LESTAT AND LOUIS GET MARRIED Part 10- Posts 271-300 (plus the Interview) ____________________________________________________________ POST 271: (several hours after getting Daniel's message) Marius was laying in David's bed, with David nestled in his arms, mostly asleep and feeling wonderfully at peace with absolutely everything. Nothing could go wrong, not now. Not tonight... But things already had gone wrong, hadn't they? Marius sighed, trying to remember the barrage of extrenuous thoughts that had flashed past him while... well, in the exhaustingly wonderful hours since he had come up here with David... (telepaths to Daniel) ::Daniel? Young one, are you there? What's wrong?:: ::GABRIELLE?! Daniel, what in heaven's name... No, no, I'm not reproaching you, I'm certainly not entirely guilt free myself... But where is Armand? Have you finally broken from him entirely, or is this another post-fight fling? Daniel, I'm here, talk to me...:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 272: (Maharet, phoning a escort service in New Orleans) Hello Adonis Escort Service? I'd like to purchase, um lease, uh what? Yes! Contract! I'd like to contract for the services of 25 of your best males. Yes, I said 25. No, I'm not planning a party, they're just to brighten things up a bit. I'd like mixed bag, please. Tall, short... one of everything you've got. If that comes to more than 25 send them anyway. What? Oh. Indefinitely. All right...a week to start with. Yes, all 25 for the entire week. And 24hrs a day. No they can't go home. They'll be provided for, their hours will be from dust to dawn. They may sleep in the daytime, but their nights belong to me. Yes I'm serious. Let me give you my credit card information, it's American Express; that's Maharet...that's right. No. No other name. Yes, like Madonna. Sonoma Compound. Yes that's right also. Here are the numbers, . There is no expiration date. Young man? Are you still with me? Yes? Good. Just run the card please, I don't have all night. ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?!!! I'm sorry, I had no idea it would affect you this way, put your head between your knees and take a few deep breaths. Better now? Yes, I know it's a bit of a shock. No, there aren't many cards like it in existence. I believe the Kashogi's and a few others have them, but that's about it. Can we get back to the males I'm pur..er..contracting for? All right, now, I have a few specifications. They are all to wear nothing but gold lame g-strings at all times. Yes, I understand you may not have that many in stock. You may charge that expense to me. Yes, I mean at all times. I don't want to come upon a single one out of uniform. If I do, I shall toss him out of the window. Ha, Ha! That was a joke. I'll make sure the rooms are nice and warm for them. Yes rooms, I'm renting out a floor of the Ponchartrane. Young man. I'm growing tired of repeating myself. Send them to the hotel and have them wait for my arrival. Tell them to scatter themselves amongst the rooms...I'll find them when I get there. They are to order anything they like from rooms service. And one last thing, I want you make sure they are all seasoned professionals. I don't want anyone who spooks easily. Some of my activities my seem a little...untoward, and I only want those who can take surprises in their stride. Inform them all that I tip generously...if I'm pleased with the service. Oh! And make sure a few are dancers, will you? There's a dear. What? Would I mind if you come? Well...what do you look like. Black curly hair, grey eyes, pale skin...how tall are you? 5'2", petite eh? No that's all right, I like petite. You're not overly muscled are you? I like the petite ones sylph-like. Get yourself a silver g-string so I can tell you from the rest. Antoine? That's a lovely name. Yes, I'm looking forward to meeting you as well. Round up the boys and send them over. I shall be there presently. Don't gush Antoine, I don't like that. Au revoir, petite. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 273: Louis to Lestat: A few minutes later Louis walked in the door. He looked exhausted and sick, his eyes were dim and his usually graceful carriage was slumped. He stumbled over to Lestat and all but collapsed in his arms. "Mon Dieu," he whispered, "I hope I never have to do that to anyone again. Please, Lestat, don't be angry, yell at me later, if you like, but not now, just hold me." -------- : Lestat lay in his bed, moping, sobbing, wondering what he should do next. All of a sudden the door flung open and Louis plopped down on top of him. "Louis! You're back! My baby... my love!" The two rolled around in a tight embrace, kissing feverishly, groping each other, mumbling and sputtering those little mushy things lovers say to each other. Louis wiped at Lestat's tears and smiled at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stay away so long. I didn't mean to hurt you at all." He hugged a weeping Lestat and whispered in his ear. "My darling... Erik is simply beside himself with grief. What can we do?" "Oh, Louis... I love Erik very much but I'm so glad to see you. You wouldn't BELIEVE what's been happening here!" "Haven't you received my messages from the others?" Louis asked. "Yes, yes... but still... you could've called!" Lestat chided him still nestled in his arms. "I'm sorry... it was... difficult... I'm here now and we can straighten out, together, what's going on with everyone." "Louis, I have an idea... let's just get married right here, right now. We'll say our vows... I have the rings... let's