"The Books of Aurelius" The history of a Vampire: Eleven
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The morning after the banquette brought a rather unpleasant experience for Buffy. The tattooing of the sign of Aurelius. Apparently the entire order had this sign tattooed on their right shoulders. All the Newly Borne were being tattooed that morning and afterwards Buffy invited Lissane and Mitch back to her quarters for some heated blood and scones. Buffy's beautiful rooms gave way to a discussion about living arrangements. "Holland says that living in his quarters gives me the best blow by blow experience." Lissane explained with a little wicked grin. Mitch couldn't help but remark. "And I'll bet good money, you're a quick study." Buffy slapped him on his arm. After Jessy served the tea other topics came up. "So, Lissane! Tell us how much fun are those stuffy solicitors? That Holland looked like he was quite taken by your natural charm last night." Buffy teased Lissane with a big grin. "Well I didn't charm them with cheeky remarks to the Master but I guess we both have our own ways of charming men." Mitch chuckled at their jokes only to almost choke on a piece of scone when both women put their predatory gaze on him. "I guess Charia's pet thinks we are funny." Buffy said to Lissane. Mitch tried to make amends rather quickly. "Ladies, Ladies. You know I find you both to be the most beautiful and witty creatures in the whole Order. I would never presume to make fun of you. Please, let me make it up to you both by taking you to dinner tomorrow night." Lissane smiled at him and then turned to Buffy. "Well that took us longer than expected." The girls erupted in laughter at the goofy look Mitch gave them.
The rest of the afternoon the three vampires discussed their points of view on the current state of the Order and other juicy bits of gossip they had already picked up. When Lissane and Mitch left to start their duties for the night Buffy opened her curtains and looked out into the dusk. She had enjoyed the afternoon enormously. It almost felt like being with Xand and Wills. Only they are vampires and from the 19th century. So I guess the only thing that's the same is that they are a man and a women and that they are my friends. How weird was that two vampires that she considered friends. Buffy started to feel a certain contradiction about her former job as a slayer and her current insight in what being a vampire was like. She pushed that feeling far away. It was useless to get like this now. She was a vampire now and that was what she was going to be until she could get home to Sunnydale in the 20th century.
When dusk had settled Charles asked her to join him in his daily rounds. Today he would start teaching Buffy and Roland more about their clan. He took them to the sublevels of the house. There they entered a doorway and walked onto a long passage overlooking a huge room. Below them there were rows of vampires standing in grid. Buffy instantly recognized the flows they were doing. They were doing karate katas. It was an impressive sight. Almost 100 vampires flowing in the same movements from punch to kick and from block to duck. "What you see below you is the main body of our army. These are our soldiers. This is the biggest legion but there are smaller legions all over Europe. At the right end of each row you will see the squadron captains. The entire group trains everyday and then the captains take their squadrons for specialized training. The training schedules as well as the squadron discipline inside the house are the responsibility of the drillmasters." Charles pointed towards a small man who bore resemblance with a rat. Buffy had a vague recollection of him being particularly funny the night before. "Frank here is the drillmaster sergeant." Frank looked up and gave Charles a nod of his head. They crossed the walkway and went through another doorway. Here they found a smaller group consisting of about 20 vampires doing a weapons' training. The walls of the room were covered in maps of the world and of the bigger cities in Europe. Theresa was sitting at a desk reading newspapers and letters. "These are our English marshals. They uphold the Order's law in England. We have headquarters like these in every European country. Theresa manages all these groups." The vampire in question didn't acknowledge them in any way. They left the room through a door at the far end and descended a small circular staircase. They exited into what could only be described as a study annex training room. "This is my room. Here Buffy and I will work. Roland, as Theresa has no doubt informed you, you will be her assistant." Roland started to return to the staircase but before he had turned fully Charles' cold voice stopped him in his tracks. But before you join her you will report to the armory for 2 days of penile duties. I do not take kindly to clan members trying to assassinate another member, especially my Childe." Roland looked pissed but he held his tongue and left with a small 'yes sir'. Charles' face softened as he turned to Buffy.
"What do you think of your new working environment?" Buffy started to walk through the room. She had no idea how far below the surface she was but the room had a really high ceiling and the walls were covered from floor to ceiling with books, maps, paintings, weapons and schematics. The room had roughly 3 sections. A large piece of the floor was covered with mats. That wall held most of the weapons and it was obviously a training area. The second area held two desks and chairs and was nearer to most of the books. The third area was placed around a fireplace. There were a few couches, comfort chairs and standing lamps. Buffy turned to look at him. "I like it but I'm still not quite clear on what you want me to do."
"Take a seat and I'll tell you." Charles sat down opposite Buffy in one of the chairs around the fireplace. "All the Childer in the clan, have the rank of officers. They have high functions with either the marshals or the drillmasters. Our daily work will consist of training, teaching you the art of warfare and dealing with orders for the foreign departments of the clan. I want you to handle my correspondence, further more you are expected to handle your own training. In the future all requests for my time and energy will be routed through you. When the Order engages in battle the Master is the ultimate leader but I am his first advisor and we both will set out tactical lines and lead the legions." They continued talking about the work, setting up a schedule for the lessons and Charles showed her desk and explained where to get supplies. Then they were interrupted by a knock at the door leading to the staircase. It was a messenger from the Master. Buffy was being summoned to appear before him. Charles persuaded the messenger to explain the meaning of the summons.
"I don't know much, sir! Only that after Buffy I have to deliver the same message to Darla and Angelus."
Charles was worried and he knew he had to warn Buffy before she left for this meeting. "My dear, I know that you are very capable of fending for yourself. Your little speech last night proved as much. I do want to caution you though. The Master and Darla as well as Angelus are caught up in a difficult play of political intrigue and sexual dominance. Theirs is a road you are too intelligent and kind to walk upon."
Buffy responded automatically. "I will look out for myself, Charles." She was feeling intrigued about being confronted with Angelus again and this time in more close quarters. Will I feel the same butterflies as yesterday? Do I want to feel butterflies?
The Master was seated on his carved chair, Darla sat on the couch at his left hand side and Angelus stood with his back to the whole tableau looking out of the window. As she entered the study she had been in before, the three heads turned towards her. She dared a glimpse towards Angelus and then quickly scanned over Darla to end up looking defiantly at the Master. "You summoned?" She asked in a tone that held a hint of sarcasm.
"Yes, dear, I have some orders for you. As you undoubtedly know by now, one of your tasks is making sure my Childer can fight to defend me and themselves." Doing a mental check. Nope, nothing in the Buffy database. Could have told me that instead of useless warning about Angelus, Charles. She gave the Master her 'you are wasting my time with this crap' look. Her hearing was picking up a very faint growling coming from Darla. She decided to tone her attitude down a little. It wouldn't do to have to fight her already. Wow, I guess along with coming back from the dead I also got some patience.
"I want you to train Angelus here because I'm afraid he has no idea of what he's doing. He's all fists and fangs and kicks. I need him to be able to use a sword properly and have a little more sophistication."
At the Master's harsh words Angelus had turned around. He was ready to start cursing and hitting something really hard. Now that's an understatement. Buffy thought. She was quite surprised by how one look from Darla got him to go back to brooding angrily on his own. Well, now I know how he picked up that skill. Biting his tongue in front of the Master for a few centuries.
Buffy decided to play this cool and mix up some initiative with Pride and Prejudice. "That will not be a problem, sir. Can I be of any more assistance or am I excused?"
"That will be all."
Buffy turned to leave but halfway through stopped. Looking at Angelus she said. "Training starts tomorrow at dusk in Charles' study. Please be there in appropriate clothing." Buffy ordered more than asked and enjoyed every word of it. She was going to have the upper hand on this Angelus and it would probably give her a chance to literally deal with some of the demons of her past. The fun filled feeling in her stomach flittered away as soon as she caught sight of his eyes. They held only a small amount of irritation. The rest was half intrigue, half amusement. Maybe this wasn't going to be as easy as she thought but she sure as hell would try to get the most out of it. She pointedly ignored Darla's furious stare and left the room.
"Again I must object. I am perfectly capable of teaching him how to fight." Darla sulked at the Master. She had to try one last time to keep that trollop away from him.
"My orders will be obeyed!!" The Master bellowed as he rose to stand over her. He slapped her across the face and looked over her head towards Angelus. "Take one step towards me, boy and I will rip her head from her frame. I am still her Sire and she will obey me just like you will. Now get out and present yourself in the training study at dusk tomorrow or you will learn the same lesson Darla is about to." He caressed her cheek while opening his pants fastenings. The sound of Darla's lips smacking chased Angelus long after he had closed the door behind him.
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AN 5: This chapter concludes the first book of Aurelius. I have made a website for the series and archived the first book there. You can find it at esile.digidomus.net/aurelius (sorry no link because FF.net does not allow it) . Chapter 12 and the first one in the second book will be coming soon.
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The morning after the banquette brought a rather unpleasant experience for Buffy. The tattooing of the sign of Aurelius. Apparently the entire order had this sign tattooed on their right shoulders. All the Newly Borne were being tattooed that morning and afterwards Buffy invited Lissane and Mitch back to her quarters for some heated blood and scones. Buffy's beautiful rooms gave way to a discussion about living arrangements. "Holland says that living in his quarters gives me the best blow by blow experience." Lissane explained with a little wicked grin. Mitch couldn't help but remark. "And I'll bet good money, you're a quick study." Buffy slapped him on his arm. After Jessy served the tea other topics came up. "So, Lissane! Tell us how much fun are those stuffy solicitors? That Holland looked like he was quite taken by your natural charm last night." Buffy teased Lissane with a big grin. "Well I didn't charm them with cheeky remarks to the Master but I guess we both have our own ways of charming men." Mitch chuckled at their jokes only to almost choke on a piece of scone when both women put their predatory gaze on him. "I guess Charia's pet thinks we are funny." Buffy said to Lissane. Mitch tried to make amends rather quickly. "Ladies, Ladies. You know I find you both to be the most beautiful and witty creatures in the whole Order. I would never presume to make fun of you. Please, let me make it up to you both by taking you to dinner tomorrow night." Lissane smiled at him and then turned to Buffy. "Well that took us longer than expected." The girls erupted in laughter at the goofy look Mitch gave them.
The rest of the afternoon the three vampires discussed their points of view on the current state of the Order and other juicy bits of gossip they had already picked up. When Lissane and Mitch left to start their duties for the night Buffy opened her curtains and looked out into the dusk. She had enjoyed the afternoon enormously. It almost felt like being with Xand and Wills. Only they are vampires and from the 19th century. So I guess the only thing that's the same is that they are a man and a women and that they are my friends. How weird was that two vampires that she considered friends. Buffy started to feel a certain contradiction about her former job as a slayer and her current insight in what being a vampire was like. She pushed that feeling far away. It was useless to get like this now. She was a vampire now and that was what she was going to be until she could get home to Sunnydale in the 20th century.
When dusk had settled Charles asked her to join him in his daily rounds. Today he would start teaching Buffy and Roland more about their clan. He took them to the sublevels of the house. There they entered a doorway and walked onto a long passage overlooking a huge room. Below them there were rows of vampires standing in grid. Buffy instantly recognized the flows they were doing. They were doing karate katas. It was an impressive sight. Almost 100 vampires flowing in the same movements from punch to kick and from block to duck. "What you see below you is the main body of our army. These are our soldiers. This is the biggest legion but there are smaller legions all over Europe. At the right end of each row you will see the squadron captains. The entire group trains everyday and then the captains take their squadrons for specialized training. The training schedules as well as the squadron discipline inside the house are the responsibility of the drillmasters." Charles pointed towards a small man who bore resemblance with a rat. Buffy had a vague recollection of him being particularly funny the night before. "Frank here is the drillmaster sergeant." Frank looked up and gave Charles a nod of his head. They crossed the walkway and went through another doorway. Here they found a smaller group consisting of about 20 vampires doing a weapons' training. The walls of the room were covered in maps of the world and of the bigger cities in Europe. Theresa was sitting at a desk reading newspapers and letters. "These are our English marshals. They uphold the Order's law in England. We have headquarters like these in every European country. Theresa manages all these groups." The vampire in question didn't acknowledge them in any way. They left the room through a door at the far end and descended a small circular staircase. They exited into what could only be described as a study annex training room. "This is my room. Here Buffy and I will work. Roland, as Theresa has no doubt informed you, you will be her assistant." Roland started to return to the staircase but before he had turned fully Charles' cold voice stopped him in his tracks. But before you join her you will report to the armory for 2 days of penile duties. I do not take kindly to clan members trying to assassinate another member, especially my Childe." Roland looked pissed but he held his tongue and left with a small 'yes sir'. Charles' face softened as he turned to Buffy.
"What do you think of your new working environment?" Buffy started to walk through the room. She had no idea how far below the surface she was but the room had a really high ceiling and the walls were covered from floor to ceiling with books, maps, paintings, weapons and schematics. The room had roughly 3 sections. A large piece of the floor was covered with mats. That wall held most of the weapons and it was obviously a training area. The second area held two desks and chairs and was nearer to most of the books. The third area was placed around a fireplace. There were a few couches, comfort chairs and standing lamps. Buffy turned to look at him. "I like it but I'm still not quite clear on what you want me to do."
"Take a seat and I'll tell you." Charles sat down opposite Buffy in one of the chairs around the fireplace. "All the Childer in the clan, have the rank of officers. They have high functions with either the marshals or the drillmasters. Our daily work will consist of training, teaching you the art of warfare and dealing with orders for the foreign departments of the clan. I want you to handle my correspondence, further more you are expected to handle your own training. In the future all requests for my time and energy will be routed through you. When the Order engages in battle the Master is the ultimate leader but I am his first advisor and we both will set out tactical lines and lead the legions." They continued talking about the work, setting up a schedule for the lessons and Charles showed her desk and explained where to get supplies. Then they were interrupted by a knock at the door leading to the staircase. It was a messenger from the Master. Buffy was being summoned to appear before him. Charles persuaded the messenger to explain the meaning of the summons.
"I don't know much, sir! Only that after Buffy I have to deliver the same message to Darla and Angelus."
Charles was worried and he knew he had to warn Buffy before she left for this meeting. "My dear, I know that you are very capable of fending for yourself. Your little speech last night proved as much. I do want to caution you though. The Master and Darla as well as Angelus are caught up in a difficult play of political intrigue and sexual dominance. Theirs is a road you are too intelligent and kind to walk upon."
Buffy responded automatically. "I will look out for myself, Charles." She was feeling intrigued about being confronted with Angelus again and this time in more close quarters. Will I feel the same butterflies as yesterday? Do I want to feel butterflies?
The Master was seated on his carved chair, Darla sat on the couch at his left hand side and Angelus stood with his back to the whole tableau looking out of the window. As she entered the study she had been in before, the three heads turned towards her. She dared a glimpse towards Angelus and then quickly scanned over Darla to end up looking defiantly at the Master. "You summoned?" She asked in a tone that held a hint of sarcasm.
"Yes, dear, I have some orders for you. As you undoubtedly know by now, one of your tasks is making sure my Childer can fight to defend me and themselves." Doing a mental check. Nope, nothing in the Buffy database. Could have told me that instead of useless warning about Angelus, Charles. She gave the Master her 'you are wasting my time with this crap' look. Her hearing was picking up a very faint growling coming from Darla. She decided to tone her attitude down a little. It wouldn't do to have to fight her already. Wow, I guess along with coming back from the dead I also got some patience.
"I want you to train Angelus here because I'm afraid he has no idea of what he's doing. He's all fists and fangs and kicks. I need him to be able to use a sword properly and have a little more sophistication."
At the Master's harsh words Angelus had turned around. He was ready to start cursing and hitting something really hard. Now that's an understatement. Buffy thought. She was quite surprised by how one look from Darla got him to go back to brooding angrily on his own. Well, now I know how he picked up that skill. Biting his tongue in front of the Master for a few centuries.
Buffy decided to play this cool and mix up some initiative with Pride and Prejudice. "That will not be a problem, sir. Can I be of any more assistance or am I excused?"
"That will be all."
Buffy turned to leave but halfway through stopped. Looking at Angelus she said. "Training starts tomorrow at dusk in Charles' study. Please be there in appropriate clothing." Buffy ordered more than asked and enjoyed every word of it. She was going to have the upper hand on this Angelus and it would probably give her a chance to literally deal with some of the demons of her past. The fun filled feeling in her stomach flittered away as soon as she caught sight of his eyes. They held only a small amount of irritation. The rest was half intrigue, half amusement. Maybe this wasn't going to be as easy as she thought but she sure as hell would try to get the most out of it. She pointedly ignored Darla's furious stare and left the room.
"Again I must object. I am perfectly capable of teaching him how to fight." Darla sulked at the Master. She had to try one last time to keep that trollop away from him.
"My orders will be obeyed!!" The Master bellowed as he rose to stand over her. He slapped her across the face and looked over her head towards Angelus. "Take one step towards me, boy and I will rip her head from her frame. I am still her Sire and she will obey me just like you will. Now get out and present yourself in the training study at dusk tomorrow or you will learn the same lesson Darla is about to." He caressed her cheek while opening his pants fastenings. The sound of Darla's lips smacking chased Angelus long after he had closed the door behind him.
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AN 5: This chapter concludes the first book of Aurelius. I have made a website for the series and archived the first book there. You can find it at esile.digidomus.net/aurelius (sorry no link because FF.net does not allow it) . Chapter 12 and the first one in the second book will be coming soon.