Girl Talk

"Well," Aishe said, "I'm under the protection of Evenhet, so anything that happens to me should happen within the clan. Or I suppose, at least, with the permisson of our leader. And they really are like family, so it only feels right that should my wishes come to pass, it would be someone from that family who does so."

Fallon's words about Ted, and their relationship, were hardly verbose, but little more needed to be said than what Fallon divulged. Aishe's original guess seemed to be accurate, and she was sorry for that. No one should ever have to suffer that way. She squeezed Fallon's hand back.

"Don't you see though Fallon? You showed more bravery, were more outgoing and courageous by leaving Ted, than anything you seem to look up to me for. Do you know how many women never find the guts to do that? A lesser woman than you would have stayed, would have made excuses, said she deserved it, or it was her fault somehow."

She shook her head in wonder. "You're amazing, you shouldn't be afraid. You've done something wonderful and incredible. And now that you're free of him..." She broke off there for a moment before saying, "You are free of him right? You don't think he'll try to follow you, do you?"

What would it matter though? Fallon was right. She had the means now to protect herself from Ted even if he did come after her. And if she became part of a clan, they must offer her even more protection so she wouldn't have to feel alone.

"You won't be alone though," she said out loud. "Even if you didn't have a clan to cover your back, I would. Not much, I know... but I have a mean left hook when I'm pissed."

The cute waiter was back, then, and there was silence again while he placed their orders in front of them and sailed off once more.

The reasons behind staying inside her clan began to make a little more sense to Fallon. To think of them as a family helped put the idea into better perspective.

"That makes sense. I guess having someone clanless turn you tends to eliminate a lot of the family ties that might be automatically associated with the act."

Not that she thought it would even begin to be an option, but Fallon knew if Aishe asked her now, to turn her, she would. Of course she would need to research the process so she knew what she was doing. But to be able to give her friend this new life would be such an honor.

Fallon knew Aishe would choose wisely...she had put much too much thought and effort into learning all she could, not to.

When talk went to Fallon, it became increasingly uncomfortable for her. But she vowed to herself to push the words out...she needed Aishe to know...perhaps to understand.

"No...it wasn't bravery...it was self preservation. I know if I had stayed much longer, I would have been really, truly dead...if not yet, soon. It was fear that put me into my car and on the road that morning. We had no children...had I really been brave I would have left him the first time he ever struck me."

Self-recrimination was evident in her tone, as she spoke about herself. Though for the most part, she had gotten beyond hating herself months ago, and only now suffered minor lapses. She didn't remember the time in her life when she finally accepted the fact that she wasn't a bad person, but it must have been shortly thereafter that she begun to formulate her plan for leaving Ted. Now if she could only continue in that vein and rebuild her self worth, she would truly be on the road to her own recovery. Knowing this helped give her confidence, albeit a small measure.

Listening to Aishe make her own vows to Fallon, so much like Cyrus had not so long ago, Fallon was truly touched. Her eyes welled up slightly with tears of gratitude.

"I don't think that will be necessary...I left nothing behind that would enable Ted to find me...even if he had the energy or desire to do so, which I doubt he has. But it means the world to me, knowing you feel as you do. You and Cyrus are the amazing ones...to come to the aide of someone you barely know, and open yourselves up to me like this...that's amazing. Maybe one day I'll be able to repay you both."

A thought Fallon knew would stand out in her heart, though probably till the end of time. She couldn't think of anything she could ever do or say that would mean as much to her two friends.

Aishe smiled at Fallon. "Bravery isn't something all on its own," she said softly. "It is born of other feelings. For you, self-preservation made you brave. For me, perhaps love makes me brave. However it came about, you did a courageous thing and I'm glad you did. Not only because you did what was healthy for you, but because if you hadn't then we wouldn't have met and I wouldn't have a new friend to tell all my deep dark secrets to."

She really meant it, too. Aishe had a feeling that it was the same for Fallon. They both had needed to talk, and sitting down like this, girl-to-girl, friend-to-friend, however - was exactly what was needed on both sides.

"And you don't have to repay me anything... Cyrus either, although of course I can't speak for him! But we're just doing the things friends do for each other. We're supposed to look out for each other... you know, protect each other from obnoxious exes, go to the bathroom together... tell each other if there's something big and green between our teeth."

