It was silly really, Amberelle tried to tell herself, but seeing Alexander standing there when she opened the doors sent a jolt of happiness through her. Completely illogical, her mind grumbled while she beamed a smile at the Brit. He had really waited for her and it had her grinning like the village idiot. For some reason a small part of her had expected to find him gone, vanished into the night.
Slipping on the jacket but not bothering to zip it closed, she walked over to join him at the door. Glancing over at Louis who had curled himself up on the bar, obviously sulking from being ignored for so long. Amberelle just gave him a 'wait here' look. An annoyed snap of the tomcat's tail followed by him turning his head haughtily away from her made the vampire roll her eyes. Such a drama queen.
The blonde pressed a hand to her mouth, giggling at her clanmate's antics. Deciding a little light hearted humor would be good for both of them, she played along. Clearing her throat, she stood a little straighter and assumed a stern and proper look. Walking past him regally she affected a very accurate British accent, Why thank you my lord. Tis refreshing to meet a proper gentleman.. Perhaps there is hope for the colonies after all! Unable to keep a straight face any longer, she cracked and smirked at him, eyes twinkling.
Once Alex had come to stand beside her, she slid her arm through his and laced their fingers together. It felt perfectly natural and she didn't even question the familiarity she was taking with him now. When they stepped outside she guided them towards the hedge maze nearby and towards the largest and grandest of the fountains within.
Since moving here Amby had walked these paths dozens of times and knew her way around quite well. However, tonight she was in no hurry and took a more indirect route. Pausing at one of the many beautiful marble statues tucked away in this section, she leaned her head on Alex's shoulder and drew in a slow, deep breath. There it was again, that calm and peaceful feeling settling over her.
Evening Workout (Attn Alex)
It was only an hour after sunset and the night was cold, overcast and windy. Light shone out through the Dojo's shoji screens, enveloping it in a soft warm glow. Despite the cool temperature a few of the windows had been slid open a little to allow for a cross breeze and the door was open wide enough for a large cat to come and go as he pleased. Inside the lights blazed and the only sounds were of bare feet moving across the mats, the slice of steel through the air and the occasional whine and rattle of the screens in the wind.
Amberelle had come out here as soon as the day's light had faded. Her mind was craving the peace she gained from the martial arts' familiar routines, ones she had practiced for as long as she could remember. First came simple stretching and basic tumbling. Next was walking through a few basic katas and generally warming up. And finally she had pulled out her katana and wakizashi then begun to move through more intricate and elaborate katas, mentally playing out the scenarios in her mind.
Tonight the Creole had decided to focus on sharpening her senses as she fought, so her eyes were tightly shut and she relied on the feel and sounds of the wind and her own memory of the dojo to guide her. Amby knew the best way to do this exercise would be to work in the darkness, but that would leave a chance for someone unsuspecting to wander in and be hurt. Next time she would have to remember a blindfold, she told herself.
In a far back corner Louis watched his Mistress quietly, occasionally looking away to bathe a bothersome spot here and there. The large black cat's tail was still, with only the tip twitching occasionally. He had been told to be as quiet as possible now as to not distract her, so he would do his very best.
Amberelle DeEspionne
17 years ago
Alex West
17 years ago
The night air was crisp, and the moon hung serenely in the uncluttered sky. Out here on the Manor the light pollution from nearby Nachton wasn't as bad. You could actually see the stars that twinkled high above and were reflected in the darkened waters of the fountains in the gardens.
The two vampires walked in silence, the only sound heard was the inadvertant crunch of shoes on the pebbles between the rock pathway that led to the marble statues.
Ghostly white and naked in all their glory. Alexander marvelled at the craftsmanship required to create such works of art, and wondered how many of them had come from the private collections of vampires far older than him or Amberelle. The statues however, merely lined the way to a large and commanding water fountain that dominated the garden.
Amberelle lead Alexander towards the fountain, and he was content to lean into her and follow. In the rotunda were marble seats and Amberelle gudied Alexander to one as they drew nearer the fountain.
Alexander sat and drew Amberelle to his side. She leant against his shoulder and smiled as he traced the outline of her face with his fingers and gently teased out her hair.
