Broken Promises, Broken Hearts 

(A Role Playing Game)

Players

Armand.................. Cecilia

Daniel.................. Mindi

Gabrielle............... Carla

Lestat.................. Beverly

Louis................... Deb

Marius.................. Christina

Post No 21/Marius

Blue eyes flashed open in the cool dark of the room. Beneath a red coverlet, a hand slipped out from underneath searching for the night stand. Stark white fingers brushed against the silver clock pulling it from its perch back underneath the covers. 9:30 p.m. "You slept late, old man," he thought to himself. The vampire rolled onto his back and looked up towards the ceiling. Not even the meticulously painted clouds against the pale blue brought a smile to his face. Not a sound in the villa, but then again both Daniel and Armand had left quickly and without much explanation. Ah, but Daniel had left leaving a trail of stinging words behind. A sigh escaped from his lips. The fledgling had not

meant for his words to sting, Marius knew that much for sure. But the words had sunk a deep dagger into his heart. Without any effort, the blond vampire sat up before reaching back towards the night stand for a leather cord to band his hair back to the nape of his neck. The red coverlet and blankets underneath fell to the floor as he rose out of bed. His black robe laid at his feet on the floor discarded carelessly the night before. He stooped to pick it up and threw it over his form. The customary hunger gnawed at his insides, but tonight he would not hunt. Seemed

appropriate... let the hunger eat away at him as despair did the same. The windows and shutters remained closed as he left his bedroom, no sense in opening them for he wanted nothing more to do with any other outside of this villa. No air coming in from the city, no thoughts of the mortals from the village filtering into his home, no sounds, no nothing; he wanted to only be left alone. Once downstairs he situated himself into his favorite reading chair. The bag he had brought home the night before still laid untouched with new books inside. Fiddling with the sack he pulled out an old copy of Moliere. A vision of Louis came into his mind. The black hair falling carelessly as the emerald eyes danced in candlelight while long delicate fingers carefully turned each page of the book. For one night, Marius would remain

here lost in some other's world he thought as he opened the book to page one.

Post No 22/Daniel

As he was leaving the villa, alone and lost in his thoughts of the last few minutes with Armand, a kiss then he was gone. Suddenly, he was brushed aside, straightening himself up, and brushing himself off, he looked up and found himself face to face with Gabrielle, who was hell bent on going to Marius' for some sort of war of words. After much convincing, he and the Marquise headed to his home for the death sleep. As he woke, his limbs had the old familiar tingling as the life came back to his body. Gabrielle was already awake when he had showered and appeared in the main room of the house.

"Well, are you ready to go and kick some Roman ass? Or do you want to get some 'dinner' first? Maybe some fast food to eat on the road?" He attempted to cover his problems and hurt through his humor.

Gabrielle simply smiled, reaching out her hand, "Let's take care of food later...I have to deal with Marius. Then we can deal with your problems, see if we can't ease the pains you seem to be trying to hide."

He raised an ashen eyebrow, "Oh really, I am hiding something am I? But so are you? What the hell did Marius do to you, maybe he's got problems to deal with now to, just like the rest of us,

why give him more?"

Post No 23/Gabrielle

She heard his words, she understood them, but yet he did not understand. She nodded her head before answering.

"Why to give him more problems, Daniel? I have problems too, and one is because of Marius." She turned her back on him, looking through the window at the beautiful night.

"You know, I kinda think you blame me for not understanding you, but maybe if you would tell me what I should understand..." She had to smile, he was so right, she faced him again "When you see me, do you see someone who is so bloody selfish that is not capable of giving a damn for anyone but herself?"

"What?"

"Do you think I don't love anything? I had to hide my feelings when I was mortal, in order to remain alive, to stand the loneliness and pain of my life, you know? But I learnt to love, I loved back then, and I love now!"

"Let me get this straight, are we discussing Lestat here?"

"Of course we are! We had problems in the past, we grew apart, but yet I carried the love for him in my heart ever since he was born. Lestat..." she thought about her words for a while "is someone who is usually in problems. Often enough he manages to solve them, but there are times when he needs more help..."

"OK, OK, I'm understanding I think, it's about 'The Tale of the Body Thief'? Because Marius turned his back on him?"

"In part. I really didn't get to read the book yet, but one thing I know: Marius promised me to take care of my son, he betrayed me!"

"Gabrielle, in his way he thought..."

"That's not all! He didn't allow anyone to call me! If he wanted no part on it, fine, but he did not give me the chance to help Lestat! I would have been by his side in a sec! I..."

"Gabrielle!" Daniel felt her body stiffen when he put his hands in her shoulders, yet he didn't take them back "Lestat loves you, he knows you would have come, you don't need to prove him anything." Gabrielle was looking at the floor, yeah, he was right, she was afraid Lestat would think she didn't care anymore "Marquise, hear me *I* am sure you would have come." he smiled softly, thinking about her problems took his mind out of his' for a while.

"You are such a sweet one. You are right, yet..."

"You want to go to Marius?"

"Yes..."

"Gabrielle..."

"Daniel, we go now or you can start speaking out *your* problems. You're gonna do it anyway, though, but the question is: When?"

"OK, we are going to Marius!" Daniel took her hand and lead the way. They went walking, making soft chat all the while, Daniel wanted to avoid speaking of the Armand thing, and it also made him feel better to have fun for a moment. Finally, they were in front of the big door.

