A sharp smile held close to Istar Indora’s features as he stood outside of the Vision Cinema leaning against his Z4. The BMW, for its part was simply parked in one of the many downtown street side parking spaces and thus made for a nice place to lean, while Indora did just that, waiting for Maria. It had been a long time, or at least if felt that way. A long time since Istar had gotten out of the house, gone out, and a date, a real treat your woman to a good time, date sound good to him. More so he hoped it sounded good to Maria. She had been working so hard with Karyn and well he guessed she could use a change of pace.

And in that spirit of changing paces, well let’s just say that Istar perhaps hadn’t planned the most high strung of dates. In fact the first stop on the list was down right campy, but he’d be lying if he didn’t say he would be enjoying every minute of it. He hoped Maria did too. After all she did have a sense of humor, and he couldn’t promise that everything wouldn’t turn out as one big joke, but he’d try and he’d try hard.

Already, the effort he made showed. Istar himself was a fine and well example. He was immaculate in the white suit, white trench coat, and white fedora with a matching band that he wore. The color worked well with his complexion and dark hair. Even the leather of his shoes was ivory, with only the black of his belt and the dawn blue of his shirt as a deviation. Well that was except for the tie, a simple design of azure and white, striped. It matched both the suit and the shirt.

Besides himself, Istar had also invested in flowers. Again he had roses, but this time they were white, a half dozen, mixed with a half dozen Orchids that were a deep midnight blue. Perhaps they didn’t match Istar’s ensemble, but then that wasn’t the plan. Nope, the plan was that they were beautiful, the color of the sky, right before night has completely taken root. And they were fragrant. All in all they had been something that Istar hoped Maria enjoyed. Even if it were only a little, it was more than worth anything he might spend.

Looking down at his watch, then up at the Cinema with its special Vampire Monster Movie Mash signs, with the occasional Dracula caricature, talk about campy. Hokey was the buzz word for tonight. But still it was one of those things that some theaters did as special events and to tell the truth Istar couldn’t wait to see another movie in black and white, the way God intended. Still, he wondered about Maria, reaction. After all it wasn’t a stretch to say that Istar loved Maria Córdoba, no not a stretch at all.

Okay, so she felt a little bad for sort of breaking her word to Karyn about taking her to the program the local church was throwing for the children, but she had convinced Liatha to take her instead so unless he broke his word as well she woudl be going. Besides, it had been a time indeed since she had seen her love. And at his invite to a date, of course she could not turn him down.

He had told her to meet him at the cinema and she had been curious. She had seen a few movies of course, but not many. Most of the time they could not hold her attention for too long, but then again that was hard for anything to do. People usualy did the best job...

Ah... And there was the man who did a better job than anyone else in that aspect. Maria had of course walked, but it seemed her beloved Istar had other means of transportation. Ria of course didn't bother. Call her old fashion, but she was more comfortable walking or riding a horse if she could. but it had been a while for the latter. However she would admit that the thrill of speeding around was a bit tempting.

She smelt his scent and took it in with a smile. He was dressed as impecable as ever, even for such a simple thing as a movie. Well she herself hadn't exactly come in jeans and a halter, though she sorely wanted to. No, she was in a nice black buisness skirt that came just at her knees, still showing her lower legs with strappy high heels. She wore a form fitted burgundy button up blouse with quarter length sleeves. Her hair for a change frim it's usual bun was pinned half up to let the curls fall down to the middle of her back.

"Well... Hello there stranger." She said with a fond smile as she approached him. "So..." She reached out a hand to caress his cheek softly. She just liked to touch him whenever... Wherever. "Whta brings us to this amusing little place? What fun ideas do you have instore my love?" She was indeed curious. It had been a while since she had seen a film... years... The last ones she could remember had... no color to them. They had intrueaged her greatly, but had not held her interest for long.

Her fingers trailed to his lips, soft... "I've missed you..." She whispered as she brought her eyes to his.

“I’ve missed you too…” Istar admitted at once, his face suddenly a bit more somber. It was true, he had missed Maria dearly, had missed something as mundane as her closeness, the smell of her. It made his heart ache immediately, but at the same time he knew better than anyone that the woman was practically a national treasure, she had responsibilities, ones that went deeper than he knew and he reminded himself of this full heartedly and often. But now, now that Maria was so close. That she touched him, Istar let out a slow sigh, a sigh full of tension that he had not even known he possessed. The man instantly felt better.

Reaching to the hand that stroked his cheek, Istar took her wrist and brought it to his lips, kissing the pulse there and then the hand in a manner that was somewhat between courtly and sensual. He breathed her in then, slowly, savoring. Istar drank his lady love’s scent down like an expensive wine and then his smile flashed into a sudden and sharp pearly white grin.

“Well, that’s the thing…” Istar said lightly, “oddly enough this theater is having a vampire monster movie double feature tonight. I thought it might be fun. ‘Dracula’ the original film and well the other one is a bit newer and might I say the most amusing piece of cinema that I’ve laid eyes on. ‘Blacula’.” Istar had to struggle to keep his amusement from spilling over. Sometime ironic didn’t even begin to describe life’s little jokes. The fact that there was a black man’s Dracula movie, what could he say, half the jokes wrote themselves on that one.

“Also I was also thinking that we could hit some of the cities sites, the less known ones anyway. That is if you’re hungry. You’d be surprised at the number of drug dealers, muggers, pimps, and junkies that inhabit our fair little berg.”

He said this last off handedly as he rested the flowers he had brought upon the top of his car and watched Maria’s reaction.

She smiled as he seemed to relax with her very presance. As his lips wandered over her wrist she closed her eyes lazily, her mind floating back to remember the feel of his teeth at her throat. Ah... what she would give to feel that once more...

But he seemed to have other ideas in mind as he pulled away, smiling that ever so devilish smile she absolutly loved. What did he have in mind? It must have been something that was enjoyable.

"A vampire Monster move?" She asked, honestly taken aback. "Have they found profe of us then? Do they know about us?" She had heard of hunters before, human who had beliefes that such creatures existed, but those were concitered the oddities of humanity.

Maria was obviously worried. What would happen to them if they had been found out? What would happen to poor little Karyn? But as she continued to listen to her love, her fear setting in very quickly now, it becamse more of a curiocity. "Amusing peice of cinema?" she repeated. "How can something that as proof of our existance be considered amusing?" She was having a hard time keeping the panic out of her voice.

