On Virgin Grounds
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Raphael on 03-11-2010, 21:44:04</h2>
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				Title: <strong>On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>03-11-2010, 21:44:04</strong>
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				One would imagine the Senate meeting in a dark hall, with cold stone walls and flickering torches, and voices whispering in the dark. It was a vampire meeting, after all. But this was a large and generously lighted conference room, with white walls and a gray carpet, with a mahogany table in the middle and soft leather chairs around that soaked up the flat blue light of the fluorescent lamps. <br><br>If the wine glasses were full of wine, this would have been nothing out of an ordinary business meeting much like the ones this conference room would see on a typical Saturday night. But on this frosty Munich night on Saturday, January 8th 2011, they weren’t. <br><br>“I do agree.” Flynn DelaCourt spoke with the hint of a French accent. He leaned forward over his glass. “The Community is growing. We need more space. In Canada, we adopted most of our pets eight or nine years ago. Soon, it will be time for them to be Sired into the Community. That’s twelve more members of our coven all at once; we’ve never had such a wave before. And we can expect more in the next decades.”<br><br>“Then why are you against us expanding our coven grounds?” Maria Francesca, the Elder of the Fabiani bloodline, asked harshly. “You have more than enough room in Manitoba.”<br><br>“Because,” the DelaCourt Elder waved his hand in a controlled, emotionless gesture, “It draws attention. This is not the sixteenth century anymore. One wrong step and the world will know. And shoving one hundred vampires into an ever-expanding castle in the middle of Europe is a wrong step.” He leaned back and crossed his fingers above his stomach.<br><br>The rest of the Elders had followed the conversation silently. The DelaCourts and the Fabianis had been bickering with each other for nearly three centuries. The reason was Blanc – the Younger bloodline owed its existence to a union between a Fabiani and a DelaCourt. And ever since the Blancs took their place in the Senate, the two parent bloodlines have been trying to gain more influence over them. <br><br>The oldest member of the Senate – the nearly six hundred year old Cassandra Aurelia, raised her hand. <br><br>“Whether expanding our current covens is a wise move or not, is debatable. Whether it’s a risky move is also debatable. But there is another side to this. The growth of the Community has forced many of our kind that consider each other rivals, or unpleasant company the least, to have to co-exist under one roof. When a few such rivalries occur, they can be kept under control. But lately, their number has been growing, and their heat intensifying. And the Siring of over thirty pets within the next three years will make it even worse.”<br><br>“Why not just kill off the pets and forbid adoption again?” The rough voice belonged to Corrado, the Rossanera Elder. <br><br>“It’s not our way to kill off members of the Community, Corrado.” Cassandra replied. “And human or not, the pets are a part of our Community. They are more than food.”<br><br>Silence fell over the conference room. Some of the Elders were pondering over her last words.<br><br>“Well,” Cassandra explained. “I mean they are intended to be more than food.”<br><br>“I vote for colonizing.” This was the first thing Chun Lao Bo said this evening. The small Chinese man in an elegant suit was sitting still, with his hands on the table. When he spoke, all heads turned at him. But this was all he had to say.<br><br>“So do I”, Mei Lin Macabri nodded. One after the other, seven of the nine Elders present gave their vote for the establishment of a new coven. The other two – Maria Fabiani and Corrado Rossanera, nodded in acknowledgment that they will follow the decision of the Senate. <br><br>“So… where should this new coven be, then?” the Connor Elder asked after the voting had been concluded. “India is a good place: rural, poor, easy to hide our activities.”<br><br>“India is swarming with packs, though.” Fabiani replied. “What about Africa?”…<br><br>The discussion lasted for over 7 hours. The decision was made: the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois. The Senate ended the meeting for tonight. Tomorrow night there was going to be a very hot and difficult discussion: how many and who are to be sent to the virgin grounds to take up the task of preparing them for the establishment of a fourth coven.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>03-11-2010, 22:33:05</strong>
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				Ana-Lucia DelaCourt awoke with a soft moan, her right arm sliding along the mattress that had been earlier in the night covered with a pale pink, satin sheet. Another, matching sheet covered her naked form as she lay sprawled out on her stomach before lifting her head and turning to look at the empty side of the bed. Frowning she brushed her chocolate strands of hair from her equally dark eyes. She couldn't remember going to bed alone, but she definitely knew she would have also woken up with some semblance of a hang over. Groaning she dropped her head to her pillow still able to pick up the soft traces of perfume and cologne that mixed together in a comforting ballet of fragrance.<br><br>Smiling as she remember his smell distinctly, she turned her face into the pillow and took a long draw. Her senses adjusted acutely, picking up the differential components of each scent. Closing her eyes she was more than ready to fall back into a deep slumber, embraced by the reminder that somewhere out there, there was someone who loved her for every little flaw she possessed. Though she liked to tell everyone she was perfect from head to toe, her perfectly polished nails and hair. The shape and curvature of her body that she took pride in keeping in check, the large tattoo that covered her right hip as a symbolic tie to her family. Every little detail down to the faint freckles on her cheek bones and that tiny little mole on her right breast. She claimed it made her all the more perfect.<br><br>She was arrogant at the best of times, downright catty at the worst. But she had to be, her family had a reputation and she wanted to keep it in tact. She was a DelaCourt, one of the elite families when it came to the vampire bloodlines. She was Borne though still living. Her mother had passed ten years ago and now was dealing with being one of the undead. Something that was hard for both of them to accept. Her father was on the Senate, something that only increased her haughty nature.<br><br>As her eyelids grew heavier, her breathing slower, her phone kicked into action playing one of those crappy generic ring tones she hated so much. Groaning she was about to knock it to the floor from its position on the night stand until she saw the number. Daddy dearest.<br><br>Smiling she bounced from bed, pulling her black silk bathrobe over her body and grabbing her phone. "Daddy!" her voice was chipper as she stepped out onto the balcony of the log cabin she shared with many a mate in her recent years. Snow had fallen, leaving a scintillating shimmer underneath the silvery moonlight. She had always loved snow, even if the temperature never really agreed with her body for too long. Tonight however was a different story. She had only been active hours ago, her body still heated from her extracurricular activities. <br><br>"Chicago?" there was a soft hint of an Italian accent upon her voice. She had spent many years in Italy, the home of her mother, learning the culture and her heritage. She giggled vaguely. "To meet the Senate about a prospective Collettiva." she never liked the term Coven. It seemed so board, too generic, and definitely stereotypical. "Of course daddy." she listened as he continued. She was thrilled he wanted her to meet them, it could only mean one thing. The best of things for those like her. "I'll see you soon. I love you too."<br><br>Love. A word she didn't throw around lightly. One she couldn't afford to in the world of vampires. Life was too fragile. Turning and slipping back into her bedroom, she slid out of her robe before getting dressed. She was thankful they had a small private jet on the ground of the Montreal Collettiva, it would make it easier to get to Chicago in a timely manner. Turning her phone off she grabbed her away bags which she continually kept packed before heading for the jet, not doubting for a moment her father had called them before calling her.<br><br>Smiling she switched dim bedside light off before stepping through the darkness and out of the cabin. "Time to head to Chicago.." she whispered to herself.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 01:08:17</strong>
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				The great main hall of the Prague coven was bustling with activity, as always: its denizens walking in and out, conversing, one or two couples making out in a corner. The heavy, pretty, very traditional chandelier was casting its bright light down upon the crowd, throwing twitching shadows upon the heavy Persian rug and the dark red upholstery of the various couches, sofas, and love seats spread around the room. <br><br>Galen wasn't looking at all that. He was standing by the window, looking outside at the snowy grounds of the castle, his eyes piercing the dark. He was alone; nobody had come to converse with him or to share a joke or even to greet. Galen was a loner in the middle of a friendly crowd - and if anyone asked, he fucking liked it. He preferred solitude, and the few friends he had grown to rely upon weren't here. Some were dead; others back in their covens in China and Canada. The remaining few were out on an assignment somewhere in Eastern Europe. But he didn't go; his Sire Demetrina had asked him to stay, and so he stayed, replaced by some young Fabiani recruit. Elder request, his mother had told him four days ago. Aiden Connor had told her to tell him to stay put. And Galen had shrugged and nodded, and had accepted Demetrina's compassionate hug indifferently. He had a deep bond with his Sire - his mother he called her. But emotions were something that rarely reached his face or his gestures.<br><br>Soft footsteps. High heels muffled by the soft rug. The scent of "Angel" by Thierry Mugler mixed with bitter body scent and the hint of shampoo. The discreet rustle of a short satin dress - a black Dolce&amp;Gabanna, sleeveless, rear zipper. Wavy blond hair tickling bare shoulders. Soft lips stretched into a light smile. Impeccable make-up, icy blue eyes beneath delicate eye lashes. A black onyx necklace and matching earrings. No underwear. Svetla, one of the pets of the coven, and Galen's favorite. <br><br>The petite blond came close to him and put her arm around his, rubbing her face into the sleeve of his gray Armani suit. He always wore Armani - black or gray, dark shirts, no tie. He didn't like ties, he found them too restricting. <br><br>"Galen, honey, you haven't said anything all night" Svetla said through the sleeve. "You've been standing here for fifteen minutes. Is something the matter?"<br><br>"Later." The lone word came out of his lips flatly. She stepped around and looked at him, concerned. He wasn't so cold to her usually. She felt her heart heavy. "Did I do something wrong, Galen?" she asked quietly, her eyes glancing desperately at the expression on his face, looking for a clue. He tilted his head and looked into her eyes. His hand moved up, touching the soft cheek, brushing aside a naughty lock of blond hair. "Later." he repeated and Svetla walked away, worried. He sighed and turned his gaze back at the cold dead scene outside.<br><br>It was not in the way of the Connors to hold one of theirs back from duty. Being the second youngest bloodline in the Community, and the third poorest when it came to the collective wealth of all members, the Connors were looking desperately for as much influence and profit as they could get. Something was wrong, he thought. Something important was happening. <br><br>Soft footsteps, high heels muffled by the soft rug. The scent of "Angel"... He spun on his heels. "Svetla, I told you later. You're forgetting your place." he grumbled at her. She remained silent, blushing with sadness, but not daring to interrupt. When he finished his sentence, she looked at him, trying to push back a tear. "Your Sire is looking for you. She asked me to take you to her." she said, her lips shaking. Galen rubbed his forehead. He was having trouble at first accepting a human's presence. But he adjusted. He learned to accept the pets in the Community as his future companions rather than a snack. So he put his arm on her shoulder, making sure he was gentle this time. "Don't worry. You're not the reason why I'm upset. You can take me to Demetrina."<br><br>Apologizing to a human was still something he would not do. But a pet would not expect an apology, anyway. Svetla's eyes matched her name which meant "Light" - they lightened up and she leaned into his touch. "Thank you, Galen!" Her lips touched his hand before she turned around. He followed her out of the great hall, nodding at two Connors and one of his former Sentinel comrades - a devilish redheaded Morrigan named Leyla. <br><br>The pet took him to one of the countless rooms in the northern wing of the castle. His mother Demetrina was waiting for him, brushing her very long black hair in front of a large mirror. It wasn't her room. Galen assumed she had slept with someone. Who it was, he didn't know, and frankly, he didn't care much. She was over 100 years old and Galen knew from the bottom of his heart that she knew what she was doing. <br><br>His Sire turned around and hugged him as he entered the room. "Galen Arthur, finally some good news!" she chuckled on his shoulder. Her satisfaction was obvious. Galen smirked. "I don't know who the man is, mother, but judging by your attitude, he must fuck like a god." She giggled. "Silly man! You've been selected by the Senate for a special task." <br><br>He pulled away from the hug. "Hm." he grunted. "So that's what all the ruckus was about. Alright - who do I have to kill?" He was serious but she pinched his arm and giggled again. "Nobody. The Senate has voted on establishing a fourth coven. A small group will be sent to meet up in Chicago, in America, and prepare the grounds. You're one of the selected. You'll be the founder of a new coven, Galen Arthur Connor!" <br><br>He remained silent for a moment, digesting the surprising information. "Who else is going?" he finally asked. Demetrina shrugged. "I don't know. Only one name came out, but it was more gossip than information. Ana-Lucia." Galen frowned. "That DelaCourt brat? Wonderful." His mother took a step back towards the mirror and resumed brushing. Galen's eyes slid across the room, noticing the neatly pulled curtains and the wrinkled blue bed sheets. The room reeked of sex. "Now, now, son, Ana-Lucia is a good lass, upstanding and noble. You know that all too well. So be good!" she scolded him.<br><br>Galen shrugged and touched his Sire's shoulder. "When do I have to leave?" She looked at him into the mirror. He got the message. Now. "Very well, I should go get ready then. I'll find you when it's time to say goodbye." He turned around, mixed emotions tingling his chest. The predominant one was the same as his mother, though - excitement. He was chosen to establish a new coven - something that hasn't happened for twelve centuries and had no living witnesses in the world. And he was one of the very few selected. This was going to boost up his position in the Community, as well as the influence of the Connors. <br><br>But then he looked up. And it became apparent that not everyone was happy about him leaving Prague. Svetla was crying.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 01:56:50</strong>
