Notes: Characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to MCA and Universal. The characters from the Dubois Chronicles are mine. Other than that, thanks to the fanatics for permission to include them here.  Thanks also to the folks who worked with me for their creative suggestions!  They are much appreciated!  Questions and comments can be sent to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1

After a very long semester at the university, summer had finally arrived. The warm weather felt good to me as I needed a break from the cold and damp climate from the previous winter. To liven things up a bit, I decided to stay at the castle for a couple of days, hoping that the company of my fellow fanatics would prove rejuvenating to me.

As I stepped into the keep, I noticed how empty and quiet everything was. "What's going on?" I wondered. Descending the stone staircase, I called out, "Hello?"

Far below, I heard a surprised roar. I guessed that a certain dragon was very excited about having company.

"Hey, Sparky!" I greeted, walking up to his pen. "How've you been doing?"

Sparky moaned a bit. Life had been a bit dull.

"Sorry. I've been away for a couple of weeks," I apologized. "I do have some new stories."

Hearing that, my companion's ears perked up and his eyes sparkled. It had been a while since he had heard a piece.

"We're having a story meeting this afternoon down here," I informed him. "The others will be by in a bit." Opening the door to the Sanctum, I added, "It won't be much longer.

****

Two hours later, the Duboises, Eve, Natalie and Steve Petersen joined me in the chamber. Judging from the way everyone was dragging themselves, the recent battle with Dahak had exhausted them. For two hours, we discussed the next two accounts: "The New Girl in Town" and "Under Siege".

Finally, Dave wondered, "So, where is everyone?"

"I don't know. Vacation? Work? RL's murder," I postulated, looking at my notes.

"Lucius wanted to see everyone. He suggested that we have a party," Eve chimed in.

I nodded, knowing that everyone would benefit from such a gathering. "I'll have to see if I can rustle up some help on this."

The others smiled. Given what they had all been through, the festivities would be a welcome release.



Chapter 2

Meantime, in her room, Vigdis paced nervously anxious for someone to talk to. Granted, she had enjoyed having the courtyard to herself for a while, but for the Norse warrioress, enough was enough.

Then, a rapping came from the door.

"Yes?" she inquired.

"Vigdis, it's Xena."

"Enter," the Viking bade. Watching the Warrior Princess enter, she noticed the all-too-serious look on her face. "What is it?"

"Oh, we just got back from putting the cork in Dahak, hopefully for the last time. Lots of trolls to kill," the Thracian warrior recounted. "At least Gabrielle and I got to see Beowulf again."

"Beowulf? As in the hero who killed Grendel? The runes speak volumes about his deeds!" Vigdis exclaimed.

Xena shrugged. Her friend reminded her so much of Gabrielle during their early adventures. "Actually, I slew Grendel. Sorry."

"I see," Vigdis replied, opening a bottle of mead, and pouring a glass. "Here."

"Thanks," Xena accepted, taking a few gulps from the glass before setting it down.

"Don't mention it," her host accepted. "I wish you all had asked me to go with you. I could have used a good fight to get the blood flowing."

"I'll let David know," her guest indicated. With as narrow a victory in the Dark Lands as they had, the Norse warrior's sword would have been a welcome help indeed. "The commander who led the armies, Harokin, would've given you a hard time." She frowned and shook her head. "Because you're a woman."

Vigdis snickered, "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope."

"He thinks he's better than us because he's a man?" Vigdis supposed sarcastically. "I'd like to show him differently. Strutting oaf probably."

"That about summed him up until he ended up on the wrong end of a troll arrow," Xena agreed, eyeing her own sword's edges. "Hey, Eve was talking to Lucius the other day."

At the mention of the General, Vigdis's ears perked, "How is LaCroix? He hasn't been here in quite a while."

"Fighting with us against the trolls," Xena declared.

"Oh, to be fighting side-by-side with him! I can imagine what it must have been like! Bad enough to miss such a grand adventure, but a chance to see his sword in action? What a genius at work!" Vigdis exclaimed.

