The Manhattan Madness Continues

[Sinara Dominor]

In a place not so far away, in a time not so long ago, several of us were involved in a wonderful little Roleplay called 'Manhattan Madness'. While we have parted ways with the venue in which it was begun, it is the one thing that I didn't want to leave behind. It started out as 'practice', but soon took on a life of it's own. I would like to give it a chance to continue here, and take us where it will.
Most of the relevant participants are either here, or willing to come here to continue our story. I have asked and been granted permission by the individual posters to include their work in this initial compilation, and they have all been invited to come and continue.

I do hope that you enjoy what we have begun, and possibly even find your own way to Manhattan.

Sincerely, Sin.

[Sinara Dominor]

KOKAINE

Kokaine was lost.

New York and more specifically Manhattan was almost like a foreign land to her. It really shouldn’t be hard for her to navigate as she had spent much of her long life in thriving cities. She very much enjoyed losing herself in the rush of people; it had always been fun for her. The way they subconsciously reacted to her proximity without knowing why often amused her. It was always the same. They were either drawn or repelled depending on how keen their sense of self-preservation was. She was not a lover of humans most days but they still fascinated her. She only drank from them in the most dire of emergencies so really they had little to fear from her unless they stepped out of line. Of course there was always the chance that her control could slip…but that happened rarely these days.

Sighing quietly, she shifted in her seat. She was sitting at a busy little coffee shop out on the patio with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in front of her. She was completely and utterly addicted to the drink. She didn’t understand why but as it had no adverse effects it mattered little in the grand scheme of things. Her finger traced around the top of her mug idly while her mind sped along in its usual languid patterns. Why had she even come? She’d had a bad feeling about this trip from the very beginning. But truthfully she had needed to get away, to escape the politics, the random ambushes, the drama, and the mind-numbing boredom. This was supposed to be fun, she reminded herself. Shaking off her melancholy she picked up her mug and quickly drained its steaming contents.

Kokaine stood abruptly, smiling apologetically to the waitress who’d jumped at her sudden motion. Stepping away from the table she turned her gaze to the sky and sighed. She was going to have to call the woman if she wanted to get to her. Her surprise visit would be ruined. Her right hand slipped into her front pocket and with a little maneuvering she pulled her blackberry free from the skin tight, light blue denim. A few taps to the screen had Sin’s number popping up and she put the phone to her ear. She looked down at her knee length red leather boots, checking them over for scuffs as the phone rang and rang…and rang. When it finally clicked over to voice mail she hung up and frowned at the phone. Reaching into the pocket of her red leather motorcycle jacket she pulled out her shades and slipped them on as she tried one more time to reach Sin. This time when she got to voicemail she decided to leave a brief message.

“Hey. It’s Koko. I’m in town and wanted to stop by and visit. Call me back when you get this cuz I think I might be lost.” She laughed at the end of the message and hung up.

Turning sharply she started down the street only to have some kid in a hoodie bump roughly into her. Catching his hand as it barely brushed her ass she leaned close to him, “Be careful who you try to pick-pocket luv.” She was going to let him go when he had to open his mouth. “Let me go you crazy bitch! Oh and someone should tell you the sunglasses at night thing ain’t cool no mo’.” Kokaine rolled her eyes and with barely a thought crushed his wrist. Yawning, she spoke softly, knowing her words would be lost in his screams as she walked away. “Someone should have told you I don’t give a shit.” She laughed and kept moving.

The whole exchange had happened in less than a few seconds, and the press of people had hidden who exactly had done what. All people knew was that a kid was screaming like a bitch and holding his wrist. Grinning as she came to the spot at which she had parked her black Kawasaki Ninja, she glanced at her phone again before tucking it away and pulling on her helmet. If she couldn’t find Sin’s place soon she’d call it a night and find some trouble. Surely Manhattan had something for her to get into. Kokaine is guaranteed trouble, the memory caused her to laugh as she pulled away from the curb with a squeal of her tires. Trouble was calling her name!


MACABRESS

She threw open the door as her stilettos hit the sidewalk, clicking in a slight haste of satisfaction for a job well done. Her strut as always was full of confidence and allure that was heightened by the motions of her fitted business attire shifting against her body's natural sway. She took a deep breath of everything that was NYC. This was her town, her sins, her secrets, her city that never sleeps and she wasn't about to disappoint it.
The explosion was muffled but distinct, coming from the 3rd floor of the brownstone she'd just abandoned. The fool had actually opened the attache case she "accidently" left behind only find that the prize was wired to three cooking grenades. Did he really believe her employer was going to go for a bribe? She'd only been gone less then 5 minutes, after having successfully negotiated access to all the incriminating files he had stored on his hard drive and allowing her hackers to systematically alter them. "Did you bring the money?" he asked like a nervous piece of cattle. She wasn't nice about being interrupted at all. Nice didn't get you very far with unscrupulous bovine. The appearance of her pistol made him ghostly pale but cooperative and quiet, like a cow should be. She questioned him relentlessly for an hour to find nothing more but the pathetic rantings of a lone amateur who thought he got lucky. He looked Death in the eyes and she walked away...and left the bribe money behind.

The serenity of her night was broken by the frantic calls of sirens in the distance. Someone's always causing trouble somewhere but no less or more then any other populace. She flagged down a livery cab and slid easy across the span of black leather to take comfort in the back seat. She instructed the driver to head down town towards Chelsea, not really sure where she wanted to go except to be closer to the streets well under 100. Business was done and it was time for pleasure.
It was 20 minutes of mixed traffic when they pulled up next to a bike and rider stopped at a red light. She felt compelled to examine the symmetry of this mysterious rider to her vehicle, the perfect fit of line, proportion, and texture that deserved it's place in modern art. Venus in leather and jeans. She watched the lights reflect sharply off the glossy finish of this woman's helmet as it turned to meet her gaze. She couldn't see any eyes behind the black veil of visor but she could certainly feel them. She could feel their seductive danger which instantly ignited her curiosity and she had to know, she had to dare "Hey, nice bike" she shouted out of the window as the light turned green "Stop here" she asked the driver not to move and he complied. They remained impervious to the angry drivers behind them who were insulted to have their new york minute molested. "I just got off work," she continued to her newly found friend "and I was looking for a drink. You know any good places around here?"

SINARA

Sinara's shoulders hit the hard surface she had just moments before been standing on with enough impact to rattle her teeth. Her head slammed back simultaneously, a sickening thud echoing in her ears as spots of light spun dizzily in front of her eyes. A hard muscled shoulder pressed against her cheek and jaw, making it impossible to turn and see his face. She could smell blood, both his and hers, and she silently chided herself for overestimating herself, and underestimating him. She had not fed since she was with Valterra- and before that, she had been near starved for exactly a month. She had planned to go to New York and feed while she conducted her business, but circumstances had delayed her. Now it had been almost a week, making it five weeks with only one feeding. What the hell had she been thinking?

She strained against him, wrapping her legs around his hips so that he couldn't shift his position to pin her legs beneath her and held tight to the back of his neck so that he couldn't posture up and be in a position to rain down blows. She instinctively made the human motions of breathing deep, a calming technique, trying to keep her wits about her. She let go of his neck with one hand and drew back her elbow to deliver a sharp, hard blow to the back of his head. The smell of blood intensified, and his snarl of 'bitch' made it worth the effort. She should be able to turn this situation around easily- any other night she would. Tonight, however, was not any other night. She was weak and dizzy ... and getting pissed. All of those feelings, especially the latter, intensified three fold when the 240lb man on top of her braced his hands beside her head, brought both of them up from their current position, then slammed down hard with all his weight on her already abused person. She gasped at the pain exploding in her head, the air in her lungs whooshing out in an inelegant rush. She lost her grip on his thick neck then as he rose above her, looking down at her with smirking clear blue eyes, blood dripping in front of his left ear to trickle down his jaw and onto the skin of her chest. She knew her glamour had slipped when she felt her eyes sting and saw his widen- she was beyond giving a shit at the moment, and well beyond irritated. Reaching up with her left hand, she weaved her fingers into the dark hair at the nape of his neck, grasping much harder than she had to. Red eyes met blue as she said on an exhale, "Enough, Ivan.." Pulling him toward her as he panted from the exertion of their small battle, she inhaled the scent that was uniquely his... canvas, clean skin, and strong pure blood. He stopped their struggle immediately, hearing and heeding the need in her tone. He was motionless for a moment, then leaned forward slowly, brushing his lips against her cheek as he angled his neck for her and whispered the same Russian phrase in her ear that he had repeated countless times over almost twenty years. It still made her smile.

Her hand still tangled in his hair, she wrapped her other arm across his wide back, sinking her fangs into his warm flesh. The relief she felt was immediate and immense. She had gone to her Italian restaurant in Manhattan, Bellatore, expecting him to be there. When she found that he had traveled to the mixed martial arts gym she had opened in Boston without notifying her, she was sure she would have embarrassed even her Sire with her string of creative names for the Russian gorilla. He had managed both businesses in her absence. In truth, the gym was now more his than hers- not that it mattered. They both had enough wealth now not to even bother discussing money matters much. At present though, nothing was being discussed. Neither made a sound.. he just wrapped an arm under her waist, the other bracing his significant weight off of her as she fed. She had others.. he was not her only source of sustenance. He just happened to be her favorite- not that she would ever admit it aloud. Ventrue by nature made her a picky bitch when it came to her feeding tastes, and being the Sworn Mistress of Mysteries limited her even further. She did not expect the same from her Oath, but traditionally, Mysteries Sworn did not- could not- taste another Kindred's vitae lest they be banished from the Oath and expected to greet the next rising sun. Times had changed, but she chose to remain traditional in her practices. It was a small enough price to pay.

After only a short while, she felt her strength return, her mind clear and sharp once more. Ivan had become relaxed and heavy on her chest, but she turned him over easily now, propping herself up on her elbow as he lay, eyes closed on his back. His breathing was shallow, his heart beat rapid, and he was considerably less tan than he had been just a minute or two ago. Mildly concerned, for she had lost herself in the taste of him for a moment, she nudged his chest lightly. Nothing. She sat bolt upright then, shaking a large, lifeless, tattooed arm.. "Ivan.. Ivan!", she yelled. Just as true anxiety was threatening to rear it's nasty little head, a lazy smile made it's way across pale lips, very amused deep blue eyes meeting hers. They had been grappling for practice as much as to get his adrenaline flowing- Oh, how she loved the rush! Now she kneeled on the canvas in fight shorts and a TapouT fitted tee, her hair in tiny twists tied back in a long braid, glaring at the bare chested heavyweight fighter on the floor. Relief warred with irritation as she jumped to her bare feet. Irritation won the day. She lashed out with a quick kick to his thigh, accompanied by another few choice adjectives regarding his personality flaws. He chuckled like the simpleton she had just professed him to be before gaining his feet. She was just about to continue her tirade when she simultaneously heard her phone alert a voicemail, and felt a rush of anxiety.

She stood frozen in the middle of the practice Octagon, feeling instantly guilty for not even thinking to reach out to Bella since she had left Hellsing. So preoccupied had she been with getting through that first meeting in New York, then finding her jackass Russian- not to mention being in a perpetual state of thirst- she had been far less than considerate of her sister. Ivan strode to her then, serious once more as he handed her her phone. She looked at him with clear eyes for the first time then. When she met him he was a gangly youth, all legs and arms, huge feet and hands. Hard working, hard training, and fiercely intelligent- not to mention an arrogant little prick- she had been fond of him from the first. She had called him her 'puppy'.. for that is exactly what he reminded her of. He was first generation Russian American, with parents who found America's drugs and bars far more interesting than their son. The day he showed up to train beaten and bruised by his own father's hands, Sinara had ensured that he would never suffer such again. Over the years she had made sure he wanted for nothing. In return he studied, worked, and in time became more of a partner than a puppy. It became obvious, eventually, that he had determined what she was after spending so much time in her company. She had been spending more time in the states than in Dead City after some harsh disappointments there, and that was the only excuse she could come up with for herself. She usually wiped the memory of those she fed from clean, but with him... she did not. He had offered himself to her, and asked her not to. He said she had given him his life, and it was hers by his choice. It had been thus for all of these years, and if she was honest, she would admit that it was a guilty pleasure to have one such as he. Strong willed, trusting, and trust worthy. He actually reminded her of several Vampires of her acquaintance, she mused with a smirk.

She was shaken out of her thoughts by his deep, lightly accented voice. Looking at the illuminated screen with a quirked brow, he said.. "You've missed calls. And what the hell is Laced Kokaine?" Hearing her Aunt's name- it still felt funny to even think that.. 'Aunt'- she said aloud, "Shit! Get dressed. We're going back to Manhattan." She felt and almost heard Bella now. They were there, she and Korbyn. Hopefully Herald would be at the penthouse and greet them there. He had taken to the city, and hell if he hadn't sent for his Tessa. Laughing softly at the memory of his sheepish grin when he told her she was coming, she felt a familiar pang of separation. The boy was her heart. After listening to the messages, she knew that Koko was there as well. Koko seemed to be in an inordinately good mood in her second message, and Sinara heard a smooth female voice that she suspected may have something to do with it.

WOLFPACK

He hummed as he exited the subway on 5th Ave, returning to his hotel from a live concert at the Blue Note Club on 3rd Street. He liked New York nights, the city's 24/7 hustle & bustle had always attracted him ever since he had lived there, now well over 15 years ago. Nowadays he spent most of his time in Dead City or on the Old Continent where he was born eons ago, but neither compared to Gotham City as he secretly called the Big Apple. As the doormen of the Sherry Netherland nodded to him, he walked up the stairs, entered and went to the reception desk to ask if any messages had been left.

Despite all that modern comforts had to offer. he still preferred not to use cellphones, much less PDAs. Besides, he preferred to remain lo-teck, that suited his lifestyle and modus operandi better. His Ventrue and Gangrel heritage raised him to regard the constant and inane intrusions of his privacy as highly inappropriate and unwarranted. Only humans could think of something so superficial yet they all seemed to be addicted to it, even some of his brothers and sisters had fallen to its allure.

While the concierge checked for messages, he looked around the lobby and through the windows out to Central Park by night. His reflection in the window showed a 6'2" well built black haired thirty-something male, dressed in an anthracite pinstripe suit, a white silk tshirt and black converse all stars. The sensation of surrounded by humans in the lobby, feeling them, made him feel thirsty. As he turned back to the front desk he saw the man shake his head. Even though he knew it to be futile he had hoped Sini would have left him a message as she knew he would be in town for business this week. He would have to call her to see if she was interested in having a bite. Sighing he took the tri-band pda from his inside pocket and turned it on. 4 messages started blinking on the screen the moment the device connected to the net.

KOKAINE

New York was loud and certainly tonight was no different. And yet, even through the loud thrum of New York traffic and density of her helmet she heard her. Eyes traveled over her form and it felt l as though the most erotic of touches had stroked down one side of her body. Heat sizzled through the air and she swore it was audible, it mixed in a chaotic symphony with the distant wail of sirens and the traffic, but then again maybe she was just hyper aware. Kokaine turned her head and their eyes met. Well, to be fair, her helmet actually blocked the woman from seeing her eyes, but even so an electric charge slipped down her spine and one word filled the suddenly vacant space of her mind. MINE.

Watching the woman’s lips as they formed each word, Kokaine felt a punch of sexual heat hit her in the gut and radiate outward. She didn’t think she’d ever had such a strong reaction to anyone but Artemis herself. Apparently this little human was more than met the eye. A smirk pulled at her lips as she focused in on the woman’s words.

…"and I was looking for a drink. You know any good places around here?"

She considered the question for a moment, ignoring the angry blaring of horns and shouted profanity from those currently stuck in traffic behind her and the taxi. She currently had a pricey hotel room booked for her in some upscale place she couldn’t be bothered to remember the name of, though she hadn’t intended to actually be in the room much. But… perhaps they could go there? She was sure she could manage enough drinks to satisfy the woman, and if the drinks couldn’t satisfy her Kokaine most certainly could. Quite obviously she knew next to nothing about this city. But would she use this opening to her advantage? Hell yes.

Wordlessly she pulled off her glossy black helmet, pulling her glamor over the unnatural brilliance of her eyes with an ease born of practice and paranoia. She shook back her thick mane of wild hair and smiled, her full lips curving sinfully. Her gaze met the woman’s directly and she held out her helmet to her, the heat in her body flaring up a notch. The whole time she had spoken not a single word but the invitation was clear. The question was: Did this woman understand what she was getting herself into?

MACABRESS

Ginger Riot aka Macabress, mercenary for hire, knew exactly what she was getting herself into, trouble. But she couldn`t help this overwhelming compulsion hitting her like a brick, one laced with a lust that filled her like a religion. She didn`t understand it but then again, she wasn`t concerned about the whys, just that something was and what "was" felt supernaturally right. There was only a tiny hesitation when she caught herself wondering if this woman even spoke English and it wasn`t until the inviting gesture that her confidence in their connection heightened to an extraordinary level.

Suddenly she realized she was standing on the asphalt pavement outside of the cab. It was very unlike her to be caught unaware but she was dazzled and it excited her. What the hell did I just tip him? A 20? The thought passed without a trace of further consideration. Money was no object, what she desired was adventure and at this very moment there was nothing more adventurous then the passion that was pulsing wildly through her veins.
Moving in a predatory stalk, her attitude read like a warning to everyone around them ~don`t tread on my playtime~ as she made her way in swift cool steps to the side of bike. She opened her purse and discarded her earrings in a tangle before taking the helmet and strapping it on. Placing one hand upon the riders shoulder, she hiked up her skirt with her free hand then swung her leg to mount the bike. She could care less about the gawkers who silenced their traffic-born frustrations as they stole a glance at her lace clad spread before her inner thighs snugged against the saddle and her secrets disappeared.

She slid herself forward, pressing affectionately against the rider`s back as the feeling of her panties sliding across the leather ignited her sex. Her arms wrapped around the rider`s waist and she could feel the strength of a huntress and the prowess of a thousand years arouse her body with a shiver of seduction. She`d never been so drawn in by someone, never felt so naive and innocent. She thought she knew it all but she hadn`t encountered a caliber of being like this. She embraced her guide, feeling fully content within this ancient circle of power, and gave away her will as the rider let go of the brakes and took her into the night.

IVY

The scent of blood was thick in her throat, and even stronger so within her nostrils which flared instantly with a sense of danger. Her eyes opened slowly, and she attempted to rise, but her body protested instantly. The girl flopped back down onto the bed with a moan of pain, her intention to stay there until the initial aches faded, until she realized why she smelled blood so keenly. "Oh, no...no.." She whispered softly. Ignoring the pain, she sat upright, and scrambled from the bed, her nearly naked form painted with red, the room splattered with lurid crimson, looking as if someone had thrown cans of paint around. She was not amused.

A soft chuckle, insidious and vile, sounded in her head then. She hissed softly, directing her fear and anger to the Hive Mind. What did you make me do?! Reaver, Isolde, answer me, right now! There was no answer, only Isolde's laughter adding to Reaver's. The female vampyr dragged her aching body to the mirror, staring at the lacerations that marred her porcelain visage, before she began searching the room for some sort of clue as to what happened.

The first body was sprawled haphazardly in the corner. A male, and he had been worked upon in typical Reaver fashion. He'd been bled dry, slashes at his jugular, wrists, and femoral arteries. She inhaled deeply, her winter kissed eyes closing for a brief moment. It was his blood that was splashed all over the walls, but not what was coating her lips, and slight form. Panic was beginning to set in, at a rapid pace now.

If she wasn't hysterical by now, the sight of the dried up husk that had been propped up in a chair to stare at her accusingly, definitely set her off. But she swallowed the scream that threatened to rip from her throat, and moved closer to it. It's just a body, nothing more. Don't think of it as anything but... She thought, but even as she thought that, she knew it wouldn't work. For she knew this creature, person, whatever it was. The facial features, the scent, even surrounded by the smell of decay that had begun permeating the loft. Jason?

It was a soft whimper, a cry of despair, as she reached out to touch his hair, his skin. Had she done this to him? In a fit of insanity, had They taken over again? This was her friend, he had trusted her, and she--she...a cry of rage escaped her then, and in a fit of anger, she began methodically tearing the room apart. She hated Them for doing this to her and to Jason. The human male, there was some pang of regret, but she never cared for the herd one way or another.

After her initial outburst, she wrapped Jason's husk in the bloody sheets, tears smearing the red on her face. She needed to figure out what to do, what the hell had happened. But the Hive Mind was being reluctant in giving her that information. Call someone, she would call someone close, and pray to the Consort and Goddess, she wouldn't hurt them too. She fumbled in her discarded clothes for her cell, then retreated to the darkest corner, pressing the button. It immediately went to voice mail, she could imagine that he was busy, as important as he was, so she simply left a message, her voice shaking with terror.

