Post by Mal on Jun 23, 2016 13:40:22 GMT -5
Lucavi Morte done with this country and its heat, its noises, and its lack of bodies to flirt with. The pale furred bat pony stood out, why? Because he liked to. What the hell was the point of having a lovely bat body, being out of view?! It was so much like his own body, though not as nice. Some would think he suffered leucism. He was lounged on his seat wine and woman at his wings. And the spotty stallion, but who was keeping score? Luca, by all accounts and purposes was straight as an arrow, but he was also narcissistic. He loved being praised and everything about him! The scent of the wine was alluring because it had a special little additive... 'Why don't you share?' A mare whined. "Oh it is a flavor from my country," His thick accent replied. "Juu would not like it my love!"
Pink Rose really, did not require to go out hunting anymore with her very own bloodbag living in her home. Blood whenever she wanted it. Yet, when he wasn't around it was difficult to find much to do when she wasn't tending to her shop. It didn't stay open too long when it came to the night, since by a certain hour most ponies were already in bed. Save for those that enjoyed the nightlife, and Rose was curious what Canterlot might have. It was out of curiosity that she strolled along in a black dress, far simpler but no less pretty than her favored one, and a shorter skirt. Navigating the alleys could be quite.. gross, depending. There was one alley she came upon where loud music faintly echoed from, like the strange beating of a heart. Rose followed it in and.. found herself a bit thrown the loud music, though there were quite a few bodies here under the flashing rainbow of lights. Many smells, too. Rose tried her best to ignore the volume as she checked it out.
Lucavi Morte was far from altruistic, so any bits he tossed around, he expected favors in return! The sweet sweet bloodwine from home was a favorite of his. While something not uncommon for thestral here and there -- this was not animals' blood... "Go get me something decent to eat, not this... mess!" He flipped the tray sending the platter of vegetables flying. "I said get me meat!" 'I-It's expensive.' The server shuddered. Luca would toss out a bag of bits. "I'm sure your owner will serve me. Now food!" The poor buser ran off to get the platter redid, as gross as it was.
Pink Rose inched by the dance floor where quite a few bodies still danced under the flashing lights, to the pounding music. If she gave herself enough time, she might grow used to it. And though she didn't hear the clatter of the nearby platter, there was a flash of light off of its metal face that caught Rose's attention. She halted by the bar, looking over into the smoky corner where a few ponies sat, specifically a pale thestral. There was nothing of his colors that stood out to her too well, if he didn't have any red.. It was hard to make out their speech, but she watched the waiter scurrying off on their way. Made her wonder what happened.
Lucavi Morte was, just like her, but his disguise was old, it would be hard to spot by the young. Blood? Well if there was any red to spot, it was in his bottle sitting cooling in the ice. He wings spread out as hie pulled his forearms over the mare at each side. His brow arched as he looked up. "Hoo my, juu area dark one." Being from the north -- dark furred ponies were quite rare! "Aren't you lovely. I am sorry mah luv, I 'ave no more arms, care for a wing, or a hoof?" He wiggled his lower left leg.
Pink Rose did soon shift her eyes to that bottle, but if she thought it was anything, it was just wine. She remembered wine, mostly sweet red wine.. Sometimes when she saw things she missed, there was a soft, wistful sigh that escaped. Cupcakes and wine.. The call from the thestral drew her eyes back and she quirked an eyebrow at him, eyes sliding down to that gestured hind leg and back up to his face. "I'm not so certain I want to be a part of your.. harem. I'd prefer to have myself surrounded by stallions." Rose replied smoothly, but she did make her way over towards one of the nearby seats. A pony to talk to, and with such a strange accent..
Lucavi Morte allowed his thin brow to curl up. "Hooo~ a mare who know what she wants~." He motioned his head to a few of the stallions he had about. "Pick some, dreenk wit me~ I would like to hear what brings juu to this place, what fun~! Are juu native? I am beginning to like zis town!" A rough voice mixed with smooth curls but harsh, solid sounding of his sounds. "Your face is lovely, perhaps I should drape mahself over you." He chuckled. Hi entourage was -- mixed, unique, but small enough to make the sitting area comfortable.
Pink Rose's gaze slid across to the stallions there and she eyed them up. She didn't seem to find them satisfactory as she lounged back on her seat, pursing her painted lips. She really didn't. After being around Hivaan, that large pegasus, they seemed pathetic in compare. Rose liked his bulk. "I am native, but not to this city. I come from elsewhere." Rose almost dropped the name of her home town, 'Hollow Shades,' but stopped herself. She still looked like a regular pegasus and it wouldn't make sense. The lady chuckled at the mention of him draping himself on her, and eyed the drinks he had in the cooler. "You really don't mind?" Oh how she'd like to have wine again.. even if it wouldn't agree with her body later. She reached for it with a hoof, hesitating a bit as she waited for permission.
Lucavi Morte laughed and gave a wink. "Of course." 'Aww but you didn't share with us~' one of the mares whined. "Hoo because it is too strong!" He chuckled, looking to Rose. "Careful it is strong." More than so as it was dipped in blood. Maybe he was a bit sadistic, looking to see her choke. he did deny him, but he would -- He giggled into his hoof. "Equestrian than? You must tell me about the wonderful sights at night." Flexing his wings it was obvious, right? It had to be. "I am... not much for the day, juu know?"
Pink Rose briefly glanced to the mares on his forelegs after hearing their complaints and lifted an eyebrow again. Strong? It was no matter to her, as a vampire. Rose reached for the bottle and pulled off the cork easily; it had already been opened, and her strength came in handy. The moment she did, a familiar and metallic scent came wafting up to her from the open bottle. Blood. It gave her momentary pause as she took in the scent, ears perked up in interest, and Rose took a drink regardless. Wine mixed with blood.. how wonderful! Rose closed her eyes, clearly pleased that she should discover such a thing, tongue sliding out to lick over her lips. "Oooh, where did you get this~?" She cooed. It'd be nice to have some at home.. "Something I can certainly agree with, but there is still so little I know of Canterlot at night."
Lucavi Morte watched as she downed a bit o the drink without flinching. No gag, no choking. Well, where was the fun in that. But.... His eyes narrowed ash e pulled the giggling mares close. "We 'ave a drinker! What a lovely mare to handle the stronger, aromatic taste of my home. Ah I bring it myself, from my estate. I have come to visit Canterlot, a villa purchased at the edge. It iz a looovely place... if you would like more wine, hooo you should try ze cheese I bring." He grinned. Now this was interesting. "Good flavor, no? It iz too bad you do not know Canterlot well, but perhaps we can learn of it, together." He wagged his brow suggestively.
