Rosewood Manor was a proud, Victorian mansion nestled among the redwood forests, offset from the shores of Prudence Bay. Over time, thick bundles of vine crept up the mossy stone, covering most of its walls with lush green foliage. One might judge from outward appearance that it was merely a husk of what it once was, abandoned to let nature claim its elements. While in truth, it housed Cornelius Moreau, an Elder amongst his kind, a small council of representatives, his disciples and coven members. Among these members, was a youthful vampire by the name of Vivienne Latreal. She came as a stranger and was welcomed as a daughter.

Vivienne stood at the tall window of her resting quarters, her gaze level with the tops of the redwoods, eyes seemingly unfocused Brother… She called out silently, The meeting has finished and Nathaniel wishes to speak to you.

For a moment there was silence before his words reverberated in her mind, ‘Yes dear sister, I shall return before the sun rises.’

Vivienne huffed softly, loathing that she was often a messenger for Lerick’s diplomatic affairs. After her death she cared little anymore about politics, or the laws that governed their lands. Often she would ignore quarantine, escaping from the walls of the manor to feel her feet on the sodden earth of the forest or the sandy beaches of New Orleans. She enjoyed watching the patrons of the city sit by campfires on the beach, playing their instruments or dancing. She envied them, how they were so unaware of the war waging in the dark.

Vivienne smoothed the fabric of her porcelain white muslin dress, adjusting as necessary and lifted it slightly as she made her way down the spiral steps of the western corridor and then again down the stairs in the main foyer. Nathaniel was standing at the bottom, speaking with a visitor. His eyes caught hers and she saw him mouth some words to the stranger before the man took his leave.

Nathaniel turned his body to her as she approached and extended his hand. “You should be careful mon ami, walking the steps in such proper dress.” He smirked. Vivienne lifted the hem of her dress to reveal bare feet and his smirk turned to a frown. “Silly little girl.” He laughed, letting his hand fall to his side.

“I am neither silly nor little, Nathan.” She huffed, staring daggers into his eyes.

“Of course not,” He mused softly, placing his hand at her waist as he walked her the last few steps before pulling her close. “However, what kind of gentleman would I be if I did not escort such a beautiful woman should she choose to walk near me?” He brushed his thumb against her cheek, corner of his mouth curling.

Vivienne smiled, grabbed his wrist gently and stepped backward. “I spoke with Lerick, he says he is to return before sunrise. I assume no earlier, knowing him.”

Nathaniel’s lips pursed into a dissatisfied grimace. “Could you tell him-“

“No, I am not your messenger girl.” She snapped.

Vivienne pulled a note from her person and handed it to Nathaniel. “Cornelius says you and Lerick are to meet him in the city to discuss the situation. Should he and his Sire accept to aide us they are to be brought here by starlight. Shadows* will be nearby the entire trip.”Nathaniel nodded, tucking the note in the pocket on his chest. He stood silent for a moment before cocking his head slightly. “Where are you off to?” He asked while crossing his arms and looking to her feet.

“No where, of course. Just taking a stroll around the Manor.” Vivienne replied quaintly, smiling ever so sweet.

“Right.” He smirked. “Well, should you change your mind. It seems I won’t be leaving until after next sunset. I would be delighted to have your company.”

“I have other arraignments, perhaps Annalise or Raquel or…any other woman here, might be willing to assist you?” She sneered, still smiling, and took to walking toward the main hall.

_{*Shadows are what the vampiric community call their "Guards", or those who are hired to protect coven members, especially Elders.}

Jack sauntered back and forth, boots sloshing in the muck before coming to a standstill. To his mind it was troublesome enough to trek halfway around the world at the request of somebody he had never heard of. Sometimes he thought he was too ignorant for the ways of the world, but where Mama went Jack followed. It had been that way since she first embraced him, he had his own life – if you could call it such, and very much looked after his own affairs however, if Sire had need of him, childe would willingly oblige.