just get it over with, tell the others to go off and screw up their lives if they want, and we'll take off for our honeymoon together. What do you think, my love? I want you more than anything. I want this to end. I want to be married to you right NOW!" (Louis looks at Lestat with sheer adoration in eyes) "I promised you that I'd do whatever you wanted, beloved. If you want it this way, then let's do it! I DID have a suprise planned for the reception, but what the hell! We can do it another time." (Lestat places a hand on Louis' beautiful face, so filled with warmth and affection) "Oh, my love. I really want to do it but you know as well as I what the others would do to us! They'd haunt us for years! I want it... I really do..." (Lestat thinks for a moment, his head down. He takes Louis' hand and looks up at him and smiles. Louis waits patiently for Lestat's reply). "Let's plan on attending the party at any rate. We should at least be cordial to our guests... and I really do want to know what your surprise is! But for now, my love," (he takes Louis into his arms), I have other... plans... for us." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 274: Jesse telepaths to Louis- (wearing a VBG> :::I THOUGHT that would get your attention, Green Eyes! Lestat's going mad trying to find you, do you know that? ::: Almost the entire coven's here! And we're all waiting for you! Let's see... who's here... Gabrielle and Daniel are in the closet for a bit of slap and tickle... Marius and David, the last time I saw them, were trying to walk up the stairs and have a little tongue sushi at the same time... and Mojo's getting worried about his master, and you know what that dog is like when he's excited! ::: Is that enough to turn you purple, or shall I continue? :::Louis, please get on the horn to Lestat! He's out of his mind with worry and is about to turn the city upside down just to find you! :::And about tickling me... (giggle) is that a promise, Green Eyes?::: :::Jesse ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 275: Khayman to Marius : So what is going on here? Nobody ever tells me anything... did you all forget I'm powerful enough to pick it all up anyway, the way you people are carrying on? Yelling in my head... sheesh... you woke me... I mean, I haven't been able to ignore it! : I really KNOW what is going on -- ha! -- of course I do! -- but I wouldn't mind your telling me anyway. You're supposed to be so level-headed and sensible, you explain it. Not that I'm having trouble making sense of it all. Not at all! I may be old but I'm certainly not senile yet; we vampires just get sharper as we get older. I believe. At least some of us do. Like Maharet, she was a lot more reasonable and, what's that word the young ones use, MELLOW when she was young... and so pretty... : I'm not rambling! I know perfectly well what I'm talking about and don't you forget it! You're not so young yourself, you know. : It's just that everyone seems to be shouting at the same time, and I... no, of course I'm not muddled! We just did things in a more ORDERED fashion in MY day. : So I'd be, er, obliged to you if you could straighten things out a little. It's that Lestat up to something again, no doubt, why else would everyone be hanging about in one place? Such foolishness. I remember very well that it didn't work the last time. Nothing wrong with my memory, nothing at all! : As I don't imagine you can have anything better to do, I expect you to answer at once; if you don't I'll just have to go to New Orleans and find out for myself what it is everyone's so excited about. Probably something silly. And give my regards to that pretty red-headed fledgling of yours, I certainly remember HIM... no, on second thought, I think I'll just get in touch myself and talk to him... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 276: (It's a bit late to play coy, isn't it - talk about taking advantage of someone, Heather! PS. You'll get another chance tomorrow, I'm off most of the day with exams. I'll just leave David in your capable hands, although I did hear a vicious rumour that some of the girlies were going to hit on him - would Maharet lie ? Believe me, an email fight between Mick and Susie over Antoine is _not_ a pretty sight! But I do not want to come back to discover he's developed a reputation as the Mata Hari of the coven!) Drifting gently awake, David felt a satisfied smile tugging at his mouth, a smile that grew broader as he thought of his lover in whose arms he lay.... His lover - he hugged the words to him, they had such a wondrous, magical quality to them: was it real, had it all been a dream? Shyly, he glanced up at the older vampire. Ah! His closed eyes, and relaxed face indicated he was talking to one of the others; David wondered idly which one it was, but then emboldened by Marius' distraction feasted upon the blond majesty before him. No Brat prince this! Oh, there were similarities given their common heritage, but whereas Lestat was all show and feverish energy, Marius radiated calm strength and surety, but then thought David, grinning, a couple of millenia practising would tend to give you an advantage! Seemingly of its own volition, his hand reached out to capture the baby-blond hair that spilled over Marius' alabaster shoulders and froze.... as two cobalt blue eyes sprung open and locked onto his face. Remembering just exactly what they had been doing, and in full eye- or earshot of the others, he flushed dropping his gaze to Marius' firmly muscled chest, and the glistening blood sweat that still threaded a path across the gleaming pectorals. Stealing the images from his mind, Marius' soft chuckle sounded above him, "I doubt it's anything they haven't seen before", and he felt a soft kiss implanted on his trembling lips. Laughing gently at his own foolishness, he joined in and determined now to take the initiative suggested, "Then shall we show them how it should be done, that's if you're not too tired?" At Marius's quirked eyebrow, he joked, "Well, I've always understood the old need to rest frequently - no stamina....." and gasped as Marius flipped him over and proceeded to demonstrate that stamina certainly wasn't a problem.... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 277: In the middle of proving to David exactly how much "stamina" he had, Marius was rather rudely and abruptly interrupted by a mind voice that thundered through his head with the force of a pile driver. He sat up. "Oh HELL!" David was looking at him in puzzled worry. "What is it?" Marius was swearing under his breath. "Khyman," he grumbled. Laying back down next to David, he kissed the upturned face. "Just a moment, love. I need to respond. He's rather insistent." David sighed in frustration as Marius closed his eyes. (telepaths to Khyman) ::Oh, so you finally woke up, old man? Bully for you, but this is bloody inconvenient timing! I'm BUSY!:: ::Here it is in a nutshell, if you can't sort it out for yourself. Come to New Orleans! Everyone else is! Louis and Lestat are getting married, and our coven, in typical style, has degenerated into chaos the minute we're all together. The red-haired imp you're so interested in is messing about with your beloved Maharet's daughter, and HIS lover has run to Lestat's mother's arms! The girls have some sort of party planned that I'm AFRAID to go to, and supposedly the wedding is supposed to be sometime soon, but no-one knows when!:: ::As to me, you INTERRUPTED me in the middle of... well, never mind, but you interrupted! So GO AWAY!:: (Firmly shuts Khyman, Daniel, and everyone else clamoring for his attention out of his mind.) Marius opened his eyes to find that David was glaring sullenly down at his feet. Well, he had every right to be irritated. Marius knew he was! With a sudden movement Marius rolled over, pinning David to the bed with his weight and planting his hands on either side of David's head. David looked up at him, startled. Marius grinned wolfishly. "Now, my dear David, where were we...?" ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 278: Khayman to Armand : Amadeo... I'm sure you remember me. Yes, I've been out of touch a little, but what is time to one of your eternal youth and beauty? : The recent--upheaval--has called me back into the world. I'm seriously considering going to New Orleans to see everyone and study... what's happening... more closely. : And if I do, I would like to see you again; I know you're there. I don't know if you still have that rather shallow blond lad with you... never mind. You know I always said I'd give you anything I could. That still holds true. And I did try... my memory doesn't fail me on that point, at least... : Can we meet? Without your fledgling, please. Oops... Darn, I'm always stumbling on the stairs these days... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 279: Khayman to Lestat : : Hello, young one. It has been brought to my notice that I am to offer you congratulations on a somewhat unorthodox though hopefully blessed event in your life. And I assure you that I do this purely out of a disinterested wish to convey my sincere hopes for your future happiness and not as a ploy to get invited to the wedding. : But I do think you could have told me. I am not one to come where I am not invited and I certainly don't mean to intrude my presence on you if you don't WANT me, but I WILL be going to New Orleans and--well--is there a date set yet? : Is your address still the same? I will send flowers... or wait, is that for funerals? I can't remember... not that my memory's not what it's always been... er ...I mean, I'm still with it! Yes, indeed. : Give my regards to your enchanting soon-to-be, er... ...spouse. Will either of you wear white? ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 280: Startled, David gazed up into Marius' deep blue eyes, and then slowly, seductively he smiled back.... "I _believe_ you'd just lost a forfeit and were going to show me what the Vestal Virgins taught you in Rome all those years ago....." he prompted wickedly. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 281: Fax from Khayman to Maharet, getting through at the fourteenth try, upside-down, delivered to her room by VERY annoyed hotel employee: My dear, At least in this age the speed at which I can contact you is somewhat improved, though I confess I don't entirely understand how this nifty little machine works. Armand explained it to me once on Night Island but I don't perfectly remember what he said, being somewhat distracted at the time... never mind. It wasn't easy to track you down, either! But I think I picked up the right address from everyone's mind. I know I haven't been invited, but Maharet, I am coming anyway. I feel that my presence is required to lend some dignity to the proceedings. Kindly book a room for me close to your own. I haven't the time to do it myself, I am leaving now, and hotel employees are always so slow to understand what I want. Come to think of it, Marius did invite me... sort of... do yo know why he's in such a bad mood these days? He used to be such a nice, respectful