As it turned out, Dannika and Luc did not have long to wait before meeting the Bishop of New York.? A few days after their conversation concerning Luc's need to learn sorcery, a party invitation came to their house.? It was an elaborate affair, a vellum scroll illustrated like ancient Irish bibles.? It had been tied shut with a length of crimson velvet ribbon and sealed with a blob of blood-red wax.? A Gothic, stylized 'E' had been impressed into the wax.

Dannika was a bit surprised at the sight of the rather impressive scroll when she spotted it lying on the small table next to the front door. She picked it up, sniffed it, and then took it out to Luc's workshop before opening it.? She had a feeling what it was and wanted to share it with him.? Knocking sharply at the door of the little wooden outbuilding that originally served as the estate's potting shed, she poked her head in through the door and called out his name.

Luc looked up from his latest attempt at mixing up some sort of concoction that would have more than a fleeting effect on Cainite constitution.? It was not going terribly well.? He would not give up, of course; he was certain, however by this point, that a supernatural fix was a necessity.? When Dannika called his name, he stood and went over to the door.? "What is it, ma chere?"

She held up the scroll and showed it to him.? "Can I come in or would you rather we looked at this in the house?"

"Come in, of course.? You are always welcome here, and anywhere I am."? He smiled at her, opening the door wide.? The workshop was cluttered, but not terribly so. Luc was fairly neat and kept things in their proper places.? He had a few chairs there, as well, to sit and think in. She looked around the room with the tiniest smile on her face.? Having never stepped foot in this mysterious room for fear of accidentally ruining something, she was both shocked and slightly amused at the order in which Luc kept everything.? She'd expected wild chaos to rule.?

She moved to a chair and sank down in it, folding her legs beneath her body and leaning forward with her elbows on her knees.? Since the night she had Embraced him, she had been wearing trousers, a fact which seemed scandalous to the majority of New Yorkers she had encountered.? Trousers were simply more practical than long ridiculous skirts and tight, constricting corsets.?

He pulled a second chair over directly across from her and sat down in it, leaning forward to see what the scroll was.? The sight of her in trousers was, for him, commonplace now.? Besides, he quite enjoyed the chance to freely admire her slim, strong legs.? "So, what is this missive you bring?" he asked curiously.

She broke the seal by sliding her thumbnail underneath it and then untied the ribbon.? She narrowed her eyes slightly at the bit of blood-red velvet, her expression thoughtful.? Finally she handed it over to him and nodded towards his hair.? Then she unfurled the vellum and held the scroll open, her dark grey eyes quickly scanning the words.? Her brow rose and her mouth formed into a tiny O of surprise.? "It's an invitation to a party."

He looked at her blankly for a moment, then realized what she wanted.? Reaching back, he untied the plain strip of leather that was holding back his long, dark blond hair and replaced it with the ribbon.? Then he turned his head to one side so she could see it.? "A party?? What sort of party?"

She looked up from the scroll grinned and said, "Very fetching, my love."? Then she lowered her eyes to the invitation again and shrugged.? "A dinner party apparently.? It's to be held at the home of..."? She frowned and said, "Oh, my.? The Bishop of New York has invited us to...dine with her."

"The Bishop," he echoed.? "The vampyre of whom we spoke of last week?"? He reached out to place gentle fingers on her frowning mouth.? "This is fortuitous, is it not?"?

"Oui, c'est vrai," she answered and kissed the tips of his fingers, though the frown remained as she kept her eyes on the vellum sheet in front of her, as if it had further, hidden information for her.? Then she forced a smile and looked up at Luc.? "You will need a new suit.? And I shall have to have a new dress as well."

The closeness of their bond made it hard for them to conceal their feelings from each other.? Luc could tell that something still bothered her.? "What is it that brings such a frown to your beautiful face, my love?"

"Ecaterina, the Bishop, is Sabbat, Luc.? They are..."? She frowned again, severely this time and with extreme distaste.? "They have forgotten what it means to be human.? They are depraved monsters who barely cling to the Masquerade and only adhere to the Traditions when it serves their purposes."

He nodded in understanding.? "You mentioned that there is a danger of her wanting our blood, because of our low generation.? Is there more danger, as well?"

"Not for us, no.? But if you especially were still mortal...you would be suspended from the ceiling, your throat cut, and your blood drained away to be consumed by everyone there.? Or maybe you would be laid out on a table and vampyri would drink directly from your body."

He couldn't repress the small shudder that ran through him.? Though he had resigned himself to having to drink the blood of mortals, he had been extremely careful not to drink too much from any one mortal, ever since his mistaken murder of the farmer.? The mental image Dannika painted was revolting, though, and spoke of a callous disregard for human life.