"You look wonderful tonight."
The two vampires walked in silence, the only sound heard was the inadvertant crunch of shoes on the pebbles between the rock pathway that led to the marble statues.
Ghostly white and naked in all their glory. Alexander marvelled at the craftsmanship required to create such works of art, and wondered how many of them had come from the private collections of vampires far older than him or Amberelle. The statues however, merely lined the way to a large and commanding water fountain that dominated the garden.
Amberelle lead Alexander towards the fountain, and he was content to lean into her and follow. In the rotunda were marble seats and Amberelle gudied Alexander to one as they drew nearer the fountain.
Alexander sat and drew Amberelle to his side. She leant against his shoulder and smiled as he traced the outline of her face with his fingers and gently teased out her hair.
"You look wonderful tonight."
Amberelle DeEspionne
17 years ago
Chuckling softly, Amberelle gave Alex an amused smile. Somehow, I doubt that.. She had no make up on, needed a shower, and her hair was probably a disaster from the night's breezes. Yet, there was something about the look in his eyes.. It made her feel as if none of that mattered. Shivering slightly from the tingle that ran down her spine, she turned her head and placed a soft kiss on his palm.
Studying his face in the moonlight, the vampire reached up and cupped his cheek, gently stroking her thumb over his lips. He pressed a kiss to it, making her giggle slightly.
What was it about this man, she wondered, that could cause this turmoil of emotions inside her? Could it be the after effects of the blood they had shared, or was it the tenderness of his touches that had awoken something inside of her? It embarassed her to admit it, even to herself, but she knew earlier tonight he'd invoked such intense lust in her she'd lost her senses. Now there was something else threatening to overwhelm her. Amberelle didn't know just what it was, but it terrified her and excited her at once.
Rational thought said she should get up and leave, go and clear her head. But thinking about going back to her rooms alone filled her with dread. She would deal with that when the morning came. Right now she wanted to stay here and enjoy Alexander's presence for just a little longer.
Alex... Her hand slid around to the nape of his neck and pulled him down to meet her lips. Her kiss wasn't passionate or rough but soft and tender as she tried to show him what she didn't know how to say. Amby pulled away after a moment, turning and resting her cheek against his.
Holding him, listening to the soft splash of the fountain, she wished time would slow down. But dawn was only an hour or so away and just getting closer. If she asked him to walk her back, Amberelle knew she'd end up asking him in again. No matter what she might be feeling, the Creole had been raised far too old fashioned to do what would happen naturally if he accepted.
Sighing softly, she whispered Wednesday seems so far away.
Studying his face in the moonlight, the vampire reached up and cupped his cheek, gently stroking her thumb over his lips. He pressed a kiss to it, making her giggle slightly.
What was it about this man, she wondered, that could cause this turmoil of emotions inside her? Could it be the after effects of the blood they had shared, or was it the tenderness of his touches that had awoken something inside of her? It embarassed her to admit it, even to herself, but she knew earlier tonight he'd invoked such intense lust in her she'd lost her senses. Now there was something else threatening to overwhelm her. Amberelle didn't know just what it was, but it terrified her and excited her at once.
Rational thought said she should get up and leave, go and clear her head. But thinking about going back to her rooms alone filled her with dread. She would deal with that when the morning came. Right now she wanted to stay here and enjoy Alexander's presence for just a little longer.
Alex... Her hand slid around to the nape of his neck and pulled him down to meet her lips. Her kiss wasn't passionate or rough but soft and tender as she tried to show him what she didn't know how to say. Amby pulled away after a moment, turning and resting her cheek against his.
Holding him, listening to the soft splash of the fountain, she wished time would slow down. But dawn was only an hour or so away and just getting closer. If she asked him to walk her back, Amberelle knew she'd end up asking him in again. No matter what she might be feeling, the Creole had been raised far too old fashioned to do what would happen naturally if he accepted.
Sighing softly, she whispered Wednesday seems so far away.
Alex West
17 years ago
He could feel it creeping at the back of his mind. Like a persistent little insect, annoying and yet a warning. Dawn would soon be upon the two vampires and Alexander had no desire to expose either him or Amberelle to an early morning wakeup call like that.
