Charlotte allowed herself to be escorted by a tuxedoed usher to her seat high up on the balcony of the Ave Verum Conert Hall. She absolutely adored the high-brow entertainment that the concert hall provided. Mingling among the welathy od Demaitre was one of her favorite pastimes. They provided endless amusement with all their posturing and boasting. What they didn't seem to understand is that it is impossible trying to one-up the person one-upping you.

She took her seat, her flouncy taffeta dress taking up more room than it necessarily had a right to. She enjoyed her time at the concert hall immensely in that it gave her a place to wear all of her best dresses to. It also gave her a chance to feed, for she was not the only one who admired the figure-flattering corsets she donned each weekend. Welathy men were no different from poor ones. They all had one thing on their minds and it was only too easy to lure them away into a secluded area where she could take advantage of them, slaking her bloodlust with the hot crimson liquid flowing through their aristocrat's veins. She could almost taste the snobbery, the luxury, the class.

Joseph entered the huge Concert Hall wearing a black dress shirt, red tie, and black pants, with his best dress shoes, which of course were black. Damn he hated wearing collared shirts, damned things bugged the hell out of him. Wearing the suit was the only way he'd get into the concert. Plus he had a ticket he stole from one of those wealthy old men that always came here. He didn't feel like killing the old bastard so he simply left him where someone would find him. Joseph allowed the usher lead him to a balcony booth. As he approached it the all too familiar ache of a vampire near him came over him. When he entered he saw a beautiful woman who looked slightly older than he was, but he knew she was much older than she appeared.

"Excuse me madame," he said as he entered, "It looks like we'll be sharing the same booth. Do you mind if I take a seat?" Joseph bowed as deeply as he could, a sign of his respect for her both as a gentleman, which he gained from encountering the young vampire, Alexandra Renald, and a subordinate vampire.

Charlotte looked up, realizing that someone was addressing her. Another vampire she realized. "Please sit," she replied graciously, gesturing to the empty seat beside her. Among this teeming mass of humanity who frequented these concert events this vampire stuck out like a sore thumb. "Nice tie," she complimented him. "Red--my favorite color," she added with a knowing look in her eyes. "Do you frquent this place?" she asked conversationally.

Joseph sat down next to the vampire.

"No I moved here a couple of days ago. Just thought I'd see the sights." Joseph said. Joseph realized he stuck out like a sore thumb by the way the vampire looked at him. "My name is Joseph Kingsland. You look rather beautiful tonight. I'm not used to wearing dress clothes." With this Joe extended his hand for the woman to shake.

"Why, thank you," Charlotte said inrfesponse to the compliment. She took the boy's hand and shook it. "Well, you should wear them more often. They look very nice on you," she said, grinning. "It's a marvelous suit. Where did you get it, if you don't mind me asking?" she inquired, admiring the rich fabric. Ever since she had begun her work at the textile mill in Lowell, she had started to notice the weave and craftsmanship of fabrics and this was how she judged the quality of clothing. "And this is worth getting dressed up for," she continued. "This orchestra is amazing. Tonight is Vivaldi. You'll love it, I'm sure," she said in a low voice.

The vampiress' compliment on the way he looked kind of surprised him.

"Why thank my lady," bowing his head, "It was a gift from my wife. It's been collecting dust for a long time." Joe wasn't lying either it was an anniversary present from Sharon. Joe found it amusing that she found his clothes so interesting. "So now that you know my name what's yours? Since we're gonna be together for this concert. I haven't listened to that much of Vivaldi's works. I'm more into the Classical Period you know Beethovan, Haydn, and Mozart. I also enjoy Johann Bach's Organ Fugue." He was going to mention he liked a lot of modern music too but he decided against it.

"Your wife has very good taste," she added, pulling her gaze away from the suit. She realized it must have seemed strange to Joseph that she was so fascinated by the fabric. Not knowing any of her background he might be confused by it, so she dropped the subject. "I'm not a big Vivaldi fan, actually," she said. "I like the more modern composers like Satie, Debussy, or Grieg. But occasionally I like the traditional classics," she said, chatting happily. "It's funny, but you didn't strike me as much of a classical music lover," she murmured thoughtfully.

