Tipping his glass to her's and 'clinking' just the rim, Nic drank to her toast, and offered her another wink. He was pretty sure her 'friends' comment was another attempt to clarify her feelings, but until she cried 'Uncle' he had no intention of letting her off the hook. She was fun, and attractive, and the perfect combination to spend time with. Like the old Crosby, Stills, and Nash song...Nic found it easy to 'love the one' he was with.
"New friends, and fun times." He added the last part and sipped from the delicate glass again, before tipping it towards the doors.
"Would you like to take a breather for a few minutes, and see what the gardens hold?" Since they couldn't dance and hold onto their champagne, Nic thought it might be a good idea to do a little more mingling. Not that he really cared about talking to anyone else, but being seen anywhere with a lovely lady on his arm never hurt. And he was a little curious to see who else might be at the gala.
Besides that, something about Ginnie made him want to know more about what she was thinking...and inside with the music and bustle of people, talking was next to impossible.
The Translyvanian Experience Exhibit
The doors were almost ready to open. Everything was almost perfect.
Roisin Murphy and her band were setting up in the attrium courtyard for this evenings performance. The singer, Roisin, owned Chryseis a favor. They had encountered a run in with each other in a seedy club a few years back. Roisin's voice was sultry and different than Chryseis had ever heard before. Her music didnt really fit into a catagory although most classified it as electronic. It was light and jazzy and at times a bit dark and gothic.A good combination of melodies and a good fit for an exhibit opening that featured a more gothic theme.
The exhibit itself was off to the left of the main entrance. A large black banner hung over its entrance. Silver letters scrawled across it - The Translyvania Experience -.
Inside the exhibit, straight at it's center stood a pedstal containing a holographic image of Vlad the Impalers face. After fifteen seconds it switched to Gary Oldman's face as he looked in the movie Dracula.
Chryseis heard voices behind her. She blinked as Gary Oldman switched to Vlad, the doors had been opened and the first guests were arriving. She could hear one of the museum directors speeches.
As you may well know, author Bram Stoker based the title character of his 1897 novel Dracula on an actual human being, or should we say inhuman being. Stoker's vampire, while being loosely based on Vlad the Impaler, is nowhere near as threatening, nor as sadistic. Stoker's Dracula is a mysterious, somewhat sensual character who kills and feeds to survive, much like any being in nature. In fact, as much as there is reference to the evil of Dracula, it can be reasoned that all of his actions were motivated by survival. Vlad the Impaler, on the other hand, killed not to feed, but to revel in his own power, and just for the sheer pleasure of seeing the suffering of his numerous victims. Some would say that the more modern 'vampire' kills for both these reasons. Depending on who you ask and what movies you watch.
Chryseis grinned. She walked along the walls of the large exhibit checking each photo and painting. It was close to halloween and the exhibits opening fed off of the season and its peaked interest in the dead and undead for that matter.
In actuality it was a tribute to Vlad III of Romania. A very sadistic and horrific man who's history and reign of terror was very interesting and the basis for all vampires. Movies vampires at least, the ones the public knew about. Chryseis wished she had met Vlad, but unfortunatly she had missed that oppertunity.
During his reign, Vlad Dracula also had people decapitated, had their eyes gouged out, had them skinned alive, boiled, burnt, dismembered, eviscerated, or sometimes just physically disfigured for his own amusement. In one particular incident, Turkish ambassadors who had refused to remove their Phrygian caps in his presence were asked why they insulted him in such a manner. When they replied it was because their hats had to remain on their heads according to custom, he graciously honored their tradition by ordering their hats permanently nailed to their heads, never to be removed again.
The director lead the guests near a particularly bloody painting of castle Dracula and it's fence of the impaled. Quietly slipping past the crowd, Chryseis made her way out into the foyer. She could hear the band starting up outside and she grabbed herself a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
(ooc - feel free to wander around! directors commentary from www.vladtheimpaler.com)
Nicholae
18 years ago
Ginnie
18 years ago
Ginnie shrugged, what the hell, in for a penny and all that. "Why not?"
She was being stupid and she knew it. Was there something fundamentally wrong with her that she couldn't keep her hands to herself? She was in love, and living with an incredible man. She had everything she could want and yet she hunted the way she did and now she was going out into a garden, most likely lit with fairy lights, with an undeniably attractive man that oozed sex from his pores. Not to mention he was from a different clan and the ramifications of that were not lost on her.
She sipped the champagne again as Nic steered her away form the lights and crowd.
