painting the night with brush strokes of gray: (Closed thread)

[SandS13]

Morgan looked up. "Close the door behind you."

----
No revenge. No vengeance. Imogen frowned. She had thought maybe she could bargain, protect the others.

Daniel stood. "I did nothing. I was here. Where were you?" His tone was accusatory. "Playing rock star? Isn't someone trying to kill her or hurt her?"

"Enough." Imogen snapped at them. She got up from the couch, somewhat shakily. She stood by Jared. "Yes it is him. He is asking me to come to the roof. Says you are all trapping me here. He is angry."

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel glared at the wolf. “I had no idea she left our protection. I would have never left her alone.”

“Pease,” Byron said laying a hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. It was a strange day indeed when Byron was the voice of reason.

Jared gave Imogen a funny look, almost appraising. However, it was Nicholas who answered her, “He always had a sweet tongue. He comes from a time when we only ate if we could seduce pray to us. He has never once earned anything. He steals everything. Takes what isn’t his. I implore you to not listen to him.”

Gabriel knew he wasn’t trapping her, just protecting her. However, there was a lot of muscle in the room and they were all more or less surrounding Imogen. “Shouldn’t you get away from the window?” Byron finally asked, “What if he has a rifle too.” Nicholas nodded and gently urged Imogen back.


Andrea slipped into Morgan’s office. “You summoned me my lady?” she asked. She wore a half mask over her face, almost like one worn to a mascaraed.
“There are guests here. I’d like you to get close to them.” Andrea nodded.

“The brothers?”

“No, there is one named Nicholas.” Here Andrea hissed.

“I will not.”

Morgan looked surprised she had never had her huntress refuse a request before. Andrea finally continued at Morgan’s frown, “He is too powerful. He would see through any act of mine. I will have to find you another. Someone who doesn’t know as many of your secrets. Tell me my lady, what do you wish done about him?”

 

[SandS13]

"I wish for him and Byron to be on my side of things. We are in my city and yet they all seem to think they can do as they like. They are here at my request and I would have them in my favour." Morgan stated. "Find me someone else."

---

Daniel frowned. "How could you not know..." He grumbled. If she was his mate he would always know where she is. Especially given that she seemed to be in danger. He was angry that Gabriel had come charging in as if he was in control. Clearly the vampire was out of his element.

Imogen shook her head. "He would not kill me. He wishes to have me, not kill me. He wishes to kill all who stand in his way. I thought...I thought I could bargain for everyone's safety but he will seek revenge on Gabriel for marking me, for assuming I am his." She turned to look at the room. "He has made it very clear that he will come for me. If not him, then he is sending others to get me."

She was angry and it radiated off of her in waves. "I feel like a toy that everyone wants to play with and is convinced is theirs alone. Thank you for coming and checking on me but Daniel called out of fear. I am fine." She was doing her best to stay composed but it was difficult. "I am sorry to have caused concern."

Imogen looked at Nicholas. "Once you are done setting things up for the band could we speak please? You seem to know Dimitri best and I have some things...some memories I wish to ask you about."

Her eyes fell on Gabriel. She was conflicted. She wanted to go to him, to feel the warmth and comfort of his arms but then she was just giving in and playing the role of something that needed protecting. He desired her, he wished to protect her. It occurred to her that he spoke of desiring her and that she would love him, grow to love him but he never spoke of feelings. He was no better than Dimitri. That thought stung. She had honestly been falling for him. She had opened herself up, was allowing herself to feel and yet to them she was just something to have.

"Excuse me for now please." Imogen ducked her head down and headed for her room. She didn't want them to see her upset.

Daniel twitched. He could smell it, the change in her demeanour, the anger that turned sad. He moved to follow her.

 

[The_gladiator]

Please don’t leave like this little one. I want to help you. I am sorry I did not know you were alone. Gabriel’s words in her mind were soft. Yet when Daniel started to follow her Gabriel growled low in his throat heading to cut the other man off.

