Bloonlines and Seduction

The past has its way of coming back to haunt one in many ways. But in some ways it helps to center a person in their present, reminding them of whom and what they are as well as where they have to go.

The year is 1341 and Celeste, stands across a shallow creek, only feet away from a mysterious woman on the other side.

Celeste as Frances: A v…vampire?

Anabel: Seem to be shocked… is this the first time of you hearing of such?

Celeste as Frances: No… it’s just… I mean from what I remember… vampires are… I mean they look…

Anabel: Monstrous looking? …Ugly? (saying as she paces around her seductively)

Celeste as Frances: Well …

Anabel: A mere fable... The questions at hand are more about you dahling.

Celeste as Frances: Me?

Anabel: Yes… you are… extraordinary… beautiful… and extraordinary… umm Celeste is it?

Celeste: How’d you know my name?

Anabel: That isn’t relevant now… but the question you seek to know is...

Celeste: … (looks curiously)

Anabel: (continues to pace) You know much about the world and all that lies between… yet you know the least of yourself… your heritage… your past.

Celeste: You said that we are kin… am I a… a vampire?

Anabel: I do wish to answer your questions dahling… unfortunately there are… rules.

Celeste: Rules?

Anabel: You know… laws that which all worlds are governed by?

Celeste: I know what rules are I’m just saying…

Anabel: Well… here’s the deal. If you wish to know all that you do not, you must say your goodbyes to this world. This life of war… false living… masquerade and deception you have been leading for years, and all that is in it.

Anabel looks off to the east as the sun begins to rise.

Celeste: …

Anabel: You have until sunset… if you are not here come then… the deal is off (saying as she dashes off with great speed into the remaining shadows).

Celeste then begins to walk back to her camp as everyone begins to awake from the spell.

“I had spent most of my time fighting in the hundred year war becoming strong… fearless, saving lives and trying to get back to my love. I had not taken in the thought that I knew very little about my own origins. I grew up with witches… mystics and various other magic users… but I always knew I was different from them. But I didn’t know I was something else completely. I had a lot of thinking to do in short little time. The day went on as I walked with the other soldiers through the land. Fernand tried to converse with me many times in that day about his dreams… his fears… family. But I was too into my own thoughts of the vampire’s offer to pay attention or even show empathy to him. The terms what if, who, how and when passed my mind about myself, vampires… my birth mother and father... I guess I knew my decision before I even made it. Soon it was time to get rid of the false identity of Frances once again, as I did many times before; only it wasn’t elaborated as the other times. No… this time I just left… no goodbyes… no spells… I just left. I took what weapons I could and just left. We had traveled miles on foot across the land so I used the wind and shadows as my guide and I ventured back to other creek that night to meet the vampire.”

Celeste comes up on the creek once again meeting Anabel just as the sunset leaves only darkness in the sky. Shadows consume the area almost completely and Anabel steps from them like a living shadow of herself.

Anabel: I knew you would come… (saying as she holds out her hand)

Celeste takes Anabel’s hand then begins to walk into the water across the creek.

Anabel: No… leave your weapons.

Celeste: What?

Anabel: Think of it as a leap in trust…

Celeste takes one look at her blades, hesitant at first, then drops them into the grass by her feet along with her helmet and parts of her armor, taking Anabel’s hand. The two then venture down the creek hand in hand to a small boat where Anabel is helped in by the driver into it and followed by Celeste. Both sit in the boat as the driver pushes the boat off the land and begins paddling and steering them down the river. (the driver wears a tattered and torn cloak hiding his pale face and middle aged skin. His hands are covered in scars and shadow from woods around them)

Celeste: Who… who is this man?

Anabel: Some one whom has served my kind well over the years. This is basically what he does… commute us from place to place by which ever way we demand…boat… carriage… horse…

Celeste: A slave?

Anabel: No actually… He’s free to go when he wishes… but he has no one or any where to go… so he works for us… in exchange… we “take care” of him. A fair arrangement I think.

“At that time, my instinct was telling me there was a lot more to what she saying, and I would soon find out exactly what. But such a thing escaped my mind the closer we got to the vampire’s home, which was beyond words could describe.”

Celeste: Oh my… wow (saying as she looks shocked, surprised and amazed)

Anabel: I never get tired of that look on peoples faces (saying with a smile on her face) welcome to Mondragon Manor.

The castle extends as high as a skyscraper (resembles the castle in castlevania) and expands for almost a mile around. Its stones are riddled with age from top to bottom resembling a dark and ancient tone. As the driver steers the boat toward the castle along the creek, it becomes a long stretched river, he enters the boat into a large arch way towards a gate, which opens slowly as they approach closer. Anabel and Celeste ascend out of the small boat to a set of stairs, and are greeted by servants of Anabel at the top. Two female servants both dressed in tatter brown robes, and long stringy brown hair. Both have light but clean skin wearing no shoes and various fang bite marks scattered on they’re bodies. One carries a lantern, lighting the way in from of Anabel whom is being followed by Celeste down a large and dark hall way. Another servant follows behind Celeste who nervously watches the servant girl behind her.