Alexander rose to his feet and held out his hand. Amberelle did not question him, she knew as well as he did what has coming. Taking his hand in hers, the pair walked reluctantly back through the gardens towards the mansion.
Alexander's place had a staircase from the Manor down to the ground, ideal for slipping in and out to train in the dojo. Was it an act of impulsiveness or desire that made him pause and ask Amberelle.
"Would you care to spend the day in my chambers? They're not as glamourous or spacious as your own, but they suffice and are secure. The choice is your's Amberelle? I have to tell you now, I'm not much of a talker during the day."
He offered her a wry smile at the last sentence.
Alexander rose to his feet and held out his hand. Amberelle did not question him, she knew as well as he did what has coming. Taking his hand in hers, the pair walked reluctantly back through the gardens towards the mansion.
Alexander's place had a staircase from the Manor down to the ground, ideal for slipping in and out to train in the dojo. Was it an act of impulsiveness or desire that made him pause and ask Amberelle.
"Would you care to spend the day in my chambers? They're not as glamourous or spacious as your own, but they suffice and are secure. The choice is your's Amberelle? I have to tell you now, I'm not much of a talker during the day."
He offered her a wry smile at the last sentence.
Amberelle DeEspionne
17 years ago
Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat. Amberelle felt more conflicted than she could have imagined. That conflict was evident on her face as she bit her bottom lip nervously and glanced down. How could she go back to her own bed, alone, knowing now she'd never be able to sleep? How could she stay and.. ? The Creole wasn't even sure what would happen if she did stay. Would Alex be willing to stop if she asked? With all her heart she wanted to believe he could be trusted to.
Making decisions was never one of her strong points. 'Look at how many years it took me to get the courage up to leave New Orleans.' The blonde remembered once a sensai shaking his head at her as she hesitated over the simplest things and explaining how any decision could be made in seven breaths. Amby reached out and took Alexander's hands in hers, taking a deep breath.
'OK. Talk this out Amberelle.. One. It is the most improper thing.' Another breath. 'This is completely crazy, we are moving way too fast.' A third breath. 'He can be trusted to be a gentleman.' It was what she wanted to believe, so she did. 'Four. It is the twenty first century so I shouldn't be so old fashioned.' That one had never worked and didn't now. 'Almost time..' another breath. 'This could be a complete overreation and he just doesn't want to be alone.. Six. He smells good.' That one made the corners of her mouth twitch. 'Final breath.. I want to.' Her eyes raised to his and Amberelle smiled. Seven breaths, mere seconds. Maybe there was something to it.
I would like that, very much. Crinkling her nose at him, she nudged him with her shoulder and grinned. As long as you don't snore.
Making decisions was never one of her strong points. 'Look at how many years it took me to get the courage up to leave New Orleans.' The blonde remembered once a sensai shaking his head at her as she hesitated over the simplest things and explaining how any decision could be made in seven breaths. Amby reached out and took Alexander's hands in hers, taking a deep breath.
'OK. Talk this out Amberelle.. One. It is the most improper thing.' Another breath. 'This is completely crazy, we are moving way too fast.' A third breath. 'He can be trusted to be a gentleman.' It was what she wanted to believe, so she did. 'Four. It is the twenty first century so I shouldn't be so old fashioned.' That one had never worked and didn't now. 'Almost time..' another breath. 'This could be a complete overreation and he just doesn't want to be alone.. Six. He smells good.' That one made the corners of her mouth twitch. 'Final breath.. I want to.' Her eyes raised to his and Amberelle smiled. Seven breaths, mere seconds. Maybe there was something to it.
I would like that, very much. Crinkling her nose at him, she nudged him with her shoulder and grinned. As long as you don't snore.
Alex West
17 years ago
Alexander smiled in relief and exhiliration when Amberelle agreed. He took her by the hand and led her up the stairs to the balcony outside his quarters. He unlocked the double doors and stood aside while she passed inside. Upon entering Alexander flicked on the lights, closed and locked the doors and pressed a small button that brought down a thick metal roller across the balcony entrance.