"So..." Daniel began "should we knock?"

"What? For kicking a Roman ass? Be a gentleman and open the door for your lady, Sir Molloy."

"As you wish, my Lady de Lioncourt." Daniel made a bow and opened the door with his mind, it was his newly learned trick, he let Gabrielle walk ahead.

"Marius! Marius, come in here now!"

"Where is he?" they walked into the house until they were in front of a great old Roman reading in a chair.

"Daniel! Gabrielle!" Marius said in amazement standing up "What a surprise!"

"Marius, you better kiss Moliere good-bye, this could be long." Gabrielle said seriously, Daniel always by her side and Marius staring at them without quite understanding.

Post No 24/Marius

An hour must have passed while Marius lost himself in the sing-song language of Tartuffe. Just as his slender hand turned the page to where the virtuous wife, Elmire seeks to expose Tartuffe's advances to her husband, Marius sensed the presence of two vampires. "Let them do as they will," he thought as he pulled the book closer to his body and nestled deeper into the chair. A distinctive female voice broke the silence in the villa, "Marius! Marius, come in here now!" Impertinent to think he would rise out of his chair and obey. Ah, besides he would be found. He kept his mind closed to the intruders as he listened to their light steps on the marble outside his door. Yes, closer now... only a few more steps till the door. Yes they have stopped, now here comes the open door, he reflected as he slid a brass marker into the book on his lap. Slowly he uncrossed his legs and waited

for the young ones to pounce into the room. Without any longer to wait, the intruders barged in front of him. Ah, the Brat Prince's mother and beside her standing a little uneasy was his own child's fledgling. In spite of himself he rose leaving the book on the chair, "Daniel... Gabrielle," his voice a little more shocked than what he had intended, "what a surprise."

"Marius, you better kiss Moliere good-bye, this could be long," spoke Gabrielle without a hint of fear or nervousness on her part. Her blue eyes cold so unlike her son's. He knew what this would be about, the flame behind her cold orbs betrayed her intentions easily. He gestured for the two visitors to be seated, Daniel took a seat almost immediately but rose as soon as his companion discarded the offer of a seat. Marius could not help but smile, so young this one. The beloved of his Amadeo. Easy to manipulate one so young, surely this is what the Marquise had done.

"Gabrielle, I know why you have decided to pay such an unsolicited 'social call' to my home. If it is not too much to ask... could you please take a later number and call back later? Forgive me... I do not care to a discourse revolving around why I did not quicken myself to the rescue of your son," unable to stop his biting words he continued, "I played my part, I took great care to make sure the lubricious and cruel body snatcher did not become so uncontrolled." He looked into Gabrielle's blue eyes. So much coldness in them, he though to himself. He would guess the coldness in her eyes held only rancor for him.

Post No 25/Gabrielle

OK, they found Marius, he seemed quite out of himself indeed. Gabrielle wanted to eat his head in the minute she saw him, the only thing that lightened the moment was Daniel sitting and standing, he was *really* a lovely one. Anyway, Marius acted such as a moron, he kinda made Gabrielle remember her own son, and the words he said, they escaped his mouth before he could made sense in the old Roman brain. His words were the only thing that Gabrielle was waiting in order to begin her speech, but since she was not a fool, she knew right were to start.

"Not in a good mood Marius? Problems with the urchin I guess." She added an insolent smile which could so easily get her burned to the very French ashes.

"Look," Marius reacted as soon as he could "If I don't want to discuss Lestat, God knows I don't want to discuss Armand!"

"Surely because you were not able to keep your promises to neither of them! I begin to think that the only real difference between you and me is that I don't hide the fact that I am a pretty bad mother!"

She could see the palest red came to Marius' face, she felt Daniel's big, *big* tremor :Take it easy, my lady: she heard in her head :I wouldn't like you becoming a pretty blond torch: the first idea that crossed her mind was that if Daniel could get in her thoughts, she surely was lowering her barriers too much. She raised them with all the force she could after sending a message to the fledgling :Dangerously is the only way to live dear...: And now, back to the most dangerous one. Obviously the idea of a sudden fire was the hell in his thoughts, but she was not one of stepping back from her decisions. He looked at her sharply, his gaze would have easily scared the big Jesus out of any other vampire, but she was Gabrielle de Lioncourt, who knows more about sharpness than a shark?

"As a favor to you," he said under his breath "I will forget this ever happened, but if you ever in your immortal li..."

"Do me no favors, I stand for my words, kill me if you wish, but forget nothing because I meant it all."

It was rather obvious that neither of them was to say anything but to hurt the other, and this things are usually the ones that you can't later erase from your memory when you want, so Daniel decided to stop it for the greater good.

"OK..." Gabrielle was surprised to find that the young one had maken her back, pulling slowly her shoulders and was now standing between Marius and herself. Marius was startled as well "No one is going to kill anyone here. You both are mad now, but that is beacuse you know nothing of the other's problems," he nodded to Marius in some sort of secret acknowledgement that made Gabrielle think she was really not that wrong about the urchin thing "this is really not the best moment for you to discuss anything, you could so easily harm each other, and we certainly know who have the lowest game in that matter..." he turned to Gabrielle in such a charming way she could not even be mad at him "Marius was right, this should wait, at least for a while, what do you say?" he looked imploring to Gabrielle, turning his back completely to the oldest vampire. She thought a while about it, she new he was right, forgetting Marius horrible manners about asking for a delate, Daniel was right, and now she really had something to talk about with him.

