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.