A meeting of Dragons... and Doctors [open]

[Enzo Dragomir]

Enzo stared at the red traffic light that was itching for a beating apparently. It had been red for long enough he was beginning to think he should just get out of his car and hail a cab. He actually stopped himself from looking around for just that purpose with a snort and music change on his bose. Finally traffic resumed and he gunned the engine, enjoying the Jag XKR-S GT's fine vibration purr beneath him. It had been self indulgent this car, but he had possibly eternity and wasn't about to spend it sulking in some civic. He worked too hard for that.

And played even harder. Drumming his fingers against the steering wheel listening to Miles Davis chase some Voodoo, he found it fitting considering his destination. He'd been meeting family lately, tracking them down as best he could.. harder than you'd think considering they all shared blood. He'd briefly been greeted by Mortll on the families crownet and was intrigued enough to take a look at her business. A cybercafe, the Voodoo Lounge. The name alone would have had his lip quirk in amusement and stepping inside. He was not in need of the services there, cyber games and warfare didn't interest the Marketing Exec. He'd rather be knee deep in the guts of another company forcing every last dollar from some ancient skinflint and have him begging for more before Enzo even got really going.

The love was plentiful. He had begun rebuilding his good old boy connections after being turned and it seemed he was even better at it now, which ego aside was saying something. When you love what you do... well he was born for the throat slicing bleed them dry world. And now he was dead for it.

Pulling into a parking garage, he took the ticket and rode the ramps up, quickly finding a spot and easing his baby into position. As soon as he stepped from her, the smart little ride clicked over and armed herself and wouldn't start until his handprints were scanned on the wheel. Times they were good. Enzo pocketed his key fob and began walking toward the elevator, adjusting his tie as he went. His dark suit of midnight blue, gold silk waistcoat, soft blue shirt and cream color tie was in order, and satisfied he rode the lift down toward mischief.

The Allurist seemed to be finding plenty of that lately. Slipping on his small tinted specs to cover the tell tale dragon gaze, his gray eyes noted the cafe was hopping. Busy with all walks of life and letting him know he would not stick out here.. well anymore than he was used to. His eyes adjusted to the softer light as he went in, looking around himself he made his way toward the back of the house and set about ordering an espresso. He certainly didn't need it, but it was warm, and hopefully good, and it gave him something to do as he took in the customers and employees.

Disappointed he didn't see Mortll, he wondered if there was more to the place... aside from the adorable blonde eyeing him up. The Allurist was ever a consummate flirt and flagrant bachelor, and slid a little smile toward the possible dinner menu as he took his first sip. Well, whatever happened tonight, at least it wouldn't be a bust...

The Dragon turned then, and continued to look around himself, he had been staying with his own company of late, his mood still prone to anger as he learned more about the world he now inhabited and the losses his family had endured. He knew it was the curse of Allurists, and that helped to even his thoughts to an extent... but it proved to be a monumental task. His manservant... thrall... yes that is what they were called, Bertram was a wonder for sensing his masters moods and knew when to change music, offer a scotch, set down the havana's within arms reach... that was possibly the greatest singular thing Enzo had done since his turning. Stealing Bertram from a business rival.

The fat **** was lucky Enzo hadn't just gutted him and been done, even his blood was beneath the Allurist. It had been his pleasure to begin checking off the list of precious things the ******** owned, making them his own. Bertram had been the latest of victories, and the feud would finally be won.. Enzo enjoyed taking his time, when he bedded the mans wife and daughter. Possibly at the same time.

Ah yes, now he was in a fine bit of spirits. After all, he'd had the mans dog put down for rabis earlier today... a fine night indeed.

Now, to meet the fam. He tapped his finger against the counter and leaned forward, his Brit accent placing him as exactly what he was. Well born. "Would you be a doll and tell me if Mortll is in tonight?"

[Mortll]

Sometimes it pays to stay in bed Mortll thought. She had just finished the books at Dragons lair. It had been a busy night she had meetings with her building foreman for the construction plans for Envouter and Abraxas the new businesses were slated to be open and operational soon. Dragons lair was her last stop before hitting the Voodoo. Mortll smiled as she thought of her latest creation . It had become one of her favorite haunts and the reason she saved it for last Too much work made Mortll a dull girl but since... she squashed it out of her head before she could think it ... The point was she had found herself very dull .