She wanted to keep Fallon laughing; she didn't want her to have a chance to think too hard on the past. It was behind her and it should stay that way so she could truly keep moving on.

"And if I ever manage to resolve my own issues, I will hound you for advice on how to be a proper vampire," Aishe said. "You'll have had more experience at it than me, obviously. I might know some facts but you get firsthand experience and you can't beat that!"

If it took just words, to make Fallon whole again, she wouldn't have any problems. Unfortunately, unless Aishe's had some magical abilities, the best they were going to accomplish had been done. Fallon did feel momentarily better about herself, and things.

"I agree. It is such a tremendous feeling of...relief? To have someone I can feel free enough to say anything to, and not worry about being censured. But I'm glad I met you for more than that even. You make me smile, Aishe, and I've missed smiling. I hope that doesn't sound pathetic, but it is true. I don't think I've smiled, in my entire life, as much as I've smiled since arriving here."

And considering the terror she had also been involved in, that was sounding pathetic. But Fallon refused to look at herself in that light anymore.

"Then I hope I can be a good friend to you, and Cyrus...I'm rusty - hell, I'm completely at a loss, who am I kidding. But I think I'm quick to learn, so hopefully I'll be a good friend to you both soon."

Without thought, Fallon blinked and covered her mouth.

"I don't have anything big and green in my teeth now, do I?"

She asked behind her hand, somewhat horrified at the thought of smiling at the waiter looking like that.

"I will be available to you, night or day... well...nights anyway, seven days a week, for anything I can offer you...when the time comes. I still swear you are going to be fine, and will probably get a gold star for best new vampire in Nachton."

Fallon giggled, thinking of an awards banquet being held in Aishe's honor. The image it conjured was one of tenderness for the 'soon to be vampire'...no disrespect or fun was being made.

"I guess the teacher in me is coming out. But seriously, we will need to make another night of it...a celebration...for both our rebirths. Maybe by that time I really will have a better handle on my life, and can be a real friend."

"You're already a good friend," Aishe said with conviction, "and I'm glad for it! Cyrus must feel the same, you're too nice to feel otherwise. And no," she added with a chuckle as Fallon clapped her hand over her mouth, "there is nothing big and green between your teeth. I would tell you, I promise!"

Aishe was sure that Fallon would come around with enough time. She'd been through a lot recently, it seemed. But things would soon settle down for her and she could begin adjusting to her new life in a new city. She certainly didn't seem opposed to being a vampire, which was good. Oh, what fun it would be, if Aishe were turned as well, to have a friend who had gone through it around the same time. They would 'grow up' together, in a sense.

"I don't know about any funny vampire awards," she said, "but another night of celebration would certainly be in effect. I don't want to assume though. If my clan decides I shouldn't be turned, I'll abide by their wishes. I want to be with Kem... but not at the expense of forcing myself on his clan."

But how difficult it would be, she thought, to leave Nachton now, and to give up everything she had hoped and prayed for. She wasn't even sure she could.

It was reassuring to hear Aishe say such nice things about Fallon, but hard to believe or trust. Not that she thought Aishe would lie to her...it was just too strange for Fallon yet.

Hearing some doubt in Aishe's voice hit Fallon though. She spoke so vehemently about wanting to be a vampire, and then almost changed her mind...all based on the desires of the clan?

"Aishe! As badly as you want this, you're sure you'd just step away from the idea of your Evenhets decided they didn't want you as a vampire? And Kem? What will you do if that is the decision...just walk away from him too?"

Some of Fallon's notions about her friend were slightly shattered. She didn't want to hear doubt or confusion in her...not when Fallon was sure within herself that Aishe was making the only decision she could live with.

"What if someone else turned you...but they were clanless...couldn't Kem get you into Evenhet still...or surely you could just remain there?"

Her own personal experience was the source of her suggestion.

"How could it be at Evenhet's expense? What would they have to lose by keeping you with them?"

Fallon had already made her mind up that Aishe was going to be the first true friend she could have, and was afraid if they remained 'different', eventually Aishe would lose interest in Fallon.

Aishe smiled back at Fallon. "You're right. I shouldn't be negative. I've been trying so hard since I got here to keep a good outlook. And no, I don't think Evenhet would turn me away. They've already accepted me as part of the clan, and they've been nothing but kind. All they've asked for is that I take time to get to know them, and let them get to know me, and to let things take their natural course. That's not too much to ask, for the gift they can give me in return."

