NationStates Jolt Archive

"Malthazius, I am sorry to have caused you such trouble. I truly thought I would not be known in any way here." Aeschia looked down. "May I ask... what else the note said?"

Truthfully she did not want to know. A death threat no doubt.

"Fine then. You will remain here for eternity. And, you will suffer for your foolishness." Krastatros slammed his blade into Raphael's stomach. "This is nothing. Not even close to what you will feel."

As the vampire struck, Raphael slid his staff to deflect the thrust. "I do not believe it will be that easy to bind me here, even with your magicks. Nor do I see the need for me, when you have other servants that would follow your wishes."

"Yes, but my servants are loyal to me. I don't send them on missions I think they will die on, unlike you." Krastatros levitated the demon. "You don't seem to realize who I am. I am Krastatros. The starter of the Crusades. And, your doom."

"If you truly wish to know, say so, for I detect that you would rather not." Malthazius looked at the note he held. The language was colorful, to the point, and sickening:

To the Unholy Companion of the Great Patron of Defilement:
We know who you are. There are amongst us those that have seen you and your 'husband' if the term can be applied to so unholy a union, and we know what we can do to you, and what your body can sustain. We know how to prolong your unlife, how to maximize the pain that you will feel, and we know how to keep you powerless to stop it. This is our warning to you. Soon, we shall come, and if you fall into our power, then we shall rend your limbs from you, gag your body as we tether you, and set you in front of both cross and sun, with a supply of garlic already coursing through your veins. Our champions will be more than happy to fashion a crown for your most unhallowed head, a crown that, befitting your belief in your own godhood, will be a crown worn by a god before you, the Crown of Thorns. This is our warning.

"Here," said malthazius, handing Aeschia the note, "read it if you want, otherwise, I will burn it before I deal with this small annoyance."

"Frankly I don't care who you are, and you'll excuse me if I've never heard of the crusades." He replied, "And there would be more chance of your death by sending me out as your agent than there would of one of your servants death."

As he levitated, he spoke three words, reversing the levitation and sending back at Krastatros. "Now if you'll excuse me, I shall let you deal with your Boaz on your own, since you believe yourself so powerful, it shouldn't be a problem."

Reluctantly, Aeschia took the note and read it.

"Why? I am not evil. I do not hurt innocents. Neither does Marius."

Bloody tears began to form in her eyes and she fell to her knees sobbing uncontrollably.

"I am not affected by holy symbols, perhaps because of my age or because of the way I live, and garlic is just an annoying spice to me..." She paused. "However, the rest... how vile! Who is evil here?! I thought I would be anonymous here... that the mortals would accept me." She was sobbing so hard she could barely speak.

"A crowd! I cannot defend myself against a crowd! Can you get rid of a crowd? And they are probably not all around right now. I will never know who is trying to kill me!"

Aeschia, a proud noble, was reduced to a sobbing wreck on the floor.

"I am doomed to be tortured... Oh what am I going to do?" She could not stop her sobbing and could no longer speak.

"For the love of God, who seems to still like you, get a grip, Aeschia. These are commoners. I said that I'd deal with it, and I will. Get your carriage, and leave. If you want to watch the spectacle, then do so, preferably levitating at a reasonable distance. Get off this roof, and go calm yourself, then do as I said. Worry not, for I shall not harm anybody, I merely intend to demostrate the power of the Lord."

"I will watch from a distance, Malthazius, levitating. To be honest, I do not want to leave. I would like to stay with you." Aeschia looked up at him. "I enjoy your company, and traveling with you would be pleasant."

She wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Would this be OK with you?" she asked him hopefully.

"It would be fine. Now, if you excuse me, I believe the calvary are due in at any minute, and from what I hear, they will be making a most impressive charge while maintaining perfect wedge formation. As you would have experienced the evolution of Dark Age warfore, I hope that this reminds you of your younger days,or rather, nights." Malthazius strated to get off the roof, then looked at Aeschia, and said, "I'll fly up to you when I am quite finished, and we can hopefully have a relaxing night, though if you would prefer to take your carriage and depart from this backwater hovel, then I am at your leisure, and would happily accompnay you." With this, he dropped into hall, and headed odwn the stairs. This was going to be fun!

"Yes... we could go to a better city, and get better accommodations." Aeschia smiled.

"Thank you so much. You are very kind." She smiled gratefully at Malthazius.

Aeschia jumped from the window and levitated at a good elevation so as not to be able to be touched by anything. She was quite interested in exactly what Malthazius was going to do. He is a very special man. she mused.

Malthazius didn't have to wait for very long. Half an hour later, he saw the crowd, carrying their traditional pitchforks, torches, rusty axes, sharpened sticks, some crosses, and the traditional garlic and roses. Idiots. Only one way to deal with their kind.

"What have you come for?!?" boomed a voice. Malthazius grimaced. He was rusty.

"We seek the Vampiress!" shouted a townsperson. Yells of support came after it.

"You will find no such creature here!" True. Aeschia was now above the inn, thus, she was not at the inn.

"Liar, you protect her!" The cry was repeated a couple of times. Not a very active crowd.

"Call me a liar, do you? Then face now the Truth, the ultimate truth of the fire, for I am a messenger of God, and I wield the Flame of Heaven with my mind!" This came with a voice of heat, for Malthazius was ready. He checked the width of the streets, went through various angles and numbers of horsemen, then decided on a V with seven riders. He held forth his hands, and a ball of fire came up between his fingers, revealing him to the crowd for the first time, for he was somewhat distant. The ball of flame shot out six streams, and from each stream another ball of flame was created, with all being equal to the first. The balls then repositioned themselves in the Flying V that geese used to migrate, equally spaced about the breadth of the street.

Suddenly, the balls of flame grew, becoming thick bodies, from which sprouted legs, tails, and heads. Upon the backs of these bodies grew the figures of men riding. Seven calvary units stood in the street. Seven armored knights, riding their mounts, were before the crowd. The horses were of white fire, black pits for eyes and nostrils, orange manes and tails billowing, and hoofs a deep red. The knights themselves were arrayed in blue armor, completely covered, and on their shields of blue, a white X was emblazoned, the cross of St. Andrew. The knights drew their blades, a length of waving flame in each knight's right hand, and at a gesture from Malthazius, they charged.

The people broke and ran. Screaming, they fled form these apparitions, from this man that called out "Witness how the Lord doth reward his servants!" As the horses neared, they dissolved into nothingness, missing the crowd by inches. None were harmed, they were merely reaping the rewards of their own superstitions. Malthazius went to his room, packed his clothes, and then took them to the carriage. Then, allowing the fire to wash over him, he rose to where Aeschia was standing upon the night sky. "I believe that we will have safe passage if we leave now. Did you enjoy the show?"

Aeschia was stunned. "A-amazing! Such power! I am... speechless..."

When they reached the carriage and entered, Aeschia spoke. "Malthazius, how can I ever thank you. You are truly a good man." Again she spontaneously hugged him and smiled.

"It was truly a spectacle... the riders on the horses... wow!" She was still going on about what she saw.

"By the way, where do you think would be a nice, safe place to go?" she asked.

"Anywhere that isn't here. And that is pretty much it, save for passive immunities that I can't demonstrate without you attacking me. I wield the fire, and I have its attributes, but I have seen vampires manipulate shadows and control minds, things that are opposed to my powers. My abilities are almost the diametric opposite of yours, but alas, most of that lies only in immunities. As I said, I had gotten worked up last night, and I needed an outlet. I have seen your kind do some truly amazing things as well, and I have been left speechless to a point that I thought I would never speak again. That spectacle took months of practice, so don't consider me a prodigy. I too must hone my abilities."

Katrina felt the love and passion in Vladimir's kiss. She shut her eyes and her feet continued to move as she enjoyed the moment. After a month on the run, after days of uncertainty, fear and being alone, she now had someone. She was his for all of time and would remain forever loyal to him. Her eyes cracked open as she felt his lips move from hers and she smiled sweetly at him as he spoke to her.

"You are handsome..." She said softly and tenderly. "...and I am yours forever."

Katrina moved her lips up and greeted Vladimir's as he moved in.

Mine forever.. Vladimir thought happily. He kissed Katrina slowly. "I-I don't know what to say..." he stuttered, smiling slightly.

For once he truly didn't know what to say.

"You don't have to say anything." Katrina said softly in return with another kiss. She inhaled his intoxicating scent again as she rested her head against his chest. Katrina looked back at him and gave him another kiss. She spoke softly and tenderly to him. "I am yours Master. You have given me a home and hope...you have given me more than I could ever dream. I will be forever your Katrina...I belong to you and you alone. I will love you for all eternity."

"I see." Aeschia responded. She seemed enthralled with Malthazius.

What an interesting and kind man. I am so very lucky to have met him.

Aeschia turned to Malthazius. "Malthazius, you tell the driver where to go… what city or safer place. You know the area better than I do. Money is no object, so we may go to some place grand. In fact, I would prefer it. I like luxury, and I would love to treat you to everything you enjoy, including your whiskey.” Aeschia smiled at Malthazius.

“You saved my life. I also have a code of honor, but that is not why I will pay for all of this. I happen to enjoy your company very much. You are truly one of the most interesting people I have met in my entire 600 years.” She stated with a smile. “I am grateful I blundered thinking you knew what I was, or we likely would not have met. I hope you enjoy my company. If you do not, or I become a burden, which is entirely possible since I seem to be a hunter target, please let me know and I will go on my way. I do not want to make life difficult for you.” She stated.

Aeschia looked down, a bit embarrassed. “You see, the reason I reacted the way I did to the hunters, is because I have never been hunted… ever. I believe I was in shock. I may still be… stunned definitely.

“What I would like to do, is to travel with you and help you in your endeavors. What better way to bring evil to you than to be traveling with a being thought to be evil.

“I want to thank you again, Malthazius. You know, it really was a spectacular sight. I was expecting fireballs, not fire shaped beings on horses. There was something very beautiful about it.” She mused aloud, her brow furrowed.

“Are you OK after all of that?” Aeschia asked.

I cannot believe I just noticed… Malthazius is quite a handsome man, and has a wonderful aura about him. She smiled to herself.

"My Katrina..." Vladimir repeated softly. He brought his hands to her waist and smiled.

"Katrina...then let yourself be known as Countess Katrina Thanatos. Anything and everything in this house is yours," he said proudly.

"When your training is done, I promise to bring you to your hometown. You can flaunt your wealth, and at dusk...your new abilities," he whispered as he kissed Katrina again.

Malthazius grinned inwardly. "I'm fine. There is nothing here that a pint of whiskey can't fix. How does Berlin sound? I am sure there are some more accomodating inns available. Plus, I'll be able to drop in on some old friends. They should be able to put me up for a couple of nights. Its close, and we should reach it a couple hours before dawn, since it isn't yet midnight."

"Countess...I think I like the sound of that." Katrina said with a grin. The notion of also going back to her hometown appealed to her, being allowed to look at the shocked faces of her old family and townsfolk, walking among them while they gawked before teaching them a lesson.

Her arms moved behind Vladimir and she held him close, staring deeply into his eyes. "What else do you wish to teach me my love?"

"Many things, Katrina, many things," he replied as he kissed her gently on the neck.

"I can teach you to act the noble you now are, to use a sword, when to go hunting, and, if possible, to fly," he replied, giving her a tempting smile as he pulled away slightly.

My Katrina...whom I will spend my eternity with...whom I will love and cherish...

Katrina gasped as she heard his voice in her head, she looked at Vladimir in wonder. She didn't bother questioning him on 'hunting', figuring that he meant going on hunts for boar or something with other nobles at night for added challenge. She had yet to clue in on humans as a food source. The vampiress instead was intrigued at flying.

"Flying Vladimir? Does one get magic when they turn Master?"

"Some, my love. That is what I want to find out. If you have magic. I can turn into a bat, as I always had trouble flying."

"This cannot all be taught in one day, much less learned, Katrina. You and I will have to be patient with each other. Sometimes, learning one thing may take weeks or even months to do, while it may take years to perfect it," Vladimir smiled at her.

"However, you have learned to dance quite fast, so you may catch on quickly," he said as he picked her up by the waist and carefully set her down on the bed.

"I do not want you to get too tired, Katrina. You have a long and challenging life ahead of you, but once you accomplish your training, you will be overjoyed at all you can do," he said quietly, looking Katrina in the eyes, with a broad smile on his face.

"To Berlin then!" Aeschia told the driver.

The two traveled through the night. The carriage rolled smoothely, and soon they were at Berlin. When they were approaching, Mlathazius, noting nothing that could be dangerous, turned to Aeschia and said, "You can let me off once we get inside the city limits. I'll be able to find boarding with some of my friends. As I believe that we both wish to continue our journey together, I would like to meet you tomorrow night at the north end of the park, say, half an hour after sundown?"

Boaz walked through the jungle. He was being accompanied by two tigers. He looked at them and smiled. "They will make loyal servants." Boaz continued on through towards his prize.

"Oh... OK Malthazius." Aeschia had thought they would be boarding in the same hotel. She did not know her way around Berlin at all.

"I... I guess I will see you tomorrow night. I do not know where I am staying. I do not know my way around Berlin." She said dejectedly.

"Do you know of a nice place I can stay?" she asked him.

"I would be happy to point you in the right direction," said Malthazius. "I just don't want you to pay for more than one room at the hotel, as that would be imposing, and we obviously can't share a room, as I would not want to destroy the friendship that we have cultivated."

Katrina felt herself being lifted effortlessly off her feet and onto the smooth and soft covers of the bed. She stared up at Vladimir as she listened to him, she was a good and very eager pupil and was anxious to learn of how to be a bat and soar across the skies. Even if it took days or weeks or months to learn...she had all of time to practice with him.

"I am sure I will enjoy whatever powers come." Katrina said with a grin. She thought for a bit. "Vladimir...when you said hunting...what exactly do you mean? Animal blood covers the thirst...but not the hunger for blood. Yet the blood you gave me in the carriage was...unlike anything I had tasted. It was a wonderful experiance just to taste it. I don't think we are living just on bottled...but...since animals seem to have little value...what will we hunt?"

"Malthazius! You saved my life! I was planning on paying for the best suite in the best hotel in town for you. Will you please allow me to do this for you?" Aeschia asked.

"Think of it this way. If you do not accept my gratitude, you will be insulting my honor."

She looked up at him. Aeschia wanted to get him the best suite, with his favorite whiskey, a concierge just for him, and anything he wanted. She would be insulted should he decline.

"Good Question, Katrina. Animal blood is a good temporary source for many vampires, and the only source for vampire rabble. A true vampire quenches their thirst and hunger," Vladimir paused for dramatic effect as he smiled at Katrina. "with human blood."