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				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">The faithful guise of night had fallen upon Chicago's fringes, who internal workings continued to hum with an unending fervor; devout minions, still scurrying to and fro, congested the sidewalks even in the darkness. From a quaint, log cabin, tucked amid aromatic oak and pine, one could still discern those burning lights, the ethereal flames twinkling against a silvery sky.<br><br>There, rested upon the cushioned windowsill, Blaire sat, wistfully gleaning any morsels of brightness from the rigid, twisting branches obscuring the view. Tender curls relaxed about similarly relaxed shoulders. That delicate brownness-- only a nuance or two from a dirty blonde-- enveloped her soft features, like the fragrant petals encircling a grinning sunflower.<br><br>"Gosh, sis, is that what you're wearing?"<br><br>Stepping into the quiet living room, Dustan-- delightfully handsome in a simple T-shirt alongside dark-washed denims--beckoned to the recumbent sibling, a goofy smile plastered on his smooth face. She, calm cheeks immediately adopting their usual radiance, sprang up to greet the elder brother; into the offered embrace Blaire floated, letting strong arms pull her closer and masculine hands, no permission needed, tighten onto slender hips. Woodsy cologne swathed both nostrils--the lingering hints of pine and earth remained as she shifted, adjusting against that sweltering chest.<br><br>Fiery, yet playful, tawny orbs gazed up, catching hold of the male's equally intense, green eyes. <br><br>"Uh, what do you want me to do? Go to the restaurant in jeans?"<br><br>A silken blouse, rich purple fabric held together by golden thread, clung fast to the slim anatomy underneath, whereas a mildly short skirt, clinched close against trim legs, was the perfect contrast. Prada, in essence, was a big, fat 'nada' for this chick--labels didn't matter, why should they? Such trivial pursuits were of no importance...Love, dedication, loyalty...they all held a higher place in her nonconformist heart than Gucci and designer shades. <br><br>Dustan chuckled as one hand moved upward, its digits now frolicking amongst those inviting tresses. "Jeez, I'm kidding!" Head dipping down, familiar lips confirmed his conviction with an affectionate kiss on that concerned forehead. "Sweetie, you look beautiful…Hey, you actually wore high-heels! I <em>might</em> have to take a picture."<br><br>Yes, indeed, the self-proclaimed tomboy had somehow shoved her feet into a respectable pair of heels; the glossy, obsidian shoes definitely were a change from the beloved Adidas kicks. They sorrowfully lay in their respective bed for the evening. <br><br>She groaned, slipping out of the enduring hug to pull the jocular boy towards the door. "Thanks, bro, and you look like hot shit. Ha! Can we go <em>nowww</em>? I'm really hungry!"<br><br>"Alright, alright. Let's go."<br>---<br>Now amid the iridescent, urban glow, en route to an elegant eatery on Fifth and West Hollow, the pair suddenly stopped when Blaire abruptly shrieked,<br><br>"<strong>Damn</strong>! Dusty, I've got a research paper due tomorrow…Uhhh. Can you go to the restaurant while I grab a book for the project? I promise I'll run!"<br><br>Emerald irises narrowed; a brotherly protectiveness arose, obviously apparent in the stiffening of his posture. "Go to the one right down the block…Make sure your cell phone's on." He rubbed his throbbing temples while continuing, "Please, <em>please</em> be careful, baby. I've just got a bad fee--never mind! <strong>GO</strong>!"<br><br>She nodded, and then scurried down the street. Tripping on the third pace, Blaire nearly dove into a passerby. "God, this is why I don't wear these revolting things…" Pride only bruised, the female persisted, the bookstore still a ways off. </span><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 03:19:41</strong>
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				The black "Mercedes" pulled over softly, more a boat than a car based on smoothness and elegance. "We're here, Mr. O'Riley." the driver pointed out the obvious. Galen nodded into the rear view mirror and stepped out. Others were taking care of this servant's pay and tip. Galen was just happy to get out - the fat old driver's jugular vein was drumming into his ears on the way to Chicago, watering his mouth. Good thing he had fed just before leaving Prague - it was Svetla's parting gift. <br><br>He stepped onto the sidewalk and looked around curiously. Chicago. He hadn't been in the States for over 40 years now - having visited his parents' grave down in Boston about a decade prior to his Siring. The dark didn't seem to bother the hundreds of thousands of little men and women crawling about the proud city's arteries like red blood cells, pumped up and down by a force too big for them to comprehend. <br><br>Galen slowly walked through the crowd, breathing in the scent of humans. He hadn't felt quite like this since the day back in Edinburgh in his youth when his angry old uncle had been in a good mood one morning and had taken the poor kid to a bakery. The smells in that place were so intensely delicious that young Galen Arthur almost cried. He felt similarly now. He inhaled the smell of warm bodies as hundreds of shoes thudded around him - black and colored, small and large, soft and hard, sporty and high heels. He clenched his fists, unintentionally. He had himself under control, but he didn't have to endure on purpose. He was not a masochist. <br><br>So he stepped into the shadows of a back street and he walked, shrouded in silence. The orders were to meet the Ana-Lucia at some discreetly rented apartment on 5th street. She was to tell what's to be done next. The orders mentioned something about the outskirts of the city - the outlying burbs would be the best bet for a coven. But that was just "gossip" like his Sire loved to say. The DelaCourt girl was the leader of the project. He clenched his fists again. Rich suits...<br><br>The cold air embraced his body as he walked. A few yards away from the crowds, he felt a little better. Away from the crowds. He liked being alone. He looked up at the sky, trying to remember what daylight felt like. He couldn't. But then the sharp thudding of footsteps made him look around. He wasn't alone anymore - a young girl sped by, hurrying somewhere, leaving a cloud of scent behind. Galen smelled it. It was sweet - much sweeter than most women. Very intrigued, he followed the woman with his eyes. Light brunette, high heels, and some boutique clothes, ordinary, but chosen with style. He trailed her scent for a minute. It was delicious. Galen knew he was never going to forget it. He made a mental note to look for this girl again. Demetrina did tell him - be on the lookout for talent. Always. The Senate will decide if someone gets Sired. But you just be on the lookout. And of course, there's the pets - every coven needed some. Twelve, to be exact. Galen wasn't sure if they were supposed to adopt pets before settling in, but it never hurt to keep your eyes open for possible candidates.<br><br>He watched after the woman until she disappeared into the night. Then he went looking for the apartment where he and Ana were supposed to meet.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 03:23:21</strong>
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				A small car pulled up to an apartment building on 5th street, the trip to Chicago having taken a little bit longer than Ana had really wanted it to be. She wasn't a fan of flying, even when it was in a plush private jet stocked to the ceiling with everything she needed to keep herself preoccupied. She was too eager to even think about watching any of the DVDs, or listening to any of the music, reading any of the books. She had tried sleeping a little longer, but even sleep eluded her. Most of the flight had been spent with her pacing the floor, sitting in one of the chairs with her legs crossed at the knee, and tapping her long nails on the arm of the seat.<br><br>Sighing she opened the door and stepped out into the blustering cold Chicago weather. Though the skies appeared to be clear before the private jet landed, she couldn't see the stars very well at her current location. Frowning she stood with her arms crossed over her chest, looking at the building as the car pulled away after her bags had been placed at her feet. Her heels added another three inches onto her long, elegant frame raising her from a height of 5'6" to 5'9" giving her a bit of an intimidation factor to those who were walking by her currently.<br><br>Her eyes watched them, hunger coiled in her stomach like a wild animal following its prey. Feeling her fangs press against her tongue, she smiled at the group. She wouldn't hunt now, there wasn't any pressing need, she had fed hours before her slipping into bed and before the alcohol had worn from her system. Her gaze followed them even after they had passed her, her dark eyes focused over her shoulder, chin brushing against the grey wool of her ankle length coat.<br><br>Sometime during the flight she had managed to secure her appearance to look a little more polished than the jeans and long sleeved plaid shirt she had thrown on. Now wearing black slacks with a silvery chain like belt and a navy blue top that dipped low in the back, and in the front covered her chest tightly before climbing to wrap around her throat. Wearing her favorite pair of diamond earrings that had been given to her by her father, she had strategically pulled her hair into a elegant bun to display them. Keeping her makeup light, a nice smokey eye and a pale pale pink lip gloss had pulled the look together completely.<br><br>Grabbing her bags she made her way towards the door of the apartment, her delicate hand raising to knock three times. She didn't have to wait long before the door swung open and she was greeted by the warmth of the interior of the building. Smiling and bowing her head, she moved herself and her bags inside, curious as to just who they had in mind to be working this little project of there's with her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 16:10:23</strong>
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				Knock. Knock.<br><br>The apartment was a poorly furnished moldy place with empty bookshelves covered in old dust and bare light bulbs that actually buzzed quietly, just like in the old movies. It had a tight unwelcoming doorway leading into a green-and-gray living room with a squeaky couch, a cheap coffee table, and a broken TV sitting upon a wooden stand in the middle of the room. The bathroom smelled of mold and old soap and hosted a horrible looking toilet, a shower cabin with no curtains, and a dirty sink with a rusted drain. No mirror. The bedroom had a bare screeching wooden floor, a one-person IKEA bed with a metal frame and a bumpy mattress, and a crack on the window that generously welcomed the cold Chicago air in. Galen never looked into the kitchen. With his particular feeding habits, he was genuinely not interested in the kitchen.<br><br>All in all, it was a typical Community hideout, and one not used for many years. <br><br>He came from Prague prepared and black curtains were already hanging at the bedroom window; his sack was dumped into the corner of the living room, the sleeping bag already taken out of it and unrolled over the gray carpet opposite to the window. He had been a soldier for nearly two decades and he wasn't new to new places, so to speak. <br><br>Galen had already changed when the knock came. A black Armani suit and a dark blue satin shirt were wrapped around his round muscles and his bright shoulders. No tie, and his messy black hair hadn't been introduced to a comb, either. He had no patience for combing. Black leather shoes and the scent of a Gucci cologne completed his presence.<br><br>He opened the door and Ana-Lucia's perfume immediately enveloped him. She stood there, only four inches shorter than him on her high heels, wrapped up in a woolen coat. He nodded and stepped aside, giving her enough room to enter comfortably.<br><br>"Miss DelaCourt."<br><br>He looked straight into her eyes. With her dark eyes and her dark hair and her glancing skin she reminded him of these smooth olives his uncle had loved so much and had insisted on having on the table almost every dinner. The mischievous boy Galen had told him that the wrinkled olives were the real deal, and had taken the slap across the face without blinking or moving. But he had remembered it, just like he had remembered all the other slaps and the insults and the night he'd had to go to bed hungry because he'd been "naughty". And he had reminded each and every one of them to his uncle, one by one, staring at the face of the scared fat man before snapping his neck like a twig and tossing him aside like an empty sack. And then he'd had to listen to Demetrina's lecture, trying to suppress the happy grin.<br><br>It's all well when it ends well.<br><br>He let all of these thoughts cross his mind while looking into Ana-Lucia's eyes, not allowing any emotion out, standing still, shoulder rubbing against the wall so that the lady can walk past without ever having to touch him. Very gentlemanly, a lesson taught to him by an overly patient and thorough Demetrina. And easy to follow in this particular case because he sincerely hoped he would never have to touch that arrogant spoiled bitch.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 16:46:16</strong>
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				Her lips twisted in a form of displeasure at seeing Galen Connor standing on the other side of the doorway. Of all of the distasteful people they could have picked, in her mind they had scrapped the bottom of the barrel and come up short, so they turned the barrel over and combed through the mud underneath. He was a brawler, unpolished, rude, and like a splinter you couldn't pull out from underneath a fingernail. She would have much rather worn a cheap and gaudy piece of jewelry rather than have <em>him</em> be the one to be embarking on the Senate's little plan for the potential Collettiva.<br><br>Turning her eyes abruptly from him so she wouldn't have to view him further, she turned her body and almost slid along the wall to get by him. At least this time it wasn't because of her stature compared to his own, it was more to allow her bags to go by him in the narrow hallway. Lifting her chin she put on her best sarcastic smile. "Well.. If it isn't little Galen." her tone was mocking, as always.<br><br>"I see they really hard up for help these days aren't they." stepping past him she dropped her bags. "Could you make sure these get out of the hallway for me please? I must go and speak with my father." she was using her better judgment on this. There was no way they would pick someone of Galen's bloodline status to help with opening a new Colletiva. He had to have been here to simply help with the comfort of the place, even if it was a dive. She wondered if he had been the one to pick it. The thought drew a soft giggle from her throat.<br><br>Pulling her wool coat from her bare shoulders, she draped it over one arm. "Just how is Nobildonna Demetrina these days?" her thin, dark eyebrows listing onto her forehead as she turned to look at him over her shoulder. "Still treating you better than you deserve I see.." she looked him up and down, observing the clothing, smelling of the cologne. Not waiting for a reply, she snorts and turns before walking through the building in search of her father.
