Francois Villon was indeed the Prince amongst all the toreador's and his word was absolute with regard to art and culture. he was and always would be the epitome of proper behaviour and he insisted, no demanded the same from all his subjects. He would regularly flaunt what he saw as superiority over anyone who was not fortunate to have been born in France.

This was the man that kathy had grown to like, love would be a too strong a word to use, she loved him as her prince but other than that she regarded him as adversary, but also held him at arms length.
They had spent many hours attending fashion shows and Kathy delighted in the fact that nearly half of the model's of the fashion world had at some point given their vitae to him, either knowingly or by deceit. But then who could blame them for falling for his charm and his astonishing good looks. He was about 6ft 6" and his face was perfect in proportion as if it had been chiselled out of marble, his black hair was a deep contrast against his white skin, and was always tied back in a ponytail.

It was to paris she had brought Porter, on the insistence of Gabriel of course and she was apprehensive as they walked down the corridor towards the salon of the prince's haven.

[i:62c79d85c1]"I beg you porter please could you..."[/i:62c79d85c1]

he stopped her and she took a deep uneeded breath ready for the harsh words.
[i:62c79d85c1]"If you ask me one more time to behave I swear to god I will take you over my knee and tan your backside"[/i:62c79d85c1]

kathy blushed profusely as she chided him.

[i:62c79d85c1]" well you go ahead and tell Gabriel, he knows how much you push my patience anyway, now please lets get this over with"[/i:62c79d85c1] he growled as he once again held out his arm for her to take and they walked through the double doors.

Kathy's gaze kept wandering over to the corner of the room were Porter was ensconsed with a nossie by the name of Detrius who porter seemed to have some recollection of.

[i:cf36ee0e55]" He's not your typical gangrel is he? when Connor informd me off your choice of escort for the visit I was suprised and somewhat fearful of how he may act, I had ghastly vision's of him arriving in nothing but a loincloth"[/i:cf36ee0e55] Francois laughed gaily and covered his mouth as he did so in an almost gay manner.

[i:cf36ee0e55]" My dear Francois now as if I would do that to you"[/i:cf36ee0e55] Kathy's voice was very believable but deep down she shuddered praying that porter would keep his word.

The chatter had been about everything and nothing in particular, and was beginning to bore kathy, which wasn't like her at all, but over the past few months she had found out that there was far more important things to do rather than gossip about who was doing what and with who.

Connor was sat down on a deep red chaise lounge and although he was busy chatting to the countess Imogen, his face animated as he hung on her every word, his eyes still watched Kathy, he could tell she was not at full ease and this disturbed him deeply. If what he thought was true maybe this was the beginning of her revolt against her own and he put it all down to one man.

Porter was still deep in conversation, his stance seemingly more relaxed now as he leaned against the bar. Kathy grew more uneasy, people kept looking at her and she kept checking her appearance to see if something was amiss.
[i:cf36ee0e55]" You look beautiful as ever Ma cherie, now come we have something of interest to show you"[/i:cf36ee0e55] Connor had crept up behind her as silent as ever and interlaced his arm with hers.

Why should she not trust him of all people , he was her Sire, her provider of the unlife, she wanted to run out of the room and back to Gabriel, something just didn't feel right. Her head began to spin and she stopped as they walked along to Francois's office.
[i:cf36ee0e55]" Please just give me one moment please"[/i:cf36ee0e55]

before Connor had the chance to object she had disappeared into a washroom. As she stood before the mirror she gazed at herself, thin rivulets of water dripped down her face and thin tendrils of her hair hung against her pale cheeks.

She didn't know why she was feeling so paranoid and alone, even though on every side of her she had someone to watch out for her, why did she feel so alone?Nerov...she had not been like this since meeting him, this was his doing but then partly hers for allowing him to, well enough was enough she had to get though the next few days. With her face dried and her lipgloss freshly applied she strode out of the door her head held high and back to Connor.