“I don’t quite understand it.” Jack piped up, his breath visible in the crisp night air.

“Understand what exactly my dear?” Mama replied, a thick Caribbean undertone to her voice- Jack hated it when she would patronize him. She was a slender woman who to look at first glance, did not have much about her person but she could carry herself well. Her hair was tied and knotted as was a familiar style back home, dark skin and large teeth. Her eyes were almost as dark as her skin, slightly sunken and held a wisdom and wealth to them that her clothing and general outward appearance may not necessarily give off.

“So, what do you propose we do about this then?” Jack decided against pressing and just accepting what was, was. He kicked the broken wheel on their carriage, cursing lady luck silently and sweeping his hair back out of his face.

“I do love it when you be getting so angry with things.” Mama’s voice was the only one Jack had heard that boomed, yet was so gentle. She walked over but it seemed like more of a glide, the hem of her dress dirty and slightly torn up caressing the sodden ground beneath them. Placing a loving touch on his shoulder she pointed her stick up the beaten track and through the screen the light drizzle gave to their surroundings a light could be seen and the sound of a carriage shortly followed. “There is the solution to all ones problems.” She laughed and took out into the middle of the track. Jack paused for a minute before following suit.

They waved down the passerby, a loner – travelling merchant type probably looking to shift some goods. “Maybe we can buy some of this crap he’s selling and he’ll give us a ride.” Jack teased, he was promptly hushed.

“Well, how can I help you two then? Seem to have come across a bit of a stick in the mud here.” The merchant greeted the two with a friendly disposition. Jack began to walk around the carriage, taking it in as Mama dealt with the good Samaritan.

“I don’t suppose you be having a wheel in your shop then?” She joked with him, moving in close her general tone and body language, open and inviting. There were few who could resist her once she opened her mouth, she had a certain way with men, women and children even animals – Jack had seen it on a few occasions.

“No…” The merchant began as Jack made his way around full circle encroaching upon them, “But I would be more than happy to give you two strangers a ride up the road, how much farther are you going?” Jack could feel that the man felt uneasy around him, he was an average looking man, a few inches shorter than Jack and rather stout looking.

“About an hour.” Jack spoke, his voice blunt.

“We’d be very grateful for your assistance.” Mama ushered Jack to the back of the carriage after they collected their belongings, where the two climbed up and sat on the roof, legs hanging over the rear. It was the only place there was really space to sit in any kind of comfort.
The rest of the ride was bumpy for the most part, but nothing the pair couldn’t handle. There was a soft rain the whole time, which in reality only worsened the road but made for a refreshing change to the heavy downpour of earlier. The trail itself was like something out of a painting, picturesque and if nothing else it was at least a nice looking part of the world. Mama had said her piece about where they were going just not a whole lot on the reasoning, it all got Jack’s brain working trying to guess at what they were doing here. He’d never liked surprises - and while totally trusting of his sire, the mind would occasionally drift to thoughts of an unpleasant surprise for himself.

The vampire had let his mind wander off and was caught off guard when Mama prompted him from below. “ ’Ey Jack, let’s go.” She taunted. He shook off his daydream and hopped from the back, splashing muck up the leg of his trouser and the cuff of his sleeves. The pair walked through the woods bordering the bay for what seemed like an eternity in silence when they finally came across Rosewood Manor. Jack was taken aback and had to make a conscious effort for his jaw not to drop. He smirked, this was probably once of the fanciest places he had ever seen. “See smiling man?” She asked, “Worth it already huh?”

Jack nodded, oblivious to the words of his sire, the landscaping and scenery was quite a bit to take in. Whoever owned this place, the vampire thought, was one lucky son of a bitch. As they came up to the main entrance way Jack fixed his cuffs, as Mama Lion rapped her stick off the large heavy doors three times and they waited, occasionally glancing at each other.