"I actually listen to a lot of music; metal, classic rock, rap, classical. I mostly listen to classical though. I find it quite intriguing to listen to such soothing music, it helps me calm down." Joseph spoke. "I've never actually gone to a concert."

Joseph found the vampiress was quite beautiful. He caught himself staring at her and looked away.

((Short post sorry))

Charlotte smirked as she noticed Joseph's staring, but said nothing about it. "I find it quite soothing as well. I listen to it when I'm doing work since it helps me concentrate," she chimed. "And you don't know what you're missing if you've never been to a classical concert before. It's so different live than it is recorded. Once, back when I was a m-," she started, but caught herself before she could say the M Word. "Back when I was a member of my church's choir, we had the privilege of singing with a magnificent orchestra, all Mozart. It was wonderful," she said, her cheeks flushed from the excitement of the memory.

Joseph laughed when the vampiress caught herself from using the M-word. "Mozart was an amazing composer. It's sad that he wasn't really listened to until he died." Amazing it seemed she was alive during the period of Mozart. "I was deprived as child when it came to classical music. My adopted grandmother was actually beautiful singer." So the vampiress didn't want to tell him her name it didn't matter to him.

"What did she sing to you?" Charlotte inquired. She couldn't remember her grandmother. She had only spent a few months with her as a small child. Her parents had her ferried over from England, but she contracted some dreadful disease on the ship and passed away about three months after her arrival. Even though she was deprived of a grandmother, she couldn't imagine being deprived of classical music. It was a staple in her family's household. Though her parents were not well-educated, they did appreciate good music when they heard it.

"I'm sorry I don't remember, I heard it at her wake. It was in Italian, but it was absolutely beautiful." Joseph spoke with a very slight tremble in his voice.

Joseph laughed, "It's funny how you and my sire are some much alike. She was raised in family of musicians in New York. Plus she is obsessed with the violin. She is so good at it that I think she's going to play here tonight. I haven't been in touch with her that much." Joseph then felt the familiar pull of Daneille. So she was going to play here.

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Daneille could knew Joseph was here even before the curtains rose. It was amazing how strong their connection was. She was the playing 1st violin since her skill far exceeded that of everyone who auditioned for the part. She connected telepathicly with Joe. "So you finally came to one of my concerts, we'll have to celebrate afterwards." She smiled at this last comment. She loved to tease him a lot.

Charlotte straightened up in her seat to listen to Joseph. Most vampires did not speak of their sires and she had always wondered why. "Oh, if she's here we should go and find her after the show. Have a little reunion," she suggested, nudging her fellow vampire in the arm gently. She sighed, remembering her own sire. Gabriel. She missed him so. He had been her first true love up until the day they parted. "What do you think?" she asked Joseph. "Should we find her for you?"

Joseph didn't immediately register what the vampiress said. "Oh I'm sorry, just thinking about something." More like thinking to someone Joe thought to himself.

"Yeah that sounds good." Though that was something he didn't feel like doing. Joe was surprised how beautiful he found the older vampiress to be. She was definitely older than his sire. He smiled as the lights blinked on and off signifying that the performance was going to begin.

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Danielle was wearing the black dress she always wore with it's split sides at the hips, and no sleeves. She plucked at her violin making sure it was in tune. Damn it was barely out of tune. She knew no one would notice but it was one of her pet peeves. So Joe was going to find her after the performance. She smiled at this. She loved it when she dove into Joe's thoughts.


((Danielle has a powerful connection with Joe and can tell what he's thinking.))

"I'm glad you agree," Charlotte said, pleased. With the blinking lights signaling the impending start of the concert. "I still can't believe you've never been to a concert before," she laughed, settling back into her seat. It suddenly struck her that Jospeh seemed to be concentrating on something else. She followed his gaze to the orchestra. "Is she here?" she asked, sensing the faraway presence of another vampire.