Anabel: Don’t worry, they are obedient and do as I say when I say... they won’t harm you.

Celeste: Are they too… vampire?

Anabel: No… just servants. Come, we have much to discuss.

Celeste and Anabel walk up a staircase in a tower. Once they come to the top of the staircase Celeste is marveled by the elegant and fancy design (of various origins such as English roman celtic etc) of the castle interior. It is filled with expensive paintings, rugs, candle lit chandeliers hanging from the ceiling in various areas, a winding staircase that recedes to a second level then splits into two more levels, and vases of various colors along with statues of all kinds; enough to seduce a poor man enough to betray his starving family for fortune luxury.

Standing at the end of the stairs.

Anabel: This is the main hall of the house. We have much... 52 servants, 6 kitchens,

massive library, 73 bed rooms, 12 lavatories... tons of food… 4 wells located on all four sides of the castle for water… wine… you name it…

Celeste: It’s amazing… but I’m sorry but what does this have to do with…

Gesturing to one servant and speaking in French.

Anabel: Bring wine, and perhaps something small to eat for our guest.

Celeste: Please… I’m not hungry.

Anabel: You speak French? (chuckles) Sorry I can’t even try to be surprised. Are you sure? It is no problem.

Celeste: Yes I am… but thank you.

Anabel then gestures one servant to get the wine and the other to leave. Celeste and she then venture up the stairs and turn down a hallway. The hallway is long and almost nonstop. Large windows and paintings sit on both sides alternating and doors on one side with a huge arch way at the end. Each painting shows various people and acts of vampirism. Some sex, some seduction, some feeding resembling acts of cannibalism, and others war. Slowly the two walk side by side down the hallway.

Spoken in English.

Anabel: This actually has much to do with you… you see as one of us this type of luxurious life style comes with the perks of being an immortal… not the commoner life you have been living for so many years…

Celeste: I’m sorry immortal?

Anabel: You’re what about a century or two old? Give or take a few years?

Celeste: How’d you…

Anabel: Your blood dear. Believe it or not it tells more about you than you will ever tell with your lips. The blood is life. Your experiences… your memories… desires. Life which we vampires live on. With out it we cease to be.

Celeste: So you steal blood from people? Kill them?

Anabel: No we don’t kill. And we don’t steal. Not really. You see being as “exotic” as we are, we don’t need to steal. Some people just give it… some times out of pleasure… other times, security. There are occasions where we have to take measures but it doesn’t hurt them nor us. Once in a while we must feed on animals but that’s only in certain situations like traveling on a ship for months at sea or if stuck in the wild… and yes it does kill them…

Celeste: Security?

Anabel: The driver in the boat or my servants for example. We grant them financial means to support their family or even pay off debts. In exchange they help us in any way we desire… they give us blood to sustain us, but only if we need it or merely just courting us around in a boat.

Celeste: So he and all your servants are basically willing slaves protecting themselves or helping their families. In what way is this right?

Anabel: How is it not? We call ourselves noblemen and women yet there is nothing noble other than the fact we boss people around and fight for our chose to stay rich taxing people. Making laws we don’t follow completely and imprisoning those who don’t. How is it not right if a few noblemen, immortal like us or not, to give something back in exchange for necessities; and vice versa.

Celeste: I suppose…

Anabel: It’s who we are dear…We require blood as much as humans need water, it’s no difference. In your mind you know such a matter is just…

Celeste thinks about it for a minute and nods her head agreeing.

Anabel: Let’s press on shall we… (the two continue to walk) the blood provides us with our strength… with it we gain nourishment like people do to food and knowledge of the outside world because we are forced to hide in secret…. The blood is sacred to us.

Celeste: Why secret? I mean if you need information why not just talk to people and find things out?

Anabel: Wow, you really know nothing about us do you?

Celeste: …

Anabel: Sorry…Tell me, have you ever sat in the sun too long and your skin burned until it was red?

Celeste: Actually.. yes there was this one time…

Anabel: Well it’s the same with us… only we burn faster than a logged fire. Sunlight is a weakness to us… can kill us if we aren’t careful. Would be tad difficult to obtain information when most people sleep when we are able to walk the land wouldn’t you say? Not to mention… you’ve lived so long… I’m sure you know by now how people react to things that are different.