Porter had relaxed somewhat since his introduction to the ridiculously foppish, Villon. He cut a fine, imposing figure standing in the suit he’d chosen for the occasion and stood at the Elysium bar talking to a stumpy looking fellow called Detrius. Detrius was one of a clan who Porter always had time for. Nosferatu.

He was simply exchanging pleasantries. Detrius filled him in on a popular rumour among European Nosferatu regarding an important Nosferatu from Amsterdam called, Raveloe. The rumour stated that Raveloe’s mortal brother was none other than Villon’s Seneschal, Oscar Raveloe. Obviously the names were identical, but the rumour dissuaged listeners from stopping at such a blatant conclusion.

Porter would nod when applicable, but truthfully his mind was elsewhere. He toyed with the finer, trimmed hairs of his stylised beard, and watched Kathy across the resplendent marbled hallways.

His mood improved somewhat when his Nosferatu friend, Tattersail, arrived in typical flamboyant style, descending one of Villon’s tapestries using nothing but a gold hilted dagger to slow his fall. He landed with a graceful, for a Nosferatu, thud and curtsied comically, saluting the outraged French Prince with a ludicrously feathered hat.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“Ahoy!”[/i:33e3f9ae60] He beamed towards the crowds. His now gold capped teeth glinting stereotypically in the fashionable light.

He grinned at Porter, who himself stifled his laughter, before offering to pay for a replacement.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“How much’ll it be to replace yer fancy rag, me bucko?” [/i:33e3f9ae60] He slapped the now exasperated Toreador squarely on his back. If it weren’t for Tattersail’s contacts and rank in the Nosferatu clan, Villon would have had him killed for such offences. But Tattersail, for all his jovial ignorance, was an important figure.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“That...rag as you so crudely put it. Was priceless!”[/i:33e3f9ae60] Villon finally spoke, albeit stuttered with anger.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“Bilge! How does a chest full of Doubloons sound?”[/i:33e3f9ae60] Tattersail waved to an assistant who dutifully carried a rattling chest before setting it by Villon’s side. Opening it and stepping away as Tattersail lifted and let the gleaming gold coins fall through his white, gnarled fingers.

Villon’s eyes lit up. But he remained belligerent.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“No amount of pirate gold will pay for this outrage! Why if I had my way, I’d...”[/i:33e3f9ae60] He was stopped by a familar gruff voice.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“You’d accept the gold as an apology humbly and maintain your honour.”[/i:33e3f9ae60]

Porter stepped up, much to Kathy’s chagrin. He was smiling, and his voice was light. But even Villon had to accept that he was no match politically or otherwise to the Gangrel.

He lit one of his trademark cigarettes and drew on it slowly. [i:33e3f9ae60]“Yes. And so I shall.”[/i:33e3f9ae60] He looked gain at Porter who merely smiled.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“Away, Porter. Let us weigh anchor and splice the mainbrace! There be things to discuss with you and I!”[/i:33e3f9ae60] Tattersail stood legs wide, hands on his hips laughing.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“Aye. But none of that damn Grog you’re so fond of!”[/i:33e3f9ae60] Porter shook his friend’s hand firmly, leading him away as Villon’s entourage tried to repair their patron’s pride.

Kathy hissed as Porter strode past.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“Damnit Porter. you’ll be the death of me!”[/i:33e3f9ae60]

[i:33e3f9ae60]“If only.”[/i:33e3f9ae60] He winked teasingly.

As the Gangrel and Nosferatu laughed and made merry, a dark skinned, swarthy gentleman approached Villon. He spoke in hushed tones into Villon’s ears, the message bringing a smile to the aristocrat’s lips.

Kathy strained, frowning as she heard Villon’s reply.

[i:33e3f9ae60]“Thank you Monsieur Calder. You do yourself credit.”[/i:33e3f9ae60]

The dark stranger then smiled, bowing before waving an Indian looking servant to attend him.

Kathy turned to Connor and mouthed the name breathlessly.