"Yes she is here. She's sitting on the left closest to the conductor. She's quite an amazing violinist. She has a very keen ear for tuning instruments. She hates it if an instrument is out of tune." He smiled because he used to love messing with Danielle's violin.

"I've never been to one of her concerts either." Indicating Danielle. "Damn being born into a family classically illiterate." Joe smiled remembering his family loved classic rock.

Charlotte chuckled, searching the orchestra for Jospeh's maker. Finally her eyes came to rest on a beautiful creature, blending in perfectly with the mortals around her, save for the slightyl unnatural paleness of her skin. "She looks lovely. I'll have to tell her later," the vampiress murmured. She had never met another sire aside from her beloved Gabriel. She had always wanted to ask about the motivation to create another vampire. She herself had never felt that urge. She found the company of vampires she met elsewhere to be pleasant enough. She looked to her right where Joseph was seated. He was a lovely specimen indeed. "Surely you've heard her play before...What's her name?" she asked quietly. understanding that he may not want to tell her.

Joseph turned to look at Charlotte. "Her name is Danielle Ann Seras. She and I have been giving eachother a little space." Joe smiled at Charlotte as he saw her looking for Danielle.

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Danielle looked up at the booth to her left. She saw Joseph with a vampiress. She could tell the vampiress was much older than her. She knew everything they were talking about through her connection with Joe. She stood up and shook the conductor's hand as he walked towards the podium. It was part of her duty as the concert master. She sent Joe a reassuring telepathic nudge. It was good to see him.

"Danielle..." Charlotte mused, trying the name out. It was a lovely name and she thought it suited the pretty creature very well. "It's good that you've been able to reconnect with her again, though," she said in an encouraging way, fidgeting with a piece of tulle in her skirt. "I haven't seen my maker in about 150 years," she sighed. "How long has it been since you last met with Danielle?" she asked curiously.

Joe thought about how long it has been since he last saw Danielle. "It's been about thirty years since I saw Danielle." Joe saw her fidgetting with her skirt. He almost laughed until he started fidgetting with the tie he was wearing. Damn it was uncomfortable wearing something around his neck. Sometimes he couldn't stand Danielle, but she was his sire and he loved her. "So what brought you into this fine city?"

Charlotte chuckled wryly at this. "Funnily enough, it was my own sire who told me about this place," she sighed, forcing herself to leave her skirt alone and hold still. "When we decided that he had taught me everything he could and that there was nothing left for me in Boston, where I come from, he told me about Demaitre and about the vampires that lived there. So I took his advice and came here," she finished, giving a little shrug. "I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous that you've been able to reunite with Danielle. I wish I could see Gabriel again," she said rather sadly. Giving a small reassuring smile, she turned her attention back to the stage. The lights were dimming now and the concert would start momentarily.

Joseph sighed, sometimes he wished he was in Charlotte's position, then he wouldn't have to worry about Danielle diving into his mind every second. But he did love her and was glad she turned him. "It's all good and everything that I can reunite with Danielle it's just sometimes I just need to be away from her." Joe looked down at the ground after this last statement knowing Danielle heard him.

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Danielle nearly laughed seeing Joe fidget with his tie. 'Joe you look rather dashing.' She told him telepathically. She felt a little upset when she felt him say that sometimes he needed some away time, but she'd respect his decisions. She stood up and bowed as the conductor announced her as being the concert master. Now she needed to concentrate solely on her performance so she closed the link between her and Joe.

"I think it's perfectly natural to have those kinds of feelings," Charlotte assured Joseph. "Gabriel used to say to me, 'Charlotte, if ever we should part, know that a piece of my heart will always be with you,'" the brunette sighed wistfully. "I think it was the most romantic thing I'd ever heard. But it's completely true," she said, returning to her point. "No matter how far apart you are from someone you love, they are always with you."