Lerick had been tailing the carriage since the two vampires had hopped aboard. Cornelius already briefed him before he left town on the details of their new guests, right down to wild glint in the woman's eye. It seemed that they were arriving early, no doubt the voodoo woman had her own agenda, and didn't seem the type to adhere to other's schedules. He followed along at a safe distance, hoping to catch bits of conversation. Cornelius had not explained in full disclosure the reason for bringing the Elder and her childe to the manor, only that it was of utmost importance. Unfortunately both vampires were silent during their ride.

When the carriage reached the edge of the woods, it stopped and they descended at a leisurely pace down the small one lane track through the forest. This was when Lerick left the watching to the Shadows nearby, and took on quick foot to the manor.

Lerick, once at the manor, promptly headed to Cornelius' study, rapping on the door lightly.

"Enter." A gruff voice called from behind the thick oak doors. Lerick obliged.

He shut the door behind him and stood tall, hands folded neatly behind him. Cornelius was at his desk, eyes scanning the pages of a worn leather book. After a moment he snapped it shut, and placed it among others on his desk. He motioned in the air for Lerick to speak.

"Sir, the guests will be here in less than ten. They came by carriage, accompanied by a human driver until they reached the property. I did not witness their arrival to the Prudence. The woman brought her fledgling as you thought."

Cornelius nodded slowly then stood. He walked toward the back of the room where the wall was nothing but glass, revealing the lush green forest of Prudence. Fog circled the trunks, and the sky was starting to lighten. He grabbed an oil lantern from the hook near the wall and lit it before drawing the curtains closed. He then stood beside the desk, lantern in hand.

"Let us greet them, shall we?"

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Vivienne had heard the knock echo throughout the foyer as she stood in a nearby room chatting with another coven member, pondering at who might be at their door unexpected. She gave a quick dismissing nod to Iris before she pattered down the hall and opened the tall sturdy doors. Before her stood a male and female vampire, both with highly distinguishable features. The male's eyes looked to her beneath full sturdy brows, a rather posh looking mustache twitching with either impatience or agitation. The dark skinned woman stood with a posture demanding respect, her gaze unwavering. Before Vivienne could speak, Lerick and Cornelius were approaching down the hall, and she stood aside for her Elder.

Cornelius glanced from the female to the male briefly before taking a half step backward and motioning them inside.

"Welcome Mama Lion, and guest."

Vivienne was standing across from Lerick, at Cornerlius's side, and he was looking at her with furrowed brows.

'She may be reputable, but her fledgling is not. I believe him to be a con artist, or at the very least a privateer, as if there is a difference.' Lerick mused silently.

'Cornelius does not to business with criminals, brother, you would be wise to hold your tongue.' Vivienne warned

'How would you know who he does business with, you're not even on the council. All I'm-'

'Hush!' She hissed silently, her words bellowing in his mind. Lerick breathed forcibly through his nose and watched as the guests entered. Cornelius glanced to Lerick, his eyes questioning.

As the pair waited to be greeted, Jack found his patience being tested but did not speak out seeing Mama Lion waiting patiently, eyes fixated on the doors in front. He took a quick glance over his shoulder and whispered, "We were followed you know, ever since we took a lift off that merchant." Mama already knew but was eager to learn of what Jack could tell anymore about their secret admirer. "He took scampering off then, this way-" He looked up at the rest of the manor before bringing his gaze back to their level, "One of them. I can smell it." He finished, snorting an assortment of mucus and saliva to the back of his throat and spitting. Mama took a light grip on his hand and smiled.

"Good job, darling Jack." There was something off about her tone, he didn't think she was meant to show it. She didn't trust these dwellers and he could sense it. He kept himself silent and continued to wait. The air was crisp and dead with silence, Maybe nobody is home.