Xena yawned, emphasizing her boredom.

"What?" her host wondered. 

"Oh, he has his uses once you get past the bellyaching. Keeping him from smothering Nicholas and Eve was a feat in itself."

The Norse warrior shook her head, wondering why her fellow sister in arms disliked LaCroix as much as she did. Changing the subject slightly, she asked, "So, what did he talk to Eve about?"

"He thought that you guys needed another party. Knowing how David Duncan feels about him, Eve offered to serve as a go-between if necessary.

"And get another dance with him, I trust?" Vigdis cracked.

"Why not? She had fun. He's a gentleman. Most importantly, I get to keep Lucius away from her," Xena replied almost flippantly. "Mother's prerogative. David was wondering if you wanted to serve on the party committee again."

"Sure, I think Vachon's hanging around the castle so I think he'll want to get involved. When's the meeting?" Vigdis accepted.

In a couple of hours. Meantime, let's go spar in the courtyard. You look as though you wanna burn off some energy," Xena informed her.

Eager to face a real opponent, Vigdis grabbed her sword and rushed from the room, following her fellow warrior downstairs.


Chapter 3

Just after sunset, Nick sat in the Caddy awaiting LaCroix's flight from Toronto. Although the plane had landed, he imagined that security would be an issue for the Elder. Much to his surprise, the General walked out only twenty minutes later.

LaCroix smiled in spite of himself. Despite the mortals' improvement of their security, it was still tedious. He wanted to fly to the castle under his own power. However, seeing as Nick came out to get him, the General decided to reward the younger vampire's effort. "Nicholas, this is a pleasant surprise! To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I was in the neighborhood," the vampire detective replied somewhat slyly.

" I see," the older immortal noted. "We are heading for the castle, are we not?"

"Yes," Nick commented, taking a right turn out of the airport lot and heading for the road out of town. "How's Toronto?"

"The city's as quaint and lovely as ever," LaCroix described. "There is still a great deal of work to be done up there, but the Council has made somewhat of a dent in the issues."

"I'm glad to hear it," Nick responded.

"You really should visit there sometime. The Community there is interested in how you are doing."

"I'm sure," Nick replied, guessing that his companion had something up his sleeve. Before LaCroix could respond, the Caddy stopped right in front of the drawbridge. "Here we are. Oh, LaCroix?"

"Yes, Nicholas?"

"I just wanted to say that this is a nice thing you're doing for the group," Nick complimented.

The Nightcrawler's right eyebrow arched in surprise. Composing himself, he stated, "One must reward loyal followers and friends, Nicholas. If a social affair is of service to them, then a social affair it shall be."

The two immortals walked into the keep and into the dining room. There, I sat at the head of the long table along with Alyce, Vachon, Tracy, Natalie, Xena, Gabrielle, Eve, Vigdis, Melissa, and Nay.

"Have a good flight?" I wondered.

"As good as can be expected," he remarked. "Thank you and Liv...er...Eve for inviting me to participate."

"Our pleasure," Eve responded pleasantly.

"Absolutely," I concurred, taking draught of ale. "Do you have any ideas since we last spoke?"

"A few. I believe we're in agreement on catering?" the Elder asked.

"Right. Vig, did you have a suggestion about dessert?" I responded.

The Norse warrioress nodded. "Yes. On my trip through that huge place called 'Texas', I discovered a place that makes wondrous desserts! David, I know you were leaning toward a Black Forest cake. They make that there too."

"I trust your judgment," LaCroix agreed. "Duncan?"

"Sounds good to me," I added. "Okay, what else is there?"

"We need chocolate," Vachon stated. "I think that Teri and Vigdis can go with me for that."

"We're taking my car," Tracy volunteered, shooting him a glance.

"Okay," Vig agreed. "Sounds great!"

"And the other things?" LaCroix wondered.

