Porter had reacted remarkably calmly when Gabriel asked him to accompany the pissant Toreador he seemingly loved. He wasn’t even fazed it seems when Gabriel passed on Kathy’s message regarding his attire. In fact, much to Gabriel’s surprise, the Ancient ordered Tyler to retrieve some things for the trip. Gabriel, who really should have thought his ghoul’s treatment a personal affront, merely smiled at Tyler’s bemused expression and nodded an affirmation.

A few hours passed since the flight had been arranged and Kathy was waiting for Porter to get ready to meet their taxi. She paced the room floor impatiently, Gabriel trying as always to suppress her impetuousness.

[i:66cafe944e]“Damn him! He’s doing this on purpose! Did you tell him when we had to leave, Gabriel?”[/i:66cafe944e]

Gabriel could only stutter into her wake as she passed him again.

[i:66cafe944e]“Yes he knows, Kathy. Listen, I’m sure he isn’t trying to annoy you. He took the news awfully keenly. He even had Tyler go into town to buy some things.”[/i:66cafe944e]

At that the door to Porter’s room opened. A pregnant pause followed before the Gangrel stepped into view.

Kathy gasped. Gabriel’s heart leapt at the sight.

Porter stood arms crossed, one hand clutching the opposing hand’s wrist. The coffee coloured suit was magnificent. As before, a John Phillips cut that clung and hung to his powerful frame perfectly. The faded cream shirt and dark tie standing out in stark contrast, but melding in fluid unison with the fabric. He smiled then. His green, glinting eyes sparkling as his smile widened. The exquisitely stylised and trimmed goatee beard that framed his strong jaw line was genius. His long black hair equally trimmed at the edges, then expertly tied back into a ponytail.

[i:66cafe944e]“Well? Not bad for a mutt, huh?”[/i:66cafe944e] He grinned at the speechless dilettantes.

Kathy smiled. She kissed Gabriel’s cheek before stepping forward, her nose quivering with anticipation as she inhaled Porter’s choice of cologne. He raised an arm, inviting her to take it. She kissed Gabriel again, this time a lingering farewell kiss before the unlikely pair stepped out to meet their taxi. Tyler and Gabriel following closely behind. The Ghoul acting as luggage handler.

The young lovers kissed a final farewell as Porter stepped into the front passenger seat, instructing the driver on their destination and flight time. He stroked the goatee casually as the car pulled away. A tearful Kathy didn’t even seem to faze his apparent optimism.

Kathy dabbed her silken handkerchief, removing any trace of her grief at leaving her beloved Ventrue.

As the duo stepped onto their plane, Porter could only imagine what fun he could have with an entire Camarillan court of Toreador. A wicked, almost boyish shimmer in his eyes.

Over the past week or so, the news paper in Marseilles had a few bi-lines about vagabonds turning up dead. As Marseilles was not a particularly violent town and no apparent cause of death could be ascertained, the gendarmerie was at quite an impasse as to what to do. They had no leads, no witnesses, and not a lot of urge to invest resources into investigating the crime as the deceased were merely transients. It was not until a nondescript bank official of the Banque Nationale turned up in the morgue with a rather severe case of death that they stood up and took notice. This was something different. Although he was not a major player on the Marseilles societal stage, he was still a respectable citizen. In addition to this, an odd number of animals were turning up dead.


Julius sat across from Khemintiri and with Goratrix peering out of his mirror in between them.

"It must be the Toreador," said Goratrix. "She is starting to learn how to become more existant in this plane."

Khemintiri looked at him, "She sounds as if she is sucking the life out of life forms in order to bring herself more solidly into this world."

Julius did not seem surprised by this. He knew that Eve always had been strong willed and tempermental. He was rather impressed, however, by the relatively advanced magic she utilized.

Morathi came back into the room to join them. She had heard what they were saying from where she was sitting. "It is something right out of a Russian fairy tale," she said.