[i:33e3f9ae60]Calder?[/i:33e3f9ae60]

((nicely done guys...Porter, do what we discussed and you can expect a Ventrue ally to arrive. :)

[i:2a2944a3f5]" Calder"[/i:2a2944a3f5] Kathy's thin red lips mouthed silently at Connor,only to be met by a raised finger to his lips as if to still her questions.

Kathy looked at Calder as he sat down and his companion brought him a crystal goblet filled to the brim with Vitae. His suit was very well tailored and came from one of the finest designers in paris, she noted as her eyes perused his attire. His skin was dark and his face finely sculptured, his high cheekbones causing his cheeks to look almost hollow. Obviously a ventrue she thought as she gently probed his aura only to raise her eyebrows as she saw what he truly was, well who would have guessed a gangrel who dressed well.
He turned to face her and she almost blushed with embarrasment as his eyes locked with hers, she'd been caught out and she smiled softly as if to excuse herself for been so rude.
His steely black eyes were small and perfectly formed,almost like a cat's but there was nothing there to tempt you to stroke him, they were filled with malice and hatred.

Then he winked at her and the spell was broken.

[i:2a2944a3f5]" Quite the gentleman isn't he? He is not one to mess about with, lets say his enemies don't last long at all, I was shocked when Villon employed him, but he does his job well I must say"[/i:2a2944a3f5]
Connor placed his hand on her slender on waist and led her to Villon's office.

[i:2a2944a3f5]" And what job would that be ?"[/i:2a2944a3f5] kathy said as she glanced back and waved to porter who was once again propping the bar up with his peculiar pirate friend.

The heavy door swung shut silently and Connor beckoned her to sit on one of the chairs.

[i:2a2944a3f5]" who knows....I don't Ive not been privy to that information, but enough I have something to show you, something that I think you will find interesting to say the least"[/i:2a2944a3f5]

Kathy sat down and crossed her legs and the black velvet sheath dress she wore rode seductively to reveal her soft lightly tanned thighs.

Connor smiled at her and lifted a piece of linen that had been draped over what looked to be frame.
[i:2a2944a3f5]" Pray tell what do you think?"[/i:2a2944a3f5]

Her eyes ran over the painting in amazement, it was him and in such detail , even down to the curvature of his lips,although the eyes seemed dead and cold, but that could be changed she thought. he had never told her he had had a painting commisioned, and she guessed this was the reason she had to come to Paris, to pick up her gift. The artwork was tremendous, each stroke of the brush seeming to bring the painting alive. The background was a heavily wooded area and breaking out from them as if reaching for the sky, was a castle, she would have to ask gabriel were it was, his dress confused her somewhat, very old fashioned but he would have known it would bring a smile to her face.

[i:2a2944a3f5]" I suppose you two have planned this together have you? Im overawed, its excellent , who is the artist?"[/i:2a2944a3f5]

Kathy looked hard at the picture till she found the small scrawl that would denote the artist.

[i:2a2944a3f5]" Von Ritter? Ive never heard of him is he......right I take it this is not the reaction you desired out of me? what is it Connor?"[/i:2a2944a3f5]
His face was devoid of all emotion, a blank canvas as he sat her down in front of the painting.

[i:2a2944a3f5]" This painting was done many many years ago, the subject is none other than Ahren Von Ritter, a ruthless landowner, he strangely disappeared so Ive been told, oddly enough just before...."[/i:2a2944a3f5]

[i:a238181100]" wait your telling me that this is not Gabriel....that is extraordinary, but then they do say everyone does have their double somewhere...quite amazing the likeness, even down to sideburns((his muttonchops lol tell me where did you find the painting?"[/i:a238181100]

He looked exasperated at her and held her in front of him, his hands gripping her shoulders.

[i:a238181100]" I came across the painting about a week ago and was struck by the likeness, so I decided to do a bit of investigation into who the subject was, and although his name is widely known among kindred society, its like a blanket shrouds his past, not many records and noone is willing to talk much, but as I was about to say....Gabriel appeared just after Von Ritter disappeared....don't you think that's odd, tell me what do you truly know about Gabriel's past?"[/i:a238181100]

Kathy shrugged out of his grip and frowned at her Sire.

