The air of Lorelai's apartment rang with characteristic whack of training swords.  The furniture had been cleared to the side,  and Lorelai and Shaun circled each other in the middle of the living room.  Every so often they'd cross their wooden blades in a series of rapid strikes, parries, and attempted ripostes.  Shaun was an imminently talented swordsman,  one of the reason he's been chosen nearly three centuries ago.  Lorelai was a practical compendium of the art,  it was a secret passion of hers,  and though she hadn't had opportunity to practice as much as she'd liked over the years she'd gotten plenty more than the average mortal ever could.

"Your stance is impeccable as always Mi'lady."  Shaun said between small,  controlled breaths. 

[color=92278f]"Flattery will get you everywhere Shaun.  Yours in excellent as well,  as expected."[/color]  Lorelai could simply over power the man with her inhuman strength and speed if she'd like,  but that wasn't exactly conducive to training now was it?

They crossed 'blades' again.  the flurry of faux steel between them had begun when Shaun had thought he'd notice a hole in his mistress' defenses,  but every action began in the mind,  and Lorelai was cunning.  The trap had closed,  resulting in an exchange that left Shaun more and more off-balanced with each rejoinder, until Lorelai's sword found its way to his throat.

"Well done Mi'lady,  I see that opening was naught but an illusion,  closed up as easily as it was found."  Shaun bowed and took the training swords to the closet to replace them in their proper places.  "I have to ask though, mistress.  What has you in the mood for training this evening?"

Lorelai carefully considered her response.  As tempting as it was to go with the old fall back of 'fuck you,  that's why' she decided if she couldn't confide in Shaun she couldn't confide in anyone.  [color=92278f]"The inconsistency of mortals...their hearts to be precise."[/color]
[hr]
[sub][i]The previous night,  Lexi's apartment[/i][/sub]

"You're a vampire!?"  Lexi's face was shocked at Lorelai's revelation.  "And you just killed Jamie!?"

Lorelai examined the girl's face.  She'd expected Lexi to be concerned that she was a vampire,  most people seemed to be,  but Jamie's death was a matter of course right?  [color=92278f]"More like made him kill himself,  I'd hate to dirty your apartment,  that would make me a poor guest after all.  He was going to hurt us,  and while I wasn't exactly afraid I didn't particularly like the sentiment in his eyes."[/color]

"So you killed him."  Lexi's face had gone white.  "Just like that?  Without a second thought?"

[color=92278f]"Why would I think twice?  The first time told me everything I needed after all."[/color]  Lorelai tried to explain herself calmly.  [color=92278f]"If he could generate the willful desire to hurt you,  he could do so again.  Why allow that to occur?  I've grown...fond of you,  which is a rare thing for me."[/color]

Lexi wondered at the fact that Lorelai's words still had the power to make her heart race after listening to her calmly confess to killing a man.  "T-thank you I think?"  She shook her head.  "I-I need time to process this...c-can I call you when I figure it out?"

Lorelai felt a small, and unfamiliar pain in her chest.  [color=92278f]"As you wish Lexi."[/color]  She turned and entered the apartment from the balcony that had played host to this...disappointing conversation.  After she'd gotten dressed in her own clothes again she turned to the blonde.  [color=92278f]"I've left my number on your bedside table.  Take whatever time you need,  but do inform me if you do not wish to continue our interactions."[/color]

Lexi's eyes,  which had followed Lorelai's eerily quiet movements throughout,  settled on hers briefly before looking away.  "O-of course."

[hr]
[sub][i]Present[/i][/sub]

Shaun nodded as Lorelai explained what had transpired.  "So you've become infatuated with this young woman then Mi'lady?"

[color=92278f]"It would appear so."[/color]  Lorelai admitted.  [color=92278f]"I just need something right now to clear my mind, and shake off this unwelcome melancholy."[/color]

"Perhaps now's the time to get serious about allying yourself with the syndicate ma'am."  Shaun ventured.  "Some work might serve as a distraction while you wait for this...Lexi to reply to your most generous affections."

[color=92278f]"You're quite right I think."[/color]  Lorelai's eyes brightened as she remembered something she'd decided not too long ago.  [color=92278f]"Especially considering I know what I want from this Madam Bloodbloom."[/color]

"Have you settled on something then ma'am?" Shaun's eyebrow arched.

[color=92278f]"Yes,  I've realized that my un-life has become entirely too comfortable."[/color]  Lorelai explained.  [color=92278f]"If I'm to regain hold on my passing time I must struggle for something.  I'm going to place this Bloodbloom atop the city you see,  just to do it.  All I'll ask is to be showered with affection,  and to be kept entertained during the interim."[/color]

"Showered with affection?  Surely you don't think she'll...'shower you with affection' Ma'am."  Shaun doubted the self-styled fairy queen would put out at the asking.

[color=92278f]"Not what I meant you miserable old lech."[/color]  Lorelai rolled her eyes grinning.  [color=92278f]"I merely want to ensure that I'm appreciated.  Gifts is mostly what I mean,  and to be invited to parties,  gatherings,  and meetings.  I want to meet new and formidable people as well Shaun."[/color]

"Well...I think she'll certainly pay you,  but gifts ma'am?"  Shaun was still unsure.  "It's simply self evident why you should be brought into the inner-circle quickly of course."

[color=92278f]"Shaun...gifts...a paycheck.  You can pop my bubble as easily as I can pop your head.  My bubble will come back Shaun."[/color]  Lorelai narrowed her eyes at the man.

"Of course ma'am.  I'm sure you'll receive plentiful displays of your new patron's awe at your many and varied talents."  Shaun grinned.  If his Lady had found something to be excited about far be it for him to dissuade her.

Lorelai's eyes brightened immediately.  [color=92278f]"Me too!  I'm excited Shaun!  Set up a meeting at her earliest convenience."[/color]  She strode towards the door.  [color=92278f]"I'm off to shop for an outfit better suited for the meeting,  and to eat of course."[/color]

Shaun's smile was wide and genuine as he watched the back of his mistress disappear out the door.  Somabra had been the right decision after all.  He didn't particularly care about the specifics of what was to come,  but if she was smiling again did it really matter?