Talamasca agent number 1 - 11/29/97 22:16:23
My Email:CDeVillon@AOL.com
Note: Watching the house -

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I sat back with my camera, looking at what was left of my team. I sent off three of them to try and follow the child vampire, Claudia - why should I waste the opertunity? The rest of us were hoping Christine would come out. Damn her anyway, why did she in ist on running away from us? She could have it all if she'd join up, we couldn't let her get away, her powers were too strong and if she wasn't trained they could be extremly dangerous. Right now though she was the one in danger. She was in Lestat's house and if she'd come out alive was the first question on our minds. We had snuck into the courtyard and watched carefully, hearing her sing - so far so good. But would she last out the night? If only I could get permission from the Mother House to go in ther and rescue her from the vampires. Ah well - there wasn't much of a choice - never enter the dwellings of vampires where they currently lived, eh? How to get the girl out then? Maybe if we waited until daylight - if she was alive at daylight. Seeing movem nts around the windows, I raised my camera and started snapping pictures, keeping my mind shield rasied to keep the vampires from sensing my thoughts. Come on, Christine, get your butt out of there....

Christine - 11/29/97 20:14:43
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: Uh-oh - Louis' got images!

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Lestat and Louis were leaving me alone, Louis had looked a tad shocked at my sudden display of affection. Good, I wanted to shock him. Inside my room - or should I call it a cell? That's what it really was, a cell, a cage. I knew I'd probably never leave his house alive. If Lestat and Louis didn't kill me, I'm sure Claudia would. Would it be so bad? To die at the hands of such famous vampires? I just hoped I'd get a page or two in Lestat's next book. Really, I don't think he can hold out from writing anot er after Memnoch. He just needs a sabatical. Memnoch, now there was a thought - I wondered if he'd try again. And if he did, would I live to see it? Would I be able to tell Memnoch right off the way I could other preternatural beings? Or would he be able o disguise himself? Ah - enough of this. I exmained the room, there was some old clothing, perhaps as much as a hundred years old, in some of the drawers, hiden way back. Most was men's clothing, but I did find a woman's nightgown. I wondered if this hadn t been worn by some poor mortal Lestat played with and why the Talamasca hadn't taken it when Jesse was here. Well, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth, shall we? I located the nearest bathroom, it seemed Lestat provided well for the mortals he broug t here for his games, because the toliet actually worked. After I finished doing mortal things I took a shower then dried off. The nightgown wasn't in too bad of shape, a little musty smelling, but not dirty and it didn't fall to pieces when I put it on. ood start. I combed out my wet hair and made sure I cleaned my hair out of the brush. Then I went back to my cell and crawled into bed. Since I had nothing to read - God, I hadn't read a book since *they* started chasing me - and there wasn't a tv in the oom, I just went straight to sleep.

Louis - 11/29/97 18:28:59
Note: Okay, I feel redeemed now. ::grins:: Oh, and sorry this is so short, but I've discovered how to do images, and I'm about to run amuck with them! Hahahahahaha!

Comments:
If I had thought that the night's shocking events had come to a close, I was certainly wrong, as Christine walked up to both Lestat and me and gave each of us a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you both, so much," she said, and as far as I could tell, with complete sincerity. I stood there, looking at her for a second before I said "It's no problem. You can do whatever you want around here for the remainder of the evening." And with that I smiled and walked back out with Lestat beside me...

Christine - 11/29/97 04:21:34
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: Oh, Louis - rat catching is a talent too!

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Louis and Lestat had shown me to my room. Poor Louis, he looked shocked at my jokes, but Lestat looked ammused. Well, what I would do next might do a lot more. Quickly, I embraced and kissed each on the cheek. "Thank you both, so much." There, now there w s something that could shock a vampire, I'm sure.

Louis - 11/29/97 03:36:15
Note: Talent? Other than being a rat catcher? ::smiles::

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I stood there, listening to Christine talk about how she knew we didn't really want to let her go, and how she'd rather be our 'personal blood doll' than go back out there. Personal blood doll? The very suggestion horrified me- I would never do a thing li e that! But the look on Lestat's face was one more of amusement than shock. It was then that I realized that in all probability she was just joking, and of course Lestat would immediately catch on to her humor, and not me. She then gave us a silly, yet en earing smile, and asked us to show her where she'd stay. "...I'm sure you two have to go feed anyway. I'd hate to keep you from your meal- unless I'm it," she said. I gave her a small smile, and shaped the words "guest room" to Lestat, while leading Chris ine in that direction. As we approached the room, I said "You can stay here while you're with us. Make yourself comfortable, but I think we'd all appreciate it if you didn't open doors around here during the day- the sun, you know," I said with a smile, a d a glance at Lestat to see if he had anything to add...

Christine - 11/28/97 22:13:06
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: I'm sure you have some talent, Louis! ::grins::

Comments:
I knew I was blushing up a storm, I could feel the heat in my cheeks from the blood. I had never had anyone kiss my hand again let alone *the* Lestat! On top of that I had been complimented on my singing. High praise coming from vampires, who I knew could do anything, sing, dance, figure ice skating, then a mere mortal. Lestat let Louis tell me what they had decided - so I could go if I wanted? I started to laugh. "Oh, come now - you would not let me go if I wanted and we both know that. We all know I'm go ng to have to stay here wheather I like it or not." I rubbed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose as I felt a headache coming on. "Hell, being here is better then letting them get me, even if you kept me locked up and use me as your own personal blood oll." I chuckled again, feeling better to talk like this to them. Kept me from being hysterical. I felt like my old self, before the Talamasca came - I wondered if the old teasing glint was back in my eyes. I flashed one of my old "I'm a nut but that's wh you love me" smiles to my captors. "So, care to show me which cell is mine? I'm feeling a tad - drained - so to speak and I'm sure you two have to go feed anyway. I'd hate to keep you from your meal - unless I'm it." God, what would they think of me, mak ng jokes like that? I didn't care - I loved this feeling.