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				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 17:39:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen slowly unclenched his fists and took a deep breath. Little Galen? The rest of her rudeness was just empty blabbering, as always - it just showed how sophisticated the "noble" people really are. But little? That one went through his ego like a hot knife through butter.<br><br>"Yeah, run to daddy, you rodent!" he grumbled at her back. "You'll need his help for when you're crawling in the dirt, looking for the fangs I just bashed out of your smelly mouth." he added quietly to himself. It was stupid arrogant greedy little brats like this one that really made his knuckles tingle. Daddy's girl born with a silver dildo up her ass, spending her nights in empty chatter and playing little mind games and thinking high of herself without having done anything to deserve her position. While he'd had to grow up on the street, starving and scared, scratching and biting his way up. He never got to call daddy - his daddy and his mommy had been dead since he was three, and there was only one person he could rely upon. Himself. <br><br>He picked up her bags and carried them to the bedroom, dumping them onto the bed. Then he shook his head and walked out of the apartment, and down the stairs and out on the street with his heavy bad-boy walk, chest leaning forward, shoulders swinging to make him look meaner and tougher. Not that he needed it - but it was the way he was used to walk since his days as Edinburgh's crime syndicate's resident mauler. Demetrina was mocking him so hard on that "big dick strut", as she liked to call it, but he still couldn't shake it off. <br><br>He breathed in deeply, inhaling the crispy night air. He looked in both directions. Suddenly, an image appeared in his head - the image of a slim brunette rushing by on wobbly high heels. He thought about her for a second, wondering why he was so intrigued. Maybe it was the scent of youth, innocence, and utter sweetness she had filled his being with. Or the clothes - so cheap, so plain and yet so pretty. Armani suits would not have been his first choice if not for his Sire. He liked jeans. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 18:02:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ana's ears hadn't been lost to his comments as she walked way. That was one of the many things she loved about being a vampire. The heightened senses and the ability to use them to get her pay back later on. If he was in fact in on this with her, he had just gained himself the grunt work for weeks on end. It was okay though, his kind were made for that kind of thing. Sucking on the weakened left overs of the Borne, she would let him go running home to his mommy so he could suckle upon her titty. Let her deal with his sniveling and snide remarks, <em>she</em> had business to do.<br><br>Stepping into one of the rooms she sensed her father was likely in she knocked lightly on the door, waiting to be acknowledged before she entered the room entirely. Bowing her head in respect she smiled before walking to her father, leaning down and kissing his cheek gently. "Hello daddy." she was rather chipper despite the remarks just made at her retreating back. "Why must that... <em>Thing</em> be here/ He isn't even one of us. He's... Weak. And... It's like he bathed in that cologne, it's offensive." she sat beside him crossing her arms over her chest, casting her eyes about the room to take in every little detail.<br><br>"But.. I guess we're not here to discuss him are we daddy." a smile returned to her glossy lips, replacing the look of disgust that had come to them as she discussed Galen. "Tell me.. Why did you call me to Chicago?" she was more than eager to hear what he had to say, why he wanted her here and what this talk about a new Colletiva was all about. Was it a rumor? A suggestion that had gone through every channel but the final confirmations? There was only one thing to do, wait and hear what her father had to say on the matter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 20:42:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Flynn DelaCourt IV, son of the DelaCourt Elder and likely the next Elder of the bloodline himself, leaned forward to stroke his daughter's arm.<br><br>"I don't have much time so I'll be brief, pumpkin. It took me some effort to pull the strings but in the end you were chosen over Hernando Chun Lao and two others. So you must do good here." <br><br>His voice was flat and controlled. He was a politician and a noble through-and-through.<br><br>"This is how it is: you and the young Galen have been selected as a scouting party. The Senate wants to establish a new coven, but just waltzing in somewhere and taking up the first vacant spot is highly foolish and quite dangerous. So we must select the grounds for a new Collettiva very carefully and with minimal risk. The more people we sent on a virgin ground, the higher the risk of exposure, as you know. So the first group must be sent to find out if the area is safe enough for a new Collettiva; to scout the human population and see what possibilities for safe feeding there are among them; and finally, select the precise spot for the coven - inside the city or out of it."<br><br>He paused for a second, his dark eyes glowing like cinders.<br><br>"I don't know how you feel about that young vampire Galen but at least tolerate him." he continued after a brief moment. "The two of you don't like each other and the Senate knows that very well. So there is a reason why you of all candidates have been put together. Like I said, a large group would attract unwelcome attention. So the Senate has decided to send out a maximally small but maximally effective team. You have been chosen for your leadership qualities, pumpkin. You're a thinker. Your evaluation of the area and the situation and the decisions you will make will be held in high regard by the Senate. Galen, on the other hand, is a superb fighter. He's not half as intelligent as you, he's crude and thuggish, but if it comes to a struggle you'll need someone like him to watch your back. You don't have to like him and he doesn't have to like you. Suffice to say, he's being instructed in the same way as we speak. By none other than his Elder, at that. So rest assured, he'll cooperate."<br><br>Flynn DelaCourt IV quickly got up and hugged his daughter. "I have to fly now, I'm expected elsewhere." he mumbled while giving her a kiss on the forehead. "Make daddy proud!" He nodded at Ana and left the room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 01:06:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jared gave a happy sigh as he jogged into sight of his apartment building. He didn't normally go running, unless he was a wolf then he just couldn't help himself. But something had had him on edge most of the afternoon and he'd finally caved in to the urge to go running. It'd taken a good couple miles of running before he felt worn out enough to return home. He reached the door just as a 'bruiser' looking guy left the building, and ducked in before the front door closed.<br><br>He jogged up the two flights of stairs to his door, not even breathing hard as he unlocked the door. He caught the scent of a couple new people, that he figured must be new tenants in the recently vacated apartment across the hall. He shrugged and figured he'd go introduce himself after a nice long, hot shower. If he caught the scent right, he was sure there was a woman living across the hall and it wouldn't do to be all sweaty and grimy when meeting his new neighbor.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 01:13:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Chun Lao?? He knows nothing about leading. He only cares about money and his harems, he wouldn't care about what was going on within his own kind if it didn't directly affect him or his wallet." she rolled her dark eyes before shaking her head. She wasn't sure what the Senate and Council had been thinking about when they had even considered Chun Lao as being the one to come and lead a new Colletiva.<br><br>Her jaw clenched, her teeth gritting together so tightly that her fangs throbbed. Of all the people she would be stuck with in Chicago she had been stuck with someone she absolutely couldn't stand. "Tolerate him..." her words were filled with disgust.<br><br>Now she sat, brooding in what was supposed to be her room, waiting for that pathetic little worm Galen to show his face. She had the perfect task for him, one that she knew she could use to get rid of him for most of the night. Even though she was more than willing to grab her bags and take herself to a posh hotel. She didn't want to be sitting locked inside four ratty walls with a crappy little bed.<br><br>Folding her arms across her chest she stared at the doorway, caught between the desire to pick up her phone and slam her finger into speed dial 1. She wasn't even sure if he'd answer the phone, if she'd be able to get some form of rescue out of this hell hole she found herself locked inside. Even if the door wasn't physically locked, it felt that way in every sense of the word. Frowning she tried to keep herself from calling her father and complaining about where they had to wait things out until they found a suitable piece of land.<br><br>Grabbing a news paper that had been left behind she looked through the real estate section, seeing a place set just outside the city limits. A large piece of land, easily within her price range, large enough to house large numbers and still be cozy. Looking at the date of the paper she saw it was only a week old. Tapping one manicured nail on the page she nodded and smiled. This would be the worm's first task. Finding this place and making sure no one else got it, but them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 03:50:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"> Decaying, dilapidated, ancient...all were apt descriptions of the bookshop right on the intersection of Fifth and Webster. At first glance, it'd seemed as if such an establishment was a wayward derelict--just a lonely ship snared in the wrong sea, and possibly, even the wrong universe. <br><br>Mahogany bookshelves, smoothed soft by life's grindstone and inquisitive fingers, devoured quite hungrily the aisles; moreover, their berth added to the already crammed space. Spines of numerous books also jutted out, the toothless maws nibbled, rather hungrily too, Blaire observed, upon the remnants the wooden structures had gracious left behind.<br><br>Feeling utterly obtrusive amid said environment, the girl, breathe finally easing back to a normal tempo, trudged forward, hesitant feet inching along. Irritated did a stiff hand swipe away an adrift lock from that rosy forehead; likewise, her bewildered brow pressed upon a cutting gaze…<br><br>"Hullo there!" <br><br>Suddenly, a stout man appeared, his odd tuffs of jagged, ashy hair sticking out at absurd angles. Tiny glasses perched atop aquiline nostrils, lips mashed together between plump cheeks--this employee, or owner, was an al natural character. <br><br>"Why, miss, don't look so frightened! I'm Mr.Maguu…" Unlike his childlike frame, a grand, deep voice resonated within the mister's hollow throat and chest. It, amazingly, conveyed a veiled confidence, a wondrous strength without difficulty; definitely a character!&nbsp; "What can I help you with, deary?&nbsp; <br><br>Blaire, astounded to the utmost degree by the wrinkly man, blushed, bashfully scratched at an invisible itch. "Yes…I need a-a book abou-"<br><br>"Tsk, tsk! Let me guess." The shop-keep tapped the thick chin below one knowing smirk; there, between two fingers, dangle a slice of delicious literature. "You might need this: "Dummies' Guide to European Wars.""<br><br>Tongue jostling every syllable, eventually a legitimate sentence was strung together: "Ye-Yeah? Thanks…" She held out a ten dollar bill, which the man snatched up, jocular crowfeet cavorting about mellow spheres.<br><br>"You have a nice evening, miss. Enjoy that book there!"<br><br>Buoyancy, of all possible times, returned thus to her exasperated lips. "Thanks." And so, Blaire, book in hand, exited the mysterious bookshop-- the steady click, click of those pinpoint heels a bubbly laughter against the rigid silence of pages, spines, and knowledge aging…<br>---<br><br>Had the night been so cold before? Did every breeze contain a biting, arctic chill just a few minutes prior? Goosebumps littered exposed skin; consequently, rosy cheeks grew even rosier…agile feet dared to shuffle faster. <br><br>Of course, Blaire's good luck led her on a crash course: just as the frigid female crossed paths with an extremely attractive male--his swagger simply intoxicating--, she collapsed, yet another crisis caused, thanks to stupid, fancy shoes.<br><br>"Oh!" Came the dumbfounded yelp, taut body thrown against the cracking concrete walk; unwilling to accept defeat at this point, a straight face was affixed, laughter the only thing betraying the otherwise somber expression. "Heh, I'm sorry, bro. Seems I can't help being clumsy..."<br><br>Once back on her feet, Blaire's heart, out of the blue, seized up as both easygoing eyes caught whiff. This man…he wrought such emotions inside the thumping organ…<br><br>Oxygen was hard-pressed. "I…I…I'm Blaire..." Ha! It seemed so were words, naturally, of course!&nbsp; </span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 19:18:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shoulders brightening out, hands deep in the pockets of the Armani suit, Galen was piercing through the dark and quickly emptying streets of Chicago like a stray bullet. The cold didn't get to him - a lifeless body does not fear the cold even in the thinnest of suits. But his mind was wandering.<br><br>He had walked out of that apartment to catch some air and to stay away from the DelaCourt bitch until he could calm down enough to be able to face her for round two. Instead, he was pulled into a limousine and met face to face with Aidan Connor - the Elder of his bloodline, who had given him the quick run. So... she was supposed to be his boss now? It made his fangs grind against his teeth. She was supposed to be the 'head' of the company. And he - the muscle. He had no problem with that, he wasn't much of a thinker, and she was. Great. If only she could think about something else other than herself...<br><br>Discipline he had in abundance. And loyalty to his social circle. He had worked for people he had disliked before. So all he needed to do was pull himself together and turn into the muscle once more - a familiar role that he preferred to the mindless social gatherings and stupid politics of the Community, anyway. Elder says to follow her lead, so he was going to follow. The vampire society wasn't a democracy. Not with six of the nine members of the Senate being over three hundred years old...<br><br>But he still didn't like it one bit. <br><br>His steps had taken him farther away from the hideout that he had planned to go. He looked up, embarrassed to have wandered so far off without thinking, and the first thought that crossed his mind was - yeah, he did need a thinker type. Then he met the eyes of a woman and a second thought replaced the first. 'There is no such thing as coincidence.'<br><br>It was the woman from before - the woman with the sweet scent that had stirred up his world earlier tonight. Their eyes met and locked together for a moment, neither of them willing or even able to look away. Bad idea to look into someone's eyes when walking on high heels in the dark. She stumbled and fell, and he stood there watching because he couldn't touch her - not with his dead cold body. He watched her as she got up, cheeks blushing, the sound of her heartbeat fastening as she looked at him and forced her name out of her throat like an excited school girl. <br><br>"Galen."<br><br>He didn't offer his hand. He just watched her and he thought about the ways destiny works. He knew what he wanted with Blaire. But this decision was not his alone to make. It had to be consulted with the thinker of their little group - the thinker that despised him for everything he was. The irony eluded him completely. <br><br>He made his decision. "I am very late for a meeting, Blaire." he spoke, traces of Scottish accent in every word. "Give me your phone number and I will call you... if you like."<br><br>***<br><br>Twenty minutes later he was entering the hideout, reminding himself that the Community was above all. He closed the door and got in, face cold, eyes gleaming as he faced Ana.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 19:53:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sighing she stood as Galen came in. Thrusting the paper at him she nodded towards it. "Look." she offered a small, strained smile, her lips tight and barely pulling upward. She was trying to make this work, she would try to set aside the fact that they were of different standings, opposite sides of the track and all. Still it didn't mean she was going to act happy about what was going on. "I think I've found us a place that could work. It's big. Suitable for a small number of our kind and a handful of pets. I think if we play our cards right we could get this place within a few days. I've the money for it already, we just need to get an offer made as quickly as we can."<br><br>Straightening a little she tried to be a little taller now that she was in a pair of flats and not in the heels she had been wearing upon her earlier arrival into the dumpy apartment. "The paper is only a week old so I'm hoping that no one has made a suitable offer. Do me a favor and check it out tonight before the sun comes up? Tell me what you think, break in if necessary, I'm sure you can find a way to bypass any security they may have on the place." she wasn't attempting to make a jab at his background for once. She was too focused on business to make it anything about their personal differences and the fact they despised one another. "If you think it works, will be easily defensible and is far enough from the city to keep our suspicions down, I'll go first thing in the morning and make an offer. I don't want to miss the one Galen. Even if we have to pull some strings we will."<br><br>She paused and shifted her weight on her feet. "Though.. I do want you to be on the look out for other places as well, just in case we do miss out on this one. I want to have some back ups in mind, potential side lairs for more private affairs and perhaps a few meetings. I don't want anyone who is not part of our Colletiva coming to the main building. Our defenses will be best used if we're kept as secretive as possible." she was able to smile a little more sincerely this time. "Will you do this for me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>05-11-2010, 21:54:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen took the newspaper and glanced over the ad. Then he looked up at Ana and nodded. And he knew his nod had nothing to do with the ad. He was hoping she understood. <br><br>"It looks excellent to me." he spoke flatly. "But you call the shots. I'm going there now. I'll report tonight, if I can. If not, tomorrow night at dusk." His tone and presence were absolutely Sentinel, at this point. He was a soldier reporting to his commander. He noticed the way she didn't make him feel like a maggot. He took it as a sign.<br><br>He took the newspaper and turned around to leave, but stopped and hesitated.