NationStates Jolt Archive

"Actually I did, at the same time as I asked why you didn't ask the nosferatu for information." Gabriel replied, "And don't sulk, it doesn't become you." He added as Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazede began.

Kaisa narrowed her eyes at him, they shone briefly. "I don't sulk," she replied. "And besides, I think you already know what I do."

Her attention turned to the music.

"Toccata or O Fortuna could go down well with me right now."

"So you're soley Zanaar's interrogator?" He asked as he got up and removed the disk before replacing it with Toccata for Kaisa.

Kaisa managed a smirk. "One yes," she said with a nod. "I go for the more vocal interrogations, others go for those more physical in nature." She laughed. "Count yourself fortunate that it was I whom was sent after you."

"I'm sure there aren't enought Kindred and Kine that Zanaar feels needs interrogation to keep you fully occupied, so what do you do in your free time?" He asked

"Yes I'm Irving. What do you want with me?" As he heard the men he put his hand on the hilt of his sabre. Turing around he saw the three vampires. He looked at the blond hair one.

Wooshaba']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.

The man was awake right away. He groggily looked up at the scence of his soon to be ex-girlfriend. It immedialty sobered him up. Before he could scream however, Jade grabbed him from the bed and slammed him up against the wall. Jade drunk in the horror, glad that for once she didn't have to worry abot that damned Masquerade. She drank in the man's horror as he stared directly into death's sweet face. He opened his mouth wide to scream but jade the opened her mouth wide and bit into his jugular. She let the affects of the vampire's bite do the job of shutting up her food. Then she began to gorge on his blood.

"I'm sure there aren't enought Kindred and Kine that Zanaar feels needs interrogation to keep you fully occupied, so what do you do in your free time?" He asked

"And what interest is it of yours?" Kaisa questioned, turning his question back on him.

"Yes I'm Irving. What do you want with me?" As he heard the men he put his hand on the hilt of his sabre. Turing around he saw the three vampires. He looked at the blond hair one.

"Word on the street is that you're trying to get yourself killed," the blond vampire said, his eyes turned to Irving's hand. "We will not be a threat to you if you remove your hand from your sabre. You would be dead before you know it if you were to try anything."

Irving removed his from the hilt of the sabre. He wondered what these guys wanted. "Where did you hear that from? Also who are you?"

"We have our sources," the blond vampire replied. "We are members of the Sabbat and have been keeping a close eye on recent events."

Sweat started to come down from his forehead. If these guys knew about that then they must of know about the talk with Gabriel. Irving brushed off the sweat with his hand. "What do you want with me?"

The blond smirked, beside him, the two other vampires also smirked.

"We are here to help you of course," he then said. "We the Sabbat want the Prince dead as much as you do apparently."

"Idly curiosity, that and I'd like to know what my interrogator does when not interrogating me." He commented

"I have finally found someone that can help me. My clan wants Prince Zannar dead and the real prince taking over his job. Also might I ask what your name is?" Irving was relieved that they weren't enemies, but allies.

Hmm... she has a good point, Tark thought as he strolled. "Let your soul relax," he commented to her. "The people that I got my information from are completely loyal and trustworthy. I have known nearly all of them for a very long time and they receive enough for their services that they do not need to go behind my back... nor would they dare do so," Tark explained reassuringly. "Besides, each one only picks up little pieces of information and then sends it to me; from there I piece it together and figure out the full story - so you see, none of them really know much, just little bits here and there.

"It is quite possible," Tark replied, thankful that she had moved the discussion away from her worries and back to the cultured society. "I would love to see it... that is if I am one of those select trusted few," he grinned. "It's a wonder that you can bring so much with you... when I travel I leave all of it behind under lock and guard - too much of a hassle to secure transportation for it all. Though occasionally I will bring a piece or two with me if I am particularly fond of them at the time."

Separated from her husband, eh? I wonder why... though it probably won't be an issue if it has been for years now, Tark thought to himself, though showing no sign of his thoughts as he continued to walk and talk.

"The Prince..." Tark said slowly as she raised the topic. "Not a topic I enjoy discussing," he admitted, "but I will tell you a bit of information - only a bit though. Not much is known other than his name and the fact he's Ventru. He owns a few businesses around the city and has an extensive network of spies, informants, thugs, etc. As for why people want him dead... well... when you are a leader there is always going to be somebody who wants you dead; especially when there is a division of clans. I try not to concern myself too much with the clans' business or politics.

"The best way to meet him would probably to start spewing anti-Zanaar propaganda and threatening his life," Tark laughed, "but I doubt that is what you had in mind. Most likely if you want to meet the Prince, the only way you will is if he wants to meet you. There is one way that would possibly work to get you in contact with the Prince... though you might not like it..." He knew she wouldn't, but it was the best way he could think of at the moment. "I... I... I would have to spread information about who you are to his network of informants and he would most likely take some interest," he blurted out after stuttering nervously on the beginning word.

I would like to be informed as to what is going on. Would you be able to give me that information? Aeschia's words echoed through his head as they neared the end of their journey. "I will do my best, my lady," he commented without even knowing what he had said.

As her hand touched his face, his mind went instantly blank; he was locked in her gaze and power. "Yes ma'am," he found himself uttering without any memory of formulating the thought or words.

Enchanting... that is what Aeschia is... enchanting.

"Idly curiosity, that and I'd like to know what my interrogator does when not interrogating me." He commented


To that, Kaisa said nothing, instead she moved her hands forward and cracked her knuckles.

"Perhaps it'll do Zanaar best to send over one of his other interrogators," she wondered.

"Wouldn't do any good as I've answered all your questions." Gabriel replied

Boaz through the human female's lifeless body down. He usually didn't drink human blood ,but he didn't think that Jade was into to the feed on kindred thing. Boaz wiped the side of his mouth and rubbed his stomach. He then let out a loud belch. He smiled at Jade and asked her a question. "So what clan are you apart of anyway?" He needed to find out what she was before he could speak truthfully to her. He didn't want to waste his time raiding her mind though.

Kaisa laughed. "Oh theres always a missed detail," she replied.

"Possibly, but I'm pretty sure I've been fairly inclusive and forthright." He replied

Kaisa eyed him up. "Then I will take my leave," she then said. "But be aware, you are being watched very closely."

"As you wish, and feel free to stop by when you aren't on buisness." He replied as he stood to bid Kaisa good-bye.

Kaisa nodded and left. Once outside she disappeared from view into the rain.

Once Kaisa left, Gabriel shut the window/door to the balcony and decided to retire for the day.

"I have finally found someone that can help me. My clan wants Prince Zanaar dead and the real prince taking over his job. Also might I ask what your name is?" Irving was relieved that they weren't enemies, but allies.

The blond vampires eyes narrowed. "There is no real prince," he replied. "We vampires need no princes. To think we though you were on our side, but you are no different to them."

"The real prince doesn't exist I know. "Real Prince" is a codename for getting rid of Prince Zanaar in my clan. Also how do I know that you don't work for Prince Zanaar? I don't even know your name." Irving stated.

Aeschia thought a moment. "Tark, why is it that no one 'enjoys discussing the topic of the prince'?" She looked at him. "I have heard that several times tonight. There must be something more to this, and he must have done something to offend someone if his life is in danger, as I have heard here and there."

Tark, as all the others she spoke with about the prince, did not want to discuss it. "Tark, are you afraid of him?" she asked. "I don't understand this at all." Aeschia sighed while looking up again. "I am Camarilla, as is Zanaar. That does not mean I pledge allegiance to the prince. I do not know him. I am, by the way, definitely not interested in you telling your network to spread the word that I am here. Please do not do that! I have a feeling that one of his lackeys will find me, actually." She chuckled. "I would imagine his network to be quite efficient."

They continued walking, nearing Da' Matin. Aeschia was slightly let down in a way. I told him I was attracted to him, and he did not respond in kind. she sighed. I spilled my guts to him, and he did not even give any acknowledgement… just said nothing. I feel humiliated, and... well I guess it is a one-way thing, she lamented to herself. Too bad... I have not felt this way about a man so quickly before... well only one other... Aeschia hoped this would not put a damper on their night. She was disappointed, as she had thought it was a mutual attraction.

They walked in silence for a little while. "By the way, I have a servant who flies my art collection where I am living, as I have been traveling rather randomly, and like a lot of my collection with me. Yes, it's a pain... for him," Aeschia threw her head back and laughed, "but it comforts me. What are you looking for in particular?" She asked him.

"Tark, you didn't tell me much about yourself either. I think I should be privy to at least as much information about you as you have about me, don't you agree?" Aeschia smiled at him.

As they reached the door to Da' Matin, Aeschia noticed something. "Tark, we're being watched from inside. Be on guard."

"Our names are not important," the blond vampire replied.

"What do you want with me?" Irving looked at the vampires. He put his hand in his coat.

The two nonspeaking vampires reached inside their trenchcoats but never took out anything. Instead they just kept their arms there as if waiting for a signal.

The blond vampire looked at him. "Because you are foolish," he said. "You have no idea what you are doing and that will get you killed."

"Probably because nobody knows much about the Prince to begin with and a conversation without anything to converse about is quite hard," Tark replied. "On top of that, people who get nosy about the Prince are often... 'contacted' by his men. If a lot of people have been talking to you about him tonight or if you have been trying to talk to a lot of people, I wouldn't be surprised if you too were... 'contacted'."

"Most likely the most extensive network in the city, though whether it is the most effective is up for debate - bureaucracy can do a lot to a system that relies on precision," Tark suggested as they continued to walk in the night's cool air. He hoped that she wouldn't press the matter further as he didn't feel like dealing with the Prince's men that night; however, he felt that if she asked him something, anything at all, he would tell her.

Tark noticed that there was something wrong as they walked in silence; something that was bugging Aeschia, but as she was apparently making an effort to conceal it, he did not want to say the wrong thing and so he decided to avoid the subject all together.

"Oh whatever catches my eye," Tark said as he listened to her explain how she made her servant transport her art collection with her wherever she went. "I am sure you have a lot of those..." he smiled as she had previously explained the extent of her art collection. "At the moment I am probably looking for some sculptures that would fit my garden or somewhere indoors well. Michelangelo would be the best..." he smiled again at the artist's name. "My favorite artist..." he added calmly.

"Well there is something you know now... my favorite artist," he stated as she pressed him for information about himself. "There isn't much you don't know about me," he said as she had read his mind before and also he had told her about himself. "Certainly no more than you told me about yourself." He saw the look on her face when she realized he wasn't going to read off his life story; he instantly knew that he couldn't refuse. "Tell you what... you ask any and all questions you like... and I will do my best to answer them." He knew he would - he felt as if he had no choice anymore.

Finally Da'Matin he said... maybe have a drink and here some pleasant music as we talk, Tark thought as they arrived at the entrance. "What else is new... we were being watched the whole way here," Tark stated as he opened the door and held it politely for Aeschia.

"Well Tark, I suppose I will be 'contacted' by perhaps more than one of Zanaar's people." Aeschia looked at Tark prior to walking in. "This place is crawling with his people. As it turns out, I have spoken about the prince to nearly everyone tonight,” Aeschia chuckled, "and the only reason is because I am accustomed to being acquainted with the royalty in any place I am staying." She shook her head. "I suppose this is going to be a mess in here... well, shall we?"

As they opened the door, Aeschia's face sunk. A small group of Tremere, approximately eight men, was standing around the area of the front door. They were dressed well, but differently... some in designer suits, others in clothing similar to Tark's attire, and one younger Tremere in leather jeans and a poet's blouse.

One of them immediately spotted Aeschia, and all of them paid their respects with the usual, "Lady Aeschia" or "My Lady", and bowing. As usual, Aeschia nodded at them in acknowledgement. The men also nodded at Tark.

Aeschia sighed. "Well, if that doesn't make me look suspicious, I don't know what will." She grinned at Tark. "Yes, there are quite a few of Zanaar's people in here. I'm assuming a confrontation is imminent." Aeschia had blocked off her thoughts from any telepaths that might be trying to read her mind.

"I was really hoping for some relaxation, a drink, and good conversation, unmarred by this sort of thing." She gave him an apologetic look.

"I do have something that I think will cheer you up. It's a surprise actually, and you will have to wait until you view my antiques to see it." Aeschia gave Tark a mischievous grin. "Where do you suggest we sit?" She asked him.

"I'll finish interrogating you after we are seated," she said, with a sly smile.

Rube and Jonas were still inside Da'Matin. Rube looked up as they entered, a drink was in his hand and set it down upon the table. Jonas too looked up.

"I was right in thinking she would come back here," Rube quietly said.

Jonas just nodded.

With everything that was going on around Aeschia and Tark, she did not fail to notice that Rube and Jonas were still there, and still watching her.

I must have made everyone in town think I'm some assassin. All I want is to meet the prince. I always know the royalty, and I only want to meet him. Perhaps that will happen, as his thugs are now suspicious of me.

Her mind then wandered to Gabriel and Irving. The same thing must be happening to them. Aeschia felt badly, as she was the one who brought up the subject to all of them, including Tark.

"Tark, there is more going on here than you know, and I am very sorry for mentioning the prince, as you are now likely suspect." She looked at him apologetically.

"All I want is to sit, have a drink, and interro... I mean chat." She gave him a devilish grin.

"It will only mar out time if you let it," Tark said acknowledging the men and then indicating an empty two person table near the edge of the room where they could sit.

"You have no need to apologize," Tark said as they sat down by themselves. "Curiosity isn't a fault or a sin, just in an inherent instinct within us all." In the background a light concierto hummed as a backdrop for the numerous conversations going on. "Now... you said something about an interro-" he began to joke, before the waitress came over. She, of course, was waiting patiently so that she didn't interrupt them, but Tark wouldn't make her wait.

He turned to her and smiled to which she responded, "Can I get you anything to drink," she asked politely of the two.

"I'll take a bottle of wine... you can choose the vintage and type Marlene," he said with a cunning smile. "And the lady will have...?" he began, allowing Aeschia to finish the sentence with what she wanted.


((OOC: Sorry it is a bit short…))

"How about... the best year of Earth Perrier you have," Aeschia told the server.

She nodded and left to get their bottle.

"Tark, this is an expensive bottle, so I will pay. It wouldn't be right to order something like this and expect you to pay." She smiled at him. He is so magnetic... but then again, it is a one-way thing... she lamented.

"So, have you been married, or had a significant other or several in the past? I know it is a personal question. If you don't want to answer, it's OK." She grinned at Tark. "You know, I kind of get a chuckle when I think about you and Boaz being close friends, as he is so very different from you." She gave him a sly grin. "That boy is definitely a playa'! He also seems to lack the culture and grace that are a part of you."

Aeschia looked into his beautiful eyes. They almost made her melt. She again appeared seductive unknowingly. "First of all, do you have any time in mind to see my collection? Actually, if you want, you may come over tonight to see it." She continued with a look of awe on her face; "My roof... you must see my roof on a night such as this, with the stars and moon shining so brightly." Aeschia almost appeared hypnotized. "My roof, which is above my top floor, is above most of the other buildings. There is a brick wall around it, with an iron gate on top so you can see the city if you like. There is a beautiful marble waterfall on one side, and the floor is a pattern of marble trails as well. In the center is a granite fountain... rather large. It is gorgeous. There are plants all over. It is like being in a special retreat... like a garden. The flowers bloom at night and vines grow on the iron bars. There are antique stone statues situated in various places, among other antiques, such as birdbaths, and benches. In addition, there are lounge chairs and tables… antique stone from Rome, to sit and have a drink, take in the beauty of the garden, antiques, and the sky. A wonderful place to have a drink, relax and talk. It is truly magical."

At this point, Aeschia was looking in the distance, slightly entranced at the vision. "Tark, I personally invite you over tonight to take in the beauty of the roof, as well as see some of my antiques. I don't think there could be a more beautiful night to be on the rooftop."

Aeschia looked at him with a smile that almost spoke, Please come... you will love it. I know you will. You cannot miss this. "Would you like to see it tonight? I formally invite you over to see my antiques and to enjoy the roof. We could go after this bottle of champagne if you like."

With a hopeful smile on her face, she continued; "I have many spare guest rooms, so staying over for the day will not be an issue. You are very welcome to stay for the rest of the night and the day."

Of course, she hoped he would share her bed, but she did not think that would happen. She also hoped they would share blood, but then, it seemed he was not attracted to her in that way judging from his lack of response earlier.

The server came back with their bottle.

"Thank you very much." Aeschia acknowledged her and tipped her very well.

Aeschia then looked at Tark and smiled, waiting for him to answer her questions and decide if he would indeed go home with her. She knew he would love the roof and wanted to share that with him very much.

"You certainly like your drinks from Earth," Tark chuckled as she ordered her Earth Perrier. He thought it was quite funny to order an 'Earth Perrier' as all it really was, was carbonated water, and you could certainly get that here or anywhere for that matter. "But I guess everyone is partial to what they know."

"No, no. It wouldn't be right for me to let you pay," Tark replied as she suggested that she pay for the drink. "After all, you are a guest in this city and it certainly wouldn't be a drain on my assets." She must've known that I wouldn't let her pay, Tark thought; it was part of his chivalrous and 'old-fashioned' nature.

"I don't mind answering - I said I would answer any and all of your questions as best as I could... and I don't go back on my word," he said with a smile and a serious manner at the same time; not that he could resist her suggestions anyway. "Married... no. Never really found the time for it - maybe it is hard to imagine but I wasn't always so relaxed and calm, and I just couldn't picture myself settling down like that - but who knows what the future holds. As for significant others... sure. I have had my fair share; some serious, some not - not that I found particularly special or that I could connect with beyond primal instincts."

"Oh, Boaz and me? We go way back," Tark stated as she brought up the matter of his good friend. "I am of course significantly older than he, but when we was just starting out I tried to help him along; you know, give him some pointers here and there," he paused to take a sip before continuing on with his short story. "Over the years a bond grew despite our obvious differences. But you know they might be right when they say opposites attract... or they might just be incredibly wrong. However, you are right when you say he isn't that cultured, though I am sure he has picked up a few things that I have told him, and that is why I can't deal with him for really extend periods of time - always going after ladies and such. But unto each his own... right?"

That look... thought Tark as Aeschia began asking him if he wanted to see her collection. His mind began surrendering again to her suggestions and he again went into the very same pseudo-trance. "That sounds wonderful," Tark said as she described the rooftop, though he did get a slight chuckle out of the fact she had said 'My roof, which is above my top floor.'

"I will definitely consider the invitation," Tark stated as she invited him over to see her antique collection. She smiled at him, beckoningly. "Yes, tonight..." he said, "I will examine your antiques and enjoy the view from your rooftop," he said, almost echoing her statement. "We can take the champagne with us..." he added, "I wasn't in any particular mood for a drink anyway."

Though he did not respond to her statement about her spare rooms and staying the night, the suggestion was certainly placed in his mind. His pseudo-trance was dissipated as the server returned with their drinks. Before he could do anything, however, Aeschia had paid and tipped the server much to Tark's chagrin.

However, he didn't say anything - what good would it do? "Shall we?" he said picking up the champagne in his left hand, leaving his right hand free for his cane.

Aeschia threw her head back and laughed heartily, as by his reaction, Tark though she ordered water.

"No no no, my dear Tark," she looked at him, eyes sparkling. "Perrier is also the name of a very expensive champagne." She grinned at his faux pax. "It is no big deal, as almost no one is aware that Perrier is also a champagne."