"We'll see each other soon anyway." Gabrielle said to Marius over Daniel's shoulder, giving him a good piece of advice about sharp-looks things.

"I don't doubt it." he said in such a cold voice that he could have been Gabrielle's twin brother.

"At least I convinced you of running away with..." Daniel shut up when he realized this was a joke no one was going to laugh about.

"OK, let's go Daniel, you're right cher, we need to get our heads cold. This has not ended yet." If Marius said something she did not hear because she took her leave at once holding Daniel's hand. They went a long way without saying a word, suddenly she stopped both in their tracks.

"What?" he said "You know, I'm happy and kinda proud you came with me..." she smiled, putting her finger over his mouth, now to this *he* smiled, but she had a question to ask.

"Daniel, I've trusted you, yet you have not told me about your problem yet, even when this problem you obviosly share with Marius, and something tells me it spells I-M-P, Armand..."

Post No 26/Marius

A door slammed, then there was silence. Marius lifted his hands to his face and pressed his palms into his eyes. He let his breath escape slowly, had he not been breathing during the entire encounter? His broad shoulders relaxed. All his anger had slipped out the door with Gabrielle and Daniel. No emotion remained. Slowly he dropped his hands to his sides. In the corner of his eye, he caught a flash of movement. Only his reflection in the

gilded mirror above the fireplace. Staring back at him was the image of himself, but his self looked more like a stranger. Normally, the elder vampire retained a sense of nobility in his presence. His head carried high, his body carriage strong and

confident. The only similarities between the man in the mirror and himself were the smooth pale skin, blond hair, and blue eyes. His image looked weary, had Gabrielle even noticed? His eyelids hung heavy. His face seemed drawn, emaciated. No poise rested with the image in the mirror. The shoulders slack as if they were under an enormous burden. Tiny creases in the corner of his mouth

turned downwards. Almost hypnotized, Marius raised a hand to the side of his face-- was that really him? Breaking the trance, Marius turned and walked onto the balcony. What had he become? A shell of a former self. The lights in the horizon twinkled as some extinguished and others burned constant. Somewhere below, Gabrielle with her cold eyes was dragging Daniel off into her own anger. He had been tempted to tell Daniel to remain-- to tell the

young fledgling to not leave with such a cold being. Perhaps he did deserve the woman's malice. Her words frozen and bitter, "Surely because you were not able to keep your promises to neither of them! I begin to think that the only real difference

between you and me is that I don't hide the fact that I am a pretty bad mother!"

Lestat-- if one were capable of taking care of oneself beyond a shadow of a doubt, it would be Lestat. Even when mortal, Lestat rose above all odds to once more take his place among the undead. The Brat's actions had infuriated Marius or perhaps it was the thought that once more Marius was expected to tend to the wounds and errors made by another? How much of his life had he spent being forever the guardian, the caretaker, the shepherd to his unholy herd? When would the Fat s fire. Where was his Amadeo now? What had transpired between his child's fledgling and him. He should have not let Daniel leave, he thought wearily.

::Daniel... come back to the villa. We must talk...:: The ashen haired fledgling's mind was easy to penetrate-- the fledgling perhaps had never learned much in the art of mental powers from his maker.

Post 27/Daniel

The past nights were taking their toll on Daniel, and Gabrielle's probing into the events was doing nothing to atone for the ache in his heart. He'd stood by quietly for most of the quarrel between Marius and Gabrielle, but he'd had to intervene to prevent them from causing actual harm to the other. That would have been all he'd needed, Lestat on his ass if Gabrielle was harmed, and Armand after him if Marius were harmed. 'Armand..' he said with a sigh. He and Gabriel had been walking in silence since she'd questioned him about Armand, he'd been holding it in, trying to not let anything out to the older vampire.

"Yes, the Imp, that is what we're talking about...or more correctly you're supposed to be telling me about. He is the cause of your and Marius' problems non?" She asked, her blue eyes stoic and calm.

He sighed again, "Gabrielle, he may have caused our problems, but stop calling Armand an Imp! He's a bastard, but damn it, you don't have any reason for complaining about him, he didn't do anything to you." Daniel snapped, his cool exterior breaking a bit. "You want to know what happened?" Gabrielle nodded, staying silent, "he left me after Night Island, well we both left, but we were supposed to meet on the Island after that, but he never

showed up...and then, we meet up at of all places - Marius', imagine, Armand and Marius! What an uncanny coincidence, ya think? Well after Marius leaves Armand and I to talk, he kisses me, and walks on me to be brunt. Then Marius comes back, seems Armand never said anything to him about leaving, wanting to know what had happened...how the hell should I know? It's Marius that Armand loves-not me!" Finally, after he'd finished telling Gabrielle what had happened, he turned and left her standing there on the street. His stride was quick, head down. Suddenly he was grabbed from behind, he turned "Leave me alone Gabrielle, this doesn't have anything to do with you!"

She frowned slightly, "I'm sorry Daniel to have upset you, forgive me?" She said softly...

Post No 28/Gabrielle

"I'm sorry Daniel to have upset you. Forgive me?" she meant the apology, Daniel was really moved while saying his tale, the pain and suffering in the fledgling's eyes was shocking, even for her.