She nodded and then rose, rolling the scroll back up and reaching for his hand.? "We must be on guard, mon amour.? We will be in danger.? Trust no one.? Do not allow anyone to take you from me, either."

"I will be vigilant," he said and took her hand.? "But...if we are attacked, what can I do against such creatures?? My abilities are so weak as of yet.? I could not hope to stand against an experienced Kindred."?

"Do you remember how you drew on the vitae to create the deer in the woods?"

He nodded, the memory bringing a smile to his lips.? He stood, joining her. "I will never forget it."

She, too, smiled, remembering the perfectly created visual illusion of a stag standing motionless in the snowy, moonlit forest not five yards from them.? "Bon, mon cher.? You can draw on it to make your physical body stronger, faster and more resilient, as well. You can also use it to heal yourself."

"This is done in the same way as creating the deer?? I simply concentrate on it?"

She nodded.? "Exactement."

"Then I must practice, before we go.? If we are attacked, I must be able to react quickly."

"Yes, that is a good idea.? Draw upon it now and come outside." She let go of his hand went back outside, to wait for him in the small courtyard between the shed and the house proper.

A week passed, nights finding Dannika and Luc being attended by their sempstress.? She took their measurements, consulted with them about cuts and cloth, and finally, brought back the finished work.? The party at the Bishop of New York's estate was the next night and Dannika found herself growing more and more nervous as the time approached.? She knew that the only way Luc could learn his sorcery was through the auspices of the Bishop, but she was truly frightened of meeting the Sabbat Kindred...especially with a such a neonate as Luc at her side - a neonate who held within his blood more power than most Cainites could ever dream of wielding.

Dannika's nervousness did not go unnoticed by Luc.? As the party drew closer, he spent less time in his workshop and more time by her side, trying to ease her worries.? He promised that at the first sign of trouble, he would hide or flee.? He promised not to let anyone separate him from her whilst at the party.? He promised to let her do all of the talking, unless directly asked a question.

His endless, earnest promises did little to settle her nerves, though it did wonders for her view of his mentality.? He was such a smart man, so eager to please her and it only served to make her love him even more.? Finally the night of the party came and Dannika rose from their darkened basement room, slowly and reluctantly disentangling herself from Luc's arms.? "Luc, mon amour," she whispered softly.? "You must wake.? We must prepare ourselves."

He opened his eyes and smiled as he looked into her face; the first, best thing he saw every evening when he awakened.? "The party is tonight," he said.? It wasn't a question, just an affirmation.? He sat up, feeling a little stir of excitement.? Though he knew there was a great deal of danger to be found at this party, it would also be his first encounter with other Kindred.?

She smiled in response to his expression, and certainly not because of his words.? She nodded and climbed out of their bed, giving him a little smirk.? "Shall I tell you a secret?" she asked in a conspiratorial whisper.

"Oh yes," he said, looking at her with increased interest.? "I do like secrets."? In fact, his life now was centered around a particular secret; that of the creation of the mysterious Elixir of Golcanda.

"I am more afraid of the dress and the hoops and the silly stays I must wear than I am of the Kindred we will meet tonight."? She grinned at him, forcing a tiny bit of vitae into the expression, tugging subtly at that link between sire and childe, manipulating Luc into believing her words.

He laughed, nodding at her.? "It is akin to the chevalier of legend buckling on his armor, ne c'est pas?"? It relieved him to see that she seemed to have gotten over some of her fears about this gathering.? "If the worst trial we have to endure is your dressing for it, this party will not be so bad."

She chuckled and then drew him out of the bed, wrapping her arms around his chest and snuggling close to him.? "I have decided, mon cher," she said, "you will not wear a wig.? I have bought you a bit of ribbon for your hair instead."? Tilting her head up, she met his eyes and raised a hand to gently stroke the side of his head.? "This is too beautiful to cover."

"For you, I would go naked to the party."? He leaned into her hand, closing his eyes for a moment and enjoying the sensation.? He wondered if, a hundred years from now, he would still feel the tingle of love and passion that her touch evoked in him.? He sincerely hoped so.

She gasped in an affected way.? "Quelle horreur!"? She grinned and then took his hand, turning to go up the stairs and begin the hours-long process of readying themselves.

Upstairs, Luc carefully dressed himself in the blue and gold outfit they had decided would look best on him.? It was quite likely the nicest piece of clothing he had ever worn, and he took great pains not to damage anything.? Even with all of the care he took, he was still finished long before Dannika was, so he waited patiently in the parlor for her.

