Amaranth sat before the mirror of her dressing table, eyes staring at her visage as her handmaiden worked and twisted her hair into an intricate design. Her mind, however, was miles away and her vision unfocused.

... it's a dangerous game you're playing...

A sliver of disgust slithered down her spine and she shivered. What right had he to touch her? It was a dangerous game he played... She was not someone to be toyed with. Beyond that, to think that just one or two of the leaders at these debates and negotiations could single-handedly control the others was foolish. While his reputation may have carried weight amongst his own, it was less likely to mean anything to the uneducated vampires and werewolves. Even her own people were uninspired by his reputation. He was bloodthirsty and violent, portrayed as an animal completely routed by passions rather than logic...

...entirely unequipped...

She'd demanded access to the files on Valon as soon as she'd been free of his presence. As much as she had been desperate to wash any reminder of his touch from her body, an understanding of who he was and what he was capable of was necessary in dealing with him. He was obviously not going to be someone to underestimate, not that Amaranth ever underestimated her opponents, but more someone with whom it would be necessary to circumvent. If she could cut him out of as many negotiations as possible, deal with the wants of the other groups and then see what it was he wanted she would be in a better bargaining position.

... handle ... if they turned violent ... your kind would not intervene ...

What had she learned from her research... His father was little more than a monster and his mother a succubus. An interesting and lethal combination in a number of ways, few of which, if any, affected her dealings with him. Amaranth had a knack with ignoring attempts at seduction and freezing out threats of violence. She was the ice queen; a lack of response often cooled even the hottest temper or passion and there was no reason to believe that similar responses would not work the same way with this man. After all, the fun in persecution was seeing the response of the persecuted and Amaranth was the queen of not responding.

...be fine without my help... few thousand die ... me and mine... princess.

She shivered again and her vision focused sharply. It took all her awareness not to jerk her head around at the voice that had sounded directly in her ear... As though he were standing next to her once again. She could smell him, feel his presence burning behind her and she looked up, wide-eyed, into the mirror. Surprise registered on her face as her mind took in that it was still her handmaiden behind her and not her bastarding opponent. The memories faded away and Amaranth sighed slightly, taking a moment to check her hair.

"It looks lovely... Thank you Marianna."

The soft dismissal was met with a small bow and soft thank you as the younger angelic took the hint and left the room. Amaranth appreciated her insightfulness; Marianna's servitude had been something of a gift from her cousin and the woman had always shown foresight and talent as well as a remarkable ability to see and hear nothing that went on in Amaranth's private quarters.

Her eyes carefully scrutinized her appearance in the mirror and she gave a small nod of approval before rising and making her way down to her car.

The trip to the museum was short, much to her dismay, and she felt wholly unprepared as the car pulled in front of the building. Schooling her features into their typically neutral expression, she smiled gently as the driver opened the door, thanking him as he helped her out. Firm and confident yet dainty steps carried her up to the door and she softly left her name with the attendants as she made her way through the door. This was meant to be an informal dinner, free of speeches and lectures; it was a chance for all the delegates to get to know one another outside of the negotiations and to form alliances and friendships as necessary.

Her eyes scanned the room, both watchful and aware of the one person that she had determined was an enemy. Not out of fear but a sense of self-preservation had Amaranth always seen to it that she was never alone with those she felt was a threat. There was, to soem extent, safety in numbers and as long as she was around others who could over-hear any conversation there was less likelihood of her being accused of under-handed behavior and back-room dealings.

But he didn't appear to be present, at least not then, and she relaxed somewhat as she greeted individuals and made her way through the room. The planetarium had been an inspired location and she thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of being in a beautiful dress beneath the stars. There was something enchanting about it. The small string ensemble that had been arranged was playing perfect background music and so far everyone had managed to keep their manners.

With a sense of accomplishment Amaranth slipped into the outer reaches of the room for a moment of fresh air.

What a wonderful evening this would be. Even after the small amount of gracious hospitality he'd received from the designated ambassador of the angels, he was looking forwards to what he anticipated as being a rather enjoyable evening. Now, he'd already met a number of the other races and the individuals who had been selected as representatives for their respective groups. The next step was naturally to sow some discord between them, and he could do that all in the one evening if he was lucky. He wasn't expecting to have much on the fortuitous side of life, though, as he was sure that there would be plenty of security giving him scrutinizing looks all night. No doubt she had passed on the suggestion he was a threat, and he did not seek to disappoint.

He had the time he needed to play the long game, and it gave him amply opportunity to figure out this self-absorbed Amaranth bitch. She didn't seem complex, but he had felt the shiver run through her body as he had touched her. Even though she ha remained firm and rigid, she could not possibly hide such things that he sensed as an instinct, as a shark would smell blood in the ocean. He was all dressed up and ready for a formal occasion, though much of his attire was the same as it had been in the meeting and he saw no need to change it. He was not within the company of anyone but vagabonds as far as he was concerned, and would not adorn himself to great effort to fit in at their little tea party. He was sure it would be the first such occasion for many of them and could not bear the thought of upstaging them to such a degree as he could.

He had chosen a method of transportation that was quite subtle. In fact, a lot more subtle than he would prefer, but he wanted to arrive without being seen and intended to make his presence known from within, rather than upon arrival. As he stepped out of the back seat of the limousine he had requested, he surveyed the outside of the museums where the planetarium was housed. He was not entirely impressed, but he kept an open mind, having not been to such a place before. The understanding to him was that the planetarium was akin to some educational structure, though he had likely not experienced anything of the kind and felt he might be in for some sort of treat if the entertainment was as he believed it would be.

The building's exterior was nothing special, and there seemed to be no one lurking in the shadows looking to keep their eyes on him. Leaning across the window, he exchanged a few words with his accompanying group which served as, more or less, a royal guard unit. Unlike him, they were much more adapted to this world and carried firearms rather than the traditional weapon he had. Although he had argued against the adopting of such impersonal practices, he had conceded the point based on the type of landscape they would be working with. Still, they had not disappointed him, and the weapons obtained for use were of the more gruesome sort. Shotguns in particular were littered around the vehicle, and were the only weapon Valon admired in any way that was accompanied with practical. His intent had been to press explosive weapons upon them for the obscenely greater potential for damage and destruction, however they were much more temperamental and he had revoked the idea after considering the intelligence of his forces.

Not many humans visited the museum by night, and he assumed it was contributed to by the lack of open attractions save the few, such as the planetarium. Ahead he could make out shapes of individuals passing between the shadows and into the light, and though they were far off he had little trouble hearing their conversation from where he was as they discussed their schooling and how their day had been. He assumed they were college students based on what he knew about the system of this realm, though that was the extent of his fathoming. His mind drew away from their dullness and instead relaxed itself with the rhythm of his cane striking the stone floor, and swaying in the air as his footsteps echoed after it. Soon he was there, before one of the only illuminated areas in the entire museum, and he stepped inside without missing a beat, not even taking the opportunity to look around as he made a point of getting across the room quickly. It was no trouble with his heightened physical ability, but he was cautious and made the effort to elude anyone keeping their eye on him.

He passed several busy tables, each of them with a particular group type situated at them. The ambassadors for the various groups and their friends, he supposed, though many of them looked like guards or concubines - something he had been loathe to bring and had simply refused to ask accompany him. He was not a child and was not going to require the constant supervision of his underlings as though he was inept. Amaranth was nowhere to be seen, though he knew she was here because she could not be. She wouldn't dare not be on time, and in fact was probably here far ahead of time ensuring things were in place. Continuing to circulate, he caught her scent on the wind and his attention was drawn towards the open door leading to the balcony. So dramatic, but such a typical place for her to be. The smell inside probably sickened her. She was probably retching at the thought of returning inside to all these perceived inferior races. As he stepped into the night air, he knew he did.

She did not turn as he moved into view of her, spotting her in her long and expensive dress which flattered her body. He expected nothing less from her, though wondered whether she was considering on wearing a jacket of sorts in order to deter provoking a reaction from the less eloquent types. Ghosting across the distance between them, he arrived alongside her and looked out as she did, less than a foot between them. "Not enjoying the activity inside? I'd not risk leaving them alone personally. They could end up trying to kill each other. Last thing we'd want is a riot."

The night was beautiful, enhanced by the soft strains of music floating through the air, the foliage set around the balcony and the soft glow of the moon in the distance. Amaranth sighed softly, her eyes drifting upwards to count the stars in the sky as a part of her continued to listen to the conversation lulling behind her. She was always working, always listening... always... Amaranth.

And truth be told, Amaranth was lonely.

Being so far removed from her own kind had only exacerbated the feeling of loneliness that she felt normally. Her eyes searched the skies, seeking peace and a sense of belonging. The humans had stacks of literature and lore that placed the heavenly realm above the stars, but as Amaranth looked up at them she saw nothing familiar. In the angelic realm, if were above the Earth, they had no stars, no moon... They were constantly in the presence of the Higher Powers. The stars had no comfort to give her and internally she sighed once more. If only...

A slight shake of the head controlled that thought. She wasn't here to make friends, she wasn't here to placate her own emotions and feelings of loneliness. She had a path that had been set before her, a job that had been given to her by the man she loved, and a mission handed down by her authorities. As lonely has she was, she was not in a position to give in to her own desires, especially if they put her greater purpose at risk.

Her eyes sought the night sky once more as she allowed her thoughts to follow their own leading. Though a part of her remained focused on the tone of the room behind her, she allowed her thoughts to take her back home and her eyes drifted closed for a moment as a rogue memory made its way to the forefront of her thoughts.

Her hands slipped forward to rest on the railing as she remembered. Dinner parties, political meetings... They had always been a part of her life, of their life together and it wasn't uncommon for the two of them to steal away for a moment to take a break from the monotony. It was something that she remembered to do even after his passing. If one didn't escape from the politicians and their leeching behaviors you would go insane. Those few moments in the fresh air helped to keep their tempers cool and their emotions under control. Her cousin had always been firm in his belief that rulers, more than anyone, needed to remain above the common. While everyone around you descended into madness and accusation, as royalty, as the one whom everyone was watching and depending on to bring a situation back under control, you had to be the epitome of control. Not one feather unruffled as you "smoothed" everyone else's back into place. And their final night together had been as common as every other political dinner...

The emotions and feelings... their last night together had been burned into her memory; every last detail recalled in spectacular color. She could even smell him... the light scent of pipe tobacco on his clothes, a hint of masculine cologne... the feeling of calm and controlled power that emanated in waves. A smile slipped to her lips and she would have spoken to her lover by name except that he spoke first.

Not enjoying the activity inside? I'd not risk leaving them alone personally. They could end up trying to kill each other. Last thing we'd want is a riot.

It was like a bucket of icy water had been poured over her and her hands tightened sharply on the railing as she fought to free her features of emotion. It took only seconds, but they were critical seconds in which any number of emotions could be seen in various parts of her body; tightened hands, sudden loss of smile, the straightening of her spine... the soft rustle of feathers as her wings snapped just a fraction tighter against her back.

Still somewhat shaken by his ability to sneak up on her, she took an additional moment to still her rapidly beating heart and stepped away from the balcony.

"Your Highness..."

Her bow was low and deep. Whether she regarded him as her equal or not, he was considered royalty by his race, true royalty as she was, and he deserved the same respect as any other monarch regardless of her personal opinion of him.

Her face lowered so he could not see it, she took the moment to make sure her posture and facial expressions were neutral before she rose back up to face him.

"I do not see a need to baby them. This gathering is informal, and they are all adults. To be truthful I would like to see them break out of their secluded groupings and instead get to know one another away from the negotiations... But there isn't any reason to suspect that they cannot continue to act rationally as they have been."

She kept her hands far from the railing and his, lightly clasping them in front of her in a relaxed gesture. "I am surprised that you have chosen to come out here. I would think it would be more beneficial to weigh and measure your opponents rather than spending time with the one person who is least likely to be a concern. While they will seek to derail everything you hope to achieve, it is my goal to see that we all come to some sort of common ground."

The breeze shifted and she could once again smell the light scent of tobacco and cologne and hated herself for the instant reaction it caused. There was nothing to suggest that this was a man she could relax around; indeed, all the evidence pointed distinctly to the contrary and she wished rather desperately that she could come up with a reasonable and polite excuse that would allow her to leave the demonic monarch flapping in the damnable breeze.

At his voice her body had shifted immediately, straightening and tightening as though a weight had just been dropped attached to a rope. There was not a hint of relaxed muscle to be found anywhere, as even her feathers lay uniformly terrified against her back. He learned from this, identifying what she was naturally like when not knowingly in his presence, and from that what she forced into a straightened posture in order to appear professional in his presence. Why she wanted to do such a thing was truly beyond him, as he would have judged her much less if she'd appeared natural rather than trying to keep up appearances with him from the first meeting. Now she had started the game, and she would end up losing it by the same token, all for the lack of humility. His eyes were directed into the night sky, where the inky blackness was interrupted sporadically by the stars and the moon, shining with silver light down upon the city. It was not a full moon, but then he already knew that, as the werewolves were on good behaviour. Uncharacteristically.

He wondered, his mind blank and unthinking of his surroundings too much, as to why she was out here. It was colder than the interior and certainly not as pleasant as the golden lights, lit candles and expensive decor would have one believe. She was definitely not dressed to be stood on a balcony like this, and she was not at all in a happy mood from what he could manage to tell from the body language and the dejected hanging of the head, the slumping of shoulders and the seeking of support from the railing. At the end of the night, as exhaustion set in, he could understand the body's lack of enthusiasm, but it was only the beginning and she seemed entirely finished with the day. It was dangerous for her to be like this around the company inside the building, particularly of his own caliber which would have moved in on her weakness like a predator to injured prey. Her face was flushed as she turned to him, a sign of surprise and his unexpected arrival, and she bowed in greeting to him, which he politely mimicked in response.

"Ambassador." It was the only title he knew her by, other than her name, and he had not seen the need to delve into her history. Whether she was higher or lower class was not something that he needed to find out about her to determine, as the manners and behaviour could indicate that for him, and he was hovering in the region of middle class based on their last meeting's conclusion and this one's onset. He glanced back into the room as she spoke highly of the others inside, then rolled his eyes as he turned back to the view from the balcony. He did not understand her infatuation with these get-togethers and did not see what she saw in these delegates that prompted such trust in her. "I would still expect them to turn on one another at a moment's notice. They are all competing for limited resources. Constantly. I'd not be surprised if they bypassed your meetings to try and attain them for themselves." Of course, he was talking chiefly about humans, as a number of those inside regarded humans as a source of food of some variety, and he was under no illusions regarding the likelihood of back-alley feedings.

