065

Dark: *He looked around. He had to admit, this was a hell of a place!* … Yeah, no kidding. And Meri? -Dark

Caroline: *Sipping tea from her own china cup, Caroline was trying not to smirk while she did so. The ‘Tower’ was working just as planned. She had to hand it to Gabriel’s evil ideas.* I believe Meri is having just as much fun as Evangeline. Poking her nose in to anything it’ll fit.

Caroline: I suspect they’re not any more fuzzy than other newborns, Evangeline. *The thought of Dark chasing little red devil rats had her smirking behind her cup. She supposed they had pitch forks too.*

Caroline: *Caroline nearly choked! She had to turn to the side to swallow and cough! Damned Evangeline’s abilities to sneak up with questions like that! At least with Dark, you saw them coming.* No, I’ve never had any children. And yes, I have been married.

Caroline: Husbands. Plural. And no, I’ve not put much thought in to having children. Not since my first husband. There isn’t much room for that when you’re slaying demons. *Caroline wasn’t sure if this was awkward or amusing. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk about it… but well, the circumstances!*

Caroline: *Caroline finally cast a slow, wide grin.* Seriously. It wasn’t romantic, not with him. I was still human then and he was the blacksmith of our village. His name was Beigarth and he was so big, he stood a foot taller than even the largest of our men. He could cleave someone in half with one swing, yet his hands were gentle enough to cradle any small little creature.

Caroline: Hmm. He was looking for a wife and most of the women were afraid of him. He was trying so hard to woo someone with pretty words and flowers, by the time he got to me I ended up laughing in his face. I never saw a man look so wounded and I suppose that moment I was enarmoed. I did love him very much.

Caroline: *She regarded Dark with a cool look but shook her head at Evangeline.* At the time there was a lot of war. Pirates, vikings, clans. He went to war one day and didn’t come back alive. It was heartbreaking, but that was the way life was then. When he was gone, I took over his business.

Caroline: Twice more. You’re awfully curious, my lady, are you going to make me tell those stories too? *She might as well ask and be prepared! Better to get it over with now, so they could change the subject!*

Caroline: *There was so warning signs! Caroline leaned back in her chair to cross her legs and tap her fingers on the arm.* Uh huh. My second husband was long after I was a demon and long after my Mentor died. I came to a town in France following a devil. I came across a man named Louis who had such a presence that there wasn’t a person in town that didn’t adore him. He had a passion for life and big deams. When he spoke it moved you. I thought he was the most charming man I had ever met.

Caroline: He was handsome, yes. At first I wasn’t going to stay in town. But a few weeks turned to months and after awhile I realized I didn’t want to leave. The French have this way of sweeping romance, and he did that very well. We were married and for awhile things we happy.

Caroline: Hrrm. *Unlike Beigarth, think of Louis was hard. She was frowning without trying to scowl. More tapping of her fingers.* I never told him what I was. A year or so after we were married, a group of demons came in to town. I took care of them as fast as I could, but several people saw me casting magic. They called me a witch.

Caroline: *There was a wry smile from Caroline.* Not every love is a fairy tale ending. No, he didn’t defend me. When the town cried witch, he was the one with the torch. He claimed I bewitched him and that sending me out of town wasn’t enough. A witch deserved a burning at the stake.

Caroline: *She shook her head slowly.* …No. I let them tie me up and light the fire. I let them watch me burn. …A glamor spell and a teleport took me to safety, but as far as they knew, they succeeded in burning a witch. I just walked away and never looked back.

Caroline: *Caroline was surprised! …then angry! Correct or not, he didn’t have any damned right to call her a hypocrite. He didn’t know what it felt like.* It was better that way. Now would you tell me what that jackass’ problem is?

Caroline: Difficult is not the word I would use to describe him. Why don’t you call your husband and have him give that little vampire the spanking he deserves. *Why was SHE so mad! ..oh, that’s right. He called her a hypocrite and condemned her choices without even waiting long enough to hear why!*

Caroline: You’re going to harass me until I do, aren’t you. *Caroline placed her hands on the table and rose slowly. A snap of her fingers and her china cup poofed.* If this is what you wish. But if he returns to you with broken bones, I am not the one to blame. *Caroline pulled a pin from her pocket and cast her teleport spell back to the apartment!*

Vlamerias: *She stopped chasing the rats to skip over to Evangeline!* Mommy, is everything okay?

Vlamerias: Dark is very passionate about things, Mommy! But aren’t you worried Warrior Lady is going to um … “rough” Dark up? *It took her a bit to think of the right term!*

Caroline: *Caroline arrived in the middle of her loft just in time to hear the SLAM of her door. A quick look around was plenty evidence to see that the vampire had just escaped.* …idiot! *She shouted at the door, and like hell was she going to chase him across town and drag him back. He could return to Gabriel and Evangeline for all she cared! Crawl around the streets homeless! Get eaten by a succubus!*

Vlamerias: Um … But what will you tell Glaër when he finds out?