She was being stupid and she knew it. Was there something fundamentally wrong with her that she couldn't keep her hands to herself? She was in love, and living with an incredible man. She had everything she could want and yet she hunted the way she did and now she was going out into a garden, most likely lit with fairy lights, with an undeniably attractive man that oozed sex from his pores. Not to mention he was from a different clan and the ramifications of that were not lost on her.
She sipped the champagne again as Nic steered her away form the lights and crowd.
Cyrus
18 years ago
Cyrus was on autopilot. He heard Fallon's words and returned her brief kiss but could not do more than he had. So he simply held her to him comforting her. Logically he knew that he should thank Panos for the gift he had given Fallon. But the terror he had foisted upon her was unthinkable, let alone the abandonment. Violence was shimmering beneith the surface of his skin, trying to escape its confines. Staying at this event was not going to happen unfortunately. He knew that leaving would be wise but decided to wait until his mate felt comfortable again.
The fact that his clanswoman claimed relation to Panos did not bother him. While he would not try to kill the clanless vampire that did not mean he could not hurt him just short of death. Risking Fallon's safety though was not an option and Cyrus would make sure that she was well protected should he go hunting. If Chryseis claimed him as nephew that must make him older than Cyrus which almost concerned him. Had he not lived the life of a predator it might make him think twice.
Even though his thoughts were full of blood and pain he was completely aware of his surroundings. When a black clad teenager would have stumbled into them, Cyrus glared at the boy and hissed meanacingly. The boy backpedaled as fast as possible in his baggy pants before scrambling away. Still Cyrus held Fallon protectively in his arms.
The fact that his clanswoman claimed relation to Panos did not bother him. While he would not try to kill the clanless vampire that did not mean he could not hurt him just short of death. Risking Fallon's safety though was not an option and Cyrus would make sure that she was well protected should he go hunting. If Chryseis claimed him as nephew that must make him older than Cyrus which almost concerned him. Had he not lived the life of a predator it might make him think twice.
Even though his thoughts were full of blood and pain he was completely aware of his surroundings. When a black clad teenager would have stumbled into them, Cyrus glared at the boy and hissed meanacingly. The boy backpedaled as fast as possible in his baggy pants before scrambling away. Still Cyrus held Fallon protectively in his arms.
Nicholae
18 years ago
She still didn't seem overly enthused about being with him, but then she was still there with him, so he had nothing to complain about really.
Placing his free hand softly at the back of her neck, Nic let it trail halfway down her back, where he softly traced his fingertips up and down her spine. None of his overtures had been terribly predatory or sexual, because if nothing else he seemed to sense he was walking some kind of fine line with the pretty brunette woman. But he couldn't 'not' touch her...it went against the way he breathed. Nic was a touchy kind of guy, and after several hundred years, didn't see the need to change now.
The night air was clear and just starting to emit the crisp chill of autumn. Nic liked being outside, probably because with his lifestyle he didn't get a lot of time to be. Pausing, just out of the doorway, Nic's hand tenderly stroked the back of Ginnie's hair.
"Is this okay...you're not cold, are you?"
If she was at all cold, he would be happy to warm her with a soft embrace, and he longed to do just that.
The night sky was cloudless, and full of stars, making the garden outside very romantic. Nic again considered planting a thought or two of the romantic kind in Ginnie, just to see if she would be more receptive to his attentions, but ultimately held off. She was a sister of the night, and while that didn't preclude such an action, it did make him consider it further.
As he prepared to ask her what she happened to be thinking about at the moment, movement off to his side distracted him for a second. Alexandra was at the party, and had just walked by, seemingly in a little bit of a hurry. Nic's distraction didn't last though...he was with Ginnie right then and there, and had no need to be thinking of other women.
Leaning towards her ear, Nic nuzzled his nose in her hair, enjoying her feminine scent.
"If you are cold, I dare say we can figure out some way to fix that."
Placing his free hand softly at the back of her neck, Nic let it trail halfway down her back, where he softly traced his fingertips up and down her spine. None of his overtures had been terribly predatory or sexual, because if nothing else he seemed to sense he was walking some kind of fine line with the pretty brunette woman. But he couldn't 'not' touch her...it went against the way he breathed. Nic was a touchy kind of guy, and after several hundred years, didn't see the need to change now.
The night air was clear and just starting to emit the crisp chill of autumn. Nic liked being outside, probably because with his lifestyle he didn't get a lot of time to be. Pausing, just out of the doorway, Nic's hand tenderly stroked the back of Ginnie's hair.
"Is this okay...you're not cold, are you?"
If she was at all cold, he would be happy to warm her with a soft embrace, and he longed to do just that.