Wolf...it's Ivy...something's happened, and I don't know how, or if I did it. But I need help. Please, could you come to the loft.


KOKAINE

Watching this woman move was like watching pure sin in motion. Her teeth found her bottom lip and biting down she let its fullness slide outward slowly as possibilities ran through her mind. The steady pulse of MINE. MINE. MINE. MINE. ran through her veins, its tempo increasing as the woman drew nearer. The flash of lace and the sound of it sliding against the seat, the smell of red hot woman and the feel of her breasts pressing into Kokaine’s back all made her anxious to complete her sensory immersion and find out what this woman tasted like. It was rare for a being to capture her attention so instantaneously and rarer still for her attention to be captured so fully. As the woman settled onto the seat she felt a connection snap into place and it was jarring.

Kokaine sped off just as the light turned red. She dodged the on-coming traffic smoothly, not batting an eyelash as she leaned into her turns, weaving in and out of the moving vehicles. The engine of her Ninja purred smoothly between her denim clad thighs and heat bled into her cool body where her passenger pressed into her. Time faded and the city lights became a blur as she accelerated. She pushed her new bike to its limits loving the feel of the woman’s arms tightening around her waist. Grinning, she let the bike do the work and let the rush of adrenaline spur her on.

~


Pulling into a gas station, the name of which she paid no attention to, she slowed and cut the engine. Petting her sexy little ride affectionately she laughed, the sound filled with pure pleasure. While it was no Ducati she was glad she had went with the last minute buy. Slipping the bindings of Stormhaven had resulted in her leaving everything behind. She had packed one single duffel bag with clothes and her laptop then strapped on her shoulder holsters and gun belt—she could never ever give up her Desert Eagles. Last she’d picked up her claymore and left her chambers without a backward glance, her chrome stilettos clicking a sharp staccato rhythm across the floors as she made her exit into the dimming light of early evening. Her books and artwork had been shipped off to join the rest of her holdings in Egypt, as had her familiar, a stunning young Siberian tiger named Ramses. Her decision to leave hadn’t been a quick one, she had debated within herself for a while but in the end she decided it was best to leave the shelter of her former home and venture elsewhere, and with that life altering decision she had opted to leave behind everything else. It was all just stuff really, it was easily replaceable—so she told herself, though she did truly miss her fully restored 1970 Mustang Cobra. Her Ducati and her bright yellow 2006 Mustang had been left there along with her hand-picked, and in some cases hand crafted, weapons and toys. Most likely the friends and family she’d left behind would claim it all or throw it out.

Pulling down the kick stand she slid from the bike with ease, feeling suddenly bereft at the lack of warmth at her back. They had driven much longer than she’d originally intended and as a result Kokaine needed to refill her tank before they could get on with things. Kokaine stretched out her limbs as she eyed her new companion. Her eyes roamed the length of the woman’s body, her gaze unabashedly direct, and she felt a curious tingle in her gums above her fangs. They were currently retracted but since they were abnormally large to begin with they tended to look like overly predatory human canines. She hadn’t hungered for human blood in centuries and she rarely fed until death these days. Instead she often fed on the blood of more powerful vampires or other powerful creatures. Though she had yet to grow into her own power thanks to Artemis’ tampering, she was old enough that she could survive on very little blood. She was always careful not to take too much lest she succumb to the madness her sire had cursed her with. If she killed she avoided feeding as best she could. If she fed she avoided killing just the same. For her the two had to remain separate. It wouldn’t do to have her lose control.

She turned to head inside the mini mart for refreshments and to pay for her gas but paused and addressed her new friend.
“Do you want or need anything luv?” Her voice was low and even and subtle hints of her native Greek accent wove itself around the words. Her origins lay in Egypt but the Greek influence in her province had been very heavy and as such most had spoken Greek to some degree or another—though she could in fact read hieroglyphs and understand Hebrew and Latin since her caretakers had made sure she was well learned. Most days she hid her accent behind some bland unflavored accent but in times of great formality, or extreme emotions she forgot and her accent rolled from her lips heavily as though she had never left her ancient home. It seemed the lust riding her system was more than enough to cause her cover to slip, she’d have to be more vigilant to keep other secrets from slipping with this human.

MACABRESS

Ginger remained perched on the bike, settling her position to match it's rest. One foot remained on a peg as the other met the ground in a seductive extension of stockinged leg. Her skirt gripped her thigh in a tug of restriction, holding high against her flesh in tight regimented folds. A delightful laugh escaped her as her hands released the squeeze of the helmet and pulled it off. She let it hang to her left as her right hand brushed through her hair in an instinctive swipe and she shook off the residue of the absent foam's grip. She turned to meet a gaze of desire, locking eyes with this bewitching Goddess. She pondered the question that caused her to laugh then spoke her answer as her lips formed into a pearl white smile. "What I want isn't in that mart" her expression matched the deviance in her words as every inch of her body fought the pull that was beckoning her to take a taste of temptation What the fuck am I saying? she questioned her astonishing compulsion, primal and carnal and full of infinite fascination. She wanted to know everything right here, right now and she didn't care about being politically correct, but she held herself as her senses searched what scraps of knowledge she could gain.

What interested her the most was the power she was feeling. She had encountered socialites and connoisseurs but never had she been so mystically overwhelmed by a single being. This was beyond mortal and more along the lines of Dead City. She had dealt with members of DC on a couple of business occasions but always kept herself distant from the lure of a supposed vampire society. It was a long time fantasy of hers but she couldn't allow it to interfere with her assignments. Failure to her employer was never an option. So her defense against such temptations were purposely impenetrable and she knew enough about it to guard her reality, but here and now she wasn't prepared for such an encounter even in the fact if there was anywhere in the human world she would meet a true vampire, it would be in Manhattan.
But all this was a fairy tale or a nightmare depending on how one viewed the consequences or rewards. She knew "vampires" in the local scene and had shared many a night with them but the possibility of one being immortal had never surfaced. Why would a real vampire want to be among humans anyway unless it was to feed? That danger would entice her further but she wasn't one to jump to conclusions based on personal fantasy so her red flags remained ignored in the back of her mind. There were a number of interesting people in NYC and she summed it up to being lucky in finding one.

Questions were filling her in multiples of tens. What was that accent, what's her history, what's she going to be like in bed? That alone invoked one hundred more questions. If sex was anything like the feelings that were surging through her from just looking at this woman standing there, then her satisfaction would be driven wicked. She's had her fair share of lovers but none had started affairs with such an intensity, for at this moment the lust inside her was feeling insatiable. Jesus, I don't even know her name...Ginger immediately jumped on that opportunity with the cockiness of a rock star "What's your name, by the way? I'm Ginger"

SINARA

Humans were a pain in the ass. Not that that was news to her, but it was certainly relevant at the present time. Just after she had checked her messages, Ivan's phone had started an annoying vibration in his pocket, that led to a far more annoying night. There had been an accident in the gym during training- one of the up and comers had suffered a broken jaw courtesy of a knee belonging to a nooblet fighter who had no business training at that level in the first place. So, after watching Ivan deliver much deserved bitch slaps to the training staff and whoever else happened to be in his view (a proud moment, that..), off they went to the specialist they retained. By the time they were able to, in good conscience, leave the proud new owner of the plated jaw and head to NY, it made it nearly 3 in the morning before their arrival. Not only was it too close to sunrise for her comfort- NY traffic could be a literal killer, but her puppy looked like shit. She had fed plenty from him, and he was showing worse for the wear.

They arrived at her Manhattan penthouse just past the Devil's hour, her absolute favorite time of night. She pulled Ivan's Hummer H2- a gift from her when he once asked jokingly for a performance of an act sometimes called by the same name- into the underground lot and made their way to the elevator at the corner of the garage. She had checked her messages, and was surprised at all of the Dead City residents that had decided to make their way to New york. It had started as just a thought for a sort of post-hunt wind down, seeing as she already had business to attend to in any case. That Ash now did as well was just a bonus.

She tugged a large, pale, slow moving man into the elevator with her then, pressing the unmarked button at the very top of the row. As the elevator doors shut, an odd sensation.. or was it a smell? came over her- a foreboding felt so strongly that she took a protective step toward the oblivious man who now stood behind her. She half expected a fanatic with a stake and a ray of sunlight to be standing there when the elevator doors opened, but all she saw was the large, arched wooden door of her beloved penthouse. She loved this entire building, and nowhere so much as her own personal space in it. She was drawn to it decades ago when she accompanied several other Ventrue here for a series of meetings. Located on 7th and 51st it was just where she enjoyed being in midtown, near and far enough from everything in just the appropriate distances. The outside was stone, with aged grey gargoyles above the large doors at the top of a short set of stone stairs. The lobby was dimly lit old world elegance that she hadn't even had to touch. Seventeen stories high, with offices and meeting rooms that were constantly in use by the Ventrue and other business minded Kindred occupied the second through the tenth floors. The first floor beyond the lobby was Bellatore, her restaurant and meeting place while in Manhattan. The populace of NY paid the exhorbent price to dine at Bellatore just to say they had- it was rumored that the whole building was 'haunted' or 'frequented by supernatural beings'.. this due to a few jackass, possibly drunken moments of a few Kindred that ended up on the early morning rooftop for their idiocy. Sinara took the privacy and safety of those who chose to stay and conduct business here seriously, and after that, so did everyone else.

Moving out of the elevator, she opened the door to her apartments and felt the tension drain. It took only a few minutes to have some pasta and wine brought for Ivan from Bellatore's kitchens which were always staffed, and shoo the man to one of the guest rooms. Her heels clicked a rapid beat on the polished hardwood as she placed her jacket aside, kicked off said heels, and made her way to the small control panel near the kitchen archway. Pushing a few buttons, she watched as the thin black metal coverings slid closed over the inside of the large wall to wall windows in the main room. All of the windows would be covered, unfortunately blocking out the beautiful view of the city lights. She went into the study then, her favorite room in the house. Burgundy walls, white carpets, and a large mahogany desk with a soft leather chair big enough for two awaited her like a cocoon haven. There were no windows in the room, and the large wooden door blocked out most noise even to her sensitive hearing. She flipped open her laptop and first shot off a quick note to Valterra, telling her of her arrival and progress with the meetings, along with an invite to visit and the promise of a surprise- that surprise being the large underground level that she had renovated from a club to a suite of rooms. She had no idea why Val always chose to be as low as possible, just as she had always had an affinity for height. It had been so in Obsidian, just as it was in Arcana now. So, she though- Why go against the established grain?

She reached for her cell phone and sent a text to her son. Recently married and presumably in his newly acquired apartments on the 14th floor, she let him know she was indeed back in Manhattan and would see him at his convenience. She called her Isabella next, delighted when she answered. She would be there by evening, which was just enough time to ready the apartment adjacent to Heralds for a little gift. She left Ash a message, wondering if he would already be in the air before he received it. It would be the first time he was in Manhattan, and aside from the business he had to attend to, she planned to have him to herself long enough to show him exactly why she so often escaped to this haven of hers. She dialed Kokaine's number, not truly expecting her to pick up. She left a message at the tone.. "Well, if my favorite Laced Kokaine hasn't decided to visit little Sin in the big city at just the perfect time. I'm sorry you were lost... but if I'm not mistaken, you've been found? Haha... you will tell me all about it, I hope. In the meantime, get directions to Ristorante Bellatore. There will be a key to an apartment at your disposal above floors- please make use of it. I hate the idea of you in that building with their joke of a security system. Call when you arrive, mia bella zia. Ciao"

She checked her email, and saw that her Souxie was on her way into the city. THAT was going to be fun, she thought. She definitely wanted to make sure Sou was close by.. God only knew what the woman would get into in this environment. She sent Bella a text, and braced herself for a much deserved verbal ass beating from her beautiful sister for losing touch.
It was completely unfeeling of her, admittedly, but she couldn't seem to manage more than a brief pang of conscience. She had missed her place here, and could feel the tension ease and her mind center. She eased back more deeply in the soft leather of the chair, secure in her sanctuary. She could breathe here. As chaotic as some might find the city, she found a calm energy here that she felt in very few places.

[Sinara Dominor]

VALTERRA

She excused herself from Alu's study with a wry grin, bemused at his fervant ramblings. His passion had grown considerably since the assemblage and reunion of his Dragons- with olds dreams refreshed.
Unfortunately, with the recent absence of the majority of the covenant, he had felt an overwhelming need to have her ever present to ramble at. Ideas flowed from him like blood from the jugular, endless, tireless rambling. He was accustomed to the old impassioned Valterra he had known so many ages ago, and he was accustomed to her own zest for politics and grand schemes and plans matching his own- but the truth was, of late, it simply didn't. Her mind had turned from creation and organization to destruction- to death, and her interest was held far more solidly by the concepts of bringing down those that would threaten his purpose than they were by those relating to the development of his Dragons within. Let youth plan, let youth prosper- and let the bitter bitch of old plot in the dark for the deaths of those who might stand in defiance.
She moved quickly through the halls of Hellsing, ignoring fleeting glances in her direction before eyes inevitably turned downward, in fear and reverance for the ancient woman who shared their home. None had yet become accustomed to her presence, and to be frank she liked it that way. She had no grand desire for companionship or the conversation of masses- admittedly she had removed herself from such things and for the time being- was rather content with her self-involved existance.
Within the coven she served her purpose, the duties placed upon her, and remained as always Alucard's voice of reason, as he expected her to, as he had requested of her upon her coming.

Unnecessary breath fell freely from her lips as she followed the winding staircase downward at the base of their massive home, her shoulders slumping slowly, her form relaxing as she felt the earth pressing in around her, embracing her tightly. She had kept mainly to basement chambers of late, preferring the dark and the cold to the thriving company of life above ground.
The massive room below ground echoed the click of her heels as she reached the base of the staircase, it truly was cavernous, and blatantly so even before she clapped her hands once gently and the dim lighting system in the high vaulted ceilings came to life.
She passed through the enormous sitting room with barely a glance at the couches and chairs assembled around the modern glass coffee table, pausing merely to kick off the four inch black pumps she had dawned earlier that evening upon the massive persian rug that covered the gleaming marble floors, rivelling in the feel of the divine beneath her feet before she padded forward, through the open double doors to her study.

Here too, the ceilings were that of a cathedral, vaulting easily twenty feet above her own head. The hum of her computer welcomed her as she moved through the threshold, greeting her like a love-sick puppy as she took her seat in the black leather chair before the large desk upon which the flatscreen sat. She watched as it quickly booted up, the glowing screen gleaming vaguely blue against her porcelain skin. Her burgundy eyes squinted tight in irritance as she glanced at the icon on the corner of her screen that simply displayed an envelope- an envelope with the number 62 smeared hatefully in black.
Nearly growling she slumped back in her chair, reaching forward to click the button that would bring up all the simpering pups that craved her attention so vehemently.
She sighed as she skimmed, scrolling through the mass of unread mail, Ash, several from Karina- more still from Alu, all dated within the time from which she had left his study to the time she had arrived in her own- the man was on speed! Slowly, she made her way through the requests, greetings, and proposals- mainly for a good time, a hard ride, or a life of wedded bliss, quickly clicking delete on such things she moved passed them, finding the corner of her mouth turning lightly upward as she opened a piece from Sinara.

Slowly she read through the electronical mail, mentally cataloguing the details of the meetings her little Sin had attended that day as she unplaited the long rope of crimson hair that hung over her shoulder. Her grin grew barely perceptively as Sinara requested her presence- and made promises of surprises.
With a gentle chuckle she sat forward in the leather chair, shaking her red waves of hair free behind her as she leaned over the keyboard, keying in a very quick, very simple response.

"Why?" She wrote bluntly in response before hitting send, and then turning toward the rest of the damnable pieces of "Pay attention to me!"'s that sat waiting in her inbox.

SINARA

Sinara held the phone to her ear in silence, waiting for Perse to free herself from ... whatever she was entangled in. She was indeed in Manhattan. An invitation to stay in one of the available apartments extended, she briefly told her of her illogical moment of panic, brushing by the topic as one of her usual bouts with her mind. The rest of the conversation entailed a description of a bike and some strippers from Persie, and an inquiry of Souxie's well-being from Sinara. Seems the woman was doing well enough with a husband at her side, and a redhead on her lap.

Speaking of redheads, Sinara was surprised to see her own favorite had responded to her last note. She smiled wide at the typical, bluntly bitchy, one word Val reply. Well, her Ava could be just as bitchy as she pleased. Actions spoke louder than words- or emails- and although the actions were not always pleasant, they were telling. They had told Sinara enough to know that in the end, blood ran true. Still smiling at the thought, she leaned forward and typed the response..-

Because, Ava. Because.
Because I cannot carry your surprise with me back to Dead City, because I want you to see where I have been and things I have accomplished, and because I am selfish. I want you here because I feel there is something wrong, and whether it be wrong in Dead City or New York City, I prefer we be in the same city at the moment. You may call me a silly bitch when you get here. But get here.

She had no doubt that Val could take care of herself.. Alucard as well. But the feeling that something was hanging over her head made her want to gather everyone near and keep them close. She knew Alucard wouldn't come- she also knew that of all of them, he was the last that anyone would be foolish enough to try and harm. Oh, hell... here it comes, she thought. The anxiety and mental noise that was so much a part of her existence. She sat and waited for the worst of the spinning confusion to take hold so she could gather herself and counter it- but it was different now. She closed her eyes and felt inside her mind for the familiar haze- nothing. My, what a miracle the vitae of kin can be!, she thought. Since her blood exchange with Valterra, she had felt decidedly more.. whole. She had even lost contact with Bella and not felt the need to reach for that stabilization as she usually did. It had only been a matter of days since she left Dominor Manor- maybe that was why she wanted her near? Oh, good Lord. She sincerely hoped she wasn't going to start craving Val's nearness like some child in need of mothering. She had barely had more than Mayne in her mortal life, and hardly wanted him around then or now. Well... sometimes now, she admitted. But not much! She swore then and there that if she found herself plagued with some idiotic separation anxiety from that bit of hell in heels, she would ask Alu to shove her off her balcony repeatedly and headfirst until she regained herself. Gah... must there be a price for everything?

Glaring at the words on the softly glowing screen in front of her, she released an exaggerated sigh. She shouldn't even request that she come. She should just leave the damn email unanswered. "Why?" she says... Humph. Did she really care if Val came and saw the apartments that she had made for her? Or use all of the painting supplies, artsy books, canvases and antique, handcrafted easels she had placed in the innermost chambers of her space? No, she shouldn't give a shit. With that thought she uncurled her legs from beneath her, stood abruptly, and strode around the desk...

.... then came back around to her laptop, muttering in Italian, with the occasional insertion of the very distinctly English word 'bitch'. She stood for just a moment, again glaring at the words on the screen.

Send.

KOKAINE

Kokaine smiled, her full lips stretching to frame her perfect teeth as they reflected the bluish glow of the station’s fluorescents. “Tis certainly a pleasure to meet you Ginger. They call me Kokaine.” She winked and turned to head inside, her thick mane of glossy black tresses swinging out behind her. Her 4 inch heels helped to exaggerate the usually subtle sway of her hips as she made her way into the mini mart.

Her business inside the store was completed in a brisk, no nonsense fashion. But of course she couldn’t seem to venture anywhere in human society without dealing with rudeness. A stern glance from her was all it took to silence the insulting banter of the miscreants loitering inside. Being referred to as a “high-yellow black Barbie” didn’t sit well with her at all. For one thing, what did her race have to do with anything? So what if her mixed heritage gave her light skin? Ignorance in any form irritated her and this was no exception. Truthfully the Barbie reference bothered her most. She did not look anything like a skinny ass anorexic Barbie doll! She had muscle and curves thank the Goddess, and they had served her well throughout her long life. Damn inner city youth. She wanted to knock their heads together for such lame references but instead she brushed it off. She had other far more interesting things to focus on. And she could not go around Manhattan trying to set every juvenile straight. She was not that kind of vampire.

Exiting the mini mart, the annoyance vanishing from her face instantly, she crossed the span of concrete and asphalt with long, smooth steps. The poignant odor of gasoline permeated the air around her and if it weren’t for the need to appear human she would have stopped breathing all together. Reaching her bike and its sexy guardian she set about pumping her gas. Once the nozzle was settled into the tank’s opening she turned to her new companion. However, before she could open her mouth to speak her phone buzzed in her pocket sounding as though it were annoyed to even be notifying her. Pulling the shiny gadget from her jacket pocket she frowned. 2 missed calls flashed on her screen along with an envelope icon that showed she had a voice message waiting. She cursed herself soundly in Greek for missing Sin’s call and with a touch dialed her voice mail.

