Vs.

[Dominique]

Dominique: It didn’t take a whole lot of effort on Dominique’s part to ascertain that Doc, by offering to take her shopping and to not worry the dress she currently had on, was keeping the possibilities open that she may need the dress replaced. Perhaps it was not how most started out heading to a formal gathering but she knew her sire well enough to know he wasn’t Willy Wonka and he certainly wasn’t going to candy coat anything. Her dark eyes rolled to the passenger's window next to her and glanced out at the blur of dark wilderness quickly left behind while the car raced towards the city lights.

The shadow had driven the same stretch a million times, or so it would seem. Back and forth countless nights from Harper Rock to the refuge of Vita Bella mostly for work because pleasure more often than not found her within the walls of the place she called considered her home. Somehow everything was different from the passenger's side. Perhaps because she was the one usually in control. She always had to make sure she was heading where she wanted to go and not at the mercy of anyone permitting it. Even now while her feet remained relaxed far from the options to press down and increase speed or the controls to slow down near her hands she still was going where she chose. The view was just a different perspective. She glanced over to Doc.

“So how is work?” She felt a bit lost for what to talk about. In the back of her mind there was at least a thousand scenarios as to what could be the end result of the evening ahead. It was a crap shoot. Like a game of russian roulette and everyone would be holding guns. “Anything new?”

The silk started to itch against her back. A feeling she knew all too well. The desire to crawl out of her skin and release the beast she was within. She felt the stirring that had her shoulders taking a subtle roll backward to make contact with the seat behind her. No, anything but that would be happening because if it did bloody shreds of silk would be the least of anyone’s worries. A deep inhale filled her lungs and she closed her eyes while she held the air in. Calm found her and for the moment she owned it’s effects.

[Doc]

[/color]Doc: “Work?” Doc slid a look at her, Did she just ask him about work? Wasn’t that the question someone asked to cover awkward silences? Was she nervous? Or genuinely interested? His eyes narrowed and decided, she seemed genuine in her question. She had asked, therefore he would answer. “Good, actually. The new electron microscope finally came in, and I have been playing with it. With all the terrorism happening around the world, there has to be a market for the testing of and tracking of potential bioterrorism biologicals. So I figured, why not be in on the cutting edge of things..” He continued to drone on effortlessly for the next forty-five minutes, about the merits and intricacies that electron microscopy had to offer. Before long he was turning the car into the drive. “What do you know, we’re here… time really does fly when you are discussing something enjoyable.”

Having parked the car, Doc exited and moved over to the passenger side of the vehicle, and opened the door for his passenger. Reaching in to help Dominique out of the car, he gave her a genuine smile “I never knew you had such an interest in what I do.”

"Neither did I." She steps out and takes his right arm by sliding LESS through the space between the crook of his elbow and side. "You know me. I am always full of surprises." She looked up at him feeling her mind working. "And it is the ones you are full of, that has the hair on the back of my neck tingling with anticipation." Once she had cleared the vehicle, he shut the car door and offered her his right arm, as he hit the remote button with his left to lock the vehicle. “Ready?”

Stepping up to the front door of the address, Doc rapped three times and then stepped back away from the door. His face soon took on the passive look of indifference which he had perfected in medical school. Now matter what his face reflected, his real feelings were far from impassive. He would be on his best behavior. Well best behavior providing the Traitor didn’t purposely provoke him. And as long as Doc didn’t get bored. No matter his good intentions, once Doc got bored, all bets were off. Heaven help them if this turned out to be some droll and cliched dinner party. He slid a look at Minx. “There is still time to leave…”.

Minx looked up with a set of eyes that no other child or woman could have ever been blessed with. Wide, warm chocolate hues that were sweet and full of wonder. Had no one known better it would be safe to say nothing wrong could ever happen when drawn into them...unless you knew her like he did. A soft voice that exudes innocence lifted softly from her mature lips.

“Why Daddy? That would mean we would miss all the fun and we wouldn’t get to see how the story ends.” The slow building smile that spread across her face would be at the very least unsettling if not disturbing. Her voice went back to the tone she was known for.“Are you kidding me? We are so going in.”

Doc stared into those doe brown eyes, and could not help but smile, despite the fact that he was going to be blank and unemotional. The night was looking up. “Game on.”