[i:a238181100]" not a great deal, just odd bits of information....really Connor this is ridiculous, the painting is a mere lookalike....a doppelganger if you like...Gabriel would have no need to change his identity, stop been so foolish"[/i:a238181100]

Connor watched her as she spoke animatedly her hands betraying the calm manner she exuded, he had planted the seed of doubt within her, for better or worse who was to know.

[i:a238181100]" I just don't know what you are trying to prove, I know you don't like him that much but really this is quite childish and Im not playing your silly little game"[/i:a238181100]

kathy strode to the door flinching as she felt the anger seeping off her Sire.

[i:a238181100]"Perhaps it ws Ahren Von Ritter who needed to change his identity, who knows...I will find out though, by the way, I should tell you that gabriel is been followed, very discreetly, but nonetheless, now dont look like that, I promise you its not off my doing"[/i:a238181100]

An imp of a man, bald and entirely nervous, carefully cracked open the entrance to the main ballroom, drawing curious looks from it's distinguished inhabitants. It was the very doorman who had been so curteous and collected when gathering their coats and car keys, but he now seemed something of a wreck, torrents of sweat beading and flowing from his hairless head.

He glistened with fear as he came to a shaky stop before the crowd.

[i:34ee59c347]"Presenting the distinguished Mr..."[/i:34ee59c347]

[i:34ee59c347]"No need for all that..."[/i:34ee59c347] a voice cut him off from behind. A thin figure appeared in the doorway, even the bulk of his tuxedo failing miserably to hide his slight of frame. With skin like the darkest of coals and a smile that sparkled with hideously sharp fangs, he cut quite a striking image. His eyes shifted slowly and calmly, yet with deliberate effect.

Nearly all but the stoutest of Villon's guests shrunk under his gaze. Among those who did not, was Porter. The ancient Gangrel did not shrink, but rather shook with anger. He recognized the smartly dressed man instantly, the unmistakable smile, the crude, raw evil lurking just beneath it. His golbet groaned, and then collapsed under his clenched fist, it's sticky sweet vitae exploding over his fingers and spilling onto the bar.

[i:34ee59c347]"I've never been one for pretty boys."[/i:34ee59c347] Tattersail whispered, not bothering to lift his arm to avoid Porter's spilled drink. The Gangrel said nothing for a moment, but only growled, his jaw locked in hatred.

[i:34ee59c347]"That's no pretty boy..."[/i:34ee59c347] he barked as quietly as he could. The newly arrived kindred was making his rounds, shaking hands and nodding. Instantly, as if he had FELT Porter's anger, he made eye contact with the Gangrel. Their eyes locked momentarily, before he offered a mock laugh and returned to his admirers. [i:34ee59c347]"...that's Gideon."[/i:34ee59c347]

((well, if Gabe can't be there....

Kathy had walked out of Villon's office leaving an exasperated Connor in her wake, the feeling of uneasiness that she had felt earlier now seeped deeper into her body, its tendrils wrapping themselves around her very being,waiting for the right time to tighten it's grip.

As she walked back down the corridor towards the bar her slender fingers slipped into her clutch bag and felt for her mobile. Her fingers moved nimbly over the keys as she sent a text to Gabriel, then she paused and deleted part of it, he seemed preoccupied at the moment anyway so perhaps it would be better if she just kept this to herself....for now at least.

There seemed to be a few new arrivals in the elysium and kathy walked elegantly into the throng, nodding at those that bid her hello and greeting those that were more familar to her with a hug and a peck on the cheek. For tonight she was going to dampen her feelings down before they got the better off her.

As she approached the bar she saw porter still stood with his friends but his stance was no longer relaxed and a pool of vitae pooled on the bar along the debris of a broken glass.

[i:f2e5c070a3]" porter, really can I not leave you alone for five minutes"[/i:f2e5c070a3] she chided him playfully.
His face was a mask of anger as he saw what was about to happen.

