((Open)) ~Romania~ I've Missed Home

[within7temptation]

Her eyes flashed when she heard the great doors to her castle opening and then closing. Foot stepps upon stone. Then upon the lush carpeting. She knew that particular gait... "Liam Erebus." Her eyes flashed to that very brilliant and very, very dangerouse shade of beautiful teal. The color of sorrow and anger. The color of rage. She should have killed him. That male had put their kind in jeopardy on far too many occasions. And this time, the man's disruption had been on a level that was so disturbing that it had made her sick. There were members of her coven that usually handled such affairs as letters, summonings, and warning; But the Lady Duskarie Abigail Mysteria had taken on this particular foul personaly. She growled from deep within her slender chest, the feral sound echoing within the hall as though it were an angered wolf scareling from within an emptied cave. "How many times have you caused such disturbances, Liam?" Her voice showed just how angery she was and how little control she had over her Hellish rage at that precise moment.

"It has been an act of kindness that, even after all of your misdeeds and dispruptions, I have not ordered my Night Riders to hunt you down and execute you, Liam! You are a bloody damned Elder! You should act like one and gain some self control!" She wanted so badly to step forward and slit the elder's slender throat with her finest dagger; The one with the silver pomel made into a wolf's howling head, amythests and sapphires and diamonds inlaid at the hilt, and the same words engraved along the blade as the ones on the inside of her wedding ring; The ring that she had left with Morgan. Yes, that dagger. The wedding gift from her mother. Ah... To see the dark crimson fluids of the male's life trying so desperatly to stain her blade... It would saticfy her to no end. But she was a Lady and a Queen. Refined and poise and proper. Duskarie would never be seen acting so rashly. To act upon instinct and desire alone... Such was reserved for moments of making love. Not for inflicting punishments.

But the news that had reached her ears... Everything that this particular male had done. The disturbances and the deaths that had been linked to his name. And the messes that her covenant, what with its size and efficiancy, had been landed with and had to clean up. The wittnesses and the victems. But he was a vampire and an Elder; And she was Hell-bent on keeping their kind alive and educated so that they could thrive. But there were weeds in ever flower garden... And weeds were bad for the flowers.

...And who was he to question her choice in men? "Morgan is my consort, and your superior. You will treat him with the same respect that you are expected to show me and all other elders. The same respect you would have given to Marques Vontair." She raised herself to her full five feet and five inches. She could feel his own rage growing within him, and she smiled at it. She was politically forced to treat Liam with respect and be hospitable, even though he was basically a convict and under arrest. Confined to remain within the castle walls. But if he made a wrong move, she had every right to order him dead on the spot.

[gabriel]

Gabriel's feather light smile remain on his lips even as his beloved went cold and hungered for the other elder's blood for his actions. Hovering behind the Queen, he crossed slowly from one side to the next, emerald eyes watching Erebus as he came under fire. Gliding by, the Vampire's eyes drifted across the back of Morgan's shoulders as Gabriel began passing behind the youth that had captured Duskarie's eye. If it wouldn't have been too obvious, or forward, he might have caressed the young one's rump to continue their play; sadly the moment was far too serious for such levity.

Drawing around Morgan, the ancient one drifted a step out toward their "honored" guest. "Lord Liam Erebus," Gabriel paused to grace their new arrival a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps, later, we could discuss the unfortunate events leading to this exciting union." As a man of similar tastes, it seemed appropriate the two of them would talk. After all, his beloved Lady did not quite see eye to eye regarding the sweet wine of Human blood to that of animals. A Vampire could live on animal flesh, but Humans were more satisfying prey. Even if they lived through the kiss.

Having not go any further than his Lady had, herself, it was easy to observe her body language given his offer. Still, Gabriel had been kind and flowery in his description. More importantly he might help put an end to her problem, one way or another, leaving her free to avoid unwanted and spited confrontation. It was obvious she held no love for her guest even if she had the etiquette necessary to avoid spilling his blood on the spot. A most generous gift and one he was sure Erebus was pleased to receive--even if he didn't show it.