"What do you mean," asked Khemintiri.

"Well, there are legends, stories if you will, of young women betrayed by lovers who are killed by drowning. They come back as particularly dreaded entities called Rusalkas. They suck the life out of all living things around them. Legend has it that the Priepet Marshes near Minsk are to have been created by a Rusalka whose strength of will was such that she drained not only animals, but the very nutrients of the grounds as well. She was reputed to have created the vast wastelands in her jealous rage to avenge herself against her lover. "

Julius looked up. "Revenge?" he asked. "She is doing this out of a desire for revenge?"

Goratrix merely sat in his mirror with a bemused smile on his face. Julius looked to Morathi for some sort of response. Khemintiri was the one to answer, however.

"I do not believe it is revenge," she said. "It is more akin to self preservation on Eveshka's part."

Goratrix looked over at Julius as Julius began to speak. "So her very existance as a shade is dependenant on her willpower?"

"And other's lending their life force to her to survive," said Goratrix. "Her very being in this plane is the result of a particularly strong, concentrated, wish."

"But," said Khem. "If she does not learn how to extract life force from those around her without killing the host, she will most likely descend into madness."

"Which means," concluded Julius. "That even if we bring her back, she'll be at the whim of her Beast."

"That means we may be running out of time," said Morathi. "But, the legends do not say how long the manifestations went on before the ceased, or until the Rusalka became corporeal. Indeed, none of them actually talk about that."

Julius nodded slightly. "Well, we should try to make some sort of contact with her."

((well folks...i tried...i really did. but i just COULDN'T drum up a proper post tonight. i tried, God knows i did. but the Muse was far far far FAR from me. however, i will attempt to summon her services once more tomorrow. :P

The huddled Tzimisce in the corner had somehow become a huddle of three. No longer a fearful kindred hiding from Julius, but now a rather large amount of occupied floor space. Time to deal with this unwanted situation. Julius wandered to the gaggle and looked them over. The Scorpion appeared to be in some kind of trance, whilst the other two, a man and a woman were trying to doze as best they could.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Wake up!"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius demanded.

The woman leant over and tapped her mistresses knee cap. The tzimisce slowly opened her eyes. She wore a calm expression on her tired and worn face.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] She asked.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"These two with you, I presume."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Replied Julius, more of a statement than a question.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"You know, Serai, I believe and the other is the man you wished brought here. He is Venisi, my best operative."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn agreed.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"I don't think I ever met Serai, at least not looking like this. No matter. All three of you. My study."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

The three followed Julius into the room he had co-opted as his office. As tended to happen in places he stayed for any length of time, the room had started to take on the typical appearance of a place where Julius worked. A desk had arrived from somewhere with some chairs. Upon his desk, the ever present skull sat, somewhat anachronistic, next to his laptop and other trappings of modern business life.

Julius sat, behind the desk and waited a moment, surveying the threesome. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Close the door."[/i:d0d4698e8a] He said, finally, noting that Serai did so, rather than the Scorpion herself. The three arranged themselves in front of his desk, the Scorpion standing foremost, with Serai to her right and Venisi to her left.

Julius indicated the chairs. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Sit down please."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn hesitated for a moment, looking confused, then nodded and sat, the other two remaining standing. Julius waited a moment, then gave Cyrilynn a hard stare. Finally, she gestured to her retainers, who took seats next to her.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Ghouls are they?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius asked.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes. Their bond is [b:d0d4698e8a]quite[/b:d0d4698e8a] strong."