[i:f2e5c070a3]" Miss katherine Belvadere, what a pleasure to meet you again and in a lot more pleasant surroundings I might add"[/i:f2e5c070a3] his voice was rich and soft, but oddly it brought a feeling of terror with it.

He had stood right in front of her effectively blocking her way and took her hand as if to plant a kiss on it.

[i:f2e5c070a3]" You"[/i:f2e5c070a3]

Porter’s hackles were up.

He’d found it surprisingly easy to restrain his more “instinctual” urges when parading around the other guests and their inane chatter. But with this guest’s appearance, all restraint was about to be forgotten.

Gideon carried himself like a lion. Cock-sure, exuding a supreme arrogance, he intercepted Kathy expertly. Had Porter any opinion of him other than hate, he would have marvelled at Gideon’s social agility. Gideon knew he’d unsettled the youthful Toreador, and it pleased him.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“Miss Katherine Belvadere, what a pleasure to meet you again and in a lot more pleasant surroundings I might add.”[/i:82bd1bb42e]

He smiled again, his face a tumour of malignance as he took her hand.

Tattersail stepped aside as Porter’s suit seemed to groan with the strain of holding the enraged Gangrel inside it’s seams.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“Porter matey. Wait.”[/i:82bd1bb42e] His words were too little and too late.

Porter stepped forward suddenly. Kathy hadn’t expected Gideon’s arrival, and she hadn’t been expecting Porter’s sudden movement. Gideon, however, was not only expecting it. He was welcoming it.

Porter’s hand whipped out, gripping Gideon’s by the wrist and exerting just enough pressure so as to induce pain. Gideon, although enjoying the game, still winced. Drawing his hand away from Kathy’s sharply.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“Well hello to you too, Porter. So good to see you again. I trust you bear no ill feelings since I threw you over the dam?” [/i:82bd1bb42e] He grinned evilly, showing his gleaming fangs. Porter was not amused.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“Stay away from her Gideon.”[/i:82bd1bb42e]

Gideon smirked, [i:82bd1bb42e]“Oh come now, threats? You are so passe.”[/i:82bd1bb42e] The cruel faced Gangrel rebuffed the ancient again. However Porter wasn’t quite finished.

He growled savagely, cuffing Gideon across the back of his head sending him stumbling forward.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“That was a warning. The next one won’t be quite so gentle.”[/i:82bd1bb42e]

Onlookers rushed to Gideon’s side. Villon, Calder and several other Kindred tutted and scolded Porter’s actions.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“Disgraceful! You Outlanders have no damn respect!”[/i:82bd1bb42e]

Porter remained belligerent as Gideon laughed the incident off.

He turned to face an even more annoyed Kathy, and her disapproving Sire. Before the two Toreador could speak he rose a single finger.

[i:82bd1bb42e]“Don’t. Just don’t.”[/i:82bd1bb42e]

Villon's retainers came scrambling like ants, their faces drawn back in horror. They cooed at Gideon with tearful apologies, questions of the indignant guests sanity, and promises of a more enjoyable evening. The wiry Gangrel did not respond to their replies however, but merely kept his eyes on Porter, and continued to parade his mocking smile to the Elder.

[i:0f6177f358]"Really, don't make a fuss over me..."[/i:0f6177f358] he said, finally turning to the lackies at last, [i:0f6177f358]"...what would you expect from a rogue mongrel?"[/i:0f6177f358]

Porter bit his tongue, fighting the natural inclination to leap foward and tear Gideon's head from his skinny little neck. Name calling was the resort of cowards in his general opinion, and normally would not arouse so much as a second glance, but when delivered from such a creature each insult felt like a strike on his cheek.

[i:0f6177f358]"Porter...please..."[/i:0f6177f358] Kathy whispered, moving to his side. Although she begged for his self-control, in her soul as well she wished to see nothing more than Gideon's shattered carcass laid before her.

