keep a bit of a low profile.

"I don't know what more you would like to know about me... other than that I find you very attractive", she whispered the second part of that sentence seductively while looking directly into his eyes.

Jade walked into the Dead Cow. She looked around as she drew a black cigar from her inner coat pocket. She then took out a cigar cutter with her right hand and cut the cigar. As the report said, this was a place where a lot of vampires congregated. She put the cutter back into the her pocket and took out a zippo and flicked it open, lighting it at the same time. As she puffed on the cigar she sniffed the air. She was able to tell someone here was of the old blood, another was of the clan, possibly one or two more. She snapped the lighter closed and put it back into the pocket. She walked up to the bar and asked the bartender, "I'll have a bourban whiskey on the rocks three fingers." She sat on the barstool and slowly sipped from her drink and puffed from her cigar. She tried to figure out who was so old in here, maybe she would get to meet the kindred.

Tark, or more formally known as Count Vincent Alexander Amadeus Wagner van Tarkanian III, was sitting calmly in his plush leather chair as a fire roared in the background. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales sat on the wooden tableside next to him with the recent signs of wear. He had just recently set it down and begun on his next book, Bismarck's Gedanken und Erinnerungen; his favorite book of them all. A hard selection to make when you have a library full of over eleven thousand books, manuscripts, and other musings of authors - but it as indeed his favorite as is Bismarck in general. He often said it reminded him of times long ago that had now passed on with the seasons and transformed into the 'Dawn of Ignorance' or at least according to him.

Tark, unlike many others who were blessed with elongated lives, had dedicated himself to the arts and becoming a 'cultured man'. And so he sat in his chair on the first floor of his two floor, beautiful library in the stunning mansion he called home. The library had massive bookshelves, everyone filled to the brim, and each and every book read a minimum of ten times; only possible due to the blessing of an extended life and his eyes that would dart across the pages like a hot knife through butter. The pages of Bismarck's memoirs flipping at an incredibly speed as Tark sat calmly reading through it - though one might ask what the point was when you have an eidetic memory like the Count did.

As the sparks cracked in the fire place of the nineteenth century decorated library (and mansion overall), a delicate and light sounding music played in the background: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture - a brilliant piece of music. Tark set his book down as he reached the end of a page and closed his eyes, slowly swaying and jerking to the rhythm of the music, which was now coming to its glorious and triumphant end...the victory of the Russian forces over Napoleon back on Earth that seemed to stir the blood and cause passion of untold levels.

The room appeared to shake with the thunderous blasts of the cannons. The piece was at the final climax, the heart pulsing ending... and then it was rudely interrupted by the sound of the telephone...

Tark's eyes blinked open with obvious disgust in the infernal phone that dared to make a noise when such a master piece of art was sounding. Sighing, he stood up and clicked off the music. Waiting for the fourth ring, he picked up the phone, "Speak."

"How's it going, buddy," came the voice on the other end of the phone; Boaz, another Giovanni and a friend of Tark. "Want to have a drink... say one hour at the Dead Cow."

Tark sighed, why not; his music had already been ruined for the night. "Sure... I'll be there then," he replied as he hung up the phone. It had been a while since he had gone out for a drink anyway, so he slowly made his way through his mansion and to the front door.

Outside in the driveway sat a very expensive car, and rightfully so, but Tark had given his driver the night off. Besides, it was a nice night and he liked to walk anyway. Clean trimmed and in his usual gray, pinstriped suit with a grey vest beneath it, Tark descended the grand stairs of the mansion and onto the driveway. He walked down the curving driveway and onto the sidewalk where he began his stroll towards the Dead Cow. Though he walked with a cane, it was not for any medical purpose but rather a sign of his aristocracy and 'elitist' ideal.

The night was pleasant as Tark made his way down the streets, the familiar sound of his cane echoing against the ground. Along the way he passed many people, some men, some women, some mortal, some vampire...

A few of the women he passed blushed and giggled to themselves, whispering into each other's ears; most likely about how handsome they thought he was. In reply he simply gave them one of his killer smiles and a wink that only one as charming and handsome as him could pull off.

Nearly fifty minutes later Tark arrived at the Dead Cow. Looking both ways down the street, he pushed the door open and entered in. As he did so, many people began looking at him as his attire was clearly out of place. However, a few of the vampires that knew him or knew of him understood that it was perfectly normal for him to dress so elegantly...and by no means did it make him any less deadly. The cane that so noticeably collided with the floor with each of his steps was no mere cane; those who had seen him in action knew that. When he needed it, Tark simply pulled upon the top part of his cane and out came a blade as sharp as diamonds... a blade nobody wanted to be on the wrong end of.

Soon, the people began returning their gazes back to their company and the tiniest commotion that Tark had stirred up, disappeared. Tark, however, did not even seem to notice that anything at all had changed when he entered - clearly confident in his own abilities that he knew nobody would try anything stupid.

He strode towards an empty table near the middle of the room and sat down, signaling the bartender to bring him a beer. A few seconds later, the beer arrived on his table and Tark passed him a few coins, much more than the actual cost. His gaze seemed to wander across all of the occupants of the 'watering hole' as he sat by himself at the table.

Nico shoved his hands in his pockets as he approached the source of the pulsing beat. He always found the rave scene as a sort of morbid fascination. It was loud, and bright despite the darkness and narrow-angle lights. It was the people there, perhaps. So full of life and vitality.. just enjoying themselves. Some chose to enjoy themselves through chemical means, and he found these individuals no less fascinating than their sober counterparts. A trio of females accompanied eachother to the enterance, their hair in eccentric styles, and their clothing bright and curious. He smiled at the sight of them and considered following.

But no, not tonight. Still smiling, he tested the tip of one corner tooth with his tongue before allowing the grin to slowly fade. Standing there, he fit in well enough. His black pants had a series of black buckles running down the front, each connected via a bright blue strap to another set of buckles running down the back of his legs. Each buckle was about two inches below the one above it, and the straps were kept fashionably loose so that they rested only slightly lower than they normally would along the sides of his legs. The last row hung at his knees, the legs flaring slightly from there. The stiching was white, which only stood out in contrast if one was near enough to notice. Over this, he wore a blue zip-up jacket over a black shirt. The jacket sported a wide white band which crossed high on his chest, just below the shoulders. It was certainly a different look than he was used to, but the situation necessitated it.

Hands still comfortably within his pockets, he crossed the street to investigate the scene. It wasn't the sort of place he or those like him would usually spend their nights, but that was what made it so perfect. As he walked, he kept an eye on the individuals around him. Afterall.. this excursion wasn't entirely pleasure.

Aeschia, while not looking away, realized another Assamite had come in the door. A woman who lit a cigar... with a Zippo?! What a way to ruin a good cigar! Perhaps it wasn't a good cigar. It was hard to tell with Zippo fumes killing any under and overtones of the leaves. She wondered if Azhar knew her or of her, or if she was involved in Azhar's contract in some way. Aeschia decided to say nothing to him about it for a bit, and observe what was going on around her.

An attractive Giovanni man entered shortly thereafter, dressed a bit out of place, but then, she thought, no more out of place than I am with this full length gown, I guess. He was remarkable in the fact that he seemed to wish to flaunt his status, and, what she knew to be his weapon.

Aeschia supposed most did not know it was a weapon. Nonetheless, he would have been the type she might have expected to be at the gallery opening this evening, as opposed to the Dead Cow. She guessed he was someone who would love her stories of meeting some of the masters. Art, music, poetry, philosophy. In addition, likely he would have a lot to share regarding the arts as well.

Being with Marius for 10,000 years, one has no way of NOT becoming a culture vulture. She chuckled to herself.

Aeschia made the decision to block others from reading her mind. There were several different clans here, different agendas, that odd dirty man from a long time ago, and his friend, who were staring at her, amongst others.

This was setting up to be an odd night, all right.

Gabriel walked into the Dead Cow, his eyes flitting over the patrons. He noted that there were some regulars, or at least those who were normally present when he visited, as well as a fairly large number of foreigners. As he walked to his normal seat, he noticed a rather elegant and attractive if it came to that, Kindred that was dressed like she belonged at a cocktail party, rather than a bar. Ordering his normal drink, he wondered what events were causing the congregation of so many unusual Kindred. As he was familiar with all parts of the bar, even thought he didn't come here often, he utilized Tourette's Voice to send his voice, clothed in only a whisper, to the vicinity of Aeschia's ears. "What brings one such as yourself to a place such as this?"

Aeschia turned away from Azhar shortly, toward the direction the man was speaking from, and then away again. He seemed to be very young, but attractive nonetheless.

"I can't say I understand the 'one such as myself' comment, Gabriel, but I came for a drink." Aeschia told him telepathically.

She continued; "And you are here trying to entice women using the beautiful voice, and subliminal messaging that you Sons of Discord are so famous for, are you not?" She grinned.

Aeschia turned and glanced at him again smiling. She noticed quite a few Kindred were staring at her, and quickly averted their eyes as she noticed them. She knew something was going on around here. She wanted to meet Zanaar himself before she made any decision as to how she felt about all the recent talk.

On the other hand, she was here to enjoy herself, and find some company for the evening. Seducing men was a simple task for her. It was no task, actually. It is just the way she was. Men approached her and had been doing so her entire life. She was a very sexy, provocative woman, and no stupid bimbo either. However, she really was in no mood to spend the night with another Tremere. She had done so with several of the clan in the city, and to them it was like badge of honor, because of her status. She thought that to be so tacky, but the Tremere are so hierarchical in all things. Thankfully, she had the option of being quite choosy.

Azhar was quite attractive, as were Gabriel and, Tark, whose minds she chose to delve into, without them knowing, (the way she always read minds… completely oblivious to the person whose mind was being read),just to get the name… and then there was Irving the Toreador.

It sounded sleazy… like she was just out to find someone to spend the night. Well, I guess that is partially true, she thought. I see so many men here who would fill the roll of lover very well, and there was no way she would go home alone. If not a man she met here, then another Tremere. There were definitely some hot Tremere, but she was in the mood for ‘new blood’, so to speak. She was out for a good time, good conversation, and information.

Aeschia was hoping to get to know some of the others here, and Azhar was quite forward with her, and she was enjoying his company for the moment.

Watching Nico was a young man in his twenties who looked much younger. Sixteen being his age when he was sired had left him with very young looks, which were both a blessing and a curse. He wore nothing but black, black jeans, a black t-shirt and a black trenchcoat, he even work dark sunglasses despite the fact it was night time.

It didn’t make him stand out all that much as there were a few others dressed similarly around. What made him stand out was the bright pink hair. He ran a hand through it as he followed Nico across the street. For a Malkavian he was pretty normal, but to others he was far from it. Listening to the voice in his head, he did as he was told and watched his subject. It was the princes orders that all suspicious vampires were tracked, it was in order to find those who planned to overthrow him.

Boaz was running a little late. He knew that Tark would be there rather quickly so he hustled to down the stairs of his two-story penthouse. Boaz was a lady’s man but also made enough money to live regally. He had dressed himself in a nice suit and grabbed his car keys. Halfway down the stairs he realized that he had left his weapons. He snarled at his forgetfulness and quickly ran back up the stairs. He opened up his door and went into his room. He walked over to his closet and opened up the door. On the back of the door hung his to twin automatic pistols. He quickly grabbed them and walked to his bed. He reached underneath his bed and pulled out his diamond-studded blade. He sheathed the blade and put the guns in the inside pockets of suit. He then walked out of the apartment and down the stairs. He made his way to his elevator and pressed the button. The metal door opened. He stepped in and waited for the door to shut. When it did shut he heard the familiar noise of the elevator making its way down. The elevator stopped in his private garage underneath the building which he lived in. He walked out and looked at his three cars. He decided to take his black luxury sports sedan. He pulled his car keys and pressed the unlock button on the remote. The car’s inner lights came on and quickly dimmed to let him know that the car was unlocked. He reached underneath the handle and pulled the door open. He sat down in the car and put the key into the ignition. He pressed a button in the car that would open up the garage door. The garage door opened and he drove out of the garage towards the Dead Cow.
________________________________________________________________

Boaz arrived at the club approximately three minutes later. He parked his car in the alley beside the bar. He got out of the car and made his way around to the front of the club. As he walked into the club some ladies that Boaz had met before walked out. Boaz smiled and said,“Hey ladies.” The attractive women smiled back and said,“Hi Boaz”. He walked into the club. The vampires who were usually always there nodded in acknowledgement. Boaz detected another mind reader there and quickly guarded his inner most deep thoughts. He then thought to himself, I don’t want just anyone reading my mind. He quickly located Tark at a table drinking a beer. He passed a waiter and told him to send a beer over to where Tark was sitting. He walked over to the table and sat down. He looked at Tark and said,“How has life been Tark?”

Nicolai quickly memorized the faces around him, instinct telling him that someone was watching. Not all that unusual, really.. someone was always watching. It was their intent and their interest which concerned him. He entered the building, but did not progress farther than what seemed to be a lobby. Ravers milled here, some paired off, and other standing in groups talking with friends. He leaned against the wall and merely watched, one foot braced on the wall behind him for a more casual stance. The room would serve as a good choke point were he to be followed.

A woman looped her arm through his suddenly, drawing his attentive gaze. She smiled at him through a glassy look. Sweat lightly coated her face, piecing her hair with its moisture. He favored her with a smile. She responded by drawing one hand out of his pocket and closing his fingers over something she placed in his palm. Giggling, she brought his knuckles to her face, her gaze conveying her intentions before she slipped away into the larger room. He opened his hand, examining two white pills there bearing a logo no self-respecting drug company would ever use. Well, maybe for an anti-depressant. Grinning to himself, he placed the drugs in his pocket and continued to observe the crowd.

The Malkavian too headed inside. With some of the others inside, he didn't look too out of place with some of the other hair colours present. Calmly placing his hands in his pocket, he looked around for the vampire whom he had been sent to watch. He mingled with others as he caught sight of Nico apparently talking to a random woman.

Watch him, watch her, the voice in his head told him. Who is he, who is she? Stalk them, stalk them but don't kill them.

Focusing a little more, Nico flickered his gaze around the room once more. Something was nagging at him, urging caution. Urging.. well.. something. He didn't quite scowl, but his smile gave way to stoicism. A few of the faces he recognized from being outside, and more than a few sets of eyes stared back as he examined each in turn. He fingered the pills in his pocket and set his jaw, clenching with concentration until a thin trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth as a fang pierced the inside of his lip.

Calming, he forced himself to be rational. For the moment, he was not in harm's way. The room gave no real place to move to further thin the crowd and trap whomever was making him feel edgy. The options were to return to the outside, or to move into the big room where the dancers writhed and swayed to the powerful beat. He could feel the bass slamming into him like waves of pressure, but again, that was half of the allure of this place. Everything else fell away for the people here.

Deciding to take a chance, he ambled off into the main room of the old warehouse. Moving through the crowd, he used his senses to keep track of his surroundings. Instinctively, his hand moved for the Beretta he was not carrying. Before long, the girl appeared from the throng of bodies, and latched onto his arm salaciously.

"You rollin' baby?" Her voice was soft and mellow.

Nico knew exactly what she meant by the question. Seizing an opportunity, he merely grinned and allowed her to lead him to the side of the room, where the dim light seemed less affected by the sweeping and pulsing light show.

"Both one so beautiful, as well as elegantly dressed." He replied in his own form of 'telepathy' or rather the discreet communications unique to his few Brothers and multitude of Sisters. "And no, I did not come here today with thoughts of seduction, thought in your case..."

Aeschia replied to Gabriel telepathically. "Well, thank you for the compliment, however, I know a ‘son’ who uses his powers to seduce, when I feel one. However, you never know..." she turned and gave a sly grin.

Azhar had been rather silent for a while, so she concentrated on Gabriel and some of the others in the room.

"I was at a gallery opening prior to coming here, thus the gown," she elucidated. "It is a pleasure to meet you... although, it might be nice to meet you in person." She smiled.

Aeschia found him quite charming, and she knew his type, but did not really mind and really enjoyed meeting new people.

At the same time, another man joined the one called "Tark", she had gotten his name before he blocked off. Boaz... also a Giovanni. Another mind reader… hmmm… interesting. She noted that his telepathic powers were not even close to hers. She could get SOME info out of him if she wanted to. This man was quite different from the elegantly dressed Tark. This man called Boaz was most definitely a player. What an odd pair, she thought.

However, she found Tark to be the most attractive and interesting looking man in the place. She was sure every other woman did as well. Tark was obviously an intelligent man, and no doubt would be highly interesting to converse with, as well as the fact she was just drawn to him. *sigh* This may just be the one man not interested in me. Aeschia grinned to herself, Damn I've become arrogant over time! She shook her head at her own immodesty. However, truth be told, she always had any man she wanted. Perhaps this will be the first one not interested. It saddened her in a way, as he seemed refined and cultured, as was she, even if she frequented clubs.

Aeschia always tried a bit of all there was to life, and enjoyed most of it at different times, depending on her mood. I really am pathetic sometimes. She grinned to herself again. At this point, she was oblivious to many of the men still staring at her. She was stunning, and this was the usual.

Aeschia excused herself, walked to the bar, and ordered another bottle of the same champagne, well aware that the scruffy man and his friend were concerned about her and watching.

While waiting, she stood next to a woman Jade, she read her mind. This was the Assamite that came in before. Aeschia asked her if she may possibly have a cigar if she had an extra, and offerred to pay her for it.

She walked back to her table ignoring most the men who turned to look at her, but smiled at a few.

The Malkavian watched Nico move away.

Follow him, the voice in his head ordered.

There was no way he'd disobey the voice and followed. He felt to make sure that he did have his katana and guns with him, a double check just in case he should need to resort to violence. His orders were only to watch, but if the need be he could confront him.

Gabriel stood and walked over to Aeschia, "You said you thought it might be nice to meet me in person, well here I am." He commented

The waiter brought Boaz over his beer. He paid the man and tipped him generously. He looked at Tark and said ,"You must be polite to the people who make your drinks." He looked at Tark and asked him what he had been up to while scanning the room for possible threats against him and his Giovanni brother.

Azhar smiled and replied in a similar whisper, "Well, I find you very attractive as well." He then proceeded to place a hand just above her knee. "Would you like to go somewhere? I would like to look around the city...see all the places less traveled perhaps?"

He then heard Garbriel and shot him a glare but said nothing.

"Perhaps later", Aeschia told Azhar. "Gabriel, why don't you join us?" she said smiling. "It isn't often I have the chance of meeting a Son of Discord."

Aeschia hoped there would be no problems between Gabriel and Azhar.

"Gabriel, I am Aeschia. This is Azhar. Azhar, this is Gabriel. Would either of you like a flute of champagne?" She asked.

Aeschia sensed a possible problem here, but hoped everyone would get along.

"What brings you here Gabriel?"

Aeschia noticed that everyone seemed to be looking at everyone else determining if they were a threat or enemy. Aeschia had no such concerns.

"Hello Azhar." Gabriel said, failing to notice the glare Azhar shot him, "No reason really. Just decided to see what was happening and if Prince Zanaar had issued any new edicts." Along with most of his bloodline, Knight was an apolitical Kindred, thought he followed the 'house' rules without a murmer of complaint, primarily because they rare effected him. The only time he'd had the dubious honour to see the Prince was when he arrived and introduced himself to gain permission to reside in the city.

"Ahhh... Well, this may very well be the place to find information. However everyone seems to be a bit paranoid and afraid everyone else has a hidden agenda and may be an enemy." Aeschia told Gabriel.

"Personally, I am just out for a good time tonight. However, if you get any information, I would appreciate if you would pass it on to me. I am just interested in what is going on around here. I was here a few years ago, but never met Zanaar. I would like to know what he is like." Aeschia took a sip of her champagne.

"Do you know anything about Zanaar, and what is going on around here and why?" She asked Gabriel. "I just arrived in town recently, and am not too up on what the deal is."

She looked up at Gabriel waiting for an answer.

"Unfortunately I don't know much about Prince Zanaar. I do know that he hasn't been in touch with any of the three Daughters on the planet thought or me for that matter, not that I'd expect him to trouble himself with me. Which I'm grateful for at least." Gabriel said, "A few of my Kine have heard comments about a new prince thought."

Rube looked up, trying to listening in on their conversation. He elbowed Jonas in the arm and sent him to the bar to get refills. Once Jonas had gone, his eyes crossed back to Aeschia and the two she was talking to. One of them seemed interested in Zanaar, perhaps a little too interested. Suspect number one.

Tark was about to check his pocket watch for the time, wondering whether he had mixed up the agreed upon meeting hour, when Boaz strolled in the door. Though he was facing the bar and thus not the door, he was still able to detect Boaz; partly through scent and familiarity and partly due to the changes in attitudes of the other patrons: the men thought little of him, but the women watched him intently. Must have been caught up with another woman... or two, Tark thought as he waited for Boaz to take a seat across from him.

Yes, definitely a woman, he figured as Boaz took a seat across from him, the scent of a female surrounding him. That sly playboy, he smiled, examining his friend. Boaz greeted him, but Tark simply sat there for a minute in silence; an often occurrence with the Count. When it seemed he was sitting and doing nothing at all (eyes open or closed), Tark was generally rereading a book, re-watching a performance, or most often, replaying music in his mind. Having read, seen, and heard the books, performances, and music so many times - and frequently when they were first shown to the adoring public – Tark had memorized most of them and was able to recall them in their exactness at any moment he wished.

Currently a beautiful rendition of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik was serenading him, despite being in the most uncivilized of places...a bar. Boaz was about to attempt another greeting, but Tark merely held up his hand with his fingers in a relaxed 'stop' signal. The music was coming to its marvelous ending and as it finished, Tark decided to finally oblige his fellow Giovanni.

"My life... it has been good; much of the usual and little of the over-eccentric excitement that so many of the younger ones seem to be taking part in. I have had much time to devote to my studies since that last episode ended a few years ago," he replied as he sat relaxed in his chair. "I've added some new artwork to my abode that I recently picked up at an auction; one of those stuffy types with a crowd of rich Kine who have the money to buy but not the sense to appreciate and enjoy," he said, his voice conveying the obvious contempt he sheltered. "I also managed to pick up a few original and unfinished manuscripts, but none to my intense liking."

He took a slow sip of beer, obviously in no rush to speak or go anywhere. "I was thinking about traveling to the east in search of some artifacts and artwork that has been found recently in excavation sights. That reminds me..." he said as his voice changed to one seeking recollection in his thoughts. "About... oh... four centuries ago, when I was much younger and did not have my current dwelling, I came across a rare Roman sculpture of a barbarian warlord. I was busy at the time and was forced to hide it in a sealed mausoleum, but I think if I am heading in that direction I will stop by and reclaim it. It would go nice in the library next to the Venus."

"But anyhow," his voice again changing as he brought himself back from his thoughts, "I have rambled on; tis not important anyway."

He took another long sip of the beer, draining it of its last contents, before proceeding on. "I would ask you how life's been... but I gather by the scent you wear that you have been doing quite fine indeed," he said with a sly smile. As he talked, he seemed to ignore the other occupants and patrons of the bar, dismissing most of them as uncultured and pathetic excuses for vampires - certainly not like those of old. Even when his eyes wandered across the room it wasn't clear that they were ever focusing on an individual.

It would seem there is another mind readar in the midst, besides Boaz, Tark thought to himself as he waited for his compadre to reply. Tis good to know, he thought, making a mental note of the matter, even though he couldn't discern who it was that seemed to be breaking into his thoughts. No matter - he hadn't been trying, nor would he, to block his thoughts from being read. Good to know indeed...

Irving got up from drinking his ale. While getting up he checked if his sabre was still there. Moving his hands he found the hilt of the sword. Then he got up and made his way to the door. Walking past Gabriel, Irving heard something that might be of importance.

"What about Prince Zanaar? Also I'm Irving Morrel."