Pink Rose reopened her eyes to peer across the space at the thestral, somewhat wondering.. but he was a thestral. They drank blood. Yet she never knew one to actually have something like blood mixed into a drink like this. That was more the style of.. her kind. It remained to be seen what he was, but Rose could make no proper assumptions. A thestral was just a thestral, and a very rich one at that. "I would be quite pleased if I might be able to, ah.. perhaps purchase a bottle off of you from your estate." Rose purred, intrigued by the mention of cheese. Might it be the same, made with blood too? She sensed a wonderful world might open itself up to her with other things she could have. The blood cupcakes, the wine.. cheese even! Rose chuckled at his flirtatious ways. "Sounds interesting enough."
Lucavi Morte flexed his wings in a seductive manner. Wings spoke just as well as tails and the body. "Come now, purchase, you will drink with me! Few ozhers can handle my fine taste in wine, besides you are not like these squealy mares." They whined at is comment. "See?" He chuckled. "We can take a few stallions home too if you are reluctant. I have an array of fine food from my country, perhaps -- a dinner party." Yes, it would be wonderful to indulge in her presence and find out.... what she was.
Pink Rose couldn't help but take another sniff of the bottle's contents, enjoying the scent. After a few centuries of being a vampire, blood tended to grow on you despite its taste, and the scent too. It was what kept her.. well, not alive, but sane and sated. "There's no need to be so harsh, some ponies just can't handle.. it." Rose replied, smiling away and decided to take just another sip of the blood wine. It wasn't causing any adverse effects, so it had to be good for her to ingest! "I'll pass up on the stallions, but I'd love to drink with you and have a meal if you have more like this. Maybe take a bottle home."
Lucavi Morte put his hoof to his chin in thought. he drank it without ill effects. Who was she? Most could not take a sip without puking, aside from otehr Trhestrals. And this, she was not.... His muzzle curled into a smile. "Of course darling. I have many fine recipes from home my maid would be happy to prepare." Something about that seemed to force chills down the more conscious ponies. He was something quite -- naughty.
Pink Rose regretfully, put the cork back in the winebottle and leaned over to set it back in its cooler of ice. She wanted to save herself for these meals, if this thestral wasn't a dangerous pony. If he was, surely she could handle him, even though she didn't like to fight. Hardly knew how to, but strength was good enough to defend her. "As long as you don't mind, of course. I'd hate to be a bother." Rose replied in her silky voice. There was something about his own that seemed unusual, and it just made her.. curious.
Lucavi Morte tittered excitedly. "Darling you'd never be a bother. With a face like that I feel as if I should be paying you to visit." He stretched his forehooves over his head, releasing the mares from holding. "It's late, but a pair of night owls could handle a bit of a snack. Something light. Oooh some fondue with chocolate~" He moved to stand, black hooves clicking almost soundlessly given the noise in the club. "cherry filled chocolates." He'd nearly coo.
Pink Rose raised her eyebrows in response, though her eyes remained half-lidded and interested despite the apathetic aura she gave off. "A visit, you say?" Rose queried and pulled herself to her hooves the moment the thestral released his hoof candy, making it clear it was time to get up to leave. It might be strange for most ponies to up and decide to go somewhere with an utter stranger, but Rose wasn't an ordinary pony. Vampires, difficult to kill and long lived; death was a laughable thought as was physical harm. "That sounds wonderful." Rose replied as she strode around the table with a flick of that straight, red tail. "I'd like to learn your name."
Lucavi Morte gasped. "My manners! I am called Luca by friends~" And that was all he would offer. "Come, come! We will drink, get merry." He blinked and turned to pick up the wine bottle. "Never waste." He winked as he tucked it into his wing, shivering at the chill - though it was rather weak shiver. The male would lead his company away and trot along. "It is sooo hard to find good, amicable company these days~."
Pink Rose thought the name interesting! She held back on offering a hoof, but she offered her name, too. "Rose." The vampire allowed him to retrieve the precious bottle of blood wine and trotted along after him, her tail raised in a manner close to happy. "Indeed. It is too bad your mares were not so." Rose frowned, but it wasn't a serious expression. "So where do you come from? I don't recognize your accent, I believe." Rose asked of him as she followed along. Curious about this pony. What would she learn of him tonight?
Lucavi Morte hadn't taken a very long path, lest the wine get cold. His manor was not very extravagant, but the garden itself was something to write him about. Flowing ponds filled with koi and paths of cobble stone. The building itself was strong and wood. It was rather archaic looking but the house seemed to suit the garden more than the reverse. Lanterns hung along the walk way and a maid waited outside the door, bowing as her master entered. She was a young earth pony. Of working age, but rather young. He looked back at her. "Please, come in my dear~" He strode inside and made his way into the foyer. Paintings of ancient scenes of war hunt on the stone surfaces.
Lucavi Morte's had many, old pieces of work that seemed to go back to the feudal ears. A chandelier broke into a modern decor, as modern furniture draped in blacks and blues filled the living area to the left, and modern, black stained kitchen appliances to the kitchen on the left.
Pink Rose kept up a steady trot after the thestral as he lead her through the streets of Canterlot to his manor. Archaic or not, she thought the place was quite nice, being somewhat old fashioned herself. Much of her furniture was still somewhere along the lines of vintage, as well as some of her old dresses. Not the one she was wearing, of course. Rose strolled up the path with Luca and, upon hearing that invitation, strode right in after him. She couldn't have entered his home, otherwise, but if there was a chance.. "You have quite a lovely home."
Lucavi Morte inclined his head and tapped his hoof on the ground. "Why thank you." He called the maid who approached. "Bring out the chocolates" He ordered before motioning toward the living area. "Please, come sit and warm by the fire. Our snack will be brought out." He led her into the living room where a massive hearth sat, large frosted windows let the most minimal if any light in. Even the moonlight was shunned. The fire's light danced across the wood floors, a rug centering the sitting area where modern couches sat among hoof carved tables and cabinets lining the backdrop.
