From: "Nite Flyer" <niteflyer@alltel.net> 
To: <FKarchiver@fkfanfic.com> 
Subject: Calling Lenore Disclaimers all parts 
Date: Sat, 5 Jun 1999 20:37:51 -0400 

This is from niteflyer@alltel.net  The stoy I submitted titled Calling
Lenore is only borrowing the FK characters. They are not mine . Lenore is
fictitious and is merely of fantasy mirror of myself. This disclaimer is for
all parts of Calling Lenore by Pristine Aericko. Any comments, especially
good ones go to my e-mail addy. All characters were returned in good
shape.....I don't think they minded. Enjoy.........Niteflyer

Calling Lenore (01/?) by Pristine Aericko aka niteflyer. This is a story
that came to mind after a few of my poems were published this past year. I
owe all inspiration to FK and my love of the show and my favorite character
and actor. I became Lenore Castille and entered the wonderful FK world for
the few short days it took me to write this and this is how it
started..........The night was dark and foggy as I neared La Palace Lacroix.
The road I traveled this night was murkey with moss and muck and wound
upwards to the lone structure on the cliffs in the eerie sort of desolate
French town. Let me introduce myself. I am Lenore Castille, wealthy heiress
to a French perfume manufacturing company. This is the story of my birth, an
in depth look at how I touched forever.  My thoughts wandered back to that
chilly Paris night when I first met him. I had been stood up by a date that
night. The gentleman had not been more than a friendly social sort of
acquaintance, but I never-the-less, was alone on a river barge off the Quai
de la Tournelle, floating down the Seine. I decided to make the best of my
night at all cost. I owed it to myself. After having a quiet dinner below I
had walked topside to take in the stars. I suppose the solitude was indeed
peaceful. I had mingled shortly with a few other passengers but found myself
again in my own company, that is until I noticed three people also watching
the night sky. Two men and a mysterious and lovely woman spoke of long
journeys and many grand adventures. The taller of the men glanced my way
several times. To say the least I was quite taken with him. In the soft
moonlight I could see eyes that cut into my inner soul. I tried to pretend I
did not see him even though my heart was stirred and his presence was etched
in my mind. I started to return below when the woman of the three came to me
and spoke.
  " It is a lovely night for searching the stars."
  " Yes it is indeed," I replied politely.
  " Are you alone? If so you may join my companions and myself for a drink
before we return from our cruise. I am Janette Ducharme and it would be a
pleasure."
  " Hello, that is so kind of you. I am Lenore and I was left alone tonight.
My date did not make the boat. Are those gentleman family? I'm sorry, that
was rather forward of me."
  " It is all right. They are my only family, traveling companions. We
are....close."
  She was a true beauty with robin's egg blue eyes, ivory skin and beautiful
dark hair and so very kind.
  " Come, visit with us tonight , Lenore. "
  " All right miss. May I call you Janette? "
  " Certainly."
  We moved to where the gentlemen stood.
  " This is monsieur Lacroix, Lucien Lacroix and Nicholas de Brabant, my
friends."
  So that was his name, Lucien Lacroix. The man of my spirit world revealed.
Each of the gentlemen took my gloved hands and kissed them gently.
  " Lenore, I didn't get the rest of the name attached to such an exquisite
beauty." Monsieur Lacroix inquired.
  " Castille."
  " Charming."  Lacroix mused with a gentleman's smile.
  " I know of the Castilles. The fragrance empire."  Young Nicholas spoke.
He was charming in his own way with the smile of a teenage school boy and
lovely golden locks in a tussle due to the breeze this evening.
  " Yes you are so correct," I replied.
  The conversation went on into the dark night. I got to know the three as
they learned me. We spoke of so many things. They were so charming each in
their own way. Janette was female and that in itself gave us a common thread
and she was of culture and knowledge. Nicholas was kind, thoughtful and
handsome with a sly but genuine smile. Lucien Lacroix was my mystery. There
was something that drew me into him. It was possibly his statuesque build,
his eyes of ice blue or his soothing voice of silk. I was unsure but still
sure that I must see him again somewhere. Before parting this  starry French
night to my gleeful surprise I was given directions to and asked to a ball,
costume in type, at where of all places but La Palace Lacroix! I received
the invitation from Miss Janette on a beautiful calligraphy done page with
date, time and my directions. She smiled hypnotically and kissed my cheek in
a friendly gesture of parting as did Nicholas and Lacroix, however, the
latter lingered as eyes enticed eyes and lips brushed ever so slightly upon
my face then strayed gently and said a wanting goodbye to my pearl enveloped
neck. This brings me to my trip upon dark lonesome road. Automobiles never
traveled these back roads. Instead the transportation of older days
 was called for as in horse drawn carriage. There would be dancing, music,
wine and who knows what else. I curiously looked from the window of my
carriage to see many creatures abound in the still of the night. An owl
hooted in a sleepy willow and bats circled the apex of the mansion. Moss
hung from trees like the dead from a gallows. We passed a cemetery not far
from the mansion which appeared to be very old, surrounded by a wrought iron
gate and spiked fence. There was a mausoleum and stone statues, but I didn't
see a cross in sight anywhere. I merely thought it to be the night setting
in and perhaps in daylight I could have observed more details. What I could
see was a heart stopping beauty with an air of mystery about it. I did so
love the feel of an old graveyard. It enticed me so very much. The people
buried here were lucky ones indeed. The feeling of anticipation grew within
me. I was happy about the ball and looked forward to seeing my three
acquaintances again. It had been nearly a month and yet in my memory stayed
an eternal picture.