Aeschia continued to look in his eyes... it was just her usual demeanor with people, however her eyes were very expressive. "That is why I will pay for the champagne, Tark. It is horridly expensive. I am aware you have the means to pay for it, but it would seem like taking advantage of you for me to order such a bottle and expect you to pay," she remarked.

"By the way, the reason I invited you over for the day as well, is because I have a feeling you are going to enjoy the rooftop to the point that you will end up staying until sunrise." Aeschia truly believed this. She could hardly tear herself away at dawn.

Aeschia smiled at him. "It is up to you whether or not you want to stay. I have a feeling you'll make up your mind once you're on the roof." She gave him a sly grin.

She was used to men jumping at the chance to sleep with her, but Tark was different. His attitude was refreshing, however, she was feeling so simply lustful, and she knew she felt more for Tark than that... but then again, it seemed one way. He always seemed to skirt the subject when it came to anything that might possibly be sexual.

After the server brought their bottle, they took it with them out the door, with a second nod of acknowledgement from the Tremere.

She did a quick scan of Drake's mind. He was gone... clan business. Good.

"I almost forgot!" Aeschia gave Tark a sly grin. "The surprise!"

They began to walk toward her condominium.

Wooshaba']Boaz through the human female's lifeless body down. He usually didn't drink human blood ,but he didn't think that Jade was into to the feed on kindred thing. Boaz wiped the side of his mouth and rubbed his stomach. He then let out a loud belch. He smiled at Jade and asked her a question. "So what clan are you apart of anyway?" He needed to find out what she was before he could speak truthfully to her. He didn't want to waste his time raiding her mind though.

Jade sucked the man dry. What a glourious repast she thought. Jade backed away from the men as he slid down the wall, his lifeless legs no longer able to support his body. Jade used her index finger to wipe away the blood that had begun to dribble down her mouth, then with a thoughtful look she sucked the remaining blood of her finger. She was beginning to think about how to dispose of the crime scene when Boaz gave a load belch. Jade looked him over and thought, he probably hasn't taken fed from a human in a while, if he didn't appreciate the blood he had just taken, or maybe it was a compliment. Then Boaz asked her, "So what clan are you apart of anyway?" She smiled as she began to walk over to the bathroom, and replied lazily over her shoulder, "I am an Assamite." She began to look through the bathroom until she found what she wanted, an electric curling iron.

"Assamite, are you? That is good to know. I am a Giovanni." He watched as she walked into the bathroom and came back out with an electric curling iron. He looked her and said "What are you going to do with that?"

Wooshaba']"Assamite, are you? That is good to know. I am a Giovanni." He watched as she walked into the bathroom and came back out with an electric curling iron. He looked her and said "What are you going to do with that?"

Jade plugged in the the electric iron into an outlet close to the bathroom, then said to Boaz, "I am going to dispose of this little mess we have here..." She straightened and looked Boaz straight in the face when she continued, "Unless you want the bumbling authorities or annoying hunters after us?"

Boaz nodded and then said "We have to make it quick. For some reason the trackers always know when kindred have killed humans. Its like they have some sixth sense."

Wooshaba']Boaz nodded and then said "We have to make it quick. For some reason the trackers always know when kindred have killed humans. Its like they have some sixth sense."

She turned the electric curling iron on the highest setting then tossed it the woodem table. She turned to Boaz as she took out another one of her black cigars. She said, "Yes, I met with this one group of hunter's back on earth who could do things that no human could." She walked out of the room as she took out her lighter.

"The faster this place is burning the better," said Boaz. He then went to the cabin's kitchen to find something flammable. He came a bottle of window cleaner. He grabbed a burning candle off of the counter and dropped it into the bottle. He then took the makeshift fire bomb and threw it on the the floor by a lamp and a some wood. The wood quickly caught fire. "We gotta get out of here." He grabbed Jade's hand and led her out of the building. He then released her hand and began walking towards his car. "Follow me."

On his way to his car, Boaz decided to contact Tark telepathically. He closed his eyes and searched for mental signature. When he found him he said to him, Tark, where are you?

Tark decided to ignore her comment about the drink as she had already paid for it and there wasn't much he could do - perhaps he would leave a generous tip next time he came; if he ever came again.

"If you feel that is the truth then I do not doubt it," Tark replied. "It must be as beautiful and awe inspiring as you say. "I have a feeling that I will make my decision before we reach the rooftop," he joked in response as he notice her sly grin.

They had left the restaurant and were beginning their stroll back towards her condominium when Aeschia blurted out, "I almost forgot! The surprise!"

It, of course, had not slipped Tark's mind and he was wondering what it could be or of what nature it could be; object, art, beast, etc - the possibilities were countless. "You can't do that...!" he joked. "You can't blurt out with such enthusiasm and allure that you remembered the surprise and not tell me what it is."


Tark, where are you?

Strolling... was all he replied to Boaz as he was enjoying Aeschia's company and didn't particularly want to be distracted or interrupted.

Aeschia assured Tark that she was not exaggerating about the rooftop garden. "It's just amazing," she said, her eyes wandering off into the distance.

"As for the surprise, I just want you to remind me of it when we get to my place." Aeschia grinned teasingly. She had other pieces of art and sculpture by Michelangelo and she knew Tark would love them. The pieces in which she had no particular attachment, she would give to Tark if he asked.

Aeschia was excited for Tark to see these artworks, as well as the enchanting rooftop garden.

She looked over at him when she was sure he was not looking. Nothing likely as enchanting as Tark. Aeschia smiled.

She was enjoying their leisurely stroll and was entirely relaxed... and she had the best company she could imagine...

Tark's reply was short. He must be busy. Probably talking to that lady from the bar. I'll contact him later. Boaz looked at Jade and said ,"What do you want to do now?"

Wooshaba']Tark's reply was short. He must be busy. Probably talking to that lady from the bar. I'll contact him later. Boaz looked at Jade and said ,"What do you want to do now?"

As Jade walked with Boaz to the car she lit up her cigar. She had just begun to puff on it when Boaz asked her, "What do you want to do now?"

Jade looked at her watch and said, "Well, I say we head back into the city, its past the witching hour and I don't know when the sun rises here."

Aeschia and Tark eventually arrived at her condominium. She had floors 17 through 19. The building was quite luxurious even from the outside... lush gardens, which were under lit, and a large stone fountain lit from inside.

"Well Tark, here it is." She smiled at him.

The door attendant opened the doors for them, and they entered a large lobby. Aeschia had her own personal elevator, which led only to her three floors.

"I suppose we ought to go straight up to the 19th floor, that way we can go straight to the roof," she said to Tark.

Aeschia opened the elevator doors telekinetically. She had long since disabled the simple locking mechanism, to keep her home safer from intruders. Within seconds, they were on the nineteenth floor.

The elevator doors opened into a large room with marble pillars, oriental rugs lying on the two stairways, which met and overlooked the room. This floor was two stories, but was considered one. Where the stairs met, balconies led off in either direction toward entire wings on that floor. The floor they were standing on led in opposite directions as well as back. Antiques, sculpture, paintings, tapestries and the like were all around them.

"I have each area decorated somewhat differently," she informed Tark, "in order to make sure there are no clashing eras, so to speak. Therefore there is a different area for different time periods... not to say there isn't some mixture here and there." She smiled at him.

"Follow me up to my roof paradise." Aeschia grinned.

Aeschia walked up one of the stairways and down a hall leading straight back to another stairway, which led to the roof. They climbed this stairway, and Aeschia telekinetically opened the roof door, revealing a paradise beyond what she could have verbally described. Of course, everything Aeschia had described about the rooftop garden was true, only much more magnificent in reality.

"Tark, would you like a drink?" Aeschia asked, looking at him for a reaction to what he saw. "If you don't mind exploring a bit on your own for a minute, I will bring up some chilled champagne." She smiled at him, eyes sparkling.

With that, Aeschia descended the stairs and was gone.

The two nonspeaking vampires reached inside their trenchcoats but never took out anything. Instead they just kept their arms there as if waiting for a signal.

The blond vampire looked at him. "Because you are foolish," he said. "You have no idea what you are doing and that will get you killed."

"I want to kill the Prince Zanaar. I'm your tool and your the master. I will serve you until we kill Prince Zanaar." Irving replied and watched as the two vampires reached inside their trenchcoats.

The blond vampire chuckled. "You really are dim," he said. Behind him the two other vampires grinned. "You won't be killing Zanaar, you are one and he is quite powerful, if he wasn't we'd have given him final death along time ago."

Irving had a enough of this. He tipped his bowler hat to the vampires and made his way down the alley.

"Hmph," the blond vampire smirked as Irving walked away from them. "He won't last."

Hearing what they said he turned around. "Who ever said I wanted to live threw this? I would rather die doing an act of honor then to live forever. Also do you want to get rid of Prince Zanaar? Who do you work for?"

The blond vampire laughed. "Suicide," he smirked. "You are useless with such an attitude. Sure to die in battle is the best way to go, aiming for death that way clouds your mind."

One of the two behind him stepped forward. "We do not tell."

"I do not aim for death, but peace with in my mind. I must ask you. Why did you want to talk to me? It seems that you think that I'm useless." Irving replied.

The blond vampire narrowed his eyes. "We did not know what you were like," he said. "But we were interested in why one such as you would speak of killing Zanaar in one of his own buisnesses."

The other vampires nodded.

"That you are still alive is a fluke, it would do you best to leave the city."

Irving grew tense. He faced the vampires, but mostly the leader. "I have been sent to kill Prince Zanaar by my clan. I have been doing missions for them and for my own personal reasons. Each time I complete a mission I start to have internal peace. I know that Prince Zanaar has spies around the city. You three are some of those spies. He knows that I'm here and Zanaar wants me to leave. Either dead or alive."

Irving took off his trenchcoat and bowler hat. He then removed his sabre from it's sabbard. His hand gripped the hilt of the sabre.

As Jade walked with Boaz to the car she lit up her cigar. She had just begun to puff on it when Boaz asked her, "What do you want to do now?"

Jade looked at her watch and said, "Well, I say we head back into the city, its past the witching hour and I don't know when the sun rises here."

Boaz looked up into the sky. "We have a couple hours." He flashed one of his seductive smiles and said ,"We can go somewhere and have some fun?" They had arrived at his car. He opened the door for Jade and then made his way around to the driver's side.

"Your funeral," the blond vampire said. "To think of fighting us is foolish."

Non of the three vampires moved, instead they just stood there.

As Aeschia left to get beverages, Tark wandered around the rooftop garden. Indeed this is a paradise. I would not have believed it without seeing it with my own eyes. Tark was mesmerized by the beauty of it all. It was like an enchanted garden.

He slowly walked the paths tapping his cane as he stepped. What marvelous antiques, he thought as he passed many from the height of the Roman Empire. The sound of the waterfalls and fountains was amazingly soothing, and the view of the sky was stunning.

Tark was worldly and had seen much. However, this was one of the most beautiful sights he had laid eyes on. Kind of like Aeschia, he caught himself thinking.

As he was taking in everything around him, he heard Aeschia's voice calling out to him, telling him that she had the beverages.

He returned to the where he heard her voice emanating. It was a small relaxing area with an antique mahogany porch-type swing. In front of it was a small table, where she had set the champagne and the flutes. The area was overflowing with foliage and night blooms.

"Please sit." Aeschia invited him to sit with her on the swing while she poured flutes of champagne.

"Aeschia... it truly is glorious," Tark said, almost entranced by the beauty surrounding him.

It was not too far from dawn, and he had made up his mind to stay the day.

Tark gave her a sly smile as they sat next to each other on the swing. "I believe I will be staying, Aeschia."

"I'm glad you have come to that decision. I have so much more to show you in the house... more antiques of course." Aeschia smiled at him seductively.

Tark was beginning to feel more at ease, and also felt he could hardly resist her charms.

"Just answer one of my questions blond boy. Do you work for Prince Zanaar?" Irving held his sabre in his hand. Then he pointed toward the vampires.

"To ask that is to insult the Sabbat," the blond vampire replied.

"Who do you work for you bastards?" Irving held his sabre then pointed the tip toward the ground.

The blond vampire narrowed his eyes. "The Sabbat," he said. "I already told you that."

"Then tell me why you are against Prince Zanaar?" Irving replied.

The thought of walking up a wall to reach the floor, was nearly too much for Nico to handle. His mind was reeling, trying to accept what seemed impossible. He felt much like a fly banging against the glass of a window, trying uselessly to escape. The unfamiliar sensation of vertigo lapped at him, forcing him to grab a nearby object for support. This unfortunately turned out to be a chandelier which extended up into the air above him. Shutting his eyes against the irksome and growing feeling of light-headedness, he used his anger and frustration at this vulnerability to focus his attention. Staring only at the ground before him, he followed the Malkavian to the floor.

As he reached the floor proper, Nicolai could feel his senses returning. His attention flickered only about the room around him, as if afraid looking up might set off that terrible sensation once again. Listlessly, he wondered what he was even doing here. Composing himself, he fixed a hard and expectant gaze on his host.

"See, not so bad is it?" Jacen said with a slight smirk.

Walking forward, he headed through a door and into a large room. At the far end a band was playing some kind of eiree music, inbetween the band and the two vampires were dozens of others all neatly dressed and seemingly normal. There was a bar where a large white-haired woman was serving drinks. No one seemed to take any notice of their entrence.

"Not so bad," he repeated.

He was annoyed by the way his confidence sounded shaken, but shrugged it off. Thankfully the new room gave a different focus for his attention. The music had a sharpening effect on his senses, though whether this was for better or for worse remained to be seen. His gaze flickered over each individual in the room, lingering and drinking in the details of them. He felt watched despite their inattention.

"So these are your elite, eh?"

"Some yes," Jacen replied. "Zanaar isn't here, nor is his seer from what I can see."

A female in a black dress, with black hair and blue eyes walked up to them. Her eyes stared intently at Nico. "So Jacen, who's your friend?" she asked, never taking her eyes off him.

Not wanting to talk anymore Irving charged the other vampires. His main target was the blond vampire. The sabre he was carrying was pointed toward his target.

"Die you bastards!!!"

The blond vampire held his hand up and Irving was stopped dead in his tracks. He would be unable to move as a sneer crossed the vampires face.

"I warned you, try anthing and you would be dead before you even knew it," he growled.

"Some yes," Jacen replied. "Zanaar isn't here, nor is his seer from what I can see."

A female in a black dress, with black hair and blue eyes walked up to them. Her eyes stared intently at Nico. "So Jacen, who's your friend?" she asked, never taking her eyes off him.
Nico took in the information quietly and with only mild surprize. As the woman approached, he lowered his own steel gaze to her, quickly examining and assessing her, as was his habit.

"Nicolai," he responded in a soft but firm tone, answering for his host.

The woman had something on her mind, that was plainly evident. But what? And for whom? For someone half-heartedly seeking information about the current political turmoil in this city, he had quite unexpectedly found himself in perhaps the best place to obtain it. And every individual was a new opportunity. A new challenge. Each had to be played in their own way. Anyway, she was a change from the Malkavian thus far, and that in itself was no small relief.

"And you might be?" With an air of old aristocratic grace, he held out his hand for hers. A gesture of civility, though from where he had picked it up was uncertain.

The woman gave a wry smile, "You may call me Edith Artois," she announced, presenting her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you Nicolai, I hope we Malkavians do not frighten you." She aimed her smirk at Jacen. "We have a knack for that amongst those not of our clan."

She turned her gaze back to Nico, he blue eyes studying him intently. It was as if she were trying to work out if he was friend or foe.

He smiled disarmingly and grasped her hand with his long fingers.

"Ah, Edith. A pleasure."

Bowing slightly, he raised her knuckles to his lips. He paused a moment before releasing her, using the oppotunity to express a slight dismay at the revelation of her line. Composing himself, he straighted and clasped his hands before himself.

"Frighten.. I'm not sure this is the proper word. So far your kind leaves me feeling a bit.. disoriented." He glanced quickly over his shoulder at the upsidown room, laughing quietly to himself.

"It can be a bit much to wrap my head around."

While they spoke, his gaze flickered to the corners of the room, targeting any unusual movement and quietly taking note. The bar by its very nature was an irritating source for motion. People laughing, or raising their voice sharply above the quiet tone of the room, or gesturing in some fashion. Between disturbances however, he focused on the female again, politely acknowledging her. His face never belied anything but a calm smile despite his active gaze. It was all second nature.

Irving looked at the blond vampire. "At least I know I would die with peace within my soul. If I were to die today I would be fine." Then he broke free from the bond that was holding him. He charged closer to the blond vampire.

Edith raised an eyebrow, "You'll be surprised at how madness can spread fear into some vampires," she said. She smiled as he kissed her hand. "Ever polite."

"Is Helga around?" Jacen asked.

Edith shook her head, "No I have not seen her," she admitted.

Her eyes turned to Nico. She had noticed him looking around.

"It is your first time here I presume, not sure what to expect?"

"Just a habit. Forgive me."

He shifted his weight slightly, snapping his attention away from anothing vampire watching him with a guarded expression from across the room.

"More or less. I'm not quite from around here."

Edith smiled. "No worries," she mentioned. "An outside, how interesting." She rubbed her chin as she looked over him. "From where abouts may I inquire?"

Two more female vampires had come up to see who Edith was talking to. One had long brown hair and was dressed in a long dull green trenchcoat, the other was white haired and wore a white dress.

He observed the newcomers quietly, taking careful note of how they chose to position themselves. Feeling a bit surrounded, he took half a step back, turning slightly to keep his shoulders square to the small group. Normally he would avoid divulging information about himself, but somehow it didn't seem to matter much. Not now, in any case.

"I hail from a country called Gaeltach. Beautiful place, but wrapped up in the tumoil of its own history."

The slight accent would have placed him more specifically as being from the highlands, but he had little memory of that life, and he did not expect his company to know the country in anything more than perhaps name.

"Can't say it rings a bell," Edith shrugged. "An interesting nation I'd expect, am I correct?"

The two vampires that had joined them looked over at Nico and smiled at him. Meanwhile the band took a break from playing and a few of the members had wandered off to the bar, the others were sat beside their instruments talking and smoking.

"I like foriegners," the white haired vampire mentioned. "They taste... different."

Nico glanced sharply at the female with white hair, arching a brow slightly. His eyes hardened just a bit while his smirk faded.

"I should think so. Although I would mention that your mortals.. at least the ones I tend to target, taste remarkably the same. Must be the artificial ingredients."

He smiled slightly then, remembering the girl from the rave.

"Yeah, a reminder to the rule of Azazel," the white haired vampire then said, her face looking frustrated. "Society went downhill and the vampire population exploded, now all the good blood gets snapped up quickly."

She smiled and did a twirl.

"But now we have King Kurt II," Edith said. "Unfortunately he is close to the Cyredathem family."

"Now there's a name I am unfamiliar with. Care to enlighten an ignorant foreigner?"

He unclasped his hands and folded his arms across his chest. His gaze sharpened with interest and curiosity.

"Azazel, grandfather of the current king," Edith began to explain. "Kill his son, King Kurt I to take the throne before killing all but one of the royal family."

She then sent the two other vampires to get drinks from the bar.

"Of course like in the stories good overcomes evil."