Aeschia looked up at Gabriel. "A new prince? Who would you be referring to?" She knew this only meant chaos. "You mean a fight to de-throne him, do you not?"

Aeschia sighed. Damn it! I just want to have fun tonight! And I will! I'll get whatever info I can, and deal with it later. Tonight is my night for fun! Screw the war! Tonight I come first!

She spoke to Gabriel and Azhar; "I must say, I want as much information as I can get. However, I am out for nothing but a good time tonight. Any information is not something I want to deal with tonight. I am neutral with all of this. I don't know Zanaar. How can I make any comment whatsoever?"

Aeschia finished her flute of champagne and poured another. "Is anyone else with me here? Or are you both just here for info. I'm here for fun!"

"Yes, I know Irving... and we are somewhat allied, although I am personally more neutral." She smiled at him seductively. "Please have a seat and join us Irving." Aeschia asked him.

"But, please... Let's also have some fun tonight! By the way Irving, my name is Aeschia. This is Gabriel and this is Azhar." She introduced them to Irving.

She then delved into Tark's thoughts, as she was bored with this conversation at the moment. How wonderful! she thought. Someone who truly appreciates the finer things in life. Aeschia knew he would be one to appreciate some of her artifacts directly from Cleopatra herself, as well as her conversations with Imhotep, the priest, who truly invented and engineered the pyramid. These are the things her and Marius could appreciate together, but that was another story.

How she longed to speak to someone who could appreciate these things. Tark was obviously not old enough to have been alive when she knew Cleo and Imhotep. The majority of vampires now days cared little about such things. What a shame, she thought. The men she was with now probably didn't even appreciate the vintage of the champagne, but hoped they did.

Aeschia leaned back, crossed her legs, and sighed.

Coldly, his eyes found a young man with bright pink hair. His was the only familiar face both from the street and atrium. Nicolai watched the man openly stone-faced. The woman beside him rested a hand on his cheek, attempting to draw his attention back to herself. He proved unresponsive, and a strong hand clamped on her wrist when she refused to give up. Firmly, he held her off like that, waiting to see what the stranger would do.

He see's you, the voice in his head warned him.

The Malkavian just shrugged and placed his hands behind his head. If he had, he didn't care if he had been spotted and besides the vampire had obviously found a meal and so he would rather not disturb him by now.

Due to the lack of conversation, Aeschia was getting bored... almost furious. Everyone is so damn paranoid!

When she got angry, she usually let the world know. In this case, it might be likely that no one would know it was her who was about to change the music. There were likely others with telekenisis in the estabishment. However, some may notice the change in her demeanor once the switch was made.

Reading Tark's mind, and listening to classics, one in particular came to mind. She played it frequently when she was angry. It was very expressive to her.

Telepathically, she read the minds of the bartenders, and realized that back behind all the Goth music and the usual Dead Cow fare, was some classical music. Moreover, she found exactly what she was looking for.

Telekenetically, Aeschia switched the music from the Goth that was playing, and put on Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries". Yes! Much better! she thought, although she heard most of the crowd groan.

Aeschia grinned and sang along. This helped her deal with her impatience and anger. She pictured the Valkyries picking up the dead Vikings bringing them to Valhalla. For the moment, she was in a heavenly state, singing along with her favorite piece for anger release, and becoming calm again, unable to hide her joy.

The music switched to a particularly nice varient of Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner and Gabriel smiled, "As I said, it was a second hand rumour, and I avoid politics so I don't," At this point a haunting counter-point melody filled the air, "Really know much about the situation, if there is one."

Boaz smiled at Tark. "Your nose has never failed you has it, Tark. Nor has any of your other senses". He thought about what the Count had said about going east to search for some artifacts. At the mention of barbaric warlord Boaz's eyebrow jumped in curiosity. He looked at Tark and said ,"I would like to join you in your search for these artifacts. You might find something useful for our clan ,but only if you think it is appropriate." He waited patiently for him to reply.

Tark smiled in response to Boaz, "I thought you would be interested, especially when I tell you that there are some beautiful and tempting women out east." He noticed Boaz's eyebrows seemed to jump even higher at the possibility of engaging 'activities' with an exotic female in the far lands. Tark had curiously left out the part about life threatening dangers that were to be found in their possible journey there, but he assumed that Boaz didn't might, what with his keen sense of adventure and all.

"I hadn't really planned anything out definitively yet; just an inkling of a plan," Tark commented as he refocused himself on explaining the matter. "I would have to make plans for traveling to the east and means to transport the artifacts and artwork back to here...safely. Then there is the actual retrieving of the various objects; some, of course, would simply require a monetary value equal to their value - something I have no problem paying - but others... others may require more "calculated measures" of obtaining them... if you know what I mean."

Nearly in unison with the end of his sentence, his ears picked up the change of sounds from that awful "music" that had been playing, much to the delight of most of the patrons, to the serene sounds of The Ride of the Valkyries. "Ah... Wagner," Tark commented lightly, pronouncing it as it was in German (Vog-ner). "And no less, from one of my favorite operas... the masterpiece of Wilhelm Richard Wagner known as Der Ring des Nibelungen. What muse must have been guiding his strokes as he wrote the heralded story of a struggle on all planes for the most coveted of prizes... the Ring."

"Delved into my deeper thoughts - those that are subconscious - has our mind-reading friend," Tark commented, calm as ever and not appearing phased at all that someone was browsing the impressive repertoire of music stored inside his brain. "Either that or someone else hear as the boldness and passion for the classical works. Or perhaps both..." he said with a grin as his eyes left Boaz and began scanning the room casually.

"Perhaps you would find this person for me," he commented to Boaz as he stood up and pushed his chair back gently. "Scan everyone's mind here... whoever is guarding theirs the closest is our man... or woman," he mentioned nonchalantly as he left the table and strode to the bar to order a drink.

Aeschia was completely immersed in "The Ride". She adored it and had a wonderful operatic voice, honed over thousands of years, and did not bother to sing quietly. She sang at the top of her lungs.

She had a feeling Gabriel could appreciate the change in music. Sons of Discord usually had an appreciation for the classical. As if on cue, an additon was made, a counterpoint, at one spot. She shot Gabriel a look and smiled as she continued to sing.

Aeschia had a somewhat goofy habit she developed after seeing the movie "Apocalypse Now", way back in the 1970's on Earth. There is a point in the movie, where an American helicopter blasts The Ride of the Valkyries while swooping in on an enemy village. Since she saw that, she loved to sing it a Capella when she was flying. She had seen the entire "Ring", but clichéd as it was, this was her favorite.

As the music continued, her anger subsided, but so did her calmness. Aeschia also was so immersed in the music, that she paid no attention to her surroundings.

Rather than being calm, she was no longer angry, but energized and joyful. She was in her own little bliss, and the outside world did not exist for the moment. It was not as if she did not have her sense of possible danger on autopilot.

Aeschia was still blocking her mind, but could not help but stand and belt out the last verse with her arms in the air; champagne glass in hand. Music had an intense effect on her.

It was only after "The Ride" was over, that she realized she had been singing aloud, eyes closed, standing, with her arms in the air, as if she was singing on stage.

Aeschia looked around. The majority of the crowd was staring at her as if she was crazy. She threw her head back and laughed aloud, not caring at all, and sat back down.

Aeschia made a point to use her telekinesis to shove all, but the classical and opera to the back of the music selections. She also locked them together so they could not be played. She decided she wanted to hear "The Toreador Song", and put that on. This was another piece that energized her.

The crowd, for the most part was not pleased, and Aeschia thought it would only be a matter of time, that she would either have to release the rest of the music, (she didn't want to cost the Dead Cow money), and leave for some place else. Perhaps a wine and cigar bar with some classical music. She realized that she would get no information that way, and lose all her companions, however, the Goth music, which she liked when in the mood, was grating on her tonight.

Looking around the room as the Toreador Song played, she realized that the only one who likely would know where there was a club that played classical music and served fine wine, was the man named Tark. Perhaps she would ask... She would feel guilty if she drove away all the clientele here, however, she could easily pay the Dead Cow any loss of earnings. Perhaps she would go home to her music room. She had every instrument imaginable, and played all well... lots of time to practice… as well as possibly the largest music collection in the universe.

Aeschia knew now that she literally stood out in the Dead Cow, after that little Wagner incident. Ahhh... who cares!

"Bloody Malkavians," someone muttered.

Rube looked up at Aeschia and shook his head. He didn't think she was a Malkavian, just a vampire keen into her music. Jonas finally returned with the ale.

"'Bout time kid," he growled and took the tankard from him.

Gabriel smiled, for two reasons. The first was finding someone who, while she wasn't a Brother or Sister, was a kindred spirit of sorts, and the second was the Aeschia had tweaked the collective noses of the local Kindred community.

As he approached the bar and sat down on one of the high stools, cane at his side, the bartender approached him as he was wiping down a mug. "I'll take another of the usual," Tark said casually, and the bartender nodded and walked towards the other end to pull out a beer. Pulling off the cap, he slid it down the countertop until it came into contact with Tark's waiting hand.

Tark gave the man a slight nod of the head and then turned on the stool so he was facing the rest of the establishment. He casually took a sip of the beer as something caught his eyes and ears. "Never mind, Boaz," he said without turning to face the Giovanni, "I think our mind-reading friend as caught herself up in her own enjoyment." At this point, Tark's eyes had easily noticed how the elegantly dressed female vampire was nearly out of her seat and singing; an obvious tip off.

His eyes continued around the bar as if he hadn't been focusing on anything specifically. Another couple swigs of beer and he stood up from his seat and strode over to the table where Boaz was still sitting. Tark might not be able to read others minds that easily, but he had a knack for anticipating actions and words; "No, no. It is fine, don't read her mind. It would seem that her actions thus far would tell more than what her mind displayed..."

He sat in silence for a few minutes listening to the music, much to the annoyance of the other patrons. "Well... it has been fun, but I will be going now," Tark said as he made to get up. "Drinks are on me," he flipped a few coins over to Boaz and placed his beer down on the table, empty. "Don't get in too much trouble with the ladies, hear me?" he commented with a grin as he gathered his cane up and moved towards the door.

As he reached the door, he stopped slowly. Reaching into his inner jacket pocket, he removed a golden pocket watch, which he stared at for just a short moment. "I bid you a good night..." he said, though to no one in particular as he pushed the door open with his cane and walked out.

"A much more pleasant experience than one could hope for at such an establishment..." he said to the wind as he began strolling down the street...

The Toreador Song reached its conclusion, and she noticed the rest of the clientele were not happy. Fine. I will ask that Tark fellow if he knows of someplace else with music a little bit more refined.

It was just then that she noticed that he walked out the door. Damn, I will have to catch up to him. she thought.

Aeschia turned to her companions at the table. "If you will please excuse me. The music here is grating to me this evening. Please finish the champagne. I apologize for leaving in such haste."

She stood up, as most the crowd stared at her as if she was a lunatic, walked toward the door and smiled at the people crowded by the door and exited.

Aeschia could see Tark not far down the street. Very elegant. He must know of a place to hear some classical music. Somewhere more refined.

She was no longer on a hunt for some wild fun as much as wanting to hear some good music and relax. Music changed her that way.

Aeschia flew quickly and came up behind Tark.

"Tark Sir... My name is Aeschia. I noticed you in the Dead Cow. You seem like the only one who may enjoy and know of another establishment that serves fine wine and plays classical music." She continued, "I started the evening with a gallery opening and a string quartet, and the music at the Dead Cow is grating on me this evening."

Aeschia smiled at Tark. "I hope you may be able to help me out?" She sighed... "Also, I'm sure you have figured out that I am a mind reader. It was the music in your head that inspired me to change the pace at the Dead Cow. I apologize for invading your thoughts. I am, however, grateful that I did. I was getting rather irritable with the whole Dead Cow scene."

Aeschia hoped she would receive a positive response from Tark, and not anger for reading his mind.

Boaz smiled about what Tark had said about the ladies. He would have fun in the east. He had picked up on Tark's thought about the dangers that accompanied the pleasures of the east. Boaz thought that it was worth it. Tark had just left when Boaz had the strange sensation that someone was looking at him. He turned around and saw a young lady looking at him. Boaz smiled and said ,"This should be interesting." He walked over to the bar and asked the bartender for two beers. The bartender made them and Boaz lifted the beers with his telekinetic ability. He floated a beer over to the girl who had been staring at him. He walked over and began a conversation with her.

After Aeschia left, Gabriel finished his drink and decided to see what was going on in the city. Whistling an estoric melody, he headed up the street and away from Tark and Aeschia.

Irving finished his ale and walked out the door. While out the door he decided to find out more about this Gabriel. He put on his bowler hat and walked up to Gabriel.

"So Gabriel what are you doing in this town?"

"I live here." Was Gabriel's terse reply as he kept walking. He didn't enjoy being approached by other Kindred, it made him somewhat edgy.

While waiting for Tark's reply, Aeschia saw Gabriel and Irving down the street talking. She decided to eavesdrop and see if there was any informative or interesting conversation.

Come to think of it, Gabriel probably knew just as much as Tark about where to go for some classical music and a relaxed atmosphere, where they served good wine. She just about kicked herself for not asking him.

Perhaps I will...

"Gabriel", Aeschia spoke to him telepathically. "I apologize. It did not occur to me to ask you where there may be a club that plays classical music and serves good wine... a relaxed atmosphere. The Goth mode was getting to me tonight. Do you know of such a place?"

He see's you, the voice in his head warned him.

The Malkavian just shrugged and placed his hands behind his head. If he had, he didn't care if he had been spotted and besides the vampire had obviously found a meal and so he would rather not disturb him by now.
Nico was slightly unnerved by the stranger's lack of activity. It was just.. unnatural to stare a one's quarry for so long, letting your presence be known.. unless he was only the distraction. Nico shifted his attention left and right suddenly, exploring the natural avenues of attack as his back was to the wall. Uncertain of the stranger's intentions, he felt it prudent to even up the playing field a little.. just in case.

"Not here," he whispered into the woman's ear.

He smiled to himself at the reaction this elicited. The drug she had taken heightened ones senses, particularly touch. It was somewhat cruel, but he was stoking her intentionally. Placing an arm around her shoulders, he half-carried her out of the room, and into an alleyway beside the building.

Gabriel turned when he heard Aeschia 'in his head'. Stopping his walking, he utilized the Missing Voice to reply, Yes, there is, it's down about four blocks and tucked into the corner. It goes by the name of Da' Matin.

Wooshaba']Boaz smiled about what Tark had said about the ladies. He would have fun in the east. He had picked up on Tark's thought about the dangers that accompanied the pleasures of the east. Boaz thought that it was worth it. Tark had just left when Boaz had the strange sensation that someone was looking at him. He turned around and saw a young lady looking at him. Boaz smiled and said ,"This should be interesting." He walked over to the bar and asked the bartender for two beers. The bartender made them and Boaz lifted the beers with his telekinetic ability. He floated a beer over to the girl who had been staring at him. He walked over and began a conversation with her.

OOC: Hope you don't mind me hijacking your plot.

Jade had been sitting at the bar with her Whiskey and Cigar, enjoying them both. She had not been enjoying the music. She had tuned it out for a bit and observed other people. It was amazing what you can find out about a person just by observing some of their traits. She had noticed a lady who seemed to be quite old and quite powerful. She obviously had grown board with her companions and had started the singing an Opera. Jade's father had raised her well enough to apreciate a good voice, and this Lady's voice was excellent. Jade was one of the few people in the bar to clap when the Lady was finished singing. She noticed at least one man who was trying, like her, to figure out everyone else around him. Her glass clinked empty on the bar, the bartender picked it up and started to wash it.

Then she noticed an unlikely pair, one kindred who seemed to dress very formal, she sniffed the air, his blood had the feeling of age around it. Not as old as the Lady, but still old. The man's companion had contemporary style of cloathing. They seemed to be good friends which struck Jade as odd. But she had seen many odder things in her life. Then when the man left his companion came, and then using some sort of power floated a beer over to her. She took the beer, and smiled as he started to chat her up.

Now you've fucked it up, the voice in his head said. Genius.

The Malkavian sighed, there was only one place to go now and the vampire did know his pressence. He placed his hands in his pocket and headed the way Nico had gone. Stepping out into the alleyway, he looked around and spotted the vampire and his victim. Somewhere came the sound of water dripping from a broken drainpipe.

"He's watching you," he stated.

Irving noticed how Gabriel turned around and stopped. He stopped and looked toward him.

"What is it Gabriel?"

"Nothing that would interest you." Gabriel replied, as his siress had taught him that private conversations should remain so.

OOC: I don't mind at all.

IC: Boaz sat down and began to speak. He looked at the young lady in front of him and said ,"My name is Boaz. You are very lovely and I bet your name is just as sweet name?" He already knew what it was but he didn't want to be rude and just rampage through her mind. He smiled his perfect smile at her to lighten the mood while he waited for her answer.

Jade smiled, thinking, well, I can find out what I need to know from him and maybe have some fun as well. She said, "You can call me Jade." She took a puff from the cigar and added, "I'm new to this world, and I was hoping to find a guide to show me the ropes and the people who hold the ropes. You know anyone?" She changed her tone to be a little more sultry and her smile became intoxicating. She knew how to seduce men, and was very good at it.

OOC: Hope you don't mind me hijacking your plot.

SNIP

She had noticed a lady who seemed to be quite old and quite powerful.



ooc. I shouldn't seem old. I look to be in my 20's.


"Da' Matin. Thank you Gabriel. I will be heading over there. You're very welcome to come along if you like." Aeschia invited him telepathically, with a hint of seduction in her voice.

"If you will excuse me Irving." Gabriel said, while simultaneously replying to Aeschia's invistation with the Missing Voice, "I would enjoy that."

Aeschia smiled invitingly. "Wonderful! I've been trying to find someone who would enjoy such an atmosphere." She relayed to Gabriel telpathically.

"Excuse me, Tark. Not to be rude, however I seem to have found someone who knows exactly where I want to go and will be joining me. Perhaps we can talk some time. I have antiques to die for." She gave him a sly grin over her shoulder while walking away toward Gabriel.

Aeschia was pleased she found someone to relax with, and, considering what Gabriel had whispered previously, probably something more. She smiled to herself.

Knight nodded to Irving in parting and headed to meet Aeschia. "It is rare indeed to find one outside of Clan Toreador or my own Bloodline that appreciates music as you seem to do, and rarer still one as lovely as you." He replied with his vampiric arts.

Nicolai looked up at the sound of a voice. It proved to belong to the only other person in this alley, the pink-haired stranger from inside. Nico found himself becoming annoyed, both by the situation and the female's complete ignorance of it. She merely clung to him as if he were some sort of saviour, trying to coax a miracle out of him with her body. Any other time, he would laugh at the irony. However now, he took a moment to force himself to calm down and focus. The female was a liability, but one that would have to wait. Standing rigidly, he barely paid her any mind and focused the majority of his attention on the pink-haired teen.

"Is there something you need?" His tone was low and tinged with irritation.

Irving took his bowler hat and tipped it toward Gabriel. Then he put it back on his head. He headed down the street then down alley. Thinking he knew that Gabriel must of know some information. He ran down the alleys making sure he could still see Gabriel. His hand gripped the hilt of the sabre.

*Snip*

"Is there something you need?" His tone was low and tinged with irritation.

That's it I'm out of here, the voice in his head said.

The Malkavian grinned. "The prince is watching you," he said, folding his arms and leaning against the doorway. "You're suspicious, he doesn't like that."

He kept his eyes on Nico and the woman, looking for any sign that might indicate an impending attack.

When Aeschia reached Gabriel, she smirked a bit. "Every bit the flatterer aren't you." Then she grinned. "There are many kindred in all the clans who appreciate music and the arts. You can trust me on that one."

Aeschia gave him a seductive look. "I am relatively new in town, so you will have to lead the way. Shall we go?"

Aeschia was thinking that it might be nice to take him home. Gabriel would certainly appreciate her music room. She had instruments that had never been seen, due to their age. However, she was not usually the type to invite a man over, unless he hinted that he wanted the invitation. She hoped Gabriel did. He certainly was attractive enough.

"By the way, Irving is keeping an eye on us and is armed with a saber, possibly a pistol as well. He thinks you have information he wants. My guess is that Irving will likely follow us." She informed Gabriel. "I say let him. At the very least he will be exposed to some beautiful music." Aeschia grinned at Gabriel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the other side of the planet, Marius paced the floor of his and Aeschia's palatial estate.

How could she leave for this long? We had a perfect life. I understand that she needed some space after all this time, but I think two years would have been enough.

Marius had a few other women in the time Aeschia was gone, but was sorely disappointed. In all my 10,000+ years, I have never had a woman who even came close to Aeschia.

He would become enraged thinking of the other men who were having her when he, her own husband, could not. Truth be told, if Marius walked in on another man with his wife, he would probably kill him. However, he made a promise to Aeschia, that she could live her life freely. He just wondered when she would be back.

Marius counted the minutes...

That's it I'm out of here, the voice in his head said.

The Malkavian grinned. "The prince is watching you," he said, folding his arms and leaning against the doorway. "You're suspicious, he doesn't like that."

He kept his eyes on Nico and the woman, looking for any sign that might indicate an impending attack.
"Interesting pasttime he's got there. Paranoia, or is it something else..?"

The woman was struggling to regain his attention again. He soundly ignored her, keeping a strong arm latched around her waist like a restraint.

"Well when someone openly threatens to replace him, he doesn't take too kindly," the Malkavian replied. He kept a rather cold look on his face.

He could see that woman was trying to grab Nico's attention. That annoyed him somewhat.

"It does appear that your dinner is getting restless."

Nico nearly laughed openly. He couldn't remember the last time he'd done that.

"Replace him? Lines have gotten crossed somewhere, I think.."

Inwardly, Nico scowled. There was obviously something big going on in the underground here. That might explain the cryptic messages. Shoving his thoughts aside, he glanced to the woman. As casually as slicing a piece of bread, he slammed her head against the wall, and returned his attention to the stranger while she slumped unconscious.

"No one has any patience anymore." He mock sighed, and one corner of his mouth twisted into the sligtest hint of a grin.

The Malkavian managed a smile. "For laters then?" he remarked looking at the now unconcious woman.

He's not from around here, the voice in his head mentioned.

He then nodded. "Not from around here are you?"

Down at the opening to the alleyway, a police car sped past, sirens blaring. The Malkavian appeared to grimace as he heard the siren.

"No, I'm not."

He did not volunteer any further information. His attention had fixated on the siren as well, though he remained tight-lipped at its passing.

"Thank you." He replied with a grin of his own, "Thought I'll have to take your word on the musical appreciation of other clans and Kindred.

"Let's be off then." He coomented, missing the seductive look she gave .

"And that's something that could benefit anyone, thought he's chasing a phantom if he want's me for information." He commented, thought he choose not to mention the fact he was on decent terms with a Nosferatu who could occasionally be prevailed upon for information, usually in exchange for some music.

The siren passed and the Malkavians attention returned.

"Do you even know who the prince of Exetergrecia is?" he then asked.

His eyes lowed to the unconcious woman that Nico held with him. The voice in his head tried to order him to do something. Look at those boobs, I want you to touch them. TOUCH THEM.

The Malkavian shook his head.

While walking down the alleys, he came upon Nico and The Malkavian. He watched closely as they talked. As he them talk he wondered why they wanted to replace the prince. He kept to the shadows and made his way on.

Aeschia, not one to be subtle at times, ran her hand through Gabriel's hair and placed her lips about one millimeter from his ear. In a breathy, and of course, seductive voice, she commented to him.

"Now dear Gabriel... I see why Irving is interested in you. Is it true that you want to unseat Zanaar? Do not worry. It does not matter to me. However, you don't need to go to a Nosferatu for any type of music."