After being forced into tight-fitting stays and ridiculous hoops that held the sides of her skirt out to just a touch beyond shoulder-width, she finally was ready for the dress itself -? gorgeous, heavy brocade damask in a deep forest green.? Once it was on, she stepped in front of the looking glass and smiled.? She hardly recognised herself.? And then the fight over a wig began.? Dannika absolutely refused to wear one, and after fifteen minutes of being berated and insulted in three different languages, her lady's maid relented to using heated irons to curl Dannika's thick, raven locks into fat sausage curls and using bits of green velvet ribbon to hold it up off her neck.

Paste diamonds and bits of inferior-cut emeralds hung from her ears and around her throat and after forcing her silk-stocking clad feet into specially made shoes that matched the deep forest green of her dress perfectly, the maid pronounced her ready and descended the stairs to round up Mr Fournier so that he could properly appreciate his lady's entrance.

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He stood and followed the maid into the foyer, stopping at the foot of the steps to await Dannika's arrival.? He was already smiling, anticipating how she would look in that lovely green dress. If she had breath in her body, it would have been caught in her throat by the sight of Luc in sky blue velvet and gold trim.? He stood regally, perfectly poised, as if he were a King.? She knew that he had no conscious knowledge of this; it was simply innate for him now.? Her eyes moved hungrily over him, taking in the snowy white froth of the stock at his throat, the tight, form-fitting breeches that stopped just above his well-muscled calves, the breadth of his shoulders in the expanse of the frockcoat.? "Oh, mon Dieu," she whispered.? "Tu ?s une vision."

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At the same time her eyes were roaming over him, so his were drinking her in.? He had never seen her in a real dress before; even back at the hospital, she had worn plain, peasant clothing, and after his Embrace, she had exclusively worn men's trousers, much to the dismay of their servants after arriving in New York.? Now, she was a vision, lovelier than any noblewoman he'd ever glimpsed, and though breathing was no longer needed for him, he still gasped in awe at her appearance.? "I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life," he said softly, stepping towards her.

She smiled shyly at him, and lowered her eyes, the very picture of the demure, coy courtier she was pretending to be tonight.? "You have clearly not looked into the mirror tonight, have you?"

Fortunately, blushing was also no longer a natural function for him.? It helped him seem much more poised and confident than he actually felt.? He smiled at her, shaking his head.? "There is no comparison, ma coeur.? I am a commoner in his first suit, while you...you could be a princess, even a queen."

She smiled and then reached into the little purse hanging from her wrist, drawing out the length of blue velvet and holding it to out him to see.? "Do you wish me to plait it for you?"

"I do," he said, turning his back to her and lowering himself to one knee so she wouldn't have to reach up to get to his hair.?

She plunged her fingers into that cascade of sun-ripened wheat locks which seemed as though they were alive.? "I wonder if this is what a lion's mane feels like," she said thoughtfully as she finger-combed Luc's hair into submission and then began to plait it tightly at the base of his skull.? When the braid was done, she tied it tightly with the ribbon.? Then she leaned in and kissed the crown of his head.? "C'est si bon, mon cher."

He growled playfully at her lion comment, holding perfectly still as her fingers worked through his hair.? It was a very intimate gesture, having your hair done by someone you loved.? When she finished, he smiled and stood, turning back to face her.? "Thank you, my love."

"De rien," she said and curtsied to him.? Robbins went to the door and opened it.? "The coach is here, m'lady," he said.? Danni nodded to him and then tucked her arm through Luc's, her palm resting lightly along his forearm.? "Shall we then, Monsieur Fournier?"

"At your convenience, Mademoiselle Dragomir," he responded, leading her out to the coach, where the hired footman helped her inside.? Once Luc was settled beside her, the driver flicked the horses' rumps with the tip of his whip and they were off.? Dannika subtly watched Luc out of the corner of her eyes, taking a bead on his thoughts and emotions.

Luc's thought were awhirl with the idea of meeting other Cainites for the first time.? The stories Dannika had told him about these Sabbat made them sound like fairy-tale monsters.? He wondered if they would behave like normal people or depraved beasts.? And what would they look like?? She had told him about the Nosferatu, who were hideously ugly, and the Gangrel, who sometimes took on the features of animals.? Would he see any of them there tonight?

It only took him a few moments to recall the dancing he had learned when he was younger.? The ease with which his new body responded made it far easier than he remembered.? After they had danced for several minutes, they switched partners.? He was a little apprehensive about dancing with humans at first, but soon realized his self-control was up to the task now.? The women he danced with all wore lovely dresses, and many of them were quite pretty, but none came close to Dannika.? There was a red-headed girl who couldn't have been more than 16 who was apparently quite taken with him, and refused to leave through several dances.? Just when he was starting to feel a little uncomfortable, a British officer in full dress uniform whisked her away, leaving him to heave a sigh of relief and look around for Dannika.