Feeling that killing the vampire would be stupid Irving turned around and put his sabre in it's sabbard. Then he grabbed his bowler hat and trenchcoat and strolled off. Those vampires were weak. He could feel it. "Cowards" he muttered as he walked off.

Wooshaba']Boaz looked up into the sky. "We have a couple hours." He flashed one of his seductive smiles and said ,"We can go somewhere and have some fun?" They had arrived at his car. He opened the door for Jade and then made his way around to the driver's side.

Jade was riding shotgun with Boaz. They were talking, playing each other, to see who could woo the other. It was fun to have someone to be coy with. As they were riding down the highway, Jade looked into the side mirror. Her playful mood stopped right away. She quickly scanned around the car and her suspicions were confirmed. She loosened one of her pistols from its shoulder holster. By her count she could see four suvs and one flatbed all slowly closing in on them. She said to Boaz, "Vacation's over, time to get our hands dirty."

Jade was riding shotgun with Boaz. They were talking, playing each other, to see who could woo the other. It was fun to have someone to be coy with. As they were riding down the highway, Jade looked into the side mirror. Her playful mood stopped right away. She quickly scanned around the car and her suspicions were confirmed. She loosened one of her pistols from its shoulder holster. By her count she could see four suvs and one flatbed all slowly closing in on them. She said to Boaz, "Vacation's over, time to get our hands dirty."

Boaz looked into his rearview mirror. "Aw we were having so much fun. This will probably be even better." Boaz put his hand on the back of the steering wheel where a red button was located. "Put on your seatbelt." He hit the button and the car went from 60 mph to 120 mph. He swerved in and out of traffic. He looked over at Jade and said "I do this a lot." He floored the gas pedal.

"Or did you mean the Cyredathem family," Edith wondered. "They are a family of vampire hunters."

The two other vampires returned, carrying tankards with them.

"Blood mead, you will like it," the white haired vampire told Nico.

"Both, to one extent or another."

He took a jar gratefully and sampled the taste. Her voice had reminded him that his response before had been all in his head. The last thing he wanted to was to annoy a bunch of Malkavians with a social faux pas.

The mead was surprizingly good. He hadn't expected blood mixed with a honey wine to taste all that appetizing, but the sweetness of it reminded him of days long gone..

"This drink is excellent, by the way. My compliments."

Jacen nodded and took a large gulp.

"You have not un-lived until you have tried blood mead," Edith grinned. "You are a stranger to the city, yes?"

Jacen listened absent-mindedly to the the conversation. He hadn't actually drunk any blood at all previously that night and was glad to finally get some. Across the hall, the band appeared to be preparing to play again.

"Yes. There seems to be turmoil afoot. Is someone preparing to stir things up, or is this just the usual big-city chaos?"

He savored the mead, careful to keep his expression one of casual interest. But he was growing weary of pussyfooting around the subject with smalltalk and generalities.

Edith's saze turned cold. "Yes there is," she began to say, her eyes turning to Jacen. "Aside from the usual trouble making from the Sabbat, there are whispers of an attempt being made on Zanaars power."

Eiree music began to flow through the air as the band went back to playing. The white haired vampire took one last look at Nico before heading off toward the band.

"The fact that Jacen came here with you suggests Zanaar suspects you, I sincerly hope you have nothing to do with it."

He watched her walk off, half a grin slightly etched into his countenance. After a moment, his gaze dropped to the glassy surface of the mead, which he swirled thoughtfully in the jar before indulging in another healthy swallow.

"A suspect then, eh?"

The statement wasn't really addressed to anyone in particular, but he cast a hard sidelong glance to Jacen, gauging his expression.

Aeschia smiled and poured a flute of Champagne for Tark, handed it to him, and one for herself.

"It really is paradise up here, wouldn't you agree?" She asked Tark. And no one better to share it with than you, she thought.

"I must say I have truly enjoyed your company, Tark. I have a feeling you are going to really be stunned by some of the antiques I have inside." She grinned, hardly able to contain her excitement that she had pieces from his favorite artist.

Aeschia instinctively kissed him on the cheek, surprising even herself. "Uhhh... I hope that was not too forward of me." She said, feeling a little concerned. She hoped she had not upset him. Tark definitely seemed to be giving off 'platonic' vibes all night, which disappointed her greatly. He was a special man.

There was also another issue. Aeschia had not fed for a while, and did need to feed soon. She was beginning to feel weak. She nearly always fed from other kindred, however, she wasn't sure what Tark's reaction would be to the eventual request.

Aeschia was quite willing to let him feed from her as well. She needed to broach the subject, but didn't want to offend him or make hime leave.

"Paradise or something like it," Tark agreed as he gazed out at the view and then back at the most stunning one of all: Aeschia.

"You have been saying that all night," Tark laughed, "and yet I still have not seen these antiques you speak of. You speak of them with such anticipation that it is becoming contagious; I am truly waiting on the edge of my seat to be enthralled by these pieces as much as you have evidently been."

And then she kissed him on the cheek. He was taken slightly by surprise but his composure was not broken and after a moment he stood and said, "No... not at all."


OOC: I'm back!

A good/easy way to ask him would to get him drunk or enchant him first.

He watched her walk off, half a grin slightly etched into his countenance. After a moment, his gaze dropped to the glassy surface of the mead, which he swirled thoughtfully in the jar before indulging in another healthy swallow.

"A suspect then, eh?"

The statement wasn't really addressed to anyone in particular, but he cast a hard sidelong glance to Jacen, gauging his expression.

Jacen placed his free hand in his pocket as he gulped down the blood mead. ""All strangers are," he then told Nico. "All Zanaar's enemies are being watched."

Edith shook her head. "And so far we are no closer to finding who is behind the threats."

ooc: I don't want Tark to get pissed because Aeschia used something on him to get him to agree...

Aeschia was concerned, as after she kissed Tark, he stood up right away, as if he wanted to get away from her.

"Well, I thought we could enjoy the rooftop until dawn, and then I can show you the antiques." She smiled and tried to hide her disappointment.

Aeschia sighed deeply. "Tark, I have a... huge favor to ask of you." She looked him in the eyes, obviously uncomfortable with the request to come.

She continued, "Later, I must feed. I do not need to feed often, but I let it go too long and am getting weak." Aeschia looked away. "I do not feed from humans, but only kindred." She played with the rim of her champagne glass.

"I think you see what I'm getting at here. I'm quite sorry. The days have gone by and I didn't pay enough attention to my own hunger and growing weakness."

Aeschia was growing more uncomfortable. "Tark, I might as well spit it out. May I feed from you in a while? Don't worry, I'll show you my antiques either way. You are welcome to feed from me as well."

Aeschia was reluctant to read Tark's mind, as she was afraid what she would find.

She looked up at him apologetically waiting for an answer.

Without lifting his head his gaze sharpened, flickering between his two new aquiaintances.

"Perhaps I might suggest a more active approach..?"

He finished off his drink, allowing the sentence to hang between the three of them.

Tark was a bit taken aback by her request. He was about to suggest that she could easily find a couple of kindred that would be more than willing, but then he noticed that the sun was beginning to rise over the mountains in the far east. The first glimmers of the sun's spectacular rays were bursting over the seams of the planet and drawing closer to the city's limits. "Fine..." he said almost reluctantly, "But now, I'm afraid, we must take our leave from this beautiful place and return to the safety of your home."

Dawn rides swiftly on Helios' chariot...

He held out his hand to help her up as a gentleman would and then opened the door so that they could return inside.

"Tark, I am sorry. I know you do not want to do this." Aeschia looked down dejectedly. "You have been as direct as you can be with me this evening."

"I am aware you came here specifically for the antiques." She continued, "It seems a bit obvious that you would rather not be spending your time with me." She sighed. "I did not mean for this to happen. I can make it until tonight and feed then." Aeschia stated weakly.

"I will call a servant to show you the suites you may choose from to sleep... she can also direct you to the antiques." She stated sadly.

Aeschia was disappointed. She especially wanted to be there to show him the Michelangelo pieces.

"Tark, I have not been reading your mind, however, even when I have spoken specifically regarding my attraction to you, you never answered." Aeschia felt idiotic. "It is obvious that my attraction is one way. I am truly sorry if you would rather not be here. After you see the antiques, you can let me know which you are interested in, although the servant will not be able to tell you what some of them are." Aeschia informed him.

"You can leave a note if letting me know which pieces interest you, and leave at dusk if you like. We better get off the roof." She said sadly and weakly, as she stepped down the stairs.

"I will page Darlene to show you around, Tark. It was wonderful meeting you, and I had a fabulous time. You are excellent company. I hope you enjoyed yourself as well."

Aeschia began to walk down the stairs to the intercom.

Edith raised an eyebrow as she sipped her blood mead. "And in what way?" she questioned him. "We cannot take action when we don't know who's behind it."

Jacen looked over at the brown-haired vampire and nodded. "The Sabbat wouldn't be trying to replace Zanaar with another prince, they want the Camarilla wiped out."

Tark closed the door behind him as he listened to Aeschia and watched her head for the intercom.

He descended the stairs behind her and sat down on the second to bottom step with his back resting against the railing. "Come here," he said as he patted the step next to him, "I want to tell you a story."

'Once upon a time in a small village there lived two young brothers: Adonis and Puck. Adonis, who was slightly younger than his brother, was a devilishly handsome young man with aspirations of greatness. Puck, the elder brother, was nothing special at first glance, but he too had aspirations of greatness.

One day, they were told by their father that if they ever wanted greatness they would have to travel to the big city and there they would find it. Each of the brothers set off on his own to the city where they hoped their dreams would at last come true. When Adonis reached the city he realized he needed somewhere to live and so he began asking around. He soon found a very nice place to stay as the woman who owned the apartment was swayed by his charms and good looks. Puck on the other hand had a harder time finding a place to stay and only found one after a long search and numerous promises he made to the landlord including to pay her back in triple.

Now that they both had places to stay, they began searching for greatness. Adonis woke up late and went to a talent scout after charming a young woman into buying him lunch. Puck woke up with the sun and immediately began looking for a job. Adonis was quickly hired as a model for a clothes company while his brother Puck couldn't find any work at all.

Everyday for the next two weeks Puck got up early and searched for a job without any luck. Finally after being interviewed ten times at the same company he was hired by the manager because he admired Puck's confidence and consistency. He worked hard everyday from eight in the morning until seven at night for little pay while his brother worked a few hours a day for a good amount.

However, Adonis grew arrogant, his attitude and demeanor become hubristic, and he demanded more money or would not work. He was soon fired by modeling company and his agent tore up their contract. His pathetic attempt at begging his way back into the company failed and being too ashamed to seek out another job he returned to his small town a failure. Puck, on the other hand, slowly worked his way up in the company until he was in middle management and earning a decent salary.

A couple of decades later he returned to his small town where his father was laying on his deathbed. "Have you achieved greatness?" the father asked to both Adonis and Puck as they stood over his bed. "I was close, but I have failed," Adonis admitted somberly. "I worked hard and I am happy with my life," Puck replied to which his father smiled...'

"Excuse me Tark, if I don't follow the analogy. I am weak. Would you please explain this to me?" Aeschia was truly baffled at this point.

"I would like a straightforward explanation, if you please." She asked.

"If you are inferring that I am demanding and feel entitled to certain things, you are wrong." Aeschia looked at Tark. "Tell me straight forward what it is you mean."

"Then round all of them up."

The solution seemed simple enough to him, and ambitious enough to provide a good challenge.

"Like the days of the old Holocaust. Round them all up and sort it out from there. Those who resist are your most obvious suspects."

"I am not inferring that you are demanding and feel entitled to certain things," Tark replied as he continued to sit leisurely on the stairs. "I know you are weak right now and that is why I agreed to your request, however, I will not tell you the meaning - that you will have to figure out on your own.


((OOC: If you want to know OOCly, I will tell you what the story is about. The story shows two different ways of trying to achieve something (what that something is, is irrelevant). One way is having it handed to you because of whatever reason - in both Adonis and Aeschia's case it would be their good looks and charm (and Aeschia's place in her clan due to her age). And that way often works in the short run; Adonis received food and shelter quickly due to it just as Aeschia know doubt has been able to get stuff or even has just gotten stuff (including people/kindred) because of her looks and charm. However, over the long run that doesn't always work and instead there is another way; the slow, steady, persistent, and confident way. Puck failed in the short run but due to his hard work, confidence, persistence and not expecting everything to fall into place, he was able to achieve happiness (his father smiled because Puck realized the true meaning of greatness in life is happiness).

Now, how it relates to Aeschia's situation with Tark. Tark is an old fashion guy, which is extremely evident in the story, his life and his personality. Aeschia is trying to move really fast with Tark despite only having met him a few hours earlier. Tark is 'rejecting' her efforts because he doesn't want to move that fast and is telling Aeschia that instead of being discouraged (like Adonis was after one failure), she should try a slower, more consistent and confident route to her goal: Tark.))

"You are correct in your analogy." Aeschia hung her head. "I am so used to being treated differently by men who are less than gentlemanly. I guess I forgot what it was like to be treated as a human being, and have expected men to drop at my feet. They all have." Aeschia continued.

"This is a breath of fresh air, if not a slap in the face, but it was necessary. I want you to know, I have worked for much of what I have a good share of my life, and not relied on appearance and such. Much of what I have has required nothing but wisdom and knowledge.

"Tark, I have studied just about everything in my lifetime. I am not just an empty shell. The reason I find you attractive is your intelligence, wit, knowledge of the arts, and such things. I am sorry if I upset you. I did not intend to do that." Aeschia was ashamed.

"I will page Darlene now, and she can show you the various rooms and antiques. If you have any questions, or are still here when I awake, I will answer them. Otherwise, write them down for me." She told him.

"I am truly weak, and cannot escort you around, unfortunately." Aeschia continued. "This does disappoint me, as you will see the surprise I told you without me there to see your reaction." She smiled weakly. "So it goes, I guess. I will summon a Tremere this coming night so I may feed.

"Again, I apologize. I am not used to being with men like you." Aeschia smiled.

"I hope this doesn't mean we cannot associate with each other any longer. I do truly enjoy your company very much." Aeschia smiled at him.

She got up and went to the intercom and called Darlene, giving her instructions on what she was to do. "Right away ma'am."

"Tark, Darlene is on her way. I hope you enjoy the art pieces. I only wish I could be with you for the surprise I was talking about. I was quite excited to see you view and react." Aeschia sighed and looked up at Tark. She was quite weak at this point. She smiled at him wanly. "Darlene will be here momentarily. Thank you for a lovely evening."

Aeschia turned around and slowly began walking to her quarters, feeling dizzy as she did so.

"Then round all of them up."

The solution seemed simple enough to him, and ambitious enough to provide a good challenge.

"Like the days of the old Holocaust. Round them all up and sort it out from there. Those who resist are your most obvious suspects."


Edith shook her head. "And cause all out war," she pointed out. "That would prove the deathknell for vampires in Draconis Nightcrawlis." Her eyes took on a rather worried look. "The King is already close to the Cyredathem family, to cause an all out war would play into the vampire hunters hands."

The brown-haired vampire looked directly at Nico, her eye piercing into him. "As you can tell we are already in a tight situation, we cannot do anything to jepodise our existance."

Aeschia turned around. "Tark, if you just want to sleep today, and come over another time when I can show you the antiques and explain them and where they came from, that would be wonderful!" She looked at him hoping he would agree. "I would love to go through them with you myself, especially the few I'm so excited about!" She added.

"I'm not trying to force you to come over again. However, when you see a lot of these art objects and antiques, you might realize how I have been Puck as well as Adonis." Aeschia grinned.

"It's true. It is just that I have been more of the Adonis as of late, because people treat me that way. I do not expect it. It just happens. However, Puck is still in there you know." She smiled at Tark, remembering the work she had done to get the knowledge, wisdom, and the art objects she has. "I have spent many a night digging diligently for an artifact that everyone gave up on... with my hands, by myself, sometimes for years, to be rewarded eventually for my persistence." Aeschia smiled. "You see, I am both Puck and Adonis... It is just that you only see Adonis. Puck is not seen from the outside." She chuckled. "Don't underestimate my will and determination. I worked VERY hard during my life. It has not been all fun, games, and people handing me things. I know the importance and the value of working for something, and the emotional rewards that come from that, rather than being handed something."

Aeschia walked back and sat back on the step with Tark. "I'm glad you told me that story. It reminded me of many things. However, most people see me as Adonis, because the Puck doesn't show to the naked eye." She looked at him knowingly. "My most prized experiences and possessions, as well as true happiness have come from very hard work. It is nice to have things given to you, but the reward is not the same. The gratification is not there." She continued, "You know... I had forgotten this and I thank you for reminding me. As embarrassed as I am, I needed that story to remind me of my past... how my greatest achievements had nothing to do with looks, charm, or status.

"Tark, you see it is difficult to get past that when everyone else sees that and treats you as Adonis, and has for a very long time. I intend to make a conscious effort not to take the easy way any more. No wonder I've been getting bored with everything and partying all the time with no purpose."

Aeschia stood up and grinned at Tark. "So, again I thank you for a wonderful evening and the lovely company, as well as for reminding me who I am inside." She gave him a grateful smile.

"I really would love it if you could just stay in one of the guest suites... which are actually living quarters, and wait on the antiques until I can show them to you myself? It would give me great pleasure to show them to you and explain their background... and of course the surprise!" Aeschia could hardly avoid looking like an excited little kid.

"Is this agreeable to you? I could have Darlene bring you to the best suite I have... it is 5000 square feet and should be comfortable. It has all the luxuries you could desire... and you could come over another evening... when is up to you, so I may personally guide you through the antiques and art pieces?" Aeschia waited for Tark's answer.

While she was waiting, she gave him a sly grin. "Now, all things considered, does this mean I have to 'woo' you?" Aeschia laughed. She was truly in a good mood and grateful to be reminded that hard work offers the greatest rewards.

“By the way, don’t you think it is strange that neither of us has been approached by someone from Zanaar’s network?” She asked?

Wooshaba']Boaz looked into his rearview mirror. "Aw we were having so much fun. This will probably be even better." Boaz put his hand on the back of the steering wheel where a red button was located. "Put on your seatbelt." He hit the button and the car went from 60 mph to 120 mph. He swerved in and out of traffic. He looked over at Jade and said "I do this a lot." He floored the gas pedal.

Jade was pushed back into her seat when Boaz hit the nitro. Once she got used to the pressure she leaned out the window and aimed. One shot and a tire was blown out. Jade muttered, "Damn." as the SUV kept on going. She thought is must have those rollon tires. She shouted to Boaz over the roar of the wind, "Get me closer."

Boaz nodded in agreement. He quickly slowed down and then sharply turned the car around. As the car was turning he quickly changed the car into reverse. Boaz thought to himself I am going to need a new transmission after that stunt. Boaz pulled out one of his twin pistols and shot into the car hitting the man in the passenger seat. He then began to drive backwards on the freeway. He looked at Jade and said, "There is a rifle in the backseat. It can probably get to that SUV faster than that little gun you have."

"Yes, that would be fine if it is what you desire," Tark replied at the notion of sleeping today and then returning another time - perhaps even as early as tonight (meaning not leaving) - to see the collection of art and culture that she had so desperately wanted to show him. "I guess I can wait longer for the surprise," he said with a slight chuckle, trying to put the vampress at ease.

