Tale Of A Courtesan

[Eetion]

A story I wrote a while ago, pretty much shelved it now, but hope for feedback. My own WHFB story.

THIS CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT WHICH SOME MAY FIND OFFENSIVE OR UPSETTING. IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED BY GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS THEN DO NOT READ ON!!!




To the rest of you I present.....


The Courtesan's Tale

Eleanor Gestare walked the corners of the dock district of Middeheimin, plying her trade, the Sailors and Merchants her best customers, and there were many, for Eleanor was a rare thing, she was elegant, a jewel in the gutter. Golden hair and perfect figure, her face unblemished unlike the majority of the pox marked whores of Marienberg, and that is what she was, Eleanor no longer tried to kid herself, she was a Whore. She was approached by a burly man, he reeked of the smell of the sea and rum, and had been in more than a few fights, his broken nose and grizzled face, his right mouth drooled and hung limp where a knife had severed a nerve in a fight long past, the scar still evident to this day.
He pushed 5 bronze Phennings into Eleanors hand and led the young girl down an ally, not the most comfortable of places to ply her trade, amongst the rats and sewage, but she needed the money, so as the sailor took her, she dreamt of past life, of her home, of Brettonia.

Her childhood was happy, poor….but happy, her father little more than a field labourer for a local knight. Even as a child they knew she would be attractive, that she at least would move up the social order, the wife of some petty bureaucrat perhaps, or dare they think it a farm owner. Yet despite their efforts they were destined to starve long before any such wedding. Her father one eventful night stole into the manor Barn and lifted away 3 fatted hens and enough bread and food as to carry them to the Empire, the promised land, where they would live in poverty no longer. Her father had arranged a ship to take them to Marienberg, and so Eleanor traded her life playing in the Corn Fields to that of the traveller. But such an idyllic life was not to be, the Barons Wardens caught up to them, dragging her father an her mother back, while she hid under the carriage, she watched as her father and mother swung from the gallows as thieves, and her brother beaten and killed by wardens of the Dukedom trying to protect his family. Thus Eleanor travelled on alone, the boat still waiting, the Captain sorry for her plight, and realising he’d been paid for 4 passengers honoured the debt taking young Eleanor along, to the Bustling city of Marienberg…. Marienberg….where she grew up, amongst the seedy taverns and bustling populace….the city of the Merchant, Sailor and Courtesan.

The burly sailor had finished, his face bright red, as he composed himself.. He grunted at poor Eleanor as she struggled with her skirt, leaving her to straighten herself, her back raw from the ally wall. The rum soaked sailor staggered round the ally corner slurring a old shanty, partly du to his lolling lip, partly due to the alcohol. Eleanor smiled, she had made a good nights work, tonight she would eat well, 5 Phennings, as well as the rest in the sailors money pouch she lifted from his belt and the small silver amulet of Mannan. Eleanor over the years had succumbed to starvation, and a few of her other patrons had taught her certain ‘skills’ rather than payment in coin, it had been a good trade and Eleanor had become an adequate pick pocket, and lock pick over her few years, sleight of hand were the tools of her trade as much the Corset and Rouge. Eleanor returned home, a simple hovel, all but undecorated save for a bed and a stove, after of course selling the amulet to the barkeep of the Crooked Sail, the price was not she wanted but 10 Phennings were 10 Phennings, and along with the other 30 she had lifted and 5 in ‘payment’she had made a good night, 45 Phennings from one mark, more than the most of the other whores that walked the streets of Marienberg. Yet the victory was short lived as the door of her house opened and in strode Stefan Steinher, a tall and powerfully built, he was dressed in fine clothes and silks, and had come to collect his dues.
“ You owe me”
“Please” begged Eleanor “I made only 5 Phennings”
“Im sure you did, But you took more didn’t you…..don’t lie to me girl!”
“No!” sobbed Eleanor, I took nothing”
Stefan backhanded Eleanor, her frail body crumpled to the ground crying.
“I told you not lie” As he ripped at Eleanors clothing, exposing her bosom, fully knowing what he was after, locating the small purse, and checking the contents….
“My, you have been busy haven’t you, there must be nearly 50 Phennings here”
Eleanor still sobbing and half naked “There! You have them…Leave me be now”
“I wish it were that easy” replied Stefan, “You lied to me! What would the other girls think, I have a reputation to uphold don’t I. I think im gonna have to teach you a lesson….make an example of you”
Eleanor screamed as she was pinned on the bed, Stefan forcing his will on her, she was gagged and humiliated, and as Stefan left he threw the crying girl 5 Phennings, over her bruised body.
“Next time! No more lies!” growled Stefan, as he slammed the door.
Leaving Eleanor sobbing on her bed, promising herself a way out of this rut, of a better life, tomorrow night she had another customer who had requested her services, a mark who could get her out of this hole.

