She eyes Cat for a moment before looking back meanigfully at Smoke. She remembers a few of the things Anya said about the Club, and is suddenly very aware that Cat is the only "human" in the room.

He's one of the owners. He said that he wanted to meet you when I spoke to him on the phone, just before coming down. He should be here in half an hour or so. Again, the discrete meaningful look. Apparently "Nathaniel" only wants to meet her.

Smoke nods almost imperceptibly and goes back to keeping Cat distracted...
So it seems that being an elf is highly prized here... Smoke's heart sinks low. What if they find out?

The distracting goes on for almost another hour before there is another rap at the door. It's Ashton that puts his head in. Even he takes a moment to enjoy the scene.

Miss Taylor, Mr Majere is askign for you and the Lady upstairs.

Jessica nods, and stands slowly, beginning to dress.

Cat, I'm afraid I'm going to need to steal Lady Montgomery away from you for a while. We have some private business we have to attend to. Please feel free to continue enjoying yourself. You're a guest at the Hellfire Club tonight.

Lady Montgomery, would you come with me?

Of course. Smoke smiles at Cat and kisses her on the cheek, whispering I'll call you later.

She follows Jessica out the door, smoothing her hair down around her and adjusting her elbow length glove. Pricking her thumb, she absentmindedly sucks the blood off of her thumb, her eyes searching the hallway.

Jessica led her down another set of red hallways, leading her through the inner workings of the Club. Never did they pass through any of the public places, or see any other club goers. Apparently she'd been led in to a very private area.

Jessica leads her in to another elevator, this one of darkened glass. It goes up, coming out of the third floor in a dark corner of the club, going up through the floors. Each area is laid out for her viewing pleasure, showing metahumanity in all of it's vice indulging glory. There are apparently more 'tasting' parlors for users, a gladiatorial ring of some sort, an orgy hall, a 'dungeon', it goes on and on. The Hellfire Club certainly seems to live up to it's name.

The elevator beeps at the 13th floor. Jessica smiles. She turns to Smoke just before the door opens. I have to ask. Besides women, you're a virgin, aren't you? You've never been with a man before that is. Do you like men? Beleive me, I'm not judging you. I have very little use for most of them my self.

Smoke startles and then nods... slowly. How... how did you know? Is it obvious? She looks down at her dress, smoothing it with her palms. I've just... well, Cat was my first. I always just thought of myself as ... well, a lesbian.

Well there are ways to tell. I'm the same, although there are a few rare exceptions. I was just curious.

Jessica leads Smoke out of the elevator and down a hall. This one however is done in black marble. There are a number of doors along the way, but she walks on, leading Smoke into a large room, with a slightly sunken floor. The floor here is balck marble as well. The couches are white leather. The wall sconces set a soft blue-white light around the room. There is a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Rising from one of the couches is an elven man, all, and almost painfully beautiful. His hair is a golden blond, stylishly combed back. His features are sharp and angular, deistinctly elven. His frame looks muscled but toned, in exellent shape, underneath his white on white double breasted suit. He smiles at Smoke and Jessica as they enter, and walks up to the pair.

He first kisses Jessica deeply, apparently being one of the afore mentioned exceptions. He looks to be an older elf, in the way their people age. His appearance is still mid twenties, although his bearing is that of a much older man. After pulling away from Jessica, he bows deeply and formally to Smoke.

Lady Montgomery De Arudel, I am count Nathaniel Majere of the Land of Promise. Welcome to my Club. he takes her hand and kisses it, caressing a thorn with his thumb through the gloves.

Smoke catches her breath at the sight of the man. He's beautiful.. I've never seen a man so captivating... he reminds me of Pierce. Her eyes follow him as he crosses the room, and again her breath catches as he kisses her hand. She watches his thumb caress her 'thorn' and then looks back up at him.
... you're so beautiful... She's almost unaware of having spoken aloud.

As are you. Quite a singular beauty. In fact, unique I would say.