"Well, if my favorite Laced Kokaine hasn't decided to visit little Sin in the big city at just the perfect time. I'm sorry you were lost... but if I'm not mistaken, you've been found? Haha... you will tell me all about it, I hope. In the meantime, get directions to Ristorante Bellatore. There will be a key to an apartment at your disposal above floors- please make use of it. I hate the idea of you in that building with their joke of a security system. Call when you arrive, mia bella zia. Ciao"

Hearing the message from her dearest niece, she grinned and hung up. She loved Sin’s timing. Addressing the woman perched at the tail end of her Ninja she smirked, “It seems we have been invited to the lovely Ristorante Bellatore.” The words rolled of her tongue as she pulled the nozzle from her tank and settled it back in its cradle. Quickly she closed up her tank and slid carefully back onto her bike managing not to jostle her companion. “Would you care to accompany me luv? We could get that drink you wanted and perhaps some dessert. Maybe indulge in some…stimulating conversation.” The purr in her voice clearly hinted at her true intent.

Sin had offered her refuge in a sumptuous apartment and she did not intend to waste such an offer. Calling up the web browser on her phone she quickly looked up directions and memorized them before tucking the gadget away. Had she known the name of Sin's place beforehand she may not have gotten lost earlier but as it was she wasn't complaining. She exhaled slowly as her mind flashed her a vivid image of Ginger tied spread eagle to a massive bed, the sheets rumpled around her while her eyes remained covered with a blindfold and Kokaine bent over her sex, her fangs buried deep in the woman’s femoral artery while her captive squirmed and moaned her enjoyment. She couldn’t wait to taste Ginger’s secrets. Blood and sex were certainly a potent combination and Kokaine was not prepared to miss out. Even now as she inhaled, she could smell her over the cloying scent of gasoline. The aroma of sex and woman invaded her nostrils sparking the predatory instinct within her and thankfully she faced forward so the woman did not see when her amber eyes flashed brightly. Goddess help anyone or anything that tried to ruin her plans.

VALTERRA

Further work beckoned her, and her hands moved quickly across the black keyboard before her as she raced a response to a request from the man who ran the City of Death in which they all resided. She recalled easily the first time she had seen a keyboard, and agile fingertips racing across the expanse of buttons, knowing instinctively which button would turn out which letter, and she recalled thinking it an impossible feat. A false thought, clearly.
She keyed her response to Ash with ease, comfortable stating her adverse response to the subject upon which he most recently requested her opinion.
The air was cool, but thankfully dry in the basement, and she stretched her arms languidly over her head as she extended her jean clad legs out before her beneath the desk, stifling a yawn when the speakers upon the desk before her beeped hatefully.
More- always more, she glared at the screen as what had become fifty-nine unread messages vaulted back up to sixty.
Leaning forward once more she moved the mouse to click at the pop up on the corner of her window, Sinara's name gleaming black upon the screen once more.
She opened the letter immediately, knowing full well that the child would be awaiting her response- and unlike most of the younger brood, Val did not carry a cell phone. She hated the vibrating wailing things with a passion, always interrupting things, screaming for attention at the most inappropriate unwanted of times. They were like children- and children were good only for eating.

She sighed as she read Sinara's letter. Originally she had very much intended to put the child off, to leave her to affairs, to the business upon which she had been sent, to remain at the coven with Alucard and those who had stayed behind. There were enough Dragons in Manhatten for a hostile take-over, and her presence was in no way required- regardless of whether or not her recently accepted child desired it or not.
It was not strange for a newly initiated fledgling to crave the presence of her sire- the bond was so strong for the first year of their altered lives that most could scarcely get the scent of their Mistress from their nose, the touch of her skin from their minds.. the feel of her fangs from their flesh.
She distinctly recalled Azazeal as a newborn, he had clung to her side for half a century, craving her every moment of every night like a lovesick pup, but it had passed, only for the first few years had it been a true addiction of his body- beyond that it had been his own desire to stand by his Mistress, to learn of her all that he could.

Even so, she could sense Sinara's whim for her presence, she could feel it in the back of her mind like an ache- for so too did the Valterra have a sense of longing to hover- like a Mother, and the thought was venemous in her mind. She was not the nurturing sort. But she could easily read the difference between Sinara's cravings and Sinara's concern in the script splayed out before her in the false light of the computer screen and she sighed heavily once more.

"To Manhatten it is then." She muttered with irritance to the dark.

CLEMENT

A small personal jet had set out just after sunset, following the ever receding licking flames of sunlight towards New York. Manhattan. The island of many hills, or so Clement had understood from the little he researched on the place, while he attempted to make use of sinara's desktop PC to book his flight. One of the local Ventrue had supposedly came into possession of a ring, with the semblance of the mark of Tremere. Quite possibly just another old keepsake, a remembrance of times past set in silver and blood red ruby, but in truth anything regarding the bloodline was an obsession to him at the moment. So he did the best he could.

-- It took the vampire a ridiculous amount of time to find the key which turned the computer on. Suddenly wishing that he had paid more heed to the evolution of technology as he pressed near every button on the keyboard, before checking the larger box that sat next to the monitor. His fingertips slid blindly over the smooth front of the tower before feeling something press inward and the monitor sparked into life. "That better be the hardest part..." Muttered Clement as he perused the letters and numbers on the keyboard and gingerly placed his hand on the mouse.

He recognised the 'e' which supposedly meant the internet, and he double clicked the mouse to access the file. From there it went down hill. Once he found the location of the cursor and began clicking and typing 'Private jets to Manhattan' he was accosted by search results, some not even for private jets. "Manhattan Private Baths" "Maid in Manhattan" and "Meet hot girls in Manhattan" giving Clement the largest headaches before finally, by some miracle booking a personal jet to leave that evening just after sunset. It was only when he was printing off the details for his own flight that he found the secondary copies of Sinara's booking. "So, she's in New York too? What was the name of her restaurant there...Bellatore?" --

Clement's gaze was locked to the small window as he soared an unimaginable height over the ground in what could only be desribed as a private jet for reptiles. The hissing writhing masses and whipping tails beset the vampire on all other sides as they lashed out at their restrained tanks. Only the small porthole kept him from purging the fearful creatures, and out there was the threat of oblivion itself. A deep sigh breaking the sound into silence for a moment as his irritation sent an animalistic reverb throughout the cabin. "Why do you fly reptiles to New York, again?" Asked Clement as patiently as he could in his growing discomfort. The middle aged pilot barely cast him a glance back as he shifted his headset off one ear and responded. "Well we can't get the papers for land travel, and the sea's too choppy and takes too long mate." His accent was thickly Australian, and it soothed Clement to hear him sound so calm about the whole affair, turning his attention back to the window again, grateful atleast that noone could see him right now. "This is why I don't have a computer..."

Upon landing in New York Clement helped 'Jay' unload the creatures and they spent the time exchanging pleasant wellwishes for the others journey. The reptile trader apparently had quite a few friends in Manhattan, but even more enemies, and it gave Clement a sense of empathy for the mans plight. He was guilty of having made greivous errors over and again in his vampiric years, but he had something this human did not. Time. When the last of the cases had been unloaded they shook hands and said good bye, and it struck Clement that this was the first time since his making that he had actually shaken hands with a man that did not know the terrors that walked. It gave him a melancholic feeling of connection, and he decided in that moment that he would not glamour the man to forget. 'Leave a mortal to remember the face of a vampire' he thought to himself, and with one last word of gratitude Clement left the man by the transport, ignoring offers of a ride, and headed towards the scent that now pervaded his senses on the windy neon night.

The lights along the runway cast an unnatural bronzeness to his slim marble form and his eyes shone like molten gold for it. His shoulder length dark hair was pulled back into a regal ponytail, and he was dressed in a fine black suit made of cold silk. The hue of his tie and shirt a slash of blood on the ebony outfit. It was not his usual style to dress to impress, but he wanted the Ventrue to take him seriously and for that he had to play the part. He turned his nose up disdainfully at the lingering scent of unrest and foreboding that as far as he knew was New York personafied. "New York smells."

It didn't take him long to find a phone booth and after a quick browse of the local directory Clement dialled in the number for Bellatore - Italian Ristorante, on 51st and 7th. 'Please insert fifty cents to make a call' "Oh that's right, you have to pay for calls..." Checking his pockets for change, his hand found the package of large bills that he brought with him for the purchase and frowned thoughtfully at the public phone. Cursing under his breath he closed the directory and looked up to check what street he was currently on. "132nd st"

Had it really been so long since he had tapped the vein of modern civilisation? He pulled out the note which had the details of where to meet the Ventrue occult trader. "tre uno quattro ad infinitum." That was all the note had said, but it was an agreed code between he and his acquaintance. It read "3, 1, 4 and inifinity" which meant 3rd building, on 41st and 8th. "I guess I have some walking to do."

MACABRESS

They weaved through the maze of industry with the precision of a scalpel, bypassing lines of traffic and dodging double parked cars as they made their way through the litter of humanity`s jungle. Ginger could feel the power of the bike as it shifted gears and the rubber of the rear tire gripped the pavement in artful strokes across the asphalt canvas. She could sense the oneness of rider to machine as Kokaine wielded her ride with effortless accuracy. She pulled close against her guide with an abundant sense of security and an overwhelming affection of everything she was learning by just being close. The strength in her grip, the slight shifts of muscle tension, the intricate adjustments and pinpoint manipulations as the bike was handled with a perfect balance of aggression and consideration. This was a woman who enjoyed dominating with a physical presence and that was something Ginger found herself craving more and more by each passing second.

She felt awoken from a dream as the bike slowed down and pulled into a parking garage by the side of an ornate hotel, the gateway to "Ristorante Bellatore". Hmm, never been here before she thought, but its reputation was legendary even in the immense culinary culture of Manhattan. She dismounted the bike and swept away what remnants of wrinkles from her attire that she could, but clothing wasn`t a concern to her. She wasn`t planning on leaving them on for long. She removed the earrings from her purse and graced her ears with them, then brushed her hair with a flaunt of deep dark tresses before sharpening the rest of her appearance to make herself presentable to her mystery host. She took Kokaine`s hand into hers and a flood of energy passed between them. She tried to hide the shutter in her body as the exchange mellowed into a tingling sensation pulsing from her hand through her entire being. But she made no attempt to hide the glory of their connection as a devious smirk illuminated her expression and they made their way to the restaurant`s entrance.

It was an old world building as most in this part of NYC were, with intricate reliefs sprawling up the facade and topped with the presence of watchful gargoyles. Her eyes leveled as she glanced at the path through the archaic entrance and took note of the hefty menu that peered at them from its conspicuous perch. It was the Crab encrusted Mediterranean Sea Bass Fleur de Sel that briefly enticed her appetite but what she hungered for was already at her side and her eyes couldn`t help but to feast on this immortal beauty.

WOLFPACK

Turning away from the reception desk he looked at his messages, two were from business associates referring to contract terms and investments, one was from his dearly beloved Sin saying she had safely arrived at her penthouse and asking him to come over. The last was from Ivy. Hers was the most jarring: "Wolf...it's Ivy...something's happened, and I don't know how, or if I did it. But I need help. Please, could you come to the loft". He grinned, replied to both the ladies with the same answer and walked out the doors of the hotel, calling another one of his contacts as he nodded to one of the doormen to get him a cab. When the call was answered he whispered an address and hung up. Knowing Ivy this was probably the most appropriate solution and Sin would not mind if he brought their old friend along, no matter what state she was in. Plus she would be safe amongst her fellow dragons.

As the doorman held open the door of the cab, he got in and gave the driver an address in the old meat packing district and told him to hurry. As they arrived at his destination a few minutes later he could already see two nondescript black Chevy vans parked at the curb. He paid his fare and walked over to the first van when the cab had disappeared around the corner. The passenger window rolled down and he looked into the dark bespectacled face of Mr Smith. He nodded his approval and 5 men dressed in black excited the vans, four of them carrying large suitcases. The warehouse door opened automatically after he entered the code and they all followed him inside. When they excited the elevator the men all waited some feet behind him when he rung Ivy's doorbell. This procedure was not new as he had done business with them many times before to their mutual satisfaction, and they knew exactly what was expected of them.

As Ivy opened the door, her eyes wide with terror and confusion, he could still smell the blood on her. He took her in his arms and hugged her, meanwhile telling her to get dressed so they could leave asap to visit Sin. Her apprehension to his approach grew and was only heightened as she noticed the presence of the 5 unperturbed men standing behind him. "No questions dear, just hurry and do as I told you. These are my cleaners and they will take care of your problem".. as Ivy disappeared he motioned for the men to enter.

IVY

When she opened the door and saw Wolfpack there, Ivy nearly broke down again. He smelled like home, something familiar to her. Not this place of blood and death. She trembled in his presence though, afraid that he would berate her for what had happened. But the leader didn't, he simply enfolded her in his arms, hugging her close. His request was simple, get cleaned up and dressed. Everything else would be taken care of. He would take her with him to Sinara. Things would be ok, all right. you surely don't believe that, do you, naive little thing. Little weed of an Ivy. Do you not think you'll hurt them too? Don't you want to?

Ivy pulled back from Wolf suddenly, her eyes flickering without warning to the vivid purple, lavender and silver of Isolde's. Her own personal Curse. She swallowed hard, turning away to watch the men in the black suits walk carefully about her ruined living room. Get out of my head, you wretched bitch! She hissed silently, fighting for control of the Hive Mind, calling upon Syntax and Rissa to shove Isolde back into one of the rooms inside her mind, and Ivy quickly slammed a steel door closed upon her. Isolde's scream said volumes about how she was not pleased, and the Alter attacked with a sudden spear of power that almost sent Ivy reeling. They're getting so much stronger. She thought, moving away from Wolfpack and his men, Cleaners, and retreating into the bathroom.

She started the shower swiftly. Ivy knew she couldn't meet Lady Sinara drenched in blood and gore. Stripping the clothes from her slim and slight form, she opened the door and threw them out into the hallway, assuming that they would take care of the ragged, disgusting things. Ivy stood for a moment, pulled back into contemplation on what she thought might have happened yesterday. Reaver didn't disappoint, throwing a violent and bloody image into Ivy's head. Stop, Ivy, stop! Please, this isn't you! It isn't! Jason...oh, that was his voice in her head now. Ivy's gone into that long dark, little boy. And now you will too. Such a pity. You might have been worth something to someone...someday...

It was his blood. She had killed him, snuffed out his life as easily as fingers extinguishing a candle's flame, and for what? For what?! give in, give in, give in, Ivy, do it!! Kill them all. bathe in their blood. Ivy squeezed her eyes shut, and smashed her forearm into the mirror, shattering it effectively. The pain of the shards biting into her soft flesh was good. It made her concentrate, brought her back. She would not let Them do this to her, not in Lord Wolfpack's presence. Rich, dark blood dripped from her arm as she stepped into the shower, yanking the pieces from her flesh.

When Ivy exited the bathroom, her hair tied back in high ponytail, and dressed in a simple white sleeveless shift, she was calm. Only the exhaustion in her tri-colored eyes would give away anything to those who knew her best. And the Malkavian was good at perfecting the mask. She slipped into flat sandals and moved back into the living room to meet Wolf.

"I'm ready." Was all that she said.

WOLFPACK

He smiled at her when she returned dressed and more composed. When she embraced him upon entering he had felt the tension rippling underneath and seen the exhaustion in her eyes. Now she looked better but he sensed she was still a bit distraught. Malkavians were good at hiding their inner turmoil and Ivy was no exception, but he couldnt help but wonder whom of her demons had been the culprit this time. Her reaction to the events which had taken place assured that one of those who had died here tonight meant more to her than just blood, she had actually cared for him. Tricky business, befriending humans, certainly for the less stable minded of the Kindred. As Ventrue his personal interest in humans stretched no further than their use as business partners and as food, 2 things he kept strictly separated. He knew Sin kept pups but at least she wasnt damned with insanity like Ivy.

"Good, lets go. Those guys will let themselves out. I assume youve got some form of transportation? " he asked. "Or maybe your pet did?" Walking was no option at this hour with Ivy dressed so chic and sexy, besides, 7th and 51st was just to far for that. They were sure to attract unwarranted attention if some drunk idiots decided to try their luck, which could lead to more delay if she had to change again. The thought amused him, but now Sin was foremost on his mind and he was not willing to accept more distraction before seeing her. It had been too long already since he had been with his soul mate.

Looking around the loft one last time, he nodded at Mr Smith who was eying his men, before taking Ivy by the arm and leading her out the door to the elevator in the hall. "Theyre quick, but i think its best if you stayed at Sin's place today. Its now almost 4 am and sunrise is around 6 o'clock. Besides, we will have a lot to talk about since there will be a lot of other Dragons coming over as well."

IVY

Her blue eyes with their eerie rings of color studied Wolfpack for a moment, silent and emotionless. Her shaking hands twisted her knee-length mane into a knot on top of her head securing the mess with a sharpened chopstick from her pocket. She watched the suits work at cleaning the mess she'd made, and a twisted expression replaced the coldness on her face. Pet... How Ivy was used to hearing the word. She'd been a pet once, and often wondered about her new place among the Ordo Dracul. Though, if she was indeed the newest mela di sangue, she would not mind in the least. For Ivy knew they would never harm her deliberately. Or at least without provocation. That mindset, the Malkavian understood and embraced.

The leader had hold of her arm now and was escorting her to the elevator. Ivy followed obediently and without question, though something clicked inside her mind, and she looked up at Wolf again, confused and lost. "He wasn't a pet. He was my caregiver in a way. He--he took control of Them...pushed them...back." Ivy bit her lip hard, shredding the soft tissue, as she stared down at the polished marble floor. In the end, Ivy had been the cause or inadvertently been privy to her loved ones deaths. But here...they were strong, and powerful.

They would survive the Curse.

SINARA

It was just after sunset, and Sinara had already been awake for hours. She never had required a large amount of sleep, even as a human, much less now. She had changed so much after her embrace that she was nearly unrecognizable even to herself- and she had continued to change and evolve as the years went by, night after night. Unlike so many, she had never had those 'woe is me' moments as she shook her fist at the Gods in impotent fury because she had been turned into a monster. Quite the contrary. She was embraced by a beautiful being that saved her life, gave her immortality and powers beyond her imaginings. "Cursed my ass", she thought as she walked through her penthouse. A blessing with some ... slight drawbacks. Yes. That's what it was.

She opened the door to the guest room quietly, already knowing what she would see. Humans were so damn noisy and cumbersome. He lay sprawled on the bed, snoring lightly, one tattooed arm slung behind his head. She leaned on the door frame with a small smile on her lips. Her puppy was no puppy anymore. Neither was he an overgrown blood bag for her convenience. He was intelligent, strong- both physically and mentally, loyal, business and street savvy- and more Vampire than half of the Kindred she knew. That thought brought her closer to the bed, and she peered down at his sleeping face. He was in his mid thirties now, yet didn't look more than twenty- five at most. He still trained and sparred with every young up and comer that entered their gym, and made them look like children. He hadn't changed in ten years. That thought brought her up short- Holy shit, what had she done? He was certainly not Vampire... he was still very much human. A ridiculously strong, inordinately fast, extraordinarily open minded human. She happened to be the only Vampire of her own acquaintance that adhered to the old ways of the Sworn of Mysteries, not feeding regularly from other Kindred. Aside from Aza and Val, she hadn't fed on another Kindred in over a century. Could the repeated exposure to her own lifeforce be affecting Ivan? Slowing his aging.. prolonging and enhancing his youth and strength- and Goddess knows what else? She sat down heavily on the side of the bed, not noticing that the movement had jarred him awake. She needed to speak to one of the older Kindred... they would know. She looked down at him then, smiling stupidly up at her, negating every generous, complimentary thought she had just had about him. What the hell was she going to do with this one?

A little over an hour later, both were showered, dressed.. and fed. She hadn't needed to feed, but had wanted to. Not much... just enough. She would need to be focused, in control, and as strong as her vitae would allow. She had to attend the last of her meetings tonight, and it would be the longest, most tedious, and surely the most trying. Those present would be, in relation to other things that go bump in the night, very near the top of the food chain. It was not at all unusual for fewer Vampires to leave these types of meetings than had arrived. It was why Sinara very often hosted such gatherings at her property. She was very young in comparison to some of the Kindred present, but had a reputation for maintaining privacy and secrecy by whatever means necessary- any means at all. There were no records of their stay, no forms of payment, no documentation on her part at all. That anyone knew of. Many would be reaching Manhattan soon, and she wanted to walk through the spaces that would be used, and possibly be in the lobby to greet those arriving. She also needed to send Ivan on his way. This was just the sort of venue that lent itself to disappearances of all sorts of beings- especially human beings.