Louis - 11/28/97 21:55:22
Note: What's wrong with rats? ::pouts::

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Lestat looked really hard at me, and said "Okay, I'm in. She's staying, and she'll be safe with us...for now." I tried to disguise a sigh of relief that Lestat was going along with my idea. He wanted to go inform our "guest" of our plans, so we walked bac into the piano room, and stood there watching her perform the rest of her song. I stood there, awestruck at her talent! Her voice was almost as clear as ours, and that song was just gorgeous! I suddenly felt very inadequate for not knowing how to play th piano, like Lestat, Claudia, and now *Christine* did. Did everyone have some sort of musical talent around here except me? I was about to *really* start dwelling on it, but thankfully, she stopped, and turned around to look at me and Lestat, obviously wa ting for one of us to speak. Lestat complimented Christine on her talents, and then asked me to repeat our decision. Alright. I took a breath and stepped forward. "Well, this is obviously a situation neither of us is used to dealing with. We've decided to let you stay here for the time being until we can come to another conclusion. But if you want to leave, we'll understand." I looked at Lestat quickly, as if to say, *I know we didn't discuss this, but please go along with it.* "We just don't want you goin back out to where the Talamasca might get you," and you've been in our house, I thought, although trying to keep it in the back of my mind. I looked back over to Lestat, as if to say *if you want to add anything, then go ahead.*

Lestat de Lioncourt - 11/28/97 21:25:00
Note: Perhaps Christine, but you know, you are a very special bird! =)

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She was keeping on playing, singing her tunes and melodies, as if it were the last time her voice would ever be heard. For a moment I felt a sting of guilt inside me. What was my rights? But the next moment it was gone, like that dream I had.. just disap eard. We were what we were and she understood it, completely. She finshed the song, and saw us in the room, looking at us, waiting for our next move. "You have a truly lovely voice, Christine." I moved forward to her, and took her hand and pressed my lips against it in a gently kiss, then raised my head and met her gaze. "It was an honor to hear you sing." I turned over to Louis, still standing in the door. "So Louis, wonīt you tell our friend here what we decided?" I was suretenly not going to do all the alking tonight, and he *did* have a tendence to keep in the background, watching...

Christine - 11/28/97 19:47:59
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: I'm just a bird in a gilded cage, isn't that right, Lestat? ::smiles::

Comments:
I wondered what they were talking about in there. Perhaps what to do with my body after they were thru? Eh - still better then becoming a memember of the Talamasca. Finished with my little trip into Gounod, I'm launched into a little Maury Yeston. "In a v ry unusal way one time I needed you. In a very unusual way you were my friend. Maybe it lasted a day, maybe it lasted an hour. but somehow it will never end.... In a very unusual way I think I'm in love with you. In a very unusual way I want to cry. Somet ing inside me grows weak, something inside me surrenders, and you're the reason why, - you're the reason why..." I tend to close my eyes when I sing and play, just letting the emotions carry me. My whole body will get into it, swaying from side to side in time with the music. "You don't know - what you do it me, you don't have a clue. You can't tell what it's like to be me, looking at you. It scares me so - that I can hardly speak. In a very unusual way I owe what I am to you. Though at times it appears I won't stay, I never go. Special to me in my life, since the first day that I met you, how could I ever forget you once you have touched my soul? In a very unusual way - you've made me whole....." The song finished I opened my eyes - to see Lestat and Loui re-entering the room. I thought about apologising, but if they decided I was going to die then there was no point. So I just looked up at them, waiting.

Lestat - 11/28/97 18:44:06
Note: Of course she's not Louis! Iīm sure turkey blood is much better than those rats you were so fond of once..! ::grins::

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He didnīt know either. Alright then weīre two on that one, congratulations, very funny, welocme in the club..! He was talking about feeling "compelled to protect Christine", and I was going to give him some comments on that one, Louis caring about our mortal *guest*, Louis, protecting her? I believed I understood Claudia's anger. But he continued speaking before I even could manage to open my mouth. "Alri ht, how about if we let her stay here for a little while longer, and when we can think of a definite course of action, then we'll decide." I looked at him, really looked at him. From the other room I heard Christine singing and playing on the piano.. my, she could sing. I tried not to listen to the songs and to the words, and consentrate on Louis right now, thinking over is suggestion, but I noticed it was really heard. She sang with such feelings, all those emotions in her voice.. I shaked my head slowly. Well I had to admit she intrested me. She seemed to have some strange affection of all of us, I thought, smiling an a most imperceptible smile, looking at Louis troubled face. "Okay, Iīm in. Sheīs staying, and sheīll be safe with us... for now." I was really amused by this whole strange situation.. and slightly wondered what Claudia would think about *our* decition. "So, I guess we should join our guest now...let her know our *plans*. Itīs so rude to let her be here in uncertainty, all alone, donīt you think?" I laughed silent when I started to walk out of the kitchen and back to our little singing prisoner. For really, w snīt that what she was?

