Tam: He IS handsome...but he has a bit of a cruel look about him, kinda scary. Guess any extended time with Padma would do that to anybody, though. Asher, you left her ALONE with them? What the hell were you thinking? Simply because she started dreaming about another male, you just up and left her to face whatever popped up to get after her? *glares at him*

Ash: I had no idea that HE was what she was dreaming about. Had I known I would have interfered. I have already made it clear what my feelings about the Master of Beasts' tiger are. *glares back at me*

Tam: What do you mean you didn't know she was dreaming about Gideon?! *really getting upset now* She said you LEFT her right when she really needed you! Dammit Asher! You will NOT hurt her with your petty jealousies and stupid male ego like that! I won't stand for it!!

Ash: *voice getting deadly cold in his anger at my apparent insolence* I LEFT because SHE BLOCKED ME...I DON'T have to take that kind of rejection from her. If she didn't want me around she should have SAID so.

Tam: *puzzled* What fdo you mean she "blocked" you?

Ash: She closed off the marks and wouldn't let me in. I must admit that I am impressed at her rapidly growing mental strength, but that hurt. I had been about to start a glorious erotic dream for us to share and she just abruptly shut me out! Why SHOULD I have stayed there, since I so obviously wasn't wanted!

Tam: *look of worry and fear crosses face* Asher...what if it wasn't Gigs that blocked the marks? I don't think she's strong enough to keep you out like that...not yet anyway. Hell, even *I* have a hard time keeping my shields up when you want in.

Ash: *gazing at me cautiously* What are you saying, ma rose d'acier, that someone else interfered?

Tam: That is exactly what I'm saying. You weren't in the room for the IM. Gigs said she had a nightmare that Padma had kidnapped her to be Gideon's MATE. That it seemed very important to him because she's a WHITE tiger.

Ash: *eyes wide* Mon Dieu!...NO!! He cannot have her! She is MINE!!! She is my third! She is to be my WIFE!! How DARE he approach her in such a manner...or for such a purpose! And the implied insult to me, by bypassing the proper etiquette of making a request TO me! But NO...he choses instead to invade her dreamscape!

Tam: Careful, mon Ange...he MAY be trying to start a war. He KNOWS JC and Anita are too strong for him to take on directly. He may see you as Jean-Claude's weak spot. If he were to weaken you by stealing Gigs from us, he could be seeking to weaken JC's power base. She said she'd be back home in a couple of hours...talk to her about it then...if we learn more about the dream, we may learn more about the motives behind it.

Ash: You are right, ma rose. And I will apologize for my misunderstanding.

Tam: You're VOLUNTEERING to apologize? You MUST be in love. *grins and ducks thrown boot*

“Door slams...Gigs comes hurrying through....face obscured by her hair....slams bedroom door"

Tam: you okay?

Gigs: Depends....Ramses told me to stay away from Kylie

Tam: what on earth for?

Gigs: "Sounds of things slamming around behind door" Because I'm a threat to her now...apparently "mirror shatters" OUCH! DAMN STRENGTH! "ROARS"

Tam: A threat how? Because you're a were? Hell she's Jason's lover...that can't be it.

Ash: *forces door and gathers you to him in unbreakable embrace, cradling your wounded hand*

Gigs: LET ME GO! "To Tam" Did you show fangface here the picture? I showed it to Ramses...he hit the roof!

Ash: Be calm ma chat, we will find out what the problem is. You do not need to hurt yourself over this.

Gigs: It isn't Gideon....3 guesses who it is.

Tam: Luce?

Gigs: Nope...Luce doesn't have a reason for searching Ash and Ramses servants....or bringing a white tiger to court... which BTW, Fang face...what’s so all fired important about a white tiger

Ash: I do not know, amante de moi...other than their rarity...

Tam: Draco?

Gigs: BINGO! “Glares back at Ash” And WHY is Draco violating my dreams, Ash? Why does he want me mating with a court tiger...? Why does he want ME? “collapses” "tears" why me?

Ash: *worried look* I don't know, cherie. I have never heard of anything like this before. *rocks you in his arms, shushing softly*

Tam: Well, apparently Ramses knows something about this...

