Sometimes evil is our own worst enemy ( CJ <33 )

[TULLIA SERVAN ELLIS]

So after Gabe did the up and leave Tullia was left alone and feeling rather restless , she wanted to have some fun and get out. Figuring Ruben was probably busy having his own fun this meant Tullia was going to need to do the same. Humming softly she turned on her sound system and let the music flood though her room,dancing softly she glanced though her clothes. What did she want to wear tonight that was the question,punk or a little more on the slutty side. Either of those she could pull off it was just the matter of the attention she wanted to grab from it all. After digging though it seemed like it was going to be a mix of the two,grabbing her corset top and jeans she slipped them on,allowing her blond pink striped hair to fall past her shoulder a soft sigh escaped her lips. She had really thought that her relationship with Gabe was going to be more,but it seemed like it was just not meant to be. That made sense though, it was to ease, you normally don't get a guy to accept that after a few late night booty calls. So it seemed like her feelings were true since he just vanished after her confession. What better way to move on then spending time at a bar.

Adding the last finishing touches, she grabbed her keys phone and jacket,already knowing the destination she had in mind. Having been to most of the club people knew her by site. Which was nice because her name and power gave her a slight edge in town. Which was always a plus when you wanted certain things or power in certain areas. This club though she hadn't really made herself known so that was another reason why she picked this one. Club Nightfire you think the name alone would have caused her to come to it. Well at least she was heading there now,getting into her car hearing the engine roar to life Tullia laughed softly and grinned this was exactly what she needed to get out of this funk. Driving down the streets she drummed her fingers to the beat and allowed the music to flow around her and the car. It would be a fun night,just a time to forget things that had happened. Arriving at her destination ,watching people filter though to the inside it seemed like this was a good night to go out after all.

Turning of the car,allowing herself to take a few breathes she slipped out of it making sure it was locked behind her. Chuckling softly, as she watched eyes take in her car and her body,oh yes she would find what she wanted tonight. Pulling out her id and cash she headed to the door man. Waiting for him to take her money and check her id she offered him a wink and a soft thanks as she walked though the entrance. The music pumped though the cub,hearing the slight vibrations around the room she couldn't help but chuckle and slowly move her body already to the music, Slowly sliding her body though bodies of people and not minding the whispers and stares she was getting. She knew that she was a rather striking woman and that as Damon said was just in their genes and she would be damned if she felt bad for it.

Heading to the bar she tapped her fingers on the counter,smiling as the bartender approached ,ordering a sex on the beach. Humming softly she waited as the drink was being made winking to a male that she seemed to snag the attention of. He wasn't what she was looking for ,he was to clean cut and she while she enjoyed that. It wasn't what she was looking for tonight. Slipping into a free bar stool she just allowed the music to play and let her body slowly sway to the music. Soon she would dance but she needed that draw to the floor , her attention to spark and she had yet to find that. Slowly sipping her drink she pondered about how the night would end but she had hope that it would be a night to remember.

[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Our hunting grounds are everywhere. Over the years, we have learned to adapt to modern society and understand that our targets like to find comfort in a number of different locations. The reason we look for them in these 'safe' locations is because typically, it is easier to take someone when they're comfortable. When they feel safe and like nothing in the world can harm them, that's the best time to strike. Like a cobra in the darkness, in the shadows, we wait for the perfect moment to catch our prey around the ankle, around the throat, dose them with a sweet smelling poison and carry them back to our holding area. We've made modifications to it throughout the years, and now it's all but perfect. A perfect place for the perfect hunting ground – Manuka will serve us well.

For years, there have been rumors that 'special' beings have flocked here for some unknown purpose, and we consider it to be ground zero for some of our more in-depth research. For as long as we can remember, we've been interested in the science and study of how things work -nobody understands the 'special' ones, not really. But we will. We'll cut them open one by one and see what makes the magic happen. What allows for a being to hold fire within their hands, go for days without sleeping, or fly? We'll find out, one by careless one – we'll take them when they least expect it.