"Just...forget it, OK? Go and fight with Marius, is your problem, just..."

"What? Forget about it? You know I won't." Daniel threw his head back, she wanted to say something, but tenderness was not ever her main characteristic. She walked towards his and put her hands behind his neck. He at once took her waist in his hands. "Daniel, maybe you never expected to hear this from me, but you can trust me. I won't make fun of you, I wish I could help at all."

"You do? Then let's have peace for a while, don't say anything about Marius nor Armand, just be here with...me."

"OK, but before that I want to say a last thing, you were pretty brave back with Marius, you are such a gentleman." she could feel his breath while they were still sharing an embrace. He was growing nervous, not sure what to do next, with her beautiful body in his hands and her cold yet disturbing blue eyes.

"Gabrielle... you know, I have heard a lot of vamps saying that you are a really dangerous one, I never believed them."

"Oh, an may I ask why not?"

"Because when I saw you in the Night Island, I knew you were very caring about the ones you love, though that was only Lestat."

"Oh, I like Louis too."

"Just Lestat and Louis..."

"Well, I kinda like a pretty violet-eyed fledgling that is in pain, and God knows I may be able to ease that pain."

"You are doing, slowly, but healing a bit..." Daniel leaned on her and suddenly they were in the middle of a very passionate kiss. Gabrielle's hands were in the gorgeous hair, Daniel's were moving freely over her body, he had almost risen her from the floor, his mouth moved, kissing her pale neck, then she stopped him.

"Daniel...not here OK? Let's go to your place..."

"Great!" Daniel said, still kissing her with short kisses. He embraced her and lead the way, without stopping his kisses, but out of a sudden he stopped in his tracks.

"What's up Daniel?" she asked, growing upset.

"Marius wants me to go back to talk."

"Oh." Gabrielle broke apart from him for a while, looking at him deeply. "So?"

"So?" Daniel asked reaching for her "He can wait." she smiled, they kissed again and continued their way.

Post No 29/Daniel

<I> "So?" Daniel asked reaching for her "He can wait." she smiled, they kissed again and continued their way.</I>

Marius had asked him kindly to come back and talk, something about Armand...that wasn't what Daniel's concern was at the moment, his main interest was Gabrielle's company and kisses. Quickly he led Gabrielle down the street, his left hand playing in her long golden hair and his right clapsing her hand, his fingers intertwined strongly between her's. Finally they arrived at his flat after what seemed an eternity to him. She'd stopped him from kissing her neck on the street, almost as if she'd been afraid, but now as he looked into her eyes he saw that she was not afraid. Kissing her mouth lightly, his tongue tracing the outline of her lips, he guided her back into the bedroom. Finally Gabrielle opened her mouth deepening the kiss between the two, their tongues warring with each other for dominance. Gabrielle won out, taking the upper hand and pushing him back onto the bed

on his back.

Daniel laughed softly looking up at her as she leaned over him, "Well Marquise, you have me trapped, what are you going to do with me now?" Daniel looked deep into Gabrielle's eyes, grinning mischieviously.

Gabrielle laughed and kissed him, "Beautiful boy, maybe I'll just hold you captive till the dawn's light reaches the horizon, and

learn what is troubling you, or I could trap you here and ravage your body. What do you say Daniel, what should I do?"

Daniel raised an eyebrow, "Oh the choice is so hard to make..."

Post No 30/Gabrielle

"Oh the choice is so hard to make..." Daniel would never know how right he was. She looked into his eyes. What would Jesse say about it? What would Lestat? Hell! What would Armand say? This was a golden oportunity! But above any of this appealing factors was the greatest one: he was the nicest vamp she had ever met. He was willing for adventures and discoverings in his new life, such as she herself had been two hundred years ago when Lestat played his kiss in her. She caressed his hair and kissed him deeply, his hands were all over her body so soon that made her wonder how long had been since he had a woman before that night. Surely she was kinda a change after Armand! And he was most certainly a change in her life. He was young and willing, he was caressing her neck with his fangs as if pleading for the good part to start. He began undressing her with such a speed that made her sure he was quite a ladies' man in his good days. She suddenly reached for his hand, and taking it from her legs, she began kissing it, playing with her tongue and her fangs, Daniel continuing his work with her neck. He all of a sudden took his shirt off in a movement so fast she never felt his mouth leaving her collar.

"Daniel..." she whispered, embracing him with force and envolving him in her golden mane. She kissed deeply his mouth, before he could tell, she bit his lips, his blood began flowing in the middle of a kiss neither of them wanted it to end. Daniel sat slowly on the bed, looking at her lying on the bed, her eyes showing her intense wish for his blood, he could feel his own blood in his mouth as well, he smiled at her and caressed her cheek, "Marquise..." he whispered and slowly went all the way down till his fangs reached her neck, he kissed it softly several times before melting in her blood, such a delicious blood he could easily understand why Lestat had never wanted to lose her, she was amazing in her uncanny way. She loved the way he drank, her whole body trembling in his powerful arms, she liked him, she wanted him, she allowed him to drink her soul out of the body, but she took his hand in hers and took the blood out of his wrist.