The day had come and gone and the day was ending, the twin moons Morrslieb and Mannslieb driving out the sun. Eleanor walked the allies once more, only now wearing an exquisite red satin dress that Hans had sent her, suitable to roam the Burgomeisters in, tonight she was no common whore, she was a Courtesan. She walked hand in hand with Hans Brunheld, Captain of the Burgomeisters guard. He was tall and powerful, even now, he wore his plate mail comfortably, and his sword swinging from his side, occasionally the scabbard banging into Eleanors thigh. They were heading for the Burgoeisters House, It was here that Eleanor would ply her trade, it would be a good night, for she was going to rob the Burgomeister of Marienberg.

Hans prepared himself, he polished his armour, before setting off to meat his aquaintance, a comely wench called Eleanor. It was important he look the part, he was Captain of the Guard and it would not be deemed appropriate for him to fraternise with the commoners or indeed look anything below impeccable, The Burgomeister would be outraged if his name were to be muddied in his sordid actions. The dress he had sent Eleanor before their meeting was exquisite, so that people didn’t stop at his fraternisation, It had cost him a pretty Florin or 2 but the deception was important. The other Guards sat around him, obviously jealous at his good fortune,
“So how much she costing you?” muttered a guard
Hans smiled ” 2 Florins for the dress and 50 phennings for the service” grinned Hans
The soldier gave a low whistle
“That’s pricey, she better be worth it. that’s 2 months pay”
Hans grinned again “Don’t worry boys, I have absolutely no intention of paying , im going to bring her back here, take her have my way, and then come the morrow when the wench wants paying, we shall strip her, and you all can have your fun with her, whilst I return the dress to the shop and gert my Florins back. Then we cast her back onto the street naked, and let her run home, no doubt getting dragged into allies by any drunk and rogues along the way”
“Thats kinda harsh dont’ ya think Cap’n?”
Hans grinned, “She’s a comely one boys, you’ll like her, besides, she’s getting invited into the Burgomeisters House, she should be honoured."
The rest of the Guards laughed as the left, the duty detail switching,
“Jus make sure Lady Kristin doesn’t catch her, you know she wanders the house at night, cant imagine shed be too chuffed at the idea of letting a whore into the house”
“Aint that the truth” replied Hans
“Oh and Cap’n” the guard said before leaving the room,
Hans looked up at the guards face waiting for his response.
“ We look forward to the Morning!” The guard said with an evil smile, Leaving Hans Brunheld to leave and meet his acquaintance.

Eleanor and Hans walked through the front gates of the Burgomeisters house, the two walking arm in arm, the perfect couple Eleanor thought to herself, but she had a job to do tonight, and her mind was set on the task. The only sign of life in the castle at this time of night was a thin flicker of a curtain, as Lady Kristin saw the lovers approach, a thin smile on her elegant lips broke out, her curiosity getting the better of her, she would watch this one, really quite elegant, whatever her trade.
Eleanor walked through the Gardens, escorted by the valiant Captain Hans. She watched the Guards perform their patrols, intrigued, she may need to memorise their patterns, in case she should need to escape.. She had heard the Lady of the house had insisted that all the Guards be posted outside the house, presumably she did not want to be near the uncouth barbarians. Thus getting into the house was the tricky bit, once inside she should have the run of the estate while the household slept.
She stepped through the Guardhouse keep as Hans led her to his room, his hand gently coaxing her along, and she succumbed, knowing what she must do, she entered Hans chamber as he closed the door, she sat on the edge of his bed, and Hans drew nearer, stripping his armour. Eleanor continued to smile, thinking to herself, 'Its just another job', as she unbuckled her brassiere.