But first, we have to spend an evening with this infernal racket. Why are we here? A target – one we've been watching for weeks. Tullia Ellis is her name, and her family is a rather well-known, powerful group of firetamers. We've seen firetamers in action, but we've never actually gotten a chance to see them up close. They don't have any special markings or distinguishing features that separates them from the regular humans – it's all in the power they wield.

From our studies, we've learned that they are produced by a genetic anomaly that allows for the ability to tame fire as they develop. If only we could cut so deep that we could access the genes themselves, but even with technology, we are limited. In a bigger lab, a facility, then maybe, but there is no way we can trust the outside world enough to take this research beyond our walls. If anyone found out then we'd become trapped like rats, and we cannot live in a cage. No cages for us. We must be free to learn and roam and hunt and kill and make them all bleed.

The club wasn't pleasant on our sensitive ears: we have exquisite hearing, but we came here because we were following a target. Due to excellent timing, we ended up here before she entered the club, sneaking in through a back entrance so the door man would never be able to recognize us. We watched her carefully as she took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink. We don't know what the drink is, but we're certain that a waiter could duplicate it. The gin and tonic that we have isn't something that we're really drinking – it's mostly for appearance's sake, but we sit there and take a sip every twenty minutes or so, until she's finished with her first drink, and then we flag down a waiter. ”Will you instruct the bartender to give the lovely blonde over there a refill what she was just having? On me.”

We'd never approach a target directly – no, we like it when they come to us. Our money reaches the waiter in an amount sufficient enough to cover the drink, plus a decent tip, and he leaves. Our plan goes well, and the waiter makes it back to the bartender, then asks him to do as we've requested. The bartender places the drink in front of her, then says something we cannot hear and points in our direction. If she looks at us, we are prepared to smile, just enough to be enticing, and hope she falls into our trap.

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[TULLIA SERVAN ELLIS]

The music would fill the room and cause Tullia to swing her body to the music enjoying every pulse and beat of it. Why Gabe left Tullia would never know or probably even want to ask but she was loving this freedom she was having now and to hell with anyone who wouldn't enjoy it with her. Licking her lips her fingers would tap against the top of the bar to just feel the rhythm of it all, yes to get lost in the darkness was something that Tullia was craving at the moment. The song " Not in love would play now" A grin spreading across her features now, her body would slip from the bar stool and head towards the dance floor. Not wasting any time, her hands would touch her own hips and slowly rock against the music and swaying her head back and forth just enjoying it all. Not caring about eyes on her or whispers probably being spoken, no now was the time to get lost to the music and just enjoy it all. Not question anything about it, just being on and centered was what she wanted. Tossing her head back , her hair falling against her shoulders allowing the heat and the beat to steal her away. Eyes flicking around feeling eyes on her but no one making a move. A chuckle would escape her lips seeing this and would just shake her head.

After a few more songs, she would start to feel herself getting tired and would head back to her spot on the bar. Sitting back down she would find a drink right in front of her, a curious glance on her face now. Eyes trying to find the patron who bought her the drink. The bartender would point to a male in the distance. Tullia would nod and take a sip of her drink making a pleased sigh. Hoping she would catch the stranger when a smile from a male would appear and Tullia knew she found the guy she was looking for. And all she could think was damn this guy was sexy , licking her lips keeping the drink her body would slip from her seat and head towards the stranger who bought her thr drink for the evening.

Moving with a fluid grace with the bodies around her, her eyes flashing with a hidden desire and grace or want of something more. It had been awhile since she had something like and Tullia was more then happy to explore if it she could. Approaching the male a small smile would grace her features and a slight sensual look as well. Since he seemed to want her attention as well , there wouldn't be a problem if she teased a little or flirted herself right. " Thank you for the drink . May I join you. " Tullia wouldn't mind if she couldn't maybe this guy just wanted to be kind and buy her a drink. The way he looked though Tullia couldn't really just picture him buying someone a drink maybe she would be able to have her fun tonight after all. " I'm Tullia by the way , now what brings you out and alone for that matter. A guy with your looks I am surprised you don't have woman pouring all over you." It was rather odd that more woman didn't approach him but Tullia was happy for that all the same it meant she had most of his attention.

