[House of Hidden Dreams] A Fortunate Folly (Brahkula)

[Anora Eventide]

With its porch momentarily empty of its sample of wares, the house seemed more an Inn with a taste for luxurious curtains, especially through the haze of evening and the black veil the traveler wore.
She had approached at a rapid pace, leading a plain ebon horse by a strand of rope. Perhaps propelled by the desire for rest and cloistered walls where she could shed the cloak and veils that drowned her face and form.
The horse was tied with some convoluted knot Darieth had shown her, a bane to those who would try and undo it. With a nod to the mildly foreboding men who stood guard on the porch, she reached for the gilded knob with her gloved hand and entered.

As the door closed gently behind her she realized she was quite certainly in the wrong place.

The woman tugged at her veil, revealing her azure eyes to take in what danced and reveled before her.
Crimson carpet was plush beneath her feet, giving the room a decadent flush, and royal purple circled about her on the ornate walls. The entryway was heavy with indulgence, gold frames and costly art that touched on the risqué. The paintings' subjects varied between overflowing bowls filled with bright globes of fruit, clusters of lush cultured flowers, and all manner of beautiful, reclining bodies lounging on velvets and sofas. The room's extravagance was almost cloying.

Without intending to, the woman drew the host's attention, his artifice was familiar but by no means clumsy. When asked her pleasure, Anora smothered a twinge of embarrassment.
Her caramel voice was a little dampened by her veil as she answered.
"Apologies, I was looking for an Inn."

[Brahkula Hun'viir]

If its rest you require love, we can make arrangements. When the gentleman asked your pleasure he meant it, around these parts I have a reputation for pleasing my patrons. Even if what there heart truly desires, is pure.

Lady Of Angels had noticed the woman and was rather taken by her charm and grace, it was not often you saw eyes as radiant or as cold as hers. They reminded her of the same beauty as a gentle winters frost. This particular person was certainly a refreshing twist of fate from the heart ache and scandel that was her enterprises daily agenda.

Emerald green eyes that could have been befitting crown jewels for the empress, were now upon this stranger, the one who named herself Lady Of Angels was a stunning woman with an ageless quality. She looked like the mix between a goddess and a nymph, but she was just a human as unnaturally beautiful as she was. She was wearing a shimmering green dress that accentuated her curves, she had a taste for the finer things in life.

In her hand she carried a pipe of sorts, it was rather long and made of jade. It was a simple thin tube an elegant cigarette holder that was swirling a swaying silhouette of smoke.

For a brief moment she almost looked annoyed before snapping out loud.

My guest is hungry! She is tired! And she is cold! This is unacceptable! fix this at once! I want a hot dish for her served within the hour! I want a warm fire started in my fire place in the library! And see too it that she is given a room in one of our luxury suites! I don’t want her sleeping in soiled linens either! See to it that she is given fresh silks... blue silks, to sleep in. And make sure she has a comfortable night gown, she may use one mine.

When Lady Of Angels spoke, people listened and immediately went to work. There was no middle ground, in her place she got what she wanted when she wanted it. There were no concrete rules in her house, no commandments written on the walls... for the law was Brahkulas whim, and so was the punishment for breaking it. Being with Elize a true vysstichi matron Lady Of Angels would admit that it had molded her, she could run a brothel like a matron did a noble house.

My name is Lady Of Angels, may I offer you something to drink?

We have absinthe its simply divine.

[Anora Eventide]

Anora's home, Daltina, was a city thick with glistening nobility, its women were well-bred and dressed in finery with religious zeal. It was a symbol of power, this ability for luxury, to be flaunted at parties more to cow your competition than please your guests.