The night sky was cloudless, and full of stars, making the garden outside very romantic. Nic again considered planting a thought or two of the romantic kind in Ginnie, just to see if she would be more receptive to his attentions, but ultimately held off. She was a sister of the night, and while that didn't preclude such an action, it did make him consider it further.
As he prepared to ask her what she happened to be thinking about at the moment, movement off to his side distracted him for a second. Alexandra was at the party, and had just walked by, seemingly in a little bit of a hurry. Nic's distraction didn't last though...he was with Ginnie right then and there, and had no need to be thinking of other women.
Leaning towards her ear, Nic nuzzled his nose in her hair, enjoying her feminine scent.
"If you are cold, I dare say we can figure out some way to fix that."
Ginnie
18 years ago
It was a beautiful garden accompanied by a beautiful night. Nic's hand on her hair, she'd put half of it up in a bun and the rest trailed down her back, warmed her neck and made her shiver. A women, 'Crap, what is her name?" entered Ginnie's vision and quickly disappeared from though as Nic nuzzled her ear.
She was so screwed. The vampire in her leaned into his caress, while the guilt sitting low in her belly rose up and turned sour in her throat, effectively cutting off any words she had thought to say. She needed to step away, but damned if she knew why she couldn't. She had to keep relying on the fact that he was willing prey and her instincts were letting her play along until she could bite him and feed, otherwise she was going to lose her mind.
"If you are cold, I dare say we can figure out some way to fix that."
She was so screwed. The vampire in her leaned into his caress, while the guilt sitting low in her belly rose up and turned sour in her throat, effectively cutting off any words she had thought to say. She needed to step away, but damned if she knew why she couldn't. She had to keep relying on the fact that he was willing prey and her instincts were letting her play along until she could bite him and feed, otherwise she was going to lose her mind.
Panos Mehalitsenos
18 years ago
Panos listened to Fallon's speech without distress. She had gotten stronger since their last phone call. It had been the reason he had originally chose her. He knew it had to of taken alot to say those things to him. No doubt she had been waiting for this moment, this chance run in. He admired her will.
He had not practised what he would ever say to her in this moment, but he wouldn't get the chance as the two of them promptly walked away. Cyrus giving Chryseis a curt nod. He watched her smile back, the wicked woman.
What did cause a great deal of stress inside of him, was when Alexandra let go of his hand and then ultimatly walked away.
Now standing alone with Chryseis, he shot her a look of fury.
You enjoyed that and you set me up. There is no way you didn't see them comming. Your a wicked bitch. He swore at his still smiling aunt as he stormed off in search of Alexandra.
She had not gone too far. He found her back inside the exhibit.
Alexandra.... He stammered as he came up behind her. He placed his hand on her shoulder turning her to face him.
Why did you leave just now?
He had not practised what he would ever say to her in this moment, but he wouldn't get the chance as the two of them promptly walked away. Cyrus giving Chryseis a curt nod. He watched her smile back, the wicked woman.
What did cause a great deal of stress inside of him, was when Alexandra let go of his hand and then ultimatly walked away.
Now standing alone with Chryseis, he shot her a look of fury.
You enjoyed that and you set me up. There is no way you didn't see them comming. Your a wicked bitch. He swore at his still smiling aunt as he stormed off in search of Alexandra.
She had not gone too far. He found her back inside the exhibit.
Alexandra.... He stammered as he came up behind her. He placed his hand on her shoulder turning her to face him.
Why did you leave just now?
Alexandra
18 years ago
She had felt him approach her, taking a small sip of her champagne she spoke softly.
"Why did you turn her Panos, was it because you were hungry? bored? you wanted to fuck her?"
Turning around slowly she looked into his eyes, anger was written in hers, yes she was mad at him, mad for doing this, mad for she didn't exactly know why, it felt as if he had betrayed her by turning Fallon and why? he wasn't hers she didn't even know what they were.
"I don't take turning a person lightly, turning means you have to take care of that person, you don't just leave them there"
She looked away from him for a moment, licking her suddenly very dry lips, maybe she should just leave, go find Sam and have a bite to eat, what the hell had she been thinking even coming to a place like this.
"Why did you turn her Panos, was it because you were hungry? bored? you wanted to fuck her?"
Turning around slowly she looked into his eyes, anger was written in hers, yes she was mad at him, mad for doing this, mad for she didn't exactly know why, it felt as if he had betrayed her by turning Fallon and why? he wasn't hers she didn't even know what they were.
"I don't take turning a person lightly, turning means you have to take care of that person, you don't just leave them there"
She looked away from him for a moment, licking her suddenly very dry lips, maybe she should just leave, go find Sam and have a bite to eat, what the hell had she been thinking even coming to a place like this.