Celeste: Yea… hateful… vengeful… full of fear. So… I’m a vampire? How? I have never wanted, needed or even thought of drinking blood…

The two stop as the servant comes up to Anabel and hands her a chalice with wine in it. Anabel gestures to the servant to leave as she sips from her chalice filled with red liquid and replies.

Anabel: Half dahling… half vampire.

Celeste: Half?

The two continue to walk down the hallway as Celeste looks at the paintings on the wall displaying vampires in some acts drawing Celeste to feel a little uncomfortable. The two continue to walk.

Anabel: Pay no attention to the obscure nature of these paintings. Any rumor which has surfaced about vampires has been exaggerated by artist all over the land. We simply like to collect these works in belief that one day such painting may be worth something.

Celeste: Aren’t you afraid that if someone sees these images they would get the wrong idea about vampires?

Anabel: Perhaps, but there are so many nonbelievers we don’t worry. So… for as long as there has been vampires… there have been dhampirs. Vampires born half human with vampire traits, some bad traits some good… some very rare like yourself.

Celeste: Me?

Anabel: From what we can tell dhampirs get their characteristics depending on how their human blood mixes with the sacred blood of vampires… yours is a rare case… you seem to not age. Most Dhampirs age like humans while maintaining vampire abilities. Yours is the opposite it seems.

Celeste: How do you know this? Are there more like me?

Anabel: Told you… your blood reveals more than your lips will say… annnd far as I know there are more dhampirs… how many I don’t know… just like you? I know even less… excuse me.

Anabel is approached by another servant who hands her a small sheet of paper then steps aside with her head down. Anabel looks at it and reads the writing on it quickly.

Anabel: I’m sorry… something has come to my attention that I must attend.

Celeste: Wait… I still have more questions.

Anabel: I’m sure you do… ones I will be willing to answer another time but I have pressing matters…

Speaks to her servant in French.

Anabel: She will take you to the library… there you will find infinite knowledge about our kind, the world between and perhaps even on your self… In case I do not see you before dawn I bid you good day until the sun sets… good night.

Anabel then quickly walks down the hallway toward the main corridor. Celeste and Anabel’s servant proceed forward into the arch way as two guards in front of the door open it to let both pass. As they enter through the arch door way Celeste sees book stacks and shelves standing just over twenty feet high, and within them hundreds if not thousands of books. Three candle lit chandeliers light up the massive library as they are sectioned in each part of the room. One large window stands at the opposite end of the large room. Another window, slightly smaller, stand at Celeste and the servants left with another exit arch door way sits a few feet down. They stand at the top of a one level stair case. A long table sits in the middle of the room parallel with the chandeliers.

Celeste with amazed look on her face.

Celeste: She wasn’t kidding when she said massive library…

Celeste begins to walk down the stairs with the servant following her close behind. They are soon met by a female who appears out of a blur of inhuman speed. She has blond hair rolled up tight into a bun. A long black and white gown with a sheer hood draped over her head. Her skin is pale with blue eyes and her fangs were visible as she greets Celeste suddenly.

Vampire Woman: You must be our new guest Young Mistress Mondragon told of…

Celeste: Yes… I’m…

Vampire Woman: Celeste, I know. Good evening I’m Louise. Chronicler and Librarian of this house. Please if there is anything you wish to know or need… do not hesitate to ask. (saying as Celeste looks curiously around at the books around her) I’ve… organized and maintained everything you see before you for centuries… Anything you want to know… I can find fast as you need it.

Celeste: Wow… um… umm…

Louise: How about we start on the basics?

Louise then vamp speeds all around the library grabbing various books and volumes and places them on the table in front of Celeste (servant still standing behind her with her head down). By the time she is done there approximately 36 or so books in front of her.

Louise: Here… everything you need to know about vampires, werewolves, and other creatures of the underworld starting with basic origins, laws and ending with the origins of … humans.

Celeste: Amazing… (saying as she looks at the books which have years upon years of age to the covers and pages) This will take me all night…

Louise gestures to the servant.

Celeste: Where is she going?

Louise: I sent her to fetch water and something to eat for you…

Celeste: Oh no I…

Louise: It’s no problem… you said you’ll be all night… if this is true you will need your strength. I will leave you now… scream if you need anything. (saying as she walks off into the book stacks behind them)

Celeste: thank you…

Celeste sits down on a stone chair at the table and begins to read through the books.

