Love at first bite (Forbidden Luxuries and Magician)

[Magician]

Carriage was slowly trotting upon the cobblestone. Tyranny of the sun has ended for the day and black curtain has once again fell upon the land. Decent folk are ready to take their long-deserved rest... but few still remain wide awake. This is tedious. Man canted his head to side as he fixed white gloves once again. Wrinkle... he loathed wrinkles. It reminded him that everything, regardless how peerless it seemed, always had a single flaw that would pierce eyes with it's lack of elegance... and elegance is something he never lacked. A man in his position, with his mindset had to think about such significant details, for his reputation relied on it... both kinds paid attention to it. With a soft hum he once again leaned against cushioned seat of carriage, letting out a soft sigh through the nose as his pale brown eyes peered outside of the window. Moment just after sun sets, when neither night nor dark rules the land. It was a perfect moment to take a good look at the land that surrounds him. Far hills with gentle curves, mountains in the distance and valleys that looked as if they are painted by a master. It was a simple beauty and beauty he admired.

But he loathed this.

Long fingers gently rubbed bridge of his nose. It was unavoidable. People started asking, started questioning his well being and even existence and when such moment arrives it is not uncommon for those of higher step on ladder to 'invade' his estate just to confirm that the title is still held by the Name. Entertaining counts, dukes and myriad of barons and baronesses may seem entertaining for someone of 'blue blood', but in his case it meant having to endure one question after another, one invitation stacked upon another with expectation that followed. A promise he must keep but if he really has to then it is far better to not make one at all. Rumors once again started circulating, whispers reached his ears that he might've passed away due to illness... It wouldn't be first time, for no one can forget black plague. Influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis, various undiscovered viruses that would throw any man into bed. But he was never sick, never so much as sneezed. Coughing was common, but it was not due to any illness, rather, due to his nose being assaulted by cornucopia of perfumes and powder that ladies used in copious amounts. It irritated his nose. No. That was not it. He simply didn't appear to any social gathering of his peers for almost a year and questions circulated about his 'premature demise'. Now he had to appear and once again disperse doubts that he is alive.

And he hated it.

Carriage finally stopped and but mere moments later carriage doors were opened by driver. He stepped out and stood tall, prompting driver to immediately bow his head. How else does one show respect to master? He stood tall, close to 180 in height with slender figure that was enveloped by a perfectly tailored suit and mahogany-colored long coat embroidered with golden and scarlet threads and lace at the edges. His facial lines were smooth, pleasant. Eyes deep and piercing but oddly calming. There was not a single mark on his pale skin, not a single imperfection. From any angle, he resembled a handsome man in his late twenties. Long black hair was combed an tied with a silk strap, tail positioned in straight line that followed his spine. But no hat. It was a common custom for gentlemen to wear a top hat but he loathed anything placed upon his head that would act as a crown. Sun never bothered him for he eluded sun and its rays. There was no need to wear a hat, even as a fashion statement. It seemed far too inelegant.

"Shall I wait, my lord?" Driver asked, prompting his master to throw gaze toward him.
"Yes." He said in gentle tone "I shan't be long."

He didn't plan to stick around long. A gentleman should only ever be accompanied by his peers when such a moment demands to and not one time more... but these balls, these receptions were being held once per month, twice sometimes. He had to endure it, he had to muster his strength and endure the decadence of the humanity and suffer the hubris that was so thick, one could smell it... and yet he had to oblige their petty little social conventions. He moved toward the entrance of the mansion. Shoes clicked on the cobblestone and already in the distance he could hear chatter and laughter... one needn't be a vampire to notice it, but in his case it was unavoidable. Doors were wide open, people entered, two by two in pairs, gentleman and a lady hand in hand, greeted by steward who then announced their arrival to the crowd inside.

"Your invitation, sir?" Steward asked and but a moment later he was presented with an envelope. Writing was immaculate, undeniable proof that his lord has written and signed it. He cleared throat and turned toward the crowd "Lord Gabriel de Peyrac-"
"That is enough." Vampire said in low tone, his index finger lightly touched steward's temple and man instantly calmed down, obeyed command like a loyal hound. His name is long, far too long to be uttered freely by the likes of him. Steward nodded and Gabriel walked inside.