The Madame that posed before her recalled a gold an ivory idol, a lovingly crafted depiction of some adored goddess. She seemed to prize luxury for its own sake, for what pleasure it bestowed. A certain relish was in her tone and looks that many of the noblewomen lacked. It encouraged a reckless sort of enjoyment, no, commanded it. In a strange way, it reminded Anora of dearest Avrie, who took deep drafts from life's brimming cup not caring what spilled. Anora, in all her cleverness, never would have fathomed such a spirit to dwell in such a house in such a city. This hedonism had a rare welcoming air.

However, their business was not yet done. Anora's pocket could only manage such an indulgence for a night maybe two. Nothing so fine came so free. And there was no questioning the implied warning that wrapped about the Madame, like the smoke from her elegant pipe. One did not coax such a living without cunning, a trait Anora secretly prized.

Behind her veils, Anora's mouth curved ever so slightly. "The Lady of Angels", even names in this house had a lovely gilding.

"Lady of Angels, you are too kind a hostess to a humble traveler," Anora's voice was an even caramel purr made all the more mysterious by her veil.
"But I have been so long from splendid things, I cannot deny such an offer. If only for the one evening I can afford."

Anora gave a gracious nod of her head, "I would very much like to try anything one could call 'divine', so yes, please, absinthe."

Passing by the young man, Anora murmured something about her horse outside and the knot he was bound by.

Anora moved gracefully in the Daltina social circles, a fine hostess and pleasing conversationalist, but her heart was, by nature, reserved. She did not crave constant company or endless chatter. Her sister and a select noble lady or two sufficed.
In the last cycle she had spoken little more than single lines to inn-keepers, and her longest conversation was with a seer's apprentice, full of dread rather than enjoyment. Surprisingly, Anora would have liked a spot of company. It prompted her request.

"Only if the Lady will join me, though."

[Brahkula Hun'viir]

It had appeared that Anoras praise and compliments had landed her in the good graces of Lady Of Angels, after all flattery gets you everywhere. But Brahkula couldnt help but notice her reserved nature, she was definetly a noble she could tell from the way she presented herself and her seemingly endless curtesy but most important of all a politcians gift to get in good with the inner circles.

It was no surprise when Anora had mentioned her horse, that the gentleman upfront heard and reacted to the statement. Her horse in good time would be brought to a better location, and would be given carrots and lettuce and all manner of tastey treats in which to enjoy.

But if it was robbery; grand theft stallion that had concerned her she needn't worry. Lady Of Angels commanded assassins, bounty hunters the dread lords and dread knights of house hun'viir even malician mercenaries. It was without question that she could find out who stole from her, and make them vanish. It was a right that could be excersized merely by whim. She had other things in her arsenal, but Anora should have understood that to have such a high quality of life in a city such as vortex you had to be able to defend it. This was not Daltina, nor Natura the games were different here they were unpleasant often messy and violent. There were no sacred glades to cast down the wicked, here it was the merciless that reigned supreme.

It was on that note, when Brahkula suspected Anora of being a foreigner that she had decided she would take this guest under her wing. Indeed Lady Of Angels planted seeds on the path she walked, for who knew what Anora could grow to be in this city.

Absolutely my dear, I wouldn't have it any other way.
On that note lets retire to the library for a spell, I do grow bored of my hallway.

Lady Of Angels took a puff off her pipe, before motioning to have Anora follow her.

So tell me, where are you from?

---

When they arrived to the library there was a roaring fire cackling feverishly, there was a bear fur rug on the ground and a plush and luxurious sofa which faced the fire place that the vampire had taken refuge upon. There was also a medium sized table with a bottle of absinthe with two crystal champagne flutes filled with an eerie neon liquid that seemed to glow in the lighting. And atop these glasses were perforated spoons with sugar cubes on top of them while beside these was a silver tea pot filled with ice cold water. There was an ash tray and a match box neatly assembled on the table as well, were Lady Of Angels promptly extinguished her cigarette.

So tell me, what brings a snow flake such as yourself to Vortex?

