Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: IronKitten on 10-03-2011, 07:23:51</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 07:23:51</strong>
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				Claudia clenched her teeth, bracing the heels of her lily-white palms upon the edge of the dressing table while her lady's maid, Ophelia, laced her up.<br><br>Somehow, now matter how many centuries passed, the squeeze of the corset against her ribs never grew more comfortable. <br><br>“Are quite you all right, madam? You seem terribly tense.”<br><br>Lips peeling back in a stiff smile the girl couldn't see, Claudia lifted her hand only enough to give a short wave. “Of course, dear girl. You read too much into things.” <br><br>She was going to have to do a better job of disguising her own body language—let the shoulders relax, the neck loosen. It shouldn't be a terribly stressful matter, after all, what did she want with a power struggle? It was much better to hang behind and pull strings, anyways. The stress came from knowing where best to place her support.<br><br>One last tug, and then Ophelia stepped back—Claudia turned and sat, the motions automatic, and extended one long, pale leg towards the girl. While the delicate little creature who would likely never experience much more than a lick of power in her entire unlife scrambled to fetch her mistress' stockings, Claudia glanced up to the ceiling and swept fingertips across her forehead. She hummed, tucking a few loose strands of ebony-black hair into the up-do, lifting her foot as the lady's maid slid the crimson-striped stocking up her legs. <br><br>She did adore them—they made her long limbs look even longer, thinner. Not that it would matter all that much—once the gown went on, long and burgundy, they were hidden from view in such a way that it was almost teasing. Then on went the shoes, short black heels, and short lace gloves without fingers. <br><br>“How do I look?” Claudia stood and turned towards the mirror which reflected nothing but an empty room, gazing into it by force of habit, or perhaps some secret narcissism. <br><br>“Positively lovely, madam. Shall we pick you a hat?”<br><br>Smiling, the ancient vampire turned back and patted the far more delicate one's cheek. “Oh no, my dear, I won't be going out.”<br><br>Ophelia's head tilted, eyes flashing curiously, but the girl knew better than to pry—besides, it would likely all come out in house gossip, later. Few things missed the keen eyes and trained ears of vampiric servants, after all.<br><br>Sweeping away without a further word, Claudia drifted from the dark room and into the wide hall—silent but for the whisper of cloth upon the floor, she moved downstairs and blithely ignored servants the whole way. Tracing her tremendous green eyes over the place, she found the manor pleasingly peaceful—when she finally pushed into the sitting room, she was very nearly sick of it. <br><br>As she draped herself upon her favorite black chaise lounge, Claudia leaned over and poured herself a glass of red fluid from the decanter she'd previously arranged to be there. Lifting it to her lips, she readied herself for the night ahead.<br><br>This evening, after all, would be one for business, as much as pleasure.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 04:54:16</strong>
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				The sound of carefully placed steps grew louder and echoed in the large empty hallway. With the unneeded aide of a slim but stiff , black walking stick topped with a miniature fanged skull, a dark haired figure walked along the corridor. His face was cold and pale, rough but neatly shaved. His eyelids and lips slightly flushed yet lined with dark black lashes below a fiercely thick set of eyebrows. His eyes were cold and dark like coal, fixed, never yielding.<br><br>He was intimidating, not because of anything he did, but because of his lack of concern for his surroundings. He had nothing to fear, and that confidence and solitude instilled fear in those who he led. He spoke softly, never harshly, not because he was well mannered, but because he knew he would be obeyed and respected.<br><br>Lifting his cane he pointed it at the door before him and gave it a push, swinging the door open until it came to a crawl as it approached the wall. He surveyed the ballroom which had fallen silent, then slowly walked in, filling the crowded hall with the sound of his gait.<br><br>With the raising of his stick and a conscenting nod, the party resumed as if he had never entered. He walked though the entranced crowd as they danced wildly with a lusty swing and an aggressive beat. They bodies moved with perfect rhythm, they were sexy, lean, and fierce. <br><br>Stopping at the far end of the ballroom, he looked carefully at an assortment of blood filled stemmed crystalware, a crimson filled bowl, and a live donor who stood there generously, waiting to offer a warm drink. She was absolutely ravishing and dressed to perfection, though her arms and neck were heavily scarred and scabbed over, none the less it was a delicious treat.<br><br>Feeling full, he declined her offer and turned from the bar to gazed across the room with contempt, dissatisfied with the each and every woman he laid his eyes upon. They were weak and frail in comparison to himself, no stronger than the many men present. What he craved more than anything was a woman as powerful and cunning as he. One who could seduce and tempt, possibly bend his rock hard will to her liking. It had been close to one hundred and eighty years since he had the pleasure of such a woman. That was long ago, and reflecting on the past did little to nothing for the present. Smugly discontent, he continued to process the crowd in search of someone to fill the emptiness of his soul.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 05:34:49</strong>
