THE STUDIO

This room, if anything is the real 'lair' and very few have been here besides myself. I suppose Nigel is the exception and a chess set is always set up in readiness for one of his visits. The computer takes center stage in the studio, set up against drawn blinds, with all its ensuing paraphernalia ranged about it on a large walnut desk. Here I can sit for hours, even days at a time reaching out via the modem and telephone lines to interact with friends, allies and business associates.

Has there ever been a more fascinating or infuriating invention than the computer? I think not.

Nigel has patiently set the machine up for me and now it is more a source of pleasure than pain. The internet provides a vital link for me and for an ever increasing number of my kind. It has removed the isolation of distance by allowing us to meet in virtual safe places to share information, socially combine, and forge plans. More than once it has proved itself useful as an early warning system. The Vampire Pub based on the 'internet relay channel' network is just such a place, protected by a 'role-playing' masquerade. Of course the pub is open to all and many playful mortals act there, which helps to maintain the perfect disguise. Rest assured, many of the regulars in the pub are not playing games!

Apart from the computer I have a work space set aside for my artists materials. I sometimes dabble hopelessly with paints, crayons and charcoal to capture some inner vision or portrait. My lack of talent in this area is quite dismaying and so more and more I find myself neglecting this means of expression. Its no great loss and if I ceased this kind of effort all together it would spare me much disappointment. One day soon I may just throw it all into the street below.

I will always have a deep love for art, particularly the art of stained glass. I have a modest collection of good pieces and one day I will take a home large enough to have them mounted and back lit...

On the opposite wall to the computer is my writing desk, snug within a lattice work of stuffed book shelves. I have spent more time sitting here of late, jotting down notes as memories arise, in an attempt to help the half dozen or so sireless 'young' vampires who have turned to me for help.
I was fortunate, dear reader, that my sire was both experienced and considerate. In the weeks following my 'transformation' he informed me as well as he could with his knowledge of our kind. I have been able to use this early teaching to provide myself with a long and safe existence. Others have not been so blessed. Many poor creatures awaken to the preternatural world abandoned and utterly confused. They are little more than orphans. So these days a large part of my writings and letters revolve around the guidance of these lost children.

You know it rarely ceases to amuse me how certain fictions about the vampire world have passed into popular belief! On a number of hilarious occasions I have encountered an individual who has stood his ground while confidently waving a bulb of garlic in my direction. Unfortunate for them that I particulaly enjoy the taste of garlic, In fact Italians are quite delicious. Where do these ideas originate?

Any way, enough of this nonsense and on with the tour. I have a large mirror that fills the entire wall opposite the artists stuff. It came from a saloon in Paris which was demolished at the turn of the century, the border is decorated with Can-Can dancers etched into the glass. Perfect for adjusting one dress before going out. I have a couple of paintings in here which I am fond of but as they were aquired for me by rogues I had better not show them or give their names. Thats it for this room I think. Oh, there is a very nice Persian rug on the floor. Another gift.

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