"Please, though, do not dwell on the story too long - it was only a story and nothing more. It is not intended to correlate one to one with your life and it is supposed to be quite exaggerated," he commented reassuringly. "I do not doubt that you have worked hard in your life to achieve what you have, but I am happy that you have realized that as of late you have been expecting much more."

"However, the story is not just about working hard and being humble versus being of ease and arrogant. It is, of course, okay to receive stuff for free or for little work, because that is what your societal or economic value is worth. What I am saying is that the story is also about taking it slow and being confident rather than dashing in and then falling back when you feel like you have failed," Tark explained, though certainly without a demeaning or seemingly demeaning manner.

"Perhaps what I am trying to say can be summed up better in a few words than a lengthy explanation," Tark said, thinking to himself as Aeschia sat back on the step with him. "Here: 'it is fine to have the appearance of Adonis as long as inside you are Puck.' Also, it is fine to be treated like Adonis as long as you don't expect to be treated that way or treat others as Adonis would'," Tark said with an apparent satisfaction in the words he had conjured up to explain what he had meant and to reassure Aeschia.

"I really would love it if you could just stay in one of the guest suites... which are actually living quarters, and wait on the antiques until I can show them to you myself? It would give me great pleasure to show them to you and explain their background... and of course the surprise!" Aeschia said after a moment of silence.

"Well, I wasn't going to... but seeing as the sun is coming up now," Tark joked with her, fully preparing himself for a playful slap of some kind in response. "I will do as you have requested; I will stay in one of the guest suites and when you feel better you can show me your art, antiques and the surprise."

"Wound me?" Tark joked, pretending playfully to mishear what Aeschia had said about wooing him. "I would certainly hope you wouldn't wound me... it could make a bit of mess," he said with a smile.

The sound of the Prince's name reminded him that he was still in Exetergrecia. "It might be a bit off, but then again sometimes it is better not to be noticed or contacted. Maybe he knows that attempting to spook you isn't a good idea..." he said half jokingly.

"Oh fabulous!" Aeschia exclaimed, delighted he would wait for her to show him the antiques and art... particularly the Michelangelo works. She was grinning ear to ear.

"Regarding your story. I am Puck inside Adonis, however, others have treated me as Adonis so long, that when someone does not, I assume automatically that they have no interest. I have become used to it. I apologize, and again... thanks for the reminder." She smiled at Tark.

"However, I do not feel that I am arrogant. I do not 'expect' certain behaviors from people; they do it of their own free will. It's gone on for so long that I have begun to assume if I am not treated in such a manner, they do not want to be around me... not that I am insulted... mostly I feel that I didn't measure up to that person's standards, and it hurts." Aeschia continued. "I have been around quite a while. How long? A woman never gives away her age!" She winked. "However, I too have feelings, and some seem to think that isn't the case. I can be hurt too. Sometimes too easily as things have been coming to me too easily for so long, that if they don't, I assume it is a flaw on my part." Aeschia only now realized how easily wounded she became because of what she was accustomed to.

As to his comment about staying over, Aeschia replied, "You don't have to stay today you know. You can always leave and get a crispy suntan." She grinned at him and smirked. "So you do still have your options, Tark."

Aeschia was happy that the unease she felt previously was gone. "As far as wounding you? Don't push it Tark!" She laughed at him, and found herself looking deeply into his mesmerizing eyes. Beautiful, she thought.

She snapped out of it. "There is one issue. I may need your help this evening when I call one of the Tremere to feed." Aeschia looked away and sighed.

"If a man named Drake shows up, I need you to be there with me." She continued. "I'll tell you the particulars if it indeed is him." She frowned.

Gabriel had awoken after a long rest and stretched. He enjoyed taking extended rests but they always made him hungry, or rather thirsty. As he shook his head he figured he'd been out for a couple days as his music systems were presently playing Stairway to Heaven, Immigrants Song and Shadowplay.

Heading to the fridge, he pulled out two bloodpack and put them in a heater. He could drink preserved blood at fridge temperature but he prefered fresh or at least body temperature blood.

Finishing his meal, he decided to take a walk, to stretch his legs and catch up on any gossip and the general city atmosphere.

"I believe what I have said is true even if you wish to deny it. I will not push the matter any farther as it would then require blunt and to the point examples that could be quite embarrassing for the both of us," Tark replied. "Don't dwell on what I have said too long. Just try to remember it now and again and I am sure you will feel and do better," he said.

"If I have hurt your feelings or offended you in any way, I am sorry, but for our mutual benefit I thought they must be said," he added with a genuine tone to his voice.

"My options... hmmm... let me think," he remarked as he touched a finger to his lips and tapped it several times in thought. "I can either go outside in the lethal sunlight or spend a night in a luxurious home with a beautiful woman..." He paused for effect and then ended, "I think I will take my chance in the sun - less of a chance I get into trouble, I think," he said with a playful grin that clearly embodied his joking comment.

"There is one issue. I may need your help this evening when I call one of the Tremere to feed," Aeschia replied after a moment.

"What kind of issue would that be," he asked curiously, confused at what kind of problem she might have with another, and most likely lower ranking, Tremere.

"If a man named Drake shows up, I need you to be there with me. I'll tell you the particulars if it indeed is him," she replied vaguely and ominously.

"Why do you need me to be there?" he asked, even more curious than before as the issue now had a name. He then quickly added, "Don't you think it would be wiser to tell me the particulars in advance so that I might be best prepared for the situation should it arise?"

"You mean to say you think I am really an Adonis?" Aeschia said questioningly. "I thought I explained myself quite well, as to that I happen to be a bit of both, and I would have to say, many a woman kindred will seduce to feed... not that this was the issue, however, I can't be the only one accused of what you believe." Aeschia said, a bit hurt again. "I don't see you walking around in sloppy clothing and such. It looks like it is nothing but the best for you as well. I'm not going to say that you are being a vain Adonis using your stature and rank in your clan, but who is to say." She said bluntly.

Aeschia was hurt all over again. "You say you believe what you say is true even if I wish to deny it? I don't think I denied it. I don't believe you see the whole picture, and I don't have a feeling of entitlement because of my appearance. It seems to me you see no Puck in me at all. As I said, others have treated me this way for so long, that when that when something doesn't come to me immediately, I feel it is because I am lacking in some way... not acceptable to someone… because it rarely happens, so I become hurt and begin to think I don't measure up. In addition, yes, it happens in a very short period, because it usually doesn't happen at all. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" She looked at him earnestly. Aeschia felt as if every word he said on the matter was a dagger going through her heart.

"Yes, you have hurt my feelings," she looked away so that he would not see the tears forming in her eyes.

"On the feeding matter, I will have to feed prior to showing you the antiques and such. That is a given. Unfortunately, there is one Tremere, one of the clan who is at the top in this city, who has rather strong powers, a bit on par with mine, but not quite. However, he practices a particular type of magic to which I am vulnerable. He uses it against me against my will. Initially, this magic bends the will of the victim. I can only fight him off with your help. The only way I can feed is if you are there to stop this spell should he put it on me, which he is obnoxious enough to do even in your presence. Dare I say he might even try to use it on both of us... if it worked, it would be a nightmare. I think with both of us against him, we could fight off that spell." Aeschia sighed.

"If I find that he is coming over here, I'll tell you more about it, but what he practices is sex magick and has been for centuries. I am not able to conquer this spell. It's rare for someone to be proficient with it, or to use it at all. Most kindred outside the Tremere aren't familiar with it, as far as I know."

She stood up. "I'll tell you more if it happens to be Drake who shows up. Am I to understand from you comment, 'Why do I have to be here?', that you do not want to help me with this? You know I have to feed prior to showing you around... I told you that. If you would rather stay out of it, this is your choice as well."

Aeschia looked back at Tark, as she stood up, still stinging from his comments, her eyes a bit tearful. "Darlene should be here very any second to show you to your quarters. I will see you later Tark."

Aeschia turned and began to walk down the hall. She was sobbing at this point. He just doesn't get it. So I get a little drunk and act a little out of line tonight and all of a sudden, I'm some bitch who feels entitled to anything she wants. He knows nothing of what I go through. He knows nothing of what I have to go through if Drake comes over and he isn't here, yet he seems so very unwilling to help me with anything. And that's not being an Adonis. That is just unwilling to be raped by magick.

Her body was wracked with sobs as she held onto the wall from weakness and headed to her quarters.

"I never said you were Adonis - there you go again, inferring what is not to be inferred. Can't you see what I am saying: many a woman kindred seduce to feed, but I hope that isn't your final goal with me!" he said with a rising tone in his voice; sick of the miscommunication and getting to the heart of the matter. "Sloppy clothing? I never told you to walk around in sloppy clothing or not to have the best. I wear this clothing because it is a reminder! A reminder of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into hundreds of years of hard work that it took to build my empire; my fortune. After I put all of my energy into my business, I was finally able to take it a little easier; to indulge myself a little. So every time I look at my house, my art, my life... it reminds me! It reminds me of how hard I worked to get here, and not one day goes by that I don't remember that." His blood was really pumping now as the passion inside him at been revealed. "Nor did I tell you to deny your rank - though I do find it most peculiar that you would acknowledge it and yet have very little to do with your clan. I too enjoy a certain amount of free will - however, more so than my rank, it is due to the way of the Giovannis. If I were called upon to do something by the clan, I would do it. My network... they aren't loyal to me because of my rank; - not that it hurts - they are loyal to me because they run on the life-force of society... money. Money makes the world go round and I am in the business of making money - so anything I have has been paid for by the money I've earned, which was in turn paid for by the blood and sweat I have dripped!"

"You know what," he said after taking a deep breath and listening to more of what Aeschia had to say about her sensitive being. "You are right. At this moment I don't see any Puck inside of you. Perhaps you have been Puck for hundreds upon hundreds of years and only in the last few years or even the last few days you have been more of Adonis. But that is exactly the point. I haven't known you for hundreds of years; I have known you for only a few hours. What's important is the present..."

"Just forget the story - I should have never told you it. You are taking it to literally, rendering every piece of detail as paralleling your life, and thinking that I think you are Adonis and want you to be Puck. Just forget all of it," Tark said, as the passion he had for the words he was saying was now gone. It no longer mattered. It was like they had formed one argument out of two different issues and views (e.g. "Rain is cold." "No, ovens are hot!").

"It was not my intention to do so..." was all he could say as she turned from him, obviously betraying her overwhelming emotions by the sound of her voice.

He just sat listening to what Aeschia had to say about this Tremere that could prove to be such an issue. Sex magic... Tark thought. It would seem that this Drake has an odd power over her... and used it many times I fear.

"I'll tell you more if it happens to be Drake who shows up. Am I to understand from you comment, 'Why do I have to be here?', that you do not want to help me with this? You know I have to feed prior to showing you around... I told you that. If you would rather stay out of it, this is your choice as well," Aeschia added.

"No... what I said was, 'Why do you need me to be there?' Not a contemptful, 'Why do I need to be there.' I was simply asking what sort of issue would require me to be of service and that you couldn't handle without me. I was not saying that I wouldn't or didn't want to help, but rather I was being curious. Nothing more and nothing less..." Tark explained at her misconception of the meaning of his words. "I will, of course, be there if you need it."

"Darlene should be here very any second to show you to your quarters. I will see you later Tark," Aeschia said as she left Tark sitting alone on the steps of her palatial abode.

"She says she listens... but she does not hear," Tark said to himself after Aeschia had left.

Why can't she understand that a story does not correlate one to one with her existence and every movement - every action. All it is... is a story. A story that is supposed to help understand better, not to criticize how you have lived your life, but perhaps what you should do if you want to be with the one who tells the story... Tark thought to himself as he sat alone on the stairs.

Of course I don't see her as Adonis; getting everything he needs on looks and little work. Nor do I think that she has in the past. However, societal trends, perceptions, and collective views are obvious and I am not one to bow to them. Though of course few are one hundred percent Puck either...

Why doesn't she understand? I don't want to have to sink to the most blunt and straightforward approach in transporting the meaning of my words to her. I don't want to have to explain everything to her or it cannot succeed - it must be her own revelation and want.

"Mr. Count," Darlene said politely as she approached the grey suited figure that was the Count.

"Please... call me Tark," he said raising a hand to stop any arguments about it.

"Yes, si- Tark," she smiled. "I am to show you to your room for the night," she beckoned towards the door that led back to where he would be staying.

After a short walk, in which Tark perused the house, he arrived at his room. Darlene showed where everything was and was quite kind about it all. Good... no windows to cover up, Tark thought, half smilingly. "Thank you for your help, ma'am," Tark said to Darlene as she showed her way out. "Oh and... I think your mistress might need some consolation - she seems quite hurt. If you see her... tell her that I am... I'm sorry."

ooc: This may qualify as a novel...

Aeschia turned around and shook her head. "You don't see my side either. You think I do not get it, and I think you do not seem to get it. You do not think I have worked hard to get what I have, and you worked so much harder than I did... that I do not deserve what I have? Excuse me," she said, "It seems you are inferring that I have been nothing but an Adonis more recently and you couldn't be more wrong. I do not expect things without any work." Aeschia sighed trying to get him to understand this. "Many times, I am given things or treated in a privileged way because of who I became over time and now am. When someone behaves differently, I do feel that it is because I somehow am not worthy of them. It is out of habit as it rarely happens." She sighed. "It is an extreme reaction, but it has grown in me. Do you think I like going places and having people fawn over me all the time?" She asked. "'Lady Aeschia' this 'My Lady' that." Well, it goes with my rank, but it is not nice all the time. It can be embarrassing, even though over time, this rank was not only a right through Tremere policy, but I earned it."

Now Aeschia was speaking with all the passion she could muster in her tired body. "I don't have all this free will due only to my rank! You just assumed that! It is because of things I have done for the clan over the years... being there and helping kindred in trouble. I can't count the number of Tremere, as well as other clan kindred we or me alone have gotten out of an impossible and despairing situation... given them a place to stay if necessary, dispatching an evil tormenter. I also paid my dues to the clan by being there for them, at their disposal for many years. I did what they asked of me even when it became clear that I no longer had to."

Aeschia was getting dizzy as her ire was up and she was weak. "I told you I was older than you, but you don't know how old... how many different ways I made my fortune, and it wasn't all from my husband, which I think is what the masses believe!" She continued, holding onto the railing for support. Aeschia was grateful that he did not know her husband was Marius. This is what gave many people the impression she did nothing for herself. Oh, he tried to make me a pampered wife who did nothing, and lavished all kinds of things on me, but nothing he gave me I could not have paid for myself. These were gifts of love. It was the thought, not the money.

"I didn't own lots of businesses, and I don't continue to do so. I ran successful antiques businesses throughout my life. I sold items that I dug up with my bare hands... Yes, even me... blood, sweat, and tears! Imagine that!" She glared at him... the way it appeared that he felt superior because he worked for his money.

"I even sold my own paintings! Yes, apparently I am an adequate enough painter that people wanted to buy them. I did not know this until one day a traveler happened to see a canvas I was working on. He asked to see more of my work, and the next thing I knew, I was painting commissioned portraits and selling all my own general art." Aeschia stated proudly." She continued trying to set him straight. “Moreover, even though these commissioned portraits earned me a tidy sum, I did them for nothing for those too poor and were deserving, good people.

"I put in an amount of time you could not imagine working for what I have. As far as my rank? I earned it. Even though I did not have to if I did not want to, I earned it through all these things. The Tremere are loyal to me because of this and I accept the rank. Not only was it money I helped them with, but emotional support and true friendship. I was always there to sit with someone and let them cry on my shoulder and try to help them out or just make them feel better. I love my clan, as well as many of my fellow kindred in other clans. Unlike you, I do not believe money makes the world go around. True, had I not made the money, I would not have been able to help many of these Tremere in the way I had; however, most of it was friendship. If someone had a problem and was despairing, inevitably, someone else would say 'Go see Aeschia... she will listen to you. Maybe she can help.' And I did. I was a good friend to all my clan. All along. This is why they respect me, other than the time element. The time and the money could be gone, and I would still have that respect. I don't believe money makes the world go around." She looked at Tark sternly. "I believe friendship and love make the world go around. Having money to help people with monetary issues is helpful, but nothing compares to knowing you never have to be alone because there is always someone there for you. In the Tremere, that person is me… save for a couple bad apples." She added.

She thought of all the times she spent with a Tremere she just met who had been wronged, or was depressed or saddened because of some issue in their life. She thought back to how she was there, day or night to comfort her kindred.

"The Tremere respect me for that more than for the charity I hand out. And our clan does have a respect for age and bloodline. However, those things are not the deep down reason for my being able to be more independent. I served them faithfully for a very long time, no questions asked. I helped those who could not help themselves on a regular basis. I was a true friend to my kindred. I genuinely love to help people. I have served them unwaveringly longer than any other Tremere other than my husband. At a certain point, having freedom from clan issues came along with it. I have no problem with doing work for the Tremere. I still do. However, I am not about to do something that is against my principles or morals. Assassinate an innocent, for example. We are allowed to bow out of clan business any time we wish, as we have done more for the clan than anyone could possibly.

"The truth is, we are clan royalty. My husband was royalty prior to me being turned. Title and respect was not automatically bestowed upon me except in name only. Oh sure, the other Tremere played the part, behaving towards me as if I was also royalty by marriage, but they never considered me anything other than 'the wife'. It took years of being a great friend to others, just for the sheer joy of being able to help people and listen to them. It took years of hard work to build my fortune. It took years of hard work and service before I was truly accepted as royalty, the way my husband was. The Tremere know to this day that they can come to me or my ex and we will help them in any way we can. Even some from other clans, and actually, even some mortals." Aeschia was getting dizzier and dizzier, but did not let up.

"I know you don't know my age, so you don't know how long I have had to work very hard, and I see my fortune the same way you see yours." She was breathing heavily.

"So you see, I worked for my status... my earned status and title, possibly harder than anyone else in the Tremere for a longer period of time. I am legitimately considered royalty and not 'married into' royalty.

"It is true... my husband and I are very powerful as well, as far as all kindred go. This is from time, bloodline, and lots of practice with weapons... more hard work." Aeschia thought she was going to faint and felt herself waver.

"I worked for everything I have, save for a few items given to me by friends. Those have more sentimental value to me than financial value. I have been revered by the Tremere for everything I have done for them, for going out of my way to help someone, not only financially, but also for always being there for someone who needed help… not just because I throw money at them. I do so now, however, as I don't need to keep running businesses and I have enough money to share the wealth." Tark was beginning to blur.

"You see, I earned what I have at least as much as you have, however, there is no doubt in my mind that I worked for a longer period of time for it. Call me crazy, but friendship and love are what makes the world go around. Having money to help someone in need is indeed a wonderful thing and being able to help someone financially when needed is a great feeling. Yes, I am Tremere royalty for several reasons, and I have given you a few here. Friendship and love and caring. I am not cold hearted the way people expect me to be." Aeschia was not going to be able to go on much longer.

"True I was blessed with nice looks. I am grateful for that as well. Before I turn in, I want to remind you of something I told you earlier tonight, Tark. I told you that I act quite idiotic at times when I have had too much to drink. So my complete Adonis appearance could be well due to that. It certainly has happened in the past. I really should lighten up on the drinks when I'm out."

Aeschia turned to walk down the hall and yelled over her shoulder that she would see him later... People look at me and see a shell. It happens all the time. He really doesn't know all I've gone through... how could he, there is no way he could have any idea of my age, and that I worked hard for thousands of years, not hundreds.