"Still, this is your party and as you entertain us, I shall entertain that you know what is best regarding them. I simply offer due warning regarding the difference between that is common sense to you and what is common sense for them. Their lack of mingling is a suggestion of their lack of trust, whereas we have mingled rather closely. I think that speaks for itself." His mouth broke across into a smile, knowing himself that she was not here by choice and would likely sidestep him if she got even the iota of a chance. He was not the presence she enjoyed and he expected she thoroughly resented having him invited, but her duty likely overrode any sense of self-preservation and she could continue to surround herself with him because she did not trust herself not to. He shook his head in response to her suggestion that she was the least of his concerns, and he suppressed the urge to laugh out loud when she implied he should worry about the others interfering with his plans.

"They are of no trouble to me. I'm afraid that what I have derived from seeing them interact in the past few hours has led me to understand they are vastly inferior of intelligence, even to yourself, and would probably attempt the very simple methods of interference. Nothing I haven't dealt with before." He didn't want to sugarcoat it, but similarly he was not going to go into detail without due interest. She likely knew that he was a prolific strategist and had handled a number of campaigns of varying intensity. How, he was unsure, but he knew that the citizens of his realm were not all pleased with his rule and expected they had sold out information in return for somewhere to hide and live quietly. "Besides, who says I have plans. Maybe I'm just making this up as I go along and have nothing but reactive decision-making. Or maybe I'm playing the deceptive card and have incited a riot somewhere which I will use to my advantage. Maybe I've poisoned the food of a homeless shelter with something. Who knows?"

With that he fell silent for several moments, his fingers rubbing against one another as he wondered whether she would believe any of his suggestions, and if she ignored them, whether she did so out of deduction or out of bias. "So what's been new with you?" he asked finally.

Ambassador

Amaranth almost breathed an audible sigh of relief and then wondered why his use of this title brought her relief while his former use of her royal title had brought such anxiety.

She was wary of him, that much she knew and was certain of. It was more than his reputation; in person he had charm and charisma, something Amaranth had no doubt came from his heritage. But additionally, he was quick on his feet and always watchful, like a predator waiting for its prey to show a weakness that would allow it to be quickly devoured. It wasn't something she was unused to, you didn't live and work politics for as long as she had and not be subjected to such people; but the level of intensity when dealing with Valon was something she was completely unused to. And it baffled her to think that while she was the least of his worries he seemed to single her out as the greatest threat and was looking for her weakness. It was... in just their two meetings, exhausting.

"I agree that their... decisions to continue to isolate themselves shows a lack of trust. It would be better for the whole gathering if each group could find the common ground and negotiate their dealings amongst one another. If they could collectively present a group of realistic goals and desires it would be ideal, but there is much distrust."

The small, subtle smile that had inched its way to her lips faded with his next words. With a few well chosen and calmly spoken words he had not only insulted the entire meeting, but herself as well. It painted all his other words in a rather different light and she quickly flipped through their conversation to that point with a new point of view.

...bypassed your meetings...

...as you entertain us...

...warning regarding... common sense...

...we have mingled...closely...

Ah... How naive of her to have missed the subtle, mocking undertone in their... His conversation thus far. Unsurprising in someways but still a failing on her part and one she needed to prevent from occurring again. She had already made the determination that arrogance was a central part of his personality so it did not come as a shock to find that his considered himself the superior of all of them, herself included. And perhaps in many ways he was. To the best of his knowledge he was the only truly recognized member of royalty, and certainly the only truly reigning monarch as she most assuredly did not bear such responsibilities. He was a noted tactician and certainly had the genetics to ingratiate himself on any of the opposing factions should the need arise; herself excluded.

"Besides, who says I have plans. Maybe I'm just making this up as I go along and have nothing but reactive decision-making. Or maybe I'm playing the deceptive card and have incited a riot somewhere which I will use to my advantage. Maybe I've poisoned the food of a homeless shelter with something. Who knows?

Which made his statement both surprising and yet... unsurprising. If he truly believed himself her superior physically then there would be no need for such underhanded tactics... yet. As he himself had said, no one was a cause for concern so the likelihood that he would go out of his way to cause an upset and then simply turn around and tell her about it would be foolish. It would paint him as an obvious enemy when he was seeming to go to great lengths to almost pretend to be an ally. It was only an unsurprising statement if she looked at it from the perspective of feeling himself to also be the greatest intellect, in which case he was likely awaiting a hysterical and purely feminine response, probably complete with screaming, crying and hurling herself at him and pounding his shoulders with her weak, feminine fists and wit combined.

Regardless of what he thought or had done or not done, Amaranth was certainly intelligent enough to know when there was and was not anything she could do about a situation. Just like when her cousin was killed, there was nothing she could do to stop a riot or any other outbreak of violence save to protect herself and her staff to the best of her abilities and wait till things blew over. That thought, however, she doubted that he had done any such thing as it would be a pointless show of power when none was currently needed. His aloof attitude had not gone unnoticed, judging by the whispers she could hear as individuals passed by the open balcony doorway and such a show of strength was more likely to annoy their fellow delegates than do anything to keep them under control.

No... while his desire to sow seeds of doubt and worry could be not only understood but almost expected, his sudden switch to what could almost be seen as friendly and interested chatter... possibly even shy and charming... was unexpected and Amaranth did a mental double-take as her defenses faltered for a moment. While it would be so simple to respond to the almost flustered question with a conversational and relaxed answer. A part of her yearned to do so, in fact, but she wasn't about to fall to the tricks of some half-succubus incubus demon King and give him another way in which to mock or destroy her later on.

"Little has changed since our meeting this afternoon." She nearly opened her mouth to speak again but then paused a moment and decided to turn the direction of the conversation away from herself. "I trust that you have everything you need? I would hate for any of the delegates to find their accommodations lacking, especially one as... dignified as yourself."

It was hardly his intent for his words to not only wash over her, but also to constantly ebb in her subconscious, but that was the way it was and it worked to his favour. She was not on her game tonight, and he knew this already, finding her outside here, alone, exposed, vulnerable and hoping to escape from her duties. She had hoped to be secluded and unfound here, but he was notorious for doing just what was not appreciated by those regarding him as an opponent. Although he regarded her this way, he knew she did too because of one reason or another, but most likely several. Whereas he might figure her as an adversary in a game of chess, she seemed to take their competitive and opposite natures to be something far more than it was. It was playful for him, and life or death to her, though that could be because she had no avenue for enjoying herself and any trace of enjoyment had been sucked from her in her upbringing.

Although there were reservations he held as he considered his future plans, he did not enjoy missing on opportunities and he listened with his head turned as she spoke, his mind hinging on her mention of a lack of trust exhibited through isolation. Well, if she did not believe that was the way forward then it was only his natural duty as the only proper delegate here to support her in her attempts at peace. "Naturally, so then it is agreed." He paused, giving her the opportunity to be surprised and confused before clarifying himself. "Mistrust is a poor facilitator for our combined efforts, and I do enjoy getting involved with others. I'll make sure that my kind knows that they're always welcome to socialise with yours. With some luck, maybe we'll all take the hint and come together in an orgy of..." He paused, as though in thought, though he was simply playing with her at this point and pretended to correct himself. "No, no, more like a conglomeration of races. All the stronger."

He did not give her the opportunity to respond, though, his hand coming into his pockets and offering out the arm as though he sought to escort her back inside, entertaining the rather fallible notion that they were together or even on the same page... the same book, heck, the same library. "As to your question, I am grateful to you for supplying a night as enchanting as this and for attending to my needs as they have arisen. I anticipate a delicious night, and could not ask for a greater hostess. Would you grace me with your presence inside?" Now, she was certainly in trouble, though she likely already knew this and was gauging the extent of it. If she refused then she would be guilty of a number of things, particularly of slapping away the hand of friendship as it was offered, but that would be the only way she would be able to retain any sense of security for herself. He was being deliberately back-and-forth in his attitudes, playing with her in this conversation as he did in everything else, treating it as a game and amusing himself as he went.

The slight delay she naturally had in accepting the offer of taking the arm of a demon gave him the time to look back inside at some of the noise, hearing it swell as someone likely arrived or did something foolish. Between the lot of them they were more like spectators at a blood match, cheering on anyone as long as they were entertained, whereas the pair of them out here were the reserved type. If she were in his realm he could easily make her a noble of some stretch of land. She was easily molded and manipulated, but the inclination towards being goodly and kind and otherwise standoffish with himself would render her a liability. The two options he would be left with, then, would be an established garrison to monitor her, or to remove her entirely. Of course, there was the third option available to him which was the beautiful route of corruption, but he'd never even tried to do so with her kind before, and he'd appreciate the chance to practice somewhat.

"It sounds like they're having fun in there. Come on, ambassador, you look like you could use a good time."

Naturally, so then it is agreed

One delicate eyebrow arched ever so slightly as he spoke and she waited for further clarification.

Mistrust is a poor facilitator for our combined efforts, and I do enjoy getting involved with others. I'll make sure that my kind knows that they're always welcome to socialise with yours.

Ah... Well, she could hardly say she hadn't opened herself up to the response and while it was hardly her preferred method of interacting with the man it at least allowed her to lead by example; something she was well aware often worked wonders among lesser, more emotional beings. In fact, it could certainly be argued that the peaceful interaction of two "historically" believed opponents could only help the others to loosen up and consider making allies amongst their perceived enemies.

With some luck, maybe we'll all take the hint and come together in an orgy of..

Amaranth's eyes narrowed slightly out of instinct as he spoke, his words soon changing in term. The effect of his original words, however, remained and she struggled to keep a light blush from her cheeks just as hard as she struggled to keep the sudden, highly inappropriate thoughts that permeated her brain. This was obviously some sort of trick that he was able to pull due to his heritage and she wouldn't give in to it. Passion cooled in the face of indifference, after all.

As to your question, I am grateful to you for supplying a night as enchanting as this and for attending to my needs as they have arisen. I anticipate a delicious night, and could not ask for a greater hostess. Would you grace me with your presence inside?

A gentle smile graced her lips as she pulled herself tightly back under control. No thoughts of orgies... or any other such related activities would be thought about again this night or any other while in the presence of Valon.

He extended his arm and requested her presence, giving her the reprieve from her internal struggle that she needed. Once more she bowed low before rising and taking his arm without any hesitation other than what it took to gather her skirts. After all, if they were to be "allies" presenting a united front to the other races inside, what place would hesitation have in their dealings with one another. If there was anything Amaranth could do exceptionally well it was play the manners game. She could and would give every appearance of the attentive delegate and hardened ambassador, all the while not allowing one iota of the needs and desires of her people to be trampled underfoot.

Her fingers curled around his arm and she did not feel the shiver that slipped down her spine, nor did she acknowledge the sudden drop in her stomach as though she'd just fallen from a great height.

It sounds like they're having fun in there. Come on, ambassador, you look like you could use a good time

"I am flattered that our... alliance... has brought my needs to your attention, your highness."

Her eyes remained trained ahead as they stepped through the door, watching and weighing the response to their re-appearance amongst the others. Surprise... shock... and in some cases anger was present. Most present were politicians and well aware what it meant that Amaranth and Valon were together in such a way. Propositions would have to be re-weighed and plans reconsidered. In fact, most of the looks were to be expected and Amaranth allowed them to wash over her without much thought.

She was just about to lift her head and speak to her "companion" when a sliver of something unpleasant whispered down her spine and she looked out of the corner of her eye to the right side of the room. There in the shadows was someone she did not recognize with a look that had her unconsciously moving closer to the man she considered her enemy. She resisted the desire to fully turn and face him, instead she directed her eyes back to the front as the continued to move into the room. The hateful and predatory gaze remained on her, unnerving her. Who, and what would be in this place with such a reason to hate her. Unless it wasn't her the look was meant for but her "partner". And if that was the case then it was best that they keep moving.

"Your Highness... Perhaps we would be better to meet with the vampirical delegates in the observatory? They have been the most willing to communicate..."

So they were to return inside together, then, was it? He was glad she had come to her senses and accepted his offer, as it was not one that he would make very often and it was rare enough that one should snatch at it when available. His arm was a coveted position in his realm, and he saw no need for there t be exception here. He knew that he could turn up alone and without some gorgeous individual draped across him because he knew that she would be the same, even though he expected she had both the authority and the connections to find herself a rather suitable match from within her own ranks., The question persisted as to whether she had the ability to draw such men towards her and to influence them towards her way of thinking. Based on his observations she was far too cold-hearted to understand the complicated methods of seduction, flirtation or any number of other social interactions that would go on between amorous adults. After all, her name was not amorous at all - it was Amaranth.

Although she blushed at his words and could not hide the embarrassment that crept along her face as her mind degraded itself, thoughts wild and unnatural to her storming her brain at that one moment, he made no turn to look at her or even to seek to acknowledge her change in skin tone. Sometimes he found hat the biggest changes came from when people were allowed to brood over their failings themselves, and he was sure that if he left her to dwell on this rather than giving her some sort of closure on the matter, it would eat away at her much deeper than the sharp bite of his words would. Instead he worked with what she had offered him willingly, not immune to the charms of women but similarly not ignorant of the, and certainly not likely to miss the subtle wordplay as she suggested he was attending to her needs as someone close to her would. He was close, of course, but not to the degree that he would actively seek to ensure she was taken care of. Surely someone as haughty as herself had lackeys to attend to her?

"You had need not concern yourself, ambassador. I am quite acutely aware of what your needs are at the moment, and they are many and varied, as are my own. I would venture to share that we have similar needs that could be mutually satisfied if we indulged one another." The dualism of the statements were intentional, but whereas she might identify the political aspirations with the subtle undertones of sexual innuendo, he would only admit to the first and support it wholeheartedly. They entered back inside, all eyes resting upon the pair, just as it often was, and Valon was at ease with the various glares and looks being directed his way. Some whispering occurred between individuals at the tables, but they quickly managed to work their looks away and back into their secluded groups, where they would likely talk to one another about what was going on and make adjustments to their strategies now that it was apparent that he was no longer an obvious opponent to the angels. Such two-dimensional thinking was a severe drawback and he felt out of place amongst what were hardly more than gangsters.

