The Story So Far, A work in progress

Our Story So Far
.oO UNDER CONSTRUCTION Oo.
Summaries will be added as I read them. All posts are live links as of 10/27/08. If you find a broken link, please let me know. Active threads will be shown in green.
Due to the size I've had to break the summary into two posts.
~ Timeline reference, courtesy of Emmie ~

~ SUNDAY WEEK ONE ~

The story of Sourde De Sang begins in the depths of the Circus of the Damned. Jean-Claude awakens to find sa petite has stopped by. They have a heart to heart about her thoughts and doubts. While some questions are answered, others have been raised. Jean-Claude seeks out his pomme de sang after she leaves.

Veronique Lissoltte Pierre arrives in St. Louis unannounced to request hospitality of Jean-Claude. She visits Guilty Pleasures ((first two posts)) a few days earlier to learn more about her old acquaintance. Walking the night and exploring his city prior to her meeting with the Master, Veronique discovers the tantalizing pull of her animal to call. Lucien is the finest Strigoi she has ever encountered and they bond as only Master and Animal can. They retreat to her rented rooms so that she can see her owl in his full splendor. While her owl hunts to regain his human form, Veronique makes her public appearance at Danse Macabre. The Master of the City invites her to stay at the Circus but is uncertain of Vearra's motives in leaving Belle's Court.

The comforting monotony of work at Animator's Inc. is shattered when Anita discovers she has an unknown client. Her annoyance turns to surprise and veiled curiosity as Ted Forrester walks into her office. Nonchalantly he shares his plan to bring Peter, his new protégé, to stay with her for training. Who better than the Executioner to teach him about the Monsters?

~ MONDAY WEEK ONE ~

Anita visits Nathaniel's new apartment with mixed feelings. She is proud of his personal growth and new independence but saddened by his decision to move out. Nathaniel is excited to see Anita but soon picks up on her confused mood and becomes submissive. Anita cuts her visit short and escapes the awkward situation.

Edward turns up unannounced at Anita's house with Peter, dropping him off for his preternatural education. He leaves shortly after Anita arrives. After learning what he knows of Vampires, Peter surprises her with intelligent questions about the nature of other undead beings. She shows him to Nathanial's old bedroom, now empty, and he settles in.

The upper levels of the Circus of the Damned are teeming with people and Bailey Watson is just one among the crowds. She watched the people as she analyzed the location of her next hunt. Finding herself among the upper levels of the Circus for a change, Anita watches the crowds as well until she spies Bailey doing the same. A brush of power identified the tigris flavor. After hackles are smoothed, Bailey recognizes Anita and introduces herself. Anita relaxes her guard slightly after discovering that the new tiger had indeed cleared her visit with Christine. They discover camaraderie and perhaps the beginnings of a friendship?

~ TUESDAY WEEK ONE ~

Anita searches out Detective Jesslyn Heart on her night off. Taking refuge in Dead Dave's, Jesslyn studies the grim details of her latest case. Anita and Jesslyn meet face to face for the first time as the Executioner shares new details about the child murders. This case has hit Jesslyn hard and she is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. Anita respects that resolve and both women agree to stay in touch.

Confused by Anita's reactions during her visit to his apartment the day before, Nathaniel stops by her house, his old home, to talk. Anita is surprised by his presence, and preoccupied by the stresses of the case the day before, reacts coolly towards her animal to call. He senses her distance and her quiet anger towards him and tries to explain himself but confused because he did what she has always said she wanted him to do. Anita reacts poorly and the confusion becomes accusations and an ultimatum is issued.

~ WEDNESDAY WEEK ONE ~

Bailey pushes herself to keep her arrangements to meet a friend at Danse Macabre even though battle scars from her last mark are still fresh. Asher spies the tiger he's seen only in passing and decides to learn more about her first hand. Misinterpretations of their first impressions cause their conversation to be stilted but working past the differences prove that beauty is only skin deep.

Nathaniel expresses his thoughts and frustrations on his online diary. ((first post))

~ THURSDAY WEEK ONE ~

Cherry told Anita about Nathaniel's blog but she couldn't believe it until she saw it for herself, ruining her quiet time. ((first post)) Feeling hurt and betrayed, Anita resolves to speak with Jean-Claude about replacing Nathaniel as her leopard to call.

Jason arrives at Savanah's Studio to escort her to the Lupanar.

~ FRIDAY WEEK ONE ~

Following Christine's recommendations, Bailey finds herself at The Lunatic Café. Sylvie seeks out the general comfort of being surrounded by fellow lycanthropes after a particularly hectic week. She ordered a steady stream of alcohol wishing to forget all about Gwen and the gaping hole she left behind. Bailey senses the frustration emanating from the wolf and decides to lighten the mood. Their conversation turns to hunting and Sylvie invites Bailey to the Lupanar to hunt deer.

Jesslyn had missed Anita's call and was reacting to the message by heading quickly back to RPIT headquarters. Anita and Jesslyn show up to discover Special Agent Donald Johnson has arrived in St. Louis. As a strong telepath within the FBI, his expertise has been assigned to the case. He hadn't been given much background into the case so decided to take matters into his own hands when he arrived to discover it was Detective Heart's night off. Jesslyn finds her desk searched and the culprit out back smoking. Anita comes upon the furious detective airing her frustrations to the indifferent feebee. Getting back to the business at hand, Johnson resists antagonizing Jesslyn further. Putting aside their grievances they share a car ride and information about psychic talents while following Anita to their destination, the office of Dr. Shannon Dubois. They arrive in time to stop the ritual sacrifice of the latest child and with the help of Marmie Noir, banish the demon summoned by Dubois. In the course of saving the boy, shots were fired and Detective Heart will have to suffer through an Internal Affairs investigation. She avoids thinking about the necessary evil and asks Johnson out on a date.