Louis - 11/27/97 23:47:34
Note: Hey, are you picking on me? ::laughs::

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I was fully prepared to hear jokes pouring out of Lestat, but instead he sat there, composed, and said "What I think, Louis? Well, to be honest I don't know what I think!" I looked up, unsure of what to say. Lestat didn't have an opinion? I watched him wa k over to the window and take a deep breath before he turned back to me, saying that we couldn't just let her go, and is that what I wanted? "Louis, tell me...What do you think? What shall we do with her?" I looked back up at him, and bit my lip slightly. If he wasn't going to tease me, then perhaps it would be alright to open myself up to him, I thought. But still, I was hesitiant. "I don't know what I want," I said softly. "At first I was just going to let her stay here to keep away from the Talamasca fo tonight, but now, I don't know... When I was back there with you two and Claudia I just felt compelled to protect Christine, and I don't know why, or from what." I knew this was bizarre. I'd never cared for mortals before, and all of a sudden there was t is? And what *was* this? Certainly this idea didn't just pop into my head... or did it? But what to do with her... "Alright, how about if we let her stay here for a little while longer, and when we can think of a definite course of action, then we'll deci e." I looked up at him, hoping he'd like my little idea, as I heard Christine playing the piano in the background...

Christine - 11/27/97 21:33:00
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: Do you suppose vampires drink turkey blood for Thanksgiving? ::grins::

Comments:
Well, I'm in deep doo-doo. Lestat had made it very clear that leaving was not an option. My cheek still tingled from his carress. Okay, how to get out of here without getting killed or getting grabbed by those damn "scolors"? Not a chance. I might as well slice open my wrists and let myself bleed in front of them. Settling back, I tried to remember why these people seemed so familer. Then it hit me - the books. This was *the* Lestat! I had to be! Oh dear lord - I was in HUGE trouble. His reputation with mo tals was legendary. I knew now what I could expect. And it was all that damn Talamasca's fault! Sighing, I knew that this was very likely my last night on earth, so I wandered over to the piano. I wasn't the genius that Claudia was, but I knew vampires di everything better then mortals. Softly, I started to play and sing. It was from Jekyll & Hyde - one of the songs the prositute Lucy sang. Someone Like You is what it's called. I need lessons to learn how to breath better, but I've always been told I'm a ood singer. I'm a soprano, but I can easily sing alto as well. This is what I wanted from life. I wanted to sing for people. To draw them to me with song. When I was finished with the first song I launched into my favorite - Faust - I started with The Kin Of Thule, then went into The Jewel Song. I'm no professional, but I think I did fair for a song that I learned from listening to the cd. I just hoped I wasn't bugging Lestat and Louis - no need to shorten my life even farther.

Lestat de Lioncourt - 11/27/97 21:20:11
Note: Thanks, Louis! You too!

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"What do you think? What's your opinion about this situation? I know Claudia isn't happy, you saw the way she stormed out of here. I just... I don't know. " Louis stoped suddenly, looking down on his hands, almost ashamed. And I knew that if things were different, I would have laughed at his reaction... I wanted to play with him for a while.. but just aft r one glance at his worried and unsecure face I knew I wouldnīt do that. I just sat down trying desperatly to find out what to say. What could I say? 'Oh my, Louis guess what, I believe you're right! Claudia truly were upset!' I sighed. "What I thi k, Louis? Well to be honest I donīt know what I think! Yes, I saw Claudiaīs reaction, even though Iīm not really sure why.." I stoped and looked at him, studing every single movement at his face. What had they talked about under that short moment which ha made Cladia so upset? And now.. what should we do? What should I say? Why should I now?! I felt my anger rising. 'Come down Lestat for God's sake he just asked you what you think of it!' I tried to calm myself down, why did I react like this? I got up an walked to the window, looking out in the night, taking a deep breath. After some moments it felt better, and I turned back to Louis. "We canīt just let her go Louis! Is that what you want? She knows what we are and where we live... and if she decides to work for* Talamasca instead of running from them she would tell them everything.." Even if there isnīt much they can do to us, I wanted to say, but I swallowed those words. I didnīt think he shared my opinions... heck I wasnīt sure if I shared them either Would Christine really broke her promises? Would Christine really be a danger for us? I doubted it, and I couldnīt say why. "Louis, tell me... what do you think? What shall we do with her?"

Louis de Pointe du Lac - 11/27/97 20:21:15
Note: Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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I watched as Lestat leaned over and lightly caressed Christine's cheek, asking her to wait there while he and I went into the kitchen. He then rose from the couch, and I followed him through the doorway into the next room. As the two of us sat down at the normally unused table, he said to me "So, my beloved, what's on your mind?" I glanced back once from the door to Lestat, and said quietly "What do you think? What's your opinion about this situation? I know Claudia isn't happy, you saw the way she stormed out of here." I paused for a second and looked back at the door, as if she could hear our very words right through it. "I just... I don't know. " I suddenly felt ashamed of myself for trying to express my feelings to Lestat, like he would start laughing a me, and undoubtedly hold it over my head for the next month. So I just looked down at my hands, hoping his response to my worries wouldn't be a series of jeers and "playful" denunciations...