"David had the idea for an outdoor event. A night party under the stars," Nick revealed, looking at me.

"Yeah, I remember going up to Tanglewood as a kid: sitting under the stars, listening to good music with friends, and eating good food. I loved it," I reminisced. "I know we're not going to a recital, but..."

"With a few alterations, your idea is superb," the General concurred. "With good weather, the waltzing will be excellent indeed."

"Where are we going to get musicians on such short notice? Then, there are the issues with setup," Alyce asked.

"Let me deal with that," Nick assured her.

"What type of music are you aiming at, Nick?" Natalie probed.

"Classical music mostly to fit in with what David is aiming for in ambiance," the vampire detective said, sipping on a glass of wine.

"I think Cybelle and Deirdre can pick up the cakes and other things as needed," Dave agreed.

"And I can work on flowers," Kim agreed. "Kelly, you always seem to have a nice touch with decorating. Would you like to work with me?"

"Sure," she agreed, smiling warmly.

"Great!" I exclaimed enthusiastically. "This is going to be a lot of fun! Okay, go to it, everyone!" With that, I ended the meeting, sending everyone to their tasks.



Chapter 4 [The Day Before the Party]

I walked back into the castle feeling refreshed after my vacation/story research trip to Tucson. During my stay there, I met with several of the party crewmembers and ironed out a few things. Everything was looking great!

"Hi, David," Nay greeted me as I reached the staircase.

"Hi, Mom," I replied. "How goes the battle?"

"Oh, not too bad. Lucien's got something going on out there. Also, I think Melissa's working on a few things as well," she told me.

"Okay," I acknowledged, allowing a smile to broaden across my lips. Stepping back out onto the moonlit lawn, I saw a bandshell being set up about fifty yards from the castle proper. The structure, at close glance, looked sturdy and I estimated it could hold about seven musicians. "Evening, LaCroix, how's everything?"

"We're doing fine," the Roman told me, keeping his eyes glued to the workers. "I anticipate that this will be done before sunrise."

"Nick took me to see the musicians while I was in Arizona. They were great," I complimented.

"Yes, Nicholas's taste in these things is quite good, I must say," the General agreed. "Their arrangements are made to come up here. Meantime, have you spoken to Cybelle?"

"About the cake order? Yes, she'll pick up our things tomorrow night before coming up here," I indicated.

"Good. The bloodwine is being flown here from Toronto late tomorrow afternoon. Nicholas is picking those supplies up," he added.

"Sounds like things are going all right over here," I told him. "I'm going to go check on the other arrangements."

"As you wish," LaCroix indicated, his eyebrow arched as he tried to remain patient.

I walked over to where Kim and Kelly were arranging the flowers in strings around the entire area. The blooms were a beautiful combination of blue, purple, and white colors. "This is great," I complimented.

"Thanks," Kelly responded. "The florist and I went around and around for hours about the color scheme. I'm glad you think it looks nice."

"This is really going to look like a fairy ring, isn't it?" I asked.

"We're doing our best to make it look like one," Kim agreed. "The bandshell's looking nice, isn't it?"

"It's wonderful," I stated. "Well, carry on. Nice job."

Seeing Melissa over on the other side of the party area, working on something in the self-contained habitat on the other side, I asked, "What's going on?"

"Oh, I'm just getting Mindy comfortable," she replied, petting the wallaby in there with her.

"Great," I cheered. "I hope she'll be okay with all of the stuff going on out here."

"I've been assured by the folks back in Australia that she will be," she told me. "If we stick to our plan."

"We will," I agreed. "Lots of soothing music."

"Excellent!" she concluded, going back to working with her friend.

Going back into the main castle, I headed for the Sanctum to finish up some last minute things before the Big Event. While preparations could usually be stressful, this process was already helping me to relax.



Chapter 5

The next day passed quickly at work. For much of it, I muddled my way through meetings. When 5PM came, I rushed out of there and headed for the castle proper. Coming through the door, I found Cybelle and Deirdre standing by the main table.