The images between them, the feeling, God, how much had she longed in silence for feeling once again the love of another like her, that could understand her, accept her, take her in his arms and in a way neither of them would ever understand, make her feel safe and sure, free from every disgrace that would happen around them. If the world had fallen in pieces, they wouldn't have cared, they wouldn't have noticed, they were together...

Post No 31/Daniel

Daniel dozed lightly, he and Gabrielle had been together for what seemed an eternity to him, but it wasn't enough to take away everything that had transpired, at least not yet. With a smile he rolled over, reaching instinctively for Gabrielle. But she wasn't there, with a small sigh of disappointment he cracked one eye open, scanning the room for her. He found her silouted against the open window, her hair blowing in the gentle breeze, and a look of concentration on her face. He came up behinder,

gathering her slight frame to him, holding her tightly. He kissed her bared shoulder lightly, his mouth moving to her neck, lingering there. The sky was becoming paler, the night would end for both of them shortly. "I have to go to him Daniel, I have to find Lestat. Come with me to New

Orleans?"

He sighed, what if Armand was there with Lestat? "I don't know Gabrielle, I'm not sure..." With that, he pulled the shades and curtains on the window, ensuring their safety, and both got into bed, holding tight to each other, "Yes..." He whispered, "I'll go."

Post No 32/Armand

Armand arrived to New Orleans a few hours before dawn. He checked in the Pontchartrain, but did not go to his suite immediately. He had something to do first. The auburn-haired vampire had been in the Night Island after leaving Italy, he had wanted to be alone. But then that nightmare had come again and he had seen Lestat alone and flying into the sun... just like the unfortunate episode of the Gobi. But something had been different this time... Armand shuddered just to think about it.

He had reached the Rue Royale, and he could feel Lestat and Louis inside. Shielding his presence carefully he reached for Louis. At once he received an image of the green-eyed vampire, standing in front of Lestat and feeling completely uncomfortable. He saw then Lestat through Louis' eyes. The blond vampire was angry, quite angry. And hurt. Armand knew him well, Lestat had *that* look in his eyes. But Louis, of course, had not a clue.

The auburn-haired vampire sighed. The same old dance in the same scenario, only the century had changed. He wanted to scan also Lestat's mind, but he was feeling tired and it would be difficult to shield his presence from the brat. So he turned back and slowly started to walk towards the Pontchartrain.

Post No 33/Louis

Louis awoke the following night and laid quietly in bed not wanting to face the night or Lestat yet. In his mind, he replayed the events from the previous evening. He remembered finding the envelope with Lestat's name on it. It had been obvious that there were tickets in the envelope. But Louis refused to believe those tickets might be for him. Lestat was more than likely planning to go visit David soon and the tickets were for them. Why would Lestat get tickets for him? They were having enough trouble just trying to speak to each other. Louis was positive that romance was the last thing on Lestat's mind. Louis could also remember the look on Lestat's face and the words they had spoken to each other. He could see the hunger on Lestat that he tried so hard to hide. Louis had wanted to tell him to come to bed with him and feed from him. He had wanted to tell Lestat so much, but he was out of time, then Lestat had told him simply to go to bed. Sighing, Louis finally got up and dressed in his most comfortable clothes and went in search of Lestat. The house was oddly quiet. "Lestat? Are you here?" Louis called as he walked towards the parlor. Louis realized the parlor as well as the rest of the flat appeared to be empty. He stopped in the doorway and shut his eyes for a second. He tried to push back his disappointment at not seeing Lestat and not knowing when Lestat would return.

He never heard the soft footfalls that approached from behind. Louis jumped slightly when Lestat's hand dropped onto his shoulder. Lestat appeared not to notice and said, "You told me it was hard for you to trust me after David, but I'm asking you to try. Will you do that...for me?"

Before answering Louis took a moment to look into Lestat's eyes and found himself wanting to be held in those strong arms and feel those soft, silky lips kissing his body. Knowing there was little hope of such things happening, Louis pushed the thoughts away, telling himself that trust has to come first. Then love. Louis suddenly realized that Lestat was still waiting for his answer. "Yes, Lestat, I can try." Louis had started to give another shy smile, but Lestat had broken out into his most charming smile. Louis couldn't help but widen his own smile.

Without another word, Lestat took Louis' hand and led him towards the back of the flat, stopping at the door that led outside to the courtyard. Lestat turned around to face Louis and told him, "Close your eyes. This is when the trust comes in Louis. If you're ever going to trust me, now is the time to start."

Louis knew if he didn't do as Lestat asked, then Lestat's anger would most likely return and it might destroy any chance they might have together. After gazing at Lestat's face for another minute, Louis closed his eyes. He never saw the look of relief that showed on Lestat's face. Lestat captured both of Louis' hands in his and carefully lead him down the steps and into the courtyard.

Post No 34/Lestat

Lestat stared at Louis, drinking in the sheer beauty of his fledgling. Louis' hair had come free from the ribbon that held it, strands of ebony playing in the warm wind. Louis gasped as Lestat slid both arms around him, his eyelids flickering, "now, now, mon cher, no peeking." Lestat's voice gently chastised him.

Louis grabbed hold of Lestat's arm as he felt himself rising from the ground. He kept his eyes tightly shut and burrowed his head into Lestat's chest as they soared into the night sky.

Finally, Louis' heart began to slow a little. He had flown with Lestat before, but each time was as difficult as the first. Trust. This was trust! all Lestat had to do was to let him go, Louis shuddered.