<br><br>"I met a girl." he added after a moment. "She looks like the perfect pet. I'll report about her further. I'm not going to rush into anything." <br><br>He quickly left the building again - for the third time tonight he was outside, a cold one within the cold. He called a cab and stood still in the chilly night waiting for it come. He was wondering if she would appear again - Blaire, the mysteriously sweet brunette who was excited to trip and fall in his feet. <br><br>The location of the place Ana had ordered him to check out was a large lot at the edge of Naperville, about thirty miles from Chicago. It was a large red building surrounded by empty ground. The ad said it was a copy of the Martin-Mitchell Mansion, which he had never heard of and was also located in Naperville. Large, expensive, and tasteless, in his opinion. He doubted there would be any buyers any time soon. He got into the cab and told the driver the address. Then he leaned back and entered his own world.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 00:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dae was sitting in the den of his home when the letter came, summoning him to go before the leader of the Fabiani coven and though it surprised him, he did not hesitate. Pulling on a long black coat he walked out of his house and got into his Mustang gt, smiling as the engine roared to life. as he drove through the winding streets his mind wondered as to what he was wanted for. He'd been summoned to the castle so it meant this was not for his breaking any rule as it was not a senate meeting. which meant only one thing, maria wanted a personal favor from him and he didn't feel up to giving out favors, regardless of who was asking the favor. <br><br>Dae screeched to a halt befor the castle and frowned as he got out, he rarely sat foot in the coven and that was primarely by choice. He made shure to lock the door to his car and headed up the castle steps, knocking on the castle door before entering before one of the coven could answer it. "nice of you to knock this time Dae." <br><br>Daeroth turnedand looked at the man with a raised brow. "yes well i figure is maria wants me it's best not to keep her waiting while your slow ass hobbles toward th door viktor." dae retorted as he turned on his heel and headed off to maria's chambers, viktor trotting indignantly behind him.<br><br>"you know dae, you could have oh so much more in the coven if you would just move in and do as maria asks." viktor taunted. <br><br>"yeah well news flash vik, i don't want more then i already have." dae didn't even look back at the younger vampire. maria had always had a taste for pretty boys and vik fit her taste to a tee. he was blond and almost angelic looking. "vik, just go find a pet to suck on, i can find maria on my own." <br><br>dae turned down a corner and stopped infront of the first set of double doors, knocking. "enter." came the almost regal voice. dae opened the door to see maria entwined in the arms of a pet who had a dazed look on his face, it was aparant she had just fed.<br><br>"you wished to see me maria?" he asked as he entered the room.<br><br>"daeroth, how are you handsome?" she asked in her seductive tone.<br><br>"cut the bull maria, it hasn't worked on me yet so you might as well stop trying." he frowned as she chuckled sweetly. "what can i do for you maria?"<br><br>"the senate has a new coven being built in chicago illinois and it is consisting of young, hot headed vampires and we need someone to oversee them to ensure they uphold our rules and no one i know is as hard assed about the rules then you dae." maria smile.<br><br>"if that was meant as a compliment it failed miserably maria." dae growled inirritation. <br><br>"well you are, i...well the senate and i are not asking you to go dae, we're telling you." she went to a drawer and pulled out a plane ticket. "it leaves in two hours, be on it." she said as she shoved the ticket into his hand. <br><br>dae glared at her as she turned and dismissed him with a waive of her hand. dae turned and with a growl he left the coven fabiani's castle and drove off to get what he would need and made it to the airport. maria ha thought of everything, booking him on a plane that she paid for to ensure no other people would be on. he took his seat after smiling at the stewardess, asking thatall he windows be kept closed and explained it away as an allergy to the sun.<br><br>he settled down into the seat as the plane roared to life and within an hour he was on his way towards america and towards chicago illinois.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 06:13:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">The sudden catatonic state banished and replaced by a more composed, collected air, Blaire happily exchanged numbers with Galen. An aura, pleasingly warm amid the chilled atmosphere, wafted about, sending tangible electricity across frozen fields of flesh. There was, nursed in abysmal depths, a strong attraction to this stranger, such a tantalizing urge…oh, how it called, imploring that she move closer, ever closer towards the obviously athletic body--sumptuous within its Armani suit!<br><br>Inquisitive lips tested the hard, somewhat rugged, vowels of his exotic name. <br><br>"Good night…Galen."<br><br>Off, back towards the lively eatery did the girl trudge, waltzing through the delicious dishes and idle chit-chat like a mute android. Too many thoughts sped inside her aching skull: how an articulate essay would be completed for class tomorrow; why fate-- the spectral influence utterly aggravating these past few days--chose certain victims to endure certain tortures…<br>---<br>Home, sweet home. The dreaded heels were tossed into the trash, immediately cascading into an unidentifiable glob that particularly reeked of spoiled meat. Sashaying flames endured upon charred logs; smoke filled the cozy room, along with a delicate, earthen aroma the residents' noses so enjoyed.<br><br>Lost was any covering for the feet…the loveliness of grass and leaf underfoot evoked charming, childhood memories, ah, the slight crunch following each step. Eternal darkness, perhaps murkier than before, congealed between the emaciated trees, thorough the verdant brush. Yes, Blaire fancied a walk every so often, whereas she'd glide amongst the sylvan surrounding, taking pleasure in the calming clarity nighttime produced. <br><br>Although overlooking a jacket, the cold no longer prodded arms and legs, but increased the iciness that ran free betwixt peaceful veins.<br><br>Piercing, nutty globes gazed past ocher locks. Sensitive digits explored a hearty patch of bark while stars twinkled, mere blimps when compared to the black quilt they lay on.<br><br>A deep exhalation sliced the quietude… a gilded twitter ensued at least one more laceration, "Beautiful."</span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 10:18:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The cab took one silent and thoughtful Galen to the address in Naperville. He tossed a money clip to the driver, careful not to touch him, and he got out in the quiet night. There was no traffic here, no people so late at night. The cab took off in a hurry and left him alone.<br><br>The mansion was a massive quiet body made of bricks and melancholy standing in the middle of flat and lifeless piece of land. Galen took his mind off the beautiful thoughts about a brunette with a racing heart and a delicious name, and he slipped into pro mode. His gaze pierced the darkness as he looked around, and he began to make mental notes which he was going to turn into a brief report once he was back in the hideout. <br><br>His shoes screeched off the frozen ground as he walked through the empty lot towards the house. It was empty and the door was locked. But for someone like him, locked doors weren't really locked per se - they were just pretending. And his Armani suit held many secrets. One of them was Bob - a keyring with different masterfully crafted lockpicks, a gift from Demetrina that he never parted with. He looked around, scanning through the area. His eyes weren't human, darkness held no secrets to him, and he knew he would spot anyone or anything around. But there was nothing to spot, so he quickly ducked and began to work on the lock. 'Say hello to my good friend Bob.'<br><br>It took him a few minutes to go through the deadbolt lock and tackle the door open. The mansion was completely empty - no furnishing, no carpets, just bare light bulbs and painted walls. He scouted it through, carefully and thoroughly, looking at his watch to make sure he would have enough time to go back before dawn. It took him a total of three hours to go through every room twice, to carefully wipe out all traces of his presence, and to lock the door on the inside and get out through a second story window. His cell phone was nearly dead, but the call for another cab made it through.<br><br>***<br><br>4:16 am his watch insisted upon showing as the cab pulled over and another cabbie got a money clip tossed at him that night. Galen speedily took the stairs up to the hideout and looked for Ana.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 16:54:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having the chance to find some measure of sleep while the so called lower class of vampire was out stalking the streets for her, looking for the potential pet and also checking out the building she had seen in the paper's ad. Now her legs were slung over the arm of a ratty old chair, her head pressed against the back of the chair and her eyes closed as she nestled comfortably into the padding. A gray sweater covered her torso, and she was back to her favorite pair of jeans. Her feet were ironically bare though a pair of flip-flops sat in front of the chair, her perfectly manicured toenails sparkling with the shimmering polish that had been put on them only the morning before.<br><br>Quietly she shifted, her hair falling about her face as she soon dangled in a strange position over the from of the chair. Her head hanging over the side, her arm flopping until her hand hit the floor, but it wasn't enough to seem to wake her from her slumber. Her legs curled in the chair before coming down onto the cushion which nearly made her topple off onto the floor, which ended up waking her up. Snorting quietly she pushed her palm into the floor, pushed her hair from her face with her free hand before pushing herself up into an awkward sitting position.<br><br>Yawning she flopped her head backward before pushing her sleeve back and looking at the clock. 4:16am what living creature was <em>ever</em> up at this hour? Oh wait..<br><br>She was.<br><br>With a bitter smile she dropped her feet to the floor, slid them into her flip-flops and stood. Stretching caused the hem of her shirt to show a peek of her belly button and a small portion of the tattoo on her right hip as she stood there with her forearms resting on the top of her head. She was rather tempted to call and see how things were going with the search for the new place, she couldn't get out of this dump fast enough.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 18:22:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen found Ana standing in the middle of the room with a messy hair and a sleepy expression, and he nearly bit his lip trying hard to refrain from commenting. Instead, he stood in front of her, eyes locked onto hers, legs spread slightly apart, fists resting on his waistline. <br><br>"I went to check out the place on the ad." he began his report. "It's empty and it's still vacant. No furnishing, but it's new and looks solid - red brick, heavy wood. It's a mansion with twelve large rooms, a main hall, four bathrooms, two kitchens. Empty land, no garden, no fence. Large enough for several more large buildings, by the looks of it; but I am not familiar with the building permits here."<br><br>He looked up and down Ana's body. Flip-flops, jeans, shirt. Simple and stylish. This woman was getting on his nerves, but even he had to admit - she looked good. "On the way back I spotted a hotel building for sale. It's maybe 20 minutes driving from here. It's in a tightly populated area, but it could serve as a back-up plan. I can check it out tomorrow evening."<br><br>He hesitated. Professional warrior or not, it was difficult for him to accept his subservient position. But the Community depended on him. The Connors depended on him. And his twisted street-thug honor demanded it, so he gave up. "Would you need anything else before dawn?" he asked flatly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 18:45:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Daeroth stepped off the plane into the chill of the night air and headed into the airport, looking for anyone that might have been sent to meet him. of course there was no one there to meet him at the chicago o'hare national airport and dae had to snort to himself in amusement. the night was almost over and leave it to maria to make him fend for himself....as always. he went over to the car rental place and smiled at the woman behind the counter. <br><br>"hello darlin, i need a car." he told her as he pulled out his credit card. "make it a sporty one with nice tinted windows hmm?" <br><br>the girl stared at him, flabbergasted and nodded, typing up the request on the computer as a light flush came to her pretty little face, making dae want to lick his lips and sink his fangs into her. he held back though as it would have caused a stir and he just could not have that. <br><br>"i have a black mazda three with dark tinted windows, it's the only one with tinted windows left." she looked apologetic.<br><br>"that'll do darlin, put it on my card....i'm in a bit of a hurry." he smiled at her, showing his immaculate teeth that hid the fangs he could protrude when needed.<br><br>the girl took the card and swiped it, handing him the keys and telling him where to find the car. as she handed him back the card there was a slip of paper with it and he raised a brow as he noticed it was her number. a small chuckle passed his lips as he walked away.<br><br>dae found the car easily enough and drove to the address mari had given him, groaning loudly as he noticed it was an apartment building. he'd left the comfort of home for this? he got out of his car and looked at his watch. 4:30 am, the sun would be up in a few scant hours. with a sigh he headed into the apartment building and found the number he'd been given. when the door opened he heard voices of a male and female talking and he could tell by the tone they didn't care much for each other. dae walked towards the voices and lened against the door of the living room, watching them both with a bored expression on his face and clearing his throat to get thier attention. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 19:04:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her dark eyes shifted to the man standing in the doorway, she was curious to say the least. She thought she might recognize him, but there was a small bit of uncertainty about it. Narrowing her dark orbs a little she shifted her gaze from the man in the doorway to Galen before shaking her head. "No.. That'll be all Galen thank you. I'll go first thing in the morning to check out the building myself and make an offer, I'm sure they'll be most... Willing to accept it." she wasn't against using a bit of her feminine wiles to try and get her way. She just hoped that maybe the real estate agent was a man, she had a trickier time trying to get the ladies to see her side of things. "As for the hotel.. Give it a look.. I'm sure it'll be nice to have a lucrative business on the side to help bring in revenue for our little home."<br><br>Her eyes shifted back to the man in the doorway, her arms finally dropping but only so she could fold them over her chest. Popping one hip out to the side she surveyed the man once more trying to put a name to the face. The name seemed to be on the tip of her tongue but she still couldn't exactly figure it out. "A friend of yours Galen?" she lifted her thin, dark eyebrows as her gaze once more shifted between the two men.<br><br>Her father hadn't exactly mentioned someone else coming in the first night, though she hadn't entirely been surprised someone else had been sent. If it was someone to keep tabs on her she wasn't sure she was going to like having him around. But... Then again... She tilted her head to the side, thinking about the possibilities of all of this. It could be... Well.. A small smile curled her lips as she let her thoughts wander a little in between business and pleasure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 19:21:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen's eyes shifted between Ana and the newcomer. Apparently, she didn't know who the man was. But Galen did - he was from the Prague coven, as well. And not on accident. <br><br>"Daeroth." he nodded at the much older and immensely more influential vampire who stood at the door with a bored expression and bulging muscles. Dae Fabiani - one of the oldest and most powerful of all vampires. Could have been the next Elder but he didn't have the dedication to do it. At first, Daeroth fell headfirst into the category of vampires Galen hated - Borne, stinky rich, and arrogant. But Dae wasn't daddy's little girl, he had achieved quite allot in his time, and he had proven himself twice over. Galen rubbed no elbows with him - mostly because Daeroth didn't give a fuck about Galen. <br><br>He turned around and went to his sleeping back without saying anything further. He took off his suit and shoes, not caring about the audience, and he slipped his tough muscular body into it. "Good day." he said flatly, and he succumbed to sleep. Soldier training does that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 19:35:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Daeroth nodded at Galen as he acknowledged him. dae didn't give a shit about a person's status, if they were cool to him then he'd be cool to them. "galen." he turned to the girl who'd asked if he was a friend of galen's and grinned. "not a friend, but not an enemy either. name's daeroth fabiani." he didn't extend his hand out to her, she had an air of superiority like maria tended to have about her and he hated daddies little girls, they got under his skin. <br><br>"and you are?" he asked in a slightly bored tone, as if he really didn't care who she was but didn't feel entirely as if he should be rude to her either, seeing as she had been civil to him so far. her youth though made him painfully aware of how long he'd been on this planet, dealing with vamps like her and maria.<br><br>he looked around the meager apartment's living room and frowned, this was deffinately not an ideal way for him to spend his time, in a scant apartment with two bickering pups who if he hadn't known better would have just needed to fuck one another and get it out of their systems to be civil.....not that it was going toi be happening any time soon. "so where can i crash? it's been along flight."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 19:44:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Daeroth Fabiani? She'd heard of him a couple of times in the past, but nothing too awfully bad really. She did however know he was associated with Maria and that was something she didn't care to know. The two of them barely got along, and that was only if they were spending perhaps maybe two minutes in the same room together and that was again as long as they were passing by each other and no words were exchanged.