Gideon strode foward, meeting Porter face to face. He retained his graceful movements, and inviting smile. A floral French perfume wafted from him, but Porter's discerning nose could pick up the raw animalistic fury that burned within him.

So it came as a surprise to him when Gideon embraced him, throwing his arms around him and brushing his lips gently against his ear. For a moment, Porter thought the gesture was a physical attack, but it became clear it was not violence Gideon intended.

[i:0f6177f358]"Porter...how I've missed you. You left Cascadia I see...a shame."[/i:0f6177f358] he released him, and stood at arms length, clutching Porter's shoulders as a mother might do to a child when seeing them for the first time in years. [i:0f6177f358]"You know I waited for you....but when you didn't turn up I had to find other game. I must admit, nothing is as thrilling as hunting a predator. I find wolves most enjoyable."[/i:0f6177f358]

Porter found his facade of delicacy and grace crumbling. His face twitched with anger, and his eyes shone brilliantly with bloodlust. A thousand pairs of eyes stared eagerly at his every movement.

[i:0f6177f358]"Canis Lupus...yes. Fascinating hunt."[/i:0f6177f358] Gideon smiled [i:0f6177f358]"You had a wolf pack in the area did you not? Not relatives I hope."[/i:0f6177f358]

Porter's claws extended, and Kathy cried out in distress. But by the time the nimble Gangrel had shot foward, Gideon had been engulfed by the crowd. Only his arrogant, echoing laughter resonated in the Gangrel's ears.

((FUCKER YOU DIE!

porter's body positively throbbed with anger and raw energy as he watched Gideon get whisked away amid apologises and promises that no harm would be fall him.

[i:b7585a3bb5]"I think you should maybe get him out of here Kathy, and I am most disappointed...and disgusted by his behaviour whatever has happened between them in the past should be kept there"[/i:b7585a3bb5]

kathy's normal serene face was a mask of rage as she went to pass back an angry retort to Villon, until Connor looked at her and shook his head in disaproval. He sternly took hold of her arm and spoke to her in hushed whispers.

[i:b7585a3bb5]" How dare you show me up, your manners are getting atrocious nothing better than the beast who accompanys you, your standards are falling badly katherine"[/i:b7585a3bb5]

If anyone else had spoke to her in such away she would have had no qualms about lashing out, but her toreador manners and the fact that many eyes were on them stopped her.

She merely smiled and whispered in his ear.

[i:b7585a3bb5]" Gideon once kidnapped me to try and tempt Gabriel into a trap, I never told you because you were convinced that Gabriel would bring me grief and I wasn't about to prove you right, I was kept for days like an animal, now what do you think of your precious Gideon?"[/i:b7585a3bb5]

Connor opened his mouth to say something as his eyes looked for Gideon.

Porter raised his eyebrows at the conversation, he had expected her to back down and berate him further for his behaviour.

[i:b7585a3bb5]" come Porter, and your friend of course, lets go have a drink and a civilised conversation"[/i:b7585a3bb5] Kathy said as she interlaced her arm with his and Tatersails.

Tattersail, although clearly distressed at his Gangrel friend’s outrage, was equally interested in a drinking session with the beautiful Toreador. He followed Kathy quite cheerfully, linking arms with her, to her obvious irritation, and chirruping into her ears tales of derring do and treasures hoarded.

Kathy was distracted from Gideon’s arrival and Connor’s short-lived disappointment, and even from Villon’s associates. The four unlikely companions stepped through a series of linked rooms, exploring the Frenchman’s halls at some length. A servant offered them drinks borne on a silver tray, each taking one of the fine fluted crystal glasses. All except Porter who was still shaking with anger.

Was Gideon only teasing him with regards to his pack? Most Kindred had heard of Porter’s capture. So maybe he was just trying to provoke the Gangrel into some embarassing response.

The answer lay, or rather stood in the next room.

Standing on a mahogany mount, a fox-red furred wolf stood. Frozen in action by the finest of France’s taxidermists. And made to look more ferocious than Porter knew him to be.