"It may seem strange to new vampires, however, one grows used to it within several drinks of it."

"What you drank in the carriage was human blood, and a very delicious batch too. I believe I got that off a nobleman."

"Rest now, Katrina, when the sun is no longer visible, your training will begin," he said as he stroked her hair, kissing her lightly. "Shouldn't be long."

With that, Vladimir walked to Katrina's door and turned the handle. Nothing... Not even a budge...

"Strange," Vladimir grunted as he slowly took his hand off the handle. "Krastatros must have locked down my mansion."

Not that I don't mind... he thought as he let his eyes run up and down off Katrina's perfect body.

Vladmir, I need you, and any other powerful vampire you can muster. No weak ones. Leave Katrina, for she could be hurt. Come to where Raphael and I are. This demon is being very irratating, at best.

Master...perhaps...I could attempt to convince him? I do not think he would hurt Katrina...in fact, he may listen to her. I have taught her how to keep her fangs hidden, so perhaps he may listen to her... he thought back to Vladimir.

We should not take this violently. Raphael would only have further evidence to work against us. Plus...I need the doors to be unlocked.

Do what you must. But if this gets out of hand, that demon is going to die. I have unlocked the doors that go directly to where we are. Hurry, before I destroy this entire mansion in my rage.

Katrina sat tense on the bed as Vladimir did his pause before telling her it was human blood that would satisfy her thirst and hunger. There was some shock in her eyes, she had never killed anyone before and never thought of doing it. So that is what hunt had meant, Vladimir would teach her to stalk and kill a human for their blood. She thought of the taste and the strength the blood she had had in the carriage had given her.

As she thought of it, the more it began to wrap around in her mind and alter her state of thinking. Humans killed cows and other animals for food. These animals had families yet humans didn't look into that...animals were food. It was simple, it was what the children were taught when they were young. Katrina thought of this and began to turn it for a vampire. Vampires hunted humans, humans were food, they had families and friends, yet the vampire didn't care about that...they wanted the blood. Katrina thought, she was the predator, the wolf...humans were the prey, the deer. It was as simple as that, no more. God had turned away from her when she became vampire and his Commandements didn't apply to her any more. Killing a human wasn't wrong, it was just a matter of the predator having its meal. The same with a wolf and a deer.

"All right...Good night my love." Katrina whispered quietly to Vladimir and gave him a kiss.

She was suprised that Vladimir couldn't open the door, but since Raphael was in the house Lord Krastatros must have sealed up the mansion. Still it was cause of some concern for the young vampire.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"It appears...Krastatos needs our help, Katrina," Vladimir said, rubbing his chin. "Nothing violent, of course."

Vladimir walked up to Katrina again and lowered himself until he was eye level with her. "Katrina, we are attempting to persuade Raphael, a holy demon, to find out what Krastatos' rival is doing. He seemed to have takin a liking to you in the carriage, and I had perhaps made my leave to hasty when he was being chased by the mob," he said with a hushed, but serious tone of voice.

"Do you think you could persuade the demon to track down Boaz? I'll be right behind you, and I will not let him hurt you," Vladimir smiled.

Katrina stared at Vladimir. She could read the truth in his eyes and she knew she was needed. She knew Vladimir would not let any harm come to her and she decided to act just like she was, in love with Vladimir and had been taken in by the nobleman yet she would also act like she knew nothing of his vampirism. If Raphael found out what that Vladimir was a vampire and she was too, she would still try to talk and act calm. Confidence building and eager to prove herself to Krastatos she nodded to Vladimir.

"Lead the way." She said with a grin, her fangs concealed behind her lips.

"Thank you, Katrina," Vladimir replied, a grin forming on his face. He kissed her on the cheek before walking to the door and opening it. "I'll be right behind you," he whispered.

Krastatros turned to see Katrina and Vladmir coming. He smiled. "Look demon. Thse people come to show you why you must help us. Listen well. Katrina, do your best. I am confident in your abilities. If you are successful in this endeavor, you will be rewarded.

Katrina returned his kiss and walked out of the room and followed the new scent in the mansion to Raphael and Krastatos. She smiled at Raphael, her fangs hidden behind her lips. She was curious on what he was thinking, a peasant girl suddenly transformed into a Countess.

"Raphael. Good to see you. I must say I am sorry for my behavior earlier...a farm girl rarely sees things beyond the fields her village tends. How are you feeling?"

"Highly annoyed at this one, and possibly Vladimir as well." Raphael replied, "You, I'm not entirely sure if I'm annoyed with."

"Oh. Well..." Katrina paused and motioned to a some chairs. "Can we sit and mind explaining why? I helped solve problems at my home...having two cousins and a brother all under the same roof taught me to solve things fast before the house was burnt down."

"Alright." Raphael replied, "And him, because he attacked me for not agreeing to help him with his petty problem, Vladimir because I have reason to suspect that he has been attempting to play me false, and you may be also doing so."

"My friend, why would I do such a thing? I did help you against the mob, didn't I?" Vladimir asked as took a seat nearby Katrina.

"That you did, but you also sent your man to get me for him." Raphael replied, "Someone who has already demonstrated his intentions."

Master...please forgive me... Vladimir thought to Krastatros.

Vladimir looked at his master and let out a chuckle. "He's slightly...cuckoo in the head," smiled Vladimir. "He is a distant uncle of mine, who I asked to stay with me, considering I thought it unsafe for him to be outside, for fear of an outburst..."

"Raphael." Katrina said softly, drawing the demon's attention back to her. "What is this 'petty problem' of which you speak? I am not playing with you...I have no reason too. I am here simply trying to find some common ground I guess. I am new at this so please forgive me if I stumble."

"If he is cuckoo as you claim, then he should have someone watching him and caring for him." Raphael replied to Vladimir's comments.

"As to the problem, he wished me to go spy on someone for him, someone he claimed he couldn't deal with alone." He said to Katrina.

"Who is this person then?" Katrina pressed. "Is it a problem to go at least look at them? I am sure you will be rewarded."

"He claims it is someone named Boaz, and I am not a spy nor a lackey which is the problem, nor am I interested in a reward." Raphael replied

Perhaps we should just hire a band of vampire hunters, my lord, Vladimir thought to Krastatros as he rested his chin on his palm. He glanced at Katrina with a smile.

"Why did you come to this city again, Raphael? And what are your hobbies?" he asked as he reverted his eyes back to the demon.

"I came here because it was on the road I'd taken, as to my hobbies why do you wish to know?" Raphael asked

"Then why do you not wish to help out Raphael?" Katrina said again, pressing the demon. "I personally don't care about your hobbies...but why don't you want to help with Boaz? If he is a great threat why not help for the good of everyone in this kingdom. Have you got something better to do than to help prevent the deaths of hundreds of innocent people?"

"I would be willing to help preserve lives, if I did not believe that he would bring about as much death as this Boaz might. Krastatros has proven his destructive nature already." Raphael replied

Forgive me Lord Krastatros Katrina thought to herself. She didn't know that she could send her thoughts but somehow Vladimir and Krastatros had been able to communicate without talking.

"Raphael. Aren't all nobles a little crazed? Now I do not blame Lord Krastatros for his actions. He tries to get you on the side of good against a mad man and you go and say 'no'. I can imagine that I would be a little pissed if someone did that to me. Do you have any urgent business to attend to? A family affair...saving a child from drowning in a river? Please Raphael, look into your heart. You know that we can get rid of this Boaz before he can cause any harm. Or do you wish to wait until he and his armies are standing behind you before taking action?"

"He may be of noble birth, but he is no noble, nor is any more human than I. If I believe him to be on the side of good, that would be different, but he has done naught to give me the impression that he serves anyone other than himself." Raphael replied, "I'd get rid of the armies of Boaz, only to find the armies of Krastatros destroying, ravaging and raping."

ooc: Hint Katrina might have a better chance both alone and asking herself/to go along.

Katrina ignored the last sentence about the armies, for now. "What do you mean by 'nor is any more human than I'. Are you saying Lord Krastatros is some kind of a monster and you to? Please Raphael, I think we are a little too old for children's stories. Or would you like to talk a bit more...in private?"

"Krastatros claims vampirism, while I am a demon." Raphael replied. "My heritage is no childs story. I would prefere that without either Vladimir nor him sitting over our proverbial shoulders."

Katrina chuckled at the mention of vampire and demon, though she knew it too be true she kept up the apperance of a love struck human girl. She turned to Vladimir and gave him a kiss on the lips. "Be right back my love."

She stood and looked at Raphael and motioned with her hand. "Come now, lets find the library and talk in peace."

"Lead the way." Raphael replied, standing and taking his staff. With one look at the two who were remaining, he followed Katrina.

Katrina gave one last look of confidence and a smile to Vladimir before leading Raphael into the mansion. She didn't know where she was going exactly and after a few minutes stumbled upon a libaray. She shut the door and looked at him.

"So...I hope that is better. You were saying you believe Krastatros to be a vampire. Why is that? Vampires do not exist."

"Perhaps what is known as vampire here do not exist, but in the lands I came from there were beings that people here would lable vampires. Kastatros claimed he was a vampire." He replied as he looked around the library.

"I see." Katrina said. "So...that is why you do not want to help against Boaz? Because Krastatros claimed to have been an imp of the devil? A vampire?"

"He likewise claims Boaz is a vampire, and a vampire is not born from the devil but from it's own kind. I choose not to aid Krastatros because of his actions, not his words." Raphael replied

Katrina sighed, this was going to be harder than she thought. It appeared Krastatros had attacked Raphael and the demon was naturally holding it against him. The vampiress thought, remembering that Vladimir said that Raphael smelled of religion. She thought of her own Chirstian teachings before speaking.

"Did Christ not say 'turn the other cheek' Raphael? Of course Krastatros has his faults, all of us do. Yet we must look past them for the greater good of the people. Turn the other cheek Raphael and help."

"Who is Christ?" Raphael asked with sincere interest. He'd had a few encounters with a faith that went by the name of Christainty but heard little of it's teachings.

"The greatest good is what is best for the most. If there is a singular powerful evil as oppose to two opposing evils, which is better?" He asked, looking for her opinion.

"I will, under no circumstances, accept a suite. Please do not consider an affront to your honor. If you wish to thank me, then I will accept a pint of the drink from my grandfather's homeland to be shared with you. Understand, however, that I do not enjoy, nor readily approve, of the fine luxury that the wealthy live in. I do not wish to offend you with my words, but I was raised in a home whose family had known misfortune some generations back. Though I am a noble, I was trained to live as a commoner, to survive as a hunter, to defend myself, and save where I could. I do not scimp with others, but on the other hand, I do not take oppulence that has little meaning for me. Wealth, I have learned, can come and go with the changing winds. Friendship, true friendship, lasts longer than the lifetimes of your kind." Malthazius sat back and rubbed his temples.

"Please, do not be offended. I have learned the hard way of the uselessness of worldly attachments. I would accept hospitality from anybody, the reason I wish to see my friends is because they provide clean homes, good German Ale, and a solid roof. It is all that I ever need, and if you wish, I would accept that from you, but I would be discomforted in a suite with a concierge standing outside with vintage drinks. Do not book me a suite. It's the one place that I can never sleep in."

Vladimir licked his lips as Katrina and Raphael left the two. He wanted to savor his Katrina's breath, her lips...Her kiss.

Master...I say we get rid of this annoying demon and get us some hunters...

Vladimir stood up and paced nervously, worried for his Katrina.

OOC- I won't be able to post for a little while, going away for the weekend.

Katrina sat there stunned as Raphael popped the question. She licked her lips and tried to recall what she had learned as a child.

"Christ's name was Jesus. He was the son of God sent down to hopefully change our ways. Up till that point God had once flooded the world and destroyed two entire cites and did plagues. Christ basically taught to be good to mankind, to turn the other cheek when struck by someone. To help people. He did that...healed people who couldn't see...raised the dead. Then he was nailed to a cross when one of his disciples betrayed him for money to the lords of the land. After he died, he rose and went to heavan after three days. That is all I think."

The vampiress look at the demon as he popped his second question on her. She thought a little bit before answering with her own question. "Would it not be better to have one possible evil that can be defeated with ease and prove less trouble than two great beasts lumbering across the land? Help us with Boaz and he is gone and then just my Lord Krastatros is left. Though he may be short of temper he is not evil. Or would you rather have both of them at war and have all this land burn and the people slaughtered like cattle?"

"I see." Aeschia replied to Malthazius, feeling quite embarrassed. She knew her cheeks were flushing. "I am sorry. I-I just thought you may enjoy something different... that is all." She stuttered.

"You do realize that I do not 'need' luxury either. True, I have grown up with it, however, good company has always taken precidence. I hope you do not look at me with disdain because of my lifestyle. I do not believe it necessary either, however, I do enjoy it. If it were taken away, so be it... as long as I have people in my life that I enjoy." Aeschia was hurt. She did take it as a personal insult to her whole life. A tear fell down her face.

"What if I offer you exactly what you want... A nice clean home, good German Ale, and a solid roof. Would you accept that?" She asked. "We could find a simple Inn somewhere with good beer."

Another tear fell down her face. She felt that Malthazius was disgusted with her lifestyle and did not think much of her. Aeschia was saddened by this.

"Your words have partially convinced me." Raphael replied after he took a second to think about her words, "I would be willing to do it if you, and only you, were to accompany me."

"Accompany you?" Katrina asked in obvious shock. She blinked and it took her several seconds to recover. "In what capacity do you mean accompany?"

"Someone to talk with, travel with." He replied, noting her surprise.

Boaz had finally reached it. Boaz smiled as he walked towards a glowing boulder. Boaz thought to himself, The rod pulled from this stone will give the user the ability to summon Death itself. I must have it. Boaz walked up to the iridescent stone. Sticking up out of the rock stood a grand silver pole. The pole was labeled up and down with words in the three ancient languages. Boaz knew the risks of touching the staff. If he was rejected he would suffer instant banishment from the world. Boaz would burn in Hell if he wasn't chosen. Boaz knew that this staff was the only way that he could defeat Krastatros. Boaz didn't care about going to hell. He only wanted that power. Boaz reached out for the rod and grabbed it. A brilliant blue light shot from the staff. Boaz screamed as the power surged through his body. As Boaz pulled the rod out of the stone he collapsed. He held the rod strongly in his hands.

"Ahhh." Katrina said. She did not know how Vladimir or Kastatros would react to it. "Yet why would you want me to come along with you?"

"Because I'd like to get to know you." Raphael replied

Katrina now felt very uncomfortable. She had wanted to spend some time with Vladimir, learn to act more like a Countess, the art of hunting prey, and maybe a sword lesson or two. Raphael's comment about only going if she went with him made her wonder if there was another motive than getting to know her. Vladimir had said he smelled of religion yet that didn't mean he might have a dirty trick up his sleeve. Maybe he would hold her to put pressure on Vladimir to put pressure on his master so balance of power would be maintained.