<br><br>"Ana-Lucia DelaCourt." she nodded her head politely. This was all about business, she could put that haughty attitude aside long enough to ensure that everything was going to remain civil and not somehow get screwed up under her watch. "I don't think it matters where you want to crash in here to be honest, the entire place is a bit of a dive. Though I'm sure you can see that." she smiled a little even herself disgusted with the temporary hideout they had been given. "It shouldn't last long, twenty hour hours at latest. As for me I don't know that I'll stay here, there isn't many rooms for resting and the couch.. Well." she shrugged. "Not very comfortable. There's a bed which again isn't the best."<br><br>She raked her fingers through her hair before sighing and shoving her fingers into the pockets of her jeans. "I think maybe I'll go see this hotel Galen was just telling me about. Might give me some idea of just how worthwhile that place would be if we were to add it to our up and coming estate."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 20:00:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"yeah.... i can see that." dae eyed the place. "you can have the bed if you wan't, i'm never one to not be a gentleman." he'd heard her mention that her last name was delacourt, great all he needed was this. granted he dispised maria on the whole but the fact that the delacourt coven tended to be even worse made him stifle a groan. "you sure that's wise so close to morning?" he raised a brow at her in question. "if it's only temporary then why risk it?"<br><br>he didn't like the idea of her going out to try out a place that may or may not be any better then this place to stay in, provided they even had any vacancy. "if you must go take this." he tossed the keys to the tinted car he'd rented. "if you find no room atleast you can get back here in time." he just hoped the little princess knew how to drive a car herself. "the windows are tinted for just incase."<br><br>he turned to the couch andlaid down, closing his eyes and willing sleep to come quickly enough that he could forget this miserable task, if he didn't know better he would have sworn maria didn't just hate him for spurning his advances.....she down right loathed him and was out to make him miserable for it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>06-11-2010, 20:08:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Catching the keys in one hand without so much as a fumble she smiled. "That's sweet. But I'm still alive and kicking." she smiled, glad that she wasn't at least dealing with the same issues as her mother. Life as it was, was hard enough sometimes she didn't need to live with the fear of not being able to go out into the sun. "Regardless I'll take it just to see, if they don't have vacancy at least I can get back before anyone else may happen to show up." tucking the keys into her pocket she slid out of the room as he laid down as well.<br><br>Grabbing her bag she slung her long wool coat over her body before quietly leaving the apartment. Looking around she tested the air. While her senses weren't nearly as keen as those who were undead, she could pick up faint traces of something that caused her a small amount of curiosity. Musky. She couldn't tell if it was some kind of mold or mildew in the building.<br><br>Shrugging and passing it off as shoddy building construction and leaky pipes and ceilings she started off down the hall, grabbing the keys Dae had tossed her. Stepping out into the cold it wasn't very hard for her to find the car where it had been left. Smiling she opened the door before tossing her bag inside and making her way to the driver's side. Sliding behind the wheel, she adjusted the seat and turned the engine over before starting off to find this hotel she had heard about.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 03:18:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Morning, like a sultry phoenix, ascended from the ashes, ubiquitous the beams of light shined… Gooey cloud blobs drifted, their swollen fluffiness swimming against a blueness. Warm sheets swaddled limp toes; umber curls splayed, a shiny crown, around the slumberous Blaire. Clutching onto a puffy pillow, she grunted, displeasure the heavy sound reverberating within her cloth cave. <br><br>Did anyone order a human alarm-clock? Ahh…no. "Gosh, would you wake up already?"<br><br>Knees drawing up tighter to the chest--a dazzling yellow sports bra snug against firm breasts, hidden by a male's white beater--above, the half-asleep female could only grumble again.<br><br>"Bun-bun, don't <strong>make</strong> me come in there and get you!"<br><br>Down, down, down went a hand to yank the loose sweatpants off of the modest ass back up towards her naval; checkered boxers still hung out, though the sight was obscured by the wondrous blankets, oh the beautiful, fuzzy blan-<br><br>Mind-boggling! The humanoid alarm had some how grown arms, legs, and a recognizable face; it threw off the luscious covers. "<strong>Jesus</strong>! Why are you wearing <span class="bbc_u">my</span> tank top?...Oh god, please tell me those aren't my <strong>boxers</strong>!"<br><br>Eyelids finally opening with a slight flutter, Blaire huffed, annoyed eyes tapering while the fair brow knitted into a furrowed forehead.<br><br>"Umm…they <em>aren't </em>your boxers?" What a terrible lie.<br><br>Dustan easily dismantled the fib, though a faint happiness altered his deep frown. "Yeah, that's what I thought…Do you know it's already two?" He paused briefly, then carried on. "Your class starts around, what, seven, right? Get movin', sweet stuff."<br><br>The news had catapulted the upset sibling in the direction of the computer, whereas she struggled, fingers unable to create anything that resembled an essay. <br><br>If Blaire turned towards the "illuminated" window--fueled by a flashlight-- or glanced at the real alarm-clock blinking 6:30 a.m., she might have understood the practical joke. <br><br>"Heh." The satisfied brother chuckled, gazing at his darling sister; a smile now replaced the menacing grimace. "Maybe you won't wear my shit now, baby."</span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 03:33:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Morning came in the form of coffee and a grunt of a bellhop as the door was slammed in his face by a barely awake Ana-Lucia. True to her nature she was far from a morning person, her hair was a mess, makeup was smeared over her eyelid and upper cheek area. Glaring at the now closed door she grabbed her coffee cup and started to drink the dark liquid before stalking through the room and tearing open the curtain.<br><br>Sunlight slammed into her like a semi. Closing her eyes against the blast of light she allowed the warmth to soak into her skin, glad that she didn't have to worry about turning into a pile of dust on the floor. The hotel was unexpectedly nice, the room service sucked ass, and the hotel food tasted like it had been set out all night and only just taken to the rooms that morning. If there was one thing she hated it was bad service and worse food. Things would change once she had the hotel under her thumb. The first thing would be the windows. Tinting on all of them.<br><br>Frowning she pulled the curtain shut again. The one thing she hated about being a practicing vampire was the sensitivity to light so close to a feed. Grabbing her cellphone she looked at the calls, frustrated that there weren't any showing as being missed. Tossing the phone onto her bed, she stripped from the bathrobe that covered her naked form. Dropping the rest of the coffee into the sink in the bathroom and leaving the cup with it, she pulled the shower curtain back and stepped inside, glad that the water was now nice and toasty.<br><br>She'd get cleaned and go check out this building Galen had cased for her. She'd make an offer, get the place and get her crew moved in. A full day a head of her. So much for finding business and pleasure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 04:52:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The twins were eating a breakfast of donuts and coffee when Lucian's cell rang and he got the news that him and his brother needed to pack their bags because they were being sent to Chicago. Lucian told Damian what was going on and they grabbed their donuts and coffee and headed back to their room. They quickly threw on black slacks and sweaters, Lucian's maroon colored and Damian's ice blue, then packed some duffel bags. The twins hurried to the airport and was soon on the way to Chicago. Once they reached O'Hare and got through customs they grabbed their bags and went to the car rental place to rent a hummer. The twins then headed to the address that was given them, pulling up outside an apartment building. They looked at each other and shrugged then headed into the place and to the room they were supposed to be staying at. Lucian had been told others were already there so he knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer, glad they at least had a chance to eat first after seeing what shape the apartment building was in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 05:08:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae had awoken that night to see that only he and galen were still residing in the apartment. as he got up he stretched and turned on the television to see what kind of a world he and these others were being thrusted into and he found himself laughing at the idiotic things being reported on the news. people were killing other people here without regard and it made him wonder just how many of these americans would shit thier pants if they knew what kind of world they really lived in.<br><br>just as the news was ending he heard a knock on the door and thought of ana, though that didn't make sense as she had a key. he got up and opened the door, leaning against it as he spotted the two men sitting on the other side the door. he regarded them for a moment before he spoke. "can i help you?" his voice was a deep baratone and his muscles rippled as if in warning.<br><br>dae was not aggressive unless he needed to be and with his being the oldest vampire here, he felt responsible to make sure they were never discovered by the humans. these were two he didn't recognize and so could not be sure if they were vampires or human and if they posed a threat to the colony that was just beginning here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 05:19:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian glanced up as the door was opened and looked the guy over that answered it with a steady gaze.&nbsp; "Yes sir. Lucian and Damian Connor. We got a phone call this morning that we were supposed to come here. This is the right place isn't it?" He showed the man the address he wrote down.&nbsp; "I'm sure it's the right place. This is the address."&nbsp; Lucian glanced over at his brother, but Damian didn't say anything.&nbsp; "Just my luck to be stuck with a shy twin. Can we come in please sir. We were sent."&nbsp; Somewhere between the place they left and this apartment the twins had taken time to spray some axe body spray on themselves and the scent was wafting up around them now. They waited patiently for the person to let them in and was beginning to wonder if they got the wrong address.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 05:30:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				great, more whelps for him to keep in line, dae sighed as he nodded and moved aside, letting the boys enter. "i'm daeroth fabiani." he announced as he closed the door behind them. "galen connor's in the other room sleeping, i think." he paused and looked at them, they looked like decent enough vamps and so far all of them seemed to be following the rules, so perhaps it wouldn't be so bad for him here. <br><br>"we're waiting on ana to come back with news on a potential coven home then we'll be out of this place so until then...." he motioned to thier surroundings. "welcome home...as meager as it is." he gave them what he hoped was a genuine smile, no need to frighten them if they were not enemies of the coven.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 05:43:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The twins step inside and look around.&nbsp; "Ok sounds good. Don't think this place is going to hold all of us." They walk into what would be the living room and sit down in a couple chairs as they watched the guy.&nbsp; "So, your Dae? Yeah we've heard of you and Galen's here too? and Ana? Yeah this place is definately to small. 5 people are going to be at each others throats in no time if they all have to live here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 05:54:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"yeah i'm dae, ana's spending time in a hotel actually so it seems to be just us guys here for now. she said she was going to negotiate on some place but i haven't heard anything new." he wasn't sure if people hearing about him was a good thing or not. dae had been a warrior in his youth, had even killed many lycans without even batting an eye but for some reason young vamps scared the hell out of him.<br><br>maybe it was because dae could never see himself as a father figure or even someone to look up to. "well i hope you haven't heard anything too bad about me." he shrugged, taking a seat in one of the chairs. "and what you have heard i'm sure has been exaggerated greatly." he grinned half heartedly.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 06:02:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nah wasn't bad at all. Yeah probably was exaggerated, people tend to do that when they gossip. We never believe what we here in gossip anyways so nothing to worry about. So there will only be 4 of us? Still alot in this small space, but at least it's only temporary which is good cause I'd hate to have to clean this place on a regular basis."&nbsp; Lucian glanced over a this brother and smiled when he saw Damian falling asleep in the chair.&nbsp; "He must have jet lag or something. Swear my brother could sleep anywhere."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 06:48:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae chuckled at the younger vampire's candidness and nodded. "galen should be up soon, not that i mind him sleeping in. i've always been a early riser personally." he saw the other, more silent boy nodding off and grinned at the one he was talking to. "can't say i balme him, i arrived just before dawn and my jet lag was bad." he smirked. "although the eye candy on the plane made it all the worth while."<br><br>dae never understood why jet lag weighed down a person, vampire or mortal and he'd hated how tired his had made him. " so i assume you don't know how many more might be following you here huh?" he cocked a brow in question. he silently made a vow to call maria and try to get this information out of her as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 06:58:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"yeah, jet lag can be a bitch. No sorry. it would help if they'd tell us these things but obviously that part never crossed their minds. Someone needed to plan things out better, but what's done is done and we can't change it. We'll just have to make due I guess. Really wish I had stopped for more coffee though. Seems like it might be a long day ahead of us and I want to be alert for anything that might come up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 08:11:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae nodded as the younger vampire told him that he had no idea how many would be coming. "it's ok. i'll get it out of maria some time." he grinned and turned towards the kitchen. "well i don't know if there's any coffee in there but if you find some, be my guest." he told him, dae had not much taste for coffee as it was far too bitter for him. he got up from his seat and turned to the room galen had dissappeared into for sleep, knocking on the wall. <br><br>"yo galen!" he called into the darkness. "rise and shine buddy, ana's not here so no need to avoid her." he figured he would throw that in as the tension between those two was so thick dae could have cut it with a knife. "come and join the living." he grinned at his own stupid joke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 11:35:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Banging from across the wretched apartment woke Galen up. Being the good soldier that he was - no yawning, no stretching. He just moaned sleepily once, he slipped out of the sleeping back and rubbed his eyes. He recognized Daeroth's voice and unintentionally smiled to himself at the 'living' joke. Living, heh. He shoved his hand into the bag next to his living room campsite and he pulled out his last clean suit - dark gray, with an olive shirt. He changed his socks and put his feet into the simple black leather shoes. His footsteps echoed off the walls of the miserable apartment as he made his way towards Daeroth.<br><br>"Dae" he nodded before spotting the newcomers. "Lucian, Damian! You here to join our little group?" he said quietly, looking at the serene Damian. He was glad to see familiar and more friendly faces. He extended his arm to offer Lucian a handshake, glancing at the fellow Connor's blue eyes. He was very glad he had Connors on board. He was getting weary of Ana's demanding presence and Daeroth's powerful and unnerving presence. <br><br>"Where is Ana?" he inquired politely, before remembering she said something about checking out the hotel for sale. He shrugged. She had his number and he had no illusions - if she wanted him for something, she would let him know no matter the time of day or the things he'd be doing. He needed coffee and to make a phone call. The phone call. While he waited with his arm extended towards Lucian, he was thinking about Blaire.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 17:49:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dae turned and nodded to Galen. "she's off getting us a place i hope." dae grinned and sighed. "galen, you shouldn't let her get to you, being a borne vampire is no better then a sired vampire and wealth does nothing but make someone into a snotty brat." he tried to encourage the younger vampire. "in all my years of life i have learned this and trust me when i say you're better then allot of the vampires i've met."<br><br>dae had met many vampires and he could rarely tolerate most of the borne vampires, being one himself that said allot. he used to be able to stand them, but then too many of them acted superior to others and he just found he had a distaste for the majority of them...in fact he rarely now met another borne vampire he could stand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 18:23:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning she looked at the real estate agent with a disarming smile. She had chosen to wear her long hair down, in spiral curls that had been separated by her fingers to make it blend together well. Choosing a nice innocent look, she wore her favorite sweater with the low cut neck line, and a pair of jeans that hugged her in all the right places. Taking care to wear her puffy jacket, she walked over to the man and grabbed his arm before giving it a squeeze.