"Good. Listen up ghouls. You may think you do what your mistress says, but for the sake of her safety, understand that I am in charge here. When I say sit, you sit. When I say stand you stand, when I say hop on one leg, you do so, understood?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

The pair looked to Cyrilynn, who nodded.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"[b:d0d4698e8a]Don't look at her, look at me.[/b:d0d4698e8a]"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Exclaimed Julius sharply. The two started at his words, looking at Julius and nodding vehemently. [i:d0d4698e8a]"I can't hear you!"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Continued Julius.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes, sir."[/i:d0d4698e8a] They chorused perfectly. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Good."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Answered the mage.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"So, I can't keep calling you Scorpion. What is your name?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Asked Julius

[i:d0d4698e8a]"No, you can't. You've effectively killed The Scorpion. [b:d0d4698e8a]I[/b:d0d4698e8a] am Lady Cyrilynn."

"Cyrilynn"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Repeated Julius, deliberately ignoring the honorific. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Good. And you may call me Julius"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn maintained a passive face. [i:d0d4698e8a]"As you wish."[/i:d0d4698e8a] She replied with a regal nod.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"So, shall we analyze your situation?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Julius, mildly.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Alright."[/i:d0d4698e8a] She replied.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"You were contracted to collect some items. During the course of that work, you came into some information, which made you feel a need to change the terms of our arrangement."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius summarized.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes, I did, things did change but not because of the information I received. Well, maybe that's not quite true."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn paused, remembering that twice felt tingling jolt and then continued in a resigned tone. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Alright, you are correct then."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"And, things being as they are, you now believe your position as "the scorpion" to be utterly untenable."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius went on.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Unfortunately, yes."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Came the saddened reply.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Just because a few kindred associates of mine know who you are."

"Yes."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Answered Cyrilynn with a sour look.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Very narrow minded, to my view, but never mind."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius chided.

Cyrilynn made no comment, gritting her teeth at his words.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"So, first of all, let us discuss who you have had spying upon me and why."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius' spoke slowly, his eyes accusing.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"I have not had anyone, per se, [/i:d0d4698e8a]spy[i:d0d4698e8a] on [b:d0d4698e8a]you[/b:d0d4698e8a]. I have had Venisi follow your associates from the plane."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Replied Cyrilynn. [i:d0d4698e8a]"I believe they are Monsieur Gabriel of the Ventrue and Madam Kathy of the Toreador. They were aboard the plane when you and I spoke for the first time."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Julius gave her a withering look. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Very well, please explain why you felt it necessary to have your operative tail the Seneschal of Cascadia?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Seneschal!!??"[/i:d0d4698e8a] She looked to Venisi. The man looked back, shaking his head with apprehension in his eyes.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Indeed, Gabriel holds that rank. At least he did, been a while since he was there I guess. In any case, you may assume him to be a Camarilla official."

"I'm afraid we were unaware of this. No matter. They accompanied you, they saw me. I needed to know who else I might be dealing with."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Answered Cyrilynn in a tone which seemed to indicate this to be perfectly reasonable.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"This all seems to come down to your paranoia and lack of trust. The trust I placed in you in giving you the original commission was very poorly repaid, no?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius asked.

Cyrilynns face took on a weary and saddened demeanour. [i:d0d4698e8a]"I admit that there is paranoia and for good reason. And, again, I have betrayed your trust. I owe you a blood debt because of it. No matter any more. I will not be able to function in the capacity of Scorpion ever again. It is all now moot."[/i:d0d4698e8a] After a moment's silence, she straightened up and looked Julius in the eye. [i:d0d4698e8a]"You have the right to do with us as you will. I will apologize, for what good it will do, and accept whatever price you ask."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"What do you think I should do, Cyrilynn?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Asked Julius, after a moment's thought.

Cyrilynn was quite startled at the question. [i:d0d4698e8a]"You are asking [b:d0d4698e8a]me[/b:d0d4698e8a] that question? Isn't that your decision?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes, it's my decision."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Julius in a semi-exasperated tone. [i:d0d4698e8a]"What do you think I should do?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"If it was me, I would end all of our lives. You spoke nothing but the truth when you said it was no longer simple. We know too much."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn looked down.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Paranoid and vindictive. You would show no compassion or mercy."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Accused Julius.