Fingers would run though her hair now as she leaned against the arm of a near by chair , allowing a fool look of her body for his eyes as she took in his form as well. Her hair falling past her shoulders in waves , something that Tullia always loved about her hair. As well as her skin and corseted waist yes she was playing tonight and hopefully someone would find her as a catch. " So enjoying your night so far ?" Eyes glancing around before looking back to the one in front of her.

Outfit

[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

After choosing a target, we were extremely methodical about carrying out our plans. It was part of the reason why we always continued to be successful with our captures, kills, and other illegal activities. Our compulsion was one that could not be denied, even if we didn't enjoy it as much as we did. Or, at least, as much as we used to enjoy our kills and sessions with a carefully chosen victim. But that was part of the reason why we had been here, in Manuka, for two decades: there was an answer to our plight on the horizon, and we could feel it. Now, it was only a matter of time before we could be restored to our old self again; we just needed a few more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. However, there was nothing keeping us back from performing some of our old tricks while we waited. Actually, we had been devising a careful little side-plot, a structured, interesting endeavor that should allow for much more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the other supernatural beings that exist within this city and flock to it in droves. Carefully, we will choose one of each species along with sub-categories and other interesting specimens and study them. One by terrified one, we will cut them open and look at them like a mechanic might investigate an engine; we want to see how all the little gears and cogs work. Where the power comes from. What makes them tick.

Tonight, we're starting with a firetamer.

We watched her dance, noting that she seemed to be on the prowl – not in the same way as us, of course, but certainly looking for something or someone to distract her for the evening. Her aura showed a desire for escape, and we carefully analyzed her behavior, wanting to be sure that she was pliable and reckless enough to entertain our advances for the evening. Then, our plan could begin. Throughout the years, we had learned that many women were flattered by a handsome man buying them a drink, and while we certainly didn't consider ourselves to be a sexual being, we could recall praise from many a woman before we killed each one later in the evening. No, Tullia Ellis would not get to experience that side of our blade, but close. A very, very close shave. An enticing encounter with death. A chance to experience that phenomenon that many a mortal being entertains where their life will 'flash' before their eyes; we want to give her that gift as an exchange for many, many things she can give us.

Predictably, she accepts the drink we bought her from the waiter we instructed and makes her way over to us. She's smiling, completely unaware of what will happen to her tonight, and our dark eyes meet hers when she approaches our table in a way that is nothing short of fearless. ”My pleasure, please.” We motioned to a seat across from us at our table and take a sip of the drink we have in front of us. The alcohol is burning and unpleasant – we've never cared much for the taste because it reminds us of early hospital chemicals; betadyne and chloroform and things we use on victims, not on ourselves. She takes her seat and introduces herself, but we already know her name, so we smile, knowing that she is likely expecting an introduction from us as well. With victims, we always use a different name – never Vincent, just in case the name gets lodged in their memory even after we give them plenty of reasons to forget. ”Call me Jack. I noticed you dancing, and felt that you might be in the need of something to help you... cool off.”

We had disarmed her with our physical appearance, it seemed, and we were good at taking compliments because it was just another part of our fake, charming persona. If she found us attractive, it would give her a reason to stay in our company, and help us learn more about her by engaging her in conversation. ”You're really too kind, Tullia. Most of the time, I just come to the bars to relax, not entertain the company of women. However, tonight I just couldn't keep my eyes off of you.” Because she was what we wanted, what we needed for our little experiment, and soon enough we'd have her back in our special room, on our operating table, and she'd be in for the night of her life.

”It's a little too early to gauge where the evening will lead,” we replied when she asked how our night was going. After all, we'd just gotten here when she did, and had sat in this very spot watching until just now. She was the entire focus of our evening. ”But enough about me – tell me about you. What brings you here tonight?” We allowed our eyes to trace her body when she offered it to us, needing to make her think we had an interest even though we never felt physical attraction. The disguise was everything, and we would not break character for anything. Tonight was too important.

