Winter, fire and snow

[Christine Daye]

The backstage gossip about Mr Grey is intense. Miss Daye has many devoted fans, who come night after night to hear her sing, and leave with stars in their eyes and lightness in their steps. A chosen few even get invited backstage, for a more private audience. They leave, clutching autographs and flowers, looking dazed by their contact with their idol.

But Mr Grey, though he comes to the theatre night after night, has yet to be called into her... well, dressing room is accurate. Lair... that is what some of the chorus call it. But they're just jealous.

And there's something odd about him. Something... different. The way he moves through the crowd. It's probably because he's foreign.

Still, the ushers greet him with a polite smile. Show him to seats that get better, and better. Until one night, when the seat he is shown to has a sealed note upon it. (The seal is green wax, with the sign of a crowned heart held between two hands.)

Written in green ink, in a feminine hand is the following:

Dear Mr Grey,

Thank you for your devotion. Assuming that you are not taken up with other duties this evening, I would like to invite you to linger a while after my performance. It would be pleasant to have a conversation - it has been too long!

If you are available, simply let one of the ushers know, and I shall join you once my post performance necessities are complete. If not, then please let me know of another time of your convenience.

I remain,
Your servant, etc.
Miss C. Daye

The usher, a young and gawky lad, still with marks of adolescent acne on his face, waits patiently for Regulus' response.

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus lets a small smile curl his lips. Looking up from the note he meets the usher's gaze, his voice pitched low when he speaks. For a moment the boy could swear there was a gleam of amber in Regulus's eyes.

"Be so kind as to inform Ms Daye I would be delighted to meet with her."

Casually Regulus passes over three shillings to the usher.

"Ensure Ms Daye receives my reply post haste."

[Christine Daye]

The usher's eyes widen at the money, and he swallows nervously.

"Certainly sir. If sir would care to keep his seat after the performance, I will return and escort you as instructed by Miss Daye. Enjoy the performance, sir."

With that (and a smoothly casual movement to pocket the tip) the usher goes back to his duties, leaving Regulus to enjoy the show.

[Regulus Grey]

The performance is breathtaking, that is if he still had to breath. Christine strikes every note to perfection, the Kine all around rising and falling as the song and music does. He can almost taste the primal emotions that are brought forth by her music.

Regulus himself is not immune to Ms Daye's talent. When he closes his eyes he can feel himself soaring over the Alps once more. He can feel the snow between his paws and the thrill of the chase in his blood. His composure holds out as the performance ends, his clapping is loud even amidst the rest of the auditorium exploding into cheers and claps.

He seems relaxed as the other Theatre goers file past him. Several jealous patrons glare but cannot hold against the strange almost amber eyes of the Gangrel. Eventually he is alone amidst the seats. He waits, patient.

[Christine Daye]

The same usher is quick to return to Regulus' side.

"Miss Date's compliments, sir. She asks that you meet her in the small parlour, and bear with her while she finishes her post performance... um... duties. I shall escort you there now."

As the usher leads Regulus through the foyer, he seems to be deliberating about something. He shows Regulus to a small, but comfortable parlour.

Framed playbills line the walls, and there is a comfortable sofa, and a pair of armchairs around a coffee table. But despite the homely surroundings, it has the air of a place not much used. Perhaps for the occasional meeting.

The usher takes a breath, gathering his courage.

"Begging your pardon, sir, but on the off chance - might you know of Mrs Katherine Saunders? She's a particular friend of Miss Daye's, very beautiful, and particularly fond of purple?"

It's quite obvious that the young lad is completely smitten.

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus takes in the room at a glance, sniffing once he can almost smell the dust in the furniture. Clasping his hands behind his back he moves over to examine the playbills, it's obvious he has every intention to remain standing. At the mention of Katherine he raises one eyebrow.

"I do indeed know Mrs Katherine Saunders."

He turns to fully face the young man, keeping his face neutral except for a slight indulgent up curve of his lips.

"You ask for a reason I presume?"

[Christine Daye]

The look of hope on the young usher's face is almost painful to behold.

"Yes, sir. I... um... we met one night when I escorted her to Miss Daye, and now..."

He sighs, completely besotted.

"I cannot stop thinking about her. So, if you know her, please, what can you tell me? I know that she is tragically widowed, but will be out of mourning soon. Do... do you think that she might accept my suit?"

He's doing a remarkable impression of a lovelorn puppy.

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus's face splits into a friendly smile, stepping forward he claps the young man on the shoulder.

"Why young sir, woe betide me if I were to stand in the way of young love. I shall make discreet enquieries as to whether Mrs Saunders is quite ready to be receiving suits so soon."

Stepping back-

Oh he looks juicy. But no, feeding here would be terribly awkward.

-Regulus blinks.

"In the meantime, go find a whore who looks like her when you get off work. I shall contact you."

Turning back around, Regulus returns to studying the playbills. After so long feeding from animals the thought of human blood once more was almost mouth watering.

[Christine Daye]

"Thank you sir. My name is Thomas, sir. Thomas Wheeler. I am indebted to you, sir."

The young man blinks in surprise at the advice to find a whore.

"Oh, no, sir! I could not do that! It would be a betrayal of my love for Mrs Saunders - a love that is pure and perfect and honourable!"

He pauses as the penny drops, and he gives a grin.

"Very good sir, you were testing me, weren't you? Rest assured that I shall remain true to my love. Even unto death!"

With this level of melodrama, it's no surprise that he works in the theatre. And probably should be on the stage.

"Good evening sir."

And with that, Thomas withdraws, leaving Regulus alone in the parlour.

[Regulus Grey]

Regulus nods to Wheeler. After the young man leaves, he shakes his head. A small grin on his face, as he turns and sits down in one of the comfy armchairs and awaits the arrival of Christine.

Hmm, be kind or cruel. That is the question I suppose.