Fallon
18 years ago
It really took no time at all for Fallon to get herself together, though she didn't pull out of Cyrus' arms even then. There was a tenseness in him that she could feel in their embrace, and now that was starting to concern her. The last thing she wanted to do was be the source of pain for him, and if he were to proceed with any form of retaliation against Panos, Fallon was sure it would be detrimental to Cyrus.
Stroking the back of his neck with her hand, Fallon kissed his neck softly. The darkened corner Cyrus had found to stand it gave Fallon the feeling that they were more alone than was truly accurate. But her small signs of affection weren't anything to worry about, even if someone walked by close enough to see.
"I'm okay Cyrus...I'm not just saying that...but am, really. I was shocked to see Panos...he was about the farthest thing from my mind when we came upon him, and I know that's one reason I reacted so strongly...but now that shock has passed and I'm really okay."
Fallon wasn't lying to him at all. She felt remarkably fine, and needed Cyrus to believe her.
"Please tell me that you aren't going to do anything about him...a part of me thinks he should be punished for what he did, and moreover there should be something done to prevent him from having the ability to do anything like that again. I honestly can't imagine how someone younger, or less fortunate to find someone afterwards for support, would survive. But if there are no formal vampire tribunals around to deal with these matters, I'd say we need to leave it to the fates then."
She didn't continue on by voicing her fears at losing him. Sometimes certain things just weren't appropriate for discussion. Besides which, she knew she would lose her composure for sure if their conversation started down that path.
Looking into his eyes again, she waited for the acknowledgement to her request.
Stroking the back of his neck with her hand, Fallon kissed his neck softly. The darkened corner Cyrus had found to stand it gave Fallon the feeling that they were more alone than was truly accurate. But her small signs of affection weren't anything to worry about, even if someone walked by close enough to see.
"I'm okay Cyrus...I'm not just saying that...but am, really. I was shocked to see Panos...he was about the farthest thing from my mind when we came upon him, and I know that's one reason I reacted so strongly...but now that shock has passed and I'm really okay."
Fallon wasn't lying to him at all. She felt remarkably fine, and needed Cyrus to believe her.
"Please tell me that you aren't going to do anything about him...a part of me thinks he should be punished for what he did, and moreover there should be something done to prevent him from having the ability to do anything like that again. I honestly can't imagine how someone younger, or less fortunate to find someone afterwards for support, would survive. But if there are no formal vampire tribunals around to deal with these matters, I'd say we need to leave it to the fates then."
She didn't continue on by voicing her fears at losing him. Sometimes certain things just weren't appropriate for discussion. Besides which, she knew she would lose her composure for sure if their conversation started down that path.
Looking into his eyes again, she waited for the acknowledgement to her request.
Panos Mehalitsenos
18 years ago
His mouth opened but nothing came out. Confusion was written on his face.She spoke lightly but her words had an edge to them.
Alexandra..I..It was an accident. It was turn her or let her die. Yes I was the one who killed her but not intentionally. I wanted to keep her but...
It all sounded like garbage. He didn't know how to explain or why she was so angry about it. He knew most people took turning seriously and it was the reason he didnt tell her about his 'mistake' earlier. Hell he had only told Chryseis about it and look how that had turned out.
He closed his eyes and spoke.
I know I have mentioned to you my sleeping problem. I know it sounds like a horrible excuse but after it was done, it took alot out of me, I didn't wake back up for over a month. She was gone by then and I had a full voicemail box and..
He sighed in defeat. The look in her eyes and on her face was crushing.
There are alot of people who would like to see me vanish Alexandra, Cyrus being the person who is most likely at the top of that list. I hope I have not made you feel the same way. I have never claimed to be a good seed, this is not even the reason I was kicked out of the clan.
Alexandra..I..It was an accident. It was turn her or let her die. Yes I was the one who killed her but not intentionally. I wanted to keep her but...
It all sounded like garbage. He didn't know how to explain or why she was so angry about it. He knew most people took turning seriously and it was the reason he didnt tell her about his 'mistake' earlier. Hell he had only told Chryseis about it and look how that had turned out.
He closed his eyes and spoke.
I know I have mentioned to you my sleeping problem. I know it sounds like a horrible excuse but after it was done, it took alot out of me, I didn't wake back up for over a month. She was gone by then and I had a full voicemail box and..
He sighed in defeat. The look in her eyes and on her face was crushing.
There are alot of people who would like to see me vanish Alexandra, Cyrus being the person who is most likely at the top of that list. I hope I have not made you feel the same way. I have never claimed to be a good seed, this is not even the reason I was kicked out of the clan.