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				Ass a general rule, Claudia loathed parties, so as the woman lay upon the study's sofa, it was with an ear perked for any abnormality notable from the room below. A few long, lazy moments of contemplation later, and she heard it—for the few beats of a human's heart, there was a lull in the noise. Then it grew again, the resurgence of the storm, and Claudia was up and out in the hall, making her slow way down the stairs. <br><br>Claudia's issue with parties came not from the debauchery, which she was more than familiar with, and certainly appreciated—nor from the guests and housemates, whom could prove useful now and again. No, her issue nearly slapped her in the face as she wafted through ballroom doors held respectfully open.<br><br>Some pathetic creature—a disgusting 'donor', blood clotted and scabbed. It was, all in all, roughly as appealing as sticking one's mouth under a public fountain. In <em>her</em> day, the only 'donors' were enthralled ones. When she had first been turned, her sire had impressed upon her the importance of draining a human quickly and cleanly.<br><br>The putrid girl looked towards her with a smile of offering and Claudia suppressed a sneer, directing a dismissive wave in her direction. She was hardly interested in fueling the subconscious death wish fantasies of the masses 'in the know', the ghouls who followed their vampiric masters like the pets they truly were.<br><br>Lifting her chin, Claudia gazed through the crowd, looking for the source of the brief disturbance. In the meantime, she greeted friends, compatriots, business partners, distant family, offering lingering smiles and sweeping curtsys. <br><br>Oh, she was lovely and gracious and polite, but her expression was that of an exhausted debutante—an aristocrat bred for exactly this sort of occasion. Put the mask on, and let it do the talking for you.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 16:09:18</strong>
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				Outwardly, his manners were fairly acceptable for the most part, though lacking at times. He knew well what was propper and what was not, but such rules, he felt were merely cosmetic whitewash - intended more for others than himself. It was almost funny how he upheld this sense of etiquette which he cared so little for. It was vanity at its best, perhaps nothing more than another stain of humanity to be bleached and scrubbed away a like layer of sweat and filth on a hot, clammy day.<br><br>Briefly he began to take an interest in a tall, slender woman whom had caught his eye. She dressed in black from head to toe with only the tips of her fingers and a sliver of obstructed cleavage exposed. She wore a black corset with shiny black trim on the outside of her dress. Her black top was cut low, but covered with an array of thick leather straps buckled across her chest up to her neck. Her hair was black like a raven's sleek feathers and tied up aside from a few deliberate runs that streamed downward like daggers, licking her upper body. Her eyes were dusted purple, her lips violet red. She stood with her weight one side and her hands resting upon her hips. "What a sassy, defiant attitude this one has",&nbsp; he thought as he approached her. He stared her down as he walked around her in a tight loop, then walked away as if uninterested. He stopped, then turned and watched her with an expressionless stare."<br><br>Not knowing how to react, she approached him weakly, kneeled before him with her head facing down. Again he walked away, then turned and stared." This time she approached again and with her fingers laced began in plead in a humble tone, "Please take m" <br><br>"Stop", he said gently, as he placed his finger over her lips, then stepped closer and whispered in her ear, "You are not my type." He dragged his finger down along her lips then touched the point of her chin. With a gentle approving smile, he slowly let go, then walked away.<br><br>Indeed she was well endowed with lustful appeal, but she was weak and inexperienced. She knew not how to draw him to herself and that simply would not do. While he cared little about sparing her the humiliation of being rejected, he parted from her sparing her dignity. It was more a matter of etiquette which for for reasons unbeknownst to him he still embraced. It was nonsense to him, but it was just the way things were done.<br><br>Turning his eye away he caught sight of a ravishing, black haired woman in a long burgundy dress. Her hands, clad in fingerless gloves which piqued his curiosity enough to pause and stare. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 21:03:55</strong>