  Upon arriving at La Palace Lacroix and being escorted from the carriage by
the foot man I was greeted by a dashing man with long brown hair and dark
mysterious eyes. He was of small height and the waves in his hair were
splendid.
  " Javier Vachon, my lady, so pleased to meet you. And you are?"
  " Lenore Castille. Monsieur Lacroix is expecting me." He kissed my hand
gently, his eyes never leaving mine.
  " It is quite a pleasure kind sir. Would you be so kind as to show me
around a bit out front here before I join the party? It has been a long ride
and I would like to move around a little." I was quite charmed by this young
man and his dashing pirate outfit. It was Spanish I thought, minus a patch
over the eye, which would have been a shame to cover even one of such a
beautiful pair. The ruffled white shirt was certainly beholden to him. My
own costume was that of white lace dress of the old Southern plantation
days, with gloves, fan, and lace up boots to match. I wore a ruffled hat as
well. My long raven hair stood out boldly from my white clothing. I would do
my best not to dirty the clothes as I walked over the front grounds with
Vachon. He took me to a gazebo. There was something that kept me transfixed
on his big brown eyes. It surely was the way he gestured about the grounds
with his hands or perhaps his pouty little smile. He was indeed handsome in
a rough, boyish sort of way. My heart seemed to race at the thought of him
with me in the night air alone under the gazebo as he told stories of the
house and his business here, which was not even clear to me as I felt
slightly weak and fragile. He talked slowly, and the stare of his eyes
deepened. I was falling towards him. He caught me, then his hand was under
my chin and his lips were upon mine. What power was this I fought? He pulled
me close. Lips of fire and ice softly caressed my neck. Then a loud shout
from the road startled us both.
  " Vachon!" Nicholas shouted. " Dont you think you need to get a leash on
Screed? I saw him roaming around the kitchen earlier and it wasn't a pretty
sight. I'm sure Lenore is tired after the long journey from Paris. Go about
your way now. We wouldn't want Lacroix getting his wings ruffled now, would
we."
  Vachon got a look of total exasperation on his face questioning Nicholas.
  " Why are you blundering down the road at this hour? There's a party in
there and I'm sure even you can find something to drink!"
  Nicholas got a half amused smile on his boyish face, took my hand and
kissed it.
  " I apologize for Vachon's rudeness. He sometimes acts like a pirate and
might I add, looks like one too. I was just making sure some rather unruly
guests were shown to their carriage down the way. Do go and find Screed
before Lacroix does. I know we don't want that or worse yet Janette. Now
that would be a party indeed."
  Vachon made a sarcastic bow before Nicholas and myself and ran toward the
rear of the mansion. I couldn't help but laugh, trying not to make it so
obvious in front of my dashing company. Nicholas was dressed in a crushed
blue navy and velvet swordsman's outfit like a musketeer would wear, I
thought. He wore a wide hat of the same material with a large white plume
attached.
  " Well, now that all that is settled shall I take you inside my lady?"
  " Why certainly Nicholas, it is rather nippy out here. That Vachon
certainly is entertaining and some what unusual. He's different somehow. I
just cant seem to figure him out."
  " Well, I wouldn't let him worry me if I were you. Leave him be. He knows
his place around here even if he does not always act like a gentleman.
Lacroix is expecting you my lady." Nicholas held out his arm for me.
  " Of course, let's not keep him waiting any longer. The suspense is, shall
I say, killing me."