Arvakur, Porter’s Beta and loyal guardian, was now nothing more than a freakishly, soul-crushing mockery of the wolf he once was. The muzzle rippling in attack, the legs twisted and pinned to look like the animal was attacking an unseen prey. And the glassy, vacancy where once there’d been bright, intelligent hunter’s eyes.

Porter felt the howl run along his spine. He dropped to his knees at the revelation. His suit rippling as his body burned blood, not out of necessity but out of sheer emotion. He roared at the mockery and sank his extended claws into the mount it stood on tearing it from the floor.

Kathy couldn’t say or do anything this time. Tattersail could only stand slack-jawed, his Obfuscate dropped to reveal the shark-mawed monstrosity under his fineries. Connor could only mouth the words he read from the brass panel stamped into the wood.

[i:07064c68d6]“To my good friend, Villon. To the victor, the spoils - Gideon.”[/i:07064c68d6]

[i:07064c68d6]“GIDEON! YOU WANT A HUNT! YOU SHALL HAVE ONE!”[/i:07064c68d6]

Porter, still kneeling, bellowed his bloodlust into Villon’s halls. The cry reverberated along the extravagant walls. Echoing between the ears of the socialites gathered, drawing hushed whispers, and sounds of disgust and dismay. The Gangrel pulled then at his suit, tearing the jacket across his back. Standing he turned, eyes glowing a sickly, loathsome green. He pulled himself free of the ragged shirt and tie, leaving only his trousers remaining.

He growled again, drawing in breath before releasing it again in an invisible plume of noxious rage.

Rats seemed to materialize. In truth they’d simply found entrance through the hundreds of feet of ventilation shafts that fed Villon’s chambers with sweetened, perfumed air. They spilled from their unnoticed holes and cracks, squeaking and hissing as they circled the summoner. Porter stood in their centre, defiant, baleful, vengeful. Lording over the rodent horde.

Tattersail lost balance for a brief moment, his nose or the orifice that passed for his nose, bleeding. Calder fell to the floor in a heap, clutching his head, blood creeping from his ears and nostrils.

And Gideon, on his knees, slapping helping hands away, snarled in defiance. His arrogance never leaving him.

Porter seemed to bulge outward, seemed to crumble. Before his body became rats. Dozens to join the already frenzied horde. The mortal rats sprayed ammoniac urine as they shielded and followed their undead counterparts into the air vents.

Kathy, Tattersail and Connor could only turn to face the music as the affront became the loathsome odour of rat’s piss.

The sound of tens of thousands of tiny sharpened nails clammering about the insides of the walls and ceilings ensured the the flicker of conversation that Porter had so abrubtly snubbed out would not return. The slack jawed guests, some in a rather frantic state of shock, peered around anxiously as the rats scurried on all sides, unseen.

The acidic odour of urine filled the ballroom, and many of the vampires were thankful for their lack of respiratory functions and opted not the inhale for the remainder of the evening. The rats' presence remained however, and they swarmed with increasing intensity in the air vents, their frenzied cries drowning out the highly recommended quartet that had come at some price to Villon.

At some time, after he had wiped the sticky trail of blood from his nose, Gideon navigated the crowd of silent guests and appeared at Villon's side.

[i:4d04432095]"Monsieur, if I may make a suggestion, perhaps we should move the gathering outside for the remainder of the evening."[/i:4d04432095]

Villon heartily agreed, not wanting his annual ball to turn out a complete disaster because of a rodent problem. He set about making the proper arrangements, and making the announcements to a visably relieved list of guests. As the servants moved the banquet tables, speakers, and decorations onto the expansive front lawn, Gideon slipped from the ballroom and followed Porters' same trail to the room in which the trophy had sat.

His prized red wolf, which had put up some fight in the end, lay on it's side, it's front legs still outstretched in mock attack. He picked it up and set it back on it's now damaged mount delicately. A low, shuddering snarl echoed through the room, rebounding off the rich marble walls, giving no trace of a definate location. But it was clear that Gideon was no longer the room's sole occupant. It nearly seethed with anger and hatred.