Dannika kept her eye on her childe as much as she could while dancing with other partners.? There were, of course, many British soldiers attending Ecaterina's party and she danced with no less than three of them, each more polite and genteel than the last.? Then there were two cousins, Adams by last name, Americans apparently from Boston.? They were slightly less genteel than the Brits, but they made her laugh and she appreciated that.? Then she found her way back into Luc's arms for a waltz.? She looked up into his eyes and smiled happily.? "Why, Monsieur Fournier, how lovely to see you again," she said.

"And you," he answered, relief showing clearly on his face and in his voice.? Near the end of the dances, he had begun thinking about her warnings to stay by her side at all times, and had gotten a little nervous, made more so by the redhead girl.

"She was very pretty, Luc," Dannika whispered softly.? "Would you like me to find out who she is so that you may visit her one night?"?

He was simultaneously embarrassed and excited by that prospect.? "I...well," he whispered back, flustered.? "It..that would not upset you?"

She shook her head soberly.? "You must feed, after all.? Why not from someone as beautiful as she?"

"You're right," he said slowly.? Though it had only been two months since his Embrace, he was already beginning to see the world in a very different light.? As little as a month ago, the idea of sneaking into the bedchamber of a young girl to feed from her would have disturbed him greatly.? Now, though, what he mostly felt was excitement, tempered only by the worry that Dannika might be jealous.? Since she clearly was not, he nodded.? "Yes, I think I would like that."

She smiled.? "Good, I will go talk to her then.? Perhaps you would like to sit, listen to the music?"

He nodded once more.? "I will sit right over there."? He pointed towards a row of chairs where a few men sat, waiting for their turns to dance.? "Hurry back.? This place makes me nervous."

She kissed his forehead and scampered off to find the redheaded girl.? After she'd been gone for a short time, one of the Adams cousins began shouting about his fob watch missing...and then the other Adams cousin piped up that his signet ring was missing as well. Luc stood, watching the excitement, and suddenly wondered if Dannika had something to do with the events.? She had been a thief, after all, and he could only imagine that a vampyre of her power would be even better at that particular trade.? He resolved to bring up the subject with her later, after the party.? If it was her, she needed to know that he would not be angered by it.? What did a few valuables matter, when they already stole the very life blood from mortals?

A few moments after the Adams cousins were whisked off to a separate room by the butler, Dannika returned, a smug smile on her full lips.? She sat next to Luc and snuggled against him, her chin resting atop his shoulder.? "She is enjoying her first season in New York's social scene.? Her name is Francesca, and she is the niece of Sir Henry Clinton's wife, a real blue-blood, Luc."

"Francesca," he repeated.? "I wonder if she'll taste differently."? A brief look of surprise and horror passed over his face as he realized what he'd said, but he quickly shook it off.? It wasn't as though he was going to kill the girl, or even deflower her.? She would recover from the blood loss easily, and no one would ever know what happened, perhaps not even herself.? He started to say something more, but was interrupted by the arrival of a well-dressed servant.? "Lady Ecaterina will receive you now," the servant said.? "Please follow me."

Dannika laughed at the expression on Luc's face and then sobered immediately when the servant came to fetch them.? She stood and nodded to him, reaching for Luc's hand to give it a comforting squeeze.? She followed the man as he led them back into the rear of the house and up a flight of nearly-hidden stairs. He held tightly to her hand as they trailed behind the servant.? Whatever they had seen so far, he knew the real party, and the real danger, lay ahead.

The servant waited at the top of the stairs, in front of a door until Luc and Danni were directly behind him.? Then he opened the door for them and stepped back to let them enter.? They stepped into a small foyer area, the walls of which were covered in evergreen boughs, filling the tiny, cramped space with the heady scent of pine.? There were mirrors and lit sconces on the walls and a small table just inside the door was covered in candles.? Opposite this was another table with a Grecian-style urn laying on its side, a spill of white fabric pouring from its mouth as if it were water.? Artfully arranged around the urn and the table were smooth, river-polished stones, more greenery and a mask in the shape of Pan - long goat's ears, curving horns and a short pointed beard.? Another door was set into the wall opposite where Danni and Luc were standing.? "Enter through there," the ghoul at their back intoned and then shut the door behind them.

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He glanced over his shoulder as the ghoul vanished back the way they came, then turned to face the door.? "Here we go," he said, then reached for the door, pulling it open and leading her through.? He didn't know what they would see on the other side, but he wasn't about to hesitate nervously in on the threshold.

"Luc, wait," she said and hung back, not crossing the threshold into the next room.? "Promise me something?"

He stopped, turning to face her.? "Anything, of course."