As Katrina thought, the most simple answer hit her. She was a vampire, she couldn't go in the sun, he only wanted her to come along.

"Well, I do not know how to ride a horse Raphael and so we would have to take a carriage. Which you of course would have to drive since you only wanted me along and doing that sort of thing is not...woman's work. It would also slow you down and bring great suspision on us if I go with you. Boaz might be inclined to do some...nasty things to me."

"I never intended to take a horse or carriage. I intended to walk, and from what I saw of you in the woods, you didn't have any problems getting dirty then, has something changed?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. He didn't yet realize that she was a vampire, thought he suspect that she was going to become one if his suspicions about Vladimir were correct. "I would also protect you, or at least give you a chance to escape if Krastatros turned out to be correct about Boaz."

"In changes since we met on the carriage...there are two. One...I am in love with Vladimir. He is...everything a woman would want. Handsome, powerful, kind, and cultured." Katrina seated herself in a large chair and stared back at Raphael before makeing a sweep of her dark red satin dress and gold necklace with a dark ruby set in golden leaves. "Second, I am now Countess Katrina Thanatos...no longer a poor villiage farm girl but now noblity."

Being quick to try and change the subject she pointed to Raphael's staff. "I am no expert on warfare but every time I saw knights coming through my village they were always armed with swords, bows, and spears. How is that suppose to protect you and me from anything besides burning it for warmth?"

"Really, then congratulations. It is rare to find love at first sight, but isn't there a ceramony that is necessary here before two people are joined. I could be wrong as I've not spent much time back here." He replied as he took in her change of attire.

Seeing her point at his staff and comment about it's appearent lack of usefulness he smiled. "It appears you've never seen someone skilled in Bojutsu, nor the other martial arts." He replied

Katrina gave another pleasant smile, fangs still hidden. "Thank you Raphael."

She didn't address his point about marriage, as it would be rather hard to have two vampires wed in a church. She instead arched an eyebrow at his mention of some strange word.

"Bo what?"

"Bojutsu. I think it would translate, roughly, as Art or Skill of the Staff." Raphael explained

Boaz awoke with the staff in his hands. He looked at the rod and smiled. His eyes glinted a strange color. Boaz stood up and said, "The Staff is mine. The Power is mine. Krastatros I will finish you off once and for all. You will not do to others as you have done to me." Boaz transformed into a bat a flew off again.

"Don't be insulted," said Malthazius. "I have already told you back at the inn where tho mob tried to rush us, I do not pass judgement upon my friends. I know that you could probably live without it, but rmember that a life of extravagence is the life that caused me to lose Adrianna. To me, the rich silks and smooth wood finishes of that life are reminders of what I have lost. I would happily accept boarding at a smaller inn, and I happen to know one that is run by a vampire."

"Alright, I take your word for it. Now, since you have agreed to go look for Boaz with me coming along. There are a few things you must know. First, we stop when I say and we leave at dusk. And that is really about it." Katrina said. "Now, are you sure you want me to come with you? Also, I need to speak to Vladimir about this."

"That is wonderful Malthazius! I am happy you will accept my hospitality, and that you know of a place to stay." Aeschia told him.

After hearing about luxury and the relation to Adrianna's death, she had a question for him.

"Malthazius? Would you prefer I dress down in peasant clothing? I would not want to remind you of sad memories. I would be willing to do that for you if it would help anything." Aeschia informed him, waiting for his answer.

"I would never ask you to. I can be in the company of those is welath, but is I that must avoid the personal displays of it. Besides, where we are going, you may need it. The inn itself has several buildings, of varying comfort levels. This carriage would not attract much attention if parked at the right spot. A rich lady with a personal guard is much less strange than a steel clad man and a common woman riding about in the carriage of a fine noble. They may assume that it had been stolen. We shall need you as a lady yet, so for now, do not bother changing. Also, I will confess that if you did, I would be tempted to peek, even if I did turn my face away." Malthazius grinned in a devilish smile at his own joke. "I am not without my faults."

"Might I ask why you wish to wait for the night time hours. If Boaz is a vampire, wouldn't that be giving him the advantage?" Raphael asked, "And I don't mind if you speak to Vladimir, if he is your husband or betrothed, then it is right to do so."

Aeschia giggled. "OK, this sounds like a sound plan. When we arrive, you tell me what beer you want, and I will have it sent to you. I will likely have some as well. Perhaps we can sit and chat together over beers for a bit prior to turning in, if it is OK with you. You are an interesting conversationalist, I must say."

She smiled slightly seductively, not realizing she had done so. She had done that often. It was just a facial mannerism of hers, however, in this case, if she had known she had done so, she would have considered it slightly appropriate. Aeschia found herself attracted to Malthazius. He was so different from the men she was used to accompanying, and he was a wonderful change of pace. She was also stunned by his powers.

Shit. Katrina looked at Raphael as he asked about leaving at dusk. She couldn't reveal to him that she herself was a vampire, she would only do that if he discovered that himself. She shrugged, whatever she had to say would sound like bullshit.

"I have been traveling for a long while and have little sleep. I would like to rest. Besides, if Boaz is a vampire he will be active during the evening and if we find a victim...the warmer the body the closer he is. We can get a general direction then continue."

"So once you get rested, we can travel during the day till we get near to where this Boaz is suppose to be, or till we start hearing about victems who's died in strange ways, then we can change to a night shift." He suggested as it seemed to him the optimal method of doing it.

Oh my God is he really that dumb? Katrina thought. So far either Raphael hadn't noticed her paler than average skin and didn't know she was a vampire or he knew and was trying to act obvlious. At any rate, seeing as how he probably could not be pulled from moving in daylight, Katrina stood, her face glowing in faint candlelight.

"Well, I guess it is settled. Yet, I must ask...before you say 'I want to know you more'. Why do you really want me to come along with you?"

"I do wish to know you, but I guess an additional factor is spite." He confessed, "Since Krastatros wishes me to do something unpleasent, and since Vladimir appears to serve him, I feel that Vladimir should likewise be discomforted."

I knew it Katrina thought. "Wait right here."

With that, the vampiress walked out of the room and shut the door behind her. She headed back through the halls and once she saw Vladimir she gave a quick run into his arms. Katrina buried her face into his chest before looking up at him.

"I was able to convince him to go...but...he only wants to move in daylight and will only go if I am to travel with him in order to give you discomfort since he is uncomfortable looking for Boaz. I do not know what to do Master. Please tell me."

"My Katrina..." was all Vladimir could say. His anger grew until he felt like destroying everything in his way, excluding his lover.

"I cannot," Vladimir whispered as he held onto Katrina tightly. Yet he knew his master would let it happen.

"I'll talk to him..." he said angrily, reaching for a pistol near his wait.

Vladmir, be at ease. Katrina will not have to go. I have found a substitute. A look a like, if you will. I summoned a doppleganger. Bring Katrina to me, and I will make the preparations. Oh, and, be careful with that pistol of yours.

Thank you master, Vladimir thought back.

"Katrina, Krastatros may have something for us," whispered Vladimir to Katrina. "An answer to this predicament..."

The Count gently pushed Katrina towards the Vampire lord.

Katrina felt secure in Vladimir's arms afte she told him of what Raphael had said. She took note of the pistol, but wouldn't do anything to stop him if he wanted to kill the demon. She turned to Krastatros and felt the gentle nudge of her love to him. She walked up to the older vampire and stared at him.

"What is it my Lord?"

"Katrina, I have summoned a doppleganger. It is a ghost that takes the form of a human, or a vampire. What I need you to do is to enter that room. You must go in alone, or else the process will not work. You will enter, and feel like something is sucking away at your soul. Do not fight this feeling. It is the doppleganger. Let it do what it must. It will copy everything about you, so much that no one will be able to tell which is which. The only thing you must hide from it is this: when it has copied you, lie down on the floor, that way, I know which one is real and which is the doppleganger. Are you ready, Katrina?"

"Master, is it possible to keep the dopple ganger from growing fangs? We may be able to fool the demon that way," asked Vladimir quietly, a worried look on his face.

"This won't...do anything to her, right?"

"Yes, she most hide that memory away from the doppleganger. That and the command I gave her. And she will not be harmed at all. She will feel a bit woozy after wards, and once the demon and the doppleganger leave, then she should eat and rest."

Katrina listened to Krastatros and could only nod. She had never heard of a dopple-whatever and was a little scared of it though if it meant she didn't have to go with Raphael and could stay here with her love, she would.

"I am ready my Lord."

It was then Vladimir spoke up and Katrina turned back to Krastatros, wanting to hear the answer before moving. She nodded to Krastatros. She gave Vladimir a kiss on the lips before walking past the Vampire Lord and into the room. It was dark in there, but she felt something else was there.

The memory of being a vampire and having to lay on the ground after the process was finished were erased from her mind. Katrina stood, waiting for the thing to come.

After the process was complete the doppleganger took shape. It looked exactly like Katrina. Other than having no fangs. It merely looked around, almost oblivious of Katrina's presese in the room. Krastatros waited for a little bit, hoping that everything went according to plan.

Katrina stumbled and looked at the exact copy of herself. It was very good actually and Katrina could see herself fully in her dress. My I look good. It was then the woozy vampire remembered to lay down on the floor. Careful not to rumple her dress, Katrina got on the floor and waited.

Krastatros walked in and saw two Katrinas. One was lying on the floor. He walked up to the other one. "Hello Katrina. Are you ready to go?" The doppleganger responded. "Why, yes I am." He took the doppleganger and went to go prepare for the trip with the demon. He motioned to Vladmir. Vladmir, go in there and watch her. Don't let her leave until I say.

"Yes, master," Vladimir replied with a bow.

Count Thanatos walked in the room, crouching next to Katrina.

"Wakey wakey, Katrina, my love," Vladimir said quietly as he stroked her cheek.

Kartina's eyes cracked open. She saw a figure in the pale candle light. What happened next suprised Vladimir as she clawed away from him for a few seconds, terror in her eyes before stopping. Katrina caught her breath, it was not the vampire who had raped and turned it. It was her love Vladimir. The doppleganger's little drain had swirled the vampire's mind a little bit.

"Oh Vladimir I am so sorry. The doppleganger...gave my mind a bit of a spin...I thought you were...him..the one who made me." Katrina said.

She then went into his arms, holding him tenderly, savoring his smell and the taste of his skin as she kissed him. Katrina looked at him. "After Raphael and my copy leave and we rest...are you going to teach me how to hunt?"

"Whatever Whenever, my sweet Katrina," Vladimir replied, holding her tight.

"I just hope that vile demon is fooled..."growled Vladimir.

He kissed Katrina around her neck, ending at her lips. "I do not want to lose you."

Katrina moaned in pleasure as Vladimir kissed her neck and traveled to her lips. She clung to him, never wanting to leave the protection of his loving embrace.

"You do not need to fear. I have seen my copy...outside of the fangs it is a perfect recreation of me. Raphael should be fooled. He is an idiot if he could not tell a vampire when he sees one."

Katrina nuzzled his neck and settled peacefully in his arms. "There is nothing to fear. You will never lose me. I will be with you forever my love. Your Katrina till the end of time."

Stephen Hauptman walked down the crowded street and looked at the sun. He pulled the strap on his rifle up closer onto his shoulder. He had to get as far away from the city as possible. It was a full moon again and he didn't want to hurt anyone. Not again...

As he approached the outskirts he saw a carriage, an out of place thing in this part of town. But he thought nothing of it, probably some stupid lost noble, he thought. He had become cynical in the years following the attack and his subsequent damnation. But he glanced at the now setting sun again and began to run, he still didn't want to hurt those people even if he deemed them stupid.

"My love...we must learn to conceal our vampiric side...we tend to be hunted, as people fear us. People fear what they cannot control, what they cannot comprehend..." Vladimir said quietly as he stroked Katrina's soft hair, letting the fragrent smell enter his nostrals...

"Oh Katrina...I was so worried about you...I don't want you to go after Boaz...especially with an inconsiderate creature as Raphael..."

Vladimir looked at a nearby clock for a second...Dark is approaching...feeding time...

"I hope Raphael leaves soon...it is almost hunting time and you still need your rest," Vladimir spoke softly as he kissed Katrina's pale cheek several times.

Katrina nestled herself in Vladimir's arms and rested her head on his shoulder. She knew what it was to be hunted by humans, her own family and friends had done that to her. Chased her out of the village and had nearly cornered and killed her. She kissed Vladimir softly on the cheek, the experiance of the doopleganger and everything since the Count had discovered her in the woods had put a steady drain on her.

"Wake me when we go hunt."

Closing her eyes, Katrina fell asleep in Vladimir's arms.

Vladimir smiled at the angelic form. "I will, my love, I will," he whispered quietly as he carefully and gently stroked her hair.

You have been through so much...running from those who were close to you, not knowing who to turn to, raped by some horrid vampire...You are a survivor...You will acomplish many things, my love, I can feel it, Vladimir thought to himself as he looked into the sleeping form nestled in his arms.

He carefully picked her up, and set her gently on a large plush couch, putting a small warm blanket over her.

The Count himself took a seat nearby, on a hard chair next to a table, watching the rise and fall of Katrina's chest as she breathed calmly through the afternoon.

"My God," thought Malthazius, "Is she trying to seduce me? Wonders may never cease. I wonder, would this count as a miracle, or an act of defilement?" Malthazius smiled back.

"I would enjoy continuing our conversation, especially when we get to the comfort of the inn. I would especially like to know what you are capable of, as you have seen all that I can do. I don't need a demonstration, but a retelling would do nicely."

"Oh my goodness!" Aeschia replied. "I have quite a lot of abilities. Let us get our rooms and have our beer delivered to one of them... do they do that in inns like this?" She asked stupidly, not having been in a small inn like this before.

Aeschia turned red. She was ashamed of her wealth and luxury. Something she never felt before.

"Or do we go to a pub? I am sorry I do not know the ways of inns such as this." The shame showed on Aeschia's face.

"I guess I need some guidance with this place... room service? ... pub? I really do not know." Aeschia looked away as she began to get the feeling she led a shameful life... and she liked the way she led her life.

Stephen ran into the forest as the moon was beginning to rise. He hung his rifle and his rucksack on the branch of a tree and began to strip off his clothes. Why rip a good pair of breeches? he thought. He was lucky to escaped the city, he could smell the deer and knew he could direct his primitive mind to hunt those instead of humans.