Caroline: *It’s not like she had to explain herself for something she did hundreds of years ago. …but Evangeline! Evangeline won’t let things go! That woman needed to be tied up somewhere.* …damn it! *Caroline pulled her pin again. This time casting a summoning spell. She wouldn’t chase Dark around town, but she could summon him back and MAKE him listen just long enough to satisfy his pesky human mother!*

Caroline: *Out came her ribbons, throwing them around him and jerking him right back!* Must you pitch a temper tantrum! What in the unholy mother’s name is your problem?!

Vlamerias: That’s a tough one, Mommy … But weren’t they making progress when they went on that date and Warrior Lady fell asleep and Dark was really nice to her?

Caroline: I care when you call me a damned hypocrite and storm out for no god damned reason! *She held tight, that lingering want to pull one of Gabriel’s stunts and just fling him out the window to let him hang!*

Caroline: *Instead of letting go she gave him a good hard jerk to send him stumbled back towards the sofa!* So you can run away again? No. You’re going to take ten minutes to listen to me. Where do you get off being so judgemental?! Was I supposed to just slaughter an entire town? AGAIN?

Vlamerias: *She giggled at the thought!* Can we, Mommy?

Caroline: You give a damn enough to go walking out of here with all of your things! *Let him walk out. …instead she was growling and springing off the floor to tackle him! She pinned him to the floor, tempted to make good on that threat of broken bones.* What are you expecting from me? Saint or sinner? Am I supposed to be a nun or some vengeful hell sprite?!

Vlamerias: I don’t know, Mommy … I think locking her in the tower would be much easier. I’m sure Glaër would be willing to help you with that!

Caroline: It shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t. *That’s right, it doesn’t. She was needlessly wasting her time plotting to strangle him. Still, she held him pinned tight to the floor!* I told Evangeline I would talk to you, and thus you will listen. I wasn’t going to go back there and kill those people. I betrayed him with a lie and he betrayed me right back. It was karma.

Vlamerias: I don’t know. I think it’s gotten so bad between Warrior Lady and Dark that even he’s beginning to take interest in it! He told me so himself!

Caroline: *Caroline moved to the window, only to curse! Then out came her pin and she was teleporting herself right back to Evangeline. Pointing a finger, and straining to keep her voice from rising to high!* That was a mistake! I don’t know why I even for a moment thought he would sit still long enough to listen! He wouldn’t dare speak to me that way before YOU decided I wasn’t worth being his mentor any more!

Vlamerias: Eep! *She quickly moved between Evangeline and Caroline, attempting to shield her Mommy from the Warrior Lady!* Warrior Lady, stop! You can’t blame my Mommy!

Caroline: Not forever, no! But nor did I think he was going to be so assinine the moment he no longer had to answer to me! What did he think I did for my entire life?! Drink tea play chess with Alistair? That I didn’t have a life – many lives – and that I never had to make choices I regreted?! And YOU! Oh ho… you think talking to him is easy! It’s like talking to a brick wall! *Seething! She was seething. Evangeline probably didn’t deserve her rage, but at the moment the woman was going to get it!*

Vlamerias: No, Warrior Lady, don’t! *And when Caroline didn’t listen to her, Meri clasped her hands together!* Glaër, please! Take Mommy away from here! -Darkness

Vlamerias: *She clung to Evangeline’s head!* Sorry, Mommy! *She had just panicked! She had never seen the Warrior Lady so angry! And she couldn’t risk her Mommy’s safety!* -Darkness

Caroline: No reason…! *Caroline didn’t even get to finish. Evangeline and Meri were gone. Rescued by her husband no doubt. Oh, she had words for him too. Lots of words and none of them were pleasant. With a growl of indecision, she finally dropped in to a chair. She would wait and then she would shake them to death.*

Dark: *He had found his way from the park to the bar and was sitting on a stool on stage!* Every time I try to rise above, I’m swept away by love … Baby, I can’t help it. I’m drowning in your love … -Darkness

Vlamerias: *She hugged her Mommy back and began to sniffle while listening to the song!* It’s so romantic! *And his voice sounded so much better when it wasn’t angry!* -Darkness

One of the guys who worked at the bar, a big human walked up to the stage. “Hey, Dark, you ready for tonight?” -Darkness

Dark: Yeah. Need help setting up? *He said, clearing his head as he got off the stool and returned the guitar to its case.* -Darkness

The guy was about to say no but–the look on Dark’s face! “Eh, sure. We could always use more beer up in front. Come on.” -Darkness

Vlamerias: *Meri giggled!* -Gabriel

Vlamerias: *She giggled!* Yes, Glaër! -Gabriel

Caroline: *Caroline was still sitting in the same spot she had dropped in, but now instead of seethingly mad, she was resigned and melancholic.* In the end it doesn’t matter. I knew it would be coming soon. I can’t keep up with him any more.