Home sweet home, thinks Jesslyn after all the chaos of the past several days, it's good to be home. Her thoughts stray to her upcoming date and she settles in with some ice cream to relax.

Bailey invites Spencer over to her place for a friendly dinner and drink. Or is it to finish what they started the night before? The night before is on both women's minds when Spencer arrives and the assistance of wine and talk of work smoothes over the awkwardness. As the conversation turn personal, Edward pays Bailey a visit. He offers to share a job with both of women; a nest of vampires that needs eradication.

Nathaniel learns of Anita's thoughts of replacing him and pours out his frustration in his online diary. ((one post only))He feels alienated from the pard and wonders if he should move to a new city and start over. Anita is frustrated over Nathaniel's apparent misunderstanding and mulls the situation over during her quiet time. ((one post only)) She doesn't want him to leave, she still loves him. But she cannot accept the idea of him being with another woman... unless the other woman was willing to accept a more open relationship. She thought she could accept that.

~ SATURDAY WEEK ONE ~

Eight am sharp and Jesslyn was back at RPIT headquarters for her meeting with Internal Affairs. An already stressful situation becomes more so when she discovers her ex from five years ago, Lieutenant Churchill, is heading up the investigation. Nine hours of badgering, hounding, repetition and accusations later Jesslyn calls it finished and storms out of RPIT headquarters heading home.

With little time to get ready Jesslyn washes away the stress of the day and prepares for her big date with Donald. She airs her frustration over her day and they decide to visit the Circus of the Damned.

The night of entertainment for two turns more adventurous as stupidity by a member of the crowd turns a side show exhibit hostile. Both go into cop mode to get a handle on the situation before it spins out of control. Johnson learns a truth about the performer and demands to see the manager. Jean-Claude is summoned to handle the situation and requests Anta's presence at his side.

Narcissus in Chains becomes the place to be to paint the town red for the evening. Jason and Jude converse while Bailey watches the wolf and leopard. She's interrupted from her flirtatious fantasies by Soryn whom she saved from a run in with Belle in the past. Jason and Jude join Bailey and Soryn at the bar as the floor show begins. Conversations turn toward Belle Morte and Soryn's reason for coming to St. Louis. Jason and Jude leave after Jason secures Soryn's agreement to meet with Jean-Claude. Byron visits the club while on the hunt for company and recognizes Soryn from their shared encounter in London a few years ago. The vampire and siren converse before Byron belatedly remembers an appointment with Sharon at Guilty Pleasures. Bailey prods the story of Soryn's travels through Europe from the siren and shares tales of her new life in St. Louis at his request. Their conversation shifts when Bailey spies her mark. Learning the reason behind the price on the young vampire's head, Soryn lends his own brand of assitance. Bailey efficiently handles her task and returns to the bar offering a portion of the bounty to Soryn for his assistance. The siren downplays his role and they continue their banter.o

~ SUNDAY WEEK TWO ~

Maeve Young seeks an intellectual haven in St. Louis. She believed the hard part would be obtaining the grant for her research not in settling in and finding a place in the city. Feeling hopelessly lost she finds herself at Dead Dave's with a drink in hand. She sparks the interest of Daniel, a local wolf, and he tries to cheer her up.

Daniel visits Guilty Pleasures, home of half-naked men and wild women. While admiring the dancer on stage and fantasizing about a vampire's bite he meets Willow. The vampire, used to the judgment of others is surprised by the wolf's acceptance of him at face value.

Dressed to impress during this "getting to know you" session with the Master of the City, Soryn arrives at the Circus of the Damned and meets Jason at the door. The wolf escorts him downstairs to Jean-Claude. The Master inquires after Soryn's intentions and then informs the siren that his hunter will be visiting soon. Belle Morte was coming to St. Louis. Soryn agrees to accept Jean-Claude's protection for the time being and explains more about his past with Belle Morte. He also agrees to help with Samuel's children after Belle's visit. Jean-Claude offers rooms within the Circus for Soryn. The siren leaves to gather his belongings and the Master retires with his pomme.

Work All Night
Play 'till Morning

~ MONDAY WEEK TWO ~

Jason shows up at Anita's house, the "Pard Palace," bringing with him his own personal brand of cheer; coffee and friendly hugs. He also had information from Jean-Claude to share. Sharon stops by to visit as well as check in. As a new leopard she had to give weekly status reports. Anita invites them both inside and directs Jason to make some of the coffee he brought. She brings Jason into the conversation when Sharon voices her concerns about her leopard's reaction to women screaming in excitement at Guilty Pleasures. Jason detects a new scent in the house and Anita tells them about Peter, who is stealthily listening in from upstairs, staying at the house. Nathaniel drops by planning to run in and grab a few items he'd left behind but is reluctant when he realizes others are visiting. He didn't want a confrontation. Anita asks about his new place, trying to ease the awkward situation when she catches the scent of perfume and overreacts. Jason tries to diffuse the situation but Nathaniel escapes to another room and Anita shares her frustrations with the wolf. The tension in the room sparks Sharon's leopard and she arranges another time to visit. Nathaniel makes his goodbyes and agrees to come back to talk with Anita, passing Zane on his way out. The leopard had come to his Nimir-Ra to tell her about his attack from Belle Morte. Jason admits that his information from Jean-Claude was similar. Then he shares that Belle Morte will be visiting St. Louis. Anita demands answers from Jean-Claude over the marks before realizing that he would never casually allow Belle to come to his city.