"You will not think less of me when you see what happens in there?? You will still love me regardless of what I might say or do?? You will trust me to keep us both safe?"? Her eyes were imploring him and she reached for his hand, taking it between both of hers and raising it to rub against her cheek.

He cupped her cheek gently, then leaned forward to kiss her lips.? "I trust you with my life and with my death, ma chere.? I understand we are walking into danger, and you may have to be callous or harsh to protect us."? He smiled, shaking his head.? "I swear I will not think less of you, and I will always love you."

She gave him a relieved look and then drew herself up to her full height, squared her shoulders, and crossed the threshold into Bedlam.? The room ahead of her was enormous, easily two stories tall with a wide, sweeping staircase that led up to a balcony that ringed the entire room.? There were couches and sedans arranged on the first floor, as well as a huge, stately throne and two smaller chairs atop a dais against the wall to the right, tucked under the balcony.? Across from the throne were a series of empty tables, covered with white cloths.? On the center table was a huge glass bowl. The entire room was lit with candles - candles hanging from three ornate chandeliers suspended above the floor, candles in scones on the walls, candles in candelabras on the tables and on the floors.? And there were Kindred everywhere the eye looks - neonates like Luc, Ancillae like Danni, and even a few Elders, their power reverberating through the room like thunder.?

Dannika turned to face the throne and spied the Spaniard, seated in the left chair, his ghoul kneeling on the floor next to him.? The right-side chair was filled by a creature so lovely, so ethereal that Dannika took an involuntary breath of shock. Forcing her attention to the throne, she took a moment to size up the Bishop. Ecaterina had long chestnut-colored hair and piercing green eyes. Her lower face was hidden by a veil and she was dressed quote soberly, in a plain, unadorned dress of dark gray.

Luc's eyes widened precipitously when he caught sight of the woman sitting in the rightmost chair on the dais.? With hair and eyes of ebony and skin like alabaster, she looked like the night come to life.? The sight of her was mesmerizing, so much so that he forced himself to shift his gaze to the Spaniard they'd met earlier.

"Ah," the Spaniard's voice carried over the din of conversation.? "We can begin in earnest now, Your Grace.? The Ravnos are here."? He stood and moved through the crowd as if floating to Dannika's side.? He claimed her hand, giving Luc a threatening glare.

Dannika arranged her face into forced neutrality and allowed herself to be led away from Luc's side.? She steeled herself and hoped that Luc would fall in meekly behind her.? Looking inwards, into that shining cauldron of blood, she drew some of it out, forcing it into her muscles for extra strength, dexterity, and stamina.? And then she was standing in front of Ecaterina.

He cast his eyes down at the floor and followed a pace behind Dannika, affecting the air of an obedient servant.? He knew that the next few moments could be extremely dangerous to both of them, and decided it would be a good idea to draw upon his blood to make himself stronger, faster, and tougher, just in case the Bishop decided to try to take them prisoner.?

"Your Grace, may I present Se?orita Dannika Dragomir, late of...Bucharest, is it not, my lady Dragomir?" The Major's voice was oily and slid down Danni's spine like a loathesome snake.?

A slight narrowing of her eyes was the only indication she gave the creature of her displeasure before dropping into a deep curtsy and standing straight again.? She boldly met the Bishop's eyes and said in a pleasant, even voice, "It is such an honor to meet you, Your Grace.? This is my childe, Luc Fournier."? Danni reached behind her and grabbed Luc's hand, pulling him carefully up next to her.? The Major's eyes took on a distinctly greedy appearance as he looked Luc over.

Luc bowed deeply and formally to the Bishop, careful not to look directly into her eyes.? He did not say anything, either, though he did flicked a quick glance at the Spanish Cainite.? There was a look in that one's eyes that he did not like at all.

"Welcome to New York, Dannika, Luc," Ecaterina said.? "I trust you are enjoying my little soiree?"? The Bishop's voice was cool and emotionless, as though it did not concern her in the slightest if they actually were enjoying the party.? She had a trace of an accent, something Eastern European, but Luc couldn't place it.

"Yes, Your Grace," Danni answered.? "We are having a lovely time.? Thank you for inviting us, though I do wonder if I might inquire as to how you knew that we were Kindred?"? Her eyes slid sideways to the Spaniard's face, wondering if maybe he hadn't been spying.? His eyes were intent on her, like a snake watching a bird.

Ecaterina laughed, though there was no mirth in the sound.? "My doorman has very good eyes."

"Ah," Danni said with a tiny curtsy, showing the Bishop that she'd been bested.? The Spaniard came in close to Danni again, taking her hand and tucking it through his arm proprietorially.? "Will you dine with us tonight, Se?orita Dragomir?"