Mortll breezed into the Voodoo like a fresh wind blowing across a field. The busboy that had been out front chatting up a girl quickly went to wiping down the tables and looking like he had been at it all night long. Mortll gave a quick wave to the manager and headed for the stairs . The burly young Vampire that sat watch at the stair entrance just smiled as she greeted him a goodnight and she descended the stairs . Her thirst was ravenous tonight and she Wanted blood .

[Enzo Dragomir]

Enzo had just finished his question when the woman swept in and past him, something in her quietly touched something in him and it had him looking up and carefully cataloging the looks of her. She fit the descriptions he had of Mortll and it explained the almost imperceptible magnet pull blood had to blood. He watched her head toward the stairs and the seated undead bouncer as he noted she was just as lovely as he had been led to believe. It really was a pity most of the true beauties haunting fangland were his blood brood... effectively putting them off limits to his toyland. He pushed away from the counter, slipping a large bill to the barista who had almost helped him and followed the vampress's retreating figure.

This must be the 'other' rooms he'd heard tell of and he walked to the bouncer to be inspected for entry. He was never gauche so did not call out her name as she hurried ahead of him, he'd catch up with her politely. He had no intentions of alarming her, so when allowed to pass he stepped to the stairs and simply descended into the much darker and far more vampire ambient rooms.

[Doc]

Of late Doc’s existence had turned into a predictable routine. He hated being predictable. Predictability let to ruts,which led to passivity, which lead to being lazy. When a person got lazy, they fucked up, they made mistakes. One small mistake could be nothing, or it could lead to a massive breach of the Masquerade, then there would be another holocaust.

Recently thing had become all too predictable. He would check in at Winterbrook, update the patient records, try to see the Ball and Chain if she were available, most times she wasn’t. He blamed fuking Freddie. From the Asylum he would head over to Genesis Solutions to dole out the jobs and check in with Patrick.

Patrick tended to be quiet, but he was a good worker and reliable. Whatever Doc asked him to do, Patrick saw to it, that is was done. Doc didn’t really care how it was done, as long as it did. He had come to find out that Patrick had his own unique ways, that were different from his own, but that was a plus, not a detriment. It came back to that predictability that Doc despised. If things were accomplished in a manner that Doc could not predict, chances were excellent they were done in a manner most would not predict. Thus better for all involved, should someone come hunting for him.

After Solutions, there would be a several hours spent at the lab, then finally he ended up at Forbidden Desires before heading off to hunt until daylight. He always checked Desires last, as their work typically started in the wee hours of the morning. Being a callgirl was a dangerous business, Johns could have a bad attitude and try to take it out on his girls. His girls’ health and safety was a serious concern of his for several reasons. First and foremost, he didn’t like his employees getting beat on; it was bad for morale. Second he considered it a personal insult, to himself. It was as though someone hit him.

Thus was the case tonight as he discovered Sparkle, one of his best girls, with a split lip and black eye. The nights of predictability were at an end. He had a John to hunt down and kill. And kill slowly. Over the course of weeks. As an example to other Johns that might decide to beat on his girls. It wasn’t that his merchandise had been damaged that upset him. It was that someone thought they could get away with that **** without retribution being rained down on them like holy hell.

Yes Doc was well aware that some guys couldn't get their rocks off without hitting a woman, but if that was their problem, they would find out in short order that, Doc’s girls were not their punching bag. Spending the next hour with Sparkle he, he gave her a complete medical once over, tended to her wounds, and then had her give him all the relevant details about the John. Those details being, he was new to town, staying at the West Hotel. Had been referred by someone from the Voodoo Cafe and his ‘name’ if it were legit, was Bill Johnson. Though Sparkle had given him a good description, Doc wanted to corroborate some of the details he had learned from her. That meant, his predictable routine was broken.

An hour later had Doc walking through the doors of Voodoo Cyber cafe. The basement was where he usually spent his time, because it was for vampires only. However, tonight he was looking for information or leads on ‘Bill Johnson’ a human; that meant he needed to stay in the cyber cafe area for the time being.. Based on the time of night, he was surprised at the size of the crowd. He made a mental note to be more cognizant of the humans that stayed out into the early morning hours. Never knew when he might need information they could be useful in providing. This thought made him more appreciative of the fact that routines were bad. He had gotten complacent. Complacency stopped tonight.

Stepping up to the counter to order drink that he would sip, but not enjoy, Doc placed an order and moved to a table. He spent the next thirty minutes logging into a terminal, but really he was checking out the other patrons. One by one he perused them and discounted them as being the offending ‘Bill Johnson’. He was looking for a male about six feet tall, stocky build, with, as Sparkle adamantly maintained, thick wrists. None of the male patrons fit this bill. They all tended to fit the ‘university male’ definition. Meaning, in short, early twenties with the sheen of innocence still clinging to them.