A female vampire with a youthful appearance opened the door, A sight for sore eyes Jack thought, giving her the once over as his irritation subsided. Two different vampires, males and to Jack's mind less of a treat on the eyes began to dominate the entrance way. "Welcome Mama Lion, and guest." Guest? Jack wasn't sure whether or not to be offended. Everything here seemed so proper, the motions taken to get out of there way to the dress style of the residents. Jack followed Mama closely as they entered the mansion, glancing over his shoulder as the heavy Oak doors shut behind them. He groaned and took off his jacket, folding it over one arm, he was a lean creature but through his shirt and waist coast was sculpted like no one who hadn't lived a working a life and afterlife could achieve.

"Thank-you Cornelius - and this be Jack." Mama spoke, her movements as graceful as ever despite her Caribbean gypsy appearance. "Or, the Smiling Man*." Jack's gaze met Cornelius in the eye, head slightly arched forward and down giving a rather grimacing appearance. "Contrary to popular believe, he don't smile all the time." She finished this with a laugh that developed into more of a cackle. Jack broke eye contact with Cornelius after a respectful nod of acknowledgement and looked at Lerick before sniffing at the air, he looked at Mama who shrugged and ushered him with a simple hand gesture. The soles of his boots clacked off the floor as he slowly approached the second male. He stood before him in the same manner he had Cornelius, but closer where Lerick would be able to feel his breath on his face. Jack began to sniff for a moment before pulling away and walking back to Mama, eyes trained on Lerick like an expert sharpshooter.

Mama gave Jack a look as if to ask "Are you finished?" He caught it and nodded, staying close to Mama's side, hands open, fingers restless. "So!?" She boomed, her thick accent resounding around the house. "Where do we start?"

_{*The Smiling Man wouldn't be known by all perhaps one of your characters could mention it to the other one in passing. The name stems from his nickname Smiling Jack but is basically a tale/legend of an undefeated hunter against crazy odds. You can add your own exaggeration or whatever you're feeling. Legends tend to get mixed and matched so could make for an interesting side thing.}

Lerick's eyes did not waiver as the vampire stared him down before returning to his Sire. Cornelius grumbled, shaking his head then addressed Mama Lion.

"Let us speak privately, in my study. Jack, feel free to make yourself at home, if you need anything merely make a request." Cornelius noticed the uneasy look in both of their eyes. "Surely you wouldn't have made such a long trip if you did not trust you were in good company. I assure you no harm will come to you here." He looked solemnly to Lerick who glanced to Vivienne.

'It's not me they should worry about.' Lerick mused to his sister.

'You would do well to let that remain a mystery.' Vivienne chimed, smiling softly. She looked to the vampire referred to as the Smiling Man. He looked irritated, perhaps from the long trip. She knew this gypsy woman was important to Cornelius, by default, her companion was as well. If they wanted any help from this woman, they would need to make sure both of them felt welcome.

"Jack, allow me to show you the manor." Vivienne's voice breaking the silence, giving a quick smile.

Jack remained silent as Cornelius welcomed him, he nodded respectfully before looking to his Sire as she spoke up, "Very well then. Shall we?" Her eyes widened and head tilted ever so slightly as took a step towards the Elder waiting for him to lead her somewhere more private. "Don't be minding him." She uttered, referring to Jack, "He's well able to behave himself. Ain't that right?" Her head turned and eyes locked with Jack's as she said the words, he nodded again.

"Of course." The vampire uttered nonchalantly albeit through gritted teeth.

Mama Lion followed Cornelius and Jack looked between Vivienne and Lerick, he had caught a look between them and thought for a moment perhaps there was something to it but didn't ponder. His attention shifted between the twins and his Sire for a moment until they entered through a doorway and were out of sight. The whole thing felt very sinister.

"Jack, allow me to show you the manor."

Hearing his name he turned to the young woman, she was pretty was the first thing he noticed, dead eyes stared before dropping to the floor and back again, his brow furrowed and nose crinkled. With his free hand sweeping back his hair and then running along his mustache with his thumb and index finger he allowed his jacket to slip from his arm into his hand where he gripped it. "Why don't you show me to the bar." His voice gruff, "I could do with a drink."