Aeschia tongued his ear, hoping he would get the message. How could he miss it? She spoke breathily into his ear again. "I have more music than any Nosferatu could possibly have, and I'm willing to share it with you. You don't have to deal with any of them." She said the last word with obvious disgust. "If you want Zanaar unseated, that is your business. I am neutral on the whole subject, however, I am curious as to what has caused all this in the first place."

As far as Aeschia knew, no one knew of her age around here, unless heard though the grapevine... other than the Tremere of course. Gabriel may find it hard to believe that she had such music. She did.

Aeschia was obviously lusting for Gabriel. She turned his head toward hers and gazed deeply and seductively into his eyes. There was no way he could miss this. "Shall we go to the place you speak of and hear some good music then? We can talk. Trust me, I have music you have never heard."

She kissed him lightly on the lips.

Jade smiled, thinking, well, I can find out what I need to know from him and maybe have some fun as well. She said, "You can call me Jade." She took a puff from the cigar and added, "I'm new to this world, and I was hoping to find a guide to show me the ropes and the people who hold the ropes. You know anyone?" She changed her tone to be a little more sultry and her smile became intoxicating. She knew how to seduce men, and was very good at it.

Boaz smiled. He heard the thought of trying her find something out. He decided he would play her game for a little while. This was one of the reason why he was so good with women. He knew what to say to just about every woman and how to say. He noticed her beauty again and wished to have some fun with her. "So you are new to this world. I myself and pretty high on the ropes myself being one of the most eligible bachelors on this planet. I can show you around if that is what you want?" Boaz told her.

Her actions and words caused Gabriel to recoil in an almost violent manner. "What? I have absolutely no interest in politics, of any kind." He protested. Aeschia couldn't have done a better job of cooling his interest if she'd tried.

"I don't doubt that you have access to a great deal of music." He commented as she attempted to get close to him again, something he avoided. Those who were involved in politics were to him almost the equal to a plague victem was for a human.

"If you wish we may continue to Da' Matin." He replied, thought both Aeschia actions and words had disturbed him. Her commentes on politics and the words 'Trust me' had raised his hackles and her actions had put him on edge as shortly before he'd been sent away to this land by his siress, she'd mentioned about elder vampires who would feast on the vitae of a Kindred unto death.

She looked at him angrily. "You have it all wrong, Gabriel. I am referring as to why Irving is interested in you. I deplore politics myself. I wasn't sent here. No one sends me anywhere and I do what I want. I'm a bit curious as so many kindred are behaving oddly. That is all."

Aeschia was not pleased. "Earlier at the Dead Cow, you expressed interest in me, as well as helping out with the wonderful addition to 'The Ride'. I thought we could go to Da' Matin and enjoy some music. I also thought from your comment earlier that you were interested in spending the night with me."

She backed away. "Am I wrong here? If so, I'll leave now."

Aeschia looked at Gabriel and waited for an answer.

"I apologise then. I misread your comments." Gabriel replied, "And as to why many Kindred are behaving odd, I couldn't say."

"I am interested in spending time with you, as you are intriguing. As to that, perhaps we should take it by ear as I've heard some tales of vampires that have not fared well after a night with a member of my bloodline, and I'd prefere not to be the reason for driving you insane." He added

"Would you like to continue to Da' Matin?" He asked

"Yes, I would like to continue on." Aeschia smiled. "And by the way, I have actually been with a few, rare as they are, Sons of Discord. My sanity is not affected by Discord powers for some reason."

Aeschia grinned. "Let's move on and enjoy the music. I hope they also carry rare vintage wine and cigars. That would be lovely."

She sighed. "I am, in fact, trying to forget about an incident at an art gallery opening tonight. The string quartet was lovely, however some of the art was... disturbing... to say the least."

Aeschia looked him sincerely in the eyes, "Thank you Gabriel, for taking me to this place. I don't know my way around the city too well and I appreciate your taking the time to bring me someplace I know I will enjoy."

"It could be that they had more, or possible less control than I do." Gabriel commented "I'll have to take your word on the wine and cigars."

"Really, did you see a painting of yourself?" He asked, "And it is my pleasure to aid you. Thought have you stopped by to say hello to Prince Zanaar?" This was asked as his siress had impressed upon him the importance of not just moving into the domain of any vampire without his or her permission.

Wooshaba']Boaz smiled. He heard the thought of trying her find something out. He decided he would play her game for a little while. This was one of the reason why he was so good with women. He knew what to say to just about every woman and how to say. He noticed her beauty again and wished to have some fun with her. "So you are new to this world. I myself and pretty high on the ropes myself being one of the most eligible bachelors on this planet. I can show you around if that is what you want?" Boaz told her.

This Kindred was most definatly a playboy. The best way to keep this type interested was to play hard to get. She finished the beer in one long draught. Then she said, "Well, show me the sights, adn tell me about the people who control the sights and we will see what happens then." She arched her eyebrow with those last few words. Then she got up and started walking for the door.

Rube took a brief glance at his mobile before putting it away. "Come on kid, we're heading out," he then said standing up.

He nodded at the woman behind the bar and headed out with Jonas in tow. Maybe they would bump into the vampires from before, but then he had been told to head to a posher club known as Da' Matin.

Aeschia laughed, "No, I didn't see a picture of myself and if I did, I wouldn't be horrified by it... unless it was done Picasso style with all three dimensions in one!" She giggled. All the champagne was getting to her.

"By the way, I have not met the prince, although I would be honored to. Perhaps you could set up an introduction. I usually know the royalty in the places in which I reside, but I do not know Prince Zanaar, and, again, would enjoy meeting him very much." Aeschia told Gabriel. She had no agenda. She only wanted to meet the man for the very reasons she told Gabriel.

"Gabriel, I don't want to sound snobby or anything, but I have led a privileged life, and have always known and spent time with the royalty where I resided. I have been very lucky to have lived in such a lavish way. I also like to help other Kindred who may not be so lucky. I enjoy traveling and meeting other Kindred everywhere." Aeschia smiled at Gabriel. "And so far, meeting you has been a pleasure."

"Hang on a second..." Aeschia stopped. "Irving... I have been reading his thoughts occasionally... mostly to make sure he was not going to come to the club and cause trouble with you. However, something strange is going on in an alley he turned into... two alleys down." She concentrated on Irving's thoughts. "Something very odd is happening... a Malkavian in a trance, and a... a... I don't know what!" What is this? she thought.

"Gabriel, something is strange about someone in the alley. Another man, an unconscious woman." She concentrated on the man Irving was focusing on. "Definitely something strange. Should we check it out, or ignore it and go to the club?" She asked Gabriel. "It's your call."

While going down the alleys he heard Gabriel say Da' Matin. He ran as fast has he could and looked around for the place. Then he found it. He climbed up a fire escape to the top of a building. He waited for Gabrield and Aeschia to come. While waiting he took off his bowler hat and trench coat. Then his hand gripped his Colt Peacmaker. Taking out bullets he loaded them into the gun. He tried his aim and put it pack into the holster. The sabre he had was old, but it was in good condition. It had killed many people. He gripped his hand around it and remember the times he had with it. Then he put his trenchcoat and bowler hat back on and waited.

Tark heard the footsteps of the female vampire hurrying behind him, but he simply continued his stroll down the street, cane clicking against the hard sidewalk. Long before Aeschia came up beside him, he recognized the female as the same woman from the bar - the one who had entered his mind, changed the music, and then irritated many others. No wonder she left... Tark thought as he continued along.

As she caught up with him and now walked stride and stride with him (something not hard as he was walking quite slowly), she began speaking, introducing, and explaining herself. Tark, however, did not stop to talk, but rather left it up to Aeschia to keep up with him. It wasn't that he was rude - he was in fact a very chivalrous person - but he wasn't one to be seduced or 'used' as he felt she did to so many others.

Aeschia... he thought as he now had a name to match an image. She certainly was lovely, interesting, and apparently had an interest in the classics; unless that was just her game: invading one's thoughts and then using them to seduce the person. They passed many buildings and alleys as she tried to explain herself...

"I apologize for invading your thoughts-" she began to say, but Tark cut her off with the first words he said to her that night.

"Don't... don't apologize for something you are not sorry for doing..."

She looked slightly surprised that anyone wouldn't interrupt her, especially when she was apologizing, but the expression on her face did not last long. Soon after she admitted that she wasn't really sorry and in fact she was grateful that she did as it gave or something to do. He wasn't necessarily angry that she had read his mind - there were ways to prevent that if he had wanted to and yet he did not - as that type of thing didn't easily anger him, but he was upset that she was insincere, even if she did correct herself immediately after. It was something he had experienced with much younger and less 'cultured' Kindred, but not something he would have expected of Aeschia.

She waited for Tark's response to her introduction, but it did not come. He turned his head back towards the environment around him and continued his stroll through the night. If she really is interested, she will wait... he thought as Aeschia kept up with him. It was test - two in fact. If she was really interested in him, and not just some carnal desire, she would wait for his response and continue on with him as she did so. Also, if she decided to read his mind again uninvited, he would also know...

She failed...

Tark began to notice that her attention was divided between him and something else. Most likely someone's mind she is reading or communicating with... he decided as she was transmitting message to Gabriel. Another couple of moments and Tark's thoughts were confirmed as Aeschia 'politely' dismissed herself and left to meet up with Gabriel.

"Perhaps we can talk some time. I have antiques to die for," she said over her shoulder as she left.

"I doubt it..." he whispered to himself when she had left. He disliked it when people used unsuitable terms such as 'to die for' when it clearly wasn't true - expect in poetry of some sort.

After they had parted ways, Tark was again alone with silence as his traveling companion and darkness as his guide. He walked up the street and finally came to a "T" intersection where to dark streets met in the night. He took a left and was sure there was nobody for many blocks near him. Time passed and Tark had entered the more populated area of the city where Kindred and Kine (more commonly) walked the lamp lit streets together. There were a few shops still open despite the time of night, and many restaurants to eat; but Tark wasn't hungry.

To many it would seem that he was wandering aimlessly, but Tark had a destination in mind, and it wasn't the pathetic Da'Matin. Many said, 'People in a hurry are going somewhere in life,' but Tark had never bought into that - he had decided on something else; 'Those who hurry planned poorly and now ran for or from something.'

Planning poorly was not something Tark often did as was evident in his timing that night. He arrived in front of a grand theater, The Majestic, just as the last people were funneling in. There were packs of people, all dressed elegantly, entering the theater as they handed their tickets to the attendant. Tark, however, merely strode passed the line and nodded gently to the man standing guard at the doors. The man in return nodded back and held the door open for the grey suited vampire.

It was well known that the rich and handsome man known as Count Vincent Alexander owned the presidential box at the regal Majestic theater. He strode up a flight of red carpeted stairs and made his way to the perfect box that had a gold plaque outside of it: Reserved: The Count. Also, outside stood a guard dressed in a black suit and standing to the side - he held the current open for Tark as he entered and took his seat. The box had two chairs in it though it could comfortably seat at least six.

The curtain behind him closed as he took his seat in the plush chair. Just as soon as he had, the lights in the packed theater closed and the crowd's murmurs died out. And then it began...

The large red curtain swept aside revealing a darkened stage, nothing seeable except blackness. Then a spotlight came on from above, lighting a small portion of the stage where a single man stood dressed in a nice black suit. There was a short amount of applause from the crowd, but as light and quiet music sounded from the orchestra pit, it was silenced. The theater filled with the music as the man stood on stage along and silent.

"Open your minds... suspend your disbelief and let your imagination take control," he said in rhythm with the music. "As we take you from a theater house in Exetergrecia... across the ocean, back in years long passed, to a far off land called," he paused for suspense, "Peking..." The light disappeared slowly as his voice trailed off and then was gone, leaving the theater in darkness and with the only sound being the sweet melodies of the music.

Act 1
Slowly the lights began illuminating the stage, revealing a beautiful palace with throngs of people gathered to witness the events. The voice returns, "He who wishes to marry the princess must answer three riddles correctly that she poses to him. He who fails... dies. This is the law of the land..." The voice is then joined by the majority of the people onstage, "...None are above the law!"

The music turns dark and cruel, speeding up as the crowd surges towards the palace gates, crying out for the latest poor suitor's blood; the Prince of Persia. As the throng of citizens rushes forward an old man is knocked to the ground and his slave girl Liù cries out for help. A young and handsome man hears her cry, and soon recognizes the old man as his long-lost father Timur, the deposed king of Tartary.

"Speak not my name dear father," he whispers to the old man as he approaches and kneels on the ground beside him. "It is not safe..."

"Son..." the man says, struggling to hold back the tears that are trying to force their way out. The two are reunited in have years of exile and embrace each other. They exchange stories of their travels until finally the old man, Timur, confesses, "They have all gone... only Liù here as remained by my side."

"Why...?" the man asks as he turns to face the slave girl. "Why have you remained by my father's side all this time?"

Liù smiles gently at him and pauses a moment before revealing the answer, "Because... because one day... you smiled upon me." The lights shining on them dim and the focus turns towards the executioner who is sharpening his blade, waiting for the moon to rise.

Soon the silver light of the moon is seen and the procession of the Prince of Persia begins as he is lead to his execution. The music becomes somber as the prince is revealed to be quite young and handsome and the cries of the crowd change from bloodthirsty ones to pitying ones, begging the cruel princess to spare his life. A thunderous clap from the orchestra pit returns the music to dark as the heavenly looking angel (the princess) denies to spare his life.

The crowd proceeds behind the doomed Prince as he is lead to the place where he is to take his final breath. However, Liù, Timur and his son, Calaf, stay behind as Calaf has become infatuated with the princess. The other two try to convince him of the dangers of such a desire, but he pays their advice no attention. Instead he turns to where the Princess had recently stood and cries out to nobody specifically; "Turandot!" His cry is eerily echoed by the last words of the Prince of Persia as he cries out his killer's name one final time.

Calaf hesitates for a moment as he hears the final blow being dealt to the young Prince of Persia, but then approaches the treacherous gong to announce his intention of being put to the test for the princess' hand in marriage. However, the way is blocked by three men, Ping, Pang and Pong, the Imperial Ministers, who attempt to dissuade him of his false hopes by detailing the punishments for those who fail. They fail... Calaf does not yield...

Meanwhile, Turandot's ladies-in-waiting appear and call for silence as the Princess is sleeping in her bed. The stage turns dark and a mysterious music arises, ushering in ghostly voices of shadows that had failed to solve the riddles of the princess. However, nothing can stop Calaf from his decision - not his father's desperate pleas and not even the sight of the executioner brandishing the head of the Prince of Persia. Liù begins to tear as she is secretly in love with Calaf but does not express it so. The music abruptly changes and surges as Calaf frees himself from the clutches of the ministers, and rushes to the gong. He strikes it three times in rhythm with the growing music, simultaneously calling out, "Turandot! Turandot! Turandot!!!"

The curtain falls and the acts ends to roaring applause, Tark's included...

Act 2
In a pavilion near the palace Ping, Pang and Pong comment on the Unknown Prince's [Calaf] recent challenge and lament the number of executions they have to prepare as a result of Turandot's decree - the law of the land. They nostalgically think of their country homes and the peace and the tranquility of better days. They prophesy, however, that a day will come in which a man will manage to overcome the trial and re-establish the peace in China as he marries the Princess. They intone a hymn to love triumphant, but are swiftly brought back to the harshness of reality by the hum of activity caused by the three gong strokes: they are summoned to attend the latest trial and what could be yet another execution.

The scene is the great palace courtyard with an imposing staircase leading up to the imperial throne. It is night and the scene, illuminated by countless lanterns and adorned with banners, is filled with dignitaries and members of the populace. The emperor begs the Unknown Prince to desist from his rash challenge, but Calaf cannot be swayed. Turandot's decree is then announced and the Princess herself explains the reason for the cruel ordeal: one of her ancestresses had been defeated by a foreign prince and dragged into captivity, where she had died of grief and shame. Turandot had therefore vowed to take vengeance for this outrage by exacting punishment on any foreigner who might wish to marry her. She too, as many others had tried and failed, calls on the Unknown Prince to desist. When Calaf again refuses, the Princess propounds the first of the three riddles...

"What is born each night and dies each dawn?" she says with a smirk upon her face.

Everyone, including the audience, watch anxiously as the Prince prepares his answer. A moment later he responds, "Hope".

The Wise Men consult their documents and confirm his answer; the crowd murmurs in astonishment - not many had even answered the first question correctly.

Turandot descends the staircase halfway and offers the second of three riddles to the Prince; "What flickers red and warm like a flame, yet is not fire?"

The Prince is slightly dazed by Turandot's proximity to him and hesitates - Emperor, Timur, Liù and the crowd all provide encouragement to him as he ponders the question. He eventually looks up to the Princess and speaks his answer, "Blood".

Again the Wise Men confirm his answer and again the crowd is pleasantly surprised, almost in delirium, at the unknown suitor's answer. The princess becomes visibly agitated as they are now at the third and final question. She runs down the remaining steps and proposes the third riddle face to face with Calaf; "What is like ice but burns?".

The Unknown Prince finds difficulty in the question, much to the princess' delight as she taunts the kneeling man, seemingly facing his death. Soon however he triumphantly springs to his feet as the music comes to an abrupt stop. The crowd as well as the court is silent in anticipation. The tenor playing the young Prince belts out the answer in a beautiful note: "Turandot!"

The answer becomes obvious to all and the Prince has succeeded - the crowd rejoices in his victory. Turandot, on the other hand, is greatly shaken and throws herself to father's feet begging him not to deliver her into the hands of the stranger. The Emperor, however, cannot go back on his word and proclaims that she must follow the law of the land just like all those she has sent to their deaths. Calaf, surprisingly, listens to her appeal and stops her mid-cry of anger...

"I have a proposal for you," he said as he prepares to deliver her the enigmatic offer. The lights dim and two spotlights appear lighting the figures of the Prince and Princess. "You do not know my name. Bring me my name," he tells her. "Bring me my name before sunrise, and at sunrise, I will die..."

The lights dim and the act ends, again to roaring applause. Tark watched the crowd from his box and witnesses many people discussing what just happened. Many seemed confused at the Prince's proposal, "Why would he offer his life up again when he has just escaped death?" or "Is he mad?" Tark simply pitied the fools and their lack of poetic knowledge...

Act 3
Calaf is seated on the steps of a pavilion leading to Turandot's apartments contemplating the palace gardens lying at his feet in the moonlight. All through the night, heralds are announcing an edict issued by the Princess: "This night, none shall sleep in Peking! The penalty for all will be death if the Prince's name is not discovered by morning!" Sounds of lamenting reach the garden, for the populace fears death if the Prince's name is not revealed. Little by little a crowd, headed by the three ministers Ping, Pang and Pong, fills the garden, begging of Calaf that he give up the Princess as their lives are in danger and thus in his hands. They offer him whatever he wishes from women, to wishes, to glory, but the Prince remains adamant. The crowd becomes threatening, pulling out their daggers, but just then, Timur and Liù are dragged in. They had been seen at dusk in the Prince's company and are certain to know his name. They summon Turandot...

"Old man... reveal the Prince's name or it will be tortured out of you!" the Princess commands of Timur.

She is about to follow through on her threat when Liù interjects herself and cries out, "I alone know his name... and I will never reveal it..." The crowd surges forward upon the slave girl despite Calaf's attempts to stop them. She is interrogated and tortured by the ministers, but she promises Calaf to never give up his name.

Impressed by her resistance, the Princess speaks to her as she collapses to the ground, "What gives you such strength... what gives you the strength to deny torture and pain...?"

The music silences as does the entire theater and in a heroic voice filled with passion and emotion, Liù proclaims, "Love!"

As the torture is ordered to continue, Liù rushes towards the Princess and prophesizes that the Princess will eventually succumb to the Prince. With a quick movement she snatches the dagger from a nearby guard and stabs herself, falling dead at Calaf's feet. Turandot stares at her in astonishment, Calaf cries out in horror and Timur, being blind and not knowing what has happened until his son cries out, staggers feebly towards her dead body. A wave of pity and remorse overcomes the crowd over the death of the innocent girl. It is shortly filled with shame and fear as Timur ominously proclaims that the gods will be offended and outraged by her death. Liù is lifted up and carried in a procession to burial by the crowd and Timur follows beside.

The Prince and Turandot are now left alone face to face. Calaf calls on her to desist from her ruthless frigidity and tears away the veil covering her face. She is not calmed by her reproaches as he advances to embrace her. Turandot retreats in alarm, but he follows her, grasps her in his arms and kisses her. The first kiss makes the Princess humble and suppliant. She begs the prince to leave, but Calaf continues to hold her in his arms. Turandot is reduced to tears and ashamed to her surrender. She confesses that she has both loved and feared him from the very first moment, but she nevertheless asks him to leave her and not to claim a greater victory than the one he has already won.

Bravely, the Prince now puts her to the supreme test of love... He puts his life in her hands by revealing his name to Turandot; Calaf. The unexpected disclosure rekindles the Princess' pride: believing that she could still come out victorious she summons Calaf before the Emperor and the crowd...

The scene returns to the palace courtyard with the huge staircase in place as an assembly has gathered of the chief dignitaries and populace in the presence of the Emperor - this time for the final trial.

"Father!" Turandot announces as she approaches the Emperor, "I know the name of the Unknown Prince..." The crowd expects her to make the fatal revelation that would sentence the Princes to death, but she turns to him and overwhelmed by her newly found love exclaims: "His name is... Love".

The crowd and audience cheer together as one as the music fills the theater with a beautiful, harmonious, and loving hymn. The curtain falls to roaring applause and a standing ovation. A moment later the curtain reopens and actors begin entering one by one for a curtain call...a curtain call that is repeated seven times before the crowd finally finishes cheering the performance and files out of the theater, leaving a sole figure alone in his box... Tark...

He chuckled at her comments about Picasso. "Unfortunately I wouldn't be a very good introduction as I've only meet Prince Zanaar and would prefere never having the privilage to meet him again."

He blushed at her comments about his impression on her. "I wouldn't know what might be best." He said to her comments about the strangeness.

"I see. So, you don't care for him." She responded to Gabriel. "Well, I have no clue what he's like, so it doesn't matter to me. I am looking forward to sitting down. Are we close to the club?" She asked.

At the same time, Aeschia had read Tark's mind as she walked off. She was shocked. No one had ever treated her in such a way in her life! What a pretentious, phony, hypocritical snob! How dare he assume he had a clue as to her intentions, or that she would chase after someone so arrogant? I do not use people! 'Less cultured younger kindred?' Condescending asshole! He had no right! He seemed interesting and someone who appreciated some of the same things. I see I was wrong. So he was familiar with the arts. He was nothing but what people called others "poseurs" these days... walking around behaving as if he was somehow superior. If he were indeed superior, he would not have to run around trying to push the image of superiority. He had not a clue. He thought she would follow him around like a puppy and wait for a response. Wow is he full of himself. He needs some humility.

This was something Aeschia had learned over the years. If you know you are cultured and intelligent, you do not have to try so hard to prove it to everyone around you, acting like a complete bastard. And when she made the comment "to die for", she meant it. It was actually a pun. People had died trying to get her antiques. Some were given to her by Cleopatra. Of course some died trying to steal them from her. What a clueless narcissist. He really thought he had things figured out. *Aeschia shook her head*

Aside from that, he may have been the rudest man he ever came across. *she shuddered* The thought that she may have spent time conversing with him made her sick. Aeschia now saw him as nothing but a pathetic phony that had to prove to the world by outward appearances, what he considered himself to be. She doubted Da' Matin was pathetic.

Aeschia was as close to royalty as kindred come, so his behavior was on par with insolence in her mind. If you know who you are, you know yourself, your intelligence, your wisdom, your interests, it does not matter if you get tipsy and say a few goofy things occasionally, or behave in any way you want, actually. If he did not like it... his loss. Too bad. The antiques really were to die for. She grinned to herself.