Joe listened to Charlotte's words. He knew it was true especially with his dead wife, Sharon. He knew she was watching over him.

"Thank you for understanding." Joe smiled. Now that he thought about it he wouldn't be able to stand being away from Danielle for as long as Charlotte. So he was thankful for everything he was given. Maybe Danielle was a sign from Sharon to move on and give his heart to others rather than dwell on the past.

"Dwelling on the past can lead to one's downfall especially for a vampire. I dwelt in the past for most of my life, and I nearly destroyed myself." Joe carressed his wedding band. He looked back to the stage to see Danielle bowing.

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Even with their psychic link closed off Danielle could feel the love that radiated off of Joe. She nearly cried, but held it back remembering that the conductor had his baton up ready to start. Everyone was staring at her waiting for her. She felt quite embarrassed and raised her violin ready to put her whole soul into playing.

Charlotte nodded in agreement. Joseph's absentminded fingering of a wedding band on his left ring finger did not go unnoticed. "I know what you mean. Every day becomes a struggle when you are constantly living in the past. But that is the beauty of our nature. We have thousands of tomorrows to look forward to," she said with hope in her voice. The concert was about to start so she closed her lips and focused her gaze upon the stage. Danielle was indeed a gifted violinist. She was so graceful in the way that she dragged the bow across the strings. There was something so expressive in this movement that Charlotte was somewhat mesmerized.

As she was playing Danielle channeled her whole being into playing the violin. She was so focused on playing that she barely saw noticed what was going on around her. She focused only on two things the conductor and her violin.

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Joe listened as Danielle played with her heart and soul. She was an angel among peasants. He felt as if he was right there next Danielle playing with her. He closed his eyes and let the music guide him to a place of tranquility.

Charlotte's pupils were dilated from the darkness of the concert halld and the thrill of the orchestra's beautiful music making. As the first song ended, she clapped her hands politely. "She's a great player," she admitted to Joseph. "I'd like to hear more of that French hornist, though," she said thoughtfully. "What do you think?" the brunette asked her companion, then noticed that he was still staring at Danielle. "Um, are you alright?" she inquired awkwardly, not sure whether or not she should interrupt his reverie.

Joe was startled from his trance when Charlotte asked if he was alright. "Yes I am alright. I was just captivated by Danielle's playing. It brings about a feeling of peace for me. She's an amazing violinist, had ninety six years to perfect her playing." He clapped politely as well even though he wanted to stand up and clap as loud as he could. "I think the French hornist could've been played out a little more." Even though the only person he concentrated on was Danielle.

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Danielle stopped playing as soon as the conductor signaled. As she waited for the second song to start she stared up at Joe. She could tell he loved it even without her diving into his mind. She then turned her attention back to the conductor ready to play.

"She is very expressive in her playing," Charlotte agreed. She ran her tongue over her parched lips and clasped her hands together in her lap. "If you haven't fed yet, would you like to go out after the show with Danielle for a bit of a hunt?" Charlotte proposed. She was usually a solitary hunter, but company was always welcomed.

Joe reluctantly nodded his head. He ran out of dead blood and he was quite thirsty. He could barely keep himself from getting up and killing some mortal in the hall. He hated killing mortals, but he was couldn't stand the thirst.

"I'll go with you. I quite thirsty." Joe licked his lips barely able to keep still in his seat.

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Danielle smiled as she probed Joe's mind a little bit. So he was going to hunt. She could barely keep her excitement at bay. She then raised her violin, ready to completely give herself over to her emotions.

"Excellent," replied Charlotte, pleased that she would have company that night. "Do you suppose Danielle would like to come with us?" she offered graciously. She was keenly interested in meeting this vampire who so willingly gave herself over to the music. "Do you have any specific hunting grounds? I prefer to punish those who deserve it, so perhaps we could visit the inner city tonight?" she suggested as the orchestra started up again.

