IMMORTAL BELOVED
by Nicolette L., 1995

Warning contains spiolers for Interview. This is a finished spec.

One of my favorite charecters has always been Claudia and I wanted to know
what it be like if Claudia had survived and came back to New Orleans. What
would have kept her from showing herself and why would she have returned
in the first place. This may shock and alert some people and I pray to God
that Lestat reads this. Please feel free to correct any noticable errors

A dedication to my precious little angel who gave me strength to find what
I was looking for. To whom this story wasn't written for with love always.
To you who convinced I should write this I'm forever in your debt. Good
luck and I love you, dearly and to the other spec. writers out there keep
up the great work! Claudia and I both love all the stories they are quite
original. 
___________________________________________________________________________

It was the night before the ball in New Orleans. My friends and I had
arrived that day. It was night and out of boredom or just plain stupity I
decided to explore New Orleans on foot. I had long since given up on the
possibility that Lestat might exist and I really didn't care what happened
to me. I heard somone whisper my name and then they were gone. I followed
the visitor for many blocks until I came upon a small house. The door
creaked and it was old and coroded on the inside. 

Hello", I said as the door slid open, "Is anyone there?" I took out my
little portable light to see the owner of the voice whom had called my
name. 

Over here Nicolette." I let the light in my hand brush overr everything in
the room.  There in the corner stood a vision with a perfect little face
and beautiful golden tresses curling around her face. Claudia? I thought.
Now Nic, your losing your mind.  Lestat my well exist, but Claudia? Even
Louis said she was dead. Yes,but she looked like a child, with a beauty
only a woman could posess. Louis' description in his book had not done her
justice. Not his fault for no one immortal or otherwise could sum her
beauty into words. Her voice was soft and soothing. Much like my own. I
have always been told I sound like a child my whole life I really hated
it. As I contemplated everything the child watched my every move. 

Please don't be afraid I won't harm you." She had sensed my fear, and when
she spoke to me as if she were trying to calm a frieghtened child. How
motherly her voice sounded and soothing. 

This was too much for me to bear and soon I passed out. When I awoke I
could hear voices

Claudia wake up. Your ill my precious and I'm going to give you what you
need to get well." I could hear Louis' plea for Lestat to stop and Lestat
challanging him. I could hear, but I couldn't see anything. It was as if
someone had glued my eyes shut I couldn't open them. A panic aroused in me
and suddenly I was awake. It was well after dawn when I awoke. I was in a
huge bed, beside the bed layed a coffin. A child's coffin. I examined my
neck for marks, and there were none. I was relieved, but dissapointed at
the same time. 

Nicolette why do you fear me I told you I wouldn't hurt you.:
Who are you?:
Who do you honestly think.:
Claudia?:
Yes:
Nicolette feel free to explore the house, but if you leave please come back tonight 
and I'll explain everything. Goodnight for now:



I adventured into the unknown. I belive I found an old room of Louis' . In
a room on the top floor in the attic was locked. So I broke the lock and
creeped in. Two coffins layed side by side each other in the dark room.
Lestat and Louis I thought. I didn't dare open them for fear that if
Lestat was in one he'd strangle me in his sleep.  Besides they deserved
thier privacy. I decided that I would go back to the hotel and return
during the night. So far I was having a great time in New Orleans. We
weent on this lovely tour of the Interview with the Vampire sights where
they made the movie. the cemetary was beautiful. Iv'e always had a
fondness for them especially since my new obsession had occured. Terri
looked as great as ever I wanted so very hard to tell them, but something
stopped me. I couldn't underrstand why I had this feeling, because if
anyone is fascinated with the mysterious it was her.  Probably I was
afraid she'd either want to go and cause a scene or she'd forbid me to go.
That was absurd, because for the first time during this trip, something
hit me. If Claudia exists really. Then so must Louis and more importantly
Lestat. Yes he did in fact exist. The stories had been true. There was
mysteries after all. I was overrcome with joy and desparation. Never in
all my life did I want it to be night. 

We spent hours getting ready for the ball. I wore a red velvet victorian
original that my mother, grandmother and I had made together. No one could
tell it looked as though I rented it from a costume shop.Complete with
gloves and a parasol. We arrived at the party about 730, fashionably late.
I took a little time to mingle with everyone and meet Anne Rice. Wow! I
was taken for words. When I tole her my name she said," I know I've heard
all about you." This struck me as odd. Lestat talked about me. No now I
knew I was really losing my mind. That is until I returned to the little
old house. 

Come in Nicolette, I heard a voice say,"and sit down if you will I'll be
right down."  Claudia appeaared again to me. She was even prettier than
the night before. Her dress was a sky blue that matched perfectly with the
ribbon which was pinned so perfectly in her flowing hair. This time I
reattachedd much like any other person would. 