He leans forward, and lightly runs his lips over Smokes, tasting her at first. Then he moves in, placing his arms around her. He pulls her in and kisses her deeply. It goes on for some minutes before he eventually pulls back.

Yes, most definetely unique. And so young as well. Tell me my dear, however did you come by them, the thorns?

He leads Smoke in to the room, her hand around one arm, Jessica on the other. He moves over to one of the white couches.

Smoke stands breathless for a moment, reeling from the kiss before coming to her senses.
I... I was... blessed by the Comet's passing. It was Smoke's standard answer, and for some reason... saying it this time... it felt almost as if she was repeating it by rote, almost mechanical.
Before I came to Seattle... no one had ever told me I was beautiful before. Thank you.

'Blessed by the Comet'. How interesting. Why have you come to Seattle my dear? Escaping your past perhaps?

Now sitting on the couch, he smiles reassuringly, even knowingly , at Smoke.

A trace of fear runs down Smoke's spine. Her posture stiffens. Bad memories, Count Majere. She stands and offers a slight bow.
Thank you for welcoming me, Count Majere... Jessica but, I should go. Smoke turns and heads for the door, wondering how in the hell she's going to get out of here. She was to busy paying attention to Jessica coming in to have any clue as to how to get out.
Pierce! I think I'm in trouble...

You're not going so soon , are you my dear? Immediately, before she's anywhere near the door, Smoke's feeling of panic cools. Instead, she feels calm, realizing that there is no reason to panic. This is a safe place for her. After all, they have all sorts of hidden vices here, including death matches. One little death can't be such a big deal to them.

Why don't you sit down my dear, and we will talk.

I suppose not... I don't know what came over me... She smiles and sits back down, cradled between Nathaniel and Jessica. Her eyes continue to trace over Nathaniel's face, and then Jessica's.

As I understand it, you killed your father, and glad the country to avoid pursuit. An understandable course. Something I may in fact be able to help you with. Your father was a bit of an out of the way noble. The systems will remember his death long after the people have forgotten. But systems can be made to forgot to be forget as well, if you have the right resources. And I do.

Of course, that would depend on you. I would want something in return of course. Nothing is free in this world.

Smoke's eyes widen... and then narrow. He deserved it... I'm not sorry. Smoke's tone is undeniably defiant. She stops and cocks her head to one side as Nathaniel's words sink in. What do you mean? What would you want from me?
Pierce.. where are you?

We trade things at the Hellfire Club. Nothing so crude as money. Favors usually. I'm sure you have things you can offer. As I'm sure Jessica has told you, we of course have many things we can offer you as well. I would like you in my Club. Not just the building, but the true Hellfire Club. Are youn interested?

It is a society for people like us. People of our heritage, and our Talent. I know you have abilities, and I'm dying to see what precisely you can do.

A slow liquid smile spreads on Smoke's face. Your club? ... I'm interested. What's in it for me?

Knowledge, protection, a place to belong, inlfuence. Power. All the things that matter in the world. You can be one of us. One of the elite. Your name will be spoken again, and with respect. Your home made truely yours. Revitalized. True strength and power. The ability to stand on your own.

He says them as words, but they come out with their own seductive allure, like some sort of verbal fore play. He speaks her own desires , as if he can read them from her very soul. It's also quite clear the first thing he wants from her.

Smoke smiles again, running her fingers against her lips. She winces as a thorn catches her bottom lip, and runs her tongue unconciously against the wound.
You can do all of that? How?

Becuase I have power, and power to spare. Because I can, and have done these things. Because I can teach you how.

Smoke smiles again and lies back languidly against the pillows of the couch. Feeling bold, she runs her palm across Nathaniel's face, feeling the smoothness of his skin. She smiles and then... still looking at him, places the back of her hand against his face, letting him feel the sting of the thorns. She watches his face, searching his eyes for his reaction. She needs to know how far he'll go, how much pain he would endure. Would you bleed, Nathaniel?
It's perhaps a sign of her own twisted mind that Smoke equates suffering with conviction. The more pain you're willing to take on you... the more weight your words carry.