She didn't mean the gift of immortality, or anything like that. To her, being able to spend time with Kem was the most precious gift she could receive.

"I was just trying to keep a realistic outlook. I couldn't turn away though, not now. I've come too far and my mind is made up."

Aishe gave Fallon a reassuring grin. Her friend seemed almost shaken by the fact that Aishe had wavered a bit. "I'm doing Evenhet a disservice by speculating," she said. "They're some of the nicest people I've had the pleasure to meet. I have nothing bad to say about them at all."

Visibly relieved, Fallon smiled. Once again after she had spoken, a second of trepidation hung on her shoulders, but the minute Aishe started agreeing, the sensation evaporated, and Fallon felt good that she had said what was on her mind.

"I'm sure if any Evenhet was listening they would still find you quite the asset to their association. Any clan would be lucky to have you Aishe. You just stick to your guns...I know you'll get your wish."

Once the waiter had delivered the food, Fallon started eating. The salad was good, the shrimp fresh, and four bites in Fallon was done.

"Ugh. I wish I enjoyed food more."

The waiter had been most attentive with the ladies, and Fallon kept giving him little looks, when he approached their table. So far though, he seemed all business.

"I guess I'm not his type."

She shrugged slightly, and wondered what his type was.

Focusing her thoughts back on Aishe, Fallon thought of another question.

"Okay...so tell me, my soon to be blood sister...what does Aishe like to do when she's not out discovering hidden treasures, or thinking of ways to seduce her man? I'm going to need to come up with a theme for your 'coming out' party."

So far Fallon had mentally planned out a half dozen parties, and had yet to have one. Every time she went to plan a guest list, she got cold feet and was afraid no one she invited would want to come. But every time she made out her list, she also gained a little bit more confidence in herself, and became just that much closer to actually filling out the invitations to send. Maybe by starting with a party for one, providing it went well, she could move to having an even larger party. Maybe she'd invite Tristan...that could be fun.

Aishe appreciated Fallon's support, and reminded herself to have faith in her own hopes. She didn't have any room for negativity. She'd been trying so hard to stay positive no matte what, and so far she'd been successful. Giving in to doubt, to 'maybe's and 'what if's would only bring failure.

Fallon's speculation about the waiter brought her out of her reverie, and she watched both the man in question and her friend before laughing softly. "Perhaps you're not his type at all," she agreed, "but there are plenty of fish in the sea. You're going to have to let me know how you manage to hunt for yourself. I suppose we each develop our own way, but I don't know what mine will be."

Aishe had given that a great deal of consideration. Drinking blood didn't phase her at all anymore, having had ample time to grow used to the idea. At one point she might have questioned her own sanity, thinking about doing such a thing herself, but time had changed that view. Now she only wondered if, when it came to pass, she would be able to adapt and play the games that others seemed to when it came to feeding, or if she'd create her own new way. She didn't know.

She almost blushed when Fallon referred to her as a blood sister... but it was pleasant, to think of the woman as something of a sibling. Aishe had no brothers or sisters, and she had always wished, in a remote little corner of her mind, that her parents had had one or two more children. She could easily see herself falling into the role with Fallon; she really enjoyed her company, and there was definitely a kinship between them.

Putting her finger to her lips in thought, Aishe gave a 'hmm.'

"I hate to break it to you, but I'm probably the most boring human ever born," she confessed after a moments' thought. "I don't think there's anything about me that lends itself well to partying. I like games and puzzles, and I love mysteries. I fence and practice Tae Kwon Do. We've already discussed music, which I listen to well enough but can't perform to save my life... which reminds me, have you found out anymore about getting a piano? I want to hear you play sometime!"

Pondering that some more, Aishe shook her head. "I don't drink, of course; not that I mind if others do. And I'm a terrible dancer. Unless it's something formal. My parents made sure I could at least cover the very basic ballroom dance steps. They were very concerned about their daughter's proper upbringing."

That reminded her of another question. "Fallon, if you don't mind my asking... aside from Ted, who doesn't even count - do you have any family? Brothers, sisters, parents?"

She was curious to know if Fallon was alone, or if someone would be missing her eventually, or if not, how she'd explained it to them.