His attention was drawn by the new addition to the room, whom entered and stirred something in Amaranth, a shiver slipping down her spine, and rising up his own as his eyes shot straight towards those of the newcomer. He was not in place here, but it seemed only they were the ones that noticed, and that boded very ill for them both if he was indeed that out of place and not the invited kind. His attire suggested he was here to blend in, but his manners let him down and his posture was entirely wrong. The shirt hung out slightly at the sides, the tie off-center, the hair not even averagely trimmed. The eyes had signs of sleep deprivation, the skin a pale white colour suggesting lack of sunlight and subsequently lack of attention to appearance. The shoes were slightly caked in grime, wet from the walk through the streets further suggesting a poverty-level of wealth in that this individual had no car nor chauffeur. The jacket was not tailor fit as it did not hang and move as it should, and was in fact bigger than it needed to be, weighed down at one side, along with a bulge in the right pocket that seemed the size of a wallet.

Tightening his grasp on the cane, he redirected his attention to Amaranth as she suggested they identified the vampires and attended to their needs. The observatory seemed like a good place, and he did not have the concentration to argue with her for the moment. "That seems like a rather worthwhile suggestion, and I'm sure that if we meet with them now they will be more willing to agree to- oh!" He exclaimed in seemingly genuine surprise as the cane slipped forwards from his grasp, tripping the individual who had entered the room and sending him stumbling a few paces. "I do apologize." Valon continued, dryly, his face tipping down slightly as the man's body turned to look at him. The gazes met, and the first thing that Valon saw was a burning hatred behind that eyes, and a look like that of a feral beast growing enraged as it saw a threat. It disappeared a second later, and the composure was re-established followed by a formal bow.

"No one's fault but my own, highness. I apologize profusely."

He disappeared off towards the back of the room, leaving Valon standing there briefly, interpreting the small exchange without seeming to be obviously doing so. "Polite chap." he murmured, his attempts to keep the natural flow of the setting going verging on the slightly more obvious, and his mind busy at work. "I don't suppose you know his name offhand?" he asked Amaranth, breaking into a slight walk and hoping that she would fuel his curious nature by denying any knowledge of the man's identity. If he was lucky, this would be some sort of assassination attempt against him and he could get some enjoyment out of the evening in a way that was more than just making the lives miserable for everyone present. This reminded him of the vampires awaiting his company, and he could hardly give up the chance to meet with them and introduce himself to them in a more formal manner.

They entered the observatory together, the ceiling alive with stars and planets, and the group they were meeting gathered around a table, food already served and the doors at the far end of the room opened to allow a breeze to roll through. "Esk ih sht uqnat." Valon began, his greeting in his own tongue which the vampires did not seem to understand. The words originated in his throat, though his mouth was unmoving as the words reverberated, and when they did not react in anything other than confusion he adjusted his approach. "English then. Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we're both so glad you could come." His attention shot upwards, the cane leaping up in his hand to point at the stars circling above. "Probably the first time in a while you've seen something that bright, eh?" His grin was wide and flashed teeth, but there was no laughter from the group before them, and he did not expect any. Spotting the two in the center who held all the attention on themselves, he nodded to, for lack of more accurate terms, their 'leader'.

"Count Estabez? No... forgive me, not Count. Hah... Lord Estabez, I hope you are doing well. You seem well. Slightly pale, but otherwise a picture of health." His voice raised and fell in volume, remaining calm and collected, beginning to circle around to their seats as his words fell towards his companion. "And this must be the Lady Estabez that I have heard so much about. Our friend the General in there has talked at great length about how he covets... admires! How he admires her..." His hand waved, rolling through the vocabulary as he searched for his term. "Her... assss...no.... brrr... fff.... her epitome of feminine characteristics."

Her awareness was heightened and Amaranth struggled to keep herself loose and limber in appearance. Her smiles were just a fraction tighter as they moved towards the vampires and she could feel the malevolent aura of the intruder moving towards them with purpose and malice in each step. She was so intent on keeping up appearances while remaining aware of the new-comer that his innuendo laced statement went without thought or comment.

But she was on edge and her awareness only sharpened as she felt Valon's arm move and caught the quick jab of his cane. Her spine stiffened and she dropped an imperious glance towards the figure on the floor. What she saw in his face shocked her. She had never seen such naked hatred before and instinctively she moved to put herself between the two men. While she could hardly take on the attacker on her own, she could provide Valon with a few seconds to gather his wits and strike back if the need arose. But the younger man's face quickly cleared of any emotion, an almost equally startling transition to Amaranth's mind and he excused himself with a bow.

Polite chap. Amaranth nodded in easy agreement, still aware of the young man's movements through the quiet throng. Her fingers lightly resumed their place in the crook of Valon's arm as they continued towards the observatory as though nothing had occurred. I don't suppose you know his name offhand?

"I'm afraid I do not. But then I am not fully versed in the families of all those attending. It is quite possible he's a child or cousin... There are so many here that are not directly involved in the negotiations." She turned her head slightly to look up at him with a small smile. "One of the... risks that is taken when you do not plan the parties yourself. If I had been in charge of this meeting..."

Her voice fell off as they entered the room and she prepared to give a small bow to the vampiric leader and his... brothel when Valon spoke. At first, if Amaranth were to be honest, she thought her companion was having some sort of seizure, but the trembles that set in as he spoke quickly set that idea aside and she realized he had spoken in demonic. A mild resentment built inside her... he was the companion of an angel. Had it never crossed his mind that perhaps speaking in demonic would be unpleasant for the others in the room? She realized it was quite likely he didn't care but it wasn't as though she went around spraying words of holy light all over him after all.

English then. Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we're both so glad you could come. Probably the first time in a while you've seen something that bright, eh?

Dear God... SHE was going to kill him. Amaranth was completely frozen, with no idea how to handle the impending storm has Valon continued to insult the gathered vampires. Here she was, having smoothed over the ruffled feathers of these leaders, ensuring them that they would be taken seriously by the other delegates and with just a few well-placed jabs Valon was ruining all of it.

Count Estabez? No... forgive me, not Count. Hah... Lord Estabez, I hope you are doing well. You seem well. Slightly pale, but otherwise a picture of health. And this must be the Lady Estabez that I have heard so much about. Our friend the General in there has talked at great length about how he covets... admires! How he admires her... Her... assss...no.... brrr... fff.... her epitome of feminine characteristics

Amaranth slowly closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath as she prepared for the inevitable break down that would occur. The vampires had been beyond obvious in their insecurities and she doubted even Valon's incubus charm could fix the problem he had just, intentionally she was certain, created for her. After all, the man was not this stupid, he had proven he was not this stupid in just their few interactions until now which meant it was an intentional attempt to stir up trouble. Whether it was trouble for her, trouble for the werewolves, or just trouble in general it didn't matter. What did matter was that she would be forced to clean it up.

On the upside, however, it meant that it was likely that the other delegates would call for her removal as leader. She had never wanted to be put incharge of this rag-tag bunch of pretenders... and having to waste time on negotiations while they worked out what was truly important before coming to her was making it quite difficult for her to investigate the state of the humans in the area.

She was just about to detach herself from Valon's side so she could step away and begin soothing the ruffled feathers when a small chuckle broke from the table ahead of them. Estabez was chuckling and for a split second Amaranth simply stared at him, wondering if in his anger he had gone slightly mad. But then his... consort, Amaranth wasn't fool enough to believe that his accompaniment that evening was his wife as he did not have one... also gave a small chuckle.

The General's... preference for my 'feminine characteristics' as you so delicately put it is well known.

Stunned, Amaranth simply stepped aside as the woman sultried up to Valon and slipped her hand around his arm where Amaranth's had so recently been. She took a step back, bowing slightly at the group. Suddenly, she felt completely out of place and lost... Something had happened that she was completely unprepared for... a hidden joke, an innuendo... something that she was completely unaccustomed to. With a small shake of her head, she struggled to bring something of the situation back under control.

"I will leave his majesty with you then, I'm sure you all have things to discuss." A small step backwards, another small bow to the group. "Your highness." A deeper bow to Valon and then she would try to escape.

Even though Amaranth had not offered him a name, but instead sought to call for a suggestion of explanation to the presence of the man, Valon had not forgotten nor dismissed the look and feel of the individual and the attention his senses had attributed to this one individual. There was something afoot tonight and Valon was most certain there was some sort of attempt on someone's life to be made here tonight. His own, Amaranth's, or one of the other leaders, though in his opinion they were not as worthy of the hassle and not as easily accessed. He supposed that those like the vampires who sat here in their own private chambers were the most likely to be exposed, but this group could likely hear a nervous heart throughout the building and would not be so easily slain as by a man with a concealed weapon. The only logical conclusions he could reach was that it was more than just a concealed weapon, or the intention was more to incriminate than to eliminate.

He did not mention their encounter with the individual and did not mention his slipping back into the shadows. For all he knew, they were the employer of the man and as such would give the same response as those entirely unaware of his presence. He would mention it to the security detail and perhaps a soft hint to Estabez. Nothing too much, but he would have to remind himself not to be too subtle or it would completely evade the notice of the vampire who was wholly preoccupied by the plethora of women surrounding him. Although the woman at his side was the apparent alpha female, it did not stop the others from beginning to crawl around hungrily after their greetings were completed. Not towards Estabez, but towards Valon instead, which he did not disagree with and did not complain about. After all, one had to suffer through such things when bearing the duties of an ambassador, and handling the opposite sex was something he did regularly.

As he was overwhelmed by the onslaught of the women, he was reminded of Amaranth and her position here, and though she excused herself and made an effort to leave, he would have none of that and was certainly not going to be doing her job for her. "No, no, you will come and sit and we'll have a grand time while we discuss matters." His tone was light, but firm, and as though ordered on by him a pair of the attending vampires sauntered across to her to guide her down to her seat. He didn't look to see whether Amaranth was putting up a fight and was sure that even if she did, she didn't show that she was. Instead, he preoccupied himself with having some more banter-like conversation with the vampires.

"So, you're familiar with the General?"
"Somewhat. We were introduced and my people did some digging. He's made a few comments but not anything worth our getting upset over."[/b] Lord Estebez had a slightly French accent, it would appear.
"But it seems you're expecting him to."
"He keeps trying. Eventually someone will snap."
"Will that be you?"
"I try my best to keep my nature under control. I'm sure you understand that the nature of primal instinct is always there and begging to be released."
"Extensively." Valon had had more experience with taming the raging beast within his mind, body, heart and soul than he knew what to do with. "So then I take it if something were to spark a conflict between your two sides..."
"I would not hear of such a thing." The dryness hung heavily in the air. "It would be an entirely wasteful display to have our soldiers reduced to culling theirs."

So, the vampires believed themselves to be superior to the werewolves. Not exactly a unique concept, not unexpected and so cliche he could have believed it came from one of the poorly-conceived pieces of literature that circled the human libraries over the last few decades. Their battle would happen regardless of his intervention here, though he could push the werewolves much easier and make it occur on his terms. Instead he opted for another approach.
"It's just human blood you drink?"
"When we can. Any will do, providing it is untainted and fresh."
"Untainted?"
"Free of disease... poison, things like that. Naturally, as a source of nutrition we like to keep it healthy."
"So then it's not just humans?"
"Well no, naturally we have considered animals and such..."
"And the magically-inclined humans?"
"Why do you mention them?"
"Oh... no reason in particular. Just wondering whether there had been any side-effects."
"None that I'm aware of." The words came the same as the rest, however the eyes were no longer set into Valon and were instead considering and pondering. It would appear that the good Lord had not considered this train of thought.

"And what of yourself, Ambassador Kyne?" he directed his attention back towards Amaranth, deciding to engage her in the art of politics and diplomacy right on the spot, and even somewhat in her region of interest. "I mean, as the advocate for the humans do you believe that the feeding for the vampires should be only restricted to humans and animals?"

Was it his intention to make her feel like a captive in her own... well... not palace but close enough? The two vampirical females he had sent to collect her rather effectively draped themselves over and around her while dragging her unresisting body towards the table for more forced interaction with Valon and Lord Estabez.

The women helped her settle into a seat, something she did not understand nor appreciate as their hands wandered and bodies flashed, with deliberation she was certain, their more personal areas right in her vision. It was disturbing to her and she felt the odd desire to fidget and squirm in discomfort... something she had not had reason nor desire to do since she had been a child.

Despite her soft protestations, a drink as pressed into her hands and food moved towards her and the small group of women that had taken their ... job... very seriously. She sat, spine stiff while trying to appear relaxed, and wondered what she had done to displease the higher powers so much that they would allow her to be subjected to such torture. The woman to her right had slipped her arm around Amaranth's waist and the woman on the left had one arm around her shoulders. Both were leaning in and were far too close. It was all Amaranth could do to remain in her seat and look neutral when she wanted to leap up and run away.

Her eyes drifted down the room towards the others lounging at the low table that had been set up. She was barely managing to follow the conversation between the two men and desperately trying to find a way out of the situation before it became more than she could handle.

And what of yourself, Ambassador Kyne?

Valons' voice sounded from far away and Amaranth quickly looked at him, a look of panicked desperation seeping into her eyes as one of them women wrapped an arm around her waist and began to stroke her sides. But as her eyes focused on where he was and who was with him she quickly reigned her emotions back under control. Valon sat with one woman draped over his shoulders, another lounging at his feet and a third on his lap... It was a disgusting display and something that she could use as an anchor in this land of confusion.

I mean, as the advocate for the humans do you believe that the feeding for the vampires should be only restricted to humans and animals?

YES! At long last something normal she could grab ahold of. Politics, debate, discussion... she knew these things and could handle them. Clearing her throat slightly, she attempted to pull away from the two women while she formulated her response. Her eyes moved away from Valon, and determination crept into her voice adding a firmness to her soft words.

"Count Estabez and I have already discussed the possibility of increasing the supply of synthetics on the market. We have been looking at perhaps putting the different covens in control of certain market sections in order to ensure sufficient supply for all the vampires. Anything further would need to be discussed with the delegates and ambassadors of each race to set down general rules regarding trade and the individuals specifically"

She shivered slightly, attempting to shake off the hands that were beginning to wander her body again, distracting her. "After all, a willing participate is far more favorable than an unwilling victim. Don't you agree?"

Amaranth waved off another attempt to get her to drink and shot a desperate look at the door... How much longer would she be forced to remain an unwilling victim in whatever game it was Valon was playing here.