However, it was Nicholas that blocked both men’s paths, or rather Axle at a wave from Nicholas. The stocky vampire, so much like a walking beer keg of muscle blocked the hallway, refusing to move. Nicholas’s voice was low, reasonable. “You two fight over her like she is a bone and you both mangy curs hungry for the affection. Yes, Gabriel you have claimed her, but your claim is new, she does not trust you fully yet. I know that you know your feelings about her are genuine, you have had the epiphany, you know she is yours and you know how much you will grow to love her. That doesn’t mean she knows it. She was human until what, two days ago?” Nicholas moved forward watching Byron gently pull Gabriel back to let Nicholas face Daniel, who looked pleased to see Gabriel get dressed down like that. “And you wolf. I don’t know what your role in this whole matter is, but you play with fire provoking Gabriel’s wrath like that. Do you remember when you first were infected, and how difficult it was to control your wolf?” Daniel’s nod was slow in coming. “Then you remember what it’s like to have a beast clawing inside you. Tell me could you control the beast if someone came near something you thought was yours?” Nicholas was even closer now, his voice low, intense. Daniel nodded again, “Then you should show him respect and understanding, for in this one thing you are more experienced than Gabriel. Gabriel has known his beast for a long time, each time we feed we fight not to kill, not to go rogue. But his beast just got some new teeth and claws. He does not know how to master it in new situations like this.”

Byron took Daniel’s arm. Urging him back as well. “And just to be sure you two work properly together and realize that you are both allies, Gabriel, you will fix what you destroyed.”

“What do you mean?”

Nicholas stepped forward and lifted Daniel’s hand, “You did this, I know the mark of the beast on you. Heal him.” Gabriel bristled, but he knew Nicholas’s points were valid. Nicholas stepped away and let Byron lead Daniel to the couch where Gabriel moved to stand near him, glaring at him the whole time.

“What about Imogen,” Gabriel asked.

“She asked to speak with me later, I will go to her, I will try to help her understand as an outsider what it’s like to be claimed by one of our people, tend to her emotional state.” And with that he stepped past Axle who gave him a nod.

“I’ll take the others back down and we’ll keep setting up. Come join us Gabriel when you’re finished helping Daniel, there’s a good fellow. Oh, and Daniel,” Byron added, if you’re close to Imogen, you’ll be a target for Dimitri also, be careful my man.” With that the band faded back down the hall, leaving Gabriel and Daniel.

Gabriel’s glare was hard but finally he held out his hand to the wolf, “Let me look,” he said, his voice softer than he had expected it to be.


Meanwhile, Nicholas had moved down the hallway and stood in the open doorway to Imogen’s room. “May I enter my lady?” he asked, in very formal very old-world sounding words, that weren’t an act to Nicholas.

 

[SandS13]

His words in her mind tore at her. She wanted to turn and run to him but she was still upset. She didn't want to give in to the urge to be what they wanted. Morgan made her a pawn, Dimitri and Gabriel wanted to own her. Imogen looked at the mark on her chest. Claim her.

She passed through the doorway of her room and Imogen let her shoulders slump.

They torment and treat you poorly...I am coming...my people...

All of her hurt and anger washed over her. GET OUT!

The wave of psychic energy that erupted from Imogen shook the room, rattling the doors on thier hinges and cracking the mirror in her bathroom.

Everything was silent for a moment.

Imogen felt cold and very lonely all of a sudden. She walked to the closet and for the first time in a very long time she crawled in and sat in the darkness.

She heard Nicholas. "You do not need to be so formal." She called from her hiding place. His calling of her my lady harkened back to a memory, another life. Imogen shook it away. "Come in Nicholas."
----
Andrea pulled out her phone and made a call. There was only one person she could think of to handle the job of Nicholas. He intimidated her like few could. Information was relayed and then the phone hung up.

She had her own job. She entered the club and her eyes fell on the returning group. Her target was Byron. She put a smile on her lips and moved towards them. "All is well I trust?" She was looking right at Byron.

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel took Daniel’s hand when the wolf finally offered it to him. “I made a mess of it,” he said softly.

He began to straighten the fingers. Daniel winced and snarled with pain but though he clenched his other fist he did not strike out at Gabriel. “I will need into your mind wolf, to compel your body to heal the wound. Are you willing to trust me enough?” he asked eyes meeting his.