"Why don't you show me to the bar. I could do with a drink." Jack essentially demanded with a deadpan stare. Vivienne forced a smile.

'So charming...' She heard Lerick hiss in her head and she shot him a dirty look.

"Of course." Vivienne chimed, turning on her heel, expecting him to follow.

Well placed candles and eloquent chandeliers lighted the way down the narrow corridors, illuminating the pale brick walls. Stepping outside to the courtyard she walked them down the vestibule, currently with the drapes down to block outside light, until they reached a set of doors leading into a decently sized room with an arched stone roof. High metal circular rungs held candles that reflected the light off the stone that partially illuminated the room while candles on tables supplemented the soft lighting below.

Vivienne approached the bar, an older gentleman standing behind the counter taking inventory of various liquor bottles against the wall. She cleared her throat softly to announce their presence, the patrons already served, seated and chattering softly among themselves. The barkeep turned and smiled as his eyes fell upon her.

"Ma très chère Vivienne!" The man exclaimed, reaching over the counter to grab her palms in her fingers. He pressed his cheek to hers, kissing the air, and repeated on the other side.

"Bonjour Boden." Vivienne grinned, giving his hands a light squeeze. "Our guest requested to have a drink, he is childe to Mama Lion, Elder of Barbados. The Smiling Man, Jack."

Boden quickly tensed, to which she noticed, but said nothing. "Pleasure to meet you Jack, what's your poison?"

_{**Added links in posts and in OOC as visual aids.
**Added/Updated Character Bio's}

Jack smiled briefly back at Vivienne, halfheartedly before following her lead. He turned back to have one last look at Lerick and saluted him in a manner designed to irritate before turning the corner of the hallway. The walk was silent except for the clacking of their shoes off the stone floor, he found himself having to admire the masonry and general craftsmanship. There was no denying this was a fancy looking place. He didn't mind the silence, if anything Jack found comfort in it a lot of the time - it was easier to say nothing at all sometimes. Despite all the lighting it was rather dim, the lighting flickering, dancing on and off their features like fairies he thought and cracked a thin smile, lips parting.

Once they got to the courtyard he took a look up to the sky, it was still dark but behind the overcast he couldn't quite pinpoint the moon. Not that it mattered how long there was until dawn break, but he would have liked to know. His attention fell from the sky to his host. Keeping an eye on her and how she threw her shapes until they came to another room, he liked this one. Everything from the decor to the smell to the bottles on the wall - now this was his kind of place.

As they made their way between the tables and benches, Jack leaned over some guests to tap one of the sandbags hanging from the wall by a thin rope. The first thing he noticed was that the knots were shoddy, perhaps he'd do something about it later. He caught other patrons eyeing him up as he leaned over their drinks, interrupting the conversation and with Jack's presence probably rather irritating. "What?" He asked rhetorically, not waiting for an answer he continued his way to the bar, admiring the room he got there just in time to be introduced.

"Pleasure to meet you Jack, what's your poison?"

Jack shot Boden a look momentarily as he tensed around mention of the name, perhaps legend had preceded him and he cursed himself silently. "Likewise." Jack muttered extending a hand, giving a quick but firm shake and seating himself at a stool by the bar. He took a deep breath and exhaled, "I suppose... Whiskey!" Before he was turned, like any good pirate Jack had always enjoyed rum but so many years of drinking it would put you off the stuff so Jack's new poison was whiskey. He glanced between Vivienne and Boden as his drink was fetched. "What are you doing?" He asked as the glass was put down on the counter for him. "Come on now, that'll barely wet my whistle. Give it 'ere!" He chimed, almost swiping the bottle as it was handed out for him, Boden probably wasn't sure what to do except watch as Jack filled the tumbler glass to the brim before necking back the brown liquid in a mouthful like it was water. "Thank ye, I needed that." He uttered and for the next little while was silent as he poured himself drink after drink. Head in hand playing with the rim of the glass.