  We went up some stairs between two splendid columns which appeared rather
Roman despite our location. The abode was so very tall and when my valiant
escort opened the door for me, the sight overwhelmed me. The ballroom down a
small foyer was alive with music and dancing couples and oh so many
beauties. Astonishing! There I stood in the archway holding the arm of
Nicholas, but twas a far greater presence I felt. Suddenly across the
swarming dance floor I saw him. Our eyes fixed for an eternal second on one
another. Might I add that his were as pools of liquid dreams, the aqua
crystal rain of a love laced memory. There in all black, high collar suit
with a silver bat's wing stick pin stood my eternity, my beginning and my
end. Lucien Lacroix made himself known to me. He so smugly sipped his ruby
red drink from a crystal glass as a faint smile played upon his lips. He
leaned over to what I presumed a butler or servant of some sort, whispered
briefly to him with a quick gesture and sauntered toward Nicholas and
myself. As he nodded to the guests and silently came our way the eyes of ice
never stopped their game of allure. Then he spoke to me.
  " Lenore so glad," he whispered, " you have graced me with your most
exquisite company this evening." The eyes were now ablaze with a silent
fury.
  " Why monsieur Lacroix, you do flatter me so. I thought this was a costume
ball. You haven't changed a bit. Charming as ever. You look wonderful."
  " Well, one must always be able to find the host. Costumes do have a
certain entertaining quality, creeping about in disguise and such but on
occasion I prefer the more obvious. After all, one never does know what I
may become as the night progresses."
  He was smiling from ear to ear, glancing over at Nicholas who was at a
loss for words over the entire conversation. Nicholas politely excused
himself and said he had some mingling to do with the guests. Meanwhile I was
left to my captivating company. Lucien took my hand and held it, kissed it
and gazed at me as he spoke of the night, the dance, and of how pleased he
was that I could be here even though my ride had run rather late. We walked
through the crowd of happy
guests.*********************************************************************
****************************
                                   By Pristine Aericko aka
niteflyer@alltel.net
****************************************************************************
*************************
When we left off Lacroix and Lenore were walking through the crowd of
guests..............This is Calling Lenore
(02/?)......................................................................
...
   " They are not all staying over, you know. Give them a couple of hours of
play time and fine vintage and we shall see them depart to their individual
coaches. Nicholas and a few of the others will see them out in good time.
What a grand evening this is. I am delighted indeed." Lacroix mused.
   I enjoyed the many colors of jewels, costumes and variety of guests. In
one corner of the grand entrance hall a young Frenchman placed pearls on a
scarlet haired beauty in a lace, olive, southern dress. She giggled in
delight. They were so obviously in love. Couples in cubby holes, nooks and
crannies, laughed with elegant wine and expensive champagne. Lucien and I
picked up some fine, red vintage as we walked toward the kitchen and even
though I only had a small glass I was feeling quite giddy. He was so
intoxicatingly charming. We paused, talking in a hallway leading to a
staircase. We were caught in a moment when an unmistakable voice I heard
toward the upstairs boudoir area. She sounded upset or shall I say angry. It
was Janette Ducharme. Lucien put down his glass and started up the stairs. I
followed. We hardly made it halfway when a frightened young Italian looking
man ran down the steps nearly falling. Janette looked enraged. Lacroix asked
her sharply,
  " What is this outrage about? Really Janette, your senses have surely
deserted you. Composer does not seem to be at hand this evening."
  " I should think," Janette argued. " that I could entertain a gentleman
without such a hideous ferocity. Someone please remove that.....that thing
from my boudoir!"
  " What are you talking about?" Lacroix asked impatiently. " Janette such
absurdity must cease. Come now show me this demon of yours."
  Lacroix went up the stairs ahead of a startled and angry Janette. I
followed to offer some comfort to her about the matter at hand, whatever
that was. She collected herself and noticed my presence.
  " Lenore, I didn't see you. My apologies. This truly was not suppose to
happen. It wil be dealt with accordingly. When Lacroix sees this........"
  She didn't finish her sentence. Lacroix was angry beyond words. He called
the help into the room loudly as I dared to peek into the bedroom.
  " Bernard! Bernard! Where are those helpless........!" Lacroix yelled as a
timid butler hurried up the stairs.
  " Yes Monsieur?"
  " See that this mess is done away with immediately. This, I assure you,
will not stand!" Lacroix snapped sharply.
  It was a horrible sight. There amidst Janette's rose and satin covers on
her lace canopy bed lie a giant bloody rat, a disgusting thing indeed.
Understandably I saw her point. Lacroix was apologetic.
  " Ladies please, remove yourselves from this foul stench. Come, be done
with it. Observe the night's pleasures. The dance continues. The help will
clean this up."
  It seemed that Lacroix was just playing it with a cool nature for now. His
mind was at work with a vengeance. Meanwhile I saw Javier Vachon with a
drink in hand trying not to be noticed as he nearly spilled it on himself.
Lacroix glared over at him. Upon coming down the stairs Janette and I were
handed new drinks by Nicholas who had come to see what the commotion was
about.