There was no denying that he was throwing her a bone at this point. The angel Amaranth was not the kind to be involved in physical interactions with anyone, however the seductive vampiresses were more than happy to get to know someone on that intimate level straight away and the clash of personalities meant that theirs won over hers very easily. Amaranth was even too polite to tell them no, even though her entire body declined and despised such attention. Valon at least was aware of this based on past experience of touching her and seeing the lines of her spine and structure bend and straighten in rhythm with her life. Whether the vampires did or not were a different matter, and though he suspected they knew all about her attitude and her avoidance of such situations, he admired their aggressive manner of dealing with unresponsive guests. In a way they were very much a similar group - moreso than any other race, and particularly Valon. Demons were easily split into either purebreeds or mixed bloods. He himself was a mix, half incubus, and like the vampires with a thirst or blood, he craved and fed upon the sexual energies that permeated his skin.

Not to say that he was feeding right now, of course. There was entirely a sexual attitude in the air, but it was not the same as that special moment between a couple. The moments where the skin glowed and the mind fell blank, and all traces of control and resistance would disappear in the wake of the oncoming pleasure. What was happening here was nothing of the kind, and if it was ever going to happen in this room then he likened it to awaiting a meal being brought in from another country on foot. The food and drink were arranged before them, though he hardly had to even move. The three surrounding him were good at their station and were quick and accurate regarding what he preferred, gathering food onto a fork and presenting it to him. It was very much the behaviour he was used to, and he could tell that Estabez had arranged this specially, probably aware of Valon's title and nobility and wanting to make a good impression. His own lap lay barren and unwarmed, his Lady remaining in her seat dutifully.

How he had known to arrange such a thing ahead of time, though, was an interesting question. Perhaps all five were meant for Amaranth and he was simply taking one, or three, for the team.

He drank from the cup offered to him by one of the girls as she spoke, his mind only half-interested as her lips began to wash along his neck. Even though they were soft and tender, he could feel an icy hardness as she crossed over veins and arteries, his blood at a steady beat which he figured sounded like a delicious meal to them. A smirk came to his face as he noted at the last moment that Amaranth had referred to him as Count, and his head lolled to the side slightly as he watched her talk, ensuring to pay attention to her for the moment. The idea of synthetics was a disgusting notion to him and he hardly believed the vampires were going to actually go through with such a thing. He had a choice to agree or disagree very easily, but it was Estabez who spoke first, directing the conversation towards himself briefly.
"Synthetics would be a lot simpler for us. Our natural approach is to blend in and take what we can through misdirection and trickery."
"But the thrill is in the hunt, my friend, is it not?"

Whether Estabez believed this or not was not the case. The women around him could not have been very old by vampire standards, certainly not by his own, and whether of their own accord or through prior instruction he could feel them move with his words. Yes, they liked the hunt. They were young and eager, Estabez was older and less enthusiastic.
"It is, to a degree, but it is not always so easy as to ensnare prey enough for all. Some will go hungry, and as such are weak and useless."
"Ah I see. So you would naturally want the synthetics so that all vampires are at full strength all the time?" He posed the question precariously, and Estabez's hand arrived at his chin, deliberating the answer with very careful consideration. The lips of the one girl continued to run along his neck, whispers of 'I'm sure you'd fill me easily... with just one drop.' purred into his ear. His smile remained, head returning back to her as she won back some attention.

"I see your reservations. Though it is less about being strong and more about being capable. You see, we are, from what I have seen, the only race that requires to feed to be strong. We would easily be overrun by the other races if we were hindered in such a way. The synthetic blood would allow all to feed and be protected." A good answer, but he naturally expected one from someone like Estabez. He always had an answer and could always make it sound nice, but Valon was too established at poking holes in logics.
"So you've tried the synthetic blood?"
"Not yet."
"You don't know whether it works or not then?"
"Well from our research into the matter it would seem there is no reason it should not. We require the blood to keep our bodies alive, and as long as it provides stability then the source does not matter."

Research. Valon could not believe he had not simply tried it out on some of his lackeys and observed the results. His head fell backwards against the chair, his neck exposed for the touches of the vampire on his lap, and he returned to Amaranth, answering her question at last.
"You ask me whether I believe synthetics are as good as natural. As you phrased it, whether 'willing participants are more favorable than an unwilling victim.' I disagree, personally, because I too have to feed. Now vampires..." his hand began stroking around much of the exposed skin before him. "You thirst for blood, and when you hunt you can catch your prey with either a slow or a fast heartbeat. Slow when they're relaxed and unsuspecting, and fast when you catch them at another moment... whether frantic or otherwise. And I expect the tastes for each are very much different. Am I right?" Estabez was motionless, absorbed in listening, though the girl beneath Valon's touch was more vocal.
"Aha..." Her voice breathy.

"I too feed, as much as it likely comes as a shock to you, and can say that this is true for me too. A willing participant is fine. It's delicious and refined, like dining on a lavish meal. It tastes expensive, and warm. When they are less inclined, however, it is not tasteless nor distasteful. It is instead a less elegant meal, the flavour coming in bursts, and not capable of being anticipated. Maybe it will be cold, or maybe it will warm up. It all depends on the person, as no two meals are alike." His finger continued to travel around the body as he indicated his head towards her. "This one, for example, if she were ever unwilling, would likely start off cold and then become very, very hot. Amaranth on the other hand, would be more like the taste of something cold that has a residual heat long after you're finished." He did not look over to her, not seeking to embarrass her more than he likely already did. His attention was retained by the vampire beneath his touch. It was incredible how easily manipulated this kind were. At his word, it was likely she'd attack Estabez without hesitation.

How could someone that considered themselves to be nobility, that had class and rank and... and... cultural and behavioral training be so comfortable allowing this discussion to turn into little more than a light orgy?! Amaranth was beside herself with confusion, frustration, anger and no small amount of fear. She was out of her depth in a number of ways and resented it greatly. This was meant to be a peaceful and calm gathering of all the delegates in the hopes that they could make headway on some of the more difficult issues, such as trust, early on. It was far from an opportunity to humiliate her through some sort of unforeseen back-room political grab.

"Synthetics would be a lot simpler for us. Our natural approach is to blend in and take what we can through misdirection and trickery."
"But the thrill is in the hunt, my friend, is it not?"
"It is, to a degree, but it is not always so easy as to ensnare prey enough for all. Some will go hungry, and as such are weak and useless."
"Ah I see. So you would naturally want the synthetics so that all vampires are at full strength all the time?"

The displays of wanton, harlot behavior occurring sickened the angel woman and she shivered as hands similar to those wrapped around her "ally" slipped along her body. She was desperate for a way out of the situation... anything that she could take hold of to free herself respectfully from their presence... Desperate to rid herself of the taint of their behaviors... of their very essences and beings.

"I see your reservations. Though it is less about being strong and more about being capable. You see, we are, from what I have seen, the only race that requires to feed to be strong. We would easily be overrun by the other races if we were hindered in such a way. The synthetic blood would allow all to feed and be protected."
"So you've tried the synthetic blood?"
"Not yet."
"You don't know whether it works or not then?"
"Well from our research into the matter it would seem there is no reason it should not. We require the blood to keep our bodies alive, and as long as it provides stability then the source does not matter."

Amaranth felt it was prudent to interject and fought down the rising nausea as the hands trailing across her body began to move across her shoulders. Fingers were beginning to tease along the upper-most edges of her wings and without conscious thought they would flutter in an attempt to dislodge the wandering hands.

"Lord Estabez and I.." She cleared her throat and spoke again more strongly. "Lord Estabez and I have personally discussed to some extent the developments into synthetics made by the other covens. While he himself has not utilized the synthetic blood, there are other groups and in some cases stronger groups, that have seen fit to supplement the live supply with the synthetics. For re-re-reasons..." A pair of fingers slid down her wings. More than a simple and light touch, whichever pair or pairs of hands it was sought out the delicate skin beneath them and she shivered openly, her wings rustling in unrepentant desperation to remove the foreign touches.

"For... for reasons which his Lordship and I have already discussed... Such... such... such as sustainability, humane care and con-con-conservation... In the end no matter how thrilling the hunt if c-care is not taken to preserve the food supply it will wither and dry up."

Despite the undeniable weakness in her voice, she felt she had won something of a victory in her statement; small though it was, it showed she wasn't going to back down in the face of adversity and would stand with her beliefs. Her eyes traveled away from the neutral space she had chosen between the two men, distracted by the movements of Valon's hands when he began to speak again.

"You ask me whether I believe synthetics are as good as natural. As you phrased it, whether 'willing participants are more favorable than an unwilling victim.' I disagree, personally, because I too have to feed. Now vampires...You thirst for blood, and when you hunt you can catch your prey with either a slow or a fast heartbeat. Slow when they're relaxed and unsuspecting, and fast when you catch them at another moment... whether frantic or otherwise. And I expect the tastes for each are very much different. Am I right? I too feed, as much as it likely comes as a shock to you, and can say that this is true for me too. A willing participant is fine. It's delicious and refined, like dining on a lavish meal. It tastes expensive, and warm. When they are less inclined, however, it is not tasteless nor distasteful. It is instead a less elegant meal, the flavour coming in bursts, and not capable of being anticipated. Maybe it will be cold, or maybe it will warm up. It all depends on the person, as no two meals are alike. This one, for example, if she were ever unwilling, would likely start off cold and then become very, very hot.

Amaranth quickly prepared an argument. He had twisted her words to suit his purpose. She had not said, nor meant to imply that synthetics were to replace the "thrill of the hunt". And she believed, though she could not remember precisely at that moment, that she had also made clear that any decisions regarding "hunting" would certainly not meet with her opposition as long as they held to the idea that all life was sacred to some extent, including human, and those capable of making the decision to choose a hunted life-style were given the option to say yes or no.

Amaranth on the other hand... But as he continued, she watched and listened in horror. ... would be more like the taste of something cold that has a residual heat long after you're finished.

What little color she held drained from her face and her hands tightened dangerously in her lap. White knuckled, she struggled to find some sense of rightness in the world, something she could cling to that would bring back a sense of balance and control in this spiraling hand-basket ride into hell. She could feel her breath spiraling out of control, short and desperate gasps for air as she struggled to maintain a look of calm and composure. While Valon did not look at her, absorbed in his... meal she supposed... He played the foolish, vampire bitch as a master would an instrument. She watched, horrified and yet unable to look away as his touches ran across the womans' body, watched as she rose and fell with his touches and shivered in revulsion as similar touches continued to rain along her own body.

And then, in the back of her mind one touch began to register with a sense of panic. She had eternally had one small section of feathers that insisted on curling. It had been decades... nearly a century since the loss of her cousin and while on occasion there had been those foolish enough to touch her wings, none had ever had the audacity to stroke and play with those particular feathers...except her cousin. And as the wandering, curious fingers slipped and lightly tugged them in such a long-lost and yet familiar fashion, she jerked to her feet. Stumbling slightly out of their grasping hands, she paused for a moment.

Clearing her throat, she gave one last desperate attempt at normalcy as her voice barely restrained hysteria. "Please excuse me. I'll return in a moment."

Bowing slightly, she turned and moved as swiftly as she could get away with towards the ladies' room. With a calmness she did not know she still possessed, she pressed open the door and slipped inside. Checking to see that she was alone, she quickly locked it and pressed her back against the door, sinking to the floor. Her whole body trembled, her wings shivered and twitched anxiously. Her eyes fell to her hands and she was shocked to see the low, amber colored glow emanating from them. A true sign of stress, sweat inter-mingled with angelic blood. It was something she had not experienced in a long time and she hadn't the time to calm herself that she would usually take in such a situation.

Pressing to her feet, she took swift strides to the sink and turned on the water. Grabbing some towels, she quickly soaked them and pressed them to her forehead and temples. Thankfully make-up was not something she bothered with often and when necessary she wore only the essentials. It took longer than she would have liked, but within 15 minutes she was calmer, the glow had faded from her skin and she was breathing normally. Even her wings had settled against her back and with a small pep talk and a few deep breaths she moved to unlock the door and step outside.

It was time to leave, the only obstacle was escaping without drawing attention to herself.

A good talent Valon had picked up at great personal expense was that to direct his attention in multiple directions, and that was well used here where he could both enjoy the touches of the three women situated around him whilst observing Amaranth's own struggles with the two around her. While he supposed that the angel was having no enjoyment from the situation, he did not believe that was a feeling that fell deeper than the conscious level. He enjoyed it immensely personally, but that did not necessarily translate to her enjoying it too. Instead he noticed that her wings twitched, flitting every few seconds as they were played with, seemingly irritated, but not acting aggressively enough to imply this was the case. Instead he supposed that she was confused and wanting to act in a different way entirely. He knew her too well already to believe she was actually satisfied with the situation. That being said, she was exhibiting something to him that seemed very latent and primal, and while he couldn't put his finger directly onto it he wasn't going to be deterred from prodding until he found it exactly.

As she spoke, the vampiress in his lap reclined against him, enabling him to pay more attention to the stuttering Amaranth who tried to force out her words against the rushing tide of distracting touches. The rampant bisexuality of the vampires was something particularly extraordinary, he noted. He did not miss the irony of her statement as she managed the words. Even if one source managed to dry up, he was sure it was not a problem she was having at the moment, though he refrained from saying something so very crude. He said nothing, instead, allowing the Count-Lord-Fool Estabez to applaud her alone, his mouth occupied by a smoking cigarette which flopped slightly as his body moved. He said little, but it said quite a lot about the cultural difference when the General next door indulged upon cigars whilst Estabez preferred the feminine equivalent. Allowing Amaranth to escape for the moment, he welcomed the pouting pair of women to his corner, not wanting them to be put out in the slightest.

"I'm certain she'll return once composed." Valon offered, certain that Amaranth's dutiful nature would overwhelm her sexual inadequacy.
"Naturally. She is the hostess for this meeting."
"Well, of sorts."
"Meaning?"
"Oh come now Estabez. Don't tell me you've missed the political virginity of Amaranth. She is not accustomed to bartering and dealing. She's running everything as though fresh from schooling." Valon had noted it, though he had not went as far as to suggest she was of as little authority as anyone else present here up to this point.
"I suppose. I had attributed it to angelic charm."
"You fell for her angelic charm? I'm disappointed." he judged, slightly monotonous.
"We can't be all like yourself, Valon." The retort similarly lacked the warmth of tone.
"It's so easy, though. Women are attracted to masculine qualities, as you know. It's just a matter of exhibiting them and embracing their attempts at attaining synergy with them. All you have to do is resist their own charms." A ripple of giggles spread out from around his seat.
"Naturally. So easily." Estabez noted dryly.