Bailey meets Jude at the local range to practice shooting targets. The snow leopard admits to knowledge of bows and more archaic weaponry but takes to the modern guns with relative ease. Edward watches Bailey's instruction with quiet amusement.

~ TUESDAY WEEK TWO ~

Micah gives Sharon a call to suggest she host a Pard social night as an open house and getogether for everyone before the next full moon. Sharon is hesitant but the idea grows on her and they agree to hold it on Saturday evening. She asks him for advice about controlling her beast while at work and Micah tells her that contact with another leopard like Nathaniel or Gregory would help. Micah makes a second call, this time to Nathaniel, and is relieved to get his voicemail. He leaves a message to let him know about the upcoming event and that they need to talk the next day. Picking up the phone again, Micah calls Caleb to tell him about the Saturday. Caleb is reluctant to attend because his mistake is what infected Sharon. He'd been avoiding her since then, not wanting to make her any more upset. Micah feels that everything will work out in time and wants Caleb there for at least the meeting that will start off the night. If he is uncomfortable staying, then he can leave early. Caleb agrees to come.

Jason takes Savannah to formally introduce her to Richard, the Ulfric, the Lupanar and the wolves.

Nathaniel sits in his livingroom trying to decide what to do for the afternoon when Zane stops by with a housewarming gift, a large candy dish complete with the good candies and a couple of candles. Sharon calls to talk to Nathaniel about whether he's okay with her curling up with him at work if her beast becomes stressed. The whole idea makes her embarassed but Nathaniel reassures her and she asks if she can come over. Nathaniel agrees and offers to cook dinner. Sharon is excited about the prospect of a home cooked meal and grabs dessert before heading over. Zane and Nathaniel talk about how their lives have changed recently until Sharon arrives. Nathaniel greets her with a hug and and while she's nervous about meeting Zane, she finds that Nathaniel's scent helps to calm her. He gives her his shirt to keep the scent close at hand and they head back to the livingroom. All the stresses of the past few days overwhelm Sharon and she cries herself to sleep in Nathaniel's arms. Zane and Nathaniel talk again and just when the conversation turns personal, Sharon rolls and falls off the couch, waking up. They decide that dinner is in order and and Nathaniel offers Sharon his bed so she can nap while they fix dinner.

Anita and Damian's conversation is interrupted by Richard's arrival with peace offerings in the form of Starbucks coffee to Anita's for a visit about the pack ((18+)). He shares the news of Jason's new role as Savannah's sponsor as well as the revelation that he does not want anyone else but her as his Lupa. He really wants to make their relationship work even with all the other men in her life. They consummate their new relationship and decide to spend the day together. After sleeping through their movie, Anita shares with Richard the knowledge that Belle will be coming to visit St. Louis.

Forgotten again, he cannot ignore the feeling that love is a four letter word. This time Damian cannot purge the frustration he feels and cannot escape to the normal daytime oblivion. Eventually the sun sets and he flees to the Circus of the Damned for the solace of sword practice. His atypical lack of calm alerts the guards who shadow him to the sparring room. Eventually the frustration grows to a fevered pitch. He rears back to strike the wall when Asher stops his hand. Alerted by the guards, Asher arrives to diffuse Damian and keep him from causing any harm. The confrontation snaps Damian back to reality and he realizes that by trying to escape his frustration he closed himself off from Anita. Speaking his thoughts aloud he realizes that if anyone could understand, it was Asher. Asher advises Damian to keep busy and suggests a more active opponent in swordplay. Damian readily agrees and the two vampires cross blades. Through Asher's agility and speed he manages to take first blood but Damian's tenacity and power eventually takes its toll and Asher is forced to yield the battle to Damian. Through the course of the battle Asher strains his left shoulder and wrenching his right wrist from Damian's grip left it sore and bruised. The Viking had a cut across his right bicep as well as a bloodied lip to show for the night's exercise. Grateful for Asher's assistance and distraction, Damian offers to teach Asher some stretches he learned to ease some of the soreness from the joint. As they collect their swords and make to leave the room, Asher remembers the guards outside and Damian notices that in his distraction, Asher is no longer favoring his shoulder, commenting on it. Surprise stops Asher short of the door and he wonders what witchery Damian has worked. Damian denies knowledge and they both decide to repeat the occurance with Asher's wrist.o

Alexander Chase rolls up to Danse Macabre looking for entertainment and spots a likely partner in Deidara Kentsuchi.

How the hell did I end up here? Bailey wonders to herself as she reviews the presentation she will make at the college.

~ WEDNESDAY WEEK TWO ~

Nathaniel, Micah and Anita have a heart to heart in the living room which upsets everyone. Nathaniel runs off, Micah brings him back and the discussion continues. Nathaniel tells Anita that he wants marriage and children and that he knows that Anita can't give them to him. He essentially asks for her permission to go out and find those things for himself. Anita is hurt by the confession, but understands what Nathaniel wants and gives him her permission. Now Nathaniel is nothing more than her animal to call.