Hopefully the younger ones that'd come with them weren't too upset by the scene. Elders could be such difficult creatures at times; many struggled to restrain the beast within as it tore at their soul over the centuries. Gabriel like to think his otherwise friendly outward demeanor was a product of sating the beast's thirsts without restraint at times. Still, he had the wisdom to more carefully execute such release than poor Lord Erebus had. A product of unfortunate chance? Perhaps, but that was something he would like to learn from the man in the near future.

[morgandubhbraon]

Morgan had followed silently as their slight party had escaped the confines of the room. He smiled at Gabriel behind his back as they made their way into the halls and away from the Grand entrance. His mind was preoccupied with debate. His mind had other pursuits in mind, and he knew now was not the time to voice them, they had eternity to face the pleasures before them. Gabriel's teasing back had only ignited his desore to pursue these options more fully in the future.

So he pondered the lighter options offered. He was a strong swimmer, and his physique had never been one to hide behind clothing. Perhaps this would cause more thoughts in the direction he was trying to lead away from. To see Duskarie and Gabriel clad only in the scant cloth of swim wear might be his undoing. He was about to suggest a moonlit walk or horse ride, which cheered him with its promise of seeing the magnificent steed he'd already bonded with. His eyes had passed back and forth between Gabriel and Duskarie as he'd pondered this. He was certain Gabriel would be an excellent horseman, he was certain to excel in every area.

The hunt idea Gabriel had offered earlier could be a fun excercise too, but would that make the other two young ones feel more relaxed or more uneasy. He had not wanted to think about feeding from animals; but could they hunt for people as a small group without detection? He had connections with doctors and could get donated human blood if he needed... and he had already decided this would suffice if his warm blooded escapades could not be pursued. A nostalgic grin passed over his features at how his method of feeding was quite pleasurable. He had a sort of charisma over his victims, and he didn't have to kill to feed. They never knew they'd been his dinner when he was finished with them.

But these thoughts passed quickly through his mind, the party had moved only a few yards down the hallway when he looked up at a newcomer to the castle. The entire mood shifted. Duskarie's demeanor was hostile and barely contained and Gabriel was interested... Morgan looked at him out of the corner of his eye. He listened to Duskarie's harsh accusations and then Gabriel's gentle rebuke. He had nothing to say. His voice now would only incite this new member of their Castle keep to further animosity. He could feel the displeasure coming off him in waves whenever he glanced at Morgan. Morgan tried to look him over surreptitously as he seemed to calm down from Gabriel's speech. But he knew instinctively not to say anything, not even to welcome this new one. He murmured his thoughts out loud so low only Gabriel closest to him would hear if he chose, This newcomer holds hostility towards me. I have never crossed his path, yet he holds me in lowest contempt. It is untoward not to greet him, yet I know to speak is to invite rebuke and incite his agitation again. To best serve the coven I shall remain silent. Yet I wish I knew why I offend him so deeply, and what he has done to receive such rage from M'Lady. Morgan refused to avert his eyes, he had been accepted and loved by Duskarie and even Gabriel seemed inclined to enfold him into their trinity. This aversion rubbed him the wrong way, yet he knew to bite his tongue and keep silent. He looked at Gabriel's form so close to him that he could enbrace him easily, and he was wont to do so, but now more than ever the time was not right. neither could he reassure himself in Duskarie's warmth and regard.

These feelings of insecurity were new to him. He was a Lord by birthright, and his family was ancient; he was unaccostomed to this treatment and animosity in any form. He would find a moment to confer with Liam Erebus someday and discern the foundation of these harsh emotions that seethed from him at any slight movement Morgan might make. With that resolved he smiled as politely as ever at the newcomer and tilted his head to one side slightly as silent welcoming. He would be ever the perfect gentleman towards Liam, even when he learned the course of their difference. So his action was inaction, for the sake of the peace of the Coven.