"No your not real, you can't be your fiction. Fiction isn't real." With
that quick as lightning she slimbed on the bed and cupped my face in her
hands,"Do I feel real, can you feel me touch you?" 

Yes", I cried. She studied me as I studied her. Her beauty emanated
through like a light. She was kind too. After a long silence I spoke,"but
how can that be, you died.  Didn't you? That's what Louis said in his
book." She drew away from me as if I'd burned her with my words. 

Louis thinks I'm dead?", she whispered to me in a small voice. Dark red
tears welling up in her eyes now pouring down and stianing her porcelain
cheeks. Then she regained her composer and smiled,"but he is half right I
did die, but I came back. I was given another chance to help someone,
you." 

Me? I don't understand." 

"To help you find Lestat and to answer your question he's not here. I know
you thought he was in one of the coffins today he's not or I assure you I
wouldn't be here. I've appeared to him before in ghost form, but never in
the flesh, so to speak." 

"Please tell me how did this happen?"

"Very well then I will. When the vampires locked me out in the garden. I
was burnt. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, the sun. I was
dead sort of, I thought,but I came back a few days later. I was scared,
but alive ,barely. I traveled all over the world trying to get back to
America and my Louis. I've lived in almost every possible place you could
think of. In America as well . I'd always been afraid of returning after
what I did to Lestat. Afraid he would finish the job the vampires started. 
Also I was scared and I looked awful I didn't want Louis to see me like
that. Whenever I felt his or Louis presence I left or if they sinced me i
appeared in ghost form. Or like a ghost to them, but I wasn't, a ghost I
mean. 



When I read Lestat's book Tale of the Body Thief I realized that he had
recorded my visits and that he missed me. So I decided to come back. Not
only that, but I heard your pleas for Lestat, almost like prayers to him.
The one's he was ignoring, because he was too busy to listen. I thought
that if that is what you really want then I'll give it to you. I have but
one warning, Be sure it is what you want, Nicolette. Once it's done it can
never be changed never, and you haven't much time to make up your mind.
You also know that once you summon Lestat and he comes there is no turning
back. So before you go to him or he comes to be sure it is now that you
want the dark gift, because once you get his attention he becomes rather
impatient. That is what I'm going to give you." By now I was so confused
what could she mean, she was speaking in riddles and I couldn't figure out
the code. 

Whoa wait a minute, you lost me what do you mean?", I implored, "What are
you going to give me the dark gift?" 

 No I can't. I don't have the strength, but I going to give you a better
gift, Lestat if that's what you really want. I deliver him to you in a big
red bow. Let's call it a early birthday present, but it will up to him
whether or not he visits you or if he gives you the dark gift. I will
simply go to him and put the idea in his head. I will tell him all the
things he's been ignoring and I will give him my blessing. Tonight when I
go to him I'll also let it slip that you are here in town at the Memnoch
Ball of all places. You are a member of his fan club, that ought to be a
nice touch and that you love him more than anything. Not to mention for a
mortal you are quite beautiful. That ought to get his attention if nothing
else does." 

So your going to lie to him?" She laughed her beautiful laugh that sounded
more like music. I wouldn't consider it a lie, Nicolette you don't give
yourself enough credit. You are not only very pretty, but kind and
talented too. I've heard your accents and you have a great ear." 

Thank you", I said feeling the heat coming in my cheeks. "You know Claudia
that I've had dreams about you just as you look right now. In fact I think
that this place has made a guest apperarence in my dreams as well." 

Listen I will go to Lestat and Louis, I'll take you with me to their house
to see where they live. You mustn't go in. It could be too dangerous for
you. Meaning they might think you as an intruder and kill you without
asking questions. I will try to send him to the Ball. Now go Cinderella
and wait for your prince." 

Thankyou Cluadia you don't know how much this means to me." 

Oh yes I do and I know how much you love him. The kind of love he could
only dream about unconditional even more than Louis You love him for all
the same reasons that everyone calls him the Brat Prince. You saw past
everything he did to his soul and you love him. You would do anyhting for
him I heard what you said. That if he was burnt from the sun and he needed
blood that you would slash your own wrist and let him drink from you til
you were dead if it he would live. If that's not devotion I don't know
what is. David left therefore he would want someone who won't leave him. I
know you wouldn't,. Unless he all of a sudden became a wet blanket and
didn't ever want to go anywhere. Which the chances of that happening are
about nil to none. He just loves to be a vampire far too much. He loves
his life too much and lives it to the fullest, whatever the conciquences.
I believe that is what you love most about him." 

