Babylon - After the entry thread.

Please post here if you enter Babylon AFTER you go through the entry thread. Enjoy!

Hammer watched Xeph disappear into Club Eternity. With a snort, he turned and looked at its polar opposite, Babylon. It wasn't that one was more popular than the other or that different types of people seemed to be more inclined to go to one instead of the other - but Hammerthynn decided to forgo entering the lesser of the two evils and made his way across the street into Babylon.

He was taller by at least three inches than the bodyguard, not that he noticed. Hammer passed him without a glance and the guard did not seem to want to trouble himself with the large six foot six man with the eye patch. Upon entering Hammer felt the heat and was reminded of Africa, but did not take off his coat. Instead he took several steps down into the pit and then stopped to survey the area. His good eye covered every inch of the front half of the club, noting exits or lack thereof. A hostess came by, ironically dressed in a rather skimpy Russian outfit and braided pig tails.

'Welcome to Babylon, sir.' The woman took Hammerthynn's hand and it took everything not to pull away at the touch and violation of his personal space. His hackles rose but at the sight of the rather lovely blond, he permitted her touch and let her lead him further into the club.

'You don't look like a Heaven's gate type of man. Why don't I show you the other side?' She did not wait for a reply, instead she led him over to what he could only describe as a whole helluva lot of latex and sex. Hammer immediately identified the smells surrounding him and his stomach growled again. He unconsciously licked his lips, much to his hostess' delight.

'Hungry, are we?'

Hammer looked down at the petite blond and permitted her a slight grin.

The band was set up in short order but Jan waited for more of the crowd to filter in before taking the stage. Its a waste to sing to no audience. The parade would be wrapping up soon and people would settle, if that was the correct word, into their desired places.

He took a sip of his water, and looked around the new place that the mysterious John Do had cooked up.

"...Nice"Â?

Of course he was sitting on the edge of the stage in Hell. It was much like the House of Pain with more flesh to be seen but he understood that it would soon become the place to 'be bad' for the upper crust. House of Pain was an underground nightclub, a dark rumor of epic proportions, but Babylon was out in the open for everyone to see.

Looking back at his band mates getting ready, he chuckled dryly.

"Wonder how long it will take the Uptights to shut this place down. Shall we take bets?"Â?

The sights were enough to make the vanilla crowd a bit squeamish and when you added the customers who were every bit as strange as the normal staff... well some people just didn't like knowing there was that much weird in their fair Nachton.

He looked up at the nearest cage dancer just as she happened to be looking down his way. Gyrating her hips provocatively, she gave him an inviting smile. Jan raised his eyebrows behind the mask but grinned and blew her a kiss.

"Later, my little bird, I shall do my best to work up an appetite."Â?

Smiling at the words she was doubtful to hear, Jan stood up and checked with the rest of the band. There seemed to be enough people to be worth opening for. He walked out onto the stage and took hold of the mic.

Giving the crowd a smile, he began

"I know that for many of you this kind of place is a new experience. So this song is for you...all the fetish virgins. Something light...don't want to scare you off too quickly."Â?

The song began slowly and Jan's voice caressed the more melodious beginning.

"When you were young
and your heart was an open book
You used to say live and let live

-you know you did
you know you did
you know you did-

But if this ever changin world
in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry "

He smiled and the music paused as he did.

"Say live and let die
Live and let die"Â?

It broke into a much harsher version of the old song and set the tone for their darker music to come.

"What does it matter to ya
When ya got a job to do
Ya got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell

You used to say live and let live
-you know you did
you know you did
you know you did-

But if this ever changin
in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry

Say live and let die
Live and let die."Â?

Pulling the microphone close before the next song, he said.

"Welcome to Babylon."Â?

'JAAAAAANNN!!!!'

Carol clapped her hands happily as Jan and his band finished up their first song. Cupping her hands to her mouth, she yelled at the top of her lungs, 'GO GO EMO BOY!'

Simon entered Babylon at the tail end of his song and heard the distinct yelling of his lady fair. His mask was bothering him and he kept scratching just underneath his right eye. Moving slowly to the right, he walked the length of the bar wall, taking in the amount of liquor and being thoroughly amazed. The bar was magnificent and filled to the brim with the very young to the very old. Trendy nouveau rich blended in with Nachton's old money and both enjoyed the club for what it was worth.

Passing through Heaven's gate, Simon made his way back to the much whispered about Dante's Hell. Jan's group had taken a break it would seem and Prince's, or the Artist Formerly Known As, 'Get Off - remix' was playing.

Simon had heard the thumping of this song many a times come out of Carol's office. He was surprised she still had hearing.


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That's when Carol noticed him standing close to the stage, watching her every move with a small smile on his lips. Her hair was a tussled mess which he had been privy to on several occasions - it was that 'freshly fucked' look that he liked so well on her. And once again, Carol managed to surprise him when she lept off the stage, right at him.
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They could not expect her not to get her dance on when they started playing her song. Probably the hottest song on the damn planet, Carol climbed up the stairs and grabbed onto the gold color pole with all her might. She swung herself against it, sliding down to the floor where she undid her hair and let it fly. Straddling the pole, she pulled herself up and started to swing her hips back and forth, showing more and more skin under her veil like dress. She could already feel the sweat forming on her skin and it spurred her on, flipping her hair around, pulling her skirt up and flinging herself on and around the pole.

Suddenly she felt him there. Looking up, she flipped her hair out of her face and saw Simon standing on the side of the circular stage, staring up at her with that little grin that drove her crazy. Carol disengaged from the pole and walked over to his side, then turned with her back to him. She bent down at her waist, exposing god knows what, and with her feet about two feet apart, grabbed her right ankle and slowly ran her hands up, all the while looking at Simon from behind her arm. When she made it to the top, she turned and knelt towards him till she was crawling on the ground. Then, at a painstakingly slow pace, she slowly stood, her eyes on his and then jumped off the stage into his arms.

Oof.

She giggled as she smiled at him from her cradled position in his arms. Then she slowly slid down him and with a slow, predatory like pace, she circled him with her hands touching every where on his body. Carol circled till she was in front of him again and then she put her hands on his chest and slowly trailed them down the front of him. She ran her hands down the front of his pants and was duly rewarded. Sliding up his back, she rubbed her body against him, forcing him forward a step with her roughness. She felt his hand grab hers and she twirled out and then back into his arms to a close.

The crowd watching began to clap and she gave him a huge smile and a blushing wink. 'I shoulda been a strippa!'

Maybe she should stay working at the diner. These women..they were something else. Intimidation set in and she explored further.

Her dress trailed behind her as she stepped into what was the 'dark side' of the club. Her eyes widened in shock at the liquid latex coated women. This had to be the wrong section for sure.

Holy lord. The words escaped her lips before she could catch them.

She was a pink peptobismo bottle in a world of black disease. The music was blaring and she caught the end of some type of personal show for one man, when a petite blonde tossed herself off the stage and into his arms.

Where in the world am I? Her head shook. This was far different than Detroit.

She turned to go back into the 'softer' side of the club.

Once the limo dropped them off in front of the club, Nic's hand never strayed from the small of Livia's back. He liked touching her, but also felt extremely protective of her. That, and he didn't want anyone swooping in and trying to make off with her. She was indeed a beautiful woman, and in her costume created such an air of mystery that he would be surprised if he truly didn't wind up spending the evening beating the men...and possibly women, off with a stick.