Nicholae
18 years ago
That she again didn't pull away at his nearness, gave Nic the incentive he had been looking for, and his lips caressed the silky skin of Ginnie's throat, as his free hand moved across her shoulder, and slowly pulled her closer. His tongue slid from between his lips, to tease the pulse point pressed close, and a soft nearly inaudible moan came from deep within his chest.
Nic was good at maintaining decorum, as long as he maintained it, but the moment he had reason to let go, it became much more difficult. The memory that they were not somewhere private poked at his consciousness, but he managed to smack it down before it got in the way of his proximate goal.
His lips moved upwards, and pressed firmly but not aggressively to her's. His hand moved almost simultaneously, back up her shoulder to where he cupped the back of her head, but exerted no real pressure. Should she want to break contact, it would be an easy movement on her part. Nic did not want to appear threatening at all, but just couldn't resist the pull she had on him, and saw no reason to try. Having been raised in the days of chivalry and gentlemanly ways, it was hard to ignore them now, no matter how strong his hormones were pounding throughout.
Nic was good at maintaining decorum, as long as he maintained it, but the moment he had reason to let go, it became much more difficult. The memory that they were not somewhere private poked at his consciousness, but he managed to smack it down before it got in the way of his proximate goal.
His lips moved upwards, and pressed firmly but not aggressively to her's. His hand moved almost simultaneously, back up her shoulder to where he cupped the back of her head, but exerted no real pressure. Should she want to break contact, it would be an easy movement on her part. Nic did not want to appear threatening at all, but just couldn't resist the pull she had on him, and saw no reason to try. Having been raised in the days of chivalry and gentlemanly ways, it was hard to ignore them now, no matter how strong his hormones were pounding throughout.
Cyrus
18 years ago
The violence shook Cyrus, like a living creature trying to escape his body's capture of it. Several deep breaths later he could look at Fallon without feeling the need to inflict a large amount of damage upon Panos. Her words had simply skimmed across his understanding, muted by the clawing instincts to kill. Finally he bowed his head to her wishes. When he finally found his voice it was harsh, like he had swallowed his own sharp claws.
"If that is what you wish. We can bring the matter before Elder Mai and see if the council would consider this worthy of investigating."
Closing his eyes in resignation he tried to figure out how to explain to her his nature. Since her sweet disposition had her gentle and loving he hoped she would understand.
"I am doubtful I would end up the worser between he and I. For decades I lived as a predator, violence is no stranger to me. Hunting is second nature. I am not a gentle man. For you alone I am tamed, Kitten. The need to shred his skin with blade and claw or break his bones between my jaws, those feelings are living, trapped inside me just waiting to be released. Not only all that, but he hurt you, terrorized you, abducted you. For that my instincts crave his head on my spear."
He did not mention the fact that now with Panos' scent he could hunt him all the better. With blade or bow, claw or fang. Any way that hurt and frightened her maker as he had frightened her.
"If that is what you wish. We can bring the matter before Elder Mai and see if the council would consider this worthy of investigating."
Closing his eyes in resignation he tried to figure out how to explain to her his nature. Since her sweet disposition had her gentle and loving he hoped she would understand.
"I am doubtful I would end up the worser between he and I. For decades I lived as a predator, violence is no stranger to me. Hunting is second nature. I am not a gentle man. For you alone I am tamed, Kitten. The need to shred his skin with blade and claw or break his bones between my jaws, those feelings are living, trapped inside me just waiting to be released. Not only all that, but he hurt you, terrorized you, abducted you. For that my instincts crave his head on my spear."
He did not mention the fact that now with Panos' scent he could hunt him all the better. With blade or bow, claw or fang. Any way that hurt and frightened her maker as he had frightened her.
Livia
18 years ago
Livia was intrigued by the exhibt she had read about in the paper yesterday so she donned a black dress and headed out to the museum. Her heels clicked along the polished floor as she entered and made her way past the mingling crowd at the front. The long brown locks of her hair were brushed to a shine and held back with a crystal clip at her nape.
Looking at the paintings with an eye towards the humor of hollywood created sensationalism kept a smile on her face. The champagne from a passing waiter was quite welcomed as she moved about the crowd.
Looking at the paintings with an eye towards the humor of hollywood created sensationalism kept a smile on her face. The champagne from a passing waiter was quite welcomed as she moved about the crowd.
Alexandra
18 years ago
Quietly listening to him explain why he did what he did took away some of the anger but not all, putting down her glass she crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"I never said you were good seed and no I don't want to see you vanish, but you have to understand one thing, I take turning someone VERY serious, that is why I have never turned anyone in the hundreds of years I've been around.. now you have and YOU will have to deal with it, one way or another, if that means Cyrus will be after you so be it"
Sighing she calmed herself, taking a deep breath she closed her eyes for a moment, opening them back up she looked back at him.