Nicholas stepped into the room. He could sense the echo of the psychic blast. “You have scared him off, for now?” He said softly. It was half statement, half question. He followed her voice to the closet. He squatted down so he would not loom over her. “Would you like to come out or should I join you in there?” he asked her softly, gently coaxing, wanting her to trust him.

Byron gave Andrea a funny look, seeing her masc. “Interesting fashion statement,” he commented, quite mysterious.” He did not answer the all is well question, unless he had a better idea who she was he wasn’t that willing to give out information. He did seem drawn in by her mysterious appearance though.

The rest of the band moved back out to continuing setting up Jared helping Axle arrange his drum set.

 

[SandS13]

"He is angry but he is gone for now. I gave him little choice. I am tired of being told I belong to them." Imogen frowned. "I should come out but I- Do you mind terribly coming in here for a time?"

She shifted, putting her back on the opposite wall so he could take her place. "I used to hide in closets as a child. I was in one the day Dimitri killed my parents."

Imogen waited for Nicholas to sit. "Are you here because Gabriel asked you to come or because I did? I am not ready to talk about Dimitri yet." She looked down at her hands. She bit the inside of her cheek, holding back her tears. She was not a child, there was no reason for tears.
---
Andrea chuckled. "I like a little mystery. Don't you?" She looked around. "I am surprised you are playing here. I am glad though. Big fan..."

 

[The_gladiator]

Nicholas bent his tall frame and joined her in the closet. Their knees touching due to the cramped space. His eyes, so dark studied her. His eyes, dark as they were were not the true black eyes of Dimitri, though not as blue as Gabriel. “Good, glad you put him in his place for a while at least.” He could respect her wish to not discuss Dimitri.

“To be honest with you, I put Gabriel and Daniel in their places and told them I would come talk with you.” He folded his hands in his lap. “It is my understanding that you are fairly knew to our world. Gabriel though he means well is young. He has never bonded before and with his mentorship being split between Myself and Vladimir, among others, he has never had a strong female in his life for any length of time, no mother figure. Yes, he has spent great amounts of time with Ehlana, but she’s as much warrior woman as I am, and like Gabriel’s sister.” He let his eyes flick up into her eyes, “This means he may not be good at explaining things to you as his instincts take over. The epiphany of finding a bonded partner, of irrevocably knowing that is the woman for you and you would do anything for her is extremely powerful to my—our people,” he said changing his wording to include her. “His instincts are further inflamed by the presence of Dimitri, and even to an extent by your friend Daniel. I am not here to convince you of anything. I just hoped to educate you as an outsider about what the experience is like for him. I can only imagine your confusion and fear at all of this.” He let his hand stretch out and touch hers.

____

In the club Byron gave Andrea a quizzical look, “Mystery can be nice for sure.” He sounded a bit suspicious. When she mentioned being a fan his face lit up, “You know we’ve never taken the deadman on tour before, we’re normally just the house band for Nicholas’s Live After Death,” he said. That meant she had to have been there. Of course, Byron had been in other groups in the past, perhaps she meant of him personally. He took her hand and bowed over it, “Why thank you. You have me at a disadvantage, then sugar,” he said blue eyes flicking up to meet hers through the mask, as he shoved his blonde hair out of his eyes with a habitual gesture, which also flashed the tips of his manicured fingers.

 

[SandS13]

Andrea smiled. "Yes I do have you at a disadvantage. Does that bother you?" She was smiling. She licked her lips. "I have seen you at Live and in other groups over time. As I said, big fan."
---
Imogen nodded as she listened. "I know nothing or almost nothing about him. He speaks about how I will learn to love him, how his desire for me will grow. Desire. They are the same. They want to keep me, like a thing."

Imogen sighed as his hand touched hers. "I have kept people at arms length since I was very, very young and I started to let him in, I think I was falling for him. He doesn't feel that though does he? Dimitri doesn't feel that for Catarina. It is a need. A need to have something so no one else can. I know very little of this world that I was thrust into."

Her eyes met Nicholas'. "Make no mistake, I chose it. I chose to drink from him but everything was so rushed, under so much pressure."