Gigs: Ramses said Draco might think the Absorber would seek sanctuary in a white tiger...to escape the council

Ash: He might...I did not recognize Draco, because I have never seen him before. The entire time I was at court, he was always withdrawn in his chambers...his meals were sent to him...none ever returned.

Gigs: WHY is a white tiger so important...for God sake I'll die my fur! "eyes wide...lip trembling…eyes start glowing....cat's eye pendant around my neck glows with them"

Tam: So he thinks that because you're linked to Ash...Asher, let me call Ramses...he at least seems to have some idea of what's going on here. I swear that I won't ever give ANYONE up to the council...but I will NOT see an innocent offered up to them as a decoy to protect anyone either.

Gigs: He's coming after me, Ash "whispers tearfully"

Ash: Cherie...your pendant...

Gigs: what? oh...yeah...Ramses took it for a moment and did something to it. "wipes tears"

Tam: *Tires of waiting for Asher to give permission...picks up phone and starts dialing number for Ramses' cabin* What did he do to it? *listens to phone ringing*

Gigs: I don't know...said Padma shouldn't be able to call me unless I took it off...or something..."lies down in Ash's lap" I'm so sleepy...and I've got a splitting headache...

Ash: *carried you to bed and lays you gently on it* Kimberly, I swear i will do everything in my power to protect you. Je t'aime.

Gigs: I know....but he's coming...and what if he hurts Tyler? "sobs" I couldn't take it. My baby!

Ash & Tam together: We will protect you both to our last breath and beyond.

Gigs: "looks at Ash with tear-stained face" who would know what’s so important about a white tiger?

Tam: *muttering* c'mon...pick UP...Oh, I know you two aren't gonna like this, but I asked Kash to contact Edward and Seri...they've been planning a little French hunting expedition...She might know something...

Ramses: You may put the phone down Mrs. Lowery...I am here

Tam: *sets phone back on cradle* Then maybe you wouldn't mind answering a few questions.

Ramses: "bows head" I have come to help all I can. "cradles Gigs face" it will be all right, Lady.

Tam: What is the significance of a white tiger?

Ramses: That I do not know...all I DO know is that they are sacred. NO ONE harms a white tiger… EVER… not even the council.

Ash: So that should make her safe from the council...yet one of the highest members seeks her...why?

Ramses: "Amused look at French pup" You must admit, young one...it would be a perfect place for the Absorber to hide, no? And now YOU have taken one as a servant...very suspicious. You know Draco's..."attachment" to her.

Ash: *bristles a bit at the "young" remark, but holds his tongue on it* Oui...but this was not planned. Until she was infected, I was unaware that I even had an animal to call...if Tamara and I had not stretched the marks to her, she would have died.

Ramses: I understand...let us deal with the here and now.

Tam: I remember hearing that they were lovers when she was in her original form.

Ash: What I REALLY don't understand is why he would want her mated with Gideon?

Ramses: "Ramses shakes head" I can only think it is a ruse to call her to him...."points at Gigs"

Gigs: Yeah...well it didn't work...I'm already spoken for "holds tighter to Ash"

Tam: Gigs, Asher, do I have permission to let Ramses in on your secret?

"Ash and Gigs look at each other, Gigs nods quietly"

Tam: We weren't going to tell anybody until after Kash and Luce's wedding...Gigs didn't want to spoil her "day" for her...but Asher proposed to Gigs...she accepted *watches the magi intently for his reaction to the "libertine" deciding to "settle down"

Ramses: "Ramses eyebrow raises momentarily, but then he concentrates on the effect" Then there is your answer...to WHY Gideon.

Ash: An attempt to entice her away from me? Offering her a more "suitable" mate? *curls lip in irritation*

Ramses: "Ramses smirks" No, because human laws...even marital laws do not effect the lycanthropes...meaning she could be married to you but still be mated to Gideon...she would have to attend him at least part of the time...The Queen would be forced to put the Persephone Clause into effect.

Tam: But how would he know about the engagement? We haven't told ANYBODY else.

Ramses: He probably doesn't...but she still IS a member of your triumvirate...and therefore Ash would have prior claim...UNLESS she were mated. If she were mated to Gideon, she'd be forced to be at court...at least PART of the time giving Draco access to her.