I actually love the danger to know at any time he could kill and yet he
doesn't.  What you say is true I love him for all those reasons you
mentioned. If he doesn't love me then he might as well kill me, because I
couldn't ever love another, not like I love him. Not even close. Without
him i'd die. When I finally came to the belief that he didn't exist I
died. My spirit did anyway i couldn't love anyone, and I couldn't have him
the one I loved. He didn't exist. I couldn't believe that if he did he
would desert me so." 



I know he asked for the love of his fans and then he never returned the
love, or even aknowledged the love. When I was reading those books my gut
instinct told me that he was real, but I didn't know. You have to believe
me Claudia that I wanted to believe in him. It was just too painful
without him being there. I wanted nothing more than to believe in you as
well. Not only that you did exist, but that you were still alive. I adored
you. I saw you the way Louis did. As if you were my daughter as well, but
I thought that was how Anne meant the books to be Real., To make you
think. Perahps she doesn't realize how real they sound to her readers." 

Why don't you ask her? Given how real they do sound. perahaps she has
heard that statement before. She won't think you're crazy. You know what
else if Lestat wrote the books the way I think he did. then you might be
in for the surprize of your life." 

What do you mean?", I inquired but she didn't answer my question. A wicked
grin conformed on her lips as she said,"Now Nicolette if I told you then
it wouldn't be much of a surprize now would it. Just remember what I said
and be certain it is what you want before you meet him. Before I go to
him, because once I have peaked his curiosity. He won't wait long. Goodbye
Nicolette I hope you know what you want and all your dreams come true. I
will be at the ball to shortly after I feed and drop in on Lestat and
Louis." She got up to leave, but I stopped her for a brief second to ask
her a question. 

Claudia wait there is one thing I need to tell you." She stopped
motionless her every fiber eager to hear what was on my mind. "Well I do
want the dark gift, but it can't be tonight or in New Orleans at all. You
see my mother was very leary about me coming here at all. If something
were to happen to me well she'd never forgive herself for letting me go. I
can't put her through that. It will be bad enough that I will be gone at
all. You understand don't you?" 

Yes I do I will mention that to him as well oh and give me your address
and phone number and I'll give that to him as well." Here", I said as I
handed her a business card of mine. 

She read it out loud,"Nicolette 4710 Tain Dr. Houston Texas 77084, area
code 713 855-8202." I gave her an odd look.She aknowlegded my concern and
responded,"It's just in case I lose it I'll have it memorized. Goodbye
Nicolette." 

She was gone. I had no choice, but to find a cab and get back to the Ball
before Terri nooticed I was gone. I arrived just enough time that I still
had quite a bit of party to enjoy. Terri, of course wondered where I had
gone to. I made up an excuse like I felt sick so I went outside, but I
could've just easily said that I went looking for Lestat and she would've
believed me. It appeared that she was having a great time. As well as
Christal. Finally I could stand it no longer I had to tell someone. She's
not easy to keep secrets from anyway. 

Terri I need to talk to you and fast like right now" 

Are you sick?", she asked,"I hope not that would be awful, by the way did
you find him?" She knew that was why I had come here. To find Lestat, I
wished with all my heart that he existed, but my wishes had never come
true before, until tonight. 

No Claudia", I mused. I wondered if she even heard me. When I saw her eyes
narrow in confusion I knew she had. 

What?" 

That's what I need to talk to you about. Please can we go outside
and talk I'll tell Christal later ok." That's it I'd gotten her attention.
we moved away from the crowd to a place out of ear shot reach from anyone
except perhaps Lestat, Louis and Claudia. She looked at me in astonisment
waiting for me to speak. I could see the curiosity building up in her eyes
so I began. 

Terri I have something very important to tell you, and you must understand
everything. You are my most trusted advisor and dearest friend. I love you
like you were my own flesh and blood, but please don't say a word to
interupt till I'm done then I'll let you ask all the questions you desire
I promise." I told her everything from my first meeting with Claudia to
the events that had happened only minutes ago She listened in spellbound
silence then she began. 

Claudia, you saw Claudia. I thought she was dead. I told you that Lestat
existed.  What are you going to say now that everything you've experienced
in the past few days isn't real. Now you'll have to face your greatest
desire. You're not scared." 

'I will be if he doesn't come." 

Why?" 

'Then my greatest fear of all will come true. That he really doesn't care
about me.  When I love him more than anything even lif its self and I
could never love another like him. That is why I feared him nonexistant.
Another vampire wouldn't even please me", I said now with a great
despriation in my voice,"because isn't and they're never will be anyone
like Lestat immortal or otherwise he's irresistable. I'm so scared that he
doesn't love me." 

'Well my dear Nicolette I don't think you have anything to fear." 

Huh? What do you mean?" She pointed out to a man who had just arrived
unnoticed of course to anyone, but us. He was tall, slender, and he was so
beautiful.  I thought I was going to faint,but I got a hold on myself I
said,:Now Nicolette if you faint you won't get to have him. With you. Now
don't act like an idiot. At first he walked right up to Mrs. Rice. I saw
her lips make the words Lestat your back, as he kissed her hand. Then he
made his way quickly yet gracefully through the crowd towards me. I stood
to recieve his hand and Noticed that Terri had disappeared. 

Bonsoir, ma cherie would you like to dance?", he asked as he whisked me
away on the dance floor. We danced all night then he said we should talk.
Suggesting he walk me to my hotel, I agreed. He took on the same tone
Louis had described in IWTV. I told Terri that I would meet her back at
the hotel and to tell her sister that I felt sick so I decided not to stay
til two. I just decided to take the bus back early. Of course she knew
what I was really doing. 

Lestat was more than I could of dreamed. He was so beautiful. His eyes
shown like jewels in the night. His flowing golden hair like Claudia's
only not as curly. He had it ties neatly in a bow to perfect his ninetenth
century look. I had lightened my hair just a few shades right before we
left. So it was now a strawberry blond. I felt so in timidated by him. Not
only because he was so much older and so much more beautiful than me, but
because meeting him was like meeting a movie star I was breathless. 

You have very beautiful hair, Is it naturally that way?", he asked
seductively his elegant french accent purring in my ear. I bit my lip. 

Yes", I said in soft sweet voice much like Claudia's l'm sure he noticed.
"The color isn't well mostly isn't, but my hairs always been curly. By the
way thankyou for the compliment." 

You thought I forgot about you, didn't you?", he said as he stared off in
the darkness.  Au contriare mon cher", I exclaimed jokingly, "I didn't
think you knew who I was to forget." 

Claudia's spirit came to me tonight and told me you were here. I must have
been a fool to not know that you would come. I'm sorry Nicolette." I held
him tight in my arms I never wanted to let him go. Just to feel him close
I felt so safe, so secure than I've ever felt. I looked up into his eyes. 

Lestat, I love you more than I've ever loved anything, but I must confess
something to you. This hurts me to say this the day I finally get to meet
you that I quit I mean I'm so sorry." He silenced me with one finger and
nodded. I said finally,"I quit believing that you were real. You are real
aren't you?" Tears were growing in my eyes as he ran his fingers on my
cheek and then he took his hands and placed themon his wonderful face. 

Do I feel real, to you?" A single tear rolled down my cheek. 

Yes", I nodded barely able to say a word, "Yes you do and I love you with
all my heart, Lestat." I felt relieved I felt loved. 

You do?", he inquired curiously, "You aren't scared of me at all." I
stopped and sat on a bench. 

Lestat there is one thing you need to understand. You don't undersdstand
do you? I'll explain." 

When I learned of you I always, well up till a few months ago, believed
you were watching over me. Protecting me. So I quit being scared of
everything. You helped me to live a fuller life, because i didn't think I
was going to get hurt. I had my guardian angel. You and Claudia. I know
you don' t understand, but I'll explain it later. Do you want me to be
your daughter, your fledgling in your immortal existence? Do you really?" 

Yes", he said yearningly, "Do you want to be my immortal companion? Really?" I 
wasn't sure how to say it without hurting him or ifuriateing him."
What? Say what?", he pressed.
Don't read my mind please."
Sorry, habit now what you don't is that it."

No no, Lestat that's not it at all. You see my mother let me come here, in
good faith that nothing would happen to me. If I disappear from here. My
mother will never forgive herself for letting me go you understand of
course. Please say you do." Yes I do, I will wait until November 14 your
birthday. After all it is forbidden to make one so young.", he joked. We
presumed our walking. He told me he loved my dress that we trio of women
must be geniuses to produce something so original. As we approached my
hotel he kissed me soft on the forehead and held me in his arms. I felt I
could die at that moment and die perfectly happy. A thought came to
mind,"I don't have to watch you kill anyone before I become a vampre do
I?, I asked cautiosly in a low child-like voice. 

 He laughed,"Not unless you want to." 

I don't want to leave your arms ever, Lestat", I pleaded, "Please just
hold me." It's only for fifteen days and then never again ma cherie. Now
it's early I must go before dawn." 

Lestat", I said clutching his arm I'd begun to cry again. "Can I ask you
one question before you go?" He nodded his lovely head."When I become an
immortal can I sleep with you in your coffin." This made him laugh again.
Whatever you wish mon amour, now goodnight I love you. I'll come for you
soon in Houston ma cherie." 

I love you Lestat with all my heart see you soon. Goodnight my prince
until we meet again." 

New Orleans had been quite an experience I just hope I don't fight Louis
about becoming one of his kind. 


				THE END