There was a pause for a moment. Fingers continued to stroke and move, his own locked in the hair of two separate girls, twisting and pulling slightly, invoking small sighs.
"So, how have you been managing to get your food up to now?"
"Mass gatherings of stupid humans. Night clubs, universities, political rallies. We've taken to avoiding the drug users since there have been... incidents."
"Night clubs? You go back into a private room?"
"En contrare. We are the private room." Valon took the hint very quickly.
"Interesting." He didn't say much beyond that, figuring that it explained the clothing and appearance of everyone present, and certainly made sense. He wondered how such a place functioned. "You don't bleed them dry?"
"No no no, certainly not. We prefer to remain open, prefer to have crowds coming, and so we entice prey behind closed doors and take just a little. Less from more, you see."
"Inspiring."
"You should come and see it some time."
"You should come tonight. We'll all be there." A voice purred in his ear.

While he certainly had nothing he needed to be doing tonight, he hadn't anticipated a night surrounded by pounding bass and drunk, reveling humans. Not a problem for him, but he'd need to rearrange his chaperon.
"How about we travel together then? I'll bring the Ambassador and we'll travel in my car. We'll follow behind and see what this club is like for myself." Estabez did not seem content with the suggestion. Valon figured that the vampire would have preferred time to prepare his club for the demon's arrival, not the last-minute arrangements. Still, he let little of it show, instead breathing heavily on the cigarette and replacing it swiftly.
"Then you should go and-" The sentence was cut halfway through, all heads but Valon's turning towards the entrance, exhaling almost simultaneously. It seemed like a uniform Pavlonian response, and Valon could deduce only one thing that would incite such a response from this group, though he saw no bloodied corpse stapled against the doorway.

"A problem?" he asked casually, failing to identify anything from the gazes or body languages.
"Nothing. Nothing." Estabez cleared his throat, resettling himself and coming back to his senses. The eyes remained severely dilated, visible even in the low light and across the table from him. Valon was hardly convinced. Pressing himself to his feet, he found little resistance as the women surrounding him scattered slightly, seeming lost and disoriented suddenly.
"I'll go retrieve the Ambassador then. I'll see you outside." It was more of an order than an agreement or a suggestion, and it was meant to be that way. His cane tapped softly on the padded flooring to the room, marking his way out as he exited the room. Amaranth would be coming with him, regardless of her state or preferences, and if she wanted to offer resistance then he would become a very cruel and manipulative individual. She would be better by his side, regardless. The night club air could do her some good.

Her fingers refused to turn the lock and open the door. It was simply appalling. Her legs shook, her hands trembled and her fingers refused to move. If she was ever going to escape from this hell of a party and get home she needed to unlock the door and get moving before someone came looking for her. After all, she could hardly just walk out; she had to make the proper excuses and give goodbyes as necessary.

Resting her head against the door, she sighed and turned, looking for a place to sit. Though nothing was readily available, she reached into one of the folds of her skirts and located the small pocket that carried her cell phone. Though she was loathe to use human technology, she could not deny that the small, portable device had been useful in keeping in contact with her small entourage of employees. A few flicks of her fingers and the strange sound used to indicate a transferring call was heard.

Hello...

Marianna's soft voice filled Amaranth's ear and she sighed softly in relief. The small bit of normalcy that brought to her was cherished and she savored it as she replied.

"Hello Marianna... I plan to be leaving as quickly as possible. Could you have Cook prepare me a light meal. I shouldn't be longer than an hour assuming nothing keeps me. Nothing warm either... just something small, light and cold."

The response was affirmative and followed by the soft click of the receiver being replaced. The small routine helped to settle Amaranth further and while she still felt shaky, she turned once more to the door and smiled as her fingers turned the lock. She was trained for this, prepared for this and she would make her excuses and leave.

Pushing the door open slightly, she internally scolded herself as she caught herself checking to ensure the coast was clear. Straightening her spine, she stepped out and began to move towards the coatroom. Few people stopped her, absorbed as they were in their own groups and conversations and she paused herself only to excuse herself from those that were obviously in her path and might have taken insult to her suddenly leaving without another word.

Despite her training and breeding, however, she could not stop the obvious sigh of relief as she stepped, unmolested, into the darkened coat room to search for her belongings. No Valon, no vampires, and the path to freedom so close she could almost taste it.

Well, he had checked with the front desk whom handled all of the coat distributions, and Amaranth had not checked hers out yet. That at least saved him the effort of going out and looking for her in the street, and he expected it indicated that unless she had walked off without it, she was still in the bathroom. He had taken a seat at a bench, stuck between a large and ugly plant in the corner of the room, and an annoying drinking implement that continued to gurgle up air into its barrel in a noisy fashion. His cane was his source of entertainment, spinning in his hand in an effort to keep his mind active as he waited some indication of the angel's presence. The human at the desk nearby continued to look over, somewhat concerned that Valon continued to sit there, and instead of approaching him or offering assistance tried to busy himself with what little work there was at his work station. The vampires had not followed him out, and the others were still in their main room. The glasses breaking and boisterous laughter told him at least that much.

He expected that Estabez and his band would be making their way there soon and would be waiting outside for him to get his own transportation arranged. Something he had yet to do, he recalled, and he spoke to the desk clerk without looking up from his spinning cane.
"You, boy."
"Ye- yes sir!?"
"I want you to call Donovan Ryder and have him meet me at the entrance to this establishment."
"Donovan R... with an R... where is... I'll get right on that sir."
The sound of fumbling with papers and trying to locate the file necessary before some success was found. Donovan was playing the role of babysitter tonight, one of the guards in the vehicle they would both be taking. He had insisted based on the attending party tonight, and Valon had agreed despite being loathe to have him sitting in the shadows waiting to chaperon him home. Not bored, though. Donovan lacked the capability to be bored.

The conversation with the desk clerk and Donovan could be heard from where he was sitting, and it played out almost as well as Valon thought it would. Donovan answered aggressively, demanding information and being difficult to work with, lacking many natural sympathy behaviours that make functioning in a society possible. The teenaged inadequate youth babbled and acted confused, trying to hand off responsibility and questions to someone else who wasn't even there. The opening of a door nearby drew his attention as his target emerged from her bathroom, stepping into the lobby looking somewhat confused and afraid. At least, that was how Valon interpreted it based on how she didn't seem to be very happy upon exiting the room. She came out amongst another crowd of enthusiasts enjoying themselves with some sort of party, mingling past them on her way to retrieve her coat and exit the building, likely to escape into her own domain and relax herself.

Approaching her from the side, he followed after her from a few paces back before closing the distance, catching her just as she reached the cloakroom and laying a hand on her hip, his body coming alongside her as though they were good friends. "There you are. I was worried about you, being in there so long. But I've got good news that'll make you feel better." His cane lifted up in the other hand, pointing towards the doors ahead. "Beyond these doors I have arranged transportation for the two of us, and we will be following the good Lord-Count to his very own business venture where we will be indulging in the fruits of diplomacy. And taking advantage of the hospitality of our vampire friends, naturally." What that meant, really, was that Valon was going to go after the free beverages and helping himself to the young talent present. Vampire, human, it didn't matter too much to himself. He liked his steaks both rare and well-done.

"Of course, we might be out a little late, so I'll be more than happy to invite you to use my vehicle to return home. Or you can come home with me. I have plenty of space."

Perhaps in her desperation to escape she had been foolishly blind... or perhaps in her joy over seeing freedom a mere breath away, but Amaranth had been far from expecting anyone to seek her out at this late point and nearly leapt out of her skin as a hand settled around her waist, resting lightly on her hip. Dread, desperation and a dark fear settled over her causing her body to quake slightly as a form pressed lightly into her back.

There you are. I was worried about you, being in there so long. But I've got good news that'll make you feel better.

Valon... While Amaranth could hardly profess to be "happy" that he was once more taking liberties with her body, she was to an extent relieved that it was him and not one of the over amorous vampirical ladies that had been so recently tormenting her. While she did not appreciate his tendency towards physical contact, she felt she could rely somewhat on him to remain... appropriate in his contact with her body and keep his hands from wandering. At least she hoped so...

Beyond these doors I have arranged transportation for the two of us, and we will be following the good Lord-Count to his very own business venture where we will be indulging in the fruits of diplomacy. And taking advantage of the hospitality of our vampire friends, naturally.

Dark and disgusting dread settled nauseatingly over her at his words and she shivered violently.

"I'm afraid I have other matters that I must attend to this evening... Things have come up amongst my own people and I simply must excuse myself."

She hoped and prayed that the excuse would work as a cold sweat broke out along her body and his arm tightened slightly around her waist. He pulled her along out of the coatroom and towards the door. Funny, in a completely unfunny way, how the road to hell seemed paved in good manners and pretty packages. Demons seemed to surround her on all sides and while her companion was perfectly comfortable with those that opened the door and bowed before him as they spoke in hushed tones, Amaranth was anything but calm and relaxed. Her body felt frozen and her mind was close to hysteria. She had been so close to an escape, a chance to go back to her home and relax... so close to getting away from everything for just a few hours...

A dark haired man opened a car door for her and she slipped inside, barely aware of Valon talking. Something about his car or coming home with him, unlikely in either event, she would be doing her best to get free of the entire situation as quickly as she possibly could. The door shut behind her and she heard its companion quickly follow. Pressing her body into a corner of the car, she worked to calm herself. The situation was out of her hands for the time being and she would only make things worse for herself if she couldn't reign her emotions back in. Violent shivers wracked her body as she wrapped her arms around herself and fished around for a proper topic of conversation.

"I'm hardly appropriately dressed for a night on the town. It... It would be so...so much better to do this on a different night."

Her voice sounded desperate even to her own ears and she tightened her arms around herself as another shiver hit her and she sighed in mild frustration. Resting her head against the glass of the car window, she forced herself to close her eyes and take a few deep and cleansing breaths. The situation was beyond her control, all she could do was remain calm and continue to function as befit her class and station. This... namby-pamby weakness of spirit was unforgivable and after a few moments of self-depricating self-talk she took one last deep breath and opened her eyes. Though her body glowed softly from the stress of the situation as her body worked to expel the stress of it all, she was no longer shaking and instead her usual calm and controlled self. If nothing else, she could appreciate Valon's apparent appreciation for personal space in times of crisis. Whether that would extend through the rest of the car trip remained to be seen but for now, at least, she was in control again. The night likely held a number of unpleasant surprises but for the moment she was prepared.

"Forgive me... I have been an appallingly rude guest." She turned her attention towards him and gave him a small smile. "You take such pains to ensure that I am included in your dealings with the vampires when quite obviously they are more taken with you and certainly have more in common."

The question was there and yet unspoken, why was he bringing her along when it was obvious he neither needed nor truly wanted her there.

He felt the trembling of her skin, tremor shooting through her body as his hand touched her and he understood it as being unwanted. She likely was never touched like this, never by the hand of man nor woman, and certainly not by any lover from what he could tell. What little he could tell indicated that she was fresh and afraid, and not all was derived from that one touch. He knew she sought to escape the building and return somewhere safe, where she felt in command and could establish herself as controlling again. He was not through with the night, though, and had managed himself a mild fascination with the personality of this angel in particular, for although she was an ambassador and of higher status, there was little special about her that he felt unlikely to encounter in others of her race. Indeed, her attitude coupled with her ordinariness was rather... extraordinary. This, as well as her prominent placing in his dealings with the others groups thus far, led him towards her as a very special toy that he could play with, and one that was far from having its usefulness fulfilled.

Although she stated she had other business to attend to, he would not listen to it. She had decided to make a matter of being standoffish with him from their first encounter, and she would now be forced to play the part of the yin to his yang, regardless of whether her intentions were as such. "I'm sure whoever it is will understand under the circumstances." he offered, not caring whether she had a feasible excuse for not attending her next engagement, and ushering her into the vehicle that awaited them. The guards awaited them outside the open door, weapons holstered but visible and easily reached. Their attention was on the environment, though Donovan was fixated on the couple approaching them. Valon could not tell whether Donovan had a comment on the fact he was walking with this woman, and could no sooner tell disgust from admiration. A valuable trait in someone so close to him, and Donovan's loyalty was well earned, and rewarded.

Amaranth was escorted inside first, and Valon followed after her, with the remainder of the group closing the doors and quickly filing in. The vehicle was off almost as soon as the last door was closed, and other than the small buzz from the radio tuned in to law enforcement channels, there was little sound inside the car. Valon's eyes kept open for the first few seconds, hoping to catch sight of the man he'd succeeded in tripping inside the planetarium, but there was no indication that he was anywhere around. Not that that soothed Valon's awareness, and he entirely expected another encounter to follow. It would take time, though, as the disappearance off to a nightclub was hardly in anyone's plans at the time of arriving. It was Amaranth who spoke first, not long after departing, mentioning her attire and commenting on its inappropriate style for a night of dancing and wild behaviour. Although Valon could agree that she was not outfitted for such a night, he was in the same position and had no intention of gyrating on a dancefloor like a moron. He expected that Estabez was much in the same position.

"I'm sure we're well enough dressed for whatever entertainment the vampires are able to provide. I'd hardly say we'll need to be dressed in our best." The vampires had yet to impress him, and though he would acknowledge that most demons were of a particularly low class and would be unaware that silverware existed, it did not stop him from feeling so outclassing of the vampires that it was a little ridiculous to him. Amaranth had opted to dress up in an attractive and highlighting dress, whereas he had not bothered to wear anything more than what he considered everyday wear. "If you're worried, though, I'm sure those vampire girls have something you can wear. They seem well equipped enough." He made the offhand comment with full awareness that Amaranth had an entirely opposite experience to their company than he had. He made no comment on her thanks, other than to nod slightly and shrug his shoulders, loosening up the muscles and permitting the cracking of a few bones.

Instead he allowed Donovan the turn to speak, who seemed to have been looking for a chance to interject.
"I'd feel more comfortable having more security here, Highness."
"I hardly feel that's required, Donovan. They're vampires, not anything dangerous." Donovan nodded, understanding but unconvinced.
"I'm sure they're weak, Highness, but with some of the recent issues..."
"I understand your position on the matter, Donovan." He spoke quickly, cutting off the other man mid-sentence. "If you would feel happier with more then call in extra." He knew Donovan would not feel happier or less happy regardless of what happened, but expected he'd do the rational thing and get another group in. Probably have some mingling with the crowds inside the club, or monitoring from a building nearby. Donovan's attention was quickly elsewhere, using a cellular phone to contact other members of the guards out on patrol.