Pink Rose had to admit to herself, she was duly impressed by his show of wealth. If she didn't move so much, she'd probably try to get herself a nice place similar to this.. but perhaps not nearly so extravagant. Rose moved into the livingroom after Luca and made to seat herself on one of the cushions of the comfortable looking couch. The large hearth gave off a pleasant warmth that Rose basked in comfortably, her forehooves primly crossed in front of her chest. She allowed those blue eyes of her to wander over the surroundings, studying the details before her gaze finally settled on Luca. "If your snacks contain what I think they do, you must tell me where you get them from."
Lucavi Morte's maid brought out a tray of chocolates. Inside? Cherry goo mixed with the honey suckle delight of pony blood. Hearty flavor, not earthy like the wine. No this was the blood of a quiet, well built pony. "Hmm you will delight in the decadence my dear." He motioned is hooves, the mare fetching glasses from the antique chinero/china cupboard. He would pour them a nice big glass and the chocolate lay on the silver platter upon the table with accents of winterberries. "This ooooh the ingredients are form home, but it is made in home by Drusilla here." She bowed, an ordinary pony though. A doll perhaps?
Pink Rose debated on asking Luca if he was a vampire, and if he wasn't she'd be giving too much away by that question. It was a struggle, but Rose decided to keep silent and wait until he asked her. She'd answer such a question willingly, and honestly. Surely nothing wrong with a vampire among thestral. They both feasted on blood. Rose, catching movement, locked on to the maid as she returned with the platter of chocolates. She could smell them from here, and the drink. "How lovely. I feel almost tempted to order some of it to take home for later." Rose crooned softly, eying Drusilla curiously and reached for a chocolate.
Lucavi Morte leaned back with a glass in hoof, resting on his seat. "Yes the wine though it is imported from home while I am here on business for my father." Unfortunately for him his wife to be was at home... "This is more a vacation though, business comes second to pleasure!" The dark chocolate was smooth, inside the cherry creme was mixed with the blood, But whose? Dru was no hearty pony... "What of you my beautiful mare, do you business or play in Canterlot? By your taste in finery...." He put his hoof to his chin. "It makes me wonder just why you still hide behind those icky feathers." His muzzle wrinkled at the thought.
Pink Rose popped the chocolate in her mouth and chewed, closing her eyes and letting her ears lie back at the taste. Chocolate! She hadn't had chocolate since she'd been changed, nor anything else for that matter but blood. It was wonderfully pleasing. So, too, was the mixed filling. She had to convince Luca to let her buy some of these blood-enriched foods to have for herself. Or ask for the recipes to make it herself, too.. "What sort of business, if you don't mind my asking?" Rose questioned, finally opening her eyes to focus on Luca. "Living, and business. My rose shop." She faltered and glanced to him. "I guess I just liked feathers. Such graceful wings, like a bird's. Although I suppose it makes me that much more obvious."
Lucavi Morte chuckled. " You are deliiightful. And I am so glad you asked. Come, follow me." He moved to stand, finishing his glass before he stepped down. Flexing his wings he mused at the thought. "Did juu 'ave pets as a foal? Birds?" He had never really ... liked them. Birds of prey like owls and hawks. "I am more given towards....spiders. Difficult to keep in cold weather, very meticulous care." He walked out into the hall, making his way toward the stairs. "My business is related to passion!" He used his muzzle to pull open the door leading into what looked to be a cellar. The steps were wood, creaky and old. His wing reached out to click a light. As he led her down, he flicked another light at the bottom landing revealing barrels of wine,beer, liquor. Shelves of bottles, walls of glass... it was a trove of booze. "I dabble in debauchery..."
Pink Rose reached for her own glass to take a sip of the bloodwine and placed it back onto the table when he meant to summon her. She felt it might be something interesting, so Rose slipped, regretfully, out of her warm comfortable seat to follow the thestral. "I have not. I preferred to watch birds in their natural habitats, and admired the wings of pegasi later on in life after I left Hollow Shades." Rose replied. "Spiders are quite nice, like tarantulas." She added on as Luca lead her to the door to his cellar, and she was amazed by what she saw downstairs. "Is all of this like that wonderful wine?"
Lucavi Morte laughed, a intoxicating sound like warbling nightingales. "Ohh, not all my moon-kissed Rose, non non! This is for my customers, some like you -- my special customers." He walked over to a barrel. On the body was branded the symbols in Equestrian for 'Water of Life.' Picking up a crowbar he would pry open the barrel releasing to aromatic strike of aged bloodwine. "Nothing more pleasurable. My establishment specializes in desire of our customers. From delicate, exotic meats to enough honey to drown a Bugbear." He chuckled, flapping his wing to let the scent waft to Rose.
Pink Rose took a few slow steps further into the cellar, her eyes running over all of the bottles and barrels. They came back to Luca when he laughed. "Oh, I see." The vampire cooed, taking interest in the barrel that he opened. The smell that wafted towards her was quite.. lovely. "Some like me, huh? Do you mean.. other vampires?" Rose tested, waiting to see what kind of answer he'd give her for that. Was he one too, or just a thestral in that sort of business? "Knowing this is your business.. it would be nice to become a customer. I've missed all the things I used to enjoy."
Lucavi Morte snorted airly. "Well I certainly did not mean cannibalistic pegasus... hardly." He tittered. "Though that would be a delight in my bar too, something unique." He cooed. He gave a smug grin and topped the barrel back. With a wiggle of his hips he gave a twirl, spreading his wings. "Nothing would make me more joyful. Customers brings bits and bits bring rarer wine from much closer, fresher." Yes, just one hook at a time. "Don't we all love to enjoy that which makes pony lives enjoyable? Food! Drink! The scents, the sounds~ ahaha! Yes yes. Oh! I became excited. We must return. I am sure Drusilla has put out the next course. After chocolate with have something more savory." He looked to Rose. "Diced potatoes in a red sauce before she brings out the special port, one I only bring out with good company." He turned to head upstairs. "Shall we?" Up he would go and settle on his chair once more, the crackling hearth still ablaze.
Lucavi Morte's maid removed the bloodwine and set up some diced potatoes lathered in a red sauce. Thick, heady. One with such sense could catch just what made that sauce red. He motioned his hoof, sending her off to get the special port. "This is a simple dish, to wash the palate of that sweet and luscious cherrry~" He rumbled, putting his hoof to his muzzle.