"Amazing!" He said, loud enough to be heard over the din of the parade, but not quite shouting. It was his vision of her that generated the comment, but he quickly turned his eyes to the parade. He was still trying very hard not to overwhelm the woman with his strong feelings.

"It really does give one a feeling of Mardi Gras, doesn't it?" And now that he noticed the other things around him, he found the parade pretty darn authentic looking. The costumes were both loud, and elegant. The music was loud, and very festive. And the people seemed absolutely thrilled to be partying in the street. But after a few minutes he found himself wanting to see inside the club, and have the excuse of dancing to pull Livia close.

"Shall we?" Putting his hand more around her waist now, Nic turned slightly towards the club entrance, and gave Livia a dazzling smile.

Livia felt positively protected by Nic's actions since exiting the limo. She was very impressed with his gallantry and pleased that he should bestow it on her. Nodding her head at his comment she was amazed at the proceedings around them. There were more people in scanty costumes or flamboyant masks than she could count. Some were beautiful while others went with frightening. Quite a spectacle.

As his arm wound around her waist she smiled. "I would love to."

Entering the club was an experience. Not something she had seen in the last few hundred years. She was quite glad for the mask that covered most of her face as she blinked and gaped quite like a tourist on her first trip to Rome. Still it was interesting and she was game to explore so she looped her arm around Nic and ventured towards an empty table.

Smiling at Nic she sat down carefully, mindful of her full skirt and risque slit up the front. Livia probably flashed a bit of the lace tops but hoped no one noticed with the scantily clad people already in attendance. Peering around interested she wondered if they had waitresses here and just how they told them apart from the patrons.

Rapidly caught up in the merriment, Nic grinned from ear to ear once he'd entered the club.

Not only did he have the prettiest girl at his side, but even though their costumes were slightly understated, he didn't see any he felt were more elegant. There were several more elaborate, but he was content to represent a less loud version of a festival attendee.

He did have to admit, some of the women's costumes left little to the imagination in their skimpiness. Many a breast flashed as he looked around the dancers, but Nic's eyes didn't linger. He was much more interested in his date's attributes. He didn't miss the slight glimpse of leg Livia let show, before pulling her skirt close. Nor was he missing the creamy, round, softness of her own glorious breasts, as they bulged slightly from the top of her corset. The somewhat old fashioned piece of clothing had made a comeback recently, and Nic appreciated it as much now as he had a hundred or so years ago.

Leading her to the table, he held her chair as she sat down, and then joined her. Seeing a lovely young thing with a tray of drinks, Nic's raised hand quickly gestured towards them. Seeing he'd caught her eye, he waited until she'd delivered her current drinks, and then smiled when she immediately arrived at their table.

"Shall we throw caution to the wind and order some champagne, or did you want something else?"

Nic liked alcohol, but beside a few beers here and there, wasn't much of a connoisseur. He did enjoy a nice bottle of Dom Perignon on special occasions though.

The softer side was just as revealing as the....leathery side, minus the ominous feeling of dread she felt when she had entered. Safer, fluffier and more teasing were the women and the tables looked inviting.

Taking a seat at one of the tables near stage left she was promptly greeted by a scantily clad girl.

What can I do you for flower? A drink, a dance, maybe something more private?

The girl straddled her pink gown covered legs, pushing her full breats in her face. Dia's eyes grew wide and she bit her lower lip.

Um, a drink maybe? Seagrams 7 & coke please? A timid response.

The girl laughed and wisked away with a wink.

-Lord- She thought to herself.

A new act began on the stage and she watched while waiting for her drink to return.

"Champagne sounds lovely. I rarely indulge but I think this night may be perfect for it."

Livia smiled as Nic took care of things in his gallant way. It had been decades since a man had actually held a chair for her to sit in. Having him do something so charming was flattering and something she could get quite used to. Old world manners seemed to have gone with the old world. Unlike her corset.

Amazingly how it felt so luxurious today but three hundred years ago it would have felt like torture. Foolish waist training 1700's, she was quite pleased those days were gone. The beauty gracing her curves today accented them lightly without trying to push her bones into different shapes.

Settling her hand in her lap, folded neatly, along with her legs demurely crossed one ankle behind the other she smiled at her clanmate. He looked dangerously handsome. The mask adding a fae feeling of masculinity in its sharp edges and pointed tips.

"Have I thanked you yet for your wonderful invitation to this event? I hope I have, this is amazing and I am thrilled to be enjoying the evening with such a charming date."

"Good...everyone needs to let loose a little...now and then."

Nic found himself shouting to be heard over the loud music and people, and didn't feel comfortable with it, so he moved his chair closer to Livia's. So close he could brush his lips along her jaw if he found the opportunity, but for now he just used the closer proximity to converse.

While Nic never had trouble flattering women, it was pretty rare that could accept the same in return, and believe it to be sincere. Too often in his past, back in the days of studio parties especially, would young starlets throw compliments his way in hopes of getting his attention, and then using that attention to foster their own careers. He couldn't really find fault with them, because he had done similar things all his life. But when a really important woman came along, and gave him words of praise, Nic took them to heart. That was why each time Livia brought up anything positive about him, it was hard to be humble. It meant too much to just casually wave off.

"Your smile is thanks enough, and it's I who should be thanking you for joining me." He stopped himself there, before he went too far. He still felt that special spark when he was with Livia, but remembered they didn't really know each other well, and he didn't want to scare her away before they were able to fix that matter.

"I agree, this is quite an elaborate show they have put on tonight...what with the parade, and everything. Even in Hollywood you don't often see anyone go to such lengths to promote a club opening. It's very effective though...really puts a person in the mood to party. And the theme...just kinky enough to get the point across that anything goes, without rubbing your face in it."

The two other clubs in Nachton he'd been to, Eternity and House of Pain, were both fun, and also gave a person the sense that they could get away with practically anything there, but Babylon seemed to transport a person back to where that kind of fun was more a way of life, and not so artificially generated.

Not that he was old enough to have experienced that kind of merriment first hand. But he had heard tales.

"See anyone you recognize?" Nic forced himself to look around the throng of people, mainly because he didn't want Livia to think he was some kind of freaky stalker, who couldn't stop staring at her. His eyes always returned to her face though.

Now THIS's what she was fuckin' talkin'bout! This place was hoppin! She wasn't so interested in the very busty ladies all over the place doing suggestive things, but she figured if she had it she'd flaunt it too. But she went a different route, never looked back and had no regrets. In walking across Heaven to go check out Hell she got her ass slapped or pinched a couple of times, so obviously she was still interesting enough to strangers, a-cup or no. And she could probably take anyone in Heaven on in a straight fight.

Glancing around Hell, she thought the odds would even up. If no one else, the chick with the bat also had the right attitude for this side of the bar. Must've been at least convincing to get in here with it even if she didn't use it on the bouncer. Lotta other people seemed out of place here, though. She'd arrived to see someone make a stage dive onto a patron who looked kinda like a businessman dressed differently for the night...you know he was gonna be shelling out the dough for her fine ass in a few minutes.

Feeling another lingering hand on her rear, Dawn frowned. Turning around, a lanky, well dressed man seemed to be admiring her assets. Smacking his hand away, she said in a high, flutey tone,

"Hey mister, that's mine, bought and paid for. Go get your own."