She ignored his suggestion about feeding, she had alrady done so for tonight, beside she was too caught up on the whole 'Proof of Vampires' issue that was still causing a panic in her. Even the flowers, lovely as they were, recieved only a surprised gasp and a weak smile.

"Istar, my love, if they have found proof of our existance this is a serious matter! We could be in very real danger here. Do others know of this 'Dracula' movie? What does it tell them about us?" The panic was becomming more evedent in her voice by the moment. But how was she to know the movies were just fantasy of the minds of humans? Ria never really kept up with human culture or technology. Just fashion and news for the most part, things that might be relevent. Obviously she was lacking in some areas of importance though.

Istar tried not to laugh at Maria. He tried really hard, told himself that she was a centuries old vampire, that she like some of the others he had met might not be as up on popular culture as he was. After all he was still a kid at heart, and compared to some of the people he had shared breathing room with, well let us just say that that being millennia old was damn impressive. Istar wasn’t sure he could last that long, but he’d damn well try, but then if that was his goal, perhaps his next move wasn’t so grand an idea.

He laughed. Chuckled, at her and without a word he brought his arms around Maria’s waist pulling her to him. It took effort but he stifled the laugh, knowing that it wasn’t smart to laugh at someone centuries older than you, but still unable to completely hold the total and utter amusement at bay. When he could finally control himself, he looked into the woman’s panic stricken eyes, his smile wolfish, and every bit of discipline that Alexia instilled in him the only thing, keeping him from making her fear worst with a horrible joke. Well, discipline and the fact that he loved Maria much too much to worry her for the sake of a joke.

Shaking his head, he said.

“No love. It’s not like that. Surely in your long life you’ve heard at least a few folk tales of vampires! You know, the likes of vampires turning into wolves, or bats, flying about.” He smiled. “Well maybe the last isn’t so preposterous,” Istar after all could fly, but he digressed. The point was that he didn’t turn into a bat or a wolf, and that he could move freely over large bodies of water. More so that he, nor Maria was particularly turned away by garlic. Though it did make Istar nauseous, but he attributed that to the fact that his nose was keen, garlic wasn’t the most appealing aroma, and food made him a little nauseous anyway.

“No, what I’m saying isn’t that anyone has proof of our existence." Istar said, his expression amused despite himself. "Just that perhaps people are a bit more observant than we give them credit for, and that myth often times makes good film. Dracula, was a novel by one Abraham Stoker, based on myth and fancy surrounding a prince that later became king, in medieval Romania. One, Vlad Dracula Tepes, or Vlad The Impaler.”

Istar brought his hand up to Maria’s cheek, caressing as she had done moments before. In anyone else, perhaps Maria's reaction would have annoyed Istar, but with Maria. Well he had to admit that it was adorable. Child like and innocent. Perhaps a bit naive by modern standards, but that was what made it so...cute. And yes Istar found nothing wrong with the word cute. He was more secure and independant than that.

“It’s just a movie, fiction." He said, "It is fantasy, created for entertainment purposes. About as real as well, as mortals believe us to be. Funny, huh? I’ve seen this, thought it was a total crock when I was mortal, and after being turned. Well, its funny but some of it is pretty scary, on the ball. But no matter how much art imitates life, its just art, especially where vampires are concerned. We can thank popular fiction for a lot of leeway in that regard, which makes me wonder what some of the older folks did back when people actually believed in vampires, witches, werewolves, and ghost…”

Istar kind of wondered off at that. It was a question that he always wondered about. One that he hadn’t asked, kind of embarrassed to ask something that seemed so stupid, but something that he was curious about. Thug and philosopher, in one go, that was Istar Indora.

Maria could only stair in shock as he began to laugh at her. "Istar this is serious! We could both be in very real danger!" How could he possibly be laughing at a time like this! At her especialy! They might be ageless yes, but they certianly were not immortal! Maria knew that from first hand experiance and she would not lose someone else she loved.

She frowned curiously as he began to explain. It was just a story? Just a fantasy that humans played to? Had she been human she would have blushed redder than any tomato. As it was she was speachless and wasn't sure quite how to respond. As it was she looked away from him, even as his hand caressed her cheek she did not look at him.

"Yes... A... A story..." She mumbled, thuroghy embaressed by her ations and foolishness. She had not though rationaly and had let fear get to her. She should have known. There were stories when she was little, about to stay indors after night fall or you would be snatched away and never seen from again by monsters. Evil creatures who would commit the foulest crimes against you.

"I... I am sorry Istar. I was foolish..." She appoligized quietly. "I have not bothered to keep up with... Such things in a long while..." Her posture was still held it's usual regal look, but her eyes and face, diverted from Istar, gave a defeated apperance. How could she be so stupid? Here she was, with six hundred years of life... She should have know it was just a story.

Istar smiled. And then his voice became it’s teasing best as he brought his hand from her cheek to her shoulder.

“Come on now Ms. Córdoba, don’t be like that. It’s not personal, me laughing that is. I mean yeah, I was wrong, but come on, I didn’t expect you to have seen the movie or was I particularly surprised that you well had an interesting reaction. But it’s alright, out of touch, ancient, thought stunningly beautiful, creature of the night. Check, got it. I understand. After all I seem to be the only movie buff among the ranks of the undead. I’m learning that I really need to cut out the pop culture references around you folks.”

He smiled again, and this time he thought better of moving his hand, he moved it to the woman’s waist and kissed her on he forehead, lightly, lovingly.

“I’m sorry I worried you.” He apologized. “But you know, you’re really beautiful when you’re serious and panicked…”

She gave a weak smile as Istar teased her. She supposed it was funny... She herself probably would have laughed if she had not been so panicked. She gave a light laugh as he called her 'ancient' "I'm not that old Istar." She corrected as her eyes lifted up to him. "I think I am quite young and energetic for my fair age." She said, teasing him in return.

Leaning against him as he put an arm around her waist, careful of the flowers she held, she rested her head on his shoulder, her lips against his neck. His kiss seemed to make everything better, even though it was just a soft touch. but it made her smile again anyways. "It is alright my love..." She said as she kissed his neck softly, her tongue flicking across the skin. She couldn't help but smile as he said she looked beautiful while in the midst of a panic. "Oh, yes. But... I'm the most beautiful when I'm wearing nothing at all..." her voice dropped to a seductive whisper at his ear as her free hand traveled across his chest. "Just lying on a soft bed, waiting just for you... wanting you, hungry just for you."