Pink Rose made a noise in her throat and arched an eyebrow at the thestral, but she let it go. She lived too long to get a bit fussy over the way something was phrased. "I wanted to know for certain, if you were one too. If you knew what I was. It's very easy to fool someone if you're a thestral, as thestrals drink blood anyway.. but in smaller amounts." Rose replied smoothly, the corners of her mouth quirking up at how excited Luca was. To hear the chocolates were gone already were a disappointment, she'd only had one! Alas.. They would have other food. Rose tittered at the compliment and followed Luca back up to the livingroom to behold the diced potatoes in that sauce, and that smell~. Rose seated herself back in her previous spot, curious about this 'special port,' as she reached for her plate.
Lucavi Morte raised his plate in his wings and exhaled. "Ahhh thestral bodies are so close to ours. A bit smol, fuzzy... but very close. It is good to have nibbles, but in the darkness you can take gulps." He sniffed his plate. "Ah, she used that one... this is the best of having uniqueness... each dish is never the same. he has a way with the ladle." He mused. "I believe this was unicorn. It ha a certain spark that goes well with the roasted potatoes. Skin off of course. Best way to get that crunch after they are baked. How old are you Rose?" He took a bite.. AH, delightful.
Pink Rose took note of the use of 'ours' which indeed told her she'd found yet another vampire. In Canterlot. It pleased her to know it, and to know she'd run into Dracula of all of them! She'd have to remember to call him by his current name, however. Rose dismissed her line of thought and took a bite of the diced potatoes, testing the flavor of the sauce that Luca's maid used. "Unicorn blood?" He did have a point about that.. "I thought it was once inappropriate to ask a lady her age." Rose quipped and smiled. "I was around my mid-thirties when I changed, but, I am a few centuries old." She gave up on the actual number, but she did bother to keep track of how many decades, or centuries, passed her by.
Lucavi Morte cooed as he ate. Nothing but delight eating. "Oh please we do not live in a day or age in which anything is deemed inappropriate... well except nibblin' on pony." He chuckled. "Yes, yes I must say I do fancy, myself, earth pony. Stocky flavour, always delectable." He looked to the side as Drusilla brought out a heavy looking, black bottle. Glasses were set out and the cork popped. The scent that wafted out was addictive. "A rare port... only opened on special occasions. Finding another comrade is worth it... yes?" He raised a glass to his muzzle and sipped.
Pink Rose snorted softly, amused by the answer, and continued to nibble on her potatoes. It was rather good, savory like he said~. She was enjoying it greatly.. and she'd have to remember to return to Bat's sweetshop for those cupcakes later on in the week. Rose looked up, distracted from her musings, by Drusilla's return with that heavy black bottle. The scent, though it was blood, was unlike any sort of blood that she'd ever smelled. Rose, also, hadn't bothered considering the differences between different species' blood, but it was a point now. She carefully set aside her plate just to lift the glass to her lips to sip, testing it.
Lucavi Morte was already getting drunk at the first gulp! Sweet sweet mana from the celestial sky! He groaned and murmured into the glass. "The wonderful thing about this -- it is never the same taste. Even though I have had this forever twist, never once." Like a kaleidoscope of flavor! "Tomorrow it will be different and in a hundred years .... it has not been the same." He motioned to Dru who stood with the bottle in her hooves. "That bottle has been preserved for over two hundred years. Only brought out on thee occasions... do you know what that means, Rose?" The bottle was a larger than normal wine bottle, but it was not even a 1/4 of the way down from the neck.
Pink Rose was given pause by the flavor of this 'special port' of Luca's. It was, like its scent, unlike anything else. Amazing. "What is it?" Rose asked in a hushed voice as she went in for another sip, closing her eyes while she listened to Luca's praise of it. They reopened to focus on the bottle as the other vampire spoke of how rarely it was used, and her eyebrows lifted. "I think I do, but enlighten me. Am I that special to you already for you to bring out such a wonderful drink?" Rose teased with a smirk and relaxed back with it. She was utterly baffled by how it was making her feel.
Lucavi Morte raised his brows, giving his head a tilt to waggle them towards the mare. "Oh my lovely beast. That is a trade secret." He waved his hoof, tittering as he downed the rest of his glass. "Oh, you are quite special. There have been about that many kin to share the bottle with me. You will find them all at my club." He motioned his hoof. Dru went to get a card and passed it to her. "When you are next thirsty... visit me." The card was red with the silhouette of alicorn bust.
Pink Rose lifted one of her own, questioning, but she wouldn't dare press. It wasn't good manners, but she was deathly curious. Rose lifted the glass to her lips to take a larger drink this time and took the small card from Drusilla. After a look over its sigul, she tucked it into the high collar of her dress with a nod. "I shall. And if I might be a potential customer, I've had something to ask of you. If I may be able to purchase a bottle of blood wine, if I might also be able to find something else without blood but particularly strong. I have a stallionfriend that is quite tall, and I desire to buy him such a gift."
Lucavi Morte leaned back as he set his glass down. He clapped his hooves together. "Dru, bring our friend her gift." The maid bowed and headed downstairs to the cellar. After a few minutes she returned with a bottle of bloodwine and a fine chardonnay. "Please, my friend, accept these gifts." He smirked. "Do come snack with me again..." He grinned.
Pink Rose pulled herself back up to a proper sitting position, no longer relaxing back as Luca sent his maid off to retrieve the bottles. Rose was still nursing her glass of the special port, and she might have found herself feeling just a bit unsteady by then. Or maybe it was just strange. She still wanted to know what was in it, but again resisted the urge to nettle Luca with questions. Rose turned her gaze back onto Drusilla as she returned with the bottle. "Are you certain? I wouldn't mind properly paying you for them, but I'll certainly come back once I run out." Rose said and drank what was left in her glass. She set it down, licking her lips, and accepted the bottles gladly.
Lucavi Morte was a proper business--pony? "No my dear. First taste is always free, oui? Take it. I will see you soon enough. Time isn't a worry." He would stand. "Come I will walk you out." The male strode towards the foyer and to thee door where Dru was already waiting and opened the door. "Now... you be careful. You vouldn't want to run into trouble" He chuckled. There were no hunters here and well so long as they kept... quiet... He chuckled at his thoughts. "It was wooonderful meeting you Rose. You make my body sing~!"
Pink Rose made a soft pleased noise in her throat and slid to her hooves, carefully tucking the bottles under her wings. They were held there carefully by them, leaving her hooves free to move about, and she followed Luca back to the foyer.. after taking a few nibbles of her discarded diced potatoes. That sauce~ but everything seemed to pale in comparison with that port. Rose licked her lips, almost prancing. "You are too kind, and I thank you greatly, Luca, for this lovely night. A pleasure meeting you~." Rose purred in reply and strode out of Luca's house with a flick of her tail as she passed him. She gave him a little wave and continued on, aiming to return back to her home while she was still capable.