Tam: *not liking where this is going* and this "mate" HAS to be a lycanthrope?

Ramses: "chuckles" yes, usually animals...even were animals mate with their own species...

Ash: But what is the point of forcing her to the court if her status as a white tiger protects her from them harming her?

Ramses: THAT, young one, is why we must discover the significance of a white tiger...they may not be SEEKING to harm her....I had wondered what Padma would be getting out of "mating" his tiger...surely the welfare of his cat is not a particular priority for him.

Tam: *a little light clicking* Offspring...what powers would children born of the Absorber grant to whoever controlled them, and if they were sired by his tiger, he WOULD have a claim to them. Shit! Ramses, you realize the danger this puts Tyler in?

Ash: NO!!! NO ONE will harm le petit dauphin!

Ramses: Tyler is not sired by Gideon...nevertheless, Asher, I would recommend you seek out the child’s biological father and see to it he does not become "infected".

Ash: *eyes go icy cold* It will be done.

Tam: *through the marks* I know what you're thinking Asher...yes that would give you claim to Tyler, but you will NOT turn someone against their will...nor will you kill the man...I doubt Gigs would ever forgive you for that.

Ramses: My concern is to convince The Dragon that our Giggles is not whom he seeks without tipping our hand as to who IS. He IS coming...that is pretty much a given. ”meditates further” I advise you call Jean-Claude in on this...the political arena is his forte.

Ash: Oui, I will do so.

Gigs: God, my head is splitting...I need some aspirin!

Ramses: NO!. He is seeking to call you to him. That is what your pendant is blocking....but you will have a headache until he ceases. Whatever you do, DO not SLEEP while he calls you..You will be susceptible to him.

Tam: Can Gigs refuse Gideon as her mate?...*walks over to bathroom and returns with aspirin as Asher massages your shoulders* Um...maybe I ought to put these back then. Anyone for coffee?

Ramses: That will depend...is she strong enough to repel her Paudun's call? The pendant only repel's Padma...it will not block an alpha of her own kind nor will it block any violation of Draco's.

Ash: Gigs, can you remember what happened in the dream? We figured out that it was either Padma or Draco blocking our marks preventing me from being there for you.

Gigs: Oh "holds aching head" um....running in the dark...something chasing me...I'm in tiger form...um....

Tam: *sits beside Gigs, places hand on her forehead, opening the marks and drawing off some of the pain* Gigs: "moans in pain" A bedroom...with chains on the walls, whips...and other sharp things I don't recognize.

Tam: Uhhhnnnnnnnggggggggggggg! *through gritted teeth* Let me take the pain, Gigs...been having killer headaches since I was twenty...can handle it better...I think...aaaaaaaahhhhhhh

Ash: That sounds like Padma's "playroom"

Gigs: "looks at Ash with pain-filled eyes" Yes, Padma was there...I guess...indian guy in black satin pantaloons...red sash...bare-chested CrimsonRoses2472: forced Gideon to shift....forced him to.... "looks down"

Ash: Go on, cherie...I know it is dificult, but there is no shame in you...you did not do this.

Gigs: "Looks at Ramses" but you said that wasn't Gideon...but he "acted" like Gideon...kept asking me if he was so bad...if I couldn't learn to..."tears again" It was so COLD...so calculating...."clutches Ash's hand" not at ALL like when we....

Ash: Sh...I know. It is because I truly love you amante.

Ramses: It is how animal's mate, my dear....there is no emotion involved....continue

Gigs: that was all...I woke up screaming...trying to fight him off.

Tam: *redirects pain in a power lance back to it's origin...earning her a shocked look from Asher at what she's done* *to Ash* I KNOW that wasn't really a smart thing to do, but the bastard was really pissing me off.

Gigs: "shaking..."

Ash: *cradles you in his arms protectively*

Gigs: "sighs at pain recedes" He knows we know.

Tam: Now to address the other problem...how do we convince him that you're not the Absorber without failing Kylie.

Gigs: I don't know....but perhaps if we "meet" with him...he'll understand his mistake..and won't pursue it. Maybe if you invited him here Asher....at least we'd be on our own turf. No Gideon or Padma involved.