She gave his neck a light nuzzle as she smiled against his skin. Of course she was being a vixen. She had always been. The only differance now was there was only one man she ever wished to tempt, to seduce, to have, to love, to cherish... "Wouldn't you say, Istar my love?"

Istar couldn’t say a word. In fact he could see. It was only a moment later that he realized that his eyes were closed. When had he closed his eyes? To tell the truth, he didn’t know, but he could guess that it was somewhere between the kisses at his neck and the hand on his chest. That chest felt tight now, like he really needed to get some air, which was ludicrous considering that he didn’t have to breath. But then he had to admit that Maria affected him like that. The woman well and truly knocked his head back, made him forget time and date, heck someone could offer him money right now to say his name and he’d be in trouble. Oh, my Ms. Maria Córdoba was a temptation to be sure, and she was one that Istar held more dear than all the riches of the world.


“Um..mh.” He moaned. Shook his head and sighed.

“Love, I wasn’t…” He managed. “I wasn’t calling you ancient. Just speaking generally.”

He laughed. Couldn’t help himself and he sighed too.

“Yes, darlin’. That is when you are most beautiful, when you’re just as nature intended. Though I rather like the outfits you wear too, I think I dreamt of being one of them once.” His teasing smile came back full force then, his eyes alight with humor and the sensual desire that Maria always inspired.

Istar was all but weak in the knees.

"Well recently it has been naught but a dream..." She said, an obvious complaint in her voice. "But it has been reality before, and I terribly hope it will be again." Her fingers ran up to his neck, running along the collar of his shirt. "And I hope that time will be soon..."

She didn't know how he felt, but it had been much too long since they had some time together and alone.

Closing her eyes she took in the sweet and interesting scent of the flowers . The orchids seemed to mix quite well with the roses... It gave her an almost exotic scent. Well one most here would call exotic... But they almost reminded her of home...

"The flowers are absoluty lovely Istar... They smell divine and the orchids are th emost pecular shade of blue..." Maria said with a smile up at him "I would hate for them to be damaged durring the theater though..." She took another sniff of the boquette. "I take it this car is yours? could I possibly leave them in there till the viewing is over?"

Istar gave a curt nod and a smile at the compliment about the flowers. As for the dream statement, well Istar thought it wise not to comment or for that matter think too deeply in that direction, not if they were ever going to make it to the movie. Istar had self-control, no doubt, but as he had said before, Maria affected him in a way that few other women did and that hadn’t changed in their time apart.

Reaching into his coat, Istar came out with a key ring. This ring was home to about four keys and an electronic key, Istar pressed a button on the electric key and his car’s locks snapped open with that sound that all power locks have.

Opening the passenger side door, Istar made a sweeping motion with his hand. As if saying, “Be my guest.”

He then stepped to the side, once again leaning on the vehicle's flank.

A little put off that he did not say a word in responce, but she shoved it away. She would get her responce from him sooner or later. But first she had some things to take care of...

Leaning slightly she placed the flowers on the passenger side seat, making a mental note that they were there. How awful it would be to forget them, or sit on them God forbid. As she stood back up and shut the door of the car she decided to excersize another perk of keeping the flowers safe. Her arms went quickly around his neck, her lips sought out his for a proper greeting of lovers.

She could scarecly keep her hands off of him, why would her lips be any different? Not when she could taste his skin, the memory of his sweet intoxicating blood tempting her greatly, the memory and plesure of his fangs burried deep in her skin...

She pulled from the kiss, knowing well that should it last much longer she would not be able to control herself. She did have self-control yes, but when both her heart and her body fought for the same object of her desire, it was most difficult. Even her mind was fighting her slightly on this...

She simply leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder, her light unnecissary breath light on his neck. "I love you Istar..." She whispered. "And I've missed you terribly..." She couldn't resist the light kiss she placed on his neck. Though she was not truly alive, she could not live without him. The thought found a place of amusement in her heart...

There was a time when they would not be able to be seen together, to touch, to kiss, to love... Her world would not allow it... They both would have been killed for herasy. But here she was, clinging to one she had once conciderd a heathen (Though she had never told him that) as if her very soul depended on him and him alone.

Heathen? It was a good thing Maria never had called Istar a heathen, he would have, well… he would…he probably would have looked at her funny. So removed was such a word from Istar’s more modern sensibilities that he would not have had a response. And besides, maybe the term wouldn’t have been so far off. After all, Istar had never exactly been a catholic school boy. Nope, not a lot of Catholics, or as many school boys as perhaps they should have been where he grew up.

Istar was in truth multiracial, but he couldn’t claim to have much first hand knowledge of his Arabic roots, in fact he would claim to have none and that was almost true. Growing up, Istar’s mother was a wreck. Somewhere between the time his father had married her, and the time that Istar was born, she had gone all holier than thou. Holier than thou in a way that only Christians and Muslims seem capable of, funny considering that Istar had read the bible with his dad a lot when he was a kid and had even gotten him a copy of the Koran at his mother’s bidding. They both said the same thing, meek service, turning the other cheek, love and peace. Funny how all the major organizations, oh he meant churches seemed to miss those parts.

But yeah, maybe Istar was a heathen. He wasn’t into church dogma and he had to admit that he was breaking commandments every day of his life, but hey the big man hadn’t struck him dead yet. Vampire or no, he was alive, well close and well.

Long gone was Jim Crow, and all the rest. That had been Istar’s world. It was a world that he had outlived, a world where just being with Maria as he was now was possible. Once upon a time, the beautiful Spanish woman’s skin might have been too fair to some. This would have earned Istar a beating, perhaps dragging behind a truck or car, yeah…death, worse, death at the hands of losers. Persecution wasn’t as long gone as some thought but things had gotten better and better was definitely good.

The kiss was better too. Istar returned it, but again had to keep a leash on himself. Istar really didn’t want to put Maria off, but he had to keep some semblance of control, after all a man had to have that. The only problem was that he had it in short supply around her. The kiss on his neck nearly forced Istar to reconsider the movie, almost. He had to take another breath that he didn’t need.

“I love you Maria. And I would wax the poetic to tell you how much I’ve missed you, but I think I’ll save that for later, after all a man has to have his secrets.” He smiled. “And a lady does have to have something to look forward to.”

Saying that, he brought his finger tips to the smoothness of her arms that traced the skin left exposed by her quarter length sleeves and traced them to her wrists then her hands as he clasped them both and brought them to his lips, kissing the fingers of one hand and then the other.

((Would he prefer barbarian? LoL!))

