She followed the servant girl without argument. As she was drawn further from his presence Adalstan's power over her began to diminish. She was baffled by how easily he had bewitched her, overcoming her objections with a look. Questions began to swirl in her head. Who was this man? What was he? And what did he want with her? Surely he needn't go through all this trouble just because he wanted her to play the violin for his party.

She followed the maid through a gallery of paintings of the Baron and his family. She paused before one depicting the familiar face of Rikter. Again, she wondered over his involvement in the night's misadventures. Was he a part of this plot somehow? And if so, why had he left her for the murderers to abduct? Why not bring her here himself? The maid hurried her along, leading her to a richly furnished guestroom with a closet full of gowns.

She chose a fine gown of lavish silk, far superior to the one she had left at home. This one was tailored by a craftsman who clearly knew how a gown should hug a woman's frame to accentuate all of her charms. It was a deep, blood red color accented with black lacy. It had a tight bodice thatdipped low to show off her creamy breast and the small, puffed sleeves hung just off her shoulders leaving her neck exposed. The maid assured her this dress would please the Baron immensely which was oddly important to Nell for some reason. The maid helped cinch her into the thing, drawing her stays tighter than she was used to until the dress hugged her waist like a second skin. She finished the ensemble by styling her hair up in an intricate coiffure with tendrils of curls hanging free to brush her neck here and there. She also put on a choker made of jet beads which resembled lace and invited the eye to gaze at her neck.

The maid did her up in silence though she tried to question her about Rikter and the Baron. The woman merely brushed her questions aside, insisting she must direct such questions to his lordship and not her. Once the dressing was completely she was returned to the party in progress. She felt less out of place but no less vulnerable. She looked around for the Baron, hoping she would be able to get some answers at last.

When she returned their were renewed looks that seemed different then last time. She was being appraised on a different level it seemed. Had it been the attire? Clothes could make a difference. If one saw someone in beat up clothes you instantly thought of someone homeless and not a surgeon for instance. In a way they assisted a disguise or how one projected themselves.

She must have suited the attire well though Adalstan was the last to see her. He was in the midst of playing the piano again and so he was easy to find. She had to wait though while she did she noted that no one had encroached on her or struck up conversation unless she did. Though there was a servant going around with a tray of red wine that had stopped at her.

“How old are you Miss?” The servant came up short of giving her a drink though as if he had second thoughts about doing so. She did note that his eyes went to her neck and choker, then in typical fashion for a male her cleavage.

She raised as amused brow at the boy and reached to pluck a glass from his tray. "Old enough o drink I assure you." She catch his appraising glance and took that to mean her gown was having the desired affect. She realized that this might be a good opportunity to have some of her questions answered. "This is rather an impressive party. The guest here all look rather important but I don't recognize any of them. Do you know who any of them are? Does the Baron throw parties like this very often?" And did he always kidnap violinists to entertain at them?

The servant nodded as she took the glass from the tray. With a closer look the texture seemed to be wrong, thicker than wine though not too thick. Bringing it closer to her nose there had been no scent of alcohol to it but rather a coppery scent …

“Oh, from time to time the Baron collects his family together for a reunion of sorts.”” He explained though a glance about showed that there was a wide variety of people her none of which seemed similar and some had even been different races.

What they all shared though was their wealthy attire and how they held themselves. “They are all important though. Various nobles and in positions of influence all throughout Europe. Presidents of companies, politicians and so forth. There are a few I do not recognize from last time, most of those being among the plus one crowd. Those most likely from common ranks.”

By the time he had finished explaining the piano music ended. She had been long since noticed by Adalstan who approached now walking forth with a regal baring. He took her hand, raised it and kissed the back of it. Those eyes cast up to her, a grin braking out over his features. The servant departed.

“That suits you, it brings out your finest features.” Fingers breezed against her neck, his eyes flowed to her breasts. “Come with me.”

He began to lead her away to a balcony where it was quieter at least.

Nell eyed the coppery smelling liquid in her glass suspiciously. Some niggling thought that had been bothering her since her run in with the two murderers pushed it's way to the forefront. We're this people actually... She shook her head. "Surely not." She muttered, trying to reassure herself. She set her glass down on a nearby table regardless. Not quite brave enough to taste it and possibly confirm her fears.

She realized that she was being rude by only half listening to the boy's answer. "So, all these people are members of the Baron's family and they are all hold positions of power?" She repeated as she looked around the room at all the guests. It wasn't really surprising to hear that they were all powerful people but given the idea she had just been considering it was a little unnerving.

The Baron chose that moment to find her and prevented her from asking the servant anymore questions. The boy retreated as his master took her hand to kiss it and captured her with his eyes again. He took in her dress, clearly admiring it on her. He lifted his hand to run an almost phantom of a touch across her neck and his gaze lingered on her chest. She felt her features flushed under her regard. He invited her to follow him and, unable to refuse him, she did so. Once they were alone on a secluded little balcony she found the courage to speak again. "Why have you brought me here, your lordship? I find it hard to believe that you went through all this trouble just to have me play the violin for you and your family."

“That is correct,” the servant confirmed before he soon blended into the atmosphere as Adalstan arrived on the scene. With what she knew she was growing suspicious though there was something commanding in those warm eyes that regarded her.

Lead outside she found that the sky had a plethora of stars. It was cool and the breeze felt good. With the door to the balcony closed the party seemed distant, muted in the moment.

He turned his attention to her with her question, stepping in closer and invading her personal space as he seized her hip tucking fingers beneath her chin to tilt it back a little as he gazed down into her eyes.

“I heard you play, saw you and you may be the one I have searched for over the years. Assuming you pass the trial you will take your place as my bride.” A grin as his fingers crawled along her neck then rubbed against the choker. Slowly his head was closing the distance with her own though not so quickly as not to give her time to respond but with a deliberate drawn out patience a his gaze lingered on her own.

She shivered in the night air of the balcony but it was less from the cold and more from fear at being alone there with the Baron. Proper decorum dedicated that she shouldn't be alone with a man she had only just met by something about his gaze and his soft voice ensnared her. She really should avoid looking at him so directly again.

She turned to look out over the view of the gardens below while awaiting his reply but he stopped her. He moved without warning, arresting her space and capturing her chin to force her to look at him. His words shocked her and she stammered. "B-bride!? But we've only just met." She attempted to step back out of his overwhelming presence so she could think. "And what do you mean I must 'pass the trial' first. What trial are you talking about?"

Adalstan grinned. “We have met before.” Though she had been left to wonder about that. Had she met him and if so it couldn't have been in a large fashion either.

Backing away from him did little good unless she had been planning on jumping of the balcony or trying to make a brake for it by returning inside. His eyes were so drugging that they practically rooted her to the spot once she shuffled back a few steps.

He advanced again running the back of his knuckles against her cheek slowly. Up and down they caressed her. “Provided you survive of course that will be your reward. Forever young, full of vitality.”

His eyes flicked to the moon as it peaked out from beyond some clouds. Pale and full he directed her attention to it. “We will begin your trial when the moon reaches it's zenneath. You will want to get ready for it, though until then feel free to enjoy the party. Or my company,” He added as he brought his hand to her hip yet again. Thus far it simply rested there as he gazed at her with those drugging eyes, yet there had been a choice, this time it did not seem that she had been compelled to act on way or the other.

What he was saying was insanity. He claimed that they had met before but it couldn't have been a very long encounter if she couldn't recall it. Unless he had wiped her memory of it somehow. Given the power his eyes had to freeze her in her tracks it wouldn't surprise her if he could suppress her memories as well. He stalked closer, pining her between him and the balcony rail. He stroked her cheek like a lover as he spoke of rewards and eternal youth. Another shiver ran through her as his words seemed to confirm her earlier fear. "You mean to change me then? If I survive the trial."

He drew her attention to the moon and she turned to look up over her shoulder at it as it made its slow journey towards its peak. The Zenith couldn't be more than a handful of hours away. Then she would would be expected to participate in the ominous trial. He suggested that, since she had some free time before she would need to prepare for it, she enjoy herself while she could. Be that at the party or by staying on the balcony with him. His hand came to rest on her hip, making it clear how he hoped she would reply.

She looked down at his hand and then up to meet his gazes. There was a hunger in his eyes but no compulsion this time. He clearly wanted her to decide to stay herself this time. "I don't know anyone at this party save you, supposedly. I'd prefer to stay here with you." She knew he had seduction on his mind so she quickly added, " Though I'm not sure how much I will be able to enjoy myself with an unknown and apparently life-threatening trail looming in my near future."

“Change?” He seemed to reflect upon that word for a moment before he grinned. “Outwardly no. Increased strength, perceptions, eternal youth … the drawbacks are negligible.” Though he did not elaborate on the matter she had already gotten a good idea with her suspicions.

He seemed pleased by her choice to stay, despite the truth in her words. After all if she did not survival the trial then there would be no later for this. But he had listened to her concerns.

“If you are the one then there is nothing to worry about. I have never been wrong about these things before, Nell, you are the one. The trial is a mere formality for the others to bare witness to the truth.”

He set a finger upon her lips then leaned in to kiss her on the neck just above the choker. She would soon feel his tongue creeping along her there while the hand on her hip slowly ventured up her side, it's destination seemed to be the curve of her breast while the other hand traced down along her upper thigh.

She wanted to ask more questions but he pressed a finger to her lips to stop her. He lowered his head to kiss her neck and her breath caught in her throat. She should fight him. He was very likely a vampire intent on turning her against her will and taking her as his bride. Or was it? He had compelled her to obey him a couple of times that night but not for the things that matter. Still, she had stayed. Did she want to submit to him?

He began to trail the hand on her hip up her tight bodice to her breast, sending a wave of delightful shivers over her body. She should stop this... His other hand left her lips to stroke her thigh. She felt the stirrings of arousal. This was madness. Was he going to seduce her right here on the balcony? She reached behind her to grip the railing with both hands, afraid what she might do with them if she let go. "Are you my even going to give me a hint about the trial?"

He paused as she spoke, something danced in those befuddling eyes, desire, lust, and just a hint of patience as if he had learned over the years that wanting was a greater desire then having, that he had been one to wait for such treasures. He had already eluded to the fact that he had been searching for her for some time now.

How he had found her could have been a lucky brake at seeing her perform or the murderers … maybe they had not been out to kill her on that night but whatever the case those eyes made it difficult to think.

“Can beauty truly tame the beast? All you need to do is approach Luke. That is all.”

Whether or not there was more that he was going to say was unknown as there was a wrap on the balcony door before it slide open. It had been on of the pair that had been sent to fetch her.

“Your excellence you are needed.”

Adalstan seemed annoyed but grinned at her patting the back of her hand before kissing it. “See ti her preparations. Please, excuse me.” Adalstan went back inside and she would find herself with the man who had tricked her to gain admittance to her home.

The man eyed her for a moment though whatever he had concluded he kept to himself. “Come this way.” His eyes weren't so commanding or mystifying as Adalstan's. They would have to go through the party so she could make a scene or even question him since she was alone with him now and in any case she had a bit of time.

She felt an odd mixture of relief and regret as the Baron pulled back from her. He had excited her as much as he frightened her. She wasn't sure she could trust herself with him, especially given the power he clearly had over her, but she was drawn to him none the less. Perhaps he was right and this was destiny.

Adalstan took his leave of her, kissing her hand before he left. She frowned at the man who had parted them. She could not see the man as anything but a vile murderer and a kidnapper. Though really, given the revelation she had had earlier, it was likely that everyone here was a murderer out of necessity. Including the Baron. That thought made her very uneasy.

"Where are you taking me?" She asked as she followed her kidnapper away from the balcony. Adalstan had said she would be given time to prepare for the trial. She wondered if wherever they were going would have more clues as to what she was supposed to be doing. Adalstan had mentioned taming a beast... a beast named Luke? She regarded the man before her suspiciously for a moment. [color=#00BFFF]"And what is your name? I would like to have something to call you aside from murderer number two. Are you a member of the barons family?"/color] And are you a vampire too? She wondered to herself. She still couldn't bring herself to say something so insane out loud yet though.

He lead her away through the party then out into a dark hall. Starlight steamed in from the windows so it wasn't pitch black and there was a fair amount of illumination. But it wasn't long before she asked where they had been going. “To the prep room downstairs.”

Continuing on he did pause at her next question turning to gaze at her, somewhat confused by her statement as he processed her words. “We are not related … as for a name it you may call me Lars.” He didn't seem to associate “family” with her suspicions and seemed to give it little additional thought before continuing on with her. Leading her downstairs to a locked room.

He unlocked it and turned on the gas lamp that had been here. It was cooler down here, not cold but there was a faint smell too that she couldn't quite place as if she had been use to having a stronger aroma to go by. It was not a great smell, but there. Lars gestured her into the room, which had been a bedroom … no, there had been no bed she realized but all the other effects had been there … mirror, dresser, even a closet though the clothes were all tailored to ease of movement or bordered on masculine clothes with just a hint of femininity to them such as color schemes and such.

The clothes kept here had been simple. The closet even had simple footwear, nothing with a heel. “Get ready,” Lars called from the doorway once she got a look. The mirror wasn't across from the door either but she should have caught something in it such as a portion of his arm or leg, she could see the door but not him.

Turning to face him she could confirm that he was standing in such a way with his hand on the door knob so she would have caught a glimpse of him but shifting her gaze to the mirror now to make sure would have certainly drawn attention to the mirror.

Whether she did so or not Lars simply shut the door without telling her what to get ready for and she would hear it locking straight afterwards leaving her alone with her thoughts and that strange scent of some sort of animal, wet dog perhaps but certainly not as strong as that.

Lars was clearly in a less chatty mood than he was earlier. Not that she was eager for more of his mocking condescension but she had hoped to perhaps get a little more information about the oncoming trial. She had at least expected him to help prepare her but he abandoned her in a dark room instead.

She'd looked around, of course. Noting the musky animal smell and lack of a bed, though it was clearly someone's private chamber. There was men's clothing in the closet but who did it belong to? Was this the mysterious Luke's room. Was Luke a man then? The Baron he was a beast... Was he a feral vampire or something. The mild wet dog smell of the room made her think of something else. She frowned. If Adalstan and Lars were vampires, and they clearly were, did that mean other paranormal creatures were real? Werewolves went hand in hand vampires in most novels.

She uneasy feeling about all this and suddenly wished she hadn't donned the fancy gown. They had told her to prepare but how did one prepare for something like this? She dug in the closet and pulled out a man's overcoat and put it on. She hoped she was right and that these were Luke's things. If they were then perhaps covering herself with something that smelled like him would put him at ease. At the very least it meant that she wouldn't be tangling with a monster with bare arms and shoulders. The less skin showing the better. Then she moved to the center of the room and sat down, hoping to look as harmless as possible, and waited.