Lestat de Lioncourt - 11/27/97 19:46:16

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Louis moved slowly closer to Claudia, and she stoped playing, meeting Louis glance. I didnīt hear what they said to each other, not until Claudia got up, furiously. "I cannot bear this....I am going out." I stared after her, and I was going to call after er, but I realised it was to late, Claudia had left. I looked over to Christine and Louis to find that both of them were looking at the empty door where Claudia had left. I didnīt really understand what she was upset over, and Iīd be glad to know, but I a sumed that she needed some time alone... Well she had a hot temperament, I knew that. Louis walked over to me and asked me if he could speak to me in the kitchen. I leered at Christine, who seemed to have lost herself somewhere in her thoughts, and back a Louis, waiting for my answer. I couldnīt leave her here, alone, could I? But Louis seemed *very* sure on that we *really* needed to talk. I opened my mouth to say something but shut it again without saying a word. I didnīt know what I should do. It dawn n me that I actually was afraid that Christine would *use the chance* and leave us, if she was left alone... But I really didnīt want to get both Louis and Claudia against me this early at the night. Suddenly I didnīt want them to see my hesitation, so I ended over to Christine and caressed her cheek softly, with my face so close to hers that it almost were a kiss. She backed terrified. "Now donīt be afraid ma chére." I smiled. "I and Louis have something to take care of.. Itīll just take a moment. Be a g od girl and wait right here, will you?" I bore my eyes into hers. "It would be such a pity if we have to go searching for you when we get back, donīt you think?" I hoped she understood, and then I slowly turned around, and started to walk over to the kitc en. I walked inside and sat down on the kitchen table. "So, my beloved, whatīs on your mind?"

Claudia de Lioncourt - 11/27/97 17:49:44
Note: Helli my darlings...enjoying your day??

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I walked the streets of New Orleans, knowing that *they* were following close behind. What was this facination with us that they deemed it appropriate to hound us like creatures. I grew angrier, walking as briskly as I could, hoping they would leave. Di they all know me then? Lestat and his damned books...could nothing be sacred...even my death? I stopped dead in my steps, waiting for the footsteps of the watchers to stop as well. I called out to them with a temper that was rarely seen anymore "You w tchers be gone! I have no desire for any of you to meet your deaths tonight, but fare well that if provoked I shall see to it that you do!" Let them write that in their infernal log books. I continued on my way, terribly pleased with the fact that they had indeed ceased in their pursuit of me. I passed Jackson Square, and at the sight of the dollhouse I was remined of Louis. My beloved Louis, how terrible I can be at times, and yet he loves me still. I sat down upon my favourite bench in the park, ove looking the St. Louis cathedral where as a mortal child I'd once believed I would be married....and I wept at the loss of it all.

Christine - 11/27/97 09:33:19
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: I've been in a car all day and I'm tired. ::sighs:: Also, I've hopefully fixed the broken images in my page!

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The child vampire - Claudia, that's what they called her - started to play the piano. Music Of The Night, one of my all-time favorite songs. Though my ulitmate favorite is The Jewel Song from Faust. The dark haired one, that I found out was named Louis, g t a little closer to me. Thank God, it seemed my plea got thru, unless he was one of those quiet types that would turn on you and rip your throat out in less then a heartbeat. Suddenly, Claudia got upset. She didn't seem to like the thought of me being he e and who can blame her? But she should know I'd never hurt her or the others, I wouldn't dare. We "victims" of the Talamasca have got to stick together, after all. There's been times I've been tempted to call all the vampires, witches, Taltos, and the ot ers together to destroy them. I wanted to stop her, apologise. Hell, had I gotten the chance I would have offered her my life to make up for the turmoil I had caused, but she was gone. Oh - the curse of being a "crisis queen" - I'm always getting into tro ble, the Talamasca being just the latest in a series of Hell. Now it was just Lestat, Louis, and me - and I knew that Lestat wasn't finished with me just yet. I wondered what his move would be. Well, I suppose I would soon see. Maybe he'd just give in and feed from me - even kill me. Or maybe he would go outside and find my pursuers and make a meal of them. And what about Louis? Was he my savoir? Or would I soon be his dinner?

Louis - 11/27/97 01:20:08
Note: You guys, tomorrow by about noon I'm going to be at Mello78@aol.com.

Comments:
Claudia sighed and abruptly stopped playing the piano. In a hushed voice she asked me what we were going to do with Christine, and then quickly left the room, saying that she couldn't bear this and was going out. "Claudia," I said, but it was too late- sh was out the door. Standing rooted in my spot, I watched her walking down the street from one of the front windows until I couldn't see her anymore. Silently, I let my gaze drift to the floor. I knew she was right, we couldn't just let this mortal linger round here until she felt secure enough to leave. But what was it that made me feel protective of her? Surely it was something other than the Talamasca, and Claudia's and Lestat's wicked glances, but I couldn't remember it now. I looked over at the two of them, letting my gaze meet Lestat's. It suddenly dawned on me that I didn't know *his* opinion in this whole ordeal, so I walked over to him, and in a hushed voice said "Lestat, can I speak with you in the kitchen for a moment?" hoping he'd follow me.

