Hey guys, I'm finally back! I know you just missed me so much, but I'm here now. In true Lightner fashion I wrote down everything from mine and Lestat's journey to New Orleans. It's to long to send all at once, so it's in 3 pieces, one for each day of the trip. Enjoy...

March 6th, 1996:
Lestat and I walked from first street arm in arm. I was expecting that we would fly ourselves, but to my surprise a limo sat at the front gate. I looked over to Lestat...confused, but excited. "I've never gone to New Orleans this way, and you've never been at all. I wanted you to experience it properly." I smiled and kissed him. "Your such a darling, and so thoughtful."
He even booked us in coach. "Why Lestat, we wouldn't want to be extravagant." I teased.
I sat down on the plane and snuggled up to Lestat as I gazed out the window. "I can't believe I'm going to New Orleans." I mumbled, half talking to myself. "The reality of it all will come soon enough...Then it will become beautifully real." "It's been calling to me for over a year now...I just couldn't handle it any longer. I had to quiet the voices." Lestat chuckled softly as he rested his chin on my shoulder. "Oh cherie, if only that were true. For once you visit the voices only get louder...once you give in and fall in love with New Orleans, she becomes like a lover that you cannot bear to be away from." I closed my eyes and nodded softly...a flood of images filling my mind...hopes, and expectations for my beloved city. *But what if it's not true. What if I'm disappointed...if I hate the place.* I thought. *Nonsense my petite beauty, New Orleans will be everything you've ever dreamed of...and then she will surprise you with so much more* Lestat's words hung in my mind as I fell into a deep slumber, only to be awakened an hour later by the plane jolting as it touched down.
We gathered our bags and left the plane. Walking down the long concourse was torturous...I wanted to be outside, to let the air kiss my face. Lestat only laughed at me. "Patience Princess, your as giddy as a school girl." "Well, I practically am." We stepped from the building, and I was quickly wrapped in the moist warmth of the south. Lestat had rented a car, his favorite, a jet black Porsche that sat waiting for us.
The immediate drive from the airport was a disappointment. Everything looked the same as any other southern town...until we hit Metarie. We drove past the cemetery, and everything changed. I could finally feel the city breathing around me...yielding to me, welcoming me. I relaxed back in the seat and absorbed the sites. Soon we were cruising down St. Charles. The beautiful town houses, and oaks passing us by...the trolley car moving slowly down the center of the street. It had been a long night. I couldn't yet appreciate the city...but I could feel that once I awoke the next evening I would have the time of my eternity.
Lestat had booked us in The Ponchatrain, a nice large room with a view of St. Charles. Quietly the bell boys brought in our few bags, and in the corner of my eye I spotted 2 large trunks sitting next to the beds. "I was beginning to get worried." I whispered. "Never fear. I always have it under control." He said taking me in a playful embrace. "Can you believe I'm home?" "I've never had a home, I've moved around so much..." "New Orleans will adopt you then." "I would like that very much...and I have a feeling she will do just that." I said stifling a yawn.
The sun had already begun it's early morning assent. The change in the night sky was to subtle for a mortal to detect, but I could sense it. Lestat could also feel it, but it never forces him into his coffin for at least another hour. I usually stay awake with him, but I was to eager for tomorrow to get here.
I crawled into my coffin, and Lestat kissed me goodnight. "Sleep now, and when you awake I will be waiting for you...and so will all the world." He said before lowering the lid...closing me off to my dreams and my blissful solitude till the next evening.

March 7th, 1996:
When I awoke the next evening Lestat was standing in the window, staring off into the night. "How long have you been up?" "Not long...half an hour maybe." He mumbled, not taking his eyes from the city beyond. "You should have woke me up, I could have handled it." I told him, walking into the bathroom to brush my hair, and check that my makeup wasn't smudged from my sleep. "It's ok...you always look so beautiful when you sleep, I hate to disturb you." I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. The city beyond was beautiful. "Shall we go now?" he asked. "Yes, I can't wait."
We decided to take the street car to Canal street. Mortals stared at us for a moment as we stepped onto the trolley...our white skin shinning in the light from the full moon. It was a lot colder now, probably in the 30's, but the fierce wind felt glorious against my immortal flesh.