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				Having been raised as a human woman in a time when etiquette was all that defined you, Claudia was fond of it in a sense. Still, she'd had no compunctions about wrenching out a man's heart in 1889, in the middle of her own debutant ball—Daddy had been so proud. Prouder still of the way his protege had handled herself before, during, and after.<br><br>She'd had the politest, sweetest of smiles, as if the man had been showering her with the usual praise and wishes of goodwill, and the only sign that she was revolted by the heart which quickly fell to ash between her fingertips was a barely-noticeable twitch of the nose.<br><br>But now, at this gathering, called for subtler arts than the girlish brutality of her youth. No—it called for artistry.<br><br>Those who watched Claudia were bound to notice several things, not the least of which being her movement. Slow and languorous, Claudia did not walk through a room so much as flow. The motions of her arms and head were no exception—when she finally found the room stifling enough to draw forth her fan, the single, quick motion involved was snapping it open. Then her arm wafted slowly through the air, and the crimson, black-feathered fan fluttered with it. Even the occasional tilt of her head as she listened to the words of another was slow—if ever there was a more unhurried creature than Claudia, and one capable of slowing down those with whom she spoke, then this ballroom had not seen it.<br><br>Claudia's conversations that evening had already been short and many, so she supposed that now she was paying the price, held as she was in long conversation which she maintained only for politeness' sake. She spoke as unhurriedly as she moved, her words capable of a kind lilting softness—so purring and hypnotic that she may very well have never risen from her bed at all. <br><br>At every occasion, every time her conversational partners looked away or said something amongst themselves, Claudia took advantage of the opportunity to scan the room. Then, once, her eyes landed upon those of another, a man watching her—the gentleman, perhaps, who had caused the disturbance. As appraised him quickly, blithely from the corner of her eye, emerald irises roving from his head to his shoes before bouncing back up over the walking stick and back to his eyes. There, she let her gaze remain for another second, before her head tilted back and her attention was, at surface level, drawn back to her company.<br><br>“...and what are <em>your</em> thoughts, Claudia?”<br><br>Blood-red lips pulling up into a long smile, Claudia gave her fan a little flick. “You know I don't care to concern myself in such sordid affairs, Josephine. After all—what need has a proper lady to bloody her hands? She'd ought to have a thousand slavish men falling all over themselves for the opportunity to do it for her.”<br><br>The slim blonde girl to whom she spoke grinned, her red-haired companion sipping from the glass between her fingers. “And how many do you have, then? A <em>hundred</em> thousand?”<br><br>Giggling gently, Claudia lifted her chin and let her head roll languidly to the side the way a dreamy lover might roll her head along a pillow, letting the motion barely, perhaps accidentally, expose her pale neck to the man watching.<br><br>“It's never enough, dear girl, and never entirely satisfying. The achievement isn't in the numbers—it's in the caliber. And sadly, men of high quality are near-impossible to find.” Her lips pulled into a sorrowful, girlish pout and then relaxed, and Claudia managed to remain aware of the man without watching him.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>12-03-2011, 17:47:42</strong>
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				<br>Aroused by the woman in the burgundy dress and her company he continued to observe her with an intense stare. The way she moved and carried herself dripped with grace and elegance - two things that could be learned quickly, but which ripened only with time and practice. Like a fine glass of wine, it was easy to discern cheap swill from a decent wine, but it took experience to tell a good wine from one that had been aged to perfection.<br><br>Around her there were social interactions, conversation and the like, much more than he cared to involved himself with. He wanted to know what this woman would be like. Would she be weak and timid like the last, or perhaps more the confident and powerful type that he had craved. His thoughts began to race and his impatience grew. There was little else to think about at this point. It was time to sink his teeth into the fruit and see what was inside.<br><br>Driven by compulsion and curiosity he approached Claudia slowly with steady, unwavering eyes. He was fixated on her and her alone for the moment, and cared little about anything else. His knowledge of formalities, etiquette and such would not get in his way. He was not the type dance around on the edges new experiences, rather his nature was to just delve straight in.<br><br>Now within an arms length, his eagerness intensified, his senses heightened slightly as if stalking prey.&nbsp; His lips parted as he spoke in order to steal her attention.<br><br>"Good evening." <br><br>Waiting for her to turn, he waited, then interjected "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. There is something about you that has stolen my attention like a thief prowling in the darkness.&nbsp; My name is Merlaux." <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>12-03-2011, 18:52:08</strong>
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				In the very periphery of her vision, Claudia could see the man move, and at the motion she turned her head away to pay attention to Josephine's words. It was a matter of waiting; only a few seconds later she heard the greeting, and turned towards him with a delicate smile. Her companions' envious gazes were unashamedly glued to the gentleman, so Claudia maintained a look of polite half-interest only.<br><br>“Why, you flatter me, sir. Surely there are a hundred women in this room, and all of them dressed rather more...” Her green eyes flickered away from his face and over the fetishistic attire, her sneer only restrained at the knowledge it was a terribly unladylike expression. “...enticingly.”