Claudia de Lioncourt - 11/26/97 22:25:44

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As I grew deeper and deeper into the music, I was startled to feel Louis come closer to me. So, he would forbid me to play this game with Lestat in front of him....sighing deeply, abruptly the music stopped as I took my hands from the keys. "Louis, my l ve, you can be a terrible bore, you know....ah, but I love you still. What then do you propose we do with this little bird? Leave her be and wait until she finds her wings again, my love?" I felt my tamtrum on it's brink and knew that I should get far a ay from him for the moment. " I cannot bear this....I am going out." I was angry with him for spoiling my fun, as he usually did, but moreover I was angry with him for caring about her. What was this mortall to him that he felt compelled to protect her. I cared not if the cursed Talamasca waited patiently for my entrance so that they may write in their silly journals of a "sighting". I was hardly a sighting as far as I was concerned and the thought of them only furthered my anger. The cool night air o New Orleans was a blessed wish as I glared at each mortal foolish enough to be within my vision. so dare them to approach me then, and I shall ask for my things back!

Lestat de Lioncourt - 11/26/97 20:47:44

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"Well, perhaps I might entertain you with my talents upon the piano...would you like that my love?" Claudia asked Christine, who really didnīt say anything at all. She had become more and more terrified, and the whole situation really amused me.Claudia started to play with her antastic talant, and I knew that Christine had to admire her for that.. if she was able to think clear, that was. I sat down in the middle of Christine and Louis, smiling. "You know, Christine, I donīt think youīll never meet someone with the same talents as Claudia... Donīt you agree, my love?" I asked, turning my head against Louis...

Louis - 11/26/97 20:46:23
Note: What a miserable, miserable day!

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Claudia tried to convince Christine that she was safe here, but somehow I doubted that she believed her. I watched, distanced, as Lestat and Claudia exchanged wicked smiles with each other. "What do you think my dear? How shall we entertain our guest in t e best way?" Lestat said, and then looked at me, as if he just remembered that I cared little for his taunting games with mortals. He gave me one of those "oh, lighten up, Louis" looks, and smiled charmingly. I couldn't believe this. I knew what he was tr ing to do- the same thing he always did- try to make me enjoy the gifts he had given me. I breathed in deeply, marvelling over how he never seemed to give up in his attempts to alter my personality. Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect this mo tal, and as Claudia rose to play the piano for Christine, I tried to subtly move closer to her. I saw Lestat watching me from the corner of his eye, and I quickly averted my gaze to where Claudia sat, hoping Lestat wouldn't become curious about my behavio . I leaned forward as her tiny fingers began to press the keys. I simply loved listening to her play, and what was this? It was from The Phantom of the Opera. I could still remember the words: Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness wakes, nd stirs imagination... Yes, that was a nice one. I looked up at Christine, and saw her silently watching Claudia, the seemingly child prodigy. But she knew better than to think this, I was certain.

Claudia de Lioncourt - 11/26/97 19:41:23

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"What do you think, my dear?" he asked of me, though I knew very well that he had his answer to that. "Well, perhaps I might entertain you with my talents upon the piano...would you like that my love?" I asked this of Christine, though I really gave mys lf an excuse to focus my attention somewhere other than on the beating of her heart. They were not going to simply let me have her, as I wanted, for it was apparent that both Louis and Lestat had their doubts on what we should do with her. I moved swift y to the piano bench, curtsying to my captive audience before I sat down to pick out a melody I'd heard from Phantom of the Opera once with Louis. At the first sounds of the somber music, I could tell that I was unnerving Christine terribly and this only added to my delight with this little situation.

Christine - 11/26/97 19:15:03
My URL:http://members.aol.com/SntxError/index.h tml
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: Oh what a fool this mortal be....

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I'm dead meat. I'm sure of it. I mean, how could these vampires *not* want to kill me? I knew what they where and I knew where they lived. Two major reasons to kill me, not to mention trespassing. Yet - the black haired one, God - with his dark hair and g een eyes he was incredibly handsome - he might actually be my salvation. I felt crowded in by the child vampire and Lestat - Oh man - I don't think I know the girl or the green-eyed man's names - I'd have to find out, I couldn't keep refering to them in s ch a manner even just mentally. If they had mentioned their names, certainly I forgot them in my panic. Well, I'd fix that soon enough though. I looked at the dark one. I felt like a dying fish in the middle of a whole school of sharks. The ones in here a d the ones outside. One would kill me phsyically, the other mentally and spiritually. Of the two, I knew I'd perfer the first rather then the latter. All the same, I'd like to get thru this night with minimum blood-loss. Concentrating, I made a small hole in my mental shield. Just big enough to "talk" - *Help me, please.* I sent out just before I slamed the hole closed. It wasn't just that I didn't want the vampires reading my mind, I also didn't want *them* to read it. It wouldn't be fair to my hosts - be ause *they* could study them thru my eyes - No, the Talamasca was not going to use me in any manner. I could only hope that the dark-haired one would answer my plea....