Lestat kissed the top of his head, "cold, Louis? I'm sorry, I should have thought to bring a blanket."

Louis opened his eyes to see the lights of New Orleans far below them, they were level with the darkened floor of the viewpoint on the World Trade Center. Lestat laughed outloud as he saw their reflection in the glass, "relax Louis, don't you think this is fun?"

Louis refrained from answering which made Lestat laugh even more. Lestat sped forward again and this time Louis kept his eyes open, marvelling at the city below.

"We're here now," he said gently, lowering his charge onto firm ground.

Louis straightened his clothes and gazed at where Lestat had set him down, the roof of the St. Louis Cathedral.

"What a fine view of the Quarter," Lestat said, leaning over the edge a little too far. Louis grabbed his a be heard apart from the breathing between them. Slowly, Lestat raised his hand and caressed Louis' cheek, tracing the high cheekbone, then touching the dark lashes that framed those glowing eyes. He could feel Louis' breath on his face, sweet, and becoming faster. Lestat felt the curves of Louis' body against him, pieces of a puzzle joined for eternity.

Louis slid his arm through Lestat's thick mane of hair and then around his neck.

"Louis... I've missed you so much," Lestat whispered as he flicked his tongue over Louis' half parted lips.

A groan from Louis as their lips finally met, Lestat urgently probing his tongue into Louis' mouth.

Their kiss deepened, Lestat now scratching his fangs along Louis' tongue and starting to run his hands over Louis' body.

Louis struggled in his grip, which made Lestat even more determined.

"No!" Louis exclaimed, pushing Lestat away, "not now, not here! I need more time!"

Lestat threw his arms up in a gesture of frustration, "hell Louis, you don't know what you do to me!" He noticed the fire deep within Louis' eyes and knew that it had been hard for him to break their embrace.

Sighing, Lestat turned and watched the revellers down in the street, applauding a painted clown.

Louis touched his shoulder, "are you angry with me?" he asked softly, wondering why he had submitted to Lestat's kiss so easily.

Lestat put his hand in his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, white envelope. He bowed, and presented the envelope to Louis, who was looking very puzzled.

"Tomorrow night, the Paris ballet will perform 'Swan Lake' and I would be greatly honoured if you would accompany me." Lestat took hold of Louis' hand, "say yes, Louis?"

Post No 35/Louis

<i>"Tomorrow night, the Paris ballet will perform 'Swan Lake' and I would be greatly honored if you would accompany me." Lestat took hold of Louis' hand, "say yes, Louis?"</i>

Louis was stunned. He was confused. He was so certain that the tickets had been for David and not himself, that all he could so was look into Lestat's eyes. It wasn't until he saw signs of Lestat's growing nervousness at his silence, that he was able to form his answer. Smiling softly, Louis replied, "I'd be happy to accompany you."

In the next instant, Lestat had wrapped his arms around Louis and laughing, began to spin them around in a circle. Lestat's laugh was infectious and Louis soon found himself laughing as well. Louis found himself getting very dizzy and was about to try to get Lestat to stop, when he suddenly found that Lestat had released him. Louis' head was spinning and he started to wobble, but Lestat managed to reach out and embrace Louis to steady him before he fell down on the rooftop. Louis leaned gratefully into Lestat's embrace as his dizziness faded. With his head resting on Lestat's shoulder, he felt them swaying back and forth very slowly. Louis almost felt like they were dancing. "Lestat, there's no..."

"No what Louis?" Lestat interrupted. Without allowing Louis to answer Lestat continued, "No music? Well mon cher, I can fix that." Softly Lestat began to hum an old French tune into Louis ear. Louis began to relax his weight against Lestat even more. Lestat couldn't help but smile at his fledglings reaction to him. Lestat realized that if Louis relaxed and didn't think about what was happening, then he was became very receptive. It seemed, to

Lestat anyway, that the only time Louis became apprehensive about their relationship was when he had time to think. With that in mind, Lestat decided that he would not give Louis any chance to think. Louis looked up at Lestat when he realized that Lestat had stopped swaying and humming. Louis was not certain that he liked the expression he saw on Lestat's face.

"Lestat? Is something wrong?"

Lestat smiled his most charming smile and responded, "Of course

not, Beautiful One. What could possible be wrong? I have you here safe and happy in my arms."

Louis blushed at the intensity at which Lestat had answered his question. Although Lestat had tried to make light of his answer by smiling, Louis knew he was quite serious. Forcing himself to move out of Lestat's arms, Louis walked a few feet away. He needed time. Time to think. And it was so very difficult to think when he was so close to Lestat.

Recognizing the move for what it was, a way for Louis to think, Lestat immediately stepped up behind Louis and put his arms around him, encircling his waist. Lestat leaned his head down into the ebony locks and place a gentle kiss on Louis' shoulder. Louis sighed and again settled his weight against his makers. Lestat suddenly spun Louis around and lifted him off the ground. "Lestat! What are you doing? Where are you taking me?"

"Ssshhh. It will be fine, Louis. I just thought we might some place a little more...comfortable."

The grin that shown on Lestat's face made Louis worry. Then before he knew it, Louis found the infectiousness of Lestat's good mood, rubbing off on him and he smiled back. "But where are we going, Lestat?"

"It's a surprise, my love."