"Yes, I believe we will, Don Felipe.? Thank you," she curtsied a little for his benefit, erring on the side of caution since she had no idea where the man fell in the Sabbat's hierarchy.? Obviously he was pretty high, since he was seated at Ecaterina's side.

The ethereal creature nodded to them both and then offered her hand to Dannika first and then to Luc.? "Bon soir, mademoiselle et monsieur.? Je m'appelle Beatrice," she said in perfectly accented Parisian French.

Dannika curtsied and then shook Beatrice's hand.? "How do you do, Beatrice?"? Dannika's social niceties disappeared in the face of this lovely creature. She found herself tongue-tied and nervous.? Glancing aside at Luc, she hoped that he would retain his wits better than she had.

Hearing the greeting and introduction in his native language helped to quell his nervousness.? He took the Cainite's hand, bowing over it and pressing a light kiss to the back of it.? "Bon soir, Beatrice.? C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer.? Comment allez-vous?"

Beatrice's eyes moved to Danni's face and saw her struggling to translate the rush of French words between them.? "Monsieur, let us speak English.? Your lovely sire would probably appreciate it."? She gave the Ravnos girl a warm smile.

"Of course," Luc replied, thankful yet again that he no longer blushed.? "Most considerate of you."? He glanced over at Danni, seeking some sort of clue as to how he should treat this stunning woman.

Danni gave Beatrice a grateful smile and a little self-effacing laugh.? "My French isn't quite up to par, is it?"? Before they could protest, she waved a hand, dismissing the topic.? "Beatrice.? You are...French, yes?? From Paris maybe?"

"Yes, from Paris, but I live in Montreal now.? The Sabbat's presence in America is much stronger than it is in Europe.? And you, Mademoiselle Dragomir, you are English, yes?"

"From London, yes."? She glanced aside at Luc, wondering if Beatrice was having the same effect on him as she was having on her.? Then she cast a look over Beatrice's shoulder, at Ecaterina and Don Felipe.? They still had their heads together but were staring rather obviously and blatantly at Dannika and Luc now.? She frowned and turned to Beatrice.? "Who is that?? The Spaniard?? He is high ranking in the New York area?"

He, too, felt the eyes of the Bishop and the Spaniard on them, and glanced in their direction, affecting to look at one of the works of art along the wall rather than directly at the two.? It was a relief to take his gaze from Beatrice; she was so lovely that he found it hard to concentrate when she spoke.? He kept watching the movement of her mouth without hearing the words.

Beatrice shrugged.? "He is some fop whom Ecaterina keeps around to do her dirty work.? His sire was the Prince of Barcelona, though.? He still maintains relations with the Old World Sabbat, so I think that is why the Bishop keeps him close."? She regarded Dannika and Luc closely.? "Is what you told her true?? That you are seeking passage to Europe?"

"Yes, it is true.? Luc is seeking...well, it's best if he explains what he is looking for.? I'm afraid I don't understand it," Dannika said with another self-effacing smile and a vague wave of her hand.

He glanced at Dannika again.? She knew quite well what he was looking for.? Then he realized she was deliberately underplaying her knowledge.? It was a wise maneuver, since it might very well lead to the others underestimating her.? "I'm seeking alchemical secrets," he said, smiling pleasantly at Beatrice.? It was the best way to keep his expression under control.? "I have also recently learned of a practice known as Thaumaturgy, and am very interested in learning it."

Beatrice took on an interested look and she turned to face Luc, nearly excluding Dannika from the conversation.? "I share these interests.? Pray tell, what do you plan to do with this knowledge, Monsieur Fournier?" she asked, her melodic voice toned with earnest interest.

"You do?" he replied, unable to hide his flash of excitement.? "That is, I mean to say, how excellent to hear that."? He sounded like a complete fool to his own ears, and hoped it wasn't quite so bad to those of Dannika and Beatrice.? "I have no specific plans," he continued, trying to keep his voice steady, "merely a great interest in acquiring knowledge."

Beatrice smiled and turned now to Dannika.? "And you Mademoiselle Dragomir?? You indulge your childe in these pursuits?? Or do you share his passions?"? The beautiful creature's voice was very playful, very flirty.

Dannika's smile took on a similar look and she reached out to gently touch the sleeve of Luc's frockcoat before answering.? "It is one of the very few passions I do not share with him.? That is why we were going to Europe, you see.? To seek out someone who could be coerced into tutoring him in these arts."

The ethereal Kindred took a small step back and looked slowly back and forth between the two of them, the corners of her Cupid's Bow mouth tugging up into a hungry smile.? "I should think it would be very easy to coerce someone into doing that for you.? In fact," she said and closed the gap between then, taking one of their hands into her own and giving them an affectionate little squeeze.? "In fact, I believe you have already done so.? Monsieur, Mademoiselle, I would be delighted to host you in Montreal and to tutor you, Monsieur, in the secret arts of Thaumaturgy."

