Second Thoughts

The Countess had left me instructions to purchase a new coffin for the Tower. Milady felt that she needed one of the type she uses at the Motherhouse that have a lockable lid after discovering a squatter using her one located in the High Tower at her private residence. Milady discovered the squatter when making a lightening visit to the Tower with her Seneschal, and unable to rouse him from his torpor, the ladies duly ejected him from the coffin and left him with his nose against the outside wall of the town square. Having recently had a conversation with one of her neighbours, Milady lamented the scarcity of sheep for some sort of photographic high jinx.

It was a great surprise to Milady to discover the squatter back the very next day. Unfortunately for the uninvited guest, Milady was accompanied by her Honour Guard Captain, an absolute giant of a vampire that Milady refers to as her 'tree'. He disposed of the squatter, and I was then tasked with disposing of the old coffin and getting the new one.

So, having secreted the new coffin in a much better location, I was tidying up when 'Poor Dara' arrived for a visit. 'Poor Dara' is one of Milady's childer, who unfortunately has been cursed with the 'Affliction'. To use her own terms, she is basically 'barking mad'. A very lovely girl nonetheless, the 'Affliction' can result after a particularly traumatic 'Embrace' (transformation from human to vampire). I DO know the reason in 'Poor Dara's' case, but this isn't really the time to divulge it. Anyway, she came in and was, not unusual for her, chuckling to herself. I enquired after her well-being and she then delighted in telling me of an encounter she had just had where another vampire unknown to her, had tried to make a withdrawal of her blood without so much as a 'by-your-leave'. 'Poor Dara' refused in no uncertain terms, and then spun around and grabbed the vampire by the throat and raised them in the air so that they were left kicking helplessly. This particular move is one that is only taught in Milady's clan and so scared the other vampire witless. Others observing the altercation were reduced to fits of laughter, and when 'Poor Dara' let the vampire go, the offender made a very hasty retreat from the scene. I have to admit to having been very impressed with 'Poor Dara' and the way she had handled the situation, and realised that had she been Revenant, the story would have had a very different outcome. Definately something to think over.

Some time later, Milady came home and fairly waltzed into her library. She had a very dreamy expression upon her face and handed me a picture she had obtained for me.

Apparantly Milady had taken a trip out with some of her childer. One of her latest childer had taken them to view some art works where the artist makes a 3d picture in which you can walk! I cannot imagine such a thing, but Milady had been suitably impressed, and arriving at the third site three young ladies wearing very little clothing were also visiting. Knowing of my appreciation of a 'shapely ankle' Milady obtained the image for me. I have to admit, I DO prefer seeing a little less flesh, but that's my own personal preference. Conversations were struck up between the two parties, and an invitation was made for the vampire party to 'help themselves' to a drink. Not needing a second invite, Milady and two of her party were able to partake of the offer. Milady then laughed as she told of the dancing that then took place, and the girls invited Milady's party to a club. They all had a thoroughly good time, and while all the others 'got down' (?) and 'boogied', Milady and her new childe tangoed into the small hours. Milady smiled at the thought, and said to me, "you should have been there Janus Dear, you'd have had a wonderful time." She then realised what she had said, and her face fell somewhat. Then her eyes flashed open and the smiles returned to her lips as she said, "you know, being a vampire might be the best option for you afterall." She winked, and made her way to her coffin, having placed another picture upon the wall as she went. I heard her hum as she climbed the stairs, and I do believe that she danced her way up there.

I sat down in one of the armchairs and gazed at the picture she had placed, and have to admit ... for Milady to have suggested that I stay as Vampyre she was certainly over the shock of the change, and the idea did appeal... perhaps I have no need to trouble Dr Mason afterall.....