Unfortunately, that only seemed to fuel the issue. He intimated that it was precisely what he'd been trying to accomplish with his activities, and was wondering how he might be able to further that goal. Apparently she'd gone too school-girly to get him to mind his digits, as they were now on her hips and he was square in front of her. Well, another tack would have to be tried. Cocking her head to the side, she looked him up and down. Snickering, she said

"Lil man, you ain't masochist enough t'handle what I dish out. Best run along back t'Heaven before one'a us devils gives you more'n ya reckoned."

Well, you had to admire his persistence and self debasement. He swore he could handle what she could dish, and that he was plenty into pain, pulling up his undershirt to reveal scars on his back and how lucky he was to have found such an athletic lass on his first trip. Sick limy fuck. Well, time for the hay-maker.

"Just a word'a warnin'. I'mma true sadist. What I'm good fer'll hurt y'deep inside. Show me ya cash an' tell me what ya want."

Pulling out a pretty hefty wad of bills, Dawn gaped for a moment. How much did these fuckers pay for their crazy assed shit, anyway? Didn't they know going to a biker bar and slapping ass there would get them their kink for free? As he leaned in, body to body, he whispered all sorts of sad, fucked up repugnant shit involving lashes and razors and rope burns and electrocution. Trying not to throw up, she grinned wickedly, licked her teeth, put her hand on his and pushed it down. Going up on tip toes, she gave him a peck on his cheek and whispered,

"No."

Giggling, she ducked through the crowd while the man stood dumbfounded at what had just happened. Winding up near the stage, she waited a moment - maybe the band would start up again soon.

Scanning the growing crowd, Nic doubted they would be able to have the luxury of trying to figure people out soon. Once the place got jam packed, it would be difficult to keep bodies straight, much less try to see if they knew anyone.

But as he looked about now, his eyes fell onto some colorful hair that looked vaguely familiar, and as his gaze covered the body of the girl, he realized he did know her. Or at least he thought he did. The longer he studied the girl, taking into the crazy costume she wore, Nic knew it had to be Dawn.

"Speaking of recognizing someone, I see a friend I'd like to introduce you to. She's...quite unique."

Nic considered just whistling, something he could do quite effectively, but then changed his mind. He had established some modicum of class tonight, and didn't see the need to just toss it out the window.

Standing up he pulled another chair over to their table on the off chance Dawn could join them, even if only for a few minutes. While she didn't appear to be with anyone, for all Nic knew she could have been seeing someone from the band.

"I'll be right back." He spoke into Livia's ear, and then inhaled her soft scent before quickly moving to where Dawn stood.

Coming up from behind her, as she watched the band, or something else in front of her, Nic put his mouth close to her ear and spoke.

"Candy, little girl?" And followed up the line with an evil chuckle before quickly moving back. It was true he didn't know her well, but he thought he'd be safe in assuming she might react in any number of ways to his approach. The worst of which could possibly result in him winding up on the floor.

"Alone? Want to come join me and my lady friend for a drink?"

Some guys just didn't take no for an answer. Well, on the bright side, if she knocked the fucker out and took his money she could honestly said he'd asked for it. The best part was that in this place no one would even doubt her! Winding up for a wicked back fist, she whirled around and halted forward movement almost before she'd started. Oh, it was just Nic. All good, then.

"DUDE! I'almos'fuktyer shitup'cuz sumfoojus triedt'gitall freshan'payme t'cuton'iman'shock'is NUTS an'shit! THIS PLACE RULES! An'alky's always welcome!"

Glancing at the table they were headed toward, Dawn grinned. This could be fun.

"OoooOOOooo! She's to'lly hot, mang! How'd y'conn'ER t'git seen'in public witcha, le'alone 'ERE!"

As one of the scantily clad waitresses in leather chaps walked by, Dawn smacked her on her ass. Turnabout was fair play, and she'd signed up for the shit, crazy girlie.

"Gimme a Fallout, full green, what! Oh! Anna Cherrybomb! Yum!"

Turning back to the mystery woman, she shook her hair a bit so it would lay flatter and avoid her eye holes. The motion probably looked kinda spastic, strands flipping every whichaway for a sec. No worries. Reverting to her proper schoolmarm accent, she extended her hand and said

"Hullo, dearie. I am Miss Dawn. And who might you be? I should really give you a stern talking to, being seen with that ruffian Nic in such an...obscene place. The very thought of what your dear mother would think! For shame!"

After a series of songs, Jan's group was scheduled for a break. He wandered out of hell and up into heaven to get something more hard core than water. His clothing did not actually fit the part in this section of the club and neither did his mask but he was far from being concerned. A demon among the innocent, a wolf among the sheep...typical.

Picking up his drink, he wandered back towards towards Hell in no particular hurry. Something bumped into him and Jan turned to see a scantily clad waitress with a small pair of angel wings and white lingerie holding a tray and expertly dodging a few drunken hands reaching for her ass. She just hadn't counted on someone to stop in the middle of the walkway. In his defense, he was listening to the lyrics of the song. In her's, normal people generally kept moving.

Jan reached out and quickly grabbed the tray and the drink before both could topple to the floor.

"Saved, Little Angel, I believe you now owe me your soul...or a kiss at the very least."Â?

The not- so- innocent vision in white leaned forward and whispered that he could have more than that...later, in a private room. Jan gave her a grin and a nod of acceptance before looking up at the drink tray.

"So... where is this going?"Â?

Angel pointed to a woman sitting alone in a booth and Jan, accompanied by the waitress, delivered the Seagrams and Coke.

"I believe this drink belongs to you? I assure you that it was brought here through great peril and some personal risk."Â?

The whisper of Nic's breath against her ear was interesting, just enough to cause a slight rush of goosebumps down her arms. Such an interesting occurance and one she promised herself to look into it further somewhere a bit less public. Despite the theme of the club she had no desire to indulge in anything quite this conspicuously.

Watching him move towards an oddly dressed girl she blinked as they exchanged greetings. Of course she could not hear them from this distance in this noisy place but she blinked in shock just the same. Here she had thought she had put a bit of effort and time into her outfit. That slight bit of nothing must have taken quite a bit of both to create let alone put on. When the two headed back she could not help but notice the young woman's interaction with the waitress.

Livia had to restrain a giggle at the girl's introduction. Surely someone this bold in costume would not be so straightlaced. Perhaps her words were costumed as well. With a smile she waved towards the other chair at their table.

"I am Livia and it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Dawn. Somehow Nic has entrapped me with his web of gentlemanly habits and dashing good looks. Perhaps you can tell me how to guard against such thing? Especially in here as you look like the living edge of decorum. Just what exactly is that web of an outfit made of young lady?"

A giggle did escape finally and she hoped Dawn did not take her too seriously.

Dawn was one of those girls who were just so outrageous, a person never knew what to expect from them. That spontaneity was something Nic had become enamoured of immediately upon meeting the young girl. He still didn't really know what to make of her, on the whole, but then didn't seem to mind either. She was, what he thought he recalled as being called...a trip. She made him smile, and imagined would be pretty effective for curing someone of the blahs, if they happened to have them.

After having had dinner with the girl, and spending a little time listening to her odd speech, he assumed he might have a better handle on what she was saying, that Livia might. However, from Livia's response, Nic could tell she had a keen mind, and listened better than he did, apparently. He did pick up on Dawn's assessment of his date, and shrugged slightly, somewhat confused by his luck as well.

"I am a bit amazed at my luck there as well, but prefer not to dwell on it too much...wouldn't want to jinx things, right?"