Lestat - 11/26/97 18:33:09
My Email:jsreeves@geocities.com

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Christine was her name. She told us her story, and to be true it amazed me. So she was running from Talamasca? My head was suddenly filled with memorys of David, but I shut them out, listening to her frightened voice. She was frightened yes, but I couldnī help but smile at the fact of how good she had taken this... She had letterly walked right into a nest of vampires and prefered to stay with us rather than get back out to the street and to Talamasca. Something I could understand. I heard myself laugh, s lent, and I didnīt try to hide it. What an unusual start of a night! Pretty refreshing. All the time I scanned through her mind, to see if she was telling us the whole truth, without hiding anything. But she must have noticed, and suddely she put up a men al shield. It really didnīt surprise me, for with her talents it would be rather strange if she hadnīt been able to do that. But yet it wasnīt anything I had expected from her. I knew I probably would be able to break through it, but I decided not to. It ould be more fun this way. Christine had been silent for some moments, before she started to apologize. I wondered sligthly what we was going to do with her. I could easy guess what Claudia wanted. Ah sweet daughter death! Her eyes told me all that I ever would need to know. How could I have managed to live without her? And Louis? Oh he would probably just want to help the poor one.. let her go. Yes of course... If he could have decided this would never have happened anyway. Never let them suffer... Oh yes that is my beloved Louis. He would not want to see her harmed. But actually I wasnīt very fond of the thought letting a mortal woman who knew what we were just walk away from here. But on the other hand the thought thrilled me. But why destroy such a love y opportunity..? Claudia was holding one of Christines hands in her, sitting close to her. "You've no need to fret the Talamasca finding you, my dearest, for I shall promise you that they will not intrude here as long as I have my way. You are safe.....*for now* my love." She looked so small beside this mortal woman, and yet she was the powerful one. Her eyes met mine and the wicked smile she gave me confirmed all I had suspected. The smile I gave her in return was a true reflection of ers. This could be so fun! I looked at Christine, then back at Claudia. "What do you think my dear? How shall we entertain our guest in the best way?" How I wanted this woman, how I wanted to feel her heart against my heart, her blood in my veins! And I new Claudia felt the same. But it wasnīt going to happend, at least not now, not here. Then another thought came up in my mind. Louis was not going to like this. I turned to him. Such a beauty he was! He would for always leave me breathless. How could som one not fall in love with this wonderful creature, with his deep green eyes, shining of emotions. With all his pain and confusions. He was a true martyr, a philosopher. He was confused and I could tell he was angry with me. Oh how I wanted to hold him in y arms and never let him go. I could so well understand why I had taken him, for so many many years ago. I gave him my very best -come on donīt be so boring, letīs have some fun-look, and gave him a smile. This could be a perfect night!

Claudia de Lioncourt - 11/26/97 14:40:00

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As Christine mentioned the Talamasca once again, I felt my anger rising as surely as the sun would do hours from now. I loathed the Talamasca.....and I had my experiences with them over the years to know well enough that they are a force to be weary of. But again, I knew their policies as well, and they would never think to let any of their family enter this house as Jesse once had. At the thought of her, memories of Jesse came flooding back to me. How I'd appeared to her many times in this very house unable to speak to her, though wishing to beg her not to remove my precious memories. It was the Talamasca who held those memories in their vaults now....my dolls, my diaries....everything. "You've no need to fret the Talamasca finding you, my dearest for I shall promise you that they will not intrude here as long as I have my way. You are safe.....*for now* my love." I looked to Lestat as I spoke to her, wickedly thinking of all the fun we could have with this one. She knew what we were, and what we could do if provoked far enough. The fear that eminated from her only heightened my desires for her at the moment, and I moved closer to her, sitting beside her, taking her hand in my own once again.

Louis - 11/25/97 21:39:34
My Email:mcohen@ucsd.edu

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The girl said that she couldn't impose, but then made a comment about hiding in the attic for the time being. I watched her tremble as she said how the Talamasca just wouldn't leave her alone, and that gave me all the confirmation I needed to realize that I had made the right decision in asking her to stay. But Claudia reached out and took Christine's hand, all the while looking directly at me. She wanted to take the mortal somewhere more "comfortable", where she'd be "well taken care of". I stared blankly at her for a second before I fully understood her intentions. She was going to drink from this mortal! How could she, especially after the girl made it perfectly clear that she'd leave us alone after tonight? I furrowed my brows in frustration, but before I could object to Claudia's actions, Lestat appeared, kissing me on the cheek. Confusedly, I turned my head to look at him, as he said to me "Good evening, my love. Slept well?" I opened my mouth in a weak attempt to speak, but I was too slow, for Lestat ad begun talking to the mortal, asking who she was and how she came to be our guest. Christine quickly re-introduced herself, and then told us her story, all the way down to her relatives and her powers. She apologized for rambling, and then admitted that it felt good to tell this to someone who would believe her. I looked back at Claudia, hoping that *now* she'd leave this mortal alone.

Christine - 11/25/97 21:23:35
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: The fly in the spider's web -

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Oh God - I've stumbled into a nest of them. Now we had been joined by another male, by far the strongest of the group. Handsome, blond hair, blue eyes. He must be close to six feet tall and had a rather sensuous mouth. The kind any woman would want to kis .... Okay, this was not the time to stand here admiring his looks or the one with the black hair and green eyes. The vampire child had taken my hand and suddenly I wondered if I was going to die after all. I ran my free hair thru my hair, wishing my blond curls could be like this Lestat or the child. Once again, I gave my name, "I'm Christine." Then I explained the story - this time from the begining. Breifly telling about my ability to tell a vampire, witch, Taltos, or any other preternatural being on sig t. Not something I wanted to do, but God had cursed me with it anyway. I also told them about my telepathy. Just then I realized I hadn't put my mind shield up - dang - that ment they could read my mind - damn it! Idiot Christine! Idiot! I quickly slamed t down. Blocking any mind-reading, except for maybe Lestat, he was strong enough to break thru my shield. After doing that I told how the Talamasca had come to discover me and wouldn't leave me alone. How I had to leave my family after threats to my niece and nephew - they were actually desperate enough to take them away in order to blackmail me into working for them. I told them how I had come here thinking I could escape them and finally being followed on the street to coming into their house. "I'm sorr I rambled on so much. I - but it felt good to finally tell someone who would believe me."