  " I am terribly sorry ladies." Nicholas said softly. " I couldn't help
hearing. Janette please let me deal with this. I have an idea of the source
of this..."
  Lacroix cut him off sharply. " Yes I suppose you do Nicholas, in fact,
however I do believe it very apropos for me to as you say deal with this.
Excuse me ladies, Nicholas."
  Vachon had begun to dance with a young woman in a red dress and a mask of
gold
when Lacroix approached him. A waltz had begun and Vachon seem captivated by
the lovely on his arm. He pretended not to notice the approaching Lacroix.
Lacroix did not go directly to Vachon, however. Instead he approached two
dashing young men sitting at a table in a corner. It was to them he spoke.
  " Feast your eyes young guests upon sweet flower there dancing the night
away with that pirate. Now don't you suppose she might just find either of
you a more suitable companion. Yes, yes indeed. The dance calls you."
  Lacroix stared darkly into the gentlemen's eyes. Abruptly the two looked
at one another, got up quickly and went to the young woman who was dancing
with Vachon. They cut in and she excused herself as she was waltzed into the
crowd by them. Vachon stood alone with a confused look. He hadn't seen the
statuesque Lacroix behind him close enough to fall over. Lacroix spoke to
him sternly.
  " It seems as though your little dove has flown as will you if you fail to
listen. A friend indeed is a treasured toy and one might find themselves
waking up lost in the midst of a quite lonely existence without these so
called friends or one might not wake at all. Now normally on such a cheerful
night I wouldn't have to bother myself with such endeavors of foolishness
but you do understand the need at this moment do you not? My generosity
wears thin. I would say miss Ducharme's might be non existent at this point.
Protecting ones family is such an endearing quality but sweet as that may
be, even families of the closest nature come undone possibly from
existence."
  With that said, Lacroix left Vachon to ponder his words and stand rather
shaken by the refreshment area. He drank his drink and left by the front
entrance. Lacroix meanwhile returned to where I stood talking to Janette and
Nicholas then asked me to dance.
  " I do hope that is settled. Lenore I do believe a dance is in order. It
seems the little fiasco of the last few moments has led some of the guests
to their carriages prematurely. They may, of course, come and go as they
please this evening but the crowd has indeed thinned. May I have the honor?"
  " I thought you would never ask. Certainly Lucien." He walked me on to the
floor as a silken dream plays on the imagination. I was captivated by him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Nicholas and Janette also dancing
and nodding to guests. Janette was radiant in her black and burgundy lace
Medieval gown. Her hair of ebony trailed down her back in a long braid. She
exchanged a brief kiss with Nicholas as they smiled over at us. Lucien
pulled me close dancing me into dreams among the other couples. He kissed my
forehead gently and whispered to me. He spoke of a great fondness he
harbored for me. I felt as though we had known each other a lifetime, maybe
longer. I was truly falling in love with him. He had spoke of another he had
many years ago and lost for some strange irony. There was a sadness when he
spoke about it but he said I brought a joy to him that he had yearned for.
Was this truly paradise here this grand night at La Palace Lacroix , I
thought to myself when something occurred to Lucien.
  " Excuse me, Lenore, my lovely, but I realized something I must see to
with Nicholas. I am sure Miss Ducharme and yourself have much to talk about.
I do so hope that I am not detained longer than I anticipate. I assure you
that we shall continue our conversation upon my return."
  He caressed my cheek briefly as our eys lagged behind fixed on each other
until he walked toward Nicholas. I hadn't realized that he stood alone.
Janette quickly went to the front door. I went to Nicholas and Lucien to
catch them before they went about their business.
  " Gentlemen, is Janette all right? I saw her leave and thought she may
have felt poorly. I'm sorry to interrupt."
  " Yes, Lenore she is fine." Nicholas spoke. " I think her stomach is a bit
upset from the bedroom thing. She is just getting some air. She will return
shortly I'm sure. Lacroix and myself will also be back in  few moments.
There are a couple of ladies over there I believe may have one of your
fragrances on. If Janette does not return soon mingle. I would."
  Nicholas ran ahead to catch Lucien who had gone ahead toward the kitchen.
I decided to see if Janette was all right. Truly the sight had nearly left
me sickened. I walked outside back through the columns and saw a few
carriages leaving and some drunken ladies laughing near the gazebo with a
dapper old gentleman with a cane. I didn't see Janette so I walked to the
Western grounds near the old cemetery. This was a beautiful abode indeed and
I felt so alive, in harmony with all. Alone with my thoughts in darkness of
willows and gentle breeze whispering ghost stories and legends, I was
startled by voices I did not expect to hear. I stepped behind a large tree
in fear of possibly imposing upon young lovers. It was Janette Ducharme's
voice I heard barely there beyond the gate of the cemetery. She was with a
man, maybe Nicholas, but he surely was still with Lucien. It was the young
Italian man from before. Curiosity got the better of me as I tried to hear
them. Janette, I thought, was the lady of Nicholas, or so it seemed. Her
voice was now softer than I had ever heard before, soothing, controlling,
spellbinding.