Thankfully, Gabriel had come along. He was genuine in his interests, and did not have to put on airs. Aeschia was still fuming, but soon forgot about Tark. He can live in his own little 'superior' world. So Gabriel did not dress like a half-fop. Good enough. Aeschia was not the only vampire who experienced lust or seduced either. I would think all kindred knew this.

"Gabriel," she said to him, "I am so glad you were in the street a moment ago. That man I was speaking with was absolutely pathetic and downright rude, in retrospect, and I can say already that I find your company far more interesting." She smiled at him.

Aeschia was thinking as her and Gabriel walked.

Wait a minute... she thought. On a few points, Tark was right. Not many, however, all of a sudden Marius' words to her prior to her leaving, went through her head:

"Remember how you can get when you drink too much. Moderation."

Aeschia was certainly not drinking in moderation at all tonight. She was drunk as hell, and it was Jack's painting that set it off.

All of a sudden, she felt guilty. Not for everything she said to Tark, but for not being straight up with him. She felt the need to apologize for the few things she did, which were out of line. Aeschia sighed. Her pride had made her furious anyway, even when some, not all, of what she said and did was inappropriate and alcohol driven.

I should stick to blood. she thought. Suddenly she felt sheepish. Aeschia certainly believed her impression of Tark to be mostly accurate, however, she perhaps started it all by her drunken behavior.

"Gabriel... can we stop here a moment? I need to check into a couple things." One of those things was Irving, who had disappeared.

Aeschia’s telepathy was remarkable. She was such a proud woman, that apologizing to anyone was just about the most difficult thing she could do.

She focused and focused until she zoned in on Tark. He was on his way to a theater. Aeschia contacted him through his mind.

"Tark. This is Aeschia. This is very difficult for me to say... but... I... owe you an apology. Sincerely. I have a difficult time being... humble... in any way, although I believe you do as well.

I do not necessarily behave appropriately when I am drunk. I do not get drunk often thankfully, however, this is even more difficult for me, as you well know by now, I read everything you were thinking about me as I left. I feel quite insulted and to be honest, hurt. I should not have told you I did not mean to read your mind. I had several bottles of champagne and a terrible ordeal at an art gallery prior to going to the Dead Cow, but this does not excuse my behavior.

By the way, no, I do not read minds to find something in common to seduce someone. However, your behavior was quite rude as well. In addition, when I said antiques 'to die for'? It was a pun. People have died trying to get them.

In any case, I felt I had to make things right in my own mind by contacting you and apologizing, as much as it kills me to do so. I have never been treated in such a manner. It actually was quite rude in any case. Yes, I was interested in you and not just trying to seduce you. Therefore, you were wrong there as well.

I am sorry we met by my poor introduction. Good evening."

Then tears began to run down Aeschia's face... "That damned painting!" She did not know if she was still channeled to Tark or not, but hoped not. Gabriel of course noticed...

Aeschia began to contemplate the last few years when she went out on her own to experience more life. She began to sob... All of this cavorting with anyone and everyone has made me become... undignified. My behavior has not been in line with my stature.

She wasn't referring to being with a variety of men... the male kindred did so all the time, and she was not the type to believe that there were different rules for men and women. What Aeschia was referring to was exactly what Tark thought: How idiotic of her to lie to him about reading his mind. Why did I even do that? Lie that is? I read his mind as he seemed interesting and cultured, as opposed to the usual Goth-types and such, which hung out at places like the Dead Cow. I should have just told him that.

Aeschia was so used to men who only were interested in her for her body, and not much of her conversation. She half-expected Tark to be the same way. I suppose it is nice that he is not. Gabriel does not seem to be like that either. It is true I am feeling lusty this evening, however, I do want to spend time with someone who does not only want me for one thing. I suppose the other Tremere, and the way they have treated me, like some sort of prize, have led me to such a conclusion regarding men. Unfortunately, it was true among many of the kindred and the way they treated her. Aeschia was not above lusty, sensual nights with strangers, it was just that she began to lose the ability to discern when someone was actually interested in more. Moreover, when she was drunk, she completely lost that ability. Aeschia began to feel worse and worse about herself. She had never experienced this feeling before and could not stop sobbing.

“Gabriel... I… I am terribly sorry. Please give me a moment to collect myself.” Aeschia was humiliated and it hurt. What is wrong with me? Why did that man, Tark, have such a strange impact on me? she thought.

All at once, a feeling of impending danger intruded on her confusion… Irving…

This Kindred was most definatly a playboy. The best way to keep this type interested was to play hard to get. She finished the beer in one long draught. Then she said, "Well, show me the sights, adn tell me about the people who control the sights and we will see what happens then." She arched her eyebrow with those last few words. Then she got up and started walking for the door.


Boaz finished off his beer and followed her out the door. As he walked out people began to whistle at Jade. Boaz thought to himself I am not the only one who thinks she is attractive. Maybe she could be the one. When he got outside he looked at Jade and said "Wait here."

He walked down the street and into the alleyway next to the Dead Cow. He pulled out his key and pressed the button to make the door unlock. The lights flickered on and off and Boaz walked over to the car.

Boaz focused his mind to try and find out what Jade's favorite song was. He sat down in his car and cranked it up. When he finally figured out what the song was he plugged an MP3 player like device into the radio's computer. He searched for the song and started playing it.

He smiled and said aloud, "Alright let me go find Jade." He pulled out of is secluded parking space and rode down the street until he found her. He pulled up next to her, smiled and said "Do you want a ride?"

"No, I just wouldn't care to meet him again, and it's just around the corner." He replied as they turned the corner and saw a squat building with a simple sign, Da' Matin on it. If you didn't know what it was, it would just be another in a line of generic buisnesses."

Hearing her comments about the other man, he looked back and shrugged. Other peoples buisness was other peoples buisness after all.

Hearing her ask to wait when they were quite close to the establishment was odd, but he paused anyway so she could conduct whatever buisness she was engaged in.

When she asked for a minute, Gabriel nodded and stepped back a few steps to give her time to get her self organised.

Aeschia looked up. It seemed Gabriel didn't notice or didn't care that she was falling apart right in front of him. She backed up and sat on a bench trying to stop the tears, that wouldn't end, despite the danger she felt.

She looked up at him and sighed... "You are rather indifferent to me, are you not?" she asked Gabriel.

Aeschia would tell him about Irving in a moment.

"Not at all, I've just always belived if someone has a emotional, or crisis of faith or similiar such problems, then they, and they alone are the ones who can fix it. If someone else interferes it just causes more problems down the road." Gabriel explained

Rube lit up another cigarette as he and Jonas neared Da' Matin. That was when he saw the vampires from the Dead Cow up ahead.

"See kid," he said drawing a huge puff of smoke. "Told ya I'd find them."

Jonas slowly nodded as they watched Aeschia and Gabriel.

Aeschia thought that was a very cold response. "I see. Do you still want to go to the club, or shall we go our separate ways?" She was beginning to think it odd that he seemed to care about nothing and have no opinions regarding anything. His remark about Zanaar for example... quite cryptic.

"What is it that interests you Gabriel?" She asked him, perplexed at his reactions to just about everything.

"Gabriel, I apologize. I have really been rude. Please accept my apology." Aeschia smiled wanly.

"You see, it has to do with that painting." She sighed. "Why don't we continue in, and I'll tell you a bit about it. Please disregard my earlier remarks. I let that gallery opening get to me far more than I should have, especially since no one will see that painting again." Aeschia gave him a sly grin.

"Don't look now," Aeschia continued. "I told you I was following Irving's thoughts? Well, he's got a loaded pistol, he's on the roof and gunning for one or both of us. Don't worry, I would never let you get hurt." She looked to Gabriel.

"Should we do something now... or go into the club? If we go in first, he may follow and make a scene, and by that, I mean hit some innocents." She stated.

"Also," Aeschia noted to him, "I am armed with a pistol and a few other things. I do not intend to read your mind out of respect for you. Are you armed as well? And what do you think our plan should be?"

She waited for Gabriel to answer.

The siren passed and the Malkavians attention returned.

"Do you even know who the prince of Exetergrecia is?" he then asked.

His eyes lowed to the unconcious woman that Nico held with him. The voice in his head tried to order him to do something. Look at those boobs, I want you to touch them. TOUCH THEM.

The Malkavian shook his head.
Nicolai narrowed his eyes at the other vampire. He had somewhat erratic behavior, as if something weren't quite right in his head. He loosened his grip on the female slightly, ready to move if need be. The stranger had already proven somewhat unpredictable.

"Why.. are you looking to replace him?"

His tone was off-the-cuff, and relayed in somewhat of a joking manner. But there was a slight undertone of sincerity there..

I knew it, he IS suspicious the voice in his head yelled. By the gods, Zanaar shall be pissed.

The Malkavian narrowed his eyes. "Fuck no," he growled. "You look like you might want to."

Nico laughed openly, but it was somewhat of a quiet, breathy sound.

"Me?! Oh, no. I prefer to keep to the shadows.. don't like bringing undue attention upon myself."

"Hmph," the Malkavian muttered with a smile. His eyes turned to Nico and looked him over. "Already as an outsider you have brought attention to yourself, much like I often do, not Malkavian are you?"

Don't be silly, the voice in his head replied.

"Goes with the territory. But a Malkavian.. I should think not. A small blessing, that. No offense."

When the stranger had brought that up, all the eccentrics seemed to click. Nico couldn't decide whether or not that should ease his tension.

"No, I'm something rather.. unique."

True to form, he was not one to volunteer information, and this case was no exception. His free hand found its way into his pocket, and he glanced habitually past the other vampire, checking the open space behind him.

Irving got up and saw Gabriel and Aeschia. He picked up his bowler hat and trench. Putting them back on he looked up toward the sky. A tear came down from his eye. Then he went down the fire escape. Once down he looked around the corner toward Da' Matin. Looking around the corner he saw two other faces also. He remembered seeing them inside the Dead Cow. Then he ran past Aeschia and Gabriel. While walking he looked directly at Rube and Jonas then inside.

The Malkavian raised a finger. "With Malkavian comes a great blessing, great wisdom beyond words we are given," he said with a smile. He clapped his hands together. "So what might your clan be?"

His eyes are looking behind you, looking for backup, the voice in his head told him.

The Malkavian nodded. "There is no backup if that is what you are afraid of, and the bacon has gone," he then added.

**********

Noting Gabriels glance in their direction, Rube tipped his hat forward and nodded.

A steel gaze flickered back to the Malkavian, and Nico hinted at a grin.

"No.. just a habit. I like to know what's going on around me."

He shifted his weight slightly, eyes darting to darkened doorways and lingering there for a few fractions of a second before resting on the other end of the conversation. Easing the girl down, he let her sleep at his feet, crumpled like a broken doll.

"Artemis."

His response to the question of clan was clipped and curt. He of course was referring to the company which had created him, as they were as close to a clan he was likely to come.

"Artemis," the Malkavian said, gleefully clapping his his hands together. "Brilliant clan, never heard of them, who are they?"

The Malkavian was hooked to have never heard of the clan, he knew the names of all the clans, even ones that were no more. Even the voice in his head was speechless so that he hit the side of his head with his fist to get a reaction from the voice.

Never heard of them,

Watching the stanger, Nicolai blinked a bit of self-control back into himself at the strange display. This was the first Malkavian he had met in the flesh, but stories abounded. Everyone seemed to have some whispering or another.

"No? They're fairly well-known on the international circuit. Especially if what you're after is slightly less than legal.."

He mentally chided himself for avoiding the question, but it was a part of his past he wasn't overly fond of. Come to think of it.. it was all of his past. They were his progenitors in the truest sense of the word.

"Must look into them then," the Malkavian said.

It seemed that the vampire in front of him was being weirded out slightly. Then again he was an outsider afterall.

"I am a Malkavian, you may call me Jacen."

"I thought as much."

He half sighed and glanced down to the girl, suddenly feeling that he wouldn't be eating tonight.

"Well, Jacen.. I am Nicolai. Nicolai Kruschev.. or just Nico for short."

He didn't mind giving out his name. Though not quite a matter of public record, someone could easily find it for themselves, with no real effort to speak of. Granted, piecing together the shards was another story altogether..

He doesn't seem like a threat, the voice in his head said.

Jacen nodded in agreement. "Well Nico, it is a pleasure to meet you," he said with a smile. "So what actually brings you here?"

"Call it a holiday. I needed to get away from home."

And I heard there was opportunity for one here with my brand of talent.

He cocked his head to the side slightly, watching the Malkavian with a distinctive look of interest.

"Sounds like fun," Jacen replied.

Almost mimicking Nico, he cocked his head to the side as well. Was this vampire interested in him? No, couldn't be, Jacen thought of himself as boring and uninteresting.

"I can show you around if you'd like?"

He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, presumably in amusement at Jacen's motion.

"Dinner can wait. I would find that agreeable."

He looked down at the unconscious girl, and nudged her over on her back with his foot. It's your lucky night, little one.

Jacen raised an eyebrow.

I think you've annoyed him, looks like he's no longer interested in the girl, the voice in his head told him. I told you to touch her boobs, you'll never get another chance.

"Is your meal still edible?" Jacen asked, looking down at her.

"She's still alive, if you don't mind a few illicit substances.. hungry?"

He nudged her again, half grinning to himself as her head lolled against the pavement. Maybe I spoke too soon.

Wooshaba']Boaz finished off his beer and followed her out the door. As he walked out people began to whistle at Jade. Boaz thought to himself I am not the only one who thinks she is attractive. Maybe she could be the one. When he got outside he looked at Jade and said "Wait here."

He walked down the street and into the alleyway next to the Dead Cow. He pulled out his key and pressed the button to make the door unlock. The lights flickered on and off and Boaz walked over to the car.

Boaz focused his mind to try and find out what Jade's favorite song was. He sat down in his car and cranked it up. When he finally figured out what the song was he plugged an MP3 player like device into the radio's computer. He searched for the song and started playing it.

He smiled and said aloud, "Alright let me go find Jade." He pulled out of is secluded parking space and rode down the street until he found her. He pulled up next to her, smiled and said "Do you want a ride?"

Jade put out the cigar while she was waiting. She saw a car roll on up and stop where she was. The window on the car rolled down and the lyrics drifted across the air, "They call me white sinner, black martyr, live wire
Fire starter, jungle brother, red neck cracker, freak of nature
New world slacker, sex junkie lookin' for a dealer." Wow, this brought back memories. Bittersweet memories, but more sweet then bitter. She thought of Eric who had taken that young girl out dancing. She was brought back to reality by Boaz's voice saying, "Do you want a ride?"

She opened the passenger side door of the car and slid on in to the car. She smiled at Boaz as he started to race away, with a roar of the engines and the squel of tires. She said, "So, tell me, who is the ruler of the vmpires here, and does he actually have power?"

"I would enjoy going to the club with you." He replied, "Music interests me, and you do as well." The 'Right now.' went unsaid as he wasn't sure how long she would interest him.

"I do accept your apology, thought there is no need to apologise." Hearing her cryptic comments about the painting, he raised an eyebrow with an "Oh?"

As she mentioned the possible threat of Irving, a cryptic smile of graced his face. "I don't think we'll have to worry, and it would be fine to enter the club."

"I would enjoy going to the club with you." He replied, "Music interests me, and you do as well." The 'Right now.' went unsaid as he wasn't sure how long she would interest him.

"I do accept your apology, thought there is no need to apologize." Hearing her cryptic comments about the painting, he raised an eyebrow with an "Oh?"

As she mentioned the possible threat of Irving, a cryptic smile of graced his face. "I don't think we'll have to worry, and it would be fine to enter the club."

As Gabriel made the comment about Irving, Irving ran by them. "What in the world?"

Telepathically, she said to Irving as he ran by, "Irving, we must speak this week." She left it at that.

Aeschia was well aware that Gabriel was not very interested in her. She was behaving strangely this evening... very much so. Perhaps I should not think so much... at least not now, she thought.

Aeschia was relieved that no one knew her true age. With her power came the ability to hide that power, as well as her age and experience. As far as anyone knew, she was turned a year ago. With this ability, she was likely to avoid thieves who may want her one of a kind ancient items.

ooc: It was mentioned to me that a strong older vampire could mask age and strength.

She wondered if Gabriel was using her for her music room. However, there was no way he could know that she had a collection of instruments and music to rival any collection. He did not seem all that interested anyway... which was fine, however, it could not hurt to go have a glass of wine and discuss music. He is not turning out to be quite so interesting. He hardly seems to speak. Perhaps he will be when we go inside.

It did take a lot to hold her interest. For someone who has been around as long as she has, and had seen and experienced so much, it took a lot to hold her attention for long.

Aeschia knew what she was going to do with her musical items and all the items and art objects lying around on display, when she reached home.

To release tension or frustration, other than practicing her shinobi arts, or her shooting, or any other type of martial art or assassination techniques, she had a rather humorous habit.

Aeschia was particularly angry one evening, as one of the newer Tremere had the nerve to attempt to disobey a direct order. She was angry, but did not want to hurt the young Tremere, as the girl did not seem to understand what it was she had done to offend.

When Aeschia arrived back home, and saw that Marius was gone, she put on one of her favorite pieces: Moussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain". The next thing she knew, she was standing in the middle of their palatial estate, "conducting" the objects all around her telekinetically to the music. All manner of items were flying around in time as if they were a symphony. Each "set" of items representing a different part of the music. Occasionally, she would telekinetically play a set of instruments. The music boomed throughout their estate. A better sound system could likely be found nowhere, and it was connected to every room in the house.

Here she was, furiously conducting "Night on Bald Mountain", art objects and antiques flying through the air, various instruments playing, grinning like a child having the time of her life, when Marius walked in. He had walked in the back entrance, and Aeschia was so into her "conducting" that she did not even notice. When the piece was over and she carefully set all the art and objects that were flying through the air, as well as the instruments, back in their place, Marius started clapping with a huge grin on his face.

Aeschia looked at him and they both started laughing. It was a humorous sight to see according to Marius. Bizarre, is what Aeschia thought, although she certainly saw the humor in it.

She continued to "conduct" at home to release anger or tension. Her favorites were "Night on Bald Mountain", and "'O' Fortuna", from Carmina Burana. The vocals in that piece always gave her shivers.

This is what she was in the mood to do when she got home. Just the idea of "conducting her art pieces" put her in a better mood.

"Gabriel," she looked in the window and pointed to Rube and Jonas, "Those two men were at the Dead Cow... hmmm... seems a bit suspicious."

Moreover, what was up with Irving? What changed his mind? Why was he going to shoot? Perhaps we were not his targets. Irving was also Camarilla, so it made sense that I would not be his target.

"You know," Aeschia said, turning to Gabriel, "This city is very strange tonight. I do yet have to find someone to show me around the city. Exetergrecia has changed so much since I was last here."

Aeschia was not expecting Gabriel to volunteer, but that was fine with her. She was actually looking forward to walking home tonight. The stars were out, the night was beautiful... and unless something unforeseen came up, she had some objects at home waiting for a conductor.

"She's still alive, if you don't mind a few illicit substances.. hungry?"

He nudged her again, half grinning to himself as her head lolled against the pavement. Maybe I spoke too soon.


Jacen screwed his face up in disgust. "Yuck, that shit always makes me feel ill," he replied. "You have to becareful as your meal could contain all manner of randomly nasty stuff in their blood."

He leaned against a wall and placed his hands in his pocket, looking at the woman.

"Well if you're not going it eat your meal, just leave it there."

Boaz looked over at Jade and saw straight through her antics. He knew that she was just trying to get information, so he just replied with another question. "There are many vampire leaders. There is leader of each clan and other important people. Like in my clan my friend Tark and I are the top dogs because we have been around for a long time." He then looked at her asked an additional question. "So where are you from. You already said that you weren't from here." He drove down the street towards the entrance to the interstate.

Aeschia took the lead and opened the front door. She looked around at the surroundings. Not bad. La' Matin was not the crème' de la crème', however it was a nice enough place to sit, have a drink, and chat.

"Gabriel, you know this place. Where do you recommend we sit?" She asked him.

The music was lovely. Liszt. Good enough, even as "'O' Fortune" was still going through her head.

Not too far away were the two other vampires from the Dead Cow.

Rube and Jonas, huh, she thought. I am sure it is no coincidence they are here. Well, I think I ought to introduce myself after we find our seats.

Unexpectedly, and interrupting her thoughts in a rather irritating way, was a voice she did not want to hear. Drake. Drake was the number one Tremere in Exetergrecia. His abilities and age were similar to hers, with her telepathy more advanced, and he being the stronger of the two, physically. In the Tremere hierarchy, she was still above him.

"Have you retrieved any information?" Drake asked her telepathically.

"Who said I was looking." Aeschia answered, rather annoyed.

"I'll catch up with you later." Drake replied.

"No!" Aeschia retorted emphatically, as she knew exactly what that meant. The last thing she heard from Drake was him laughing knowingly. Aeschia blocked her mind. It was now unreadable by anyone, and impenetrable by Drake. She made sure that connection was severed.

Damn him! Aeschia did not want to be anywhere near Drake any time soon. She decided to forget about it for now.

Aeschia waited for Gabriel to find them a place to sit, and then she intended on speaking to Rube and Jonas.

Jacen screwed his face up in disgust. "Yuck, that shit always makes me feel ill," he replied. "You have to becareful as your meal could contain all manner of randomly nasty stuff in their blood."

He leaned against a wall and placed his hands in his pocket, looking at the woman.

"Well if you're not going it eat your meal, just leave it there."
"To each his own."

His response was somewhat stoic, and accompanied by a little shrug. Reaching down, he took the woman by the scruff of her neck and propped her up against the wall. Surely one of her friends would find her before long.. assuming there was anything left to find by then. Turning, he took on somewhat of a calculating look and walked back towards Jacen.

"I wasn't all that hungry anyway."

Jacen raised an eyebrow.

"There are better places to find a meal anyway," he replied, looking down toward the street. "Much healthier for yourself as well as tasty much nicer."

He turned his head toward Nico and smirked.

"Of course you'd have to dress smart, but if theres one thing Malkavians are good at, it's dressing for the occasion."

"Alright, I'll get us a place to sit." He said as he taked to the manager and got them an excellent table. Noting a slight frown gracing her face he asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, sorry Gabriel... no everything is fine. This is a lovely table by the way. Thank you for bringing me here." Aeschia smiled.

"You see those two men over there?" She nodded her head toward Rube and Jonas. "They are here because we are here," she informed Gabriel. "I intend to speak to them. Their names are Rube and Jonas."

Aeschia sighed. "I am not concerned about them. I can go talk with them later." She gave a less than convincing smile. What was actually bothering her was Drake. The two of them had "issues", or to be more exact, she had an issue with him. Drake was thrilled with her.

"Gabriel... I wanted to ask you... since you're a Son, I assume you have done a lot of choral singing. Have you ever done Carmina Burana, or specifically 'O' Fortune?" She began to make conversation.

"I have and it's one of my favorites!" Aeschia exclaimed excitedly. "I just adore it and it's been going through my head half the night." She smiled at Gabriel. "Tell me about some of your choral work, if you don't mind. I would be interested to know some of the work you have done."

Aeschia kept her eye on Rube and Jonas and her mind blocking Drake. She had a feeling of impending danger, not necessarily related to anything that happened so far during the evening. Aeschia had a bit of a sixth sense that way.

"That's good, thought I don't recognise them, not surprising thought." He replied, glancing over at Rube and Jones. "Carmina, Carmina, yes, I believe I have done 'O' Fortuna a few times. A few other works I enjoy, thought aren't strictly classica in the form of Carmina Burana, are Fa Ru Xue, Oh Shenandoah, Greensleeves, March of the Soviet Tankmen, Pedir posada and a number of others. One I know very well, thought am not exactly fond of, is Angel of Death.

Jacen raised an eyebrow.

"There are better places to find a meal anyway," he replied, looking down toward the street. "Much healthier for yourself as well as tasty much nicer."