"When the times right, if you want company, or to just come along and watch, I won't mind."

A look of sadness passed over Fallon's face when she remembered her first 'meal', in the parking lot of the Grand Piazza. There was no way she could tell Aishe about that, at least not now. Survival or not, it had been another low point in Fallon's life that she didn't really want to think about, ever again, if possible.

But for her friend, she meant it when she'd said she would be available.

"Whoever brings you over, I'm sure they'll give you all kinds of help. I'm fairly sure if Cyrus had been my creator, he wouldn't have left me to fend for myself...no one should be put into that position. Maybe sometime I'll tell you about my first 'meal', but not now. It's still an image I'm not fond of.

But I have to tell you, feminists all over the world would probably want to stone me should they see my 'technique'. One thing Panos told me, that I took to heart, was my 'wiles' would work for me...and they do. So if watching someone seduce someone else would make you feel uncomfortable, then you might not want to join me."

Fallon would be as honest with Aishe as she could be, and if she felt the truth wasn't the best choice, she would not say anything. To those who were becoming closer to Fallon, she would always be honest with. She was taking no chances on screwing anything up, in that respect.

"And you are definitely not boring...in the least. Besides games at parties are fun...and puzzles, or mysteries...maybe if I think hard enough I can come up with something everyone can participate in. Fencing and Tae Kwon Do...not so much."

Fallon giggled at the image that created in her mind, before addressing the piano.

"I still need to go to the music store and sign then contract, then the piano should be delivered the next day. Now that I'm working I have to make sure I can arrange for a very early evening delivery, or maybe see if my neighbor would be willing to let them in during the day. And I'd love to play for you, but not at a party..."

Fallon gave a look of mock horror, then grinned.

"The thought of having everyone sitting around watching me gives me the creeps. But for you, I'll be happy to play...as long as you don't expect Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, or even David Lanz."

Wistfulness now colored Fallon's eyes, when Aishe spoke of her parents, and the things they wanted for their daughter. But wistfulness was replace with a look of distance when questions turned to Fallon's family.

"No father, at least that I know of...possibly a mother, somewhere...two sisters I seem to vaguely remember, and one younger brother. My brother was my last real contact with any family, but even he's drifted away now. Our earlier years were not pleasant, and I've come to believe that to get back any semblance of a normal life, severing ties was the only thing we could do. That's my rational anyway."

Sighing, she continued.

"I'm afraid I've been one of those cliche's...you know...those women you see in television news shows who starts out life in an abusive home, and then finds the same thing when older. That was the defining factor behind my decision to never have children...and possibly why my current lifestyle didn't seem so horrible, once I understood it better."

Pushing away her salad, Fallon signaled for the waiter and asked for some coffee. He turned to Aishe to ask if she wanted anything else, and Fallon got the distinct impression he was quite interested in her. Fallon smiled, not at all jealous. In fact, she thought his attentions were cute. But that may have been because Fallon also knew the guy hadn't a prayer.

"So, in answer to your question...no family. Just what I'm making here, in Nachton. But you...you can deal with never seeing your parents again? Or could you tell them...?"

Aishe shook her head at the idea that she wouldn't be comfortable. "It's not that," she said. "Not at all. I just have yet to determine what will work best for me."

That and the fect that she really had a lot to learn about Kem, still. Would it bother him, to know she drank human blood? She didn't think so. She knew him as a person, not as a vampire. What differences would she find between Kem the person she knew, and Kem the vampire? However, as a person, she had never known him to judge others for their choices... one of the traits she loved. He was able to live by his own standards while not outwardly critical of others whose preferences were different. So, she had to conclude that he didn't blame his clanmates for the way they subsisted.

That would take a long time to explain to Fallon though, that that was the whole reason for her hesitation on the topic, so she simply left it at that. She listened as Fallon continued, once again glad that the woman was so responsive in a more private setting. She would get better, Aishe knew, and forget any of the horrors of her past.

How ironic, though, that in order to forget her past nightmares, she adjust to a life as a vampire... which some would consider a nightmare in and of itself. But if being turned led to Fallon's ultimate happiness, as it might for Aishe, then how could it possibly be bad?