<br><br>"You think a place like this is.. How do you say big? For me?" she tried to lay on her accent thick, giving him the illusion that her English was terrible and that she could be suckered into anything. The man simply shook his head as he licked at his lips before stammering out a reply. "Buono buono!" she spoke in perfect Italian.<br><br>"We talk price, no?" she looked at him hopefully before standing on tip toe and whispering something into his ear in Italian before going flat footed and offering a more than reasonable price. "This work yes?" the man nodded again before Ana gave him another brilliant smile. "I be able to move in today?" the man nodded again. The one thing Ana was thankful for was that there were already some furnishings within the place, everything else she could call and have delivered immediately if she did things correctly. "Buono buono!" she kissed his cheek before letting his harm go and bouncing on her feet.<br><br>*****<br><br>Awhile later Ana pulled up in Dae's car, stopping out front of the apartment which drew a rather frustrated sigh from her lips. Opening the door and stepping out, she scanned the street they were currently on and decided it was likely best to lock the car. Turning the key in the door she walked around the front of the car before running up the steps to the apartment and opening the door. <br><br>Walking towards the collection of voices she was hearing she poked her head into the room. Seeing Galen and Dae were both awake she grimaced a little, then seeing the twins she was a bit confused. "Well now.. I think we need some more ladies in this little group, other wise people might start talking." she teased as she walked into the room completely.<br><br>"So.. Who wants the good news, and who wants the better news?" she lifted her eyebrows as she took off the coat and slung it on the arm of the couch. Leaning back against the wall she crossed her legs at the ankles and waited to see who would be the first to answer.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 19:14:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae looked over as he heard the door open and ana entered the living room. he saw her slight grimace and raised a brow but thought it best not to get into the middle of it. "i agree with more females." he grinned as she removed her jacket, she was beautiful and even dae had to admit this but he knew better then to try and get the little pricess to loosen up a little. when she asked who wanted the good new and who wanted the better news dae found his mouth opening before he really thought about his words.<br><br>"you mean we get to go home and forget this silly idea?" he asked a little too hopeful. then he thought about it and shook his head. "never mind, that would be way too easy." he said as he emphasized the word way. "so what's the good news then?" he asked, almost afraid of the answer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 19:17:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen felt surprisingly refreshed this day. It had something to do with the tingling thoughts about a woman. And Dae's last words had made him ponder deeply. So when Ana stormed in like the place belonged to her, he felt his frustration not really growing at all, which nearly caught him off guard.<br><br>"Hello, Ana!" he greeted, not smiling but not frowning, either, giving Dae a look which said 'I hear you man!' "These are the Connor twins, Damian and Lucian, just arrived. I'll make coffee." He walked over to his bag and flashed a pack of black powder, yet another of Demetrina's little gifts. She simply knew how to prepare for a journey. <br><br>He smiled at Dae's joke about going home. "Could you tell us the good news, please?" he spoke almost simultaneously with Daeroth. For the first time, there was no irritation in his voice, just politeness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 19:29:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian shook Galen's hand and grinned.&nbsp; "Yeah got the call this morning while we were eating breakfast. Nice to see someone we know here."&nbsp; He glanced up when Ana came in the room and her voice woke Damian up. Damian glanced around.&nbsp; "Huh? Good news? Love to here it."&nbsp; Lucian smiled over at his brother.&nbsp; "Sleep well Damian? jet lag get to you? OK tell us the news Ana. I want to hear it too. Nice to meet you by the way. Coffee? Thanks man, I could definately use some of that right now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 19:47:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laughing she rest a hand onto Dae's shoulder momentarily. "I wish that were the case, I really do. Trust me while I love the idea of opening a Colletiva, opening in Chicago is not my place of choice." sighing she removed her hand from his shoulder before settling onto the arm of the couch where her coat was resting. "Lucian, Damian, it's a pleasure to meet the both of you." she nodded respectfully towards them. It was back to her business face, hiding the arrogance she typically showed.<br><br>"The good news is, we don't have to stay here in this crappy little apartment any further." she smiled hoping that this news would be enough to make them all happy. "The better news is we have two choices of where you can stay until the Colletiva is up and running completely. The hotel that Galen told me about, I stayed there last night and eventually bought it this morning before I left. It took a little bit of doing but people this day and age are fairly responsive to large sums of money. The service and food suck, but I find that is something we can work on improving now that it is under new leadership."<br><br>Shifting her weight on the arm of the couch she continued. "Also the building Galen so graciously looked at for me this previous night is now ours as well. The real estate agent was most generous when it came to showing me around just after sun up. Also he gave us a bit of a deal on the property. While there is some furniture there isn't enough to house a large number of us. Some may have to stay at the hotel until I can get us entirely set up which I hope to do within the next seventy-two hours."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 20:00:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae was a little surprised at her light touch and looked up into her smiling face, damn she was georgous and he was after all a man but he would have to hide the reaction of shock on his face. he smirked a little as she left him and went to sit on the couch. he listened to her explination of what she had done and nodded his agreement. "sounds like a plan to me, my funds are also at the disposal of the colletiva if needed."<br><br>he figured he would probably want to over see the changes to the hotel, being intimating had it's advantages. "i'll help out with the staff at the hotel, sounds like someone needs to whip them into shape." he grinned at the challenge. dae liked smooth running places and if this hotel didn't run smoothly then he felt he could be the one to get it into shape and turn it into a money maker for the entire colletiva.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 20:14:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you Dae that is good to know. They may come into play at some point depending on what is needed to get the building ready for more people being in it." running her fingers through her hair she let out a slow breath. "I don't even know where to begin with getting the serving staff into shape. Chances are we will need to get rid of some of them, which will work out to our advantage. We can use some of our own, preferably a few pets, to fill in the holes. Will be a good way to keep eyes on the place when we can't be there to watch them ourselves."<br><br>She was quiet for a moment. "We do have to keep suspicions low about why we'll have so many people on one piece of land. Some kind of cover story. Anyone have any suggestions?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 20:22:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Most hotels have bad food. If you want good food I can teach the staff some of my recipes. With my food on the menu you'll be making money in no time. Mostly my brownies or you can just hire me as head chef."&nbsp; Lucian always liked cooking, his mother taught him most of the recipes he knew and he enjoyed sharing his mother's recipes with others.<br>Damian grinned over at Lucian.&nbsp; "Wish we would have thought of bringing some of those brownies with us. I could use one right now.&nbsp; We will stay anywhere where Lucian has access to a kitchen, obviously.&nbsp; Cooking relaxes him, keeps him less stressed out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 20:38:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen listened back and forth between the whipping and the brownies. He finally joined the discussion, leaning to the wall with a hot cup of coffee in his hands. <br><br>"Social club." he offered his suggestion. "That would be a good cover - not business which is subject to regular poking from the authorities." He took a sip - Demetrina's taste for coffee was impeccable, as always. He nodded towards the kitchen. "Fresh coffee. Good stuff, too. Help yourselves."<br><br>He looked them all, one by one - the self-confident Ana; the powerful Daeroth; the mischievous Lucian and his silent brother.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 21:57:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae thought about galen's proposal for a dance club and though it sounded like a good idea he thought both were decent ideas. "well considering ana can walk in daylight it won't be difficult to keep authorities at bay with the hotel though we can still add a dance club to the business accumulation. the more funds to sustain a colletiva the better." he pointed out. "i'll be happy to fund the purchase of a dance club."<br><br>dae didn't think that it was a bad idea to have more then one business adventure to supply the colletiva at all. "plus it might be a good place to scope out potential pets for the colletiva too. where as a hotel might not be the best place for scoping out pets."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 22:12:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Listening to both ideas Ana nodded. She liked it. This was one of the reasons she was glad she could let them come up with ideas of her own. To her a Colletiva shouldn't be run by a solitary voice whose words governed all and they had no input. While yes her word would be the final say, she wanted to be sure that those who were under her leadership had their voices heard, and had ideas that could be put into use.<br><br>"I like those ideas. Dae, make the club happen. Make sure that its within our perimeter of course, keep it away from anything the wolves might own. Don't want any of the dogs sniffing around." she frowned, she was sure that much like herself, the men in the room shared no love for the werewolves. "As for the social club at the main building however, that might not be too wise even if it is a good way to get potential pets within our walls. Maybe something a little more discrete that won't compromise our grounds security."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 22:29:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae listened and nodded as she told him to make the club happen. "i can assure you that any wolves coming close to sniffing around will meet with my fists." he growled at the mention of the enemy. even though dae was no longer a wolf hunter did not mean he didn't enjoy knocking a few of their heads together. he thought about the social club idea so close to the colletiva he didn't like it.<br><br>"no, deffinitely not a good idea. especially when we have no idea of the wolf population here it's best not to bring our lives to their attention too quickly, regardless of how much fun it is to bash in their heads." he growled, "i can assure you i will choose a good location close to the colletiva for the dance club." <br>he stood and went over to ana, holding his hand out. "i'll take my keys and go out searching for a location." he explained when seeing her confused look. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 22:40:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Then mention keys caused her to sit there looking a little dumb for a moment before she realized what he meant. Sheepishly she reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out the keys that had been long heated by her body. Dropping them into his hand she smiled. "It was a long night." she laughed recalling her rather noisy and over zealous neighbors who decided that, that night they were going to celebrate their honeymoon. Part of her wanted to knock on the door and ask to join them, though it would be for a different reason entirely. She had found herself craving a little bit of crimson that night and had yet to satisfy the hunger.<br><br>Sighing as she pushed the quick curling of hunger within her stomach to the side she focused her attentions back to business. "Something close but not too close for the social club. Should anyone ask what our main housing is for, it's just a simple office building that we use to keep our affairs in check. No one could blame us for having that many people in one place when we'll be running two to three different business at one time. Most of us don't need comfortable sleeping areas since there are some who live better in the night." she chose her words carefully knowing some vampires were sore about being called 'undead'.<br><br>"We can convert some rooms into offices for those who are up at night. There are underground areas to this building, a large expansive wine cellar to be exact. We should be able to convert that into a comfortable living space before we expand. I've someone coming over from one of our already established Colletivas who will make sure the windows on both the hotel and the main building will be conducive to our life styles." after having thought about it she turned to Lucian to finally answer him about his offer. "As for being head cook.. I wouldn't object to that. Having someone from the crew directly inside the hotel will be even more useful than having pets who will need to be enticed into giving us the information they've learned. I like the idea."<br><br>Looking at the rest she smiled. "Any other ideas?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 22:42:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen's fists clenched when he heard the word "wolves".<br><br>"Wolves." he said coldly. "Let them come." He took a deep breath, allowing his anger to die out. Then he blinked. The word "pets" came to life within the walls of his mind. Alright. "I agree that the idea for a club might not be discreet enough." he admitted to Ana. " An office building could do, but it needs papers - what business? Why in the middle of nowhere?... How about..." he stopped for a moment, rolling the idea through his mind, "a different form of club. Like a gardening club or a golf club? It's innocent, it explains why different people are gathered there, it provokes no interest from the authorities... Perfect for a a coven. With the hotel and the dance club financing it, there would be no questions asked."<br><br>The word "pet" came alive again. He put the empty coffee cup to the side.<br><br>"Excuse me, I need to make a call." He quickly went to the empty bedroom and closed the door behind. He sat down on the bed, opening up his cell phone. It had only taken 2 hours to charge fully, but he had kept it wired up all night simply because he was sleeping. He scrolled down the numbers. He had many, so it took him quite a few clicks to get to just 'B'. Blaire. He pressed the dial button and waited for a voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 22:57:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae smirked as he took the keys and turned. "leave it to me, no one does discreet better." he said before heading out the door and headed to his car. he got into the car and headed off in search of the perfect building for the dance club. he found a few old warehouses that were abandoned but not in very good shape so he disregarded them and continued on. after a few hours of searching he found an old dance club building just a few blocks away from the hotel he'd heard mentioned.<br><br>he went in to explore it and it was to him perfect with three floors, two he culd have made into dance floors where the bottom floor he could make into the juice bar. on one of the floors already had an old dj booth in it. he knew this would be a good building for what they wanted and he opened his phone, dialing his assistant back home. "hey blake, i need you to research and purchase the building at 20th and blairwood drive in chicago." he told his human assistant, the man had no idea what dae really was and he liked to keep it this way. "yeah, let me know when it's been aquired will you? ok thanks." he turned and left the bullding, driving back towards the colletiva to let them know of his results.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>07-11-2010, 23:24:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucian listened to the others talk as he went to get some coffee for him and his brother, almost dropping the cups when he heard the mention of wolves.&nbsp; He brought the coffee back and handed Damian one of the cups.&nbsp; "I'm not afraid of wolves. Let them come."&nbsp; The twins sipped their coffee while the others planned.&nbsp; "Dance club does sound like a good idea as does having another type of club. If we still need another way to make more money I can open a bakery. My baked goods would bring in a lot. Maybe the bakery could be part of the hotel on the bottom floor."&nbsp; Damian didn't say anything. he wasn't very good at the business part of stuff so he let the others do the talking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>08-11-2010, 04:48:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">The refrigerator door was slammed by a quivering hand, fury pulsating underneath each filed nail. Nothing edible linger inside the damned thing; nary a banana or apple occupy the woven, fruit basket atop the glossy counter; god, a single box of fucking Cheerios could not be exhumed from the inadequate pantry.<br><br>"Well…" Blaire murmured, plucking up messy waves and securing them into a limp bun. Venom fizzed, its caustic tang heavily thrown at the chortling brother. "Obviously you'd rather joke around than buy groceries. I'm leaving." <br><br>Every article of clothing, even the comfortable boxers, stayed upon the lithe, feminine frame. Although, a myopic plague engulfed both orbs, so a pair of contemporary frames-- rectangular in shape, petite in size-- glided onto her elfin nose.<br><br>A sigh parted Dustan's guilty lips, his greedy hand reaching out; famished for that velvety skin he treasured so. "Come on, sis...I was kidding…"<br><br>She plodded over, dropping down to haunches where the remorseful lad sat. Love, the shine destroying standoffishness, compelled Blaire back into familiar arms, again into the comforting aromatics of pine and smoke.<br><br>"God! I can't stay mad at my lovable lug of a brother, can I?"<br><br>Palm cupping her rosy cheek, he admitted quietly, "I'm…not sure." And then the brazen brother kissed his sweet sister.<br>---<br><br>A draught of steaming hot chocolate, a teensy piece of a delicious, apple tart: that's all it took to calm Blaire down.<br><br><em>Ring, ring.