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[TULLIA SERVAN ELLIS]

Hands gently running over the glass the taste of the liquor , running down her throat as she closed her eyes. They made good drinks here not to heavy or light , the right amount of alcohol which many people wouldn't think about. Why she was thinking about now was beyond her just one of those thoughts that entered her brain. Pushing them aside she continued her destination , towards the very attractive looking male who bought her that drink. Making sure that she looked decent offering a warm smile as she made her way to where he was seated. Taking the seat offered across from him, setting down the glass her hand gently running across the table for the moment. Licking her lips her eyes would take in all of his features. This was exactly what was needed just a fling a hook up to forget all of her troubles.

“ Thank you , I don't think I have seen you around before you new to town “ Hitting the club scene often Tullia had a few thing for faces. Yet this one escaped her so maybe he truly was new to town which could be a good thing. That mean she could show him a thing or two about what makes this place fun as well as the people in it. Another sip of her own drink before leaning back and relaxing into the chair. This night could go many different ways , Tullia knew what she wanted of course but she was never going to force someone to do something they didn't want to do either. So if the night didn't end up in a bedroom it would be a shame but she would understand it. Hearing his name a smile graced her features. “ Pleasure Jack , oh well I hoped you liked what you were watching. Yes a drink was exactly what I needed so thank you for the thought. It was in very good taste much obliged. Feeling a light form of sweat coating the back of her neck , she would move her hair over her shoulder at that point wanting to help herself cool down.

If she wasn't as confident as she was a blush would appear across her features instead Jack would be graced with a grin. Always having liked heard that she was a good dancer and attractive , even more so if she captured the eyes of someone who didn't usually like the company of woman at night. That would defiantly help with the confidence. “Oh thank you for the compliment.” Thoughts of what he would be like dancing filled her own mind , images of how he knew how to move his body. That is all they were though just thoughts nothing more , as much as Tullia desired though she would just wait and see what happened. Oh yeah well hopefully the night picks up for you.” Knowing what it was like to have a bummer of her night herself she would only hope that it got better at least they were in good company right.

Oh I just wanted a change of pace you know , been in a bit of a funk lately so I thought a night out would help. Shrugging after in her response no point in lying about that , she really wanted a change tonight something to just help her move past her own funk of being dumped and left so hopefully this would help with that.

[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

We always knew to proceed with caution – overconfidence led to many a wiser man's downfall, and we knew ourselves to be far too intelligent to get ahead of the game. This whole conversation was the set-up point of our little game: stalk, torture, kill. Except tonight there would be no killing, and usually we would be disappointed, but since we lost our emotions long ago, we have merely begun to settle under the guise of circumstance, and do what makes most sense logically. The firetamer will be ours, however – make no mistake. Already, she is within our grasp, but we've played too many times to know that it's not so simple as snagging the attention of a victim; trust must be established. Or, at least enough trust that we can get the information we need to ensure that it will be a safe capture. Questions must be asked, such as 'Are you alone?' or other pertinent issues to determine if our victim will be missed and for how long. We've studied the entire Ellis family and know them to be fairly close-knit. But, as with any piece of patchwork, there are bound to be a few holes and with any emotional being, there are bound to be issues that would detract from a more complete focus. As much as we do miss the ability to be able to take joy from our kills, we are glad that the emotions never caused us to be distracted from our precious work.

”I have been in Manuka for a number of years, but my profession doesn't allow for much socialization. Long hours, busy schedule,” we reply easily, noticing that she is already beginning to take an interest in our body. Will this be enough to capture her? Perhaps. ”What about you? What do you do for a living?” We already know the answer, of course – we have been watching Tullia Ellis for three weeks, and tonight was finally the proper night to strike. However, it is best to choose a guise and stick with it. Since she has seemingly come to the club alone without one of her usual cohorts: Jayne Astor, Jyli Hayes, Ruben Carraway... we assume that she is out looking for a new companion. We know that we are likely far from what the firetamer is looking for, but the disguise will serve us well.

”I enjoyed it perhaps enough to entice you over here with a drink,” the smoothness in our voice is unusual – we prefer the rough, empty gravel, but a mask is a mask is a mask. ”I'm pleased to know it was well-received.” More compliments leave our mouth, and we know that she is all but hanging on our every word. Sometimes it is truly a wonder that more beings aren't able to see the emptiness that resides within our soul, beneath the dark pigment of our eyes. If they were wiser, we would not be as successful, and tonight would end rather differently. As it was, we were already chomping at the bit to have the blonde firetamer spread out and cut open on our table, hands shoved deep inside to find out what that hot blood leads to, where the magic resides. ”My night is already picking up. I have high hopes for the evening, and you?”