[i:4d04432095]"Don't think me all bad Porter. I've convinced Villon to move the party outside, now you may be as frank and candid as you like with me."[/i:4d04432095]

The snarl intensified into a roar, and Gideon struggled to appear unaffected by it's ferocity. It sounded as a horrible beast was rising from the depths of it's lair, approaching with the determination and raw power of a freight train. When the rumbling reached it's apex however, and Gideon could stand no more he spoke.

[i:4d04432095]"Remember this however, Arvakur...."[/i:4d04432095] the rumbling ceased immediately. Gideon smiled as he glanced about. [i:4d04432095]"...you didn't expect I'd know his name? I became quite intimate with your pack in your absence. Arvakur was only the first. A single phonecall is all that keeps the remainder of your beloved wolves alive...should I wish it, I could build Villon a trophy room."[/i:4d04432095]

((oh fight fight! lol Me first tho, I owe him one lol

Kathy had nearly passed out at the sight of all the filthy rats and the stench that seemed to emit off them and the fact that Porter's body had just dissolved into a mass of rats had been too much for her.

Connor had carried her out of the room and followed the throng of guests that were heading towards the garden. As they passed through the glass doors kathy's eyes flickered open and she saw Gideon walking from the ballroom.

[i:d2f74d04a7]" Put me down now...please, I'm quite able to walk"[/i:d2f74d04a7]

Connor gave a sigh of relief to see that she was alright and placed her gently on her feet and cupped her face in his hands.
[i:d2f74d04a7]" Ma Cherie, I'm sorry for what Gideon has put you through, but believe me I will make sure that Villon gets to hear about it and he will deal with the matter, but until then please stay by my side so I know you are safe"[/i:d2f74d04a7]

Kathy nodded obediently and did so until 5 minutes later he was engrossed in some beautiful woman and she took her leave.



As she walked along the corridor she rapidly pulled her wavy hair back and secured it with grips into a tight bun. Next her nails ripped through her long gown just along her thighs and discarded the the excess material on the floor. Her stride was determined and as much as he frightened her she was not going to back down, he wouldn't dare harm her on her home territory and as far as she was concerned he was nothing but someones lackey and needed to be treated as such.
Kathy smiled as she congratulated Villon silently on his choice of decorations for the walls and choose a light but wide bladed sword and walked towards the door practising swinging it and marvelling as it cut through the curtains like a knife through butter, at least its sharp she mused as she kicked the door to the trophy room open.

Gideon's back was facing her but his instincts were still like lightning as he whirled around to see who had dared intrude on him. As he looked at her a sadistic grin broke his hard face and he licked his lips launguidly as he looked her up and down, drinking in the expanse of lightly tanned thighs.

[i:d2f74d04a7]" Why Miss Belvadere, I approve of the alterations to your attire, very you I must say, you look even more like a ventrue whore now"[/i:d2f74d04a7]

Kathy's eyes narrowed as she watched him.
[i:d2f74d04a7]" You sicken me, but believe me your presence wont be welcome here much longer, not as soon as Villon knows of your past"[/i:d2f74d04a7]

[i:d2f74d04a7]" oh dont worry, Villon hangs on my every word , Im sure he will believe me and not you and Porter, I wonder if Porter is ok scuttling around in the sewers, best place for him I say, with all the sewage"[/i:d2f74d04a7]

As he talked he walked around her like a predator waiting for his prey to be caught of guard.

[i:d2f74d04a7]" you ought to be careful with that blade my dear, you could end up hurting yourself and that just wouldn't do, I'm sure gabriel wouldn't approve, how is the boy by the way, still in Marseilles so I'm told, he will see his downfall soon enough and I do hope Im there to witness it in person"[/i:d2f74d04a7]

Kathy had not made a noise or even let the slightest bit of emotion on her face as he had spoke but at the threat against gabriel she growled and lunged for Gideon catching him off guard and moaning with satisfaction as the blade sliced into his chest.

((ah thats better