Dannika's dark brows rose up to meet her hairline and she glanced aside at Luc.? She was shocked by Beatrice's offer, so shocked indeed that she couldn't speak or think for a moment. He turned to meet her gaze, unconcealed interest shining in his eyes.? Could it really have been so easy?? His face silently begged her to accept the offer.

She inclined her head just a touch.? The other woman's aura hid nothing foul, just an honest sincerity to teach Luc what she knew.? Apparently going to Europe could be delayed for some time.? This made Dannika feel more secure.? Gaius's allies and friends might still be hunting her and she did not want to put Luc in danger.

A broad smile immediately spread across his lips when Dannika gave her assent.? He turned his attention back to Beatrice, still smiling, and said, "We would be honored to accept your gracious offer, Mademoiselle."?

Beatrice raised first Dannika's hand to her lips to press a gentle kiss against the back of it and then Luc's, her dark eyes shining.? "Bon.? I am very happy."?

His eyes widened suddenly as he realized that Beatrice had been flirting with both of them for almost the entire time they'd been speaking.? He turned to look at Dannika again, feeling a powerful mixture of attraction and shocked surprise.? He'd heard stories, of course, but had never actually encountered...this.

Dannika caught a little hint of Luc's surprise and intoxication in that look and it made her smile.? Seems her little boy was growing up.? She leaned in kissed her childe's cheek and then Beatrice's and joined their hands together.? "I'll leave you two to talk out the details.? Behave," though to which of the two that admonition was directed was a mystery.? Dannika turned and moved towards the other end of the ballroom, nodding to any Kindred that showed an interest in her as she passed them.

Across the room, Luc and Beatrice were standing, still arm in arm, a few yards away from the line of mortals.? Luc was wondering exactly what was going to be done to the humans, but did not want to betray his ignorance to Beatrice by asking.? Instead, he looked around, trying to take in all the details of the party.? It was this looking about that allowed him to spot Dannika as she approached them.? She looked perfectly fine, and this brought a smile to his face and relief to his heart.

She smiled warmly first to Beatrice and then leaned into Luc, standing on her tip-toes to press a kiss against his cheek.? "?a va, mon cher?" she whispered and took his other arm, falling into step next to him.

"Oui, now that you are back," he replied softly.? Now he was in the eminently enviable position of having a stunning woman on either arm.? It was almost enough to make him forget about what was about to happen.? Almost.

Two of the kine were being dragged up the stairs to the balcony that overlooked the room.? The other two were being stripped naked and lashed down to the tables just below the balcony.? At the edge of the overlook, just above the crowd's heads, were thick chains, which were wrapped around the ankles of the two kine just before their throats were slit and they were tossed casually over the railing, their blood pouring down into the large bowl set on the center table.

Beatrice's face reflected the displeasure she felt at the display, but her fangs descended as well, much to her chagrin. She glanced sidelong at Luc and then Dannika, wondering at their reactions.

Dannika's hand involuntarily gripped Luc's and she felt her fangs descend as the bright, coppery scent of blood wafted out into the room.? She glanced quickly around at the crowd, taking a bead on who might frenzy and where the threat might come from.

It took all of Luc's will not to cry out against the casual slaughter of the mortals.? This was callous disregard for life at its worst.? He closed his eyes, feeling his fangs extend involuntarily when the blood smell hit, and hated himself for that reaction.? His hands, on both Dannika and Beatrice's arms, tightened as he fought down his revulsion.? His only consolation was that his own Beast was barely stirring as of yet.

"Shh, mon cher," came Dannika's soft whisper.? "Do not let your feelings show themselves on your face.? Steel yourself or it will be our undoing."

He nodded, taking a deep, albeit unnecessary breath and marshaling his will.? It was an effort, but he managed to open his eyes and even paste something resembling excitement onto his face.

In front of the large bowl, the crowd parted as if by magic, revealing the tall, veiled form of Ecaterina.? In her hands, she held a large, ornate chalice, which she dipped into the bowl of blood.? She turned to face the crowd, raising the chalice high.? "We are Sabbat!" she declared, her voice rising powerfully over the assembled Kindred.? "We do not hide ourselves behind a false Masquerade, like the boot-licking toadies of the Ventrue, the Camarilla.? They would have you believe that they consider these mortals, these kine, more than just food, while at the same time they drink the life's blood from those same mortals.? Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.? But we are Sabbat!? We are free!? Now drink with me!"? With her final words still ringing in the ears of the guests, she pulled aside her veil, revealing a flawless and shapely face which she tilted up to the ceiling and dramatically poured the entire chalice full of blood into her open mouth.