She laughed inwardly as she felt his control over himself waning. And she decided to help along by behaving. After all the movie could be intreaguing... Maybe provide a basis to scare a few humans with later on. That was always fun to do on a boring night.

Her body began to tingle as he spoke of secrets he wished to share... At another time though. Her face fell into a little pout. Not the one she used when she was truely upset, just the one she used to get her way every now and again.

"Oh must we wait?" She quipped as Istar told her she would have to wait. She gave a sigh and a sassy little smile as she looked up at him. "But I suppose it will be worth my while to have a little patience." She mused. Her fingers brushed his face as he kissed her hand. "It always is with you." She gave a light girly giggle, one suited for one her age of this era, as she nuzzled into his arms. She loved the way she seemed to fit right against him to be held.

"So are we going to see these pictures of how humans view us?" She asked curiously as she loked up at him smiling. "Are they as strong and handsom as you? Or as beautiful and delicate as I am? O are they like those wizzened old hags you see siting on the street corner that you wouldn't feed from if you were starving?" She asked, throwing in the last one with a slight shudder

((No, barbarian would simply have gotten him asking if he gets a sword? :rolleyes: ))

Istar laughed. Again he couldn’t help it, as already Maria had him again considering ditching the movies as he put an arm around her. After all, how rare was a vampire, double feature? The answer was, real rare. Theaters didn’t often do retro, now days everything was about now, about state of the art this or state of the art that. That was why some of the newer movies stunk to high heavens; too much consideration for effects and not enough for plot, character development; all those things that are similarly important in theater or movies.

Nope, now was a well, naw he wasn’t gonna say once in a life time opportunity…present company couldn’t get behind that one. Instead it was a prime opportunity, and he was glad to treat Maria to it. And he was even happier still to bask in the attention of her questions and he couldn’t help but answer them.

“Yes we are love, as soon as we make it into the theater.” He replied first, already leading them toward their destination as they headed toward the ticket window. They didn’t have to stop, Istar had brought the ticket stubs out of his pocket with his keys and he gave both a wave at the ticket takers window as they entered.

Walking, Istar continued his answers.

“And no love, they are not quite that handsome or that beautiful, strong and delicate maybe, but Cinema can’t hold up to reality on this one. I mean, sure I’m not a Count, no old European bloodlines for me, but I’m no slouch in the looks department. As for you, well…I didn’t think you’d have to ask…I mean you do know your one of the most beautiful women in the world right? Most human women just can’t shoot that high. None too many immortal ones either.” Istar smiled at that. “But no, no hags. For fictional fiends, we get a pretty even rap, beautiful monsters…I guess we can be thankful for that.”

((Hah hah!))

"Well I cannot say the same." She said with a smile. "Spanish nobility through the ages that I'm aware of... But I wonder... What ever became of the others..." She said as she traield off into an odd silence, still wrapped in Istar's arms. Once she had been taken away by Michael... She had turned her back on the whole lot of them... Her mother her father, her two younger brothers and her youngest sister...

But the sound of his voice shook her out of it. She smiled brightly as Istar called her the most beautiful woman in the world. "You're to sweet to me Istar." She said with a smile. But of course she believed it. She always had. Her mother had always said, if you belive yourself to be something long enough, eventualy you will convince yourself and others to believe it as well. And for almost 500 years now those wordsrang true.

"Hmmm... Beautiful monsters... Is that what I am Istar? A beautiful monster?" If she was, that wasn't a bad thing per-se. After all there had been times she had thought herself as being such. She knew she was beautiful, of course. But as for the monster, it had occured to her of course, but she did not know the truth... It alwasy came from a biased sourse. Michael had told her she was not a monster, but her kills always semed to make her think otherwise.

“Hum…” Istar replied. Ok not so much a reply as a noise, but it was a noise of thoughtfulness. That should at least be worth a few points right, better than coming up with a snappy answer that had no thought or heart behind it, right?

When Istar thought about Maria’s question he wasn’t sure how to reply. Was she a monster? The obvious answer that sprang to his lips was no, but then Indora had thought of himself as a monster. He’d been melancholy before, had really thought about what he was and what he did, and yeah when it all boiled down to it, he was a monster. But then he had been a monster before being a vampire. He was a professional assassin after all. Being a monster comes with the territory, no matter how many qualms or personal codes of honor you have. When you begin taking lives for money and/or pleasure, yeah you’re a monster.

That though didn’t bother Indora; he lived as a monster and loved it. Well and truly he wouldn’t change a thing, but Maria, well he didn’t know what to say…or even what the truth was. But he knew what he thought and it came to him then, and he smiled at her softly.

“Monsters are subjective, Maria. What one man might consider a monster is not so to another. Darlin’ you’re a predator, pure and simple. All of us are, mortal or immortal; it’s the way of humanity. But as for you being a monster, well that something for you to decide. As for beautiful, well I think I’ve made my stance pretty clear on that one.”

He grinned at her enough to show fang then. And his expression was soft. Istar wasn’t privileged to the great words of the play writes or the true soul of the poet, but he’d spoken earnestly and again he thought that was something. In fact it was what was most important to the “young” vampire. Along with, respect and intelligence, it was probably one of the things that were foremost in his mind. Well those and love. Around Maria, that last one always came up and he was well without doubts as to why.

Releasing her, Istar made a show of opening the theater door and gesturing inside with another smile and a sweep of his arm.

“After you my dearest Spanish noblewoman.”

It was silent for a moment, but it wasn't that uncomfortable silence Maria always hated. Well, with Istar she doubted that she could even be truly uncomfortable.

His words made her smile. He had apparently though about them so she knew it was not just off the cuff and a responce for the sake of making her more sure of herself. One of the perks that she supposed came with being more... modern. Men of her time... Seemed to think women were simple, easy to please. But Istar seemed to know differently. Maybe dating younger men wasn't such a bad thing after all.

She said nothing to his responce, but smiled up at him, pulling herself closer to him. Leaning her head up slightly she kissed his cheek as a silent token of thanks. She did not know if anything needed to be said at all really.

Did she conciter herself a monster? If it was all a matter of opinion... A child would not melt her heart if she was. No, she would not be able to love as deeply as she did, or grieve for her lost loves of family and friends. She would not let her victims live as she now was prone to doing. No, a monster would commit none of those acts. And though he loved her deeply as she knew, his opinion was not biased. She was a preditor... Yes. But not a monster

Her smile grew as he opened the door for her. "Gracias mi amor." She said with her smile as she trailed her hand across his jaw line, walking by with a tempting sway of her hips. She looked over her shoulder and held her hand out to him. "So where do we go now?"