He turned his head toward Nico and smirked.

"Of course you'd have to dress smart, but if theres one thing Malkavians are good at, it's dressing for the occasion."
Nico glanced down at his clothing as if realizing for the first time he was dressed in a character of sorts. He felt the need to explain himself.

"This was a bit of a facade in itself.."

He glanced about for a moment, as if getting his bearings. His black leather trenchcoat was stashed away here somewhere. It wouild do little to conceal the somewhat outlandish style of a raver, but it would help for the time being.

"My coat.."

He strode gracefully towards the main street at the front of the building. He had hidden the coat and a few other items down an alley across the way, in a place he was certain no one would accidentally run across it.

Sitting down Irving took off his bowler hat and looked around. He was going to take off his trenchcoat that would reveal a Colt Peacemaker and a sabre. Ordering a Altbier Ale he waited until he got it. He watched Gabriel and Aeschia. Keeping his mind busy so Aeschia couldn't get a grasp on what he was thinking Irving looked at his ale. It was top-fermented and he liked it that way. Irving took a taste of it and put it back down. While looking around he noticed Rube and Jonas sitting at a table. Then he started to hum Adagio for Strings.


OOC: Here is what Adagio for Strings is for people who don't know http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adagio_for_strings

Jacen cracked his neck before following. Watching, Nico retrieve his item, he smirked to himself.

"Do you even have a lair here?" he then asked. "Have to have a lair, everyone does.

The pink-haired Malkavian looked up just as another police car came speeding past. He watched it lean into a corner and almost climb nearby building in its haste to get to wherever it was going. Cars didn't use wheels in Draconis Nightcrawlis, instead they hovered.

Wooshaba']Boaz looked over at Jade and saw straight through her antics. He knew that she was just trying to get information, so he just replied with another question. "There are many vampire leaders. There is leader of each clan and other important people. Like in my clan my friend Tark and I are the top dogs because we have been around for a long time." He then looked at her asked an additional question. "So where are you from. You already said that you weren't from here." He drove down the street towards the entrance to the interstate.

Jade smiled and said, "Me? I'm from a little old planet called Earth. Where all the woman are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average." She laughed at her own joke. Remembering her college days of listening to Prairie Home Companion on the radio.

Jade stretched in the car, and continued, "If you want to know more then that, you are going to have to find out yourself."

Jade then realized she was hungary. She couldn't hunt in her usual fashion of letting humans seduce her in clubs. She wondered where on this planet might be a good place for a hunt.

"I see," Aeschia replied. "My guess is you've done a lot more singing than that. Most Sons live for it." She grinned.

"Do you play any instruments as well Gabriel?"

Suddenly, her 'O' Fortune was interrupted by "Adagio for Strings". It was at that point that she realized Irving was in the club. Aeschia needed to speak with him as well.

By blocking his thoughts, the only conclusion was that he was after one or both of them.

"Gabriel!" Aeschia leaned toward him speaking quietly. "Irving is here and I know he's got a loaded gun. He is intentionally blocking his thoughts. We best be on our guard. It seems he is targeting one or both of us. I cannot read him! That is a warning sign. It's also very surprising, as most kindred cannot block my telepathy as it is highly advanced." She had an annoyed look on her face.

She changed the subject for a quick moment. "I would like to tell you about my rare music collection. I think you would find it quite interesting. It is likely that perhaps only a few kindred, friends of mine, have ever seen it. I wanted to take time to explain it to you. It is actually ancient Egyptian, written in hieroglyphics on stone! I acquired it on a college dig with an archaeologist, and the two of us translated it into a piece of sheet music. It's quite odd, and the instruments used, I am not quite sure of other than one, which I found on the dig." This was a lie. She was not about to tell Gabriel that she was given the music and the instruments... there were more than one... by the musicians themselves. Aeschia did not intend to reveal her true age to anyone... nor her power.

"Gabriel, I am not comfortable with Irving at this moment. He is restless and intentionally trying to divert my attention. Will you please order me a 2001 Vintage New Zealand Shiraz; should they carry such a wine here?" She asked him nicely, smiling. "I am going to go talk to Irving. Right now. Watch your back. I do not know his intentions." Aeschia was irritated with all these distractions.

"Perhaps after speaking with Irving, Rube, and Jonas, matters will be sorted out and we can enjoy our evening. There is something going on in this city and it involves Zanaar, whom, by the way, you never told me why you disliked? The only reason I ask, is not a political one, but because other kindred seem to think we're involved one way or another."

Aeschia smoothed out her dress and looked at Gabriel with a sly grin. "I think just for dramatic effect...,” she continued grinning as she telekinetically changed the music to 'O' Fortune. After all, it was a rather fearsome piece, thus used in old movies such as The Exorcist, The Omen, and such.

Aeschia walked slowly over to Irving in a somewhat intimidating manner, looking straight at him. When she reached him, she sat down and spoke immediately.

"Irving, we are both Camarilla. What are you doing?" Aeschia looked him in the eyes, knowingly, sympathetically, and quizzically. "I know you have a loaded gun. What do you want with Gabriel or me? Neither of us intends any harm. Can you explain to me what is going on around here with the kindred? Are you trying to kill me?" Aeschia gave him an innocent, sad look. Irving seemed like a loose cannon and she was trying to defuse him. She saw the saber.

"Please Irving. I have arrived in Exetergrecia only recently, and I do not understand what is going on here. Please help me understand. I am not your enemy." Aeschia was being completely honest; however, she made sure she projected an air of dominance.

"Yes I do, those are just a few of the pieces I've preformed recently. I play many instruments, and they necessitate practice to serve effectively in their purpose. I wonder why he would be as I've never met him before, nor would have a reason to conflict with him."

He smiled at her look, it was nice to know she was fallible. "I would like to see it quite a bit." He replied when she mentioned her Egyptian music. Perhaps I can figure out the instruments that were."

"Of course, and you as well. It is not the Kindred I dislike, but his profession. It is politics which I dislike." He smiled as the music shifted back to it's original.

ooc: Theao, 'O' Fortune wasn't playing, Aeschia was running it through her mind and when she got a read on Irving's mind, that's when Adagio for Strings interrupted her mentally. Irving was humming that to keep Aeschia from reading his thoughts. I mentioned earlier that Liszt was playing inside. Aeschia telekinetically changed the music to 'O' Fortune when she went to speak with Irving. :)

Boaz was not surprised by Jade's origin being on Earth. He had been to Earth multiple times. He had a lot of businness partners there. Boaz's eye's began to twitch. That was a classic sign of his that he was hungry. He looked over at Jade and could tell that she was also hungry. He looked down the road at the next exit. It lead to a nearly all-human town. He merged to get into the lane of the exit. He looked at Jade and said "I have a thirst for blood that I need to quench and I know of a town full of humans. I am heading there now unless you want to go somewhere else." He sped up on the exit and drove towards the town. He drove down a road that led to the town's main road. It was early evening so some locals were walking around. He pulled in a parking lot and parked. "Jade I think we should walk now." He shut the car down and stepped out.

Irving still hummed Adagio for Strings and looked at his ale. He didn't notice Aeschia come over until she started to talk. Remembering that she could read minds he kept his mind busy and active. Also not to reveal anymore then what he was going to say. He waited until she was finished. Then he stopped humming. Looking up at Aeschia, Irving held his sabre tightly.

"I'm neither trying to hurt Gabriel or you, but if I have to I will. I know Gabriel has something I want. Also I think he is part of a mission I'm doing with the clan. I cannot tell you about the mission. Also sit down Aeschia."

Irving put his hand off of his sabre then put the hammer down on his Colt Peacemaker. He then put his finger around the trigger. The Colt Peacemaker was aimmed at Aeschia. With his other hand he took a drink from his ale. Putting it down he looked Aeschia. He moved close to her ear and whispered.

"I have my Colt Peacemaker pointed at you if you try to tell Gabriel I will shoot you."

He moved away then looked at Gabriel then back at Aeschia.

"Do you want anything to drink?"

Irving mind was moving fast. He didn't keep any thought for more then 10 seconds then moved to a new thought.

"Irving, put the pistol away. Are we not comrades of a sort?" She asked somewhat angrily. "And by the way, it will do you no good. So just let it go," Aeschia said to him in a somewhat serious and somewhat humorous way, although she was angry and knew she was in no danger, even if he had the pistol aimed right at her.

"Irving, please, whatever you do, put that pistol away.” Aeschia asked again. “It is not a good idea, and it isn't going to be of any use to you anyway. Aside from that, I have no reason to contact Gabriel. We just showed up to listen to music." She told him. “I only met him this evening and we had a common interest in music and in instruments.” She further explained.

"Irving?" Aeschia reached over and slowly put her hand out and set it on his cheek. "Irving, remember I telepathically told you we needed to talk? Then you tried to block me out. I think this is a good time for us to talk and get on the same page." Aeschia fluttered her eyelashes and gave him a doe-eyed look. She wanted to defuse the situation and find out what was going on, and make sure he knew she intended no harm.

When the waiter approached, Aeschia gave her order. "I will have a 2001 Earth New Zealand Shiraz please." The waiter nodded and walked away.

Aeschia could not figure this out. "What mission are you speaking of?" She asked quizzically. "Irving, please tell me what is going on here. I am quite concerned. I need to know. I have done nothing to hurt you or the Camarilla. We are both Camarilla, therefore we share a bond." Aeschia spoke very softly.

"Please let me in on what this is about." She brushed his cheek with her hand and set her hand down.

“What does Gabriel have that you want? I am concerned about you. You seem so edgy as well. Try to relax." She did her best to sooth him.

"As I said, I am relatively new here. I noticed the kindred are all behaving a bit strangely. It has something to do with Prince Zanaar, does it not? I have never met the man and I know nothing about him. I need you to explain this to me."

Aeschia continued, "Irving, I am not involved in anything here, other than seeming to be caught in the middle", Aeschia explained. "Although the piece you are humming in your mind is quite beautiful, it isn't necessary. I am no threat to you. I only know Gabriel as far as our similar interest in music, so I cannot tell you what his agenda may be. If you know, please tell me. Please tell me all of this. It's frustrating!" She asked him, hoping for a complete answer.

"Irving," Aeschia said quite sincerely, "I think we have the potential to be friends, if you would just let your suspicions drop. I'm not even from this planet." She told him. "If you must know, I'm traveling all over just for enjoyment. I have been to Exetergrecia several years ago, but only for a short period, and everything is different. I don't have a clue as to why."

As a gesture of trust and friendship, Aeschia made a rare offer to Irving: "Also, Irving, if you must feed, you may feed from me." She knew this to be a double-edged sword, as feeding from old blood such as hers strengthened the drinker. Aeschia just could not stand being suspect for any reason but that she and Gabriel enjoyed the same music and instruments. She did know that Irving could not reach anywhere near her strength even if he did feed from her. Moreover, neither his pistol nor his saber would be an issue.

"Another question Irving... just a bit of curiosity: Why a Colt Peacemaker? Such an old-fashioned weapon? I assume it has to do with your past?" She asked.

She sat staring at Irving waiting for answers. For some reason, she felt some sort of sympathy toward him.

If he refused to enlighten her on any of this, she would next go speak with Rube and Jonas. This evening was getting on her nerves.

Aeschia was very annoyed. What was to be a lovely evening of art, music, meeting new kindred, had turned out to be something out of a mystery novel, and she, unwillingly, thrown right into it.

Thankfully, she did not need to feed often, so at least she was not hungry. She preferred to feed from other vampires, as did the majority of her clan, but humans would do in a pinch.

Aeschia was not in any hurry to get home, as she was sure one hungry Tremere would be waiting. The jerk. she thought. Of course, she was referring to Drake.

“I know this to be a plethora of questions, but I would like the answers Irving.” Aeschia looked at him hopefully and sincerely.

Irving took his hand off of the trigger and put the the hammer back in place. He was overreacting and needed to calm down. Taking a deep breath he cleared his mind. Then he put the Colt Peacemaker back in it's holster.

"I have put my gun away Aeschia. I'm sorry for being so rude. Also my mission has to do with Prince Zanaar. Oh I will tell you why I have a Colt Peacemaker. I was fighting with the Boers in the First Boer War back on Earth. The year was 1880. The battle was Action at Bronkhorstspruit. I was with the Boers fighting the British we attacked them. I led the charge with my men. I lost my rifle and a British solider was about to kill me with his bayonet. Right next to me was the Colt Peacemaker. I picked it up and shot him dead. The Colt Peacemaker saved my life. If it wasn't there I would have died. I do want a friendship with you. I cannot take the offer of feeding off of you. I only feed off criminals. Then I kill them with my sabre."

Irving drank from his ale. He was calm now. He looked at her he started to grow red. In his mind he thought that she was beautiful. Every time she touched him he started to grow hot and sweat.

Aeschia felt better now that Irving was not needlessly suspicious of her.

Her drink arrived, and she thanked the waiter and tipped him generously. Aeschia, while taking a sip of her wine put her hand on his arm, closed her eyes, tilted her head back, swallowed, and exclaimed, "Lovely Shiraz!"

She opened her eyes and smiled at Irving. "Irving, thank you for trusting me, and inviting me to speak with you," Aeschia removed her hand from Irving's arm. "Would you like to try this wine? It is fabulous. It really is. Help yourself if you like."

Aeschia sighed, looked into Irving's eyes and smiled. "I think we're off to a much better start."

Irving was finally relaxing and seemed to be a very pleasant man when he was calm. "So that Colt saved your life… an important heirloom for you. I understand how there could be such sentimental value and trust in such a weapon." She remarked.

Aeschia started up a conversation. Irving was proving to be rather interesting.

"What is going on with Prince Zanaar? Do you know him personally? I do not understand what is happening around here regarding the Prince. However, something or some situation around him seems to have unsettled many kindred and most will not talk about it actually, or do not really care. I am a bit curious. Is Prince Zanaar a good and fair ruler? Is he a kind man?"

Aeschia was feeling a bit tongue-tied, as she really was not sure what questions to ask. Part of this is because she refused to listen to Drake, who got on her last nerve. It was likely that he knew of the situation, but the "issue" with him created a feeling of nausea at the thought of speaking with him.

"I'm sorry Irving," she stated. "I am actually a bit flustered, as I don't even know what questions to ask about all of this, other than, what is the mission, and what does Gabriel have that you need?"

Speaking of Gabriel, Aeschia wondered if he thought she ditched him. Gabriel and Aeschia were there to listen to music, and she had told Gabriel that she intended to speak with Irving, Rube, and Jonas. Assuming he understood that, he would understand why she was not back. Aside from that, there was just a little something about Gabriel that she did not quite trust. There was also the matter that there was something she liked about Irving. Possibly the way he seemed to relax and open up, and not hide things. Aeschia was beginning to enjoy Irving's company as opposed to Gabriel's. Irving seemed so genuine.

"Irving, I can only tell you that for some reason, intuition perhaps, I trust you more so than Gabriel. Indeed, it may be his constant decline to speak of politics… actually, his initial violent outburst when I mentioned it."

"After we discuss this, perhaps I could tell you of my saber collection." She smiled. "I collect antiques."

Aeschia took another sip of her wine. "Irving, I understand your drinking blood from criminals. I have done so as well, however if the criminal is particularly vile, I refuse to drink." She further explained, "I consider it akin to drinking trash. Oh oh oh... please no offense, I'm just saying that if someone is a serial killer or something, I will just kill them." Aeschia hoped she did not insult him. "What I was going to say, is that although you drink from criminals, if you are hungry, you may drink from me." She looked at him and smiled. "Who knows, you might enjoy it." She gave him a sly grin.

Irving took a drink from his ale. He had about half left of it. Then he looked at Aeschia and started to talk.

"It is fine Aeschia. You can trust me. Also thank you for letting me try your wine. I will try some after finishing my ale."

Aeschia talked about his colt again."Yes my colt has saved my skin many times. I have to get my bullets from a store back on Earth. They cost a pretty penny, but the gun is a good one."

Irving gripped his colt peacmaker then let go. He felt safe now.

"Oh about Prince Zanaar I can't tell you. I haven't meet him personally, but he has to do something with my mission. I really don't no anything about him, but I think I have an idea what my clan wants me to do."

He didn't really didn't mind answering Aeschia questions, but he had to not think about the mission. Irving couldn't tell anyone. If he did he would be banished from the clan and he didn't want to do that.

"So you collect sabres? Well my sabre is 19th century french navy officer. I got in 1875. I was aboard the ship Magenta. One of my life long friends was aboard the ship. Well one day the ships exploded. Men were blow to pieces and hurled off the deck. I can still hear there screams. In the water I saw my friend. Half of him was gone. The last words he said that i was a good person and his best friend. He gave me his sabre and died. The next day I was woke up on the beach of an island. I had the sabre and trained myself for two years on the island."

When Aeschia said about drinking from her he started to grow red. He had never drank from a woman. Just criminals. Back on Earth he just traveled to hunt criminals or crime bosses. He gave them no mercy.

"I would enjoy that Aeschia."

Jacen cracked his neck before following. Watching, Nico retrieve his item, he smirked to himself.

"Do you even have a lair here?" he then asked. "Have to have a lair, everyone does.

The pink-haired Malkavian looked up just as another police car came speeding past. He watched it lean into a corner and almost climb nearby building in its haste to get to wherever it was going. Cars didn't use wheels in Draconis Nightcrawlis, instead they hovered.
"I wouldn't call it a lair, exactly.."

Really he'd been moving almost constantly, taking only enough time to sleep in one abandoned building or another. The sun didn't seem to bother him as much as it did his bretheren, presumably because of his alternate means of creation. Granted he couldn't withstand direct sunlight, but he was often up and about during the day, keeping to the shadows, and only crossing open areas at dusk or dawn when the sun's rays were still weak.

Approaching a screened air duct, he ripped the grill off and retrieved a small satchel and his long leather coat. He wore the satchel under his coat, and shrugged comfortably into the latter. His attention was drawn again to a police vehicle, and he stared momentarily as it hovered. Gaeltach did not use this technology, so seeing it always took a bit of getting used to. His eyes quickly took in any useful details before he turned to his companion.

"Lead on."

"I understand that you can't speak of your mission, Irving." Aeschia sighed deeply and looked down disappointedly.

Aeschia had a real respect for this man. "As much as I would like to, I will avoid any attempt to read your mind." She grinned at him. "... Moreover, it is tempting! However, I will not." She guessed he had very good reason for being unable to tell her about the mission.

"Can you at least tell me if it involves helping him or vice versa? In addition, perhaps you could tell me what you need from Gabriel. I don't know if you can give out those pieces of information, or not."

Aeschia handed him the glass of Shiraz. "Try it! I think you will love it! Dark red with quite a peppery tone to it. I was told a while back that 2001 was a great year for any New Zealand or Australian Shiraz. I haven't found a bad one yet." She smiled at Irving. He seems so genuine, and so innocent in a way. He is quite young, and I believe him to be quite uncorrupted. Drinking only from criminals. I have done the same. There are plenty around. He is no doubt, unknowingly to himself, quite charming. She thought. It was nice to spend time with a younger (in vampire years), man. Aeschia had quite forgotten what it was like to speak with younger kindred, and she was enjoying every minute of it.

Aeschia still had a couple of questions. She did not want to go to her own clan for a while, as that meant dealing with him.

Aeschia put her hand on Irving's hand, which was set on the table. It was not as if she was doing this consciously. She was just a 'touchy' and animated woman, although she did not do this with people she disliked. She leaned in to speak closer to his ear.

She whispered to him, "Irving, you may find this hard to understand, being that we are both Camarilla, and the way my clan, the Tremere, is run. However, I, for the most part, act independently. I go where I choose, speak to whom I choose, and avoid any sort of 'mission' another clan member may want me to take care of, if it doesn't suit my taste. Basically, I do whatever I want." She moved back and looked him in the eyes. Aeschia was wondering if he had any reaction to what she had just told him.

Aeschia understood that it was most likely that she just gave away her standing, and possible power in the clan, but somehow, she trusted him to keep this to himself.

She put her hand on his shoulder and leaned in to speak in a whisper. "Please Irving, tell no one of this. I am in a rather different situation than the rest of the clan. The reason I have not received information regarding the prince, is because I am avoiding the one likely to have that information... for good reason," she added. "Yes it is true that the Tremere are known for a strict hierarchy, but for reasons I cannot divulge, these rules do not apply to me. Again, please keep this to yourself."

Aeschia looked him deeply in the eyes. "I am trusting you with information I have told no one else. Please promise not to repeat anything I just said." Continuing to look into his eyes, she added, "Irving, I trust you with this. I really do."

Aeschia changed her look to one of relaxation and leaned back.

"By the way," she began a new conversation, "I collect all kinds of swords and weapons. I must say that the sabers are the ones I know least about. It is a bit embarrassing to admit that." She fluttered her eyelashes and grinned, giggling a bit. "I will certainly show you my collection some time if you like." She continued grinning, "I have so many collections; music, art, weapons... you name it... that everyone seems to want to see a collection that interests them." She rolled her eyes jokingly.

"You are originally from Earth you say? So am I. It is a lovely place. You certainly went through a lot of drama there. I am sorry about your friend." Aeschia gave him a sad look. She knew what it was like to lose friends. After 10,000 years, friends come and go. Aeschia had plenty of mortal friends, and of course, in such a time, they were like a drop in an ocean, however every loss hurt just as much.

An idea just occurred to Aeschia. "Irving, is there any reason you can't just go speak to Gabriel regarding what you need? I believe he really is quite apolitical. He may just give you whatever you need, be it information, or whatever." She looked for a reaction.

"I would only recommend that you do it in a kind and calm manner, as opposed to pulling a weapon or yelling. He may very well give you what you need." Aeschia reassured him, "I will certainly be here to back you up and make sure nothing goes wrong. The worst that could happen is that he could say no." She put her hand on his shoulder and leaned in to him. "Or have a hissy fit and say no." She giggled and grinned.

Aeschia realized she had been doing all the talking. "Irving, I apologize. I have been talking nonstop and not letting you get in a word edgewise. I tend to do that at times. Please, go ahead and respond to my nonstop questions and comments." She grinned at him. "I promise not to take up 99 percent of the conversation anymore. There is one more thing..."

Aeschia was reluctant to ask this, but it was the only way to avoid Drake.

"Irving, please don't think this too forward or rude of me, but I have a big favor to ask of you. I'm kind of embarrassed to ask this of you." She sighed and looked in his eyes. She loved his eyes. Aeschia continued smiling a bit awkwardly. "I really don't want you to think badly of me for asking this..." She took a deep breath, looked down, and back up into his eyes while resting her hand on his. "May I please go home with you?" Aeschia fluttered her eyelashes. "You see, I know there is an unwanted guest at my home, and he will be waiting for me to get back later. I must avoid him. It is very important I avoid him, and the only way I can do that for now, is not to go back home. When I do not come home, he will stay until nightfall and then he will leave. It's his usual M.O." Aeschia had almost a pleading look in her eyes. "On the positive side, you may drink from me as well."

Aeschia was hoping for a positive answer. She did not want to go home with Drake there waiting for her.

Wooshaba']Boaz was not surprised by Jade's origin being on Earth. He had been to Earth multiple times. He had a lot of businness partners there. Boaz's eye's began to twitch. That was a classic sign of his that he was hungry. He looked over at Jade and could tell that she was also hungry. He looked down the road at the next exit. It lead to a nearly all-human town. He merged to get into the lane of the exit. He looked at Jade and said "I have a thirst for blood that I need to quench and I know of a town full of humans. I am heading there now unless you want to go somewhere else." He sped up on the exit and drove towards the town. He drove down a road that led to the town's main road. It was early evening so some locals were walking around. He pulled in a parking lot and parked. "Jade I think we should walk now." He shut the car down and stepped out.

Jade stepped out of the car and sniffed the air. It smelt like pleasent little town, more western then middle eastern though. You wouldn't find any tabouli here. No, this was more a place for hotdogs and hamburgers. She strolled along with Boaz talking about nothing.