Logging off the terminal, Doc glanced at the girl, also what he would consider a university student, and asked “Excuse me.. Are you by chance a regular here?” He gave her a beguiling smile, “I asked, because I was supposed to meet a friend here.. Bill.. but I don’t see him.. And I am wondering if I got my dates wrong. Big guy, stocky.. Like a boxer?”

The girl flicked a glance at him, and then looked back at her screen, “Yes and No.”

Biting back the annoyed sigh that threatened to erupt, he nodded, slowly. “I see.. So no in that..”

Never taking her eyes off the screen and steadily typing, she interrupted him, “No haven't seen your friend. But he may be downstairs in the private club. Now I really need to finish my paper.”

Well ****. Doc knew the human wouldn't be downstairs, but If he didn’t go downstairs he would raise her suspicions. With a polite, “Thank you.” Doc rose and made his down to the lounge.

[Enzo Dragomir]

Enzo took his eyes from the retreating Mortll, looking around himself as he walked in. Making sure the area was as advertised and he had left the realm of leave it to beaver, he slid his tinted lenses off with an inward sigh of relief over the new found freedom. The Dragon walked with a calculating grace, as if he were sizing up everyone around him and found most lacking. It was a purposeful walk but not on purpose, his mind was really on how he would introduce himself to his not so kissing cousin. Pity. She really did have a fine bit of ***.

He took in the fangs that were obviously regulars, by the comfort and ease they lounged about it was certain they had never gone wrong here so felt relaxed. There were others who were not quite so relaxed and he knew they too were new here. Swinging his gaze back to where he'd last seen Mortll he noted the set of her shoulders and the determination in her step and realized she was probably needing to feed. The Allurist let her slip away toward dinner and took a seat to wait her out.

Once more his eyes traveled around the place, noting the humans here were blood dolls and quite happy to be such. A few of them were even tasty enough to wet his finicky appetite. He'd have to see, his feeding expectations were uncommonly high and he realized it was more than likely a fault with him, an oddity because no one else in his immediate family seemed as picky. Enzo however needed his food to 'shine'. Be something extraordinary, he didn't care if it were to the depths of disgust, unique and shameful, or beautiful enough to paint their existence across his mind.

He just needed to be moved by them.

Setting his espresso down on the table he hailed one of the workers over and smiled a pirates gleam of teeth. "Your mistress Mortll. Tell her that her cousin Enzo Dragomir requests the pleasure of her company." He kept the womans gaze for a moment, it fascinated him watching the reaction to his eyes and he more than a little enjoyed unnerving the unwary. She gaped at him a moment and in that one second of silent mouth working, Enzo lost interest in her. Nothing special there, and shoo'd her along.

He was sure there was someone in here that would partner him in crime tonight, he just had to weed through the peasants for the palace.

[Mortll]

Blood is the oil of the human soul it sustains it . It is the thing that keeps us moving. I fuels our engines and determines our health and well being. Mortlls well being wasn't in danger but the gnarled feeling in the pit of her gut told her that she might be a pint low. She did not have time to feed on the way over and this was her last stop for the night it was a good thing. The blood bar wasn't a original idea of hers , nor was she the first to serve Arbor Vitae blood. She did like her little set up here where vampires could sit and be casual without fear of being seen or risk of masquerade breaches. A place of comfort and that is what Mortll strove for a ease. Not that she didn't handle pressure well she thrived in that environment as well. She just knew that for as hard ad you played and fought there had to be a equal period of down time. Some people never learned that lesson.

Mortll eased up to the bar and ordered a glass of Priest . The barman sat the glass of thick ruby red liquid on the bar in front of her . She would have to go over the purchase orders later. Her contract with Ariadne required that all of her blood wine sales be glass only. Bottle sales were restricted to the winery only. Mortll had no problems with this since the woman produced such a top notch fresh product that left blood bags wanting.

Mortll lifted her glass to her lips when the young waitress approached her and told her that her cousin was here and wanted her attention. A smirk appeared on Mortlls mouth "Cousin ehh " she turned and glanced across the room. It was mostly the run of the mill young vampires. Nothing special here she noted then she spotted him Young handsom and the unmistakable eyes of a Dragomir. That would explain the cousin comment to a orphan she thought to herself. Mortll had no family and Perry had been her vampire family and the little reckless brood that he had spawned ,who had all except Noelle found themselves drawn by the fade .