boy. And Maharet, what is this I hear -- no, it can wait until I see you face to face. I don't want any prying mortal person to read about it. Suffice it to say that I am deeply saddened by Jesse's behavior! Yours ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 282: In the middle of making love to Louis Lestat receives a message from Khayman. "My God that was loud!" he says. Louis looks down on him from his position and stares, a bit confused. "Ah, sorry my peach, Khayman just sent a transmission. Didn't you hear it??" Louis shakes his head 'no' and continues to passionately place kisses all over Lestat's body. ::Ah... Khayman... ahhhh... ohhh... ah... sorry... trying to get... mmmmm... a message to... mmmm... you. Ah..... oh, God! ...ah... yes, please, come to our.... mmmmmm.... wedding!... gotta... hmmmmmmm.... oh.... go!:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 283: Our story so far... Here's the tale so far... I think... Erik and Louis have made ammends and Louis came back to the flat. He and Lestat are... well, busy... David and Marius are... busy... Khayman has just woken up and is wondering what's going on. He found out about the wedding and is on his way. Pandora, I think, is still on her way. Maharet is at the Pontchartrain ordering g-string clad babes... Armand is at the same hotel brooding... I think... Erik, I guess, stayed at the hotel?? Or is he at the Rue Royale as well?? Gabriel is in the closet with Daniel. Jesse is sitting in the parlour reading, I think... Santino hasn't made an appearance yet. Let the party planning begin!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 284: Out of character note: Recipes are available from "The Frugal Gourmet Cooks In A Mortuary"... ------------------------------------ (Telepaths) ::: DADDY??? ::: :::Did I pick up some vibes from you???::: :::Are you coming to the wedding::: :::Oh, and this time? Please don't arrive by camel instead of a cab. New Orleans is a strange town, but it's not Los Angeles or New York City::: :::I hope you'll make it to the party. If you do I'll make sure there's plenty of marrow bone-ettes for you. I know how fond you are of them. In New Orleans they put Tabasco on them!!! Yum! :::Daddy? Are you still there???: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 285: Khayman to Jesse : : Child, you talk -- think -- so fast I can barely make out a word. Yes, I am certainly coming to this wedding even though I am so far feeling less than completely welcome! What is this party? I am not adverse to festivities... I remember once in Alexandria... or was it Troy, or Mykene? No, it was that far off little place, Trebizond, quite another century, what am I thinking about... where I met the woman with the amazing... Never mind! You should be lucky to live as long as I have and have all my memories! : I'd be delighted to come to the party. When is it? Where is it? I'll be staying with Maharet, at least I believe so. : And what do you mean, camels? I'm flying, I'd be hard put to it to carry a camel as well as myself. You young ones have such strange notions. : Before I go, Jesse, there is one thing I must mention. I have heard mention of some -- involvement -- between you and Armand. Daughter, you must know that this is wrong. He has a lover... that blond thingie, whatsisname... and if he didn't I happen to know there is SOMEONE ELSE who would, could, wants to, what was I going to say now... : So don't forget to tell me about the party, Jess=e! ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 286: Daniel is in the closet with Gabrielle when he hears Marius' reply to his earlier call. He gently pushes away from Gabriel to hear the message. "What is it, mon cher?" Gabrielle asks. "No, nothing!" Daniel says, softly kissing the creamy white skin of her shoulders. ::: Yes, Marius, I'm with Gabrielle! Armand? Perhaps you should ask Jessica where Armand is! No! Of course I have not broken up with Armand entirely! I never would... This is just a... well, it's not exactly a game.::: Gabrielle kisses Daniel's earlobe, interrupting his concentration with Marius. Daniel lets a soft moan escape his lips. "Mmmm, Gabrielle..." "Come on, Daniel, let yourself go!" Gabrielle whispers. Daniel closes his eyes, loosing himself on the electric sensations of Gabrielle's kisses. He can feel her hands running up and down his back, her nails ripping his shirt, sweet torture and pain as her nails scratch his back. Daniel tries to find Marius again. :::Marius? Are you still there?::: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 287: :::Well, Lestat, I wouldn't be getting on your nerves if you kept your gorgeous ears closed to the messages that don't concern you! What gives you the right to listen to what I say to Marius, huh? :::Gabrielle and I ARE doing something. What are you going to do about it? Hunt down Armand? I would appreciate it very much if you could do that for me! Yes, he's my maker, and my lover and a traitor! I know he's done it with Jessica! I won't forgive the red-haired bitch for this! She said she was not interested in him; told me no to worry about anything. Bitch! She even invited me to a concert with her. :::I hope she burns is hell! She and Armand should become ashes. Would you mind?::: > ::: Ok, darling. If you tell Maharet I'm in love with Daniel.... then I'll stop bothering you about Armand. By the way, you are right. Armand IS gorgeous, it's his attitude I don't like....I never said he wasn't gorgeous. ::: Yes, never seduced my son.... what do you call a liplock with him in front of thousands of people.... or some of the other rumors I've heard buzzing about the coven, eh? That's alright, thought. At least you have good taste!