Eleanor woke in the night next to Hans, their naked forms entwined with each other, she carefully untangled herself slipped out of the bed and dressed herself, she glanced round carefully looking round the room she lifted the Captains coin purse from his belt, that had been scattered on the floor, and carefully slid the rings from his fingers. Dropping them into one of the pouches she had sewn on the inside of her dress. Eleanor slipped on her shoes and crossed quietly over to the door, she turned the key in the lock, and walked the corridor. The first door on her right was locked, no doubt entry to the main halls. She removed a small stretch of wire from the lining of the dress and placed it into the lock, the wire skilful in her hands, she slowly caught the catches and the door unlocked. And she slipped into the shadows of the hall beyond the door. She was meticulous, entering room by room of the house, using the wire to unlock the door where need be, slyly she went about the house, stealing from the rooms, creeping round rooms which still had occupants sleeping in, and with no guards to worry about she had no problems, no one around for confront her. The items she stole that night encountered to a large ransom, she slipped smaller items into one of the many pouches sewn into her dress, ignoring the other items completely. The value of what she took was beyond estimation, it was never going to be able to buy her nobility, but certainly enough to live comfortably for years to come. Gems, Coins, Rings Necklaces, all were stolen, some from decorative jewellery boxes she had picked open, others from the fingers, necks and ears from sleeping occupants. As she lifted the necklace of a housemaid that she had obviously forgotton to remove, Eleanor noticed the scartissue on the young girls neck and bosom, she realised that quire a few of the household had scar tissue on their necks and their bodies. Eleanor thought little more of it however, caught up in the wealth she was stealing as well as the exhilaration of the theft. But what Eleanor wasn’t aware of was that she was being watched.

Hans Brunheld stirred, his head clearing, he had paid for a night and he wanted more. He turned on his side, and reached out…..nothing. His eyes snapped open and focussed on the door, it was wide open, he then realised his rings were missing. He jumped out of bed and put on his trousers, all too aware that the purse of coins was gone. He grabbed his sword and ran half naked through the house, he swore to himself, he vowed to make the Chaos spawned retch pay, he would make her pay and he would make sure she suffered while doing it. Hans ran down the corridors, blade in hand, checking each room, quickly glancing in each, it was obvious shed been in there, but there was no time to check for losses, he had to hurry to find the thieving cow before she made good his escape. Hans snapped back to reality, with the Burgomeister away on business she could raid the Lords bed chamber and he shuddered to think what would happen to him if hiss Lord and Master found out, or even Lady Kristin, that woman had a vile temper when she wanted. Hans pure aggression ran out of him to be replaced by gut wrenching fear should he fail to capture the damned whore, or even if he captured her in Lady Kristin became aware of what happened. He ran, ran to the bed chamber of his master.