**********By Pristine Aericko aka Niteflyer  niteflyer@alltel.net Calling
Lenore(02/?)****************************************************************
*****************************
Calling Lenore (03/?) Archiving permission:www.fkfanfic.com Comments to
niteflyer@alltel.net Archiving permission for all parts. Over all this story
is a PG-13 due to the ending scene. We left Lenore near the old grave
yard...........
  " You saw nothing before. The night has your soul and perhaps you are
dreaming, as I am of your young taste. Come to me my love."
  I didn't understand. At first I thought I had encountered some lover's
scene between Janette and the man, and that Nicholas was not even important
to her. The young Italian seemed to be powerless to her. He walked to her
waiting arms and then in moonlight, awe, shock and a hint of fear came over
me when I saw the change come over her. Sharpened explicit incisors tore
into his throat. Janette's beautiful blue eyes were now golden as the full
moon looming overhead. Then like a withered rag doll he slipped from her
grasp to the ground. She licked her lips and then as fate played it's trump
card, a fallen twig cracked beneath my feet loudly. I sheepishly stepped
from the tree's cover and she glared at me. I didn't know what to do, say or
whether to run or stay. I pretended I did not see.
  " Oh Janette, you startled me. I didn't see you there......"
  " Yes you did!" She snapped. " Come here to me!"
  I still believed in her friendship and that she would not hurt me. I
walked slowly towards her.
  " Janette," I stammered, " this is none of my business. My God, I don't
know, I am frightened, I...."
  My feet would not move any closer to her. I thought of Lucien. Was he too
what, until now I thought only existed in the mind, the imagination, or was
Nicholas as well?
  " You are damn right it's not your business. Listen to me now. You will
return inside and saw nothing here."
  She was trying the same voice on me that brought the young man at my feet
to surrender. All I could think of was Lucien. I fought her and did not
succumb.
  " Are you going to kill me?" I shouted. " I thought we were friends. You
are a vampire, a killer! What of Nicholas and, and my Lucien? I will not
give in to you!"
  " I could not stop myself. Giovanni is a kind man." Janette softened. " I
will not let him die. You must listen to me. I do not wish to hurt you. I
can give Giovanni eternity. He is special to me and I just could not see him
age and die a wrinkled old man. I had to feed. It was an opportunity I could
not pass up. He will be fine. I will bring him over. I must get you to
forget."
  " Janette I don't want to forget. I want to know here and now if Lucien
and Nicholas are as you are? I must know now. You are my friends!"
  I was nearly in tears now. I did not want to leave this place and Lucien.
  " You must not speak of this ever to anyone!" Janette said sternly. " Do
you understand? There will be consequences!"
  " Yes, my friend, I do." I agreed. " Strange as it seems, I feel so
comfortable here with you. I will not betray your trust. This changes
nothing I hope. Please, Janette, I beg you!"
  " I was the careless one. I will take the responsibility on my shoulders.
We must live in secret in a world only few can visit. I know you care for
Lucien, but he is...my...father..my master...as well as Nicholai's. Lucien
has not behaved this way in years. I have seen it only once. It was so very
long ago. Her name was Fleure. She was the mortal sister of Nicholas. Anyway
I can see it, feel it. You make him glad. You must now decide what you want
Lenore. How much do you care for Lacroix? Your fate lies with you."
  " No it doesn't!"
  We had not noticed Nicholas as we spoke. He seemed very upset.
  " I have seen and heard enough. Lenore, you must listen to me." Nicholas
argued.
  " No, Nicholas, I will not listen, dear friend of mine. I will not." I
stood my ground.
  " Lenore, it seems is quite a resistor, but not to worry. I think she
truly is a woman of compassion for our kind." Janette assured Nicholas. "
You see Lenore, Nicholas has fought his fate for centuries. He is barely
able to swallow his existence. Poor gentle Nicholai."
  " Nicholas I am a big girl." I pointed out. " I will not be unhappy.
Please try to understand my feelings. I have lived long enough in this
mortal flesh. Never have I found love until now. I beg your understanding."
  " You are my friend." Nicholas answered. " I don't want this for you, this
dark hell. You have an understanding with me but never my approval. I will
continue to be your friend no matter what happens. I have come across a rare
few like you who would not forget. I only wish I could rid your mind of this
notion."