“As I sat and read through the literature that had been presented to me I learned so much I did not know before, even before my time spent with the drakes. I learned vague history of how it was unclear of how vampires came to be but it’s certain that they raised from the ashes of a first evil… demons. Creatures… monsters that inhabited this planet thousands of years before the existence of humans without any type of organic form, until they killed each other off or took shelter in the ground from the sun which was created by god. From that I learned more about demons and their origins. How it was assumed that the planet was originally made by god to be a corner of the universe where the most evil was to be locked away and contained from the other utopias he created and how vampires were among the wrongly accused. I learned of drows, ogres, trolls, ghost, spirits, hell gods, immortals… you named it. The vampire origin was cloaked in mystery and it intrigued me further. I’m not sure if it was just the side of me that found it appealing or what… But it was as if no one knew or they were hiding it. The one ideal that most vampires commonly believed in was that they were are bastard inbred children of Cain and Lillith. Lillith being Adam’s first wife, and Cain and Abel… twin boys of the two. After Cain (killing his brother) and Lillith (being pure evil) were banished from Eden by God, each walked the world with their immortality breeding various vampires of all kinds feeding on man. To keep them under control God cursed their evil children with nocturnal submission, rendering them fatally allergic to the sun, a temporary weakness in hope of a appreciation of humanity would evolve them. A fascinating tale I thought… The books had very little on Dhampirs. Only thing mentioned was what Anabel had already told me. Apparently there are an infinite number of cases of unknown dhampirs. Most common were the ones born with all of the vampires strength… but no weaknesses. But it didn’t give specifics… just said that most live in secret, even from the vampires. The book also said vampires could not only be born or created pure but made... meaning humans could be turned. The books then went on to paint vampires as lonely creatures of the night simply trying to keep humans from destroying themselves and the planet by maintaining a balance. I wasn’t sure to what to believe… the books jumped around a lot regardless of how many times I read it. Each one reference another book or a passage started then continued in another. A decoding technique the drake also used. Made it seem like one was reading gibberish if they didn’t have the other books. In the end there was a shroud over the vampires that was confusing… part of the history claimed them to be tortured souls… the other depicts them as monsters in the night. It was a lot to process… it overwhelmed my thoughts so much to where I fell asleep at the table. Sun rose and set around me. I was awoken came dusk by Anabel that following night.”

Anabel is dressed in a long silk roman like robe as she greets Celeste with the same two servants.

Anabel: Been here all night have you?

Celeste awakens pulling her head off the table looking at Anabel with tired eyes and books opened all in front of her.

Celeste: Um.. yes… I was just reading… there’s a lot to absorb (saying as she chuckles)

Anabel: (chuckles slightly) I can see that.

Celeste turns to begin reading more of the books.

Anabel: Well would you care to join me in a bath? We can discuss all and anything you wish I have the entire night free.

Celeste: (nervously) Um no… but thank you… I shall continue to read and meet you after if that is alright…

Anabel: Please… besides it will be of poor manners to dismiss my hospitality… also… you smell like a sweaty soldier and fish. It’s unbecoming…So I insist…(saying slight sarcastically)

Celeste: (looking away at the books then at Anabel)… Perhaps I am in need of some relaxation after all this…

Anabel: (small excitement in her voice) Excellent… come.

The two proceed up the staircase in the library followed by the two servants. After a large distant traveling through halls they come into a large room well lit with candles and torches. In the center of the room is a large circular stone marble bath, imbedded in the floor, also surrounded by candles(bout the size of a family pool). The steam rises from the water while half dressed servants, both male and female, stand in corners of the tub. The two servants removed Anabel’s robe (revealing her curvy but pale smooth form) and help her into the bath. Awkwardly nervous Celeste begins to unclothe her self.

Anabel: Don’t be shy… we’re both ladies. (snaps her fingers gesturing the same two servants help take her clothes off)

The servants walk closer and begin to undress Celeste as she tries slightly to resist and struggle, but sits in a curiosity state. Once nude she is slightly shy and covers her self using her right hand to cover her genitalia and left arms to cover her breast; leaving only the spotted dirt marks randomize among her body to be seen.

Anabel: Hmm nice. (said with a flirty voice)

Celeste enters the tub, Anabel then gestures one of the servants to bring Celeste clothes to her. The servant circles the tub with clothes in hand, kneels down and presents the dirty clothing to her who smells them feet away in disgust.

Anabel: Yuck… please burn those… and um find her some thing suitable to wear from my wardrobe.

Celeste: Oh no that’s…

Anabel: Ahem… (Silencing Celeste)

Celeste: Sorry…

Anabel then gestures the servant to leave and follow her order.

Anabel: So tell me… were the books to your liking?

Celeste: Yes… very much so but I have to know something that came to me…

Anabel: What’s that?

Celeste: The missing soldiers from the camp site… where are they?

Anabel: What matter does it to you? I told you were to leave that life behind once you came here.

Celeste: I know but they are my people… friends… soldiers of my country.

Anabel: But they are also barbarians enslaved to an unjust man following orders like puppets. Trust me… if this world ever ends it will be at the hand of men… we do are part to make sure that doesn’t happen. Men like that are ruled by their need of power.