Lucavi Morte bade her farewell and closed the door wit a chuckle....
Pink Rose really, did not require to go out hunting anymore with her very own bloodbag living in her home. Blood whenever she wanted it. Yet, when he wasn't around it was difficult to find much to do when she wasn't tending to her shop. It didn't stay open too long when it came to the night, since by a certain hour most ponies were already in bed. Save for those that enjoyed the nightlife, and Rose was curious what Canterlot might have. It was out of curiosity that she strolled along in a black dress, far simpler but no less pretty than her favored one, and a shorter skirt. Navigating the alleys could be quite.. gross, depending. There was one alley she came upon where loud music faintly echoed from, like the strange beating of a heart. Rose followed it in and.. found herself a bit thrown the loud music, though there were quite a few bodies here under the flashing rainbow of lights. Many smells, too. Rose tried her best to ignore the volume as she checked it out.
Lucavi Morte was far from altruistic, so any bits he tossed around, he expected favors in return! The sweet sweet bloodwine from home was a favorite of his. While something not uncommon for thestral here and there -- this was not animals' blood... "Go get me something decent to eat, not this... mess!" He flipped the tray sending the platter of vegetables flying. "I said get me meat!" 'I-It's expensive.' The server shuddered. Luca would toss out a bag of bits. "I'm sure your owner will serve me. Now food!" The poor buser ran off to get the platter redid, as gross as it was.
Pink Rose inched by the dance floor where quite a few bodies still danced under the flashing lights, to the pounding music. If she gave herself enough time, she might grow used to it. And though she didn't hear the clatter of the nearby platter, there was a flash of light off of its metal face that caught Rose's attention. She halted by the bar, looking over into the smoky corner where a few ponies sat, specifically a pale thestral. There was nothing of his colors that stood out to her too well, if he didn't have any red.. It was hard to make out their speech, but she watched the waiter scurrying off on their way. Made her wonder what happened.
Lucavi Morte was, just like her, but his disguise was old, it would be hard to spot by the young. Blood? Well if there was any red to spot, it was in his bottle sitting cooling in the ice. He wings spread out as hie pulled his forearms over the mare at each side. His brow arched as he looked up. "Hoo my, juu area dark one." Being from the north -- dark furred ponies were quite rare! "Aren't you lovely. I am sorry mah luv, I 'ave no more arms, care for a wing, or a hoof?" He wiggled his lower left leg.
Pink Rose did soon shift her eyes to that bottle, but if she thought it was anything, it was just wine. She remembered wine, mostly sweet red wine.. Sometimes when she saw things she missed, there was a soft, wistful sigh that escaped. Cupcakes and wine.. The call from the thestral drew her eyes back and she quirked an eyebrow at him, eyes sliding down to that gestured hind leg and back up to his face. "I'm not so certain I want to be a part of your.. harem. I'd prefer to have myself surrounded by stallions." Rose replied smoothly, but she did make her way over towards one of the nearby seats. A pony to talk to, and with such a strange accent..
Lucavi Morte allowed his thin brow to curl up. "Hooo~ a mare who know what she wants~." He motioned his head to a few of the stallions he had about. "Pick some, dreenk wit me~ I would like to hear what brings juu to this place, what fun~! Are juu native? I am beginning to like zis town!" A rough voice mixed with smooth curls but harsh, solid sounding of his sounds. "Your face is lovely, perhaps I should drape mahself over you." He chuckled. Hi entourage was -- mixed, unique, but small enough to make the sitting area comfortable.
Pink Rose's gaze slid across to the stallions there and she eyed them up. She didn't seem to find them satisfactory as she lounged back on her seat, pursing her painted lips. She really didn't. After being around Hivaan, that large pegasus, they seemed pathetic in compare. Rose liked his bulk. "I am native, but not to this city. I come from elsewhere." Rose almost dropped the name of her home town, 'Hollow Shades,' but stopped herself. She still looked like a regular pegasus and it wouldn't make sense. The lady chuckled at the mention of him draping himself on her, and eyed the drinks he had in the cooler. "You really don't mind?" Oh how she'd like to have wine again.. even if it wouldn't agree with her body later. She reached for it with a hoof, hesitating a bit as she waited for permission.
Lucavi Morte laughed and gave a wink. "Of course." 'Aww but you didn't share with us~' one of the mares whined. "Hoo because it is too strong!" He chuckled, looking to Rose. "Careful it is strong." More than so as it was dipped in blood. Maybe he was a bit sadistic, looking to see her choke. he did deny him, but he would -- He giggled into his hoof. "Equestrian than? You must tell me about the wonderful sights at night." Flexing his wings it was obvious, right? It had to be. "I am... not much for the day, juu know?"
Pink Rose briefly glanced to the mares on his forelegs after hearing their complaints and lifted an eyebrow again. Strong? It was no matter to her, as a vampire. Rose reached for the bottle and pulled off the cork easily; it had already been opened, and her strength came in handy. The moment she did, a familiar and metallic scent came wafting up to her from the open bottle. Blood. It gave her momentary pause as she took in the scent, ears perked up in interest, and Rose took a drink regardless. Wine mixed with blood.. how wonderful! Rose closed her eyes, clearly pleased that she should discover such a thing, tongue sliding out to lick over her lips. "Oooh, where did you get this~?" She cooed. It'd be nice to have some at home.. "Something I can certainly agree with, but there is still so little I know of Canterlot at night."
Lucavi Morte watched as she downed a bit o the drink without flinching. No gag, no choking. Well, where was the fun in that. But.... His eyes narrowed ash e pulled the giggling mares close. "We 'ave a drinker! What a lovely mare to handle the stronger, aromatic taste of my home. Ah I bring it myself, from my estate. I have come to visit Canterlot, a villa purchased at the edge. It iz a looovely place... if you would like more wine, hooo you should try ze cheese I bring." He grinned. Now this was interesting. "Good flavor, no? It iz too bad you do not know Canterlot well, but perhaps we can learn of it, together." He wagged his brow suggestively.