Going to the Sally's Beauty Supply

Sharon, the wardrobe mistress at Guilty Pleasures, has her work cut out for her. The dancers are hard on the material of their ensembles and sometimes repairs are impossible. One such costume is Byron's and she heads out to purchase new material while waiting for him to show up so she can take new measurements. Byron arrives the following night, making excuses. Scents clinging to the vampire awaken Sharon's leopard while she tries to pin the final fittings on Byron's costume. She flees the room in her embarrassment and seeks Jason's guidance. A cuddle with Jason and Gregory's shirt calmed her beast and she returned to finish her session with Byron.

Seated at the bar, Haven meets Soryn again. They discuss events from Chicago and the Siren offers the lion some advice in the pursuit of his Regina.

Toshiro stops by Dei's home earlier in the day to leave a meal for Nekomata as well as a message for Dei.

Deidara prowled Danse Macabre watching the crowd for a partner when he meets Daniel Halliwell. They agree to leave for Daniel's apartment then change to Dei's home when Daniel, new to the city, becomes lost.

Daniel is impressed with Dei's home but more than a little unsettled by the man's houseguest. Nekomata is a yokai, a being in the shape of a cat the size of a large dog with near human intelligence. The distraction is soon forgotten as conversation turns to Dei's preference neckwear.

Asher seeks out a suitable partner at Narcissus in Chains when the Oba notices the golden vampire on the prowl. Sensing the volitile mood, Narcissus moves to intercept him. Accepting the hyena's unspoken offer, Asher seeks a private room. The Oba's taunts cause Asher to sling him over one shoulder only to set Narcissus down in front of the door to his room. Realizing the time for play has begun, Narcissus adopts the appropriately submissive behavior behind closed doors. Beginning with a whip with the hyena strapped to the rack Asher administers his own brand of self therapy seeking to loose himself in the intoxicating mixture of pleasure and pain. The roles are reversed when the activities become more intimate as Asher craves the sensations that he knows Narcissus can provide. Fully sated for the first time in a long while, Asher remains with Narcissus and allows the day to take him. Narcissus takes the time to freshen up the room and bathe them both before Asher awakens that evening. He even provides a unique buffet for Asher from his men whom he has cultivated for that purpose. After they both satisfy one hunger, they shift to another and Narcissus eagerly takes on the task of topping Asher. They form a deeper bond with each passing encounter and Asher flirts with the thought of sharing marks with the hyena but dissmisses it because he is uncertain if Narcissus shares his feelings and the hyena wrestled with his own growing feelings. As Asher follows Narcissus gingerly to a recuperating bath a flash of power brings him to his knees. With it he is connected to the thoughts of every hyena and hears how deeply Narcisssus feels about him. The insight shows Asher that he can trust Narcissus and fully healed, he finds Narcissus reeling in the waiting bathtub. Asher explains the occurance as well as his love and desire to bind them more closely together through the marks. Narcissus demurely requests time to think on the proposal and tells Asher that he will have his answer at a the premier of the new show at the club. Asher reluctantly returns to the Circus and his duties but not before recieving a gift of new clothes from Narcissus.

~ THURSDAY WEEK TWO ~

Haven visits Anita's for a little chat about providing a new home for a pride from Miami whose Regina is quite powerful. He is surprised when Anita expresses a desire to embrace her role as his Regina. They agree to go on a date and she is open to learning more about him as a person.

Peter is in the doldrums, more so than simply because of being a teenager. He's bored and Anita hasn't taken him on any excursions. Anita talks to him and learns about his regrets about not going to college. She encourages him to enroll in the fall and offers to pay his way.

Home Sweet Home

Deidara shows up at Guilty Pleasures a little before work to present a gift for the boss. The tradition is unexpected but Jean-Claude accepts the token with respect and is pleasantly surprised with it.

~ FRIDAY WEEK TWO ~

Even after her introduction to the pack, Savannah is having difficulties accepting her new status as a werewolf in training. She does not want to accept that she cannot go back to work at her beloved Day Care job. Nor is she willing to accept Jason or anyone in the role of Eros. Mentally she can understand the need for the position and is horrified when she learns of the dangers that skipping that lesson can have but she is mortified by the idea of it. She wants to escape it all and Jason suggests going to the Lunatic Cafe to be surrounded by other shifters and to get the feeling of Pack family.

Micah calls a meeting of the big cats for a chat at the coalition office regarding Belle's visit to St. Louis. He is very concerned about the ability of the Sourde de Sang to control any flavor of big cat. He himself had only resisted being rolled by her because of Anita's presence. And that was with an ocean insulating between them. He didn't want to imagine how much more powerful she would be in person. Bailey and Haven's posturing and insistance that they could handle themselves was frustrating and while Micah hated even suggesting a retreat, it was the only option he could think of. They agree to think on things and meet again later.