They toured the building together, quietly discussing mundane business of the restaurant, the gym, the fighters. Her knee high black stiletto boots made no sound in the carpeted halls, his footfalls hushed beside hers. Her pace was sedate and unrushed as she appreciated the scents and textures of what was hers. She had spent years here, changing things to be exactly how she wished them to be. She was as comfortable here as she was in Dead City- sometimes more so. As they got closer to the populated areas, they ceased business discussions out of habit. They moved down the stairs toward the entrance floor, Ivan following behind Sinara, her black wrap dress exposing a generous amount of thigh with each descending step. Aza had always called this manner of dress her 'battle gear'.. always unrelieved black, her hair pulled back into a severe fashion, the length curling at her waist. Her face a mask of serenity, her skin's pallor evident beneath the slight remnant of her bronze Italian heritage, her only adornments being her diamond earrings, and the diamond encrusted compass on the short chain at her throat. Both items gifts, both priceless in their sentimental value. As it was the human's dinner hour, her garnet eyes shone a deep green- a concession to not only the cattle's comfort, but to Kindred secrecy and anonymity. As the pair made their way toward the lobby, an impossibly tall, impossibly beautiful sight caught her eye. She took Ivan's hand, slipped a key from behind the reception desk, and strode purposefully toward the women as they approached the entrance to Bellatore.

"Zia mia," Sinara said with a smile.. "I'm so glad you were able to find me at last." She Leaned forward then to place a chaste kiss on her Aunt Kokaine's cheek before stepping back to survey her companion. Good Lord, where the hell had she found her, Sinara mused silently. The human woman exuded heat, sensuality... and the look in her eye actually made Sinara unconsciously raise an eyebrow. She couldn't help a smirk in her dear Koko's direction- it was no secret that Koko was one of her favorite people. She was one of the first to greet her and treat her well when she came to Dead City with Azazeal, even as other's did all they could to make her feel like she did not belong. For that, she would always have a place in her heart, and would be welcome wherever Sinara happened to be. It was just a bonus now that they were tied by blood. After a few words of greeting, Sinara pressed the key into Kokaine's hand and was about to wish her a good evening when she looked toward the main entrance. She immediately let her glamour slip, her eyes a deep garnet as she watched the Domme Cohen approach, three men trailing obediently in her wake. Bella Cohen, Master of 'the sanguine voice', was not one Sinara would like in her head. The bitch was sadistic and had the power to play with just about anyone she chose. Sin herself was a mind fuck, but the Domme Cohen was a Master of the dominant voice, or as it is commonly referred to as Dominate. She could feel the human woman's eyes on hers and would have to remember to apologize to Koko later- but she would not waste the effort to maintain glamour when Bella Cohen was near.

She nodded briefly as she passed, an internal cringe at the thought of the Domme's presence at the meeting tonight. But, before that thought could twist her belly, in walked Sylvain Vioget. All silk and sass, he swayed in like the breeze, a sweet smile on his beautifully pale face. White blonde hair, rose lips, and a gait that would make most runway models look like stampeeding cattle, he made his way to her side with a murmured "Sina, darling girl.." before he kissed her on both cheeks. Oh, how she adored this particular Kindred! "Sylvie, you beauty.." she replied, leaning forward to wrap him in a comfortable, friendly embrace. She bid Koko farewell and a goodnight as she lead Sylvain toward the reception desk to withdraw a key to a corner suite. She had met him at a string quartet concert what seemed like ages ago now. Who had dragged her there, she didn't remember... but she did remember being very vocal and vehement in the defense of her new, openly homosexual friend Sylvain Vioget. Remy Vincent, that jackass, had been taunting and insulting from a few feet back for the entire performance. Sylvain had waved it all away, smiling it off good naturedly- as if he was accustomed to such abuse. Sinara had berated Remy publicly and loudly before being hushed by Sylvain himself. She was still shaking in fury when he sent for her a few hours later. She had entered his rooms and stood still in shock- and possibly a little horror- but definitely pride. There Sylvain had sat, serenely smoking one of his disgusting little cigars, with Remy on a leash at his feet. "You see Sinara, dear? Silly, silly piggys need not be publicly punished- why? When it can be such a .. deep and satisfying experience in private?" With that he tugged the leash and continued,"Isn't that right, Piglet? Yes... that's a good little swine." Sinara didn't know whether to laugh or cringe when Slyvain made his new piggy demonstrate for her.. 'Make an 'o' for daddy! Good piggy!'. No, Sinara never worried about Sylvain after that day. As for those that crossed him? She just wished them luck.

She bid him a fond farewell and made her way out to the steps in front of the building. Jesus Christ, New York smelled bad. Urine, dirt, and desperation. She still loved it, though. The artificial lights of the night skyline, the rude, hurried people who all thought their lives were so important.. all of it. She leaned back against the pale grey stone, watching with little interest as the cars fought for position on the constantly busy avenue. In just a few short hours the meeting would be over, and she could look forward to entertaining the Dragons that had chosen to come play in her backyard. She grinned then, imagining what they were all already getting into. This should be fun.

**NOTE: The Domme Bella Cohen and Sylvain Vioget are not of my own imagination- they are actual and documented Ventrue Kindred, as are their powers and stories. More on them and others later, I'm sure.

CLEMENT

It took Clement longer to find his destination than he had wished. The sights and smells of New York giving the vampire a lingering sense of caution despite the knowledge that this town was supposedly well ordered by the local kindred. Mainly Ventrue so far as he was aware, but many of the other clans held stakes in the Great City. Could it be the elder tension between rivals that gave Clement his heightened perception of the absence of sound? He did not know. He was not as adept with the workings of the inner mind, or in developing his primal instincts to decypher the reason behind reaction as he was in his other talents, and it made him feel bare in the streets. Uneasy. Even vulnerable.

Deciding that he should make his presence in Manhattan known to Sinara before calling on his contact, Clement took his steps hurriedly towards the warmth of the entrance to Bellatore. He told himself that it was polite to greet his friend before going to meet Vincent, but in truth he wanted the company. He had not wagered on finding this city to be so foreboding beyond the dangers of lycan or sunlight, it went deeper than that. Truly drowning him in the unrest that lay beneath still waters, in the undercurrent. He knew fear like this, and it came before a terrible event, like the calm before a storm. Silent and heavy. His body language showed the palpable tension in his gait as he reached the lit doorway. The light casting his coiled form into a brief luminescence, giving his sharp red eyes a flash of bloodied diamonds before they came to land on Sinara.

He was grateful and immediately settled in the city despite the feeling of unrest, to see and smell Sinara standing just outside the building. The familiarity of her scent relaxing him enough to maintain his grace. A wide grin crossed his face and lightened his countenance, as the tendrils of dread dettached themselves from his core. Unable to lessen the feeling of wholeness and purpose when met with one of his kin.

"Hello Sinara, fancy seeing you here." Clement said still smiling. He could not remember when he had last been so happy to see her, but he knew that there would not be time at once for socialising. He had to go to the other end of the business district, and he did not know how long it would take him to complete the transaction. Bowing deep in greeting to Sinara he allowed his eyes to lid for a moment for what seemed like the first time since he arrived, before standing and addressing his reasons for being in New York. He told her about the Ventrue, Vincent Lacroix and the ring he had came into possession of. Also the location and the manner through which he knows him. "...So I should probably take care of that now, before I settle myself to really see what you have here. Do you know where I could hail transportation?" He had planned on walking the distance, but he had to learn at least some of the modern ways of making his time there easier. Especially if he was planning on sticking around.

WOLFPACK

Entering the elevator together he looked at Ivy quizzically, for even although he understood her need for company, he didn’t expect her as a Malkavian to use humans for it, nor to grow so attached to them. It always ended bad for both. “I am sorry for your loss of he who gave you the strength to hold on to your sanity, for I can see how much he meant to you, but you knew that ultimately he would meet his demise in this unnatural friendship.” He didn’t want to hurt her with his words but he knew he had to get through to her in some way before she reverted to one of her other personae to shut out the hurt and confusion she was obviously feeling. “You will be glad to hear Bella will come to Sin’s too, maybe she can help you.” “I heard she has acquired some ancient research on how better to control Malkavian dementia, or at least to suppress it.” “Please promise me you will talk to her, I hate to see you like this.”


As he pressed the button, the doors closed and the cage zoomed down. He looked at the car keys she was fingering nervously. A smile lit his face as he thought of something, she apparently still had the souped up black mustang convertible. “Know what?” he grinned, “Let me drive, that will make sure you have something else to worry about.”

KOKAINE

As with most things, Kokaine sensed Sin well before she saw her. She had after all been created by Artemis, goddess of the Hunt, Moon, Night, and several other things. As such she was more than just an average huntress. She had been the goddess’ companion for more than three millennia, her very nature had been sculpted and honed by the goddess herself—she was indeed the very embodiment of The Hunt. Only her natural disposition had kept her from being some completely wild thing. She had thankfully possessed the mental fortitude to keep that half of her nature pent up. She knew how to tap into its power without giving free reign to the urges within, but sometimes if she wasn’t careful enough, things got messy.

Her hand still held Ginger’s and so when she spun to face her dearest Sinara her companion was right there beside her. A wide and genuine smile lit her face as the lovely younger woman approached. “Well if it isn’t my darling niece. So glad you are no longer missing in action.” She leaned forward, letting Sin place a chaste kiss upon her cheek that she returned in kind. She did not miss the way the woman’s eyes appraised Ginger nor did she miss the large piece of arm candy Sin currently held hands with. Mischief danced through her eyes at Sin’s knowing look but she made no further comment, the woman would think what she wanted, and she would probably be right. Kokaine was not always the most outgoing person but she could remember back to when she’d first met Sin and the instant rapport they’d shared. She had not been a part of the Dead City for very long when Sin had come along but something had made her speak to the other woman when normally she would have been content to sit back and observe. Sinara was one of the few Kindred who’d managed to earn Kokaine’s loyalty and love.

Further pleasantries were exchanged along with a key to an apartment on one of the upper floors that would be at Kokaine’s disposal while she remained in Manhattan. Sin was just beginning to make her goodbyes when a chill skittered down her spine. Immediately confirming her suspicions Sin dropped her glamour quite suddenly, revealing eyes the color of glittering garnets that immediately brought to mind The Dominor herself. For a split second she thought that was who approached but the moment the thought entered her head she knew it was wrong. Valterra always registered as a flaring of heat at the seat of her power that spread outward. It was usually a pleasant enough feeling, unless the woman was pissed off, but this felt like spiders crawling over her skin, a warning sign if there ever was one. Kokaine knew it was a big deal if Sin would reveal her nature so abruptly in the presence of an unknown human. She may not have known much about her companion but she did know that Ginger was certainly perceptive; she was not going to miss such a flagrant flexing of power.

With the sudden release of Sin’s glamour Kokaine had to concentrate to keep from letting her own cover slip. She used her glamour so often that pulling it on was akin to pulling on clothing, once it was on, it was there until she removed it or someone else managed to strip it from her. However, with the rising tension and Sin’s reaction, Kokaine’s instincts were kicking into high gear. Being a newer Dragon she did not yet possess the base of knowledge other Dragon’s possessed as far as other Kindred were concerned. Despite being well learned and having spent over three thousand years traveling here and there, she had only become a social creature within the last fifty years of her life. Most of her time had previously been spent with Artemis, hunting, or out observing. Kokaine had been content to stand alone in a sea of people, just watching, picking out trends and nuances that others tended to miss in the daily grind. Collecting herself, she let the tension seep from her long body, affecting the casual air of a young fledgling—it would be best if the other Kindred continued to underestimate her. Whoever this woman was, she made Sin uneasy, and that meant Kokaine needed to be wary of her as well.

To her relief the woman passed without incident, barely nodding to Sin in acknowledgment and ignoring Kokaine altogether. Just after the woman came a male vampire that Sin seemed to feel decidedly more at ease with. He was quite a beautiful male and seemed to float across the floor with a grace that even she was envious of. Sin embraced the male warmly and she took that as her cue. Kokaine politely said her goodbyes and took her leave as her niece turned to take the male’s arm and escort him to the desk, her human arm candy trailing behind. As they departed her gaze immediately turned to that of her companion. She took a deep, albeit unnecessary breath and guided her back around to face the entrance of the restaurant.

“Come luv. If you are still up for it, we can get that drink and I shall answer any questions you may have.” The words came out on a sigh, for Kokaine had not the skill required to “fix” things should they not go well. While Ginger seemed like a rare find, the truth was she could not pretend to know the woman’s reaction to the proven existence of vampires. She had to hope that things would remain cool, calm, and civilized. Disbelief, shock, excitement, curiosity, even nervousness she could handle, but terror and any of the usual resulting behaviors she was not prepared to handle. If Ginger could not handle such a revelation, and keep her mouth shut about it, Kokaine would be forced to kill the sultry beauty. My how she would hate to waste such simmering passion…

VALTERRA

Darkness, close, tight, claustrophobic darkness. Even in the endlessness of a lifespan of two-millenia, claustrophobia struck her like a freight train, reminding her of tiny, barred rooms with dirt floors, causing her to tense and pace like a caged tiger. She slept very little on the flight from the city of Death which she called home to New York. She hated planes, she hated the closeness that laughed at her as she fought the impulse to leap from it.. the reckless- fatal impulse should it be obeyed, and she felt the aircraft touch down upon the tarmac with a deep sense of relief.
There was no logic in her fear, it was residual human nonsense, but nonetheless near hysteria seeped it's way into ancient bones each time the doors closed behind her within Alucard's private jet. She forced her form still, and her features blank as the doors were opened before her, calming herself with a deep unnecessary breath before stepping into the cool embrace of the night, allowing the tension to seep from her long elegant limbs as she floated down the stairs and onto the cool cement beneath her feet.

The man who waited at the door to the limo upon the abandoned airstrip was pointedly human- but he knew well what she was, if not who- and it showed as his pulse quickened at the nearness of her. Without a glance she moved with swift poise to take her seat within the limousine sitting in wait for her as it had been arranged. The man moved to close the door with a deep exhaled breath, and a thought struck her then, a smirk pulling the corners of her full mouth upward as crimson eyes darted to the closing door- her hand shooting out just as quickly to pause the shutting of the door.
Obediantly, the man paused, opening it back up as his heart raced to a pounding pace, and for a single bemused moment she wondered if he might suffer a heart-attack then and there.

"Have you forgotten something Miss?" He asked her, his voice quaking blatantly.
"No child." She answered, smiling at him still as his chocolate eyes panicked in an effort to find somewhere to look that might not offend the deadly Mistress.
"Join me." She commanded as his knuckles turned white upon the handle of the door, and sweat beaded upon his brow.
"Miss?" He had inquired with the last ounce of his courage.
"Come." She finished, leaving no room for argument as the playful smile fell from her features, and power leaked into her voice.

With a final glance behind him, as if bidding the evening breeze goodbye, he came forward, and into the vehicle, taking a seat beside the vampire Mistress, before, with a final shaking breath, he pulled the door closed with it's tinted windows behind him, and joined the viper- in the snake pit.

The car ride wasn't long, merely long enough, and Valterra kept herself busy within the confines of the moving vehicle, with little interest for the world outside. She had watched New York's birth and growth for centuries, and in truth she cared very little how it may have changed or thrived or fallen in the past ten years since last she had come to pay it homage. Instead she payed close attention only to the human man's pulse beneath her lips, the taste of his skin as she laved her tongue across the open flesh wounds upon his neck.
The driver of the limousine knew well what sensual violence took place just feet from where he sat, and she could easily hear the thoughts rushing through his mind as he promised himself if he would just be silent, if he would just get the lady to her destination- he might live to see another wasted night of his life.

Lucky bastard- turns out he was quite correct, and she bid him a nice evening with a shared secret smile as she slid in one elegant motion from the vehicle at the foot of the gleaming Bellatore, pushing the door open with a an unnatural ease of motion, the door man who might have otherwise helped her from the vehicle- delightedly indisposed behind her.
She stood a moment on the side of the bustling road with closed eyes as the limo driver tore away from his place behind her with a reckless speed bred from fear, and she inhaled deeply the scents of the city, any tension left in her limbs from the flight- blissfully dismissed and sent away by the blood of the common help.
A smile lighted her pale features, predatory, charming, Dominor- as she paced forward with the smart click of metal stiletto heels upon pavement toward the doors of Bellatore, where darling little Sin awaited her company.

She could sense the presence of.. others, of all of them at once, and she recalled how at one time in her life the ability to do so had been overwhelming, but now she merely cataloged them neatly- casting them left and right and up and down in her mind as she classified them- friend, or foe- moderate threat or impotent beastie, and she cast a brow upward as she sensed the power in a selective few- wondering for a spare moment what had struck Alucard as important enough to send little Sinara into the midst of the feral packs of wolves- without even so much as a woodcutter to protect the little hood from their digestive systems.
She would deal with him later- for the time being, she had come, she was in attendance as Sinara had requested, and carelessly casting out a light wave of heat from the core of her power- she let the monsters of Manhatten know in a single motion, that they were no longer the biggest and baddest in their city.

"Step carefully pups." She sang to no one in particular, as she floated up the steps of Bellatore with a swing of hips- and a deadly spark of eye.

[Sinara Dominor]

MACABRESS

"It`s a pleasure to meet you" she said to her gracious host before turning to the robust male companion "and you as well" She departed with a smirk of curiosity as her gaze hopelessly sought to catch another infraction of Sinara`s eyes. From the moment she walked through the entrance of the lobby, she felt as if she traveled through a portal, one of time and ritual, and what she just witnessed confirmed her suspicions that she had clearly left the human domain.
Secrets were something she was accustomed to for there was certainly a lot she had to "glamor" from others. Her life was far from conventional so she mostly kept to herself or people who led extraordinary lives. It was always comforting to be around those who had confidentiality to hold. Being that she was a mercenary to the head of the most notorious syndicate the human realm had ever known, it was not only her interests she needed to protect but his as well.

She mused at the thought that seemingly supreme beings would hold onto mortal characteristics. Effeminate personalities and dominance were common eccentricities while defense and concern were telling of emotional bonds. There was no doubt these were social creatures bound in the institutions of human necessity ~ family, love, status, sex, possibly even marriage ~ and she couldn`t help but wonder if it was a ruse or a need. Needs could equate to faults and no matter how magnificent anyone seemed, power never did equate to invulnerability. It just made the crash worse if the crash ever came. She decided to be wary of her intimacy among such a crowd of beautiful people and their drama for if one of them did fall, it would be in a spiral of terminal velocity.

She was also wary of her companion`s intentions. But she held close to her guide, being pulled in by a tremendous fascination and now a sense of protection. The presence of another human, Ivan, made her content that death was not necessarily in her immediate future, not her death anyway, but she nevertheless felt vulnerable. She was naked and unprepared for a dangerous encounter and if things went wrong all she had was a secondhand pistol tucked in her purse. All her senses and experience told her to leave but she was hopelessly drawn in by a relentless desire. She was human and she wanted what she wanted. Her self esteem demanded satisfaction with this woman and what she wanted more then ever was to get on with it.

"Hello ladies, what are you having this evening?" the bartender broke into her thoughts.
"I`ll have a martini, very dirty" the emphasis in her voice flirted with his imagination but more precisely with her companion`s. She turned to Kokaine "What would you like to drink before we go up?" Her eyes spied the key in Kokaine`s hand as Ginger reached in her purse and threw two twenties on the counter. She leaned in closer to her prized possessor, purposely baring the long sensuous line of her neck as her lips brushed softly against a perked ear. Inappropriate thoughts gathered in her mind as she adjusted her stance to relieve the rising anticipation between the v of her thighs "I have questions that can only be answered in private" she whispered. The moment seemed forever as she paused in a stupor from this woman`s seductive presence until she felt a rush of breath across her skin that caused a stir throughout her delighted body.

IVY

Nothing much was said during the swift ride to Lady Sinara's building, a place she'd never actually been before. Ivy preferred her anonymity. It was better that way for all of them. So she'd stayed in her little hole, apparently with Lady Luck on her side for no incidents such as this one had occurred. She thought on what Lord Wolfpack had said, about Lady Bella working with the insanity that her bloodline had. Made her admire the woman even further for such a dangerous attempt. She chuckled softly. Even she couldn't deal with her insanity. Ivy wondered how Lady Bella dealt with it.

Would she be gone for a while here? Ivy had left Julian, her husband back in their manor in Dead City, and a part of her missed him immensely. They hadn't been married long, and they were still exploring one another. But Goddess and Consort, she loved her wonderful demon. He had put up with so much from her so far, and was still willing to fight her fight. She should have brought him with her, and all this...all this...could have been...prevented. And Jason...

Ivy hadn't known she'd been digging her sharp nails into her palms, blood beginning to lightly drip out, until Wolf had grabbed her hands, yanking them up roughly and showing her what she was doing. She studied him for a moment then leaned forward to reach into the glove compartment for the wipes that she kept in there specifically for when she had her 'moments'. Of which they were often. She cleaned up the blood, miraculously avoiding getting any of it on herself, which brought on another round of semi-hysterical laughter, until the car stopped, and the lights of Lady Sin's building were suddenly bright and shining. A soft smile curved her lips as the valet opened up her door, and Ivy stepped out. I guess we're not in Wonderland anymore, Alice. she thought softly. For once, the Hive Mind was utterly silent.