Celeste: …

Anabel: Are you to tell me most of the things you have seen… pain… hate… war… hasn’t been because of mortal men?

Celeste: No… some were… something more… like monsters…

Anabel: But still males none the less?

Celeste: I guess…

Anabel: Then my point stands…but don’t worry. Your country men are well, they have been put to greater use that’s not war. Some may even find themselves most fortunate in their endeavors.

Celeste: What does that mean?

Anabel: It’s vampire politics… something you are not quite ready to grasp.

Celeste: … but… you give your word they are ok?

Anabel: (Anabel nods then snaps her fingers for servants to enter the bath and start cleaning her) What you read in our chronicles must have really spooked you.

Celeste: Not so much spooked me… more like brought a few questions. Like… it wasn’t clear on a lot of things… some parts vampires pegged as monsters others you’re lost souls… so I don’t know what to believe trying to do good.

Anabel: What’s your heart tell you?

Celeste: … tells me I need to follow my gut…

Anabel: And your mind?

Celeste: That I need to ask more questions to satisfy my heart with answers.

Anabel looks at Celeste hard with an annoyed look.

Celeste: In the books… it says you all are conceived in I think… three ways… all shrouded in darkness, what does that mean?

Anabel: We can be made, meaning a human can be turned into a vampire by a person already vampire. This is done through a form of blood letting… we call it siring. Details I do not want to get into at the moment. Just know… the human part dies and they resurrect as one of us… something we rarely do and only do if things work out so we can. We actually prefer to conceive like humans do… through intimacy.

Celeste: Oh… so you can give life like normal people?

Anabel: Sort of. Whatever normal is. It’s kind of strange. In your years… have you ever felt strange during the full moon?

Celeste: Not really, I mean there are times during it when an eerie feeling… like something was going on that I couldn’t see came to me… can’t really explain it.

Anabel: I see… well every few full moons the energy messes with our vampire nature… think of it as a cat in heat… we crave sex with anyone but if we choose to we can do so with a human and procreate thus conceiving.

Celeste: Why does it have to be a human?

Anabel: Down side of being immortal… well one of them I guess… we can’t have children with other vampires… some reason the physical nature of both will procreate a child… I don’t know science of it… we are still looking into it… but we do know one thing… it’s how dhampirs like your self are made… through procreation. (saying with a sly smile) Other ways vary… wrongful exorcism… improper burial… you name any type of wrongful cleansing and it will usually do the trick of making a human into a vampire.

Celeste: So I’m the product of a vampire misconception?

Anabel: You say that like sex is this “oh so bad thing”… it’s not. It’s one of the best things of being a vampire. We can fuck in way humans can only dream about. I’m sure you’ve tried it

Celeste blushes slightly.

Anabel chuckles

Anabel: Uh huh see I knew you knew what I was talking about. (Anabel gestures to the servants)

Celeste is soon surrounded by two servants as they enter the bath and begin to bathe her. Celeste curiously resist then stops.

Celeste: But what is this curse of the sun god supposedly put on you… if you’re not monsters… why would he do such a thing?

Anabel: Well what’s the big deal about the sun, I mean as you know it blisters you if you are in it more than a few min… besides… it’s something we vampire surpass in time… and as of why god would do such a thing… I don’t know… maybe he’s just a wrathful prick.

Celeste: B.. But how do you surpass a curse… I mean that’s what a curse is according to witch laws of nature… you can’t break a curse… only live with it or die from it.

Anabel: Perhaps… but from what I am told there are different curses… some which can be broken…

Celeste: Not possible.

Anabel: Really? Then how do you suppose how some of us can day walk?

Celeste: …?

Anabel: didn’t read about the elders?

Celeste: I’m sorry… must have fell asleep before that part…

Anabel: It’s alright… The elders are the vampire majesties of each clan. They are the strongest and most powerful. They have mastered the powers of vampirism and govern us. They are thousands of years old and are said to be so strong they can actually walk in day light… no one has ever seen this because being all younger vampires… we have to go to stay out of the sun for it can kill us…

Celeste: So they are invincible?

Anabel: Far as we know… you don’t fuck wit the elders.

Celeste: Where did you learn magic? I mean you have to have learned it… you clearly weren’t born a witch.

Anabel: Sorry… I’m not of liberty to disgust that… least not yet…

Celeste: Why?

Anabel stands out of the tub as the servant helps her out and drapes her robe on her. She then gestures the servants help Celeste out which they do and place another robe (held by another servant in the room, it is black) on Celeste. The two are followed by two servants as they walk the hall to Anabel’s room.

Anabel: You see… you’re new to all this… and to new comers we have to tread softly with what we tell them right out. Some information could drive you insane… and… outsiders aren’t trusted too much.