Vlamerias: *She POOFED! from Evangeline’s head to Gabriel’s and clung to him!* -Gabriel

Caroline: Don’t give me sugar and sunshine, Evangeline. I know your husband doesn’t believe I can protect you, and a premature firing was only the first half of telling me my services would not be needed anymore. *Caroline was in a dark mood, almost enough to go taunting the king of darkness of himself.*

Caroline: Is that so? *Not the comment she expected from Gabriel. It took a bit of that attitude out of her tone. Though, maybe she was suspicious. Gabriel like to punish people in unusual ways and was just as bad as Evangeline about pulling strings!* If you’re allowing her out of her Tower, I wouldn’t refuse to escort her.

Caroline: …so i will be flirting with boys and you will be making them cry, hmm? *Evangeline… the woman had her moments of infectious adorablism. It really was impossible to say no to her.* All right, dancing we go.

Gabriel: *Gabriel is spending time with Meri after she’s taken a bath and feeds the devil rats!*

Caroline: *Caroline didn’t mind wearing dresses and looking nice when going out clubbing. But when with Evangeline, bad things tended to happen and you wanted to be better clothed for it! She eventually gave in to pouting, so here she was dressed in a light grey dress, very tall heels and trying very hard to not let Evangeline’s enthusiam be infectious.* I find it very hard to imagine you at any sort of dance clubs, Evangeline.

Caroline: Dancing amongst other things. *Evangeline really did stand out here. But there was no way she was going to dress the woman up like one of those boozing bimbos. She doubted Gabriel would stand for it either. The same Gabriel that thought this was good idea! Caroline was wearily scanning the people in the place to be aware of all exits and potential threats!*

“Jack, those guys are back …!” Sam even threw a thumb over her shoulder, to a table in the corner. “What do we do?” But Jack only looked over at the table and preppy boys sitting there! “If they cause us any trouble, we’ll take care of it.” Sam looked disappointed with his reply but then nodded and disappeared.

Vlamerias: Oohh … This will be fun! We never get to spend a lot of time together! *And yet she was his familiar! It wasn’t right! But she kept that thought to herself so as not to worry him!*

Gabriel: *He smirked and ran a hand over her head.* Yes, we do not. Mommy is a big responsibility and I am very proud of you as I hear the Devil King is also.

A waitress walked by, already balancing a tray on one hand! And a young waitress stopped by their table, asking if they’d like anything to drink!

Caroline: Are you even old enough to drink, my lady? *She jested… making sure to order a glass of red wine for herself. …and whispering to the waitress to go easy on the liquor in that chocolate martini!*

Caroline: *A slow smirk snuck it’s way across her face.* That does remain to be seen. I can only imagine the chaos that’d follow if you did.

The waitress nodded and made sure to tell the bartender to take it easy on the chocolate martini!

Vlamerias: *She giggled!* Hehe, yes! I showed him the gypsy soul you gave me! Thank you! *She was sitting in his lap and threw her arms around his neck! Souls were such precious gifts!*

Caroline: *Back to that again. At least in chatting with Evangeline, she didn’t have to worry about completely stupid temper tantrums.* It was a good while after Louis. There was a very bad war between a few magical clans and I didn’t come out very well from it. An aspiring wizard took me in.

Caroline: Several. Are you changing the subject on me now? *At least Evangeline wasn’t as bad as Meri, switching between topics at light speed!*

Gabriel: You are very welcome. Now then, I believe a few stories may be nice. *He waited until she had settled down before he began.* Perhaps a story about the Diablo Animus.

The waitress returned with Caroline’s red wine and Evangeline’s drink but when Caroline was about to pay for it, the watress said their tab had been taken care of by the man sitting at the corner table!

Caroline: Sixty years give or take a few. And it wasn’t as easy as just falling in love. *Caroline leaned to see, flashing a greatful smile. but definitely noting to keep an eye on that one in case he would come hitting on Evangeline!* After Louis the will to live was a struggle, the war didn’t help. A lot of death. I spent several months just being miserable and trying to heal. I don’t believe I spoke more than three words to him for several months.

Caroline: His name was Ederyn. *It wasn’t the first time she had been compared to Gabriel. Sometimes it was amusing and other times she didn’t understand the connection. Leaning back in her chair, she took a long drink of wine then tilted her head with a slow grin.* He wasn’t very strong or graceful and a lot of what he did would blow up in his face. One afternoon he was trying to do metalwork to make enchanted weapons and I thought it best to take it from him before he set everything on fire. Called him a raging imbecile and told him to go back to the kitchen where a woman belongs.

Vlamerias: *Meri’s eyes grew wide!* The Devil Soul! Your very own sword? *That weapon itself was a legend!* Yes, yes, please!

Caroline: *Caroline laughed softly!* I probably did. More than once. I stayed with Ederyn a very long time. Technically we never married, but we didn’t think it mattered much. His home was a sanctuary from the world. I would sell metal work on the few occasions we went to town to get supplies, but beyond that we were happy alone.

Caroline: Don’t make such a face, my lady. It wasn’t a tragedy. *Caroline smirked, but it was a sad one!* I stayed until the day he died. Ninty three years old. I made sure to burn the place before I left along with my past lives. *…and not something she liked to reflect on, even if it was good memories. Caroline drank that glass of wine in two seconds!* Anything else?