When the trolley stopped on Canal Street, feelings came over me that I cannot fully explain. Normally when I'm in a big city, I'm afraid...the buildings towering over me, the people around me...there intimidating...but not here, not in New Orleans. I felt like I belonged there...I walked the streets as if I owned the place...the city was so warm and yielding. Granted I was still on my guard and didn't do anything stupid, or naive...I just didn't feel the threat that one usually feels in a big city. New Orleans is like the murder capitol of the country, but I felt so very safe...no matter what people told me...I felt comfortable, and protected.
Lestat and I took another trolley down Chartres, that dropped us off right in front of the Cafe' du Monde. The smell of the bengets was intoxicating. I stared at the people the stores in utter amazement...every thing was so beautiful. Lestat chuckled at me. "It's been 10 years since I've been in this city, and yet it still amazes me the reaction others have toward it. The fascination..." "...and admiration." I said finishing his sentence. "Yes ma chere, admiration. Well would you like the grand tour of the French Quarter, or would you like to eat first?" "Dinner can wait, lets go for a walk." I said taking his hand in mine. "The Princess has spoken...a tour it is." he said, a sly grin on his face.
Lestat started walking into the heart of the French Quarter, buildings rose up around us...beautiful Spanish iron work. "Since all the real tour guides are asleep, you'll just have to pretend I'm one of them." We started off our little escapade at an old convent. The grounds were beautiful, and in the left hand corner sat a bell in a beautiful iron gazebo. We jumped the fence and went inside. The building itself was beautiful...all the original wood work, and furniture was still in place, along with a clock that was 200 years old and still ticking.
We then left the tiny convent and began our actual walk of the city. He pointed out the famous iron work...a few of the original buildings that were standing before the 2 terrible fires at the end of the 1700's. We even snuck into a courtyard. Very deceptive these buildings...at first glance you think that it's terrible that they have no yard space, but then you see out the back, and are pleasantly surprised at the space. I was beginning to wonder where Lestat and Louis' residence was, but he offered no hint. One building in particular peaked my interest...a building called Gallier House, now owned by one of the colleges as a museum. Lestat paused in front of the building for a long while, and it seemed that tears began to well in his eyes...I tried to read his mind, but he closed it off to me. "Lestat? Are you ok?" I asked rubbing his arm, trying to bring him back to me. "Wha...yes, yes, I was just thinking that's all..." I reached up and brushed his cheek...he bowed his head to my hand, and kissed it. "You look hungry, shall we eat?" I whispered. "Yes, I would like that."
We walked toward Bourbon St. in search of a stray mortal...but that house still hung in my thoughts...there was something about it that made Lestat almost cry, but what I didn't know.
The mortals in this city were enchanting. I had never seen such diversity, such friendliness...I almost felt sorry for the young man that became dinner. He was very attractive...probably 25, shoulder length auburn hair that curled softly on his shoulders, piercing brown eyes, and beautiful tanned skin surrounding the well built body of a surfer. I found him just coming out of one of the bars on Bourbon...drunk as a skunk. Lestat stood in the shadows watching as he always does. The young man almost fell on his face, but I caught him just in time. He looked at me with gratitude, a seductive smile played across my lips, and I offered him help to his car...fully aware that he would be driving no where this evening. I made it quick, he hardly felt a thing, and when it was all over with I disposed of the body, like I always do...only this time it was different. I felt like I was being watched, not just by Lestat, but by the city itself. It looks out for those that respect it, and care about it...this young man meant nothing to her, but for me she was on her guard.
"You can feel it can't you?" Lestat asked stepping from the shadows. "That inescapable feeling of being watched?" "Almost like you feel cheated...you think your alone, when in reality the city is always there with you...never leaving your side." "But it's glorious. You can be free to rome in your solitude, but never be afraid of being lonely." Lestat nodded his head and took me in his arms. "Before we venture to the Garden District, there's something that I want to show you." We took flight only for a moment to clear the few town houses in front of us so that we could land on Orleans st. right in front of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. "Louis, Claudia, and I used to come here all the time." He said leading me into the building. The art work inside the lobby was beautiful. "There's a spectacular ball room at the top of those stairs that I want to show you." We walked to the back of the lobby, and up the beautiful staircase...it was enormous, like something from Gone with the Wind. We got to the top, and Lestat used his little mind trick to open the doors, and light the candles on the chandeliers. "It's beautiful." I whispered to him in awe. The room was enormous, beautiful art work adorned the ceiling, and huge windows lined the far wall. I closed me eyes for a moment to absorb the fragrance of wealth, and happiness that emanated from the room, when I heard the waltz playing in some remote region of my mind. I opened my eyes thinking that I was the only one that could hear it, but to my surprise Lestat and I were surrounded by the aristocracy of the 1800's. He looked at me and smiled. "May I have this dance?" "Of course Monsieur." I grinned. We danced and danced, waltzing around the room, arm in arm, oh so happy...but soon the music came to a close, everyone bowed to there partners...and then they were gone. Lestat and I were left holding each other, bathed in the moon light from the windows. "Thank you Oncle Julien." I whispered. "Yes, thank you... Would you like to see the american side of the city?" "I don't know how it could rival the beauty of the French Quarter, but yes I'd love to."