We smile in what we hope to be a charming way when she expresses that she has been in a 'bit of a funk,' and realize that we don't understand the meaning. We cannot say this, of course, but we prefer to listen than speak, less the cracks in our mask start to show. So we ask, hoping that she will elaborate. ”If you'd care to share about this 'funk,' I am quite an excellent listener.”

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[TULLIA SERVAN ELLIS]

Offering a nod as Jack spoke, she had been in this place her whole life she couldn't really picture herself going anywhere else. They had everything she wanted right here and having the power didn't hurt either. At least Jack seemed to be liking the town well enough though. All types seemed to find there way here one way or another though which was kinda funny. Maybe something was drawing them here , not that Tullia paid much attention to it. Her life was full of some many things she didn't really have anything else to think about. With Adien become the head of the family soon , her thoughts where every which way. So tonight was nice to be able to just let all of that go , well also to be able to forget about a possible relationship that seemed to flame out like all the other ones she had tried to have. Maybe she was just meant to be a fluid creature , just have fun with no ties. The idea had it's positives for sure but it could get lonely after awhile , now was not the time to think about such dark things though. What good did that do , she wanted to just have fun and cut loose tonight. Hopefully that would happen with the sexy looking man across from her though.

Sipping her drink before setting it down she would nod his head about work , a lot of people seemed to work themselves to the bone. What was the fun in that though you became exhausted before you say any reward. To each their own though so Tullia wouldn't judge, it wasn't her place after all. " Oh well at least you get to enjoy that tonight though. All work and no play can be pretty dull." While she did enjoy work as much as the next person. Having fun though was something that Tullia would recommend to anyone though who wanted to work their whole lives away. Then again Jayne worked a lot but she also had a deep respect for him , and he was at least sometimes able to have some fun. She hadn't talked to Jayne in awhile that would need to change. She heard about his father so she would need to ask how everyone was doing with the sudden change. That would happen after all of this though tonight she would only think about the possible enjoyment she was about to have. I am a bartender from time to time. I just kinda float and pick up work when someone is short staffed. Not all that glamorous but I enjoy it. "

Well he was a charmer which was a nice change , then again most men were charming when they wanted something. He got her a drink though so at least he seemed to be showing interest. Tullia could flirt with the best of them , it all depended on if the other felt like taking the bait. Or dangle bait themselves which Jack seemed to be doing and Tullia didn't mind taking. The drink was good and the company was nice as well so. Smirking at that comment about the night getting better she set her drink down and relaxed against one of the chairs. " Oh I have a feeling the night will get even better before we know it. " Licking her lips her eyes would glance around the club everyone was off doing their own thing so they seemed to be enjoy themselves. " I think I am going to have a very good night before all is said and done. "

At the thought of sharing a shake of her head would be offered instead. The last thing she wanted to do was scare off a possible lay with her love troubles. " Naw nothing to really talk about , besides I am sure there are plenty of other enjoyable thing to talk about. "

[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

Part of us wanted to keep watching the clock, keeping track of the time that crept by. Some people said that time 'flew' when someone was having fun, but we never understood that expression. There was never a need nor desire for us to want to speed up time – we were meticulous and careful by nature, ensuring that even our plans had plans and a way to carry things out in a different manner if such was needed for our continued safety. There was a reason why we had never been caught, even though we had been stalking, torturing, and killing for years. It was an outlet, our greatest job, and the one we spent most of our time and devotions to, even though surgery was still a skill that we kept well-honed, like the proper edge of a scalpel. Tonight, however, we found that we were looking forward to when it would be time to take Ms. Ellis home, against her own will, to our table where we could study all of her secrets. Soon, but not soon enough.