Then she saw a perfect morsels, walking along, hand-in hand. They were murmuring sweet nothings into one another's ears. Jade didn't know why but she always thought the blood of lovers were sweeter then any other. Jade turned towards Boaz and slow gesture pointed towards the prey.

Irving took finished up his ale then set the glass down. He replied.

"I think it might involve helping him. I don't know what he will do, but it is something. My clan gave me a piece of paper saying three things Prince Zanaar, Dead Cow, and Gabriel."

Then he took up the glass he got off Aeschia. He smelled it then tasted it. The wine actually tasted pretty good. He set it down.

"Thank you Aeschia for the wine. It is pretty good stuff."

When Aeschia touched him, he became very tense. He started to heat up and become slightly sweaty. He whispered. "I will tell no one."

Irving started to cool down once she leaned back. It was strange to hear secerts from women. In his whole life he had never gotten close to a women. He was usually in wars fighting or hunting down criminals. Then he came back to reality.

"Oh I will talk to Gabriel, but in a calmly fashion like you said."

Irving listened to every word she said. He looked straight into her eyes. After finishing speaking with her. He would have to talk with Gabriel. Gabriel must of had some importance to the mission.

"You can stay with me if you want to, but who is this unwanted guess you speak of?"

A piece of paper appeared from his coat with a pen. He wrote down where he was living for now. Irving started in his mind to think of that time when he listened to Cavatina. It was a beautiful piece like Aeschia. He slipped the piece of paper in her hand.

"This is where I live. I'm giving this if you want to spend more time with Gabriel. The key is to my aparment is under a pot."

*Snip*

"Lead on."


"Hmph," Jacen smirked and ran his hands through his hair. "Then follow."

As he turned to walk off, he stopped for a moment as if he were trying to remember something. He scratched his neck and shook his head, no he had not forgotten anything.

"Right this way, I shall show you were the vampires in the know go," he then said. "The important of the important, the class of the class if you will."

Boaz looked down the road towards the couple. He looked at Jade and nodded his head. He looked into there mind and found out that they were going back to there house for a litte sexual intercourse. He smiled and told Jade they should follow them. They walked for maybe 10 minutes down a road until the couple made there way down a driveway that led up to a small cottage. When the couple reached the porch the man quickly opened the door. The lady smiled and walked in. He forgot to lock the door. A few moments later Boaz heard her scream of pleasure. This was their cue. Boaz quickly ran up the driveway up to door. He put his hand on the doorknob and waited for Jade to give a signal.

"Oh, thank you so much Irving for allowing me to stay. I’m trying to avoid someone in my clan who I have a problem with, and I'd just as soon not talk about it now, as it's a bit personal." Aeschia scowled thinking about Drake.

Aeschia smiled. "I appreciate your kindness. You know, you do not have much information for a mission…unless of course, there is more than what you have told me, which is OK. However, I don't really think Gabriel knows anything, or is aware of anything in any case." She gave Irving a thoughtful look.

"I have an idea. I will take this address and meet you back at your place. This way you can speak with Gabriel alone before you leave. If you would feel better with some backup, I will read Gabriel, and if you like, you as well, as I'm walking," she suggested. "I just think it's a bit stifling in here."

Aeschia smiled at Irving. "You can just tell him I had to leave as I had to avoid a clan member, and I will get in touch with him soon regarding my music collection. And remember," She grinned, "you have some non-criminal blood waiting for you at home." She winked at him.

Before Irving could protest, she kissed him on the cheek, thanked him, and told him she would see him later at his home.

Aeschia began to walk out the door, and smiled and waved at Irving over her shoulder.

She telepathically explained to Gabriel that she needed to leave and had to avoid someone at home, and apologized profusely. She also told him that Irving wanted to speak with him and he was no threat. Perhaps he could be so kind as to be accommodating. "I am so sorry about leaving you over there Gabriel; it's kind of a long story. I would like to stay in touch, and the invitation to see my music and instruments still stands. I would like to remain friends, and sometime really get a chance to listen to anything you desire! Goodnight and it was a pleasure meeting you."

Aeschia felt the cool breeze when she stepped out the door. It was refreshing and she closed her eyes and looked up, letting the wind blow through her hair.

She walked slowly down the street in the direction of Irving's home. Aeschia was grateful not to have to go home and face Drake. Aside from that, she did like Irving.

Aeschia was not quite paying attention to what was going on around her. There were quite a few people walking up and down the streets, and she did not even notice the catcalls and whistles. She was too deep in thought... unfortunately.

As she was passing the 3rd alley on the street, she felt an arm on hers and suddenly found herself shoved against a wall in the alley facing a grinning stranger, with a butcher knife to her throat. This brought her back to reality.

Aeschia stared at him for but a moment. The man was immediately recognizable. Sketches of his face were plastered all over the news for months... They called him the "Exetergricia rape-murderer". She just stared him right in the eyes with no expression on her face.

"You wanna know what I'm gonna do to you before you take your last breath?" he spat out, laughing menacingly, as he reached up and grabbed her breast.

"Wha...” he managed as he found himself plastered against the opposing wall, unable to move any more than if he was part of the wall. His butcher knife was on the ground in the center of the alley.

Aeschia was more than happy to have run into this bastard.

"What just happened!? I can't move!" He was panicked... just the way she wanted him.

Aeschia crossed her arms and looked at the ground as if she was watching something interesting. She began to speak in an exaggerated tone. "Now... is this really any way for a gentleman to behave?" She still had not looked up, but she read his mind, and he was terrified and mystified.

"Who are you?! What are you?!" He yelled.

Aeschia looked up at him and smiled a diabolical smile. The irises of her eyes had turned red by this point, and wind was whipping through the alley. "I don't think either question need be answered do you?" She grinned, showing long fangs, and let out a terrifyingly evil chuckle.

The man looked to be in shock. "St... Stay away!" He pleaded.

Aeschia began to walk slowly over to him, the whites of her eyes now turning solid black. She responded; "I bet you have heard those words from others have you not?" she asked him? Aeschia answered for him... "Of course you have." She continued laughing. "You're afraid. How does it feel? Do you like it?"

By this time, the murderer had urinated all over himself. He seemed not to believe what was happening.

Aeschia continued her mental torture, slowly walking closer... "You see, this is what you did to those women. You made them afraid... then you tortured and killed them. Now," Aeschia mock pondered, "What shall I do with you, hmmm?"

The man was sobbing, begging and pleading for his life. "I swear I'll never do it again! I promise! I will even turn myself in! Please don’t hurt me! Don't drink my blood!"

Aeschia looked at him in disgust. "Oh please, I don't drink garbage."

She then looked at him with her black and red orbs and asked him, "Do you want to know what I'm going to do to you before you take your last breath?" Aeschia showed that sickening grin again. The man was speechless by now.

"Well," Aeschia continued, "Nothing! How is that?"

The man looked relieved as Aeschia backed up, but did not release the man from the opposite wall.

"Awwww.... don't get your hopes up," she continued in that exaggerated mocking tone. His eyes were wide as they could get.

Aeschia then backed to the other wall of the alley... she wanted some distance between them. It would be a shame to ruin her dress with tainted, revolting blood... blood she hoped Irving would even decline.

She simply gave him the most terrifying look a human could imagine... a demonic grin, telekinetically lifted the butcher knife from the alley floor and decapitated him so quickly it was nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. Aeschia let his body drop and was grateful that she had been far enough away from him to avoid any blood spatter.

As an afterthought, prior to leaving the alley, she telekinetically lifted his wallet out of his back pocket and brought it close enough to look at it... The stupid motherfucker has been carrying around a picture ID?[/] Aeschia rolled her eyes, stunned that someone so idiotic had not been caught.

She let the picture ID float back to his body, telekinetically raised the butcher knife, and stabbed the ID into the body. [I]So much for that, she thought, rather pleased with herself.

Aeschia particularly despised serial killers, and especially those who went after women. Perhaps it had something to do with Jack, whom she really forgot about since talking to Irving.

While smoothing out her dress, she went over the evening's events. I did get the chance to meet some kindred. I have to say, I did like them, although Tark was a bit cocky. she grinned in retrospect at their encounter.

Aeschia was still hoping her and Tark could strike up some sort of friendship. Maybe it was the fact that he behaved quite rudely that intrigued her. Such confidence. She laughed to herself. Tark seemed not like a 'bad boy', as Boaz did. Boaz. she chuckled. Even knowing they were members of the same clan, they were quite a stark contrast to each other. She found that to be rather amusing. Other than being interested in Tark because they shared some of the same interests, perhaps it was his attitude, which was completely different than most the kindred men she met. She grinned again.

In fact, all but Azhar behaved in ways she was not expecting. Aeschia did like Gabriel, although he seemed slightly cold and perhaps a bit paranoid, but then again, no one knows her, and with whatever was going on in this city, all the kindred were on edge, for the most part. Moreover, she was ancient compared to the others, and was not rattled by inter-kindred friendships or relationships. Some clans were quite jumpy about such things.

Aeschia was hoping to maintain a friendship with Gabriel. Her invitation to see her music and instruments still stood, as did her invitation to show Tark her antiques, and Irving her sabers and other weapons. She liked to show her historical items to kindred she liked. It was always interesting talking about mutual interests, and kindred seemed to have deeper, more meaningful interests in their subjects.

Aeschia leaned against the wall of the alley and looked at the stars. Irving is so sweet, she thought smiling to herself. She also thought she ought to show him some of the ropes. Aeschia had concerns that he might be easily deceived or misled. Perhaps not... he is more on guard than most... maybe that is a good thing. Aeschia was glad she would be staying with him. She knew he would enjoy drinking from her. She had yet to meet kindred who did not. Because of her age, her blood caused almost an erotic or opoid surge, and her blood strengthened other kindred more so than that of younger vampires or humans.

Aeschia did not need to feed that often, however, she hoped Irving would allow her to feed from him, but she would not push it. She knew she had been feeling lusty all night, but she had what could only be described as an ache for Irving to make love to her. Just thinking about it made her heart pound... that led her to the thought of Drake. I detest that bastard!!!

Drake was lower in hierarchy than her, however, whether the Tremere originated from some type of wizard or not, he practiced an art that has been described as "sexmagik", and he held it over her. The truth was, even with her telekinesis stronger, he was slightly physically stronger than she was. With his "art", which he abused, he could have her any time he wanted, as this "sexmagik" overcame any resistance in a very short period of time, and turned the other person into a more than willing participant... and it was exceptional sex. Aeschia hated him, as he took advantage of this, and she was so humiliated, she had not told anyone. Should she and Marius ever get back together, that would be the end of Drake. Until then, Aeschia tried to avoid him as much as possible. She could not exactly explain to Irving why she was avoiding Drake.

Aeschia snapped back to reality. She was not getting any sort of bad read from Gabriel, so she assumed all was likely OK. It then occurred to her that maybe someone on the street had seen the events that had taken place in the alley.

Aeschia became alarmed and looked out at the street...

"Hmph," Jacen smirked and ran his hands through his hair. "Then follow."

As he turned to walk off, he stopped for a moment as if he were trying to remember something. He scratched his neck and shook his head, no he had not forgotten anything.

"Right this way, I shall show you were the vampires in the know go," he then said. "The important of the important, the class of the class if you will."
He followed silently, hands deep in his pockets. Jacen's odd behavior was still something of a curiosity, but he was getting used to it. He would have to focus now on all the details. One never knew what would become useful information.

As they walked, Nicolai had eyes everywhere. He scanned the streets, buildings, any people they happened to pass or came in sight of. It was all second nature. He could almost taste some of their unease, and this elicted a small smile. He could sense weakness. The sick. The young. Could sense it in the way all predators can.

"The class of the class," he repeated to himself, softly, interested.

Gabriel heard Aeschia's message, but as he couldn't see her and she was as yet sufficiantly unfamiliar to him, he couldn't reply. He decided to try some of the wine she'd ordered before she'd left and found it drinkable, thought not what he would have enjoyed on anything other than a rare occasion.

He decided to enjoy the music for a period before returning home. It was getting close to sleep time anyways.

Irving heated up when Aeschia kissed him. Then he started to blush. He didn't need her help. He wasn't in a hurry to get back to his living quarters. Drinking the rest of the wine Irving payed for it and took his bowler hat. He got up to look for Gabriel. Then he spotted Gabriel once again. He made his way over and sat down in the chair Aeschia had taken. Setting down his bowler hat he looked at him.

"I have a question for you Gabriel. Once you answer it I will leave you alone. I have gotten a message from my clan about a mission they wanted me to do. All they said was Dead Cow, Prince Zannar, and your name. I wonder if you know information that can help me? Or anything you know about the Prince? Also can I have some of this wine?"

"If I don't know what you need, or your mission, I could not help you even if I wanted to get involved." Gabriel replied as he decided not to mention that he could likely find out far more about the general situation, or the specifics of a situation in a fairly short period of time. "Help yourself." He said in reply to Irvings request to wine.

*snip*

"The class of the class," he repeated to himself, softly, interested.


Jacen looked as though he had just jumped out of his skin as he walked along the street, leading Nico to this other place. He spun around and was now walking backwards.

"Of course," he grinned. "The class of the class, the Camarilla top brass."

He chuckled to himself and turned around again.

"That rhymes."

Up ahead was a large mansion resting on the hills in the centre of Exetergrecia. Jacen was heading toward it.

Irving poured himself a glass of wine. This wine was the best he had every tasted. He took a couple of drinks and listened to the music.

"I think it has to do with getting rid of Prince Zannar. My clan has never liked him. They want to get find all about him to finally kill him. So do you think that is enough information?"

"Then I want nothing to do with it. I'm not interested in politics, pure and simple." Gabriel replied, "If your clan wanted an assassin why didn't they pick one that was from here, rather than an outsider?"

Tark had pretty much ignored Aeschia's telepathic comments as he entered the theater to watch the beautiful opera, Turandot. If she wanted to say something to him, she could do it face to face where they could talk like normal people.

The house had emptied out and Tark was left alone as the lights began turning off. It was then dark as night... darker... as no light was able to enter the theater. The darkness was one of the ultimate forms of serenity for him and so as he stood up in his box, he was peaceful and calm.

He leapt from the raised box, dropping thirty feet to the ground where he landed easily. Straightening out his clothes, Tark began walking down the aisle towards the stage. He easily jumped up onto the famous wooden floor and crossed it a few quick steps. "Parker," he said softly into the silent room.

"Back here... just cleaning up the last bits of the show," came the reply from behind the curtain.

As Tark moved the large red curtain away and found himself backstage, he noticed his friend sitting at a small desk and dealing with some papers. "Good show tonight," he commented as he strolled towards the weary looking man.

"Out with a bang, right?" Mr. Parker replied. "It was a good run; twenty years isn't a drop in the bucket... well at least for someone like me it isn't," he said, adding the last part as he realized that it was in fact only a grain of sand to Tark. "The cast is having a grand party if you want to go - I am sure they would love to have you... it should be starting about now."

"No, no; that is quite alright, but I have other things on my mind currently," Tark replied, sincerely thankful for the invitation. "I just thought I would come see the last showing before it closed down." The familiar sound of his cane clicking against the floor echoed through the empty theater as Tark walked towards the exit.

"I am almost forgot," he said, one hand on the door as he turned to face Mr. Parker again, "I found a play that I fell in love with during my travels... I thought you could take a look at it." He dropped a thick folder on the table near the door and then walked out...

---

After leaving The Majestic theater, Tark strolled alone the quiet sidewalks of the town. A lot had happened in the last few hours and it was now weighing on his mind.

Despite his old fashion look and life style, Tark did have one new invention that he found quite useful. He stopped briefly and leaned against a white picket fence as he flicked the top of his cane open with his right thumb. Where the top of the wooden handle had been sat a magnificent looking piece of technology; a disk, glowing bright blue, with a code of scrambled numbers, letters (of numerous languages), and signs - ever changing. Within a minute he flicked the cap closed and continued his leisurely walk down the street. Most people would have been baffled by the small disk, but after three hundred plus years of use, Tark had been able to memorize and decipher it in a moment - a feat impossible without the experience Tark had with it. His network of contacts, informers, and 'men' had reported all that they learned that night - as usual - and Tark had briefly glanced over it, learning all that they had learned.

"It seems the others have been having a busy night..." Tark commented to himself as he admired the dark night sky and the street lights that illuminated small pieces of the street.

Unknowingly or subconsciously, Tark had guided himself in the general direction of Da'Matin, and although he wasn't quite there yet his keen senses picked up a familiar signal: Aeschia...

He stood, locked in the darkness of the night, as he watched a thug idiotically attack the vampire. In a few moments it was over and the man lay down on the ground, blood dripping from the penetration of his own knife.

"Be it fate that draws us to a strange dark meeting?" Tark said, announcing his presence from the darkness as he appeared only ten feet away from the seductress. "But of course not... only fools believe in fate. It must be our combined subconscious, connecting in the vastness of neural telepathy, dictating to us our actions and commanding us to our unconscious desires... ...our perhaps just coincidence?"

Just prior to leaving the alley, Aeschia zoned in on Irving and Gabriel and read their conversation. Irving had lied to her the whole night!!! And was in no hurry to get home!

She was RAGING! Then she looked up. Tark. "Hello Tark", she said somewhat listlessly, eyes a combination of fury and sadness.

"Tark, I trust you had a lovely evening? Lucky you." She sighed.

"May I ask a favor of you? Will you accompany me to Matin please? I have been lied to all evening by just about everyone I met and trusted. I'm furious!" Her anger was difficult to hide.

"I'm thinking... hoping... that you are an honest man. I believe you are. However I believed in someone else as well, and really got played. All I want is kindred who are real, without using me as part of their own personal agenda." She looked up at him. "I did mean it when I said I had some wonderful antiques. I would be happy for you to see them some time."

Aeschia must have looked pathetic. "I just want to sit and talk with someone honest. And someone who lied and used me is in Matin. I can't believe I put full trust in him. I plan on telepathically relaying to the man he is speaking with, Gabriel, the man who brought me here, what I know now. He can relay it to that lying piece of garbage."

She zoned in on Gabriel... Please Gabriel, relay this to Irving! NOW!

"Irving! You bastard! You lied to me! There was no reason you needed to do that! I told you I had no opinion. Gabriel, I'm sorry. I had no idea he had such a thing in mind, as he told me he was trying to HELP the Prince.

Irving, it's not like I care either way, whether your clan wants him here or gone, but you lied to me. Why did you lie to me? I trusted you!

I also understand you are in no hurry to get home, thus I assume, you don't especially care to spend any time with me. Why the front Irving? I thought you were so... I trusted you. I trusted you with information I've told no one! My GOD! I've misread every person I've run into. You never wanted a friendship, as you said, you just wanted an in with Gabriel! How could I be so wrong! I thought we were hitting it off. I guess it turns out I was wrong."

"You fucking played me all night, didn't you? It was all part of your agenda, was it not? I want a straight answer! As soon as you get up the guts to be real and tell me the truth, do it! No more fucking lies!" Thank you Gabriel. Aeschia couldn't believe it. She was stunned.

"Well, that's taken care of, Tark. Please will you accompany me? It would mean a lot to me. You were quite distinctly honest with me earlier," she grinned, "I just want to enjoy myself with someone who isn't going to lie to me and is interesting as well. I think you fit the bill."

Aeschia chuckled, "I guess it hasn't been my night, but I would very much like you to accompany me... no dishonesty from either of us. I'm beginning to fear there isn't a 'real and true' kindred in this city."

I swear the next person who fucks with me is going to end up like that moron in the alley.

Her anger came from nothing but pure hurt. She trusted and cared for Irving. This man hurt her more than anyone had since she could remember.

I still can't believe Irving was fucking me over this whole time...

"What do you say, Tark?" Aeschia looked at him sincerely, trying not to show the pain of betrayal that was burning through her. "I think you know very well that I was interested in you since the Dead Cow, however, the way we started out angered me, and my pride kicked in. It wasn't that 'anyone would do', it was that you rebuffed me and I was angry." Aeschia told him straight out. "That is straight up honesty."

"I apologize for spilling my guts to you... and damn did I spill them. This isn't really like me. I'm surprised there are no entrails on the street." She chuckled slightly. "I just... I'm glad you came along right now. Even if you do want nothing to do with me."

She waited for a response from Tark.

Gabriel heard Aeschia's rage, and decided to preform a mimicry so to speak. He opened his mouth, but her voice came out.

"Irving! You bastard! You lied to me! There was no reason you needed to do that! I told you I had no opinion.

Irving, it's not like I care either way, whether your clan wants him here or gone, but you lied to me. Why did you lie to me? I trusted you!

I also understand you are in no hurry to get home, thus I assume, you don't especially care to spend any time with me. Why the front Irving? I thought you were so... I trusted you. I trusted you with information I've told no one! My GOD! I've misread every person I've run into. You never wanted a friendship, as you said, you just wanted an in with Gabriel! How could I be so wrong! I thought we were hitting it off. I guess it turns out I was wrong."

"You fucking played me all night, didn't you? It was all part of your agenda, was it not? I want a straight answer! As soon as you get up the guts to be real and tell me the truth, do it! No more fucking lies!"

After he'd finished relaying her message, in her own voice no less, he rubbed his jaw. "It appears you pissed Aeschia off royally." He commented in his own voice and wondered what Irving would do.

Irving got up and put on his bowler hat. Then he wrote down a message. He drank the rest of the wine and tipped his hat toward Gabriel.

"Thank you very much Gabriel. I think you for all that you have done. Aeschia does appear to be mad at me, but I must go now. Also here is a message i want you to give Aeschia if you see her again."

Handing Gabriel the message he walked out the door and turned the corner. A tear drop came down his cheek. The messaged stated:

"Dear Aeschia,

I cannot talk to you right now. I have not lied to you or played you. During that time I spent with you I was truthful. You need to trust me like I did to you. If you ever want to talk to me again you know where you can find me.

From,
Irving Morrel"

He walked down the alley keeping his mind clear so Aeschia couldn't track him. Thinking he wondered if he could ever face her again. While walking he looked up to see some rob a store. He watched as the criminal stole money for the store and run off. "Good now I have some to do" he stated. Following close behind the criminal he took out his sabre. The criminal ran aroud a corner right into Irving's sabre. The criminal looked stunned and shocked. The sabre came out with blood all over it. The criminal tried to crawl away.

"Please don't kill me mister."

Irving got his sabre and jabbed it into his head. The blood gushed out and onto the ground. He picked the man's body up with the money. Later Irving hanged him on a lightpost in front of the store with the money in the criminal's hand. The owners came out and took the money. Irving watched atop a building as the cops came. He had done something right today. Then he walked back to his living quarters.

OOC: Yes, my 1,000 posts on this forum.

Gabriel nodded and took the letter. Checking his watch, he decided to head home as the sun would break the horizon soon, and he'd prefere to avoid it.

Paying for the wine, he headed back to his domicile, and would give Aeschia the letter if/when he saw her.

Seeing that Tark was not replying, Aeschia assumed him deep in thought elsewhere.

"Tark, I will not bother you any longer. It seems you are pondering this a little too much. I will just be on my way." She smiled at Tark. "You are still welcome to see my antiques. Just let me know next time we run into each other." She looked at the sky... "Oh wow... Good day!"

Aeschia was disappointed that Tark did not seem to have any interest in her company. However, that seemed to be the mode of the evening. The thought of going home to find Drake there just made her numb. Whatever.

While she was walking, she decided to continue to mind-read Gabriel and Irving. Aeschia was so furious with Irving, she wanted to know what was going through his head.

What she caught shocked her. It was Irving writing a note to her:

"Dear Aeschia,

I cannot talk to you right now. I have not lied to you or played you. During that time I spent with you I was truthful. You need to trust me like I did to you. If you ever want to talk to me again you know where you can find me.