She frowned at Fallon's description of her family. "You must find a new family, then," she reasoned. "If your early memories were unpleasant, and if there are no connections for you now, then your friends here will be your family." Aishe smiled at Fallon, more than willing to be 'family.'

The waiter had returned, and Aishe was momentarily distracted by the fact that he was offering her a drink. "Tea would be wonderful, thank you," she said. Did his eyes linger a bit too long? A little crease formed between her brows but she dismissed the notion that the man was paying her any more attention than necessary. She was uninterested, and didn't return his gaze. She didn't want him to get the wrong idea.

Focusing her attention back on Fallon, she smiled and shook her head in regards to her own family. "My parents have moved back to Egypt," she said. "They spent the last 27 years doing everything they knew how to give me the best upbringing, in a good setting. They had me go to the most proper schools, learn the things a young lady should, and saw me graduated at the top of my class. They have seen me excel in my studies, and they've met the man they believe will one day be my husband, and they approve of him. In their opinion I am fully fledged and ready to fly on my own, and they were free to return to their home."

She grinned. "I have several years before the question of a visit even comes up, and even then I've already explained that Kem works nights, and that's why I'm looking for a job here that matches his. I've lied to them... but it was necessary."

Then she laughed again. "Though to be honest, they liked Kem so much that I think they'd be more upset to learn we weren't together currently, than to know we were both vampires and living off the general populace of Nachton."

It was true. Damn Kem and his "good-guy" vibe, anyhow. He'd been like a mother-in-law magnet on the few occasions he'd met her parents. In retrospect, Aishe wondered if that hadn't played a large role in his current insecurities. It was a wonder he hadn't run screaming back to Nachton the moment her mother had begun interrogating him like the spanish inquisition.

She mentioned that to Fallon, with another laugh, thinking her friend might get a kick out of the image.

"But won't you miss them? You sound like you are so close."

Fallon was projecting what she thought Aishe should feel about her parents, based on what she'd seen on tv...having no other point of reference between that and her own experiences. Logically, she knew that what was painted on tv was less than realistic. But there was still an optimistic, and romantic part of her that she'd managed to keep hidden and whole, deep inside.

"Though in your case, having the love of your life with you, I can see even forgoing family. Your parents still have each other, of course, and now it's your time. At least you've given them good, happy thoughts that their daughter has achieved what they must have set out hoping for...happiness."

Leaning back in her chair, Fallon looked intently across the table at her friend, and briefly wondered how it was that in such a short span of time she had managed to say more to Aishe than she had probably spoken in the past year...or longer even.

"You really are something Aishe, I'm so glad Cyrus and I stumbled upon you and Peter at the beach that night. I've a feeling we would have met eventually anyway, but I'm glad it was sooner, rather than later."

Aishe's smile hadn't diminished; she was still laughing in herhead at the memories the discussion was pulling up.

"I do miss them," she said, "but much as I love my parents, they are my past. They'll always be a part of me but if I am to have any kind of a future at all, I have to do it on my own. So it's only natural that I leave them and do what I need to do to continue with my own life."

Like you left Ted, only you were so much braver, Aishe thought, but didn't speak it. Fallon wasn't ready to believe that yet, and Aishe wasn't going to push her to it. Some day maybe she could understand, and maybe then she'd know how much Aishe admired her courage.

"I'm glad we met, too," she said simply. "I am almost sorry that we're not to be a part of the same clan... but as far as I know there is nothing wrong with having friends in other clans."

Certainly not, if Alfarinn and Thaddeus were any indicator.

"And I know we are going to keep being very good friends."

Where was that waiter? Aha! Chocolate cake... she distinctly remembered wanting chocolate.

"Think you can manage dessert?" Aishe asked as the waiter jumped to attend them.

Again it was Fallon's lack of understanding about the whole clan issue that kept her from commenting, until Aishe mentioned having friends in other clans. Then a small look of fright caused her to lean forward in her seat again.

"You don't think there's any possibility that there is a rule that says people from different clans can't associate, do you?"

That would be a cruel trick...to allow Fallon to finally meet someone she could enjoy being with, only to be told she no longer could.

Even at Aishe's insistence that they would remain friends, the idea poked at Fallon. Even if she had been one to favor desserts, she no longer thought she would have found an appetite for them.

"No, you enjoy...maybe if I could manage to coerce a forkful from you, of whatever you're having...but really that's all I could manage."