[Trahir Trahison]

Trahir Trahison Despite the interior of the farmhouse being meticulously cleaned and drenched with symbolism denoting Trahir’s intended message to his guests, the external facade of the place remained as it had since before he had acquired it with some creative enthrallment and untimely deaths of the former owners. The only difference outwardly was the care given the area around the lake. To the south west edge of the property and several paths leading through the crops leading to it. The exterior made the place look dilapidated, run down, even abandoned. Even so, he doubted anyone nearby gave a second thought to the pair of headlights approaching as the car bearing Dominique and her sire wound it’s way up the driveway.

He never heightened his senses, even witnessing the approaching vehicle, he merely gave Shadis a final appraising look over and a single nod, denoting his approval. “Everything we are now is wed to the grave in one way or another.” He remains where he is, quiet and unmoving until the raps on the door follow the twin sets of footsteps approaching it out on the porch. It was one of the things he loved about the old place. Creaks, groans, the way sound carried. It made him feel safer knowing that while he could likely maneuver the building as silent as the shadows, others would give away their location frequently, announcing their presence with nearly every step. He makes his way to the door and reaches for the handle, twisting and opening it gently.

Stepping aside with the inward arc of the heavy wooden door, his left arm sweeping out to motion into the depths of his lair as he gives a small bow. “Miss Jane “Dominique” Doe, Doctor Charles Nilson, welcome to my humble abode once more. It’s an honor.” His eyes remain on the pair, cold, dead, but blue, undeniably mortal. He notes that his reaction to them, two vampires he had met many times before do not trigger the reaction he’d felt when coming into contact with the neonate Kaspar. Interesting.

“I will introduce everyone formally after the drinks have been poured. There is no ban on weapons within my dwelling though I ask you leave them holstered or sheathed and respect my choice to have the confines of the farmhouse itself sacrosanct and separated from violence during such soirees..” He closes the door once everyone is inside and then motions toward the living area where the hors d'oeuvres and refreshments await. “Please, after you.”

[Shadis (DELETED 7818)]

A simple nod of her head was given at his words, being wed to the grave was incredibly true. Her brown hues watched Trahir for a moment in silent thought before she too heard the creaking sounds of wooden floors having weight applied to them. Slowly, she rose to her full height and she pondered as to whether to approach or not. She decided upon the latter and remained standing by the table. It was better that she wasn’t so in their faces when they came in. Shadis especially didn’t want to be so forward in this case, as caution was probably best in this situation.

Her gaze followed Trahir as he moved towards the door and she drew a breath as his hand turned the knob before opening it to reveal to figures behind the door. The fledgling held the unnecessary breath while her gaze slid over the two forms. Male and female. She listened while Trahir spoke, welcoming his guests and laying down the ground rules. However,if Doc was anything that Trahir had said he was, then she doubted that he would pay too much attention to the rules. A slow exhale and then a simple smile curved her lips. Smile, just smile, she told herself as her gaze took in the man known as Doc.

Shadis remembered Doc, she remembered him from the Voodoo cafe right before he had walked out. Trahir and Doc had been in a verbal dispute and he had seemed rather enraged. Whether the man had noticed her enter and seat herself with Trahir, was the question. However, she was betting on the fact that he just simply didn’t know who she was, regardless if they were related through their vampiric bonds. She was also betting that if this Doc was whom Trahir said he was, then he wouldn’t hesitate to kill even those that were related to him through such bonds. It was at this point that her gaze flickered towards the woman and slowly she studied the woman. So this was the infamous Dominique that she had heard about?

Many people had spoken of this woman. Trahir and Mortll being the two main key people. Friends, lover and family. They were all people who cared about the woman and she wondered if one day she would have the same. Her sire cared about her regardless of what she did, but she still doubted Trahir. He may give her a flower and other things, but she knew that someone who moved from one lover to another, would constantly move on. Mortll’s words echoed inside of her mind as she approached the two that had entered with the same smile ”Good evening Dominique…” Shadis paused as she angled her head towards Doc as she bowed her head to him, ”Doc. The name is Shadis Divinus.” Her head lifted then as she moved to the side of Trahir. The woman figured that it was better to put herself out there rather than to hide.