"How's everything?" I wondered.

"We're all set," the High Priestess noted. "The bakers had the cakes ready and waiting. I must compliment Vigdis on her choice. They look delicious!"

"Try keeping Papa out of the Black Forest cake," Deirdre chuckled.

"You can say that again," Cybelle agreed, knowing her older brother's addiction to this type of cake. "They're both in the refrigerator. We'll be back soon after everyone's ready." With that, she disappeared into the mists followed by her niece.

Walking into the kitchen, I saw the caterers heating the food for the outdoor buffet table. There were plates of meats, vegetables, and pasta waiting for the show to begin.

"Cool." I smiled and headed for the Sanctum. There, I found my tuxedo hanging in the closet and all set to go. Placing the little box I was carrying on the desk, I set to work proofing a story I was getting ready to have betaed.

****

[Tucson]

Eve dismissed her Religious studies class early. Although she knew what to expect from the last time, she felt nervous about interacting with the fanatics at their castle. "At least, it'll be a nice time," she told herself.

"Hey," Dave greeted, knocking on her door. "How did class go?"

"Okay. I spoke to them about Paulus," she told him, taking a sip of tea. "It's weird to tell accounts of supposedly historical figures when you know and trained them."

"Tell me about it," he agreed. "Are you almost ready? We need to get home and change before heading over to the El Gato Negro to meet the others."

"I think so," she indicated, putting her notes down on the desk. "This is one night that I'm going to enjoy myself."

"Good for you," he cheered. "That's the ticket!"

****

A couple of hours later, Dave, Xena, Gabrielle, and Eve walked into the vampire bar and were surprised to find it empty after sunset.

"We're closed for tonight," Janette informed her friends. She wore an exquisite black evening gown which shone in the light. "I gave the staff the night off except for Maklosh who will be tending bar at the castle." Looking over the party, she admired Xena and Gabrielle's Macedonian dresses, Dave's tuxedo, as well as Eve's fine blue dress. "You all clean up nicely. This should be a night to remember, don't you think?"

"That's the plan," Xena remarked, a smile noticeably spread across her face.

"And I'm set to record the event," the Bard added, holding up her scroll and quill.

"How generous of you," LaCroix said as he descended the stairs in his tuxedo and topcoat. Under his arm, he had a panther-headed cane. "You all look divine if I may say so."

"Gee, thanks," Xena baited in spite of herself. Despite the festive atmosphere of the night's events, she wasn't about to let him patronize her.

Dave shrugged and just kept to the corner.

At that point, Deirdre appeared in a fine gown which her aunt had allowed her to wear. "Hi, everyone. This way to the party!"

The group stepped through the portal, leaving the desert behind.



Chapter 6 [The Castle]

I stood in front of the mirror straightening my tie and making sure that my tux was okay. After a couple of minutes of primping, I looked presentable. 

"You always like to take care of the little things, don't you?" Nick wondered.

"Never hurts. Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves," I replied frankly. "How's everything going upstairs?"

"Oh, the usual franticness. The dry cleaning van's been back and forth several times. Terri and Nay are trying to sort out whose clothes are whose. The caterers are arranging everything. The musicians are warming up outside," he told me.

"Just another party, right?" I laughed. "How are Alyce and Nat doing?"

"They were talking when I left them. I think I'll be sharing dances with them both tonight."

"You don't and the N&Npackers will revolt," I reminded him.

"Don't I know it," he agreed. "C'mon, let's go upstairs and greet everyone."

I followed him out the door and, after stopping to reassure Sparky that he would get a "draggie-bag" from the party, we went upstairs to find everyone standing around and admittedly looking a bit confused.

"Umm...guys, there is a party, right? Where are the decorations?" some of the castellans wondered.

"Take a look outside," Vigdis responded, coming over in a bright green dress which accentuated her natural beauty.

"Looking to outdo the other Cousins tonight, huh?" I chuckled.