WOLFPACK

He didn't wait for the valet to open his door like he did Ivy's, when they arrived at their destination, but instead he hopped over it in one fluent motion. He was already standing next to her on the curb when she got out, his unnaturally quick approach apparently silenced by the rubber soles of his All Stars. His glamor had been on all night and he just looked like any another fashionable & well to do European visiting the Big Apple, so despite his actions the valet didn't give him a second look. Eying his surroundings he sensed some of the other Dragons, very powerful ones even, were near while he felt the city vibrate under his feet as a subway train rumbled underneath them and traffic raced past. He looked up the towering facade of the building before smiling at Ivy and offering her his arm while they walked up the steps. She was more at ease now, despite her small lapse in the car, but his presence and dominance seemed to have helped her calm down a bit. He didn't mind taking care of his dear friend, but the continuous irrationality of Malkavian behavior and their lack of self preservation never ceased to amaze him, so he was glad she had accepted to come along with him since he knew how hard it was for her to relax in the company of other strong Kindred.

He could smell and feel Sin's presence emanate from the building long before the doormen opened the doors for Ivy and himself and memories flooded his mind, making his eyes even darker with lust and caution. As they entered the soft golden light of the lobby chandeliers flooded the stoop and he could see Sin talking to Clement at the far end of the classic old world style lobby. Old black leather chesterfield couches and low antique inlaid oak tables were set at regular intervals and he could see the human males present ogling Ivy just like their female consorts were trying to catch his eye. Ignoring them he quickly walked over to Sin, kissing softly on her lips while embracing her warmly before shaking Clement's hand and nodding at the human pet standing next to Sin. "Hello love, its been awhile since we last met, I see you're just as radiant as ever," he smiled, "Any plans for dinner yet?" He winked at her before shifting his gaze to Clement "Good to see you Clem, how was your trip? Not too taxing I hope? Ivy, I think you've met everyone, haven't you dear?" he said as he introduced her to the party while he inquisitively looked at the human and frowned. "And you are?" he dismissively asked.

Before the human could reply his pda rang, this time with a menacing buzz. He reached for it in his inside pocket and after looking at the name lit up on the screen he said "I hope you will excuse me, I have to take this, it's urgent," and activated the incoming call. He glanced at Sin and mentally projected bloodshed in combination the word Sabbat and an image of France before he turned around and walked out of earshot of the human. This was not good, he had been sure it was safe for him to leave Europe after all the fail-safes he had put in place and thoroughly discussed with his most trusted clan members. After finishing the call he returned to them, his glamor a little less bright. "I'm very sorry but I have to leave immediately to attend to some pressing business. Looking at her he said "Sin, I hope you will forgive me for my rude behavior but this can't wait. I wish we would have had time to talk in private, but since that is not possible please honor me by accepting this small gift I brought you to thank you for your hospitality." He handed her a small and old felt covered covered box. "Please make sure you're out of the reach of preying eyes when opening it, its heretic Cathar powers have been known to attract less desirable elements but it matches the color of your eyes and strengthens your vitae or so Bella told me." Nodding his goodbye to everyone he turned and left.

KOKAINE

“I’ll take an Absolut Sex.” Kokaine ordered without turning from Ginger’s gaze, her full lips quirking at the obvious reference. All evening heat had traveled through her veins steadily building her desire. Soon it would be all consuming and when she released her control both she and her intended prey would be swept up in the firestorm. She couldn’t wait.

Kokaine watched the woman beside her carefully, looking for a hint of understanding of things to come but she couldn’t get past the bold waves of lust and sensuality this temptress transmitted. In fact, something about this woman screamed succubus and if it weren’t for the definitely human vibes she gave off Kokaine would have wholeheartedly believed it. She smiled, the flash of perfect white teeth just a touch predatory as her instincts kicked up a notch. Ginger chose that moment to lean toward her and Kokaine was not oblivious to her precise posturing. Willing to give her the desired response her golden gaze slid down the smooth expanse of flesh presented to her, caressing the long lines of smooth skin and tracing the contours and hollows of her neck and finally settling upon the staccato beat of her pulse. She hadn’t actually needed to see her pulse to know it was there. She could hear the surge of warm blood through her seductress’ veins and it was like the sweetest siren’s call to her. Taking a deep breath she scented Ginger’s mounting desire. It teased her senses and for a moment she imagined snatching the woman up and carting her off to have her wicked way with her but she would not drop her layer of civility just yet. There were things they still needed to discuss and Ginger’s whispered words proved that.

Kokaine grinned as the woman seemed to pause in a lust induced trance. Content to feed into it she let her erotic intentions project outward, drawing her luscious companion in further until suddenly a pulse of heat flared through her and shattered her concentration. Damn that woman! She almost always managed to throw Kokaine off somehow. She was almost certain that Valterra was close judging by the strength of the pulse. She probably could have sent a mental greeting through their tenuous mental bond, formed back in the days of Obsidian, but with the strange Kindred floating around she didn’t know who might be listening and Kokaine did not possess the necessary skill to guard her mental projections over long ranges. Besides, the Lady might not take too kindly to being intruded upon. So instead she kept silent, making a note to acknowledge Valterra’s presence formally at some point before she left Manhattan. Though she wondered why she even felt the need to bother, she was almost positive that the woman wasn’t aware of her presence here in the city. Not that she couldn’t find Kokaine should she have such a desire, it just wasn’t necessary nor important. The thought made her chuckle as she and her lovely companion received their drinks.

They drank their respective drinks in silence. Heated glances, the subtle shift of crossed thighs, fingertips tracing through gathering condensation, and small, teasing sips followed by the sensuous drawing of tongues across lips all said far more than mere words could. It was a flirty dance of silent innuendo and promises that made Kokaine’s fangs itch with need and pulse to the same rhythm as her heated sex. Finally she could delay no more and put her half-finished drink aside. When Ginger took her offered hand she pulled the woman close, their bodies fitting together like mated puzzle pieces. She whispered in the other woman’s ear, her tone purring and heavily laced with the warm sands of Egypt and the cool seas of Greece at once, “I shall give the answers you seek but first I must be sure you are prepared to hold my secrets.” She pulled back to search her temptress’ gaze looking for some measure of certainty that she wanted to continue onward. What she saw there reassured her enough to proceed. While there seemed to be some wariness, the heat in Ginger’s gaze had yet to abate. Over the small hint of self-preservation lay a blanket of pure desire and Kokaine relented.

She led her companion to the elevators, her walk tall and sure and in no way hinting at the slight case of nerves she was experiencing at the thought of dropping her glamour for this woman. When the doors finally whooshed open on their floor she gestured Ginger ahead of her, speaking only the number to the apartment. She followed closely behind admiring the sway of the woman’s hips. There was pure sex in the way this human moved and Kokaine couldn’t help but appreciate it even as she cast her senses wide for potential threats. It wouldn’t do to be so clouded by lust that she ended up dead. That would just be silly.

Entry into the suite was made in a civilized fashion and Kokaine settled herself in a large, overstuffed armchair across from the couch upon which Ginger made herself comfy. Kokaine tended to prefer comfort to looks and certainly enjoyed textures. Sin had chosen the perfect room for her with its deliciously comfortable black couches and armchairs, the splashes of bright color statements, the myriad of textured accent pillows, and the thick, plush carpeting. Her head tilted to the side sending her long black hair cascading around her shoulders as she surveyed the intriguing creature across from her. She thought at first to speak, to prepare the woman for the changes to come, but then she changed her mind. Why prolong the wait? Shaking her head she decided to just get the first step over and done with.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and held it a moment. As she exhaled her glamour dropped slowly, peeling itself back like a skin tight cat suit. She felt naked without it and almost vulnerable as she revealed herself to Ginger. It wasn’t even like her glamour covered much, it was just strange to be without it so completely. She knew the effect it would have on her appearance without needing to see the visual for herself. Her skin glowed slightly brighter, radiating with the steady hum of her power as though a fire were lit from within. Her tattoos would be visible as well were it not for the thick curtain of her hair and her clothing. On her right hip a palm sized blazing sun marked her ties to Sekhmet—Goddess of War, Lady of Flame, Right hand of Ra, and oddly enough her biological mother. Her left hip boasted a matching tattoo of a crescent moon that marked her ties to Diana—Goddess of the moon and Roman counterpart to her former sire, Artemis. History sometimes confused them as the same person but the Greeks and the Romans had known different. On the back of her neck sat a smaller circular tattoo that showed the connection between the sun and the moon. Half a sun met the crescent in a highly stylized manor, marking the goddesses’ shared purpose where Kokaine was concerned.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, her eyes would be revealed. They were often hard for younger vampires to deal with as they were far from normal, so she naturally expected some sort of shock from her guest. There were no whites to her eyes; they were simply solid orbs of amber with jagged star-bursts of black for her pupil. Once she’d had fairly normal eyes but through Artemis’ tampering they’d changed and she could not figure out how to change them back. She’d had friends tell her they were beautiful but humans tended to be wary of anything that was too different. So she merely opened her eyes and waited for Ginger to react to her revelation. If she could handle the eyes then maybe, just maybe she’d get to see the fangs. Kokaine’s lips curved upward in anticipation. She’d certainly be feeling them, one way or another.

IVY

Her eyes watched everyone go about their business. After Wolfpack left, Ivy felt ill at ease, and rather lost. With some not so subtle prodding from the Hive Mind, the girl stepped forward, intent on exploring. She had seen Clement was there, and her heart swelled with joy to know that he was here. Lady Sin seemed busy, and who could blame her. The woman was very important here in New York City. Ivy only vaguely remembered Wolf telling her to stay with Sinara, the thought being quickly pushed from her head by Them. A soft tune whispered from her rose-pale lips as she padded forward, her fingers drifting over the things that seemed to fascinate her.

Ivy, when she was in one of her states, was very much like a child with its hand in the proverbial cookie jar, she just couldn't help herself when she became restless. Her intense stare fixated upon the many humans roaming the place, and she grinned slightly, not bothering to hide her curved teeth. They wouldn't be missed much, would they? She bit her lip softly as Syntax's voice slid like warm hot chocolate into her mind. You promised Wolfpack you wouldn't get into trouble, Ivy girl. The corners of Ivy's mouth turned downward, and she let go of her careful scrutiny of one human male who seemed to suddenly breathe again. "You're no fun, Syn. Why must you ruin my play time?"

The Malk girl continued her journey onward, bypassing the lobby, and heading for the elevators.

SINARA

The cars on the avenue continued their rush and stop progression through the night traffic in front of Bellatore. Sinara had stepped out onto the elevated entrance to get a small distance from some of the thrumming power of several of the beings inside, but ended up welcoming more that were arriving. The weight and importance of the meeting tonight had placed a knot of tension in her shoulders and a pain in her head. She closed her eyes, feeling and listening, planning , and mentally bracing herself for the task ahead. When she opened them, she had a brief sense of disorientation. The smiling man standing before her was one of the last people she would have thought to see tonight. She smiled at him as the reality of his presence sunk in with his words. Extending a hand, she drew Clement to her with the comfortable familiarity of a much needed friend. “A ring, is it?” she asked, and listened as he relayed the rest of his purpose. She was delighted to see him- not only because of the promise of his company, but because she had been unable to shake that niggling feeling that something was not quite right, and even more alarming was the fact that she still couldn‘t determine if it was a threat here, or back at Hellsing.

As they ascended the steps and entered the building, she offered to accompany him to his destination after her meeting, or at least provide transportation if he wasn‘t inclined to wait. As they walked, she told him of the other Dragons present, of the things she wanted to show him and share with him now that he was here. After tonight she could relax and entertain as she wanted to… she hoped. She addressed a very young, very human appearing female Daeva behind the desk as she gestured to Clement.. “Victoria, please make sure our guest is made comfortable, dear? And do be sure that there is a car and driver made available to him if he so chooses- preferably Seamus.” She looked up then to see Ivan approaching from the stairwell, just as she felt a significant presence at her back. She turned to see her husband approach with a deceivingly, innocently lovely Ivy close to his side. Had she not been having a mild bout of internal panic at the thought of her Wolf eating her human, she would have laughed at the moron mortal males staring at the petite Malkavian. Ivy seemed not to notice, so occupied in her own thoughts and exploration- for now. No sooner had Wolf reached her side than she was caught in an uncharacteristic display of affection and thinly veiled possession. The half snarled comment to Ivan was met by a soft snort of amusement at the blatantly rude dismissal and then both were blessedly interrupted by the ringing of Wolf’s phone. He paused his call just long enough to press a gift into her hand and make his apologies for a hasty departure as her greeting turned into a brief kiss goodbye. Although she would have liked to have him near, she was almost glad he would be away from whatever it was she was sensing.

Sinara stood watching Wolf depart through the glass front doors, then wished Ivan a safe journey home with a promise to call after the gathering as he went through the stairwell doors to the garage. She worried briefly when she didn’t see Ivy about, but took comfort in the thought that not many humans were near at this hour to get themselves into trouble, and the woman could certainly hold her own. She glanced up at the clock then as she saw two Macellarius leaving the restaurant. It must be about time to be heading up to the meeting- Lord knows those Kindred didn’t pry their substantial selves away from the feeding table until they absolutely had to. Crescentia Macellarius undulated in her direction and Sinara plastered a smile on her face. As she neared, she could actually smell the blood and flesh emanating from the pair as the drew closer. Sinara moved to meet them away from the desk for privacy, as she sensed there just may be a need.. The conversation was brief but interesting- and she had a new fondness and respect for the outspoken woman. This would be an interesting night, to be sure.

Just as she was cautioning the Macellarius pair to mind their step onto the elevator, she felt a familiar pulse of heat and power fairly slam into her and then settle in her chest. For just a moment she had been jolted, a fleeting fear, anxiety… something. A different something, though. Sylvain, Domme Cohen, Crescentia .. many exuded an undeniable strength. But this was different.. it was familiar, and distinct. A comfort. She didn’t need to turn around to know who was approaching. She smiled wide as she took quick steps back to the desk, reaching blindly over the top to retrieve the small cherry wood box from the corner. She flipped the tiny gold latch and opened the lid to reveal the antique styled silver key laying embedded in red velvet. Her smile widened and she laughed softly as she heard the sharp click of metal on marble in the lower foyer and the softly murmured words ‘Step carefully, pups’. She walked toward the stairs leading down to the foyer, one hand holding the small box, the other unconsciously over the lightly throbbing heat in her chest.

She was still smiling as she watched Val approach, sifting quickly through her mind, thinking about what she had asked her to come into. She had a building full of Dragons and all sorts of other .. interesting beings, some of which would rather see her sunbathing than hosting a gathering of this magnitude. There was something far beyond the anxiety and ‘stage fright’ that would have been normal for her to feel before voluntarily locking herself in a room with the afore mentioned company. Something was making her self preservation alarms ring, and she had selfishly asked her to come anyway. Valterra stepped onto the carpeted upper floor just as Sinara’s smile faded, guilt and relief warring in her mind. She didn’t know if she was more afraid that she was there and at risk now, or relieved that she had come. Relief won out. She found herself embracing the woman she had invited into danger before she could think better of it, then stepping back to hand her the box she had been clutching in her hand. “Welcome, Ava..” she said, a strained smile on her lips. “Let me show you your gift.” She led her away from the lobby then to the elevator that would take her down to her new apartments to which she held the key, and deeper into their little world- Dragons, Dominors, and the rest.

MACABRESS

An eerie sense of confusion, allure, terror, surprise, intrigue, and anticipation all welled up in one as Ginger witnessed Kokaine`s beautiful modification. Her muscles tensed, her eyes widened, her heart raced, nervousness crawled down her back, but her mind made no attempt to resist. As unbelievable as it was, she sensed no trace of trickery. Mental acceptance won over her body`s instinctive flight for survival as her eyes never averted from that glorious amber gaze. She was not capable of reading it but she was herself being read, the only conscious thought on her mind was the knowledge of being drawn into a deep ritual of seduction that she could not help but submit to. Beyond her inner tensions, she found comfort in the radiating surge of mystic energy and the knot in her gut slowly released it`s grip as she became one with her body once more.

Gradually she realized she had abandoned her seat and was prowling towards this woman, being driven by a force of nature she had never felt before. Her naked feet sinking into the pillow of plush carpeting left a trail from her abandoned shoes to her current position. And though her will had been guided, there was no question where most people would retract, she dared to venture. She entered the inner circle of Kokaine`s aura and she could feel the warmth envelope her like a decadent bath. Waves of hunger surrounded her but there was no indication of harm. Her own body ignited as she allowed Kokaine`s influence to infiltrate everything about her and she felt immortally alive.
The confinement of her jacket suddenly became overwhelming and her hands moved to release the buttons to remove the constriction, all the while feeling that she wasn`t doing this merely for her comfort but because her admirer had silently demanded it. She unwrapped the garment from her torso and tossed it to the side, the loose cloth gathering from a neckline crimp before settling on the floor in a triangular form. The exposure further revealed her heightened condition as the arousal in her body pressed against her sheer lace bra and teased through her blouse. She had come this close, she was certainly willing to give her part. She kneeled in front of Kokaine`s seductive presence, gasping with a heavy sigh of awe and surrender.

There was no doubt who was the higher being and Ginger felt no shame in her submission. As strong, stubborn, and independent as she was, her sexual nature was quite the opposite. She would be the first to admit how she loved being on her knees for a deserving lover and though she was well equip to be most any man or woman`s fantasy, it was her humility that invoked fantastic depths of intimacy. She considered her mystery to be a privileged gift and was not one to give herself freely however she had never been so seduced as this.
Even with a natural fright of things unknown she knew that what she was witnessing was itself a privilege and it was her intention to honor this gift. Damn this mix of feelings, she cursed her human nature. Only one thing would allow her peace of mind. She was compelled to ask if this was her swan song even though if she was to die, she was dead already. Whatever the case, she wanted desperately to fulfill her craving to feel every sensuous aspect of this woman`s touch.
"I`ve never been with a vampire" she smiled slightly, amused by her childlike dialogue before she gathered her lust and moved closer, daring to place her hands on the corners of Kokaine's seat "I've never been so drawn in by someone" her voice soaked with the heat that had been gathering at her spread "You are the most exquisite being I've ever met and I've never felt like I belonged with anyone like I do with you. I just want to know what do you feel?"

KOKAINE

Kokaine was acutely aware she was being granted power, power she did not naturally possess, and that knowledge was far more seductive than she would have imagined. While it was certainly true that her vampiric nature allowed her some measure of influence over humans, rarely did it go to this extent unless such influence was welcomed. She watched Ginger move toward her enjoying the show of sensual grace her soon to be lover so effortlessly demonstrated. She wanted to see more, to have this woman bare herself so that she could partake in an unfettered visual feast. And at least some of her desire must have showed through for no sooner had the thought entered her mind than Ginger stripped off her jacket and tossed it to the floor behind her. Yet somehow the blouse was worse and she had to fight with herself not to reach out and shred the suddenly offending garment and its peekaboo game.

As the woman knelt before her, Kokaine considered her intent. In kneeling, this woman had placed herself at a distinct disadvantage. Was her companion aware of what she was doing? She scoffed at her own mental question as she knew the answer straight away. This woman had been conscious of every move she’d made through the night ‘til now, why would this be any different? Though perhaps she did not comprehend the effect such a simple thing could have upon Kokaine. She was not prone to honoring humans in any form but this particular female was different from the masses and in respect to that difference she chose to honor the position she was being granted. She’d had her share of lovers and though dominance was frequently addressed within vampire culture, it was not always addressed within a sexual context. For those times when it had been, Kokaine had experienced a number of roles but never had she encountered a natural submissive of such caliber. She knew well who held the power in such encounters and it said something about Ginger that Kokaine did not think to question the role she was being placed in. While many of her kind would assume the role of dominant out of expectancy and arrogance, in dealing with a human at least, Kokaine took the role for the responsibility it was. She would never assume or force such an encounter as she greatly preferred being given control rather than having to take it.

Her unwavering gaze clearly displayed her immersion in the erotic thoughts streaming through her conscious mind. The strength of her desire had grown to proportions greater than that of her immortal body and was seeking an outlet. She shifted in her seat, her legs uncrossing smoothly as she angled her body toward her companion. Ginger had asked her a question and she was inclined to answer truthfully.