[Dominique]

Dominique: With a few steps in that naturally were at one with her sire’s she entered and took a pause once he did. Now they were inside. Her eyes followed Trahir’s movements as he greeted them. Of course nothing was missing in the presentation Trahir delivered. The formal invite, the greeting and most certainly the attire. It was all close to perfection. Her eyes moved to Doc and looked up while her fingers as petite as they were curled a little inward to hold onto the arm he had extended to her upon arrival.

“Good eve, Trahir.” She smiled cool and calm like this was something they did often. Which they had started to do at one point but they shared the rather entertaining experience of a less than warm reception from Velveteen and Micah when they did. Truth be told it really was amusing. At least for Dominique it was. Likely not so much for Trahir but he had been forewarned. She doubted he had forgotten. And how could she? She nodded as if she was agreeing with something that was said but it was more directed at her own thoughts. Her fingertips pressed in a little more to the bend of Doc’s inner elbow. “Thank you for your gracious invite.”

The shadow had washed her gaze from Trahir and directed the warmth of her chocolate orbs to the woman beside him. She was stunning. Dark hair, tall and nearly a perfect match to Trahir’s otherworldly features. They looked like a couple that would be on the cover of some Harlequin novel. Dark and exuding an energy between them that was not easy to ignore. Not for Dominique. She knew it all too well. In fact she could nearly taste it at the tip of her tongue as her lips parted to form a smile to the female that seemed far closer for some reason even if she was far enough out of reach to investigate. So, this was where he had been. She smiled even more.

“Ms. Divinus. It is a pleasure.” Dominique stepped forward so that HOPE extended in a personal greeting while LESS still kept a light hook at her sire’s arm. “Shadis. Such a beautiful name. I have never heard it before. Please call me Dom.”

[Doc]

Doc: His face still wore the hint of amusement that Minx had teased out of him on the porch. Now in the living area, Minx and he across from the Traitor and his latest squeeze. Doc’s gaze locked on to Ms. Divinus, as he silently appraised her. The only outward sign of the information that he gleaned from that little exercise, was fractional lifting of his left eyebrow. He remained silent as Minx took the lead engaging Ms. Divinus, while his mind was tracking down one line of iterations, and then backtracking to branch off should his action take him down a different route.

Having had secrets from an early age, Doc knew the importance of not allowing anyone to read his emotions on his face. So the expression he wore was passive. There was no hint of angst, ire or elation. But that was not to say he was completely emotionless. No. He did portray a very good representation of being here under silent but resigned to his fate, objection. He even managed to project the appearance of trying to be sociable, his voice even held of a hint of, ‘I am ******* trying to be polite’ as he finally spoke. “Formal occassion.” He nodded as he looked pointedly at Shadis, “I take it, this is an announcement of your engagement to … “ He took a moment to make sure his voice showed no hint of the disgust that he felt. “..him.” Doc’s eyes flicked to Trahir, before looking back at Shadis, “Since Dominique came to her ..” there was a pause as he reconsidered his words, “..senses and dumped his ***.. “ he cleared his throat, “Decided he wasn’t the one.”

His gaze went from Shadis, to Dominique and then back to Shadis, before finally giving her a somewhat apologetic smile for his slip of the tongue. “Pardon my French.”

Doc subsided into silence as he waited for Shadis to affirm their engagement. Elliott would probably **** a load of bricks, when he got the news. If only he could be a fly on the wall when Elliot heard that news.. If.. that was why they were here. Chances were good, that wasn’t why they were there, but he got to get his dig in before the Traitor started droning on about whatever the reason was they were there. His gaze continued to be locked on Shadis, as he sent a telepathic message to the Ball and Chain, ~I just met your sister.. She is entirely fuckable.~

The smirk he would normally wear was still well hidden. Time would tell if he would make the Ball and Chain come completely unstuck. He finally turned to smile at Minx, “Would you like to take a seat?” His tone affable and cordial. Then Doc sent Minx a telepathic message, ~I did warn you that we had time to leave.. Just remember that…~

[Trahir Trahison]

