Dinner with an old friend and brother

Chryseis entered the fine dinning establishment and scanned the foyer. No sign of him yet. Good she was early enough.

The host greeted her with a large phony grin and asked how many was in her party.


I have a reservation. Angelique please.

The man checked this evenings dinner roster and nodded. Gracefully he produced two menu's and ushered her to their table amidst the dinning crowd. He pulled her chair out and she sat. Immediatly a well dressed server appeared and described todays specials.

Waiting on one more madame?

Yes sir, I am. Please bring your best wine in bottle and two glasses to the table right away. she was not eager for chit chat amongst the waitstaff this evening.

As the waiter returned with a cart carrying a beautifully dark and elegant bottle, Chryseis smoothed out her golden shimmering dress and tucked the edges neatly under her thighs. It was a habit that followed her for the last one hundred years. The designer would be mortified to see this done, whom ever it was, for Chryseis rarely looked at the tags.

Bringing the long stemmed glass to her lips, Chryseis took small deliberate sips as she waited for her guest.

Artemis Bellezone 18 years ago
Artemis walked in with his standard casual grace. His appearance, long black hair neatly braided, black silk shirt and slacks, might give many the impression that he didn't belong there. His manner however, was that of one who was used to such surroundings. Looking around, he spotted Chryseis and smiled. It had been some time since they had spoken, too long.

With a gesture, Artemis indicated to the host where he was headed. When he arrived at the table, he grinned at the bottle of wine that was there. "You spoil me. And you look splendid as always." he leaned over for an air kiss by Chryseis's cheek. Artemis believed this was not the place for an abundance of affection, and did not wish to over step the bounds of decorum.

Reaching into his pocket, Artemis removed a small box. Flipping the hinged lid to reveal a pendent made of multi-colored shells and single small diamond, he place the box in front of Chryseis with a grin. "The shells are from my recent expedition off the coast of Italy." With a wink he added, "My jewelry making has improved of the years don't you think?" Artemis moved to take his seat across from her. "It is of course more than it appears. There is a short range tracking device underneath, with pressure sensitive activation. If you press the diamond, the beacon will be activated and I will be able to find you almost anywhere in the city. That is of course provided you do not go too far underground." Artemis knew that many preferred their autonomy and would not like to be tracked. He of course preferred to keep his loved ones safe. The activation switch was a compromise with his conscience, the tracking would be available but she could decide when to use it. After a moment, he poured wine into his glass and said, "You do like it I hope."
Chryseis Angelique 18 years ago
Her guest of honor arrived right on time and as he gave her a sign of elegant affection she grinned to him.

Artemis welcome. I am so glad you have come. Time has not weathered you a bit. She looked into the box he had placed in front of her with awe.

He HAD gotten better with his fine art makings. She took a moment and thought fondly about his early pieces.


You say I spoil you? This my brother, is being spoiled.

She gently picked up the pendant and brought it closer to her face, studying its workings.


Such detail. What honor do i owe such a exquisite device as a gift? Surely Evenhet isn't that bored with the humans that they are tracking the Anantya? She grinned playfully to show she wasn't trying to rekindle that old fight again. It is beautiful Artemis. After my recent experiences and perhaps my upcoming ones, this is an item that i would dearly treasure.

She paused as the waiter stepped up to pour the wine into Artemis's glass.

First things first. How is this century treating you? I would say 'life' but there are many many chapters in our lives.
Artemis Bellezone 18 years ago
Artemis grinned at the comment about the humans. It was a topic that had the potential cause a great deal of strife. So, it was best to avoid anything more than a bit of playful banter. "Humans are very last century, and old relics have become quite fashionable." Artemis couldn't resist the small jest at his former clans expense.

He was still smiling as he took a sip of his wine. As he placed his glass on the table he said, "This is really quite good, a nice year." Artemis looked over at Chryseis and his smile warmed. He really had missed her. "This century hasn't been all that eventful." Realizing that discussing humans as though they themselves were not ones could possibly draw unwanted attention, Artemis glanced around them to ensure that there was no one too near who could have heard. Satisfied, his smile returned, "There has not been an invention as exciting as the paperclip in some time. Do you know how many things I can make with a paperclip?" As always, his eyes brightened as he discussed his inventions.