Cyrilynn's confusion continued. [i:d0d4698e8a]"And is that not how things work? It is all I know and how I was taught. What is the difference? I am assassin and vampire both. How could I change what I am?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"How sad."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Julius. [i:d0d4698e8a]"You are in a suite of a hotel surrounded by the most remarkable collection of kindred. Each one striving to be something, something more than simply vampire. Even Khemintiri, the Anathema, cursed by the Camarilla, the Mistress of Corruption is here motivated by nothing less than love. And you ask how you could change. How terribly sad."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn's face took on a pensive expression. [i:d0d4698e8a]"It is true that the kindred here are quite... remarkable and in a better time, I would be delighted to study them. However, all I see is potential threat to my goals. I hunt the Sabbat. It is all that is left to me now. I don't even think that I care to continue this existence any more."[/i:d0d4698e8a] A single blood tear welled up and trembled on her lashes. After a moment, she wiped it away. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Give me something more than that and I will truly consider your words."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Let me get this straight. You are asking me to show you a better world?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Asked Julius incredulously.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"No. I think, maybe........never mind. I don't know WHAT to think right now. I'm still waiting your word on what you plan to do with us. I will go from there."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn set her chin determinedly.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"And this is the real problem. It's not in my nature to snuff out the lives of others in cold blood."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius smiled wryly. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Hot blood perhaps, my temper is shorter than perhaps it ought to be, but never in cold blood. On the other hand, I really don't know what I can do with you. I could extensively rewire your memory, but I suspect, your... personality would suffer somewhat. I'm not an expert with such deep reworkings."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn nodded in agreement with his assessment. [i:d0d4698e8a]"What of Anathema? Could she do it?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Julius laughed at the idea.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"She [b:d0d4698e8a]is[/b:d0d4698e8a] ancient enough."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Cyrilynn

[i:d0d4698e8a]"You would wish the Daughter of Set to invade your mind?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Asked Julius. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Khemintiri the corrupter? The childe of Set himself?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn's eyes grew wide, with a lustful look. Clearly she hadn't realized quite who Khem was. Her hands half raised, then settled with a fine tremor. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Well…"[/i:d0d4698e8a] She began.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Oh please."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Julius sarcastically, recognizing the desire on the face of the Tzimisce. [i:d0d4698e8a]"She could snuff you out quicker than I could."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"As you say."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Replied Cyrilynn with a sigh.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"What am I to do with you?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Asked Julius rhetorically. [i:d0d4698e8a]"I can't keep you here, I can't kill you, I can't mind wipe you..."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"I owe you a blood debt. Whatever you ask of me, so I will do to the best of my ability. And my ghouls are bound to me more than any other ghoul could ever be. They will do as they are told."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Replied the Tzimisce.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Sweetheart."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Julius, his patience wearing a little thin. [i:d0d4698e8a]"You're gonna do what I say regardless of this blood debt you seem to think you owe."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn inclined her head, regally. [i:d0d4698e8a]"As you have said."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Blood bonded, are you?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius asked, after a moment.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"No. I have never been blood bonded other than by my Sire."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Said Cyrilynn, vague hints of remembered pain in her voice.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Hmm..."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius mused.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Do you desire that from me to you?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn asked.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"It might solve a lot of problems."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Answered Julius.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"I will do it willingly."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Agreed Cyrilynn, raising her head proudly.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Will you? Why willingly?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] Asked Julius.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes. Because I think my Sire would approve. He chastised me quite heavily for what I have done."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Replied Cyrilynn firmly.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Your Sire."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius looked confused. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Please explain."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn squirmed in her chair, looking suddenly uncomfortable. [i:d0d4698e8a]"It's hard to explain. Suffice it to say that when I was hurt, I went... somewhere. He... was there and had harsh words for me. Told me he'd never left me, that he was always with me from the time I took him into my body and heart. That's all I know."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"You diablerized your Sire, then."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius inferred.