She did grin at that, but there was still a very hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach, and it was not the hollow that could be filled with food.

Aishe sent the waiter away once more, for "whatever has the most chocolate in it." Then she turned back to Fallon, and shook her head.

"I am certain there is no rule to prevent us from being friends, even within our respective clans," she said. Biting, being bitten, and such, now those she was pretty sure were out-of-bounds. But she had no doubts that friendships were not frowned upon.

Better to have a friendship, than to have a feud about to erupt. Although, of course, she could only speak for herself.

"Don't worry on that score. I'm not planning on being dinner, and you're not planning on having me for dinner, so there should be no concerns. And you are welcome to share anything you like... the last thing I need is to be turned after gorging on chocolate and spending the next thousand years with an eternally big butt."

Such a roller coaster were her emotions tonight. She surprised herself yet again when she thought about not only how much of herself she had laid out on the table for Aishe to view, but in the way she seemed to feel so many things other than fear.

She believed the reassurance that the clans wouldn't become a wall between them, because she had to.

The 'dinner' comment still struck a weird chord in Fallon. She knew Aishe was teasing, but once more she was reminded of just how strange it would be for her to not make a distinction between 'friends' and 'food'.

"You know, I've never thought about that. I mean yes, I know I won't ever age, but it never occurred to me that however I was when I changed, I would remain forever.

I've seen your butt - you have nothing to worry about. Wait a minute...did I actually say that out loud?"

Fallon laughed. She had enjoyed blood with a few women lately, and found it just as pleasant as feeding from men, but the added sexual overtones had been missing. In her prior life she had never found women appealing in a sexual manner, so when it didn't follow her into her new status, she wasn't surprised. It did not mean she couldn't appreciate how a woman looked though.

"You must be a good influence on me. Not only have I talked your ear off tonight...a rare occurence I must tell you, but I'm also not worried about what I say. Though I will need to learn to couch my responses a little better if this keeps up. Otherwise I am sure I will get myself into trouble."

And that would not do at all.

Dessert was quickly delivered, and Aishe pushed it to the midle of the table so Fallon could partake as well. It was some chocolate cake monstrosity, with chocolate filling and chocolate syrup liberally drizzled all over. Aishe was in heaven.

"I'm glad you approve of my butt," she said with raised eyebrows and a mischievous smile, "but you have to promise to warn me if it's getting out of hand!"

Not that she was actually worried. Aishe was more muscular than anything; her workouts and her jobs had kept her in good shape. Her family lines tended to plumpness, but she had tempered that by keeping fit. As a result, she was curvaceous but faily solid. She still liked to poke fun at her own expense, however. It kept her motivated to keep up the workouts.

"And you have to help with this cake," she added. "I need to believe that after all is said and done, I'll still be able to enjoy chocolate. Otherwise I might lose my resolve."

She dug in, hoping Fallon would join her, but she had to laugh at her friend's comment about getting into trouble.

"Can't be helped," she said. "I'm fairly sure I've been nothing but trouble since coming to Nachton; I may as well drag you down with me and we can be troublemakers together."

It was difficult, though, to convince anyone of the fact with her mouth full of chocolate cake.

"I should warn you if my approval of your butt gets out of hand, or if the butt itself gets out of hand? And just how out of hand might it get?"

Fallon had understood, but since the topic of conversation was so silly, she couldn't help but push it along just a bit longer, and giggled more as she did.

Taking up her fork, she dug into the moist, dark brown cake, and lifted the piece into her mouth. It was very good, and made her mouth water for more, but she put her fork down just the same.



"I wish I could advise on that subject, but I cannot. While I see no outwardly physical changes, just the mere fact that I now love the taste of blood is a change for me. In truth, I used to be the type of person who liked her meat very well done...just to the point before it becomes shoe leather."

And that she did like her meat cooked so, meant to Ted that he rarely cooked it beyond barely searing the edges. The first few times he had forced her to eat her steak practically raw, Fallon's body had rejected it. But to protect herself from his subsequent beatings, she learned how to turn off the gag reflex. By coupling that ability with the ability to forget about what was in her mouth, she learned to eat anything put before her...much to Ted's irritation. This also meant that meal time no longer meant socializing, and it lost all attraction for Fallon. After a while she ate just enough to keep herself healthy, and that was it.

