Gabriel felt the fist whiz past his face, he had just barely managed to avoid contact with that one. He had little time to consider his option however, as another fist came barreling towards him. Gabriel let his Celerity kick in a bit higher and swiftly spun out of the way, ending up just a few steps to the left of Jade.

He stood muscles tensed, his golden hair falling onto his black turtle neck sweatshirt. He felt a bit out of place in the sweat pants and sneakers, but comfortable none the less. For several hours now his new Childe Jade and he had been sparring in his gym, and he was happy with her progress. For one so young she was mastering her disciplines quickly.

"Alright Jade," Gabriel said, dropping his stance. "That's enough for now, you're doing we..." His world shook slightly as she delivered a rapid sucession of punches to his abdomen. "UNG! Okay Jade, okay!"

Jade ended the furry of punches and swung the weight of her slender body into a roundhouse kick. Gabriel reached up easily enough and grasped the foot in his hand, Jade's face was filled with shock.

"Jade my dear. That's enough for now." he said, a wry smile on his face. Jade nodded and removed her foot from his hand. "You're progressing rapidly. I wasn't nearly as strong as you at your young age."

Jade smiled slightly, a hint of blush splashing across her pale cheeks. The door to the gym opened and Fredrick's thick frame filled the doorway.

"Gabriel, you have a phone call." and indeed, Gabriel's oldest ally held a portable phone in his meaty hand. The Ventrue grumbled slightly.

"Fredrick, who is it? I'm training with Ms. Valentine." he said, walking slowly towards Fredrick and wiping the blood sweat from his brow as he did so.

"A Mr. LaMonte from France sir. He says it's important." Audrey LaMonte was a ghoul Gabriel had working for him in France. A large part of Gabriel's shipping went to France, and especially Paris where had several arrangements set up with the French Toreador. Art was shipping back and forth, including the somewhat more Kindred art, that Elders might frown upon for suggesting a bit too much of reality. Gabriel sighed and glanced back at Jade.

"Jade my dear," he said. "take a few minutes to relax. This shouldn't take long." Jade smiled brightly and nodded. Gabriel took the phone from Fredrick's hand and stepped into the bright hallway outside the gymnasium door.

"Mr. LaMonte, what's the problem?" Gabriel asked. A frantic LaMonte began spewing forth a list of problems. Apparently the Toreador were no longer playing by the rules and were snatching the art from Gabriel's ships and planes without giving him due payment. LaMonte had also picked up word of a new Lasombra in town, who was threatening to muscle in on his business.

Gabriel listened quietly and when LaMonte's frantic rant was finished he instructed him to get things prepared for his arrival. He would fly to Paris personally to handle the situation. He sighed heavily and turned the phone off, handing it to a waiting Fredrick.

"Fredrick, pack my things, I'm going to Paris. Oh and call Ms. Belvadere, perhaps this would be an appropriate time for a vacation together." Gabriel nodded and made his way back into the gym where Jade stood ready to finish her lesson.

Kathy walked around the room making sure that her clients where been catered for.It had been awhile since she had thrown one of her private parties.
The drink that kine so liked flowed freely and the girls that she had gathered seemed to be pleasing her clients well.
Kathy walked across to Tobias her tight dress, deeply slashed at the front, clinging to her body like a second skin.
" I would pay dearly to have you to play with" said the police commisioner, grabbing her waist as she passed him.
Kathy frowned darkly and removed his hands from her waist, before turning towards him, a false smile on his face.she leaned closer to him feeling his eyes ogling her white breasts, " Im no whore and if you want to continue to having your fetishes catered for you better never touch me again, im sure your wife would be very interested in your little hobby" she hissed into his ear, the smile never leaving her face.

His face took on a look of shock " I understand please kathy accept my apologises"
Kathy nodded and made a mental note to not invite him to her next private party.
Tobias had seen what had happened and walked swiftly across to his mistress, his large figure standing next to kathy as she issued her warning.
" Tobias, hows business?"
Tobias smiled slightly, he had asked her many times not to be present at these parties, confident that he could deal with any problem that would arise.
"its good mistress, real good" he smiled widely at her revealing his tattooed teeth.