<br><br>Indeed, her gown was more understated, though no less beautiful—her make-up less showy, her hair far more classically adorned. <br><br>Offering one petite, jasmine-scented hand for him to kiss, Claudia smiled and curtseyed with her free one. “At any rate, Mister Merlaux, it is a pleasure to meet you, and an honor to know I have captured the attention of the man who stilled the room.” This was no more than a blind supposition, but worth throwing out—she would discover whether or not she was correct in a moment.<br><br>“I am Claudia Delacroix, and these darling girls are Josephine and Trisha. Now, then.” She straightened, letting the words drift dreamily from her lips as she tilted her head, regarding Merlaux with amused eyes. “Are you so certain you can survive the banalities of female chatter that you would come over and place yourself in the lions' mouths?”<br><br>At this, the red-haired girl, Trisha, perked up. “We were just discussing the ongoing power struggle. Claudia here says she's not at all- oh!”<br><br>The girl winced as Claudia snapped her fan closed and rapped her sharply upon the cheek, her second quick motion for the evening since she'd opened the thing. “You would do well not to tell stories of your elders right in front of them, girl.”<br><br>That delicate, apologetic smile was turned upon Merlaux again, a girlish giggle upon her lips while Trisha sulked behind her like a petulant child. <br><br>“Do you see, sir? Surely you want no part in idle, nattering gossip.” Claudia's voice lowered to a silken purr and she tilted her head towards him to murmur, “I know given my preferences, I would not engage in it had I any choice.”
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>12-03-2011, 20:56:17</strong>
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				Taking Claudia's soft, dainty hand without hesitation he lowered his head slightly and held it close to his lips as he stared into her eyes. The scent of jasmine penetrated his nose and invaded his senses. He felt her pulse though her hand and sensed the ebb and flow of her blood. It was a rather personal and erotic sensation at the least. Touching her skin gently with his finger tips, he placed his firm lips to the back of her hand and kissed it slowly, and thoughtfully. Reluctantly, he let go.<br><br>"Claudia Delacroix", he repeated with a slight smile as he savored the sound and texture of her name." A ravishing woman with an equally enticing name. Its not every day that one may briefly bask in both pleasures at once." Looking for a moment at a younger woman across the way dressed in a more modern, less classy dress he said to Claudia,&nbsp; "Those with little inside seek to bolster their outsides - desperately hoping to be plucked and taken by the next person who passes by. I have no time for such fluff - mere dust that blows in the wind only to dissipate and vanish with time."<br><br>Looking back at Claudia, his eyes grazed over her hair, then her eyes and lips. He wondered what her lips would feel like, what her delicate tongue would taste like when pressed and brushed against his own, but knew enough not to voice his thoughts recklessly. Looking to the east side of the ball room he fixed his eyes upon a large set of French doors leading out to a large moonlit stone patio with wrought iron railings and pair of grotesque gargoyles placed at either side of the doorway. They crouched there like a pair of demonic guardians - waiting pounce and devour at a moment's notice. Returning his gaze he noticed the small audience that Claudia spoke of and smiled, enjoying the attention that they bestowed, but concerned that they might cause her some degree of humiliation should their conversation progress and flourish.<br><br>"Perhaps after while Claudia, I might ask you to join me for a stroll on the terrace - that is, if you will permit it. I do tend cause a stir at times as you noted. "He smirked as he recalled the incident, then regained eye contact as he waited for her response.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 03:27:05</strong>
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				Claudia chuckled, her head tilting and her eyes curved with her amusement. “Indeed, those who feel a the desperate, nagging need for another are clearly lacking something in the substance of their own character. Only animals are so insecure as to need bright colors and displays to attract a mate—more evolved creatures depend on more evolved means.”<br><br>Then, at his words, she turned, a few strands of ebon hair falling behind her ear; her eyes traced over the terrace and she suppressed a small smirk, turning back towards Merlaux. <br><br>“A stroll would do me rather well, as a matter of fact—this environment <em>is</em> terribly stifling. And causing a stir is nothing new,” she added, giggling softly as she excused herself from her company with a pat upon both their hands and began to lead the way through the crowd, “my sire could clear a room with a look. Come now.”<br><br>Following Claudia, it became more than apparent that she could move people with a gaze—those who noticed her swept both themselves and others to the side, and those who didn't would soon feel her standing just behind them, staring them down with a disarmingly sweet smile and a cheerful, “Do pardon me, you'd ought to pay more attention.” It was as easy as parting the Red Sea, and soon enough she had emerged outside and turned to smile back to Merlaux and see how close or far behind her he was. <br><br>“And there we are. Oh, isn't that <em>refreshing</em>. After the pungent stink of sweat and sex and perfume, fresh air does do the mind good.” Smiling, Claudia tucked away her folded fan, hiding it up in the sleeve of her gown, and then glanced back up to Merlaux's eyes.<br><br>“So, now, what have I done to deserve such shameless flattery from a gentleman such as yourself? Perhaps I'd ought to be worried.”