  " Dear Nicholas," I stated softly. " it is not my mind which hungers for
him or sees his face in every shadow of night. It is my heart, and I will
not break my own heart. Now please let this be, for me. My heart is so
joyous and leaps for the sight of my Lucien."
  " I will not do this to him again, see him hurt, but I will not ever say I
approve. So be it. I leave your fate in your own hands. Now we must help
Giovanni to the boudoir. Janette you know I don't like this, not at all. I
suggest you drink from the cellar from now on." Nicholas helped us hurry
with Giovani for some reason fearing Lacroix would be outraged by Janette's
doing.
  " Of course, now please help me with him before a stir is started with
Lacroix. Most of the guests, I see have departed." Janette noticed.
  " Where is Lucien? I must see him." I asked eagerly.
  " I don't know. " Janette said. " In good time child. It is cold for you
out here. Let's get this gentleman inside now."
  " Lacroix  is in the back area with the help. Vachon and Screed have
really gone astray this evening. Lacroix is not happy." Nicholas observed.
  " Vachon, the young man, the bold young pirate, is he.......?" I
questioned.
  " Yes, but he does lack the favor of Lacroix. Vachon is complicated. At
times he has no culture." Nicholas seemed humorous.
  " He has never had this culture as you say." Janette did not seem
humerous.
  " Yes" Nicholas agreed " Well at least he is not as his creation, Screed.
Now that is a travesty."
  We had been outside too long. It was chilly and my mind raced at the
thought of the new universe I had found. Giovanni was weak and barely
consious, but still with us never the less. I saw Lucien at the door. How
would I now act, I thought. My feelings for him only grew stronger with each
passing moment. Oh, God, what was going to happen when he saw Giovanni? We
turned right and took him to the back entrance as neither vampire wanted to
risk flight among the few remaining guests. There was Vachon with a bottle
in hand.
****************************************************************************
************************
By Pristine Aericko aka niteflyer@alltel.net  copyright 1999
Calling Lenore (03/?)
****************************************************************************
*************************
This is Calling Lenore: (04/?)    Archiving premission: www.fkfanfic.com
Comments to niteflyer@alltel.net  This story over all has a PG-13
rating.........We left off with Vachon and his bottle.........
" Vachon, do something. Help us get this man upstairs. Quickly!" Janette
ordered.
" Ladies," Nicholas urged " why don't you go in the front! Vachon will help
me."
" No," Janette snapped " I must stay with him. He is mine. Vachon hurry and
take Lenore to the front with Lacroix."
Her orders were taking a toll on Vachon who didn't know what to do next.
" If anything happens to her you will answer to Lacroix. Now go!"
Vachon saluted her sarcastically and took my hand. He was still drinking
from the bottle. We walked quickly toward the place we had last seen
Lacroix. Getting to the corner and seeing Lacroix still there, Vachon turned
to go.
" I must find a friend of mine. Are you all right here?" Vachon's more
polite side showed.
" Yes, Vachon, I am wonderful. Thank you. I hope to see you again. You are
very kind."
" I am sure you will Lenore but for now I believe your company is wanted
elsewhere."
  Vachon nodded, glancing over my shoulder. I did not realize Lucien was
there. He grabbed my arm, hurting me slightly. I fell against him. Our lips
touched for one splendid moment. I felt a weakness come over me. Lucien
spoke softly to me.
" In good time, my love, in good time."
" But Lucien, I must........"
" Shhh....Soon, my love." He whispered. " I must see out the last few, the
stragglers of the night. Come now, to the warmth inside."
  He knew, I thought. He knew that I knew! How? What was the extent of this
power he had. I walked back inside with him where only a few people
remained. The maids were already starting to clean. I really wanted to
freshen up after the events in the cemetery. Lucien told Maria, a polite
maid servant I thought to be about fifty years old and of Spanish origin, to
show me to a guest room. I followed her up the winding stairs of polished
oak to a room to the North of Janette's. The decor was of the same beautiful
furnishings except the color was dark navy.
" Thank you Maria." I said graciously. " You are very sweet. I'm sure I can
find everything I need here."
" She excused herself from my presence and I looked over my room, used the
toiletries, and walked to Janette's room. I wanted to see if Giovanni was
all right and visit a moment. The door was ajar. Janette was sitting beside
him on the bed which was much more dignified than the last time I had seen
it. Nicholas was standing at the unlit fireplace. I peeped in.
" Lenore, come in. " Nicholas spoke. " Giovanni is fine and now he is
resting comfortably."
" Yes" Janette said " His feeding has gone nicely. Where is Lacroix?"