Pink Rose reopened her eyes to peer across the space at the thestral, somewhat wondering.. but he was a thestral. They drank blood. Yet she never knew one to actually have something like blood mixed into a drink like this. That was more the style of.. her kind. It remained to be seen what he was, but Rose could make no proper assumptions. A thestral was just a thestral, and a very rich one at that. "I would be quite pleased if I might be able to, ah.. perhaps purchase a bottle off of you from your estate." Rose purred, intrigued by the mention of cheese. Might it be the same, made with blood too? She sensed a wonderful world might open itself up to her with other things she could have. The blood cupcakes, the wine.. cheese even! Rose chuckled at his flirtatious ways. "Sounds interesting enough."
Lucavi Morte flexed his wings in a seductive manner. Wings spoke just as well as tails and the body. "Come now, purchase, you will drink with me! Few ozhers can handle my fine taste in wine, besides you are not like these squealy mares." They whined at is comment. "See?" He chuckled. "We can take a few stallions home too if you are reluctant. I have an array of fine food from my country, perhaps -- a dinner party." Yes, it would be wonderful to indulge in her presence and find out.... what she was.
Pink Rose couldn't help but take another sniff of the bottle's contents, enjoying the scent. After a few centuries of being a vampire, blood tended to grow on you despite its taste, and the scent too. It was what kept her.. well, not alive, but sane and sated. "There's no need to be so harsh, some ponies just can't handle.. it." Rose replied, smiling away and decided to take just another sip of the blood wine. It wasn't causing any adverse effects, so it had to be good for her to ingest! "I'll pass up on the stallions, but I'd love to drink with you and have a meal if you have more like this. Maybe take a bottle home."
Lucavi Morte put his hoof to his chin in thought. he drank it without ill effects. Who was she? Most could not take a sip without puking, aside from otehr Trhestrals. And this, she was not.... His muzzle curled into a smile. "Of course darling. I have many fine recipes from home my maid would be happy to prepare." Something about that seemed to force chills down the more conscious ponies. He was something quite -- naughty.
Pink Rose regretfully, put the cork back in the winebottle and leaned over to set it back in its cooler of ice. She wanted to save herself for these meals, if this thestral wasn't a dangerous pony. If he was, surely she could handle him, even though she didn't like to fight. Hardly knew how to, but strength was good enough to defend her. "As long as you don't mind, of course. I'd hate to be a bother." Rose replied in her silky voice. There was something about his own that seemed unusual, and it just made her.. curious.
Lucavi Morte tittered excitedly. "Darling you'd never be a bother. With a face like that I feel as if I should be paying you to visit." He stretched his forehooves over his head, releasing the mares from holding. "It's late, but a pair of night owls could handle a bit of a snack. Something light. Oooh some fondue with chocolate~" He moved to stand, black hooves clicking almost soundlessly given the noise in the club. "cherry filled chocolates." He'd nearly coo.
Pink Rose raised her eyebrows in response, though her eyes remained half-lidded and interested despite the apathetic aura she gave off. "A visit, you say?" Rose queried and pulled herself to her hooves the moment the thestral released his hoof candy, making it clear it was time to get up to leave. It might be strange for most ponies to up and decide to go somewhere with an utter stranger, but Rose wasn't an ordinary pony. Vampires, difficult to kill and long lived; death was a laughable thought as was physical harm. "That sounds wonderful." Rose replied as she strode around the table with a flick of that straight, red tail. "I'd like to learn your name."
Lucavi Morte gasped. "My manners! I am called Luca by friends~" And that was all he would offer. "Come, come! We will drink, get merry." He blinked and turned to pick up the wine bottle. "Never waste." He winked as he tucked it into his wing, shivering at the chill - though it was rather weak shiver. The male would lead his company away and trot along. "It is sooo hard to find good, amicable company these days~."
Pink Rose thought the name interesting! She held back on offering a hoof, but she offered her name, too. "Rose." The vampire allowed him to retrieve the precious bottle of blood wine and trotted along after him, her tail raised in a manner close to happy. "Indeed. It is too bad your mares were not so." Rose frowned, but it wasn't a serious expression. "So where do you come from? I don't recognize your accent, I believe." Rose asked of him as she followed along. Curious about this pony. What would she learn of him tonight?
Lucavi Morte hadn't taken a very long path, lest the wine get cold. His manor was not very extravagant, but the garden itself was something to write him about. Flowing ponds filled with koi and paths of cobble stone. The building itself was strong and wood. It was rather archaic looking but the house seemed to suit the garden more than the reverse. Lanterns hung along the walk way and a maid waited outside the door, bowing as her master entered. She was a young earth pony. Of working age, but rather young. He looked back at her. "Please, come in my dear~" He strode inside and made his way into the foyer. Paintings of ancient scenes of war hunt on the stone surfaces.
Lucavi Morte's had many, old pieces of work that seemed to go back to the feudal ears. A chandelier broke into a modern decor, as modern furniture draped in blacks and blues filled the living area to the left, and modern, black stained kitchen appliances to the kitchen on the left.
Pink Rose kept up a steady trot after the thestral as he lead her through the streets of Canterlot to his manor. Archaic or not, she thought the place was quite nice, being somewhat old fashioned herself. Much of her furniture was still somewhere along the lines of vintage, as well as some of her old dresses. Not the one she was wearing, of course. Rose strolled up the path with Luca and, upon hearing that invitation, strode right in after him. She couldn't have entered his home, otherwise, but if there was a chance.. "You have quite a lovely home."
Lucavi Morte inclined his head and tapped his hoof on the ground. "Why thank you." He called the maid who approached. "Bring out the chocolates" He ordered before motioning toward the living area. "Please, come sit and warm by the fire. Our snack will be brought out." He led her into the living room where a massive hearth sat, large frosted windows let the most minimal if any light in. Even the moonlight was shunned. The fire's light danced across the wood floors, a rug centering the sitting area where modern couches sat among hoof carved tables and cabinets lining the backdrop.
Pink Rose had to admit to herself, she was duly impressed by his show of wealth. If she didn't move so much, she'd probably try to get herself a nice place similar to this.. but perhaps not nearly so extravagant. Rose moved into the livingroom after Luca and made to seat herself on one of the cushions of the comfortable looking couch. The large hearth gave off a pleasant warmth that Rose basked in comfortably, her forehooves primly crossed in front of her chest. She allowed those blue eyes of her to wander over the surroundings, studying the details before her gaze finally settled on Luca. "If your snacks contain what I think they do, you must tell me where you get them from."