He smiles. Gallons my dear.

What is love, without pain? Come with me. Learn with me. I will show you a world that you can understand.

He takes her arm roughly in hand, piercing his hands with her thorns, and pulls her to him, thorns biting in all over. He lets out a deep and satisfied hiss, before driving fangs into her neck. Blood flows freely from both of them.

Smoke moans and presses herself harder against his mouth.
Ohh.. yess... A vampire... yes.. I want.. I want so much... please... Each gush of blood from her neck seems to bring another wave of thought, of emotion.
They accept me... they want me... it doesn't matter... it doesn't matter anymore...

Hours pass, eventually Smoke awakens again. She remembers it all quite clearly. The blood, the smells, the pain, the tastes. She's been had and had in turn in every way possible. She's on the couch still, nude to the world , with Nathaniel sitting next to her, toying with her hair. Jessica, or Slide as he calls her, has left on errands. She feels drained, and hurts. The pain is wonderful. He hasn't bothered to heal all of the wounds. The couch is red now. She's sore in new places as well. He gave her pain, and took her agony readily.

There are so many secrets I will tell you in time. First however, you must prove your self to the Club. I will give you a task. A dangerous one that will certainly require your deadly skills. Then I will have more deaths for you to deal ot. What is an assassin without a patron, after all?

Smoke smiles and struggles to sit, her chest and stomach aching painfully. She hisses in pain but still manages to kiss him deeply.
Whatever you ask of me, Nathaniel. All I ask in return is for your gift. Let me earn this... she reaches a tenative finger out and slides it over one of his exposed canines, pressing her finger against it and letting it bleed, letting him suck the blood from the wound.

If that is what you seek, it is something I can bestow on you. As I said , nothing is given. You will earn it, as you say. In blood and souls. Tell me first though why you seek it. The power? Immortality? Preying on the weaker souls in the world?

Smoke laughs a little and smiles wickedly. How about all of the above? She strokes Nathaniel's thigh languidly. So, tell me... what do I call you? Teacher... Master... ? Smoke's eyes are adoring.

Master, until you earn otherwise. That is the manner of the Discipline you are being trained in, is it not? We will learn many wonderful things together my dear. You , about your past, and te past you are tied to especially. When you rpvoe your self, I will take you deeper in to this world than you have ever gone. When everything is darkness and pain, when enough blood has been shed, then you will understand.

As you say, Master. Smoke slips off of the couch and slides to her knees before Nathaniel. She bows her head, her red hair spilling over Nathaniel's thighs and knees. She looks up after a moment, her green eyes shining.
May I have my first task, Master?

There is a hermetic mage that serves a local corporation. Pheonix Biotech in fact. I will give you his address. He possesses a foci that I want you to acquire. It's a small brazier made of bronze and heavily inscribed. He keeps it within his home at all times.

You will enter his home and slay him. Kill him as brutualy as possible. Make it look as if he was killed by someone very strong, such as an ork or troll. You your self must not be seen. Take as many of his valuables as possible, including his commlink and any money you find, his computer, and anything else inherently magcial. Make it look as though he was robbed, but the murder was the key intent.

You have no set time limit. When you complete the task, you will be entered in to the Circle.

He puts his hand on her head, giving her another task before she responds.

** Later **

Yes, master. Smoke smiles and stands before Nathaniel, naked, her red hair falling down around her.
Master, I should go. There's still a good deal I have to do tonight.

I will not always be here when you come. Slide may be, and she may not be. If you need me, send a spirit first.

He also forwards his number to her commlink.

There is someone else I will wnat to introduce you to later. But not now. Go as you will me Dear. Prove your self as my Assassin.

He forwards her the address of the apartment building in Everett, along with the name and face of the magician, Garret Anderson. Human male ,late thirties, Beta Grade Initiate, single. Occupation - Research and Development:Magical Division-Pheonix Biotech.