Gabriel: It happened a long time ago. It was a different world. There was not so many humans but they were aware they were not the only ones and humans did not rule this world.

Vlamerias: OOhhh … That’s exactly what I told that human hunter Mommy was teaching but he just laughed! He said humans had always been in control and just patted me on the head like all those stupid humans try to do. But then I flipped him on his back and Mommy just told me humans do that because I’m cute and stuff!

The club was quite a friendly place. It wasn’t sleazy or anything. Just guys talking to girls, men prowling for an easy drink or an easy lay. Just normal things!

Caroline: I can’t do it again, Evangeline. I don’t want to watch another love grow old and die, nor do I want to ruin another man’s life with my curses. *Caroline smirked wide again, erasing all hints of sadness!* Besides, I do enjoy my life. There is company when I want it.

Gabriel: I see. *He sat back.* What else has happened in Oracle.

Vlamerias: *She was thoughtful.* There was that time, Mommy showed me the cafeteria and I got into an eating contest with some of the weres there! They can really eat a lot but they didn’t eat more than me! *She said, grinning proudly.* But those humans who did the cooking were really upset and Mommy said it’s because the food they’d prepared was to last a few months! But that’s not a long time at all!

Caroline: As… ah… pleasant… as that sounds, I believe I’ll decline that invitation. Your husband needs a damosel, and I will not be controlled. Not by him. Bossy. *Amusement mixed with being disturbed. Just to imagine marrying Gabriel herself! The first fight they had, they’d probably break each other’s necks! And the sex… damnation, now she was imagining sex with Gabriel. Caroline waved a hand to signal a waitress for another glass of wine!*

It took a few minutes but the waitress soon returned! The place was filling up and that meant more customers to help! She takes Caroline’s order and asks if Evangeline would like another drink!

Gabriel: *He nodded once.* To a devil, no. And what other adventures have you had in Oracle with your Mommy.

The waitress returns with their drinks! Only to inform them that once again, their tab has been paid by the man in the corner who is now smoking a cigar!

Caroline: You believe Gabriel hung the moon and stars. You are a bit biased. *Caroline responded with a smirk. This time she was giving a curious look at the one with a cigar. Men tended to come over and speak after the first drink they buy, this one was either being generous or plotting to ply them with liquor and take them home! …there was that small urge to toy with him, so it was easy to cast him a grin and a wink!* We have an admirer, Evangeline.

The waitress comes by to pick up their glasses! She smiles! “If you want to dance, you’ve come at a great time! Ever since Jack brought in that guy with the guitar, everyone’s been here. They love his voice!”

Vlamerias: Well, there’s lots of times I played with the were pups. Mommy said it’s better I not play with the human kids ’cause human kids are softer than devils. And they’d just break. And then at the tea party, Mommy asked Warrior Lady if she had any kids! ‘Cause you would think a human as old as the Warrior Lady would have some! I don’t think Warrior Lady or Dark knew I was around! I was chasing after the devil rats! They’re really fast!

Caroline: Better to dance with me than some strange man. *If Evangeline was as oblivious here as she was when people hit on her at Oracle, there would be all kinds of misconceptions!*

She nodded. “Yeah, he should be going on any moment now.” That Dark. He was so shy! She disappeared to get more drinks for her customers.

Gabriel: *He smirked. Caroline did not like being called human and yet she still acted as one.* And did she have any children? Potential play mates for you?

The man who had paid their tabs finally came over and stood beside Caroline! “Hi. You two ladies together?” He was clean shaven, smelled like he’d taken a bath, was wearing a nice suit.

Caroline: *Caroline was good at being indifferent, despite the fact the man smelled very good. That was unexpected for someone cruising a club like this.* She is with me, yes. And thank you for the drinks. Always a pleasure to see the age of gentleman hasn’t died.

Vlamerias: *She huffed! Clearly disappointed!* No … But she had three husbands! *And she began to tell the story of Caroline’s spouses–or what she knew of them!*

The man smiled. He had nice teeth! “Thank you.” He looked up at the stage. They were setting things up and were almost done. “May I have a dance when they start the entertainment? They say the guy who sings here is good.” Too good. He was messing up the game for him and the others!

Caroline: I wouldn’t want to leave my girlfriend here all alone. But it is a very tempting offer. *If she were alone, she would be up in a heartbeat! But Evangeline definitely came first.*

“If your friend wants, she can dance with one of my friends. It’s a guy’s night but we like to meet beautiful women like yourselves,” he said with another easy smile. What a nice voice! And he seemed genuine!

Caroline: *The line was terrible, but what a smile! Caroline was tapping her fingers on the table.* IF I dance, you would stay right here at this table and not move an inch?

Caroline: Hrrm. Then I might be persuaded for one dance. *Evangeline hadn’t been the only one who hasn’t been out dancing in awhile! One dance wouldn’t do any harm!*

The man smiled. “The music’s about to start.” He offered her his hand. “May I.”

Caroline: You may, indeed. *Caroline took his hand and rose gracefully from her seat. She would keep Evangeline in her sight just in case.*

He was smooth as he got her on the dance floor and it just so happened Caroline’s back was to the stage!