Mortll was proud to be a Dragomir because Perry had been proud of it ,even when he had felt betrayed by the lot of them .Mortll had her ups and downs with the lot but her pride in what she was had never wavered.
Did Mortll expect anything from the Dragomir as a family never did she expect support that was laughable to her she had never received much. Mortll had learned a long time ago she was going to have to stand on her own two feet in this world. It wouldn't do to be some pussy *** wimp that cried about what others didn't give you.
She worked and she went and got everything she needed in this life for her own . She defended herself on her own and she stood on her own two feet and was damn proud of it .

So this young one showing up and proclaiming family intrigued her. She tapped the bar and had a glass of innocence sent to the table before she got up and sauntered over . She would see exactly what this Dragomir was made of . After all she was still ravenous and hadn't had anything to play with in a long time. Fresh meat hardly ever presented itself in such a manner. She smiled sweetly as she approached the table extending her hand "Hello I am Mortll I do not believe we have met Dragomir correct ?"

[Enzo Dragomir]

The drink was set before him by the tasty little waitress and he murmured his thanks as he lifted it and inhaled the scent, rolling it just slightly around the flute. His brow raised intrigued as the smell wafted and stirred his hunger, making him want to taste it. He did just that and his other brow raised in appreciation. Well. This beat the hell out of blood bags. He definitely would be seeing more of this place in future, and hopefully could find where to purchase this for times he didn't wish company. That wasn't often, but it happened.

When his moods went dark and he couldn't move without wanting to kill something. Even Bertram wasn't particularly safe on those nights, and was sent on myriad errands to keep him at arms length. Wouldn't do to savage the help. Especially that calibre of help.

Just as he set the glass down he spied Mortll making her way toward him and just before she reached the table, he stood gallantly and took her hand to brush a soft kiss along the knuckles of her beautiful yet capable hand. His eyes gleamed with a warmth saved for family and he let the hand slip from his own fingers, pulling a seat out for her and making sure she was comfortable before retaking his own. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mortll. I'm Enzo Vaughn Worthington Dragomir, childe of Nikolae Dragomir. Thank you for seeing me."

He took the moments she absorbed the information he gave her to study her as well, a worthy pastime really. She was everything he imagined a she dragon to be. The noble lines of her face, the rare strength in the way she held herself, yet there was softness too, just enough to keep her features interesting rather than too sharp. He rather enjoyed looking at her and curled his lips into an easy smile to show her he had no desires to live in Dragon City Past. Enzo had one goal when it came to family.

Bring them together into greatness once more.

They didn't need to sing campfire songs and have play dates, he wasn't interested in turning something as fierce, noble and stunning as they were into mimics of humans. Dragomir was far greater than that. Enzo knew they were solitary by nature, but that did not mean it negated loyalty and honour amongst thieves. Coming together against common problems and foes before parting amicably again. Now he needed all his skill to show this beautiful Dragoness that he was sincere, that the family was sincere and was growing once more.

He really didn't care what it took. He'd slay the knights and cook the virgins if that was what she needed.

[Doc]

Reaching the lounge below, Doc moved to a seat in the area he preferred. It was a booth out of of the normal periphery of view. It was an unusual seat for him to choose in view of his usual demeanor. Normally he preferred to be able to see everyone entering an establishment. He preferred to have his back to the wall, so that he could not be sneaked up on. But here in the Voodoo Lounge, he wanted to be left alone. He came here because more people did leave him alone. Mortll was the only one who would speak. And Mortll was one of the few that he would always make time for.

Once ensconced in the booth, the wait staff was there almost immediately there to take his order. Doc was there enough, that the staff recognized him. A murmured, “The usual.” Was met with a curt nod, and thus he was alone once more. He checked his cell for messages, something of a habit he had obtained because he left his phone perpetually on silence. Once he had the details from Sparkle about Bill Johnson, the man who beat her up, Doc had sent out feelers to some of his contacts. He was hoping for a lead, but as of yet, he had not gotten anything firm.

The next lead would be the West Hotel. Lifting his gaze his cell phone, he spotted Mortll speaking to an obviously engaging young man, who seemed intent to keep her attention. Doc watched the couple, the expression his face was a cross of passivity to apathy. Mortll had made it abundantly clear to him, that he had given up any rights to her or how she spends her time. In reality, he had never made any demands with whom she could or could not spend her time. It was rare in fact that he ever demanded anyone avoid someone else. He had made those demands. And quite frankly those demands were thrown back in his face. He had seen with Cytherea and Pratt. Minx and Verne.