Lucavi Morte's maid brought out a tray of chocolates. Inside? Cherry goo mixed with the honey suckle delight of pony blood. Hearty flavor, not earthy like the wine. No this was the blood of a quiet, well built pony. "Hmm you will delight in the decadence my dear." He motioned is hooves, the mare fetching glasses from the antique chinero/china cupboard. He would pour them a nice big glass and the chocolate lay on the silver platter upon the table with accents of winterberries. "This ooooh the ingredients are form home, but it is made in home by Drusilla here." She bowed, an ordinary pony though. A doll perhaps?
Pink Rose debated on asking Luca if he was a vampire, and if he wasn't she'd be giving too much away by that question. It was a struggle, but Rose decided to keep silent and wait until he asked her. She'd answer such a question willingly, and honestly. Surely nothing wrong with a vampire among thestral. They both feasted on blood. Rose, catching movement, locked on to the maid as she returned with the platter of chocolates. She could smell them from here, and the drink. "How lovely. I feel almost tempted to order some of it to take home for later." Rose crooned softly, eying Drusilla curiously and reached for a chocolate.
Lucavi Morte leaned back with a glass in hoof, resting on his seat. "Yes the wine though it is imported from home while I am here on business for my father." Unfortunately for him his wife to be was at home... "This is more a vacation though, business comes second to pleasure!" The dark chocolate was smooth, inside the cherry creme was mixed with the blood, But whose? Dru was no hearty pony... "What of you my beautiful mare, do you business or play in Canterlot? By your taste in finery...." He put his hoof to his chin. "It makes me wonder just why you still hide behind those icky feathers." His muzzle wrinkled at the thought.
Pink Rose popped the chocolate in her mouth and chewed, closing her eyes and letting her ears lie back at the taste. Chocolate! She hadn't had chocolate since she'd been changed, nor anything else for that matter but blood. It was wonderfully pleasing. So, too, was the mixed filling. She had to convince Luca to let her buy some of these blood-enriched foods to have for herself. Or ask for the recipes to make it herself, too.. "What sort of business, if you don't mind my asking?" Rose questioned, finally opening her eyes to focus on Luca. "Living, and business. My rose shop." She faltered and glanced to him. "I guess I just liked feathers. Such graceful wings, like a bird's. Although I suppose it makes me that much more obvious."
Lucavi Morte chuckled. " You are deliiightful. And I am so glad you asked. Come, follow me." He moved to stand, finishing his glass before he stepped down. Flexing his wings he mused at the thought. "Did juu 'ave pets as a foal? Birds?" He had never really ... liked them. Birds of prey like owls and hawks. "I am more given towards....spiders. Difficult to keep in cold weather, very meticulous care." He walked out into the hall, making his way toward the stairs. "My business is related to passion!" He used his muzzle to pull open the door leading into what looked to be a cellar. The steps were wood, creaky and old. His wing reached out to click a light. As he led her down, he flicked another light at the bottom landing revealing barrels of wine,beer, liquor. Shelves of bottles, walls of glass... it was a trove of booze. "I dabble in debauchery..."
Pink Rose reached for her own glass to take a sip of the bloodwine and placed it back onto the table when he meant to summon her. She felt it might be something interesting, so Rose slipped, regretfully, out of her warm comfortable seat to follow the thestral. "I have not. I preferred to watch birds in their natural habitats, and admired the wings of pegasi later on in life after I left Hollow Shades." Rose replied. "Spiders are quite nice, like tarantulas." She added on as Luca lead her to the door to his cellar, and she was amazed by what she saw downstairs. "Is all of this like that wonderful wine?"
Lucavi Morte laughed, a intoxicating sound like warbling nightingales. "Ohh, not all my moon-kissed Rose, non non! This is for my customers, some like you -- my special customers." He walked over to a barrel. On the body was branded the symbols in Equestrian for 'Water of Life.' Picking up a crowbar he would pry open the barrel releasing to aromatic strike of aged bloodwine. "Nothing more pleasurable. My establishment specializes in desire of our customers. From delicate, exotic meats to enough honey to drown a Bugbear." He chuckled, flapping his wing to let the scent waft to Rose.
Pink Rose took a few slow steps further into the cellar, her eyes running over all of the bottles and barrels. They came back to Luca when he laughed. "Oh, I see." The vampire cooed, taking interest in the barrel that he opened. The smell that wafted towards her was quite.. lovely. "Some like me, huh? Do you mean.. other vampires?" Rose tested, waiting to see what kind of answer he'd give her for that. Was he one too, or just a thestral in that sort of business? "Knowing this is your business.. it would be nice to become a customer. I've missed all the things I used to enjoy."
Lucavi Morte snorted airly. "Well I certainly did not mean cannibalistic pegasus... hardly." He tittered. "Though that would be a delight in my bar too, something unique." He cooed. He gave a smug grin and topped the barrel back. With a wiggle of his hips he gave a twirl, spreading his wings. "Nothing would make me more joyful. Customers brings bits and bits bring rarer wine from much closer, fresher." Yes, just one hook at a time. "Don't we all love to enjoy that which makes pony lives enjoyable? Food! Drink! The scents, the sounds~ ahaha! Yes yes. Oh! I became excited. We must return. I am sure Drusilla has put out the next course. After chocolate with have something more savory." He looked to Rose. "Diced potatoes in a red sauce before she brings out the special port, one I only bring out with good company." He turned to head upstairs. "Shall we?" Up he would go and settle on his chair once more, the crackling hearth still ablaze.
Lucavi Morte's maid removed the bloodwine and set up some diced potatoes lathered in a red sauce. Thick, heady. One with such sense could catch just what made that sauce red. He motioned his hoof, sending her off to get the special port. "This is a simple dish, to wash the palate of that sweet and luscious cherrry~" He rumbled, putting his hoof to his muzzle.
Pink Rose made a noise in her throat and arched an eyebrow at the thestral, but she let it go. She lived too long to get a bit fussy over the way something was phrased. "I wanted to know for certain, if you were one too. If you knew what I was. It's very easy to fool someone if you're a thestral, as thestrals drink blood anyway.. but in smaller amounts." Rose replied smoothly, the corners of her mouth quirking up at how excited Luca was. To hear the chocolates were gone already were a disappointment, she'd only had one! Alas.. They would have other food. Rose tittered at the compliment and followed Luca back up to the livingroom to behold the diced potatoes in that sauce, and that smell~. Rose seated herself back in her previous spot, curious about this 'special port,' as she reached for her plate.