As she spoke she picked up the pitcher of ice cold water and poured it gently over the sugar cubes. The steady stream of water slowly melted the cubes until they been completely washed away leaving this hazey swirl in the vibrant green cocktails. Placing the spoons on the table, she picked up the champagne flutes and handed one to Anora, while taking a sip of her own drink and relaxed a bit further. It was a special treat known as the green fairy, it had an exotic blend of spices similiar to the vysstichi wines that clouded the mind. It had a very strong black licorice taste, it was her favourite.

[Anora Eventide]

Almost dutifully, Anora followed the Lady to her library, the delicate murmur of rustled skirts was all the sound that came from her until they arrived in the private room. Anora did not wish to air her answers in the halls where men and women openly passed, tangled in one another's arms or coyly led like lambs from chamber to chamber.

Once they entered the library, Anora glanced slowly about, admiring the sumptuous décor. It was more opulent than the style Anora favored for herself, but she was unable to deny what heady spell it wove.
Gloved hands reached up and lifted off the deep blue cowl that covered her starling colored hair. For just arriving from a long journey, her tresses were artfully coiled and primly swept off her neck. The veil's strings were almost woven into her hair, but slid out easily enough, revealing Anora's face.
She neatly draped her coverings across one of the sofa's arms as she spoke.

"I have come from Natura to visit a…"
It was hard to formulate exactly what Dimitri was in Anora's mind. There was not the lightness of friendship or the established trust of a lover. He smoldered on some outer edge of categories bringing doses of both pleasure and caution.

"A suitor, I suppose you would say."

Anora perched on a sofa with queenly poise, and accepted the almost magically bright liquid. It seemed more a potion than a drink. A strange libation perhaps to the ivory goddess.

No stranger to strong brews, Anora took a sip. Its taste was dusky and full of a foreign sweetness. Recalling the very house she sat in, though she may not have known it.
Anora's mouth allowed a faint smile.

"This seems a fitting toast to my arrival in Vortex, a city I have heard is both dim and wondrous."

Anora paused before continuing, "I am not due to visit my suitor until the twentieth or so. I have arrived a cycle early to… prepare."
She took another slow sip of her drink.
"You strike me as a woman who thinks things through. It is rare that anyone comes to a place of authority without a sense of foresight, so I believe you may understand my inclination."
Anora swirled the drink in her glass a moment, diffusing the sugar.
"I want to be somewhat accustomed to the city, to see what charms he finds in it through my own eyes. And perhaps to build some useful talents. Hence my little veils. I'd rather my presence not be known."

She leaned back a little in her seat, "Forgive me, Lady, I have given a long answer to a brief question."

[Brahkula Hun'viir]

A suitor you say?

Brahkula ushered a gleeful murmur of mischievous amusement.

Of course when she had not mentioned this suitors name, she wondered the reason why. Lady Of Angels loved to gossip, and she could almost taste a juicey secret. Yet she had cut it off at that, so cruel of her to avert the conversation with such a cliff hanger. But not matter, sometimes a bit of mystery was fun especially when it involved something scandalous.

The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together now, she had pocket for one evening in her establishment if that. Yet had to stay in town for a while, it was already clear that inevitably it would end up being an out of pocket expense for her. But she would quickly turn that in her favor by giving her an offer she couldn’t refuse.

You needn't worry, your manners are just fine.

Well whoever informed you my dear was sadly mistaken, its not vortex but what’s under vortex that is fun and beautiful. I think maybe if it suits your taste, we shall go to the sauna rooms and bath house of the hayans tomorrow evening. They have fine wines that you would surely enjoy, oh yes and a massage parlor that’s to die for. You needn’t worry about your horse, we will be taking coach and carriage to conceal your persona.

Besides walking is for commoners, we are above that kind of garbage... don’t you agree?

I have also decided that you may stay here free of charge, of course you will have to work to earn your keep in my house. You need not worry, I shall have you be a stylist of sorts. If you can brush hair and apply make up then you will be useful indeed, I do hope your gentle I hate it when people brush my hair harshly.

Brahkula then took a sip of her cocktail, and smiled vibrantly revealing a perfect set of snow white teeth that contained sinister looking pair of incisors.

I do have a special treat, when dinner is ready.

Lady Of Angels had ushered a gleeful murmur of mischievous amusement once again.

A finer toast, for a finer visitor.

She had raised her glass as if to tap Anoras.

[Anora Eventide]

A spirited charm danced through the Lady's conversation. Without effort she tempted one to indulgence and airily shucked off concerns. Even bidding reserved Anora to smile at the idea of walking being garbage for peasants. What delightful snobbery.

Touching on the bathhouse Anora commented, "Such a thing sounds wonderfully lush. I have never been to one before. There is scarcely time to pamper myself so richly."
That and Anora was often severely proper, not the sort who would frequent a hayan dwelling, but she muffled her reservations to not seem uncouth.

Guided by some generous whim, the Lady even arranged for Anora to stay on as some beauty artisan for the ladies of the house. What a baffling situation Anora was now immersed in. A girl who cloistered kisses was to adorn harlots and be a handmaiden to their Madame. However, it was a simple and painless solution to her problems, even enjoyable. Anora did not need to share their vice. She could dabble mostly unscathed in this world.
"You are very kind, Lady. I will do my utmost with combs and rouge. I adore the sorcery of a woman's boudoir." Under Vanessa and through her own fastidious practice, Anora had acquired quite some skill in this regard.
"I promise you will not be disappointed."

And then the woman smiled, dazzling and disconcerting. Anora's response would have been noticeable if she had never seen such a thing in her own suitor's smile. It seemed a distinct practice in Vortex, but the Lady's were quite distinct.

Nothing was ever this simple. There was some consolation that she would be doing tasks to pay her way. That was a bargain she could fathom, but the rest was questionable. "A dinner treat" pronounced with such a predatory smile was a mite ominous.
While Anora was cautious, she was not a fearful sort. Patience and icy blood allowed her to tread waters too cold and deep for most. For now, she might be within the Lady's cupidity, other possibilities would have to waded through gradually. And strangely, Anora had taken a sudden liking to this woman. Brahkula was almost a dark mirror of Avrie, a person already threaded through Anora's very core.

Anora raised her glass with a smile, and tapped the Lady's rim. As the crystal pealed prettily, Anora added, "To the Lady of Angels and her lavish hospitality."

Anora took a sip to celebrate their toast. She then added, "My name's Anora, by the way, sometimes called Morwen, but please have your doves call me Vardawen."

[Brahkula Hun'viir]

Brahkula was thoroughly pleased with her new guest, her manners were perfect, the way she acted was so pleasing. And she almost knew exactly what to say, when to say it. It was looking as though this was shaping to be a rather nice friendship.

Such a lovely name, Morwen. Perhaps, I should just call you Snow Flake it seems fitting and far easier to conceal your name if you havent one at all. But if you prefer Vardawen, then that is what I shall call you. So then its settled, we will leave tommorow evening to go to the hayan temple of carnal love you will enjoy the experience.

Tell me do you enjoy star gazing? The moons to hold a certain charm, many say they hold a power a strange sway over sentient beings. Its magnificent, some of the novels I have read depict tales of were-wolves men that were cursed with lycanthropy and polymorph into a human wolf form like a dorin. Its spooky literature, but might I ask do you believe in things beyond death such as vampires and liches? Do you think that such creatures of the night exist? Do you wonder what it is that makes fairytailes perhaps nightmares such as these captivate the mind so deeply? I wonder if its the lust for blood, maybe its the eternal youth or the embrace of the darkness or perhaps the thought of ever lasting passion an unending life.

Such things do stir my imagination.

Tell me have you ever wished for a life such as this?