The roller shuddered to a stop with a soft click of the locks
"Welcome to Casa West." Alexander laughed softly.
The large futon bed and his wooden chest in front of it dominated the room. Amberelle sat cautiously on the futon while Alexander placed down his gym bag and went around checking that his computer, fax/copier, and telephone were set to autorecord.
Taking out two silk kimono's and a pair of large towels, Alexander laid one set on the bed while he kept the other.
"There's bathing facilities just down the hallway. Baths and showers. I think I'm going to grab a quick shower before daybreak. I won't be so brazen as to ask you to join me. But there is a clean towel and kimono for you here in case you wish to clean up. You'll find shampoo, conditioner and cleansing oils and soaps in the bathing room. The house staff pick up dirty clothing and linen from baskets situated inside the bathing room."
Alexander bowed slightly to Amberelle before heading out the front door of his room and down to the bathing area.
The roller shuddered to a stop with a soft click of the locks
"Welcome to Casa West." Alexander laughed softly.
The large futon bed and his wooden chest in front of it dominated the room. Amberelle sat cautiously on the futon while Alexander placed down his gym bag and went around checking that his computer, fax/copier, and telephone were set to autorecord.
Taking out two silk kimono's and a pair of large towels, Alexander laid one set on the bed while he kept the other.
"There's bathing facilities just down the hallway. Baths and showers. I think I'm going to grab a quick shower before daybreak. I won't be so brazen as to ask you to join me. But there is a clean towel and kimono for you here in case you wish to clean up. You'll find shampoo, conditioner and cleansing oils and soaps in the bathing room. The house staff pick up dirty clothing and linen from baskets situated inside the bathing room."
Alexander bowed slightly to Amberelle before heading out the front door of his room and down to the bathing area.
Amberelle DeEspionne
17 years ago
Nodding as Alex walked out, she glanced around the room again. It was much more spartan than Amberelle would have expected, but it seemed to suit him. Patting the futon mattress she shook her head and muttered, Yeah next time.. my place. Picking up the kimono and towel, she headed down the way she'd seen Alexander go. Tempting as the idea might have been to join him, she was already pushing her boundries enough. Trying to do something that bold would probably send her running away embarassed. Listening and sniffing faintly until she found an unoccupied bath chamber, Amberelle headed in to clean up.
Everything was there as he'd said, and the blonde washed and dried off quickly. Running her fingers through her toweled off hair, she shook it out until it was just a blonde mass of damp waves. She pulled back on her tee-shirt and panties before tying the kimono loosly around her. The rest of her clothes she took her time and folded up neatly. Fussing with them a little, she arranged then rearranged them before placing them in the basket. Sighing she glanced in the mirror and gave her reflection a smile. No reason to be nervous, she said quietly. Straightening her shoulders, she stepped out and walked back to Alex's room.
Everything was there as he'd said, and the blonde washed and dried off quickly. Running her fingers through her toweled off hair, she shook it out until it was just a blonde mass of damp waves. She pulled back on her tee-shirt and panties before tying the kimono loosly around her. The rest of her clothes she took her time and folded up neatly. Fussing with them a little, she arranged then rearranged them before placing them in the basket. Sighing she glanced in the mirror and gave her reflection a smile. No reason to be nervous, she said quietly. Straightening her shoulders, she stepped out and walked back to Alex's room.
Alex West
17 years ago
Alexander had finished putting on a pair of boxers and a white shirt when Amberelle reentered his room. Tying off the kimono, Alexander closed the doors to the extensive walk in closet and greeted Amberelle with a gentle kiss on the side of her face. The shower had been just what Alexander had needed to gather his thoughts and consider the implications of what he was doing. He didn't fear the gossip that might spill like pearl drops from the lips of the house staff, but the reaction of the other vampires of the Clan within the walls of the Manor was unforseeable.
Some might snort in derision, others might be secretly pleased, disappointed or vexxed, and then there were the Elder vampires who might have very fixed opinions that could bode well or ill for the pair. Alexander had let the hot water run through his hair and over his shoulders as he stood under the shower head faucet.
