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BuzzingBee
VampiretwilightN I C H O L A S B L A C K T H O R N
Special Zone, 2021
Hotel, Azure 8:30pm
The energy was high and peaked with both excitement and nervousness. Guests swirled around the dance floor entangled in multiple paired dancing. While even more so conversed and gossiped. There were domino masks everywhere and every guest was revelling in the act of mystery. Nicholas entered the ballroom taking in the display. It had been such a long time since he had engaged in such occasions. Isolation had allowed him to know many freedoms but hadn’t left many his social graces. I shouldn’t be here. Nicholas reminded himself. The last thing he needed was some random encounter or worse yet one with the council. The last one five decades prior was more than enough. He wanted to leave but with Rene’s veiled threats loomed over his head. The source blood clearly had some agenda set tonight. Nicholas wasn’t clear what that was but he was certain his presence was an integral part of the plan. He just wondered how integral?
Nicholas stepped into the mingling crowd of guests trying to blend in. He grabbed a goblet of blood from one of the waiters serving nearby and began to weave through the crowd. The old blood knew the best way to ensure he was not caught up in host schemes was to keep a low profile and make it hard for Rene to find him amongst the guests. Though Nicholas admitted to himself that was easier said than done. The domino mask he wore kept his identity much like the other guest secret. However unlike the rest of the guests his domino hadn’t been provided to them by the host himself. Nicholas frowned, taking a sip of drink. He hadn’t wanted to wear anything provided to by Rene. After the source blood’s veil threats earlier this evening Nicholas didn’t even want to accept a penny from his host.
Unfortunately with limited time and options he hadn’t had much choice in this particular area of his attire. “Hiding from someone Nicholas?” The old blood sighed, turning to face the devil himself. He should have known Rene would not waste anytime. “You of course.” The old blood did not deny. Nicholas would not even bother playing Rene’s cat and mouse game. His host may have the upper hand but the last thing Nic would do is give his host more to be smug about. “Ah Nicholas you always take the fun out of our encounters.” The old blood didn’t even bother answering. He took another sip of glass leveling Rene with a cool gaze. His expression was clear. Nicholas would not be taking the bait and the source blood was wasting his time. Rene pouted but he did not push. The last thing he needed was Nicholas having an outburst that would push his time table sooner than expected.
One of the waiters passed by handing Rene a goblet of blood of his own. He was about to take a drink when he noticed a familiar image standing on the staircase. Rene smiled. “If you excuse me Nicholas one of my other expected guests has arrived.” The old blood started curiously. He wanted t o ask what Rene had meant but the source blood had already vacated his company. Nicholas' gaze followed Rene as he weaved through the crowd towards the image that had taken his attention away. There were three figures that had just entered but only one of them garnered attention. No one announced her name but then this was a masquerade. Yet despite that Nicholas could not help but be drawn, and curious of the vision. In hundreds of years he had met many vampires but none like this. Nicholas felt something he had not felt in fifty years. He was intrigued.
He watched as Rene ascended the staircase to greet his newly arrived guest. Nic frowned. Questioning if this was a part of Rene’s plan. The old blood could not be certain and at this junction without more information he could not be sure. He only knew at the moment he needed to keep his distance. Rene could play his little game but Nic would not be played as a pawn without a fight. He stepped deeper into the crowd of guests pretending to mingle and blend in. Meanwhile Rene took in inviting his newly arrived guest in strides. He was happy to see despite Louis and Aida’s reluctants that the Lady’s Eve’s determination had won in the end. “Louis. Aida.” He nodded to the aides, then turned his attention back to his other guest of honor. “Audrielle, you look like a vision this evening.” The elder vampire complimented as he lifted her hand and nodded to her in respect. “Despite our real goal this evening.” He smiled. “I hope that you will honor me with a dance?” He stated the question.
While it was Rene’s goal to escort the young source blood this evening. His true goal was less than charitable to other elements this evening. Though one objective would be accomplished this evening. Audrielle in all the shell of her innocence would be shattered tonight. While others would learn the consequence of denying a shattered figure his chance to heal. Rene of course could not wait to see their faces. He of course knew he would not come out of this unscathed and poor Audrielle would most likely be confused. However if she was ever to become the vampire she was destined to be again. Then she needed a wake up call. Because this was only the first step of what he intended to achieve and he would be damned if he failed tonight.
“Audrielle allowed me to escort you around this evening.” Rene offered his arm. “A few of the candidates on the list I invited have already arrived this evening.” He smiled. “You can mingle and enjoy yourself while you see if they are to your liking.” The source blood wanted to make clear that Audrielle was in the driver seat for this endeavor. This was her choice even if Rene was pulling a few strings to rig the process from behind the scenes. “Shall we?”