As the full moon rose he felt the silvery rays on his bare skin. He saw himself begin the change. That's when he felt the pain. It happened every time, but you could never be prepared for it. He doubled over in agony; it felt as if his innards were being ripped out of his stomach. He felt the hair popping out of his skin, his snout enlogating, his claws extending. He lifted his head to the sky and howled to the eerie light of the moon. He caught the smell of deer and rushed into the forest after it. In an isolated corner of his brain, his concious self sighed. He didn't even have to try to intervene that time.

Although he was getting the hang of directing his primitive mind, he wasn't confident enough with it to transform in the middle of the city. He came out here every time it happened to hunt animals instead of humans. However, he was beginning to be able to control his transformations between full moons, he could extend his claws even on the night of new moon, when his powers were least effective. He had even heard of old werewolves who could transform at will. Maybe one day he would be that skilled. For now his small semblance of control would have to do.

A nearby grandfather clock chimed 10:00, waking Vladimir from a light sleep. He opened his eyes to see Katrina still asleep on the couch. He got up slowly and frowned. No sign from Krastatros...

Too bad...When one needs to feed...they need to feed Vladimir thought to himself as he walked over to Katrina.

"Katrina, my love, it is time to hunt," he said quietly, nudging her lightly.

Katrina opened her eyes and sighed, feeling rested after a few hours asleep. She slowly rose to the sitting position and she gave Vladimir a kiss on the lips. She was ready to hunt, her body was now craving blood yet this night she would not be filling it with the blood of cows, deers, or rodents. She would be filling it with humans, a nice young man...or maybe even a small child for a snack before the main course.

Katrina looked at her Vladimir. "Have they left? Raphael and that copy?"

"Unfortunatly, I believe they are still here. But that should'nt stop hunger," Vladimir laughed as he patted Katrina's flat stomach. "I can safely assume you're quite hugry."

"However, we cannot use the main entrance, as Raphael and Krastatros may see us," he said as he walked to a covered window, throwing open the curtains, revealing a starry sky above a tranquil forest.

"So, would you like to learn how to turn into a bat?"

Katrina was slightly depressed to hear the demon and her copy were still in the mansion. Still, she was feeling very hungry at the moment. If she had been on her own, she would probably be out in the forests bent over a dead animal lapping up their blood like a dog. But, now she would be finally be able to use her fangs the way they were meant to be used.

Katrina looked at Vladimir and nodded, though it was obvious she was skeptical about transforming at such a young age of barely a month. "Yes I would."

Stephen woke up in the middle of a sun-drenched meadow, naked. He sized himself up and saw no new wounds. He counted himself lucky for that, it wasn't rare for him to wake up covered in his own blood. But, his wounds healed quickly anyway, so he never worried about it. He looked up at the sun and estimated the time at about 9 AM, late for him.

He caught the scent of his equipment and walked toward it. It took about a hlaf hour to reach it and pull on his clothes. He then proceeded to walk into town. He needed breakfast, and a drink. He plodded on toward the city.

Karasu was looking at Malthazius, still feeling like a shameful being.

She was waiting for him to tell her how to go about dealing with the inn.

"My Katrina, do you doubt your skills?" Vladimir asked as he opened the window, a light breeze coming through. "I would not want us to go running out back where Raphael may be able to see us. He would not care if two bats were seen, considering bats are not uncommon around here."

The Count walked behind Katrina and smiled at her.

"This is slightly complicated to do and is easier said than done," Vladimir began as he put his hands on her waist. "First step, spread your arms out as far as they go."

His hands rose up her delicate waist to her arms. He closed his eyes and smiled as he passed Katrina's curves. "Now, I want you to begin flapping your arms. Yes, it may seem silly, however, when you turn into a bat, you may be somewhat shocked in doing so, forgetting to flap your wings."

As soon as Katrina was flapping her arms, Vladimir spoke softly in her ear. "Now, this is the hardest part. You have to imagine yourself becoming a bat. You have to will it into being, become the bat. Try it, my love."

Vladimir planted a soft kiss on Katrina's cheek before taking his hands from her sides, backing away a few steps.

Katrina let Vladimir run his hands over her body, at the mention of flapping her arms, she thought he was completely mad. Still, she did it and closed her eyes and tired to imagine herself a bat. Minutes crawled by as she kept this thought high above all her others, still nothing happened. As she was about to give up, she felt a strange tingling all over her body. A flash of pain as her bones began to readjust and when she opened her eyes, they flicked downward to find a shadow of a bat in the candlelight.

Shocked and like Vladimir said, she stopped flapping. Not used to the wings, she tumbled from the air and Vladimir had to save her from smashing her face into the floor. Crawling on his hand, she looked at him and tried to speak, but only a chirp came out. Still, it was obvious by the single chirp she was exicted.

Testing out her new wings, she began to beat them and gently lifted off of Vladimir and she gently flew next to him, waiting for him to change and lead her to her first human victim.

Vladimir chuckled at Katrina and her excited chirps. He had a slight jolt of shock as she fell from the air, but luckily, thanks to his vampire reflexes, he was able to save his love from plummeting.

Vladimir smiled as it was his turn to transform. He didn't need to flap beforehand, considering he was experienced in transformation. He let himself change, feeling every bone re adjust, hair grow longer, skin on his arm grow down.

Suddenly, he found himself flapping next to Katrina. He squieked happily at her and flapped towards the window.

Katrina, I will speak to you through the mind rather than bat speak, he thought to her. Bat speak is rather...hard to understand

Flying in batform is much faster than running to town, which will be our playground. Actually, the outskirts of town will be our playground, where there are the least amount of people to watch. We must keep ourselves hidden from view of those that could raise alarm. Due to a recent rise in Vampiric deaths, the citizens will be willing to rise up at the smallest of alarms...

He led the way to a small house, before latching himself onto a branch of a nearby tree, hanging upside down.

Katrina, this part is slightly easier, where you transform back to your vampire self. Keep flapping your wings, but remember your human feelings, remember how you felt as a vampire or human, and remember how you looked. Like before, will your body to do so...

Katrina's arms were sore after the flight. Though she had been excitdly looking down at the dark ground, she listened to what Vladimir had to say. She hoped that he would teach her how to talk with the mind sometime.

It did not feel strange hanging upside down for Katrina. She had spent her childhood when she wasn't working playing in the trees and was used to hanging head down. When Vladimir's new instructions came to her, she did as she was told. Unlike the bat transformation, this felt a lot better and as her shoes would not stay attached to the branch, she reached out and grabbed another branch. The vampiress hung there and smiled at the still bat form of Vladimir.

"I am a natural in the trees." She said softly, not wanting the residence of the small house to know there were people outside.

Katrina gently lowered herself to the grass. She stared at the house and licked her lips in anticipation of the taste of human blood.

Vladimir flew out a bit and transformed onto the ground. "Unfortunately, I'm not," he chuckled quietly as he walked towards Katrina.

"My love, you are not only a natural in the trees...but you seem a natural vampire," Vladimir replied, smiling. "You've learn what took me years to learn...you are...amazing..."

A small streak of fear entered Vladimir's mind. If she learns this quickly...imagine how powerful she can become? She could become ten times as powerful as Boaz, Krastatros, and I combined... he thought to himself.

Vladimir looked at Katrina quietly, before smiling again. Best to not let these things disturb us now.

"Now, my love, there are several ways to suck on the blood of humans who reside in their house. Considering we are somewhat far away from any town, all they have are the few houses around to turn to..."

"We can lure them out by tapping on their doors or even causing damage on their property loud enough for them to hear, we can enter stealthily and feed as they sleep, or we can run in and hope they have nothing holy," he chuckled as he looked at the house.

Katrina thought, all sounded very appealing to her. Yet the storming of the house idea was not in consideration for her. Being a stranger in this part of the land, she did not know of the religious coustoms of the people. Back in her villiage, they might keep a small cross in the house, but it was only brought out when a priest or others would visit. She would wait to storm when she went back to her own family.

She licked her fangs and looked at the house before back at Vladimir. She gave him a brief kiss before pointing behind him, the vampire turned to see a small chicken house sitting near the front and side close to them. Being on the road for a month, Katrina knew what to do to cause a noise. Picking up a large stone, she hurled it at the chicken house. The stone smashed into the wood, splintering it and causing the chickens to cry out and flutter and jump away. Normally now she would have grabbed a few of the chickens while they were a few metesr away from the house, but now she had her sights on bigger prey.

"Noise caused." Katrina said. She looked at Vladimir as she heard muffled voices in the house. "Show me how to bring down the prey."

Vladimir chuckled. "You are good," he said quietly as he kissed Katrina, before pulling her behind the chicken coup.

"As a vampire, we have faster reflexes and increased senses...We can detect them a mile away..." he whispered as he picked up the sound of cursing and footsteps coming closer.

"When he's distracted, just come out behind him and bite down on him. Some vampires feel the need to push on a pressure point as they do this, to distract the victim from attempting to kill their attacker. The pressure point they tend to use, is right on their neck," Vladimir said as he pointed to his neck where the pressure point would be.

"Now, the best place to feed on these humans would be on their neck, the side more like," he again pointed to a point on his neck, two small scars there, where he was turned into a vampire himself.

"This is generally easier for you, my love. You are a beautiful woman, and if he does notice you, act sweetly, as if you lost your way. Then, being a guy, he'd probably bring you close to reassure you or..." he trailed off as he remembered how Katrina became a vampire. "Also remember, you are stronger than him, if it comes down to violence, don't be afraid to break his neck. He'll still have blood coursing through him."

"We can have our drinks delivered, probably to your room though. I would be happy to spend our remaining time there, and I can retire to my rooms when the sun rises so that you may sleep in private. As for what to call it? In a city like Berlin, I would tell you to call it whatever you want. Though to be specific, the pub is the bar where people sit on raised stools to face the barkeep, a tavern is any establishemtn that provides tables and seating arrangements for guests to use while eating and drinking, and the inn is generally the floors situated above the pub and tavern, where the guests sleep. If we were with my father, we would skip the tavern and pub, and instead go our seperaste ways, you to the drawing room with the other women, and I to the billiards rooms where the men would enjoy fine Turkish cigars." Malthazius sat back and thought for a minute. "Actually, if I remember properly, Johannes has a couple of taverns, for lack of a better word, that cater to more upscale taste. Or, if you prefer, we can, as I said earlier, go to your rooms and spend the time in conversation away from prying ears, and have Johannes send the alcohol up for us. As always, I am at your leisure."

OOC: I'm trying to meet your characters King and Hyper, tell me the name of the tavern please so I can go there.

Katrina smiled and nodded to Vladimir, her body shivering with anticipation of the kill. She watched as a man exited the house, he was probably thirty, a beard was already growing on his jaws and in his hands was a pike, she guessed that he was probably part of some local militia. Or demon protection group. The man turned his head slightly and shouted back at the house for his wife to stay inside and shut the door.

Moving away from Vladimir, she approached the man. Being inexperianced, her stealth was not as it would be in the future. The man picked up on her and spun around, pike at the ready. Katrina jumped, ready to run back to Vladimir, but the second the man's eyes registered a woman, the pike was lowered. "Who are you?"

Katrina gave a faint smile, careful not to show her fangs. "I...I am Countess Katrina Thanatos. I was riding my horse when some men tried to jump me...I was able to get a little ways back down the road before I was thrown. One man was still after me...I threw a rock to scare him but hit the chicken coop...I am so sorry. He heard you inside and ran."

The man stared at her, stared at her clothing before drawing himself up. "I am sorry Countess...but you should not be riding alone in this kind of night. Robbers and demons run the night. I shall get a friend's horse and cart to take you back to your home. I will make sure the hay is clean."

Katrina began to walk to the man, a smile still on her face. "Thank you kind sir."

As the farmer stared at her, entraped by her eyes Katrina's predatory instincts, long held down, came to life as she bared her fangs and dived into her victim. The farmer gasped and the pike fell from his grasp as the skin broke and veins opened, the rich blood flowing into Katrina's waiting mouth.

The taste and power nearly knocked her from the man, she pulled back slightly, the hot, sweet flavor of life empowering her and giving her more pleasure and satisfaction than killing two cows. Her mouth went back to the wound the neck as she continued to suck quickly, though she was savoring every drop that passed over her tongue and down into her bellie.

The body began to crumple and Katrina knelt with it, not wanting to lose any blood the man might have. He struggled of course, but was slowly allowing the cold fingers of death to take him. When the last hot drops of crimson were in her, Katrina pulled back, her chest heaving, her mouth was open, fully displaying her blood covered lips and teeth as her red stained tongue lashed over them.

Her eyes opened as she heard the door open and a scream as the wife stared at Katrina and her dead husband. Vladimir would get her, no worry about that. Katrina's eyes had also changed Vladimir could see. They still had their love and tenderness in them, yet there was something new in them...a predator, a natural killer had emerged from hibernation.

Katrina's eyes went past the woman as her stomach growled for just a little more blood. She concentrated on the couple's young boy, probably only ten.

Her mind blasted out a quick thought, she did not know how to talk using her mind, but Vladimir picked up the thought non the less.

"That was wonderful...yet I am still a little hungry. While you have the wife...may I have the child?"

"I see, Malthazius. Well, why do we not have our beer sent to my room and we can sit up and talk some more." Aeschia smiled at him.

"I must say that I... I am embarrassed... no... ashamed, for some reason when around you. I am ashamed of my wealth." Aeschia looked down. "I am sorry for my strange behavior. It had never been a problem before... and by the way, this inn is just fine." She looked up and gave a wan smile.

"I have a favor to ask of you, however, I hate to ask so much of you." Aeschia looked at him hopefully. "Is there any chance you can, more or less be my body guard during the day while I sleep? That is when I am completely vulnerable, and after that last incident, I am a little concerned.

"I understand if you do not want to. It is a lot to ask. If you wanted to be paid, I would gladly pay you whatever you ask, however, during the day, I cannot be woken, even in a dark room.

"Please think about it. Shall we order some beer and if you like, Turkish cigars?" Aeschia asked him, a smile on her face.

Vladimir walked out from behind the chicken coup. The Count did well to mask his amazement at not only Katrina's killer instinct, but also her ability to talk through the mind...

That is one of the hardest things for a vampire to learn... Vladimir thought as he nodded to Katrina. Perhaps...it was just a random thought of the hunt...

Vladimir shivered slightly before leaping into action. With great speed, the Count closed the distance between himself and the wife and bared down on her neck, sucking her rich blood dry...

Yet the blood was only bittersweet. Thoughts of Katrina kept running through Vladimir's head. Is she really the most powerful vampire I have ever seen? Or is it just because I have not taught another in so long? Can she be tamed? Or will she tame me?

Again, Vladimir shivered as he let the woman's body crumple to the ground, blood still flowing out of her neck. He had lost his appetite.

"Katrina, my love...are you still hungry?" he asked quietly as he searched for Katrina and the boy.