Eleanor crept into the chamber, the massive four posted be dominated the room, the sheets the finest silks, the bedside trinkets amongst the most exquisite items in Marienberg, surely this was the masters bed chamber, and Eleanor began to steal, the pockets of her dress full to bursting, all manner treasures within the hidden pockets of her dress. The haul of tonight would keep her comfortable for the rest of her life, her new life… But then she heard something that made her blood run cold.
“So this is where you are you whoring thief!” muttered Hans,
Eleanor spun round on her heel, still clutching the antique Dwarven time piece, its intricacy matched only by its value.
“you thieving whore, I’m going to teach you a lesson” said Hans as he approached Sword held in hand, “And when I’m finished with you, my men will have you…you will be beaten and when their done, you will swing from the Gallows, thief! You will beg us to stop, to end your life…or maybe just beg us for more just to save your stinking neck!” growled the Hans, pushing his sword up to Eleanors bosom.
Eleanor in pure panic backed up, she had no where to go, she was stuck in a corner, her beautiful plan unravelling, before her, tears rolled down her face as Hans grabbed her wrists, dragging her out of the room.
Just then a figure walked through the door, forcing Hans to stop and the sobbing Eleanor to scramble back to the corner. The newcomer seemed to glide along the floor, her beauty and grace were beyond anyone that Eleanor had ever seen before. Hans eyes widened although if this was due to the newcomers beauty or Hans fear was debatable.
The newcomer casually glanced around the room, her eyes seemed to take in every detail, she glanced over the terrified Eleanor still clutching the small Dwarven Clock, before moving on and settling on Hans.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion,?” queried the Lady to the quite obviously dumb struck Captain
“Well…erm…Lady Kristin…Err…Well….Weve had an incident. This thief stole her way into the Estate, I was awakened by the noise and have apprehended her in you bed chamber Mi Lady!” stammered Hans
“Have you now…” quizzed the lady, raising her voice slightly so Hans could hear her over Eleanors sobbing, “May I ask how she attained access to my house?”
“I don’t know Mi Lady, maybe through the sewers, or maybe she managed to evade the Guards patrols? I will have this breach of securi….”
“Don’t lie to me, Captain!” Lady Kristin said, in the same soft tone she had spoken in before, yet with a bestial quality that could neither be heard or detected yet still chilled to the bone.
“I saw you bring her onto my estate Captain, you brought this thief into my house, and then seek to blame her! You wretched little man!….Now let me talk to her!”
Hans moved aside immediately, he was in it deep, and only unwavering discipline had any hope of redeeming himself.
Kristin walked up and squatted down beside the crying Eleanor
“Shush child she whispered, its over, I know you’ve done wrong, but I forgive you. But I am not a harsh mistress, I am prepared to offer you a second chance….would you like a second chance?”
Eleanor rubbed her eyes, still sobbing, but nodded her head vigorously, not uttering a word.
Kristin smiled, “You do realise you will be indebted to me, service as one of my hand maids don’t you?”
Eleanor nodded again, not caring, anything to avoid the beatings, rape and gallows that awaited her. And servant to the Lady, even as a slave was better than a whore of the docks.
Hans secretly couldn’t believe his ears, This Thieving Whore being offered leniency and a position at his ladies side no less, but he new better that to anger his mistress anymore than he had done already, so he kept quiet, he would exact his revenge after this had quietened down, that little trollop would suffer and squirm, he would make sure of it.
“Well then whispered Kristin, I wish for you to return my property and the property of my household” Which Eleanor franticly did, beginning to empty every pocket of every Item and started placing them on the bed.
Lady Kristin raised herself and glided over to the Captain,
“You heard her, she has indebted herself to my service”
“As you wish Mi Lady” replied Hans, struggling to hide his anger.
“Just one more thing Hans….”replied Lady Kristin
“Yes Mi Lady?” Hans enquired.
Suddenly Lady Kristin, moved with lightning speed , her fingertips outstretched, skewered through Hans throat, bursting through the back of his neck. A bestial snarl on her face.
“Never lie to me again!“ she whispered into the dead mans ears, along with a secret word of ancient power.
A scream began to well up inside Eleanor’s lungs, but before it could be released Lady Kristin had bounded across the room, and placed her hand across Eleanor’s mouth, forcing her face down onto the soft mattress, in a twisted act of suffocation. Eleanor struggled for a second, trying to get air, but finding only the quilt of the bed. A moment before she convulsed Kristins jaws punctured her neck, as she gulped greedily the precious life fluid, Eleanor went limp as death claimed her, a fraction before deaths final embrace, Eleanor was spun over on the bed as Lady Kristin bit into her own wrist, a few drops of her black blood dribbled into Eleanors mouth, as Kristin straddled her.
And then Eleanor died.
Kristin stood , taking the time to wipe her mouth on Eleanors dress, before gliding to the window. She gracefully, opened the window wide before shouting to the Guards patrolling below.
“MURDERER!” she wailed
The guards stopped their patrol, looking at Lady Kristin, hanging out of the manor window
“DON’T JUST STAND THERE!” She screeched “HES GETTING AWAY!” as she pointed to the far wall of the manors gardens.
The Guards burst into action and the remainder of the night, the Manor Guards combed the grounds and the city watch searched the Marienberg, all looking for a imaginary killer. The Guards burst into action and the remainder of the night, the Manor Guards combed the grounds and the city watch searched the City, all looking for a imaginary killer. Whilst the distraught Lady Kristin was comforted by maids, the Dr who pronounced the lovers dead… her rescuers, and a Priest of Sigmar pleading the lady to have strength, and the Priest of Morr, who had come to take the bodies for burial.
It was so dark….so dark…so dark and Eleanor was so hungry. She tried to sit up, banging her hed on the wooden box. The dull thud of the box. Eleanors eyes widened, pupils dilating, searching for light, a blink of an eye and she could see clearly, clearer than she should have any right to inside the confines of the box.
Panic gripped Eleanor, she squirmed and wiggled, as she came to realise she had been buried alive.
She screamed and wailed, yet she knew no sound would get to the surface. She scratched at the insides of the box, her fingernails sharpening as she willed them. The oak of the box splintering as she ripped and clawed at the coffin lid, a small trail of dirt dropping in. Then Eleanors screams died as the lid broke, and the grave dirt fell into her choking her, filling her mouth and eyes. Her muffled cries stopped as she crawled up, pushing aside the wet earth.
Suddenly her hand breached the surface, exposing it to the midnight air. She kicked and clawed and dragged herself out of the grave, she looked up, up into the face of Lady Kristin. Eleanor could do nothing as she coughed up a mouthful of dirt.
Kristin smiled, “Your later than I thought, I don’t like to be kept waiting”
Eleanor said nothing, still looking up ito Kistins eyes.
“I’m here to collect your debt….No doubt you are hungry, I suggest you go home and and gather your belongings, and then return to my house, The Guards have been instructed to allow you entry, oh and I suggest you hurry, you do not wish to be stuck outside come dawn.”
“Why? Whats happened? Why did you bury me?”
Kristin laughed
“You really have no idea do you?….How deliciously naïve…..Allow me to enlighten you my dear. I am a Vampire, I turned you Eleanor, you were and are dead, but also so much more”
Eleanor’s stomach twisted as her memory of the night before came flooding back,
“No! She wailed, you said id get a second chance, not damn me! I wont serve under you” she wailed.
I look of displeasure crossed Kristins face, and in an instant her face changed, the beautiful features twisting into something much more dangerous, her hand struck out dragging Eleanor out of the dirt and up against a nearby tomb stone, as Eleanor tried to break the grip of the hands that choked her.
“I made you!” Kristin growled “and I can crush you just as easily! Your life is mine to use or discard as I see fit, If you don’t serve me, then you shall be fed upon!”
Eleanor nodded and Kristin released her grip allowing Eleanor to slide back to the ground.
Kristin took a second to regain her composure, transforming into the angel she appeared to be, back into the façade of a noble.
Kristin looked down to the terrified Eleanor, dawn is in 4 hours, If you are not in my house by suns rise, then I shall hunt you the following night, my patience is worn thin. You have 4 hours to collect your belongings. You will be my eyes and ears, you will do my bidding, and your skills will be used as and when I deem them needed….you are the whore no longer….you are a Courtesan….understand?….”
Eleanor nodded and scurried away, running through the allies alone. Kristin smiled and turned, returning to the manor to await her new apprentice.
Eleanor ran, faster than she thought she could….ran home, to collect her belongings, unaware, that a separate set of eyes saw her as she entered her home.