From,
Irving"

How could that possibly be, when he told me one thing, and Gabriel another?

After that point, Irving was purposely clearing his mind to avoid any telepathy on her part. Nevertheless, eventually, he could not clear his mind. She caught him wondering if he could face her again.

Aeschia began feeling that there must be some misunderstanding. She was lucky to have made the decision to read his mind at this time.

Suddenly, Irving had come upon a robber. He stopped the robbery, and hung the man, along with the money on a light post.

Aeschia decided she would fly to his home and wait for him there. She wanted to find out what was going on, and why Irving told her one thing, and Gabriel another.

She took out the address, and flew straight there. It seemed he was already there.

Perhaps, for once this evening, her impression of someone was right the first time.

Aeschia knocked on the door, waiting for Irving to answer...

Irving went back home and took off his bowler hat. He took off his trenchcoat and removed his sabre from it's sabbard. It was covered in blood. He washed it off and made it clean again. Then he put it back in it's sabbard. He set down his Peacemaker and sabre. The door was knocked by someone. He knew it was Aeschia. In his mind he started to hum Adagio for String. He opened the door.

"Hello Aeschia. Come inside. Do you need anything?"

-snip-
Up ahead was a large mansion resting on the hills in the centre of Exetergrecia. Jacen was heading toward it.
Regaining his stoic composure, Nico followed quietly. When the mansion came into view, he locked his gaze there, drinking in every detail. Something at the back of his mind was nagging, urging caution. The building was conspicuously placed, high in the center of town. That suggested a few things to him. First, the Kindred here were bold. It was as if by this building, they were announcing they were unashamed of their existance, and nearly flaunting it to the unwitting masses below. Beings such as this often weilded considerable power, to be comfortable in such a forward position. Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Keep your wits about you, lad. No room for inattention here.

"That's the Winner residence," Jacen announced. "Not where we're going though."

Instead he led Nico down another road. The road itself skirted around the Winner mansion and headed into the hills where many more mansions were situated. Tucked away behind a large gathering of oaks was a dark mansion. Jacen placed his hand on a stone fifurine that was so worn down, one could no longer tell what it had once been. When the gates opened, he led Nico inside.

Irving went back home and took off his bowler hat. He took off his trenchcoat and removed his sabre from it's sabbard. It was covered in blood. He washed it off and made it clean again. Then he put it back in it's sabbard. He set down his Peacemaker and sabre. The door was knocked by someone. He knew it was Aeschia. In his mind he started to hum Adagio for String. He opened the door.

"Hello Aeschia. Come inside. Do you need anything?"

Aeschia glared at him. "Cut the act and you can stop humming Adagio. I read your note as you were writing it."

She shook her head. "When are you going to quit playing games and be honest with me?" Aeschia's look demanded an explanation.

She walked past him. "Where may I sit?" she asked.

"Do I need anything?" Aeschia crossed her arms. "Well, hell yeah! I do! You know exactly what it is!" She was beginning to lose her patience.

"I know everything that was said and that happened between you and Gabriel. I know about the note. I know about the robbery. I know you told me one story, and told Gabriel another. Your note said you never lied to me. How can that possibly be?" Aeschia glared at him.

"Why don't we start with you answering those questions and explaining that note? I trusted you more than anyone I've met in a long time. I felt stabbed in the heart when I heard your conversation with Gabriel and how you were in 'no hurry to get home'... obviously, in no hurry to see me. I rarely get hurt like this, Irving, but you really did it. It seems you fucked me over. Then I come to the door and you ask, 'Do I need anything?'" Aeschia looked at him stunned.

"What is with you, Irving... I need an explanation for all of this is what I need. It's getting light out, so we have plenty of time."

Aeschia sighed wearily. "You can start any time. I'm listening."

Hailing from the north of Gaeltach, he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace among the oak trees. Away from the larger cities, ancient Gaelic culture still flourished, albiet with a modern twist. Oaks and pines were the sacred trees of the Druids. Not remembering his childhood, the sudden calm was somewhat disconcerting, but he simply accepted it. Habitually, he sniffed the air as he followed, searching for any telltale scents.

Irving looked directly at Aeschia. Then toward the ground. He wasn't really ready to face her yet. He looked back up at Aeschia.

"I want you not to read my mind now. I will tell you went you go do it again. Also you can sit in that chair."

Irving pointed toward a chair that was directly across from the one he was near. He sat in the chair.

"I have never lied to you. I just said to Gabriel that my clan might want the prince dead. My clan never told me and I just based it on that my clan doesn't like him. What I meant I was in no hurry to get home had noting to do with you. I just wanted to make Gabriel feel not to rush. You need to believe me like i believed you."

Irving picked up a glass of water and started to drink.

Jacen turned around and smirked. "Welcome to the Malkavian mansion," he said. "My home in fact and tonight we are hosting the Camarilla."

He turned around and pointed to the number of lights around the mansion itself. From where they stood they could see a few vampires, bouncers mainly, stood outside.

"I must warn you, some people think the mansion looks a little insane."

His gaze scoured the face of the building, picking out a few individuals. The vampires here seemed to have a distinct scent to them. Perhaps he was just noticing it for the first time.

"Insane.. well if it is the home of a Malkavian, I am not surprized."

Irving looked directly at Aeschia. Then toward the ground. He wasn't really ready to face her yet. He looked back up at Aeschia.

"I want you not to read my mind now. I will tell you went you go do it again. Also you can sit in that chair."

Irving pointed toward a chair that was directly across from the one he was near. He sat in the chair.

"I have never lied to you. I just said to Gabriel that my clan might want the prince dead. My clan never told me and I just based it on that my clan doesn't like him. What I meant I was in no hurry to get home had noting to do with you. I just wanted to make Gabriel feel not to rush. You need to believe me like i believed you."

Irving picked up a glass of water and started to drink.

"I'll take you on your honor. I won't read your mind. I don't understand why you told me your mission was to help the prince, and then told Gabriel your clan hated him. Why did you lie to me then? And why do they dislike him. I know nothing about the prince, therefore, I don't know why the kindred are being so guarded. If your clan dislikes him, they must know something about him." Aeschia remarked.

"If I lived in Exetergrecia, I'm sure I would know the man, but I don't, and I don't always spend my time on this planet. I am also keeping a low profile here, which seems to be working out well so far." She sighed.

"By the way... good job with the robber!" Aeschia grinned. "I bagged a nasty myself tonight... the Exetergrecia-rape-murderer, who now happens to be in two pieces. The moron dragged me into an alley and tried to attack me." She chuckled. "Big mistake." She smiled at him.

Aeschia looked around, but it was quite dark. "How large is this home?" She asked him. "It is difficult to tell from here." She couldn't tell how many floors there were in his home.

"Irving, I am sure you well know I must stay here today as the sun is beginning to rise. Excuse me a moment." Aeschia's pulled her already high-slit dress a bit higher to remove her thigh holster. She smiled at Irving. "Sleeping wearing that is both uncomfortable and unnecessary." She set the thigh holster next to the chair.

"Irving, I won't read your mind. I'm just concerned that you are hiding something from me and I am a bit wary, but... I guess I'll trust you." She looked him in the eyes trying to read his sincerity. Her intuition told her to trust him. She hoped she was doing the right thing.

Aeschia leaned over toward Irving. "Irving, I made you an offer earlier, and it still stands. You are most welcome to feed from me." She smiled somewhat seductively.

"I never lied to you or Gabriel. I said I wanted to get rid of Prince Zanaar, but then to you I said I wanted to help the Prince. I wasn't talking about the same people. I cannot tell you anymore." Irving replied as he put down his glass of water.

"Oh I heard about the Exetergrecia-rape-murderer when I came here. I was planning on killing before my mission was over here. My living quarters has two floor. It has five rooms on both floors. On the first floor there is this room, a guest bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and another living room. On the second is my bedroom, a bathroom, another living room, a library, and a study." Irving pushed a button to close all the shutters of the windows. He pushed another button to turn on some light inside the dark rooms. Then faced toward Aeschia.

"You are going to be staying in the guest bedroom. I have to go upstairs into the library to do some work. I think the guest bedroom should have some extra clothes."

Then he walked off and up the stairs. He made his way to the library and picked a book out of the many thousands. Sitting down in a chair next to a light he read the title of the book The Count of Monte Cristo . Then he started to read it and enjoyed it very much.

His gaze scoured the face of the building, picking out a few individuals. The vampires here seemed to have a distinct scent to them. Perhaps he was just noticing it for the first time.

"Insane.. well if it is the home of a Malkavian, I am not surprized."


Jacen smirked to himself as he headed up the driveway toward the mansion. A couple of the bouncers looked up at him, he nodded at them as they waved him through. They didn't even take a second glance at Nico.

Inside, the main hallway was reminisant of a typical Victorian mansion. Every item of furniture was an expensive antique. It looked perfectly normal, except for the fact that they appeared to be stood on the ceiling.

OOC: Canadstein--- Apparently it is still night, so this is revised.

"I never lied to you or Gabriel. I said I wanted to get rid of Prince Zanaar, but then to you I said I wanted to help the Prince. I wasn't talking about the same people. I cannot tell you anymore." Irving replied as he put down his glass of water.

"Oh I heard about the Exetergrecia-rape-murderer when I came here. I was planning on killing before my mission was over here. My living quarters has two floor. It has five rooms on both floors. On the first floor there is this room, a guest bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and another living room. On the second is my bedroom, a bathroom, another living room, a library, and a study." Irving pushed a button to close all the shutters of the windows. He pushed another button to turn on some light inside the dark rooms. Then faced toward Aeschia.

"You are going to be staying in the guest bedroom. I have to go upstairs into the library to do some work. I think the guest bedroom should have some extra clothes."

Then he walked off and up the stairs. He made his way to the library and picked a book out of the many thousands. Sitting down in a chair next to a light he read the title of the book The Count of Monte Cristo . Then he started to read it and enjoyed it very much.

As Irving began to walk up the stairs, Aeschia began to speak. "You are exceedingly rude!" She was very angry at this point. "You have a guest here, you have not offered me as much as a glass of water. You never answered me as to whether or not you wanted to feed from me... I assume that to be a no." Her eyes were flashing at this point. “As a matter of fact, you seem to dislike speaking with me.” Aeschia shook her head.

"I would think you would want to sit up for some conversation, or do I bore you to death? You have a guest here, and you're just stomping off to the library and ignoring me." Aeschia huffed. "Irving, I have never experienced such callousness toward a guest."

"Well, I will make sure not to intrude on you again, as obviously this is an intrusion and my presence is not welcome.

Do not worry. I do not intend to interrupt your life ever again... and by the way, I did ask you if your mission was to help the prince and you stated 'I think so.' You know, you are an asshole." *she shook her head* "I'm an idiot. You must have been practicing your manipulation arts diligently, as I can usually see through such behavior. However, you fooled me again."

Bastard! I would rather hang out with Drake!

Aeschia was pissed off as hell.

She had thought they would be talking and enjoying themselves, not that he would be so rude as to not even offer her a glass of water, as well as have the nerve to walk right out of the room on her! Well, fuck him, I'm not wasting any more time with him. If he doesn't even want to sit up and chat, I want nothing to do with him.

She grinned, contemplating bending his saber into a pretzel, but decided against it. *sigh* Another mistake...

Aeschia yelled to Irving: “Don’t worry about running into me again. I won’t put you through that hell,” she said snidely , and slammed the door on her way out. She decided to sing a song as she walked the streets:

You are alone again
In your sweet insanity
All too calm, you hide yourself from reality
Do you call it solitude? Do you call it liberty?
When all the world turns away to leave you lonely.

The fields are filled with desires
All voices crying for freedom
But all in vain they will fade away
There’s only you to answer you. Forever.

In blinded mind you are singing
A glorious hallelujah
The distant flutter of angels
They’re all too far, too far to reach for you.

I am here alone again
In my sweet serenity
Hoping you will ever find me in any place
I will call it solitude when all my songs fade in vain
Fly my voice, far away to eternity...

Her destination: Da’ Matin.

Irving closed his book and looked out toward the moon. He could never tell her of the things he had done. Remembering back to his younger days he could still here the women and children's screams. He could never forget that incident during his life. Tears started to come down his cheek. He could still see the snow on that fateful day December 29, 1890.

It was a cold day and Irving had enlisted in the US army to fight the natives. Also he had been a vampire for the last year. Irving had been with the 7th United States Cavalry Regiment. The date was December 28. Next to Irving was James W. Forsyth. James Forsytn was planning on attacking Great Sioux Nation. Irving was in the usual blue for the army. James asked Irving as they camped.

"I want you to tell the men to step up the cannons on that low hill facing the indian encampment."

Irving got the order and told the men to step up the cannons. Then he went to sleep. The next morning he grabbed his colt peacemaker and Springfield Model 1873. They went into the Indian City. The army told the natives to hand over all weapons. The natives wouldn't give over any weapons. So James Forsytn gave the orders to search all the homes for anything that could be used as a weapon. They searched the tents and then the natives. One native wouldn't let the army search him. A gun was discharged and all hell broke loose. The Hotchkiss guns started to shoot at the natives. They fell down all over the place. Irving pulled out his peacemaker and started to shoot. The indians fell down all over the place. Once he ran out he pulled out his sabre and cut madly at the natives. Irving even cut at the women and children. He knew his vampire side wanted blood. After the massacre was done, 150 natives laid dead. Blood was all over Irving. He felt angry and sad at what he had done. About a hour later he felt apalled at what he did. He was transered to a artilllery unit. When a clan meeting occured he wanted to not live as a vampire anymore. They told them that they would kill him if he complished 100 mission for them. He agreed to this and has been doing mission ever since. He also vowed only to drink the blood of criminals so that he wouldn't steal someones pure blood. Also everytime he drinks from a criminal he feels he is ever closer to be a human again.

Going back to the present he sat down his book and looked at the book about the whole massacre. It stated: Wounded Knee Massacre. He put on his bowler hat and walked out the door. Irving was going to tell him about his deepest secert. He would have loved to drink from her, but he couldn't.
His boots moved faster to check up with Aeschia.

"Aeschia I have to tell you something."

Aeschia was strolling along as she finished her song, the sound of boots catching up to her. She knew it was Irving.

"What is it Irving? Is it that you would like to offer me something to drink? Perhaps talk a while? Maybe apologize for just leaving me in your living room?" She continued walking, looking straight ahead. "I certainly hope so, as there was no reason to be so rude... to let me into your house and leave me sitting there alone." Aeschia gave him an angry look.

"If you have something to say, start talking, but I will not be treated in the manner in which I was just treated by you... by anyone, ever." She emphasized the last two words.

"I'm sorry about leaving you in the living room and not offering you anything. There was so much on my mind about my clan. I need to tell you something. It is about why I never said anything about why I can't drink for you. All you have to do is look in the deepest and hidden thoughts of my brain. I'm telling you to find it." Irving sat down at a bench and waited for Aeschia to read his mind. He started to calm down and slow his breathing down. He remembered that fateful day and about the clan, then the vow.

"I'm sorry about leaving you in the living room and not offering you anything. There was so much on my mind about my clan. I need to tell you something. It is about why I never said anything about why I can't drink for you. All you have to do is look in the deepest and hidden thoughts of my brain. I'm telling you to find it." Irving sat down at a bench and waited for Aeschia to read his mind.

Aeschia sat down next to Irving. She grabbed each side of his face with her hands, turned his head, looked him deeply in the eyes, and simply said, "No."

She removed her hands from his face and looked up. It was a beautiful starry night with a bright moon. Aeschia looked back toward Irving.

"Irving, as you just said in your own words, 'you need to tell me something.'" She spoke in an experienced manner, knowing exactly the point she needed him to understand.

"Irving, I won't read your mind. Obviously something is tormenting you, and the only even slightly cathartic way of dealing with it, as well as the only courageous way of dealing with the situation, is not the easy way... letting me read your mind; but for you to dredge it up, and relay it to me in your own words, painful as they may be."

This is where an experienced vampire would have been able to tell she was no neophyte. Aeschia knew what she was talking about through many years of experience. Irving had no clue as to her age, especially as he was quite young, and probably wouldn't believe it if she told him who she was, how old she was, her standing in the kindred world, and her plethora of experience as a kindred. There was nothing that shocked her... saddened her, yes; but not shocked.

"Irving, whatever this situation is, it is putting up a wall between us. We can never be friends if you don't break down that wall. I need you to tell me, in your own words, with your own emotions, what is going on with you." Aeschia spoke more softly.

"You may not believe it, but I may have some good advice, or a solution for you. I have some experience in the universe, you know." She set her hand on his shoulder.

"Just tell me, and as you speak, remember, we all make mistakes. I believe we kindred make more mistakes than mortals, as we have much more time to make them, and a curiosity that those who know they can die do not have. Moreover, we kindred have not only more wisdom and knowledge, (well, most of us), but we still retain a bit more of a primal and carnal instinct that mortals do not have, that must be restrained at times."

Aeschia stopped speaking for a moment. She gave him a sympathetic look, as she knew whatever the situation was, it was tearing him apart, however, he had to learn to deal with it, and she knew she could help.

"You may proceed any time Irving. I'm listening."

Irving took off his bowler hat and put it right beside him. Then he looked up toward the moon and back down at Aeschia. He sighed.

"Well the date was December 28, 1890. I had joined the 7th United States Cavalry Regiment and had become a vampire. My clan was good and they let me go when I wanted. In the Regiment I was lieutanant. We were going to meet with the Great Sioux Nation that were going to a military fort in Omaha, Nebraska. They were camped at Wounded Knee Creek being escorted by another part of the 7th commanded by Major Samuel Whitside. We supplied the natives with some tents and rations.

During the night the other part of the 7th came. Colonel James W. Forsyth, the commanding officer, told me to put the cannons we had on the low hill over looking the native encampment. Also we brought more Hotchkiss machine guns with us. We placed the four we had around the camp.

The next morning, December 29, 1890, the soldiers entered the camp demanding the all Indian firearms be relinquished. I entered with the troops with my Peacemaker and sabre. One of the soldiers tried to disarm a deaf Indian named Black Coyote. A scuffle ensued and the firearm discharged. The silence of the morning was broken and soon other guns echoed in the river bed. At first, the struggle was fought at close quarters, but when the Indians ran to take cover, the Hotchkiss artillery opened up on them, cutting down men, women, and children alike. I enloaded my Peacemaker on them then took out my sabre. I stabbed women and children during the massacre. During the time I was mindless because the vampire part of me wanted to kill for their blood. By the end of this brutal, unnecessary violence, which lasted less than an hour, at least 150 Indians had been killed and 50 wounded. The snow was covered with blood. I was covered with blood. I finished my service in the army then quit. In meeting with my clan, i told them about the Wounded Knee Massacre. Also I told them I didn't want to have the lust for blood. They would do this after I completed 500 mission for them. I also made the vow that I would never drink blood of a innocent person again. You can never tell anyone about this."

As he finished he started to cry.

Aeschia moved closer to him and put her arms around him as he cried. She wanted to help alleviate his pain. Aeschia was a bit of an empath, therefore, she really felt for Irving.

"Irving," she whispered in his ear and held him tight, "you will be OK. You will learn from that mistake and go on. I promise you that death is not the way out. Time, wisdom, and control... and an eventual acceptance of the double edged sword your life has become." She let him cry some more as she spoke soothingly.

"Do not blame yourself entirely. This was back when you were new kindred and did not have full control over your primal side. You don't deserve to feel as guilty as you do. Aside from that, you are repenting by dispatching criminals. Do you not think it is more useful to remain and continue getting rid of the scum? These actions will more than make up for the lives you took back then. In time, you will save more than you took." Aeschia explained.

"Now, I know it is not a matter of numbers, however, in the long run, you will save more lives by staying immortal."

Aeschia moved back and wiped the tears away from his eyes. "I don't think you want to be killed." She stated. "If you did, you could merely have walked into the sun." She searched for any sort of comprehension on his face.

"I think if you really wanted out, you would be out. Something subconsciously is keeping you from choosing to lose immortality. I think the likelihood is good that it is a subconscious realization that you can do more good with your immortality than if you were gone, and that you know you are truly a decent person.” Aeschia looked at him sympathetically and grabbed his hands.

"Now, there is one other thing. I do not know that any vampire has pure blood. I would say none does. Drinking from criminals only, does not bring you closer to mortality; it keeps you from moving away from your guilt. Drinking the blood of someone who is not like those you've drank from before; me… is actually what you need." Aeschia emphasized this, for she knew it was true.

"Irving, I am requesting that you feed from me for several reasons. First, I am also kindred and you have not fed from kindred. Second, I am not one of your ill-fated criminals with tainted blood. Third, my blood is far different from most kindred, and unlike any human blood. The only way to tell is to try it. The reason I request you feed from me, is that I believe it can help you... even with the catharsis regarding your guilt. I'm aware this sounds impossible, but this time, will you trust me?" She asked.

Aeschia was well aware that her blood, because of its strength and age, made other kindred stronger, physically, mentally, and emotionally, not to mention, was a very erotic experience as a side effect. She believed that if he fed from her, he would be able to deal with and understand everything he had done and his underlying feelings, which told him he should stay immortal. These feelings are likely causing the true guilt in the first place. Despite what he had done, Aeschia believed that subconsciously he knew he could do more to help by being kindred, and felt guilt about this. It would be so easy for him to off himself if he really wanted to.

"Irving, I can help you. The only way I can help you is for you to feed from me. Then you will understand. Will you do this and get yourself on the road to understanding your true feelings and your opportunities?"

Aeschia looked at him waiting for an answer.

Irving stopped crying and wiped the tears from his face.

"I think it would be more useful for me to stay. I have been going around Earth killing criminals. When you think about I have saved countless people from facing death. To gain power over my feral side I must drink from you, but not now. I trust but I must do something."

He got up from the bench and put back on his bowler hat. Then he walked off. In his mind he could still here there screams and the sound of the machine gun. Inside of him, he didn't want to live forever. Some day he would walk into the sun and finally die. As he was walking away someone clocked him in the back of the head. He fell to the ground and was taken away. A car pulled up the person pulled Irving inside and sped off.

As someone who relied on his senses almost to an animalistic level, the inside of the building was a bit.. disorienting. It was a bit of an overload for him, and he had to close his eyes for a few moments to compose himself. Already he could tell this was not going to be a fun experience.

"So this is where the class hangs out.. your mansion?"

It was a pointed question, but delivered in a more or less nonconfrontational tone.

Aeschia sighed as she listened to Irving speak. It is clear that he wants to punish himself needlessly. He doesn't understand what it is like to be a kindred.

As Irving walked away, Aeschia informed him, "Irving some day you will understand. I hope it is soon. You need not suffer, and you have yet to comprehend all of this. Go and ponder what I have said, and remember, there is a way to rid yourself of the guilt, reach catharsis, and be grateful for the gift you have been given." She also yelled out to him when he was a fair distance away. "Irving, I am your friend and always here for you. You must understand that I am slightly different from most kindred and I have the ability to help you be happy. Call on me any time."

She lamented his self-flagellation.

Aeschia began walking the other direction, and didn't even realize she was singing the despairing 'O' Fortune...

O Fortuna,
velut luna
statu variabilis,
semper crescis
aut decrescis;
vita detestabilis
nunc obdurat
et tunc curat
ludo mentis aciem,
egestatem,
potestatem
dissolvit ut glaciem.

Sors immanis
et inanis,
rota tu volubilis,
status malus,
vana salus
semper dissolubilis,
obumbrata
et velata
michi quoque niteris;
nunc per ludum
dorsum nudum
fero tui sceleris.

ooc: O Fortuna Lyrics translated:
http://www-astro.physics.ox.ac.uk/~rejs/carmlyr.html #25.

Such a beautiful and powerful piece, yet the lyrics were miserable. Aeschia realized she was singing this unknowingly, due to Irving’s situation.