Before he could introduce the women, Dawn and Livia gracefully did so themselves, and Nic couldn't help but beam just a bit at Livia's lavish compliments. Such attention was a major factor in the longevity of his Hollywood career, but he learned early on when not to take them too seriously. Tonight he had no reason to think Livia wasn't being sincere, and while he shook his head in a wee gesture of modesty, he stroked the side of her neck with the backs of his knuckles. Sometimes things just seemed right, and for a change tonight was turning into one of those things. Besides that, he wasn't about to correct the portrait she had just painted of him.

Could two women could be any different, Nic didn't see how.

While Dawn was quite an intriguing spitfire, it was Livia's obvious femininity and understated strength that appealed to Nic. Seeing both women, side by side, made him appreciate how women could be so different, and still equally attractive. But not only was Dawn too young for Nic, she was also just too much period. The thought of whatever man attempted to hold onto her made Nic silently give a toast of luck to. He also hoped they took a lot of vitamins, and had tremendous stamina. Of course it wouldn't surprise Nic at all if Dawn continued on quite happily without the need for constant companionship. At least for now.

Not that he had anything to do with her response, but Nic couldn't help but appreciate just how 'in stride' Livia greeted Dawn. Again she just showed him how truly better socially equipped she was, than he could ever hope to be.

Before the waitress left to fill Dawn's order, she dropped off four flutes and a large bottle of champagne, that Nic had ordered as they sat down earlier. Choosing to uncork it himself, he made sure his aim was safe, and then wiggled the cork from the bottle with his thumbs. The pop wasn't ostentatious, but appropriate for the vintage and he filled each glass generously.

Happy the waitress had wisely included a couple extra glasses, Nic offered one to Dawn.

"Sure you wouldn't like to join us in a toast?"

This Livia chippy seemed to have a decent sort of humor about her and she kept company that footed the bill, so she couldn't be all bad. Sure she SAID gentlemanly habits and dashing good looks, but she knew what it was. Big cash and a nice ride. This was Hell, after all. No one's intentions were good!

Putting her hand to her mouth in a demure gesture of shock, she gasped. The schoolmarm seemed to be going over quite well, so she opted to stick with it.

"The noble mien and classic looks are merely the bioluminescent orb that this devilish deep sea angler uses to guide his hapless and naive prey to his mouth! The only reasonable solution is to become an embittered old crone like myself before he makes a dishonest woman of you! Oh...and this old thing? It was originally my wedding dress, but it was very worm eaten so I patched up with some tape. Not what it used to be, I am afeared."

Shaking her head, Dawn declined the offer of champagne for now. Pointing out that the waitress was already heading back with her concoctions, she winked at Nic.

"You see, I made sure to select a waitress disinterested in the type of attention that I had greeted her with. The result is an increased haste and professionalism to distance herself from unwanted advances. Little does the poor thing know that I am merely using her close mindedness to more rapidly facilitate my inebriation. Usury, after all, is a hellish trait!"

Smiling at the arrival of her glowing neon green and shiny red drinks, Dawn broke her act. Pointing at her toxic looking beverage, she laughed. Simply virulent.

"Wooo! Check THAT out! And here's a toast, what! Chai yo! Cheers! Whazzaaaaap!"

Slamming back the drink hard, she winced. That one was a burner, for sure. Smiling toothily, she asked

"So how'd y'allz meet? I met Nic inna fountain - I was standin' innit, he was ridin'is bike thru th'park, so'm guessin'at yers wasn't too normal."

Listening to the speil about Nic being quite the fisherman had her giggling. Before she could retort that she was already an old 'crone' the young woman continued. Describing the outfit she wore as a wedding dress was highly laughable. Even moth eaten seemed to be going overboard and Livia covered her giggling mouth with a hand and shook her head. Nic was quite right, Dawn was very unique.

While the blue haired girl described her scheme for receiving her drink, Livia took a moment to slip her mask off her face. She simply did not think it would be possible to drink with it on. Still the makeup and dusting of sparkles she applied earlier should suffice. The beaded satin ribbons that had looped over her ears to hold it against her face twisted slightly as she laid it down so she fussed with it for a brief moment while their drinks arrived.

Livia blinked in shock as Miss Dawn changed yet again. While her comments were almost undistinguishable as words, if Livia tried to repeat it in her head, singsong, it could almost be deciphered. Choosing her words carefully, with great hope that she had figured out exactly the question asked, Livia tried to answer after sipping from her glass. She had initially raised it to clink with the others but found herself needing the fortification.

"I met Nic upon my arrival back home to Nachton. We live in the same building though I had been travelling for many months."

With a wink at her clanmate she smiled at Dawn.

"A fountain you say? Now was he in it at the time or were you?"

"Neighbors....riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. That's wha'all th'ol' folks say when they dun wanna talk bedroom with the chilluns. Well, I'm no'yer chil', nor'm'i oneta keepya from yer funnin. Even fogies'a gotta giddit ON from time't'time. Clean th'dust from th'ol' pipes!"

Grinning wickedly, Dawn gestured to Livia.

"Y'seem kinda quiet, but I bet yer'a topper, ain'tcha?"

Winking, she went ahead and answered the question. It was kind of strange - made for a decent story. Realizing that Livia'd had a bit trouble with deconstucting her lingo, she cleared and slowed things up...a bit.

"I was out at Vesper Gardens...y'know, th'moon bloomin garden...but yer from here so y'alls prolly know it. Anyways, I was in that big ass fountain talkin' to Artemis. Well, her statue, anyways. She don't talk much even when she ISN'T a statue, so not much different. ANYway. So I'm there in th'fountain, chattin it up with her cuz we ain't talked before or nothin', so I said my bit, didn't get killed...oh, Artemis has a problem with the Goddess Dawn, so I jus' wanted t'make sure everythin' was kosher and whatall, bein' on her turf. So I'm there an' this guy comes ridin' his motorbike through th'park. I mean, talk about a disruptive influence. So insteada stealin' his ride, I let him buy me steak. I think that's it. Oh, and I got ridda that crotchrocket - my yammi's out here now."

Yup. Summed that up.

"So y'all's are livin' together? Is he a remote hog? Leave that seat up? I bet he doesn't. Pussy."

Winking at Nic, she sipped her red drink.

Livia was quite shocked at the young woman's reaction to how she had met Nic. Even if she could not decipher half of what she said the disbelief was something she wanted to clear up. Maybe latter she would ask just what a 'chilluns' was.

"The Meridian Towers house a lot of people. I was returning from my tour of Scotland and Ireland one evening. Nic was gallant enough to assist me in getting my luggage to my apartment. Of course he did procure a promise to call on him in the future, so perhaps he was more devious than I first thought."

Her last comment was accompanied by a wink to her clanmate, hopefully to let him know that she was joking. His undisguisable honor was clear for Livia to see. When Dawn called her a topper, she pondered just what exactly that could mean and her brow furrowed in confusion. Another word she had no clue the meaning too. Listening to Dawn was quite a linguistic challenge. Thankfully the young woman slowed down a bit to describe her own meeting with Nic. Confusing as that was in and of itself.

The fact that Dawn was in the fountain did not come as a surprise to Livia. Nic did not strike her as the type to randomly climb into sculptures, unless of course it was to rescue someone in need of assistance. She added several more words to her growing list. Finally Dawn took a breath but before Livia could ask her questions the cheeky wench calmly commented that she believed Livia was cohabitating with Nic. Blinking in surprise she could only shake her head. With a glance in Nic's direction she giggled slightly.