Boden and Vivienne watched in slight shock as Jack put away several full tumblers of whiskey, exchanging a quick glance.

"Right...well, it's swell seeing you're tending the bar again Boden." Vivienne paused a moment, turning to face Jack. "I see no reason for me to babysit, I trust you'll find your way back to the foyer when you wish to do so." She lifted a hand to Boden, he took it, kissing the back of her hand.

"I will see you around dearest." He chimed before returning to his tally, crossing something out and glancing under furrowed brow to Jack.

_{--------------------------------------}

Cornelius sat himself in the large leather armchair behind the main desk and motioned for the dark skinned beauty to follow suite in a nearby chair. He leaned back, the leather creaking under his weight, crossing a leg over the other and folded his hands in his lap.

"Do you hold reverence to Momma Lion, or may I call you Miss Lion?" Cornelius' face was void of emotion, but his voice was warm, welcoming. "It is Miss, correct?" He asked of the proper title to her marital status, not knowing much of her beyond the rumors of her supposed supernatural remedies and concoctions.

Jack didn't seem to notice Vivienne excusing herself, lost in thought his fingertips traced around the rim of the empty glass, he could feel but ignored the eyes burning holes into him. A recording of Handel's choral music was beginning to play on the Phonograph, Jack's eyes lifted slightly. "June twenty-ninth, The Crystal Palace..." He whispered, eyes dazed probably from the copious amount of alcohol he had drank.

"London?" Asked Boden, curiously. Throwing the towel down on the bar counter top and leaning in on his palms.

Jack shot the barkeep a look but his gaze soon grew softer as his lips parted slightly, "Aye." His tone had grown as soft as his voice as he was stuck in a sweet memory. He raised his glass towards the shelf that held the liquor and motioned towards the empty bottle beside him. "Pass us another would you, mate?"

"Your liver." Boden remarked with a shrug, passing down another bottle of the same whiskey from the shelf. Jack laughed. A laugh that started off as quiet as a mouse but grew into a bellow.

"Now that's funny." He uttered, speech slightly slurred as he pointed a finger at the barkeep before filling his glass once again.

---

Mama followed Cornelius into the study, closing the door behind her slowly waiting for the click as the latch snapped into place. She glanced around the room admiring the ceiling in particular especially in the dim light of the candles scattered around. The creaking leather drew attention to her host as her head turned in an almost jerking notion, she watched him cross his leg with an eyebrow raised.

"Do you hold reverence to Momma Lion, or may I call you Miss Lion?"

While her tone and body language was open and inviting, she remained standing at the far end of the room, taking a few steps away from the door and examining some of the books on the shelf. "You much of a reader, Cornelius?" She asked, her finger running down the spine of a particularly old tome. "Why don't you just call me, Atabei." She turned from the assortment of books to Cornelius and with a certain Caribbean grace made her way towards the desk, taking a seat on the chair opposite and crossing her own leg over the other, patting down the tatty, patched dress and clearing her throat. "And yes..." She uttered, looking the vampire up and down, "It is Miss." She treated him to a coy smile of invitation.

"So tell me, Cornelius." She spoke slow taking more caution with annunciation, her tongue tipping off her pearly whites. "Why have you brought me half-way across the World? I came under the impression there was some kind of business to discuss." Despite her dialect becoming more local, her accent remained thick and rich.

---

Jack had found his way out of the bar and traipsed along the thin and what felt like winding corridors, a bottle of whiskey in hand that Boden had told him to keep - not like there would have been much choice. Or so Jack thought at least. Occasionally he found he had to stop and place a hand against the wall to find himself again. This was some strong stuff, and he had gone through an amount that would probably have hospitalized any human by now, he didn't feel guilty if he was a little drunk.