Eleanor quickly took a small sack and began cramming her worldly possessions into it, not that she had much, a few sets of clothes, and shoes, and the tools of her trade, and precious little else. She quickly changed out of the funeral Shroud into something more appropriate, Her bosoms exposed as she slipped into a gaudy corset,
Eleanor sensed a presence, yet she know not how, she turned, seeing Stefan in the doorway.
“My, My you have been busy haven’t you! I didn’t expect you to come back, I’m lucky I saw you” growled Stefan “You’ve been to the Manor, and no doubt come back with all sorts of trinkets…..Hand ‘em over”
“No!” Eleanor screamed “Leave me alone, I have nothing!”
Stefan glanced up and down Eleanors half naked body, “I wouldn’t say that my dear…I will take my dues, you little whore!”
Stefan walked over to Eleanor, who was still frightened and unable to respond,
Stefan slapped the poor girl hard, her cheek taking the impact, by rights she should have been knocked all but unconscious, yet the assault did little, Eleanor barely even registered the assault, and couldn’t help but smile at Stefan.
Perplexed Stefan shouted.. ”Ill teach you, you little whore!” as he placed on a set of brass knuckles, while Eleanor watched.
The punch came, yet Eleanor caught the punch in one of her dainty hands. She smiled and slowly squeezed Stefans hand. Bones broke and the Brass twisted and buckled at Eleanors inhuman strength. Eleanors finger nails lengthened and penetrated the thin broken muscle, cartilage, and bone of Stefans hand. He dropped to his knees, screaming in agony, at the impossible. He looked into Eleanors face, her features bestial…But it was her eyes, those eyes, those cats eyes, the eyes of a predator, that terrified him. Eleanor drew close and whispered to Stefan, “Im am no longer your Whore….I am a Courtesan!” as she did so her fangs elongated and sharpened, much to Stefans terror. Eleanor knew what she had to do, in fact she embraced it, she had lost her life and her soul but had gained so much more. Eleanor pounced, her kiss penetrating Stefan’s jugular, as he cried his final death scream.
No one came…..
What’s One more Scream in the Docks District of Marienberg?