Trahir Trahison Trahir’s blank expression moves between the three as they speak. Engagement? Outwardly there was no sign of his thoughts on the matter. He instead motions everyone to the table where the appetizers and the three bottles of blood sit waiting, the red glow of the fire back lighting the set-up. He he gives a tilt of the head to look to Dominique as she passes, one of his few tells that show his thoughts, curiosity in this case, and says “You look exquisite this evening.” For the moment he doesn’t react to the dig made my Doc. In truth it’s far from the worst thing the man has said to or about him. Once everyone is seated, he goes through with the almost unnecessary introductions, adding in sire and lineage. “Doctor Charles Nilson, Progenitor of the Enigma Bloodline, Childe of Pi d’Atois, Progenitor of the d’Artois Bloodline.. Miss Jane, “Dominique” Doe, Childe of Doctor Charles Nilson, Progenitor of the Enigma Bloodline. Shadis Divinus, Childe of Lancaster d’Artois of the d’Artois Bloodline”

He reaches out, opening one bottle after another and setting them back down, the corks loosely replaced after pouring Shadis and himself a glass of his version of Innocence. He motions to the spread. “Please, help yourselves, all three selections were bottled from the finest of specimens..” He waits calmly for the glasses to be poured, before continuing. As an afterthought he adds in, “I also have a more… lively vintage on hand if anyone prefers. I was planning on perhaps playing a game with them later on, but it would be rude not to offer would it not?”

He sets the bottle of Innocence down with the other two bottles in case either Doc or Dominique wished to sample it.

[Shadis (DELETED 7818)]

As Dominique extended a hand, she reached her own out to grasp Dom’s hand in a simple hand shake. ”Well, my father didn’t have anything to do with my name, but please, just simply Shadis will do. Formalities get rather too over rated after a while.” As her hand let go of Dom’s and her gaze shifted back to Doc, her smile faltered if only for a moment at the word of engagement. ”Well, no. As far as I know, this is just a simple meet and greet dinner. However, I could be wrong. I’m not always given all of the details.” And I seriously doubt that there would ever be an engagement between us, She finished within her own thoughts. He just didn’t seem to be someone that would ever entertain the notion. ”We are just… Involved.”

In her own mind, she wasn’t exactly sure just as to how to describe their relationship. Over all, he was free to see others, while she on the other hand saw no one else but him. The woman would be lying if she said that it didn’t play upon her mind. After Trahir motions everyone to the table, she slowly moved to seat herself and instantly inched for a bottle of scotch. It was her go to drink for whenever she was nervous or just had something playing havoc within. Lancaster knew the mood exceptionally well, as it was the night that he had turned her. As Trahir spoke, her gaze drew over Dom’s figure, taking in the many tattoos.

The woman seemed like someone that Trahir would very much enjoy, may even find some common ground with him. Perhaps Trahir enjoyed tattooed women, especially if Nicolette was anything to go by. Shadis had none and she was beginning to feel very much thrown out. However, the smile stayed upon her lips and she nodded her head towards Trahir, ”Thank you M’Love.” The woman said softly as he poured her a glass and she reached forwards to lightly pick up the glass to take a sip of the crimson liquid.

As she lightly placed that glass back down upon the table, her hand hesitated for that split second the moment that he mentioned about playing with live humans. Indeed, she began to wonder just as to what he even saw in her. The two were complete opposites in most cases. ”So, Dom. How has your evening been so far?” She paused for a moment, smiled at Dom, before her gaze glanced over the food. A hand reached forwards to take an appetiser and she appraised it for a moment as she simply shrugged. ”Mine probably isn’t as entertaining as yours, however I was delving into the pages of a grimoire back at the d’Artois Sanctuary. It’s a rather fascinating read, lucky for me I had my thrall to remind me of this event otherwise I probably wouldn’t have gotten here on time.” Shadis offered the other woman a smile before she bit down upon the appetiser.

[Dominique]

Dominique looked at Doc as he spoke. Her face was rather flat of any expression and slowly blinked. None of what came rolling out of his mouth was a surprise nor was the matter of fact delivery that left no question when the words finally ceased and left silence. His offer for her to take a seat was accepted with the graceful slide of her body into what was offered with a gentle sweep of her hand over her silk covered backside to smooth the white skirt before sitting. Not that she was concerned if her legs showed. She was far too distracted by her sire and knew that it was likely only the beginning of what he would be more than inclined to share if it so inspired him to do so.