"A la cama?" Istar heard himself reply before he knew it and he was serious despite his best efforts to make the statement a joke. Indora had to admit, something about that walk, had captivated him. Maria was the eternal temptress, and Istar found that she got him every time. He just couldn’t win, not that he’d ever minded losing…losing in this case was the real victory. Perhaps Istar was a modern man, but a man is still a man, what could he say Istar say it was one of his sex’s biggest foibles. However it wasn’t an insurmountable one, at least not after a few more moment of ogling, then his smile returned and he took Maria’s hand leading the way.

The theater was already dark, the screen was white though. The movie hadn’t started, but there was only a limited amount of light and one could tell the feature was close at hand. In the low light, Istar could see as if it were high noon. Every corner of the theater was visible to his night cleaving vision, and the man quickly realized that the theater was practically empty.

Oh there was a teenage couple in the front, a boy and a girl, not man and woman, kids. They had to be about sixteen or seventeen apiece; they were in the very front of the middle row of seats. Making out. A stray giggle caught in Istar’s ear and he guessed the girl was enjoying herself. Good for her.

There was an older couple too, they were in the left row of seats, split from the middle by a walk way, it was directly parallel to the one that Istar and Maria currently inhabited and the older folks were hardly better than the kids. They were both gray haired, but the man had his arm around the woman’s shoulders and he was kissing her throat. Istar felt like a voyeur watching and turned away rather quick. This brought his attention to the folks directly to his and Maria’s right, standing where they were, they were right above them. These folks were more middle aged, but they were couples. Two gals and two guys.

The guys, one with dark skin and hair, the other light of both, they were holding hands and the girls were doing likewise. A red head and a brunette. They were pretty, probably college students, staying up late for a date or something along those lines.

In the dark Istar smiled and he lead Maria to the edge of the middle row of seats. They were about only three rows down, so from the high and angle they got a crystal clear look at the screen. Also if he tuned them out, Istar didn’t have catch sight of any of the other couples. He liked to people watch sometimes, but he wasn’t a peeping tom and he suddenly felt like it watching other folks with their dates. But hear that wasn’t a problem and he smiled as he whispered.

“I guess I wasn’t the only person thinking this might be a good place for a date.” He laughed. “But seriously, is this alright? I mean we can sit where ever you want love…”

Maria could not help the giggle that escaped her, no. She ws not laughing at his words by any mean no. But she was astonished that he would speak them aloud in such a place. "Surely my love." She said with a smile as she turned towards him. "Sounds like a fabulous idea." Lifting slightly on her tip toes she kissed his cheek softly. "Esta noche. Prometo." She said, a simple whisper in his ear befre continuing on towards the theater.

Had he been practicing just for her? Had he known bits before but was now using them to please her? Well if that had been his intention, it was working well. Quite well actualy.

In the theater itself though the lights were out, as Istar could she could see every detail. Lack of light was of course no problem for vampires. No problem at all. She took in the views, and though empty, she minded not. It would be more privacy for the two of them. And that was always a plus was it not? She tilted her head as she saw the young couples. Were they courting in groups now? Even though they seemed close to her own age physicaly, looking back at them made her smile. She had never had a proper courting before... Well not before Istar anyway. Aranged marages were not alywas fun and Maria had been lucky with her husband as a mortal... He was kind, gentle, charming and wealthy, what more could one ask for? Michael had come to her in her time of grief and though she loved him...

"Oh they are so cute Istar..." She smile as she turned back to him. She nodded though as he said they could sit where ever. Pointing to the open back row in the middle she smiled again. "How about there? Would that be a good spot?"

“Yeah, perfect.” He replied in his usual good humor and his gaze already following the direction she pointed. Istar looked at the seats and guessed that she was right; it did seem a better spot. From there you could see all the way to the bottom of the screen yet at the same time it gave a strangely panoramic view. Huh…it made him laugh. He was already being showed up, by a…by a movie rookie.

For shame, but then what was the shame. When you were out classed you were out classed. And what could Istar say, he was out classed.

And yes, he had been practicing his Spanish for her. It wasn’t great, but he’d keep up the practice. After all he wasn’t just pleasing her, though he did very much like to do that, but also it was about understanding. Istar liked to understand where people came from, it was another quirk of his. But hey what can you say about anyone without at least standing in their shoes. If you can’t manage that, well something’s wrong with you, pure and simple.

Istar had had quite enough of people like that; they’d been common enough in his youth. So it was that as they sat down in Maria’s seats, Istar couldn’t help but whisper.

“Cualquier noche es fina con usted. Créame cuando digo eso, mi hermoso uno.” He smiled then, as the screen went dark, immediately followed by sound track and the first images of the movie.

Life was good, for Istar Indora.

She leaned her head against his as they sat in their seats. The screen went black now as the movies started. She couldn't help the little tingle that went down her spine as she heard his voice in Spanish, but more so it was the words that touched her.

"Pues es con usted mi amor..." She murmured as she lay her hand on the top of his thigh. "Cada momento es maravilloso... Deseo que cada momento podría estar como tal." Her voice was a mere whisper now as not to disturb others. Besides she too was interested in the movies, just because she was more interested in her complaion, her partner, her love, made no differance.

She sat, leaning against him best she could, her fingers trailing absently over his thigh as she watched the screen with anticipation. What would this be like? How close would it be to the truth?

Istar had to admit, it was good seeing those particular movies again. Though in truth, well in truth he still found “Blacula” to be the single funniest and most offensive thing he had ever seen. The Black Dracula, riiight. That’s what it was, not a bunch of serotypes that were old even in his day, nope it was just the African-American take on Dracula. Again…right. The movie was so campy that it was sad, but then what could Istar say, he loved William Marshall. The man had to have known he was taking the worst role in history. It was comparable to the slave fields that his teachers had thought to bring up every time they had brought up history when he was a kid and yet he’d be damned if the man hadn’t put his best performance forward and still make the movie watch able.

Marshall had made a smooth and sophisticated character from nothing, just bad writing. It was impressive and seeing the movie again made Istar realize just how impressive. It also made him think that maybe he had been the watcher of too many movies in his life; after all you shouldn’t want to see the bad ones again.