"Well you did say she was unique."

Turning her attention once more to Dawn she tried to look serious but the smile was probably plain in her eyes for all to see.

"Now, what exactly is a 'chillun', a 'topper', a 'yammi'? I find it quite apropriate that he bought you dinner after finding you cavorting about in a fountain, Nic is very chivalrous. While one might wish to know if he is a 'remote hog', unfortunately he has evaded all my wiley attempts to lure him into my lair. Thus I live alone like an old spinster aunt."

Switching to her favored English accent, Dawn shook her head sadly.

"Ah, a tour of a lesser isles, I see. I suppose they too have their benefits and worthwhile sites, but the time surely would have been better spent within the seat of our power, my dear. And then to wind up in the Colonies when all was said and done...tsk tsk! And you simply CANNOT trust those American rogues...they pantomime the fine behaviors of their English betters, but sully it by being FAR too forward and...dare I say...vulgar."

At the vocabulary list, Dawn smiled and sipped daintily at the drink. This could go either way. Opting to keep the vocal facade of an Englishwoman, she continued.

"Oh...oh dear, oh dear. Well, I suppose I could explain those to you. A Yammi is a motorbike crafted by those clever Japanese chaps at Yamaha Motors...chillun are simply children...and a topper is a female who takes control in a relationship, as evidenced by their being on top during sexual relations. Oh goodness, now you have me blushing."

Fanning her face in mock embarrassment, Dawn couldn't hold it. She cracked, and started chuckling. Sipping her drink, she reigned herself back in.

"Okokokok...done playin' fer at LEAST thirdysekinds. Gotta serious question 'ere. So...iffin' yer nottan item...what're ya doin' takin' all THIS in wit'each other?"

Gesturing specificly, Dawn pointed to a stripper, their waitress wearing assless chaps, a couple doing everything short of penetration to each other on the dance floor, an impromptu jumble of bodies that could possibly include penetration of some form caddycorner to them, an exhange of funds between a woman holding a whip and a starch collar businessman in a full face mask...

"Y'know. Just curious."

Smiling, she sipped her drink once again. The response would be interesting, she was sure.

Much as he had done upon their initial meeting, Nic just listened to Dawn until she came up for air. Some of the things she said, specifically those addressing the relationship between Livia and him...and the 'topper' matter, almost made Nic blush. And Nic rarely blushed.

But his concern for Livia's sensibilities was found to be unnecessary, when his date quickly understood most of what Dawn had tossed her way. And the parts Livia was unclear on she graciously turned back to Dawn to clarify.

Nic just sipped his champagne, and sat by in amused silence. The two women seemed completely capable of taking the conversation in a sundry of directions, and it tickled him to hear how they did just that.

"Livia IS my neighbor, and while the idea of more developing there is definitely in my own realm of desires, I think it might be a good idea if we have a little more time getting to know each other. You know, that remote thing can be a big factor in whether or not a relationship has the ability to withstand time."

And with that Nic slipped back to the role of quiet observer, again until he found a spot to wedge another comment in. He did nod slightly at Livia's wink, glad to see she really didn't think him devious. Though there had been times when he had wondered at his motives, with Livia the reasons were pure and simple. He enjoyed her company.

"Livia is definitely a woman of strength, and would find it, I'm sure, easy to slip into the role of mistress whenever necessary. However, she again has shown nothing but grace while spending time with me, and there we find sharing the responsibility of decisions...and the like...more harmonious."

Livia was definitely a topper in Nic's mind, but that thought stayed there for now. It was something he intended to find out, just at a later date. And though he didn't doubt for a moment that Livia wouldn't have held her own with the sexual innuendo, he found the need to offer protection stronger than the desire to see.

He hoped his answers didn't sound too pompous, but when a lady's reputation was being discussed, he could only tease so much. Kids these days had no qualms about discussing anything in public, but his old values were too hard to just toss to the wayside. This wasn't to say he didn't enjoy jumping into the sexual revolution that had begun thirty or forty years ago, but that was when he enjoyed the company of women who were raised during that time. Livia had not been, and to Nic's mind, couldn't be treated as if she were.

"As to why 'I'm' here, I think the answer is obvious. How could a man pass up the chance to escort such a lovely woman to such a fun event, and miss the opportunity to find out just how she handles the whole 'remote' issue at the same time.

But I'll have to let Livia answer with her own reasons."

He wasn't entirely sure he should have left Livia open like that, from the persistent point of chivalry. From the point of the strength he saw in her, he didn't think he could do less.

Ellis graced the waiter with look as he set her drink down in front of her. He turned to move away when she reached out and grabbed his arm, causing him to look back not a little unsettled.

'One second.' She took her drink, a tall flute of champagne, and downed it. 'I'm feeling a bit alcoholic, so one at a time just won't do.' Ellis let go of his arm and he scurried off to refresh her drink. On his way he passed an interesting little girl with Suzie q curls. Ellis wasn't near as drunk as she'd like, she decided. Still, she could squeeze a little business in with pleasure, not that she was having any after Carol's display with Simon. That genuinely inflamed her sensibilities. Ellis wanted so badly to heave her bat at Carol, hopefully knocking her off the stage but she refrained from the fantasy. She'd choose her time a bit more wisely. However, she picked up her spiked bat again and nudged the fair Alexandra who was casually walking by with an air of superiority about her. The hopeful new protege' that Tai had been testing. Where was Tai, she wondered. Oh well.

'It's Alexandra, isn't it?'


(OOC - permission to touch Alex with her bat)

Turning her head apruptly as she felt something sharp poke her side Alex turned her head in the direction of the person holding the bat, coming face to face with a dark haired woman dressed in a very interesting costum she raised an eyebrow, this person knew her name.. but who the hell was she?

"That depends on who's asking"

Looking the woman up and down she gestured for a passing waiter to hand her another flute of champagne, crooking her head to the side she motioned to the strange woman to join her, she noticed that she was already sipping her own glass, but anotehr wouldn't hurt, after all this was a party.

The arrogance of youth. Ellis looked at Alexandra with less than enthused eyes. This one was Tacharan, but just barely by the sounds of it. She performed her tasks within the normal parameters and she seemed opened to doing more business, but right now Ellis just wanted to see what she was like.

'Tai's told me about you and I'm fairly certain he told you almost nothing about me, so my name wouldn't really matter.' Ellis pulled her bat back, leaning it against her chair. Lifting her chin, she motioned to Alexandra to sit and be merry.

Livia listened with a laugh held back with a hand firmly over her lips. Yammi now made some sense along with chilluns. Topper had her eyes poping open huge and her laughter hiccuped into a gasp. While she tried to think up some sort of coherant comeback, Nic was quite clear in his defense of her honor as well as his belief in her strength. Especially after his flattering comments of desiring more had her blushing shyly at him for a moment. Something to perhaps discuss at a later time in a much more private locale.

Taking a sip of her champagne she smiled at Nic. Since Dawn had asked a very clear, amazingly enough, question Livia answered as clearly as possible.

"The event sounded like an amazing party and I was more than thrilled to accept Nic's invitation to attend the parade with him. While we do happen to be in the more licentious club, I do not have a problem with other people's displays of affection. Though I am not the type to partake in public myself, I dont believe its wrong per se, just what others may enjoy. For being an old 'spinster aunt' I am quite open minded!"