[liam]

Liam smiled and replied to Duskarie,But Ma'Lady I've never gone off the edge like this before. Actually compared to the rogue vampyres roaming about I'm quite tame. besides, even you Ma'Lady, can't resist when blood spatters your lovely face. It's an instant rush that is impossible to ignore. Also, I'd think I've done that town a great favor by eliminating the two gangs that plagued it with bullets and hundreds of deaths over the years.[/color] He smiled softly and turned from Lady Duskarie to let her sit with her thoughts. In truth he had only lost control once before, on four humans and in a dense forest with no witnesses. he had done away with the bodies nicely and none had ever found them. On that time he hadn't even needed to be contacted because he had handled it well. His features became more serious and remorsefully as the events of the past night flashed across his mind once more.

He quickly shook it from his mind as the elder male approached him. He noted the way he moved around the younger male and his displeasure flashed through him once more. he didn't care what the family ties were, he had never approved of vampyres immediately given a powerful spot and not having to earn it via years of experience. He wasn't jealous, just apprehensive. He turned once more to Lord Gabriel and nodded at his remark,That would be lovely. I'd like a chance to voice my side before the final decision is dealt. I look forward to talking with you Lord Gabriel.[/color] he smiled once more before turning away from Gabriel and to the new vampyre.

And then we have the new Lord of this house unjustly risin in my opinion but then again with my unsettling reputation perhaps I should keep quiet, no? Perhaps it is you I am most looking forward to talking to young Lord, I am very curious as to hear your story, I hope it impresses. I'm not one to hold a grudge but, I am one who like a good story. perhaps you have one to tell?[/color] he kept his voice pleasant and soft and his anger even. He looked upon the young male with ease and anticipation. This young one could have an interesting tale to spin. he might just be worth acknowledging as an elder even with his youth.

[within7temptation]

Cold. The pale queen had just gone so cold with the accusation that she was unable to control herself when it came to the promising smell and the smooth feel and warm taste of blood. The lovely creature had always been in full control of herself, with very few exceptions. Duskarie had not messed up in over three hundred years. Nor did she see herself ever allowing a loss of control during a feeding. Did this male even understand the depth of the situation? Yes, he had done away with some of the foulest kinds of humans she'd even heard of. But that was not the point. "Liam, you have exposed our kind. I am not saying that I am perfect," she stepped forward until she was within reach of the rather pretty male. "But I have managed to refrain from masacre. At least as long as it is needless and in public view." She eyes darkened to a sorrowful gray as she remembered the lives that had been cut short in a matter of five months... Revenge. Yes, she had gone on quite the rampage after her husband had been murdered; but that was also different. She had not lost her control during those months, and she had refrained from exposure. But did that really make her any different from all of the vampires that had gone rouge?

She remembered on man in particular. The man that had led the murdering group. Out of fifty men, he had been the fourth one to die. If she could have taken it all back, she would have; She would have let them all live. Even him. That hadn't known that the wild vampire had not been one of her coven. They had not known, and yet they had accused Marques of the massacre of over half of their village. No... She would not take it back. They had assumed that it had been one of her family, and they had killed her husband because of it. In turn, she had lost her unborm daughter in all of the stress and the anger. The woman's face hardened and she turned away, her eyes turning back to that brilliant teal as tears began to stream down her pale cheeks and she stormed down the stairs to wait for them on the first floor.

[gabriel]

"This newcomer holds hostility towards me. I have never crossed his path, yet he holds me in lowest contempt. It is untoward not to greet him, yet I know to speak is to invite rebuke and incite his agitation again. To best serve the coven I shall remain silent. Yet I wish I knew why I offend him so deeply, and what he has done to receive such rage from M'Lady."

Gabriel kept his smile in place as the young male vocalized his concerns quietly between two vampires. Youth had its charm, but it had an equal number of short falls. Lack of experience was one of them. He couldn't hold it against Morgan, merely hope the young man would learn quickly and adapt before some otherwise uncouth Lord--which Gabriel hoped would not be Liam--tried to 'correct' the situation.