"You know I care for you, but you fucked up, now it's upto you to fix this, I won't leave your side, but I'm not your protector Panos, I'm not even sure what I am to you and if what we shared even meant anything to you other then damn good sex"
Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear she took another deep breath, damn this was hard.
"Look I haven't seen you in over a month, alot has changed, for you and for me.. I have someone to look after now, things aren't as simple as they once were, how about we get out of here and go talk somewhere more private then this place"
"I never said you were good seed and no I don't want to see you vanish, but you have to understand one thing, I take turning someone VERY serious, that is why I have never turned anyone in the hundreds of years I've been around.. now you have and YOU will have to deal with it, one way or another, if that means Cyrus will be after you so be it"
Sighing she calmed herself, taking a deep breath she closed her eyes for a moment, opening them back up she looked back at him.
"You know I care for you, but you fucked up, now it's upto you to fix this, I won't leave your side, but I'm not your protector Panos, I'm not even sure what I am to you and if what we shared even meant anything to you other then damn good sex"
Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear she took another deep breath, damn this was hard.
"Look I haven't seen you in over a month, alot has changed, for you and for me.. I have someone to look after now, things aren't as simple as they once were, how about we get out of here and go talk somewhere more private then this place"
Fallon
18 years ago
Her mate was a very passionate man, even for all his protestations to the contrary, and knowing her words, and touches weren't completely effective didn't upset Fallon too much. At least not to the point where she would become depressed or anxious.
She wasn't even concerned with Cyrus being hurt by Panos. She had seen fire in Cyrus, and had felt the power in his hands, even if on a small scale. With the anger stoking that fire, she knew Panos wouldn't have a prayer if Cyrus was unleashed on him.
What did scare her was what might happen to Cyrus afterwards...especially if someone were to find out that he had maimed, or killed Panos. It wouldn't be any loss to Fallon to never see her maker again, but if his demise were to come back to haunt Cyrus in anyway, it just wasn't worth it to Fallon. She just didn't know how to convey that message to her lover.
"Because I believe that even our world deserves order, I would rather it be handled that way, Cyrus. If anyone can figure out a way to deal with this in a manner appropriate to our clan, I would guess Mai would be the one to speak with."
Putting a soft hand to his cheek, Fallon listened to his anger continue, and again tried to calm him a little with the tender touch of her fingertips to the hairline at his temple.
"I don't doubt your physical ability to take Panos out, love, and I'm not just saying that to placate you. I know you're a strong person, both mentally and physically, and could wipe up the forest floor with his body...but I can't risk losing you. I would never survive that. And if there is a way we can still accomplish his punishment, without jeopardizing you, I have to believe that is the way to go."
Hoping he would not only agree with her, but understand and see the real logic in her words, Fallon barely breathed as she waited for his response.
She wasn't even concerned with Cyrus being hurt by Panos. She had seen fire in Cyrus, and had felt the power in his hands, even if on a small scale. With the anger stoking that fire, she knew Panos wouldn't have a prayer if Cyrus was unleashed on him.
What did scare her was what might happen to Cyrus afterwards...especially if someone were to find out that he had maimed, or killed Panos. It wouldn't be any loss to Fallon to never see her maker again, but if his demise were to come back to haunt Cyrus in anyway, it just wasn't worth it to Fallon. She just didn't know how to convey that message to her lover.
"Because I believe that even our world deserves order, I would rather it be handled that way, Cyrus. If anyone can figure out a way to deal with this in a manner appropriate to our clan, I would guess Mai would be the one to speak with."
Putting a soft hand to his cheek, Fallon listened to his anger continue, and again tried to calm him a little with the tender touch of her fingertips to the hairline at his temple.
"I don't doubt your physical ability to take Panos out, love, and I'm not just saying that to placate you. I know you're a strong person, both mentally and physically, and could wipe up the forest floor with his body...but I can't risk losing you. I would never survive that. And if there is a way we can still accomplish his punishment, without jeopardizing you, I have to believe that is the way to go."
Hoping he would not only agree with her, but understand and see the real logic in her words, Fallon barely breathed as she waited for his response.
Cyrus
18 years ago
"As you wish." Kissing her firmly, Cyrus breathed in her scent trying to clear the anger from his system. Looking around he realized he did not think socializing would be wise.
"Would you be interested in heading home and running wild through our forest? I fear the violence depicted on these walls will only engender more within me."
"Would you be interested in heading home and running wild through our forest? I fear the violence depicted on these walls will only engender more within me."