Her last comment was a joke and she smiled mischeviously. Sipping from her glass once more she relaxed slightly in her seat. Of course her posture did not change thanks to the corset but she settled her spine a bit more comfortably. Eyeing Dawn she gave the young woman a curious look.

"Now tell me, why exactly are you here? For the wholesome values or to catch something more interesting, young lady?"

At the mentioning of Tai's name something clicked in Alex's head, so this was the person who had hired her to kill the hitman.. how interesting... as she motioned for her to take a seat she put her mask down on the table, taking hold of her skirt she sat down elegantly.

"So you're the woman behind Tai, good to know that behind every strong man stands an even stronger woman"

Smirking she took another sip of her champagne, after the job Tai had given her it had been very quiet for her, she had done some loose jobs here and there (after all a girl's gotta make a living) but nothing like the one she had gotten, it would be interesting to get to know this woman.

Pleased with the gaiety of the reaction, Dawn smiled.

"See?! Proof he's upta no good! He invited y'to a PARADE an'ere we're in a STRIP CLUB modeled after HELL. I think he'sa bad influence on ya! An'ol spinsters go to heaven unless they jab chillun wit' their knitting needles...so there must be some dark secret in yer past."

Grinning at the question, she sipped her drink and nodded.

"Yup! Y'gots me all figgerd out! I'mma spokesperson fer Heaven here lookin' for other clean souls t'get them outta th'fire 'fore they get too crispy'r come rezdints. SO gitya t'eaven, yo!"

No matter how often Dawn referred to the location as hell, Nic saw nothing to indicate anything he might have construed to be evil. Of course sitting right next to Livia would make such an idea impossible. The twinkle in her eye led Nic to believe that while she did appear angelic on the outside, there was a core of fire inside her.

And lo how he longed to see that.

For now he was still content to listen and watch the two women he sat with banter back and forth. It was clearly more entertaining than what was going on around their table, and with each friendly jab by one, he waited expectantly for the responding parry, or thrust. And it seemed for each poke at Nic's character that Dawn tossed out, Livia had a more than sufficient comeback.

But he was getting a little uneasy with all the talk about his chivalrous virtues from Livia's point of view, just as Dawn's teasing in the opposite vein was a tiny bit annoying. A little such attention went a long way. Besides he would rather the focus of the evening be on the women.

The only way Nic could see of diverting further discussion, was to dance, which he longed to do anyway.

"Heaven...hell...anything wrong with living in a little of both?"

Nic pushed his chair back a little and stood up.

"Dawn, my dear girl, I would love to dance with you, if you think you might not be too embarrassed being seen with an old fogey?"

Bending to Livia's ear, he brushed his lips agains the curve of her jaw and whispered.

"Please don't go anywhere, as I'd like to have the next hundred or so dances with you?"

Whether he should have asked his date first, or the woman he'd invited to their table, Nic couldn't determine, so he went with what he thought was the easiest avenue. A quick turn around the dance floor with Dawn, so as not to be rude, and then return and pick up with Livia, Nic would make up any perceived slighting to his date in any fashion she'd choose.

He then presented his hand to Dawn, and bowed slightly.

"Shall we?"

Ellis noted Alexandra's response with a soft snort and muttered, 'Riiiight.' She had to consider her options, which were few when dealing with regrouping. Ellis no longer had an entire clan at her disposal - in fact she had 1 loyal subject and 1 questionable one who wasn't keen on betraying his family - Panos. So with Alexandra, a relative newcomer to Nachton and the clan, she would take what she could get. All three were young and inexperienced though. With a reluctant sigh, Ellis fingered the handle of her bat and spoke softly to Alexandra.

'Is Simon aware of your side dealings? I would imagine he is not. If and when he finds out, your ties to the clan will be severed. Are you aware of this? Clanless isn't a warm and comforting position to be in and I've no time to babysit.'

Laughing shrilly, Dawn shook her head.

"I'd be more'n glad t'dance witcha, but I'm not sure we get down th'same way. Call it a hunch. But I'd be more'n'appy t'keep th'seats warm while ya twirl yer date old school like. Mebbe I'll even learn a thing'r two about them proper dances."

Holding up her nearly empty glass, she smiled.

"'Sides, I'm not NEAR wasted 'nuff t'dance yet. Gotta loosen up first, what! Y'alls have fun."

Snapping her fingers at the waitress, she ordered Val's drink - a Snakebite. It seemed to be calling to her tonight, which was odd. Maybe she'd see if Val was about in all this mess.

Grinning back at her she took another sip of her champagne, this woman had a certain air about her, something very dangerous and letal, she liked it.

"No Simon isn't aware and even if he is and I do get kicked out.. so be it.. quite frankly, I don't give a fuck, I never fitted in to that clan to begin with, I can take care of myself, I always have, sounds arrogant I know and I probably am, but hey what do I have to loose other then my life.. or unlife in my case"

Smirking she sat back, twirling a purple lock of hair around he finger as her foot moved to the beat of the music, this was going to be a very interesting conversation.

"I find that Life, is what you make it. Despite the trappings this club is what we believe it to be. Someone less inclined to see the good in life may find it resembling Hell. Myself, I find it more just a study of human passion, playfullness and nature. Of course I gave up the belief in the afterlife years ago."

Rather than expound on why she called herself a spinster, Livia just smiled serenely. Since she was a spinner the word always appealed to her. Of course in her mortal life she had been considered extremely old to be unmarried, thus a spinster or firmly on the shelf. She had never let labels bother her, instead choose to see the good in her situations in life.

Livia did not for one moment believe Dawn's claim to be trying to save people from Hell. The girl simply did not quite seem the type. Shaking her head and clucking her tongue at the young woman's claim, she let it go at that. Nic had quite the right idea, good or bad, one could not enjoy the best to its fullest without at least once experiencing the other.

His offer to dance with Dawn was charming, as was the slight brush of a kiss. The warm shivery feeling that accompanied his comment held her in its grasp until Dawn waved away his offer.

"Are you sure you would not mind? While I am completely confident in Nic's ability to adapt I would not pass up the opportunity to enjoy his dancing skills."

The drinks came back and more followed for at least another hour. She checked her cell phone for the time. Pulling the pink Motorolla out of her small purse she saw that it was getting to the exspensive point of having a babysitter.

SIghing she stood. It had been good to get out and relax. The mask made it even more easier. She would go a for a walk this evening before heading home. Her skin itched with the anxiousness to be outdoors.

She stood and placed her tip money in the hands of the very prompt stripper waitress. She took a last look around at the beautiful place and self conciousness hit again. She shook her head and went out the doors.

ooc- out

It wasn't that surprising to hear Dawn...politely...turn down his offer to dance. Nic would have really enjoyed stepping out on the dance floor with her, but could honestly agree that they might not have made the most striking couple there.

"How can I not accept such a refreshing rejection as that. To waylay your concerns I should tell you I've been a dancer most of my life, and can pick up a step quite confidently after seeing it performed. However, I'll respect your wish to keep the seats warm if you'll take me up on the standing offer, maybe a little later?"

It seemed highly unlikely that Dawn would really need any kind of fortification, but wouldn't debate the matter with her. She obviously had her reasons, and those would do.

Turning to Livia, Nic gave her a wink that Dawn wouldn't have been able to see, and held his hand to her now. Fortunately she had all but agreed to dance in her response to Dawn, but Nic stuck to protocol and asked anyway.

"I'll try to keep my feet to myself, if you will accept my invitation?"