 

[The_gladiator]

“I think you are wrong,” Nicholas said softly. “Yes, possession is a part of the bond, as is physical sexual desire. Bonded pairs generally forsake all other lovers, with very few exceptions. It is important that desire be a big part of the bond for the males of our people are very highly sexual. But though Possession is there, sexual desire is there, that does not mean feelings aren’t there. Why would you think that?” he actually looked confused at her assumptions. “Say what you want about Dimitri, and there’s plenty bad to say, he loved Katarina to a depth that most of us will never know. A depth that he never recovered from her death.” His eyes were intense. “You are judging Gabriel based on Dimitri’s poor behavior.” He reached out and tapped her breast, right over Gabriel’s mark. There was nothing sexual about the touch, “Yes, the way he marked you was a bit childish, and I have taken him to task for that. However, it is typically an honor to be marked by one of our males, it is a mark of ownership to other males, but it is also a symbol of love, Gabriel’s word to the world that he would die before he let harm get a look at you.” He waited for her reaction to his words. He did not scold, he simply educated, like a teacher or mentor.



“What’s your name then, dear fan?” Byron asked tucking her hand through his elbow and leading her towards the stage, where they drew some odd looks from others in the club who knew who Andrea was. “Do you sing yourself? Or just an avid listener?” He asked.

 

[SandS13]

"Andrea." She purred. "and just a listener and fan of you." She let him lead her to the stage. "Do you enjoy performing? You are quite the natural."

-----
"No I am judging him on his actions and his words. They both speak of how I am theirs. Dimitri speaks of love, of feelings. Gabriel does not. They both seem more concerned that they and others know I belong to them. Gabriel only speaks of desire, of how I must give him everything. He never talks of himself. I thought it a bond of servant who he was sexually attracted to."

She looked to where he touched her, to the mark. "Morgan was using me. Gabriel wanted to stop her. I still feel like a pawn. I opened up to him as he asked and I realized he has not done the same. I thought I was falling in love with him." Imogen blinked away tears.

 

[The_gladiator]

“How can he speak of feelings Lady Imogen; he has known you for 2 days. All he really understands at this moment is desire, is the need to protect you, love takes time doesn’t it?” he asked giving her hand a squeeze. “Dimitri speaks of love because he has 5 years of feelings for Katarina to draw upon. Why would you hold that against Gabriel? Why would you expect him to speak of love so soon? He probably feared you would run away if he got too open too quickly about his deep instant feelings for you. He is doing all in his power to separate himself from Dimitri.”

______

Byron smiled, “A pleasure to meet you Andrea, and what do you do around here?” he asked as he leaned against the stage.

“Get your ass up here and help us with your mics,” One of the crew yelled at Byron, earning a middle-fingered salute from him.

“Soon,” Byron called returning his attention to Andrea.

 

[SandS13]

"Around here? Oh...odd jobs for Morgan. I help gather information, take care of things on the less than up and up side." She smiled and let her hand rest on his arm. Andrea licked her lips. "Am I keeping you from something?"
-----
"Because he asked me to give him everything. He expects all from me and as you said he barely knows me. He does not offer the same. I am wrong. I understand. I do not hold it against him but they both speak of owning me, claiming me. I do not want to be a thing they fight over. Death is all that is going to come of this. Dimitri will kill Gabriel. I will be the cause of death and injuries. I don't want to be that. They want to plant a flag like I am land to be won and for what? Because I have abilities or because I have someone else's memories?"