For the briefest moment there was a look of serious almost morbid curiosity in her gaze, as she ascended from the sofa. They had been talking now for sometime, and the hour did indeed pass. It was time now to eat, and one of her servents had come into the library and made light of this. Brahkula slowly got up, leaving her glass behind.

Come follow me, Vardawen.

Lady Of Angels began to follow the servant around the mansion, they would go through many doors and ascend many flights of stairs to get to the place that she intended to go. She had a grand dining hall, but that was not what she desired tonight. She wished to gaze upon the stars, and the moons minora and majora. When they made it to where they wanted to go, they would find themselves uptop on the roof of her mansion.

There was a parasol standing in an almost crooked fashion, while a comfortable white wolf skin rug lay on the ground. Around it was plush pillows in which to sit on, and a wonderfuly set up dining table similiar to kemite tradition. It was placed very low to the ground, they had sake in a tea kettle cooking under some lit coals as it hung above a tiny dish in the center of the table. And there were two silver trays Anora would be having a fine portion of maple glazed chicken, with mash potatoes with a dash of chives and bacon bits along with steamed corn with butter and salt on the side. Brahkula would have what appeared to be a foul looking blob of gelatinous jello, it did not look delicious and it certainly did not appear as though it would wet ones appetite. Silverware was found next to the entree's, with cloth napkins and empty glasses for the heated sake. The stars themselves were blanketed across the evening sky, while minora and majora were full and beautiful.

"If you look down you can see the commoners, when your with me your above such peons. Remember your different, your special reach for the stars and you can grasp them. But these miscreants down below are simply sheep, like cattle even I dont know whether to laugh or cry when its the blind leading the blind. If there is anything that you desire in this city, I can find it for you so dont hesitate to ask.

Is the meal to your liking?"

[Anora Eventide]

The Lady's appraisal of her names bid Anora to give a secretive smile.
"My suitor favors Morwen as well. I must say that Snow Flake has a demure charm that Vardawen does not. I will answer to either."

The idea of stargazing and washing one's complexion in moonlight filled Anora with a rare sense of indolence. Dusk and evening light had a way of encouraging the ever thinking, ever industrious Anora to slow her thoughts.
"Stargazing?" Anora gave one of her mild smiles over the rim of her glass, "The Lady already knows me too well."

Then the Lady's talk began to wind like a black piece of silk, lovely, smooth and dark. Anora was encouraged to do more than soak in such observations as the Lady asked her specific questions.

"Do I believe in such creatures? I am pragmatic to a fault and like my beliefs substantiated. However, I do believe in gods. Their hands have left their mark. And I know the gods have made many forbidding things. The evening lurches on most beautifully and fiercely when I am forced to rest. Whatever confidently inhabits those witching hours must be captivating, as you say."
The human idly wove the cobweb thin chain about her neck around her finger.
"So let us say, if I saw one my heart may stutter, but I would not doubt my eyes"
The softly glimmering gold chain was released before she drew out from her dress whatever heavy talisman it supported.
"I think the stories pervade because power and beauty will always be craved, and man sometimes has a taste for what he fears be it death, darkness or primal urges. And if man can become what fills him with dread, then he has dissipated the need to be afraid."

The Lady's questions were stirring and mustered a refreshing sort of introspection. She seemed to wrap a macabre passion about such beliefs. It glowed through her lividly green eyes as she spoke to Anora, causing some pause before the human continued.
"As for wishing for such an existence for myself, it has its lure, yet I would not enjoy outliving those few that I love."

A servant arrived announcing dinner and shattering the reverie. While the conversation was stimulating, Anora was quite hungry. Perhaps she would ask the Lady her own views on their jaunt to the temple.

For the winding walk through the manse, Anora donned her veils. She found her eyes distracted by the sights of the house as they passed through. Everywhere they rested some carefully wrought detail called them closer.
But the roof and the heavens captivated her. It reminded her of summer evenings when they would dine amidst the vines of Cloudkiss warmed by wine and lanterns.