Post No 36/Marius

Marius felt ridiculous waiting for the violet-eyed vampire to return. Even more ridiculous was the fact he had remained in his villa sitting patiently by the window the next night waiting for Daniel and even Gabrielle to return. The Roman did not even have to press undetected into the thoughts of Daniel to know the fledgling was ignoring Marius's request to come back to the Villa. A sigh escaped from his lips. Slowly he brought his hands up towards his face and studied them long and hard for several minutes. What about him caused Amadeo to flee? Was his hands still soiled with guilt for not seeking out his child years past after the turmoil with the Children of Darkness and Santino? Never before in his life had he wanted to be able to send out his thoughts to his fledling. What he would give to be able to close his eyes and feel the presence and location of Armand. Where would Armand go? Would he spend time in solitude-- or would he seek solace with another. Perhaps he had gone to Lestat? After all, there were not many other vampires in the new coven that Marius could actually imagine Armand visiting. Best not to reach out to Lestat's mind. The Brat would pick up on the intrusion. A slight smile curled on his lips. Louis. Louis would not be able to detect the ever so slight intrusion into his thoughts, and all Marius needed was the slightest hint at Armand's presence. If Armand was not in Louis's midst, then he would have to be alone travelling or back at the Night Island. A close of the eyelids and Marius envisioned the raven haired human vampire. Despair. Lestat had left, and this young one hurt with the same kind of pain that Marius himself suffered. However, the despair of Louis

seemed all consuming. Marius willed his connection to the green eyed vampire's mind to cease. Perhaps a visit would ease Louis's pain? Or would a visit ease his own? Dawn in Italy was only a few hours away but if he travelled backwards, he would be able to safely arrive in New Orleans without any encounters with the pending dawn. No preparations would be made-- he would just leave.

After making his decision the vampire mentally secured his home taking great care to activate the security and locks of the villa. No other chore need be done. Looking skyward he rose into the air to head west to the Americas.

Post No 37/Armand

Armand awoke with a start. He had had that damned nightmare again! And this time he had clearly seen himself in there. But he had not been able to save Lestat, and the sun had burned both to ashes. Stupid dream anyway! Neither of them would turn into ashes if facing the sun. Armand shivered as he made his way to the bathroom. A nice warm bath would do, he thought. Nothing like lying in a hot tube to relax himself.

Why was he having these strange nightmares? He could not understand. He had meant to tell Daniel about them, but his fledgling had been so bitter, so hurt. Armand entered the tube and sitting down closed his eyes. "Daniel...," he said softly. "Why can't you see that I love you? I need you so much now..." Daniel has stayed in Marius' house. Armand smiled bitterly. The two vampires he loved most... neither of them could understand him. Armand would have liked to able to tell Marius about these dreams. He still remembered Marius comforting him when he awoke, as a mortal boy, frightened by terrible nightmares. But they had not been close for so long... and besides, surely his maker would be upset, and Armand just couldn't cope with it right now.

Post No 38/Lestat

A cooler wind had blown up as Lestat took Louis in his arms and ascended into the night sky. Louis turned his head into the safety of Lestat's coat as they sped through the darkness. He tried to stem the uncomfortable feeling that grew within him that this night was too perfect to last.

"We're here, mon cher." Lestat's voice interrupted his thoughts. Louis brushed back his windblown hair and stared at his surroundings. Tall, dark trees stretched all around them, their branches reaching for the starlit sky. Live oaks these trees,

ancient, and part of the heritage of New Orleans. Behind the trees, stood an elegant, old plantation house, lovingly restored by its new owners to the glory of its youth. The only modern invention to spoil the spell were the floodlights, delicately enhancing the beautiful building. Louis sighed outloud.

Lestat put his arms around Louis' shoulders and whispered into his ear, "do you like it, Louis? When I found this place I thought that having you here would complete its beauty," Lestat nuzzled into Louis' neck, smiling to himself as he heard Louis' breathing deepen.

Louis' thoughts were racing, he knew Lestat had brought him out here to seduce him, did he want that? Part of him wanted so desperately to succumb to Lestat's advances, to feel his skin, his lips and that delicious moment just before, when Lestat would murmur endearments... Louis felt Lestat lift him up, then gently lay him on the ground, under the canopy of one of the oaks.

Lestat removed his jacket and lay down beside Louis. He propped himself up on one elbow and picked a long blade of grass. "Close your eyes, my love," he gently ordered.

Slowly Louis obeyed; his heart was beginning to race.

Lestat traced the end of the grass blade along Louis' face, across his eyelids and gently down over his upper lip. "Like it?" he asked softly.

Louis nodded in reply.

Then Lestat unfastened the buttons on Louis' shirt until Louis felt the cool, night air on his skin. He heard Lestat take a deep breath as his flesh was exposed. "You are so damned beautiful, Louis," Lestat deftly slid his body on top of Louis'. "I will try not to hurt you, but I want you so badly!" Lestat's voice had become a growl.

Louis felt Lestat's breath on his chest as Lestat trailed kisses from one nipple to the other. A burning question throbbed in his mind. He had to ask. "Lestat?"

"Not now, my darling," Lestat's eyes were glowing with sexual hunger.

Why do I have to ask this now? Louis' thoughts were racing. "Did you ever do this to David?"