 

[The_gladiator]

Nicholas sighed, “I disagree. How do you say that he does not offer you the same?” Nicholas was trying not to get frustrated. “He has offered his life for yours, if I know him, he is bleeding inside because he could not come to you, could not hold you knowing that you are hurting. I have him healing Daniel, that is the reason he is not here. He has potentially given up his calling as a sentinel for you. He is taking on a legend of our people to defend your life. I find you just a tad disrespectful my lady for saying he has offered you nothing. When he made his demand for you to give him everything, he would not make such a demand if he hadn’t already given you the same. Have you even reached for it? What do you ask for as proof, haven’t you been in his mind? I know that you are scared but you need to think more. You can feel his aura, don’t tell me you can’t I can feel your power. How can you not tell what Gabriel feels for you? You have days with him, I have less than an hour and I can see the tendrils of his aura that reach out to you whenever he is near you. I saw the fear in his eyes when he heard you were hurt. It was not the fear of someone worried about a possession, it was the fears of a man who has found his other half, who has found the light to his darkness.” Nicholas fought very hard and kept anger out of his tone of voice but he knew Gabriel and frankly did not understand Imogen, where she was coming from. From what he saw, Gabriel had made himself a fool for this woman and she seemed a tad oblivious. She was focused on what Gabriel demanded, but unaware of what he offered.

What have you done to this woman he sent to Gabriel? Learn to do better. His words to Gabriel were much harsher than to her.

Gabriel’s thoughts reached out to Imogen as he pulled out of Daniel’s mind after compelling the wolf’s body to heal itself. “Be careful with it wolf,” was his gruff response before he slid into Imogen’s mind. Are you ok little one? I have wronged you. Nicholas is not happy with me. Please tell me what I have done to hurt you.

Nicholas rose, “I’ve said my peace, unless you have more questions, but it seems as if you have formed your opinions. I hope my words have at least helped you see Gabriel a bit better.



Byron smiled “Yeah they want me to soundcheck and run through a few songs.” He covered her hand with his for a moment. “Would you like to watch?”

 

[SandS13]

Imogen was extremely crestfallen. She felt severely chastised. "I did not mean to be disrespectful."

She shook her head. "I will take my stuff down to the room and perhaps later I can show you the painting and discuss Dimitri."

Her eyes looked at her hands. You have done nothing wrong. It is I who has behaved terribly and been disrespectful to you. I have been selfish. Nicholas is not happy with me. It is not you.

"Why have you told Gabriel that he has hurt me?" She called out of the closet to Nicholas.
----
"I would love to watch." Andrea smiled and slid to stand closer to him. "Will you have time after before the doors open to sit and get to know each other?"

 

[The_gladiator]

“Because the damn fool has let you think he would not do anything for you. Somehow you seem to have missed that. I told him to do better.” Nicholas said poking his head back into the closet, reaching out to offer Imogen a hand. “Come, if you think I will let you go anywhere alone at this point you are sorely mistaken. You can be crestfallen with me present sorry; you will earn privacy again when you are free of Dimitri.” He pulled her to her feet. “This is where Byron would tell me to give you a hug, but I really don’t want to fight Gabriel about it. He wouldn’t punch that foppish son of a bitch, but he’d start shit with me, I’d kick his ass and embarrass him, and you know, I really don’t want blood on my boots,” he seemed to be trying to cheer her up. He had made her think but he wasn’t into continuous punishment. He lifted a foot showing his boot to prove his point.

He’s mad at you? Gabriel asked Are sure he’s just not having indigestion. He gets cranky too, like a woman with pms

No, I get Migraines from annoying pains in the ass like you. Open your mind to her, show her what you feel for her. Nicholas’s thoughts were loud in both of their minds, overhearing their private pathway, something very few could do. Also, it’s rude to talk about people like that This last part was more teasing.

Gabriel was following Daniel back down towards the club but took to heard Nicholas’s words and let himself fill her mind, inviting her into his. “See what I feel for you little one. See the fire. Know me little one,” and he opened himself to her.

“I might,” Byron said in response to Andrea. “Ask her,” he said waving at Melany who was approaching, “She keeps my schedule.” He leaned in to kiss Andrea on the cheek before hopping on the stage. “Check one two.” He called into the mic, “Can anyone hear me out there?”

 

[SandS13]

"You said it was disrespectful. It is me...he has shown me, you told me as much." Imogen was confused as Nicholas helped her up and out of the closet.

She looked afraid he might actually hug her for a moment. She didn't smile at his joke.

He has told me I do not pay attention and was looking for something you had already shown me.

Imogen was wide eyed and frozen to the spot as Nicholas' voice filled her head over Gabriel's. "How..." She whispered.