That made him smile, but what could he say. It had been great, campy or not. It had also brought up a number of questions on his mind as to how some of the constant themes in both movies regarding vampires were right on the money. Yeah, he understood the mythologies that had built around vampires. Some of the Dracula stuff though, was complete crap. Turning into a wolf? Who the heck could turn into a wolf? Or a bat for that matter? But then, like he had said before, some of the stuff was right on the money. Like telepathy, Istar couldn’t pull it off himself, but Maria could. He had met other Immortals that could do some really kooky stuff with mind games.

And then there was the flight. Istar could do that, and the fog. He couldn’t hold it long, but yeah that too. It was creepy. Odd how fiction could be so close to truth sometime, but then someone had once said that “truth was stranger than fiction.” Istar couldn’t argue that one. After all he was sitting with a woman that was more beautiful than he had ever even thought of getting lucky with, and she was about five centuries and a couple of decades his senior.

Yeah, truth was definitely stranger than fiction sometimes. But then Istar Indora wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and he smiled at Maria as he caught her gaze.

“So what did you think darling?” He asked. “Will they be coming after us with torches and pitch forks soon?” He laughed, and disregarded the joke. “Really Maria, did you enjoy it?”

The first movie, an old black an white one like she had seen so long ago, facinated her. The thing that startled her the most was the uncanny relations to what one oculd really do... She knew no shapeshifters... But plenty of others had talents that had been shown. The movie itself caught her attention, watching the characters move... It had often made her wonder how they did it, but she did not wish to ask to spoil the magic. She knew not how, nor did she wish to know. Sometimes ignorance was death, others bliss. This instance it was bliss.

As was it for the people who thought Dracula a mere myth. Little did they know they had been sharing space with two vampires, ones who had an insatiable lust for life.

The second movie had her lauging at some parts, and confused at others. She had actualy never been to Los Angeles... She knew where it was of course, but never had she gone there. But the color! The color made her eyes sparkle with delight, made her watch in wonder and held her attention when she had become lost in technicalities, the few there were.

She left the movie theater with Istar, grinning practicaly ear to ear. "Oh it was wonderful!" She exclaimed. "I had never seen one like that last one before! It was as if you could walk into it and into a whole other world! The colors were amazing! And the movie was funny too!" She added with a slight giggle as she turned in front of Istar, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Ah yes my darling Istar. I loved it emencly. It was a most wonderful idea."

"But they best not come after us any time soon. Otherwise I will be quite put out with them. Porque tengo en mente algunas actividades odiaría haber interrumpido mi amor..." She said with a sly smile. She did not know if he understood, but he should be able to interperate by the sound of her voice. Or the touch of her hands, caressing his neck slightly.

Istar's Spanish was coming along at a pace, he wasn't a linguist but maybe being a vampire helped with his learning curve, but one really didn't have to understand to get Maria's message loud and clear. No, her hands spoke a language all there own at his neck, so much so that he found himself grinning like a fox in the hen house as his father used to say.

Moving closer, Istar slid an arm about her waist, his laugh easy.

"We can't have that Ms. Córdoba. After all, I know I wouldn't want you put out with me. I believe it lowers the life expectancy of a man to have a woman angry with him. No, really I believe I read that once..."

He laughed again, as they headed back toward his car. Life well and truly was good, for one Istar Indora.

The look on his face told her that he had understood. Yes. He had indeed. And she could not help but kiss him hungrely. Oh he was her embodiement of temptation, her passionate, charming, alluring lover. And she would ever burn for giving in. But the fire was so pleasureable.

"Oh, I could never be put out with you darling... But I would be quite upset if we were... interupted." She said with a purr as he pulled her close. To love and want someone as much as Maria loved and wanted Istar was sheer tourment at this moment. His scent all around her, his arms holding her close as they walked together.

"So... Just where will we be going now?" She asked as she leaned her head back against him. Ah the grin on his face made all sorts of images dance through her head, and she could not help but share some of the better ones with Istar.

Istar grinned. He couldn’t help himself, really and truly. He was all alight with kooky ideas for their time together but at the same time he was wondering if they would well and truly be fun for Maria. Istar loved her, totally and completely, had for quite a while now, yet well and truly Istar had to admit that he knew next to nothing about her. Well he knew a few things, but not enough about her to simply let things flow the way he wanted. Istar had hoped she had enjoyed the movie, and from her reaction she had, the flowers too.

He was glad. It felt good to make her happy, and he was more than willing to try almost anything to go that extra yard for her. But right now he was grasping in the dark. Not that he minded. Grasping in the dark was more fun with Maria than careful plans could be with almost any woman he could think of, but still that didn’t stop Istar from wanting things to be special. Also he was more than willing to forgo his plan for whatever Maira might want; after all he could always apologize to any and all contacts or professionals that he had gotten in touch with for their date.

A look of thoughtfulness turned his features and he said.

“Well I have a few ideas, but I’d like to ask you first. Where would you like to go?”

He was quiet, contimplative as they made their way back to his car. He must have been thinking. She didn't know what exactly, for respecing his privacy she closed his thoughts away from her. But she knew he was indeed thinking. Ah, there was a nice change from the usual men she encountered.

She snuggled in closer, as if she were cold, but she just wanted to feel a security he offered her. "What do I want to do..." She murmured as she looked up to him, a grin on her face. "You of course." She reached up, stroking his face ever so slightly.

"But the night is still young my love, as are we..." She looked back ahead, his car one of the few in the lot now. "I have only ridden in a car once..." She said with a smile. "Perhaps... We coudl have a bit if fun before we have even more fun?" She suggested. It would probably be exilarating to speed around, free on open roads... whippign around her...

((Psss... is it a convertable?))

For a moment Istar looked confused, yeah maybe it wasn’t such an uncommon state for him, but at the moment he was kinda stumped…that was until he caught Maria’s meaning. He almost laughed and blushed at the same time, instead he just went with the second, it being a hard state to recognize with his skin tone and he spoke with an affectionate clasp of his arm about her waist.

“That wasn’t exactly what I was suggesting…” He stopped himself. Maria wasn’t opposed to the offer, but wanted to take his car first. Was he stupid? Had his brain collapsed and he’d suddenly didn’t want to bed one of the most sensual beings he had ever had the pleasure of sharing a night with. Ah, but Maria was more to him than that, and his conscience reminded him of that fact. He wanted to give her a real date, make a night of it, he couldn’t get distracted, no matter how great the temptation.

He took a breath suddenly and it was filled with the scent of her hair. Um…the temptation was very great. He shook his head and focused on his car, with a soft chuckle and he nodded.