Celeste: Then why bring me here?

Anabel: I think you worthy of our trust and will be a valuable asset to us over time. So… it is so little to ask you to trust in me.

The two enter a set of large doors into Anabel’s large Corinthian like room, servants follow closely.

Celeste: Wow… your bed room almost puts this house to shame.

Anabel: (chuckles) You flatter me. (saying as her servants remove her robe and she walks to her closet nude and begins shifting through clothes)

Celeste stands idly by curious but shy.

Anabel: Its ok. You can look all you want, I’m not shy. I love being naked. But as much as I like it I am a noble by the people of the land… so I must wear clothing. Don’t worry I’m sure I have something suitable for you as well you can borrow until we can get you somethings.

Celeste: I’m sorry I’m confused…

Cutting her off.

Anabel: We’re going out. I very well am not going to stay in on a night like this… would be a waste wouldn’t you say?

Celeste looks out on to the balcony of Anabel’s room at the land around her. The site relaxes her and reminds her that even though she has lived many life times, it had been a long time for her to step aside to view the nature around her.

Celeste: Yea… its… lovely.

Anabel: Good.

Anabel picks out a black dress made of sheer, on top of it she places a purple corset with green stitching. She tops it off by pinning her up in a Romanesque style. She then has the servants dress Celeste up in a similar fashion only with purple dress and white under bust corset. She even fixes her hair in the same way.

Anabel: You look good enough to eat…

Celeste: um… I take it that’s good?

Anabel: It’s a compliment, (chuckles) do you really think I’d eat you?

Celeste: …

Anabel: Well I wouldn’t, you’re not my type (saying as a joke) come on lets go…

The two begin to descend from the up levels of the house and head to the main entrance of the house where a horse and carriage wait them. The horses are black as the carriage with contrast of white and grey giving the looks that the two are actually going to a funeral. The driver is the same old man whom picked Anabel up from the river, and no servants are present, they stay behind at the mansion. The rattling from the carriage and stomping from the horses gets louder as the two began to tread through the land to the nearest town, the two speak slightly louder as they ride conversing to hear each other over the rattling of carriage.

Celeste: So where are we going?

Anabel: Paris.

Celeste: Why?

Anabel: Why not? Or would you like to actually go to a noble masquerade? Trust me you don’t, those things are all politics. Men trying to secretly place their cock in the nearest boy or girl and woman trying to fuck their way into higher wealth, denying their actual sexual nature in front of everyone… living it behind closed doors… hmm now to think of it… no.. another time.

Celeste: I’m sorry but I just don’t understand… why Paris?

Anabel: (sighs) You’re at least 250 right?

Celeste: 2.. 64… by my count…

Anabel: Wow… brave one to actually tell your age… well I’m… older (chuckles). Well in your two and half plus centuries have you even remotely lived? I mean what’s the point of being immortal if you can’t have fun with it. Not to mention if you don’t find way to cope with it… it will drive you mad.

Celeste: You mean you…?

Anabel: (laughs) No. But others have. See being immortal can be the greatest gift or shittiest curse. You either wear it out or let it fuck you and kill yourself as many vampires do in their own eternity. If you’re like me, then you’ll fuck the hell out of it. (saying as she nudges her arm)

Celeste: So you’re saying the vampire death rate is high?

Anabel: Why do you think we aren’t very well known among the supernatural right now?

Celeste: Well you said you hide yourselves from society so…

Anabel: From humans, not the underworld. You know… witches, vampires, demons… See sometimes being immortal can take its toll. Some people can’t handle living alone. Seeing your loved ones age get sick and die… can drive a person crazy. Very common for vampires in first couple centuries to just meet the sun. So… if you ever hear about someone spontaneously combusting it was probably a young vampire.

Celeste: Why couldn’t they just make their loved ones into vampire? I mean… it is possible right?

Anabel: Yea… but there are rules. First the person has to get their coven leaders permission and that coven leader has to talk to the elders blah blah blah and a whole lot of mess before that. And most of the time… people just do not feel it is right to subject a love one to a life time of damnation…

Celeste: Do you get alone?

Anabel looks at Celeste slightly sad as they finally arrive in Paris and her expression changes.

Anabel: We’re here… Paris (smiling).

The city moves with life and some light as music and various commotion feels the street. Much laughter and the sound of horses and carriages move through area like a large festival. Celeste and Anabel enter a small run down tavern. In it were various men, some towns men, others soldiers, and few women. The women present were either prostitutes, drunken hags from a near by town, bar wenches or noble women in disguise like Anabel and Celeste. Most engage in everything from drinking to sex, dancing to the string folk music and gambling. Anabel and Celeste circle around the people to a small table, the commotion of laughter and various noise surrounds them.