Lucavi Morte raised his plate in his wings and exhaled. "Ahhh thestral bodies are so close to ours. A bit smol, fuzzy... but very close. It is good to have nibbles, but in the darkness you can take gulps." He sniffed his plate. "Ah, she used that one... this is the best of having uniqueness... each dish is never the same. he has a way with the ladle." He mused. "I believe this was unicorn. It ha a certain spark that goes well with the roasted potatoes. Skin off of course. Best way to get that crunch after they are baked. How old are you Rose?" He took a bite.. AH, delightful.
Pink Rose took note of the use of 'ours' which indeed told her she'd found yet another vampire. In Canterlot. It pleased her to know it, and to know she'd run into Dracula of all of them! She'd have to remember to call him by his current name, however. Rose dismissed her line of thought and took a bite of the diced potatoes, testing the flavor of the sauce that Luca's maid used. "Unicorn blood?" He did have a point about that.. "I thought it was once inappropriate to ask a lady her age." Rose quipped and smiled. "I was around my mid-thirties when I changed, but, I am a few centuries old." She gave up on the actual number, but she did bother to keep track of how many decades, or centuries, passed her by.
Lucavi Morte cooed as he ate. Nothing but delight eating. "Oh please we do not live in a day or age in which anything is deemed inappropriate... well except nibblin' on pony." He chuckled. "Yes, yes I must say I do fancy, myself, earth pony. Stocky flavour, always delectable." He looked to the side as Drusilla brought out a heavy looking, black bottle. Glasses were set out and the cork popped. The scent that wafted out was addictive. "A rare port... only opened on special occasions. Finding another comrade is worth it... yes?" He raised a glass to his muzzle and sipped.
Pink Rose snorted softly, amused by the answer, and continued to nibble on her potatoes. It was rather good, savory like he said~. She was enjoying it greatly.. and she'd have to remember to return to Bat's sweetshop for those cupcakes later on in the week. Rose looked up, distracted from her musings, by Drusilla's return with that heavy black bottle. The scent, though it was blood, was unlike any sort of blood that she'd ever smelled. Rose, also, hadn't bothered considering the differences between different species' blood, but it was a point now. She carefully set aside her plate just to lift the glass to her lips to sip, testing it.
Lucavi Morte was already getting drunk at the first gulp! Sweet sweet mana from the celestial sky! He groaned and murmured into the glass. "The wonderful thing about this -- it is never the same taste. Even though I have had this forever twist, never once." Like a kaleidoscope of flavor! "Tomorrow it will be different and in a hundred years .... it has not been the same." He motioned to Dru who stood with the bottle in her hooves. "That bottle has been preserved for over two hundred years. Only brought out on thee occasions... do you know what that means, Rose?" The bottle was a larger than normal wine bottle, but it was not even a 1/4 of the way down from the neck.
Pink Rose was given pause by the flavor of this 'special port' of Luca's. It was, like its scent, unlike anything else. Amazing. "What is it?" Rose asked in a hushed voice as she went in for another sip, closing her eyes while she listened to Luca's praise of it. They reopened to focus on the bottle as the other vampire spoke of how rarely it was used, and her eyebrows lifted. "I think I do, but enlighten me. Am I that special to you already for you to bring out such a wonderful drink?" Rose teased with a smirk and relaxed back with it. She was utterly baffled by how it was making her feel.
Lucavi Morte raised his brows, giving his head a tilt to waggle them towards the mare. "Oh my lovely beast. That is a trade secret." He waved his hoof, tittering as he downed the rest of his glass. "Oh, you are quite special. There have been about that many kin to share the bottle with me. You will find them all at my club." He motioned his hoof. Dru went to get a card and passed it to her. "When you are next thirsty... visit me." The card was red with the silhouette of alicorn bust.
Pink Rose lifted one of her own, questioning, but she wouldn't dare press. It wasn't good manners, but she was deathly curious. Rose lifted the glass to her lips to take a larger drink this time and took the small card from Drusilla. After a look over its sigul, she tucked it into the high collar of her dress with a nod. "I shall. And if I might be a potential customer, I've had something to ask of you. If I may be able to purchase a bottle of blood wine, if I might also be able to find something else without blood but particularly strong. I have a stallionfriend that is quite tall, and I desire to buy him such a gift."
Lucavi Morte leaned back as he set his glass down. He clapped his hooves together. "Dru, bring our friend her gift." The maid bowed and headed downstairs to the cellar. After a few minutes she returned with a bottle of bloodwine and a fine chardonnay. "Please, my friend, accept these gifts." He smirked. "Do come snack with me again..." He grinned.
Pink Rose pulled herself back up to a proper sitting position, no longer relaxing back as Luca sent his maid off to retrieve the bottles. Rose was still nursing her glass of the special port, and she might have found herself feeling just a bit unsteady by then. Or maybe it was just strange. She still wanted to know what was in it, but again resisted the urge to nettle Luca with questions. Rose turned her gaze back onto Drusilla as she returned with the bottle. "Are you certain? I wouldn't mind properly paying you for them, but I'll certainly come back once I run out." Rose said and drank what was left in her glass. She set it down, licking her lips, and accepted the bottles gladly.
Lucavi Morte was a proper business--pony? "No my dear. First taste is always free, oui? Take it. I will see you soon enough. Time isn't a worry." He would stand. "Come I will walk you out." The male strode towards the foyer and to thee door where Dru was already waiting and opened the door. "Now... you be careful. You vouldn't want to run into trouble" He chuckled. There were no hunters here and well so long as they kept... quiet... He chuckled at his thoughts. "It was wooonderful meeting you Rose. You make my body sing~!"
Pink Rose made a soft pleased noise in her throat and slid to her hooves, carefully tucking the bottles under her wings. They were held there carefully by them, leaving her hooves free to move about, and she followed Luca back to the foyer.. after taking a few nibbles of her discarded diced potatoes. That sauce~ but everything seemed to pale in comparison with that port. Rose licked her lips, almost prancing. "You are too kind, and I thank you greatly, Luca, for this lovely night. A pleasure meeting you~." Rose purred in reply and strode out of Luca's house with a flick of her tail as she passed him. She gave him a little wave and continued on, aiming to return back to her home while she was still capable.
Lucavi Morte bade her farewell and closed the door wit a chuckle....
The End.