"Although they are more taken with me..." he returned to Amaranth, "I would not say they are the type that I would enjoy being around. They're so primal and elitist. And so am I. We don't mix well, at least from my end."

The idea of the female vampires getting their hands on her again sent an unexpected wave of nausea flowing through her and she paled considerably; a feat considering her naturally pale complexion. Pressing her forehead against the cool glass of the car window, she took a deep breath and willed the rolling anxiety in her stomach away.

She was thankful that his security supervisor, as she assumed the man was considering the discussion, was present. Their discussion gave her the time necessary to compose herself once more before Valon turned his attention in her direction once again. While normally she would find the intrusion of a staff member to be something of a burden, this Donovan seemed to be almost pleasant to have around. He was at least, on the surface, emotionless and she felt that this was more than a surface condition which encouraged her to calm slightly. While on a logical level he might see her behavior as inappropriate, he was also likely immune to the emotional reasons behind her sudden lack of ability to behave as she normally would. Their mutual distraction gave her precious moments to calm herself and she was almost prepared when Valon turned his attention back to her.

Although they are more taken with me... I would not say they are the type that I would enjoy being around. They're so primal and elitist. And so am I. We don't mix well, at least from my end.

With all of her mighty Amaranth withheld the unladylike snort that threatened to explode. He surely didn't think she believed him any more than she believed he really truly believed what he had just said. No, indeed, from her perspective the opposite was quite true and she carefully measured out words that said just that.

"Then you may have been misleading earlier... The women certainly appeared quite taken with you... And while I am certainly far from an authority on vampiric behavior, I would never suggest toying with the emotions of women close to one of their leaders."

The car began to slow and Amaranth felt her heart beat begin to pick up, racing and skipping as panic tried to creep back in. His comment on enjoying their company would have to be addressed in greater detail another time. The car slowed to a halt and Donovan opened the car door, slipping out ostensibly to ensure that it was safe for his monarch to exit the vehicle. Truth be told, Amaranth was amazed at the dedication of the man; Valon had hardly struck her as someone who could inspire fidelity and loyalty and money didn't really pay for such determined behavior.

The sight of the people hit her with the same strength as the smells and sounds of the club and with a strength she barely possessed, Amaranth pulled herself out of the car and swiftly latched onto Valon's arm with a subtle grace born of decades in the public eye. Pressing herself into his side slightly, she struggled to ignore the grasping human hands and sultry voices that dropped on them. She clung to him, shying away from everything that pressed in around them. As Estabez and his entourage came to greet them at the door, she felt trapped... horrified... and though she struggled to appear neutral, calm and relaxed on the outside, she was anything but on the inside. Knees wobbling and hands shaking, she slipped in the door and refused to let go of Valon's arm as they were ushered through the throngs of gyrating humans.

Worse than all of it, however, was the feeling that she was somehow Valon's little lamb being naively led to slaughter.

There was that consideration, he supposed, that maybe being manipulative of the women was not such a good idea in Estabez's presence. However Valon was certainly not going to be made afraid by someone as pitiful as that vampire, and although it would be a very unfortunate thing to happen, if Valon's sword did happen to find its way through the coven leader's throat then it would not be a tragedy. Valon would mourn. Publicly. And when things were settled he would ensure that he would offer his support to whoever the succeeding individual was. Perhaps even give them some assistance of his own. Naturally, it could not be expected that the vampires would be able to manage this sort of thing by themselves, and Valon was very willing to assist them in their hierarchy reorganization should he be needed. There were some things he wanted from the vampires, and some things he wanted the vampires for, and neither of them were facilitated very well by stubborn individuals whom would refuse his demands on the premise of them being his.

He found it somewhat amusing, or maybe it was endearing, that Amaranth had to inform him as to the nature of the women. He was aware the women were taken with him, though that was not necessarily an indication of anything. His suspicion was they were specially trained, or otherwise well rewarded for their amorous attitudes, and all he did was to play the cards handed to him and see where they went. He wasn't looking for manipulation on the behalf of the vampires. They were such a weak race that even if they attempted to seduce him, it would quickly turn the other way, and they would find themselves in a very dangerous situation. Indeed, one does not send prey to defeat the predator.

They arrived at the club, as he assumed it was, in not much time at all, and Donovan was quickly the first to be out and surveying the scene. The others began to do the same, exiting and patrolling the vehicle as though any danger were present. Valon didn't bother to wait, exiting with Amaranth close behind, and at seeing the cliche name of the club, 'The Circus of the Damned', his stomach turned considerably, feeling nauseated by the lack of creativity. It was lit up in neon red, advertised like a carnival, but was otherwise nothing special. Estabez was waiting outside it, and as Valon approached with Amaranth around his arm, clutching on for dear life, the vampire's arms raised, presenting the club to the pair of them.
"Is she not a beauty?"
"I'll be honest, I've never seen anything like it."
"She was my own design. I'm very proud of her."
"I can see that being the case. You have unmatched talent."

His face remained that of some professional poker player. Not a hint of the truth was present, and if Estabez were to think Valon were openly insulting him, the notion would not come from Valon's side. That might indicate some paranoia or self-doubting, and Valon liked the sound of that. He followed as Estabez and his pets wandered into the club, allowing them to open the doors for himself and his companion, though once inside he was all of impressed, disappointed and unsurprised. The humans gyrating around the full room was intriguing to him, their bodies grinding against one another in what was essentially a sex pit. Estabez's hand was evident in the decor and style, going for some sort of pathetic mix of Victorian and carnival, and the poor quality was not a surprise to him, based on the exterior. What he was unimpressed with was the music, a low and monotonous tone frilled up by numerous other electrical and synthetic sounds that was nothing short of tribal and yet the people around the place seemed enthralled by it. Idiots.

The group ahead of them cut through the crowd easily, leaving a wake for the pair of them to follow - a gap which closed very quickly behind them. Their destination seemed to be the elevators at the far side, and after occupying himself with the distractions around the room, he focused more on the vampires as they called for the car.
"We'll go up to the third floor. Get away from the common rabble." Estabez said. Valon rolled his eyes internally, feeling three floors would not be enough. Not if they were travelling in the same elevator. The quiet ping indicated its arrival and they stepped inside together. Valon made the conscious effort to have Amaranth pressed into the corner for the moment, keeping her out of reach of the graspy-handed women who were already appearing to be fidgety.

"So I take it you have less humans the higher up you go, and the top floors are reserved for special parties?" Valon said this almost matter-of-factly, as it was only logical. The basement was not even marked on this elevator, but he had noticed the option to travel down from the ground floor. There was a glaring red light on the elevator panel, probably where some card would be read. What was in the basement he wondered, thoughts running through his mind. It could be a janitor's closet, naturally, but these were vampires who thought they were smart. It was anything but, and he would have mentioned it to Amaranth but she was in no state to be handling that sort o information.
"Why yes, the top floors are reserved for the more illustrious guests. Coven leaders, political friends..." But not a member of royalty? More suspicions crawled into Valon's mind. Probably less of a leisure suite and more of a bloodbath. He said nothing, their floor coming up quickly, and the doors opening to reveal a less crowded room. The lights on the ceiling strobed and flashed, and the music from below was not as bass-heavy, though still permeated the walls and floors to be heard here.

The group split, Estabez disappearing with his entourage with an 'Enjoy yourselves for a while.' departure. Valon was certainly going to do that, his eyes scanning quickly around and identifying at least a few humans. These were probably friends who knew a few secrets, or were doing jobs for the vampires and knew a lot of secrets. The rest, naturally, were the denziens of the night who had probably already fed downstairs and were working off their dinner.
"Let's go get a drink and then see whether you'd like to dance." he offered, steering them towards the bar, continuing to look around for anything standing out.

It was overwhelming... That was all Amaranth could think as the lights, sounds, and smells swelled over her and threatened to drown her. The feeling was certainly similar to drowning... she couldn't get air and felt completely enclosed and as though the surface was quickly falling away. The feeling was reinforced as the waves of gyrating masses parted for the group and quickly closed up behind them again. Wandering hands, pressing bodies, and hissing voices slipped across her; each unwanted touch caused her body to jerk slightly and press further into Valon's side.

It was with relief that she found herself pressed into the corner of an elevator, hidden behind Valon's body and away from the humans of the previous room and safely tucked away from the vampiric women she could hear whispering and feel watching her hungrily. She shivered, allowing herself to press slightly into his back while she regained her rapidly fleeing composure. The elevator ascended far too quickly and long before she was prepared, Valon's arm was around her waist once more and he propelled her forward, his conversation with Estabez continuing. It amused her, on some barely conscious level, that the conversation was trivial and yet so completely beyond her understanding. The club was absolutely appalling... Amaranth had never been in a place that was so noisy, smelly and ocularly traumatizing.

She had to say that it was somewhat amusing, even in her terrorized state, how Estabez seemed to think both Valon and Amaranth complete and total dimwits. It was frankly astounding how he seemed to think himself suave and sneaky while his motivations and behaviors were... well... flamboyantly displayed all around them. A shudder worked through her at the idea of a group of vampires gathering, in this place, on an upper floor. There was so much unprotected humanity in the "club" that with little thought Amaranth was certain she understood exactly what happened in the places Estabez was keeping secret. A shame, in some ways, as it meant that he was likely already violating what she considered to be an agreed upon position and she felt it wasn't too much to ask that these creatures secure their humans without coercion, drugs, or other influences.

Nodding as Estabez excused himself and his entourage, she waited till they had removed themselves from her visual field before allowing herself to breath a sigh of relief. To be honest, she did find this particular level of the club to be less stressful than the ground floor. It was quieter, darker and certainly less populated.

Valon's arm remained around her waist and she didn't bother to resist. Better the devil she knew than the devil she didn't, and at least he had, till then, kept her safe from the clawing hands of the other women.

They approached the bar and were asked for their drink orders. "Water... please..." Her voice was soft and slightly hesitant, unsure if such a precious commodity was even offered in this place but the bartender merely gave her a funny look and filled up a cup with ice and water. Turning to face her partner slightly, she gave him a small smile.

"I'm afraid if you're seeking a dance you'll need to look for a different partner. What dancing I know is hardly suited for a place such as this..."

She looked away from him and scanned the room as she sipped her water. Though it was less full than the lower floor, there were still couples here and there on the floor pressed together and engaged in movements that were highly inappropriate and suggestive.

"I most certainly am not willing to... expose myself in a fashion similar to the dancing that evidently occurs in a place such as this."

Periodically Valon would see someone that he felt he recognized. Estabez cropped up every so often, but it was the other individuals that he saw which drew more attention. Some of them had a look to them that were suspicious. The types that he had seen before, and he expected on occasion to see the man from the planetarium that had crossed his cane in an unfortunate manner. At one point he thought he had, but there was so much movement that it was impossible to keep track of where people were. Far too dangerous for those that could not move quickly, as the strobing lights and the dense crowds were the perfect habitat for predators. It did not escape Valon's attention for a moment that there were security pacing the exterior, and he was not under any delusions that they were here for actual crowd control. If nothing else, they were here to make sure anyone who was meant to stay out was removed, and to do as Estabez or whoever else was of a senior position ordered them to. To Valon they seemed more like nets keeping fish in range of the fishermen.

Together he and Amaranth approached the bar, where upon arrival she ordered a simple glass of water whilst he opted for a more dangerous martini, both arriving in front of them together. No charge, but naturally this was the third floor and those up here were probably already favoured by the vampires and would of course be here to unwind. The vampires did not intend to make money from this part of the building. Money came in from the bottom and top floors, and everything in between was... well, human resources was a particularly accurate way of putting it. A series of floors designed to keep people motivated and happy, and likely to feed on blood as necessitated. Valon didn't take much time to start on his drink, the icy liquid washing down his throat in a mixture of tang and sweet, though for alcohol level he could have expected more. It could be his biology that made him more resistant to it, but it was just as likely that the drinks they were served were watered down. Having a good time was one thing, but Estabez didn't seem the type to know how to handle a drunk workforce.

He gaze drifted across the room as Amaranth spoke, agreeing with her at least on some level. He did not want to be dancing like this either. His education had covered some dance, but naturally any military force expected to move and operate in precision and unity needed to have a form of exercise like this. He was aware of the steps to take, whether it was alone, together, as a group, or operating with weapons to spark the flair and excitement. There were many dances he knew, though not all were necessarily going to be dances he was willing to share with anyone. The bumping and gyrating was not what he attributed to to obeying of rhythm. Indeed, the only rhythm that seemed to be apparent at the moment was that of the heartbeats pulsing, blood rushing through veins, faces flushing and skin growing pink and hot. No wonder the vampires preferred this sort of place for their food. It was like getting the chicken to pluck, stuff and cook itself so all you had to do was grab a plate and dig in.

"I understand your predicament. My form is more refined, too. None of this bestial cavorting around the floor. Very inappropriate." He drained the last remnants of his drink, another quickly replacing it in a different colour. "My own forms are more suited for a different environment. Alone, or with a partner, or as a group. Anything else I am talented in would be of no use here." Shadow dances came to mind, but this place was hardly the type of room he preferred. It was dark enough already, the shadows lasting hardly a second, and the light was so artificial. He preferred a natural source, fire being the usual medium, but he could work with other less common ones. He began drinking from his new concoction, this one with more tang and some twist, but still not enough to inebriate him unless he was planning on doing nothing else that night. His cane, which had lay lax against his palm for the majority of the time there, was hoisted up and out of the way as a group of women made their rounds, giggling and smiling at each other, skin showing and highlighted in all ways they knew how.

"It would seem we are very much the only ones worried about exposing ourselves." he commented, eyes following after the group as they descended down onto the dancefloor and mingled amongst the others. "But my dear, I'd feel all wrong denying you the opportunity to get to know the vampires and humans you represent. It is very important to understand your political base." His arm was back around her waist, guiding her along the path the group of girls had went, and he led her down towards the mass of bodies which seemed to uplift themselves as the beat changed. Actual lyrics began to echo from the ground up, and where there had been pounding percussion and sirens there was now electrical synthesised music. Most of the crowd began singing along intermittently, which was not too difficult considering the lyrics were repeated somewhat over and over, and by the end of the first few lines Valon had an almost solid grasp on the wording.