"well come to my room then and tell me the good news"
Tobias extended his arm to her and she slid her slender arm through it and they walked through the room, chatting to the clients on the way.
"are all the rooms ready?" kathy asked smiling at him as they walked down the corridor, passing the 8 playrooms that they had spent hours preparing.
"yes mistress, although earlier 1 of the clients got a bit carried away and I had to dispose of the body" he replied as he opened her office door and stood aside as he entered.
"the bondage room.....thats the 3 girl we have lost now" kathy sighed as she sat down in her leather high backed chair.
"no matter, they are kine easily replaced so what have we made tonight?
"$10,000 mistress, less the cost of drink and drugs so your profit is $7,000" tobias said as he slid the pile of money across to her.
"excellent" kathy smiled widely,pleased that she had found an easy way to make money.
The phone rang.
"if its a client tell then they are too late Tobias, there is only 10 girls on tonight"
He nodded and answered the phone as kathy leaned back in her chair smiling to herself.
"its for you mistress, its frederick"
Kathy sat up and took the phone from him, and cupped it to her ear.
"paris...excellent yes tell Gabriel that I will be delighted to accompany him"

:smile:

White leather....who uses white leather? Gabriel HATED white leather! He smirked slightly as he continued staring at the white leather couch which occupied one side of the private jets fuselage. Through the windows he could see the twinkling lights of Paris shining in the distance as the jet taxi'd towards the hanger.

The Ventrue made a mental note to change the couches and glanced up, turning his attention to Kathy, who sat on the opposite couch.

"Well beloved, we are finally here." Gabriel said, trying to sound romantic. His mind was elsewhere however, thinking about the Lasombra problem, along with the French Toreadors. Kathy smiled, her face beaming out from behind a mass of silky hair.

"Gabriel," she said sweetly, "this was so spontaneous of you." She laughed and stood up, walking towards him. The plane curved sharply and she lost her balance, nearly toppling into his lap. He caught her gently and chuckled.

"Careful Kathy. Don't hurt yourself before we even hit the town."

The jet finally stopped and the pilot emerged from the cockpit.

"Mr. O'Brien, we're here."


((sorry Mandi, i know it's a dinky post, but i need some translation help before i can send them around the town. but please feel free to let them explore Paris :smile:

Kathy pushed open the the glass doors and stepped out onto the balcony.Her eyes scanning the famliar landscapes of paris.
"it was good of Connor to let us use his apartment kathy" Gabriel said as he walked up behind her,and slid his hands around her waist, holding her close to him.
Kathy leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder.
"yes, Im glad I called him to let him know we where coming to paris and as he's away in venice at the moment there's noone using this place" she said as she turned around to face him,her eyes shining in the moonlight.
" It's not late how about we go out for a walk, I'll show you the sights if you like" kathy smiled warmly at him as he kissed her lips gently.
Gabriel nodded,his eyes gazing at her, "that sounds great kathy.
Kathy grinned at him and unwrapped his arms from her and took his hand.
"first things first though" she said as she led him back through the doors and across the lavishly decorated apartment.
Gabriel sighed as if in mock protest as she pushed the bathroom door open .
"you do like your showers dont you kathy?" he asked laughing, as she turned to him ans started unbuttoning his shirt, her nails running along his chest. Gabriel's lips parted and he moaned as he felt her lips biting him gently.

...................................
(use your imagination lol)

[ This Message was edited by: Kathy Belvadere on 2002-02-06 10:43 ]

Gabriel felt the cool plaster surface of the wall up against his back and he leaned back. Kathy's hands ran over his torso as she pulled back slowly, a thin smile on her moist lips. She turned slowly and placed a single dainty hand on the silver shower nozzel, turning it slightly.