Smoke nods, her face falling.. Am I being dismissed so quickly? Of course, Master. Smoke rises and turns, pulling her gown up and around her blood-drenched body. She laces the stays of her corset viciously, almost cutting the air from her lungs.
Stupid little girl! What were you thinking? You think he would care enough about you to make more then a passing effort to be with you? You're no more then a convienient weapon. Idiotic Fool! Look at you! Drenched in your own blood and sent away like a whore. The voice in her head snorts in disgust.
Smoke shakes her head and finishes dressing, her anger rising.

You're angry my dear. Don't be. You seemed eager for the hunt. Stay with me tonight. I want to feel you close to me. I want to enjoy the curl of your hair and your piercing amber eyes.

He rises as he speaks, wrapping his arms around her as she's dressing, wearing only the corset at the moment. His words are like a sweet honey, warmly rolling over her.

Smoke smiles and falls back into his arms. She turns to face him, her eyes alight with happniess.
Thank you, Master... I... I've been so lonely before now.
She lets him take her back to the couch, completely compliant.

For a long time, he simply holds her, talking softly. His words are a mix of seduction, compassion, companionable talk, and dark secrets, promises of power. They fill her young mind, swirling around in side and filling her. Pierce has always been there. Always, uncondtiionally. He's never asked, nor given anything. Nathaniel is not unconditional. He gives much, and asks much in return. He says that she can prove her self. Not jsut to him, but to her self. To everyone that dares to watch.

It's strangely comfroting, feeling that she can earn her right to be what she declares she is. He knows she was not an elf, but he says that she can be. She can be that, and more. He talks to her, long in to the night. He carries her, peircing thorns and all, in to the shower to clean her. He shows her how every bite of her thorns ,every prick, heals at an instant. She can hirt him, but she cannot harm him. It's one of the many things he can give her. He takes her to his bed, covers her in white silk sheets. The silk is strong and doesn't pierce or snag on the thorns. He takes her, long through the night, showing her things, doing things to her, that she never even imagined were possible.

The vampire drinks from her. This time it's slow, and drawn out. He does nothing to dull the pain. The pain and ecatasy of his bite wash over her, filling a hole she didn't know was there.

By morning, Smoke is in love with Nathaniel Majere. As much as a seventeen year old sociopath can love anyone. His words fill her head as she replays moment after moment. She wraps her arms around him, amazed at his tender skin that never stays broken. Seeing his eyes shut, she whispers her love in his ear and strokes his hair.
I should go. Slip out unnoticed... earn his respect, his love. Maybe one day, he'll prize me as he does Slide.
Smoke slides from the bed, dressing quietly, eager to leave her love lying still.

Smoke exits the club in the morning. There are amazingly still people in side. The world within the club is like an entire other realm. The light is shut out. There are no clocks. The revelries, parties, and orgies, simply keep going . She does see a few Club personell carrying unconcious club goers to private sleeping rooms. Apparently Party 'til you drop is meant literally.

Smoke retrieves her cloak from the coat check and calls a cab before stepping outside. She pulls the cowl down low and then steps out into the rain..
Good. I don't think I could have handled the sun today. She has the cab take her to a hotel a few blocks away, close enough to the Club that they're used to seeing the strange outfits of their clientele.
She pays for a room and slips up, and then contacts Mortuary, asking her to send over her purchases.

Later, lying in the bathtub, swirling the hot water with her fingers she thinks about Nathaniel again... then sits bolt upright.
Pierce? Pierce... are you there? Her mind-voice is frantic.

The contact is distant, like a voice deep in a cave. I am here my love. How did you survive your day without me? Have you learned new things?

I've learned so much, my love. I met the most amazing man.. his name is Nathaniel. He lives.. or works, I'm not sure which at a place called the Hellfire Club. He's a vampire... and he's promised to teach me so much. He reminded me of you, my love. I miss you so much. When can I see you again? Smoke's thoughts flow a mile a minute, inundating Pierce with sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings.