“What is it you are looking to hear?” Her full lips pursed a moment and she tapped a long, well-manicured nail against them thoughtfully. “Are you wanting to hear that right at this very moment, looking upon your lovely face and delectable body my fangs itch to descend, to penetrate the soft membrane separating me from the gushing flow of life through your veins?” She paused, her brow quirking upward in question before her husky tones resumed, “Or perhaps you wish to hear how my very skin feels tight with need, like it cannot hold any more and yet craves more all the same. You want to know that it is all I can do to keep from clenching my thighs together to stop the traitorous pulsing in my core?” As more words flowed from her, her lips betrayed her slightly mischievous intent by curving upward at the corners. But her eyes told of the desire beyond her mischief. Their glowing amber depths showed the truth, reflecting the slow burn that was currently flooding her veins.

“I could tell you that I am seconds away from eating you alive, and that every instinct I have screams that you are prey. Not easy prey to be sure, but prey nonetheless. MY prey.” Her tone was matter of fact even though she felt anything but. She licked her lips slowly and toyed with the zipper on her red leather jacket. She hesitated only briefly before speaking her next words and her zipper began a slow, steady slide downward. “Or maybe what you wish to hear is that I feel strangely drawn to you… that I ache to possess you, consume you, and protect you all at once.” Her zipper slipped free, letting the tight jacket fall open slightly due to the insistent press of her breasts, and yet she did not look away from the woman before her. A long unbroken line of smooth skin in an even shade of vibrant gold was bared from her neck to the waist band of her low rise jeans. Wanting Ginger to fully understand what she really was, a huntress and a monster, she pushed up from her chair using an almost casual flex of supernatural speed. She looked over her shoulder at Ginger and grinned, fully exposing her fangs. Kokaine suspected her primal nature was the reason that her fangs were both slightly longer and a bit thicker than the average vampire’s fangs but it really mattered little to her. It simply meant that she had made an art form out of biting while doing no more damage than necessary.

Turning her head she moved to the bedroom door. Shedding her jacket she let it drop carelessly to the floor behind her, paying no mind to the sunglasses and the phone that rested within its pockets. She bared her back to Ginger with an easy flick of her long mass of hair. “If I have scared you, I apologize.” She spoke quietly offering Ginger her very last chance at an out, “You are welcome to rest out here and leave when you wish. But if you truly wish to know what I feel, follow and I’ll show you rather than tell you.” She turned then and stepped back into the room slowly, letting darkness shroud her form and leave her eyes blazing bright, “But know that once you cross this threshold, you are mine and there is no backing out.”

[Sinara Dominor]

IVY

He was easily lured, following the Malkavian girl like a little puppy, and Ivy smiled softly, sliding one slim arm around his waist, and pulling the human closer. Usually, she wouldn't be reckless like this, and especially not in Lady Sinara's building, but she was hungry, unusually so, and he just happened to be in the elevator when she drifted inside. He smelled good too, tickling her senses teasingly. It had started with random conversation then quickly escalated with the little meal pressing her to the wall for kisses, bringing her lust and want for blood to a rising, dangerous need. He had thought he was in control with her, and it was time to prove to him just how wrong he was.

They came up onto the roof, wind whipping at their clothes, and Ivy grinned happily, the Alters crowing in delight at the vastness of New York City spread out below. She ran immediately to the edge, peering down with an appraising eye, much to the chagrin of her warm~blooded companion who yelled at her to get away before she fell. She scowled at him, a sudden shine coming to her eyes as she dropped her glamour, revealing full on what she was. The vampyr was on him in seconds, sinking curved fangs into his throat, swallowing deep, a slight grimace on her elfin features at the acrid taste of his blood. With the wind howling up here, no one could hear his pathetic screaming except for Ivy, and she was enjoying every sad minute of it.

His body was limp now, barely breathing, and she stared down at him absentmindedly, before gently sliding her teeth from him, and sighing. One was never enough, I should have gone for a threesome, she thought, chuckling softly. He wasn't so pretty now when he was gasping like a fish out of water, and she remembered something about being told to 'not play with her food', so her hands carefully slid over his bleach~white cheeks. Ivy whispered, "thank you" then twisted swiftly, the sweet crack of his neck sounding so beautiful to her keen hearing. She should have known the euphoria wasn't going to last. The snapping noise and the screaming wind masked the first wave of danger coming at her.

Ivy was struck with a powerful blow to the side of her face, sending her halfway across the gravel surface, bits of it embedding into her flesh in a most annoying way. She was on her feet, snarling viciously, two holy daggers in her small hands, invisible to anyone but those with the most immense powers of Auspex. More of them were coming out of the shadows now, and her eyes darted between them. Four, now five were there, attempting to surround her slight form. Fuck, fuck, fuck!! The Alters were shouting inside her head, making it more confusing for Ivy. How had these creatures fallen beneath Their radar? The crackle of a hand radio came to her ear, a tinny, echoing voice sounding, "Bring her in."

"Oh, like hell you will." She snapped, launching herself at the first shadow that detached itself from its unified front, her weapons spinning and slashing at him. Several wounds appeared instantly, steaming in the cold as the holy blades made contact. But at the same time, two more took his place, one grabbing her by the hair, and swinging her into the side of the concrete wall hard enough to send pieces of it falling to the asphalt. Her ribs broke, aided in their destruction by the metal asp that smashed into her chest with the force of a piledriver. She gasped out, tumbling to the ground, blood pouring from her lips. "Bastards..." She whispered, still trying to get up, shoving her dagger up into the groin of one of them, laughing as he shrieked in pain, the triumphant sound cut off from her as the asp struck the back of her head. Her cheek smacked into the gravel, shattering instantly.

They were stronger than she, faster too. Even Ivy couldn't fight against five of them. She made one last ditch effort, sending out a mental call to anyone, everyone within the building that was Ordo Dracul. Lady Sin! Clement! They're here! They-- Then someone was inside her head, twisting things around, shoving mental spikes of pain, over and over, and Ivy was screaming. Couldn't think, couldn't...was it her screams or the Hive Mind? It was the last thought she had before darkness claimed her in its blessed embrace.

KOKAINE

***OOC: Due to the potentially graphic nature of the scene between Kokaine and Ginger, their portion of the RP can be found in the Mature Content RP area. They will return to the main thread once this particular scene has concluded.***

VALTERRA

The tension in the set of Sinara’s shoulders was apparent as Valterra’s keen crimson eyes moved quickly across the assemblage in the foyer until settling upon the girl who had nearly begged her presence, and irritation rose in her once more that Alucard had sent the young Mistress here to gather such beasts without an acceptable escort. But then, what would an acceptable escort have been for the girl in Valterra’s eyes? She barely trusted the girl’s own sire to keep watch over her in this day and age, and though she knew she would wear the air of irritation in response to her little Sin calling her here, she felt the better for being present to watch over her.
She grinned viciously as Sinara’s face lit and her hand went to her chest as she noted her Ava’s presence, and though the concept of chucking the dark little beauty down the stairs at her embrace tempted her momentarily, she endured and allowed it with the lift of a disapproving brow.

“Hello child.” She spoke simply to the girl, amusement clear in her thick voice as she nodded in response to the girls offer, and followed her with the click of heel to the elevator, ignoring the eyes and minds that lit upon the appearance of the vampire War Goddess.
Her stride was long and comfortable as she moved through the foyer and took a stance next to Sinara in the elevator; her eyes turning upon those that had followed her step to dismiss them as the doors closed before the pair, until she turned once more to Sinara.

“So how goes business little one?” She inquired with as much affection as her personage might allow, looking down upon the young vampiress with mild concern, wondering whether or not the child had been put in deeper water than she could chart. She could easily sense the creatures within; as she had immediately upon her arrival, and she knew that more than a few would be challenge should they seek violence, even for her own blood kin. And all together...

IVY

She chuckled at them softly, the sound a pathetic thing within her throat, being mixed in with the blood she kept coughing up. Her captors had indeed proven their skills at torturing if the puddle of red at her feet was any indication. Whatever they kept injecting into her, Ivy guessed was supposed to be some sort of truth serum, and they kept asking her question after inane question about Lady Sinara, and Wolfpack, and the meeting that was supposed to be taking place at the New York City building. Ivy just kept laughing at them, the supposed fearsome Dragonslayers. That's who they were, she remembered that at least. Bastardi che pensano di poter rompere me. She hissed at one, shivering in the cold he seemed to radiate from him. This one, this Cane dal più profondo dell'Infernowas the Leader. He had been her sole tormentor, swearing at her when she didn't answer his questions, and when Ivy had begun to laugh, he had beaten her mercilessly until the blood ran freely over her porcelain flesh.

He was studying her again now, turning her battered face to the left than right, a dark smile twisting his lips. "How do we break what's already broken, Little Malk? How do we bring pain to someone who feels none? His question was curious, and even when she spit at him, he didn't react to it. "Shall we see what is running through your mind right now, Ivy dear? There has to be something that brings nightmares to the likes of even your kind." Her eyes filled with something akin to fear, and she swung out at him, the gesture futile as weak as she was. He simply backhanded her, sending the petite girl into the opposite wall hard enough to stun her. And then he was inside her mind, rummaging around sadistically, negligently, not caring at all what he snapped or absorbed into his own consciousness.

With what strength she had left, Ivy sent the Hive Mind back, so far that even she herself could not hear Them. In her own sad way, They were her true Family, and she couldn't allow Them to be hurt. She felt the soft caress of Syn's words, the hysterical cries of Amanda, and the snarls of Isolde before They faded, and Ivy slammed the steel door down behind Them. She began to laugh hysterically at her inquistor, trying to shove him out. The Malk girl would fight against them even if it killed her. She would not let them hurt anyone. Her mind became blank as she called upon her Dementation power. Ivy had never used it upon herself, it was her last chance to keep him from pulling something of value from her thoughts. The sensation was not painful, she was looking up at the vampyr, then suddenly there was nothing. No sensation, no pain, just...peace. And she slumped like a marionette whose strings had been cut.

A curse escaped the man's lips as he shook the girl hard, knowing that even with his torture of her, she had still won. He sighed in exasperation, throwing her limp body to the hardwood floor. He begrudgingly gave Ivy credit. She had lobotomized herself instead of allow him to rip what he wanted from her. Now, he had nothing. Might as well deliver her back to Ordo. Show them what could be done with all of them.

WOLFPACK

The screams pierced his skull, so violent were the thoughts and pain connected with it. Then a dull silence and nothing. Ivy? The cab taking him to JFK for his flight to France was halfway there so he knocked on the division and mentioned for the cabbie to take the next exit and turn around. This was unlike what he had experienced before when he got her out of the loft apartment, the flashes he received also spelled a more sinister danger awaiting his return to the city. Was this perhaps why Sin wanted the Knights to convene? Could the dragon slayers have caught a whiff of their trail? He waved a big wad of cash at the cabbie to indicate he needed to speed up, this couldn't wait one minute.

Pulling his PDA out of his jacket he pressed the speed dial for Mr. Black who picked up promptly. Without any further introduction he said, "Have your men on standby, fully armed and in protective gear. We seem to have a situation that needs to be executed with extreme prejudice. All standard danger clauses as contractually agreed will apply". He could hear the man swallow but he didn't care, making money was never easy and they would be well rewarded for his services. Now there was nothing he could do until they arrived back in the city and he could home in on the unknown vitae he had sensed around Ivy, so he leaned back into the seat and focused his attention on sending a warning to Sin and the others to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

IVY

She didn't remember when they'd allowed her to leave, all bundled up in bloody rags and wandering the streets of wherever she was. There were so many noises going on around her, the scents made her eyes water uncomfortably. Everything was so bright, and so loud. And people kept looking at her, and she didn't like it. There was a long hall of black inside her head, but she could hear Them calling to her, trying to get her to acknowledge Them. They called her Ivy. She didn't believe Them. All she knew was right now, and the monsters that had hurt her. Were they still following her? She had sensed they had been when she'd tentatively reached out with a mind riddled with holes and pain. And there they were, large bulky shapes, frightening to her, because they wouldn't leave her alone. She'd felt the One enter her head, shoving what amounted to spikes into her brain until she'd writhed on the dirty, wet pavement, the rain falling all around her.

Ivy, look for Sinara. Look for Wolfpack. They can help you remember. I promise. The vampyr growled softly at the invasion in her head. She didn't know those names, didn't want anyone's help. Just wanted the nightmare men to stop following her. YOU GO AWAY! I'm not afraid of you! She didn't know if she was screaming it inside her head or out loud. But people were looking at her again. Uniforms, horses. Ivy turned down an alleyway swiftly, hearing the clip-clop of the hooves behind her. Smelly beasts, all of them. You better leave me alone. Rip you all apart. Kill you. Her speed suddenly increased, and she launched up from the ground, scaling the building nearest her. Her broken fingernails dug into the crumbling brick even as her toes searched for niches in the wall, until she was atop the roof. She swung up and over, then peered back down at the stinking humans, sticking her tongue out at them. Ha. My game, and you both lose. Her voice was a soft chuckle, and she sat carefully upon the edge, her legs pulled up to her chin.

She knew they were there without looking up. Their very presence was like a cold shiver all over her ravaged form. A vicious snarl curled her lips as claws began forming where nails once had been. The One laughed quietly, watching her from the dark. She didn't move, wouldn't unless they made her. But his laughter was like a slash of a blade against her flesh, and her blood began to mix with the rain upon the asphalt. Why, you've lead us upon quite the merry tour of NYC, dear Malkavian. And yet, you still haven't gone home. Is it stubbornness that guides your lost, pathetic actions? Or are you really gone inside that head of yours? He crept towards the girl, reaching out for her to pull her off the edge. Ivy fought him tooth and nail, like an angry kitten, for all the good it did her, as his claws wrapped in her long hair, and he yanked her towards him. I admit, it was fun for a while, watching you roam. But I must tell you that we are on an agenda. And we really need to get to the Ordo Dracul, and you little weed will help us do that.

He was in her head again, showing her the pictures of...Sinara, she was so beautiful, like a shining jewel that could not be spoiled or broken. Ivy whimpered softly, slashing weakly at the One's hands. It hurt, what he was doing, why wouldn't he just leave her alone? His power hissed once again along her brain. Wolfpack, her mentor. The one she was connected to. He should know where to find her, and then they'd have an Ancient in their grasp. All at once, Ivy was screaming again, trying to shove the One out of her head. She wouldn't let them. Not her family. She would keep them safe. All of them. But she was scared, so afraid. Didn't want to be alone anymore among all these humans. She wanted to go home. And then it happened. She called out, across the city. Mentor, Lord Wolfpack!

SINARA

Whispered conversations and the rhythmic click of heels were the only sounds in the lobby, the acoustics of the large room accentuating the staccato beat of the two women's foot falls. The few undead present eyed Sinara and Valterra with equal measures of wariness and curiosity. Most knew that one could set them on the rapid and humiliating path to financial and social ruin with little more than a softly murmured word, and the other- well... she may just set them to ruin. A flash of metal caught Sin's eye then, and she looked down briefly at her companion's steps. The metal heels struck the hard floor without mercy, and Sinara had a moment of private mirth as she imagined miniature lightening bolts shooting forth with each long stride, seeking purchase in the nearest gawker's unsuspecting shin.

The elevator doors slid silently open just as the pair reached the threshold. The already present smirk on Sinara's lips was emphasized by a delicately raised brow when she saw the little conveyance's occupants- more to the point, felt the tension between the two. Just the usual for the DeLacroix, really. Annalise sashayed past her seething brother looking absolutely stunning in a little red silk number, her hair artfully tossed in her brother's direction, obviously pleased with herself. She smiled a beautifully smug smile at Sinara, catching the very end of Sin's curling locks to twirl between delicate fingers as she mouthed a conspiratorial 'call me' as she passed. Sinara didn't miss that the Daeva woman's green eyes made a quick assessment of Val and slid past her with Sinara as a buffer. Corbin, usually smarmily charming, immaculately presented, and utterly in control, was at the moment- none of the above. As he stepped out of the elevator, Sinara held the door with one hand, and stopped him with the other. Newly Embraced, Corbin was still under the impression that his blue blood, law degree and blatant intelligence made him invincible. His overconfidence made her more than nervous. Leaning close, her voice barely above a whisper, she said.. "You know how much I love to see your sister fuck with your balance, Cor.. but misstep tonight and it reflects on me- and you. But most importantly me. Sort your shit, little lawyer." She genuinely liked the younger-by-3-minutes DeLacroix twin, so she was pleased when his face resumed it's cocky, predatorial grin, and he replied simply as he straightened his already straight lapel and moved past her, his eyes never leaving his sisters swaying hips.. "She's a horrid bitch."

Sinara glanced at Val with a grin as they entered the elevator, chuckling softly at her raised brow.. "Twins, both newly embraced. They'll probably be the death of each other." she added with a shrug. "As for business, financially ... it was always my goal to be independent. Not just after my embrace.. before as well, in Italy. Mayne taught me how to manage our estates, and I find it's something that suits me." She paused then, realizing she had never really talked to Val about what she had tried to accomplish, only tried to make her see that she indeed had accomplished it. The elevator made it's smooth descent, and when the doors opened, a large, decorative ironwork gate prevented their exit. She smiled as she looked pointedly at the small box in Valterra's hands. Val made a soft humming sigh, and Sinara swore she could almost hear her irritated voice in her head saying '.. and what do you require of me now, child?', though she said nothing as she flicked the clasp open on the small box and removed the antique key. Slipping it into the lock, the sound of metal on metal broke the silence as she slid the heavy door opened to reveal her gift. Sinara watched her expression intently as she stepped out onto the floor and surveyed the first of the large rooms. "This was once a night club- seems I grew out of it rather quickly, though." she said, wondering what her Ava thought of not only what she was showing her, but of what she saw beyond. Was she pleased that Sinara was successful? Did it even matter to her?... "I've had it renovated for you, but feel free to change it- it's yours. I was just.. guessing." she added in an almost embarrassed tone. She continued as they walked through the apartment, Sinara telling her of the property itself, her goals for her businesses, and her desire to possibly spend more time in Manhattan. "I wanted you to have a place of your own here, in case... well, just in case." she added with a shrug she hoped appeared careless.

The excitement of showing Valterra her gift had temporarily distracted her from the tension of the night. The meeting would begin in just a few minutes, and she needed to be there to open the room. "I assume you've sensed that there's something quite a bit bigger going on here tonight than gift giving." At Val's almost comical acknowledgment of the obvious, she continued.. "I have to host a meeting. I have hosted it here for the last fourteen years- it's mostly a Ventrue gathering, but of some other invited... guests. I am not the youngest in attendance by far, but my 291 years make most of those there wonder who the hell I think I am." Laughing softly, she went on... "It's not that I am so powerful myself, obviously. It's those that I have surrounded myself with, that I have taken the time and effort to prove myself trustworthy and useful to, for the most part. It's amazing what one can accomplish with money, etiquette, common sense, and a mind that will hold secrets. It became clear to me very early on that control of power would be far more useful to me than the actual acquiring of it myself." They made their way into another room, and she admitted easily, "Most there could kill me with very little effort. Of those that could, very few would like to. And those that would like to would not only die shortly there after, but have far bigger problems that they've created for themselves than 'that bitch in Manhattan'."

They completed a leisurely loop around the apartments, and Sinara pushed the unmarked onyx button near the intricate gate to summon the conveyance back. They entered again, the silent ascent almost too rapid. The doors opened on the floor above Sinara's own penthouse apartments, and the pair walked down the long, dim corridor to the double set of arched doors at the far end of the hall. They were unlocked, as they always were. None could gain access to the floor at any other time than during this meeting. They the room, and Sinara walked slowly around the oblong table that would seat at least sixteen Vampires within moments, her mind focused on the meeting to come. She stood at the back of the room, facing the door, breathing slow calm breaths... and waiting.

------------------------------------------------------------

All in all, the meeting was as uneventful as a meeting such as this could be. The dark woods and antique crystal chandelier above the large table made it seem more dinner affair than business gathering- just as she always liked it. Blood wine was being passed around at present, and the last three and a quarter hours had been productive, if a bit tense. Urijah sat to her right at the head of the table, mostly silent now, having given his word and signature to those petitioning his Clan for this and that. Some were pleased with their outcomes. Others, such as the Anvari sitting across from her, not so much. He had been throwing barbs her way all night, and in the interest of civility she had ignored him. Near her age, he was an entitled prick.. self indulgent as most Anvari were in her opinion, caring more for the high they could get from the drug and alcohol tainted Vitae they consumed than anything else. He had gotten nowhere in all his years, and made very little of himself. Now, being denied his petition for control over a larger area than he could even control- which Sinara had been more than willing to point out- he was seething. He muttered to everyone and no one in particular, slamming the paperwork down upon the table for effect. She had been talking quietly to Sylvain who sat to her left when she felt his heated gaze on her. She looked up and cocked a brow in his direction, "If your business is done here Wes, feel free to go," she said, with an added and exaggerated, "Please."