"I want all of you tonight, for all we know we might not get tomorrow. Let's do it tonight." he smirked over her shoulder, leading her deeper within the groups that had resumed their erratic dance styles.

Amaranth was beginning to realize something about Valon... Perhaps the lesson was coming far too late in their very young relationship, but better late than never... Whenever Valon agreed with her, or said something that seemed on the surface to be understanding and even almost compassionate it was merely a stepping stone to his complete disregard for how she felt. In the end, she was learning, he would simply slip his arm firmly around her waist, seemingly secure in the knowledge that her breeding would prevent her from making a scene.

A gaggle of girls passed by and Amaranth simultaneously was appalled by them and yet pitied them. They were obviously trying to compete, like animals having to preen and display for a mate, but to think that they would come to a place such as this in such suggestive and... and... revealing clothing... She felt her partners' eyes follow the girls and wondered if she sensed appreciation from him or merely imagined it. Amaranth highly doubted he had the same scruples she did regarding appropriate dress and conduct and while he certainly carried himself with a certain degree of upbringing she had yet to see him openly discourage lewd and suggestive behavior when subjected to it. Sighing, she tried to ignore his continued insinuations that they themselves should head onto the floor.

But my dear, I'd feel all wrong denying you the opportunity to get to know the vampires and humans you represent. It is very important to understand your political base.

It was rare that Amaranth felt like swearing, but she knew he was absolutely full of completely and total... how did the humans say it... full of bullshit! She knew he didn't buy his own hype just as she was almost certain he didn't believe that she bought it either. Whatever his motivation for dragging her into this crowd of people and into this situation it was not for her benefit but his and his alone. And it made her feel like such a fool... She'd known him, spoken to him, for less than a day and yet he had managed to implement himself into her life with a swiftness and assuredness that shocked and stunned her. Under normal circumstances no one would have ever gotten this close to the Ice Princess and certainly not with such speed. But Valon seemed immune to her icy demeanor and almost seemed to find her attempts at putting him off to be amusing; like a child that refuses to take a nap while rubbing their eyes from exhaustion, he seemed to think she actually needed what she denied wanting any contact with.

Her drink was slipped from her fingers and set on the counter as his arm once again wound itself around her waist and pulled her forward. What little resistance she gave was easily ignored and she was far from willing to make a scene in a place such as this. He was certainly right on that count if he believed it to be so; she would never risk public humiliation of herself, her "partner", or their host. Instead she would attempt to establish some boundaries while she returned to her home after their time in this... club... was through.

He pulled her forward and somehow, amongst the throng of people on the floor, he managed to slip behind her. Both of his hands rested on her hips as he continued to press her forward through groups and couples gyrating, grasping and panting. The music shifted as they moved from less of a driving and pounding beat and into something slightly more melodic and slowly the people around them caught onto the change and changed with it. And though the tone of the music had altered slightly, the theme of it had not. Amaranth listened to the distorted words as they filtered through the speakers and her eyes widened slightly.

I want all of you tonight, for all we know we might not get tomorrow. Let's do it tonight.

His voice rumbled in her ear as he pressed slightly into her back and edged her deeper into the crowd and Amaranth jerked slightly in his hands, desperate to get away only to be pulled back against him. She could not even allow herself to analyze his decision to repeat such a thing to her... and she couldn't afford to dedicate the mental resources to it right then regardless. Around them bodies slithered and moved, hips turned and twisted against one another and the angel princess found herself stuck between a rock and a hard place as they came to the middle of the room. On all sides they were surrounded by bodies that very nearly touched them when they weren't moving and most certainly pressed against them both as everyone around them danced.

And Amaranth simply could not do it. All around them she saw what she was supposed to do to fit in; how her hips were meant to move against his, how her body was supposed to mold against his and she found that the more the images pressed in on her the straighter her spine became and while she did find herself pressing back against Valon it was only because he seemed to be the most solid thing in the room. Her eyes darted desperately between the people, looking for an opening she could get through. The steady pressure of his hands on her hips gave her an anchor in the wildly spinning world, it kept her from simply giving in to the desire to run and helped her focus on making a dignified escape...

As long as he continued to hold still anyway...

She did not give any indication that she wanted to be away. Nothing that he would be wanting to pick up on, though the signs of distress were clearly there. She was tight and even somewhat afraid, likely for her own safety, and did not trust him to keep her safe in this sort of venue. While that might be true to a degree, it was not like she was in any danger whilst Valon had her under his wing, it was just a matter of her not being in a sanctuary where she would be immune to suffering. Valon did not like the notion of cutting someone out of the real world. He was an advocate of running before walking when the time called for it, and this was as good a time as any to see whether goodly Miss Amaranth had the ability to develop quickly and survive. She would need to just deal with it, because he could tell her with no doubt in his mind that she was going to need what he could teach her in order to successfully navigate her way through the throngs of other races.

Her body shifted the deeper into the writhing mass they went, bodies flailing on all sides like the manic tentacles of octopodes in a feeding frenzy, and they were heading directly for the heart of the beast. Arms and hands waved in the air, the already strobing light seeming weaker and more intermittent as they delved deeper into the ocean. From her perspective it was likely she was looking out to the sunlight as it grew fainter and further from her and she was dragged deeper into the abyssal dark. Valon was certainly that cavernous maw threatening to swallow her up, and it was a question as to when she was going to try to make herself survive and kick free, making a bid for the surface and salvation. Her spine had changed against him, and it was apparent that she was not able to go any further without some severe issues regarding her will and his own. Instead he stopped guiding her, and when she did not make a plea to go in any one direction his hands snaked around her.

Maybe she would see it as a comforting, protecting thing, and hold onto it for dear life as the only source of support she would be getting in this place. It wasn't anything risque naturally, and he wasn't going for any sort of foreplay measure at the moment. He was simply showing off his possessive nature as well as his sexual one, albeit both in rather small doses. He rocked from side to side, his own melody somewhat in time to the music but certainly not as fast paced. As they swayed gently he had them turning little by little in a circle around their own little spot on the floor, his hands holding her close. If she had relaxed into it, she could have easily rested her head back against his shoulder, but that would have exposed her front far too much for her liking and just enough for his. It could be that she would enjoy the loss of control too much and be absorbed into the guilty pleasures of his touch, too loving of the feeling of his facial hair against her soft skin that she would abandon herself and become lost in the sensation. As though that were a bad thing. To her it likely was.

As this song wound down and the unmistakable beat of the next rushed in to replace it, Valon caught sight of Estabez who was looking down on the pair with a sense of what Valon considered envy. Was he hoping to be the one holding the angel like this? Or was he longing to be in Valon's arms? The thought was frightening. Either way, he looked rather put out at the moment and was soon surrounded by the women from earlier as though they were there to compensate for his lack of partner. Unfortunately for him, he was no Valon, and the women up there were no equal for Amaranth, who although icy and emotionless was still more fun than any of them could be. He could get from Amaranth what he could not get from the others - a chase, of sorts. There was obvious tension between them, Estabez having apparently taken offense to Valon getting his moves on in the club that the vampire considered his own domain. Apparently he had problems sharing, and as they continued to slowly turn away from him and offer their back to him, his mouth leaned in closer to whisper.

"Not to alarm you, as I'm sure you're very aware of the situation at the moment, but I believe we have caught Estabez's eye. He seems very unhappy with our detracting attention away from him... even jealous." He smirked against her skin. "Just thought you might be interested to know. I know you are a fond friend of the vampires and the thought of upsetting them likely kills you inside."

She held perfectly still, her eyes drifting closed as she sought to use the anchoring pressure of his hands to find a still, quiet place within her restless and anxious soul. She was deep in concentration as his hands slid around her waist to rest low on her stomach and though she didn't relax, she did allow him to pull her closer. He hadn't moved and with the stillness of his body she was slowly able to calm herself once more. The slow rocking of their bodies was hardly noticed, in fact she almost was able to pass it off as a side-effect of her concentration.

But when he started to turn them she could no longer deny reality. Somewhat calmer even in the midst of the storm of bodies surrounding them, she let her body rest against his somewhat. His hands hadn't wandered and Amaranth was a naturally trusting person. Though his touches were certainly more personal than she enjoyed he still had not taken advantage of her moments of weakness and she appreciated his reticence.

Amaranth left her eyes closed as he slowly turned them, allowing him to guide her body and resisting the urge to let her head drop back and rest on his shoulder; but when his voice whispered softly in her ear the shiver that slipped down her spine had the back of her head dropping gently onto his shoulder regardless.

Not to alarm you, as I'm sure you're very aware of the situation at the moment, but I believe we have caught Estabez's eye. He seems very unhappy with our detracting attention away from him... even jealous. Just thought you might be interested to know. I know you are a fond friend of the vampires and the thought of upsetting them likely kills you inside.

Her head tilted away from his mouth slightly, exposing her neck as he spoke and leaving her open for the moment that his lips lightly pressed against her skin in a small smile. Her eyes shot open, though to her annoyance the response was due more to his words than the inappropriateness of his actions. Estabez was jealous? Of whom? Valon? The thought caused her to shudder slightly, the vibration entirely different that then shivers that Valon himself had been causing. If Estabez had been hoping for one more woman to add to his harem he was sorely mistaken in thinking that Amaranth would lower herself to being the harlot of a vampire. Conversely, the vampire could be jealous of her, but that thought was simply too ridiculous to entertain. If Estabez were actually so dim as to believe that a man stood a chance with someone like Valon, especially after watching how Valon handled the women, then there was little hope for this coven; they were led by an even bigger idiot than she had originally believed.

Their bodies turned slowly back towards the group and Amaranth allowed her eyelids to drift partially closed so she could unobtrusively observe the group before they passed from her line of sight again. Estabez did, indeed, seem somewhat put out and it irked Amaranth greatly. Whatever his issue it was none of her concern and Valon's obvious and arrogant condescension concerning her desire to remain a positive yet neutral player combined with Estabez' complete lack of morality or manners was chafing her badly. And an irritated Amaranth, combined with all the other out of character behaviors she was being forced to experience, was an Amaranth that eventually rose to the obvious challenge being presented to the couple on the dance floor by their host.

As their bodies turned their backs to the group of vampires she allowed a smirk of her own to slip onto her lips and with a small sigh she slowly rocked her body back against his and then turned to face him, draping her arms over his shoulders and pressing her body against his.

"It looks to me like he's setting the bar a little low. Would you like to show him how high real supernatural beings can set the bar?"

Certainly she wanted to remain on good terms with the vampiric leader, but by the same token she was an Angel and she was royalty. He was nothing more than a self-named leader of a group of vampires that split off from a larger coven. She stood dancing in this charlatan's club with another member of royalty, one even she bowed to. He was a King and certainly deserved better treatment than was being offered. If it took her lowering herself to the standards of these humans and vampires to put Estabez in his place then so be it.

She slid her hands down his chest and slowly turned her back to him again, pressing up against him as she slipped her hands up and back, lightly twisting her fingers in his hair. She was completely unsure how they were going to succeed at this but she had as much faith in her ability to pick things up quickly as she had in Valon's ability to somehow make it a spectacle that would shove Estabez into place. Glancing at the other dancers out of the corner of her eye she quickly gathered that the most important step was moving your whole body to the beat while also accentuating hip movements. Closing her eyes for a second, she carefully measured the beat, Valon's steps and finally, allowing the music to simply seep into her skin, she began to move against him; her hips circling against his .

They turned and moved together, each movement mirroring the others' touches and her body changing beneath his as though obeying commands he had not uttered yet. Her head fell back, neck exposed, body lost against his as he simultaneously commanded and sheltered her from the center of the dancefloor, a berth on all sides forming to give them a few vital inches of space away from the other bodies. His hands continued to press against her, pulling her towards him and enveloping his fingers on all sides in her soft, warm flesh, feeling its softness just barely out of reach through the fabric. When she spoke, he was somewhat surprised that she was in tune with him, and although the person before him hadn't changed, he felt that she had undergone a shift in personality, suddenly more playful and dangerous in a way that was very exciting to him. She wasn't a stuck-up or ignorant angel anymore, but there was no explanation that made sense to him other than the idea of a switch that could be turned on and off at will. If not that, then there was a personality issue at play.

Either way, he didn't care too much as she agreed with his notion to up the ante and take on Estabez and his dick-waving. The women surrounding the vampire joined him in looking on at the pair on the dancefloor, pronounced against the vague silhouettes of other dancers as they enjoyed themselves in the center. Valon had ignored them by now, though, his attention on Amaranth as she pulled her hands up into his hair and pressed her hips against his, the rolling motion rhythmic with the beats of the music, her figure almost perfectly resembling the other female dancers who were in the same situation. He didn't need to look at the surrounding dancers to know the intended outcome for such an act, The stimulation was obvious and immediate; a very clever design by these humans who clearly had nothing better to do than invite sexual problems into their lives whilst out relaxing in a club environment.

If nothing else, it gave him the inspiration to pursue this angel even more. She wasn't just a source of entertainment as he tortured her, she was also a potential source of other things for him, and he expected she would revert back to her normal sense once the night was over and sleep had rested her mind. She would be back to her normal self - the one that held meetings and dressed conservatively - and it would be his challenge to draw out this fun side. Maybe even get some other activities going that she might enjoy. After all, who knew what sorts of things an angel like herself might want to get up to once the lights had dimmed and the curtains drawn? He was inclined to believe she might even be a match for him in some ways, though he could not entertain the notion for very long, and instead settled for the idea that she might be a rare delicacy that he would remember for a long, long time. This was his new goal with her. In conjunction with the casual tormenting, naturally.

Of course, now the time was for him to make his move, as she'd certainly made it obvious what her feelings were at the moment. No doubt she was putting on this show for Estabez whom she was particularly repulsed by, but Valon had yet to do anything of his own merit to warrant a sense of ill favour with the vampire coven leader up to this point. His hand crept up her stomach, tracing the curvature of her breasts as he felt the change in fabric beneath. An undergarment, layered and textured, but not obvious enough to indicate that there was anything barring his feeling of the flesh to an outside observer. As such, whilst she was busy with her gyrating against him, he took the opportunity to bring a hand around her breast, covering the coveted body part and giving it a light but firm squeeze which he maintained. He did not bother to look for a reaction, instead deciding to extend a hospitable offer to Amaranth as they turned their backs on the vampires once more.

