From: andrea@cm.deakin.oz.au (Kadrys)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: Kadrys has a word with the Beast, and with Constantine.
Message-ID: <3117@sol.deakin.OZ.AU>
Date: 17 May 92 23:46:41 GMT

Kadrys glances over to the newcomer who calls himself the Beast. A grin
twists his lip for a moment, exposing a flash of fang. 'He must be fairly
young.' Kadrys thinks. 'It's the young undead who think their powers make
them invincible. They always learn otherwise, in the end. Usually briefly.'
He puts his back to the bar and speaks to the stranger. Though he does not
raise his voice at all, somehow his soft tones carry across the Inn.

"Let me give you a little advice. There's more trouble in the world than any
one person can afford, no matter who they are. Why ask for more of it than
you can safely handle?" Kadrys gestures at the magical and martial beings
filling the room. "Look around. Most of the people here would rather not see
the staff of this inn coerced or interfered with. The service here is
considerateness itself..." (glances at Serene briefly) "...as you would know
if you tried asking instead of forcing. Personally, I find it relaxing not
to have to exert my skills for once. And it is a _refreshing_ change to have
been able to declare what I am and attract hospitality rather than hostility
for once in my life. I would not like to see those here reconsider their
reaction to me, particularly because of the actions of another of my kind."

The quiet voice ceases and Kadrys turns back to the bar and Constantine.
He gives a quick grin of thanks as the strange incense fumes dissipate, and
nods resignedly at Constantine's comment about everyone having problems.
Constantine stares off into space for a moment, as if considering something of
importance. After several moments he turns his attention back to Kadrys.
"What would happen if you drank the blood of a daemon?"
Kadrys takes in Constantine's deadly serious expression and for an instant the
breath catches in his throat. It is a long moment before he replies. When he
does, his tones are even more measured and cautious than usual. "I ... am not
sure. It depends on whether you meant to perform the deed yourself, or whether
you were wondering what would happen to me if I did. Either way, I cannot say
for certain. _I_ find the idea an ... intriguing challenge. Educational. But
a human?" (shakes his head forebodingly) "Nothing pleasant, that's certain.
A lifelong curse at the very least. The permanent enmity of the demon in
question. But the exact effects would of course depend on the nature of both
the ... donor and the recipient." A concerned frown creases Kadrys' brow and
he stares inquiringly at Constantine "Why in Hell do you want to _know_?"