Fallon
18 years ago
She hoped it wasn't resignation she heard in his voice. That was no way to live, and she knew that first hand. However, in light of the circumstances, in this case it might just be the best Cyrus had to give.
She returned the kiss, and found herself becoming aroused, so she moved her mouth back to his neck, and blushed at the intensity of her feelings. Grinning again finally, she let him know her desires.
"I would love to go for a run. These pictures don't do anything for me either, and I've a feeling our appearance here tonight has effected enough of people for one evening."
Fallon was so relaxed now, after being held so lovingly by Cyrus, that she could resort to joking and teasing once again. It was almost as if just by removing Panos from their sight, he had again vanished from their lives. At least it felt that way to Fallon. She knew Cyrus was having a more challenging time of it, but then too Fallon had learned a long time ago ho to coexist under less than desirable conditions. While Cyrus had always just made the conditions more desirable for himself.
"And after a good, long run, I'd like to..." Her lips had moved to his ear, where she tugged with her teeth. "...fall asleep with you inside me."
It might have been a dirty ploy, but at this point Fallon just wanted her Cyrus back. If sex was a way to go about it, she had no problem using it. It wasn't like it wouldn't be the eventual end to the evening anyway, so what harm would it be to remind him. And if it diverted him from thinking about Panos further, it would be a 'win-win' outcome.
She returned the kiss, and found herself becoming aroused, so she moved her mouth back to his neck, and blushed at the intensity of her feelings. Grinning again finally, she let him know her desires.
"I would love to go for a run. These pictures don't do anything for me either, and I've a feeling our appearance here tonight has effected enough of people for one evening."
Fallon was so relaxed now, after being held so lovingly by Cyrus, that she could resort to joking and teasing once again. It was almost as if just by removing Panos from their sight, he had again vanished from their lives. At least it felt that way to Fallon. She knew Cyrus was having a more challenging time of it, but then too Fallon had learned a long time ago ho to coexist under less than desirable conditions. While Cyrus had always just made the conditions more desirable for himself.
"And after a good, long run, I'd like to..." Her lips had moved to his ear, where she tugged with her teeth. "...fall asleep with you inside me."
It might have been a dirty ploy, but at this point Fallon just wanted her Cyrus back. If sex was a way to go about it, she had no problem using it. It wasn't like it wouldn't be the eventual end to the evening anyway, so what harm would it be to remind him. And if it diverted him from thinking about Panos further, it would be a 'win-win' outcome.
Ginnie
18 years ago
'So fucking screwed...' Ginnie let Nic kiss her, right up until her body began to mold against his. It was way to familiar a motion and it drug her rapidly out of submission. She pulled away and crossed her arms across her stomach, as though in pain. Words poured out of her mouth.
"I'm sorry Nic, I can't. I know I gave you all the right signals and never pulled away, but I should have. I'm...in a relationship. I love the man I'm with, and I plan to spend the rest of my unnatural life with him. I'm really sorry."
She swallowed against the lump in her throat. There was no reason for her to cry. Besides crying was tantamount to blackmail and she tried not to use the tears unless they were necessary or it was Alec.
"I'm sorry Nic, I can't. I know I gave you all the right signals and never pulled away, but I should have. I'm...in a relationship. I love the man I'm with, and I plan to spend the rest of my unnatural life with him. I'm really sorry."
She swallowed against the lump in her throat. There was no reason for her to cry. Besides crying was tantamount to blackmail and she tried not to use the tears unless they were necessary or it was Alec.
Nicholae
18 years ago
He was really getting into the kiss when all of a sudden he was kissing air instead of Ginnie's lips. His eyes flashed open, and he saw her appear to be in pain, so he put a hand on her shoulder in support. But before he could ask her what the matter was, she was apologizing to him.
He nodded when she was finished explaining, though it didn't make sense to him. If she was so happy, how was it she could so easily be caught up into something with him?
He chose not to question her about it though. She really didn't look at all comfortable, and it had him a little concerned.
"Are you okay, Ginnie...do you want something to eat...or to sit down? You don't look so hot."
Not that she looked awful, but she did seem to be less than perfect, which she had seemed to be just seconds before.
Maybe she was having some sort of attack...though Nic couldn't remember hearing of anything vampires were susceptible to.
"Listen...whether or not you're involved with anyone, if you're not into this whole thing, I can handle it. I find you tremendously attractive, and sexy as hell, but I won't force myself onto you. Whatever your reasons, and you don't owe them to me, I'll accept your unspoken request to leave you alone in that way, from now on."
Win some, lose some...it was too bad, but what else could be done? Better to find out now, than to possibly form a real attachment to the woman and then get dumped on his ass.