There it was... the stench. For good three seconds, every sense Gabriel possessed was assaulted mercilessly. Perfumes were strong, nauseating. Powder was plentiful and reeked of lead. Rose, lilies, apples... there are apples, orchid... expensive perfumes, very expensive, used liberally to such an extent that bathing in them would not make any difference than now. He swallowed his saliva hard and opened his pale brown orbs. Once his nose was accustomed enough to the smell, now his eyes needed same treatment. His estate was perpetually dimmed but this was blinding. Chandeliers were large and all lit, candles in abundance... smell of wax and honey. Cheap crystals and glass glittered under the light and further added to his torment... It wasn't sun, this would not even tingle on his skin but it most certainly felt as if Sun could be somewhere in the room. He started noticing... diamonds, opals, sapphires, rubies, pearls, all glittered under the light, adorning fingers, wrists and necks of women around. Magpie's dream. But it was still too bright.

When his senses finally calmed down and allowed him to breathe freely, he started walking toward the crowd. Familiar faces greeted him, called him over for introduction with their friends, their friend's friends and if they had chance, their servants too. Did humans always breed this much? Is sex to them just another game to pass time? He kept conversation to minimum, answering only when asked to and in such laconic fashion that Spartans would envy him. Now that every perfume made its mark, he finally started sensing what he wanted to... blood. Sweet, delicious, warm blood. Some had sweet aroma, others were downright repulsive... but every now and then he would snap his head and look around. There was.... odd sensation, odd smell in the air, oddly alluring and tempting. It was but a moment long sensation before his nostrils once again were overpowered by the scent of blood and wine. Wine. That he could drink. Small quantities, no more than a glass before his stomach starts rejecting it... but a glass is enough.

He picked one from tray. It was one he wanted to... in the sea of sour wines he always knew which one to pick. Vintage, fifty years old from the cellar's forgotten wing. Earl clearly had no knowledge in wines since he allowed it to be placed on tray with glasses that could very well be carrying vinegar. But not this one. This was was sweet, sensuous. Oak barrel, spices were used in abundance but in just the right measure to make the perfect balance. Grapes were good too. His head snapped again... there it is... a scent, blood so alluring... wine in the sea of vinegar. But where is it?

Gabriel excused himself and made way toward the crowd where cacophony of obnoxious laughter was mixed with sound of violins. If nothing, he would find who has this blood most delicious.

 

[Cozette]

It was the same dream, occurring over the past few weeks, whether night or day, if she closed her eyes she always found herself within this dream. In the dream she was running, terrified, but of who or what she never knew. That part of the dream had yet to reveal itself. Barely awake and still languishing within her midday nap, she felt a sort of resignation that she might never know the meaning of it, very much like her own life. Decisions were to be made, and if not by her, most certainly by her parents. She had already spent far too much time enjoying her rosey life thus far, but she was not quite ready to accept the life that was expected of her. Being the privileged daughter of a wealthy trade merchant carried weight that was almost too much to bear, and the expectations were just as much a burden, if not more. Other proper young women were eager to begin their lives as doting wives of wealthy men, and proud mothers of their children. But she was not quite so eager. Just a little more time....just a little more....

The sound of the heavy silk draperies being flung open with deliberate force and the bright afternoon sunshine flooding the sumptuous room with its intense light brought an abrupt end to the afternoon nap. “My God Mary. I swear you and my parents would rather see me dead than happy.” The lovely young woman covered her face with delicate hands, bemoaning her current situation. Mary, her life-long servant, had doted on her for her entire life, watching her grow into the beauty that she was, and praying that life would treat her well. “Get up, the afternoon is passing and you have an engagement this evening, lest you forget.” Mary said sternly. “How could I possibly forget? Between you and father, my life seems always to be dictated in some fashion or another.” The young woman continued to languish in her bed as her servant chose her adornments for the evening. “The burgundy one” she quipped at the servant, finally bringing herself from the bed. “Lena” Mary said in a gentler tone. The tone Lena had always found great comfort in. “You are twenty three years of age. Your parents and myself only wish the very best for you. You must learn to settle down, and not to be so flighty. You do not want to end up on the ragged edge.” Mary’s gentle blue eyes peered into Lena’s emerald eyes for a moment, hoping to appeal to her better side, even if in some way. It worked. Lena smiled warmly at Mary, the women she loved possibly more than her own mother, after all, it was Mary who more or less raised her here in this massive, grand estate. “I will know when the time is right. Now let’s get me ready. Do you know if Eve has responded?” “Eve will arrive at the gala separately. She sent her regrets of not traveling with you stating her day has been somewhat busy.” Mary said as she began to help Lena ready herself for the evening’s formal engagement. “Well well, that sly little fox. She’s probably been on a calling with George.” Lena said with a sarcastic giggle. She was happy for her friend, but knew the dynamic of their friendship would change dramatically if the pair married.