</em> The incoming call was answered with a melodious "Hello?" inside the Seventh Avenue café.<br></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>08-11-2010, 20:36:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hello?" the voice came muffled out of the plastic box that was going to be Galen's conversation partner at this point. He closed his eyes and imagined the scent of the woman. He wondered if she'll remember him. But then he nodded to himself: she will.<br><br>"Hello, Blaire?" his voice was calmer than he had intended it to be. He thought he saw someone peeking at him curiously, but he was not going to give them the pleasure of turning around and acting as if he was doing something wrong. <br><br>And he was doing something wrong. Establishing contact with a human like that - no business interest, nothing. Just plain old attraction, though a rather unusual one. That was against the policy of the Community. Humans will expose you so don't love them, don't treasure them, don't give a fuck about them, actually. <br><br>"It's Galen." he continued. He examined his feelings for this woman. It was impossible to say what they were. Was it curiosity? Lust? Hunger? He could not say. He remembered Svetla, his favorite pet. Her tears when she saw him leave. The way when she extended her neck, eager to offer her blood to him. And then he remembered the scent of Blaire. And he imagined her neck, biting it... sucking on it... the juice of life replenishing his strength, filling him up... pulling away. Watching the holes close up, healing almost immediately because of the touch of his saliva. Her fatigue when she looks up at him.<br><br>His voice almost trembled. <br><br>"I hope you still remember me?" 'LAME!' his internal voice screamed. 'And I hope you're still planning to go out on a dinner with me, the dinner you never promised me." There was no laugh, no smile. It was not a joke. It was a suggestion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>08-11-2010, 23:01:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong><em>"And I hope you're still planning to go out on a dinner with me..."</em></strong><br><br>What a pleasant voice he had--superbly succulent, as if such his accent was derived from the most delicious of maple syrups. Yet...the mild hesitation, especially the subtle quiver behind a few, choice words, made Galen all the more charming.<br><br>"Why, <span class="bbc_u">yes</span>, I remember you, silly!" Sleekly did the exclamation roll out, skirting its lightheartedness a mild chuckle. Although lacking a substantial dossier of past romance, Blaire adored, no, relished analyzing the opposite sex: how males' internal gears turned; what made them tick; why the masculine beings reacted to stimulation. <br><br>Contemplating the next stratagem, she hummed, idly thrusting a flimsy napkin upon a spot of whip cream dripping from the hot chocolate's rim."Well, I'm sorry to say that I'm booked this evening." A brief interlude … simply to appreciate another gulp from the sugary confection and provide a little suspense for the listener. "<em>However</em>, I am at the local bistro, plus it's lunchtime."<br><br>The final offer grew nearer and nearer. "Why don't you come down here? I'd rather just have an impromptu meeting…it makes things…more interesting."<br><br>Indeed, the secluded booth, Blaire its sole occupant, seemed utterly forlorn. An additional body was needed as the empty space became almost ominous."I do understand if you can't make it…" Hopefully, her desire, if obscured well enough, eluded Galen; though, indeed, she wanted him to come. Now.<br><br></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 01:29:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jared ended up not getting his shower. He got into his apartment and flopped down on his bed saying he'd go take a shower in a few minutes. A few minutes turned into the next day. He shook his head to clear it wondering what had gotten to him to the point that he'd passed out after a relatively short run. He groaned and rolled off the disheveled bed and peeled off his clothes. Said clothes ended up in a pile near his laundry basket before he made his way to the bathroom and a nice long, hot shower.<br><br>Forty-five minutes later he was clean, dressed, and padding across the hall to knock on the door of his new neighbors. In his hands he a couple packs of super glue and a couple rolls of duct tape, figuring they'd appreciate the gifts. Especially if their apartment was falling apart as much as his was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 01:36:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ana's head turned as she heard the footsteps outside the doorway to their apartment before the knock even sounded. Standing swiftly she motioned for the others to stay where they are. She was down to three guys in the place with her, if anyone was here and wanted in it could seem a little odd seeing as she was the only female in the place. Sighing she made her way towards the door all the time coming up with a back story should anyone be nosy. Galen her half brother. The twins... Old college friends? Hmm that could work.<br><br>Delicate fingers wrapping around the doorknob she pulled the door open before leaning her lithe frame in the doorway. Running her dark eyes up and down the physic of the man on the other side of the door she allowed a smile to curl her lips upward as she poured on her charm. <br><br>"Hello." a simple greeting, one that could easily open the flood gates of conversation. She made no efforts to hide the Italian accent that graced her words, even though the accent itself was no where near as strong as she could make it if she chose. Watching the man with an amused look, she wondered what the tape and glue were for, though her mind was running rampant with possible uses for them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 01:58:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jared blinked in surprise at the beautiful woman that answered the door. First, she was more beautiful than any woman he'd seen living here ever. Second, he would have figured that woman's boyfriend/husband/whatever male was living with her would have answered the door. He was a bit ashamed to say that he stood there longer than was proper staring at her, before blushing at his forwardness.<br><br>"Hi." He said, looking really embarrassed. His voice was deep and had a midwestern country drawl to it. "I thought I heard new people movin' around over here, so I thought I'd come over and be neighborly. Welcome y'all to the building and such and bring a housewarming gift." He held out the glue and tape. "If your place is anything like mine, you'll find these to be very handy. If nothing else they'll hold most things together long enough for the super to drop by and do a proper repair."<br><br>He switched the items to his left hand and held his right out. "I'm Jared, by the way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 02:04:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was used to people staring at her, she didn't dress all that conventionally most days and the way she handled herself spoke more than volumes that she knew how to get what she wanted very easily. Her lips twisted into a slight smirk as she watched him go red.<br><br>"That's very nice of you," she smiled and accepted his hand before giving it a very dainty shake. "I'm Ana-Lucia it's a pleasure to meet you." she slid her hand free of his before leaning forward and fingering the glue and tape. Letting out a soft noise of amusement she stood and locked eyes with him.<br><br>"I'm sure my brother and his college friends can put this to some good use while we're here. The place is rather.. Well.. A mess." she thought about the water stains she had found, the way the entire building seemed to be falling utterly apart around their ears. "So what is a nice boy like you doing living in a dump like this?" nothing wrong with turning on her charm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 02:24:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled and nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you." He blushed a little more as they shook hands. "I hope your brother and his friends put it to use properly. And I couldn't agree more on the state of the place, but the only way this place would quite falling apart is if they knocked it down and rebuilt it."<br><br>He shrugged. "I'm here cause the rent's cheap, and I don't get much money coming in as it is. And I could ask the same thing of you. You're way too pretty to be living here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 02:36:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Knowing the guys I'm sure they will." she nearly wanted to laugh, just picturing the things the duct tape would be used for. Chances were it wouldn't be used on the walls of this place but back at their new digs on their little pets for the first few nights they were in captivity. Some of them would make a fuss, others would be more than willing to be there. However there was no need for him to know this.<br><br>"Aw well that's very sweet of you to say." she smiles, doing her best to look as though she's embarrassed. There was always a way to hide suspicions about what you are, that much she knew. Acting like a typical human was what was expected of any Borne or Sired. You had to fit the mold, find a way to maintain a perfect cover. "Well.. See.. I'm just visiting. This is my brother's place. He's on the phone so I offered to get the door for him." holding up a hand to her mouth she whispered. "He's talking to his girlfriend."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 03:05:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jared nodded, filing the information for later. "If they need help with any fixing up, let them know I live right across the hall. I've been here long enough to figure out how to fix most everything."<br><br>He smiled charmingly, or at least he hoped it was. Since he realized that she hadn't said anything about having a boyfriend of her own. "I was raised to speak the truth. And I truly believe that you are beautiful." He bowed low. "Now, I have taken up too much of your time. So I shall say good-bye, and hope that sometime in the near future a beautiful angel comes knocking on my door."<br><br>He turned and walked back across the hall. Once he reached his door, he turned back nonchalantly. "Say, would you happen to be free tonight?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 03:17:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'll be sure to let them know." she straightened and watched him a little more, grinning at the way he was acting. She loved being able to manipulate people into feeling exactly what she wanted them to feel. It never failed to raise a little thrill within her when things went exactly how she wanted.<br><br>Watching him step back across the hall she popped one hip to the side and pouted her lips out at his question. "Aw wish that I was." she made a little face. "Unfortunately the big lug that's my brother is taking me back home tonight. I'm not sure when I'll be back this way for sure." she shrugs her shoulders and smiles sweetly. "But if you give me your number, if I happen to be around again I can give you a call. Just.. You know, be sure to put your first and last name with the number or I'm more than likely to forget whose it is." she giggled lightly. "I've a bad memory."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 03:24:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He deflated a little as she said no, not that he hadn't expected her to shoot him down. She really was too good to be here. "That sucks. Only cause I know a really nice hole in the wall steak place." He shrugged sheepishly. "But I guess I'll have to wait til next time. You got your phone handy? If you have your phone on hand, I'll program it in for you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 03:29:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the mention of her phone, her ego deflated a little. She couldn't let him have that, it had too much sensitive information about it with various contacts for the Senate. Biting on the inside of her bottom lip she tried to figure out an alternative plan. Backing up through the door a little she reached into her purse and grabbed a pen before she came back into the hallway.<br><br>"Don't have my phone handy, it's charging right now the battery died on me this morning." she winces and rolls her eyes. "But the ole back up!" she pulls the cap of the pen off with her teeth before holding the pen out for him and outstretching her hand. If anything she was going to keep him on the fish hook, keep him right where she wanted him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 03:47:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded, thinking the excuse was valid. Why else would someone not have their phone on them? "Ok, let me go write it down then and I'll be right back." He gave her a quick smile and ducked into his apartment.<br><br>He was gone for at least fifteen minutes. He came back holding a piece of paper and a smile on his face. "Here ya go. Name, number, and a little something so you'll hopefully remember me enough to call back about a date. Or at least pass my name along to your friends." The paper he handed her did indeed have his name and number on one side. The reverse side held a quick, yet impressive pencil drawing of her with dark angel wings on her back and a dark halo over her head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 04:00:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Waiting outside in the hallway was less than exciting for her considering she hated the smell of the place, it was offensive to her nostrils. The look of it wasn't much better. Disgusted she crossed her arms over her chest and scowled, she'd be happy when she and the others could all get out of there and to their new place. Right now that time wasn't coming quick enough.<br><br>Her demeanor changed quickly as she heard him returning. Perking back up she waited and took the piece of paper from him before looking it over and giggling. "Well now, that's a bit of an incentive isn't it." she smiled brightly before folding the paper and tucking it into her pocket. She toyed with the idea of kissing his cheek but that would be too much, instead she settled with a simple pat on the shoulder.<br><br>"I'll hold onto it, if I'm not in the area maybe I can give it to one of my girlfriends who is single. Am sure they'd love to meet a nice young man such as yourself." with another smile she backed up towards the door for her temporary place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 04:00:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Daeroth arrived back at the apartment in time to see a boy chatting it up with ana. he raised a brow and shook his head, chuckling slightly. "hey ana, mind if i squeeze past?"&nbsp; he asked as he looked at the boy. "careful, she'll eat your heart." he grinned as he headed past ana with a wink and went into the living room, waiting for her to get done with the boy at the door so he could give his report on the place he'd found for the dance club.<br><br>he leaned back, placing his feet onto the table and turned on the t.v, the news was becoming his increasingly favorite past time, it was better then a gorey movie to him what with all the slayings that went on here. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 04:05:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't hide the fact her eyes were following Dae. With a coy smile she shrugged and laughed. "By all means." though she said the words she made little effort to move. Laughing quietly to herself she shrugged and looked at their mutual neighbor. "Don't mind him, male pms." she grinned and bounced on her toes.<br><br>"I should get going. Someone needs to cook for these big lugs or they're apt to burn the whole place down. Though.." she looks around and lifts her eyebrows. "Maybe that wouldn't be so bad after all.."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Diabolus Lupus</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 04:25:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled and nodded. "I look forward to hopefully seeing you again." He bowed again and backed towards his door. "You have a lovely day and....." He paused as a man passed by and squeezed passed Ana. "I'd bite back, actually." He responded with a grin and a laugh. "And this happens to be the only place I really have to call home, so please don't let your brother and his friends burn it down. I have a bit of work to do myself, so I shall see you later."<br><br>He went back into his apartment to work on some of the pieces he was close to deadline on. He kept an ear on the hallway, listening to the comings and goings of various neighbors. Wondering if he'd get to see Ana-Lucia again and if he was crazy for trying to start something with a woman he didn't even know.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 04:31:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Waving her fingers she slid back inside and closed the door before pressing her back to it. Making a face she sighed and took a few steps into the room before pulling the piece of paper back out of her pocket. Grabbing her cellphone she sends a quick text to get a background check done on this guy, just on the off chance.<br><br>Flopping down onto the couch she drops the paper onto the table with a grimace. "That was a bit of an encounter I'd rather not repeat." she laughs quietly before focusing her attention onto the current news playing on the TV in front of her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 05:05:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				dae smirked as ana came into the living room. "rough night sweetie?" he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. "well you'll be happy to know i found an excellent building that i have my assistant in process of buying for the colletiva. it will be perfect for the dance club and it's only a few blocks from that hotel of yours." he told her as he never took his eyes off the t.v. "man and they call us killers, atleast we kill for food." he said as the story ended about a man who had killed his entire family, setting them on fire as they slept in their beds.<br><br>he turned to grin at her. "makes me wonder just who the real un human killers really are....with vamps we can choose to make a person feel no pain." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 08:38:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The twins were sipping their coffee and watching Ana at the door, amused at what she was telling the guy. Then they glanced at Dae as he came in and gave his report to Ana.&nbsp; "Sounds like things are going well then. Shouldn't be to long before we get everything up and running.&nbsp; "They waited to hear what Ana would say on what Dae said and hoped they'd get out of this place soon, Lucian then turned to Ana again.&nbsp; "The neighbor really brought over duct tape and super glue for a house warming gift? That's the most creative gift I've heard of someone giving, that's for sure."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 12:15:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen was oblivious to the ruckus. He barely sensed Ana speaking to someone, then someone else - maybe Dae - walked in. Events and words passed by him in a whirlwind of ignorance.