When she caught herself singing this, Aeschia began to sing one of her favorites... something that cheered her up...

...I will sing for crescent moon,
Dancing with the castanets...
As the end will come so soon,
In the land of Twilight...

Although Aeschia had no destination, she found herself walking toward Da' Matin...

As someone who relied on his senses almost to an animalistic level, the inside of the building was a bit.. disorienting. It was a bit of an overload for him, and he had to close his eyes for a few moments to compose himself. Already he could tell this was not going to be a fun experience.

"So this is where the class hangs out.. your mansion?"

It was a pointed question, but delivered in a more or less nonconfrontational tone.

"Not always," Jacen replied. "But for tonight we are hosting."

He smirked at Nico before turning and walking up the wall. There the ceiling became the floor, just like in any normal mansion. To Jacen this was perfectly normal.

"Now come down from the ceiling and join the party, all those on the vampire inside are here."

Jade slowly crept into the house. The cries of passion had been silent for some time now. She listened at the stairwell, she only heard the deep steady breath of 2 people asleep. She gestured for Boaz to come forward. She started to climbed the stairs without a sound. She moved with an almost feline grace, a feline that was stalking its prey. She gosted past the landing and onto the second floor. Boaz followed silently. She opened the door to the bedroom swiftly to minimize the creeking sound. She moved to one side of the bed and prepared to feast.

OOC: Wooshba, I am letting you decided which of the couple you want.

Irving woke a few minutes later. He felt the back of his head and felt a bump. Two armed guards were near him. The bowler hat that he wore was next to him. His hand grabbed the bowler hat and put it on. Irving knew exactly how this men where. They worked for the Russian Mafia. Back a while ago Irving killed Zeev Rosenstein, the leader. The new leader wanted Irving dead. Little did they know he was a vampire. He was going to play along until they go to base in this city. When they go there the building was made of brick and was small. The guard pointed a gun toward him and Irving got out. They led him to a room and one guard stayed with him. Irving sat down and looked at the Russian Mafia leader. The leader was smoking a cigar.

"So your Irving Morrel. You killed are old leader Zeev Rosenstein and I have finally caught you. Now I want you to die."

Irving looked at the old man.

"I killed Zeev because he killed innocent people. Also I killed him with my sabre. I cut his head off and put it on a pole. Who are you?"

The old man replied.

"I'm Victor Beria."

Victor gave a signal to get rid of Irving. As the guard was taking away him Irving punched him in the face. Then grabbed his gun and shot the guard in the stomach. Victor pushed a button sounding a alarm. The guards came down the hall with submachine guns. They came to the door and opened fire. The bullets hit Irving all over the place. Irving felt noting and came toward Victor. Victor started to move away.

"Whaaaat are you?"

Irving leveled the gun and pulled the trigger. Victor's head exploded. Irving came over and took a drank.

"Die you son of a bitch."

The guard came in and shot at Irving. He pulled the trigger on the gun and the men fell to the ground. As the battle ended he left the building. Then the building exploded. His work had been done. While walking he brushed off the dust from his hat. Then started to hum Cavatina.

For some strange reason, considering her rather sad night, Aeschia was in a good mood singing her song as she walked the streets toward Da' Matin.

Occassionally, she would pass a Tremere, who would always bow and acknowledge her with "Lady Aeschia" or "My Lady". Aeschia would nod in return.

There were many kindred and mortals walking from club to club. She hoped that any kindred who may be close did not see the gesture of respect she was given.

Aeschia wanted to remain as anonymous as possible, and these gestures were not helping, although it was the usual.

Nothing I can do about it now, I guess.

Aeschia continued her walk to Da' Matin, taking time to enjoy the night sky with it's twinkling stars and beautiful moon. She loved the night.

"My lady..." said a dark figure from the shadows as he bowed his head ever so slightly to Aeschia. There was an odd sound to the words that he spoke and his voice was all too familiar...

From the shadows a elegant cane appeared and tapped the ground, just preceeding a swift step into the light by the dark figure; Tark.

Gabriel arrived home, and set a couple records onto a number of different players. Fur Elise, Ode to Joy, Tubular Bells, Choir of the Bells and Swan Lake all filled the room, the melodies forming a discordiant melody. With the window open, those who passed by could hear the melody, and in the comparitive stillness of night, the sounds travelled far.

Across from Gabriels place, a lone figure stood completely covered from head to toe in dark robes. The person listened to the music coming from the open window.

Aeschia was a bit startled, as she had been walking around all night not really paying attention to her surroundings.

"Greetings Tark," Aeschia said with a sly smile. "Perhaps fate does exist. It seems some force seems to be bringing us together repeatedly tonight, whether it is fate, coincidence, or the subconscious part of our neural pathways. I believe that is the way you put it previously." She chuckled. "Anyway, it's a pleasant surprise to see you again."

Aeschia took a moment to look at him intensely. He is devilishly handsome. she smiled to herself. It then occurred that he saw the way the other Tremere had addressed her, as he had done the same, which was quite humorous, other than the fact that he now knew she was someone of stature in her clan; something she was trying to avoid.

"Well Tark, it's nice to see you again. By the way, the reason they greet me in such a formal way is that, as you likely know, there are few women in our clan. We are treated well and with respect and honor." Aeschia smiled at him.

What a blatant lie... I am sure he knows I am lying, however, I cannot blurt out the truth. I hope he does not take off again, as I just lied to him again. I am sure he is aware of my deception, and he will call me on it. I am sure he knows there is a good reason, but I will just let him wonder. After all, my status is something I am trying to keep to myself.

"By the way Tark," she gave him a mischievous grin, "you need not be so formal with me, however, I must say, I do like it, and if you do wish to address me as 'My Lady' or 'Lady Aeschia', I have no qualms at all." Aeschia unconsciously gave him a somewhat seductive smile.

She was not playing games with Tark. She enjoyed his manner, clothing and older style of behavior, confidence, and the fact that he was intelligent and cultured. Something else about Tark appealed to her, however she did not really know what it was.

"I was just heading toward Da' Matin," Aeschia informed him. "Would you like to come along, or perhaps accompany me elsewhere if you have a better idea?" Aeschia looked at him sincerely and hoping he would join her this evening.

"What do you think Tark? Do you have any other plans? I must say that from the very short conversations we have had, I enjoy your company... not to mention your wit."

Aeschia looked at him with that seductive smile.

"Close enough," Tark chuckled about her quoting his earlier comment; it wasn't word for word, but it was close - certainly closer than he had expected it to be. "I also said only fools believe in fate," he grinned as he stepped closer to the lovely lady.

"The pleasure is most certainly mine, my lady," he added as he surveyed her, taking in every inch of her stunning appearance.

"By the way, the reason they greet me in such a formal way is that, as you likely know, there are few women in our clan. We are treated well and with respect and honor," she said to him.

"I am sure," he replied without any change of emotion or appearance. Of course when someone was as well informed as Tark was it was hard to deceive them with a lie of such obvious falseness. He had a network of informants, paid-men, spies, henchman, thugs, and others all across the city and they were constantly filling him in on everything he needed to know and more.

"I had a hunch that you would be pleased… by being referred to with such respect I mean… seeing as you seem to be so regularly greeted as such," Tark added. "Besides... respect and chivalry makes a man out of boys - the world does not have enough of it..."

There was something quite seductive and alluring about this specific kindred. Despite his mental prowess and attempt to make sure he didn't get sucked in so easily, his primal instincts were beginning to work their way back in (though not visibly or in appearance). What power she must have... he thought.

He was lost in thought for only a moment before snapping himself out of it and reconcentrating his focus. "Da'Matin? Hmm.... I don't see why not," he said calmly.

"Lead the way madame," he said in a particularly good French accent. In one swift and elegant move he moved one foot slightly behind the other and stretched out his arms in a slight bow, indicating for her to lead the way...

Jade slowly crept into the house. The cries of passion had been silent for some time now. She listened at the stairwell, she only heard the deep steady breath of 2 people asleep. She gestured for Boaz to come forward. She started to climbed the stairs without a sound. She moved with an almost feline grace, a feline that was stalking its prey. She gosted past the landing and onto the second floor. Boaz followed silently. She opened the door to the bedroom swiftly to minimize the creeking sound. She moved to one side of the bed and prepared to feast.

OOC: Wooshba, I am letting you decided which of the couple you want.

Boaz walked silently into the room and stood over the female. She was young and had golden skin. She had a nice figure and was in good shape. Boaz sniffed her and found her to have a good smell. He looked up at Jade and said "Let us feast." As he bent down over the girl her eyes opened. Her eyes showed a look of shock. Before she could let out a scream Boaz lifted her naked body up out of the bed and bit into her neck. Her blood flooded into his mouth. A trickle of blood came out of the side of his mouth. He took her blood generously.

As the musics wound down, Gabriel stood on his balcony and looked over the city. He saw a figure standing across the street, and gestured for him to come over.

The figure looked up, but didn't move. Instead the figure just watched for a moment as if assesing the threat level. In a blur, the figure moved from where it was stood to the balcony beside Gabriel.

"Might I ask who you are?" Gabriel asked as the man seemed to almost materialize upon his balcony.

The figure just looked at him. "I am Kaisa," came a distinctly female voice. "I work for Zanaar and you are suspicious."

Irving was walking back to his living quarters. He decided to take a short cut threw an alleyway. Then he saw it he had no weapon, so was cautious. So far he was afraid that people for Prince Zannar might be after him. Someone was bound to hear the meeting with Gabriel. Irving hoped that Gabriel was safe.

Knight scowled, "If you're hear about politics, I would request you leave as I have no interest in it. Otherwise you are free to remain and listen to music, thought I would request that you show me your face."

"You are in the prince's city," Kaisa replied. A cold wind blew across the balcony, knocking her hood down and revealing a woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties with long dark green hair. "If you don't like his politics then I suggest you leave."

"I do not object to Prince Zanaar's policies. I do object to other people trying to involve me in politics thought." Gabriel commented as he raise an eyebrow at Kaisa's green hair.

Kaisa narrowed her eyes. "Well in light of recent occurences, tough shit," she replied. "You do appear to know one of those plotting against the prince."

"Oh?" Gabriel commented, "I was approached by someone who expressed dissent with Zanaar, but I do not know of anyone who has expressed interest in personally doing away with the Prince."

Finally getting back to his living quarters, Irving found his sabre and colt peacemaker. He wanted to make sure he wasn't attacked without a weapon. Then he went into the library and started to read his book again.

Kaisa's blue eyes continued to stare at him. "Then it will be in your best interests to watch this vampire," she suggested. "Treason against the prince is punishable by death, if you do not want that fate to befall you then you are to tell me everything you know."

"I was approached by one who claimed his clan disliked and wished the removal of Prince Zanaar. That one wished for information he thought I could give. I did not have the information that was being looked for, so the vampire departed." Gabriel replied

"Why Tark... Are you calling me a fool?" Aeschia asked him teasingly. "I can assure you I am not... or perhaps I am. You can be the judge." She grinned.

Aeschia was quite pleased that Tark decided to come along. He is all too charming, and that could not be understated. She enjoyed everything about him. Hmmmmm.... She found herself a little taken aback by nearly everything about him... and in a refreshingly good way.

"I am pleased you decided to accompany me, Tark. You have manners and class that are, most definitely, rare among most kindred today." She commented.

Aeschia knew that he was aware of her lie, but he did not call her on it, for which she was grateful. Maintaining a low profile was quite important to her, especially with all the confusion surrounding Zanaar. Since Aeschia was an outsider, and who she was, she did not want to be suspect, or even noticed in any way by the people involved in what seemed to be some sort of plot against the prince.

Tark's formal speech, even if teasing, was delightful. "I certainly will lead the way. Thank you sir." She gave him a sly smile and fluttered her eyelashes at him.

The two of them began walking toward Da' Matin. Aeschia was looking at the sky. "I love the night, Tark. It is so beautiful... especially tonight. All the stars twinkling, and a bright moon." She took a deep breath of fresh air, as if she would not want to be anywhere else at this moment. Actually, she could not think of anywhere else she would want to be. Alternatively, anyone else I would want to be with, she thought, smiling to herself.

Tark chuckled slightly at Aeschia's joke as he stood up proper from his bowed position. It was all too obvious of what her stature and abilities were, but then Tark wasn't going to be the one to spread the news of her arrival and existence - that would be un-gentlemanlike.

"I thank you kindly," he replied to her compliment. "There was once a time when a larger portion of the populous spoke and acted in such a manner... but I assume you know of those days - and many more," he added quietly.

"It hasn't been this way in some time..." he commented about the night and its beauty as they walked slowly towards their destination. If thought about, his comment could easily be taken as a compliment, but at face value it was just another comment.

They walked along in silence for a couple of minutes, taking in the atmosphere that surrounded them. "So... tell me about yourself," he asked her after a moment, mainly just to make talk, but also to see how much she was willing to reveal (as he had sources that told him much).

"I was approached by one who claimed his clan disliked and wished the removal of Prince Zanaar. That one wished for information he thought I could give. I did not have the information that was being looked for, so the vampire departed." Gabriel replied

Kaisa raised an eyebrow. "And do you know of a name?" she asked. "Did he talk to anyone else?"

Aeschia gave Tark a knowing grin. "Well, from your comments, it seems you know more about me than I know about you, does it not?" She looked at him, wondering if he tells her what and how he knew anything at all about her. I will tell him a little bit, she decided. Just as they approached two male kindred walking the other way, the men stopped, almost stunned, bowed and greeted her as the others, "Lady Aeschia", and acknowledged Tark, "Sir".

Aeschia acknowledged them with a nod and a smile. As they passed, she overheard one say to the other; "Did you see that? She smiled at me!" The other man disagreed stating that she was smiling at him. Aeschia was rather embarrassed for Tark to see this.

"I suppose I will tell you a little bit about myself, seeing that you seem to know a little as it is. I will only tell you that I am separated from my husband." They continued to stroll leisurely. "It's been a few years now. In addition, I am a rather adaptable woman. I like the old ways, I like the new ways, and sometimes I am out at a place like the Dead Cow in a black leather mini-dress. It does not change who I am. Hmmm... Let’s see..." She was pondering anything else to tell him... "Oh! I do have an antique collection 'to die for'," she looked at him sideways with a wry smile, "aaaand... I can be a real idiot when I am drunk. Also, for the most part, I only feed from other kindred, unless it's an emergency."

Aeschia gave Tark a sly smile, "And yes, Tark, as you already know, I am someone of high standing in my clan. I request that you please tell no one of this. I would like to remain as anonymous as possible."

She laughed. "I must say, I can't help but grin when you say things such as 'I assume you know of those days - and many more.'" She began to giggle, as she was so amused. "Did you think I wouldn't notice that little tag on the end there?" She looked at him and grinned, her eyes twinkling.

"My turn, Tark... tell me about yourself. I surmise you are up there on the ladder in your clan, definitely in this city, if not in the entire hierarchy, so to speak. You have people who get information for you, do you not?"

Aeschia looked at the sky again. "No, I am not reading your mind," she smiled.

"Go on Tark," she touched his arm and looked at him. "Tell me more about yourself... other than the fact that nearly everyone in Exetergrecia works for you as a spy." Aeschia gave him a sly grin.

Kaisa raised an eyebrow. "And do you know of a name?" she asked. "Did he talk to anyone else?"
"No, he didn't mention a clan name." He replied, "And he did speak with some others."

Kaisa's eyes dulled somewhat, that was going to be a little hard. "Clan do have some defining features, perhaps you could describe this vampire," she then said. "These others you say he spoke to, do you know them?"

"Well he was of medium height, with brown eyes and black hair, I think." Gabriel replied "And wereing a trenchcoat and hat. I know one of them somewhat."

"That unfortunately describes quite a few vampires around here," Kaisa sighed. She rubbed her chin for a moment before hading over a card. "See him again, call this number. Now about the others, where might they be?"

"She was at Da' Matin, but she left before me, so I have no idea where she is." He confessed as he took the card.

Kaisa nodded. "I currently have associates there right now should she turn up," she replied, placing her hands in the robe pockets. "Do you have a name or description?"

Irving closed his book and picked up his trenchcoat. Then he put the book in a pocket. He covered up the tatoo, that showed the marking of a special clan member, on his hand. The door shut behind him after he left. Irving just started to walk around the city.

"Well, she's female, black hair and eyes." He commented, knowing the redundency of his statement. "Oh, what do you do by the way and why not consult the nosferatu for information?"

Kaisa's eyes narrowed at him as she scowled. "There is only so much that a Nosferatu can do," she replied. "We need to get as much information from you first."

"Well I've given as much information as I noticed." He replied, "So do you want to remain and listen to music?"

"If you are offering, then yes," Kaisa replied.

"Anything you'd like to listen to, or perhaps listen to some singing?" He asked as he gestured for her to enter.

"Some classical will do fine," Kaisa replied.

"Alright." Gabriel replied as he began leafing throught a vast catalog of cds and coming out with one. Inserting it into one of the stereos the strains of Allegro con brio, the opening strains of Beethoven's fifth symphony in C minor, filled the room.

As the music flowed through the air, Kaisa's face looked as stern as ever. "I am going to take this oppertunity to question you further," she said. "What more did this vampire say? I am sure you spoke of other things."

"Not really. He did ask me to courier a message but the person the message was directed to got it before I delivered it." He replied

Kaisa raised an eyebrow, "Whom might this message have been sent to?" she asked.

Tark nodded gently to the men as they passed and gave their due respect to 'Lady Aeschia'.

Some of the information that Aeschia told him he had heard before, but some of it he had not - especially about her personality, though he had discerned some of that himself. "So I have heard," he replied in reference to both her standing in her own clan and the fact that she had an antique collection 'to die for'. "And I would love to see it sometime. Perhaps I could even persuade you to part ways with some of your pieces if I find some that are particularly appealing to me... for the right price of course," he added, returning smile. She smiled at me! he joked in his thoughts as he remembered the two kindred they had passed by before and their short conversation afterwards.

"I have no reason or want to reveal your secrets or status," he remarked to her plea. "I pledge my silence about you..." he said in a half joking, half serious manner - it was hard to tell with Tark.

"Oh I expected someone with your... abilities... would pick it up," he grinned.

Tark was enjoying Aeschia's company and her personality, so he had no reason to hide anything. Not that it would have done him much good; Tark's status made it so most people knew of him.

"Not everyone..." he replied, "Just as many as I need. There are probably a few that are better connected than me - the Prince among them. But that is not me... that is just my network that keeps me informed. I am, as you guessed, high up in my clan, the Giovannis, as well as in this city. I was born here, raised here, and lived here much of my life - though I often take extended trips to other places and planets for whatever reason I might have," he explained as they strolled along.

"As you also obviously know, I enjoy art, culture, music, and am a man of the past," he said as he straightened his gray, pin-striped suit and vest. Aeschia's presence, aura, and touch were reassuring him and made him want to tell her everything. Perhaps it is part of her power... maybe she is using it to influence me... he thought before shaking the thought out of his mind - no... she wouldn't, couldn't do that to him, could she?

"I don't often mingle with the less 'refined' vampires and I have made peace with my thirst long ago..." he commented. "My 'house' is only a short way away, though despite being in Exetergrecia, it is quite private; not that anyone would dare attempt to intrude upon me. I, like you, have a large collection of art of all types (sculptures, paintings, photos, music, books, etc) - one of the largest in the world... not that anyone knows that..."

"The second person you asked me about." He replied as he took off his coat. "I still have it by the way."

Kaisa looked over at him. "Might I see it?" she asked.

"It's not really right to let someone read the mail of someone without their permission." He commented

"Hmph," Kaisa replied, folding her arms. "Do you know what is written in it yourself?"

"The words, no, the general message, somewhat." He replied

Kaisa raised an eyebrow as she brushed her hair aside. "And the general message is?" she questioned him.

"I didn't lie, I told the truth, trust me. If you want to talk, you know where to find me." He replied, "Or something like that."

Kaisa placed her hands in front of her mouth and thought. Her eyes narrowed as she did so. "About the plans against the prince maybe?" she wondered.

Outside it began to rain heavily.

"No idea, but I don't really think so." He replied as the music changed over to Beethovan's first in C major.

"Thank you Tark. I do trust you will not reveal anything about me. If you have so much information about me already, my only concern is where you got it and how many other people know." A slightly worried expression crossed Aeschia's face. "You see, because of who I am, many kindred think I am involved in matters that do not concern me at all. For example, this matter with the Prince. I'd like to speak to you a bit more on that later."

Aeschia began to think about her antiques and art. "It is likely that between the two of us, we have the largest art and antique collection in the known universe." She smiled at him. "I would love to show you my collection any time, and I could be persuaded to part with some of it, although some of it is with my husband at our home away from here. I have been traveling around, just for enjoyment. I am staying in a wonderful condominium, and I have a large amount of my collection with me. I think you would enjoy it." She knew he would... it was varied and huge. "I would like to see your collection as well," she remarked. "My collection is well known to some people, but only a select trusted few."

"Tark," Aeschia stopped walking, "from whom did you get the information regarding me... and what information do you have? I am concerned. Keeping a low profile is the only way I am not drawn into every kindred problem that arises. This way I can live a normal life. How many people know about whom I am and what do they know?" She sighed. "You see, it isn't just me, but even though we are separated, my husband is... of extremely high stature and we become barraged with kindred wanting different things, and he prefers to live a more secluded life."

Aeschia was not happy about this. She was always drawn into issues in which she had no interest. However, she was interested in meeting Prince Zanaar. She wanted to know why there was so much controversy surrounding him.

"Also Tark, I would like you to tell me about Prince Zanaar. I have never met the man, and all I have heard since I have arrived in Exetergrecia, are odd rumors about him. I know nothing at all. Could you tell me about this man? I would like to know what he is like, and what he could have done that some clans want him dead." Aeschia looked up at Tark.

"I want you to know I am not just using you to fish for information. However, I overheard people talking about having him assassinated. He is Camarilla, as I am, even though I am more of an "independent", Aeschia laughed. It was true. Because of her status she could do what she wanted and go where she wanted and the Tremere had to accept that. The clan was OK with this, as over the years, she had done much for the clan, and had earned their respect.

"Actually, I would like to meet him. I do not rely on rumors. They have been conflicting all night. I would like to be informed as to what is going on. Would you be able to give me that information?"

Aeschia looked at his face. So handsome. So... something. He draws me like a magnet. She wanted to touch his face so badly... it was just instinct.

Aeschia slowly reached up and lightly touched the side of his cheek and slid her hand down his face and away from him. "Forgive me Tark. It is as if... this is embarrassing... as if I cannot help myself. I hope you are not offended." She actually just spit out her next words.

She looked deep into his eyes, and said, again unknowingly, seductively, "I am very attracted to you. I am far more interested in you than any information you may have." Aeschia smiled at him. A few carnal thoughts had been going through her mind, however it was not just that, it was everything about him.

Aeschia looked away. "I can't believe I just blurted that out." She laughed at her own bluntness. "Me and my big mouth." She looked at the sky and smiled.

"Well, now that the humiliation is over, why don't we go to Da' Matin?" Aeschia smiled at him. "This has been a lovely walk on a lovely night. Hopefully Da' Matin will prove as enchanting." Enchanting... That is what Tark was... enchanting.

"No idea, but I don't really think so." He replied as the music changed over to Beethovan's first in C major.

"These traitors," Kaisa began. "Never underestimate any code they may use."

"I couldn't say about that." He replied, "And you still haven't told me what you do." He added

"Hmph," Kaisa muttered, folding her arms once again. "You never asked."

Irving closed his book and picked up his trenchcoat. Then he put the book in a pocket. He covered up the tatoo, that showed the marking of a special clan member, on his hand. The door shut behind him after he left. Irving just started to walk around the city.


After walking for a while, three male vampires confronted Irving. All three were dressed in blood red trenchcoats.

"Irving, correct?" a blond one asked.