Tam: *raises eyebrow at you* It MIGHT work...but have you ever tried convincing an ancient vampire that he's wrong about something when he's got his mind fixed on it?

Gigs: No...and we STILL don't know the significance of the white tiger....just not being the absorber might not be enough "blows out breath" Remember he has the help of Padma...and apparently the Queen too if he's entering my dreams.

Tam: “looks at computer” Dammit...Kash still isn't on...I was hoping that Seri might have an insight on this...I know you don't like the bird, Gigs, but it seems you have a common enemy. Gigs: A reason NOT to get her involved....unless we WANT her captured again "soft smile at that"

Tam: We DON'T *shoots wary look at Gigs* But she DOES want to kill Padma.

Gigs: What? it's not like I'd actually turn her over...I can't just be a little amused by the "idea" of it for a while? "small mischief grin" That she does....and she MIGHT know the significance of the white tiger.

Tam: Ramses, you've been spending time with Seri...if we can't get a hold of her through Kash, maybe you could ask?

Ramses: "Bows to Tam" I will do what I can, Lady...I do not wish for Miss Gigs to be harmed...but you understand I cannot allow Kylie to be endangered...even for her.

Tam: I know...that's why you want them to stay apart for a while, isn't it? It IS just for a while...right?

Ramses: I hope so....I dearly hope so....princess loves her dearly...and would probably do something foolish if Gigs were to fall into trouble...

Tam: And what does the Absorber herself have to say about all this? *ignores Asher's wince* any helpful suggestions?

Ramses: She has not spoken on the subject...

Tam: Might I be granted an audience with her?

Ash: Ma rose! Non!

Tam: Don't worry, Asher. I will behave myself. But she knows Draco better than any of us. She might be able to see a way out of this. I promise not to endanger her or Kylie.

Ramses: I am sorry, My lady...but Kylie and myself will be traveling tonight...I cannot have her anywhere near here when he comes...there will be no time for you two to speak.

Tam: Understood

Gigs: "Gigs reaches over to Tam" He's right. She's my friend and I don't want her in harms way. I think you're right.....The Bird is our best chance.

Tam: I don't either. Despite Asher's worries, I bear Jules no ill will...and I wouldn't hurt Kylie for the world. It IS best that she not be anywhere near, for fear that Draco might sense her presence.

Gigs: "nods agreeing. Looks at Ramses" Thanks for your help. And thank your for my pendant.

Ramses: Never take take it off. It CAN help you.

Gigs: I won't

Tam: I know this is gonna sound weird, but what about inserting it into a small cut and letting the skin heal over it? Wouldn't have to worry about broken chains then...or would your body reject it during a shift?

Gigs: What? Like a third eye? "looks at you funny"

Tam: No...I was thinking just above the breastbone and under the skin...completely under...not peeking out like an eyeball.

Gigs: "gives you a look like she's not going for it”

Tam: It was just a suggestion...just couldn't help thinking that if our visitor figures out what it's for, he might break the chain if he can't get you to remove it willingly...

Gigs: “gets look in her eye” Ramses...can you make something that would erase memory?

Ramses: It is possible...what is it you wish to forget?

Gigs: The existence of my son.

Tam: GIGS NO!!!

Gigs: "looks at Tam" Think about it....they can't use Tyler against me...if they don't know he exists...and if they can't read it from our memory...how would they know? Ramses and Kylie could take him with them...She would take good care of him "agonizing eyes"

Tam: *silent tears fall, knowing what this decision is costing you*

Gigs: Ash? "shaking, tears"

Ash: *To Ramses* Is the process reversible?

Ramses: There is no way to know...sometimes it comes back...sometimes it doesn't.

Gigs to Ash: He's my precious baby...and WHEN they find out I'm not the absorber...they might not hurt me...but they Can hurt him....

Ash: *sighing resignedly* You are right, cherie, much as I hate to admit it...but if they learn that you are not the Absorber, why would they seek to hurt le petit dauphin?

Gigs: Because they're sadistic bastards who didn't get their way..."bitterness through tears"

Tam: You know she's right, Asher...you were with the Council long enough to learn THAT.

Ash: Oui...very well, ma chanteuse...if this is what you truly wish...

Gigs: Its not what I WANT...I don't WANT any of this....