Aeschia's world started spinning as she was walking down the hall, then everything went black; she had passed out.

Edith shook her head. "And cause all out war," she pointed out. "That would prove the deathknell for vampires in Draconis Nightcrawlis." Her eyes took on a rather worried look. "The King is already close to the Cyredathem family, to cause an all out war would play into the vampire hunters hands."

The brown-haired vampire looked directly at Nico, her eye piercing into him. "As you can tell we are already in a tight situation, we cannot do anything to jepodise our existance."
"Safety comes at a high price."

He shrugged indifferently and straightened his posture a bit, losing some of his casual air to a slightly more commanding stance.

"All I'm saying is that you cannot expect any results if you take no action. More than likely, your usurpers are not foreigners, and even if they are, they have a local connection. Sitting idly by and watching won't do anything for you. Even if you deal with the few individuals you do find, it is only treating the symptom and doing nothing for the disease but giving it another martyr."

"But we are taking action," Edith replied and put a finger to her lips. "But quietly, we cannot let them know we are on to them."

The brown-haired vampire was nodding, her eyes pierced into Nico's eyes. "But we have reason to believe that you are not a suspect any longer."

ooc: Hope you don't mind me waking her up...

About two hours later Aeschia's eyes blinked twice and her brain began processing her functions again. Awake now, Aeschia glanced around the room trying to get a grip of where she was and what happened.

"Oh, Aeschia! You are awake..." Darlene said as she perched over the bed Aeschia was lying in. "You collapsed in the hallway and were dead pale when I came upon you. I quickly ran and got Tark to help me carry you to your bed... which he obviously obliged... and then I started you on the necessary liquids (including blood) intravenously. I hope just so happy you are okay!" she said so rapidly that her words were beginning to blend together.

"Brilliant..." came a familiar voice from behind Darlene. Seated in one of the chairs sat the grey suited Tark, clapping his hands slowly. "You know, in my time I have found that people tend to harbor their thoughts and emotions even when they are trying to be candid. I have also found that evoking a passion within someone and stirring them to such emotion that they blurt out whatever comes to mind and reveal their true personality, feelings, emotions... their true self."

"Now that you have truly opened up..." Tark continued, "Intentionally or not, I feel that I can better understand you - trust is no longer an issue." The argument and long rants between Aeschia and Tark was now over. Though more truthfully, it had never existed in the first place, but rather Tark had succeeded in his task. After their little bout, Tark went to his room and waited. Hearing Darlene calling for his help, he naturally came to her aid and then waited in her room for her to wake up. It was during that time that the top of his cane gave a small beep and revealed the small panel at the head. Everything Aeschia had said and done was closely analyzed, cross-referenced, and checked through databases of information, personal accounts, history, records, and more. Now Tark had found out the truth about Aeschia and who she was.

"So... Marius was it?"

OOC: I gotta post something. Mare I hope you don't mind me ad-libbing with your character.

Boaz saw the exit that led to his apartment coming up ahead. He quickly turned his car around and put it into drive. He quickly accerated to 120 mph. He passed a car on the deceleration ramp and blasted down the main road. Jade fired a bullet from the rifle into the van hitting the driver in the neck. The car vear to the right and then to the left and then ran another car of the road. They were on a steep hill road. Jade again fired and hit the van's tire. The van rolled down the hill. Boaz looked at Jade and said, "Good driving." His garage was up ahead. He pressed the button to open it and drove inside. "That was a close one." He parked the car and got out. He looked at Jade and said, "Come on, we can go up to my apartment and get cleaned up." Boaz began walking towards the elevator.

"But we are taking action," Edith replied and put a finger to her lips. "But quietly, we cannot let them know we are on to them."

The brown-haired vampire was nodding, her eyes pierced into Nico's eyes. "But we have reason to believe that you are not a suspect any longer."
"I feel so relieved."

Sarcasm did not come naturally to Nicolai, so the effect was often one of a sort of elitist indifference. The female's incessant staring at him was becoming slightly irksome, as something in the back of his mind percieved the direct eye contact as a threat. He'd been fighting it back for most of the evening, chosing to meet her gaze sharply instead of lashing out. However his agitation was growing and he could only stand so much.

"Could I get another drink?"

He indicated his empty cup and used the opportunity to clench his jaw and relieve a bit of the tension.

The brown-haired vampire said nothing as she took the empty tankard from Nico, she also took Edith and Jacen's empty tankards as well before heading back to the bar.

"Have you met many others here?" Edith then questioned Nico.

"Well Tark, it isn't as if I didn't know I would end up blurting this all out anyway, and it was very obvious that you were trying to piss me off and get me ranting, and yes, it did work." Aeschia looked at Tark. "How stupid do you think I am. Truth is, I am exhausted, and the things you inferred about me, real or imagined, insulted me and I went off." She glared at him half in amusement when he started clapping.

"You're a tad more predictable than you think Tark." Aeschia continued, "Although I do admit you made me angry enough to blurt out boring, but probably telling issues from my past. I don't know if I should bow or not." She grinned. He was obvious, but she was so weak, tired, and insulted she did not care and blurted out a lot about her past... weak and tired enough not to expend any energy reading his mind.

~~~~~~~

Aeschia awoke in bed with an IV in her and Darlene happily rambling about her being awake. "Thank you Darlene." She said weakly. She saw Tark sitting behind Darlene.

"What?" Aeschia was feeling slightly better but not much. After being told she passed out in the hall and Tark carried her to her room she thanked him. "I appreciate it Tark. I guess I really did wait far too long to feed. Thank you for staying up with me here, as well." She still needed much more blood.

"I have a question... Tark, Darlene; where did this blood come from? I do not store blood or I would have fed on it earlier. I want to know where this came from." Aeschia looked back and forth from Darlene to Tark.

"Tark, you look much more... what would the word be... satisfied. What is with this sudden calm?" Aeschia asked him with a sly smile, wondering if he was up to something. "You know I can just read your mind, however, I have not invaded your privacy in that way all night... since we first met I mean."

Aeschia tried to get her bearings. "Is it night yet? I... cannot tell. Either way, I must feed." She looked at Darlene and Tark. "Again, where did that blood come from?"

"If it is evening, I will have to send out a telepathic call." The sadness showed on her face. Not Drake...please not Drake.

"After I feed and bathe, I can show you the antiques; if it is indeed night. I still feel weak. I need an awful lot of blood." She sighed.

"Obvious that I was attempting - and succeeded in - pissing you off is one thing, but whether I truly believed and still do believe what I said is another... the question is how much of that is obvious?" Tark responded with a sly grin, wondering if she would make the right guess. "But then again... it is hard to hide such things from a powerful psychic..." he added quietly, but loud enough that she could hear despite her weakened state.

"Perhaps I am..." he replied without really putting any thought into it - who was to say whether he was predictable or not; certainly not himself. "Rest now..." he urged her and she soon fell asleep much to Tark's delight.

---

"But of course," he interjected as she thanked him for staying up there with her while she was passed out. "I couldn't miss out on informing you I succeeded," he added with a grin and a slight chuckle - but the truth was that he was genuinely concerned and wanted to make sure she was okay.

"The blood," he said, "...perhaps you have blood stored away that you don't know about... for just such an occasion. Maybe Darlene looks after you better than you know," he suggested before moving on.

"Sudden calm?" he asked. "Am I not always calm?" he remarked, slightly joking but mostly serious. "Perhaps it is you that are calmer now and thus it is affecting your perception of reality and in comparison to before this current reality feels calmer..." he said speedily.

"Night," he echoed, remembering he still hadn't slept yet except for an hour so in the chair near her bed. "I think it is just before dusk now," he said as he reached into his jacket and produced a gold pocket watch. "Yep... just before dusk. It will be dark in a couple of hours...."

The brown-haired vampire said nothing as she took the empty tankard from Nico, she also took Edith and Jacen's empty tankards as well before heading back to the bar.

"Have you met many others here?" Edith then questioned Nico.
"Others? No. None but my distinguished present company."

His now-empty hands found their way habitually back into the recesses of his pockets. His gaze followed the brown haired female for a time, then flickered back to Edith.

"A shame," Edith mentioned. "I'm sure that Jacen is itching to show you around, he enjoys acting like a tour guide sometimes."

The brown-haired vampire finally returned, she passed a tankard to Edith before passing another to Jacen and the final tankard to Nico.

"I see you like it," she smirked.

"No Tark, you do seem calmer. I am sorry you got no sleep." Aeschia apologized. "Thank you."

She looked at his cane. She had seen one similar to it once before... hmmmm?

"By the way, I have not been reading your mind. I've been a bit too exhausted." She grinned at him. "Moreover, you are only slightly predictable." Aeschia laughed. "However, in retrospect... last night I was so tired, it really occurred to me during and after our argument that you had done so on purpose for just the reasons you stated." Looking at him smirking, Aeschia told Tark he hoped he got the answers to the questions he had. "I certainly told more than I intended, Tark. Kick a woman while she is down will you?" She raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

"Tark, I noticed you have an interesting cane. I have seen one similar in my lifetime... may I look at it? Is it antique?" She asked the last question to throw him off, although it probably did not.
~~~~~

"Tark, we don't keep any blood here!" Aeschia yelled alarmed.

"Darlene! Where did this blood come from?!" Aeschia was slightly panicked.
"I thank you for saving my life, however, it is important that I know whose blood this is."

Darlene looked down and barely audibly said, "Drake's." NO! Aeschia's head was reeling.

Aeschia could not believe what she was hearing. "What? When did you get this?! Tell me!"

"Master Drake gave me a bag of blood quite a while ago for an emergency. He was here this evening earlier, but you did not get home until much later, so he left." Darlene never looked up. She knew how much Aeschia hated Drake but did not know why.

Aeschia was visibly shaken. She had fed on his blood, which was always the beginning of Sex Magick. Either that or he would have to drink from her. "He's been conniving all this time!" She cried out, closed her eyes, and a tear fell.

I will not let him ruin my evening. I refuse.

"I have to feed before we look at antiques. I am still weak. I am going to call the Tremere and get someone to come over." This was never a problem, as Aeschia's blood was ancient, and not like other kindred blood. It was strong, erotic, and eye opening. It even seemed to bring knowledge to the drinker, as well as a type of 'high'. Thus, all the kindred wanted to feed her and vice versa.

"Tark if you will wait a moment, I am going to get someone over here telepathically." Aeschia was concentrating when the door buzzed.

"Could you please get that Darlene? Thank you." She was trying to contact the younger new Tremere she had met at La' Matin last night, as he was new and thus not a threat. No one was a threat other than one person.

As she was concentrating, a figure appeared in the doorway.

"Hello Aeschia. I understand you need to feed." It was Drake with a sadistic grin on his face.

Aeschia was shocked. Drake could get in without any entry pass. The man was very strong kindred.

In order to change the subject, and be polite to Tark; she did not give a shit about being polite to Drake, she introduced them.

"Tark, this is Drake, the Tremere who is on top here in Exetergrecia. Drake, this is Tark of the Giovanni clan."

"Pleased to meet you Tark," Drake bowed and was the perfect gentleman. "I have heard your name and it is truly a pleasure. I have heard nothing but accolades about you." He smiled at Tark hiding his true crocodile smile.

Aeschia was starting to shake. Did Tark know he could work the magick on him as well? Oh please, something has to stop this... Tark, help me! She wished he could read her mind. She had long blocked it off to Drake.

Tag (http://members.fortunecity.com/camarila/kindred/nosferatu.JPG)

"A shame," Edith mentioned. "I'm sure that Jacen is itching to show you around, he enjoys acting like a tour guide sometimes."

The brown-haired vampire finally returned, she passed a tankard to Edith before passing another to Jacen and the final tankard to Nico.

"I see you like it," she smirked.
"It's tolerable."

He watched her, stone-faced, then finally broke with a little grin and a wink before sipping at the mead.

The brown-haired vampire raised an eyebrow. "More then tolerate I would imagine," she replied.

Edith motioned toward a seated area. "Come, I am sure you tire of standing."

"My cane?" he said as he glanced down at the wooden cane that he was slowly and methodically fidgeting with, unconsciously. "Certainly - it is a bit old with a few minor adjustments here and there. It is made from a rare wood that is quite hard to get your hands on, but I guess it depends on your definition of antique," he commented as he handed her the cane, knowing that its special features were secure as they could only be accessed through his specific fingerprint.

---

"Most likely little more," Tark replied to Drake as he said that he had heard Tark's name before.

While he wasn't able to read Aeschia's mind, he would certainly take her earlier warning into consideration. She had warned him about Drake's power and specific brand of magick, and also that it could be used on him, so Tark was alert and ready for anything.

"What brings you here?" he asked, seemingly innocently. "And don't say you were just in the neighborhood and decided to pop your head in... we both know that would be a crock answer..."

Nicolai grinned amusedly in response to the brown-haired female's comment, then offered Edith his arm as she led him to a seat. He found himself examining the clothing of the Blood around him. It all seemed quite posh. He couldn't decide if it was just a facade, or something they brought with them from another time. Probably both.

Edith didn't appear to notice the arm as she heading towards the seated area. Perhaps it just wasn't her thing to take someones arm, either way she meant no disrespect to Nico. Jacen and the brown-haired vampire followed and sat down. Looking toward the band, the white-haired vampire from before seemed to be doing some kind of strange dance.

"We might be able to use your help in finding those who wish to rid the prince," Edith then mentioned.

@Nanic

Beneath the sewers of Exetergrecia were the Nosferatu warrens, there wre many different warrens. The Nosferatu were a clan of vampire so hideous that they could not mix with mortals like most other clans could. Instead they took to sneaking around in the underworld. That sneaking allowed them to build up some amazing skill that they used to spy and to hack.

One such warren was led by a Nosferatu known as Fenriz. He was at least four hundred years old and had led the warren for the last half a century or so. He was stood in his lair looking over at the newest resident, a Nosferatu whom had traveled from earth.

“So tell me about yourself, Michael.”

Aeschia took the cane. "Oh Tark, it is beautiful!" The more she examined it, the more intricate and stunning the cane became. "This is some piece of artwork. The carving is stunning... the wood so fine."

Aeschia knew something was odd about the cane, she had seen one like it in the past, not too far back, and it had a function, however, she could not remember, as she saw it after a few too many drinks. She did not want to read Tark's mind. She wanted to go about their relationship, whatever it might be, without 'cheating', so to speak.

Still fingering the intricate carvings and beautiful wood, she handed the cane back to Tark. "Tark, who did this for you... or did you acquire it. And," Aeschia paused, "is it for sale"? She looked up at him already knowing the answer. "It is an exquisite piece, and I assume you don't want to part with it, am I correct?" She smiled at him knowing she was correct. "That is a beautiful piece you have there Tark. Take care of it." Aeschia gave him a slightly weak grin, completely ignoring Drake for the moment.

Drake answered Tark, "Yes, it is true, I have not heard a lot regarding you, but what I have heard has all been good. Not a bad comment in the bunch." Then Drake's crocodile smile began to play over his lips.

Aeschia looked at Tark and projected to his mind while blocking Drake. "Tark, don't look in his eyes too long, and he uses telepathy. He is very physically strong. I don't know what we're going to do." She transmitted this while making small talk with Drake, if there was such a thing with him, in order that Drake not read Tark.

Drake seemed stunned when Tark directly and boldly asked Drake why he was there, in a manner, which suggested that Drake was up to no good.

"Aeschia needs blood. I read her telepathically at one point and found out about her problem." Drake kneeled by the bed. "Aeschia... darling... I am so relieved you are OK. You must take better care of yourself and remember to feed." He said with mock concern.

Aeschia sneered at Drake, and Drake could not help the crocodile smile, which began to play on his lips. It was if he was saying "You have no choice but to come to me for blood, and I will have you tonight, and you will enjoy it as always. Get rid of this guy."

"Drake there is no need; I already have someone with whom to feed." She gestured to Tark, hoping he would not get angry. She would not really force him to do this, but Aeschia hoped it would get Drake to leave. It did not.

"If that was the case," Drake stated, looking even more like he had her backed into a corner, "Why have you not fed on him yet, considering your condition." Try to answer that, he thought.

"Uhhhh... I have been on an IV... your blood by the way. Thank you for leaving it." You fucking bastard. she forced a smile.

"Tark will feed me, so you may leave. Aside from that, I have business with him regarding my antiques, isn't that right Tark." Aeschia wanted Tark to help her get rid of him. Tark, help me! She only hoped he could. Tark wouldn't be thrilled waking up only to find he made love to a man for hours... and that's what that fucker Drake would do. He would use his magic on both of them, and they would be at his mercy, and enjoying every minute of it as long as Drake wanted, then feeling wretched later.

This situation was just about the only one she could not handle herself. Almost all kindred were susceptible to Sexmagik, especially from a strong vampire.

"I am looking forward to showing you the antiques, Tark." She smiled at Tark. "Drake, I hate to be rude, but I do have a guest and some business, perhaps we can talk another time."

Aeschia looked at Tark, feeling helpless, hoping he could help get Drake to leave.

Michael gently nodded to Fenriz, smoothed his clothes, though all the smoothing in the world would not have bettered them.
He removed his Bowlers Hat, and as he bgan to speak he settled his eyes on Fenriz. The actions were practiced and methodic, ritual, courtesy...there a courtesy paid from one monster to another. No one offered Nosferatu coutesy unless they needed something, except other Nosferatu.

"There is little to tell that would be of much import. My first birth was just about 133 years ago. I, like most of our kind was far more fair of flesh then, but foul of heart. I spent only 16 years in the mortal coil, before I was placed on this path of redemption, or perhaps perdition...I have not yet drawn that conclusion." Michael reached down and brushed imagined dust from the hat in his hands.

"You will forgive me Fenriz, I am still...how should I say this...Lamenting my previous existence."

Michael was young for a vampire, but the strength of his lineage did show through. He was embraced by a powerful Nosferatu, perhaps a warren leader, prehaps greater.

Even for a Nosferatu Michael seemed both brutish and brooding.

Almost as if he had sensed the perception of him Michael anwered without being asked.
"Ancillae, I am Ancillae. He that bestwoed the blood to me was 9th Generation."

Michael smiled and licked lips, the action was obviously reflexive and to any other but another Nosferatu distrubing at best completely vile and horrific at worst.

"It is said our ilk bear the monsters we were on our visage without, most of my story is bore upon my ragged flesh. As is yours I would imagine. I feel guilty, I am remorseful, and I seek to do penance...perhaps for the rest of eternity.
But not penance for what I have done since my dark birth, but what I had done before it."

He smiled broadly and warmly to Fenriz and spoke almost cheerfully
"I am most assuradly damned, so I am simply making the best of it.
Now if I may, might there be something I can do for the clan as I am the new comer? I should earn my place."

Fenriz scratched his chin with his claw-like fingers. "For the moment, I have nothing for you," he said. "Settle in, meet the others."

His eyes then looked down at the momo we'd recieved the day before from the Camarilla.

"Come to think of it, if you are interested, speak to Olavi."

"Why, thank you," Tark responded genuinely as Aeschia complimented him on the exquisiteness of the cane. The cane itself was quite slender, slick, smooth, and even sexy looking and it had some very faint yet intricate and obviously laborious carvings going down it. "The wood is quite marvelous, I must agree," he commented as she examined it. "Though I am not quite sure of the type - it is from off world, not likely a place you have been, and it was quite a rare find as I have not found but the faintest traces of similar wood in the world."