The thick crystal goblet flew by her head to shatter against the wall behind her with a crash, blood wine splattering her back and the side of Urijah's face from it's sailing path and violent stop. "Fuck you, you uppity bitch! What makes you think you can dismiss me? The only reason you're even sitting in this room is because you've ..." His voice trailed off as Sinara stared into his wild eyes, having held her tongue and her temper all night and now entirely through with the weak, self important Pusher. She glanced at the small, pointed letter opener between them on the table, barely moving her lips as she murmured a soft command and extended a hand, pushing the blade toward him. Fury was still evident in his black eyes, but his gaze never left hers as he reached forward and took the weapon by the handle, promptly placing it at his throat and drawing just a few drops of his own blood with a strained accusation of 'Bitch!' hissing his clenched teeth. Her hand extended further, her face calm, her own anger hidden behind a placid mask as she laid her fingertips on his thick stack of documents which, to her surprise, burst into flame. Her eyes widened as she watched the flames lick at his shirt front, her concentration broken, allowing the now silent man to drop the blade at his throat and launch himself back away from the table. Sin veiled her shock as she glanced about the table, rapidly assessing the reactions of it's occupants. Sylvain snickered beside her, Bella Cohen's smirk was accompanied by a brief nod of approval- presumably at the display of the sanguine voice, and Cressencia Macellarius actually clapped her pudgy hands together in delight. Sinara turned then to Urijah who merely shrugged his lack of concern, removing a hankerchief from his suit pocket to wipe his face clean of the red liquid now dripping down his cheek.

It had taken hardly any effort- so little thought. She had spent 13 winters in New England with Forsyth, a master of Dominate, at Azazeal's command. She knew she was proficient, better than most her age really- but not like this. And fire?? Her temper was still visible in the form of blazing documents scorching her mahogany table. She turned her eyes toward the far corner of the room then, away from the eyes of her peers, and finally let her face show the 'what the fuck' she was feeling. So much for an uneventful meeting, she thought.

[Lucas "Ravyn" Alexion]

The constant melody of heartbeats filled his ears, making his bones seem to vibrate with life as Ravyn moved through the crowded streets of Manhattan, making his fangs grow slightly as he became aware of his rapidly developing hunger. It had been a long, and slightly perilous journey for one of his kind, especially so for him after his recent decades, playing the role of reclusive nomad inside the depths of the desert sands of northern Africa. The Sahara was one of the last patches of land in which the mortal disease had not touched, an area that had retained the purity of the Earth un-plagued by technology and industry. Such traits had beckoned to him, whispering sweet words of solitude after his adventurous years within the depths of mortal society, acting still as a harbinger of death in those years prior to his escape, creating legends of death and decay in the lands of his lineage, his beloved Greece. The rhythm of the life around him now though, made him question his decision, as well as the modern marvels he had witnessed upon his journey.

His last venture to the New World had been his years within the ever-enthralling mortal settlement of New Orleans, home to the mortal legends of the vampire and bastion of sanctuary to all the undead who wished such a frivolous existence in which they could so easily become thralls to the allure of material goods, lose track of the rush of the kill and the glory of the hunt that their very nature demanded of them! Such a vampire had he become, for however brief a time, his aristocratic lifestyle having emerged for a short time, no need to venture out even for the hunt, his mortal servants having ensured his nutrition. Alas, it was a new life for Ravyn, a new century in the world he had wandered for so long that days were naught but the ticking of the clock, blurs in his memory. Now he stood in a city populated to such a catastrophic degree that he wondered how being that still felt the need to breath did so when surrounded by thousands of their kin, clustered into a realm of such a vast array of cultures as well as traditions. He still wondered just what the defining motivation for his venture was from time-to-time in the recent fortnight of travel. What madness had taken reign so greatly in his mind to encourage such a voyage into an unknown region of the world.

The letter hidden away inside the confined of his pack reminded him that this was not madness however, but loyalty that lured him from his own little world. The hand-written script laid-out upon the thick paper spelled out a story of which still echoed in his head, twisting and turning as he pondered. By the heed of an ancient companion, a king among his kind and one of the few souls, if indeed the living dead held such, that had earned the privilege of Ravyn’s trust, has he came to this ant hill in the debt of such a man. By request of Mayne Corbin Bellator, had he come to attend what Mayne had described as an assembly of sorts between the living dead, hosted by the ancients sibling, Sinara. Apparently, Mayne could not be in attendance and required desperately a stand-in of which he held absolute faith as well as trust. In the words of Mayne, the assembly “reeked of potential disaster” in the sense that, should those gathered become offended by one another or a third-party influence become involved, a literal shit-storm could easily occur. Of course, Ravyn was an elder even by most standings of his kind and understood how his presence, despite being unknown prior to the event, could shed a more positive outcome should things go sour. After all, Mayne has saved his ass in various situations before.

“I wonder if his sister is a treat. The male of the twins is a nice piece of flesh”, whispered Lykas inside the confines of Ravyn’s mind as Ravyn continued to ponder, weaving between the fleshly denizens of the Manhattan streets.

“You do realize, in this age, it is distasteful to assume a person of the same gender is attractive don’t you brother dearest?”. replied Ravyn aloud, making several of the surrounding mortals cast confused glances at him, resulting in a crooked smile.

“Bah, mortals of this age do not understand it is the muscled flesh of the male anatomy as well as the soft curves of a woman that provide adequate pleasure instead of their pig-headed assumptions spawned by a corrupt faith that make them assume courting, or intercourse, should be limited by the private parts of the courtesan”, laughed Lykas, his tone severely venomous.

Ravyn merely chuckled, not needing to speak as his brother understood his views on the subject. Of course, from his lineage, he understood the pleasures of both ‘brands’ of flesh, but still, nothing compared to the soft, velvet-like flesh and bounty that only a woman possessed. As he thought this, his eyes caught several delicious pieces of wildlife among the other night-walkers within the bustling city. Too bad this was a business trip, not a pleasure one.

“Mayhap she will be”, was his only reply as he slowly built-up the mental wall that had assisted him in retaining his sanity through countless centuries of sharing his flesh with that of his long-dead brother.

His steps continued, almost gaily as he danced to himself to the music that was the soft thudding of a hundred thousands veins pumping the fuel of his existence. Very soon his fortitude would falter and his body would demand sustenance but, until then, he would easily be able to block his urges and arrive at the desired location without too much attention being drawn to himself. His shoulder-length hair, the color of the sandy beaches of his homeland, was tied back in a proper ponytail as his emerald eyes scanned those around him, always cautious for the potential trap, despite the letters origins and confirmed authenticity. Too many wished his death, too many desired his cold blood for him to drop his defenses, especially in this unknown land. His custom-tailored Brioni suit screamed wealth to those around him, having cost just over six thousand US dollars upon his arrival, the black-silk coat as pants overlaying the white silk shirt and black tie. He appeared to all those around him, a big-wig corporate asshole they mocked at their little lunch breaks and loved the arrogant glares he received. Obviously he played his role of the confident bastard too well, awaiting to unset the opinions of those he encountered more than the brief passing.

Looking to the letter, then back to the current street he walked upon, he knew he was very close to the Bellatore, a restaurant at the base of what Mayne described as “my sisters kingdom”. It would be here, or in one of the numerous floors above of unknown contents, that the assembly would take place. It would be here that the potential shit-storm would occur.

“It will happen tonight Demetrius! The Bellatore is crawling with the fuckers!”, came the wheezing voice of a thin, poorly-dressed man just feet from Ravyn, making his ears attune as his brow tightened. The man held a small cell phone to his ear and talked enthusiastically to whoever lay on the other end. “I do not care what their price is; If we do not move now it could destroy us you imbecile!” With that last word, the man held the phone away and, over-zealously, pressed the red button with his thumb, turning into a dirty-looking bar named “The Marigold”.

Despite his desperate urge to follow, to investigate further, and the sirens that screamed in every fiber of his being, Ravyn continued. If nothing else now, more than ever, his presence was required at the assembly.

“So the ants are stirring”, he whispered as his pace quickened, mere blocks away from Bellatore.

[Zane Rosaurum]

Zane hadn't strayed very far from the usual in, and outs of the Dead City for quite some time. So when he stepped off the subway he was rather surprised, and needles to say overwhelmed. The scents of all the human blood wafted towards the mans nose, and filled his brain with intense hunger. He knew he would have to feed before leaving this underground area, and stepping into the night where many more unsuspecting humans would be. It seemed as if all they wished to do was bring him into a frenzy of feeding and force him to expose himself, but he bit back the grim thought. He was a Vampire of age and he would exercise his control over his thirst, and need for spilled blood. He turned his attention from the hunger building up inside of him, and made his way to the steps leading out of the station. His feet hit the concrete, and the echoes ringed in his ears. It sounded to him like a jackhammer beating down hard into the dense material. He was accustomed to the silence of the Dead City it was almost unnerving. As he exited the dull colors of the underground New York he inhaled deeply unknowingly filling his lungs with smog, and toxins.

The man did not need to breathe of course but something inside wanted that breath, and oh how he regretted it. It was as if the place was a toxic zone. Miles after miles of garbage seemed to line the streets. The humans well they didn't smell much better their damned selves. Zane's eyes became accustomed to the dark yet light streets he was roaming around upon, and when he passed a street sign he decided he'd look to see exactly where in the hell he was. The sign deemed him at 4th street. Now to business. The thought ran across his mind and he kept it there. He had heard there was some kind of congregation here in Manhattan, and he yearned to learn what the hell it was all about. Why he left the comfort of Dead City to be rather agitated by the scene's of New York was a rather unanswerable question to himself. He couldn't fathom coming here for fun it just wasn't his scene.

Zane's eyes lit up as a soft ring followed by a vibration disturbed the pocket of his leather jacket. He reached into the pocket to find there was a cellular phone there. He didn't remember adding that to his addition of 'carry on over' luggage. But he answered the damned thing either way.

"Yes?" Zane's voice held a rather firm but agitated tone as he spoke. After a minute or so there was still silence, and so his thumb hovered over the red button to end the call. Another minute, and still nothing so he clicked the button then re-pocketed the phone. Odd it was indeed that there be some phone in his pocket. Especially a phone he hadn't known was there. New York was starting to irritate his nerves, so he decided to seek out others of the night. It wouldn't be too hard he could sense power all around him, and a faint but very familiar pulse of power from one he has known for a rather long time. The decision was made. He would follow the call of these powers, and find himself a destination before he slaughtered the masses just for being there. But as always Zane kept business as business should be kept, and he searched for a bite to eat. His hunger was now roaring and he would prefer to have a snack before continuing his search. He made his way towards a rather dark alleyway, and not to his surprise he found exactly what he was looking for two prizes actually. But he only wanted one.

The power of his rage seeped from his pores as he approached the two humans huddled around a barrel fire, and with the speed of a vampire he grabbed the first one snapping it's neck. With a loud pop, and a heavy thud the man hit the ground no longer with us here on this earth. By now the other human male had just witnessed a rather exquisite sight but didn't react as such, and so before he could make it very far Zane leaped grabbing the horrid human by his jacket, and slamming him against the wall. Multiple sounds of loud cracking echoed through the dark alley way, and a soft smirk lit Zane's features.

"Oh boy.. I bet that hurt." Zane reached down and grabbed the human by his head hoisting him up to his full height. "Do not worry human. This will be over soon." He dipped his head in before the man could scream, and tore into his flesh drinking his fill, and ultimately dropping the mans now rag dollish body. Zane wiped his mouth, and smirked now feeling sated. "Well off to find the wicked wizard of Oz."

[Sinara Dominor]

Sinara had long tired of hearing the morose dribble about the 'endless nights of eternal unlife' .. blah, blah, blah. She was grateful for time, for hers had nearly ended. She was embraced at death, and never for a night took for granted the gift she had been given. This particular night, however, was proving a test to her conviction. The meeting had been concluded by Sinara casually dousing her flaming surface with the remainder of the wine, and a smirk in the direction of the departing, bleeding, irate man's scorched form. She plastered an expression of serene calm to her features as she stood and smiled, small fangs intentionally revealed, and announced in a soft, smooth tone.. "Meeting adjourned." Several in the room chuckled at the obvious brushing off of the recent theatrics, and she was not at all surprised when none made comment. Everyone had accomplished their business, and no one had ended tied to the rooftop to await the rising sun- a blazing success by any Ventrue gathering standards.

She had been daft enough to breathe a sigh of relief and think the night's stress was over as she closed the door to the empty meeting room. She had barely reached the elevator when a pulse of power and.. something else, slammed into her senses so hard that it actually made her nauseated- that was a first. She felt an urgent pull that she followed almost without her own consent to the lobby and out onto the street. Valterra stood beside a closed vehicle, pale skin a stark contrast to the blazing garnet eyes boring into Sinara's own that the woman obviously couldn't have cared less about glamouring. As she approached, her Grandmother spoke quickly, her usual irritation multiplied ten fold. Ivy had left the building, was hurt, and in need of being returned to Dead City immediately. Sinara tried to peer through the tinted windows where she was sure her Aunt had been deposited, but could see nothing but a silhouette. She felt a blanket of guilt settle heavy on her shoulders as she imagined what could have actually happened- she loved Ivy dearly and knew her well, thus should have watch her and made sure she was kept away from the dangers of the city. Honestly.. where Kaine could saunter naked through a war zone and remain unnoticed and unscathed if she so chose, Ivy could find chaos in a library attic. Valterra informed Sinara that she was to 'conclude your business in this disgusting place immediately, child..' and that she 'could not be expected to be in two places at once!'. Oh, yes. She would feel the hear for this in the near future.

It was still relatively early in the night, and several of those that were in attendance would be departing. Most of the elders spent not a second more than they had to in the 'disease infested gathering of sheep'.. others kept their own residences, or were loath to spend unnecessary time away from their own covenants. In any case, she needed to be changed, refreshed, and back to the lobby to play hostess. She ascended the seventeen flights to her apartments with preternatural ease, and upon reaching her threshold was greeted by the soft scent of lavender, not the only similarity that she kept in any of her residences. Within short minutes she was out of her stark black business attire, and had donned creamy white silk pants set, the three quarter length sleeves and low V neck of the wrap top showing off several simple gold bangle bracelets, and a gold ankh that rested on her chest. She slipped matching Manolo Blahnik heels on, released her hair from it's tight restraint, and ran her fingers through the raven mass as she walked into her office. She listened to her messages play as she walked to her bookcase to remove several tomes she intended to bring back to Dead City with her. Her arms were full of leather bound writings when the phone rang again, and the answering maching promptly took the call.. "Sina.. I have heard there are issues arising near your.. place." She smiled at the light scorn in her brother's deep voice. He never did approve of her spending so much time here. She continued to pull books from the shelves as she listened, intending to call him back later in the evening.. "I have also had an uneasy feeling, and it is out of the question that I leave Novus right now. In my stead, I have sent one that I trust with my life, and yours- he is an ancient, a friend, he is there at my request, and you will behave."
She stopped mid motion to turn and stare at the squacking machine- she could not believe her ears. She dropped the armload of books onto the leather sofa across the room, snatched the phone from it's rest, and attempted not to screech into the receiver.."You did WHAT?" Before he could utter a word, she continued.. "Mayne Bellator, I do NOT need some crotchety old man come to babysit me in my own home!" His low, smooth voice sounded almost amused when he attempted to stall her rant.."Sinara.."
"No!" she growled into the hand piece. "I don't need some over bearing, over proud guard dog- which I am SURE he is, as he is Your friend- hounding my heels because You think I need a chaperone! No way in.."
"Sinara!" His voice cracked like a whip over the distance. Very rarely did Mayne exhibit urgency or true anger, but she could suddenly feel his anxiety, and ceased her tirade for the moment. "Sinara. He will be there at any time. This is a favor I have asked of him. Do not embarrass us... and get home."

She was suddenly thirteen again, and Mayne was looming over her as she reclined in her bed, the doctor trying with no success to quiet him. "Never!", he had shouted down at her, making her already throbbing head scream in protest.. "Never again will you come within a thousand paces of one of those beasts!" She had taken one fall from his horse, and was forever branded.

The dial tone sounded in her hand as she stood fuming, her eyes narrowed, her heel tapping, already scheming a way around the issue. With a muttered curse, she hung up the phone, piled the discarded books neatly on her desk, and made her way to the door. By the time she reached the elevator gates, she was half convinced that the doddering fool her brother had sent would likely not even find her in the overcrowded crush of Manhattan cattle. If he did, he would be assured that she was not in need of his assistance, and he could take himself off and back to wherever he'd come from. The gathering was over- guests were already departing. Soon, the scariest thing to go bump in the night within Bellator would be her.

[Lucas "Ravyn" Alexion]

"Has it ever crossed your mind that we are playing guard dog over a woman you have never met?", laughed Lykas as Ravyn looked up at the massive building, floor after floor of architectural perfection. The twin columns at the entrance stood as a gateway, the lions atop them perched to peer down upon all invaders, likely unnerving several mortals with their life-like eyes.

"It is a favor to Mayne, you know this", replied Ravyn, speaking aloud despite the crowded sidewalk. What a pleasure, living in an age of technology in which people merely assumed you were using a wireless adapter for your cell phone instead of being insane.

"Oh, so you're playing as Mayne's mutt? That excuses it completely", spat Lykas with his usual sarcasm before Ravyn felt his brothers presence begin to fad from his mind.

A soft grin touched Ravyn's lips. Thus was the manner of his brother and still he enjoyed ever second of their centuries together. For over a thousand years he had lived in a majority of solitude, saved by society only in the graces of several companions and Lykas' rambling. Mayne had, above all others, been a companion when needed, a fellow elder and voice of wisdom in a sea of naive children using the Dark Gift as some excuse to be as rash as their childish fantasies could envision. Never would he have considered denying this favor to his friend, especially when it was nothing more than overlooking a meeting hosted by the twin Bellator he had heard so much of and yet never met.

As he opened the doorway he was assaulted by the slight tremor left in the wake of an ancient. The aura caught him slightly off guard and his eyes narrowed for a moment, wondering if the disaster Mayne had foretold had potentially unfolded prior to his arrival. He scanned the foyer, noticed a lovely woman behind a desk not a dozen feet away and sighed. Any vampire who intended to storm another’s stronghold would not have left the girl alive to give a potential warning. Yet, the aura (or potentially multiple auras) twisted him in an uncomfortable fashion. He approached the woman, his face a mask of calm naivety as he looked around in mock-awe.

“Excuse me ma’am?”, came the soft ring of his voice, vibrating his chest with its depth, making the girl look up with a bright smile. “Would there just so happen to be a spot available at the moment to reach Sinara Bellator? It is slightly urgent.”

His crooked grin made the girls face flush as it so often did to mortal women. At timed he enjoyed the glamour gifted to each vampire to a degree and yet it was often found as a curse, the person in question often more worried about how to best secure a locked bedroom with a nude vampire instead of responding coherently. Thankfully, the girl gathered herself rather nicely.

“Madam Sinara is currently upheld in a meeting. It should be concluded swiftly and I can give her a message if you would like to leave one”, she replied, her eyes looking over the vampire with a raw hunger.

Inside Ravyn’s eyes were rolling, ever plagued by the inconvenience in which others planned their schedule. Was it too much to ask for people to give a bit of room for unexpected events? Of course, this was the twin to Mayne and was immediately allowed a small margin of error. The Bellator lineage seemed to have a trait in which their plans would automatically go in accordance to their original plans and, should something come up, it would merely have to be abandoned until a convenient time raised.

“I hate to be a hassle my dear”, began Ravyn, leaning onto the counter slightly, “but this is crucially important. Is there, perhaps, a way you could alert her that a dear friend of her brothers has arrived?”

Instantly the girls brow bunched together, fighting the inner struggle between pleasing the man before her and following along with the orders she was given. All of this flashed into Ravyn’s mind like the pages of a book, the mortal mind too easily broadcasted when they are lost in thought or not trained to prevent such invasions. Her mind flickered from pressing a specific number on the phone before her and alerting Sinara and continuing with her protests.

Ravyn sighed lightly as he looked over towards the elevator to his left. “Eighteenth floor correct?”, he asked as he began to make his way towards the elevator in question, causing the girl to enter into a series of stuttering protests.

His arrival may be unexpected, Mayne often a bit late with his relaying, but he could not be delayed if there was a potential threat already overhead in the very room Sinara resided. He would not allow himself to fail due to such a irrelevant thing as mortal-friendly protocols. His hand reached out, alighting the “Up” arrow as he tapped his foot, the girl on her way to protest more productively (or so she thought) at Ravyn’s side.

[Sinara Dominor]

The elevator's descent was slow and silent. Sinara had changed very little of the structure when she purchased the building, and instead focused on maintaining the beautiful historical quality of the structure. There was no music in the elevator or lobby... a calm, tranquil atmosphere of old world elegance and quiet sophistication. It would be lovely to see her guests leave, she admitted. She much preferred the days when the building was near empty, and Samael would more often than not have the run of the land. She had brought him here as a child, away from Dead City and all of the issues of that time. She smiled at the memories her son had given her, saddened at his absence, but at peace with the knowledge that he was happy and well.