The heavens above Marienberg opened, and The dark skies breaking apart, thunder and lightning wracked the skies, a natural reflection of the schism within Eleanors soul. She stumbled through the streets of Marienberg, the rain mixing with the blood of Stefan that covered the young girl. Her soul was in torment at what she had done….at what she had become. The blood on her face and body thinning and running off as the rain diluted it. Her lithe half naked form staggered the streets, making futile attempts to comprehend the situation. Her flight from her home was immediate, after Stefans demise something within her cried out in pain, and so she fled, wearing only the undergarments she had on. Eleanor slumped down on the ground tears falling from her eyes, Eleanor wiped them away with the back of her hand, yet the shock and angst took hold once more as she realised what poured from her eyes was black, no longer the tears of a girl, these were but tears of the dead. Terror overcame her, and she screamed and carried running, but she didn’t know where, she just ran, before slowing and once again slowed to staggering through the streets of Marienberg. A tavern patron, leaving early, saw the young girl, half naked and exposed to the foulest of weather, he ran up, removing his coat as he did so to protect the girl, but stopped and scrambled away as the beauty reared up, and hissed a warning that cut straight to the mans core, the delicate face transformed into the most bestial of features, with deep red eyes, leaking a single black tear. Eleanor new what she had to do, so set forth for the Burgomeisters mansion, so she ran…But this time with purpose….with direction…with hatred.

Kristin looked out across the city from her bedchamber. The rain hammering down onto the courtyard below, and the sodden guards patrolling the grounds. Kristin was all too aware of the changes undergoing her new protégé. The dawn was fast coming, no doubt the girl would be coming to terms with her blessing, Kristin thought to herself.
A bestial scream echoed through the streets, although Kristin turned and poured herself a goblet of deep red liquid from the Crystal Decanter on the table, before sitting on the luxurious leather sofa. Kristin smiled and sipped from the goblet as she listened to the tortured howls from the city and awaited her guest. The hours passed and Kristin dozed on the chair, affectionately petting her cat.
There was a tap at the door, Kristin knew who it was and what they wanted, but better to feign irritation at being disturbed she thought.
“Enter”
The new Guard Captain entered, Michael Strauss, a tall man, and quite lanky, no where near the imposing figure that Hans Brunheld had been.
“Pardon Mi’Lady…Im sorry to disturb you, but there’s a young girl, demanding entry, she’s half naked and covered in blood. She’s demanding to see you….and…erm…”
“Go on Captain”
“She’s…well…injured 3 of my men before we managed to restrain her”
Kristin smiled and sweetly replied
“the poor Girl, fetch her some clothes and allow her to clean herself up.. tell her to join me in the study when she’s presentable and that I shall enlighten her to the.. er.. proper protocol”
“As you wish Mi lady” replied Michael, as he backed out of the room
Lady Kristin and took a sip from the Goblet, and smiled…
“It seems the student has reported for her lessons” she whispered.