"I think I should enjoy being in trouble with you Aishe. And speaking of trouble, the more I think about games at my dinner party, the more the idea appeals to me. What would you think about a scavenger hunt? And do you think Peter, and maybe Alec would come? I can't invite a lot of people, my house isn't large enough, but I'd like to have an equal or close to equal number of men and women..."

Fallon would of course invite Cyrus, and had invited Aishe...maybe Ana, Tristan, and Valentine? And that man from the Piazza...Nic? The only other people she remembered meeting were the young girl from the hotel, who Fallon wouldn't invite due to her age, and the other man from Flannigan's...Armand...Arthur, no...Ambrose! Half of these people she barely knew, and would probably not remember her either, but it wouldn't be much of a party unless she invited at least a few people. Going over the names in her head she realized there were more men on the list then women. Fallon's brow furrowed. Well then, maybe Ambrose and Nic she would leave off...

"What do you think? Does it sound corny to have such a game for an adult party?"

Fallon

"I should warn you if my approval of your butt gets out of hand, or if the butt itself gets out of hand? And just how out of hand might it get?"

Aishe stopped in mid-bite and considered that. "All of the above, I suppose," she said, treating Fallon's serious-silliness with her own in return.

She wished her friend were enjoying eating a bit more... and in some ways, worried that she might lose interest as well if she were turned, but it had to be a matter of preference. She'd seen vampires eat and enjoy it. Plenty of times. Must be a personal thing.

"I prefer my steaks pretty rare already," Aishe admitted. "I never understood well-done steaks. I suppose I might have a little bit of an edge in that regard. I don't personally have the same preference for blood... but I'm not worried about that, seeing as how it's pretty unavoidable and that should change with the rest of me."

Did it disturb Fallon at all to hear Aishe discuss these things in such a logical, almost detached manner? She sounded scientific even to her own ears. Methodical. Uncreative.

And speaking of creative, Fallon was even then coming up with ways of entertaining guests. Aishe brightened at the idea of a scavenger hunt.

"That's a fantastic idea," she enthused. She was biased, of course, already loving puzzles and mysteries of any sort. "What would it encompass? Peter might come, and perhaps Alec as well... and maybe his girlfriend, Ginnie. She's sweet, you should definitely meet her."

Aishe had only met her on the one occasion, herself, but she'd heard about her on several other occasions from Alec and she always upheld Aishe's initial impression.

"That would be fun," she said. If it got Fallon moving around in more social circles, all the better. Even a small party, something informal, would go a long way in getting Fallon to come out of her shell, and Aishe was inclined to encourage her in this venture.

"See...if I didn't know better, I'd swear you and Kem were destined to be together, even as vampires. I don't think you could be a better vampire going in, than you will be...you're just so organized, and knowledgeable on the subject."

Fallon didn't think there was any chance that Aishe's feelings could change much after the actual event took place, but she would make sure her friend knew she would be there if she was needed.

"Just remember...no matter what happens...if you need someone to talk to...or someplace to stay...you've got it with me. And I'm not saying that because its expected...I really do mean it Aishe."

Fallon took another bite of cake, and chuckled.

"What the hell."

If there was anything that reinforced Fallon's desire to have a party, it was Aishe's agreement that the party, and even game, would be a good idea. And the fact that Alec had a girlfriend was good too, as it would help keep the guest list even. Plus, Fallon would get to meet someone else. However, she decided she would include Ginnie's name on the invitation, rather that the word 'guest'. That way she might be able to keep some control on the number of people who showed up. If it mattered to someone, that they bring someone else along, Fallon would trust them to say so when they 'rsvped'.

"Want me to invite your man?"

Fallon was teasing again. She knew Aishe was trying to stay away from him till after the 'event', but now that the wheels were in motion...at least in Fallon's mind, she wanted her friend to make the final commitment. She would not press though...she would not say anything more about the subject at all. It would be completely up to Aishe to broach the matter.

"One more thing you might be able to help with...I plan on having drinks, and a buffet style dinner - nothing fancy, but I'm pretty sure it will be tasty. Yet...should I serve blood?"

It was said in a serious manner, because Fallon was dead serious. She didn't know if it was proper etiquette or not, but wanted to be a good hostess if it was.