Gabriel smiled as the water burst forth from the shower head, steam quickly billowing out from the glass shower. The seductive Toreador kept the same devilish grin as she took a tentative step towards Gabriel, the silky robe she wore clinging desperately to her sultry curves. She turned around and pressed her back firmly against Gabriel's bare chest, cocking her head slightly as she did so.

She reached down with two hands, slowly tracing the contour of her body, until she reached the robe's loosely bound belt. She pulled the belts simple knot gently, allowing the robe to flare open in the front, her naked body exposed. Gabriel moaned as he felt the warm touch of lust well up within him. He raised a gentle hand to her shoulder, slipping the robe off with ease.

Kathy pulled her lips down into a mock frown, placing her hand over his. She shook her head tauntingly and made her way towards the shower. The light mist of steam now circulated through the bathroom, blocking Gabriel's view. He watched as Kathy's tender outline removed the robe and disappeared into the steam. Gabriel removed his own shirt and pants, allowing a bit of Celerity to kick in to aid him.

He strode anxiously into the shower....

((what's Paris without a little romance eh?

The night air of paris was bitter, and they were both glad of the heavy woollen blanket that they driver had passed them as they got in the carriage.Kathy’s small hand was enclosed by Gabriel’s as the horse hooves echoed on the cobbled road that led through the Buttes Chaumont.
“this botanical garden has been here since the 19th century, it covers an old quarry” kathy said as the driver urged the horse on , and it increased its gait.
Gabriel nodded as they both ducked to avoid a low hanging branch of one of the weeping willows that edged either side of the road, their laughter ringing out making the driver turn around and smile at them.
“where are we going kathy?” gabriel asked as he flicked a leaf off his jacket.

“somewhere that I love “ she replied “ you will have to wait and see”
Gabriel leaned back against the seat and put his arm around her, watching as the tree lined cobbled road ended and the carriage turned onto the Boulevard Du Palais.
The driver navigated the carriage into the traffic and despite the impatience of the drivers behind him,slowed the horse down, as if he took delight in annoying them.
Gabriel looked around , trying to figure out where kathy was taking him.
The carriage pulled into a small courtyard and the driver reined the horse in .
Gabriel looked as they stopped, his eyes gazing upwards at the turrets of a the small gothic chapel,enclosed either side by much larger buildings , as if It had been squeezed in between them.

The driver jumped down and held out his hand to help kathy down the step of the carriage.
“thankyou” kathy said as she placed her small hand in his and stepped down.
Son un manque de plaisir pour avoir le plaisir d'escorter de si beaux
couples “ the driver said as he kissed her hand and nodded as Gabriel jumped down from the carriage.

gabriel looked at kathy(dont know if you know french gabe) confused
“he says we make a lovely couple” she smiled.
The driver waved at them both as he pulled away in the carriage.” come on “ Kathy took gabriels hand and led him to the heavy solid oak door,a brass plaque adorned the door with saint chapelle stamped on it. her hand reaching into her leather gucci bag and pulling out a large heavy ornate key.
“you have the key?” gabriel looked on amused as she fitted it into the lock and turned it, the lock groaning as it clicked open.
kathy smiled “ I know the custodian, and I so love to come here so he let me have a key” she smiled pushing the door open.
Gabriel entered and walked down the aisle of the chapel, as he looked around he could see that it was on two levels, the first been very dark and close, the large candles that embellished the walls casting shadows.
he looked upwards and saw that the entire second tier was surrounded by stained glass windows, the moonlight shining through them bringing them to life.
Kathy sat down on one of the pews as he walked around.
“it was built by Louis IX in the 1240’s to house relics from the holy land believed to be the crown of thorns and part of the original cross” kathys voice said quietly.
Gabriel nodded as he ran his hands over the heavy marble altar.
“do you like it?”

The scattered pale face stared back from the cool marble surface. Gabriel smiled and it followed his lead, smiling back. He cast his gaze over the magnificent Cathedral, it's hallowed walls built for worship long ago. A faint smile still on his lips he slowly knelt on one ageless knee, closing his eyes as he did so.