Doc had learned a hard lesson.If he made demands, those demands would be flouted, joyously and gleefully thrown right back at him. So he learned, it was best to just let people live and learn on their own. He was a pessimist. For everyone one way a given scenario could go right, he could give five ways it could go wrong. And unfortunately, he was right more often than not. His current thoughts were mulling over how he would deal with Mr. Bill Johnson when he found him. A message had to be sent. A message that clearly spelled out that harming any girl apart of Doc’s corral would get them a healthy dose of ‘you done fucked yourself up’. But the question remained, how to do it and not have it tied back to him.

The key was going to be Bill Johnson himself. Doc would have to follow him, find his weakness, and then use those weaknesses against him. It could be his family, his job, his possessions. It could be something he had not anticipated, but he would find it and use it to bring Bill Johnson to his knees and use him as an example should anyone else think to use one of his girls as a punching bag. As his thoughts centered on finding Bill Johnson, his gaze remained on Mortll and her young Swain. Mortll might be key to find out information from the West Hotel.

[Mortll]

Mortll smiled as the mans lips brushed the soft skin on the top of her hand and took the offered seat. She crossed long slender legs and studied the man as he took his seat once more. "Nice to meet you Mr. Vaughn I am quite surprised to hear that The Great Sleeping Dragon is procreating once again." a smirk crossed her lips. She let her eyes travel the length of his body assessing him quiet blatantly. He was good looking but then every other vampire in Harper rock seemed to have that going for them. Cookie cutter good looks was not Mortll's thing she liked unique, a brilliance of mind and cunning. "So tell me Mr. Vaughn what brings you here to my place ?"


Doc was smooth. Doc was brilliant. Doc was a shadow, but he was one shadow that Mortll could tell exactly when he was near. Maybe it was his scent she picked up on or his aura. It could be the level of intimacy that they had shared before his estranged wife had decided to come back into town and interrupt Mortll's life.
Whatever it was she knew he was there before he had made it halfway down the stairs. She did not need to follow his progress Doc had his ways and he would find his favorite out of the way spot to sit and brood or think.
A smile came to her face as she leaned closer across the table a subtitle guarded glance in Docs direction a scowl on his face . She raised her hand and let it move to Mr. Vaughn's face and caress his cheek moving slowly down to his chin . 'You do not have the Dragon skin this is probably a good thing Mr. Vaughn It would have spoiled your good looks "

[Enzo Dragomir]

Enzo sat still, his fingers steepled together on the table between them. He wasn't wary, he simply did not wish to give sudden movement that would stall the common footing they had found as the beautiful she dragon caressed his bearded cheek. His gaze locked with hers, his eyes narrowed slightly over the strange cast of them, his own dragon mellow and relaxed. He did not use any of his gifts, did not exert any extra charms on the elder family member, he would not insult her so. Instead he kept his emotions lucid and easy for her to read. A rare occurence for the man, one he was sure she could appreciate. The Allurist was becoming used to keeping his overwhelming emotions under tight control. It was less bloody for other people that way.

As she finished the inspection of his skin with soothing hand, he slipped his own hand into his breast pocket and withdrew the Sobranie case, opening the black and gold of it to offer her one first. "I had not noticed any of the new generation of Dragon's with such skin, it seems Az and Nikolae have perfected their embrace perhaps." he gave a slight shrug of broad shoulders, his lips curling into an easy smile. "Some are awakening and returning as well. Merry has stirred and joined us." he said in an offhand manner, though the undercurrent was more than significant. New Dragons, Old Dragons coming together in this time... such things were the stuff legends began upon.

"So tell me Lady Dragon, Mortll... if I could say one thing that would draw you home, what would it be?" his interest in her response was keen, in all his readings on their familial crownet, in papers he had come across in temple... his opinion of her was quite high. As he slipped back comfortably into his seat his eyes passed over her head and he noted the man seated alone that was looking toward her... it was not a dangerous look so his hackles did not raise in protective defense. It was instead a familiar look. A shuttered look. Well aware he was noted in return he inclined his head in greeting before turning a questioning look back at Mortll.

"It seems I am not alone in a desire to take your time lovely Dragoness." he said with a slight smile in his tone. If he ever were to be shocked, it was not going to be because men found Mortll engaging. He would be shocked if it were the opposite really. Enzo's family was nothing if not terrible and grand, and she was no exception. Well this night certainly was becoming more than he had hoped for, and he knew deep in his gut that mending this relationship between dragons would change everything