'The silly notion that we're undead is so far from the actual truth. We're immortal, not dead - your turning is a gift and for some...a rebirth. Although some of us just choose not to use our hearts. Clouds judgement and all. The trick is to keep breathing, darlin'. But even our most feared adversary - fire - can be cleansing.' Ellis tapped her polished nails again on her bat.

The romantic view that they were damned, undead souls annoyed her but she didn't let her tone betray that feeling. This was the time to lure, correcting behaviors would come soon enough. The waiter dropped off two more glasses and Ellis drank the first one quickly. She stood, holding the second in her hand.

'Enjoy the evening. I'll be seeing you.' Ellis held her glass up and gave Alexandra a small nod of her iron masked head.

((ooc - Ellis is about to move on to another part of the crowd in babylon - pending Alexandra's response))

Smiling sweetly, Dawn reverted to her schoolmarm voice.

"Nonono, dear, you go ahead. My first step in saving souls from temptation is an act of sacrifice - I must drink this bar out of business. A noble cause to be sure! But I will be watching to ensure that Mr. Nic does not get too forward. Never fear!"

Livia stood careful not to flash too much skin. Smiling at Dawn she put her hand in Nic's.

"Thank you Dawn. Please feel free to fill in his dance card should you become intoxicated enough."

Following her clanmate to the dancefloor she was glad the song allowed for them to dance in a more traditional manner. Safe in his embrace, Livia enjoyed their spin around the floor. Nice was much more talented than she was, though perhaps she would have the upper hand in a waltz.

Without a backwards glance at Dawn, Nic's attentions were completely on Livia then. His hand held her's firmly but tenderly, as he brushed the pad of his thumb across her knuckles, and he smiled at the pace of the music playing. He didn't know the name of the song, or if he had even heard it before, but none of that mattered. What did matter was the fact that the tempo was slow enough that when he pulled Livia into his arms it didn't look strange.

Retaining a bit of his old dancing style, Nic kept hold on her one hand, and allowed her other to roam where it wished. His own second hand found a lovely spot where the swell of her rear met the small of her back, and pressed against her there. He held her closely, but even within the decadence of the club, refrained from becoming too familiar. For now.
At the pace his hormones were racing, he knew eventually it was going to become an extremely difficult task to remain totally impassive.

He felt quite at ease listening to the music, and concentrating on the delectable confection in his arms, as he led them around the small space he'd carved out on the dance floor. Dancing, for Nic, had always been a style of foreplay, as he rarely danced with woman he didn't intend to bed. There were exceptions, and Dawn certainly would have been one, but with Livia he found his body responding in the way it was accustomed.

With Livia he also made every conscious effort to waylay those feelings. More important to Nic in the here and now was to create a relationship with the woman he held so close. It would have been very easy on his part to let her become a quick fuck, the way Alexandra had been. It would have also been just as easy to play it too cool and let her slip out of his grasp, as he had with Valentine. Then too, the wrong move, and she might disappear altogether as Maeve had. But Nic repressed all those thoughts, as he centered his mind on showing Livia that he was beyond casually interested, but not to the point that he would risk turning her off.

"It's a pleasant surprise to find the music here conducive to such intimate styles of dancing...but I am thankful. You dance like you're floating above the dance floor."

He had lowered his mouth to just alongside her ear, as he murmured. His cheek rested lightly against her's and his nose was in a perfect position to inhale her sweet scent. How perfect her height was, to his, he recalled yet again. She was short enough to still feel in need of protection from him, and yet not so much to feel awkward in his arms. As of now, he couldn't think of one thing there might be that would make her a more suitable partner.

"Oh! Damn...I'm sorry. I hope I didn't step on those lovely toes."

And since when did Nic consider anyone beyond the immediate future? The word 'partner' had so taken him by surprise that he had faltered on the dance floor. Fortunately, he didn't think he had actually stepped on her, but apologized none the less, as he rapidly squashed the thought that had set off the small stumble.

Livia was lost in a swirl of joy as Nic moved them effortlessly about the floor. He was such an amazing dancer. Even when she caused the small foot collision, he apologized gallantly. It had almost been that they had both taken the exact moment to pause and regain their footing. She had been revelling in his strong arms and amazingly masculine scent at that very moment and wondered when her interest as a friend to this clanmate became female interest in him as a male. With a smile she pondered just what he could have been contemplating.

"Dont take the blame for that, it was my fault. You dance so wonderfully, if I am doing well, it must be from being in your arms. I hope I am not being terribly forward, but I would quite enjoy dancing with you frequently, Nic."

Together they had danced throughout the entire song before something much more sultry started. Out of the corner of her eye Livia spotted a young, scantily clad woman dancing very risquely for a man seated at a table. With a laugh she looked away.

"Can you believe that at one point the waltz was considered indecent? Dancing has come quite a long way from there."

Following her clanmates lead in the dancing she simply tried to mimic his moves. This was so pleasurable of an experience, she would bet her best loom that Nic made love like he danced, strong, commanding, so physically, yet full of emotion in every move. As they moved together she sighed in rapt feminine pleasure.

Ellis Dubán;35025
'The silly notion that we're undead is so far from the actual truth. We're immortal, not dead - your turning is a gift and for some...a rebirth. Although some of us just choose not to use our hearts. Clouds judgement and all. The trick is to keep breathing, darlin'. But even our most feared adversary - fire - can be cleansing.' Ellis tapped her polished nails again on her bat.

The romantic view that they were damned, undead souls annoyed her but she didn't let her tone betray that feeling. This was the time to lure, correcting behaviors would come soon enough. The waiter dropped off two more glasses and Ellis drank the first one quickly. She stood, holding the second in her hand.

'Enjoy the evening. I'll be seeing you.' Ellis held her glass up and gave Alexandra a small nod of her iron masked head.

((ooc - Ellis is about to move on to another part of the crowd in babylon - pending Alexandra's response))

Fiesty woman this was.. rolling her eyes slightly at her preach about not being undead but immortal, taking another sip of her champagne she sat back watching the other woman from under hooded eyelids.

"Whatever rocks your boat darling, i'm ok with being immortal, i've been around since the 16th century I'm sure you've been along longer from the looks of you, yes I'm a baby to the immortality, but that doesn't make me stupid lady, just young"

At the mentioning of fire she raised an eyebrow, she had heared stories about something to do with fire within the Tacharan clan, but she was just in when that happend.

Watching her stand up and make her way to another side of the club she waved.

"I'm sure we'll be seeing more of eachother, it's been a pleassure"

"No...YOU won't take the blame...my mind was distracted, but only for a second...and it still had you in focus..." He grinned, and hoped she didn't take offense that his mind had wandered. Considering it hadn't wandered far, and as a result he had merely mis-stepped, he didn't think any harm was done.

Nic regarded Livia with tender eyes, as she made her small confession. It was more than relief to hear her admit to wanting a future with Nic, even if it was only for dancing. Though he refused to consider her remark referred to anything so limited.

Not wanting to debate the matter of who was right or wrong, Nic made a grand gesture and swept Livia around in a wide circle, once he had danced them to a larger empty spot on the floor. He ended the move with a low dip, and stopped himself before he went through with the kiss he wanted to take from her. Conflicting emotions of lust and protection warred inside Nic, as he fought with the strong desire to take the beautiful woman somewhere to ravish, and the need to give her safe harbor in his arms.

Pulling her back into an upright position, Nic made haste as he started dancing again, and hoped Livia hadn't had time to see the look of lust that he knew must have filled his eyes for those few seconds.