As the setting sun gave way to beauty of the night, the carriage pulled up to the grand estate that was hosting a reception equally as grand. Many had come to attend, for it was no small matter, and to eschew this particular invitation would have been looked upon with utter disdain. One at the very least, had to make a brief appearance. Aristocracy was in no short supply here, and gave them yet another opportunity to show their wealth and status with fabric and jewels that only others could dream of. Lena had to attend in her parent’s stead, for they were abroad on business, and so the task of making an appearance was given to her. The attendant offered his hand to steady her as she emerged from her carriage. She glanced around at the people gathering around the entrance. She wanted to scoff, but knew she should not. A proper lady would never dream of...”Lena!! You’re here!” A familiar voice shrieked. It was Eve, her closest friend. The two women embraced and shared small talk as they walked toward the entrance. Upon presenting their invitations, the steward ushered them inside where the grand reception was being held. Breathtakingly gorgeous was an understatement. The music, the formal attire, the decor, the ambient golden glow of crystal chandeliers and sconces, the food, the wines on offer, it was an event of utter extravagance. Now Lena began to enjoy being here. Who wouldn’t?

Introduction after introduction did begin to bore her, and she was only too happy when Eve made her way back to her, two delicate glasses of wine in her hands. “For you, my lady” she mocked with a laugh. “I find this event to be rather boring” Eve said with a sarcastic tiny smile. “But I did hear that a certain gentleman who has been presumed dead has shown up. Although I’ve yet to meet him.” Eve was always one for rumors and scandal, eating up every last detail, and only too happy to keep it alive at the next tea, or even a formal engagement such as this. Lena, on the other hand, hated rumors and scandal, and being the quieter of the two, she held no satisfaction in disrespecting someone in that way. “Maybe this said gentleman just doesn’t like making public appearances such as these. They do become trying of one’s patience at times.” Lena said, sipping her crystal goblet of wine. Most here were hell bent on keeping up appearances and tradition. Lena was hell bent on the opposite. She wanted a life of her own, and looking around she noticed how warm the grand room was, how loud the chattering of voices were to top the music, the way the couples danced elegantly while others drank and took dainty bites of foods on offer. This vision took her deep within her thoughts, and she smiled softly, realizing that as beautiful as the evening was, she truly despised gatherings such as these.

She was brought back to the present by a man’s voice, he was asking for a dance. “Oh, no, I am sorry but I must decline at the moment.” He gave a broad smile and a slight bow before walking away. Usually Lena loved a dance or two, but tonight she was not in a mood for dance, or to even be present here. She began looking for Eve, who always seemed to disappear at these occasions. Social butterfly. Always. She replaced her crystal goblet with another and sipped the luscious, sweet wine. One could tell this was a good vintage. She mingled with guests as she looked for her friend, her fine silk dress the deep color of the wine she sipped, tightly corseted, pearl choker around her neck, blonde hair swept into an elegant chignon with pearl pins. Her emerald eyes gazed around the crowd for Eve, nowhere to be found. The room was stifling and Lena made her way outside to the veranda to breathe some fresh air. Fortunately, no one was out there, and she breathed a sigh of relief as a cooling breeze was felt along her skin. She gazed up at the stars, shining like diamonds against a black velvet sky. She wished she had been able to accompany her parents on their trip abroad, and it was at times like these she felt the emptiness of her life. Some things in life not even vast wealth could ease. As a child she would send her prayers up to the stars, but they had always been silent, even now.