Caroline: *A slow song with a good pace. Ridiculously romantic for a club. Where she had been smiling at her dance partner, there was a curious recognition, though and she was turning to see if she could get a look.* That voice sounds familiar. Who is singing here tonight?

Really? *He couldn’t help but be mildly surprised.* No one professional or so they say. *He tried to shrug it off.* You look beautiful tonight. *He pulled her close.*

Caroline: *There wasn’t a girl who didn’t love being told she was beautiful and being pulled close. She was no exception! Caroline gave a slow smile and a tilt of her head. ..that voice though!* I am always beautiful. But I am very pleased you noticed.

He was smiling, showing those nice teeth again. “My name’s Andrew. And yours?”

Caroline: *That smile again. She hadn’t seen a smile like that in ages! If she weren’t careful she’d be grinning stupid the way Evangeline does. ..Speaking of which, she broke eye contact long enough to look after the psychic and make sure she was still in her seat.* Caroline. Tearing yourself away from your gentleman friends tonight, Andrew?

Gabriel: *Once Meri was finished with her story, Gabriel had managed to glean the important details and keep her from side tracking.* … I see. *This made a great amount of sense.* And this second ex-husband of hers.

Vlamerias: *She blinked.* Um … She didn’t say. He probably died, though, being human and all!

“For you, Caroline. Anything.” He lowered his head to kiss her mouth, then glanced over to the side! Where the hell were the others? They still had to take care of that singing vampire!

Gabriel: *He smirked.* Indeed. *Now to make sure he was!*

Caroline: *It’d be lying to say she didn’t see it coming. Nor did she fight it! Caroline was more than happy to meet him halfway and return his kiss. Somehow Evangeline was a very distant thought now!*

Caroline was ripe for the taking. Andrew was smiling as he kept the kiss up and pulled her close. Now all he had to do was keep her occupied while he started taking her energy!

A man came up to stand beside Evangeline! He also smelled good and his voice was also delightful! “Hi. Are you here alone?” Why should Andrew be the only one having fun!

Caroline: *Closer was better. To be so wrapped up in someone’s kiss. …but something was nagging at her. Frustrating her while she was trying to enjoy a free moment! She broke the kiss just enough to mumble.* What is that song?

“Mm. No clue. But how about we go back to my place and make some music of our own.” This woman’s energy was so fresh! It was all he could do to not drain her completely! He was leaning forward to cover her mouth with his. Another kiss.

“No.” Sounded like the chick Andrew had picked up and was feasting on already. “But how about I take you and we look for her together?”

Caroline: *That was the best idea she heard all day. Her only response being a delighted sigh and a nibble! Kissing this guy was so much like being drunk, and she had only drank a glass and a half of wine!*

He smiled as he kissed her. This woman had enough energy to feed him for awhile. The boys, too, if he could get her back to his place. Once human women were alone with him, they were open to all sorts of suggestions. Then again, he could just be greedy …

“You look a little tipsy,” the man said, reaching out for Evangeline. “It’s not safe to go out on the floor when you’re dizzy like that.”

Andrew didn’t want to stop! Damn that vampire! The others were supposed to warn him …! He slowly broke the kiss to glance over his shoulder. “Back off.”

Caroline: *Hey! She was getting lucky here with a magnificent m- Broken contact and Evangeline’s voice. Dark’s voice! Her head was swimming as she tried to make some sense of it. …She did glare at Evangeline though. Man-blocking little minx…*

“I am not holding the woman by force. She is very beautiful …” He was stroking Caroline’s face. “My place, Caroline?” What shivers that voice created down Caroline’s spine! Surprise and mystery and unbelieveable sex!

Caroline: *She would kill for unbelievable sex right about now! A smitten smile on her face, she nodded slow.* Your place.

Andrew was just leading Caroline away …! “Lies. They’re just jealous.”

Caroline: *That ever smitten smile slowly faded as Evangeline’s words sunk in. Caroline stopped dead in her tracks. Tense and stiff, and eyes narrowing just a bit. Evangeline didn’t lie.* An incubus?

Caroline: *How much she was restraining herself could be seen with every twitching muscle. Public place. Humans here. Caroline reached out a hand to curl her fingers in to Andrew’s shirt. The smile she gave him was oddly sanguine sweet.* And where are the other three?

… This was trouble! But he couldn’t teleport out of here! He couldn’t understand why! “There’s Chris over there, by that waitress. You have to ask your vampire boyfriend where the other two are.”

Caroline: I hope you won’t mind watching Evangeline for just a moment. Andrew and I need a few minutes alone. *If she had fangs, they’d be showing right now with that porcelain smile! Her hand tightened on his shirt, and damned if she weren’t itching to kill him right there…*

Andrew gulped! This didn’t look good! But pleading for mercy would fall on deaf ears! However … “I’m sure we can work something out.”