"If you want to make the most of this, you might want to consider joining me in returning home later. I can certainly make it worth your while."

Ami was out. Everyone has different aspects of their personality, some of which they like to keep hidden. These different parts will stay quiet and reserved, hiding out of the way until the moment comes along when you need them to shine through and carry you to the end of a long, drawn out and often painful experience. Ami was that part of Amaranth's personality that came out when she needed to protect herself from the world and couldn't achieve it through standard behaviors. Her Ami side had a tendency to throw caution to the wind, to be headstrong and impulsive. It was a part of her personality that Amaranth's cousin had often chastised her for and she had worked very hard to keep it under control. After all, an impulsive angel with a bit of an attitude and penchant for rule breaking wasn't one that could be reasonable expected to help rule their race.

But in situations such as this, when everything else was well beyond her control, Amaranth tended to just let go and let Ami. After all, what was there to lose? The respect of Valon? The Vampires? Ha! It was more likely she'd already lost the respect of both parties by being so easily deterred and swayed. So why not just give in? It was a human experience after all and she was supposed to be experience as much human life as possible so that she could put together a reasonable defense for their safety and care once the council was established.

And truth be told, she was having a little bit of fun... It had been centuries since she'd had a reason to... well... feel sexy. Absolutely centuries and... Valon was certainly nice to look at. The thought made her blush slightly in the darkness and she faltered slightly against him as her awareness shifted away from the mindless motions against him to the changes in his body. The blush deepened and she forced herself to remain against him as her natural embarrassment fought down her naughtier Ami side for a moment. She was teaching Estabez a lesson, however, her Ami side reminded her. With a small nod to herself she gently tugged Valon's hair and pressed herself against him a bit more, adding a bit more oomph to her hips when the pressed back against his.

As though in response to her small flourishes on the dance floor, she felt his hands shift on her body and a small smile crept along her lips; yes, they could certainly do this and do it well. In each other they appeared to have found a partner that could, if not anticipate, respond to things with a quickness and clarity that could make them an ideal team. His fingers wandered and shifted their way higher and higher as she carried on her internal discussion, but Amaranth was certain that he would maintain the same respectful distance he had till now; only Ami anticipated the touch against her breast but even Ami was unprepared for the touch of his whole hand, the gentle squeeze and the sudden rush of desperate arousal that hit her. Her legs shook slightly as her steps and movements against him faltered slightly. Letting him lead them in another turn away from prying vampiric eyes, she sucked in a frantic breath and quickly ran through a list of appropriate responses as he spoke in her ear and sent what she was beginning to call a pleasurable shiver down her spine.

If you want to make the most of this, you might want to consider joining me in returning home later. I can certainly make it worth your while.

Oh, she could play this game. She may not have had much experience, but as long as she could keep herself on somewhat even ground and extricate herself before things became too overwhelming she could and would meet him step for step. Tugging his hair, a little harder again, and rocking her hips into his, she spun in his arms. Her hands lightly scrapped down his chest to his hips and rested low as she used the light leverage to keep her hips pressed against his.

"You're my ride after all. It's only natural that I'll be leaving with you." A small smirk lit up her lips and she leaned forward, pressing her chest into his as she teased her hips against his. "And you'll take me home and drop me off. I doubt there's much you could offer me that I can't live without."

Her lips were right near his ear and the murmured words were just as much meant to be a tease as the light brush of her lips against his ear as she spoke.

Whether she had meant it intentionally or not, he was aware of the double entendre, at least on his own behalf. He actually sort of supposed she did, as she was quick to pick up on his indication of what sorts of things he wanted to get down to. He found it amusing, cute in a way, that she was going to opt to pick up on the innocent interpretation of what he said rather than the more obvious and much more risque one. Yes, it would be natural that she'd be leaving with him, as there was no way she was going to be able to get her own transportation arranged, and she was obviously not going to be leaving with anyone else. Not after getting this involved with him, and if she was ever considering such a thing then it was more likely than not it was as an effort to spite him than to indicate her true intent. Now, regarding her opinion that she could live without him, he was sure that was the case. Certainly he was nothing special in that capacity, but there is a difference between needing something and wanting something. She might be able to live without him, but it was unlikely she'd want to.

Estabez had disappeared by the time they had returned to looking in his direction, his girls lounging around bored as though they were not allowed to join in the dancing. That was probably very much the case, Valon thought, as the vampire likely could not bear the thought of not having the girls on hand to highlight his masculinity, or otherwise to compensate for his considerable lack. Valon supposed he had went to a back room, but wasn't sure whether that was a good thing, and wasn't going to comment on it to Amaranth as she had apparently not noticed. Maybe there was more to her attitude than at the moment than a vengeful disposition towards the vampires, though he did not believe she was ever going to admit anything to him unless... well, no, he couldn't think of any situation where she could admit that she was enjoying their situation. She'd always need that excuse.

Estabez returned not long after he had thought this, back to staring at the pair of them with the same dissatisfied visage. Valon supposed that he was once again brooding over the fact that he was still up there, 'cursed' to endure the company of his harem than to have the angel whom was apparently very disgusted with the notion of being in such a situation with him. It could be that she wasn't alone, but he was never going to get such a vocal denouncing of Estabez without getting them off guard. Taking them to a safer and secluded spot would be the natural thing to do, but if Valon ever wanted to hear the secrets then he had other ways of convincing women to open their mouths and give him what he wanted. He was focused on the vampire too much for the moment, and as they resumed their turning in place with the varying touching and grinding, he spotted a familiar face in the crowd which caught his eye for a moment. Quickly deflecting his gaze to remain nonchalant, he had managed to avoid alerting the man to his awareness of the situation.

Well, this was just about the most perfect situation ever, and Valon only meant that half-sarcastically. At least he was aware of what Estabez had been up to, and that the man he had tripped earlier had indeed had an agenda. What it was was almost obvious to him, but reasons as to why exactly were still escaping him. With Estabez involved Valon suspected jealousy and the intent to remove him in order to inherit his assets. He likely foolishly believed Valon was younger than he appeared and inexperienced, assuming that the demons were as incapable as the vampires and that treachery was not something he had ever encountered. He expected that the man was waiting for him to take a break and move away from the crowds, making it easier for him to act and disappear, He was not banking on that lasting long, though. Estabez was very impulsive and he doubted the assassins he hired were anything different from himself, likely to give the vampire the feeling of extending his own hand. The crowd would only be a safety for so long, and Valon did not want to randomly annihilate a few dozen individuals pointlessly.

Wordlessly he took the angel from her center of the dancefloor, their surroundings parting before them as they moved back the way they had came. He did not need to keep track of Estabez - he was playing the role of observer and would not be interfering until he had to. Likely he would not even intervene even if he lost this game. It was how Valon would do things at least. Remembering how she had responded regarding Estabez's prying eyes into their dancing just a few minutes ago, he brought her up alongside her and made a similar bid as earlier. "Our friend from the planetarium has followed us. One of Estabez's hired hands, I believe. I would recommend we get rid of him before he manages to get rid of us. Unless, of course, you'd rather talk it out with him in private?"

Her eyes watched Estabez through lowered lids as her words whispered and teased against Valon's ear. With a soft sigh of relief she watched Estabez leave their line of sight and sagged slightly against her partner as she continued to move against him. She felt as though a weight on her shoulders was lifted as Estabez disappeared and with it she felt the freedom to truly enjoy herself.

And enjoy herself she was, frighteningly so. She was enjoying the feeling of a masculine body pressed against hers, the sensations of his hands moving along her clothed skin; her wilder side had thrilled at the brazen touch of his hand on her breast. As he shifted them around again, she allowed herself to spin in his arms, slithering down his body and back up again as she had seen some of the other women doing. Why not, after all? Why shouldn't she fully indulge in the human experience?

As the thought crossed her mind, she found her hand encased in Valon's as he gently pulled her through the crowd. A thrill of anticipation moved through her both exciting and terrifying her. Why was he dragging them off the dance floor? Was something wrong? Had she done something wrong? Or had she done something terribly right and opened the door for things she was far from prepared for or welcoming of. There was a part of her that anticipated with excitement the rushing passion she was mostly afraid was coming.

Valon pulled her into a corner, away from prying eyes and she found her back pressed up against the wall. Though neither had truly exerted themselves, as he loomed over her with his arms braced against the wall over her head, she found their chests nearly touching as they breathed heavily. His lips lowered and she turned her head slightly; unknowing and unwilling...

Our friend from the planetarium has followed us. One of Estabez's hired hands, I believe. I would recommend we get rid of him before he manages to get rid of us. Unless, of course, you'd rather talk it out with him in private?

Disappointment flooded through her and it took a moment for the words to fully sink in as her arousal and naive anticipation faded from her conscious along with her wild side. Valon was not playing any more and she quickly picked up on the change; even if it were small. Their 'friend' from the planetarium? Her mind flipped back through what seemed like a years worth of memories until she landed on those of the strange, frightening man at the dinner. She shivered, looking up at him anxiously. She was off-kilter, unsure of herself and very confused. Struggling to regain her composure she tried desperately to fully understand.

"Estabez... You thi-- you think..." It took a moment but when she finally understood his meaning a wave of anger slipped through her and her look changed from one of anxious confusion to righteous anger. Flushing, she glowed slightly as her indignation ebbed out of her. "You aren't even saying you think it. You believe you know that Estabez planned to have something happen to at least one of us. And you are saying that the man is here once again ready to carry out his masters' will."

The glow on her skin brightened in irritation as she finished her sentence and she frowned rather fiercely at him. If Estabez were attempting some sort of coup or kidnapping or even assassination attempt then he was an even greater fool than she'd thought he was when she thought he wanted to be with Valon. Really?! He truly thought that he could hire someone to take out one of them?! Did he think that they were weak fools?

Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone approaching and her eyes widened as he came into view, rage and anger in his eyes once again.

"Valon!"

She quickly threw a hand on his chest and not a moment too soon as the other man launched himself at the couple, dagger in hand. How cliche, she thought as the blade bent harmlessly against her bubble. The man not only chose something dramatic, a dagger, but one so weak it not only could not penetrate her bubble but bent as it struck the shield.

Holding the barrier for as long as she could, she put all of her energy into it. Valon could move, attack or simply stand and laugh if he so desired for as long as she could keep it up and stable around him. But keeping the bubble stable took all of her energy and concentration. Panting softly, she frowned as the bubble wavered, drops of glowing blood appearing on her skin as she felt her knees buckle. Darkness swept up to meet her as the barrier fell off of the demon in front of her.

He was no empath and certainly not able to feel what she was feeling, but he could tell by how her skin felt and what her grip on his hand was like that she had a change of feeling. She was confused, but that was something that had prevailed over a good while now, and she was probably hoping to escape from the club into some corner where she would be safe from the crowds and just be alone with him. He would have taken her eventually, in more ways than one, he supposed, but there was no way he was going to let his guard down enough to invoke enough energy into that sort of thing when there was a very obvious assassin around and a very obvious backstabber on his little perch surrounded by his bitches. Emerging from the crowds with her, he moved methodically towards a corner that had them out of Estabez's line of sight and overall quite out of the way from where everyone else was. It was some sort of maintenance area where he supposed the staff moved between, but there was no one here and he had guessed the doors at the end beneath the Exit sign were locked. He pressed her into the corner, keeping his head down close to her as he anticipated the man's arrival.

It came sooner than expected, and although he had ample time to go for the throat and rip it out, he was deterred from his quick action by Amaranth who had flung herself into the middle of it, metaphorically, the dagger splintering against an invisible wall that projected itself between the two men. Smirking as the pathetic weapon faltered in his hand, Valon had to wonder how he was expected to kill anyone with it. His suspicions of some sort of actual secondary weapon were justified as the man reached quickly into his jacket, though Valon did not give him the opportunity to remove it, and in a fluid motion his sword had been flung through his sleeve and into his hand, the blade retracting with his arm and plunging into his chest, the hand, weapon and heart all caught in the same stroke. The cry of pain and a sound of a gunshot rang out around the same time as the crowd screamed along with one of the songs being played; a fortunate coincidence.

He felt Amaranth wavering and, in an attempt to make it quicker, put off his favourite parts of the deaths of others by simply opting for the death now. His blade turned a quarter rotation, from horizontal to vertical, and the body went limp instantaneously as the life was extinguished immediately. Blood ran against gravity up the blade before seeping into it, and what had been series of red rivers was quickly back to the marrow-coloured weapon that had that same, plain, macabre look to it. The corpse fell to the floor, a husk and present for Estabez, who would likely be doubly enraged that he could not get a last snack from his failed assassin. The blade was re-sheathed as he allowed it to fall back up into his clothing, where it would stay inconspicuous and intangible until he willed it back out from his body, and with his arms free he was capable of providing support for the angel at his side who was overexerted from her actions. A shimmering gold was apparent on her skin, and it did not take long before sniffing vampires came looking after her, their heads poking around the corners nosily.

He made the connection, having smelt the substance itself and taking a minute to wonder whether it was actually the case. It was strange to think that she would actually bleed gold, but that seemed to be the case and as cliche it seemed, it did somehow make sense to him, much to his chagrin. Hoisting her up in his arms, he opted for the red carpet exit, and taking up his cane, he left it in her lap touching both his hand and her neck, giving them both the protection of the ward engraved into the top of it, as well as the runes all the way down. Some were very situational, and some were used all the time, but it required touch to be active, and that was something he very much relied on in his day to day business. Maybe a little too much, but there was never a situation where he could not handle it without the use of his props - he made sure to that as he could. Emerging back into the main room, heads were generally turned in his direction, looking at her, though as he moved towards them they did not approach. Compelled away, averted, distracted away from wanting to touch him, their minds were weak and easy to dissuade, and even the passive protection of his runes was enough to stop them wanting to touch.

Those that did were quickly reminded why it was the kings and queens were sat upon thrones away from the masses, their hands disintegrating into dust as they grasped for either of them, leaving a frayed mess behind as they recoiled, the club no longer unified in its rejoicing and instead silent despite the beats from below. Arriving at the elevator without hindrance that he considered an obstacle, he retained his position with his back to the room as he awaited the car, and as it arrived, he stepped inside and turned to look back. Estabez was there, fuming and upset, and exactly as Valon had wanted it to be. Well, not with Amaranth unconscious as she was, but it was a plus in his column in either case, and he still had something Estabez wanted. The doors closed with a clink and he exhaled slowly, thankful that he wasn't going to have to have this club experience again for a while.