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 288: After making love with Gabrielle in the closet, Daniel began feeling a little uncomfortable. "Gabrielle, I don't know about you, but perhaps we should go to a bedroom or something. This closet is rather small, huh?" Gabrielle laughs. She likes this one. Yes. He's so blunt, careless, and yes, so young and beautiful. She could still feel the vibrations of their love making in her body, Daniel's blood sweat mingling with hers. "Sure, mon cher. We can do anything you want to." A luxurious suit in the Ponchartrain. A king-sized bed with silk sheets and a perfect view to the streets of New Orleans. "I must shower, Gabrielle. I have an interview with Erik de Charis tonight." "An interview? What kind of interview?" She asks. "Just that, an interview! Like the one I had with Louis that night long ago," Daniel whispers. A flood of memories beging to invade his head. So dark and quiet, the room in Divisadero street, when he first saw Louis. Ah, yes, so magic. He'd been impressed by Louis' beauty right from the beginning. But it wasn't the same now. He was still enchanted with the green eyed one, but it was different. His vampire eyes viewed Louis in a way that mortal eyes could not see. He could capture now his every movement. His green eyes weren't the cold and lifeless jewels that they appeared to be before; they seemed to have a life of their own, dancing in immortal fires, like Lestat would say. And then he'd met Armand...Yes, the quintessence of youth and beauty. It hurt to think of him now. "Are you okay, mon cher?" Gabrielle approaches Daniel and wipes the single crimson tear from his cheek. "I'm fine Gabrielle," he says, waving her away. He goes into the bathroom and takes a warm shower, getting ready for his interview with Erik and then to the bachelor's party. "Can we meet at the party, ma chere?" He says, placing a tender kiss on Gabrielle's lips. "I'll see you at the party, Daniel." He walks out in the streets of New Orleans, protected by the night sky and the twinkling stars. Erik's room is his destination. He suddenly remembers -- Erik is staying at the Pontchartrain too! Daniel scratches his head... "I'm a mess," he thinks to himself. He turns to go back to the hotel... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 289: Meanwhile... Jesse has become bored back at Rue Royale. Every thought to Armand has been blocked. :DAMMIT: She thought to herself. :I can't get through to him! It's worse than having my E-mail bounced all over creation by America On Line... There's only one thing left to do...: She rose, tripped over Mojo, and left the flat via the balcony. :When the going gets tough...the tough go SHOPPING!: As she rose into the air over New Orleans, she suddenly heard Khayman's reply... :::Daddy?: She telepathed.:Oh! I'm so glad to hear from you! Now, listen, Daddy... Don't worry about Armand and me... I don't intend to take him away from his fledgling... I can't explain about what happened between Armand and myself... suddenly something very personal about my life has been broadcast all over the coven by Gabby... and the last time I heard from her, SHE was in the closet with Danny Boy having a good time on her own... And I didn't hear Danny complaining, either! ::: I think I can make Armand happy just for a little while... just for a moment in our vast endless life (sighs..waxing poetic...) Daniel vexes him so... and I just can't help myself when I look into his beautiful eyes... :::Daddy, I just want to BE with him... he's so sad... he's so worried over Louis.. ::: Frankly, Daddy... I'm worried over Louis, too... But he has to live his own life... So, please don't be disappointed in me... I love you and I'll see you at this party... as soon as I hear form Gabby as to exactly when it is!!:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 290: Everyone is in the living room, laughing and arseing around, and Erik is in the kitchen, brooding by the sink... a thought suddenly occurs to him: "My God! I'm supposed to meet that young fellow at my room for an interview..." He casts about for some way to get out of it and, finding none, decides to slip out... he finds a back door leading out of the kitchen and in seconds is on the street, moving through the darkness, his long cloak fluttering behind him... he is dressed as he was a century before, thinking that this was the best way in which to present himself at the party, and the mask feels oddly comfortable upon his unblemished face... if any of the mortals passing by notice the tall, masked figure dressed in black, none comment on the strangeness of this scene, and before long, Erik is back at the hotel.... He is seated by the window, sipping a cup of Darjeeling when there is a knock on the door and a tentative voice says, "Uhh... Mister Ghost?" "One moment, Monsieur." Erik stands to his feet, tall and regal, majestic in his isolation, and goes to the door. Daniel is stunned as the door swings back and he is face-to-face with none other than the Phantom of the Opera... "Jeeeezus!" He whistles through his teeth. "Nice Hallowe'en costume!" "It is not a costume," Erik replies, icily, "Please come in Mr. Molloy." He ushers Daniel into the room, noting with detachment the clear violet of the young man's eyes, his tousled blond hair, so lately ruffled by the hands of the wind. "You really are him aren't you -- I mean, you're not shittin' me, are you?" "I assure you, Monsieur, I do not "shit" you..." Erik's mouth curves up at the corners... "Care for some tea?" Daniel nods absently, still staring... "You're a vampire, aren't you?" Erik inclines his head in Daniel's direction. "How very perceptive of you, Monsieur." He waits until Daniel has tasted the tea before continuing. "Where would you like me to start?" Daniel flips open the little notebook he always carries with him and peers at Erik... for once, he is speechless, he has nothing to say... where DOES one begin when one is interviewing the legendary Opera Ghost? He swallows, his throat suddenly dry in the face of the unblinking aquamarine stare from the masked figure that is seated across from him... "Damned if I know," Daniel says. "I was born over one hundred years ago, in a little village outside of Rouen..." As soon as Erik begins to speak, Daniel is lost in the melody of the Phantom's voice.... "Wait a minute..." Daniel paused, chewing on the end of his pencil... "A HUNDRED years ago... what, you've been a vampire this long?" Erik smiled faintly, his 'not-smile' that betrayed a sense of amused condescension... "I did not say that... I said I was born over a hundred years ago, in a little village outside of Rouen... my father, a master builder, was killed in a site accident, and my mother had to raise me herself. As I was horrifically ugly, it was not something she cherished, and my life as a result was an unending torment... I was captured by Gypsies at the age of eight and..." He paused, eyes faraway..." I suppose the technical term nowadays is "sexually abused" -- by their leader for seven years until I killed him. My travels took me all over Europe and Asia, but because of the horror of my face, I found sanctuary nowhere... "I eventually drifted to the Paris Opera, and the rest you know." Daniel stared at him, one eyebrow quirked, his violet eyes quizzical. "What do you mean, the rest I know?" "You know the story about me, under the Opera..." and when Daniel still did not realise, "My God, man! This... Lloyd Webber person has made millions off my story... you mean to tell me you ---" "Wait JUST a minute..." Daniel stared at him. "You mean it's TRUE? All that stuff about... the chandelier and you dropping notes to the manager and that girl, that Christine..." "Christine is a fiction. The rest is fact." "Well, if there was no Christine.." "There was Louis..." Erik's eyes had become inestimably sad, and he reached up to take the mask off, revealing his perfect, handsome face to Daniel's astonished gaze... "And there was Lestat... and I was so perfectly happy for a time, and then I died..." Daniel was staring at the mask... "But this mask..." "Is an affectation for your benefit... as you can see, I no longer need it." Erik's voice had lost its melody and had become flat, lifeless... "And I returned again, to finish whatever it is I have to do... it's the way of the Wheel, you realise." "Wow." Daniel's voice was hushed, reverant. "Except this time you aren't a monster..." Erik's head snapped up. "My face is fine," he grated, suddenly angry, and Daniel moved back a little from him. The words were spaced, with anger in between, and unestimable sorrow. "But-I-am-still-a-MONSTER!" He hissed. He dropped his head into his hands, and his shoulders slumped. "What the hell is going on here?" Daniel said, to himself..... ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 291: Jesse dropped her shopping bags on the floor and turned to Gabby. "Oh, friends again? How a night changes things?" (She grabs her best friend and hugs her) "Oh, Gabby... of course I'll do my best with Maharet... you know I will! (kisses her cheek). "Now, look... I got dresses for all of us... see?... cut down to our preternatural navels and slit up the side. How do you like 'em? Bright blue for you, red for Pan, and purple for me... Oh, God! We'll clash like crazy! Isn't that great!!"... (Jesse stuffed Gabby's dress in a bag for her.) "I knew you'd like the sequins and the fringe at the bottom will shake like mad when we dance!" (They laugh) "Yeah... we'll be bad taste personified!" So when's party? Let me know... I've got to get all this stuff back to The Pon..." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 292: "What the hell is going on here?" Daniel said, to himself..... He watched as Erik wept, the carmine rivers dashing down his cheeks. He got closer and placed his arm around the Phantom's shoulder. "Don't touch me!" Erik hissed. "Uh, I... I'm sorry!" Daniel couldn't hide his nervousness. "Ah, can we continue this some other time?" Silence. Erik wouldn't reply, or look at him. Daniel sighed. "Okay, Monsieur de Charis, I'll leave you alone. I still have some questions for you, but ---" "Leave!" Erik shouted. "Okay, man! Take it easy! I'm going!" Daniel fled the bedroom, running as fast as he could. He hadn't been that scared since his interview with Louis. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 293: Armand, shaken from his deep thoughts by his conversation with Khayman, decided to take a walk. By his estimations the coven should be gathering for the party - he should have the city to himself. He had not gone two blocks when he spied a achingly familiar form moving toward him. He sighed deeply. "This is not good." he thought to himself. Then he stood quietly and waited. "Hello, Daniel." ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 294: IMPORTANT: Gabby to the whole nutty coven ::Louis....yes, take your mind off my lucious son for one moment. You got your wish, I'm wearing blue for the party! Speaking of the party, get yourself off of my son and go shove him and yourself into the shower to get ready for the party! Now, I mean it.... or you're both grounded! ::: :::Pandy? Jesse is on her way with your dress, very slutty, very red! Get you butt over to Rue Royal before the party, so we can rehearse a bit!! Get moving, gal!::: < Gabby to the rest of the coven at large> :::EVERYONE! Did that get all your attentions? The bachelor party for Louis and Lestat will be in 3 hours at the very large function room of the Pon. Be there, be ready to give Louis and Lestat the time of their lives. You're all invited! So, get your butts ready. I'll see you there!!::: Gabrielle sighs and throws herself into a chair and smiles, "Should be one hell of a party!" she whispered to herself. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 295: ::Hello dear. I've got a whole floor at the Pon. Just ask at the front desk, they'll tell you were to go. ::Take any room you like, and don't concern yourself with the young men in the gold scraps of cloth, they're just for decoration. ::Pandora will probably be here by the time you arrive, so when you find a room, knock before you open the door. She may be... rearranging... one of the decorations. ::Do try to hurry. The children are in a rush ::If you get lost on the way just yell. Someone will direct you. ::Oh, and knock on my door too. ::Love you. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 296: "I don't see how getting you an invitation would be a problem, Mael. Jessica is one of the hosts for this affair. And while I normally don't take kindly to your... feelings... for her, I think she may need some looking after. "You know that Brat Prince is always after her, and from what she tells me, Armand has been, well, rather forward. You know how sly he can be. Not at all forthright like yourself. It's one of your best qualities, dear boy... along with your height, and your hair the color of corn silk, and the way your body is so well formed... "Uh, where was I? Armand. Yes. He bears watching at the upcoming party... just in case he upsets Jessica in anyway. "Speaking of the party you are to wear the kilt. I like the kilt. I'm not wearing any shoes to the party, just the gold toe-nail polish. Make sure you sit across from me at some point during the evening... The door opens and in strolls Antoine "Antoine! Petite!" Maharet purrs. "What is it? Is someone giving you a hard time about something?" Antoine whispers in her ear. "All right, go and turn the heat on under the scented oil I'll be right there. Oh, and Antoine, my... old man... will be arriving shortly so if I should out of the blue say, "GET UNDER THE BED", be a dear and do it quickly, will you?" After Antoine nods his understanding, Maharet watches him go fondly. "What a lovely young man he turned out to be." She rises and goes to Mael leaning to draw lazy circles over and around his ear all the while giving him a bird's eye view down the from of her caftan. "I forgot to tell you. Big Daddy's on his way, so don't make any loud noises, hum? The last time you startled him he yelled and blew out the entire south wall of the house." "I'm going to enjoy myself at this event, Mael, and because you've been behaving yourself lately, I'm letting you off duty. That's right. You're free to come and go as you like. "One thing, though - I have to warn you that Marius is rather busy at the moment. He may not want to come out and play just now, so don't take it personal. "Also, you may have noticed the... decorations... lounging around in most of the rooms. Help yourself to whatever you like. I've tried them all and there's not a bad one in the lot. Now I know that's not your preference, but we're letting our hair down here! You should branch out a little you know. And no corpses, Mael. They're only rentals." "Who knows, if Khayman gets distracted, maybe you could put on those black leather shorts I bought you, you know, the ones cut really high in the back and really tight in the front, and pay me a little visit. I won't use the whips this time, unless you beg me nicely, heh heh. Go on now. Have some fun.. ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 297: ::Hello, Ladies. News! Mekare _will_ be coming! Don't ask me how that happened. I supposed she looked around and noticed the house was empty. ::Khayman's wandering his way here (Jessie dear, I'll try to get him to stop harrasing you about _you know who_). ::Mael's been let loose, so be warned. All the females in the vicinity are in terrible danger! (This means you.) I haven't let him out of the house in years and he's really... primed. ::Have at him. ::Pan I know you know this, but if any of you get bored stop by my floor of the Pon and play musical rooms. There's a surprise in each one. ::It's a good thing our boys are so preoccupied right now, or there wouldn't be any left for us! ::Oh! If you should happen on a little one with grey eyes and a silver g-string, back off. That one's mine. Since Daniel's been appropriated I've made do with rentals. ::Ummmm...ahh...excuse me a minute, will you?:: "That was _very_ nice Antoine! How talented you are! If you'd consider relocating I could keep you, um, employed indefinitely." ::Sorry about that. Anyway, do stop by. I may call upon you to help me with Mekare. We can't let her wear some tired old thing to the wedding! ::Be thinking of suggestions for her, will you? ::My love to you all. ::Oh, Jessica, Daddy will want to see you when he gets here. I don't think he