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 06:42:19</strong>
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				Amused by Claudia's perkiness and bubbly personality he followed her closely on the way to the patio, getting a small kick out of the way she cleared the way. Clearly she was respected if not feared - a sign of a rather powerful woman. He approached her closely, and smiled mildly as he said, "Well Claudia,&nbsp; I couldn't but help to notice how you stood out in the crowd. You caught my eye, so to speak. As I mentioned before, there are plenty of colorful, curvy women who dress like they are trying flag a ship, and without a doubt, will eventually find what they are looking for - someone who's blind and ignorant."<br><br>Not holding back or adhering to the silly litany of manners and rules that he was taught, he simply spoke directly and freely without much concern about whether or not it was proper to be as direct as he would soon be. Without a moment's hesitation he began to speak.&nbsp; "Claudia, I'm terribly amused with the way you carry yourself and the way that others react to you. It says an awful lot about you. Likewise, I think your incredibly attractive and I would be eager to enjoy your company for a while that I might get to know you a bit more.<br><br>Not knowing exactly what sort of woman Claudia was, he figured that either she would accept his proposal , or he would get slapped over these silly&nbsp; &nbsp;rules of etiquette " He waited for his words to sink in, then said is a more playful, but serious tone,"You..you&nbsp; tanalize me Claudia." He felt his sense of urgency begin to dissolve, and his desire for feminine company grow.<br><br><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 07:10:57</strong>
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				If his brash words were at all mortifying or shocking to the woman, it didn't show in more than a very mildly arched brow. Her chin simply inclined and a smirk touched those soft, red lips, one that dimpled her pale cheek. <br><br>“My. You certainly are a very up-front gentleman, aren't you.” Humming, Claudia pressed her fingertips upon his chin and pushed his head to the side, reaching down instinctively and dusting off the shoulder of his jacket.<br><br>“And tell me. Why should I take time out of my evening and entertain you? We can all see quite plainly what I have to offer you—and what we can't see,” she added, smirking broader, now, “is even better what we can. And yet, I'm not exactly sure what you might offer to <em>me</em>.”<br><br>It was less a question or a concern than it was a challenge.<br><br>Her hand drifting down, Claudia lifted her fingers away form his jacket as they crept towards his hip and then strolled by him.<br><br>“If you would like to convince me, you may follow me to the study. There are drinks there, and soon there shall be me. One floor up, down the hall, around the corner, second door on the right. You may follow me now, or take time to formulate your argument.”<br><br>Smiling, Claudia swept her soft fingers under his jaw and turned away, ducking through the crowd easily. Again, they moved around her, aware that the woman demanded authority and respect and, unlike many other, younger vampires, actually deserved it. She hummed under the pounding music, cutting through the crowd and ducking out of the room, retracing her steps to the study. Smirking, she left the door cracked and reclaimed her seat, draping herself artistically upon the chaise lounge and waiting.<br><br>She gave him a minute and a half, tops, if he wasn't already hot on her tail.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 17:04:52</strong>
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				Still standing on the patio, Merlaux took a few steps forward, then leaned against the inside of the doorway as he watched Claudia make her way back into the ballroom and towards stairway. His intensity continued to dissolve and a lighter, more personable part of his personality was starting to emerge. It was been long since a woman had said no to him, no less tell him that he "may" do anything for that part. And the kicker, convince her that he would be of interest to her?<br><br>The smirk on his face had begun to transform into a small smile as he wondered what other surprises he might run into. With his interest sparked and a long dead sense of arousal piqued he slowly walked though the ballroom, touching his stick to the floor as he walked, his eyes fixed on the stairway in the distance. He paid no mind to his surroundings nor had he any need to. His path was cleared without a word as he strode though - consumed in thought and forming new desires.&nbsp; <br><br>The stairway leading upwards was bell shaped at the bottom and wide enough to a couple to descend it side to side. Its banisters were made of smooth glazed wood and curved outwards at the bottom and up the center of the stairway was a bright red hand woven runner. He ascended slowly, then turned down the hallway - eventually arriving at the described door.