And then her mind was plunged into Gabriel's. Her knees buckled and she sat on the bed, her hands on her head. It was overwhelming and she found herself wishing Gabriel was here with her rather than just in her mind.
--------
Andrea smiled as he kissed her cheek but immediately frowned at the sight of Melany.

She leaned against the stage and kept her eyes on Byron. She would have to deal with the other woman if she was going to make headway with Morgan's plan.

 

[The_gladiator]

Nicholas sighed, “I apparently am no better with women either.” He threw up his hands in surrender. Then he watched her knees buckle. Not all at once Gabriel. He sent to Gabriel.

Gabriel surrounded her with his love, or the feelings he was sure would become love. Letting her feel his commitment to her, his determination to win her heart, to show her what she meant to him. At Nicholas’s chastisement, he backed off a little. Do not get lost in my thoughts little one, see only the important parts, feel my feelings for you. Gabriel wasn’t too able to guide her to exactly what he wanted. Imogen got images of Gabriel in Daniel’s mind. The respect that were forming between the two as They learned how much Imogen meant to each other. Yes, there was still firmness that Imogen was hers, but there was less hostility now. Gabriel sent that he had discovered that Daniel worked the sound booth sometimes, and had enlisted his help to go soundcheck and practice a few songs with the band. Daniel seemed willing for this. Both trusting Nicholas to keep her safe.

“Did he show you?” Nicholas asked softly.

In the bar, Gabriel arrived patting Daniel on the back jumped on stage to join Byron and the others. Daniel headed towards the sound booth. He paused seeing Andrea leaning on the stage, “Is something wrong?” he asked her as he passed.

 

[SandS13]

Andrea shook her head. "Nothing wrong. Working." She smiled as she watched Byron. He was easy to attract but it was whether or not she could get him to see Morgan's side of things that she was concerned about. Her eyes looked sideways at the woman. And her, that was an obstacle.
-----
Imogen was overwhelmed. It was a lot. He was incredibly intense. She could feel his desire to protect her, to win her heart and have her feel what he knew he would feel. He seemed so sure that he was going to love her. So unwavering sure.

She nodded. Tears were dripping from her eyes. "Yes, yes he did. I have missed it. I did not see. I was looking for the things that human men do..say..I was looking for things he is not. I was unfair."

She wiped at her eyes and tried to stand. "I wish he was here but I will have patience." With a deep inhale she focused on gathering some of her clothes and shoved them into a bag. "Will you come with me to Gabriel's room. I have something to show you."

 

[The_gladiator]

“I can send for him, if it please you my lady. But You did say that you wanted me for a couple of things. But if I were you, I would send that thought to him. He would like to know you wished he was with you. I believe he worries he is what’s the human expression… in the dog house?”

He purposefully did not draw attention to her tears. “It is always important to keep in mind that we are not human. The things he feels are much more intense. He will never betray you. He will not be tempted by another woman; his love will never waver. Forever means a very long time to my people.” He paused, “No, to our people, you’re one of us now.”

Daniel frowned at her but finally moved off to help Gabriel hook up his guitar. Gabriel didn’t have his guitar so played one of Nicholas’s backups. “Thank god he’s so fastidious about his gear.” He commented to Jared. It barely needed tuned. He cranked out the beginning of a riff, instantly recognizable as AC/DC’s Back in Black.

“Seriously dude, without a warmup?” Byron called out as he started to sing the lyrics, the imitation of Brian Johnson’s vocals actually making most of the band and crew laugh. Gabriel could hardly keep playing.

“Please, never again….” Melany called out from the side of the stage, “I love you sugar, but that was not good.” The rest of the band laughed harder.

 

[SandS13]

Andrea silently swore as she listened to the woman coo and moon over Byron. She would have to find a way to get them apart. She could make her disappear but that would be too obvious and then there would be explaining...Andrea needed to be more subtle. She just needed them to be done.
—-
“He has done nothing wrong. It was all me and how I was letting the feelings get to me.” Imogen zipped through bag. She stepped into the bathroom and washed her face.

“Why do you call me that? My lady?” She waited for his answer as she picked up her bag.