should go looking for you, you know how easily he gets lost (not to mention the off chance of him finding you with... well, you know.) ::Bye kids:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 298: ::Lestat. ::I am picking up despondent thoughts from Louis. ::Why am I picking up despondent thoughts from Louis on practically the eve of your nuptials? ::Are you to blame for this? Explain this to me, please, or I shall be forced to pay you a visit in person. ::I'm enjoying myself at the Pon and I'm not inclined to leave just yet. ::But if your reply is not satisfactory, I will be stopping by.:: --------------------- ::Louis, my dear! What's wrong? Has he done something already? ::Tell Auntie, dear. I'll make it all better. I promise I won't hurt him, just knock him around a little. ::Oh, and a little warning dear. Mael's here and he's on the loose. He's also a little miffed at not being invited. He's feeling snubbed and you know who he believes is to blame for it. ::He may show up there and start breaking things. I'm afraid I promised him he could do as he like while here, so I can't interfere. If he gets too out of hand see if you can pry Marius and David apart for a bit. Marius always has a positive affect on him. ::There's a dear. ::Please feel better, love. This should be a joyous time for you. No tears or sad thoughts, please. ::All my love...:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 299: ::Pan! Where in Hell's Bell's are you! ::We haven't done any shopping yet, and the event is almost upon us. I had to send Mael shopping for me and all he bought was sued and leather... although the black leather bustier is verrry nice. I may have to give him a little reward for it. ::Worse luck, old "Wait While I Catch Up" is on his way. Maybe we can ditch him somewhere, but then we'd have to listen to him bellowing, "I'M LOST!! I'M LOST!!" every two seconds and giving everyone a headache. What a damper that would put on a party! "Pass me that marinated rat... "I'M LOST!!"... Come here Mr. Male Stripper and let me... "I'M LOST!!"... introduce myself. Oh Daniel, bite me right "I'M LOST!!" there. Sheesh! ::I love him dearly, but he is a bit much at times. Which reminds me... your latex mini got ripped. I -know- I promised to be careful, but Khayman had other plans. Worse thing is he doesn't even remember doing it. ::And you wonder why I'm after Daniel.:: ---------------------------------------------------------------- POST 300: (Maharet's room, at the Pon) Pandora sweeps through the door. At the moment she's wearing a little flowered baby doll dress and sandals, very demure, but she's carrying a very large shopping bag which clearly says Frederick's of Hollywood, and another black one that makes clanking sounds when she puts it down. "Maharet! I couldn't resist making a little stop on my way over here, and yes, one of these is for you. I know you've got your outfit for tomorrow all ready, but this is for tonight. There's one for Mekare too, see?" Pandora is about to spill the contents of the bag all over the bed when she notices Mael in the room, over by the TV. Mael grins, but he looks slightly abashed. Pandora looks him up and down, taking her time about it, and smiles, very slowly, at him. "Oh, definitely the kilt," she says. "that is, if you've remembered your manners enough that Maharet's willing to work on an invitation for you." Mael coughs, attempting to retain his male dignity. Maharet, still brushing her flame-red hair, turns away from the mirror and smiles equally evilly. "Yes, I think perhaps he has, though he'll have to behave himself. Pandora, dear, it took you long enough, I thought you were never going to get here." "Wait till you see what I brought. It was worth it." Pandora takes the heavy bag over to Maharet and lets her look inside. Mael cranes his neck, trying to see what's inside without looking too obvious. "I took it upon myself to bring a few toys with me." Maharet looks inside with interest, reaches inside to examine something and the rattle of chains is fairly clear. She grins. "Well. I'll just hold onto these if you don't mind, Pan, I think they'll come in rather handy." "I thought you'd approve." Mael is standing on his toes now but he still can't see into the bag, and Maharet pulls the drawstring at the top shut and gives him an ever so sweet and innocent look. Pandora picks up the Fredericks of Hollywood bag and puts it on the bed, then suddenly takes her flowered dress off over her head. Mael, startled, makes a sort of little noise, and Pandora turns around twirling her dress in one hand, now wearing only her sandals and a black lace bodysuit. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mael, I forgot you were there," she says sweetly. "Is that the bathroom?" She opens a large door, and blinks. In the very large room beyond the door, at least thirty gorgeous men in gold lame G-strings are lounging about on the elegant furniture. Pandora lets out a sigh, licking her lips. "Oh, Maharet, you really have outdone youself! Oh myyyyyy..." A dark-haired, petite beauty, the only one in a silver lame G-string, looks curiously over at the door and starts to get up. "Now, who's that one?" Pandora asks, staring appreciatively in his direction. "Mine," Maharet says, in her Ancient Queen Who Is Not To Be Disobeyed voice. "He's MINE." She looks wolfishly at Pandora. Pandora holds up her hands, looking innocent, which isn't terribly easy for her. "Okay, okay. Now, when does this party start, exactly?" ----------------------------------------------------------------