To be honest, however, Gabriel understood the other Lord's position. In fact, it was a bit surprising to hear of his status in the coven even as his Lady's lover. Much more shocking than the idea she would have another man in her life--likely a result of having tasted her blood. Still, it was Duskarie's coven and he hardly felt it his place to intervene on such a matter, most assuredly not in public as they were now.

"That would be lovely. I'd like a chance to voice my side before the final decision is dealt. I look forward to talking with you Lord Gabriel."

The other Lord express interest in Gabriel's offer even after trying to rationalize what had happened. Without assaulting the Queen of the Castle the elder felt the man could hardly have done much worse for him; in particular appealing to their otherwise lustful nature and the desire to feed when blood assailed the senses. Catching Duskarie's expression Gabriel was certain the man had made an otherwise grievous mistake--even if it'd been completely unintentional.

"As do I. My Lady's decision, however, will be final once it has been made. I trust you understand," was his cautionary note to throw off any hope Gabriel might somehow force his own opinion on the matter and sway the final vote. If Liam was honest and not prone to disruption he might suggest a course of action to Duskarie in private, but after that the Lord's fate was in the Queen's hands. Even if by placement he might be King, Gabriel, again, wasn't going to carelessly throw his 'authority' around; especially not for a Lord he'd practically just met that may very well be the threat Duskarie perceived.

Then there was the man's invitation to young Morgan himself desirous to learn more of how he'd come upon his power and prestige. Turning his head aside, the elder watched the young grapple with the invitation. A tug at the elder's lips and a sparkle to his eye was a hopeful caution about being to accepting of this opportunity. It could play out well, but then Morgan wasn't the aged predator Liam was in comparison. It could go well, but it could also cost Morgan.

Clearing his throat, it seemed the obvious should be brought to Liam's attention. "For the time being, I suggest giving my Lady time to consider what you have said before delving further on this matter." In simple, layman's terms, Gabriel told the man to stay away from her and avoid bringing the reason why he was here up in conversation within earshot of Duskarie... but that was only if the man wanted a comfortable life, and to potentially escape eternal slumber altogether. It was Liam's choice, Gabriel was just trying to play the serene host in the wake of the Queen's exit.

[morgandubhbraon]

Morgan was mortified as He watched the playout netween Liam and Duskarie. He had stood silent and trying not to make the wrong movement; and feeling very in over his head at the moment. He wanted to say the right thing, and he wanted to remain the gentleman, and he wanted to honor the Coven. Conflict rose within him, he was angry, and he was humbled. This was an elder and yet he had hurt Duskarie, she was so angry and emotionally wrought! Morgan had never seen her just leave like that. He glanced at Gabriel out of the corner of his eye. He squared his shoulders and looked at Liam.

Sir Liam, I beg you to accept my apologies, In the future I would accept an opportunity to discuss my history with you further. I daresay that it will do little to affect your opinion of me, yet I would enjoy the opportunity. For now, when you arrived we were getting ready to escort these two lovely women to some relaxing endeavor. So I will beg my leave to continue that plan and escort them, Good morrow to you. He tipped his hand to his forehead and gave a respectful saluting bow. Gabriel, I think you best to comfort our Lady, if you would...I will take the Ladies out to see the horses, I think. He bowed his head politely and amicibly to the other male.

He then turned to Tatiana and Casey and offered them a warm grin. If he was confused they had to be completely out of place right now. This little jaunt had been to offer them some hospitality and a lighter mood from the solemnity of the occasion earlier. He wanted to try to restore the slight peace that they had almost achieved. Ladies, if I may be so bold, I would like to continue the offer Queen Duskarie extended. If you would care to come with me I would be your humble escort tonight. He nodded his head to each in turn as a sort of simple bow meeting their eyes and hoping they would trust him enough to follow him out. He turned and walked pastthem efficiently and smoothly leading out to where the horses were stabled.

((I'm out))

[liam]

Liam's grin melted off his face as he watched Duskarie and Morgan leave, the first in a fit of tears the other politely bowing out. He frowned and looked to the floor for a moment trying to regain his composure but ultimately failing.