We will talk when tonight is done. Know that I am not upset with you and I need to apologize to you, in person. I wish you were here but now is not the tome for us when there are things to do. Thank you for helping me to see what I was too blind and foolish to see. She sent the thought to Gabriel.

Imogen kicked off her heel and pull on flat soled knee high brown suede boots before she led Nicholas out of her apartment and down low into the depths of the building. She put her hand to the special lock and let them in. Her bag was hidden away under the table beside her other one.

“I want you to look at this.” She uncovered the painting. Gabriel painted it from a memory he was trying to remember. Someone has put blocks in his mind.”

 

[The_gladiator]

Gabriel received Imogen’s message and sent back no words, just warmth surrounding her. “Oh god stop.” He called to Byron. Though Gabriel wasn’t done tormenting the singer. Switching to gnr’s welcome to the jungle.” Byron gave him a dirty look but obediently started singing that one too.

Melany walked off, laughing at the band’s antics. She would supervise the rest of the equipment being unloaded. Byron meanwhile shot Andrea a smile taking the joking of Gabriel quite good-naturedly.

____

Nicholas followed Imogen down into the depths of the building. “I call you that, because it is my way, does it bother you?”

He looked at the painting and the color went out of his face. “Now, that is curious indeed.” He paused, “Does he know what the painting means? Do you?” His expression was unreadable.

 

[SandS13]

Andrea was pleased when the woman left the stage. She wanted all of Byron's attention on her. She looked at him, dancing as she leaned against the stage. She knew he would be watching her hips move, looking towards her chest where the collar of her shirt was hanging down just enough to give him a glimpse of the top of her cleavage.
-----
Imogen moved to stand beside Nicholas. She looked at the painting. "He did not put together that it is you. That is the moment she gave you her son to take to safety. Gabriel told me that only Gabriella survived that night. It isn't true is it? What happened to the boy? Why does Gabriel have this memory yet it is fuzzy to him? It is like this one..."

She moved to where the one of Catarina and Dimitri rested against a wall. She turned it around. "He cannot see the resemblance between himself and Dimitri. They are related, aren't they?"

Imogen moved closer, still holding the painting. A chill ran over her and she had a sense of deja vu. "And no, it does not bother me that you call me that it just sparks odd feelings of a past that is not mine yet I can remember with great detail. I think you need to help me put the pieces together, to make sense of that life."

 

[The_gladiator]

Nicholas sighed at her questions. “Follow it through to conclusion my lady.” His eyes board into her. “Gabriel has the memory of a little boy being taken away from Katarina. A boy that he has always heard was killed. Yet, this picture suggests that the boy survived.” He lifted the other painting, “Gabriel looks a lot like Dimitri.” He looked at her, he wanted her to make the connections, not to just be handed the answers. “It is all right before you my lady. “He wanted to make her draw conclusions, yet didn’t want her to jump too far, but she was more likely to believe it if she figured it on her own.

______

Byron smiled as he watched Andrea. They had settled into more normal songs, and Byron was singing in his clean Tenor. He found himself wanting to know more about this mysterious woman. This whole situation bothered him.

 

[SandS13]

Imogen looked as if she might pass out. She handed the painting to Nicholas. No, she practically shoved it into his hands. “You are implying that Gabriel is Dimitri and Catarina’s son. That on that night...I- she...gave him...”.

She shook her head and backed away from him. “Gabriel is the third...oh god...Dimitri wants to kill his own son and he doesn’t even realize. Neither realize. I-“ her eyes met Nicholas’. “You realize that this past life...these memories are Catarina’s, Dimitri’s wife and Gabriel’s mother. And in this life both father and son...”. For a moment Imogen thought she might get sick. “I am not her.”

She clenched her teeth together. Her emotions were radiating off of her and Imogen put up an immediate block to stop them. No one else needed to feel her confusion. “Who blocked the memories from Gabriel? Was it Vladimir or was it you?”

Imogen locked eyes with him. “Morgan said it was old...strong. It doesn’t mean it was Vladimir. You are old, strong...you were in my head while I spoke to Gabriel. Even as young as I am I know that takes considerable power.”