[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda looks at you.  "The body breathes because it is a reflexive muscle operation, but I really do not need to breathe to exist.  Not anymore.  That part of my life changed a very long time ago when I died and was reborn.  And, other alchemists have tried over the years to make something of a vampire's blood, but they usually tried to take all of it and I am a bit against that notion.  It all starts out with a sample that might have "interesting" or "beneficial" applications, but has so far always ended up being merely interesting and beneficial for the alchemist, who just cannot get enough from little samples and goes for the lot.  There is usually some really important thing they an do to save peoples' lives or bring about a cure for some disease, but they need so much more of our blood, you see.  In fact, any relationship of that sort with an alchemist has universally ended badly.  Are you so different from all the others I have met over the centuries?"

Once in bed, she encourages your touch with appropriate moans of pleasure and need, but does not stop there.  She remembers much of what she has learned of your body and shows you that she is as expert a lover as you might expect from someone with over 1500 years of practice.  She very clearly lets you know that you are driving her to the level of ecstasy that you have intended, but turn about is fair play and you, too, experience a most profound sexual revelation at her hands and tongue.  Afterwards, she holds you tight to her, her eyes seeming to burn into you as you both relax.

[Ennui]

I lazily trace patterns on her skin with the tip of my finger.  Sorry if I brought up some bad memories before.  That wasn't my intention.  I like to think I'm different from those you spoke of but then again temptation is kind of my thing.  I always want more, but I like to think my affinity for the anticipation of an act gives me a certain level of patience.  I would never actually ask you for blood, I was just letting you know that I would be interested in testing its properties.  I hate putting my friends in positions like that.  I try not to ever put my friends in a position to have to say no to me.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda rubs a finger along the side of your face, her touch warm and alive somehow, despite her having been dead for centuries.  "I do believe that you are different from almost any mortal I have ever met.  I will freely give you a sample of my blood if you like and you may do with it what you will.  Just remember that there is a limited amount available."

[Ennui]

I nestle in closer to her, pressing my body against hers, feeling her softness against mine.  If you are comfortable with that then I accept.  Perhaps you can tell me what properties your blood has that you've discovered so far.  I've heard many stories about that and magic seems to resonate with symbolism, so it might be that its properties are those which the most people believe them to be.  Can you feed it to others to control them?  Can it heal wounds or diseases?  You know anything like that?

Is my pillow talk weird?  It's weird isn't it.  It's funny I don't ever do this.  I guess you are just more interesting than my other lovers have been.

[Mercy Merchant]

"Yes, I would be willing to let you experiment with it.  I do not know what it can do, but I do not think that it is the blood itself that makes me what I am., and I do not really know the answers to these questions.  But I will give you some blood.  Would you give me some of yours in exchange?"

[Ennui]

What, like to drink?  I'm a little skittish about the biting, but I have a chalice I can pour you some if that's okay.  Or are you wanting a material link?  I suppose that's only fair if you are going to trust me with your blood.  It's not like we haven't had ample opportunity to collect those from each other on the sly anyway.  I rub against her feeling flesh on flesh and kiss her.  Then reluctantly pull away from her and roll out of bed.  I should get working on finishing the batch.  If you'd care to help it will go much faster  I say stretching.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda, too, reluctantly gets out of the bed to stand near you.  She reaches out a hand and runs it down your torso from your cleavage to below your navel, all without her eyes leaving yours.  She then places the tip of her finger in her mouth and sucks on it before saying, "Of course I will help you.  I want to learn how you do it, or at least enough to be your assistant."

[Ennui]

I go over the instructions again to make sure she has got them and I even let her try to more annoying stuff like setting the lozenges and how to mix them.  While grinding and mixing I ask, Do you really want to trade blood samples?  Did you want a vial of mine for keepsies or a cup to drink?

Then we continue on preparing for the encapsulating process.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda seems to remember quite well your instructions from the last time and seems eager to try something new.  She laughs softly at your question.  "No, I do not want to keep it; I would like to drink it, to savor the essence of you.  But I do not need a cup, nor do I wish to endanger your magic.  A few drops is sufficient and will drain nothing away"

Beyond that, she is quiet and works hard to your specifications.

[Ennui]

Do you have to bite me though?  That kinda weirds me out.  It's not a deal breaker or anything, but it would be easier on my nerves.  I have used blood in rituals before  I laugh lightly.

The work moves quickly though it takes longer than last time since there is about twice as much to process.  Once completed I set the machine to start encapsulating and compressing and lay the lozenges out in the cooler.  I shed my protective gear, toss a cool rag to Glinda and wipe myself down. 

Shower?  I ask.

[Mercy Merchant]

She has not answered your questions while the two of you were working, keeping silent to concentrate on what she is doing.  At times you catch her looking intently at something and her tip of her tongue is showing at one corner of her mouth.  When finished, she accepts the rag and wipes some of the sweat off as she nods.  "A shower is definitely called for."  While walking to the bedroom and shower, she says, "No, I do not have to bite you.  In fact, I do not really think that is best for now.  Blood is like nothing else in creation; it soothes, it seethes, it maintains, and it is addictive.  It is as necessary for my life as it is for yours.  My own blood will not sustain me beyond a short time, which is why I need the blood of others.  I have learned great control, but I have also learned to not put myself in a bad situation, too.  Biting you would be immensely gratifying, even if you only allowed me a few drops of your precious blood.  Such an act is more binding than making love or sharing children.  It presupposes so much more......................"

She pauses for a few seconds.  "I do not intend to ever ask to be allowed to bite you, Isla.  I will leave that up to you, if you ever wish to allow it.  In the meantime, I can be satisfied with a few drops from a simple cut.  And you would not wish to drink my blood without changing it in some way.  The only time it is possible for you to survive that is at your turning, your rebirth as one of us.  Then, it is vital and you could not survive the change without drinking of my blood.  Or Sian's.  But I do not think that you are considering making that sort of change right now, so please do not drink of the blood I give you.  Experiment to your heart's content, but do not sip at it."

"But enough of dire talk.  I have sweated in a hot suit and a hot room and want to clean us off so we can get all sweaty again."

[Ennui]

I start the shower and let Glinda take the lead this time.  So far I had been the one instigating and teasing.  Perhaps it is time to see what Glinda can do and while I know she knows what I like I think a pop quiz may be in order.  Will she rush it?  Will she take her time?  Will she make me go mad with desire? The anticipation...

[Mercy Merchant]

She goes with the "making you mad with desire" option.  By the time you go through your third shattering climax you have moved from the shower to the bathroom floor to a chair in the bedroom to the bed.  She seems to have enjoyed the experience as much as you and lays next to you, panting.  Her eyes bore into yours and she smiles at you.  "Now, that was amazing.  Thank you."

[Ennui]

That was fun, I say snuggling in close.  Are you staying?  I need to get some shut eye.

[Mercy Merchant]

She smiles at you and caresses your face.  "Then sleep.  I will watch over you and keep the night demons at bay."  Your last memory is of her looking at you as you drift off to a dreamless and very restful sleep.  You wake to find that you have turned and your back is to her.  Her arm is wrapped about you and you actually do feel safe and warm.  As you stir, her hand strokes down your side and she says, "Good morning.  I trust you slept well.  Your friends returned a bit ago and are sleeping in Corbin's room.  Shelly did open the door to make sure that you were alright, but did not try to disturb you."