But that was tommorrow and today belonged to two vampires...in love? In infatuation? Or was it a need for company and a desire to be held by someone who wouldn't judge or condemn them. All thoughts that washed away down the drain along with the shampoo and soap suds that Alexander had cleaned himself with.
Alexander led Amberelle to the bed and gently lifted her off the ground. Like a eunuch attending the favoured of the hareem, Alexander placed her gently on the futon, smoothing out her kimono, and making sure her head rested on a soft, yet solid pillow. She was his guest after all.
Alexander locked the front door to his room, although he knew Rupert would check in during the day to make sure the tenants were secure. Making his way back to the large futon, Alexander turned down the lights to a low dim, and climbed onto the bed next to Amberelle.
He felt awkward in spite of himself. Humans were one thing, but vampires...
Taking her delicate hands in his, Alexander smiled.
"Shall we hold each other till the dawn breaks? The first light will drag me reluctantly to slumber and I'd like to see your face before as I retire into the darkness."
Some might snort in derision, others might be secretly pleased, disappointed or vexxed, and then there were the Elder vampires who might have very fixed opinions that could bode well or ill for the pair. Alexander had let the hot water run through his hair and over his shoulders as he stood under the shower head faucet.
But that was tommorrow and today belonged to two vampires...in love? In infatuation? Or was it a need for company and a desire to be held by someone who wouldn't judge or condemn them. All thoughts that washed away down the drain along with the shampoo and soap suds that Alexander had cleaned himself with.
Alexander led Amberelle to the bed and gently lifted her off the ground. Like a eunuch attending the favoured of the hareem, Alexander placed her gently on the futon, smoothing out her kimono, and making sure her head rested on a soft, yet solid pillow. She was his guest after all.
Alexander locked the front door to his room, although he knew Rupert would check in during the day to make sure the tenants were secure. Making his way back to the large futon, Alexander turned down the lights to a low dim, and climbed onto the bed next to Amberelle.
He felt awkward in spite of himself. Humans were one thing, but vampires...
Taking her delicate hands in his, Alexander smiled.
"Shall we hold each other till the dawn breaks? The first light will drag me reluctantly to slumber and I'd like to see your face before as I retire into the darkness."
Amberelle DeEspionne
17 years ago
Her eyes never left him as he moved around the room, preparing for the day. The gentleness of his touch and actions had left her without words, not that Amby knew what she wanted to say. Thank you? It seemed so inadequate. In her life no one had taken such care towards her. An orphan before her first birthday, the Creole had had no mother to tuck her in, no one to see to her comfort and well being. Her Grandmere had been a source of some tender moments but with so many children in the woman's care it was easy to understand her being unable to smother each of the young De'Espionnes with that kind of love and attention.
Yet.. This amazing man had her feeling like the most priceless thing in the world, a rare gem to be carefully tended to. How could mere words verbalize that? Or what could she tell him to explain what a gift just knowing there was someone in this world that wasn't trying to hurt her at every opportunity was? Amberelle realized that was why she'd come here tonight, not because of desire or lust or anything so base, but to spend just a few more minutes in his presence feeling this way.
That strange new feeling swelled in her chest and a voice in the back of her mind tried to place a name on it with a word, one so foreign to her, but it was quickly quieted. Surely this was nothing more than some kind of infatuation, made more intense by the blood they shared between them. Amberelle resolved to speak with Ysabel or perhaps Fallon.. one of the women was bound to have more experience with this kind of situation and the after effects. But until then, the young vampire had no desire to delve further into the what or whys but simply to enjoy the warm feeling that radiated through her when Alex took her hands in his.
He was so close now she inhaled his clean scent and smiled softly. Then he spoke and Alexander's words took her breath away. Squeezing his hands tightly in hers she felt like her face would crack from the smile that appeared. Amby tried to speak around the strange lump that had formed, but could only nod slowly. Clearing her throat the blonde spoke quietly, one hand coming up to stroke along his jaw with a featherlight caress. Yes cheri.. you have no idea how magnifique that sounds.