Anora waited for her hostess to sit before daintily lounging on the rug, her skirts a little voluminous about her.
"I am in awe of your ability to bewitch your guests, Lady. This is almost unbearably fine." Anora's small smile sang a note of mischief, "Almost."
Part of her still wondered if such good fortune was too good to be true.

At the Lady's commentary, Anora moved to glance over the edges of the house at what bodies scuttled below. Her hostess's talk was dangerously convincing. The darting little figures did seem sad. A whole host of people led lives that were brutish and short. She felt a wicked twinge to throw something.
This twinge gave Anora a start. The goddess's grace was all that kept her from such an existence. She could have been some wandering gypsy brat. It was perilous to forget that fortune was often a wheel.

But Anora did not begrudge the Lady her opinion. The Lady had likely fought and maneuvered for every square inch of her domain. Vortex was known to host wolves in its positions of power. It was fitting that the Lady allow herself some congratulation, even if Anora could only share a small portion of her sentiments.

"To plod on without a single glance to the stars would be a tragic and desperate life indeed."

Ever proper, Anora spread the napkin in her lap and did not begin to eat until her hostess raised her fork. Whatever the Lady dined on was not terribly appealing, but Anora was too gracious to ask nosy questions about diet.

"My dinner is delicious. You are generous towards me with your favors, Lady. Thank you, very much for an evening that has so far been a pleasant reverie."

Anora paused, feeling a little gauche for asking anything more.
"I am sure the Lady is somewhat known in this city. May I ask if you have ever met a Barra or Amelia? I was bid find them here to better my… education."

[Brahkula Hun'viir]

Anora had definitely proven herself a worthy friend, the way she spoke of such creatures and the darkness itself was truly poetic. It felt as though she had carried a certain intuition for such things, the way she spoke was filled with wisdom. She would remember such an encounter with Anora, and prize it as a great memory to treasure. Snow Flake, did indeed answer her questions in such ways that inspired thoughts and distilled them in the mind. She was one of the few that would have felt vampirism would have been a curse and saw through its vanity and saw it for what it was truly worth. What a mystifying guest indeed.

As Lady Of Angels sat and collected her dining utensil, she gently cut a piece of her meal with her fork and gently placed the portion in her mouth which melted away. Unknown to Anora, she was witnessing an act of cannibalism before her very eyes that was shrouded by elegance much the same way she veiled the features of her face. Brahkulas meal that she did savor, was a dish called blood pudding but whos blood did she dine upon this twilight hour? Was Lady Of Angels truly a monster when in retrospect the dish that Anora would partake also costed the life of a creature? In an instance such as this, perhaps ignorance was bliss.

It was true the daughter of none other then Antediluvian was a great hostess, but her charm and grace was something that she reserved for those she thought deserving of it. And she had been taken under her wing much as she had done the same with her servant Muninn, who now controlled the armed forces of imperia in its entirety. Those that she felt had great promise earned great respect from her.

It was no surprise that when Anora did ask for something else, it had made it very clear that Anora was going to bloom very well in vortex indeed. And as always, it seemed that Brahkula had the answer to her problems. She had a lover named barra who resided on the first plane of harloth, she would grant her wish and she would learn her tutelage under this master necromancer.

My dear, Barra is my lover.
I think I could arrange to have you taught by him, but mark my words Vardawen this isn’t a hand out. Barra will decide if your worth teaching, and be careful he can be a dangerous man when he wishes to be. But you needn't worry should you keep your manners and ever delightful charm. But this is something that you need to decide upon, I don’t want to made a fool for helping you. Its something that you will need to follow through with, less you intend to make me a liar and besmirch my word.

It was another token of generosity that had simply fallen into her lap, of course this action did have a consequence to Brahkula. Wasting Barras time, was to humiliate her and perhaps have him second guess her decision making. This man held her in great respect, and it was her word that was at stake.