She had the urge to phone Herald and Isabella, and then, as always happened when she thought of Caislyn, her brow furrowed with concern. She was supposed to arrive last night, but hadn't. Sinara knew better than to assume things were alright, as with Caislyn, they rarely were. She smiled then, imagining the times she had run Azazeal ragged in her youth, and come near to Valterra snatching back every drop of blood from her veins for one misdeed or another. Chuckling softly, she imagined she had better locate her wayward charge lest their lives become a bit more interesting than need be. Gods.. was she ever this much trouble?

She was still grinning when the elevator doors opened and she slid the metal gates aside. Before she could take a step, however, her hostess was upon her, attempting to apologize for allowing an apparently insistent man to search her out. "I'm sorry.. I told him you were indisposed- but he knew where the meeting room was, so-"
Sinara stopped her with a small smile and a raised hand. "It's fine, Julia. As you can see, I am no longer.. indisposed." She turned to the man, looking at him for the first time. No... it couldn't be. Addressing the frazzled female again, she said "As a matter of fact dear, please return to the desk and make a note of who has left already, would you? I'll be along in a moment." The young woman was obviously more than happy to remove herself from the situation, turning on her heel to step quickly back to her desk.

Sinara raised a brow at the man, the impossibility of her suspicions hanging in the air between them. She exited the elevator then, stepping past him before she turned to face him. She didn't bother to glamour her deep garnet eyes- he was clearly not mortal. As was her habit when around unfamiliar and obviously powerful beings, Sinara kept her mind heavily veiled, not attempting in the least to probe this stranger's mental defenses. She was by nature not a trusting sort, and cynical to boot- guilty until proven innocent, as far as she was concerned. With a small sigh and that thought in mind, she smiled pleasantly at the guilty man as she inquired, "What might I be able to help you with, mister...?"
The elevator doors slid closed softly beside them as they stood in the presently still lobby. The grandfather clock in the seating area chimed the witching hour.. the Devil's hour, and she wondered just how accurate the phrase would prove tonight.

[Lucas "Ravyn" Alexion]

Ravyn’s eyes looked over Sinara slowly. In no way was the action suggestive of anything sexual, merely the estimation of power, the universal initial greeting of one ancient to another. Her raven locks and garnet eyes made her very appealing and yet the strength hidden beneath her cold flesh made him smile in appreciation.

“Alexion, Ravyn Alexion”, he replied with a slight bow, his emerald eyes meeting her own as he grinned lightly. “I thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Bellator, by not escorting me from the building already, being naught more than a guard sent by your brother. I am sure I have already caused a fair amount of disturbance in your plans.”

His mind twirled, his thoughts changing rapidly behind the barriers he had erected, a trick he had learned long ago as a secondary defense from telepaths. Ever so slowly he lowered the first series of walls and focused on his conversations with Mayne, allowing them to be broadcasted so that Sinara may see he was who he claimed to be and potentially setting her at ease a bit. He could tell she was worried over something, the aura enveloping her body shimmering slightly.

At that moment Lykas appeared once more, making Ravyn’s mind falter slightly before he reestablished control. Luckily, his brother was an entity all to himself and so could remain hidden to the other imoortal but still, he had to pick such a moment.

“Who is the wench?”, asked Lykas, his tone bored.

“Mayne’s sister. You know, the one we hounds are supposed to protect”, replied Ravyn with all suave he could muster whilst retaining his focus.

“She is fairly easy on the eyes. I guess I might could stay around and see how this unfolds.”

“My gratitude is boundless”, replied Ravyn, now his turn to lace his words with sarcasm as he absently rolled his eyes before realizing what he had done. He became very sober then, wondering if Sinara had noticed the action but was already sure she had. Rare was the meeting between ancients in which every detail was not noticed.

As he awaited her response he envisioned himself in centuries old, when the women of the raven hair and dazzling eyes were a plenty during the settling and managing of New Orleans. He missed those days greatly and felt a little light grow inside at her similarities. Of course, she was the sibling to Mayne, at any moment she might ruin the pleasant illusion with a bit of arrogant banter or, even worse, demanding his removal from her domain.

“At all costs you must protect her” were the words Mayne had said and Ravyn had no inkling of denying this wish, even if he had to step on this woman’s toes in her own home to do so. He was the gentleman of course but, above all else, he was loyal and if that is what it took to keep the honor of his word, by the gods, he would.

[Sinara Dominor]

Refined, well spoken, and seeming to lack the traits to make her long to unman him with his first words. Surely, she thought, this cannot be my brother's emissary. Any close male companionship Mayne tended to value usually shared the arrogance and blatant sense of entitlement her brother did, evoking the strong urge to practice her newly acquired pyromancy. Still, the night was young. She would refrain from making assumptions just yet.

She returned his smile with one slightly more genuine now, as she felt him allowing her a sense of his contact with Mayne. Since her blood exchange with Val just weeks ago, she had been discovering the changes in her abilities- most recently evidenced by the scorched table in her meeting room. Her telepathy had always been strong, her 'loose' mind, as a Master of Dominate had once labeled it, allowing for a greater range and degree of strength and diversity. It was little comfort knowing that he was, indeed, her intended chaperone, but it was always a positive to know with whom you were dealing.

She nodded in polite reception of his greeting, the smile remaining on her lips as she corrected him, "Miss Dominor, if you please- or Sinara.. and welcome to Bellator, Mr. Alexion." She smiled a bit wider, showing just the tips of small fangs as she continued, "Has my brother made me out to be such a shrew that I would turn a weary traveler out onto the mean streets of Manhattan, then? Though, it does appear he has sent you on a wasted errand, sir. I appreciate his concern and especially your effort, but I am in no need of assistance."

Now, as she received the connection with this man, she was uncomfortably aware of a more.. base, nature. Her own eyes widened almost imperceptibly as Ravyn actually rolled his eyes!, as if at some irritating comment- though she had not made one, other than to politely state the truth of the situation. She maintained her smile as well as she maintained the barriers to her mind, this time taking advantage of the moments he was allowing the connection- and was again aware of a sense so strongly opposed to the immaculate, reserved image before her that she took a small, involuntary step back.

Lovely! Leave it to Mayne to send her a lunatic in disguise that she was now forced to offer accommodations to. Schooling her features into a serene mask, she addressed the man once more, hoping to tuck him away in one of the apartments above before exiting guests began taking their leave. "Hmm.. well then, you must be in need of some rest. Please, follow me- we'll get you comfortably settled for the night." Sinara indicated the desk before briskly stepping toward it, hoping this was a brief encounter, already choosing the words she would levy on her brother at the first opportunity.

[Lucas "Ravyn" Alexion]

Ravyn actually laughed aloud now as he saw he instant hesitation at his reaction to his brother. He now smiled genuinely, all caution at her reaction tossed aside as he realized she was trying to accommodate a man whom she already assume was mad (if she had any sense at all).

“Miss Sinara, please I meant no offense by that action. You see, I would be rude if I was not to alert you that I suffer from an illness centuries old and find myself, for lack of a better phrase, talking to myself on occasion. I was caught in the moment and assure you I meant no disrespect”, he chuckled as he turned, looking around the room as he followed her to the desk with a soft smile.

“Your brother made you out as his sister and nothing more. I merely expected a woman so arrogant that, when given the opportunity to be overlooked by her brothers companion, she would briskly escort me from her domain. Surely you, above all others, know your brother and would understand my assumption”, he continued.

His eyes danced with humor. Truly, it had been too long since he had been around his kind and seen their keen observations. Mortals would have merely assumed they were boring him and rushed to secure his interest in whatever means they needed whilst Sinara merely overlooked the matter and would have nursed her assumption of his demeanor.

Perhaps he had been away too long from the workings of the world, both obvious and unseen. He had not realized how much the alluring scent of flesh and the melodic sound of a beating heart made him seem like he was lost in some different world. Too few immortals had been near to remind him that he was not some glamour-filled deity. Perhaps there would be nothing happen and Mayne was wrong and he would merely be able to thank the man for a return to reality.

“Also, I understand you have guests present and might be unavailable to house an uninvited attendant. If this is the case I am sure I could secure another residence during the daylight hours if it would be more convenient for you ma’am”, he finished with his crooked grin.

[Sinara Dominor]

She felt Ravyn fall into step beside her as they made their way to the reception desk, and she couldn't help but smile, a soft 'hmph' of agreement escaping her at his laugh, and the description of her brother. The man was proving to be entirely tolerable, to her surprise, and had he not afforded her that small glimpse into his mind that proved his connection with her brother, she would sincerely doubt they were acquainted. She loved her twin, she really did- but sometimes....
"Nonsense. You can't very well fight my dragons from four blocks over at the Sheraton, now can you?" Smiling a mischievous smile that reached her still slightly wary eyes as she turned to answer his polite inquiry, liking the strange man more for his considerate offer. "Several of my guests are leaving as we speak. Even so, there are always rooms available for just such a need."

They reached the desk, and upon Sinara's request, Ravyn was handed the key to a set of apartments on the fifteenth floor. They were some of her favorite rooms, a fantastic view of the city lights before the shutters came down for the morning. The pair made their way to the elevator, the aromas from the restaurant nudging the hostess in her to pause. She held up a hand as she went quickly to the restaurant's bar to retrieve a bottle of blood laced wine, and a small basket of biscotti she had heard the guests raving about. She was almost afraid to ask the tempermental Sicilian Vampire behind the kitchen doors what was in them. The mortal's Gordon Ramses fellow had nothing on Basilio.

They entered the elevator, and she actually laughed softly at his admitted assumption of her own possible arrogance. "You are a brave man, Mr. Alexion. Either that, or a glutton for punishment. Would you have really shut yourself in voluntarily with a female version of my brother?" She smiled wide then, continuing.. "I do admit, though.. I have my moments. I am comparatively young for my station within the Ventrue business community, so I have to present a certain.. image. I am fortunate in that I was embraced into a strong bloodline, and it was always the expectation that I would succeed." Again, she was privy to a sense of some nature so foreign to the man before her, that she was tempted to look over his shoulder.

She was tempted to ask him about what he referred to as his illness then, and although he seemed quite open about the matter, she chose to leave the subject for another time- if at all. The elevator came to a smooth stop, and they exited into the wide, carpeted hall. Each floor was different, this one boasting a small sitting area in front of a floor to ceiling window that framed the city lights to perfection. Dark leather sofas on either side of the cherry coffee table were placed a few feet in front of built in cherry wood bookcases housing books from as long back as she could remember and beyond. She indicated the large oak door to the right of the hall, and accompanied him to the threshold. She stepped inside behind him, placing the refreshments she carried on the small table just inside the door. "Well, then.. I do hope you will make yourself comfortable. My rooms are on the seventeenth floor should you feel the need to play guardian." She smiled then, but it occurred to her that she really hadn't asked after his needs- simply tucked him away. Ah well, she thought.. he would likely find he was indeed on a wasted journey and be on his way when next the sun went down.

[Lucas "Ravyn" Alexion]

With a quiet compliance Ravyn followed the hostess towards the desk whilst she made a half-sarcastic remark about his protection and then briskly moved through the dining area of the establishment. His keen eyes moved across those within, noticing very few immortals and none of which were able to keep his interest for long. She retrieved the bottle of wine and biscotti, making him aware of the slightly bloodied smell of the little pastries and making him grin as he saw several mortals enjoying them. His gaze caught sight of a dark-skinned vampire as the kitchen door opened briefly, the man already looking back. A soft nod was exchanged before he moved on to follow Sinara further.

Several moments later the soft humming of the elevator took the pair higher into the building as Sinara spoke, actually surprising him slightly with her casual topic. He grinned as she painted the picture of a female Mayne and could not help but chuckling slightly as he envisioned Mayne Bellator prancing around in a 17th Century dress.

“I did not know what to expect when I arrived but I had given him my word. If it required it, I would have merely suffered under your tyrannical reign. I will not pretend it is not terribly refreshing to see that you are exceedingly well-mannered as well as obviously successful as a businesswoman”, he said as the chuckling faded away.

“Not to mention that she is so very pleasing upon the eyes”, injected Lykas suddenly.

“Was there some war council in the spirit world or something? I have not seen you act like such a pig since you stormed the gates of Athens and immediately claimed the Kings harem for yourself”, he replied mentally, sending a swift wave of force towards his brother as he kept a blank expression on the exterior. Almost instantly he felt Lykas retreat and was softly touched by a series of sensations that confused him.

Just then the elevator let out a soft ring as the doors opened. Sinara stepped forth with Ravyn close behind, traveling through the elegantly decorated hallway, obviously more to the expensive tastes of the undead than mortals. As they made their way to a set of large oaken doors Sinara motioned for him to enter. As he did, he grinned at the large space, full of lush furniture and top-of-the-line appliances. He had long been away from any modern living quarters.

“Actually”, he began as she set down the refreshments and so obviously began to try to slip out, “I believe everything is just fine. I can make my way to the seventeenth floor if needed.”

He smiled widely at her as she nodded and turned, the doors closing behind her. He lifted the wine and examined it closed, pulling out the cork to sniff the dark liquid deeply, making his skin tingle slightly at the aroma. The bottle turned up slightly as he sipped, pacing through the foyer of the rooms, a pair of dark couched on either side of the rooms center, a large television mounted on the wall in between the two twelve-foot windows that served as walls, giving a breath-taking view of the outside city. To his left sat a small island counter, the granite top shining from the soft lighting just as the appliances behind it was. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he remembered his New Orleans life and the joys he had found in cooking.

“Not now though”, he whispered to himself as he took on more draught of the wine before replacing the cork and setting it upon the island.

His mind opened suddenly, scanning the nearby hallways for any other beings, alive or dead. The elevator doors closed then, shutting off the only other mind he could feel (which he was sure was Sinara) and making him begin to move.

His suit coat slid off his arms quickly, draped across one of the bar stools to avoid wrinkles. His hands swiftly unbuttoned the soft satin of his undershirt, working to his cuffs as well before it too joined the coat. His torso now was covered by a black Miami Ink shirt, the dark colors and swirls giving a Gothic twist to the iconic helmet from the movie 300. He had chuckled when he had first seen this, remembering what truly happened at that battle and yet he liked the shirt as well as the movie. Atop the shirt was two leather straps forming and X across his body, covered with several pockets.

His hands moved quickly now, pulling off the straps and placing them on the island, opening the pockets and slipping out the slender metal pieces within. The twenty-two links were swiftly laid out in a line along the granite, making him smile at the shining steel. It had been an investment almost a century ago when he had been in the vast plains of Ireland. An elder smith and he had designed a sword by which he could assemble and disassemble when needed and it could be transported easily. The result had been a series of interlocking metal pieces, the last of which connected to the hilt which he was now pulling out of the straps. They had not designed it for any kind of admiring, for it was a crude thing, but merely for effectiveness. In all the time he had owned it, never had it come apart when in use and never had it failed him.

As he finished forming the sword he stepped into the foyer, the sword swung around his body, whistling slightly as he twisted and twirled, the familiar weight acting as an extension to his own arm. He had been a swordsman for three thousand years, he had grown to believe his arm often extended an additional four feet more than the fact that he picked up a weapon. His eyes looked out to the city as he moved, his muscled warming as he stretched and moved, his lips set in a soft scowl as he slowed, pulling the straps back onto his chest, the sword sliding into a leather sheath that ran along his back, the hilt just barely appearing above the collar of his coat as he replaced it, leaving the button-up on the stool.

He then moved through the hall quickly, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, taking them three in each step as quickly as possible until he erupted into the main foyer once more. His broad steps took him across the entrance, allowing him to wink at the woman behind the counter just before he emerged into the depths of the night, the cold air rushing into his still lungs as he sighed. True, it was a very human-like action and was not needed and yet it reminded him of what he was, even if he was no longer mortal. His mind wandered over those actions as well as his words with Lykas before and the feeling that lingered as his brothers conscience left.

Bitterness. Of all things that he had known Lykas to feel in eons, that was never one. . .What had encouraged it now? In all his vulgar comments of late he had merely assumed he was just in a normal Lykas-like mood but. . .bitter? His mind rolled the idea, tasting it as he made a perimeter around the establishment, his find stretched out to its limits and noting every mortal and immortal alike who might pose some form of a threat. A murdering thief here and there, a new vampire stalking its prey, what seemed to be a lycan. All of them were just peasants in the realm of threats and were not thought of a second time as he moved on, his hands tucked into his coat pockets as he turned down on of the many alleyways, eluding the populace.

Now, as literate as he was, he was not accustomed to this age. The amount of assistance that the simple general knowledge of the things that happen in dark alleys would have been so priceless. He continued forward, his telepathic reach wrapping around a peculiar humans mind who was staring up at Bellator with jealousy. He was assuring himself this person had no means of actually achieving anything when another mind hit his like a spear in the chest.

Pulsing and vibrant was the power as it surged inwards, making his eyes close as he repelled it, roaring at the effort to secure his mental walls and block out the invasion as his ears picked out the soft chuckled between the rumbling engines of the hundreds of vehicles.

“Much older than I thought”, whispered the feminine voice as a figure emerged from the alley’s shadows, the pressure on his mind lifting instantly.

Ravyn’s eyes narrowed as he looked her over, the slender body moving with the deadly grace of a jungle cat, two scarlet eyes gleaming in the streetlights. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight braid, her dark skin much like those of Asia Minor. Even her accent bespoke of a foreign origin and yet he could not place it. Her aura roared around her, crimson and violet swirls that bespoke of both age and power, making his knees bend lightly, his hands flex in the pockets.

“Intelligent too”, came the accented voice now, the chuckles fading. “What business does one of your age have here Dark One? What affiliation with Bellator does thy carry?”

It was his turn to chuckle now. He had wanted to find the threat and now he had. “My business and my affiliations are my own”, he replied, resting easily into the old manner of speaking she used. “Who stands to question me? What manner of beholder of the Dark Gift assaults another without being provoked?”

He eyes became murderous, like the majestic lion who had been held behind bars. “Too many questions and too few answers. Thou must learn to respect your betters.”

She was on him in a moment, two slender daggers flashing to her palms as she did. The first two swings missed him as he crouched and rolled to the side, his own blade loose now but unable to be raised in time to block the slender piece of steel as it sliced across his shoulder, sending a burning sensation through his arm and filling the alley with the rustic smell of fresh blood. An animalistic roar escaped from between his lips as he brought his own blade up, connecting with the second dagger as he led his own flurry of attacks.

Again and again the pair met blow-for-blow, his arm burning but the blood having stopped, having no pulse to urge it onward. After several moments both had achieved nothing more than minor scratches on one another and Ravyn began to wonder just what this being was. It was old, there was no doubt, and it knew combat.

The clang of metal rang, making his bones shiver as her daggers slid along its length as she threw it to her left, pitching him forward. A dagger fell to the ground as she let it loose, her grip resting on the back of his neck, pulling him against her as she laughed, whispering in his ear.

“You should learn respect Old One. The Azerkatil does not take kindly to those who stand before them”, she whispered, her breath hot on his neck. “Alas, too bad you will not be here to see Bellator fa-”, she had continued only to lose her voice as a dagger sprouted from her abdomen, making her cough as she let loose his neck, stepping back and look down at her own blade.

“Mayhap you should learn to hold tight your blade”, spat Ravyn as he raised his sword, running it through the woman’s chest, the glow fading from her scarlet eyes almost instantly as she fell limply against him.

He sighed in relief as he let her fall to the ground, scanning mentally for any more threats and finding none thankfully. He knelt then, running his sword along her garments, cleaning it of blood as he sheathed it and set her daggers in his waistline. He rolled her over then, buttoning up the leather coat she wore to hide the blood as he lifted her, bridal-style, and moved from the alleyway.

Several people looked over at him, whispering to each other as he passed. “Too much to drink”, he would reply, allowing his glamour to shroud them and making them forget their suspicions. So went his venture back to Bellator, entering the foyer only to have the girl behind the desk eye him suspicious, her hand never far from the phone. He knew she would be calling Sinara’s room as soon as he entered the stairwell. Good.

He ascended the steps even faster than he had descended earlier, this time arriving at the seventeenth floor. He could sense Sinara behind a nearby door, hear her chattering with the girl from the desk. He took none of this to mind as he moved forth, stopping in the doorway just as she opened it, her face scowled slightly, more so after he dropped the woman at her feet.

“Thought I would let you know, I found the first of your dragons”, he said in a very sober tone, referring to her sarcasm before, mentioning he could not fight her dragons from the Sheraton. His vision blurred lightly, his wound having bled more from his effort and now he was feeling the effects of blood-loss just as he fell to his knees, darkness beginning to swirl into the light of the room.

“Blood. . .now”, he breathed huskily.