"No...I am fine dear." A soft voice said behind Vladimir. He turned to find Katrina walking up behind him, licking the last few bits of blood from her lips and teeth. The boy hadn't gotten far before the vampiress had caught and drained him, that had filled her up. It might had seemed horrific in someone's mind that one would kill a child, yet Katrina's still slightly peasant mind thought of it as simple as a wolf catching a deer or a person with their animals. Sometimes the young ones are killed with their parents. The wolf-deer and human-farm animal relationship was Katrina's personal way of rationalizing eating humans.

The care and love that had permeated her eyes when she was with Vladimir was back, yet miles back in her eyes was the look of a predator. She gently kissed him on the lips before looking into his eyes, worry and care were up front.

"What is it? Something wrong?"

"Nothing at all, my love," Vladimir replied, smiling gently as he wiped some of the blood from her pale face.

"I just don't seem to have much of an appetite anymore...I think I drank to much earlier," he laughed, embracing her. It was mostly a lie. A part of him wanted to take this up to Krastatros...yet another part... My own apprentice, my wife, who will be mine for eternity...she will be my killer...my enforcer as I take command of the Vampire underworld... His smile widened at the thought.

"You are incredibly beautiful in the moonlight," Vladimir said quietly, as he brought his lips to hers, inhaling her scent, as well as the blood that she recently drank.

"Tell me, what would you like to learn now? Or would you like to return home?"

Katrina held onto her husband, sucking in his scent and as she kissed him again, his taste. She felt something was wrong with him, though she was unable to put her finger on it. Katrina didn't know that she was the cause of Vladimir's unrest. Katrina stared into his eyes.

"Teach me how to talk with the mind. You and Krastatros must have been doing it earlier as something was brewing between you two. When you nodded to let me have the child after I killed the husband...my mind was swirling...my thoughts overtaking everything. Somehow you must have seen into my mind to listen to my thoughts. It is the only way you could have nodded."

Katrina wrapped her arms around Vladimir's neck. "Why return home when there is the night to wander and explore?"

"Of course my love," Vladimir replied, smiling. "I do not know...when I heard your thought...it startled me quite a bit...It's...It's one of the hardest things to learn as a vampire..."

"Night is always the best time to explore, when everything rests as the best come out to play," he chuckled, putting his arms around Katrina's waist and resting his forehead against hers.

"Where to begin? This 'thought-speak' is usually used by the more powerful vampires. Hence why I was surprised to have heard yours, but like you said, I may have just read your mind or something..."

"It's hard to explain and harder to perform. Although I have no easy hints for you to try, when I first began to speak with my mind, I stared at my audience and concentrated as hard as I could. I imagined my voice saying it, loudly to that person."

"Eventually, after a good portion of time, I was able to do it," Vladimir said quietly, waiting in anticipation to see if Katrina could do so within minutes...Yet he was also fearful to find out...

ooc: Appalacians, Hype and I aren't even at the tavern yet, but this is better handled in the ooc thread.

IC:
"I hate Turkish Cigars. Sooty aftertaste, and yes, I know its odd, coming from a pyromancer. There is a new type of leaf in the Americas that I have tried. Extraordinary. Do not feel ashamed of your wealth. You are a magnificent person, and should not feel embarrased. Remember, that it I that cannot stand it, but only my own practice of it. As I said before, dressing as the son of a rich noble reminds me that the son of a rich noble lost his betrothed. Had it been a pauper's son that had done so, I would only travel in the finest comfort available. We can stay at the inn with drawing rooms and billiards chambers."

"As to guarding you, it would be my pleasure, though I will extract payment in a form more suitable to my needs." Malthazius grinned a grin to match devil. "Have you ever known the love of a pyromancer?"

Time slowly ticked by. Five minutes passed with nothing happening. Katrina had her eyes shut and tried to concentrate on sending Vladimir a simple hello and her head was starting to hurt. The vampiress who already could transform into a bat and kill a child without remorse had smashed into a brickwall. Ten minutes...fifteen minutes...and finally twenty minutes before Katrina gave up. Her head was pounding and she let her head slid down to Vladimir's shoulder. She shut her eyes.

"Oh God...so much harder than I thought." She then spoke in an apoligetic tone. "I'm sorry Vladimir...I'm sorry...I'll try harder next time."

Katrina turned her head to the corpse of her victim and then to the body of the wife. "What should we do about our dinner? Should we put the bodies back in the house in case someone comes or leave them as they are?"

"Don't be sorry, my love," replied Vladimir as he embraced her. He did not know whether to feel relieved or depressed because she could not do it.

"As I said, it was the hardest thing for me to learn," Vladimir said, rubbing her back reassuredly. "You are a new vampire and so far you've done things that I doubt even Krastatros was able to do in one night."

Immediately, Vladimir shut his mouth and turned away, wishing he had not said that. Now that she knows this...what if she realizes she could become unstoppable?

"To give this the best effect, we should attempt to fool the villagers by making it seem like they were killing each other."

Vladimir walked over to the man and picked up his pike and slung the body over his shoulder, as he walked to the house.

"My love, this may be slightly grusome, but it is one of the best ways to appear invisible once the villagers wake up," Vladimir said as he set down the man's body in a chair inside and propping the pike up next to him.

Finally, the Count walked outside and picked up the boy and the wife, bringing them inside as well. He dropped the boy and picked up the pipe and walked to the parent's bedroom.

A gut-wrenching crack could be heard as Vladimir shoved the sharp end of the pike through the woman's throat, masking the vampire bite. Satisfied with how it looked, Vladimir got a nearby jar and squeezed some of the remaining blood of the woman into it before going back to the table. He picked up a kitchen knife and stuck it in the man's neck with another crack, before pulling it out and plunging it into the child's. He lay the child flat on the ground and poured some of the blood on his neck before doing the same to the man, who he kept propped on the chair.

The Count stood in the doorway, looking at his work. He nodded in satisfaction and walked back outside. "Would you like to take a look? It is...gruesome, but it is necessary to keep ourselves hidden."

"Oh Malthazius!" Aeschia's eyes widened, surprised. "I am happy you will be my bodyguard, and if it is not too forward of me, I would love to know the love of a pyromancer." She looked at him, eyes smouldering, seductively and slyly smiling at him.

"By the way... If you have not tried them... Cuban cigars are the best in the world, although I do not know if they would have them here. If so, I must get some for us... yes I smoke cigars occassionally." She grinned. "I am pretty manly, huh?" The looke Aeschia gave him proved that sentence to be a blatant lie.

"You choose the beer, I choose the cigars... payment for bodyguard duties whenever you choose." She gave him a sly grin.

Katrina stood outside while Vladimir went about his work. When he had finished, she walked inside the house and gave a small nod to the work. She was completely unphased by the dead humans, they had served their purpose and so it didn't matter what happened to the corpses. The vampiress wondered what the villagers would think when they found the bodies. Katrina stepped back outside to Vladimir, she gently ran her fingers up and down his arms.

"I'm not surprised I might learn faster than most. Maybe even faster than Krastatros." Katrina's eyes were down when she spoke before looking up at Vladimir and kissing him. "Because he probably never had a teacher as good as you. Nor the obvious ablities of a woman to learn faster than a man...I've proven that multiple times with climbing trees with the other children of my villiage when I was young."

She kissed him. "Speaking of villiage...you said there was one around here somewhere. What direction is it in?"

"You flatter me, my love," Vladimir replied, closing his eyes and reveling in the touch of her finger and the kiss by her full lips. He smiled at her before bringing her closer and pushing his lips onto hers, kissing her passionately, tasting what blood remained.

He pulled away slowly, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "Just north of here, Katrina. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious...in case there is no time to make it home...just want to know what direction not to fly in."

Katrina looked up at the bright moon above them and smiled. It brought some relaxment to her and at one point aided in her hunting of wild animals. She turned back to her moon bathed love and returned his passionate kiss. Katrina truely loved Vladimir, deep in her soul she craved to make love to him when they returned home or right here, but she decided to keep the desire down as long as she could.

"Come on...lets go for a little stroll." Katrina said with a smile. "I am curious my love on how you became a vampire. Did Krastatros make you one?"

"Do not worry, my love, I have been at this for quite a long time. So much so, that I tend to know when to head back home," Vladimir chuckled as he kept his hand across the back of her waist, while walking her past the house.

"Wow...that was quite a long time ago, my love. Actually, I did not meet Krastatros for a hundred years after. A seductive woman did this to me. I was the son of a rich count, she the daughter and old friend of mine. She was my betrothed until she disappeared for a number of years."

"When she finally came back, I failed to notice the bites on her neck. In our celebration, we bedded with each other, where I noticed too late what she had become."

"Unlike you, my parents were fearful of this, yet they did not attempt to kill me. For many years they attempted to hide it as best they could, cutting my fangs, pulling them, or even rubbing them dull. They fed me animal blood to keep my thirst down, yet I could not help myself. I had to taste human blood...I killed my parents one night, sucking them dry of blood..."

"Seeing my loving parents dead, I ran, ran far until Krastatros showed me into his clan. Teaching me the ropes, the ways of the vampire. I soon came back to my manor, long abandoned, retook my family fortune, and came across my current manor, killing it's inhabitants."

"Sad and horrifying story to some, but that's how the world turns, I guess," Vladimir chuckled quietly.

"So tell me how your life was, Katrina, before your vampire encounter."

"First," said Malthazius, devil-grin still on his face, "I would prefer to at least know who you are, but as we will have about an hour before the sun rises, I believe we can come to know each other then."

"As to being manly, well, who am I to say what manly is. You are a Vampiress, and I respect you, so the manly factor is nothing compared to that. Cuba, you say? Never heard of it. Which power owns it?"

Katrina listened and nodded to Vladimir's story. She had only wished her parents had been as kind to her after her transformation like Vladimir's parents had been, that was until he had killed them. Her own parents would have the same fate in the near future. When it came to her pre-vampire story, she shrugged.

"My life was simple...working in the fields and around the house and the village for some lord who only came through once or twice in his carriage. He was a good man in terms he did not have his soldiers kill those who could no longer work his fields nor fight his wars. My father did serve a little in the militia...never saw battle.

"I lived with my parents, older sister, older brother...and a cousin. Simple life again...simple meals of bread, some water, cheese, milk...and maybe some meat. Nothing like what you might have had when you were human. I tended to the animals...played with the other children."

Katrina fell silent for a while before speaking. "The night I was taken...I was tending to some last minute planting out in the field when he came. Thinking hard...he was dressed fairly well...not like you or I and not like a peasant...more like average clothing. I screamed...my father and others came running, but by then the vampire took me to some cave where he had his way with me, turned me and abandoned me.

"When I came home...after seeing a cross. My father...along with all the other men nearly cornered and impaled me. Don't get me wrong...my father is a good man but..." Katrina's eyes watered. "He wouldn't recongize it was still his daughter before him...my mother also was with them. Crying out I was to be purged of the devil and I would be sent into God's loving arms just as they tried to drive a pitchfork through my gut. I do not know how I got away to this day. I guess I just out ran them."

Katrina mumbled something else under her breath that sounded like 'I am going to make sure they all suffer' before she spoke in her regular voice. "Well, that is my story up to being found by you my love."

Vladimir's keen ears was able to catch what Katrina muttered.

"Katrina, do you like your family?" he asked quietly as they strolled along. "And can you explain this vampire that did this to you in more detail? His face, his looks?"

"Oh, nevermind, my love. Let us enjoy the happiness of our lives. What hobbies did you enjoy as a child?" he asked with a smile as they entered a forest.

"No..its alright." Katrina said to Vladimir about his question about her family and her assalient. "I like my sister, she was the only one not to try and harm me. She wanted to help me but was pushed by my father and others. It is hard to forgive someone when you lay all the trust and love you have in you at their feet and give it all to them. Then they suddenly turn around and try to burn you like a common witch. Even when I ran they chased me...vowing to hunt me down and kill me before I killed any of them."

Wouldn't they be shocked now? Oh dear Father...how big your eyes will be before I rip them out. Mother...you shall not escape either... Katrina thought angerily to herself. The vampiress was completely set on returning to her village and seek revenge against her family and neighbors for their betrayl. The only person who would survive would be her sister. Katrina looked at Vladimir and smiled before thinking of her attacker.

"Maybe a few years older than me. White skin like you and I. A head of silky blonde hair and burning blue eyes of all things. Stood maybe a little taller than I. Looked like he could slid into a ball with the right clothes and fit in with no one noticing. After he brought me to the cave, he drank from me to keep me weak then left. He returned the next night and..."

Katrina stopped, leaving the obvious unsaid. She looked at the moon through the trees. "Hobbies...as I have said I used to climb trees a lot. Toss rocks into a pond...run...skip...jump...small petty things."

"So... When you get your revenge...What will happen to your sister? Will we turn her?" Vladimir asked quietly as he began thinking up possibilities to satisfy Katrina's thirst for vengeance.

"And of your assailent? Do you desire vengeance on him?" Vladimir continued as he followed Katrina's gaze to the moon. "Maybe Krastatros will know how to find him."

"Malthazius, I was joking!" Aeschia said, eyes wide. "Do you truly think me to be manly? Perhaps I am wearing the wrong clothing? I do not think so. Hmmm..." She pondered.

"Cuba is a little island next to America. I do not know if anyone owns it or anything about it, except that in America you can get what is considered one of the best cigars in the world, and I would have to agree. It is called Cohiba and it is wonderful and smooth. Not like the trash you find over here." Aeschia smiled.

"Why do you not do the checking in and such, and I will pay. You are more adept at how to behave at an inn... I would not know who to order the beer to be delivered to the room, as they have no concierge. You will have to teach me the ways of living like this, as I stick out like a sore thumb." Aeschia chuckled.

Katrina didn't answer for a while as they walked through the forest. She brought her gaze down from the moon and back to Vladimir.

"Before I left my sister was being courted by a man from another village. By now she is probably married and left home. She wouldn't like the life of a vampire. She loves the sun, loves everyone...she is the nicest person around. You could never get her to eat anyone. Besides....I do not know how to turn someone...and I do not wish to know. My parents, brother and cousin...along with much of the village...they will perish."

Katrina's hate filled eyes for her old neighbors and family intensified when she spoke next about her assalient. A cruel grin went across her face.

"What I want done to him is simple. Crucify him, have cross staked all around him in front of the mansion so that he will scream and feel the heat and agony of the cross. Then...at daybreak...I can hear him scream one last time."

Then, as if by call...her softness returned a little. "To draw him out...an idea...maybe a ball...invite all the vampires and human lords or something to the mansion...no doubt he would come looking for some fresh meat. Still, he is immortal so I have time to search. My family meanwhile will never see winter come."

Vladimir's eyes widened at surprise at the cruel punishment that the previously shy, humble, peasant girl was coming up with. In fact, it nearly scared him.