Cyrilynn winced as if Julius had stuck a dagger into her belly. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes. Not that I had a choice. Remember when I tried to tell you about not knowing pain when you lose someone?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Well, lose them at your own hand and [b:d0d4698e8a]then[/b:d0d4698e8a] you will understand what I tried to tell you."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Her words rose in a crescendo of suppressed anger. To her right, Serai took on a shellshocked expression. Venisi sat, impassive. [i:d0d4698e8a]"I've never told anyone else about this."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn whispered after a moment. [i:d0d4698e8a]"It's too shameful."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

[i:d0d4698e8a]"We'll talk more about this another day."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Julius chose not to push the point. [i:d0d4698e8a]"For now, I think, a blood bond will be sufficient. You will remain here for another three days. You may send your ghouls to retrieve some of the earth that I know you require for rest. Each day you will take a little of my blood. When three days are up, we will talk again."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn looked relieved and nodded in agreement. [i:d0d4698e8a]"How do you prefer that I take the blood. Straight from you or via a goblet?"[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Julius grinned, unable to resist rubbing a little salt into the wound. [i:d0d4698e8a]"I think the Tremere way. A goblet will suffice."[/i:d0d4698e8a]

Cyrilynn looked faintly disgusted and nodded again. [i:d0d4698e8a]"This brings up the question of where in this place you would have me and mine remain. In our current corner? Serai requires a bed rather than the floor. I need her in good health. [b:d0d4698e8a]and[/b:d0d4698e8a], may Venisi go or would you have him remain as well?"

"I believe you will find this hotel has many rooms. You may book rooms for yourself and your ghouls. I'd rather we all stayed together until I can be sure I am able to trust you once more."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Replied Julius.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Easily done, Mr. Dar......I mean, Julius. I will have Serai do the honors. However, there is still a little problem."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn looked at him.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes?"

"I can't leave here. You have made sure of that."

"Your ghouls can organize the rooms, then we can deal with my... insurance policy."

"Alright. In that case, you should tell Serai she may do so."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Cyrilynn waited expectantly.

[i:d0d4698e8a]"Yes, run along Serai."[/i:d0d4698e8a] Instructed Julius, to the ghoul, who left quietly, closing the door behind her. Julius stood and took a goblet from a nearby cabinet, filling it with vitae. [i:d0d4698e8a]"Let us hope this experience will teach you something, hmm?"[/i:d0d4698e8a] He said, as he passed Cyrilynn the glass.

Gabriel arrived in the suite just in time to watch the odd procession move by into Julius' make-shift study and shut the door wordlessly behind them. Alone in the sitting room, Tyler stripped the heavy woolen overcoat, now wet with the unnoticed drizzle that had began outside, from Gabriel's shoulders. He dutifully hung it in the closet, careful to watch the creases in the arms.

Shutting the door, he turned back to tend to his masters' whims when he noticed a rather dramatic alteration in Gabriel's silhouette. The finely crafted pinstripe suit, cut wide at the shoulders so as to accentuate the v-shape of his torso, was unbuttoned. It thus revealed a rather large and cumbersome scabbard that sat high upon his thigh.

Tyler recognized the holster immediately. It was the ornate scabbard of La Magra, Gabriel's Sire's beloved sword.

The degree to which the blade sat was so dramatic, that Tyler wondered that he had not noticed it even with Gabriel's coat on. The Ventrue said nothing, apparently letting the sword convey his feelings. He strode quickly to his bedroom and released the sword from his hip, laying it upon the bed.

He shut the door and plopped down languidly upon the bed beside the mystical blade. The walls, uncomfortably thin, vibrated with murmuring voices from the room next. As Gabriel's mind was massaged with fatigue, and the soft mist of sleep crept in, he thought he could vaguely hear his name mentioned.

He was distant however, wrapped in velvet comforts and aware of the sensation of floating.