"You know it. I want at least one dance with LaCroix," she replied with determination.

"Okay then, you think you can lead some folks out back to where the blankets are set up?" I asked.

Kim approached us wearing a beautiful blue prom dress. "I'd be happy to lead them out there."

"And so will we," Vigdis agreed.

"Hey, everyone, follow us!" Kelly advised.

The others did so and were in awe of the display in front of them. The flower ring looked and smelled beautiful. The tiki lamps bathed the lawn with a soft white light. Off to the side, the buffet table buckled under the weight of the plates on top of it. Two rather large kegs sat beside it. In the center, the bandshell's presence provided the perfect element to the whole affair. Finally, the rather large grassy area would give folks the opportunity to dance if they so desired.

I saw Deirdre and Cybelle walking around, inspecting the scene. 

"Good evening," I greeted.

"This was very nicely done," the high priestess complimented.

"I would have liked to see a few more decorations around the castle, but I really like this. By the way, the group from Tucson is waiting for you in the castle," Deirdre told me.

I nodded and walked back into the castle. There, I saw Dave, Xena, Gabrielle, Eve, Nick, Alyce, Natalie, and Steve sitting at the table. "Hi, guys! Party's almost ready to go outside."

"Sounds good," Xena agreed, getting up from the table. "It looks like it's gonna be a beautiful evening out there."

"That it is," I agreed, approaching Eve. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm fine," she replied pleasantly, a warm smile on her face. "My class took a while to get through today, but otherwise, I'm okay. I am looking forward to tonight, however."

"Me too," I concurred, delighted that I was going to get a chance to spend the evening with her. 

Xena arched her eyebrow at us. 

"Now, Xena," Gabrielle admonished. "Everything's going to be fine."

"I know. I'm still not used to my daughter being with anyone is all," she revealed. "Sorry, David, you're fine."

"Hey, it's all right," I told her. "Come on, I want to show you all the scene." Leading them over the drawbridge and into the party area, I announced, "Here it is! Enjoy!"

"Wow!" Dave exclaimed, putting their blanket down. "Nick said it would be something else. He wasn't kidding!"

"No, I wasn't," the detective noted with a smile on his face as he and Alyce approached. 

"See what I told you?" Eve asked. "I knew you and Lucius could work together, David. I just knew it!"

"Don't rub it in," I advised. "We just kept our distance except when absolutely necessary."

"I agree," LaCroix added, approaching them. "We are almost set to begin." Turning to the gathering throng of fanatics, he continued, "Everyone, please pick a spot on the blankets before going up to the buffet line! Do keep it orderly."

The castellans formed a line and selected items from the buffet and the bar. I watched the others, admiring as always the fine gowns and tuxedos which they wore as well as how elegantly they carried themselves.

As the group filtered back to their spots and began to enjoy their meal, Nick requested that the musicians begin playing. They started with some Tschiakovsky to set the mood. I could tell that folks were enjoying themselves, looking at the stars, listening to the music, and enjoying the ambiance as a whole. It was definitely a night where a fairy could carry somebody off to another realm.

"How are you doing, Eve?" I asked.

"This is great," she stated, taking a sip of wine. "This is truly a wonderful setting."

For the next hour, we ate and listened to the fine music. Then, the dancing began.

Chapter 7

When most of us were finished eating and the plates and silverware had been collected, the band cued up a waltz to move onto the next phase of the event. For the first number, Eve and I sat contented to watch as our friends glided on top of the grass to the music. 

After that tune had ended, I requested, "Shall we?"

"Sure," she agreed, joining me on the 'floor'. 

Just as with the Valentine's Day dance, we did very well in terms of moving to the music. As one, we soared with each note, each beat and every step. I had to admit that it seemed like a dream as we floated along in this way for a few dances.

Then we took a break and sat down on the blanket. "Can I get you anything?" I asked.

"A glass of punch," she requested. "Thank you."