Anabel: How about we start with some drinks?

Celeste: Sure… but why come here, there are many other places we could’ve gone… some much quieter… less dirty.

Anabel: I didn’t think they would be very fun as something like this… trust me noble gatherings aren’t to exhilarating… maybe another time, I promise. Plus I kind of left my coin purse at home... you wouldnt have any would you?

Celeste: No… sorry I have been without money for a while.

Anabel: That’s alright, there are… other ways.

A man then begins to walk toward Celeste and Anabel tipsy and barely capable of standing up. He reeks of alcohol and dirt. His skin is dirty and his clothes barely on his body. He has long shaggy hair and white Caucasian skin. He tries to forcefully hit on Anabel then Celeste until Anabel stops him, and looks at him in the eye.

Translated from French.

Anabel: How about you get us some drinks handsome then leave us alone, go home and jerk off until you fall asleep?

The man then stands up as if he is in a trance, walks over to the bar and orders two chalices of wine, pays for them with his own money and brings them back to Celeste and Anabel. He then leaves the tavern in a confused dazed.

Celeste: What… what was that?

Anabel: That was free service and me using my “womanly charm” on a dim witted male.

Celeste: No… I mean it was like you made him do it… like you compelled him to get us drinks and then leave.

Anabel: (looks at Celeste) Because that’s exactly what I did.

Celeste: How? Magic?

Anabel: So interested in magic? Why?

Celeste: Because when I bring it up you dodge the question.

Anabel: I see. Well its not... it’s part of who we are… it’s in our blood.

Celeste: Part of you vampire abilities like the super speed thing…

Anabel: mhm.

Celeste: So does that mean I…?

Anabel: I have no idea. Have you tried?

Celeste: No…

Anabel: Then nothing like the present to try. (looks around the room then moves closer to Celeste as to whisper in her ear) That man over there. Reach into his mind like you would be sticking your hand into fire to pull out a log. Then… turn his attention toward you… and will him to come over here never losing the gaze in his eyes. Once you have him… you can do what you want. (moves away for Celeste to try it)

Celeste tries to do as Anabel instructs. Her will is great because of her lessons in magic. She strains to get into the mind of the man (who has blond hair blue eyes and nobleman soldier clothing) across the room and nothing happens.

Celeste: Shi… I can’t.(frustratred)

Anabel: Well you’re only half vampire dear… so it may be a dark gift you are unable to access. Maybe different for you as it is to us all… but one things for sure... we grow stronger as we grow older. I’m sure you have tested your strength… being in the army and all.

Celeste: Some what…

Anabel then reaches into the man’s mind and pulls his attention to her and will’s him to come to her. He releases the woman to the floor and makes his way to Anabel.

Celeste: What are you doing?

Anabel: Having fun (saying as the man continues to walk to her).

The man comes up to Anabel and begins kissing her. He then picks her up and carries her to toward the distance shadows in the back of the tavern. Embraced in a passionate position (Anabel pressed on a wall with her legs around him) Celeste watches from a distance out of the corner of her eye as the man tenses up in ecstasy as Anabel buries her mouth into the man’s neck and pulls her head up with a little blood on her mouth. Anabel stops after only a few seconds. She then removes blood using the tip of her sharp fangs to puncture her finger and places it on the mans neck. Anabel then looks at the man, compels him and sends him on his way back to his horse out side to leave, then makes her way back to Celeste.

Celeste sits sort of uncomfortable.

Celeste: What was that?

Anabel: I told you we feed from humans… it’s the only way we survive. Accept it. Being half human you aren’t submitted to the thirst… feel lucky. I on the other hand have to feed every so often. It doesn’t kill them and (chuckles) believe it or not some get off on it.

Celeste: But you compelled him to come to you… taking away his free will to choose… how is that any different from stealing.

Anabel: It is a necessary evil on my part but if you knew what I knew of him you wouldn’t feel so just to jump to his defense.

Celeste: What do you mean?

Anabel: My intention was simply just to fuck him get a little blood in the process. When he got close enough I can smelled blood on him. I thought nothing of it because he’s a soldier. Then I tasted him. He was a serial rapist… would’ve raped that woman had I not done something… I saw it in his blood.

As Anabel drinks her wine Celeste looks into the man’s memories briefly just before he leave on his horse. She then looks away fast.

Celeste: Why did you pick him anyway?

Anabel: A French nobleman soldier in a low down tavern drinking with commoners. How many do you know like that would come to a place like this if they didn’t have an alternative motive or were trying to hide something. I got what I really wanted from him so its fine. Told him to get on his horse and keep riding until he hits the ocean or the nearest prison and to turn himself in. Why do you think I chose here… save lives… and get what I need.