His gaze landed on the pendant in her hand and he seemed to get lost in the colors for a moment. " The necklace itself is because I thought you might fancy a bit of home. The other...." His voice trailed off as he considered recent events and visitors to his lab. He did not know how much information to give even his sister and he would never betray Alfarinn's confidence. However, he did want information himself. " Alfarinn brought an Anantya named Thaddeus into my lab. Honestly, Thaddeus seemed so tightly wound you could crack a walnut in his ass, but other than that he seemed likable. Neither really told me what was going on but...." There was another brief pause before he continued, "But if there is tension in Anantya I want to make sure you and Morrigan are safe." It was at this moment that his mind registered something she had said before, " What recent experiences? Who do I have to hunt?" His concern was evident on both his face and in his voice.
Chryseis Angelique 18 years ago
Chryseis quickly recalled a moment from a early 1980's movie that had a strange furry creature using a paperclip as an bow and arrow and saw Artemis doing nearly the same. She chuckled softly as he spoke.

When he spoke of one her clansmen by name her heartbeat quickened. Thaddeus? In Artemis's lab? That was odd indeed. Not many of Anantya were quick to associate with the lost ones in other 'clans', but Thaddeus? He was one of the last people she would believe to be tredding on Evenhet ground. She had always thought of him as well reserved and thoughtful. Possibly a purist, but this information negated that idea.


Well, I would be a hypocrit if I were to condem that notion of Anantya's children mingling with other clans. Though I see that I am not one of the only rule breakers. Alfarinn though, that is strange indeed. Thaddeus has never seemed the type to carry on with a rogue such as Alfarinn. Thaddeus has always been such an eyeful of innocence to me, perhaps Alfarinn is using him for something.

She paused and brought the chain of the necklace around her neck, clasping it in place. Quickly she continued her line of thought not to infuriate her loved one.

Not, that I believe Alfarinn would have any use for Thaddeus that could be harmful. And you did remark about Thaddeus's tight-ass nature which is correct and gives me the assumption that he is acting under his own free will. I wish I could give you more insight than that to the possibly situation at hand, but unfortunatly I've been....missing in action for quite a number of days. And before you ask and become worried, I am ok. I was kidnapped by a member of Tacharan and actually that is why i called you here. He wasn't young and stupid either. He knows who I am , and who i was.

She spoke calmly in hopes of keeping Artemis's concern low. She did not want him to get too upset and possibly do something terrible. She did not want Panos dead, specially if he really was her kin. She began to butter a small sourdough roll, it had been awhile since she had tasted things of this nature. The alley was filled with filth.
Artemis Bellezone 18 years ago
Artemis stopped the tapping of a spoon on the table that he had only just realized he had started. Kidnapped?! Whoever it is, I'll kill him Keeping his thoughts to himself, he resumed tapping. It was a bad habit that only showed itself when he tried to control his temper. Whoever said 'count to ten' had obviously never met him. Or those close to me for that matter The thought amused him enough that the tapping had stopped

Artemis set the spoon on the table, making sure to place it further from himself than was normal. He suspected that what Chryseis really needed was to be heard. He would certainly listen, but a bit of levity would hopefully ease the tension and make things easier for her. Smiling he said, " Alfarinn a rogue huh? Well considering that I was present and participating in at least half of the mischief and half of that I instigated, I must be a rogue too." With a mock thoughtful expression, he pretended to consider the idea. Then, with a genuine laugh, " It certainly has possibilities. Besides, i do not know how they met. It is possible that the dastardly and nefarious Thaddeus is the one leading poor Alfarinn astray. I fear my friend may appear in tweed and elbow patches at any moment." Artemis chuckled to himself, he could imagine the expression on Thaddeus's face at the last couple of statements. He almost wished the 'mighty' slayer of cabinets were present. Yes, being a rogue had definite potential.

Still smiling, " In a return to the less amusing, tell me what has happened and how i can help." Taking a sip from his glass, he waited for her to speak.
Chryseis Angelique 18 years ago
She choked slightly on the wine at the mention of Thaddeus leading Alfarinn astray. The idea was so absurd it was hard to imagine.

Well, i suppose it starts out as a kidnapping and turns into...well turns into different kind of hunt than you would expect. Long story made short, There is a vampire out their claiming to be of my lineage. Not of my blood but,...apart of it. He claims to be my nephew. The youngest son of my only natural brother. He shares the same name as one of my departed sons, Panos. I was quick to doubt him, but his face.....it's so much like the face of my brother Alexander. That's actually how he was able to kidnap me. I was so stunned at the sight of him that when he came at me i immediately turned into a nightingale to get away. He caught me and took me inside of the Tacharan lair. Ellis knows about this, as she was the one to have me escorted out of their little hideaway home. Panos has since been removed from the compound himself, why he wasn't killed immediately is beyond me. Yet had she tried, I am not sure what i would have done.