Haven stops by Anita's house after receiving a call from the petitioning Regina. He wanted to tell Anita in person and set a time for the Miami discussion (Pre-meeting terms) [evening] and mix a little pleasure with business and take her out on that promised date. Anita invites the Rex inside and asks him for details about the Miami pride. She learns that they are being overcrowded and Mia, the Regina, wants somewhere more secure for her people. Anita agrees to meet with them at Haven's home the following afternoon. She also agrees to dinner and excuses herself to change out of her work clothes. Haven takes Anita to "La Boheme," a creole restraunt that he favors. Anita asks Haven about the status of the St. Louis pride as they converse on the way to the restraunt. Haven estimates that with the dozen or so from Miami the pard will increase to around thirty-six to forty lions. It was a small number compared to the hundreds of wolves in the Thronnos Rokke pack and similar numbers among the rodere and hyenas. Haven shared his hopes for the pride and his plan to help the lions adjust from the conservative leadership of Joseph, the former Rex. Haven shares information about his childhood as they near the restraunt. Anita sympathised with his loss of family at a young age. Their conversation shifts and Anita learns how Haven contracted lycanthropy. While they wait on their food, Anita shares information about her childhood and family in response to Haven's questions. They return to the subject of the Miami pride's arrival once their food arrives and Anita is pleasently surprised by her first taste of gator steak. Haven recieves a call from Mia and he agrees to pick her up from the airport later in the evening. Haven asks if Anita wanted to do anything after dinner and she lets him choose. Haven suggests an arcade and Anita agrees because she enjoyed the way his eyes lit with excitement at the idea.

Blood, Sweat, And Spice

Samantha enjoys her night off experiencing the sights under the Big Top. Ever a watcher of people, Samantha catches Asher's eye. She gets the feeling someone is watching her and eventually catches sight of the man in the shadows. The light glinting off his eyes tells her that he is no ordinary man and is shocked that a vampire would find her interesting. Asher invites her on a tour of the Circus and learns a little more about her job and her connections. Flirtations and innuendos are shared and Sam challenges Asher to a game of Quazar. While Asher claims the first shot in their game of laser tag by taking to the air, Sam proves to be a skilled opponent and makes it to three shots first. The hunt has brought both their desires to the forefront and Asher takes them somewhere more secluded. Sam agrees to let Asher feed from her so they can continue their activities and encounters his scarred skin under her roaming hands. She understands now why he has hidden away a part of himself. She kisses him again as well as his smooth and scarred cheeks willing him to open up to her. Asher decides to risk it and bares himself to her. She accepts him and they find a kind of sanctuary in each other’s arms. They talk of arranging a rematch to their Quazar game before things heat up again. Asher feeds from Sam in order to continue and then summons a donor for a third round before the encroaching dawn and exhaustion takes its toll. It isn't until just before the dawn takes him that Asher realizes he doesn't know how to contact Sam.

~ SATURDAY WEEK TWO ~

Micah arrives at Sharon's place early to help with any last minute setup for the Pard social night and provide moral support as the guests arrived. She greets him and invites him into her home and tells him that Nathaniel was here earlier to help setup. She gives him a quick tour of her home before others arrive. Micah volunteers to get the door when the first guest rings the doorbell. He welcomes Caleb to Sharon's home. Recognizing Caleb's scent, Sharon comes out to greet him. She harbors no ill will to him for saving her life and she doesn't understand why he is nervous around her or has been avoiding her the past month. While Sharon gives him the tour, Caleb takes the time to apologize for infecting her. She hugged him in response, finally geting the chance to thank him for saving her life. Caleb is surprised by her reaction and they talk about the incident. Zane arrives and Sharon rushes to the door to let him in and help carry his things. Anita arrives close behind and Sharon heads out back to start up the grill. She steps back inside and encourages everyone to enjoy the food. Micah decides to call and check on Nathaniel who had left earlier on an errand. Everyone enjoys the food and drinks and eventually Micah calls everyone to the living room to share the news of Belle Morte's coming visit. Caleb shares that she has the ability to manipulate leopards and her behavior would make Jean-Claude look like a saint. Micah tells them about the option of leaving temporarily and that the pard would help to cover any costs. Anita explains that it won't be easy for anyone who stays. Nathaniel arrives late and overhears the conversation as he enters the living room taking a seat on the floor. Everyone expresses a willingness to stay and present a united force.

A good friend

Let's Start This Show With A Bang!

Another night, another crowd at Danse Macabre. But for Damian, the show must go on. For the two years he has resided in St. Louis he has worked as a dancer within the preternatural petting zoo. He hides his boredom by making random chatter in his native tongue to his partners and is taken by complete surprise when a lovely young woman translates his words. The puzzling woman, Erika, calls herself his new friend and taunts him by withholding her name for the price of second dance. After learning what he can of the woman from her friends he decides to take a chance and see if she will wait until the last dance for him. He takes a risk that she will be more excited than scared by the finale when he flies away with his partner. Erika shares her name and her phone number and they agree to meet again so that Damian can take her on a true flight.

~ SUNDAY WEEK THREE ~
Good Morning, Baby (18+)/Fun With Caleb
Master, please help me

~ MONDAY WEEK THREE ~
Coming for a visit
Latin spice
Meeting with Jean-Claude (Ashtyn)
Batten down the hatches