Ash: I know, cherie...I am so sorry to have brought this on you. Had I known, I would have left you alone rather than cause you all this pain and sorrow that I have by making you mine. *gently kisses tears away from your face*

Gigs: Oh "holds your cheeks in hands" I didn't mean it that way. I'm just angry...why can't they just leave us alone? "looks hopelessly at you"

Tam: Because the only thing more dangerous than an angry master vampire is a BORED master vampire...guess what the entire council is made up of...

Gigs: "crosses eyes in angry agreement. Then at Tam" Derik too...either he crosses over and risks the probation...or we "forget" him too.

Tam: I'll not risk him going back to prison or being executed...I'll tell him what's up...hopefully he'll understand the necessity.

Gigs: "smiles" Yeah...even if you forget him...he's charming enough to make you fall for him again...'laughs weakly" At least he's old enough to understand "suddenly looks very tired"

Tam: *goes out of the room to talk to Derik on phone...comes back a little bit later* He understands...doesn't like it...but he'll go along with it...even offered us a little insurance for getting the memories back...a package to be mailed to us once the crisis is past, with mementos in it, including copies of Tyler's birth certificate and photos of you and him with your family...and Derik's and my marriage license and some photos.

Ash: Gigs, stay with me...you cannot sleep now...*uses marks to keep you awake*

Gigs: "deep breath"...yes...that sounds like a good idea...your husband is a very smart man...

Tam: *smirks* In SOME areas anyway...

Gigs: "giggles" in the areas that count in the long run.

Ash: Are you ready then?

Gigs: We'll have to gather all of his things up...

Ramses: Very well...you pack up the young one...I will be back for him tonight and drop off the potion. "Ramses bows and makes to leave"

Gigs: Ramses.

Ramses: Yes lady

Gigs: Take good care of him.

Ramses: I will guard him with my life, lady.

Tam: Thank you my friend...from all of us...even fangboy here.

Gigs: "Bows deeply and leaves"

Tam: If Draco gets out of hand, can I kill him?

Gigs: And bring the rest of the council down on us?

Tam: We could always call up Eddie and have him bring enough goodies to take out the whole lot of them *innocent smile* don't you LIKE my "happy thoughts?"

Gigs: "grins"...if we could pull that off...we'd be Masters of the Universe....

Ash: *rolling eyes and shaking head* Quite literally, cheries...but enough of this nonsense...we have preparations to make. And non you can't kill Draco.

Tam: *pout* you're no fun.

Gigs: Could you imagine the preternatural chaos that would explode worldwide if we took down the council? They may not be perfect government...but they're all we've got.

Tam: *laughing* Sheesh! It's not like I'd actually DO it...but it's a thought *grin*

Gigs: ..I know...kinda like roast bird..."wicked grin at Ash"

Ash: *ignoring barb from Gigs* Ma rose, just promise me that you will never mention these "happy thoughts" to Jean-Claude or Anita...she would like the idea...HE would GET ideas.

Gigs: Oooh... a New-World council with JC as King of Nightmares...now that IS scary.

Tam: Ain't it though?

Gigs: "laughs and walks off to pack son's stuff"

Tam: *follows to help* Gigs...what are you gonna tell Tyler? I doubt he'd understand that Mommy has to "forget" him for his own safety.

Gigs: Probably that he's going to stay with Aunt Kylie for a while....he'll like that...he and Cody are buddies. He doesn't have to know what Mommy's doing while he's gone.

Tam; True...although them staying at Kylie's is doubtful...Ramses said they were gonna have to travel tonight...he'll probably either keep them on the move or take them to some safehouse that we don't know about...just in case the potion doesn't work...or Draco figures things out and starts searching for Ramses and Kylie.

Gigs: I guess you're right...maybe he'll go "on an adventure with Aunt Kylie" I don't know "deep breath" Wonder if Ky is up to handling an active 5 year old? She's such a girly-girl.

Tam: I KNOW he'll love that prospect...he is an adventuresome kid anyway. *hugs you* They'll keep him safe, Gigs...*grin* It'll be good for her...if she pulls it off, Jason might get ideas, though...in any case, "Tut" is good with children.

Gigs: "smiles" yeah, he is...magic man that he is...I still can't believe he does the quarter behind the ear trick...