Another phrase we did not completely understand left her lips, and we tried to keep from frowning and letting on to the fact that we happened to be highly skilled and capable at the game of pretend. We were good at convincing others that we were kind, charming, a gentleman – but we were far from such claims. Although we knew that there were only so many true monsters in the world, we also knew that most would consider us one of them, even if we were still in our mortal form instead of the immortal one that had been granted us after an exchange that altered the course of our future forever. There had been a time when we had been dismayed at the prospect of losing our emotions, what little we had, but we had never expected it to happen so quickly. Such was the only time that the clock 'flew' past us, taking even our careful selves by surprise. ”My job brings me much pleasure as well as a decent pay check. It allows me to buy a pretty, deserving woman her drinks for the evening as well – but I suppose you're right. Nothing wrong with taking a little time for yourself.” Later, we intended to savor the time we were given, savor every moment and squirm of her body on our table once she realized that the evening would not be ending as she hoped it would. By now, we had peeked into her mind, our first intrusion of the night and knew that she was sexually attracted to us... and that thought was rather unsettling, because sex was something we'd never enjoyed. It had happened, once or twice, when we had to put a woman in her place and make her fear us... the force of solid muscle and strength against a more pliable, struggling object had a tendency to incite fear even in the most solid, stubborn individuals, and we had enjoyed the feeling of that fear and the screams. Oh, the screams had always been some of the best when we caught them by surprise, but no longer... those were also just memories that had been left behind to torment us, since we could no longer enjoy such pleasant sounds.

Tullia Ellis was not an interest to us sexually, and we supposed that it would likely give her cause to be a little grateful, since we would have her body in other ways. Kinder ways to some, but to others... well, there was always those people who preferred more violent ways of violation rather than those that stripped their dignity, too. It was all the same to us – but our way of being predatory rarely involved sexual encounters of any kind. Only when it was needed, just another weapon like our blades and other instruments. "To a very long evening, then. Let us hope that it's all for the best.” If only she knew what our plans for her this evening really contained... she might not be as excited. Or aroused. After offering our ear to listen to our troubles, we were a bit surprised that she declined our offer, but it meant that we could skip ahead to other more important questions. ”Not a worry – if you're not willing to divulge, I won't trouble you by continuing to ask. So, Tullia... what did you hope to accomplish this evening? If you're here alone, dancing without a partner... are you looking for someone to catch your eye, or just blow off steam?” We would not take chances that anyone else might have seen her, or seen us together... we wouldn't be taking chances, because soon it would be time to leave. And then our fun would really begin.

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[TULLIA SERVAN ELLIS]

Hmm so the job allowed him some free time and gave him a good pay check, that was something that was often taken for granted these days. Not that Tullia really worried or thought about it much. Her family came from money, she didn't really think about it, her work was mainly for fun and killing time. Just seeing what the night had to offer and if she was going to have fun at all. There wasn't really much else too it , that was her night life though when she actually was doing something her mind was focused. Tonight though none of that was being though about. Tonight was just forgetting about her troubles and having fun and possible a good lay, it all depended on things were playing out with her company. Jack a interesting man. At least he knew that he was able to enjoy himself though, because what was life without a little fun. Tullia knew when work needed to be done, but also when she could enjoy things and just let it roll. Her eyes flicked around the club, it seemed like people were enjoying themselves , which was good. Why go out if you weren't planning on at least having a little bit of fun. Taking another sip of her drink, her body swaying to the music. It had a good beat, lately music had all been the same boring and nothing new. It took usually some skill and talent to find music that was different and refreshing, this club seemed to have it though which was nice. " Of course because what if life without at least a little enjoyment from time to time. You wouldn't want life to get dull after all , would you."

Her tone slightly teasing, she wasn't one to pass judgement on how people lived their lives though. Hell she was a girl who enjoyed the club life then became a wise owl and offered advice to those who needed it. What high ground did she have to judge anyone, so if Jack didn't enjoy the club life often more power too him. No one had the right to judge another on how they chose to life their life. Tullia didn't ever plan or want to do that. Who know's what the night would bring them, it could end after their drinks. Nothing was ever planned at a club. You just had to go with the flow of things which was what Tullia planned on doing, hopefully though she could find some more fun with Jack maybe they would leave the club. Or just enjoy themselves on the dance floor any of those options sounded good to her. It was just a matter of how she wanted to play her next few cards and how quick her hand would be shown.