~ TUESDAY WEEK THREE ~

Work Required; Will Promise to be Good

Samantha Binkiewicz visits Anita's home with an unexpected delivery. Just trying to do her job and make sure the merchandice is received, Sam does not understand Ms. Blake's hostility. Her frustration grows as the driver is unwilling to unload the boxes. Anita's growing anger at learning the contents and the quantity of the boxes doesn't help matters and the irritation manifests her ability and the boxes begin to vibrate with a life of their own. Micah comes to the rescue when he returns home and quickly checks on Anita while assessing the situation, watching as the boxes that were moving odly returned to rest. He efficiently takes charge of the predicament, signing for the shipment and helping to unload the boxes and place them in the shed for temporary storage. Near dancing in her need to be gone from this place, Sam wanted to scream and cry when the driver pulled out of the driveway and left her standing there. She caught the phone tossed to her after her request that they call her a cab. Micah was more concerned with Anita at the moment and how best to break the news that according to the code in the PO# it appeared that Asher had made the purchase. Anita reacted with a cold anger at the knowledge and that was when Micah noticed Damian in the shadows of the hallway. Her steady anger and unconscious pull on his calming ability during the last twenty minutes had roused the vampire. Anita goes to Damian, concerned about his early rising. She shares what she knows of the situation and Damian is cannot reconcile the vulgar display with the suave vampire. Damian reminds Anita of a prior commitment to help Larry on her day off because he is concerned that in her frustration over the situation that it slipped her mind. Anita thanks Damian and plans to talk with him about how he is doing.o

Clubbing at Danse Macabre/I can’t believe I’m here
Sharon’s office at Guilty Pleasures
The underground firing range
Come to me, your fortunes told/Les Amoureux
Bring it on

Asher busies himself with paperwork in his office when Lafyette stops by with a request. He asks if Asher knows of a good location to play his violin while silently seeking reassurance of his relationship with the vampire on a more personal level. Asher offers to take Lafyette to an unfinished cavern deep within the Circus whose height gives the space natural acoustics to rival spaces built for that purpose. Leaving a note on the door, Asher waits as Lafyette retrieves his instrument before leading him to the caverns below. ~ While he enjoyed the diversion, Asher did have work that needed to be done. Catching sight of an invoice from Halliwell Enterprises, he marked his approval upon it lamenting the fact that the delay in the fulfillment of the order had made his purchase obsolete. It had been for Anita and Nathaniel to enjoy but now? Pehaps the item could be repurposed.o

~ WEDNESDAY WEEK THREE ~

Good morning, sunshine/What A House!/Coming Out

Visiting With A Friend

Sam decides taking a stroll is a far better idea than returning to her small apartment after the past few stressful days at work. Micah was at the same park lost in thought when he caught a familar scent, that of the delivery woman a few days ago. He aproached her to apologize for the awkwardness of that whole situation. No one had been on their best behavior during that stressfull afternoon. Sam learns that Micah is Gil's "boss man" and they talk about their respective jobs. Sam decides to go out on a limb and asks Micah if he knows about Belle Morte, the vampire haunting her dreams. Micah gives a very brief description and offers to ask his friends for more information in her stead. He does not really know Samantha well and he is not one to share vampiric secrets. He changes the subject asking about the nature of her telekinisis. Sensing that Micah is a kind person, Sam asks if she can keep in touch, someone that she can talk to about her dreams.

Micah goes to the Circus of the Damned to talk with Jean-Claude about the coming darkness and his encounter with Sam. He doesn't want to bring up the subject of the woman to Anita who is still upset over the delivery fiasco and turns to Jean-Claude for advice. Jean-Claude believes that it is possible that Samantha unknowingly carries the first mark enabling the possession.o

Erika visits the Circus to see the sites and ends up in the Soothsayer tent. Lafyette gives the woman a reading and while they talk she learns a little more about his past. As a historian and a genealogist, she is fascinated and offers to search out any living relatives he may have. Erika agrees to return in a week with any results she may find.

After leaving Lafyette's tent, Erika wanders the Circus in search of a restroom following the vague instructions given to her by a child. Thoroughly lost she runs into Asher who agrees to escort her to an exit. As they converse, he learns he enjoys her wit and extends their walk eventually showing her to an empty suite that has a bathroom rather than have her leave too soon. Erika feels fascinated by the vampire accompanying her and she wonders aloud if he has caused this allure. Asher decides to settle the question by revealing his scars to her and while braced for her revulsion or pity he is completely shaken by her frank observation that she saw only him. Much of the woman he had just met reminded him of his Julianna. Even the way she held him as he cried. There was nothing in her physical appearance or her candid personality was similar to his former human servant but there was something of her spirit within the woman. An encounter with something completely unexpected left them both shaken and unsettled. Wanting to leave, Erika asked to be taken to an exit so she could leave Asher in peace. Before returning to the crowds of the Circus she amended her words that she realized Asher had taken the worst possible way. She wanted to see him again, but she needed time to think over what had happened.

Seeking answers for the unexplainable, Asher seeks out Lafyette for help. After securing Lafyette's confidence in the matter, Asher tells him of the encounter with Erika and more specifically with Julianna. Lafyette offers the suggestion that Erika was channeling Julianna's ghost rather than being her reincarnation. They talk of the emotions surrounding the event and they become more certain that Erika has developed the ability to channel spirits. Lafyette gives Asher a broach of feathers and gems he made as a focus for psychic powers suggesting that he can keep it for himself or give it to Erika. Asher asks that Lafyette have Erika find him when next she visits.