I nodded and walked over to the bar. Receiving two glasses of punch, I rejoined my escort.

"Thanks," she expressed. "Mmm...I don't think I've been to anything this unique in a long time. It reminds me of some of the parties we had back in Pompeii."

"I'm sure," I responded, calling up such scenes in my imagination and trying to visualize what they must have been like. Seeing LaCroix approach, I asked, "How are you doing?"

"It is a wonderful evening," the General responded flatly. "I have shared several dances with your fellow castellans. I must say, Duncan, I haven't been to a ball such as this in over a hundred years."

"Probably turn of the nineteen century, right?" I guessed, taking a draught from my glass.

"Good guess. Non. C'est la fin de siécle," the Roman remarked. Glancing at Eve, he asked, "May we share this dance?"

As the sounds of Stravinsky started to float over the scene, she agreed, "Certainly, Lucius. David, if you will excuse us?"

I sighed. As much as I didn't like LaCroix stealing a dance with my date for the evening, I couldn't really refuse. "Sure."

Alyce approached me and offered, "I'll dance with you while she's with LaCroix."

"What about Nick?" I wondered.

"He's with Natalie at the moment," she informed me. "Steve's taking a break and enjoying the music."

"Okay," I agreed, following her out onto the dancing area and dancing with her for a few tunes.

Then, as we returned to the blanket, Eve was waiting for us. "Thank, Alyce," she expressed.

"My pleasure," the curator replied before walking back over to join Nick.

"And thank you, David, for going along with it," Eve added.

"No problem," I declared, smiling at her. 

Then, something special happened...something I wouldn't have believed in a million years.




Chapter 8

LaCroix picked up a glass of bloodwine and walked around the periphery of the gathering. Just as we had thought, everyone seemed to be enjoying the change of pace and fellowship. While seemingly out of place at a ball, an occasional burst of fiddle music by the expert in the orchestra provided those who liked some upbeat dancing to have a chance as well.

"There hasn't been a night quite like this one in 700 years," he mused, staring up into the August sky and noting how the stars twinkled back at him. He immediately thought of the night he had spent with Fleur at her family estate before Nicholas ended any chance of a relationship. In those precious few hours, his heart had soared and danced as he beheld the radiant young woman. To give her up, even at the request of his golden child, was akin to ripping that heart out. When she passed away, he felt grieved over her loss. "I would have liked to share more time with you," he told the sky, hoping she could listen.

After a moment where only the night's sounds answered him, he chastised himself, "This is folly. You are acting like Nicholas. Don't subordinate yourself to the past. She is gone!" Turning, he started to head back to the party.

At that moment, a voice called out, "Lucien, I'm here, mon amor."

He glanced over his shoulder and was struck dumb by the sight in front of him. In that spot, a slender young woman with long flowing hair and a radiant smile stood, looking back at him. She wore a long white gown and glowed in the soft light. "Fleur?"

"Oui," she agreed. "You are not dreaming this. I'm real."

"How can you be here?" he wondered.

"Our love is a bond, Lucien, which can never be broken," she informed him, taking his hands in her own. "As I told you in Nurrengaard, we are and always will be as one. Through me, you will find your way back to the Light. For tonight, however, I would like to be with you and my brother and to share in your festive gathering." She kissed his cheek, sending a warm feeling through him. 

"Come, my Love," he told her, guiding her over to the party site.

Immediately, everyone took notice of the newcomer and her radiance. She was definitely a unique individual to say the least.

"An angel of the Light here?" Eve inquired.

"Yes, Eve. I have come to share some time with your stepbrother whom I have loved since my time on Earth," the angel replied, leaning close to the Elder vampire.

"May you make him happy, Angel," the former Messenger expressed, smiling warmly in LaCroix's direction.

Nick stood in the middle of the floor in disbelief. "Fleur? Why have you returned?"

"To make Lucien happy of course, and also, to see you. Mama and Alyssa both extend their greetings, Nicolas," Fleur responded, giving her brother a kiss on the cheek.