Eleanor walked down the corridor flanked on either side by Guards and led by Captain Strauss, she was grateful of the chance to clean herself and the new ball gown she wore, but now was the time for answers.
The Captain flung open the door to the study, row upon row of shelves lined the walls each containing books and charts and other paraphernalia of the academic. And in the centre of the room on sat in one of the rooms large comfortable chairs sat Lady Kristin, sipping from her glass.
Kristin smiled and motioned for Eleanor to sit across from her, whilst dismissing the Guards which hesitantly left them as they closed the doors behind them.
“YOU!” Hissed Eleanor “What have you done….you’ve destroyed me!”
They were the only words she hissed, the beast took her, her bestial form reappearing, she darted across the room, claws outstretched aiming for Kristin’s throat, she moved with blinding speed, a blur against the back drop, faster than any human should be able to move, yet at the same time, too slowly.
Kristin smiled politely, nimbly sidestepping the assault and catching Eleanor’s wrist before twisting it, sending the beastly Eleanor flying across the room, Kristin didn’t need to draw upon her bestial nature to whip this whelp, so humiliation would do just as well.
“And here I thought you had come to question me and learn, and instead you sought to attack me” she chuckled, “your such a naïve girl, It really is quite amusing”
Eleanor picked herself up once again, her appearance once again that of a beautiful young girl.
“Why, why did you do this, you’ve destroyed my life!”
Kristin poured young Eleanor a glass of the rich red liquid from the decanter on the table, and handed it to the girl. Eleanor took it and sipped. It was neither wine, port or sherry, but blood….human blood, and Eleanor was repulsed, but at the same time it was the sweetest nectar she had tasted in a long time, and so continued to sip while Kristin explained.
“Destroy my dear? No, no, no…I did what I did because I see so much promise in you. What ive done is a blessing, you have powers and a life beyond that of any mere mortal, and in time they will grow. You will become faster and stronger, your beauty will only increase the older you get, Such gifts are not to be sneered at, there are many in this world that would pay handsomely for what i have given you”
“But I am an abomination, I’ve fed on the blood of the innocent! I am a blight on society”
Again Kristin chuckled…
“Are you now, I know what went on, In fact I know more than you think, You believe that worm Stefan to be innocent? He is scum and a brute and fit only for death, tis just a shame that it was you and not the gallows that took him! Im a little surprised you did drink, to be honest, I prefer a more ….ah.. upmarket vintage myself. Also answer me this, in life, did you ever here of the Vampire bride of the Burgomeister? No of course not, I am no blight, In fact my existence is only known as the tender loving wife, If you so choose you can live your entire existence without anyone ever suspecting your nature, feeding on those who succumb to you charms, you used to take payment in coin for such pleasure, now you take payment in blood, and often the patron doesn’t even know that you have. I that really so different to the life you’ve left behind?”
Eleanor had no answer of course, and Kristin knew it.
“ My poor little Eleanor, I understand what you must be going through, because of course it once happened to me. I was just as distraught, but in tie, you come to accept the gift. Slowly at first, but it comes, in time”,
Kristin stood, and walked over to a curtained alcove, she pulled back the curtains revealing a stairwell seemingly heading down to the cellars of the mansion. She turned back to face Eleanor.
“ I will teach you everything, You will come to turns with your gift, but for now Dawn is but a moment away. So I must continue this discussion tomorrow, If you feel that you cannot go on with the life I have given you then leave my house, for when the sun rises then you will be no more and your existence at an end, otherwise if you wish to continue to learn, then follow me, for now we must sleep”.
Kristin smiled and descended down the stairs.
Eleanor was torn, she so desperately wanted to watch the sun rise and save herself, but in the end she succumbed and followed Kristin down the stairway.