“Sure love.” He said. “What I was asking was what kind of fun? I had asked a favor of a friend, but well…I’m not sure how that might go, so I was asking for ideas. Got any? I have to ask, even though I pretty sure ya do.”

((It wasn't, but it can be now! ^_^))

"It might sound silly... But perhaps... Just ride around for a bit." She said hesitantly, a rather sheepish grin on her face. "But of course if you have an idea, that would be most wonderful." She assured him. Besides, she was used to men making all the decisions. Granted she could chose for herself, but... It was just easier having someone else do it... As a human, it had first ben her father, then her husband...

After she had been turned into a vampire, Michael had made the decisions for them, Ria of course being too inexperianced to do such.

"If you had plans or ideas I wouldn't want to ruin them." She said with a smile. "And I'm sure I'll enjoy just about anything with you my love." She assured him. After all, she really didn't have any other ideas but riding around in his car. But even then, making him simply drive... perhaps it wasn't a good idea after all.

Istar smiled at her and shook his head with a chuckle.

“Naw, that’s fine with me. I wouldn’t have asked if I was going to ignore you, love. That’s just not my style.” He said as he winked at her and reached into his jacket for his cell phone. A moment later he had hit the redial button and the person he was calling picked up on the first ring.

“Ello?” A gravelly voice snapped into the phone on the other end.

Istar smiled. For some reason the ornery old man voice only seemed to brighten his mood. He laughed, and then spoke, casually.

“Eh, Louie it’s me…you know…”

Louie was silent for a moment. Yep, he knew who. When he spoke again his voice was only slightly less harsh. That was a child’s lullaby for Louie. The guy was harder than a brick wall and twice as worst to run into.

“Yeah. Indora. Whatcha up to? You comin by with your lady friend or not?”

Istar shook his head and then took just a moment enough to feel silly for the action, considering Louie couldn’t see it.

“Well, unuh…sorry old man, I guess I’m not. The lady has other ideas…so I was just call’in to tell you to lock up. Not tonight.”

Louie let out a tired sigh. Yeah, Istar could guess that he had been up a little extra keeping the place open.

“Sorry, man.” He offered.

“Sure,” Louie said after awhile. “Anytime. You know I told you that before. You saved my butt and I don’t forget about folks that do that kinda stuff. Especially not the ones that do it for free.”

Istar laughed. That was just like Louie, you save his life and he’s more worried about what it would cost him. That kind of stuff always made Istar feel better and he suddenly knew Louie wasn’t to put out with him. Louie got quiet when he was really angry, talkative was always good with the old man and Istar had to admit that out of all the guys that he worked for sometimes, he liked Louie the best even though in all honesty it was just coincidence that he saved him. Istar had just been pissed, put out that someone would try to stiff him. Worst yet, shoot him, but then things had worked out, for him and Louie.

“Sorry again, and thanks old man.” Istar breathed, pulling the phone away just after hearing.

“We’re square young blood, we’re square.”

Istar hung up and put his phone away, giving Maria as smirk as he did.

“See, no problem.” He said simply.

Maria watched curiously as he talked on the phone, what was he up to?

"Oh, Istar." She said with a smile. "You didn't have to, love. We could have done whatever you had in mind of course." But her tone was appreciative nonetheless. It was sweet how he would do what she asked. Before she would have seen it as a sign of weakness, giving in so easily, but... She knew love was no weakness. It was one of the greatest strengths known to life and death.

"But if you're willing to humor me and simply drive around for my sake," She wrapped her arms around his, tiptoeing to kiss his cheek. "I thank you for that." Maria smiled lovingly up at him. "But I must ask you, no matter how much I beg, do not let me drive." She laughed. "I never really learned how and I have no desire to damage your car." Well, did he not call her 'old fashion'? She was more at home on horse back than in a car. She preferred the open air then to be cooped up in such a small, closed space.

She had ridden on busses before, but those didn't really count. They were too big, always stopping and moving so slow. Maria looked over at the small vehicle, it was hard to believe two people could fit inside it comfortably, so small and low to the ground. "What kind of car do you call yours? How fast is it?" Speed was something that always thrilled her, like free falling, leaping from a building. It was simply exhilarating.

3.2 L S54 straight-6 engine

6-speed manual transmission

8000 rpm redline

220 k/ph

Istar went over his Z4’s stats in his head and even as he did, he wasn’t sure if any of it would mean a thing to Maria, heck some of it didn’t mean a thing to him. Istar wasn’t a gear head, yeah he liked cars. He loved the speed and the handling, but he’d never really gotten into building them, customization. Who had the time? Time is money, places to see, people to kill!

That was how things had gone for Istar once upon a time, now he was working less, chilling out more. Enjoying life for life, not for the thrill, had he gone to adrenaline junky rehab? Istar didn’t think so. He still liked his job, he still took the jobs that he wanted, but perhaps…well perhaps it was getting a little old. He didn’t know, but he wasn’t willing to spoil his date with Maria thinking it over, instead he just gave her a teasing smile as he though of him letting her drive.

“It’s a BMW Z4, M Roadster. They were selling a few before formal distribution next year, so I grabbed one. That was about the beginning of this year. And yes, darling it’s fast. 220 k is plenty of ground to cover in an hour. But yes, I think you’re right…I’ll have to give you a few lessons before I let you take the wheel and stick.”

He grinned.

“It’s manual.”

With that he opened her door, gesturing her inside, after he reached in moving the flowers that were still on the leather seat.

Maria's eyes opened wide with surprise. "Two hundred and twenty kilometers in one hour?" Her voice almost made her sound frightened, and she was slightly. "My word! It would take a horse days to cover such a ride." She said, the amazement still clearly evident. "I had no idea they could go so fast! Isn't it dangerous?"

She was almost hesitant as Istar opened the car door for her, moving the flowers. But he seemed to know what he was doing after all, and she trusted him. "God Heavens! I will not be driving this thing at all if it goes that fast! I would certianly kill someone if not myself! Ageless though we are, but not truly immortal and invulnerable." She pointed out as she sat in the seat. "There is no way you will ever ever get me to drive one of these contraptions." She said stolidly, her mind made up.

Pulling the flowers from Istar's hands she breathed in the exotic scent that somehow reminded her of home. "Never ever." She restated before pulling the door shut.

Istar waking around the car and getting in, Istar gave Maria a cheeky and indulgent smirk as he shook his head in time to the words she had said, repeating after her.

“Never, ever. Got it…” He dead panned.