Tam: With you maybe...he pulled BUBBA out from behind MY ear.

Gigs: LOL...

Tam: That reminds me of something slightly creepy I saw today.

Gigs: Oh? "Pulls suitcases out from under the bed...opens Tyler's drawers and puts his clothes into one"

Tam: Found the mummified remains of a tree frog in my bed today...all I can figure is it had gotten caught in one of the pillws i line up against the wall and suffocated or something...all that was left of it was skin stretched over the skeleton.

Gigs: Eeewwww...don't wash your sheets much?

Tam: Once a week.

Gigs: You’re supposed to flip your mattress every three months too, ya know.

Tam: Didn’t know that

Gigs: Keeps it from getting lop-sided, bumpy.

Tam: Too late for that I'm afraid...it was already lumpy when I rented the room.

Gigs: Ah. You might try it anyway...might even it out some...ya never know.

Tam: I will. Did we miss anything?

Gigs: "finishes up clothes, looks at toys" Should probably just send his favorites and put the rest in storage. "Holds Ty's Buzz Lightyear in my lap"

Tam: Good idea...did you set aside the stuff for the memory package? *notices you sitting there with the toy...sits beside you with arm around you* Go ahead and cry while you still remember, hon...it helps sometimes.

Gigs: "sniff" yeah...if I wasn't going to "forget" he'd be gone...I wouldn't be able to stand being away from him this long....how long do you think this will last anyway?

Tam: I don't know...hopefully not long.

Gigs: "nods"...should put his baby book in the memory stuff...moves purposefully to keep herself busy.

Tam: *cries for you since you won't let yourself do it...continues to help with the packing*

Gigs mentally to Ash: There's no way we can send all this stuff with them if they're going to be moving a lot...we'll have to get a storage room.

Ash: I've already arranged for one...Tim will be by to pick up the boxes shortly...he doesn't know what's in them or what's going on.

Tam: Wait a minute...Gigs, how did Ramses get here in broad daylight?

Gigs: "looks at you stunned"...I don't know "starts calling out" Tyler....TYLER!

Tam: I'll ask when he gets here

Gigs: "gets more frantic, moving from room to room, faster and faster" TYLER!! WHERE ARE YOU?

Tam: Ash...help us look...he's missing.

Gigs: TYLER HONEY...MOMMY'S NOT ANGRY...JUST TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE....PLEASE "sobs, sniffs air"

Ash: No he's not...*walks in with the boy asleep in his arms* calm yourself ma chat...he is safe.

Gigs: "hand over mouth breathing heavy"

Tam: Where was he?

Ash: He'd been playing in the yard...when he came in at your first call he said he was sleepy and then just curled up on the floor.

Gigs: "brushes his hair from his face, then eyes Ash suspicious" He just fell asleep? Just like that?

Ash: Oui...is that normal?

Gigs; No..."sniffs" it's not....I smell the Magi's herbs. How could Ramses be out in the sun with Tyler?

Tam: I don't know...I'm still trying to figure out how he even got here during the day to begin with. Ramses IS sneaky...maybe he thought it would be easier on both of you if Tyler was asleep.

Gigs: Or maybe he's not Ramses...."eyes widen in fear"

Ash: How would we get him to prove himself, then?...

Gigs: Ash...can you see what he's dreaming about?

Ash: one moment *lays hand to Ty's temple* he is defending the galaxy from Zurg alongside his friend Buzz.

Gigs: "sighs in relief, kisses his temple" Maybe you're right Tamara...maybe I'm overreacting...

Tam: I hope so...*hears knock at the door* Now what...it's still at least an hour to sunset.

*Tim comes in, exchanges a few greetings and leaves with the packed up belongings*

Gigs: "sits on couch next to Ash as he holds sleeping boy....lays head on shoulder wearily"

Tam: *sits on the other side of you...pinches your leg* No dozing off, remember...at least not until after the potion...wouldn't do any good to forget anything if they pick your mind before you can forget.

Gigs: "shakes head" Right. Its just I feel like I've had sand poured into my eyes...I'm so sleepy.

Ash: Fight it ma chat...*gives you a mild energy boost through the marks*

Gigs: "smiles at Ash" You know how wonderful you look like that? Should take a picture of the two of you...put that in the memory box.