"Katrina, we think alike," Vladimir replied with a smile. " I planned on having a ball to bring them to us...all of them. Perhaps a ball to celebrate our marriage."

"Then, one by one, we bring them all to certain rooms and feast on their souls, their blood..."

"Of course, you will have to find and pick that target of yours...As for the crosses...we cannot do that, my love. We'd have to get my servants to handle that...but you can watch if you want to..."

"You do not wish to know how to turn one, Katrina? I found that the most fascinating prospect of vampirism...added the ability to control some undead and weaker human minds..." Vladimir smirked mischieviously as he ducked under a branch.

Katrina smiled as Vladimir mentioned a ball and their wedding. The fate of their guests made her grin with glee, feasting upon the life of many helpless humans with her new husband by her side made her grin wider. The thought of the revenge on her family was put off for a little. He did have a point about being unable to crucify her raper herself, but Arcen and the other servants will see to it.

She ducked under the branch and wrapped her arms around him, locking her lips to his own for a while before gently parting. Katrina smiled at him.

"Controling others and making humans vampires...that can wait for later my love. But, with regards to our wedding. There is no priest who would wed two vampires...unless you know a vampire priest."

"Actually," Malthazius said, "They will have a concierge. Hold on. Driver, take the left and go to the gates with the lions. They'll be open so just take it in and ehen we disembark, take it round where they will stable the horses and park the carriage. We'll get you a nice set of rooms near ours."

"Now," said Malthazius, turning back towards Aeschia, "Johannes' place, as I said, caters to every level of society, and the nicer facilities is more of a hotel. Still, I'll be happy to order the beer and cigars and have it sent up to the rooms, though I will need some gold to have it, as that is the only type of currency that Johannes will accept. Cuban cigars? That would be nice. I think," Malthazius continued, as the carriage meade the left, "that we are about to arrive."

"None that I know of, my love," Vladimir chuckled in regards to a vampire priest. " I only meant it as a ruse for our human guests."

"However, if you desire so, I'm sure we can make arrangements for a formal wedding ceremony."

"As to our...rapist problem...I wiIl be more than happy to show you some vampire torture techniques," the Count replied before suddenly bringing his mouth to hers and kissing her passionately, only backing away to breath. Vladimir felt as though he could continue this forever...

"A ruse works just fine for me my love." Katrina said as she threw herself into his grasp. Before she could speak about vampire torture techniques, she felt herself thrown into waves of hot passion for Vladimir as he kissed her. She closed her eyes, her lips constantly locking with his own, her body was racked with heat and passion as their lips met again and again.

Katrina moaned, she wanted him so badly, she wanted to feel him inside of her, to feel him drink from her, to drink down her hot blood steaming with love and heat.

In between kisses she spoke. "Take...take me...hold me...drink from me..."

Vladimir pulled their already close bodies even closer.

As he did so, the vampire stumbled back, his back hitting a nearby tree with a loud thump. But Vladimir barely noticed as his arms slid down Katrina's sides, feeling every curve.

The count kissed around Katrinas neck, slowly arriving at two small, round scars.

Vladimir gently buried his fangs in her neck, slowly sucking the blood Katrina had just drank.

"Malthazius," she spoke as she pulled out a bag of gold, "I want to stay in the same kind of room that you will be staying in." Aeschia smiled. "Perhaps we can get joining rooms, since I need you to watch over me... unless they have a really nice room next to whatever you would like, however, I do not want to be too far from you." Aeschia smiled at him. "My bodyguard." She chuckled.

"I just do not understand what this kindred hunt is all about... why?" Aeschia mused aloud.

"Anyway, order Cuban Cohiba cigars. I think I will faint if they actually have them, however, if they do, you are in for a real treat! And you choose your favorite beer, and I will go with the same." Aeschia grinned. "Now all we need is a deck of cards!" She threw her head back, her hair tossing behind her and laughed heartily.

Perhaps Malthazius noticed this by now. Fangs could not be seen on Aeschia. In her case, they receded when not being used, and protruded when being used. Very convenient... as well as not having problems with holy symbols or churches. This came from being sired by someone sired from the very first vampire. She had very strong vampiric blood and was a very strong vampire and could tolerate more than most.

"OK, I will come with you, and you obtain everything. I will stand by and watch. It sounds the same as any other hotel. Please be sure to tip the proper people well. It is the way to get the best service." Aeschia winked at Malthazius.

Steve watched the pair of nobles walk into the hotel. He could smell that one was a vampire, but strangley he couldn't see fangs. The other smelled almost holy, but he also smelled like..fire. Fire was the best way to describe the man. It was the strangest scent he had ever detected. He decided he would have to take care of this, he didn't wan them hurting anyone. They seemed harmless, but all of them seemed harmless at first. He wouldn't be taking any chances. He followed them in and watched the room numbers they took from the lobby. He would wait them out in the bar and check them out at night.

As they were walking, something did not feel right to Aeschia, using her telepahty, she read the man following them.

"Malthazius, you know I am telepathic." Aeschia whispered. "The man behind us intends to kill us. 'Take care of us', would be the actual wording. He smells your fire smell and knows I am a vampire. He is watching our room numbers. You must stay with me all day. He will kill me otherwise." Aeschia sighed.

"I am already sick of this." Aeschia said. "So anyway Malthazius, he intends to kill us. Unlike you, he is not going to give us a chance to prove we are not evil."

People like that filled Aeschia with disgust. Judgemental idiots who do not even know if they are killing someone who is no threat.

He smelled fer on the vampire, then righteous anger. Vampires could be righteous? This was all new to him, upsetting his thinking. Fear or righteousness were not feeling he had ever associated with vampires. Perhaps this one was different. He wasn't sure. He had to find out more. He would watch and wait. Too bad he didn't know more about them. He may have to kill them without good reason or evidence against them, he hated doing that, but if it was necessary he would do it.

OOC: Hope you know that I want our characters to team up, not kill each other...

ooc: OK... sounds good.

Aeschia watched as Malthazius went through the motions getting the rooms. "What kind of rooms did you get, Malthazius?" She asked after he got their keys.

Malthazius had gotten some rather nice rooms in one of the more expensive buildings. Actaully, Johannes himself was overseing some matters, and had been happy to see Malthazius again. "The usual, child of Fire?"

"No, actually," Malthazius said in a whisper that he knew the man behind him wouldn't hear. "I am traveling with company," eyes darting to Aeschia, "And I need a room fit for nobility, preferably with an extra bedroom for myself. The Lady is Kindred. We need something that has the proper curatins."

Johannes didn't even flinch, though he hadn't expected this. "I have guests of my kind all the time Malthazius, you know that, and the prices I charge include secrecy, even for you, though you seem to enjoy hunting my brohters. No, no, I know where you come from, and it is understandable, but just remember that the reason I run the full gambit of lodging services is to ensure good business from all sides. I have a room for you that would suit you. Would you like any of your whiskey, or would the lady prefer wine?"

"Scotch this time, and if you have them, some Cuban Cohiba cigars. Send it to the room."

"You'll have both. Malthazius, the man standing to the left there, he is a Lycan. One of my porters smelled him when he came in. Yes, I employ Lycans as well. Careful around him, he seems to be preoccupied with you. I would act, but I will not do anything unless he demonstrates himself as a threat." He handed over the keys.

"Thanks." Malthazius returned to Aeschia.

"The guy is a Lycan. Here are the keys, top floor, room 38. Our bags will be sent up, and yes, they did have the cigars. Go up there for now, you'll be safe while we are here, the owner is Kindred. I'll be up shortly."

Malthazius walked towards the Lycan, as if to walk right past to him, when he grabbed the man and dragged him to a wall, pinning him there with his own body. "Listen, bud, I know that you're a wolf. I don't want any trouble from you, mostly for respect to my friend, as he runs this joint. I don't know what you want from me or my Lady, but if you do want something from us, then meet me down here an hour after sunrise. I have some personal business to take care of, and I would rather it not be interupted." Malthazius backed off, and let the guy go. "Hour after sunrise, here in the pub. I'll be here." Malthazius turned, and headed to his room.

"Listen, bud, I know that you're a wolf. I don't want any trouble from you, mostly for respect to my friend, as he runs this joint. I don't know what you want from me or my Lady, but if you do want something from us, then meet me down here an hour after sunrise. I have some personal business to take care of, and I would rather it not be interupted."

"I had no intention of hurting you, my friend," he said, acting cool, "I only wish to find out about you and your companion. Only then would I come to my decision." The man's hands were beginning to singe his coat from heat. Now he understood, a Pyromantic. He would have to be careful with this man. "I'll keep out of your business, and I won't bother your friend. You have my word."

"Hour after sunrise, here in the pub. I'll be here."

"So will I, I hope to see you," he smiled wryly, "I just hope it will be under more friendly circumstances than this."

Aeschia opened the room. It was lovely. She set her things down and decided to go to the bar and get something else sent up. She forgot to mention she deplored scotch to the core.

I thought we were having beer? Aeschia mused.

Also, she wanted to tip the owner extra. It was obvious he would see to her needs and people who were good in the service area deserved to be paid well for it.

Aeschia took off her cape and weapons belt and threw it on the bed, other than for a pistol on a thigh holster under her dress. She wrote a quick note for Malthazius, figuring he would be back up before she was:

Malthazius,

Went to the bar quickly. I forgot to mention, about the only liquor I dislike is Scotch. I think I will get a bottle of wine. Be back in a flash.

Aeschia

Aeschia was hoping not to run into the wolf, especially since he did not seem to be patient enough to find out that they were not there to hurt anyone. She kept her eyes open for Johannes in order to tip him again.

The kindred woman walked into the bar. Steve smelled her before he saw her. He was just watching now, but he was becoming more confused as he looked at her. He smelled fear and righteous anger again, it was just strange. Next he smelled something even stranger. She was... holy. But a holy vampire? It made no sense at all. He wondered how that was even possible as she approached.

Aeschia was reading the lycan's mind and smiled to herself. Good, he gets the fact that I am not like all the others.

She walked up next to him and smiled. "Hello." Aeschia said, being friendly... it is how she always was, and it seemed that this man may not be a real threat... have to wait...

Johannes himself came to wait on her. "Hello," she smiled. "I forgot to mention to Malthazius that about the only liquor I deplore is scotch." She laughed.

Aeschia was not paying attention to the many men in the bar who were watching her. She was stunning and had a rather lowcut dress on, front and back, and was well endowed. She got used to ignoring gawking men.

"Johannes, may I please have a bottle of your best shiraz, and two glasses."

He came back and handed the bottle and glasses over to her, and she paid him with a bag of gold pieces and an astronomical tip. "For excellent service." She winked at him and thanked him.

Aeschia began to walk away from the bar, turning around to say, "Johannes, by the way, the room is beautiful." She flashed her beautiful smile again. "Good night and thank you."

She headed back up to the room assuming Malthazius was probably there by now.

She seemed genuine. That wasn't strange in a vampire, but this time he really thought she meant to be friendly. And she meant to be nice by the tip. He would just have to wait for that Pyromantic to get back. He detested waiting.

Katrina gasped as Vladimir's fangs sank into her flesh, it reminded her of the first bit she had recieved in the same two holes. Only this time, it was followed by the most wonderous feeling she had ever experiance. Wrapping one arm around Vladimir, she genlty placed a hand on the back of his head. She looked up at the bright moon above and moaned with pleasure. The act was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

Closing her eyes, she gently stroked Vladimir's head as he drank the hot crimsion liquid in her veins.

"Damn, she hates Scotch Whiskey?" Malthazius mused over the fact. Personally, he enjoyed the drink, almost as much as the Irish version. He would have ordred the Irish, but he wasn't in the right mood, the circumstances called for Scotch Whiskey. At least the wolf wouldn't be any trouble. He had to watch the burning hands, especially tonight. He knew Aeschia was cross proof, but he didn't want to risk her not being fire-proof with his carelessness. He stopped at the desk to talk to Johannes about some guards for a when he would meet the wolf.

"Nice, now I am sure he knows that you are a Pyromancer. What else do you need, Malthazius?"

"I'm meeting the wolf in the pub after sunrise. Could you have a couple of guys available that I can send up while I'm talking with the wolf?"

"No problem, security already included in my fees. I like your friend, she tips well."

"Should have told her that your prices include gratuities, especially at what you charge. Oh, and has there been any tales of the blade?"

"Actually," Johannes dropped his voice to a whisper, "I have heard a recent story, and credible. It backs up one or two other rumors that have circulated, but this time there is some significant evidence behind it. Can I get you alone soon? Or do you and your friend plan to spend the last two hours of the night 'occupied'?"

"Busy, as you say it, but tomorrow night, I'll have to let Aeschia and this wolf get to know each other. We can talk then." Malthazius headed up to the room, where he found Aeschia having just entered.

Vladimir slowly pulled away, all fears and worry gone, replaced with a single thought.

"My love...I am quite...full," Count Thanatos gasped, taking huge gulps of air. He stared at Katrina's neck began to drip some of her delicious blood.

He began to lick Katrina's blood until she would either lift her gentle hand, or her new, faster healing will seal her puncture.

Aeschia got back to the room and Malthazius was not there. Hmmm. I wonder where he is? I hope he is back soon. She thought, as she poured herself a glass of shiraz and sipped it. It was very good.

I hope he gets back soon. I only have a couple hours at the very most.

Katrina had felt an almost sexual arousal from being fed upon by Vladimir. She allowed him to lick the blood from her neck till the wound healed, leaving the same two round scars from the bite that turned her on her neck. She moved her hand away and smiled at him. Katrina gently leaned forward and licked her blood from his lips and teeth, tasting herself, the man, and the small boy.

When she had taken away some of the blood, she pulled back and looked dreamily into his eyes. "Thank you...that was...amazing."

She gently kissed him again. "Do you think Raphael has departed with my copy?"

snip
ooc: It'd be probably be best to await confirmation before joining the ic.

ooc: It'd be probably be best to await confirmation before joining the ic.
OOC:Perhaps.
I will delete my post for now.

--edit
But the owner of the thread appears to be offline.

"I know I'm amazing," Vladimir chuckled.

"I have never had an experience like that before," he whispered as he planted kisses around her face. "I loved it...you had a... distinct taste. A sweet taste..." He licked up what little blood remained on his neck.

"Raphael?" Vladimir's thoughts suddenly returned to reality. "I would think so, my love, but Krastatros has not yet told me to get out of our room," Vladimir laughed as his probably believed the two of them to still be in the room.

Malthazius walked into the room just as Aeschia was putting back the bottle of shiraz. "Sorry, didn't know that you hated Scotch Whiskey. I hope Johannes brought me eno...ah, he brought up a keg." Sitting stoutly near one wall, placed on an exquisite tap rack, was a wooden keg marked "Scotch Whiskey. Imported from Glasgow."

