The mind that Anthony felt intruding upon his own was almost alien in nature to him.  The way it settled into his own and curled around his consciousness , as if waiting for its chance to rend his mind, was terrifying to one accustomed to being predator.  Anthony's mind was weak from his long sleep, and his blood was not strong yet.  In time, perhaps, but now...now he was too vulnerable.  He knew it was only due to her control and will that he was left to his own devices.  Perhaps he would grow to resist it the longer she dwelt in him.  It was the only comfort he could see.<br/><br/>He smiled at Victoria's slight teasing words, and laughed with her, forcing the sound out.<br/><br/>"Alas, I do not know if Alex has the insight that you have, Victoria.  I think I make him a bit nervous, unfortunately.  I had hoped he would find me a good companion to him in all ways.”<br/><br/>As he spoke with a light tongue, his mind reeled and sought to assuage the woman beside him<br/><br/><em>I give you my thanks, lady, for letting me pursue him.  If it plays out, then I will be in your debt.  If it does not, perhaps I may yet stay, at your forbearance of course.  </em><br/><br/>Anthony glanced over at Alex as the young man sought to pull an opinion from him and Victoria.  He could faintly hear the words in Alex's thoughts, but not as clearly.  Victoria's presence was forceful and took up much of Anthony's attention.  He raised his glass and sipped the drink as he considered the painting Alex had indicated.<br/><br/>It was a stark piece, of three bodies entwined, joining and parting.  Anthony could see influences from the 15th century painter Bosch.  However, it was hidden in shadow and dark colors.  One could almost see the movement of the three as they joined to become one and then separated.<br/><br/>Anthony gave a brief murmur of appreciation.  "It is striking.  Influenced by a well known painter, but not derivative.  The technique is crude, but effective.”  He gave a slight shrug as he continued.  "As an investment, it is of course hard to say, since value is in the eyes of the beholder.  But, it is a strong piece.  It is too new to say if it will be an important piece in the future.  Keep in mind, the most famous and valuable paintings were at one time worth little more than the commission that inspired their creation.”<br/><br/>He turned his eyes back to Alex and Victoria, his gaze passing from one to the other and then back.  "What is important, though, is if the piece says something to you, if it stirs you.”<br/><br/>As he turned back, he noticed a subtle detail.  Most looking at the piece would assume it was a man joined by two women.  But, here, in this show, Anthony had thought to look for subtle hints.  He had found one.  It was not two women and a man; it was the opposite.  Anthony wondered if Alex had noticed.