"It took me many years to track down and find with only whispers, rumors and my own intuition to guide me," Tark replied with pride. "So I think you know what the answer is," he said with a smile, thinking the obvious no he had intended. "Only the best..."

"How flattering," Tark said in mock jubilation as he turned to face Drake. Then he heard Aeschia's voice in his head, obviously sending him an important message, Tark, don't look in his eyes too long, and he uses telepathy. He is very physically strong. I don't know what we're going to do. He couldn't respond telepathically and didn't want to give away that they were communicating so he simply thought to himself, Okay, and hoped, oddly, that she would pick it up.

"We were waiting until later when she wasn't so tired," Tark answered for Aeschia as Drake was about to break through her lie. "You know... when the mood was right," he said with a telling smile and confident aura about him.

"Ah, yes... the antiques," Tark echoed. "I had almost forgotten about them due to your friend's appearance," he commented, using the word friend sarcastically. He hadn't truly forgotten about them even if they weren't at the forefront of his mind at the moment. None the less, it would by him time for the moment... time that would aid him. Unbeknownst to either of the other two kindred in the room, Tark had sent a CRA2 Transmission through his cane.

"Drake, I hate to be rude, but I do have a guest and some business, perhaps we can talk another time," Aeschia said to Drake, hoping that he would leave easily, but at the same time knowing he wouldn't.

There was a moment of silence in the room as Drake stood stubbornly, refusing to leave as he had his eyes set on his goal, literally, and wasn't going to back off. Tark sat calmly, waiting for Drake's response or next move. But none came...

*Knock, Knock*

Aeschia and Drake might have been alerted by the sound of someone knocking at the door, but Tark sat calmly, waiting. The door again opened, much like Drake's entrance, and in the doorway appeared nine or so vampires, standing menacingly as they did not say a word or make a movement, but rather stared into the room. "I believe the lady asked you to leave," Tark said without taking his attention away from Drake to look at the door behind the vampire.

"I knew you wouldn't part with the cane," Aeschia grinned. "I asked merely for the hell of it. It is stunning, but then, so are many of my art objects. I am so looking forward to showing them to you."

Aeschia was proud of her antiques as well. There were a few, which she could not even identify; had no clue what they were as they were so ancient. However, she knew instinctively that she was the only one who possessed these items. She smiled at Tark.

Aeschia was also quite pleased at the way Tark handled Drake. Drake was so difficult to deal with. She loved the way Tark dismissed Drake as a nuisance, and used his perfect linguistics to reveal that fact somewhat subtly. She had to stifle a laugh. At the same time, Aeschia was afraid of what Drake would do.

There was a knock on the door and it suddenly opened. Approximately nine vampires stood there as Tark told Drake to leave. Aeschia was stunned.

How did Tark contact them? He does not possess telepathy.

However, he did it, Aeschia quickly looked at Tark gratefully.

"Drake, please leave. We are, after all, in the middle of something." Aeschia again stated.

Drake knew he was outnumbered and had no chance. He glared at Tark with anger. "I suppose I should get going." Drake said to both of them. "I did not realize this was such important business." He tried to hide the fact that he was leaving only because he was far outnumbered and had no chance.

"Aeschia, I am sure we will see each other soon." He nodded and smiled.

Drake looked at Tark, trying to hide the anger in his eyes. He smiled a phony smile, nodded and said, "Very nice to meet you Tark." He could barely get the words out with his teeth tightly clenched.

Drake turned around to face the other vampires. "If you will excuse me, I will be on my way." He nodded to the other kindred as well.

Aeschia sighed with relief. "Tark, how did you... how..." She could not figure it out. "Thank you so much Tark... and thank all of you as well. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this." She smiled at the vampires that had just arrived.

Aeschia turned her gaze back to Tark. "How did you do that? You possess no telepathy." She was stunned. "You cannot imagine how grateful I am Tark." If she had the energy, she would have gotten up and hugged him.

"Unfortunately, there is still the matter that I need to feed." She wondered if any of the other kindred would volunteer. Aeschia sighed hoping for a positive response from one of the group Tark summoned.

Aeschia looked Tark in the eyes with a combination of gratitude and... what she was beginning to think was... She could not say it, and did not want to push Tark. She was afraid she might be revealing her emotions with her eyes, so she turned away. It was definitely not any sort of confusion of gratitude with love. Aeschia knew what was happening. She was falling in love with Tark. Tark who she might never have...

"I do not know what you are talking about," Tark said with a straight and calm face. When Drake had left the room and walked through the doorway, the nine or so vampires that had been standing there disappeared. "Or who you were thanking," he added as he looked out into the hallway, acting as if he was looking for the person she was talking about. "I simply asked to leave... and he did."

"You need to rest..." he said as he stood up and started walking from the room - the familiar sound of his cane hitting the floor echoing behind him. "I will see you when you have more energy he," commented as he passed through the doorway and into the hallway.

As he wandered back to his suite, a decent looking vampire, somewhere in his first or second century, entered room and walked up to Aeschia silently. It was clear that he was here to fulfill her request...

Michael looked blankly at Fenriz for a moment, the strange cheer on his face from his last statement frozen there, and then a blink.

"I do have a question, or perhaps a few." He straightened his back and lifted his hat to his head as he spoke.

"I have heard that no Nictuku reside here on DN,"
The hat placed on his head starting in the front and rocking it backwards as if he had been doing it the same way for a century...which indeed he more then likely had...

"If that be the case, will I have significant need of these?" His left hand on the front of the hat his right on the back as the hat settled into place his left index 'finger' traced the front curve of hat's brim then swooped down in the same fluid motion to open his tattered coat, which shown a simply and plain .38 caliber pistol with what appeared to be a six inch barrel...Fenriz, not being a human could clearly read at his distance 'Colt Army Cal. .38 Special' stamped on the weapon in a shoulder holster hung the left should of Michael, so he could reach for it with his right hand.

As his left hand dropped the left side of his coat his right hand immediately opened the the other side to display perhaps the most appropriate weapon a Nosferatu could carry besides a baseball bat or a sledgehammer....it was a machette hung under his right arm so to be drawn down with his left.
Michael was an unorthodox duelist...rare for an experienced fighter to carry his melee weapon in a position that was force him to place his left side into harms way...his heart into harms way....even more rare for Kindred to do so....and twice again as rare for Nosferatu. 'Unorthodox' was however not rare among the twisted.

"Now, assuming there are no Nictuku, I tend to spend my penance, correcting the wrongs of those who might walk in the light of day.
That occasionally calls for me to use these instruments.
I would be at this point asking your permission."

With that he let the his coat fall closed, he was adapt at the Disciplines of the Clan, there was no trace of the weapons with his coat down.

"Oh, and I will be seeing Olavi."
The blank look came again, this was all to common among young Nosferatu, perhaps this one had been Embraced too young for the burden of the curse.
Perhaps not.

Aeschia knew Tark was lying and that he was responsible for the other kindred showing up. She did not care. She was so grateful, however, she would have liked if he had accepted her gratitude.

"Oh." Aeschia said to Tark. "I thought you somehow summoned them. I don't know who they were or how they got here." She continued, "They were not Tremere." She knew very well that they were Giovanni.

"Well, I want to thank you for being here when that bastard showed up. I truly appreciate it. I am also happy you let me see your beautiful cane." She smiled at him. "It is likely one of a kind." She chuckled. "I knew you wouldn't part with it. I kind of asked as a bad joke." Aeschia grinned at him. He had been very kind to her and she knew he was responsible for the other kindred showing up, however, she did not know how he managed to accomplish this.

He told her to rest, as he left the room. Aeschia smiled, "I believe you ought to get some rest yourself. I apologize for being such a nuisance. Trust me when I say nothing like this has ever happened." She was referring to becoming weak from lack of feeding. "It's too bad one of those other kindred didn't offer to let me feed.," she stated, resigned for the moment.

"Thank you again Tark... for everything." Aeschia was seeing how kind this vampire really was. Tark was special and different from all the other kindred she had met. Aeschia would absolutely not push him at all. She hoped he could not see the feelings in her eyes, but knew her eyes were so expressive that it was unlikely. She was afraid this would scare him off. Perhaps she should make little eye contact if possible.

Aeschia lay back considering the possibilities of how she could hide her feelings, when a very attractive male kindred walked into her bedroom.

"I have come to feed you." he stated simply, and smiled a smile that immediately put her at ease.

"Who are you? How did you know? I don't..." Aeschia was confused.

The very attractive vampire merely repeated, "I have come to feed you," and continued smiling a very genuine smile, as if he was happy to accommodate her.

Aeschia thought just for one moment. She could smell the blood and was starving. Tark, she thought.

"Thank you sir. I am very grateful and insist you feed from me as well." Aeschia felt it was the least she could do. She knew he would be stunned if he drank her blood, as it was unlike any other kindred... very ancient and provided strength, a high, and an almost unquenchable lust. Aeschia would deal with that when the time came.

Aeschia stood up weakly and leaned her back against a wall for support. She beckoned the kindred to her. Her eyes were nearly impossible to resist, even if the kindred was unsure, however he was not unsure.

"Thank you", she said again looking into his eyes. Her only concern is that she was experiencing such lust, that she hoped she could control it if he fed from her and became insatiable. Then again, she only need think of Tark, and came to the conclusion she wanted no one else.

The handsome vampire approached her, put his arms around her, which she appreciated as it helped her stand a bit. He pressed his muscular body against hers. He looked her deeply in the eyes and merely said, "Please feed", as he offered Aeschia his neck.
Aeschia was starving at this point, and could hardly wait. She bit into his neck, greedily drinking and savoring the flow of energy returning to her. The kindred was fine and did not seem to weaken, considering the amount of blood she was taking from him. She continued until she felt herself again.

When she was done, she asked, "Are you OK, I didn't drain you too much, did I?" He nodded his head no and smiled.

"You have given me my strength back. The only way I can repay you is to allow you to feed from me." Aeschia told the vampire.

He did not wait a moment before he dove into her neck. Ahhh... what a wonderful feeling... to have energy, and to have this kindred feeding on me.

As he fed from her, she noticed the familiar signs... the signs of a vampire receiving her blood. His grasp around her became stronger, he seemed to be in the clouds, and he began moving his hands along her body.

He finished drinking and looked her straight in the eyes with pure lust. "I must have you.," he told her. "Your blood is amazing." His eyes sparkled.

The vampire pressed his lips to hers and Aeschia felt such a longing. She kissed him back wanting the release she knew she needed. She needed this. The vampire continued to kiss her passionately, and began kissing her neck. Aeschia let out a soft moan. She was aching.

Somehow, she was able to resist her primal urge and pushed him away. "I am sorry sir. I cannot do this." She tried to think of a reason. "I am tired and must rest some more. I see you enjoyed my blood. I'm glad."

The kindred looked at her longingly, but honored her request. He would find someone else. He had to.

"Your blood," he said incredulously, "It is unlike any other blood. You are unlike any kindred I have ever come across. Your blood has revitalized me, and I've never felt better in my life." The kindred looked stunned and lust driven all at once, as well as strong.

"No, sir," Aeschia replied. "I am the one to thank you. You came here, I do not know how, and fed me when I needed it the most. I will never forget you and your kindness." She smiled sweetly and gratefully at him. Aeschia felt normal again.

"I need to sleep some more, I hate to say this, but I need you to leave so that I may rest." Aeschia felt badly telling him this, after what he had just done for her. A thought occurred to her. "It just occurred to me that you may stay in one of the guest rooms if you like." He shook his head no, smiling as if he had never been so happy.

As he was turning to leave, Aeschia stated, "Please tell me your name sir. I would like to know that very much."

As Gabriel walked down the street, he began singing Manfred Mann's Do Wah Diddy Diddy, enhancing the song with the powers of his bloodline. Those couples that heard the music felt a surge of love and affection for thier partners while those that were unattached began looking for a compatible person to talk with.

He liked playing cupid in this way, and quite frequently on the eve and night of Saint Valentine he would turn his powers to full as he travelled the streets.

Fenriz' face turned to a scowl, "No one knows if the Nictuku are here or not," he replied. "It is often best not to ask about them."

His eyes stared at Michael before taking notice of his weapons. Fenriz' face hardened.

"That is your choice to carry weapons," he told him. "There are reasons to carry weapons, here the main reason is the Cyredathem family."

As he was turning to leave, Aeschia stated, "Please tell me your name sir. I would like to know that very much."

"Martin..." was all he said before he disappeared into the hallway and then into the dead of night.


OOC: @Hype: If you want to interact with Tark again you will have to go to him at some point. He will be sleeping in the guest suite that Darlene showed him to and won't wake up naturally for a while... (just a heads up).

Michael's blank stare did fade at the scowl of Fenriz.

"I apologize if I have commited some slight Fenriz.
I perhaps need to learn the customs of our kind here, it is merely I am used to complete openess where I have came from. I would as well consider myself rude were I to not ask your permission before I armed myself with in the warren under your charge. I meant no direspect by any question I asked, and by no stretch of the imagination would I ever endager the masquerade."

The Brute did indeed seem sincere, and regardless of his lineage Fenriz would have known if he was not, the boy was still young, strong was hardly impressive among the Nosferatu as it came most naturally, Michael would indeed need time to refine himself.

"I will go to see Olavi, thank you."

Edith didn't appear to notice the arm as she heading towards the seated area. Perhaps it just wasn't her thing to take someones arm, either way she meant no disrespect to Nico. Jacen and the brown-haired vampire followed and sat down. Looking toward the band, the white-haired vampire from before seemed to be doing some kind of strange dance.

"We might be able to use your help in finding those who wish to rid the prince," Edith then mentioned.
He lowered his arm when she refused the chivalry. It didn't really phase him one way or another. A possible use for his services however, caught him as intreguing. He leaned forward, fixing Edith with his nearly undivided attention.

"Go on.. what have you got in mind?"

Michael's blank stare did fade at the scowl of Fenriz.

"I apologize if I have commited some slight Fenriz.
I perhaps need to learn the customs of our kind here, it is merely I am used to complete openess where I have came from. I would as well consider myself rude were I to not ask your permission before I armed myself with in the warren under your charge. I meant no direspect by any question I asked, and by no stretch of the imagination would I ever endager the masquerade."

The Brute did indeed seem sincere, and regardless of his lineage Fenriz would have known if he was not, the boy was still young, strong was hardly impressive among the Nosferatu as it came most naturally, Michael would indeed need time to refine himself.

"I will go to see Olavi, thank you."

Fenriz silently nodded. "I will hold you no longer," he then said. "You will find Olavi in the warrens tavern."

And with that, Fenriz left the room, leaving Michael wondering.

He lowered his arm when she refused the chivalry. It didn't really phase him one way or another. A possible use for his services however, caught him as intreguing. He leaned forward, fixing Edith with his nearly undivided attention.

"Go on.. what have you got in mind?"

"Because you are unknown around these areas, those that wish to get rid of the prince are more likely to attempt to requit you," Edith explained. "Therefore you may help us get to those behind it."

"And my incentive to aid your cause instead of helping someone else?"

Nicolai watched his company shrewdly. He was no one's fool.

Aeschia woke up around 6pm. Dusk was approaching at this time; however, her condo had electric steel blinds that covered the windows when there was any light. Something like hurricane blinds. They blocked out all light.

Aeschia felt wonderful and refreshed. The first thing she thought of; a long hot bath.

She prepared her bath with essential oils, candles, and the usual luxuries she pampered herself with and stepped into the hot, relaxing water. She sighed.

Aeschia laid back, closed her eyes and relaxed. She went over the events of the day... and what a strange day it was. Tark has far more influence with his kindred than I even imagined, she thought as she recalled the group of vampires that showed up when Drake wouldn't leave, as well as the lone kindred who showed up later just to feed her. Martin. Aeschia was also quite proud of herself, that despite her carnal desires, she didn't fall prey to them, not that it was easy, but she only wanted Tark. I hope my eyes did not frighten him. She meant the obvious... Aeschia was falling hard for Tark, and she believed it showed in her eyes and did not want to scare him off. Her eyes were so expressive and it was hard for her to hide her emotions unless she presented a stone cold and expressionless facade, which would have been strange.

She was so grateful that he got rid of Drake. Aeschia knew it was he, even though he was feigning ignorance. OK, I will go along with it... I wish I could find that vampire, Martin. I feel I owe him... something. What he gave me was a gift like none other. She was so starved, and he just showed up. Aeschia smiled a knowing grin. Tark. Tark who will yet again feign ignorance when I bring it up. she chuckled. He behaves and appears to be so detached however, I do not think this is the case. Tark is a bit of mystery, and I can see he likes it that way. This is why she decided not to read his mind. Aeschia wanted to know him the way he wanted her to know him. She trusted him... more than ever after what had recently transpired.

Aeschia got out of the tub and began to get ready for the evening. She was at a loss as to what to wear, as she did not know what she was going to do. Of course, she would end up spending a considerable amount of time showing Tark the antiques. She was still excited about all of this... especially the Michelangelo works.

She decided on an emerald green velvet and lace full length dress, rather Victorian with its boning and corseted lace up back. Again, it was a little sleeker than the full skirt type dresses of the Victorian age. This was pretty much a Victorian dress with a straighter, curve hugging shape and a side slit for comfort in walking. As with last evening's dress, this one had a matching velvet burnout wrap. She wore long dangling diamond and emerald earrings, a diamond and emerald choker, and 4-inch stiletto sandals in a matching green with emeralds and diamonds making up some of the straps themselves.

Aeschia had a black cloak with inside pockets for all sorts of things. She could carry weapons if she wished, as well as a thigh holster for a pistol if she liked.

She decided she would go and wake Tark. Aeschia kind of felt bad as he was probably exhausted, but she did want to show him the antiques and see that he was OK.

Aeschia went to his suite herself and knocked on the door. "Tark, its Aeschia, are you ready to get up? If you would like to see the antiques I am ready any time you are." She waited for him to answer the door.

Edith smiled wryly. "Oh we expected you to think of joining the otherside, you are after all new here," she admitted. "We could lie to you or tell you that Zanaar is the only way. Facts speak for themselves however."

She picked up her tankard and took a sip.

"He may be secretive but he has led the fight against the Cyredathem family for the past hundred years, killing three in the last decade alone. It is best for the vampires that he stays as prince, even the Camarilla elders back him."

Tark was awfully tired from not having slept more than a one or two hours in the last couple of days. It would take more than a polite comment and a light voice to wake the slumbering vampire from his rest...

Michael moved throughthe sewers beneath the city towars the tavern. Nosferatu like no other of the cursed moved through shadow as deftly, even the Assam would be hard pressed to do so as they did, for while it skill to any other of the Kine it was life for the Nosferatu...Perpetual Shadow.

Michael often considered over the last odd hundred years that redemption was not he motivation behind his master's embrace but rather his intent had been to bring Michael in on the side of the Nosferatu to fight. This was of course not un heard of, and Michael was found both stalking and killing.

The mere fact has was doing so out of his own petty motivations only made the taking of him more appropriate.

Many Nosferatu suggested he not bother with the considering, buttelling a Nosferatu not to consider information and speculation was like asking a Vampire not to make a mess while dining...possible, but unlikely.

"Olavi" He spoke the name a loud.

His voice did not echo in the tunnel, he did not want it too.