Caroline: Oh. Something will be worked out. *All it took was a clever spell, and not a human in the place noticed as she disappeared with that Incubus!*

Caroline: *Speaking of scary. Caroline was returning to them, twisting her hair up on to her head and looking a great deal more refreshed than she had in weeks! …Yet, she was still wearing that scowl. And just for Evangeline!* My beautiful lady, would you like to explain why Dark is here?

Caroline: You sing and work here? *That harshness of her tone eased up at the surprise. That WAS him singing before… and damned if that flowery scented monstrosity didn’t ruin her opportunity to hear him genuinly singing! ….she should have made that last longer and more painful…*

Caroline: It’s kind of you to protect them. *And might ever so slightly make up for the fact that he walked out on her! …but to bring that up now would only make a weird situation weirder.* We can meet them if that’s what you want, Evangeline.

Caroline: You are far too excited, my lady. No more drinks for you. *She hadn’t forgotten that she wanted to shake the meddling right out of Evangeline. But a song from Dark might MIGHT make up for part of it.*

Caroline: *Damned Evangeline, she wanted to listen to this! He sure as hell knew how to pick a song. How the hell was she supposed to keep up with Evangeline like this!*

Caroline: Had you asked for this one, I might have been suspicious. …Not that I wasn’t already suspicious. *Fine, she’ll dance! A song was just a song, despite the words and the one singing it. …despite herself it did ease that sting of incubus contact too. An interested talent!*

Caroline: Why don’t you sit down for a few minutes and not talk to strangers, instead? *Dark was escaping again. Caroline led Evangeline back to the table and sat her down.* Don’t move. I know you’re meddling. Just stay right there. *And resisting the urge to tie Evangeline to the chair, Caroline went to sneak herself back stage!*

Caroline: Running off so soon, little vampire? Not even to hear what I think about your song? *Always running off… she wasn’t going to chase him down this time.*

Gabriel: May I, Seer. *He said from behind Evangeline.*

Caroline: No. I still like your singing and it was better to hear it like this. Despite Incubus and Evangeline’s prattling. *She hestitated a moment. If she had pockets that’s where her hands would be. Instead she had let Evangeline talk her in to clothes that wouldn’t give the impression she wanted to give!* Are you really going to leave without letting me explain about Loius?

Gabriel: *He was smirking down at her.* Here or back at the castle.

Gabriel: I am more concerned about Caroline’s second husband.

Caroline: I certainly never said he wasn’t a bastard. But you didn’t stay long enough to find out.

Gabriel: I still wish to be certain. And her other husbands?

Caroline: I am impressed. I suppose in the end Gabriel and Evangeline were right. You really don’t need to stay with me anymore. *He had been taking care of things here for awhile. And could do spells she wasn’t aware he was capable of! Lots of secrets.*

Gabriel: *He wrapped his arms around her.* And her second.

Caroline: *She had too much wine tonight afterall. Something like that shouldn’t make her feel so elated.* Even though I am a hypocrite and let the world walk over me?

Gabriel: *He lowered his head to nuzzle her neck.* Former personal attachments strike back with an unseen and often deadly force. *Take Light for instance! The bitch was considered a former personal attachment and she was wreaking havoc on his life now!*

Caroline: I made a promise. I don’t make frivolous promises nor do I abandon what’s important to me. I’m not even sure how you would connect the two together!

Gabriel: How unfortunate she cannot be a true Queen’s knight if she is locked in the tower.

Caroline: Then speak to your meddling parents when you have them. Don’t walk out on me. *The way she said it wasn’t quite the way she meant to sound, but she wasn’t going to take it back now.*

Gabriel: Indeed. *He stroked her hair.* Your breath smells like chocolate martinis.

Caroline: *Here’s a new feeling, now she wanted to head for the door. But she was no coward!* Because you walked out on me. Contrary to what you may think, I seem to find your opinion of me important.

Gabriel: *He smirked.* A dangerous idea. I would take advantage of you as you lay giggling on the bed.

Gabriel: *He smirked. Oh, he knew …!*

Caroline: It wouldn’t possibly be because I’m fond of you. That would just be too much! *He always had to make things difficult. She couldn’t bite back the sarcasm!* You think I would have offered to protect you if I wasn’t fond of you?

Gabriel: *He was nibbling on her ear now.* I believe you want me to find you giggling on the bed one night, having drunk one too many of your chocolate martinis.

Gabriel: *He was smirking.* But I love to nibble and you love it when I purr and then I stroke you just so … *She just had to be wearing that cute little dress of hers. He was pulling her into the back corner, away from the music to where he could take her back to the castle without the possibility of eyes spying.*

Caroline: You are a very dense man. *Caroline wasn’t sure if she wanted to hit him, throw him out a window or give him a kiss just to make him quit. And that’s what was most disturbing!* I am fond of you. I’ve missed you. I don’t like that you’re staying with Gabriel and Evangeline. I was going to kill Alistair for blabbering utter bullshit out of spite.