I soon found out how wrong I was. The scenery had changed, but the warmth was still there. Slowly huge oak trees sprung up around the houses, like arms reaching out and engulfing the homes. The Garden District was just as beautiful and the French Quarter, but in it's own way. We landed softly on St. Charles, and First. I was awe struck at the beauty of the area. I had only glanced at the homes last evening when we drove in, but now I could fully appreciate the seduction of the Garden District. Lestat led me down St. Charles, pointing out the homes till we hit Washington st. "Down here is where your ancestors are buried." He said pointing toward Lafayette Cemetery. When we reached the gates of the cemetery, I was totally mesmerized. The architecture, if that's what one calls it was beautiful. All of the carefully tended crypts were simply magnificent. He led me through the entrance and up the path till we reached the Mayfair Crypt. Fresh flowers sat in the vases to either side of the crypt. I felt a certain peace here, all these sleeping mortals surrounding me. I reached forward and touched the inscription on Julien's tomb...a comfort washed over me, I knew he was happy. "The grandfather I never knew." I whispered. "Ah, but Julien was a stubborn man, he's making up for it now." "That he is." I chuckled. "Come, I've someone I want to introduce you to."
We walked from there and headed down Prytania st.. More beautiful buildings rising up around us. Soon we were on First street again, and before I knew it I saw my house looming in front of us. It was absolutely beautiful...no words can describe the home, simply gorgeous. Lestat walked up to the front door and proceeded to knock. "Lestat? What are you doing?" "I need to see Anne." He said. Finally the door opened, and a servant stood in the doorway. "Lestat! How are you? I thought you were gone?" He asked. "Never, I'm doing just fine. Is Anne around?" "No, sorry, she's gone for a few days." "That just figures doesn't it. She thinks I've gone and left her! I want her to know I'm still here...I haven't gone anywhere!" The young man laughed softly. "I tried to tell her you hadn't gone anywhere, but she's just as stubborn as you are Lestat." "Yes I know. Ok, well tell her I stopped by." "I'll do just that. See ya around." "Yes, good evening." Lestat turned from the door and walked away grumbling, I stood at the gate waiting for him. "It just figures doesn't it? We keep missing each other! This just isn't fair...I haven't gone anywhere!" "I know you haven't dear, and she'll see soon enough, I promise. But it's almost dawn now, we should be getting back to our coffins." "Yes, tomorrow were going to go on a road trip." "Ooh, really? Where to?" "Well I know how your rather interested in the Talamasca, so I'm going to take you to Oak Haven...and then...then were going to another special place...somewhere...that I haven't been...in 200 years." I smiled at him. "Thank you." "For what?" "For wanting to share it with me." He looked down for a moment, and then his eye's met mine. "Your welcome ch...no, not child. I can see it in your eye's, your becoming a woman now...a lady. It's this city...she's letting you be what no one else has allowed. Come chere, we've a big night ahead of us, but first we must rest."

March 8th, 1996:
The next evening we headed along the Mississippi, down River Road toward the plantations. I sunk back in the plush seats of the Porsche. I had never been in a car this fancy before, the power of the automobile was astounding. I felt humbled as it took the twists and turns of the road with ease, even though Lestat was going about 90.