The day had just begun and soon he would be deperate to feed....hopefully he could be on his way soon

He reached the Warren Tavern, and entered.

He stopped inside the door, and blocked it, he was a Halloween version of Ultra Violence standing stock still in front the door.

He did not need to shout, or even to speak loudly.

Merely "Olavi".

Tark did not readily answer her when she knocked.

"I'm sorry, I will let you sleep. I should have known you would be exhausted. Sleep as long as you like. My apologies."

Aeschia felt terrible. It did not occur to her that Tark would be tired. She had little sleep as well and felt great, but that was likely due to the recent feeding she had.

She walked away back to her bedroom. When Aeschia entered her room, she flopped down on the bed. I just keep fucking everything up, she thought.

Aeschia had the impression that Tark wanted to see the artworks as soon as possible. Now she felt terrible for waking him. She decided to go to her paradise now that it was dark, and she went up to the rooftop and gazed at the stars, which comforted her.

The Warren Tavern was dark and poorly lit. A few other Nosferatu were there, including the bartender. As Michael spoke, a couple or so lifted their heads in his direction but none moved.

"So Fenriz sent you, yes?" came a voice from Michaels left side.

From out of the shadows stepped a Nosferatu who was missing an eye. A long scar travelled down his face through the eyesocket.

Aeschia had the impression that Tark wanted to see the artworks as soon as possible. Now she felt terrible for waking him. She decided to go to her paradise now that it was dark, and she went up to the rooftop and gazed at the stars, which comforted her.

OOC: I don't believe you woke up... that would be the point of my post: Tark was awfully tired from not having slept more than a one or two hours in the last couple of days. It would take more than a polite comment and a light voice to wake the slumbering vampire from his rest...

IC:

Tark just kept sleeping like he was a hibernating bear.

OOC: He will most likely sleep for another four hours - so you are going to have to find something to do with Aeschia for four hours or... wake him up. Your choice.

Aeschia decided to stay in her rooftop paradise for several hours before trying to wake Tark again. She was quite content to look at the stars and dream.

Michael turned and saw the brother, he was surprised to see such a scar.
Something that could have done that to a Nosferatu would have just killed him instead. So he assumed the condition was pre-existing, but one could never be certain.

He stepped towards Olavi "Yes, Fenriz sent me."



He extended a hand to Olavi long fingers with nails like talons jagged knuckles but with a delicacy that comes with the blood. The Beauty in the Brutality.

A lone tick suckled in the crease of flesh between forefinger and thumb, Michael removed it with a pinch. As he removed the tick there was a clearly audible resistance from the insect and one who was paying attention would have seen the flesh on his forefinger rise as the insect quickly bore itself beneath and traveled off into his arm to a new location.
Michael shrugged "You used to it".
Extending the hand yet again.

"Fenriz always sends the new residents to me," Olavi said. Though he took a step forward, he never moved his hands from the coat pockets.

His one remaining eye looked over him, taking in every little detail.

"We do have ways of dealing with that little problem of yours."

Aeschia was in love with the garden and the wondrous skies and stars. While star gazing, she drifted off to sleep. Perhaps she was still tired.

Aeschia was in love with the garden and the wondrous skies and stars. While star gazing, she drifted off to sleep. Perhaps she was still tired.

Tark woke up a few hours later, feeling quite relaxed and refreshed now that he was operating on a full night's sleep (and more). After taking a quick shower and going about his daily morning routine, he donned on his patented style. He grabbed his cane on the way out of the door and made his way into the corridors of Aeschia's palatial apartment.

"I wonder where she is..." Tark said quietly to himself. He doubted that she would be still in bed as he knew she would be quite revitalized by her sleep and 'activity' earlier that night - but he decided to check anyway. He made his way down the hallways that were becoming more familiar every hour and found his way to her bedroom.

"You in there?" he asked quietly as he knocked on the door. When no response came he cracked the door open and peeked in. Guess not. Tark reached into his pocket and retrieved his gold pocket watch. "Ah..." he commented as he noticed the time. "I have a feeling I know where she is."

Remembering how much she loved her garden that they were in before, he made his way back there and in the dead of night saw the outline of her figure. He quietly made his way over to her, whom he noticed was sleeping gently under the stars. He sat down a couple of feet away from her and began enjoying the environment as he waited...

Edith smiled wryly. "Oh we expected you to think of joining the otherside, you are after all new here," she admitted. "We could lie to you or tell you that Zanaar is the only way. Facts speak for themselves however."

She picked up her tankard and took a sip.

"He may be secretive but he has led the fight against the Cyredathem family for the past hundred years, killing three in the last decade alone. It is best for the vampires that he stays as prince, even the Camarilla elders back him."
He nodded thoughtfully, considering her words.

"I must confess, my dear lady, that I really have no hand in the matter. The winds of war could turn either direction and it would not bother me in the slightest."

He paused, sipping the mead and allowing his words to hold their weight.

"However. I do find myself with nothing to do but lurk the streets here. Perhaps you and your associates could supply me a sense of purpose and direction." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and steepling his fingers before his chin. "What would I have to do?"

Edith managed a smile. "That we can do," she stated. "What you would have to do is to get to know the local vampire hangouts, Jacen can help you there."

Jacen pointed to his hair. "I stand out like a little boy on fire."

"Of course," Edith smiled. "Hair dye shall take care of that." She looked at Nico. "What do you think?"

Aeschia awoke slowly to see Tark up on the roof with her. She smiled at him. "Hello Tark. I hope you slept well. I apologize for all of the trouble last night," she said with a wan smile.

Tark looked marvelous as always. He never seemed to be put on the spot... always in control.

"I have a question to ask you," Aeschia began. "Did you by chance call a kindred named Martin over to feed me?" She knew he would deny it, even if it was true, but she wanted to get it out in the open. "You see, a kindred named Martin arrived while I was in bed. He said he was there specifically to feed me. I did feed, and I do feel my normal self. There really isn't anyone else who could have known I needed kindred blood." Aeschia looked him in the eyes questioningly and gratefully.

She waited for his reply. Then it would likely be off to see the antiques.

OOC: I am getting Boaz out of this hole.

Boaz was in the shower. He had told Jade to wait in his living room for him. When he got out of the shower the beautiful vampire Jade was gone. Boaz shook his head and said outloud, "Looks like I am the one who got played this time. Boaz decided that perhaps he should find out were Tark was. He knew that his older friend was out with the female vampire, Aeschia but he wasn't sure were they were. He telepathically contacted Tark. Tark where are you? He waited for his reply.

Gabriel was walking down the street, talking to the myrid peoples he knew. The pimps and prostitutes, the pushers and dopers and all the various people who populated the night.

Every so often he trilled an uplifting song as he walked.

Jade arrived at her apartment barely in time, the sun had almost dawned when she had rushed thriough her apartment door. She would have liked to have spent the day with Boaz she had a mission to complete. Through the games that they had played with each other Jade felt a real attraction there.

But she was a professional and a professional gets the job done. She opened up her laptop and called up all the information she had on the target, a certain Tremere by the name of Valde.

She waited for his reply. Then it would likely be off to see the antiques.

"It is pronounced, 'Martine' (Mar-teen)," Tark corrected, obviously giving away the fact that he did indeed know the vampire and thus had obviously called him for Aeschia. He was one of the nine vampires that had showed up to ward off the bad influence of Drake and when Tark left the room he requested Martine to stay behind and help Aeschia. He knew that even if Martine wasn't loyal to him, he would have gladly stayed for Aeschia.

He smiled gently as they sat under the stars. "I must apologize for the state of my appearance. In all of the commotion I forgot to have a new set of clothes brought over and so I am still wearing the same clothes I was nearly two days ago," he remarked.

As he ended his sentence, he felt a telepathic message contacting him: Tark where are you?

Boaz, he thought, knowing it was his friend. He then replied to him a simple message, At Aeschia's.

"Thank you Tark, for bringing Martin here. He was very willing to allow me to feed from him and in turn I allowed him to feed from me, although I think it was a bit of a shock for him." Aeschia looked at Tark gratefully. "I am quite sure you are not aware of my true age, but I am a bit older than I look." She chuckled.

"By the way, you look wonderful Tark." She smiled at him. His clothing was not rumpled, and it appeared that he put them on for the first time that night. Tark still had the aristocratic look he always had... nothing out of place. "I think you could wear an old canvas bag and still look good," she said grinning. "Did you sleep well and long enough?" She asked, hoping he was feeling well enough to go through the antiques. Aeschia was still excited about showing the antiques, as she thought Tark would very much like many of them. Aeschia was quite willing to part with them as long as they were going to someone who truly appreciated them, as she knew Tark would.

"Well, is there anything you require? Must you feed at this time? If you need anything else, I can have Denise bring it for you." Aeschia informed him.

"Or..." she slyly grinned at him, "are you ready to look at the antiques?"

Aeschia's eyes glimmered mischievously and seductively as she stood, her stunning dress and jewels rendered even more beautiful on her in the moonlight.

Something suddenly occurred to her. "Tark, how did you contact Martin anyway? You are not telekinetic. I am a very curious person, you know."

Aeschia smiled at him.

Edith managed a smile. "That we can do," she stated. "What you would have to do is to get to know the local vampire hangouts, Jacen can help you there."

Jacen pointed to his hair. "I stand out like a little boy on fire."

"Of course," Edith smiled. "Hair dye shall take care of that." She looked at Nico. "What do you think?"
"A Malkavian might be a little conspicuous, no? Unless he can control his case of the crazies for a short enough while to show me the ropes."

He glanced to Jacen awkwardly.

"I am sure he was - he informed me of it the moment I saw him after he laid his eyes upon you. I believe his exact words were, 'I did not know angels came to dance and play among simple men," or something like that," Tark commented. "So you keep saying," he replied as she once again informed him that she was quite old, or at least older than she appeared. "You know, most women try to get away with being younger then they are... not informing people that they are older," he said jokingly.

"I appreciate the comment, but eventually this will get dirty despite my best efforts," he remarked as he looked down at his gray, pin-striped suit. He had done his best to keep it away from dirt and wrinkles, but there was only so much one could so besides not wearing it at all. "And yes the sleep was quite adequate - more so, I must say. It was a very comfortable bed and the pillows made you feel like you were resting your head on a cloud - but then there is nothing like someone's own bed. Am I right?" he asked rhetorically.

"I am in a fine condition to look at these antiques and artwork you have talking about for so long now," he said with anticipation filling his voice. "I think waiting any longer would simply kill me," he added as Aeschia seem to become more spirited and alive.

"I can't share all my secrets, now can I?" Tark stated as Aeschia asked how he got in contact with Martin. Perhaps later he would inform her of how is network and gadgets actually worked, but now was not the time.

He surveyed the beautiful creature that sat beside him, and then ran his eyes up and down her eloquent form as she stood towering over him. "I must say you look stunning tonight. I believe Aphrodite herself with pale in comparison." It was true. The woman was more amazing than ever...

"A Malkavian might be a little conspicuous, no? Unless he can control his case of the crazies for a short enough while to show me the ropes."

He glanced to Jacen awkwardly.


Jacen folded his arms and pouted. "I can be just as normal as the next vampire," he protested.

That drew a chuckle from Edith. "There are Malkavians believed to be involved in the attempt to remove Zanaar, Jacen will arouse no suspition just so long as his hair isn't pink," she assured Nico. "Crazy as we might seem, we are wise."

Boaz said aloud, "Aeschia's?" Boaz shook his head and said, "Tark you are one slick man." Boaz knew that something would be going down soon. He hadn't gotten into any trouble lately but he been wondering about the new prince. Boaz didn't really like the sound of the new prince. Boaz wished that it was a new princess but you never get female sovereigns in these kinds of places. Boaz thought to himself, I haven't had female vampire royalty blood in a long time. Boaz sat around bored trying to find something to do.

"By the way, I only mention my age in case Martin would tell you that my blood is different. It is different in many ways from most kindred." Aeschia pictured Martin telling Tark that her blood was 'weird' or something of the like. "As long as I do not look my age...", she grinned.

"Tark, I swear, you will flatter me to... I was going to say death, but that is rather moot, is it not?" Aeschia laughed, responding to his compliments.

"Tark, do you have any particular type of antique you would like to see first? I have them somewhat separated by empire, approximate era or age span, place of origin, and some by the artisan, if I own enough of them." she informed him.

"Of course some are just mixed up around the place as well. However I believe them to be organized for the most part."

Aeschia began leading Tark to the door leading inside. "Tell me then, what might you like to see first, and if I have it, we'll check it out. Unless you want to go from room to room. How would you like to do this? Aeschia asked him.

"He left without getting a chance to say anything to me," Tark replied of Martin. "But you certainly don't look your age... and I hope neither do I."

"Well, I do most certainly enjoy the Roman era of art," Tark informed her. "But going room to room will be just fine. All the more benefit for me and the anticipation will continue to grow for this surprise that you speak off," he said with a grin, wondering what it might be.

"Oh, great then! Would you like to start at the first room? I have artifacts from BC Egypt. Actually, I have some of the priest Imhotep's first small scale designs of the first pyramids. He is the one who invented the step pyramid, you know." Aeschia continued. "They are little mini pyramids. I also have some of Cleopatra's jewelry and some that Nefertiti wore. Even a few items that belonged to King Tut. There is more... carved Onyx cats covered in gold, Ra statues...", Aeschia opened the heavy doors telekinetically. "Well, this is the majority of the Egyptian Era items I have. There are many pieces similar to those found in the Pharohs' tombs." Aeschia was looking around. She hadn't been through that room in a while. The antiques were stunning. "Take your time and look around Tark. Let me know if you have any questions or if you like anything in particular." She smiled at him.

Aeschia was not about to tell Tark that the majority of these items were given to her personally by these people. She didn't want to reaveal that she was that old!

This is going to be fun! she thought.

"BC Egypt, eh?" Tark said, impressed at the vast collection of unique and precious artifacts.

"Actually, I have some of the priest Imhotep's first small scale designs of the first pyramids. He is the one who invented the step pyramid, you know," Aeschia informed him.

"Actually, I did know," Tark said with a kind smile. "Quite impressive for the mathematics and understanding they had at the time, no?"

"I also have some of Cleopatra's jewelry and some that Nefertiti wore," Aeschia continued.

"Very nice. Quite a few stories about those," Tark admired. "Did you know that Nefertiti wasn't actually that beautiful... most people in the modern day seem to think she was as beautiful as Diana herself, but recent research and a bit of induction has shown that she was quite... 'average' looking," Tark said, before letting her continue her description of the artifacts.

"Even a few items that belonged to King Tut. There is more... carved Onyx cats covered in gold, Ra statues..." Aeschia informed him, though he was no longer really listening except superficially. He was focused heavily on a small knife that was sitting on a platform. "Quite nice..." he interrupted, as he picked it up gently in his two hands and examined it.

He moved his hands up and down gently and quickly, identifying the weight and ease of movement it provided. It was made very carefully, as well as beautifully. Tark balanced it in the middle on his finger, noting its equal balance in the blade and handle as well as the razor sharp blade. It was intrinsically designed, gold and silver adorned it and small but pure jewels decorated it.

ooc: Sorry, I know I changed it a little from your post - I had them enter and then have her start describing rather than waiting till her description was nearly over.

“Yes, I am aware that Nefertiti was not extremely beautiful." Aeschia replied. Moreover, she was a total bitch half the time, she wanted to add.

"I see you are a bit enamored with that knife." Aeschia said, noticing him checking the balance. "Speaking of Nefertiti, that knife originally belonged to Akhenaton." Aeschia rolled her eyes, then hoped Tark did not notice. Her face almost said 'what a whacko', on it. Well, it was known that he was odd, to say the least.

"It is a beautiful piece, very finely crafted." Akhenaton had given the knife to Aeschia, as well as other gifts, as he wanted her favors. It was well known that Akhenaton took lovers, although Nefertiti did not.

Aeschia did not want any gifts from Akhenaton, however, he would have them sent by courier, or left at her doorstep. Aeschia convinced Marius that the Pharaoh was nuts, and that he need not even acknowledge his gifts or his letters to her.

They both agreed to forgo involvement as much a possible in this instance. Nefertiti was a bitch, although a friend of Aeschia's, and had given Aeschia some beautiful jewelry. Perhaps she was a bitch because her husband kept trying to get Aeschia into bed. Yeah, I would be a bitch too! she thought.

Aeschia tried returning the gifts, but Akhenaton would have none of it, so there was the knife that Tark was admiring. She thought to herself, If he wants that one, he could have it!

She would wait to see if he was interested, and if so, Aeschia would just give it to him. It was perfect and beautiful, however she had no attachment to it. The knife was not an item she spent years on a dig to find.

“What do you think of that knife, Tark?” It was stunning, and flawless, created especially for Aeschia by the best artisan of jewel-encrusted knives at the time. In fact, in very tiny hieroglyphics, barely visible on the blade, was engraved: For the lovely Aeschia, From Your Always Admiring Pharaoh Akhenaton. It was highly unlikely that anyone currently could read it, so this did not concern her.

If he liked it, it was his, she decided.

"It was marvelous," he admired as he continued to examine the knife delicately. "Obviously created by a master-craftsman as no other of the time could have done work like this. Probably the chief royal craftstman and made for or under order of the Pharoah himself," Tark commented as he moved it into one hand. His fingers wrapped around it and he grasped it as a knife should be held.

"It would do nice next to the Golden Scarabs of my collection," he remarked lightly. It was his polite way of requesting the knife for his own collection. He wasn't just going to come out and say it - that would seem a little rude and forward in his mind.

Maybe a piece or two from each of the different rooms, eras, or collections, Tark thought as he grew quite, weighing his thoughts carefully. Though I must remember to send a token of my gratitude later... it would feel... like a 'theft' otherwise - especially if she has worked so hard for them.

"Tark," Aeschia said, "the knife is yours." She smiled. "You are correct as to who crafted the knife."

She was glad he didn't notice the tiny inscription on the blade.

"I give it to you, as I know you are one to actually appreciate the quality and antiquity of the knife. I would not give it to just anyone." Aeschia smiled warmly at Tark. "I know how much antiques mean to you, and giving you this knife makes me very happy... glad that I can give you something that is meaningful to you."

Aeschia was quite elated that he found something he thought worthy of his collection, and she was more than thrilled to get rid of that piece in particular.

"Do you still want to look around in here? A lot of these items are items I did years of digging to get, however, that knife is an exception, so do not feel you are taking something that took me years of hard work to find." She wanted to put his mind at ease.

"There are many rooms to go through. Let me know when you want to see the Surprise Room", Aeschia said, not hiding her excitement very well.

Aeschia was smiling at Tark. A smile that was possibly too revealing of her emotions. She got a hold of herself, and waited for his response.

"The knife has a gold inlay, jewel encrusted scabbard. Let me find that." She informed Tark.

Aeschia looked around the room and found it in an area where it was not supposed to be located. Obviously, it should have been with the knife.

"Here is the scabbard, Tark." She handed it to him, and didn't know if she was hiding the fact that making him happy made her happy. How mortal of me!, Aeschia chuckled to herself.

"Really?" Tark questioned. "You are sure?" When it was evident that she was completely serious about giving the knife to him, Tark began thanking her. "Wow, thank you very much. To depart with such a piece with so much ease takes a lot of confidence and kindness... so again I thank you."