Joe thought about how to answer. "Danielle will probably be hungry. Even though she seems to be nice, she can really get into it. She loves to, ummm, play with her food." Joe shuddered slightly remembering how Danielle loved to torture the mortals she fed on. She even tortured him, but that was more of their way of showing love.

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Danielle smiled as she felt Joe's thirst and his discomfort. She watched the conductor ready to play. She was excited by the thought of hunting after the concert.

Charlotte went even paler at the thought of this expressive sould enjoying the torment of innocent mortals. "Oh. Well...I'm sure she'll understand if we ask her to keep the sadism to a minimum," Charlotte replied glibly. She hoped that was the case. Charlotte didn't like to see people suffer, no matter what kind of person they were. The thought of taking pleasure in torture actually sickened her and she had begun to lose her appetite. "Or perhaps we shouldn't all feed together after all. I wouldn't want her to have to compromise her, um, habits," Charlotte finished, fidgeting with her dress again.

Joe nodded at this. He didn't want to watch Danielle's feeding habits again. "I think we should go without Danielle." Joe said remembering when he watched her feed. "I don't think she'd change her habits to please others. She's just kind of the loner anyway."

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Danielle figured the vampiress didn't like killing by the way she fidgetted with her dress. She was dissapointed that she'd have to feed by herself. But it was alright, she preferred to have her fun and nothing would change that.

"You don't think she'll mind, do you, if we go without her?" Charlotte asked, not wanting to offend a vampire whom she hadn't even met yet. "Because I could just suck it up and it wouldn't matter," she said, gulping at the prospect. She didn't fancy watching someone torture their victim, but she never was one to put herself before others and she was willing to be the bigger man and let Danielle hunt a she pleased.

Joe looked at Charlotte pondering how to answer her question. "She won't mind, she doesn't like being around vampires who don't like to kill as much as she does. She's kind of a loner like that." Joe wasn't too keen on watching Charlotte hunt as well. He didn't even like watching a vampire finish their victims quickly. He hated killing mortals. "So after the concert I'll introduce you to her, and then we'll go out for the hunt." He quieted down as the second song was about to begin.

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Danielle's complete attention was on the conductor as he raised his baton. If she was mortal her heart would be pounding out of her chest, but she wasn't. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She let her emotions flow into her hands as the conductor started the song.

Charlotte nodded, taking Joseph's word for it. "Okay," she said, settling back into her seat as the second movement of the piece started. "As long as she won't mind," she agreed, brushing light brown locks out of her face. She once again focused her attention on the stage and wondered again how someone like Danielle, a musician, could ever enjoy killing someone.

Danielle gave her whole being to her violin playing out her emotions. It was a mixture of sadness and anticipation. It mixed in quite well with the second movement. She closed her eyes and let her emotions guide her hands.

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Joe once again closed his eyes and listened to the music. He let the emotions of Danielle's playing envelope him in a blanket. He loved Danielle, but he hated her eating habits.

((Sorry for the short post couldn't really think of anything.))

Charlotte let the music wash over, enjoying th powerful string section. She was looking forward to meeting Danielle later, despite what she had heard. She would reserve judgement on the vampire until she had met her herself. She tapped her foot in time with the music. As the movement ended, she breathed deep, as the lights came on again. The show was over and the orchestra was taking its bows. Charlotte stood with the rest of the sudience to give a standing ovation, clapping enthusiastically.

Joe opened his eyes as the movement ended. He stood up with Charlotte and clapped as loud as he could. His gaze fell upon Danielle as she bowed. He couldn't help but feel love for his sire no matter what she was. After the orchestra walked off stage Joe stood up and started walking out of the booth. "If we're going to get to see Danielle then we'll have to leave now." Joe held the curtain open for Charlotte to walk through.

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Danielle bowed as the orchestra did. She was the first one off the stage as was protocol for her role as Concert Master. She made her way to her dressing room. She would only let two people come in and see her. She felt those two people were leaving their booth. She couldn't wait to meet the vampiress.