++++++++++++++

When he awoke, he found that he was once again alone in the bedroom. Kathy's portion of the bed lay empty, and Gabriel ran his fingers along the pillow, picturing her crimson lips that had so many times eased his pains. He had fallen asleep fully dressed, and Tyler had never bothered to come and awaken him.

He stood and picked up La Magra, still in it's finely etched scabbard. As he made his way towards the bathroom to begin his morning ritual (which greatly consisted of trimming the muttonchops he retained from his mortal life) he stopped short.

On the nightstand, somewhat archaic next to his ever growing collection of cell phones and pagers, lay the simple flower that he had brought for Kathy only the night before. Already it's natural beauty was fading, as edges of brown had appeared on it's once vestile white petals.

Like everything else in this world, it was destined to die and whither away. Everything but himself and his kind. He found himself staring at the decaying tulip for several minutes, before Tyler's knock broke him from it's spell.

[i:b695753f57]"Gabriel....are you up?"[/i:b695753f57]

Cyrilynn closed the door of her room, in their two room suite a floor below Julius Darrant's penthouse, and sagged back against the door. Closing her eyes she gave a mental sigh of relief that she was actually here. Not a perfect position to work from but certainly greater than she had any right to And she'd made it out with both Serai [b:3cca42376a]and[/b:3cca42376a] Venisi.

Stripping on her way to the bathroom, she threw the rags she'd worn, for more time than she cared to admit to, into the nearest receptacle and vowed to have Serai take them out into the alley and [b:3cca42376a]BURN[/b:3cca42376a] them! She felt filthy and grimy. Drawing her own bath and liberally sprinkling the water with the scents the hotel provided, she sank in it up to her neck and let her mind go blank.

Serai arrived back from the jet with a single change of her lady's clothing, as well as some for herself, a supply of their vitae stock and the earth needed. She found her mistress dozing in the now tepid water and got her out and toweled dry, then helped her to dress in a fresh skirt and blouse.

Lady C. was beginning to tire by this point but continued to issue orders regarding assuring the estate that things were back to normal, a modiste and tailor to attend both her and Venisi and for a meal to be ordered up for the two ghouls. She then dismissed Serai to see to the affairs and decided to enter a contemplative state until her assistant joined her for the night.

It was an effort in futility as the words of the Tremere, from their earlier conversation, went round and round with no revelations. She eventually compared his reluctance to eliminate unsolvable problems by simple expediency against all she knew and realized that she had no references beyond everything she'd been taught or told. This required research and some study but while a dictionary could provide the meaning, it's significance would still elude her. She needed another source for her investigation.

Breaking out of her reverie as Serai exited from their bathroom, prepared to settle down for the night, she sighed and decided to table it for the time being. She had much to accomplish on the following wakening as well as her second "dose" of the wizard's blood. She was much too tired and confused to indulge in their usual nightly play, so she contented herself with holding her lover in her arms and curling around her on their shared bed. Sleep took them both quickly.

************************

Lady Cyrilynn entered Julius' salon after a much needed period of rest, ready to fulfill her promise to him. As he was momentarily unavailable to her, she chose to settle upon the sofa to await the next phase of her bonding and scanned the room more thoroughly than she'd originally done when she walked in.

The quiet sounds of tapping keys drew her attention to the intent figure busily typing away at a laptop on the nearby table. At one point, the Kindred - Elzbet, wasn't it? - picked up a cell phone and made a business call. At its conclusion, she relaxed back into to her chair with a pensive look on her face. Curiousity getting the better of her, Lady C. stood up and wandered over to ascertain what business kept kept Elzbet's undivided attention.