<br><br>The door creaked and Merlaux entered looking around, then setting his eyes upon Claudia. He took a moment to look at her, then proceeded with a casual gait.&nbsp; Walking past her, he stopped and at stood facing the window overlooking a vast moonlit river in the distance. "A good half of the the ballroom below courses with my blood and they too have created their own bloodlines. I have their respect and devotion along with the power to twist and use them as I choose."<br><br>He turned towards Claudia and walked towards the closest chair where he sat with his right palm covering the silver skull-shaped knob on the top of his walking stick. His fingers closed over the knob one at a time in sequence as he grasped it comfortably. His face intensified as his amused smile faced . In a more stern voice he asked her, "What can I offer you? As if that wasn't enough? As if the fruits of my life mean nothing at at all? What more could someone ask for? Are you not satisfied with having a share of my wealth and influence in exchange for your hand?"<br><br>He waited with baited breath, hoping that Claudia wasn't a mere power-hungry whore seeking to sell her soul in exchange for power and status.&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>IronKitten</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 20:25:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Stretching, Claudia listened to his monologue, describing the fact that the ballroom was mostly populated with his bloodline, describing his power. With practiced hands, she reached over and lifted the glass stopper of the decanter, tipping it over and pouring out two glasses.<br><br>His final words, though, and her stop and turn, her brow severely ached and her lips touched with a smirk that struggled not to be a grin, or indeed, all out laughter.<br><br>“Surely you don't mean my <em>hand</em>, dear boy, you don't even know me! My bed would be another story, perhaps. Of course, I wouldn't be satisfied with having wealth and influence in exchange for my bed, either, because I have those things anyways!” More didn't hurt, of course, but that was not at all the point of her seduction. <br><br>Then, adding a small shrug as she offered a glass to him, Claudia told him, “And to be terribly blunt, my dear, the fruits of your unlife <em>do</em> mean next to nothing to me. I myself only have two progeny, neither of them are here, and I have influenced with<em>out</em> creating a near-army.”<br><br>Sitting up properly, now, Claudia leaned back against the lounge and examined Merlaux with a tilt of her head and an amused little smirk. “You are a very entertaining gentleman, aren't you? But, if you find my sense of humor offensive, do ignore it—I find myself rather charmed by things no one else understands.” <br><br>She chuckled to herself and folded her gloved hands in her lap, her eyes never leaving her companion's.<br><br>“So? Surely you can offer me something.” Her head tilted, her pale neck stretching. “Even if it's merely a proper challenge. I would be everso disappointed if you proved to be a pushover, Mister Merlaux.” <br><br>Pushovers simply weren't worth her time—the wouldn't get anywhere beyond where they were, so why bother with them? Of course, Claudia was reasonably certain he was strong in at least some capacity. <br><br>After all, if he wasn't, he wouldn't have approached her in the first place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Pleasure for Business [IronKitten and TaintedandDelish]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TaintedAndDelish</strong> on <strong>15-03-2011, 04:36:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Merlaux took the glass as drew from it slowly as he listened. He enjoyed her attitude and her sense of confidence. It was quite clear that she was a woman of her own means, not looking to depend on anyone. Not that he had a problem with sharing what he had with the right person. He swirled his glass and took a whiff followed by another sip.<br><br>Again, Claudia had flashed her neck. He thought of it as more of an accident the first time, but this time he saw it more as an invitation.&nbsp; The sight of her exposed flesh along her neck made his pulse quicken, and his hands tense. His focus was quickly locked up on that tender, vulnerable spot - it was if that tiny spot was all he could see. He but his tongue and looked away, drumming his fingers on his knee, but within seconds his eyes flashed back to the delicate spot. <br><br>He wanted to pounce, but refrained - not wanting to look like a desperate fool, but the urge to take a slow, seductive bite was aching in his mind. His nose wrinkled; his eyes narrowed. Suddenly, Merlaux was perfectly still - silent. Without notice he sprung from his seat with his left hand on Claudia's head, and his right on he shoulder. His mouth was wide open and his tongue within a centimeter of her soft, fleshy neck as his body continued to move forward.<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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