Pressing his cheek to the side of her head, Nic nuzzled her hair softly, careful not to muss it, but again enjoying the way she smelled. The only problem with that was in the way it stoked up the fire inside him rather than help tamper it down.

"Waltzing?" Nic heard her reference to the way he used to dance, versus the way people danced today, and nodded.

"It has changed in the way it looks, but I think the main gyst of what lies behind dancing has always been somewhat erotic. It's an expression people are able to make in public, when they'd rather be doing something a bit more...intimate...in private. Maybe that's why I've always liked to dance..." And Nic took that moment to dip Livia again, cradling her head in his hand, as he leaned over her. "I get the chance to be 'close' to a woman, early on..." Before he said any more, and got himself into trouble, Nic winked, and pulled Livia back upright and into his arms, and danced until the music stopped.

"Maybe we should get back to the table...for a song or two, so Dawn doesn't think we deserted her." Though it was more like he needed a breather to let his pounding hormones settle, Nic kept that little bit of information to himself. He had made up his mind shortly after meeting Livia that he wanted to take things slowly, and he was committed to that idea still.

She had to stop letting the younger ones annoy her. Such a waste of perfectly good hate. Alexandra waved as Ellis moved on, but did not acknowledge it since her attention was suddenly caught again by Carol and Simon. They were kissing now, moving towards the back end of the club, where the private rooms were. Ellis gripped her bat and started to walk towards the unsuspecting pair. Was now a good a time as any to come out? Probably not, but she really didn't care.

Ellis lifted her bat as she kept her eyes as the laughing Carol, her green eyes glittering with more than just their natural hue. She watched as they disappeared behind the curtain and quickened her step just as someone rather large blocked her view.

She stopped in her tracks at the sight of the man. Standing at least six foot seven and missing his left eye, it was someone she didn't recognize, but someone with presence and someone who was blocking her view.

Ellis made to push past the redwood trunk of a man when he refused to move. She looked up at him and matched his stare. 'You mind?'

They had disappeared down the long corridor of private rooms. Lowering her bat, she again past the giant of a man and ignored his reaction to her. With an annoyed sigh she made her way to the exit of the Hell side when a man very knowingly bumped into her.

Ellis stopped and tapped the head of her bat against the ground. She gave him a side long look behind her mask for a few moments as he begun to speak about something equally annoying. Having had enough of the evening, Ellis took her mask off in the pulsating corridor between Heaven and Hell and flashed her fangs at the man.

'Did you really want to do this dance?' With an angry snort, she took three steps and blended into the blur of the dancing bodies.

((ooc heading out))

'Why hello there you lovely...'

For the first time in a long time, since quiet literally his childhood, Jeremy felt that pang of fear run like cockroaches up his spine. The lovely iron masked woman had taken off her mask and gave him a rather toothy threat - only this wasn't your run of the mill, 'I'm a woman, I'll scream' threat. This was more of a 'do not fuck with this woman...ever' threat.

Jeremy took an embarrassed step back and he watched her walk away - no - she seemed to just...fade away. Luckily his second step back was directly into a darling little peacock feathered young lady who seemed genuinely happy to want to help.

'Oh sir! Please watch your step, we'd hate to have an accident.'

Regaining his composure, Jeremy turned to the woman and gave her a regal bow. 'Aye, lassy...we wouldn't want that.'

((ooc - out with the lovely lady))

Looking up at Nic, through her lashes as she caught her breath, Livia smiled. Feeling rather bold she offered him a shy smile.

"Could we pay her our respects and then head back to the Towers? I would like to have a chance to sit down and get to know you better Nic Lache."

Hopefully he would not take her comments as too forward, but she wished to sit down with him upon her couch and talk about their lives, get to know the real Nic in depth. She was more than willing to share deeply of her own lifes story in return, but a crowded club was no place for growing closer in a meaningful sense.

Fortuitous. That wasn't a word Nic normally used, because it never seemed to fit him. But maybe things were changing, because he certainly felt lucky now. And if the woman in his arms didn't stop looking at him like she was now, he might find a way to get even luckier, even sooner.

When Livia asked Nic if he would mind leaving, all he could do was grin a bit foolishly, and shake his head. He was having a great time, but wasn't too foolish to turn down the chance to have her all to himself. And in the privacy of her own home too. At least he hoped it would be at her place. He still hadn't done much to make his place feel very homey.

It occurred to him then that he hadn't even considered using his 'charms' to persuade her. Either he was truly slipping, or just as certainly concerned about establishing a REAL relationship with her. But time for picking apart the reasons would have to wait. Right now he just wanted to bid Dawn a good night, and see what his lovely lady meant by...'getting to know him better'.

Lifting her hand, the one he still held, to his lips, Nic brushed a soft kiss across them, and then gently pulled her along as he walked back to the table.

"Dawn, as always it's been very nice seeing you, and a lot of fun, but it's getting a bit late and us 'old fogeys' need to be heading off, while we can still stand up."

Nic chuckled as he grinned and chucked the girl under the chin. There was no doubt in his mind that she was more than able to take care of herself, otherwise he never would have just left her at the club alone. He now felt a bit like an older brother, and found he was growing fonder of the brash young woman with each meeting. So he didn't think such actions of friendly familiarity would offend her.

"We'd be happy to walk you out though, if you'd like. You know...see you to your bike?"

He'd even see her to a cab, and take care of that as well if she seemed in need of one. Though again he sensed she was still holding her own, and would probably fight him if he tried to insist. She was a feisty one, for sure.

Once Dawn made her decision, Nic pulled Livia's arm in closer to his side, and walked her outside, and whistled for the limo. He could see it parked up the street, now that the parade was over, and saw that his whistle had been heard.

With his mind on the possibilities of how the waning evening might play out, Nic could do nothing less than smile and move towards that end. For the first time in years, he had more ideas for how to spend time with a woman, beyond getting her into bed. But he had to chuckle to himself when he reminded himself that he hadn't ruled out the latter either.

(Livia and Nic out - pending response from Dawn)

Alexandra sighed, she had hoped to have some fun in one of the clubs but all she got was a talk (which yes was interesting but still) with the mistery woman who had hired her through Tai, no sex, no hotness nothing, Panos was no where to be seen so a quick fuck in one of the backrooms was out of the question.

Finishing her champagne she placed the flute down on the table, picking up her mask she let it dangle from her fingers as she headed towards the exit, feeling someone close to her she turned her head, spotting a man watching her she croocked an eyebrow at him.

"Like what you see?"

As the man nodded and came closer she just grinned, as he moved to step into her private space she pushed him up against the nearest wall.

"Well aren't you a tasty snack my dear"

Licking along his face she smiled wickedly as the man moaned softly, the fool was thinking he was going to get luck, fool, sinking her fangs into his artery she drank greedely from him, finishing him off she felt him slide down the floor.

"Oops.. sorry seems I took a little too much, it's been a pleasure"

Blowing the near dead man a kiss she headed towards the exit of the club, licking her lips to get the last of the blood from the corner of her mouth, it had been fun after all.

(( ooc. Alexandra out ))

"Noononono. Y'old folks 'ave fun. Th'night's still young an'I've someone else's credit card t'pay ferit all wit."

They were totally going to get it on.

"'ave fun an'dun do anythin' I wouldn't!"

A short while later, there seemed to be a lot of activity near the front of the club. Curious, she rose to the exit to see what everything was about.

((ooc:dawn out, sorry!))