" Downstairs. The guests are nearly gone now."
" I can safely leave him for a while now. He needs to sleep. The night is
growing short. Nicholai, will you play for us this night?" Janette eagerly
asked.
" Maybe. Certainly. You know I don't mind. You ladies join me in the music
room as soon as the last guests leave. Janette he will be fine. His gentle
nature was a good fortune indeed. He still has a kindness to him. I'll see
you downstairs shortly." Nicholas left us for the piano room.
" Sleep Giovanni, and dream." Janette spoke to her new blood as a mother to
a new baby. Concerned yet eager. " Lenore, my dear, are you ready to join
us? Nicholai is such a fine pianist. It helps me....unwind before the
morning comes. He has learned from the greatest composers through the ages.
Let us see if the guests are gone."
  I walked down the stairs with Janette and saw a cleaned and very empty
ballroom. I saw no Lacroix or anyone else. Silence had come over the
mansion. Janette and I took a bottle of leftover wine from Bernard who was
carrying it back toward the kitchen with a large tray. Janette handed it to
me.
" For you Lenore. I, on the other hand will go now to the cellar in search
of a somewhat different potion. You may follow if you like. Careful, the
stairs are steep. We shall save Nicholai the trouble. Oh, I almost forget
his ridiculous habit of uncultured farm animal. You see, Lacroix does not
normally keep such a product, however if I know my Nicholai......I am
sure........he is one step ahead of us."
  We wound down a very old stair case hidden under the stairs of the main
hall. It was dark until Janette clicked a switch which I was grateful to see
on the wall at last. The cellar was actually quite clean allowing for a few
webs left behind here and there. It was filled with bottles on every wall.
Janette acted as though she knew the place well as she moved her hand down
row after row of bottles, finally deciding on some.
 " Ah yes, here we are. This one is mine and mon dieu c'est la vin de
Nicholai. Yuk, indeed. Oh well, come now and we will go to the music room."
  The music room was not a huge room but a quaint mid size room with lovely
carpet, a whole library of books, a crystal chandelier, a comfortable couch
and several chairs which looked as ones that children would flock to as
grandpa read stories of Christmas. The piano was a black baby grande and
took up nearly a fourth of the room. The bench was upholstered to match the
other decor of the room. Nicholas ws sitting there upon it when we entered.
He had changed into some leisurely black silk pajamas and robe. Comfortable
slippers adorned his feet. He was smiling at us boyishly while holding a
crystal wine glass and looking like he didn't quite know what to do with it.
  " What kept you?" he said. Janette was happy to get rid of his vintage
from her arms.
  " Take this, this stuff from me Nicholai."
  " You shouldn't have." Nicholas was having a good time teasing her about
the blood of cow she so hated and was feeding on her hatred of it to amuse
himself. He handed me something.
  " Oh, Lenore, I believe this is for you. I found it when I came in."
  There on top of the baby grande was a single, long stem white rose not yet
in bloom fully. Attached was a note to me. It read as follows:
(Lacroix Note to Lenore)>>> " Lenore, enjoy the music not only coming from
the tune Nicholas plays for you tonight but also hear the music which my now
gladdened heart dances to only in your company. Listen and enjoy. I will
join you shortly. Lucien."
  His words made me hold my breath and I knew I was blushing. Janette's eyes
were beautifully wide with anticipation and she smiled warmly at me.
Nicholas poured himself a drink in his crystal glass and eyed us only
slightly more accepting than in the cemetery. Janette kissed my cheek and
hugged me in a friendly gesture.
  " Beethoven's darkest sonata it is ladies but I warn you, I am a bit
rusty. I hope the sonata is to your liking."
  And so play he did as the anticipation grew within me. Janette also had
poured some drinks for us from the bottle I got from Bernard and the chosen
bottle from the cellar. She smiled as she sipped from her glass and leaned
across the piano. The wine was a delicious claret, quite old indeed. The
mortal world was so many heartbeats away from me now it seemed, as the
hauntingly dark sonata complimented the remaining night. It was as a dream
within a dream. The soft lighting in the room played it's own glowing tune
within the blondish waves of Nicholas' hair. Janette was peaceful now, never
taking her eyes off of Nicholas. She was so unlike the skilled huntress who
stood before me in the cemetery. The three of us were in a harmony I was
certain not many ever got the chance to experience. Time didn't seem to
matter at all, as long as we had this unexplainable bond and kinship. I
savored the taste of the wine upon my lips, delighted in the work of
Nicholas as he generously played perhaps the most haunting tune ever known
to man or perhaps, vampire! I closed my eyes to invision and feel Lucien's
arms around me, his softened breath upon my ear and to gaze deeply within
the blue depths of my one true love. Then as if from the spirit world which
read my deepest thoughts and desires, my destiny made his presence known in
the room. Janette smiled and giggled as she gestured toward Lucien. I walked
slowly to him, holding the rose and smiling longingly at him. Then my love
spoke to me.
