I was warmly welcomed by the pack leader Kalon. The women on board swooned as he smiled to greet us. Oleg was the one he eagerly hugged like a brother. I guess they are from the same clan. He gave me a wink as he bowed to welcome. I asked him not to bow to me. I am not his superior. We are family. He extended his hand and I shook it. I made it clear that I am not taking sides. I really believe that vampires can show their lovely heritage in the festival. They didn't come from nothing. They didn't have the time to come up with a way to express it. They agreed to better for the next one in three months time. I wished them the best as I walked to my room. It was a modest hotel. The staff were kind and patient. I waited till the ones in front of me were done. They were demanding the largest room. The hotel manager made it clear it has been reserved for the royal family. They will be staying there for security purposes.
The guest released he will not be getting what he wants. He asked if there was any other hotels. The manager explained, "I am sorry but we are overbooked. The ones available are on the second floor." He begrudgingly took it. He felt the stare from behind and saw us. At first he had no reaction. Then he lost his bravado as he walked to his family. I moved forward and greeted him, "Hello Chen. I apologize for his rude behavior." He waved it off as Oren mumbled, "You really know our names." I winked at him as I asked for the keys. He gave me a gold card and asked the bell boy to take my things to the top floor. We got a separate elevator to go up. I was happy to see everyone. I was told very politely not to wander off. I promise to behave as long as I got to see everyone. The festivities was excuse to see my family. I felt Jesse smile. He was here inspecting the safety regulations in case of emergency.
I wore a combination of royal blue and electric magenta robes. My hair was braided and twisted like a seashell. Oleg described it as a seashell pattern. Then lapis lazuli hairpin held everything in place. I wore one of mom's necklaces. It glows in the dark. Everyone who in the room stared for a second but chose not to say anything. Miranda wrapped me with a jet black cloak and Oleg took my hand as we walked out the door. Oren watched as we glided past the guests to sit for dinner. A hand painted partition was brought over so the guests won't see my face. The dinner was roasted veal and potatoes. The drink was carbonated pine needle soda. The waitresses all wore little black dresses. The waiters wore white shirt, black pants and black pants. Cecilia came with the next course which was broiled duck liver. The next was batter fried beef cutlet and lastly thinly shaved cured Hanwoo beef.
The owner of the hotel was Roger. He had olive skin and bright blue eyes. His short brown hair was windswept. He nod his head as we walked past him. I wanted to go for a little stroll within the hotel grounds. Security could give the all clear so we can step out for a breath of fresh air. I remembered my promise to stay indoors even if I get bored. I almost lost two members of my family. I am not losing any more. So after dinner we were taken upstairs where we played a game of pool, carrom and foosball. We were taken upstairs using the private elevator. I changed into silk pyjamas. Sirius came to see me. He asked me what the royals enjoyed. I told them about Oud. A tree resin that smells awesome. The tree has to be eight years old when it is injected with a type of fungus. Then after two years later the tree is cut. As the dark resin is burns it gives off a wonderful smell. Royalty have used it to perfume their hair and clothes.
Sirius ordered the final batch leaving earth to grab a few saplings. They are already bringing oak, birch, maple and black walnut. I told them to bring Myrrh, Patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense, Vetiver and Labdanum. All of it smells great. He promised to have a section dedicated to it. He even has Cedarwood, oakmoss, gaiacwood, cardamom and amber brought over. The previous batch came with bergamot, lavender, lilacs and freesias, day blooming jasmine and night blooming jasmine, tuberose, eucalyptus and every variety of roses brought over. I shook my head but said nothing. When the roses bloom take petals off. He must wash them well and thoroughly before adding them into a jar. I asked him to place a layer of petals then a layer of sugar and repeat till the jar is full. He should keep it in a dark warm place for two months. He will have a wonderful topping for desserts. He promised to do so.
The next few days I spoke to the council by holographic communications. They explained the progress of the ongoing investigation. They also asked me to be extra careful. They had nothing else to report so the call ended. I was lying in bed. Since I wasn't outdoors I got to wear frocks. I was not allowed to wear jeans. It was deemed unbecoming for me. I was allowed to wear if I was seperated from security. Only as part of a disguise till I reach home. I agreed to the no jeans policy. I wore a sunflower coloured frock that reached my ankles. The next day I wore a charcoal coloured dress that was knee length. The next day I wore a navy blue shirt and midnight blue pants. The next day I had to communicate with my family in Hae. So I was wearing electric robes with yellow embroidery. Both of them spoke about how the Semites tried to attack Hae. The orbital bombarding and the poisoned food and much more.
I asked them to be careful. I told them to come if things become too much. I told them to request the deportation of the Semites to the lawless regions. They can stay there being holier than us. Elodia explained, "We have already begun the deportation process. Everyone is angry and they want their pound of flesh." I asked her to be safe. I faced my other family member, "You too Clemence." She humbly bowed and hung up. The next morning I was dressed in a vivid emerald green robes. I wore a copper mask as I walked out to the inaugural moment of the lunar festival. I cut the ribbon as Signe spoke. She thanked the attendees and the hard working locals for their diligence. I had fun throwing the water balloons. We played paintballs, walked the hay bales maze and pin the donkey. I got watch the flame dancers and the Hakka. Then I walked to the food stalls to buy snacks.
I stayed a week more before going to vampire district. I was taken to Asher. The buildings were all gothic. I know the Addams family would love to call this place their home. Wrought iron gates. Gargoyles on the walls. No tourists were allowed here. The Werewolves were on edge. So the vampires made it clear they have nothing to worry about. I was taken to the mansion called Wren. Morana was the butler in charge of the upkeep of the property. She wears a black wedding dress with a black lace veil. She glides across the room. She is gloomy and she is allergic to colour. I asked her to keep me alive till we get to the capital. She stares at me mostly and rarely speaks a word. Her husband was a huge man and I had to crane my neck to speak to me. He was kinder and sweeter. He reminds me of my neighbour Mr Slate who used to babysit me when mom was extra busy. I remember the last time he saw me he was leaving to stay with his son who was on the other side of the continental US.
I would sit on the swing and go back and forth. The guards would be apprehensive whenever SHE shows up. I had stayed in a mansion like this when I was seven. It was the day I was introduced to my uncle J. That day I name him the clone. He loved the name so much he would ask mom not to be offended whenever I call him that. He lived in a mansion with a swamp and a cemetery. After sometime he had upgraded to the Citadel. I liked to wake up and watch the ravens fly over the trees. I didn't like it when they tap the window. I would watch the ballet on TV. Also I would watch documentaries about the different cultures. Oleg asked the vampires to move us elsewhere. The place was giving everyone the creeps. I was moved to another no tourist zone called Esther. The Pretorian guards had to search the place top to bottom before they approved my stay. The mansion was named Aurora Nova. I sat down by the fireplace and connected with the dark knights in the capital. They had caught someone else but he had swallowed poison too. But I had noticed something. A broach he wore had the insignia of the King Velmir Griffin. The southern king of Malachi.