Eleanor pulled herself from the coffin, the icy chill of the cellar penetrating even the oak of the coffin. The days sleep was invigorating, she felt good, complete, had slept better than she ever had yet she was hungry. She glanced round, her eyes adjusting easily to the dark. There was a second coffin there in the dark, an elaborate K stencilled on the side, yet that coffin was opened, its occupant missing.
Eleanor rose and slowly climbed the stair way, until finally reaching the study. There sat Kristin in an elegant gown, of silk and sequins, in one hand clutching an elaborate mask, the other a silver goblet.
Kristin looked up, and looked relieved…
“Thank goodness, I was afraid you’d sleep all night, Its bad luck to wake the dead… on their first nights sleep” she giggled. “We really must be moving, I was afraid that we would be late”
“Late for what?” enquired Eleanor inquisitively
“Why my dear! Were going to a Masquerade Ball…You don’t think I dress like this every day do you..no of course not, now hurry up, go get changed!” she said as she ushered Eleanor out of the door
“But your supposed to be teaching me!” muttered Eleanor
“But I am my dear! I am! This is one of the many skills you must learn to fraternise with the high life, I will teach you all that I know, but we must begin with the basics…and this my dear is survival”
Eleanor said no more, content with the answers for the time being, and allowed herself to be ushered off to the Master bedroom, where an enchanting Jade dress, with silver trims, and an mysterious silver mask, lay upon the bed. Which Eleanor changed into, the dress fitted perfectly, and the quality was beyond anything she had worn before. Yet the dress seemed to be far to revealing for her voluptuous bosoms that she was happy with.
“Mi Lady!” called Eleanor to Kristin down the stairs “I appreciate the generosity bt isn’t this dress a little too revealing, for such high company?” She heard Kristin begin to climb the stairs and called back.
“Nonsense! Men are Men, and like to see some flesh, They are so predictable, show them a little breast and they will die for you!” she said that last part a little more seriously than Eleanor was happy with.
“And besides” she continued “Were friends now, call me Kristin, were going to know each other for a long time…No let me tie you up!” she said appearing at the top of the stair case.
Eleanor turned allowing Kristin to fasten the ties of the dress at the back, forcing her bosoms higher and becoming even more prevalent.
Kristin span Eleanor round, and smiling and said “See don’t you just look the belle of the ball! We will be enchanting, If anyone asks, from now on you my cousin, on our fathers side…understand?”
Eleanor nodded, and smiled sweetly, although a little confused as to the purpose of this excursion.
Kristin nodded “Well then, our carriage awaits, let us be off to the ball!”

The carriage bumped and bounced along the streets of Marienberg, Eleanor peered wound the sides of the black velvet curtains, watching the prostitutes, thieves and sailors go about their business and watching the clients that she had used.
“Were are we going?” she asked, not directing it to anyone in particular, despite their being only Kristin in the carriage.
“To the manor of Lord Marchaine, hes holding a the ball in celebration of between, his company and the Duke of L’Anguille, apparently there going to trade shipments of Spice and Herbs brought from the Cathay and Ind….. Of course Marchaine int a real Lord” she continued “Hes a jumped up gutter merchant that ran out his competition, so he has the trappings of a noble, but not the blood of one….which is a pity, the blood of nobility is so much more delicious when you know its origin….oh well such is the future!” she grumbled.
Kristin nodded, “I was from Brettonia, once”
“Really my dear? I had no idea!” replied Kristin excitedly “here will be a fair few of the Dukes representatives here, will b just like a home coming for you”
“Hmm“, replied Eleanor, “my leaving wasn’t exactly on the best terms” “But I still don’t see the point of this”
“The point, you can live a draughty old castle like a Von Carstein, or in a Graveyard like the Strigoi but I like my Creature comforts, and this is how you will live amongst those that would hunt you! Now Hush, darling…You will have an absolutely delightful time!” “Oh, were here already, doesn’t time fly when you Immortal, lets be on a best behaviour, put your mask on and follow my lead”
Eleanor nodded, and smiled “Just lead the way dearest cousin”
Kristin giggled and opened the carriage door, their masks in place, and walked up the manor drive, arm in arm, fanning their faces with elegant fans, despite the masks negating any effect they would have, but It was the done thing for a lady.
The Vampires were going to the ball.

[LordCypress]

I rather enjoyed that story. More adult orientated. A good read for someone anyone who wants a more "real life" feel to the warhammer world.