Gabriel: Horrible but effective. It is your own fault for having worn that dress tonight. *Once they were in the corner, he took them out of the club and back to the castle! And he didn’t bother going to their room either! He took her to the summer coutyard and it was night!*

Caroline: I’ve got no idea what you’re doing anymore! You confuse the daylights out of me! Why don’t you just make this simplier and just stay with me at the loft!

Gabriel: *He was smirking as he gently pushed her up against a tree!* Evangeline, you attract me no matter what you wear, no matter where you are. A beacon in the darkness.

Gabriel: *He chuckled softly as she eased to the side. He thought she was very adorable like this. Such a tease!*

Caroline: NOW you smirk at me. I almost suspect you’re driving me crazy on purpose! *She was leaning towards hitting him now, for sure! …but he would stay with her at the loft!*

Gabriel: *And he was smiling, too!* … I love you, Evangeline.

Caroline: It’s apparently a tradition to assume they’re useless until you accidentally need them. *Imagine that. She felt worlds better now. Who knew having a troublesome vampire move back in with you could do that.* Were you finished here tonight?

Caroline: Then you should dance with me once or twice. Evangeline seems to think I need to losen up and have fun more often. *A return of her smirk. If only Evangeline knew what Caroline liked to do!*

Caroline: Why don’t you come and find out, little vampire? I promise I won’t fall asleep this time.

Gabriel: *He smirked.* You would have me no other way. *He easily dodged the tree and then he crouched to pounce and land at her feet.*

Caroline: That show was a beautiful classic and I might have enjoyed it if I weren’t so tired. …but tonight we could dance. I’ve danced with an asshole and I’ve danced with Evangeline. You might be far more fun. *She leaned forward with the most wicked of smirks!* Or will you let down a woman who was forced to dress up all pretty for nothing.

Caroline: You’re so enthusiastic. *She was smirking again, taking his hand to lead him away from his hiding place back stage and back out where there was music!*

Gabriel: *He stood as she started to run, then smirked and began to follow. Let her run. Half the fun was in the chase.*

Caroline: Has Evangeline ever bothered to teach you how to dance yet? *It had been awile since she’s been able to tease him without him getting pissed off at her!*

Gabriel: *He was humming softly but then he started to sing as he approached Evangeline’s little hiding place!*

Caroline: Let’s not bother with hip hop or anything new and ridiculous. *Maybe she was an old woman, but some stuff couldn’t be called dancing! She moved to put her arms around his neck. The night was getting late and they were switching to more mellow music. …at least Evangeline picked out a decent club. Caroline might have come to one like this herself!*

Caroline: Now that I have you trapped, maybe you should ask me about myself. And hear things first hand without a big-mouthed warlock in the middle? *It was hard not to smirk at the expression on his face.*

Gabriel: *He seemed to come out of nowhere, slipping his arms around her, pressing her up against the pillar she had hidden behind!* “Cause the light I shine on you … Is what you gave to me … I’m a crystal clear and true … I’m your cairn and creed … You think that I’m a mountain, but there’s a price I have to pay … For the love I have forsaken, can never be replaced …”

Caroline: Why don’t you get to know me beyond first impressions. Or do I only give second chances and not get them? *Caroline was fascinated to know! There were a lot of assumtions and misconceptions, but he wouldn’t know any different unless he stayed still long enough to ask.*

Gabriel: *He lowered his head, lips brushing against hers with every word he sung!* “The mysteries of life … Take us high and low … The road can be long. It seems … Someone is lost but no one is free … Falling, I’m falling down … Into your open arms! Each and every gathered glow, maintains my shining star … This is a praise to all of you …”

Caroline: *Patience was a virtue. Looking only mildly frustrated but still amused she answered!* Midnight blue is my favorite color. And I favor Baklava. It’s sweet and not something I get to have often. Tea is good for you, by the way.

Gabriel: *She kissed him just as he ended the song and then he was kissing her back, one hand stroking her cheek!*

Gabriel: Is that a rhetorical question, Evangeline. *He was running his hands up and down her arms now.*

Caroline: You are the only one I picked up by choice, if that’s what you mean. I haven’t made it a habit to stay in one place for long.

Caroline: …Now we come to the tough questions! I out lived him. I was surprised he lived as long as he did. Those days men didn’t get very old.

Gabriel: *Still stroking her cheek with one hand, he was planting kisses down her other cheek and then down to her neck, nibbling and sucking gently on the spot where her pulse beat strongest!*

Caroline: I always wondered if he was part demon. The man was insufferable. *Caroline gave a slow smirk.* Would you like to know how I met him?