Thinking she still didn't look great, he hugged her gently, in a somewhat lose embrace.
"I hope this doesn't mean we can't be friends?"
He nodded when she was finished explaining, though it didn't make sense to him. If she was so happy, how was it she could so easily be caught up into something with him?
He chose not to question her about it though. She really didn't look at all comfortable, and it had him a little concerned.
"Are you okay, Ginnie...do you want something to eat...or to sit down? You don't look so hot."
Not that she looked awful, but she did seem to be less than perfect, which she had seemed to be just seconds before.
Maybe she was having some sort of attack...though Nic couldn't remember hearing of anything vampires were susceptible to.
"Listen...whether or not you're involved with anyone, if you're not into this whole thing, I can handle it. I find you tremendously attractive, and sexy as hell, but I won't force myself onto you. Whatever your reasons, and you don't owe them to me, I'll accept your unspoken request to leave you alone in that way, from now on."
Win some, lose some...it was too bad, but what else could be done? Better to find out now, than to possibly form a real attachment to the woman and then get dumped on his ass.
Thinking she still didn't look great, he hugged her gently, in a somewhat lose embrace.
"I hope this doesn't mean we can't be friends?"
Cyrus
18 years ago
While he liked the feel of her lips and breath upon his neck he still was not relaxed nor able to respond to the feeling yet. His guard was fully up, expecting an attack or planning one. So he simply pet the small of Fallon's back as he stood stiffly in her embrace. Exiting would be the best way to ensure her safety and distance himself from the source of his anger.
At her comment of the pictures doing nothing for her, Cyrus felt better. The death and mayhem was minor compared to his memories of life as a member of the Horde. The closest was the line of heads up on pikes. That was a standard sight, though it could not compare to the reality. The harsh smell of death, rotting flesh and old blood. Bugs and vermin infesting everything to feast upon the corpses. The heat of funeral pyres or the crackle as flesh sizzled. Compared to that these posters and paintings were quite tame. Gruesome but tame.
Cyrus was yanked from his thoughts at his kitten's provocative comments. Arching his brow as half of a smile appeared on his face. "You would, would you? How about we discuss this at length in the car?"
Pulling his phone from his pants pocket he paged Ginger quickly and scanned the room. There was no sight nor scent of Panos near them, but they would make their way from the exhibit cautiously. Offering Fallon his arm he kept her on the opposite side of the him from where the other vampire had last been. Since it was crowded the walk would take longer than he wanted but all his senses were on full alert still as they walked towards the exit.
At her comment of the pictures doing nothing for her, Cyrus felt better. The death and mayhem was minor compared to his memories of life as a member of the Horde. The closest was the line of heads up on pikes. That was a standard sight, though it could not compare to the reality. The harsh smell of death, rotting flesh and old blood. Bugs and vermin infesting everything to feast upon the corpses. The heat of funeral pyres or the crackle as flesh sizzled. Compared to that these posters and paintings were quite tame. Gruesome but tame.
Cyrus was yanked from his thoughts at his kitten's provocative comments. Arching his brow as half of a smile appeared on his face. "You would, would you? How about we discuss this at length in the car?"
Pulling his phone from his pants pocket he paged Ginger quickly and scanned the room. There was no sight nor scent of Panos near them, but they would make their way from the exhibit cautiously. Offering Fallon his arm he kept her on the opposite side of the him from where the other vampire had last been. Since it was crowded the walk would take longer than he wanted but all his senses were on full alert still as they walked towards the exit.
Livia
18 years ago
Livia sipped her champagne and moved from display to display. As she reached a darker corner she watched a couple hug eachother before turning to leave. It was heartwarming to see the romance amidst the horror depicted on the walls. The red dress the woman wore was fabulous. If she had not just seen them kissing, Livia would have asked her where she had found such a great dress. Instead she moved to in front of the painting they just vacated and inspected the gorey view of decapitated heads on top sticks in front of a building.
Shaking herself lightly at the image she wrinkled her nose in disgust as she drained her glass. It always puzzled her how humans spent more time showing eachother violence than love. Movies, television, and plays had more blood and guts than hugs and kisses. What a thing to teach your children, that its ok to hack someone's head off than it is to hug your chosen partner. Standing in front of the painting she silently lamented the shortsightedness of the human race.
Shaking herself lightly at the image she wrinkled her nose in disgust as she drained her glass. It always puzzled her how humans spent more time showing eachother violence than love. Movies, television, and plays had more blood and guts than hugs and kisses. What a thing to teach your children, that its ok to hack someone's head off than it is to hug your chosen partner. Standing in front of the painting she silently lamented the shortsightedness of the human race.