Celeste: “Your” alternative motive… (chuckles) clever… take from the evil and save a life.

Anabel: Seems only fair right?

Celeste then holds her drink up to cheers Anabel as she does the same.

“After that she had my trust completely. She was strong, brave and clever in her mission. Vampires truly were misunderstood creatures simply trying to do good and keep humans from harming themselves and each other. We then jumped from tavern to tavern seeking out unjust men whom had murdered, robbed, beaten and raped from many people and even women whom had done the same or worse. I would be lying if I said it was not enjoyable.”

Anabel and Celeste are walking to a new tavern in Paris as the night is with in a mere few hours to close.

Celeste: So is this why you recruited me… you needed help taking out scum?

Anabel: How bout I explain that later and we go here. ( saying as the two look upon a place that resemble a hotel)

Celeste: Why here?

Anabel: You’ll see. Plus dawn approaches in a couple hours. This place can act as a safe house for me if things go wrong.

Celeste: Couldn’t we just hop back into the carriage.

Anabel: True but what fun would that be.

As the two enter they are greeted by the Madame of the house (who has dark hair a blue dress and corset she appears to be middle age). Anabel hands the woman money she had stolen from various men she had compelled in the taverns before and she has them follow her. Women in corsets, half naked or fully naked and various sexual clothing were scattered about flaunting their bodies and seducing men with drugs, wine, and dancing.

Celeste: What is this place?

Anabel: My future business is what it is (chuckles).

The two are given exotic robes, change leaving their clothing with the madame, and placed in a canopy by the madame herself as a type of VIP in the house. They are then given a long pipe that is required for two people light (one hold while other lights opposite end). Anabel places drugs in and ask Celeste to light it using a near by flame. Anabel inhales the fumes, which have a unqiue scent to Celeste, then hands it off to Celeste and exhales.

Celeste: What is this?

Anabel: A very interesting drug… try it… trust me it won’t kill you… you’ll thank me (saying with a grin)

Celeste: So I take it you come here often? (saying as Anabel lights the pipe and she inhales)

Anabel: I only come here when I have a good night… and this has been a fucking great night.

“At that moment I felt a great calm about me. My body was relaxed but my mind was all over the place. The room felt like it was distorting but it wasn’t. I felt as if I was

sinking into the floor like quick sand and nothing worked when I tried to move.”

Anabel smiles.

Anabel: Feeling it already?

Celeste: What is this?

Anabel: It’s just a little thing… its called opium. Relaxes the body completely. See alcohol effects the liver then the mind then blood and with us we have to drink three times as much as a human to even get tipsy drunk… thank you fucking healing rate… anyway, opium can almost knock us down on our asses. Get’s in our special blood and just works its magic on us. It’s… so… fucking lovely. (saying as she begins to feel high)

Anabel smokes more and begins to feel the effects more she then passes it off to Celeste. They continue this in the privacy of their own canopy in a room complete with various drapes of color a balcony and some candles. They soon find themselves dancing almost naked and at their request are joined by other women soon after. The two are so high they actually embrace in a kiss with each other. As the other women began to dance in a seductive manner with the two, all undressed more. The sexual effects of the drug soon surface and the two find themselves in a massive orgy with the other women. As the commotion continued Anabel manages to sneak away in her robe still high. She ventures outside to a balcony and sits there looking at the lights of Paris. From a distance she finds the same man she fed on at the tavern, back where she left him. She then jumps off the balcony and vamp speeds to him just as he’s getting off his horse. She succumbs herself in mysterious darkness in a alley way and pulls the mans attention to her. He sees her and smiles hugely as she temps him with her flesh (showing her breast) he quickly gets to her and embraces her enticement of to sex. As he kisses and bites and grabs on her flesh, moaning loudly, he begins to undo his pants. Anabel spreads her legs as he picks her up and presses her to the opposite wall. As he begins to thrust into Anabel her eye glow a silver lust in the night. Not a second after her fangs sprout and forcibly bites into his neck, feeding from him. First he moans loudly in pleasure, she replies with a softer moan. But as she continues to suck from his neck those his moans turn to screams which get louder and louder. Anabel covers his mouth, over powering him with her vampire strength and pushes him to the ground, moaning louder as she takes his blood. He soon stops struggling and then stops moving all together, lifeless. Anabel then stands up, wipes her mouth and consumes the remaining of the blood from her finger. She then makes her way back to the balcony (using her vampire speed) of the brothel to see Celeste getting oral pleasure from one of the other female and moaning loudly in pleasure.. The sun begins to rise over her shoulder as she looks at it briefly then enters the room, closes the balcony doors, and conceals herself from the rays, with a smile on her face; showing no effect of the opium.