Jason stops by the Circus to fulfill his duties. Jean-Claude finds himself playing minor dominance games with son loup. He even requests that Jason no longer stay the night at Anita's home. When the wolf questions the master, Jean-Claude becomes morose and absently reminisces about Jason's predecessors. Sensing Jean-Claude's sadness, Jason is contrite and tries to console him. Jean-Claude struggles with his need to have Jason close at hand and the wolf's reluctance to give up his evenings when Lafyette arrives to ask advice of Jean-Claude, his sire. Jean-Claude shows his consideration for his pomme by requesting Lafyette speak in English for Jason's benefit. Lafyette tells of a new increase in power and is concerned by it for his abilities have not increased in several centuries. It seems that Lafyette can read the emotions people are feeling towards others. He picks up on Jean-Claude's protective feelings towards Jason and stumbles over his description of the sensation. The misunderstanding causes Jason to be a little snappy with Lafyette for treating him more like a pet than a person while Jean-Claude observes the exchange. Jean-Claude explains that Lafyette is one of his oldest children and reccomends that he see Asher about help exploring his new gift. Jean-Claude escorts Lafyette to the door and plans to spend some time with Jason.o

Asher seeks the sanctuary of his quarters to think upon his supernatural encounter with Erika. Pursuing solitude, Jean-Claude is so distracted by his thoughts that he is unaware of Asher's presence in his suite along the nearly empty hallway. His personal frustrations come to a head and believing himself to be alone, the Master of the City expresses his emotion physically. The impact of his hand with the wall alerts Asher to his presence. Jean-Claude tries to leave but Asher invites him inside knowing they both need someone to talk to. They share their thoughts and concerns like old times but when Asher sees Jean-Claude's tears he wants to sooth away the pain but remains still, haunted by his own fears. He bites his lip to keep from crying. Jean-Claude's composure breaks when he sees how hurt Asher is and taking his hands in his own tells him he loves him and doesn't want to see him hurting. The words are a balm on Asher's heart and he repeats them as he kisses Jean-Claude. That embrace is the catalyst and neither can hold back their feelings for each other any longer. Throwing caution to the wind, they let their natures take their course.

Anita bursts into Asher's rooms unannounced to confront Asher about the humiliating delivery earlier today. Asher was busy going over paperwork at the desk in his room that he was startled by her presence. He assumes she means the order he placed with Halliwell Enterprises several months ago and assumes her anger is because the device was meant for her to use with Nathaniel and he had now way of knowing that the cat would move out. The confusion continues because Anita does not specify that there were far more boxes than the order Asher made and he learns that she only made assumptions about the contents of the boxes because she never opened them. The argument derails when Jean-Claude steps out of Asher's bathroom wearing nothing but a towel. Anita views Jean-Claude's presence as a slap in the face and demands to know how long they've been seeing one another. Jean-Claude calmly responds that they've only been together for a few hours and admits his need of Asher to Anita. He does not ask for her permission in this, he tells her of the situation and hopes that she will understand. Asher, unnoticed for the moment in his chair, is overjoyed at Jean-Claude's words. Distancing herself from a situation she doesn't want to deal with, Anita turns back to Asher and demands an explanation. Asher tells her of the custom harness he ordered and that it should only have been a few boxes and certainly not contained sex toys. He never intended to embarrass or hurt her, only help. She accepts the explanation and apologizes for her assumptions. Eyeing the two vampires before her she realizes that she really couldn't come between the love these two shared for centuries and she couldn't deny the joy she saw in Asher's eyes. It hurt but she'd get used to it. The conversation turns and Jean-Claude begins to behave strangely, almost drunk and Anita becomes concerned. Asher admits that in the past he has had a similar reaction after their coupling but never this severe. Jean-Claude compairs the sensation to times when he, Asher and Julianna had been together and Asher scolds him for bringing up Julianna in Anita's presence. She is more concerned with how Asher will feel at the memory of his former human servant than feeling unloved as they speak of a former lover. Asher shares that he has reconciled himself with her memory and tells them briefly about his encounter with Erika and her channeling of Julianna's spirit. Jean-Claude wonders if this has anything to do with the Mother haunting the delivery woman's dreams. Wanting to get to the bottom of it all, Asher goes into detail about his encounter with Erika. He refuses to believe that Erika or Julianna's spirit have anything to do with the Mother of All Darkness.o

~ THURSDAY WEEK THREE ~

Erika invites her long time friend Bailey to her townhome for wine, cheese and companionship. The two women discuss life and work before inevitably turning towards jucier gossip as Bailey asks Erika if there are any new men in her life. Erika, uncertain of her weretiger friend's opinions on vampires, tells her about meeting three vampires; Damian, Asher and Lafyette. She admits that Damian is a friend while she thinks that she and Asher scare one another. Erika is concerned because she still cannot remember what happened during that lost time. She worries that she is being possessed by the spirit of Julianna.o

We Have A Little Problem
A Date to the Mall
Nathaniel For Dinner?/Painting And Waiting

~ FRIDAY WEEK THREE ~
The Meet Up
Loose Yourself!
A Question For Jason
Home Alone

~ SATURDAY WEEK THREE ~
A Woman On A Mission

~ SUNDAY WEEK FOUR~

~ MONDAY WEEK FOUR~

Erika visits the Circus of the Damned to meet with Lafyette. She wants to give him an update on what she has discovered about la Famille Ducygne. She was a little apprehenseive because she wasn't sure if what happened with Asher could happen with Lafyette as well. Seeing the vampire's eagerness to learn what she found about his family she gives him the details. Afterwards, Lafyette tells her that Asher wanted to see her. Erika asks his advice about seeing Asher again and he tells her it would be a good thing because Asher could help her to understand and control it.