She feels anger flow back. It's quickly capped. She can feel him approaching rapidly. What has he promised to teach you? The "voice" is louder now.

Smoke sits up taller in the bath, biting her bottom lip. Without meaning too, she presses her thumb against her thigh, swirling blood into the water.
He told me of teaching me of where I really came from, he told me he could make me a real elf.. he told me would teach me discipline. All I would have to do was work for him... are you angry, my love? You told me that knowledge was paramount... that I should do any and everything to learn more. What did I do wrong?

You are to learn the Way of the Assassin! From me! Not how to seduce girls that haven't learned everything yet! What you should have learned then was to not let your guard down! Never let your guard down! You could be dead!
He screams at her. She can feel the rage as his astral form grows ever closer. It was only like this once before, and it hurt then too.

I'm sorry, Pierce! I'm sorry. Smoke stumbles from the bath and into the bedroom, wrapping herself in her towel. She huddles near the headboard of the bed, shaking. I was trying to do what you said... you left! You went away.. I was lonely! You always leave me! By the end, Smoke is screaming out the words in her head. Every fiber of her body is pulled tight, she can feel the fear almost overwhelming her.

Pierce manifests in the room. he very rarely manifests. When he does, it's a terrible sight. His form is tall, over eight feet. His body from the waist down is wsipy blackness the flits out, blocking out the room. His upper body is clad in black, with great three inch thorns protruding in many places. His hair is long, it's black length hanging to the small of his back, wild and loose , but always framing his face. His red eyes blaze out at her now ,full of rage.

He grabs her by the throat, lifting her bodily with a single arm. Her slams her naked form in to the wall, cracking the sheet rock in places.

I always leave?! I am always here ! I am in you! he squeezes to emphasize his point. I leave you alone for not 24 hours, and you've run off and given your self as some whore-prize to the first male that smiled at you! You are better than that! You are mine!

The 'words' blaze in his mind, as he flings her across the room. She breaks a mirror, and falls on to the small dresser, before hitting the floor. Then the worst happens. He removes his protection, and she can feel the thorns again.

Smoke screams out in agony, clawing at the ground again and again, the mirror shards cutting deep into her hands.
Pierce... no, please, my love.. I'm sorry, please.. it hurts so much. Please.... please don't hurt me.. I love you. Please.. She cries harder, the thorns pressing everywhere. She crawls to where he stands, her face covered in bloody tears.
I'll never do it again... please, Pierce. I'll... I'll never see him again. I promise. Please make it stop.. please?

The pain rolls on and on over her, tearing at her. She can feel them everywhere. She wants to roll away, hide from the pain. But it never stops. She can't escape it. It's in side of her. Just like Pierce.

Finally, mercifully, the pain stops. She lies there crying, her body shaking with aftershocks. There's no way to know how long it lasted. She feels his arms around her at some point. He's holding her, rocking her.

I know it hurts. I know. This is how I feel when you turn away from me. We need each other Naierdiell. We are bonded in a way no one else can comprehend.

I will still teach you. I will still hold you, still love you. You have already gone to far with this vampire. You have given him something that cannot be taken back once given. And you have let him feed on you. He can find you anywhere now.

You msut return to him. It is the punishment that you must face, to return again and again to the thing that raped you. You will learn what you can from it. You will make it your patron. You will take all that you can. When the time is right, when you have learned what you can ,and found it's weakness, we will destroy it together. Together my Love.We will kill him together.

Smoke nods slowly, the tears still running down her face. She clings to Pierce, her head buried in his chest.
Whatever you say, my love. I'll do it for you... for us. I love you. Please don't go. Stay... stay here with me. Feverishly, Smoke kisses Pierce's face, running her hands up and down his arms.
We'll go.. we'll find someone... tonight. You and me. I'll make it up to you, my love. Tell me how.