He had in fact noticed the inscription as he had examined the knife very closely, but as to what it meant, he didn't really have any interest in, nor any idea. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics was not an area of expertise for Tark.

"I will look around for another couple of minutes," he responded, "And then we can move on to the other rooms." Hearing that she hadn't worked extremely hard for the piece made him feel much better, though it did make him wonder whether she would be willing to part with a piece that she had worked hard for. It is of no concern, he thought to himself as he walked around the room slowly, inspecting the different pieces of art. She has no obligation to give me anything... anything I do receive is simply out of the goodness of her heart.

As Aeschia crossed the room and handed him the scabbard for his knife - a scabbard that was quite nice looking - he had just finished admiring the last piece in the room, a detailed pot. "Alright... we can move on now," he smiled as he slipped the knife and its scabbard into his inner breast pocket.

"OK then." Aeschia smiled. "Is there a particular area of interest, artisan, time period, type of artistic piece, or anything which you specifically would like to see next? There really is a lot to go through, and it would be a waste of time to go through certain rooms in which you have no interest." She commented.

"Also, not everything is where it should be, and I may have to look around for particular pieces." That is what I get for conducting my antiques to music... "The Antique Orchestra", she chuckled to herself.

Tark would think I was a Malkavian should he know I did such things. Aeschia grinned to herself.

"I have interest in most art styles and periods, so whatever you show me should be fine. Though we certainly don't have to go through every room... just the rooms you want to show me and feel I would like the best," Tark replied as he took his eyes off the pot and looked at Aeschia. "Except modern art. That crap I detest," he said with a vile sound of contempt in his voice.

"So lead on and I shall follow you to wherever..."

"Well Tark, I must say I have a fondness for M.C. Escher..." she smiled mischievously. "I assume you consider that 'modern art', however it really seems to be more like math to me, in a way. He definitely has an imaginative brain. I admire people who can think outside the trapezoid... and then put it on canvas." Aeschia grinned, "Thus we shall dispense with the Warhol Room."

She was waiting to see his response to that as she burst out laughing! "No! I do not have a Warhol room! I can live without giant soup cans on the wall, thank you very much."

Aeschia did not know where to go next. "Hmmm... I have a room with some pieces throughout the Roman Empire... sculptures and such, paintings... Would that interest you? Or else, perhaps ancient Japanese art. There is a room of weapons from Japan, but I would likely not want to part with any of those items. Let me think... musical instruments? Those are scattered by area or era. There is an American Indian section..." Aeschia looked at Tark sheepishly. "I guess I don't have my antiques as organized as I would like them to be." Aeschia was a bit overwhelmed by her own collection now, partly because it had become disorganized to some extent.

"How about the era of the great Roman Empires? Perhaps you can tell me what you would like to see. It might be easier that way." She stated.

There was just so much, she did not even remember some of the items until she saw them again.

“Of course there is the Surprise also, and that room is most definitely organized!” Aeschia looked up at Tark waiting for a reply. Somehow, she seemed entranced by him. She smiled at him unknowingly seductively again.

"No actually, I do like M.C. Escher somewhat," Tark replied remembering his unique art. "Not something I would show off on a main wall or something like that, but I do enjoy occasionally glancing at them. Perhaps I should clarify somewhat... what I don't like is this post-impressionism, futurism, cubism, abstract crap..." Tark said with disrespect. "I can't just say I hate every piece of art that was created in the last hundred years or so..."

"I like some Andy Warhol's, but there is really no need to go into the room. I am sure I have enough for my taste and they aren't as rare as this," he said as he patted his breast pocket, indicating the knife he had just received.

"No! I do not have a Warhol room! I can live without giant soup cans on the wall, thank you very much," she said surprisingly to Tark's delight. It made him grin gently as she continued with her thoughts.

"The Roman Empire will do just fine," he said as it was one of his favorite areas and eras for art. Japanese was quite interesting also, but he could wait to see that if at all. Musical instruments didn't interest him as much as one might imagine... they were after all supposed to be played and not displayed. They were merely the vehicles of genius, not genius themselves. As for American Indian art, he had minimal interest in it, though he had a few pieces for his own collection.

"Settled then," he exclaimed. "First to the Roman Empire room and then onto my surprise finally!" He grinned widely as he had waited so long for the surprise - maybe a couple of days now...

"You really think I have a Warhol room?" Aeschia looked at him incredulous. "Wait, you knew I was joking, I hope!" She laughed heartily and grinned at him.

"Sorry, Tark... I know to what you must be referring. For example, Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase and such? I can agree with you on that. Flattening three dimensions into one is not always pleasing to the eye. Picasso's Guernica has always interested me... not so much the painting as how he was expressing a part of history, however his Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, I find plain ugly. I like some Dali, however." She chatted as they walked to the room.

"You know," Aeschia mused aloud, "why don’t we go to the Renaissance Room. Of course some of the same type art... sculpture and statues will be inside, but why is it I think that you will like this room best?" Grinning mischievously, her eyes sparkling, she asked him if he might prefer that first. "There are several smaller rooms off the main room with art all from one particular artist, such as da Vinci."

I think this is where his passion lies. He seems to be part of the Renaissance himself at times. Aeschia smiled to herself. I cannot wait to show him the Michelangelo Room!

"Would the Renaissance Room interest you Tark?" her eyebrow arched waiting for an answer.

"Most certainly," Tark said as the Renaissance was one of his favorite periods of art. It harkened back to the good old days of art in the classical eras of the Roman Empire... where true art was formed by the masters themselves.

Dali, he thought a few moments after she mentioned his name, He certainly has an appeal to him. Some of his art was so strange and different that it had an odd ability to catch ones eye. The clocks…

"Perhaps I will take a look in the small rooms of the artists I like after I peruse the Renaissance room," he mused as he followed after her in anticipation.

"Hmm, perhaps it is my turn to make a move," Zanaar mentioned, sitting in the chair he often sat in to reflect his power. The light was dim, it came only from dozens of lit candles around the room.

"Many enemies all want to turn you off," Marie replied. "All want to power vampires themselves."

Zanaar scowled, the enemies were faceless so that even Marie couldn't see them, only blank faces. This was rather frustrating for him, even with his spies out there mingling with the various vampire clans. He would find these traitors and he would punish them.

As Gabriel walked, he noticed a flyer for a new local band that was preforming at a nearby club. Always interested in new talent, he set off to the nightclub in to see how good they were. Paying the cover charge, he took a seat, ordered a drink and sat back to listen.

Draconian death metal filled the air, as the band played two men, obviously vampiric in nature, wandered through the crowd. They were looking for something and found it in Gabriel. Quietly they stood behind him.

Once the song finished, he got up to get another drink and noticed the two kindred standing behind him. "May I help you gentlemen?" He asked

"We've been ordered to keep an eye on you," one of the vampires mentioned.

On stage, the band started another song. The floor began to vibrate as the harsh music was played.

"I think you know why."

"Because Zanaar is feeling insecure, I was approached by someone who made noise about overthrowing him, which incidentally told that I don't get involved in politics, and that I'm a unquantifiable variable because I avoid politics when possible." Gabriel replied, "But since he's seen fit to grant me two nursemaids, might I request that one of you get me a Depth Charge?"

"He is not feeling insecure," one of the vampires said. "It has happened many times before and no doubt this won't be the last time."

The other vampire nodded. "You keep popping up in his seers visions and so Zanaar wants to find out why."

"Would a chance to meet me in person help his seer figure out why she keeps seeing me?" He asked, "And about that drink?" He added as a prompt for one of the two do get it.

"We are only here to keep an eye on you," the taller of the two vampires mentioned. "Zanaar will decided later if he wishes to meet you."

"Fine." He replied in a slightly annoyed tone as he went and got his own drink. Returning to the seat, he began listening to the music, and ignoring Zanaar's two watchdogs.

"I knew the Renaissance would be your favorite period," Aeschia smiled at Tark with a gleam in her eye.

"Follow me," she requested.

The two of them walked up the marble stairs to another floor, and then down a hallway decorated with sculptures and busts as well as some Renaissance paintings.

Eventually they arrived at the very end of a long hallway. Two large, heavy mahogany doors were closed at the very end.

"I apologize for the long walk, but I think you will find the walk well worthwhile." Aeschia smiled.

She opened the doors telekinetically. "And here it is... The Renaissance Room." Aeschia smiled looking for Tark's reaction.

The room was filled with paintings, sculptures, pottery... just about anything imaginable from the Renaissance period. There were items from just about every era of the Roman Empire as well as three rooms, one labeled "Botticelli", another, "Leonardo de Vinci", and the third... the one Aeschia knew Tark would love; a room labeled Michelangelo."

"I hope that all of this is beyond your expectations." She grinned at Tark. "Take your time, ask any questions. If you want to see a side room, let me know." Aeschia's beauty shone in a stunning way when such happiness was radiating through her. I think he will be very surprised at some of what resides in the Michelangelo room.

The band finished playing and left the stage. The smaller vampire took out a mobile, dialed a number and began speaking to someone in ancient. The other vampire kept his eye on Gabriel.

Gabriel finished his drink and looked at his two minders. "If you intend to keep an eye on me, come on." He commented as he got up and headed out of the club.

"Oh we do," the taller vampire said.

The two vampires followed, the smaller vampire put his mobile away.

"You do know this isn't the best way to win friends and influence people, don't you?" He asked as he led them into the city.

"We're not here to win friends," the taller vampire said.

"We have our own ways of influencing people," the smaller vampire added. He looked up at a nearby clock. "Not long until sunrise."

"Then off you go, as I'm not inviting you in. For one, I dislike having people assigned to follow me, thought you're not that bad, and two, there isn't the room." Gabriel replied

"Well you are in the princes city, what he says goes and if you don't like it, leave," the taller vampire said. "Otherwise face the consequences."

"I was just commenting that unless you wanted to be solar-fried, you need to find someplace to crash, and it can't be with me." Gabriel replied

"And we have the solution," the taller vampire said. "You crash elsewhere."

The smaller vampire motioned a car with black windows to stop beside them.

"That really wouldn't be practical, I have stuff that needs my attention at my home, pets, plants, e-mail, that sort of thing." Gabriel replied

A large black man got out of the car and looked at Gabiel. "Then I will be watching you then."

"Human?" He asked as he began walking back to his home.

"Ghoul actually," the large black man. "And you'd do best not to turn your back on me."

The taller vampire shook his head. "Zanaar wants him alive," he warned.

"And while I may not look it, I can quite take care of myself." He mentioned to the man as he continued to walk. "You'll have to forgive me if I don't invite you in. I am not exactly a fan of ghouls."

The large black vampire folded his arms and looked down upon Gabriel. "I don't care, I have a job to do and I'm going to do it if it means locking you in my boot."

"Then you will do so in the hallway." Gabriel replied

"Good," the large black man said. "Lead the way to your lair."

The taller vampire placed a hand on his shoulder. "Oh and Bubba, try not to torture him."

As they left the two vampire he asked, "What is your feeling on classical music, and are you one of Zanaar's ghouls?"

The two vampires got in the car and drove away.

Bubba nodded. "Yes I am, I am loyal to the prince and will make sure that you are as well," he said in a stern voice. "He took a cigarette out from his pocket and lit it up. "Classical really isn't my type of thing."

"As I keep telling people, I avoid politics. If the prince has a request for me, I shall heed it, or should I be unable to or unwilling to, depart. And as to classical music, you're going to be listening to it all day." Gabriel replied, "Oh, and it's no smoking in the apartment complex."

Bubba raised an eyebrow at that last part. "Don't care and if anyone argues with me, they'll soon regret it," he replied. He breathed out a large puff of smoke as he continued to watch Gabriel. "All the prince wants me to do is watch you, no requests at all."

"Fine." He replied as they got to the appartment, and Gabriel headed up to his floor and room. His room happened to be at the end of a corridor which had a window that would illuminate hallway.

"See you later." He commented as he took out the key, opened the door, and left Bubba out in the hallway.

"And don't have any thoughts of sneaking out the back," Bubba warned, putting out the spent cigarette.

He looked around the hallway to see what else there was.

Gabriel disappeared into his room, after setting his stereo to classical music.

The hallway was a basic appartment type hallway.

Bubba lit up another cigarette and began walking up and down the hallway. The place was boring, but still he had a job to do.

"I'm not a fucking babysitter," he muttered under his breath.

"Well it is certainly on the top of my list," Tark replied about the Renaissance and the style of art that was practiced most commonly.

"Follow me," she requested. How could he resist. That look in her eyes; the seductive way she held herself and beckoned to him. He had to follow...

When the doors opened to the Renaissance Room, he was quite delighted, especially when he saw the one name in particular: Michelangelo. Da Vinci was also quite interesting and talented, as well as Botticelli, but Michelangelo was his favorite - talented beyond compare.

He decided to poke around for a moment, taking in the different exquisite pieces she had before stepping into the side rooms. He would start with Botticelli, then move on to Da Vinci, and finally, saving the best for last, on to the artist of mastery.

What a wonderful collection, he thought as he moved on into the Da Vinci room after several minutes in the main room and in Botticelli's. While the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa were undoubtedly the man's most famous, Tark enjoyed the Vitruvian Man a lot, possibly more so.

Eventually, when he had amused himself enough with the sometimes odd art of Da Vinci, he moved on to the last and most prized room: Michelangelo's. "I have to say what amazes me most is his equal talent in painting and sculpting," Tark commented as he opened the doors...

ooc: Anything you want to point out in here, go ahead. Also, is the surprise in here?

After about half an hour, Gabriel popped his head out, "You still here? And what'd I say about smoking."

"Yes, he was truly a talented and delightful man." Aeschia replied, as she led him into the room, which was teeming with sculpture and paintings, as well as drawings and sketches.

"What few people know is that he occasionally painted the same painting several times until he got it just the way he liked it. He also painted some of his most famous works on canvas prior to painting them on the Sistine Chapel."

Aeschia walked to an easel with a tarp over a large painting. There were numerous covered paintings in this room, some very large. What could be seen when she removed the canvas tarp, was what looked exactly like the The Creation of Adam.

"See what I mean? I have many pieces that he painted before deciding to add them to the Sistine Chapel. Lovely isn't it." She smiled, looking at the painting.

"I have one of his self portraits, several nameless paintings of different men and women, his first Sketch of David with his Sling, Prophet Jerimiah, Study for the Tomb of Pope Julius II, Tondo Taiddei sculpture, The Crucifixion of St. Peter, his first sculpture of David, which hardly varies from the one everyone has seen, Bacchus, The Pieta, Dusk and Dawn from the Tomb of Lorenzo de Medici, and many other paintings and sculptures that no one has really seen." Aeschia informed him.

She glanced at the two huge easels along one of the walls, covered with tarps, feeling a bit odd, should he see those. Marius had several others, however, it is not everyone who had a portrait and a full body painting done by Michelangelo, certainly no one alive to this day. Aeschia was particularly proud of those, but a bit uneasy, as they gave away more of her age. Oh, he probably knows I am ancient by now. He is not a moron. Aside from that, the full body painting was a reclining semi-nude. She was covered with a draping silk fabric, which exposed one breast. It was beautiful, however, she did not know how Tark would react to that painting and she was slightly nervous about him seeing it. It would be worth it anyway, due to the sheer beauty of the artistry and brushwork.

"Well Tark? Would you like me to have one of the servants bring something for you to drink? I have a feeling you may be in here a while." Aeschia smiled, knowing he would probably inspect every sculpture and painting in the room, as well as the sketches.

"You will be in here for a while, will you not, Tark?" Seductively, Aeschia smiled at Tark, knowing he would love this room.

Bubba glared at Gabriel, his eyes filling with anger, hatred and annoyance. "And what was my replied?" he said. "If they don't like it they'll wish they'd never argued with me."

The tall black man then leaned against a wall and drew a huge breath of smoke, expelling it through his nostrils.

"Fine." Gabriel replied with a scowl, shutting the door again in Bubba's face.

Bubba gave him the two fingered salute and went back to smoking his cigarette. This Gabriel vampire was certainly rude and was seemingly against the prince. He'd shown no loyalty towards him at all. Putting out the spent cigarette butt, he took his mobile from his pocket and called someone.

Gabriel had retired to his 'dark' room as the sun's rays touched the dawn. With the position of the hallway, and his room, Bubba would be getting shined upon in rather short order.

"Very interesting..." Tark commented quietly as he was inspecting one of the pre-paintings after Aeschia informed him of Michelangelo's way of creating his masterpieces. Of course, Tark had been alive for many years before the great master had even been born, but Aeschia had more than likely been alive longer. Though, having been born and grown up in Italy (all over the place from Tuscany to Rome), Tark was quite familiar with the Renaissance painter and his works.

Aeschia than unveiled a preliminary painting of The Creation of Adam from behind a tarp and Tark was quite amazed to see that it was quite similar to that of the Sistine Chapel itself. Even more amazing was that Michelangelo was able to repeat nearly the same brushstrokes while he was painting upside down. "Quite remarkable..."

"Well you certainly do have a nice collection of Michelangelo's work here," he commented as she repeated many of the paintings and sculptures that she possessed.

"Yes, I will definitely be in here awhile should you permit me to... so a glass of water would be quite nice," he said smiling as he turned his head from one of his many sketches. "Perhaps with a tinge of lemon in it and a lump of sugar," he added quickly before she asked a servant to retrieve the water. "A sweet drink for an equally sweet occasion and lady..." he said with a grin to match her seductive smile. He held the look for a moment before going back to the sketches and preliminary paintings that he was perusing.

*Time Lapse*

After working his way around to the different paintings, sketches, first-drafts, sculptures, and unfinished work - only taking a short brake to down the refreshing and much needed glass of lemon, sugar water - he found his way to a pair of covered easels. It seemed to be a large painting and it remained covered by a tarp, unlike the others that she had uncovered for him. "What would this be?" he asked curiously, turning towards where she stood.

As darknessed decended over the city once again. A long black limo drove along the motorway. In it sat the prince and his seer.

Gabriel opened his door as the sun set and looked around to see if Bubba had hung around or bugged out.

Bubba was leaning against the wall. He had a lit cigarette in his mouth at looked up as the door opened.

"Looks like my shift is nearly over," he said.

"Seems so, do you know who your replacement might be?" Gabriel asked with a yawn.

Bubba breathed out a huge puff of smoke. "Probably the two from last night," he said, looking rather bored.

His eyes crossed down the hallway before returning to Gabriel.

"Or if you're unlucky, the Gunn brothers."

"Who?" He asked

Bubba eyed him up as he took another long drag. "Well if you have to ask, I ain't telling," he replied. "You will not like crossing the Gunn brothers."

"Fine, oh and since it's back to proper hours, can I offer you anything?" He asked

"Nope nothing for me," Bubba replied.

He placed one hand in his pocket and calmly leaned against the wall. With his free hand he took the cigarette from his mouth and blew out a rather large cloud of smoke.

"Fine, and I'd tell you to stop that but you'll keep doing it anyways. Oh and I may be having a guest visiting sometime later tonight so please let them pass." He commented as he headed back inside.

Before Gabriel could go back inside, Bubba stopped him and gave him a stern look. "And what does this guest look like?" he said. "I can't just let any arsehole off the street wander in."

"For one thing, it won't be any old arsehole, she'll have a very attractive arse, also, she'll be here to see me." He replied

Bubba gave him a grave look. "So as long as they send in a beautiful looking woman, they could get you easily," he warned.