Beatrice had seen the show many, many times and knew that the Bishop wore that veil for more than just creating a mysterious presence.? She was singularly unimpressed and even went so far as to affect an air of boredom. Dannika, on the other hand, felt more than a little stirring of the Beast in her breast by the ostentatious display of wantonness and power.? She longed to drink deeply of the kine, sink her fangs into their skin and drink away their life.? She made a tiny noise of desire and took a few steps closer to the tables. Luc, too, moved forward instinctively, mouth opening slightly to reveal fully-extended fangs.? Fortunately for both of them, the rest of the crowd was surging forward as well, leaving them safely mixed in and anonymous.?

Dannika took Luc's hand and steered them to one of the mortals lashed down to the table.? Then she looked up at Luc for a moment, her eyes drowning in her Beast, and then sprang on the human, her fangs sinking into the poor hapless girl's neck, and began greedily sucking down the crimson stream.

The sight was too much for Luc's already-weakened self-control, and with a soft cry he lunged forward, driving his own fangs deep into the flesh on the other side of the girl's neck.? He gulped down great mouthfuls of the hot blood, closing his eyes and drowning himself in the sensation.

Dannika's senses rushed back in with a flare of light and sound.? She pulled away from the girl and glanced across the slight chest to see her childe still indulging.? With a shake of her head, she rounded the table and gently pulled Luc back, uttering nonsense French words of calm comfort until he came back to himself as well.

As his head was pulled away from the mortal's neck, he looked up at Dannika with feral, inhuman eyes for a moment.? Then humanity swam back into them and he blinked, turning to look at the girl he'd just bitten.? "Je suis un monstre," he whispered, hanging his head in shame.

Dannika put herself between the kine's corpse and him, using her considerable strength to turn him away from the view.? "No, Luc.? You are vampyri.? Remember that."? Her voice carried an undeniable strength to it as she tugged on that link between them, forcing him to listen to her.? "That," and she jerked her head over her shoulder, indicating the kine, "is food, Luc.? Do not feel for it.? D'accord?"

"Yes," he answered, nodding slowly.? "You are right."? With his back to the bloody sight, he felt much more in control, and carefully straightened up.? "Please forgive my weakness," he said, offering his apology to both Dannika and Beatrice, who stood not far from them.

Beatrice gave Dannika a hard look and then let it soften as she turned to face Luc.? "It is not always a weakness, mon petit.? You will excuse me?? I am feeling...weary of this gathering.? Might I call upon you, Monsieur Fournier?? Our lessons should begin right away."

"Yes, of course," he said, digging into a pocket and pulling out his calling card.? "Come anytime," he continued, pressing the card into her hand.

Beatrice accepted the card and nodded to them both before turning and exiting the room.? Dannika watched her as she left, her eyes hard and narrowed in thought.? Despite the Kindred's obvious beauty and the fact that she could help Dannika's beloved, Danni wasn't sure she liked her much.

He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder, standing close behind her.? "I hope you are not jealous, ma chere.? She is beautiful, yes, but it is you I love."

"Jealous?? Non.? Not jealous.? Just..."? She frowned a little and tucked her arm through Luc's and molded herself against his side.? "We have differing opinions.? She doesn't see your regard for the kine as a weakness.? No doubt she finds it noble.? I see it as a hazard to your continued existence. Look around you, Luc.? Any one of these Kindred here tonight would fall all over themselves to have your blood in their veins.? Do you think that if they knew who and what you are that they would stop and question themselves before attacking and attempting to kill you?"? She shook her head.? "No, they wouldn't.? And neither must you.? You are strong, Luc.? You are a hunter.? You mustn't allow yourself to feel any sort of sympathy for those you feed upon.? Did you feel sympathy for the deer or the cattle you ate while a mortal?"

"Sympathy?? Non.? Respect, though, yes."? He held up his hand to forestall any response.? "I know you are correct, that those here would not hesitate to drink me dry.? I promise you I will not forget this truth."

She gave him a slightly contrite smile and inclined her head a bit.? "I'm sorry, Luc.? I'm making the same mistakes with you that Gaius made with me, namely trying to bludgeon you about the head with my perceptions of the truth.? You must make up your own mind about things.? I can only guide you, not force you to walk the path."? She stood on tip-toe again and kissed him soundly.? "Come, cher.? We should leave before things get too out of hand."

"I could not ask for a better guide," he said, smiling.? "Yes, I too think it is time to depart."? He glanced over his shoulder at the mass of feasting Kindred, and repressed a shudder.? He took her hand and squeezed, then led her to the door.? He would never forget what he had seen here today, though perhaps some good had come out of it, if Beatrice proved to be an able teacher.