A smile would grace her features and nod shortly followed, yes to the enjoyable night. Things were going well so that only meant that it could get better right, why try to think of things that could possible ruin the good buzz of the night that they both were feeling. It would do no good worrying about things like that. Bliss and enjoyment was her goal and if she could get Jack to enjoy that as well, then more power to her. " Thanks just don't really feel like talking about things that could ruin the good buzz you know. Oh I just came out to blow off some steam. I was hoping to catch someone's eye but that didn't seem to be happening until now, so I am glad I am in your company. I just wanted to cut loose and have some fun you know. What about yourself what brings you to a club tonight, looking to have a night on the town or something more then that? Usually single men came out for flings, at least that was what Tullia had experienced but every person was different, so maybe Jack just wanted a chance of pace and who could blame anyone for that.

[VINCENT HUGH JACKS]

We were only good at conversation for so long before the cracks in our disguise started to slip, and we certainly didn't want such a thing to happen tonight. While we are typically a paragon of patience, taking action with some sort of efficiency is also a positive move in what we consider to be the right direction. After finding a victim, learning about him or her, and planning a 'meet' whether it involves conversation or just a simple abduction, we try to be efficient. Silent. Deadly. But this time we cannot kill – no, even though Tullia Ellis would be a lovely corpse, she would be missed by her rather large family, and they might come looking for us. Which is why we cannot take the chance – we must be quick, not give her any reason to suspect that we mean her any harm, and then sneak her away into the shadows, without a trace until we decide that she can greet the rest of the world again. For tonight, she will be our captive. Our house guest. Our experiment and play thing, but not in the way she would like us to play.

We do understand human sexuality, and the typical reaction of bodily chemicals to portray arousal, but we cannot say we've ever felt them. Seduction is something that we can only play with for short periods of time, as a technique used to gain the trust of who we choose to abduct. The result is never physical, not in a way where our body would become joined with another – there is no copulation, no coitus, no 'fun.' We cannot even feel 'fun,' so why would we waste precious time? The experiments are merely a placeholder while we continue to work out the bugs and kinks in our larger plan, our reason for staying in Manuka so long. Daphne Astor. Oh, meeting her at the train yard was an unexpected pleasure, and even though we find it strange and oddly troubling that our mind flickers to her at inappropriate moments – moments such as this one, when we should be focused on the proper timing to take Tullia into our care – we cannot help ourselves. She is just another compulsion, another temptation, another thing we cannot explain, and that is troubling enough.

”I can imagine that a dull life wouldn't be worth living at all. Wouldn't you say it's rather fortunate to have a life worth living? Without something to ease your idle hours, you might as well be dead.” We spoke with a slow smile, keeping our eyes locked on hers, even though there was no emotion behind them. Most people couldn't pick up on that fact, although there had been a few who, in passing, had been deterred by our very presence. Being able to read auras was useful, and because there was no flicker of trouble in hers – no red flags to speak of – we felt that we were still clear. Charming. Perhaps our mask wasn't slipping after all in our careful game of pretend. We would only get better with practice, and forever is a very long time.

After Tullia declined our offer to listen to her troubles, we found ourselves a bit relieved, but also at a loss. Naturally, we would not want to indulge someone to spill their guts unless it was literal and not metaphorically speaking – viscera, when treated properly, has a number of uses. We could divulge some of our secrets, how we've used intestines in the past, but that would be telling. We don't share our secrets with just anyone. Disappointingly enough, she is more interested in us, and we reply succinctly, hoping that it'll give us an opportunity to change the subject. ”Even though I don't dance, the music isn't terribly unpleasant, and there's more than enough in the way of social interactions around me to keep me interested. You might say that people and their interactions are something of a specialty of mine.” Brief, enough to entice, but nothing that would make us memorable. Not once the drugs kick in. Speaking of drugs... ”Would you like another drink? I can retrieve one from the bar, wouldn't want you to exhaust yourself after all that dancing.” Will you fall for our trap, Miss Ellis, or will you play to our creative side this evening?

[/justify]