  " The tune is one of the most romantic ever composed by Beethoven.
Moonlight so it is called, as beautiful as my raven's hair under moonlight
in the cemetery this evening." He said softly.
  " You saw me, I mean us? You were there? What exactly did you hear and
where were you?" I had to know.
  " Let's just say, I heard enough to make an otherwise frozen heart warm as
the sun I shall never stroll under again. I had to make a rather uninvited
decision concerning one of my ....not so pleasant acquaintances, so to
speak. I simply came to rest  myself in a quite sturdy oak over looking the
cemetery. What is done is simply done. The event you saw is Janette's doing
therefore she will be the one to see it through. She took the
responsibility. As for you, Lenore, your words, how I longed to hear such
music. Centuries pass yet intolerable pain follows us, ensnares us in omen's
dark web and we force a coldness upon our hearts. But now.....now I prepare
myself for a gift already waiting at my heart's open gate."
  We stood close, his hand upon my cheek, wet with tears from the beauty of
my love's words. Such cold ice of blue in the eyes that set me ablaze. How I
trembled, weak from the passion I felt. He took my hand, holding it to his
lips.
  " Come now to eternity my love. The stairs await the footsteps of your
final mortality."
  His eyes never left me. Leaving the room with Lucien, I never turned to
see the look of disapproval on the face of Nicholas or the sheer enchantment
of Janette. Together I walked with Lucien upwards to sweet darkened fury. It
was as though my feet never touched the floor during the trip up the lengthy
stairs. It did not matter anyway. Nothing mattered now save for the company
I was with. Upon reaching the top of the stairs my love carried me in his
arms to the most ravishing room in the mansion. Black plush carpeting and
rich mahogany gave luster to the large antique mirrored dresser. Black
panels under splendid lace curtains of black held the sun at bay. The large
heavy wood four poster bed was truly a sight to behold, adorned with
burgundy linen and oh so fluffy comforter and elegant pillows. Roses to
match the one I had been left on the piano graced an exquisite vase on the
night table. The room smelled of fragrant spice and potpourri. It did so
indeed delight the senses. How I wondered, could this be known as a cold
death, an eternal void. It captivated every part of my innermost being. I
was amorously fading deeper into undeniable inertia. Even the opening of the
final seal, the seventh, could not have moved me from his grace, his lips
which now smothered mine, his arms which pulled me close, his hands which
caressed my every curve then slowly lowered me to the soft waiting comfort.
He let the white lace fall from my shoulders while still softly nibbling my
chin, my lips. Then as if from some fiery realm deep within the earth's
core, the kiss came that opened the heart of ice to me, his mouth exploring
every hidden depth of mine. Like razor's patient edge they grew, my tongue
delighting their points. Only one precious word did my Lucien speak to me
before the rapture.
  " Mine"
  There beneath him, seeing the lovely blue pools turn to golden orbs, the
longing came to sweet yearning end. All of the love, the lust out of hell
and the splendid touch came together in one sharpened passion play. Lucien's
fangs released their frenzy upon my neck, our bodies also as one, sinking
deep, never allowing me to deny loving every dark moment as my sunlight
forever was slain. So my world then turned black, spinning into nowhere.
There in the bed of Lucien Lacroix, my master and lover, I died and became
better, stronger, smarter and a hunter under cover of darkness. I awoke into
a new world where space and time have no meaning. I saw through different
eyes though every bit as enamoured with my Lucien as I hungrily drank from
his now bleeding wrist. His goodness filled me. His essence now all was
mine.
  " Your beauty is even greater than before. The sun rises quickly. I'm sure
the others have long since retired. Let me hold you through the day and
start our eternity together." There was no argument to my love from me.
  " Insight into the depths of your cold steel eyes has forbidden my heart
to feel the warmth of daybreak yet it cries out your name in the darkness.
Lost though my heart may be, eternity is a grateful word when linked with my
one true devotion. Beyond all time I do spend it with you. What sweet
vengeance love pierces my shadow world."
  Together we lie in Lucien's bed with a bond of blood filled notions.
Though one of many enfants de Lacroix I treasured our time together. One
candle within my soul does forever burn with one solemn word
attached.....................Lucien
                                        For N my lord where ever you
are.............
                                                End Calling Lenore by
niteflyer@alltel.net  Pristine Aericko
Copyright 1999  Lenore returns later in the FK/Highlander crossover
Discovery! Enjoy!
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