SCENE EIGHT: STREETS OF PARIS
Establishing Photograph: The streets of Paris
(LESTAT and GABRIELLE run through the deserted streets. Suddenly, she bends over and groans with pain.)
[Lestat:]
Your body is dying. It won't take long for the pain to pass.
[Gabrielle:]
This is nothing compared to what I've known.
[Lestat:]
It may go faster if you drink now.
(She nods and they move on. Two predators in the night. But LESTAT hears that sound again of a presence stalking him. He doesn't let on to his mother. Soon, they come upon a young man, slight of build, standing in an alcove as if waiting for someone.)
The thirst will carry you into it.
(But she's not waiting for instructions. She moves toward the man like a young lady in need of aid. She approaches. He tips his hat politely. She raises on tiptoe, whispering in his ear. As he bends to listen, she takes him, overpowering him easily, driving him to his knees and finally releasing his body which crumples to the ground. She looks at LESTAT, panting, exhilarated, amazed, then back at the body as if she can't believe what she has done.)
Come away now.
[Gabrielle:]
Wait.
(She pulls the body into the shadow of the alcove.)
[Lestat:]
Gabrielle…
[Gabrielle:]
Give me a moment.
(LESTAT looks up at the sky which has grown lighter.)
[Lestat:]
Almost dawn. We need to get back to the tower.
(The young man emerges. It's GABRIELLE wearing his clothes.)
[Gabrielle:]
[off his stupefied expression] But there's no reason for me to dress that way anymore, is there?
[Lestat:]
No. Of course there isn't.
[Gabrielle:]
Come then.
(She moves off with a spry gait. LESTAT follows. )