“That was not French.” Dominique stated in what was barely audible except to Doc.
~It's a phrase~ Doc’s thought found its way into her head and a dark shaped brow raised slowly as she looked at him. ~You would prefer I said, 'sorry i almost said ****'...?~ Her lips flattened tight and waited in case he had anything else to add.

The compliment from Trahir was received with a smile and nod. Her eyes danced between he and Shadis and she could tell how close the two were. It was enough to keep her attention on the couple for a few quiet moments while the formal introduction of lineage, who was who and their shoe size was offered up. She was good with her initial “My name is Dom.” The one sitting next to her likely was far more amused until the one he was super fond of was mentioned. Once Shadis confirmed there was no need to make a quick run to the Party Supply store and whip up a sign and some balloons to the back of Trahir’s current form of transportation she focused back on what had been stated by Trahir. So everyone was related. Imagine that.

Lancaster. She met the vampire once. Actually was stuck in a building with him and a few others in that freak winter storm. As for their higher up she met Pi, his and Doc’s creator, in the lobby of the Sanctuary apartments where she had been entertaining her year of property buying and interior decorating. But now she was seeing the family tree so to speak branching out rather quickly in front of her and oddly enough there was Trahir perched right in the middle of it and shaking it up. How had her evening been so far?

“So kind of you to ask, Shadis.” She smiled and gave Doc a soft pat at his thigh with her hand. “It has been nothing short of amazing and I anticipate I am in for so much more to come.”

Dominique could tell it was going to be a night to remember.

~Just shoot me.~ The interruption of Doc’s thoughts becoming her own earned him a side glance that was brief so as not to be rude to Shadis.

“Not yet.” Her voice was whisper soft as she tilted her head slightly towards Doc’s direction. “Have to save some fun for later.” Dark wide eyes returned to Shadis just in time to see her bite down on the appetizer of her choosing. “So tell me, Shadis, how did you two meet? That has to be something worth sharing.”

[Doc]

Doc: ‘Oh good.. *******.. god.’ Was Doc’s mental reaction as Trahir started with the introductions. Trahir was making a ******* production of it. Did it really matter at that precise moment who spawned who, and what lineage they were in? Fine if Trahir wanted his Squeeze to know who bit who, great, do it in private.. Do not subject all of them to that tediousness. He sighed inwardly, while maintaining an affable outward countenance. Once the introductions were over, the refreshments were set out and offered. Really? They are ******* vampires, and they had human refreshments? He counted, his face still reflecting his passivity.

Human refreshments. Doc mentally could not believe Trahir thought that this was a thing. Was Trahir trying to impress them with his humanity? And the liquid refreshment was in unmarked bottles. What the ****? He wasn’t drinking anything. For one, Doc didn’t drink anything he wasn’t sure was in it and for two, he was in a ******* Traitor’s nest. Knowing Trahir, he probably poisoned it. He lifted a hand to indicate politely, ‘None for me.’ Thankfully the Squeeze and Minx had fallen into a relaxed conversation.

Doc took the opportunity as the females talked, to study Shadis more closely. He had not lied to the Ball and Chain with his comment about her sister. She really was quite attractive. He stared at her lips as she spoke, it was an exquisite mouth. The things a man would want to do to a mouth like that. The passive look morphed into an ever so slight knowing smile as he watched her. It was time to poke the bear. He sent a telepathic message to the Ball and Chain. ~You should ask your sister how she gets her lips to look so lush and kissable.~

Wrapping his arm about the back of Dominique’s chair, he absently played with a lock of her hair as he waited for Shadis to answer. Inwardly his thoughts circled around how Elliot felt about this relationship. Was Elliot giving the Traitor as much grief as he gave Doc? Come to think of it.. Where was Elliot and Pi? He had not seen or heard anything from or about them in months now. Not that he really cared. Elliot could be in the Shadow Realm for all he cared, but it was unusual for him not to at least see Pi off the in distance and occasionally cross paths with her. But there had been nothing. While Doc outwardly feign intent interest in the girls conversation, inwardly he wondering how he could leverage this information about the Traitor and Shadis to his advantage. He glanced briefly at his watch, before once more looking at Shadis with an appreciative look.