[i:3cca42376a]"In answer to your earlier question, my [b:3cca42376a]name[/b:3cca42376a] is Lady Cyrilynn."[/i:3cca42376a] She offered the information stiffly, as the woman glanced up in inquiry. [i:3cca42376a]"It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my lady. Would you care to join me at the table?"[/i:3cca42376a] The Tzimisce inclinded her head regally in affirmation and sank into the seat next to her with exquisite precision. [i:3cca42376a]"May I inquire as to what business you are conducting?'[/i:3cca42376a]

[i:3cca42376a]"I have no objections. I trade heavily on several markets to maintain my fortune."[/i:3cca42376a] And she proceeded to launch into an overview of her current portfolio. Mildly intrigued, Lady C. listened with half an ear while another part of her mind assessed the woman in front of her. Granted she might not be the best source to begin her hunt for the rationalization behind Mr. Darrant's leniency, nevertheless, she was a starting point.

[i:3cca42376a]"Elzbet, I have a unusual question for you."[/i:3cca42376a] She interjected at one point when the topic slowed, and at the quirked eyebrow, continued. [i:3cca42376a]"What is the intent of mercy and compassion?"[/i:3cca42376a]

The door to the hotel room was knocked upon and she glanced up to see the woman the Tremere had called "Scorpion" entering. She spoke briefly with Tyler only to learn that Mr. Darrant was unavailable for the moment, then chose to sit on the sofa and brood. Elzbet continued to surf the web for investment news, certain by now that plowing money into Darrant stock would be a wise choice. She sat at the breakfast table with a glass of wine and vitae, laptop opened in front of her, Wall Street Journal opened and perused and a cell phone pressed to her ear.

"Close up the house and see about a suite here at the hotel.", she told her ghoul. "While you're at it, see about contacting my broker and unloading those stocks we discussed earlier. I don't want to be caught with them when the market bottoms out in a couple of weeks."

She listened for a couple of seconds then replied, "That's all for now. After you've completed that, take a few days for yourself. Paris is a great place to go shopping; I intend to. And thanks, Shaundra." She closed the phone and leaned back, grabbing absently at the goblet and sipped it, reviewing the last few days.

Although she had Healed Julius of the gaping hole caused by his love's death, she knew that at any time he could backslide should this .....procedure go wrong. She would have to stick around for awhile to ensure his emotional stability.

In addition to that, there was the swirling chaos from the rest of the coterie. There was plenty here to keep her busy, having her servant move their operations to this building would simplify things. She would have to make time to speak with Julius about staying with him and his group before going on a spree through the City of Lights.

Her reverie was interrupted by a stiff voice. [i:a7f2180697]"In answer to your earlier question, my [b:a7f2180697]name[/b:a7f2180697] is Lady Cyrilynn."[/i:a7f2180697]

Elzbet invited her to sit with her and was asked as to her business, which was one of her favorite topics. She expounded at length about the ups and down of the Stock Markets. Although her mind was mostly occupied with talk of blue chips and dividends, she spared a small part to ease the confusion that was simmering off the cool figure in front of her. She was so caught up in those two things that her jaw hit the ground at Lady C's question.

[i:a7f2180697]"What is the intent of mercy and compassion?"[/i:a7f2180697]

The tone in her voice said that this was something that had been on her mind for quite awhile. [i:a7f2180697]"That's a rather complicated question,"[/i:a7f2180697] the younger woman rejoined. [i:a7f2180697]"Did you want the dictionary definition or did you want something more philisophical?"[/i:a7f2180697]

The older woman seemed to think about it for a moment, then said, [i:a7f2180697]"Philisophical, I believe. I am already familiar with Webster's version."[/i:a7f2180697]

Elzbet consciously drew a deep breath and let it out. This was a weighty subject. [i:a7f2180697]"Let's take them as two seperate ideas for the time being, starting with compassion. Compassion is the ability to "feel" what another person is feeling and want to alleviate their "suffering....."[/i:a7f2180697]

Lady Cyrilynn broke in in rapid fire response, [i:a7f2180697]"Why? What purpose does it serve? What do you gain from it? Does it..."[/i:a7f2180697] With that the Salubri intervened this time. [i:a7f2180697]"Whoa! Hold on a second! I can only answer your questions if you let me."[/i:a7f2180697] She smiled. [i:a7f2180697]"It's going to take some time to help you understand these concepts. Obviously, there has been little enough of those elements in your previous life."[/i:a7f2180697] She grinned even more as a line from her favorite program flashed through her mind. [i:a7f2180697]"You have much to learn, my young grasshopper!"[/i:a7f2180697], she told the woman.