Lestat de Lioncourt - 11/25/97 20:07:01
My URL:No, not yet.. *g*
My Email:jsreeves@geocities.com
Note: My first mess.. *smiles* And it is not very good... but I havenīt got so much time right now.. =)

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I opened my eyes slowly, and heard sounds downstairs. Both Louis and Claudia, and they were awaky before me! Strange! It was the first time I could recall when I wasnīt awake before them. Oh God I was tired. I shaked my head, slowly, trying to get rid of he pieces of a dream that hang on to me. There was someone else down there! I could here her heartbeats, fast, strong, in a wonderful rythm. A mortal was inside the townhouse, and I had lied down, sleeping? This was wierd! I hurried up from bed, and it wa not until now I noticed that I had slept full clothed. It was not like me at all. But I didnīt have the time to think of it. I raised up to get down to them, but before I left the room I lighted every candle inside.. That was much better! I walked quick and silent down the stairs, and into the hallway. Yes, I had been right. Louis and Claudia, together with a young mortal woman. And this woman knew *what* we were! How could this be?! I walked up behind them, and then gently, kissed Louis on his cheek. "G od evening, my love. Slept well?" I looked upon Claudia and gave her a warm smile, before I lay my gaze upon this mortal. "May I introduce myself? My name is Lestat de Lioncourt. And who can you be, and how come you are our guest tonight?" I gave her one of my most charming smiles, and let my look wander between the mortal woman and my two wonderful fledglings? What was going on in here? And when I scanned through this mortals mind I couldnīt help but stare at her. What had this woman with Talamasca to do

Claudia de Lioncourt - 11/25/97 19:50:37

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The girl's fear was apparent, though whether it was fear of us or of her would be captors, I did not know. My darling Louis, always a kind and gentle soul, and how I adored him for it. Gracefully I took the girl's hand in my own, though my eyes never left Louis's as I spoke to him. "Come my dearest, you are quite right, as always, my love. Shall we escourt our lovely guest to someplace a little more comfortable, perhaps?" I knew he caught my meaning, and before he could protest I turned to this frighten d girl at my side, " You needn't worry for a thing," I began to her as she trembled in my grasp, "I shall make sure that you are *well* taken care of." I bestowed my Louis with my most enduring smile, hoping he would allow me this moment with her. Whate er could be more just than to seal this girl's fate as a lesson to her hasty desicion to cross the wrong paths, I though with a wicked laugh. Oh how Lestat would see the eloquence of it if dear Louis did not. And silently I wondered when he would join u this evening.

Christine - 11/25/97 01:40:43
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: Claudia - I resurected Christine in her mortal form for this one. ::smiles:: Mel - I'm sorry. :::HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS:::

Comments:
"Oh, I really couldn't impose." Oh yes I could! Heck, didn't *they* have rules against getting close to vampires? If I remembered what they gave me when they first set their sights on me correctly then there were strict rules against getting close to vamp res. Watch them, btu don't speak to them. Well, maybe that will keep them away. I hoped. I could tell he was going to insist on this anyway. "Just - tuck me away in the attic or something. Heck, death would definantly better then this -" I sighed. "I'm so ry I'm so much trouble. I honestly thought this house was abandoned - with the door open and no lights on - I'm so sorry, I really am -" I was shaking. "All I did was tell them I wanted to live a normal life. I don't want to go around finding others like yself or like you and study them. But they just won't leave me alone!" A sob caught in my throat. I know, I'm too trusting, aren't I? But I knew I'd be better off telling this to vampires then anyone else.

Louis - 11/25/97 01:26:43
My Email:mcohen@ucsd.edu
Note: I didn't get a callback. :(

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As I stood there, still watching the mortal, I noticed that it was getting brighter in the entryway. Breaking my stare from the girl, I looked over to see Claudia approaching me, who, with a strange look on her face, stopped at my side. "Louis, my love, w oever could this be... were you not going to introduce me to your...*guest*?" she said. I opened my mouth to say that I didn't *know* who she was, but the mortal stuttered out "My- my name's Christine." She then went on to apologize for running in here, a d how the Talamasca just wouldn't leave her alone. She seemed to catch herself panicking, and took several deep breaths in an effort to calm herself down. After a moment, she continued with how she'll leave us alone if we just get her away from the Talama ca for tonight. I watched her intently, and saw that she really meant everything she had said. But still, I didn't like the idea of a mortal knowing where we lived. It just seemed too risky, and what if the Talamasca *did* come and harass us? How would we escape them then? Well, if their spies were wandering the streets of this neighborhood in search for this girl, Christine, then the last thing we should do is send her out there. Quickly, I glanced at Claudia, and then said to Christine "You probably shou dn't leave *now*. For all you know they could be right around the corner, waiting for you to resurface." I looked back at Claudia, hoping she'd agree with my judgment. What I said couldn't have been *that* bad, it's not like I told her she could stay the ntire night- just long enough for the Talamasca to give up for the time being.