Erika agrees and Lafyette leads the way to Asher's office. To distract herself from her fate, Erika begs Lafyette for a distraction and asks why he doesn't wear shoes. He shares that he feels connected with the earth, that it grounds him. Asher senses their approach and hopes that nothing will happen to further frighten Erika. When she sees Asher again she realizes how much she missed him and gives him a big hug. Lafyette leaves and they talk about what happened and Erika tests her new ability and is able to bring forth a short connection with Julianna. Asher gives Erika a chaste kiss on the lips in gratitude that she was willing to embrace her newfound power and wanting to learn more about Erika, he asks her about herself. Erika shares her love of history and of swords. The subject of swordplay leads them to descriptions of their respective collections and Asher invites her to his rooms to see his blades. Ever observant, Erika notices that the broadsword has seen recent activity and Asher tells her of his sparring match. While he hadn't mentioned Damian by name, Erika knew by the description that the viking had been Asher's opponent. She couldn't reconcile Asher's tale with the calm vampire she met at Danse Macabre. She was also confused about her feelings for both vampires and the fact that they knew one another. Realizing that Erika had met Damian he tried to smooth over his words and he tells her that Damian has to deal with a very challenging person. After they finish looking over Asher's swords they go to Erika's townhome to see her collection.

Erika invites Asher into her home and as they relax with one another, a teasing exchange occurs and she slyly asks Asher to teach her something about an item in her collection that has taken Asher's fancy. He tells her the rather personal history of the blade as he is the one that commissioned it into being. Then he asked how she came upon it for when last he saw it, it belonged to a king. Erika shares how she was drawn to the blade when she saw it at an estate sale in Madrid. Apparently it had been passed down through the family after being won in a card game from a French merchant. Erika offers the sword back to Asher who declines it, happy to leave it in her care. He asks her about a sword and shield in her collection and she tells him about the pieces that once belonged to her Viking ancestor Perrin Erikson. The flirting taunts continue between them as they continue to examine Erika's collection.~o~o

~ TUESDAY WEEK FOUR~
Beneath The Circus Of The Damned
When You Need A Friend

~ WEDNESDAY WEEK FOUR~

Erika relaxes after a day at work by visiting her favorite antique store, Things Remembered, when her phone rings. Damian, finding himself with a free evening gives Erika a call.

Flight Of Fancyo

~ THURSDAY WEEK FOUR~
A Date With A Vampire
At "bite!" Restraunt
Exploration
Night Cap

~ FRIDAY WEEK FOUR~
Coffee And Ruminations

~ SATURDAY WEEK FOUR~
Detective Arnet's Office

~ SUNDAY WEEK FOUR~

Sam is on an "Undercover" mission to Guilty Pleasures to schedule a meeting between her boss, Mrs. Patricia Halliwell, and Jean-Claude. She decides that she may as well enjoy herself when a half dressed Jason drops off her drink order and strikes up a conversation. He convinces her to play, taking her to a private room where they start to dance together. Jason finds her ticklish spots and torments her until she escapes to the couch. He pulls her onto his lap and she retaliates for the tickling by biting his earlobe and pinching his nipples. Their wrestling becomes more heated until the mood is broken at the mention of birth control, or lack thereof. They calm down and start talking and Jason shares that he is Jean-Claude's pomme de sang. Sam sees the healing bitemark on his neck and asks to lick them. Tasting nothing but Jason she gave in to her urge and sealing her mouth over the bitemark suckled it and then bit down. She starts to shake after Jason pulls quickly back and smells roses. She doesn't understand why Jason's neck looks so tasty. Jason tries to understand what's going on and ends up thrown against a wall before Sam breaks free of Belle's hold. The frustration of it all finally takes its toll and Sam begins to cry. Jason consoles her, offering to help and allows his wolf to brush up against her. Startled by the strange sensation of something brushing her, Sam stops crying. She calms down and relaxes into Jason's arm when Belle's voice pushes her to bite him again. Sam backs away from Jason as quickly as she can. Jason covers Sam with his beast and she falls unconsious. Moving quickly, Jason retrieves a cross from the holy item check girl and puts it around Sam's neck. Sam wakes to find a faintly glowing cross around her neck and cracks in the walls and ceiling. Jason dismissed the damage knowing it would be covered and carried Sam out of the club. He was taking her to the Circus until he knew that Belle was no longer bothering her.

On Watch

Sleepover?

~ MONDAY WEEK FIVE~
Idle Hands

~ TUESDAY WEEK FIVE~

~ WEDNESDAY WEEK FIVE~
Death Cannot Stop True Love
Radar Love

~ THURSDAY WEEK FIVE~

~ FRIDAY WEEK FIVE~

~ SATURDAY WEEK FIVE~
Two Star Crossed Lovers Meet
Drink Up, Sweet Decadence

~ SUNDAY WEEK FIVE~

I don't know where these fit in the timeline so I've placed them here until I fit them in.
Dinner With The Ulfric
Meeting With The Rex
Preparations
Practice Makes Perfect
Scoping Out The Landscape
Power And Awakenings
Out On The Streets
Pick Up!
Taking A Break
The Sleeping Detective

Once I've got the threads you list assigned, I'll aknowledge you here and delete the posts to keep the thread clean.

~Coldphyre


~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ashtyn, Dei, thanks for your posts. 10/18/08
Sam, got the threads. Thanks Richard and Jason for help with clarifications. 10/19/08
Asher, thanks for the updates. 10/27/08

Cold,

The sleeping detective should go in Saturday Week 4.

Thanks,
Jessica