She took a breath after the tale of her recent happenings and scanned the room. Perhaps Panos was here right now. Was she hoping to see him? What then? He WAS Tacharan, and dealing with that run away lot was breaking many laws of her clan.

I break these laws now don't i? For a brother a friend, but at least Artemis used to be Anantya and he would still be welcomed back should he chose to do so. Ok, so bend the rules not break them, Panos is your natural family and every vampire has a right to repent his wrong doings and come back to the only true clan of their race.

She looked back to Artemis.


The best part of it all is he bonded himself to me. How many years have I lived and it is not till now that I slip and become unwillingly bonded to another?

She leaned back in her chair and sagged her shoulders, an unusual stature for her.


I need to find out if he truly is who he says/thinks he is and if so...who created him. I need to find out who was there during that time. That's why I need your help.
Artemis Bellezone 18 years ago
Artemis listened. He watched her features carefully for any sign that he should be alarmed. The only thing truly out of character was her current posture in her chair. Surprisingly though, it amused him more than anything.

" Tired? Judging from your posture, I am guessing your adventure has taken its toll. Promise me you will get some rest when you return home."

He gave her a nod and a reassuring smile to let her know he was considering the problem she had presented him with. Artemis poured more wine into his glass. Normally his sense of propriety would oblige him to offer topping off her glass. However, as is typical of Artemis when he is lost in thought, he had become absent minded and oblivious to those expected social graces. The smooth color was comforting as it swirled within his glass. it reminded him of home. It seemed to Artemis that home, was where they should begin to solve this problem. Still thoughtful, he again focused his attention on Chryseis.

" Your first question, 'Is he who he says he is?', will not be an easy one to answer. Birth records during that time were often not adequately kept. You are certainly more familiar with those in that profession than I, not to mention how difficult it would have been to get those records made. The likelihood that any of those records are still in existence is slim, but not impossible. Giovanni is young college student who works on my vineyards during the summer for extra money. I will ask him to do some research for us. He will no doubt be glad to escape from his usual studies. I will send him and a couple of his friends to Greece for a little getaway provided they do a bit of work."

With a wry smile, he looked down at the untouched roll in front of him. After tearing it into quarters, he took a bite out of one piece. Artemis considered the other half of her problem while he chewed. He swallowed and then took a sip of his wine.

" You say he bonded himself to you correct? If this is so then you may have an easier time of find out who made him than I. Did you try asking him? Delving into the affairs of another vampire is risky business, doing so of one who is clearly quite old is even more so. I can certainly ask around, though most of my time has been with Anantya or Evenhet so my sources of information may be limited."

He took another bite and then another sip of wine. This was indeed quite a puzzle. His mind ran through all of the people he knew and other possible avenues for the search. He would get with MARI later and have her check her database for anyone who might have been in the area at the time. He almost choked as he took another sip of wine. It occurred to Artemis that the first name that would come from such a query would be his own. Out of respect for Evenhet he could not mention to Chryseis that such a resource as MARI was available to him. Still, he smiled at the thought.

" I will look into who might have been in Greece during that time. Other than myself of course. I don't remember turning a relative of yours. Though I did spend quite a bit of time intoxicated." Still smiling at his jest, " I will ask a colleague of mine as well. She has spent most of her time clan-less, so she might have a lead or two. Was there something else you wanted me to do to help out?"
Chryseis Angelique 18 years ago
Chryseis watched as Artemis tore at his roll, absentmindedly. When he reached for his wine bottle and refilled his glass it did not offend or bother her that he didn't offer to top her off as well. By now it was something she hardly ever noticed anymore. It was just one of the many things that made Artemis...Artemis. It was endearing and comforting to be around him and his habits once again.



Well, yes and no. I'm not sure he knows who his maker is as it seems he doesn't really belong in Tacharan. When i had my little run in with Ellis, I had the notion that he was....not a well kept member? I do not know how Ellis treats all her clansmen but she threw him out, she didn't kill him. I always thought she was more of the make a large display of punishment type of gal. So it's possible he meant so little it would have been a waste of effort to kill him.

She looked up towards the ceiling and thought for a moment. She laughed a little, displaying her long elegant glistening teeth.