"I would have ordered Irish Whiskey, but I wasn't really feeling the mood for it. Nearly everything I order is Celtic in some way or another, unless its Vodka." He grabbed a giant mug, put it to the tap, and filled the cup till it was brimming over. It went down in a single gulp. He refilled it, this time taking it to the table before he started to drink it. "So, I can see that you have the ability to communicate mentally. you can retract your fangs, and crosses don't hurt you. You become, Aeschia, more of a mystery to me every time that I think about it. I truly am interested in knowing just what you can do. Your past, or at least what you have told me, is quite fascinating."

"Well, there is not much to it really." Aeschia responded to Malthazius' question regarding her past. She watched, chuckling to herself as Malthazius gulped the whiskey. She sipped her shiraz. "Feel free to have some shiraz if you like. I brought two glasses."

"I do not know what to tell you... my age and the way my sire taught me to do things makes a lot of the usual kindred behavior irrelevent to me." Aeschia looked at him. "For example, when I feed and I am finished, I can touch the bite marks and they disappear... heal up completely. The religious icon thing... that never bothered Marius or I, same with garlic. Perhaps it is because I was sired with very old strong blood, almost first brood blood. I am a very strong vampire."

She smiled at him. "What else do you want to know? Maybe ask me some specifics... I lived most my life in Italy, by the way, in Venice. I am not used to this small farm town vampire hunting. It is strange to me. We mixed with mortals as a regular thing. Perhaps because Marius taught me to only feed from criminals and such, and I have done only that for all these years. Surprisingly, there are always plenty of criminals around. Or perhaps it is not so surprising." Aeschia laughed.

"What more might you want to know?" She asked, looking at him over her glass as she sipped her wine.

Boaz landed outside of his castle with the staff in his hand. He smiled and walked up to the door. The door slowly creeped open as he got closer. As he walked in he was greeted by many servants. Boaz told them he would be in his room. He walked to an antique grandfather clock. He ran his hand down the side and a door was revealed. He then opened up the door and jumped down a shute that led to his underground layer. Boaz landed and walked over to a desk. He sat there and studied the staff with great interest.

Katrina smiled back at Vladimir and returned his kisses. She gently kissed the bite marks on his neck, yet resisted the tempation to see what he tasted like. She looked into his eyes. "If you ever want to taste me again...go right ahead."

She chuckled at the thought of Krastatros thinking they were still inside the room back at the mansion. "So what shall we do now? We have already killed...yet the night is young. Your the teacher...your choice."

"I have several things we could do, my love," smiled Vladimir as he slowly backed away from Katrina, his arms remaining around her waist. "I could teach you how to swordfight, unfortunately, we would have to work with sticks, considering I only have one sword with me," he patted his rapier on his hip. "Or some other aspect of vampires you would like to learn."

"Or we can act like children and relive our childish activities, such as tree climbing, rock skipping...all those kinds of things," he laughed as he looked deeply into Katrina's beautiful brown eyes.

"Or...we can act as lovers and...relive our...adult fantasies," he whispered in her ear, gently playing with Katrina's hair and kissing her on the cheek.

Krastatros thought as he rested. Everything was going well. Hopefully Raphael would do his job. He had time to rest. However, his thoughts turned to Katrina. She could have been a spy from Boaz. He would investiate things later. Now, he only wanted rest.

Raphael had departed with Katrina, heading in the direction Krastatros had indicated, before speaking to Katrina for the first time since they left. "So what did Krastatros want with you?"

ooc: Who's going to be being the Dopple?

ooc: Who's going to be being the Dopple?[/QUOTE]

ooc- I was hoping the golden simatar could. Sorry for not posting, I don't know if blastit told you but I was away in NYC this week.

ooc: He did, and there's an application in the ooc thread for you.

ooc: He did, and there's an application in the ooc thread for you.

thanks theao.

The doppleganger Katrina smiled plesantly at Raphael. Her looks, smell, everything about her spare for her vampirism was an exact copy. It motioned to the door.

"Oh nothing...just wishing me luck and at the first sign of trouble run like hell. Lead the way Raphael. I'm no scout or anything so you're leading the way."


Meanwhile, the real Katrina laughed at Vladimir's suggestion of childhood fantasies. After Vladimir spoke of exploring thier adult fantasies, she smiled and gently pulled away from him. Looking upwards, she grabbed a branch and effortlessly lifted herself up into a tree.

"I like the latter...but you must catch me first."

With that, Katrina reached out for another branch and with a laugh, began to hop from tree to tree.

"Ah." He replied, before pausing, "Didn't you say you wished to sleep first and set out later on in a carriage?"

"Oh? A mixture of both?" Vladimir laughed as he raised an eyebrow at the escaping Katrina. "If my father was still alive, he would scold the both of us for doing this in noble clothes."

With a laugh, Vladimir hoisted himself onto a branch. Swinging on a sturdy brance above him, he swung himself upwards onto a higher branch and continued to do so, until he was at a high position. Then, with a great leap, he leapt two trees away, closer to the escaping Katrina.

His predatory instincts, along with his swordsmanship agility helped him in balancing and moving rapidly along the tree branches. "You'll find that I'm a better tree climber than I look," he called out to Katrina with a laugh.

He crouched on a high branch, listening quietly for the rustle of leaves that Katrina would make. He sniffed the air for her entrancing scent. Once he found them, he immediately took off in her direction. "You cannot escape me that easily!" Vladimir laughed as he saw barely missed her jump from another tree.

"Yes and you said you wished to walk. So walk is what we will do. Give me some time to get changed into my old clothes." The doople said.

It left Raphael for a while before returning in the pesant clothes Katrina arrived in, it adjusted the kitchen knife on the piece of cloth that passed for a belt. "Now...are you ready to look for Boaz are you going to stand around there all day?"


Katrina looked back at Vladimir and smiled as he missed her by a few feet. She turned and waited for him to make a bounce to her before jumping to another branch, passing within a foot of him. "Oh my dear Vladimir...tree climbing is a lot more fun as a vampire."

With another laugh, she took off deeper into the wood.

"Yes I am, and the attitude change is somewhat surprising." He commented as they set out into the woods, following the vampire's directions.

"Isn't it, my love? Nearly every activity is. You can use your increased senses to accurately track where your target is, and even predict where your target will be," he laughed as he jumped in front of Katrina, only to be surprised that she changed course so quickly.

"In fact, I found you in a similar way, however," Vladimir chuckled as he turned into a bat.

I was a bat at the time, he thought to her in a happy tone. The bat Vladimir followed Katrina until he regained his distance between the two.

"I almost have you, Katrina," Count Thanatos laughed as he leapt for Katrina.

"Well figure this Raphael." The doople said as the pair started off. "I am not a fighter, never wanted to and never expected to go chasing after Boaz. So...I am a bit nervous. But...lets keep things going eh? Tell me Raphael...where are you from? Your staff combat...called bo...bo..something, very strange word. What land are you from?"


Katrina turned and didn't have time to react as Vladimir grabbed her, the vampiress grinned and didn't attempt to keep them on the branch. Instead, she let them fall for a few feet before grasping a branch, swinging the pair out and let go again. Holding onto Vladimir, the pair flew downward and into a pile of leaves.

Katrina landed on top of him and grinned. "Looks like I got you."

"I was born in the Germania Superior province of Rome." He replied, "But I've spent a number of centuries in Asia."

"If you'd like you can go back, but I don't think Krastatros would like me roaming loose with no one to watch me." He offered.

The doople moved like Katrina, promptly turning around when it was offered she could go. At the last part of Raphael's sentence, the doople stiffened and thought. Katrina's reaction to the trip would warrent leaving, yet it also knew that Katrina was a servant of Krastatros and would do his bidding. So in the end, the dopple turned.

"I will only follow you because of that. My Lord would not like it if I return home without information on Boaz and you probably moving off never to be seen again."

"As you wish, but you could return to your husband and just avoid Krastatros for a while, or trust your husband to protect you. I don't mind you leaving, nor will I tell him about you leaving." Raphael replied

Tyranna awoke to the darkness. She took a deep breath and swallowed the stale air, tinged with the stench of decaying flesh. She smiled, showing her gleaming and very long incisors. She slowly rose from her bed, and the blanket that protected her from wandering eyes. She was about to get dressed when she stopped abruptly.
fresh Blood...She thought darkly
She instantly threw on her clothes and a cloak, clasping it with fumbling fingers. She snacthed her staff/sword and took off out the door, throwing up her hood as she went.

Boaz thought to himself, I wonder where Tyranna is? I will have to tell her of my exploits. Boaz stood up and began walking up the stairs that lead into his bedroom. He walked into his bedroom placed the staff on his bed and layed down next to it. He sat there gazing at his roof.

Vladimir smiled, slightly out of breath, but mostly in shock.

She's better than you, Vladimir... came his concscious as he looked into her beautiful face, still breathing heavily.

"You just got lucky," he chuckled, immediately putting the thought out of his head as he kissed Katrina. "Now what?" he asked, heavily anticipating their next move.

The dopple Katrina shrugged. "Lord Krastatros was going to be staying for a while...so I can hardly avoid him in my own home. Come on, lets start moving. What am I to do if we encounter a dangerous creature?"


Katrina stared down at Vladimir and smiled and looked up in the sky, as though nothing was going on. She continued to stare for a while, catching her own breath, the thrill of the chase was dying, but the excitment was not gone. Finally, she looked down at Vladimir and kissed him.

"I am yours forever Vladimir. Your Katrina for all of time. I offer myself to you...do as you please."

Katrina gently rolled off of Vladimir and lay next to him, ready for whatever he brought.

Ask me specifics

"Fine," said Malthazius, gulping down the second swig of Scotch. "Specifically, I know that you are a telepath, but how far does that particualr talent go?" He stood, took off his shirt, and then reversed the chair. "Sorry, but I won't have the chance to get the alcohol flowing while I'm guarding you, and this is the best way I know how. Don't woory, I can still carry on a conversation." He stood in front of the chair, put his feet on it, and then fell forward, catching himself with his hands before going into one-armed elevated pushups.

"That's fine." He commented as they walked, "And what would you normally do if you encountered a danger?"

Vladimir smiled as he slowly rolled on top of Katrina. "My lovely Katrina...you are one of the greatest things to ever come into my long life, vampire and human," he said quietly as he slowly kissed her on the neck, begining to undress her.

After a minute or two, however, he stopped. He looked into Katrina's eyes and frowned slightly.

"Katrina...I don't...feel right with this," he muttered as he slowly rolled off her. "I feel as though I am the...raper..."

He stroked her hair quietly, as he looked to the stars. "Did you try to find constillations as a child?"

Erik had sat with Sigmund for awhile. He finally turned to him. "Listen, we should do something. The evil is coming. Sitting around looking at pictures of demons is getting us no where."

Ask me specifics

"Fine," said Malthazius, gulping down the second swig of Scotch. "Specifically, I know that you are a telepath, but how far does that particualr talent go?" He stood, took off his shirt, and then reversed the chair. "Sorry, but I won't have the chance to get the alcohol flowing while I'm guarding you, and this is the best way I know how. Don't woory, I can still carry on a conversation." He stood in front of the chair, put his feet on it, and then fell forward, catching himself with his hands before going into one-armed elevated pushups.

"I have to say Mathazius, this pushup thing is... odd." Aeschia was enjoying the view now that he had his shirt off. She smiled to herself.

"My telepathy. It is quite strong, although I prefer not to read anyone's mind unless it is necessary for some reason. As far as distance? That varies. The best is in the same room or building... or if another telepath is speaking to me, the distance does not matter." Aeschia was getting distracted by not having a face to look at, but only, well if she moved she could see him, otherwise from across the table, nothing.

"I do not understand this thing you are doing." Aeschia told him. "It is really difficult to have a conversation with someone when you cannot see their face.

"I could sit to the side of you, but it is still distracting. I am sorry.

"I read the lycan in the bar briefly. He is baffled as he feels a holiness about me and is confused." She paused. "You are going to meet him are you not?" she asked. "By the way, that is the last thing I will read, and only because I saw you speak to him previously and wanted to know what it is about. Will you tell me of your conversation later?" Aeschia asked, not being able to see anything but the other side of the table.

This was terribly irritating to her.

"I am sorry, I cannot have a conversation this way. I will just lie down on the bed with my wine, and you can continue your exercises."

The table where he was exercising was just in front and to the left so she could still see him if she wanted. There was a TV in the corner by the ceiling.

"I am just going to change. I will be right back."

Aeschia grabbed her bag and went into the luxurious bathroom and changed into a rather snug lace nightgown, which clung to all her curves and tied up the front and back. She brushed out her hair and went back into the bedroom.

She lay down on top of the bed and turned on the ceiling fan, noticing that Malthazius was still doing the weird pushups.

Aeschia chuckled. "Do not expect me to understand." She told him, as she relaxed under the breeze.

Erik had sat with Sigmund for awhile. He finally turned to him. "Listen, we should do something. The evil is coming. Sitting around looking at pictures of demons is getting us no where."

Sigmund asked, "All right. Where exactly do you think it is then?"

"I don't now what this evil is. All I know is that it must be stopped. First, we should leave this village. There is nothing we can do anymore. Let's start by investigating the forests."

Boaz Tyranna’s disembodied voice would echo through his head as she walked. I will be at your residence in due time. Prepare something….fresh for me if you please. A smirk would pull at her lips. Tyranna made an abrupt turn into the alley with a dead end; a wall twelve feet high. She broke into a run and cleared the wall as if it were nothing, landing softly on her feet on the other side. Her blue eyes shone brightly beneath the black hood as she continued to where her friend lived.

OOC: She lay down on top of the bed and turned on the ceiling fan and the TV, noticing that Malthazius was still doing the weird pushups.

Aeschia chuckled. "Do not expect me to understand." She told him, as she channel surfed.

I wasn't aware we had TV in the 1630s... interesting.

ooc: Aaaack! Forgot the time period... :p Thank you!

Will fix.

Katrina looked up at Vladimir as he stopped undressing her. She nodded, understanding his reasoning behind stopping. "Well, we can wait till we are home my love."

She curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. Her eyes turned up to the heavans. "What is a constil...constil..constillation?"


The doople stared back at Raphael. "Run of course. Though I did not know if you would want me to do anything. If it is a fight you can easily get us out of...not to run or something like that. I am pretty usuless with the knife."

"Alright." He replied, "Then if I tell you to do something, you do it without asking questions."

"Series of stars that tend to create an image. Such as the Ursa Major," Vladimir said quietly as he pointed out the stars. "Which includes several smaller constellations. Near it, I believe is Ursa minor..."