For several minutes there was pristine silence, the sounds of nocturnal birds flapping and nesting outside. The moon's eternal rays shone through the stained glass windows, casting patterns of intense beauty across the floor. Kathy stood silently behind him, watching the powerful Ventrue humble himself willingly.

The sound of footsteps plodded across the stone floor, soft footsteps. Gabriel glanced up from his prayer to the new arrival. Standing over him, a priest cast his discerning gaze. Gabriel stood slowly to his feet, his face slick with blood tears. The father was an older man, his face gentle and soft in the moonlight. The fleeting bit of hair he had retained was silver and clung to his head. His face was drawn in a look of a concern.

"Que faites-vous ici mon fils? Este-vous bien?" he stepped forward slightly, the soft touch of his robe brushing against Gabriel.

All at once the moonlight picked up in strength, the light cascading through the stained glass window and pouring onto the trio below. Gabriel cast his eyes skyward towards the marvelous sight.

High above him, the saints stood motionless in the window, shining their love down over him. He could feel the warmth and care they had for him, and more blood tears fell from his face, streaming in rivulets over his pale cheeks. He looked down at the priest, who stood with a hand on Gabriel's shoulder.

"Je suis per bon." Gabriel said softly, taking a red hankercheif from his pocket and wiping the sticky blood from his face. He turned and looked at Kathy, who had a worried look on her face. He took her soft hand gently and began to walk in between the rows of pews towards the exit.

The moonlight shone a blue spotlight around the pair as they reached the exit. Gabriel glanced back to see the priest still standing motionless at the altar, staring at the pair.

"Je suis finalement bon."

((translation:

Father: What are you doing here my son? Are you alright?

Gabriel: I am well. I am finally well.

Gabriel led kathy outside his face strangely calm and serene in appearance.
" I never realised Gabriel, that you loved the church so much, im sorry if I upset you at all" kathy said worriedly.
Gabriel touched her cheek softly, his fingers running down her delicate face.
" you haven't my dear, not at all,now where are you going to take me next" he said as he took one last look at the building behind him.
" well we can either carrying on sightseeing or..." her voice trailed off as she looked at him grinning.
"or what?"
"we could go to a cool club I know,Les Bains, it used to be a former turkish bath house, but its now an exclusive private club, but I can get us in" she said happily as she weaved her way through the crowds of people amassesd outside the cafe bars.
Gabriel sighed and as they passed to amore quieter part of the sidewalk he stopped suddenly, tugging kathy gently back by her hand.
Kathy looked at him confused.
" I dont want to go to a club kathy, I want to be with you and you only"

((((aw sweet cue the violins...wanna go see the eiffel tower gaybe, or you got something planned

((Argh, come on, where's all the violence? all the supernatural fights, the excessive use of force, the blood!?! (and blood tears do NOT count...)))

Kathy's angelic smile captured Gabriel's affections once more, as he felt the now familiar numbing feeling drift over him. His nerves crackled with energy as he led her through the back streets of Paris, the tiny cobblestone roads and French architecture showing only increasing his feelings of hopeless romanticism.

The Toreador glittered with mirth as they passed the historic sights, the scenery littered with militaristic uses of buildings. The beauty was stunning, Kathy and Gabriel were enraptured by the atmosphere. The Paris night shone brightly overhead, the stars twinkling and casting a faint and comforting glow through the streets.

They walked hand in hand, only stopping once for Gabriel to answer a chattering cell phone call. Eventually they found themselves seated outside a small cornerside cafe.

The cafe itself was closed, it's quant doors shut for the evening. Over the main window of the cafe, a striped blue and white canopee was stretched to shade visitors from rain or the hot summertime sun that would surely roll around. The Seneschal and his date sat outside, hand in hand chatting away about various topics.

((i'll post a more detailed post later :smile:

((topping so I dont forget to post laters :smile: