To Be, or Not to Be (Virginia/Open)

[Thor Ericsson]

Thor walked slowly through his casino with a long, slow stride. His grey silk suit moved in a way that betrayed the perfect physique of the man wearing it. His hair was perfect, his face set with confidence and determination, his demeanor radiating power and danger, sex and masculinity. However, it was all a mask.

Here he was, the head of the council in the most successful sanctuary city in the world, top dog, rich beyond his wildest dreams, almost as powerful as Drake Legend himself, yet none of that was going through his head. What was going through his head? Daywalking. With his 999th birthday quickly approaching, daywalking was on his mind most of the time. Here he was, almost 1000 years old and he had nothing to show for it. Money and power did not count because it did not bring him happiness. Nothing seemed to bring him happiness lately. He just felt like he could no longer feel joy. He could not see any reason to wait another year. Why should he prolong his agony?

Caught up in his revelry, he did not see his old friend Mathias approach him. He looked up, startled by the light touch on his arm.

"Mathias, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he asked the chief of the VSF.

"Just making my rounds. Anything to report, Sir?" Mathias was one to just state his business and move on his way. He had a job to do and seemed to be driven by it. Thor liked that about him. He hadn't felt that kind of drive for a very long time.

"No, Mathias, everything is fine." he replied and forced a smile. Mathias looked at his quizically before pausing to speak. "Sir, I don't want to pry into your personal business but as the head of the council, you have an obligation to see to your health. I can tell you have not fed in awhile, you are looking peeked." the man stated simply. "I would not be out of bounds to take you into custody and force feed you if necessary." he added. One corner of his mouth twitched up for just a fraction of a second. And thus was the limit to Mathias ability to express humor. While most would not have seen it, Thor did and a genuine smile spread across his lips.
"You got me copper, but I won't be taken alive." he teased. "I'm actually on my way to the lounge to take care of my needs, but thank you for your concern." Thor stuck out his hand toward the officer who took it professionally.
"Just doing my job." Mathias let go of his hand, turned and walked toward the exit.

Thor knew Mathias was expressing humor but that he was also serious. Thor could be taken into custody and force fed if Mathias ordered it. It was the law. He was the magistrate, he was in charge and he was important. He turned his head and looked toward the lounge where soft music was playing and drinks were being served by well built young men and women wearing nothing but skimpy black swimwear and bow ties. He looked at his watch. Yes, one of his favorites would be working. He turned and walked toward the door.

In the doorway he paused to look for his mark. For a moment he didn't see him but then he appeared. In all his splendorous glory. He was 25, had a natural sunkissed complexion, thick, dark wavy hair and the body of a god. He was clad only in a black speedo and bow tie and was carrying a tray full of drinks. Thor licked his lips and walked toward him. The man h ad stopped at a table and was unloading the glasses onto a table full of customers who stopped and gawked at the famous Thor Ericsson as he approached, took the tray and put it on the table. "It's on me, serve yourselves, your meal is commped." he stated as he took the hand of the object of his desire. The man willingly went with him, grinning from ear to ear. Thor lead him to a private booth where he turned to face him as he removed his jacket. "I'm hungry." he said seductively.
"Me too." murmured the man.
"Give me what I want and I'll give you what you want." Thor purred as he removed his shirt.
"Yes sir." The man answered as he reached a hand out to touch the now bare chest of his master.
Thor sat down in the booth and pulled the man into his lap. His arms when around him and one hand slipped down into the speedo as the other pulled the mans neck to his mouth. The man groaned loudly with pleasure as the vampire began to feed two hungers at once.

[virgina]

Ginny was glad to be out of the room, being in there was starting to make her feel a little claustrophobic. She would have gone out sooner but it wasn’t until now that she worked up the courage to get out and walk around without an escort. Being alone was better for her and helped her clear her head, plus Thor was off somewhere pleasing himself and feeding so hopefully they would both be in a better mood when they saw one another.

A part of her felt guilty for refusing him and giving him a hard time. She knew that he needed blood but there was still that small part of her that hated vampires. Then again that wasn’t really the problem either. It would be fine if he would just feed from her without trying to sleep with her, but he was such a stubborn man. She sighed and tried to push those thoughts from her head for now, she needed to focus on walking around and trying not to look sneaky about it.

She walked into the busy atmosphere of the casino and sighed happily. It had been a while since she had been in this area. The last time she was there has been when her big mouth made her a slave. Now this was as free as she was going to get. She didn’t want to try going outside, the last thing she needed was a collar. For now she was just going to walk around and watch everyone gamble while trying her best to not get caught alone. She wasn’t too worried; she figured she had plenty of time before Thor was done with his boy toy.

[Thor Ericsson]

**substitute typist- Laik**


Thor’s little boy toy; his magnificent raging stallion, was just the thing Thor needed to fill the aching emptiness in his stomach. However, it did nothing for the desolate longing he felt in his ancient vampire heart. It seemed the old vampire was destined summarily to be alone and unloved during this, the October of his life story. He knew this as he straightened his clothing and delicately dabbed at the tiny droplet of blood that was just formidable enough to roll from the corner of his mouth. He turned to his grand feast and lover where he leaned back exhausted on the seat of the booth where Thor had just had his way with him, leaned down and softly kissed him on the lips. “Thank you, lover.” He murmured against the bow shaped, silken lips of the Adonis, “I will see you compensated. Rest now, when you are ready, return to your other duties.” He dropped a golden casino chip on the moist chest of the handsome young lad, turned and walked away.

On the outside, Thor seemed to be cocky, confident and satisfied. However, on the inside, the old Viking still felt empty, alone, ready to give up his immortal existence for the comfort of the sleep of the dead. He decided at that moment that it would be the last meal he partook of, from anyone.

He was consumed by the dark, lingering feeling of aching loneliness, but only someone very observant who looked deep into his pale blue eyes would be able to recognize it. He was lost deep in thought when he passed the young blonde woman who was his reluctant captive for as long as he wished to keep her. He smelled her, he knew she was there, but he also knew she cared little for him or his kind. He felt that she would rather see him step out into the blazing sun and daywalk than to give him the time of day. He sighed mournfully, feeling his despair creep up on him once again.

His long delicate fingers combed his unruly hair back from his deep sorrow filled eyes as he continued to the private atrium where only he and those with the key to his suites had access. Virginia would have access but he sincerely doubted he would ever see her enter his private retreat.

The paned glass door opened with quiet ease after he swiped his white plastic card over the reader. He stepped in and let it swing softly closed behind him. The entire room was filled with small evergreen shrubs, delicate blossoms on rows of miniature rose bushes and bustling waterfalls that emptied into a small mossy pond filled with coy, lily pads and small, bright green chirping frogs. Stationed in the middle of the pond was a marble statue of a beautiful woman. Her style of dress and hair portrayed a woman out of the Viking age.

Thor followed the path that lead to this serene, tranquil pond, where he plucked a blooming bud from one of the many rose bushes. He brought the delicate flower to his nose where he inhaled the musky fragrance with his eyes closed.


“One last time, I experience the sweet scent of the flowers you loved to well.” He murmured and turned to the statue. “I have made my decision, Mavra.” He spoke as if addressing a sentient being. He stepped up on the edge of the pond and stepped onto the stone path that lead across the bubbling brook that fed the pond. He followed the path across the rippling expanse of the crystal clear water to the feet of the statue. He laid the rose at the pure white, smooth statue’s lifelike feet then stood up and looked at it. He reached his delicate hand up to cup the sweet face of the semblance of his maker. “At dawn, I shall join you in the afterlife.” He said softly. “I hope that you remember me after this near century of time that has passed.” He sighed and looked down at his feet, letting his long fingers drop from the pretty face of the statue, “I just cannot take this aching loneliness Mavra.” His voice was unsteady and filled with deep sorrow, “I won’t, not for another night. I long to feel the sun on my face again. It is time for me to go to the real Valhalla….” He dropped resolutely to his knees and sighed, “It lifts my burden from my shoulders to know that I will no longer have to bear it upon the break of day.” Bloody tears rolled down his perfect cheeks as he allowed himself to feel the weight of his loneliness.

[virgina]

Ginny was a little shocked when he walked right by her. He had seen her there was no way he couldn’t have missed her. She had expected him to at least say something to her about walking around alone. Something must have been wrong with him; he had the same look in his eyes that he did the other night when she saw found him praying. It actually made her a little worried about him so she decided to follow him to see if he was okay.

If he went somewhere she couldn’t then she would just have to worry and deal with it, but luckily he went where she could follow. She waited a few seconds before she went through the door. This was a room she hadn’t been in before. It was hard to believe that something so beautiful was hidden away there. She took a few seconds to admire all the plants before looking for Thor again.

She made her way towards the pond and saw him talking to a statue. She glanced back and wondered if maybe this time she should walk away. The last time had not ended to well and she didn’t want a repeat. It would be smarter for her to stay out of it, but when she overheard his plans it was clear that she couldn’t just walk away and leave him alone.

Normally you would think someone who talked about ended things was just saying things. That they wouldn’t have the guts to do it, but the pain in his voice made it clear that he was serious about it. She made her way across the stone path towards him. A little afraid he was going to snap at her. “Thor…” she said his name quietly as she walked up behind him. What could she say to him? There was nothing that came to mind, of all the times for her to be speechless. “I was worried so I thought I would check on you…” At least she tried to admit that she was worried about him. She sighed as she laid her hand on his shoulder and looked at the statue of the woman. “She was very beautiful.”

[Thor Ericsson]

Thor heard Virginia before she even got close but he made no attempt to show her that. He smelled of her unmistakable scent that made him think of his homeland in spring. It was a shame she hated him. It wasn’t him that she cared about, he knew that. She just cared about others and that was commendable. He liked that about her. He knew her worry was for another being, not for him specifically so he made no comment on the matter.

He looked up at the statue again upon hearing the compliment for the beauty that was his maker. “Marva.” He said softly. “I gave her that name, because she could not speak a word, so she could not tell me her name.” he sighed and looked down as he took a handkerchief from his pocket. He cleaned the moist crimson droplets from his face and tucked the soiled cloth in his pocket. “She was beautiful, like you. She daywalked upon her one thousandth birthday.”

He turned his eyes to Ginny and forced a kind smile. “I have made arrangements for you to be transferred to the care of Gabriel Kingman upon my demise, Ginny. He is an honorable man and will treat you kindly.” He informed her. “You won’t have to put up with my amorous desires and broodiness anymore.” He stood up and straightened his coat. “I have requested your release after five years of service. I hope it helps you to get through the time with some hope of freedom.” He reached down and touched her face just as he had the statue, “Do not let this time break your spirit, let it help you learn self control. She would have liked you, Ginny.” He added then let his hand drop. He spoke in a soft even tone that told of a resolute surrender. Surrender to her, surrender to his loneliness, surrender of his life.

[virgina]

The thought of being transferred to someone else almost made her angry, but she managed to keep herself calm. “I don’t want to be transferred to anyone else; I want to stay with you.” There was no way she was going to trust another Vampire and no other vampire would put up with her attitude, she didn’t care how nice they were. Thor was the only one she trusted. Even if she trusted another one she didn’t want to go anywhere else.

Despite the way she acted this place wasn’t that bad, and she was just starting to get used to being around him. She learned more and more about him every second she was around him, plus she even enjoyed arguing with him and getting on his nerves. If he ended his life she would miss him. “Please don’t do it...I know you are in a lot of pain, I can see that much when I look at you. You miss your maker, and Kat hurt you terribly, I know…but that doesn’t mean you should end it.” Never in her life did she ever think she would try to convince a Vampire life was worth living. “You are not a thousand yet. You still have a while before that day comes. Just wait a little longer…please…things could get better…just give it a few more days at least…it’s just a few days, they will pass by like seconds to someone like you…please Thor.” A lot could happen in a few days, maybe she could figure out how to help him. "I'll be on my best behavior and I will only argue with you a little bit...please?"

[Thor Ericsson]

Thor was becoming more and more curious about this woman. She had such spirit and dignity, even in the gravest of situations. It had been a long time since he felt such curiosity about someone. Curiosity could turn a mundane day into something exciting; excitement was something Thor almost never felt. That was one of the things that made living so difficult. He felt that without excitement, passion, what was there to live for. “Do you have any idea what it is like to live for hundreds of years without love? Without adventure and passion?” he asked her. “No, my dear, you do not.” He looked down at his hands, immediately feeling guilty for saying such a thing to the beautiful human who only wanted to comfort him, “I’m sorry.” He immediately added, “I’m being rude and boorish.”

He wondered what the harm would be in getting to know her for a few days. At least then he could add to the spice that made up the stew of his life story. It would give him time to make more arrangements to ensure the smooth transfer of power to his successor. And just maybe he would get a taste of those intoxicatingly sweet lips of hers. A last kiss before he stepped into the next world? “I will make a deal with you Ginny.” He said softly. “I will postpone it for a few days, if you spend them with me.” He looked at her intently, waiting for her reply.

[virgina]

He wasn’t really being rude to her. If anyone was the rude one it would be her, not him. What he said was more honest than rude. She didn’t know what it was like to live that long without it and the odds were that she never would. However she did know what it was like to live without it for most of her life. To a vampire his age her life span was nothing. “It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize…I guess when old Mr. Tennyson wrote the words Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all. He never thought about immortals.” Her mother had said that phrase a lot after her father had died.

Hearing that he would postpone his demise made her feel better. Spending time with him was the simplest thing he could have asked her. What made it better for her was that he was actually asking her to do it instead of making her. That made her smile; it made her feel like less of a slave and more of a person. “Well then we have a deal. You wait and I will spend the time with you.” Maybe she could keep him from doing it long enough to convince him it wasn’t the right thing to do. “How about we start by you showing me around this room? It’s really beautiful in here.”

[Thor Ericsson]

Thor smiled and took Ginny’s hand. She asked to see his favorite place other than the Sanctuary. That made him happy. The compliment filled him with pride because he had made this room himself and planted every plant in it. He lead her across the stone path to the rich packed dirt path that wound through the atrium. “I built this place myself. I built it as a memorial to Marva.” He explained. He liked the feeling of her delicate hand in his. It reminded him of days past, over 900 years ago. “She loved roses.” He pointed out the rows of various species of white roses growing on either side of the path. “White ones in particular.” He added. He pointed at the magnolia tree in the center of the area. “When I first saw a magnolia tree, I could almost hear her gasp of glee. I knew she would like it so I went to the south and dug one up myself, to save the species. There are several in the sanctuary now.” He smiled and paused to inhale the clean fresh floral scent in the place.

“If you like, this place can be yours when I am gone.” He turned and looked Ginny in the eye. “I like you Ginny. You intrigue me. For that reason I have chosen to spend the remainder of my time with you.” He raised his hand to touch her cheek. “Forgive me if I am too forward but I have little time for formalities and courtship. I wish to make love to you, at least once before I enter the gates of Valhalla. So that I may sing to the warriors there of the beauty of our time together.” It was not a line, he was totally serious.

[virgina]

So far Ginny was enjoying her time with him. It was nice to see him light up with pride as he explained how he built this place himself. You could see how much care and love he put into the room. His devotion to Marva was amazing and touching. “You would really give me this place? Are you sure?” She couldn’t believe he would trust her with this beautiful place.

When he told her about his wish to make love to her it caught her off guard. She hadn’t expected that subject to come up again so soon. At least this time she felt differently about it. Rejecting him last time had led to nothing but regret. This time the situation and her feelings were different. She liked Thor, he was one of the most interesting people she had ever met and she respected him. He was the first person to call her beautiful and the only person who ever showed any interest in her; even though she gave him a lot of attitude before.

If she failed at her goal to keep him alive then she at least wanted to make his last days memorable. Not just for him but for her to. After a while of trying to think about what to say she finally managed to meet his eyes his eyes and give him an answer. “I think that can be arranged…I like you to. I have never met anyone like you…I want our time together to be worth telling the other warriors about. I just wish our time together wasn’t so short.” She almost felt like she was encouraging him to end it. That wasn’t her intention but she did want this time to be special.

[Thor Ericsson]

Thor smiled at Ginny’s understanding on the matter. He felt that she was very beautiful. Her mouth could have worn a neon sign that said ‘Kiss me’. Her eyes were deep and soulful, full of spirit and told tales of a potential fiery passion that he longed to see. It was not only the act of making love to her that appealed to him, it was the promises of comfort, passion and excitement that would come with it.

“Well, we had better make the best of what little time we have.” He said softly and raised his hand to her cheek. He worried that she might think he just wanted to use her for her body. This was not the case. He wanted to make it special for the both of them. He wanted to give her a memory of him that would bring a smile to her face every day until her last. “Don’t worry, I am not going to be a cave man and throw you directly into my bed.” He added. “But, I am going to kiss you now because if I don’t, I am going to go mad with the desire to taste that perfect sweet mouth that is so quick to spit poison when you are provoked.” It was not an insult, but an observation.

He leaned in and softly brushed his lips over hers, like someone testing the temperature of water before a swim. He parted his lips slightly and pressed them to her silken bow. His eyes rolled closed as he inhaled her scent. He longed to let his tongue lick across her lips to find hers but he refrained.

As much as he wanted to prolong the kiss, he did not. He pulled his lips away and opened his eyes. He looked her directly in the eye and lifted a finger to touch her chest just over her heart so gently, one would wonder if he had even touched her. “You hold many promises of passion and adventure, how long I live just may depend on whether you can put the fire back in my life.” He informed her, “I have a feeling, you may be the one person on this planet that can.” He took a step back and straightened his tie the offered his arm, “What do you say we go shopping? New dress, jewels, makeup? Perhaps visit the spa, get your hair and nails done?” He knew these were all things that women liked and he wanted her to feel special. “Then I will take you to dinner, at the Upper Deck. Dancing under the stars after?”

Most humans could not afford to eat at the Upper Deck, the restaurant on the top of his casino that had glass windows on all sides. The view of the twinkling lights of the city was breathtaking and the piano player was intoxicating. “Unless you have any requests?”

[virgina]

“Good, I never figured you for the cave man type anyway.” She laughed quietly, happy that he was respecting her the way she knew he would. She didn’t want to be dragged off to his bed right then and there, not that she would complain much if he did. They both wanted to make it special so it was for the best that they take their time.

Ginny wasn’t at all insulted when he mentioned her spitting poison. Normally she would have at least had something smart to say about it but, she was too focused on the fact that his lips were getting closer to hers. Her eyes closed as their lips finally met and she was surprised to find herself enjoying it more then she thought she would. She heard he was a good kisser but that seemed like an understatement. His made a soft simple kiss seem like an artwork and she was a little sad to see it end so soon, but she knew there were more kisses to come

A part of her worried that she wouldn’t be able to put that fire back into his life, but if he believed that she was the one who could do it then she would. She was going to do everything in her power to make him want to be alive. “Well then you should prepare to live for a very long time.” She said quietly as she looked up at him.

Hearing about new dresses and jewelry made her feel like she was going to be a little spoiled. New shiny things were never a luxury she could afford so she never really thought about it before. Not that she actually could think about it she couldn’t help but feel a little excited. What made it even better was that not only was she going to get to go shopping but he was offering to take her to the Upper Deck. Even a poison spitting girl like her couldn’t say no to that offer. “Trying to spoil me already?” She grinned at him and took his arm. “I would love to go shopping and to go to dinner with you.” If he was trying to make her feel special it was defiantly working. “I think we are in for a good time. My only request is that you help me pick out a dress to wear tonight. I am pretty sure that you will know what would look good on me better than I would.”

[Thor Ericsson]

Prepare to live a long time? She had no idea…
“Ginny, I am going to spoil you every minute for the rest of my life, however long that is.” He said gently. One would wonder how this hardened Viking warrior could be so gentle when those that knew him almost a thousand years ago feared his wrath, respected his fearless leadership and bragged of their leader’s brutal bloodshed. The centuries had tamed him, opened his mind and expanded his knowledge.

He lifted his elbow, offering her his arm and slowly lead her toward the door. He paused briefly to pluck a white rose with red veins in the petals from a bush and offered it to her. “This rose represents the two of us. You are pure and white, like driven snow. Whiles I…let’s just say impurity is something that comes with the vampire virus.” He said softly. “Don’t we look lovely together?” He gently brushed a stray lock of her hair from her face and kissed her temple softly. “Let’s go find you a nice dress, shoes and whatever accessories you will need. Or shall we buy your jewelry first then buy a dress that matches?” He never did solve the mystery of women and why they did things they way that they did, but he did know that when it came to shopping, each woman was different and it was better just to let them do it their own way for the sake of one’s own survival.

Thor opened the door that lead back into the casino. The smell of alcohol and cheap perfume wafted into his face and violated his nostrils causing him to involuntarily lift his hand to his face as if to shield it from the smell. He made a small gagging sound. A human blood slave, lead by her master, dressed like a hooker with a pound too much makeup on and the crotch of her panties showing under her skirt walked by. The evil jealous look she gave Ginny heated Thor under the collar.

“Hey!” Thor called to the vampire who was leading the woman. “Teach that slave to bow her head with respect around me and my harem or I’ll feed her to the zombies. If that scent violates my senses again, you will see the sun. And if she ever stares daggers at my slave again, I’ll have you both in the lab for medical research.” One of the worst things a vampire could imagine was being subject to the scientists in the lab. Being dissected just to see how fast you grew back was a common experiment…The vampire nodded respectfully then dragged his slave off, growling at her to stop being such a bitch or he would kill her himself.

Thor turned to Ginny and placed his hand on her cheek, “I’m sorry you had to see that.” He said softly then smiled, “Come on, I’ll make it up to you with a fine fur.” He said and offered her his arm again.

[virgina]

“I think we go together beautifully.” She said as she admired the rose. Picking out a dress before picking out jewelry did sounds like the smarter thing to do. Then again it was more than likely easier to pick out a dress that matches jewelry then it was to find jewelry to match a dress. Then again it was also possible to find a dress that was so nice jewelry wasn’t needed. Shopping seemed like it was difficult but she still couldn’t wait to go, “Let’s pick out the dress first.”

She was busy enjoying the smell of her rose when the sweet smell was suddenly overpowered by the disgusting smell of alcohol. When she looked to find the source of the smell she met the angry eyes of another slave. The phrase ‘if looks could kill’ popped into her head. What was this woman’s problem? Ginny was about to run her mouth like she always did but Thor had beaten her to it. It was probably better that way. If she had yelled and thrown a fit it wouldn’t have looked good, plus it would be disrespectful to act that way and she was trying not to be disrespectful anymore.

Listening to him threaten them made her grin. Sure she shouldn’t have been happy about someone’s life being threatened but she couldn’t help it. Thor was taking up for her and it made her feel good. She smiled politely at the slave as the two walked away. A part of her wondered if the woman was just naturally that way or if she had become that way by being a slave

She laughed quietly when Thor apologized, “You don’t have to apologize, someone needed to say something to them...I kind of liked seeing you take charge like that.” she said quietly as she took his arm again, wondering if he really would put the two of them in the lab if the slave glared at her again. “A fur does sound nice though.”

[Thor Ericsson]

Thor turned and plucked the rose from Virginia’s hand and gently stuck it in her hair and kissed her forehead, “I never do anything I do not feel compelled to do, and no one disrespects my lady.” He said softly. He made no sound as his feet touched the floor and propelled him forward. His movements were graceful and alluring. He moved just like a jungle cat on the prowl. It was quite apparent in his step that something was different, even if it was just for a moment. As they moved deeper into the shopping area, Thor and Virginia both were greeted with small bows and respectful smiles, their path was even cleared.

It didn’t take long for Thor to turn into a shop with fine jewelry and dresses on display. He stopped in the doorway and snapped his fingers, “Anything the lady wants, wrap it up.” He said just loud enough for the store staff to hear. He turned and smiled at Ginny, “In case I never get to say it, Happy Birthday, Happy Christmas and everything in between.” He lifted a hand and brushed her cheek with his thumb and gave her the most endearing look that one of the shop women swooned.