If you decide to go to Barra, I will give a gift basket to bring to him. I have not seen him for some time now, and I would like him to know that I do still think of him.

[Anora Eventide]

His lover? How terribly fortunate. Strange, what had the seer dreamt in those drowsy midnight hours and read in those haunting cards? Was Anora believing that she chanced and fumbled upon people and places, when in truth she was only zig-zagging along a straight path? A path the gypsy had charted before her. The mysterious, hushed names were beginning to hook themselves outside the starry veil of prophecy.

When the man was described, Anora was not surprised at what thorns and threats wound about his person. Necromancy was no happy pursuit. Death and its powers, a little unfairly Anora thought, drew all manner of frightful scavenger.

"I am here for the summer and will be faithful and resolute in my initiate studies so as to keep your name favorably spoken of. An assault to your reputation would pain me." It seemed the woman meant it, despite the brevity of their encounter. In Anora's mind, Brahkula was associated with Avrie, a figure that winnowed through all Anora was. Because of this connection, Anora could fell strongly, quickly. The fact that Brahkula was the first welcoming face Anora had gathered in months did not hurt matters either.

Anora flung her eyes across the cold expanse of stars, the candles and gems of the gods.
"In winter I hope to return." Her voice wandered airily, "I long to feel Arium's searing snows and breathe her cruel air until my throat adores it."
Slowly shaking her head Anora continued in a less idle tone, "I wax a bit lyrical, forgive me."
She took a bite of her food, reminding herself of the corporeal quality of her hours and needs.
"My intent is quite settled on him for my initiate training. I will deliver your basket and regards with utmost care."

After a moment to allow for response, Anora propelled the conversation forward.
"Lady, you earlier asked me some rather fascinating questions about what myth and monster keeps the night's company. I would enjoy hearing your views on the matters."

[Brahkula Hun'viir]

Many would claim that to achieve such a feat they would have cheated death, yet ageless as you might be the world around you would forever evolve. You may find yourself in a position where you no longer belong, as though you were trapped in the past while living if you could call it that in the future. Surely to watch your loved ones pass, is sad but to live in loneliness and seclusion for the rest of your unending nights you might even yearn to die. The sweet kiss of sunlight just a memory, while you yourself are alienated as though you watch this change through a looking glass. It might have its blessings, to see the wonders of what’s to come in the future forever. But there is an emptiness in man that it will always try to fill and it will never be satisfied. Of course there is a game involved to pass the cycles and patterns, many I believe would seek others out in hopes to learn more of there secrets a masquerade of sorts a cloak and dagger affair.

Such a waltz to last through the ages, a thing of beauty, perhaps one day they might find salvation and create an order of there own. There numbers so few, and they dwindle with each candle mark. Id say its only a matter of time before they amass a fortress and make a king or queen to rule there empire.

But that is just speculation, do you enjoy your meal Anora?

It might have been said it was just speculation, but Lady Of Angels was amassing the funding and the man power to carry out this task. The vysstichi trade embargo was the first step, while out in imperia the thane was funding and promoting her for his own purpose. She had three brothels, and a bounty hunters office pumping out even more currency in order to fund such a castle. A vampire sanctuary, if she had the power she would even give them there god.

She spoke as though she knew something though, as though there was a golden age for them close at hand. Her words were filled with the heir of a overzealous zealot, and her eyes retained the look of a fanatic but that look soon faded away into emptiness.

Ah the snow is beautiful, I dont hold you with discontent for such a lyrical response I often find myself at a loss for words when the white blankets shimmer as though diamond dusted.