"You know you shouldn't be here. He could drag your soul down with his own," Nick argued.

"Nicolas, don't you think I can look out for myself on such things!" Fleur chastised. "I am grateful that you love me as you do and want the best for me. Truly I am. However, I love Lucien. Trust in the Lord's designs for us all. As Jeanne told you, have faith. If I can be Lucien's light, then I'll be glad to do it."

The former knight bowed his head, feeling ashamed from his little sister's words. He had overstepped his bounds before. "Fleur, I'm sorry."

LaCroix smiled ever so slightly. He had waited for so long to hear those words from the knight.

"Non, Nicolas. You were right to do as you did before. I went to the Light through your intervention. Now, I have returned for a little while to be with my general. You are doing so well in your right. Keep up the good work," Fleur assured him, giving him a kiss on the cheek before heading back to LaCroix's side.

I approached the band and requested, "A medieval French dance please."

"I know just the thing," the conductor agreed, filling in his cohorts.

As they were doing so, I requested, "Can everyone please leave the floor for a moment? This is a special dance for LaCroix if you get my meaning?"

"Duncan, this isn't necessary," the General groused.

"Lucius, please, I agree with him," Eve admonished. "I would enjoy watching you have this moment."

His angelic love stood there silently, her eyes pleading with him to share at least one dance with her. 

"For you and Fleur, of course," he consented, guiding his immortal love into the dancing area. As the music started, the two partners moved from experience to the music. Of course, they had done so with others on several other occasions. However, this dance was truly special. LaCroix, in spite of himself, felt himself floating in midair. A warm feeling rushed through him as he held her closely to him. Then, he kissed her softly, the moonlight acting almost like a spotlight. And, wondrously enough, the seeming sparkle of fairy dust seemed to glitter all around them.

Everyone sat spellbound as they danced. In spite of herself, even Xena was enjoying the scene. "Getting this down, Gabrielle?"

The Bard nodded as she scribbled away on her scroll. This was too good not to record for posterity.

With everyone's consent, the immortal partners shared two more dances to themselves before the space reopened for general use. LaCroix went up to the conductor and requested a song before coming over to us.

"Liv...Eve, the next dance is yours. Enjoy," he bade.

"David, can we?" she asked.

"Certainly," I agreed as we moved to the center of the grassy area. There, hearing the start of one of Purcell's sonatas, we began moving to a common rhythm. Since we both enjoyed these pieces, every care was washed away as well as our knowledge of the others in the space with us. After the dance was over, we walked back over to our blanket where LaCroix and Fleur were standing.

"Thank you," Eve expressed to her brother. "That was marvelous."

"My pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse us," the General replied.

"No problem," I agreed. "Enjoy yourselves."

For once, the General smiled at me as he walked away with the angel. Throughout the evening, some Cousins went searching for him, but found nothing. We all wondered what had happened, but somehow, I guessed that everything was going as planned.

****

Finally at 1AM, it was time for us to go. The band ended the festivities with a final piece by Wagner. After that, the group gathered their blankets and belongings and headed off either to waiting cars for rides back to Real Life or for the castle to spend the night. 

Eve and I walked back through the portcullis and into the keep. Reaching the closet, I found her wrap and put it on her shoulders. 

"Thank you for a lovely evening," she noted warmly. "I really enjoyed myself."

"Same here. I really appreciate you spending time with me," I responded sincerely as we headed over the drawbridge to where Xena, Gabrielle, Dave, and Deirdre were waiting. "Thanks, Xena, for well...trusting me."

"No problem. I enjoyed watching you two out there," the warrior declared. "Come on, it's getting late, Eve. You have a class to teach tomorrow, you know."

"Back to reality," Eve realized, allowing a grin onto her face. "Have a good night, David." With that, she stepped through the portal.

"Thanks, David," Gabrielle added. "We'll be by tomorrow to work on the official party account."