“But you know the authorities would rather that it didn’t go so fast, like you said. Killing others, if not yourself and all…” He grinned. “I promise that you would never ever have to drive that fast, I wouldn’t make you and no one else would either. This isn’t a horse, but I’d bet it’s probably a bit safer. If you still don’t want to learn, that’s fine, but the world’s a big place and I’d rather not have to walk...” He paused. Then as if still debating whether or not to continue, he added. “Or fly. Flying without a plane is still a bit odd to me.”

Yeah it was true, Istar could fly. He’d done it so many times, forced really, that he could probably do it in his sleep, but he’d be danged if it didn’t feel weird and totally unnatural every time. He wouldn’t call it spooky, or even scary, just odd, real odd.

Istar’s key was already in his hand when he regarded the ignition, putting it in and bringing the motor to life with a simple twist. She purred like a kitten, well a large and predator kitten, and Istar gave Maria a look as he pressed the button to bring the top back. There was a whine of a mechanical nature, high and squeaky, and then all of a sudden the car roof was disappearing into the vehicle’s rear.

He smiled at Maria again.

“Convertible.” He stated by way of an explanation.

“I’ve never had an accident on a horse yet I’ve seen many dead due to accidents with these contraptions.” She pointed out. “But if they don’t want them to go so fast, why do they make it so they can go fast?” She asked curiously. It was the simplest solution really. If no one wanted it to go that fast, why give it the ability to?

She gave a start as the car rumbled to life, it was almost if she could feel the power the car had, like it wanted to go that speed that Istar had been saying no one wanted it to really go.

But that was outclassed by the whiring noise she heard and suddenly she could feel the cool night air on her skin. “Oh!” She exclaimed, the delight and excitement evident on her face. “My word this is amazing!” But that was a veritable understatement of what she really felt. She no longer felt confined but the small body of the car, but now free.

This almost changed her mind about wanting to never drive or own a contraption like this.

She moved the flowers to the floorboard, safely tucked away so they would not get damaged by the wind.

Istar grinned at Maria's question, but he found that was one that he couldn't give her a solid answer for. But even as he thought to consider it, he gave a laugh, saying.

"I guess that would be too sensible darlin' and you know we don't exactly live in a sensible world. And as for a horse, well I've seen people trampled by horses. Sure most of that was in a bunch of old cowboy movies, but I digress it must happen at least sometimes. Or what do you do when your horse panics? A horse doesn’t seem like a very fearless animal to me anyway, so what then?”

However even as he said this, Istar found himself faced with her wonder at the car roof’s backward descent. And he smiled at her expletive.

“I’m glad that you approve.” He almost snickered.

Next his hand moved to the stick and his shifted the car into gear, tapping the gas lightly to get them in motion as he turned away from the curve. Noting was coming by way of traffic, it was too early for day birds and not late enough for those working the graveyard shift, so it wasn’t long before they were cruising down the street with Istar keeping an eye on the road as he watched Maria in his peripheral vision.

“So, what do you think?” He asked, stopping at the first red light they came to.

"Simple preventative measures. You find a horse or raise one that is not easily startled." She said with a smile. "My father was good at that. He had horswes who could be ridden in thunder and lightning without a worry. My father only once had a horse spook on him. It was a snake in the end it was." She mused as the rolled down the street.

Beside the fact there was no roof, the ride to the stop light had been no different from the taxi ride she had taken once in this city. She looked back at him with a pained look, as if it hurt her to tell him this truth. but she could not lie to him. "Nothing all that impressive yet I must say." She gave a small smile though. "I do like the lack of a roof. It is quite crative." She asured him though

She leaned her head back to look up at the stars.

"Such a beautiful night..." She commented with a sigh. It was clear and cold, without a cloud in the sky. Give humans another hour and not a sing;e one would be out...

And the beauty of the night gave her an idea that made her smile. "Istar...? Could we go to the park maybe? Well if you happen to have a blanket or something of course..." Otherwise stargasing with a side of cuddling wouldn't be all that comfey without such. And to ruin nice close for the both of them would be simply silly.

Istar wasn’t insulted; actually he kind of got this really evil gleam in his eye as he heard Maria’s less than bright and shining evaluation of his car. Oh, it wasn’t pride that brought on his suddenly dark thoughts, but rather appreciation for his vehicle and all that it had gotten him through in its short term of service. Not having a less than normal job, well let’s just say that Istar had gotten into his share of car chases, and this one handled like a dream. It hadn’t exactly saved his life, there was no way on earth he was going to get killed by a revenge hit squad, but well yeah, they had been an annoyance.

An annoyance that had ticked him off, after all, if their idiot boss had just given him his money, and not tried to double cross him, well he would have lived much much longer. But nope, some of the wise guys think their bulletproof or somethin’ to that effect. Indora proved different, and the rest of The Family had sided with him. But as always there were some goons too stupid or too attached to a pant leg that they couldn’t just lay off.

That night came back to Istar as he prepared to really start driving. Looking to Maria for a moment, he gestured toward the seat belt.

“I’m fine with the park, I’ve got a blanket in the trunk, but before that, could you put that seat belt on? You take it, pull it around yourself, and then lock it into place at the side of your seat. They’ll be a slot for it to lock into.”

With that said, he waited for Maria, and turned off toward the outer limits of the city. He wasn’t too far from home now, and he knew these roads like the back of his hand. There was a long stretch ahead, where he could push the engine, just a little. And farther down there was a turn off that would lead them back into the heart of the city. With a turn they would be to the park, but first, well first Istar was about show what the old Z4 was made of.

She saw the look in his eyes and it sent a chill up her spine. Maria didn’t know why, but she loved it when Istar gave her that feeling. One could tell by that look alone that he was a predator. Dangerous in everyway imaginable. But yet with her he was always so gentle, if he wanted to be anyway.

“Oh! A stroke of luck then.” She smiled as he said that he did indeed have a blanket in the trunk. Was that the only thing that was in there? It looked about the only thing that might fit after all. “So to the park it is.” She said with a pleased look on her face. “Oh! A seatbelt, yes. I completely forgot my love.” She found it and did as Istar had said. She had only done this once after all, so she fumbled a bit but finally got the ‘click’ of the buckled belt.

But Istar started heading the wrong direction… “Where are we going love?” She asked curiously as he started driving away from where she knew the park to be. Was he going to a different park? But he was driving further and further away. “Istar? Where on earth are we going?” She asked again, her curiosity getting the better of her. Well not like that was much of a change really.