Tam: Good idea *goes and gets the camera...snaps a shot of the three of you on the couch...waves the result in the air to dry it and speed the developing* Polaroid’s are great! *hands pic to you*

Gigs: "chuckles"...That'll be a good one to draw one day, Tam....that looks so nice...

Tam: yep...the perfect "nuclear" family.

Gigs: "laughs" yeah, that's us...a regular ‘Leave it to Beaver’.

Ash: *grinning wickedly at you* I LIKE "beaver"

Tam: *giggling* Asher!

Gigs to Ash: "laughing, blushing" Have you gotten through to JC yet?

Ash: Oui, I called him while you were packing. He is sending Anita and Damien, as well as a few pard members, on his jet even as we speak.

Gigs: "furrows brows" he's not coming himself? Although having Anita involved is more than I could ever hope for...

Tam: *another knock at the door...I peek out* Well, I THINK it's Ramses...kinda hard to tell through all those black wrappings...Gigs, can you smell him through the door?

Ash: Non, it seems that he's been having trouble with a mysterious arsonist...that he is sending Anita at all is a testament to how worried OUR problem has him.

Gigs: Hmmm...somebody's keeping him busy, huh...."nods musing" Well, like it or not, I guess you'll have to handle the diplomacy all by yourself, Cher.

Ash: *half-smiling* I don't like...but I CAN manage...I was with the council a bit longer than our lovely Jean-Claude...and much more recently...I have not forgot the dance of court politics.

Gigs: "kisses your cheek meaningfully" I didn't mean to imply otherwise, my love...its just that you are personally involved....might have been beneficial to have a non-biased mediator is all...

Tam: Um guys...do I let in the Mystery Mufti or not? Looks like he's starting to smolder a bit in the sunset.

Gigs: huh?

Tam: The guy outside that I said MIGHT be Ramses? Couldn't tell through all the black wrappings.

Gigs: Guess you'd better let him in. Hmmm "shrugs" sometimes it pays to be a mummy I guess

Tam: *opens door and black swathed figure moves swiftly in*

Gigs: "wrinkles nose at slightly charred smell"

Tam: *Waits expectantly as figure unwraps head. Mental aside to Gigs* Not trying to upset you, but for the past five minutes the lullaby from "Prince of Egypt" has been running through my head

Gigs: "mental back to Tam" Thanks for sharing.

Tam: Not upset are you?

Gigs: No dear...I'm not "sniffs again; mental to Ash" Smell something odd?

Ash: Oui, but I can't place my finger on it...the smell of burnt vampire is too overpowering.

Gigs: Sulfer...ASH...its SULFUR!

Ash: *hands you Tyler and moves to join me in a protective stance in front of you*

“The room dampens quickly with the feeling of thick static electricity...hard to breathe”

Tam: Leave her alone!

“Red Eyes flare from the depths of the black wrappings”

Ash: Draco...why do you seek my beloved? She is nothing to you.

Draco: “An Ancient voice deep as the ocean vibrates throughout the room”...Asher, Son of Belle Morte...that is No WAY to greet a councilman..."electricity strikes at Asher's heart"

Gigs: "Screams in pain"

“Asher falls to his knees and the electricity lessens in intensity”

Tam: *supports Asher as he staggers from the blow...his shirt charred* Are you trying to KILL her?

Draco: I find the impudence of these New World Servants "disturbing"...now...greet me properly son of Belle Morte.

Ash: *bowing* Greeting Draco, Master of Pain. Welcome to my dwelling. Please forgive my servant's anger, she is young. As for my question about my beloved, you must understand, sire, that she is not only my third, but my bride to be.

Draco: THAT..is where you are wrong, Scarred one. She has been my bride since the dawn of time…and YOU are not fit to kiss the ground she walks on. That you corrupt her host body with your foul presence is intolerable. Yet it is the ONLY thing that saves your putrid hide from my wrath ironically enough. I have suffered a miserable existence through the centuries without her for long enough. I will take back what is mine, make no mistake, Son of Belle.

“Gigs screams again in pain, holding her head crushed between her palms. Then quickly slides into unconsciousness.”