Yes, I suppose i could agree to some rest. My mind is a mess. But one thing is for certain, sleep or not. For the time being I am regarding him as my blood. I can't help but do so, it's just his face...she began to trail off and she felt herself go distant. She pulled her self back.Anyways, he seems to have been caught up in a little lovers quarl type issue. There is another vampire involved and I'm not sure who it is or what clan they are from. But i just want to warn you, I will help him and go out of my way to ensure his protection until i can find out who he is. If this other vampire is one of your clansmen, i can not promise you that I will back down or stay out. I want you to know that I have not changed my feeling towards you and that you still are my brother. Do not let clan names come between us, I will fight and protect my family as I know you would do as well. She softened her voice as she spoke her last sentence. She did not want him to think she was threatening him.

That is also why I came to you for help, I admit being selfish and if i went to you, you'd know first hand that I believe he is family. And if anyone can find out this information on him it would be you. Who else could I trust? You understand family more than any that i know.
Artemis Bellezone 18 years ago
Artemis tried and failed to control the visible flinch at her comment about his understanding of family. His understanding came from what had happened so many years ago to his real family. His family. Thoughts and memories washed over him in a blink.It was the open wound in his heart that never healed. Artemis stared into his glass, fighting for the composure that was slipping rapidly from him. He knew chryseis had meant nothing by it. Would her comments have effected him as much if he had not already spent time recently reflecting on his feelings of guilt? These thoughts he knew would need to be sorted, but thankfully that could wait until later.

" Yes, I know the importance of family and the need to protect it. I will help you as best I can. And, please do not think to heavily on the difference of clans. We are a different type of family, you and I. Do you think I could have left Anantya without giving you and Morrigan some thought. Or that I could leave without her knowledge and consent for that matter. Even I would tell you not to share secrets with me that would effect the safety of Clan Anantya, but I don't think they will put either of us out in the light of day for having a few glasses of wine."

Artemis drank more of his wine, savoring the taste. Looking up, he gave her a boyish grin.

" Besides, I need you to remind mummy dearest that I will be 1,616 this coming year. A new Goldwing would be perfect don't you think?"

After a moment of imagining racing down the roadways on the afore mentioned motorcycle, he brought his mind back to her problem. He could of course ask PakPao to assist him. Using computers and programing them was her specialty. Perhaps the two of them could meet with Chryseus later to discuss any findings. He would have to introduce them eventually anyway.

" There is someone else who might assist with the research. There is also the added bonus of no obvious link to you. If the turning of your nephew was a personal attack or message of some sort, it would be wise to have someone not directly linked to you do some investigation. Though if you meet her please avoid the mention igniting a clan war. She is quite special to me. In the meantime, you should try to maintain as much conversation with him one as possible. If he doesn't remember who is maker is, it would be good to find out what he does remember."
Chryseis Angelique 18 years ago
Thank you very much my dear brother. At times I wish it weren't only death that has brought us together as family. I would be honored to have been a member of your lineage.

She straightened herself up and regained her own eery composure of a porcelain doll.


I have taken your words and thoughts this evening and now i shall act on them. If you'll forgive me, I must take leave. There are many things I should begin to prepare for. There may be a war on the horizon for me.

She touched her slender fingers to the necklace he had given her once again.


I will wear this and always keep it on. Not just so that you know my belongings, but so that I can be a little closer to you. I lost my family long ago and there is a chance someone has opened that Pandora's box and is letting me find an extra over looked piece.

She stood and smiled somberly. She was still trying to figure out why it was she had become a tad bit more emotional. Smiles and frowns had all been but a dream since her rebirth.


I will not forget that family is not only blood Artemis.

(ooc: out pending response)
Artemis Bellezone 18 years ago
Artemis stood as she did. These meetings always seemed to end too quickly. leaving Chryseis and Morrigan had been difficult. Sure they spoke often. The phone was a marvelous invention, even if it wasn't his. Still it such conversations were not the same. A couple hundred years as a family could do that.

" You were the best present Morrigan ever gave me, even if I did want new smithy tools."

Artemis winked to let her know he was teasing. Stepping forward, he embraced her in a quick and gentle hug. Once a few feet of distance was once more between them, he regarded Chryseis with a concerned and appraising glance.

" Remember your promise to get some rest. And don't worry, we will find the information you are looking for. It just may take some time."

Artemis placed the money for the bill and tip on the table. He finished the last of his wine. He would need to call PakPao and possibly Alfarinn when he returned home.

" Come, I will walk you out."

(ooc: Artemis out)