Lady C stiffened with affrontery, [i:a7f2180697]"I am neither young nor a grasshopper. Why do you call me such?"[/i:a7f2180697] Seriousness colored her voice and Elzbet wondered what this woman did for fun. [i:a7f2180697]"You DO have much to be taught." [/i:a7f2180697] She stood and paced back and forth, talking to herself. [i:a7f2180697]"I think I have a few tapes of the Kung-Fu series."[/i:a7f2180697] She turned back to the seated woman. [i:a7f2180697]"Come with me, I have to introduce you to Qwai Chang Kane."[/i:a7f2180697]

The woman stayed put and stated, with blunt honesty, [i:a7f2180697]"I'm afraid that I am unable to leave this hotel. Would it be possible to have him meet us here?"[/i:a7f2180697] It was said with a completely straight face and the pacing woman knew that she wasn't kidding and her mouth fell open again. Elzbet stared at Lady Cyrilynn. [i:a7f2180697]"Don't you [b:a7f2180697]EVER[/b:a7f2180697] watch TV?.....Never mind!"[/i:a7f2180697], she waved away whatever it was that the woman was going to respond with. [i:a7f2180697]"I'll have Shaundra bring those tapes and a VCR over."[/i:a7f2180697] She rubbed her hands over her eyes. [i:a7f2180697]"This is going to take longer than I initially thought."[/i:a7f2180697]

[i:68e76bc7ac]"Grasshopper."[/i:68e76bc7ac] Chuckled Julius, emerging from his study. [i:68e76bc7ac]"Shall I fetch a roll of rice paper for her to walk?"[/i:68e76bc7ac]

Cyrilynn looked puzzled, whilst Elzbet covered a smile with her hand. Julius took on a more formal tone, addressing the Salubri. [i:68e76bc7ac]"I've not had the chance to thank you properly for... helping me."[/i:68e76bc7ac] He began. [i:68e76bc7ac]"Nor to properly introduce myself. I am Julius and I owe you a great debt."[/i:68e76bc7ac]

[i:68e76bc7ac]"And I am Elzbet, whose debt may somewhat be paid off by preferential share options."[/i:68e76bc7ac] Replied the dark haired kindred with a twinkle in her eye. [i:68e76bc7ac]"Your star would seem to be in the ascendant."[/i:68e76bc7ac] She continued, rotating the laptop, so that Julius could see the current share prices.

Julius mock groaned, [i:68e76bc7ac]"How much of me do you own?"[/i:68e76bc7ac]

Elzbet's silvery laugh was a pleasant counterpoint to the seriousness and painfulness of the events of recent days. [i:68e76bc7ac]"Not enough for you to worry. Well, not yet anyway!"[/i:68e76bc7ac]

[i:68e76bc7ac]"What will you do now?"[/i:68e76bc7ac] He asked.

[i:68e76bc7ac]"I thought I might stay a while, make sure you are going to be ok. No more storms, for the time being."[/i:68e76bc7ac] She smiled to take the sting from the words.

[i:68e76bc7ac]"You'll be most welcome Elzbet, you might even witness something wonderful, but if you will excuse me, I have a little business with Cyrilynn here."[/i:68e76bc7ac]

[i:68e76bc7ac]"Of course, Julius."[/i:68e76bc7ac] Said Elzbet, returning to her trading.

He gave a second, soft knock, this one more hesitant than the last one before cracking the bedroom door open and poking just his head inside. To his surprise the room was lit, the bed al