"I'll be here by mid-afternoon," I agreed.

"Great!" the Bard indicated, following Xena into the fog. 

After the mists had vanished, I turned and walked back down the stairs to the Sanctum. Just outside of the door, I heard Sparky harunge. 

"Hey," I greeted. "It was a great time. Did you like the music?"

The dragon nodded and hummed a bit of a waltz.

"I'm glad you like it," I cracked, walking into the Sanctum and closing the door. "Good night."

After changing into my sweats, I hit my bed like a ton of bricks and quickly fell asleep. It had been another awesome party and the dreams from it were quite wonderful indeed.




Conclusion [The Next Day]

I stirred at about noon and felt refreshed from the lavish affair of the night before. Stretching, I got up and turned on the computer, preparing for my appointment with Gabrielle to compare notes and write up this account.

"Hey, it's about time you got up," Dave told me.

"Yeah, good morning to you too," I muttered. "Let me guess, you didn't sleep at all last night, did you?"

"No, Angie and I spent the entire night talking about LaCroix's dance," he explained. "That was something else, wasn't it?

"It sure was. I'm glad it was so special for everyone," I said, scratching my head. "I'm heading upstairs to get something to eat. Want a bite?"

"No thanks. Look, I have to teach class in a couple of hours. I just wanted to say thanks," he concluded. "Catch you later."

"See ya," I called as he left. A moment later, I followed him up the stairs and into the main dining room. There, at the table, LaCroix, Xena, Gabrielle, and Eve were waiting for me.

"Good afternoon, Sleepy Head," the Warrior Princess cracked, sipping on her wine. "Lemme guess...thinking about last night, weren't you?"

LaCroix perked his eyebrow at her remark and glanced at me. "Well?"

"Chill out," I advised him before turning to Eve. "I had a good time dancing with you, Eve. Thank you once again."

"You're welcome and thank you as well," the Religion professor accepted. "I did have a good time last night. Lucius, you looked as though you enjoyed yourself."

"I...did," the General admitted. "Seeing Fleur again was truly wonderful. Duncan, I must thank you for your initiative last night. The opportunity for the dances with her was appreciated."

I grinned and made a note to put into the manuscript for the other Fanatics telling them not to say I don't do anything nice for the Overbearing General. "I'm glad you were able to enjoy things. We should get everything cleaned up before Nay and Terri have a cow."

"My staff and some vampires took care of that after everyone left last night," the Elder informed me. "It's clean outside. As if I would let Nay get upset."

"As if," I slurred sarcastically, sipping from my wine.

"What was that?" the General snapped.

"Who me?" I chuckled, pointing at myself. 

Xena stared at Gabrielle and grinned, waving her hand. "Pay up. I told ya it wouldn't last."

The Bard sighed and handed over five dinars. "Too bad."

Eve shook her head in disappointment. "You two were getting along so well! Arrgh! Eli, give me strength!"

I shook my head and shrugged. It had been too nice of a time to ruin things with an argument. "C'mon, Gabrielle, let's get to work on the piece."

"Okay," she agreed, walking down the stairs.

After watching us leave, Xena looked at LaCroix and said, "You two did make a nice picture last night, Lucius. I just thought you would like to know that."

Realizing that he had just received a rare compliment from her, he replied, "Thank you."

She shrugged just to let him know that nothing had changed despite the remark. "See ya, Lucius. Do try to stay out of trouble." With that, she followed us down the stairs.

LaCroix smiled and finished his drink. It had been a wonderful affair. With Fleur's surprise appearance, it had surpassed his wildest dreams. "Thank you, my Love," he expressed quietly. Then, he went to his chambers to rest a bit before his radio show that evening and to reflect on how lucky he was to have his friends and fans surrounding him. "They are the spice of life whether that be of mortal or immortal length." With that, he left the room, eager to start his preparations for the next night.


THE END

(Thanks for coming out to the party! I hope you had fun!)

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