I am glad to hear such conviction in your words, the gift basket will contain a bottle of red wine a fine vintage last I remember before I left his embrace we shared a delectable wine that had been aged to perfection almost 100 patterns old. Do you not enjoy wine yourself? I fancy myself a connoisseur of such exquisite nectars. I will also leave him a small vampire novel, tell him that if he reads a chapter a night he will see me when he is finished when the summer has ended and the snow falls. I do like to keep my suitors waiting, it makes them anticipate the next meeting even more and when they yearn for your embrace you know that they have been seduced properly. It is a cruel game, but sometimes life is cruel. To break a man under your heel, and have him surrender his heart is something that is thoroughly enjoyable I after all like to be in control and when you have his mind, you have his heart his soul his everything at your command.

But I am glad you intend to stay for a while, I do have something for you when you are finished eating. I hope you will find it to your liking.

[Anora Eventide]

OOC: Apologies for a bit of a lag!

IC:

Anora had a talent for bearing ominous words with some aplomb. Impropriety or a sting for her family conjured more than this description of an empire guided by phantoms and built on the spines of monsters. Rather Anora found such talk interesting, certainly more engaging than what she was compelled to murmur in Daltina parlors. At the end of the Lady's fevered outpourings, Anora answered in a smooth tone.
"My meal is excellent thank you. I do enjoy the glaze especially. And your version of what the fantastic shades would endeavor is captivating. With all their fierce talents behind them, I wonder if they would turn on one another in time." Anora bit off the end of her sentence with a faint smile. "I would grow weary of such struggles for all eras. But then there is something to be said for the silver thrill of the hunt."

A hunger ebbed and flowed in the Lady, turning both insatiable as an abyss and cold as a corpse's cheek. Glittering in a starless world was her gloomy Aetheria of an empire voraciously earned by monsters. The idea seemed to quicken her longing, but to what end? While Anora did not fully comprehend the corporeal quality of the Lady's aspirations, she could not help but think such a scene would be akin to sleeping on dagger tips. No, Anora would prefer to sweep in and out quietly in the press of skirts or quiet pockets of evening. An impartial specter that endured fed on only a few private attachments. Some things she desired were grand, but she sought more to tame her self than an empire.

Then the Lady's hunger turned chill as she spoke of bending and breaking a man under foot, yet such talk was not entirely unkind to Anora. It caused a bit of a knowing smile, the sort to be shared only in the presence of their sex lest the world discern their sleights of hand.

There was an art to guiding a heart and turning its will toward you. It was the glorious play of smoke and substance, mirrors and matter, but if the art turned too false, the battle was lost. Who would want to keep a thing earned by a version of oneself that did not exist? Such beguilements had to spring from a true fount, and demand only a curbing or directing.

Anora responded to first things first. The mention of wine brought a frosty glow to her eyes, and she was quick to answer.
"I do adore a good vintage with the fervor of an artisan and the thirst of a reveler. I am a little trained in the art, and my family estate is a vineyard. Wine flows through me like blood." A pleasant realization diffused lightness across her brow.
"Lady, I shall have to try a brew that recalls you and this house when my visit is complete. I shall have to soak in the bouquet here before I can articulate it well enough. But it would be a pleasurable project. Like drinking a memory."

The dark-haired woman then turned her response to the discussion of men and a woman's manner of seduction.
"As to the subject of men. I like a man who will honor me and labor fiercely for my affections, with an ear to my counsel." Anora toyed with her chain again thinking on what it held and whether the pendant's first owner would fulfill such requests.
"But, for myself, I could not keep a man who I could smother or grind to flour for long." A wicked smile played on her mouth.
"They have their uses, though, as you say. There is no doubt to that. Between us I am sure we have many a pretty favor or present from such sorts. However, in my home the favors are likely smaller than what is demanded here."
Anora steered her words elsewhere a moment as she responded to yet another stroke of fortune from the Lady's cupidity.

"The Lady is overwhelmingly gracious. Everything has been divine so far, I am sure I will enjoy whatever you have concocted."

With a dainty sip of warm sake, Anora postured a surprising question.
"Lady, if it is not too impertinent to ask, have you ever found a man who posed enough challenge to merit your respect? I wager you would have such stories to tell."