The vampire rolled onto her side facing him, pushing her damp hair behind her. Alexander followed suit and they lay there with their heads close but not touching. After a moment the younger vampire realized this wasn't the thick down mattress she was used to and that position was not going to do for too long. But for now it would suffice, she wanted to be able to see his face and for him to see hers as he has asked. Her free hand slid between them and she lay it on top of his larger one. Already she was feeling sleep close, it had been quite an emotional night and she was mentally drained.
Leaning closer Amberelle softly kissed his chin, Bonne nuit, Alex.. she turned her face into the pillow and stifled a yawn. Sweet dreams. Her eyelids fluttered closed despite her desires otherwise and she relaxed, just listening to the sounds of him breathing. She was surrounded by his scent, it infused the pillow, the bed, the air around her. A smile crept onto her face and she snuggled a little closer. She exhaled softly, almost purring. With the slow beat of his heart the last thing she remembered she drifted off to sleep, content.
Yet.. This amazing man had her feeling like the most priceless thing in the world, a rare gem to be carefully tended to. How could mere words verbalize that? Or what could she tell him to explain what a gift just knowing there was someone in this world that wasn't trying to hurt her at every opportunity was? Amberelle realized that was why she'd come here tonight, not because of desire or lust or anything so base, but to spend just a few more minutes in his presence feeling this way.
That strange new feeling swelled in her chest and a voice in the back of her mind tried to place a name on it with a word, one so foreign to her, but it was quickly quieted. Surely this was nothing more than some kind of infatuation, made more intense by the blood they shared between them. Amberelle resolved to speak with Ysabel or perhaps Fallon.. one of the women was bound to have more experience with this kind of situation and the after effects. But until then, the young vampire had no desire to delve further into the what or whys but simply to enjoy the warm feeling that radiated through her when Alex took her hands in his.
He was so close now she inhaled his clean scent and smiled softly. Then he spoke and Alexander's words took her breath away. Squeezing his hands tightly in hers she felt like her face would crack from the smile that appeared. Amby tried to speak around the strange lump that had formed, but could only nod slowly. Clearing her throat the blonde spoke quietly, one hand coming up to stroke along his jaw with a featherlight caress. Yes cheri.. you have no idea how magnifique that sounds.
The vampire rolled onto her side facing him, pushing her damp hair behind her. Alexander followed suit and they lay there with their heads close but not touching. After a moment the younger vampire realized this wasn't the thick down mattress she was used to and that position was not going to do for too long. But for now it would suffice, she wanted to be able to see his face and for him to see hers as he has asked. Her free hand slid between them and she lay it on top of his larger one. Already she was feeling sleep close, it had been quite an emotional night and she was mentally drained.
Leaning closer Amberelle softly kissed his chin, Bonne nuit, Alex.. she turned her face into the pillow and stifled a yawn. Sweet dreams. Her eyelids fluttered closed despite her desires otherwise and she relaxed, just listening to the sounds of him breathing. She was surrounded by his scent, it infused the pillow, the bed, the air around her. A smile crept onto her face and she snuggled a little closer. She exhaled softly, almost purring. With the slow beat of his heart the last thing she remembered she drifted off to sleep, content.
Alex West
17 years ago
He lay next to her, his hands in hers, his eyes focused on hers. Alexander was at peace. Contended and relaxed. She smiled at him and called his name, but the calling of day was already clouding his senses and making him sluggish. It took a supreme effort to return her smile and then lay on his back.
His limbs felt like the were made of lead and his eyelids like steel shutters. He shuddered once and felt his eyes close. He could still hear her nearby, and her scent was reassuring as he began to die once more.
And then there was nothingness. He had returned to his natural state. His last thoughts as the darkness overtook him were of her delicate smile.
((ooc- Alex and Amberelle out with permission. Lock thread please))
His limbs felt like the were made of lead and his eyelids like steel shutters. He shuddered once and felt his eyes close. He could still hear her nearby, and her scent was reassuring as he began to die once more.
And then there was nothingness. He had returned to his natural state. His last thoughts as the darkness overtook him were of her delicate smile.
((ooc- Alex and Amberelle out with permission. Lock thread please))