Louis felt Lestat stiffen, Lestat raised his head and Louis saw the blue hue die in his eyes, to be replaced by the stormy grey.

"What!" Lestat exclaimed. "What difference does that make? It's you I want to be with, you I want to make love to!" Lestat sat upright, his weight across Louis' hips. Louis felt the pressure of Lestat against his groin; he found it a very enticing feeling.

"I need to know," Louis answered softly, trying not to let Lestat's weight disturb him too much.

"Alright Louis, if you insist, David and I were lovers once, we had a very interesting night as he wanted to be the dominant one and I wouldn't let him. You wouldn't have enjoyed it at all, it was much too rough for your approval!" Lestat's voice had risen in anger, a slightly mocking tone acutely evident.

Louis felt his anger grow. "How dare you presume what I would like or not! You never ask me, you just take!"

Lestat eyes narrowed, he stood up, releasing Louis from beneath him. "I take it we have finished our little session?" his voice

was coldly sarcastic.

"You never even asked me tonight, Lestat, you just presumed I would comply." Louis turned his head so Lestat would not see the pain in his eyes.

"I presumed, as you so eloquently put it, because you were sending out all the right signals. I have known you for a while, I do know when you are ripe for seduction." Lestat was trying desperately hard not to shout. He knew his words were cruel but to be interrupted by a question like that; he was deeply hurt by Louis' words.

"As you know David better then I, why don't you just go to him." Louis' words were almost lost on the breeze, but Lestat heard them.

Louis avoided Lestat's eyes as Lestat turned to face him.

"If that is what you want, I will go."

Louis did not see the film of red in Lestat's eyes as he spoke these words. Louis's knew if he answered he would collapse into Lestat's arms, so he shrugged his shoulders in reply. When he turned around Lestat was gone. A movement in the air caught his gaze. It was the blade of grass, abandoned to the night.

Lestat halted in his furious journey through the darkness, he wiped away the tears of frustration that blinded his sight. He hadn't meant to hurt Louis with his harsh words, but again he had succeeded. So much for taking your time and gaining his trust, Lestat, he mused. He would go to David and ask his advice; Jesse was there too. He knew Jesse would give him her disapproving look

before wrapping him in a fond embrace. Lestat knew he could go to them both and lick his wounds whilst Louis calmed down, a couple of weeks my love, and I will return.

Post No 39/Louis

Louis stood looking at the blade of grass before finally bending to pick it up. His eyes clouded with tears as he remembered the feel of Lestat's body pressed against his. Louis could still feel Lestat's breath on his chest. He could almost still feel the weight of Lestat on his hips. A sob welled up in his chest as he sank to the ground. Before Louis could think, the tears that had threatened to overtake him while Lestat was here now spilled down his face. Louis did nothing to stop the tears. He simply sat for several very long minutes and let the tears flow. After he had finally calmed himself, Louis dried his face and stood. He started on his long walk back to his flat. He would have plenty of time to think. Louis immediately began wondered why he had felt he needed to stop Lestat and ask about David. He wondered why he was not able to just lose himself in Lestat's love. Louis trusted Lestat with his body, after all, Lestat had carried him here, but to trust Lestat with his heart? Now that he knew that Lestat and David had made love, did it actually make any difference? Lestat loved David. Louis knew that, but he also knew that Lestat did not love David in the same way that Lestat loved him. So again Louis wondered why he had needed to ask the question. The question had only served to anger and hurt Lestat, which in turn caused Lestat to hurt and anger him. It seemed to be a never-ending cycle. Louis now realized that Lestat was probably just as hurt, alone and miserable as he was. He also knew that if they did not find a way to get past the hurt and anger, he and Lestat would never become lovers. Tonight had reinforced Louis desire and want of Lestat. So maybe some time away from each other was the answer. A little space, a little distance and when they met again perhaps they would both be ready to let go of the past.

Rounding a corner, Louis was suddenly stopped by the presence of another vampire. Louis' eyes locked onto Armand's. For a brief moment he wasn't sure if he should approach Armand or not. The last time they had met, they had been civil towards one another, but there wa IGN="JUSTIFY"Armand had stayed in the suite until late, just walking around and doing nothing. Finally he decided to go out and hunt just to calm his nerves. He ought to go to Lestat and talk with him. Armand was sure he would be judged for not coming to help when the ordeal with the body thief. But that would have to happen at some time. And he was sure his nightmares would not cease until he talked to Lestat. He reached for Louis' mind and realized that the green-eyed vampire was quite distressed. He looked for the reason and found that Lestat had left! The anger he felt made Armand tremble. He should have known Louis would manage to drive Lestat away again! Well, he would have to talk about this with Monsieur de Pointe du Lac. He let his instincts guide him and soon he was in front of Lestat's fledgling.

<i>"Good evening, Armand. What brings you to New Orleans?"</i>

"Good evening Louis." A brief image of his nightmare flashed in Armand's mind, and it was only his will which prevented Louis from noticing that something was wrong.

"I thought you were in still in Miami," Louis said politely.

"No," he forced himself to answer, "I have been... travelling."

"I see."

Armand could see Louis was at a loss of what else to say. He didn't want to be rude with his former friend but it just maddened him not being able to talk with Lestat. "So, Lestat has left you," he said, watching unconcerned how Louis paled. "What did *you* do this time? Are you aware Lestat might do something stupid?"