Caroline: No! For the gods no! For your information, my entire life story doesn’t involve sex! *There was a mental image she never wanted to have again!*

Caroline: One day a long time ago a very angry woman saw an old man getting hassled by a couple of demons. Determined to kill every demon she lay sights on, she decided to rescue him. The fight was long and bloody but in the end she won just barely. ..Only for the old man to take her to the ground in three seconds, sit on her back and say “All that potential and now you’re eating the dirt like a twit.” *Varients of that same phrase, she had grumbled at Dark so many times before!*

Gabriel: *He was kissing and stroking her body. He wanted her to feel the warm fuzzies she often spoke of, and to cuddle and kiss her without it actually having to turn into sex. Evangeline was more than just someone to have sex with.*

Gabriel: *He chuckled softly as she pulled him away from the pillar, into one of the seats! He wrapped his arms around her and lay his head on her shoulder. Evangeline made him feel at peace and loved. He was glad he had made her this castle to cuddle in.*

Caroline: No. And I was unfathomably angry. I tried to shake him, throw him, roll over on him for an hour or so. He was a human old man and for all purposes I planned on killing him for it. But I couldn’t get him off. To make it worse he would chuckle the entire time! When I finally gave up and demanded he get off, he shared his grand wisdom. “Wasted all of your energy fighting those idiots, when you really needed it for me. Wouldn’t you like to learn better?” …Of course, I told him where he could stick his offer, with all of the politeness of a lady.

Gabriel: *He was purring now! She had such a wonderful touch! And when she ran her fingers through his hair like so …!* Mmm? *He kissed her collarbone.*

Caroline: It was his greatest pleasure to do so. I did finally decide I would take his lessons, if only so I could kill him with them later.

Gabriel: *He could nuzzle and purr for her for the rest of eternity!* You deserve a castle.

Caroline: I would say every curse word, insult, complaint and moan you have thrown at me and Gabriel I said myself to him at one point or another. I didn’t learn as quickly as you did. *She was glad he was amused! She had been while trying to teach him!*

Gabriel: *He purred.* Now I have lots of room to spread my dragon wings.

Gabriel: *Gabriel smiled and then Evangeline felt his wings around her as well! The warm darkness as soft as a spider’s web or a butterfly’s wing without being sticky or so easily torn.*

Caroline: I was able to learn far more about my Mentor than I ever wished to know. *She replied with a wry grin!* I spent several years traveling with him. Old men a very unpleasant travel companions.

Gabriel: *He lay his head on her shoulder again.* No, not anymore. *Perhaps he was regaining his control as Darkness or perhaps it was because he was focusing solely on Evangeline.*

Gabriel: *He was trying to picture her with wings and fangs but it wasn’t working! It was much easier to picture her with angel wings!* I am surprised Light has not accused me of stealing one of her Angels and stripping you of your wings.

Gabriel: No. She would have to find it first. If she sets foot, eye, or anything else of hers on or around castle grounds, I will kill her.

Caroline: War. …Seems most of my stories involve war one way or another. You can’t stay on the heels of your mentor when you’re fighting off goblins and demons.

Caroline: He did. And so did I. A grim test of skill and independance! He retired to spend the rest of his days telling embarrassing stories about his students while I carried on the family business.

Gabriel: The universe rights itself by finding another avatar of Light. Or it is destroyed as the balance is completely uneven.

Gabriel: As do I. *Light did not like the possibility of being replaced.*

Caroline: And that, my love, is the beginnings of Caiolainn the Slayer. So very exciting. *Caroline grinned. It was probably less exciting and more like a history lesson from a stuffy old professor. At least dancing was pleasant!*

Caroline: What a casual brush off! You should work on your lady dismissing techniques. *Caroline released him and stepped back. He stayed and he listened. That’s all she wanted. And if he were going to stay at the loft, that meant other opportunities.* I will see you at home?

Gabriel: *And Light was most definitely crazy! But she wasn’t stupid. She pitched a fit whenever he destroyed something of hers. He could only imagine how she would panic if she knew he was coming to kill her and effectively telling the universe to screw the balance.*

Caroline: Why would you say that. I didn’t burn anyTHING today. Unless there’s another Incubus between me and the loft, no one is going to have their souls burned.

Gabriel: Of course. *He was a bit surprised she had thought he wouldn’t want to keep her if the universe was destroyed! He wanted to keep her, period.*

Gabriel: *For that, he purred even louder and rubbed his head against her. Ah, there were those warm fuzzies she often spoke of!*

Caroline: *Caroline watched him go before she was rubbing her head and wondering how all of today came to here! A resigned, but relieved sigh, she headed for home. Just this once, she would listen to Evangeline and not think so hard about it.*

Gabriel: *Nothing but purrs and cuddles for this woman! He teleported them to their bed and leaned away slightly so he could shrug off his coat! Then he went back to snuggles and purring!*

Gabriel: *He stopped purring long enough to ask!* Do you need time to change into something more comfortable.

Gabriel: *He chuckled softly.* Picture the pajamas you wish to wear. *When she had done so, he kissed her forehead and she was instantly in her pajamas!* Better.

Gabriel: I do not do it often. This is urgent. *Was his reply!*

Caroline: *Home was always a quick jump away! And she was more than happy to get out of that damned dress, take a shower and drop on to the sofa to just relax! Alistair wouldn’t be there and now she had a roommate! Should she tease him and say he has to pay half of the bills? Maybe tomorrow when she wasn’t so tired!*

Gabriel: *He raised an eyebrow.* Is there something more urgent than snuggle time.

Gabriel: We are in agreement then. *His arms and wings were wrapping around her again and he placed his head over her heart to hear it beat.*