<br><br>He realized he'd been sitting there silently and leaning into the phone. Blaire's playful giggles and subtle suggestions didn't pass by him in a whirlwind of ignorance. They were noted, tagged, and tucked away among the debris of his mind.<br><br>"Where is this place?... Mhm..." he looked at his watch. "I'm..." <em>The racing heartbeat. The sweet tantalizing scent of woman. The blush when she looked up at him. The flush of insecurity in her voice when she told him her name. The warmth of her eyes gleaming like candlelight in the distance.</em> "... starving, but I can't make it for lunch. Such a shame that you're busy tonight. Perhaps another night, then. I'll call you."<br><br>He lowered the cell phone and looked absently at the poorly painted wall across. Lunch... Even if he wasn't intolerant to sunlight, he still wouldn't have gone for the lunch. He remembered this lesson from his dates, back in the late 60s when he was still human. Lunch is short, and it lacks the oomph, and it brings you to the friend zone. But dinner... the whole day of anticipation... the carefully picked dress and all the little accessories... the pouting when she doesn't like herself in the mirror... the warmth of dusk embracing them... the exquisite wine... There's no exquisite wine for lunch, and no evening dress with carefully selected accessories. No pouting. <br><br>He crossed the room slowly and joined his conversing comrades. "Dae." he nodded. "Any luck with the dance club?" He turned to Ana and all of a sudden a gust of disappointment bubbled up his stomach and out of his mouth before he could stop it. "She invited me to lunch, can you believe that?" <br><br>He closed his mouth, embarrassed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 15:34:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Listening to Dae she nodded. "Like you wouldn't believe.. I'm all for being neighborly but getting hit on in the first twenty four hours of meeting someone isn't exactly what I would call.. Getting off on the right foot. I do have my standards after all." she joked before rolling her eyes at the TV. "Humans make me sick..." getting to her feet again she addressed each of them. "The club sounds great, thank you Dae. As soon as it's bought let me know we can get things set up and ready for a grand opening."<br><br>Looking at the twins she smiled gently. "Lucian whenever you can go to the hotel, I'll call ahead and let them know that their cook is through." this time she looked to Galen all but prepared to make a biting comment about his lunch invitation. She didn't however, knowing that pets were highly essential to their survival in the world. "Why don't you pay he a visit tonight as she sleeps.. I'm sure you can manage to do a little persuasion that way, we need her."<br><br>Taking a slow breath she regarded the twins again. "Damian, you've barely spoken a word since we've all gotten here. How are you with security?" her eyebrows lifted hoping she could fit all of them perfectly into various rolls that would allow the Colletiva to run smoothly and without causing too much of an issue.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>fireflights</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 19:23:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"yeah....me too but they're food so we have to live with them." dae grinned and nodded at her thanks. "no problem and anytime you need me to handle your little.....friend let me know." he grinned at her. he wasn't one to let a pretty woman feel intimidated by any means and if she didn't want guys hitting on her dae was more then willing to play the big brother to scare them off....he was good like that.<br><br>he turned to damian and raised a brow, that boy was unusually quiet....like a unibomber waiting to strike and he wasn't sure he liked it. but he said noithing, so far his brother had been talkative enough and it satisfied dae that atleast one of them could be decent enough.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LucianLuna</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 20:37:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damian glanced over as she said his name.&nbsp; "Sure I can be security. No problem there."&nbsp; He then grinned at Lucian.&nbsp; "Can't wait to eat some of you food again Lucian. You didn't cook enough at home."&nbsp; Lucian smiled back at Damian and knew what everyone was thinking about his brother.&nbsp; "Don't worry about Damian, he's shy and it takes him awhile to warm up to new people. I can to the hotel whenever you want. have to see what kind of stuff they have on the menu and decide if I want to change it any."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivy Mariani</strong> on <strong>09-11-2010, 20:44:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ana nods and offers a small smile. "Let's shake things up a bit. Work at the hotel with Lucian, you'll be the head of security there while he does the cooking. Let people wonder if there minds are going a little when they see the both of you there. It could work to our advantage."<br><br>Smiling she tried to put the thoughts of the guy across the hall into the back of her head. Chances were she'd never call him nor see him again. But if there was a chance he was a potential pet she could keep that in mind. Still, there was something off about it, the way she had smelled the strange musky order again. "Once we get more people for our little rag tag family here.. We can start filling out rolls a little easier."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>10-11-2010, 03:50:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">"Ehh, seems I'll have to change my plan..."<br><br>Alternatives, alternatives...spontaneous tactics invaded Blaire's cranium; the massive onslaught of ploys became painful spikes and were driven deeply into clanking mental cogs. The only option now sprang up from the unsuitable others: a glowing keyboard was slid out--fingers deftly typed their desired message.<br><br><em>I thought I was the one playing hard to get! Meet me at the Eight Street tailor. There's a great Italian restaurant right next door.</em><br><br>With the satisfying pastry finished--reduced to mere crumbs upon a paper plate--, the enthusiastic female pranced home, actually excited about decorating herself in glamorous finery.<br>---<br>The flimsy brush swiped onto chiffon lips a powdery pink...however, not much makeup, besides the distinct lip gloss, was used. Rolling curves snuggled against elegant lingerie: a lavender bikini and brassiere, so luxurious amid the pastures of pale skin whereas they exist. Loose curls billowed over the halter-top dress, whose rich, cobalt material shimmered whenever its wearer took a step forward or backwards. Those chocolate spirals veiled the sterling hoops hanging about each ear; a silver bracelet clinked as the sibling scurried thorough the empty house--Dustan must have been out...<br><br>Blaire indeed pouted, more than once, at the mimicked image reflected off the mirror. Too little makeup? Too much jewelry? <br><br>She stomped a sandal-clad foot, simultaneously watching the annoyed mime do the same. "I hate this! Christ, I should just go in a T-shirt and jeans..."<br><br>After swapping contacts for glasses, the ruffled woman snatched up a leather clutch, then began the voyage to the eatery.<br>---<br><br>Outside the Italian Restaurant deemed <em>Ragazza</em> was where the girl stood, awaiting the arrival of her scrumptious date. </span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>10-11-2010, 16:44:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen had opened his mouth in front of Ana, then closed it embarrassed. But she reacted positively, so what he said was something he thought he would not: "Thank you." Now he was listening to the others conversing, but his mind was wandering from one subject to another. <br><br>Daeroth - with his impeccable appearance with his stylish clothes and his arrogant smile and his perfectly formed muscles - Galen would have considered him a role model, but deep inside he realized he was nowhere near as powerful as the old Fabiani, nor as charming or intelligent. He was the powerhouse from the street. He was proud of his heritage but he knew it wouldn't bring him very far. <br><br>Ana - young (by vampire standards), rich, pretty, and ambitious. Oh, she was arrogant, spoiled, and constantly offensive, but Galen knew she would settle down one day. He pictured her as the DelaCourt Elder and nodded to himself - she would fit in there perfectly. Galen doubted he would live long enough to see her in that position, but he was a fighter, and fighters don't live long. <br><br>Lucian and Damian - the mischievous twins and the Connors' favorite youngsters with a taste for good food. In a century, these two would be a nicer, less demanding version of Dae, maybe. They were likable and an asset to the Community.<br><br>That was it, wasn't it? That's why they were all here. They were assets to the Community. Forget the coven, forget the business. The combined wealth of even the poorest bloodline could secure grounds for a coven anywhere, anytime. Suddenly, he realized why they were here. Politics.<br><br>One of the most talented rising stars in the Community, one of the most powerful vampires apart from the Elders themselves, and three low-ranked Connors. This had nothing to do with a coven. Oh, a coven - or Collettiva, like Ana called it - will be established, no doubt. But this was just the facade. Underneath was probably some behind-the-curtains political maneuver from some clan Elders or gods know who. Fabiani and DelaCourt working together? Heh. These two bloodlines were rivals for centuries. So what was going on? And why were three Connors here - not one, not even two but three? The Connors wanted more power. So, three of them at once working with a very powerful Fabiani and a soon-to-be as powerful DelaCourt? <br><br>Galen shook his head. He wished he knew more about politics. Something about that picture was... odd. Something deeper was in there. Was it a plan to pull resources together? To establish close and personal contact between the future elite, maybe? And to boost the Connor's place in the Community up in the long run? Or something even deeper than that?<br><br>His thoughts were interrupted by the beep of the cell phone. Text message. <br><br><em>I thought I was the one playing hard to get! Meet me at the Eight Street tailor. There's a great Italian restaurant right next door.</em><br><br>He stared at the screen and smiled to himself. What's the chance to walk down the street and to have an incredibly sweet beautiful and single young lady practically fall in your feet - literally, at that?<br><br>Galen couldn't walk in the sun. So he waited it out, busy with little things, staying out of the others' way, in his own world. When the day was nearing its end, he found himself pacing around the living room, looking at his watch every 3 minutes, oblivious to what the others were talking or doing. Little thoughts were circling his mind - thoughts he could not quite put his finger on. <br><br>The sun went down, and the cab was called. Traffic was heavy and Galen was thinking about his date. It was in this moment that he realized he never confirmed going. He shrugged. He had never been a chevalier. He was a roughhouse. <br><br>The cab pulled over and after tossing one of his famous money clips at the cabby, Galen entered the Volvo dealership, curious to see what they have to offer. Forty minutes later, with his bank account nearly halved, he was driving to Eighth Street in a silver S80. <br><br>He spotted Blaire across the street. Something about this girl was drawing his attention like a magnet. He pulled over elegantly, calling forth all of his driving skills, and he got out, suit straightened down, shirt smooth and underlining his muscular chest, hair roughly combed with 3 fingers. He walked to her slowly, confidently. He was nervous about this date - but after sixty years of dating, he know how to not show it.<br><br>"Blaire." he said when he stopped in front of her. He looked at the Ragazza. "Shall we go in? I don't feel comfortable out here. Your presence makes people envy me." Then he couldn't say anything anymore. He lost himself in her scent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>11-11-2010, 18:46:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Head tilted slightly, inquisitorial pupils raked down Galen's visage and body, admiring everything about him: the hardened chest underneath that suave suit; his chiseled, almost icy features; the fiery swagger propelling every step. Heartbeat, once again, accelerated--heavy and swift did the thrumming pulse rocket down veins, sending a seismic shock-wave thorough her entire being.<br><br>Blaire chuckled, gaze flicking towards the expensive vehicle before returning to the man. "Did you buy this car just for our dinner?" Glazed lips parted in a zealous grin as one hand gestured, pointing out the dealership papers still glued onto the window. "Quite impressive, though I hardly feel I'm worth so much!"<br><br>The eager girl--struck nearly speechless by the intense coldness of the strong palm--grasped his hand, but refused to show such emotions by leading the way into the popular establishment. She pushed through the dark double doors, Galen in tow; the tinier hand reassuringly squeezed the larger one trapped inside its cage of fingers.<br>---<br>Inside the calm building now...the gracious hostess, an attractive blonde wielding menus, directed the pair amid the masses of occupied tables with celerity. <br><br>"Here you are!" Stopping at a private booth, the prim employee waited until both had made themselves comfortable, then presented the ornate beverage list, alongside the thick booklet of meal options. Magnificent decor accentuated even Razarra's nooks and crannies. Lovely, fresh flowers sat within a crystalline vase atop the marbled tables. An enticing melody flooded the spacious room, that of a moaning violin accompanied by a soothing song. Diverse aromas, aged cheese, bubbly wines, tender meats, also floated about, the active kitchen their origin, of course.<br><br>"Thank yo-," Blaire halted, suddenly cut off as the speedy waiter arrived, his greeting a boisterous, "Welcome, my friends! I'm Ryan, your server for this glorious night! What beverages would you two like?" A pen was poised, practically statuesque, above a clean tablet.<br><br>Nostrils flaring, she could barely withhold the bane coating her response; this annoying teenager wrought a visible irritation in the feisty girl. "Why, yes, <em>Ryan</em>...I'll have a Yuengling Lager, if you don't <strong>mind.</strong>"<br><br>He blinked, somewhat confused; nonetheless, the odd order was written down. Ryan asked reluctantly, "S-sir? What will you have? Perhaps, um, wine? Most of our pah-patrons order the Merlot..." </span><br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>15-11-2010, 19:22:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"S-sir? What will you have? Perhaps, um, wine? Most of our pah-patrons order the Merlot..." <br><br>The restaurant wasn't a bad place, Galen had to admit. The decoration was a bit... expressively Italian. And quite crowded - too crowded for his taste. But still elegant and pleasant to dine - even if his preferred dinner was presenting the menus and showing guests to their tables. The Ragazza was generally pleasant to the eye. So was the company. Galen risked a quick look at Blaire's face. She was... edible.<br><br>He let a tiny smile flash onto his face and disappear. "Chianti." he said to the impertinent waiter. "Classico, 1997 was a good year. Anything from Castellana?" He nodded as the waiter mumbled something about checking out, confused. Galen allowed himself to snort. "No fava beans. This kid should not be here." he said to Blaire as the waiter had vanished, his tone of voice quiet, his composure impeccable. He was a crude thug for a vampire. But when it came to humans, he had a 50 year advantage over Blaire in terms of manners and sophistication.<br><br>"Beer? My dear, you not only look gorgeous, you act gorgeous, as well! I should have traded the Volvo for a leather jacket and a motorbike."<br><br>He carefully reached out and touched her hand for a second. It was merely an acknowledgment that she was there, occupying all of his attention. <br><br>Which she was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>jobe352</strong> on <strong>21-11-2010, 03:42:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">Blaire nodded, aghast by the terrible waiter and his lack of expertise-- this boy belonged behind a McDonald's grill or register, adored in the regimental uniform: a flimsy ball-cap, cheap shirt and apron. Yes, that is exactly where the anxious adolescent should be. Stupid brat. "I agree! He needs to leave...and go eat some grapes. Perhaps then the boy might understand where wine comes from."<br><br>An inquisitive eyebrow rose, mildly creasing her placid forehead. She chuckled, fingers manipulating a hazel curl as coyness interrupted the sudden hostility. <br><br>"No, no!" arrived the hasty answer, along with a transitory glance downward. Onyx pupils returned; intent upon the male across the table they were, gently examining his unrefined frontage. "I actually love expensive cars, Galen, though…I've only had wine, oh, probably three or four times. Erm, maybe I shouldn't speak so badly towards our waiter."<br><br>Eyes widened, faint unease all but gone too, as that icy hand gently brushed her own. Their fingertips pulled apart, though the masculine digits were collected again and held within a warm palm. <br><br>Curiosity killed the cat; however, Blaire, unable to sit amid silence, inquired lightly, "So, may I ask about your career?" The suave suit invaded vision again. "I've seen you twice wearing quite professional attire. Don't you ever just want to throw on some sweatpants or…jeans?"</span><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: On Virgin Grounds</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Raphael</strong> on <strong>04-12-2010, 13:42:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Galen couldn't not smile at her inquiry about his career. 'Let's see... I spend the first 15 years of my life as a street child a la Hugo's Les Miserables, the next 15 as a low-profile gangster, and the last 40 as a vampire soldier fighting werewolves and rogue vampires. What does that make me?'<br><br>"I'm into human relations," he said, trying to suppress that smile. "Currently assigned on a project for a small European company with interests in Chicago." Close enough. Always keep close to the truth when you're lying. Most people aren't good liars and slip sooner or later. But if your lie is close to the truth, you can always have a chance to work your way around the slip.<br><br>"So yeah," he continued. "Suits and a decent car are a part of my image. My public face, if you prefer. I do sleep in my underwear, you know. And I tend to put jeans on when I do handwork." <br><br>The coldness of his hand didn't seem to bother Blaire too much. That was a good sign - some people were able to digest the existence of supernatural beings easier than others. She was scoring pretty high on pet suitability so far. <br><br>"What about you? What's your career?" He eyed her with a faint smile. "You're not into modeling, are you? You look the model type to me."
			</dd>
		</dl>
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