Christine - 11/24/97 23:36:00
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: "Spidy senses going crazy!" ::grins::

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The vampire had said he wouldn't kill me, thank God for that. God, how could I be stupid enough to run into here though? I could have just led the Talamasca right to them. Oh, real smart move, Christine! Just what they need - more people to persecute! As was about to tell him my name I sensed another. *Step into my pallor* ran thru my mind. Oh man - this one looked like she was no older then five or six, though my senses told me she was much older. She looked pretty upset too. "My - my name's Christine," I stuttered out. "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to come in here, but I couldn't let them get me. I just want a normal life, special "talents" or not. God, how I wish they'd leave me alone!" Great, even stupider move! Going hysterical in a vampire's lair I tried to calm myself down, taking deep breaths. "Look, I'm really sorry, if you have a back door or something I'll go out that way. Look, you must know what the Talamasca is like, I can see reconintion on your face when I say the name. I promise I'll g t the hell out of here and never look back if you'll just help me get away from them tonight." I hoped they'd agree. Though trully, I think I'd rather have them kill me then take any more chances with the Talamasca.

Claudia de Lioncourt - 11/24/97 22:12:23

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From the parlour I could hear the sound of my beloved Louis, speaking with another....another not of our kind. I made my way towards the hallway, lighting every gas lamp along the way. How dreadful the darkness was, and I knew from this darkness that Le tat had not yet made his grande entrance for the evening. For if he had, the house would have most certainly been a blaze of light. As I lit the final lamp, lighting the doorway as I did, the vision my eyes laid upon was one that drew the fiercest jealou y from me. Louis.....with a mortal woman. I took my place beside him, though he still held the girl. "Louis, my love, whoever could this be.....were you not going to introduce meto your....*guest*?" My eys bore through this woman's searching her for ans ers to my questions. Why had she come here....and how was it that she *knew* what we were....

Louis - 11/24/97 21:27:04
My Email:mcohen@ucsd.edu
Note: My first stab as Louis! Aaaahh!!

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The front door was open. I tried to narrow it slightly, but Lestat was always ranting and raving about how we needed ventilation. It was always "Louis, it's too stuffy in here," or "Louis, why don't you look up from your book once in a while and see the r st of the world?" I knew it was useless to argue such a minute thing, so I just went along with it. I was walking through the front hall, searching for my pocket watch, which I always seemed to be misplacing, when suddenly a girl quickly ran into the town ouse and hastily shut the door behind her. I was just inches away from her, but she didn't seem to notice me. She just clung to the door, seemingly petrefied of whatever it was that lurked outside. I just couldn't believe this- a mortal, just running into my home? Oh, no, this would *not* do- especially with Claudia wandering around here. We all knew about her disregard for Lestat's rules in reference to feeding at home. I reached out, and putting a hand on the girl's shoulder, whirled her around so that s e was facing me. "Please!" she said upon first glance, "Before you decide to kill me, try to understand- the Talamasca are following me and I thought this place was abandoned!" What? I was shocked- stunned, actually! This girl knew exactly what I was! She must have known! Someone running from the Talamasca... she must have some unusual powers, I thought. *That* must be how she could identify me. I felt intimidated suddenly, and I withdrew into myself a little. Then again, I knew how persistent the Talamasc could be on their little witch hunts, and this softened my mood towards her slightly. I took my hand off her shoulder, and said "I won't kill you, don't worry on that account." But Lestat won't be too happy that she thought this place was abandoned, I th ught. Lord knows how hard he worked to make the townhouse come alive again! Well, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, I concluded. Besides, this place worked just *fine* for me, abandoned looking or not. I held her with my gaze, not quite sure of what to do. Do I send her out? She *was* tresspassing here, after all. But the Talamasca was searching for her, and I didn't very well want to turn someone over to their little cult. Ah, my conscience getting in the way again, how Lestat would disappprove. But I couldn't*. "Who are you?" I asked, still not quite sure of how to handle this situation...

Christine Holmes - 11/24/97 08:29:12
My URL:Will get to work on that.
My Email:SntxError@AOL.com
Note: In the beginning....

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They were following me again. Why couldn't they just leave me alone? This wasn't fair. I just wanted to live a nice, normal life. Sing, read, act, and be happy. So I have a few extra abilities, why couldn't they see I didn't want to use them? Bastards, al of them, bastards. Bloody Talamasca. I wish they'd learn to mind their own buisness! Sighing, I sped up my footsteps. Half-running thru the Louisiana night. Oh, how like California this was! I wish I could go home, but that's impossible now thanks to *th m*. My family's safety depended on me not being near them. Hence Louisiana, the one place my family would never go. So here I am, running away from them again, though I really can't out-run them, my weight problem won't let me, but out here on the well li , crowded streets I'm safe. But like an idiot I decided to turn down a dark, uninhabited street. Here they could easily catch up with me. Without a second thought I ran into a house's courtyard. The door was slightly open, it didn't look really lived in, o I didn't think anything of rushing in and locking the door behind me. Just then I felt a hand clamp down on my shoulder and whirl me around. A rather angry face containing two bright green eyes stared down at me. Dear lord, as if the Talamasca wasn't ba enough - I had to run into a vampire! My senses were going nuts. He had been one for at least 150 years, maybe longer. Not strong, not weak either. "Please!" I said, "Before you decide to kill me, try to understand - the Talamasca are following me and I hought this place was abandoned!"