Count Thanatos continued to watch the sky in silence, looking for any more constellations. "Cancer the crab is up there, and Draco the dragon..." again he pointed out several more stars.

"As a child, I even made up some of my own...not quite so visible, considering I sometimes made up stars to complete my systems...like the old woman," he laughed as he pointed to a set of stars that seemed to curve into an old woman's hunch.

By the time that Aeschia had gotten back from the bathroom, Malthazius had switched hands. "Sorry, I know that it can be distracting, but doing so increase my bloodflow, and speeds up the process of delivering alcohol to my body systems."

"I don't now what this evil is. All I know is that it must be stopped. First, we should leave this village. There is nothing we can do anymore. Let's start by investigating the forests."

Sigmund answered, "Well, I guess... we would find more about it. Alright, we should get started." Sigmund felt uneasy about searching along with this Erik, but managed to mask it. He worked alone for the last three years hunting vampire after vampire and knew they could disguise themselves to appear human. Sometimes even Sigmund couldn't tell if a person was a vampire or not. But he felt Erik had some direction of where this "new evil" was, and if he was tricking Sigmund, he could always kill him latter. He picked up his equipment and both he and Erik left into the forests.

"You're the boss." The doopleganger said.


Katrina listened and stared up at the stars as Vladimir explained what a constellation was. She chuckled at his own naming of them like 'the old lady'.

"Back in my village, they were just stars. No one had a name for a group of them...there was just the stars and the moon. I like the moon the best. Very beautiful and it became very useful on the hunt for animals. Vladimir...what did you do when you were a child to pass the time?"

"I still do not understand what it is you are trying to accomplish." Aeschia said from the bed.

"Only because you do not wish to return to your husband." Raphael replied, "I'd prefere if I did return to your true love."

"Oh, well, I did very exciting things, like study and write up arguments for current issues..." he joked, as he pulled the both of them closer.

"I had a boring lifestyle. I was to be brought up like a noble. I did enjoy hunting, however, with crossbows and the such. I did climb trees, until my father's servants scolded me for doing such "trivial and peasant-like" things."

Vladimir sighed as he continued to look into the skies. "So, I never really did anything too exciting. I did read books, draw when I could, and swam. Oh, I loved to swim..."

"If my bloodflow is increased, then the alcohol that I just guzzled will get through my body more quickly. Hence, I will be at a higher state of readiness. Alcohol is, as I have said, a catalyst of sorts for my powers. I don;t need it, but it is useful." He threw himself upon the bed next to Aeschia, looking up at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, and felt the breeze from the open window wash over him.

"We have been eying each other's bodies since we met back at the pub. Also, neither of us has been modest about our dress, and we now find ourselves staring at a ceiling." He opened his eyes, and propped himself up on one arm, looking at Aeschia and flexing his arm at the same time. "do you make the next move, or does this one fall to me?"

"If my bloodflow is increased, then the alcohol that I just guzzled will get through my body more quickly. Hence, I will be at a higher state of readiness. Alcohol is, as I have said, a catalyst of sorts for my powers. I don;t need it, but it is useful." He threw himself upon the bed next to Aeschia, looking up at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, and felt the breeze from the open window wash over him.

"We have been eying each other's bodies since we met back at the pub. Also, neither of us has been modest about our dress, and we now find ourselves staring at a ceiling." He opened his eyes, and propped himself up on one arm, looking at Aeschia and flexing his arm at the same time. "do you make the next move, or does this one fall to me?"


"Oh, right... a catalyst." Aeschia nodded.

Malthazius jumped on the bed next to Aeschia. "Well hi there..." She smiled seductively.

"Hmmm...." Aeschia turned on her side to face Malthazius. She stroked his face with her hand, and ran it down to his muscular chest, looking at the hard, sexy muscles.

She looked back up into his eyes, her eyes smouldering with desire.

"I think the next move is up to you Malthazius," Aeschia smiled slyly, licking her lips. Just looking at him was making her hot.

Katrina looked at him, it certainly sounded like the most boring childhood ever. She had never learned to read or write, but from what she knew of it it was suppose to be speaking but on parchment or something like that. Swimming, another thing she had heard of.

"I never learned to swim. I only threw rocks in a brook. Boys swam when they were old enough...I cleaned. I do not know how to read and write either...no one in my family or for that matter my village spare for the priest does."

She looked at Vladimir and gently nuzzled him. "I have learned far more from you than anything my parents taught me."

Boaz Tyranna’s disembodied voice would echo through his head as she walked. I will be at your residence in due time. Prepare something….fresh for me if you please. A smirk would pull at her lips. Tyranna made an abrupt turn into the alley with a dead end; a wall twelve feet high. She broke into a run and cleared the wall as if it were nothing, landing softly on her feet on the other side. Her blue eyes shone brightly beneath the black hood as she continued to where her friend lived.

Boaz heard Tyranna's voice. Boaz echoed back, Make haste Tyranna. We have many things to talk about. I will have a human waiting for you hear. Boaz called for his servant to fetch a human from the dungeons for Tyranna. He also told them to bring in three cattle. He didn't know how hungry Tyranna was.

The doople stared back at Raphael and sighed. "For the last time. The answer is no. I would love to. But...wait a minute. Why are you suddenly trying to get rid of me? Before we left you wanted me to come so Vladimir would feel discomfort...why the sudden change of heart?"

"Because I decided while you were talking with Krastatros, between annoying Vladimir or you and him living your true love, true love wins out." Raphael replied, a slightly melancholy note in his voice, "So go back to him and live the love."

"I am only happy to have taught my Katrina whatever I know," he replied with a smile, kissing her gently on the cheek.

He got real close to her and smiled. "I can teach you how to read, write, and swim if you would like as well," Vladimir chuckled, kissing Katrina on her lips, slowly pulling away from her as he reveled in her scent.

"I can teach you anything you want, my love. Just tell me your wish and I shall perform as best I can in teaching you."

She halted at the door of his home and knocked three times. She could smell the fresh, unspilled blood and thevibrant, muscular, very much alive flesh of cattle and a human. Her mouth began to water unwillingly as she thought of sinking her fangs into the dinner she craved and to hear the screams of the agonized dying that would gradually fade as she drained their lives to preserve her own. One of the servants came to the door and opened it for her. She nodded curtly, muttering a thanks before unclasping her cloak and flipping her hood down. She walked quickly until the scent of blood was so close she could taste it on her lips. She took the hidden sword out of her staff, moving the tip of the irredesant silver blade in circles excitedly. Then she stopped both activites, crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot impatiently. "What is it we must talk about that is so important?" She murmered to Boaz who would be near her at the moment. Her stomach growled noisely, but she plastered a pleasant and winning smile over her beautiful face, glad she was going to eat after a month of starving herself and content in seeing her old friend.

"Be patient my servant. I will tell you about my plans after you have ate," Boaz told Tyranna. He had just walked up the stairs with the staff in his hands.

Her pleasant smile turned wry. “As you wish.” She would incline her head respectfully when he reached the top of the stairs. “I can only wonder what you’re thinking in that head of yours, my friend.” A pang of hunger caused her to stiffen barely noticeably, but she continued to smile, teeth flashing in the scarce light.

OOC:--I must leave shortly but I'll try to post again before I go. >_> we shall continue this tomorrow, for sure.

ooc: Iginus, may I reccomend that you post normal sized unless it is an ooc? That is the way it is usually done, and I don't want to get out a microscope!:p

The doople nodded, it had programmed itself to think and act like Katrina and the real Katrina would not pass up going home. The doople gave a smile. "Well thank you very much Raphael. I hope you fullfill looking for Boaz...for your sake unless you want my Lord hanging your head as a trophy."

With another pleasant smile, the dopple turned and headed back, ready to report to Krastatros on what had occured and morph from this shape.


Katrina sighed. "That sounds nice...but later after our wedding."

Katrina propped hersefl up on an elbow and leaned closer to her love's face, smelling him, taking all of his features in before planting a gentle kiss on his lips. Her lips moved down to his neck where she licked and kissed the bite scars on his neck. She gently nuzzled his neck, enjoying his aroma and the taste of his cool skin.

"I can fly...I can hunt and kill human prey big and small." She said softly, her face still buried in his neck, gently teasing him with a few scraps of her teeth. "You said you knew vampire torture techniques. Can you show me?"

"So long then." Raphael replied as Katrina departed and he continue on. He wondered where this Boaz was, as he didn't exactly recognise places names.

ooc: Just realized, it'd be funny if Dopple Kat clashed with Vamp Kat over Vlad.

Also is what city is Boaz's manor in?

Aeschia looked at Malthazius with smolding eyes as she traced his lips with her finger, lightly and slowly. Malthazius has a perfect body... but it is not just that... there is something special about him.

Aeschia was overcome by lust and did not know what Malthazius was waiting for, unless he was just making her wait in order to make her so hot she could not stand it.

"Malthazius," Aeschia said, "I never figured you for the shy type." She teased. She caressed his lips with her full lips. It took everything she had to hold back.

Aeschia happened to be a very seductive and erotic woman, and the wait was killing her. She so wanted to feel all his muscles slowly and enjoy what she saw, but she would wait as well.

"Well remember Malthazius, it's your move," She said as she slid her hand under his chin, smiling slyly.

As Tyranna began eating Boaz asked her, "Have you ever heard of the Titan Rod?" Boaz hoped she did. If she didn't he would have a lot to explain to her.

Vladimir shivered slightly as he could feel her fangs brush against his scars. A satisfying feeling...one that he hasn't felt for hundreds of years. He began to desire her to repay his earlier act of sucking out what blood she had...he wondered if it would feel better the second time around, with no fear whatsoever...

"I can show you, however...it would be better at home, where I have the proper...utensils," Vladimir gasped quietly as she scraped his neck. "And I'd need...I'd need someone to perform the examples on...not necessary...however it would work better..."

Vladimir slowly brought his hands behind Katrina's head and gently pressed her forward, slowly inching closer to his exposed neck.

The doople form of Katrian appeared next to Krastatros. It no longer talked in Katrina's soft voice but that more of a man. "He has continued Lord Krastatros. He wanted me to come home to be with the man named Vladimir. My purpose is done I believe."


Katrina grinned as she teased his neck and listend to him. "It sounds all good. We can...we can get a peasant vampire to play with. Lure with the promise of wealth before..."

The vampiress felt Vladimir gently push her towards his neck. She smiled and bent down, gently licking the old wounds over his veins. Looking at Vladimir, she brushed her fangs lightly over the wounds, her concentration fully on the life blood in his body. She pulled back slightly, letting Vladimir see her fangs before she bent back down.

Katrina gently sunk her teeth into Vladimir's neck and began to slowly drink, savoring his flavor.

Vladimir winced as he felt Katrina's sharp fangs puncture his skin, but immediately relaxed as he felt his blood flow into her. He gasped in pleasure as he stroked Katrina's long brown hair as she continued to take in his blood.

Vladimir could barely contain the bliss he felt. Now he knew how it felt, how good it felt to Katrina when he did the same to her. He let out a small moan, unable to help himself as the erotic feeling of his blood escaping him continued to tickle his pleasure senses. He could feel the coldness creeping across his body again, the warm crimson liquid flowing up his neck, into Katrina's mouth.

"That is...bliss," he whispered as his free hand gripped the cold ground next to him.

Katrina shut her eyes as she drank from Vladimir, tasting him, herself, and the human family they killed melded into one wonderous drink. She loved every second of it, the approach, the bite and the relaxing, erotic feeling of taking life from someone. Hopefully she would have her parents like this, on the ground with her draining them.

Feeling Vladimir slowly growing weaker, Katrina regretfully removed her fangs from his neck and began to lick the blood till the wound healed. She wanted moments like that to go on forever and ever. Bringing herself up on Vladimir, her lips coated in deep crimson, she bent down and kissed him, allowing Vladimir to taste the blood on her lips and teeth.

Katrina closed her eyes as she kissed, she wanted him...she needed him.

Vladimir was recovering from their erotic display of two vampires in love, when Katrina bent over him, he smiled in her beautiful face, before feeling their lips come into contact with each other. He tasted the bloody concoction within her mouth, trying to take every last bit.

"Ka-Katrina," Vladimir gasped as he sucked in air for another kiss. "Why don't we go back to the mansion? We can get even more...intimate."

He pulled her closer as he kissed her long and passionately.

Katrina let Vladimir clean her lips and teeth before getting up. She reached down and helped bring him to his feet. "I'll meet you there...my room."

Katrina smiled and closed her eyes, her arms flapping and her mind concentrated on a bat. It took a few minutes before a chirping Katrina bat was flapping next to Vladimir before taking off into the air back to the mansion. As she flew through the woods, she noted with some shock as she flew to dodge Raphael walking through the woods. She tried not to pay attention to that as she flapped up to the mansion.

Slipping through her cracked bedroom window, she hovered and slowly became a human shape again. Katrina opened the window more for Vladimir and quickly changed into a black silk nightgown.

She stood near the bed, waiting for the bat.

Vladimir smiled weakly as he watched his beautiful Katrina change into a bat and flutter away.

The count stood for a bit, cracking his joints as he regained some of his strength. Then, with a quick turn, he was flapping his leathery wings and darting between the trees, and sliding in Katrina's opened window.

With a happy chirp, he transformed into his human form and smiled widely as Katrina stood near her bed, in a black silk nightgown.

Immediately he rushed to her side and kissed up her chest. "You are so beautiful, Katrina," he spoke quietly as he continued to kiss her.

She waved her hand and whatever air was left inside the human she was devouring left him as she ripped off his left arm and nibbled delicatly on it, depite her hunger reeling stomach. "Hmm... It rings a bell or two." She said after swallowing a particualrily big mass of sinew and muscle.

"Good. Now do you know what a person could do with such a rod? What I could do with this rod?" Boaz said while walking closer to Tyranna. The rod glowed a mysterious blue the more excited Boaz became.

Katrina laughed and wiggled out of Vladimir's grasp, her arms moving protectivly around her stomach. She continued to laugh at Vladimir before flopping down on the bed.

"I am sorry...I am so ticklish."

Katrina gently raised a hand for him. "Come Vladimir...take me. You may do as you please...I am yours and I want this. You are not the raper, you are to be my husband and there is no need for you to fear. Come and be with me."

Katrina, when you are able to see me, I most talk with you. You may take our time, but I wish to see you in at least a few hours.

"Ticklish?" Vladimir asked with a sly grin. "That makes things all the funner..."

He smiled as he took off his shirt, revealing his muscular, pale chest. He held onto Katrina's outstretched hand and kissed it gently before kissing down her arm, up her neck and on her lips. As he did so, he slowly got onto the bed next to her.

With a small chuckle in between kisses, he moved one of his hands on Katrina's stomach and wiggled his fingers on it.