It took about an hour, but soon he pulled the car to a stop, right in front of a beautiful mansion. 28 oaks lined up perfectly, facing each other, like guards standing at attention. I was over whelmed with feelings of respect and wonder, only once or twice before had I seen something so perfectly beautiful in nature. I stepped from the car and just stood there for a moment, soaking in the richness of the area. Lestat motioned for me to get back in the car and he pulled around back to a parking lot. The guard on duty was asleep and didn't notice us pulling in. We stepped from the car and headed up the long walk to the back of the house. Just as we reached the turn in the road that would take us to either the overseer's home, or Oak Haven itself, I sensed the presence of another immortal. "Lestat." I whispered. "Yes Princess?" "There's someone else here...another immortal." "I feel it to, but I can't detect it's thoughts, I'm getting nothing when I scan." "Let me try then." I used my mind to scan the surrounding area, who ever this immortal was, they were good, they had totally cloaked there thoughts from me. Just when I was starting to get worried, I picked up something. *Princess? Is that you?* *Who are you? Wait...David???* *The one and only. Your not alone are you?* *No, Lestat is with me.* *No wonder I wasn't picking up anything. Just a minute.* Before I could say another thing, David landed softly in the ground in front of us. "Lestat, Princess, what brings you here?" He asked, taking us each in an embrace. "Princess and I are visiting New Orleans for a few days, and I know how she's secretly obsessed with the Talamasca. I decided to bring her here, so that she could see them at work." "Splendid idea...I'll show you around if you'd like. The dear Talamasca always has guards snooping about." "What brings you here?" I asked as we started walking toward the mansion. "I...I still like to check up on them every once in a while, just to make sure that there not getting into trouble. After that whole scandal with Aaron I've kept close watch. I'm usually in London though, but Yuri's here doing some investigation, and I wanted to watch over Aaron's young friend." "Yuri's here...really?" "Yes, he's sleeping soundly in the guest bed room now. Come, I'll take you inside, but we must be quiet...I hope you've fed." "We had some appetizers before we came." Lestat said grinning.
David led us into the magnificent mansion and I felt like I was stepping into the past...it was beautiful. The Talamasca had everything authenticated, and the home was just so warm and so like them. We walked around the ground floor, and then he led us up the stairs to the bed rooms and the balcony. The bedroom's were also magnificent. I peaked into Yuri's room and as David said he was curled up fast asleep. *Now I know what Mona saw in you.* I though staring down at his beautiful tranquil face, as he slept between the satin sheets.
I walked outside onto the balcony and found David and Lestat staring off into the night throughout the Oaks. "This place is so beautiful." I whispered. "I knew you would enjoy it." Lestat said giving my hand a squeeze. "Well, it's been wonderful talking to you both." David said with a lingering smile, as he glanced at Lestat. "But I must go now, I've some other things I need to tend to...but we will meet again. .soon, I hope." "Yes...very soon." Lestat whispered. David hugged us both, and then took off into the night.
"Now it's just the 2 of us again." I said, with a seductive smile. "It sure is my fair Princess." Lestat said, kissing me tenderly. I could tell when he pulled away that there was something else that he wanted to say...but didn't want to admit to it. "If your ready...I'll be with you...every step of the way." I whispered. "I know Cheri, I know...and yes,....I think it's time."
We walked back to the Porsche and headed down River Road again. The car came to a stop just beside a large clearing in the woods. Lestat sat motionless for a moment before slowly turning off the car and stepping out onto the road. I came around the car next to him and took his arm. He walked into the field almost mechanically, his feet clumsily crushing the earth below...as if he wanted the land to know that he was here. Lestat's pace slowed and finally he stopped. I looked over at him and he was staring at me, tears welling in his eyes. "Its been 200 years Princess..." he whispered, almost choking on the words. I sank to my knees and touched the soft earth with my hands. Almost immediately I was overcome with images. Happy times...Lestat and Louis talking philosophy over "dinner", Lestat playing the piano in the parlor and Louis humming along, or absorbed in the works of Shakespeare...Happy times...Lestat and Louis lying together, immortal loves locked in each others arms. I reached up and took Lestat's hand. "I wish things could have been different. I was young then...foolish...I was so in love with Marius I would have done anything he said, and I did just that. The last thing I wanted was to disappoint him, but in the process I ended up shutting out my beloved Louis. My one friend...I brought him across only to shut him out as my maker had done to me. I was such a selfish b*stard...if only I could tell him how sorry I am, for him to hear it from my own lips, and not just on the pages of a book..." He broke off and began to cry. I wanted to take him in my arms, to rock him and tell him that it would be OK...but I knew even before these thoughts had finished that Louis was standing beside him, taking him into his arms, kissing him, comforting him...Fledgling to Maker, Friend to Friend, Lover to Lover. I knew they would want some time alone so slowly I rose from the earth and walked across the road to the bank of the Mississippi. All was quiet except for the "plunk" of the rock that I threw as the hit the waters surface. Ripples dancing outward in a circle as if they were part of some Taltosian ritual.
"Why did you go?" Lestat asked as he and Louis walked up next to me. "Because...I knew you both needed some time alone...to reconcile your old pains." "You always were so considerate...but it's because of you that this happened...that Lestat was ever back in New Orleans...that he had the strength to return to this place, the strength that you gave him...for this we are eternally grateful." I started to say something to Louis when he leaned over and kissed me, covering my lips with his. I was startled for a moment. Never had I seen such a display of passion and affection from him except toward his beloved Lestat. I slowly wrapped my arms around him and yielded to his embrace, falling helplessly against his body. Vague fantasies of making love to these two men drifted into my thoughts, but I suppressed them just as quickly. After all we are immortal and such a thing was impossible, but also because throughout my short mortal life I had promised myself on an oath of chastity, only to be broken by a vow of marriage...denying these feelings was almost second nature to me, and now it didn't matter. "It's OK chere...such ideas are flattering." Lestat said. I began to blush, my face taking on a nice crimson color. "I forget that you can read my mind." "Yes, but such ideas are not wrong. You were only afraid as a mortal, but you can't live your life in fear." "No, and now it doesn't matter anymore...but as a mortal I saw so many of my friends either succumb to the passion, and walk away untouched, or they walk away with a baby in there womb, or on to an early grave. I didn't want to deal with that." "And you shouldn't have to...but just make sure that you chose things because you want to, and not because of what others want of you. Now, shall we head back to town?" "By all means. I'm hungry and the city awaits."
Louis had taken a taxi, so it was fun piling us all into the little car, (How many immortals can you fit in a Porsche? Not more than 3 let me tell you!) Luckily I'm petite, so I wasn't too squashed in Louis lap, but if he tells me one more time that I have a bony butt, I'm going to scream!
We arrived back in the French Quarter...I left Louis and Lestat at a club on Bourbon, and told them that I wanted to go for a walk, to find dinner...but that wasn't the whole story. I quickly found dinner, and then I proceeded to Royal Street...Gallier house. I knew there was something about this home that Lestat wasn't telling me. I walked over and touched my hand to the front door, and immediately like a bolt of lightning I was overcome with images of them...Louis, Lestat, Claudia...all the happy times they had together...just as I saw at Ponte du Lac, only this time Claudia was also here, sharing in the joy, the laughter, the lovemaking...I wanted to go inside, but I knew that that I shouldn't. Lestat didn't admit that it was his home, so I should respect him by not going in.. it would only hurt him to see images in my mind of his old home. I took my hand from the door and breathed deeply for a moment...when I raised my eyes and glanced down the street I saw her...blond air blowing in the breeze...she looked serene, content...she smiled at me, as if to say that she was glad they were being taken care of...and then she was gone. Tears started pouring from my eyes...and it was Louis who wiped them away with his handkerchief. "I knew your curious nature wouldn't let you stay away...I should have just told you." Lestat said. "It's ok my love...I understand...you were hiding from your past...just as I am...I came here as a refuge to get away from my life, and my past life...I left Shanta at MU feel horrible for telling me about her...and here I am ignoring it like Marie isn't a part of me...like she didn't exist." "It's how we survive. Why didn't you go in?" He asked. "I...It was locked." I replied lamely, not fooling Lestat in the slightest because he knew that I could easily get inside. He smiled at me and an understanding flowed between us. *You saw her didn't you?* *Yes...she was happy...serene...she smiled at me as if to say that she was glad that you both were being taken care of.* *My little Claudia........just don't tell Louis.* *I wouldn't do that to him.*
Before we went back I made him take me to Amelia street...I stood in front of the home, watching through the window as Patrick stumbled into the kitchen for another beer...Poor Mona...Poor poor darling...she could take care of herself, but I still felt bad that she was left with only this man for family.At least she didn't have to live in this house anymore...she was safe at First street with Rowan, and Michael...they should be back soon and then I won't have to be in that big house by myself...they decided to follow in the footsteps of Stella, and Julien, and Mary Beth and took a tour of Europe...they call often and I say there doing well.
We walked back to the Ponchatrain and crawled into our coffins...Louis and Lestat shared a coffin since he had come down on a whim to find Lestat, and had made no provisions for himself.
The next evening we awoke and said good by to the city before taking off for MU again. I wasn't that depressed though...I was sad to be leaving, but I knew I would return soon...so I blew a kiss to my beloved city, and curled up next to my beloved for the long flight home.

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