Humming the tune he had heard in the bar that was now relaying over and over in his mind he stumbled into the foyer of the manner and looked around bleary eyed, making his way to a grand staircase where he sat on the step and slugged off a good mouthful from the bottle, followed by a deep breath. He looked up only to find Vivienne, "I disgust you and your brother?" He asked in a typical drunken fashion, bated and heavy breath.

"You much of a reader, Cornelius?"Cornelius said nothing at this, but watched with mild curiosity as the wise vampire seemed enamored with a certain leather bound publication, running her weathered finger along the spine.

"Why don't you just call me, Atabei." She mused, sitting down in a chair astride from Cornelius, crossing her legs and making note that she indeed was a 'Miss', a coy smile playing across her lips. "So tell me, Cornelius; why have you brought me half-way across the World? I came under the impression there was some kind of business to discuss."

Cornelius took a small breath, leaning backward in his leather chair and folding his hands in his lap. He paused for no good reason other than he was unsure even within himself at the news he was about to share. Leaning forward slightly and placing his clasped hands onto the desk in front of him he sighed.

"It seems we have some undesirable company coming into the midst of our fair city Miss Atabei, and we wish to seek council with another, more experienced, Coven on how to approach the situation."

Cornelius placed both hands together in a praying motion, against his lips. "You see...we don't take kindly to other creatures breaking our law. Prudence Law states we do not harm the civilians inside of confines of Prudence Bay...and yet, certain creatures have been hunting." He lowered his hands, grabbing a newspaper and sliding it across the desk toward Atabei, pointing at an article. "As you can see, word spreads quickly. We need to decide how to handle these beasts." [color=gray] Cornelius assumed that Atabei would know he spoke of the Lycan*.

_{*Lycan is short for Lycanthrope, referencing werewolves.}

---

Vivienne had made her way back to the foyer where several of her comrades were conversing quietly amongst themselves. She noticed Lerick was no where to be seen, she could only assume he had found company elsewhere away from the crowd like usual. Vivienne sauntered over to the corner where there glasses of fresh blood displayed on silver platters set upon the corner table. She took one, placed the edge to her lips and indulged in the whole glass before setting it down and grabbing another. Her eyes wandered around the room, observing, calculating.

Vivienne was welcomed as a daughter by Cornelius, this was fortunate, but she never really bonded very well with the other vampires, or anyone for that matter. She enjoyed her solitude, the quiet, no drama to poison her intellect that way. She was not one to indulge in the rumors or gossip that all the vampires there seemed to love to bury themselves in. No, Vivienne felt above it in a way. Though that's not to say she wasn't involved in it from time to time. Nathanial, for example, was a prime culprit for involving Vivienne. She tried her best to listen without saying much, but she cared for him, more than she liked, and couldn't help but offer advice when she felt it was necessary.

As she watched the room for some time she saw Jack stumbling slightly down the hall, making his way toward the foyer. He was drunk, there was no doubt about that. Vivienne scoffed to herself, shaking her head. He floundered his way near her only to see her as he looked up from his bottle.

"I disgust you and your brother?" He slurred, eyes unfocused. Vivienne groaned mentally. 'Why must I be the babysitter...'

Vivienne grabbed him by the back of his shirt and stood Jack upright. "Why don't we get you to a room, shall we?"

Vivienne led him as gently as she could manage while trying to brace him up the stairs to the second story. It would have been effortless have not Jack been insisting on her answering his question and trying to get her to stop dragging him along. Vivienne mustered up all the patience she had, until they finally reached an empty room. She then nearly flung the man onto the bed, resisting the urge to smile as he lay almost still for a moment as if he were dead. But to her dismay he sat up, took another swig of his bottle and asked her again.

"Do I disgust you and your brother?"
Vivienne pinched the bridge of her nose. "Jack...it is late. You should rest. And no...well, currently yes, you are a mess and rather disgusting," Vivienne laughed.