His shoulders began to shake as laughter claimed him and soon he was doubled over in a fit of laughter and tears. He quickly stood up with a grin resting upon his lips once more, I seem to make everyone flee don't I? Ah the sweet drama of a Lady and the politeness of a new vamp. Dock a few points to the Lady and give 'em to the young one who deserves 'em. Not to be rude but breaking down in front of your guests is a low blow to your image. I don't care what she says, when blood is presented it's only natural for us to let go. Besides, I've not messed up with humans once on a dramatic scale in my 625 years of walking, nor have I shown tears in front of a guest. What is our race coming to I wonder?

Liam shook his head as he brought a hand up to his temple closing his eyes as if stressed. He sighed heavily and then looked to the remaining person in the hall, I suppose now you're going to let me have it and then run after her, or simply leave me here? I'd expect nothing less. However neither seems to end with a positive note. Ah the troubles I cause with just a few defensive words. Perhaps I should cease to exist. Then perhaps the lot of you could breath a bit easier and go on muddling into the shallow depths of humans. I thought vampyres had some moral. I see now I'm mistaken. We can no longer do as we please. We can no longer hunt, even in secret. We musty hide like animals and remain forever in the shadows. What a pity, I rather liked being a bit of a trouble maker. Perhaps I should retire and act 'like a proper elder'. Liam turned from Gabriel with a sigh and looked about the empty hall. This turn of events had taken a left turn and he was quite unimpressed.

[gabriel]

"Gabriel, I think you best to comfort our Lady, if you would...I will take the Ladies out to see the horses, I think."

Gabriel watched young Morgan off with the ladies at his sides. His smile didn't waver at the suggestion or his departure. What was there to scowl at? A pretty Vampire with two very pretty Vampiress at his side? Being asked to tend to their beloved Lady? Or being left, alone, with their guest that was altogether too ready for a sparing match of word and wit? Well, Duskarie's sorrowful state was something of a dreary mood, but then how could a man express himself to a woman if there was no conflict to recover or uplifting to be had? Yes, altogether an eventful scene that provided them a fortune of opportunity.

Obviously, Lord Erebus disagreed. The playful grin was burnt to ashes in the wake of the sudden turn of events. Gabriel recalled such instances in his own life, but sought better things from his own kind. Similar incidents with mortals no longer concerned him; they were fleeting and easily forgotten. Not these faces, however. No, in cases such as this one others had centuries to mull over what was said or done and act accordingly. Centuries to plot and plan and scheme... it was all dreadfully entertaining.

Ah, but then the Lord recovered himself. Picked himself to his feet and found his bitter edge once more recognizing the audience for what it was: a chance. There was too much more to be said and possibility rife to explore.

What interesting things a man could learn from another without uttering a word. All Gabriel had to do was stand and listen to their guest as he spoke. Six hundred and twenty-five was he? How the ancient managed to gather after all. Three rather powerful creature of immortality under the same roof, and all they could think about was how the others didn't meet expectations. Sad, really, but then why should it be any different? Age tempered you, or it didn't and so many preferred to languish in the sins of the past.

Musings aside, Lord Erebus had some words for his audience of one specifically. Obviously Liam was very confident of himself and the impact he had on his surroundings. You could even call him arrogant and full of himself. Easy judgments to make, though Gabriel would hold off on any conclusion before he understood the Lord further. Pity he didn't look upon him in his regal attire as Morgan had. Vampires made such pretty lovers of either sex. Not everything could be swept away with carnal delight, however.

Drifting closer to Lord Erebus, Gabriel slowly lay his hands atop the other's shoulders with a smile still gracing his lips. Leaning a bit to the left, the ancient male kept his voice soft so that it passed just between the two of them, "A proper Lord, Lord Erebus? That sounds rather dull and unfulfilling. A man of monotony and predictability? Perhaps one of a book or cloth, something fitting the fancy of Man these days. A rather sad tale, trapped in the prison of one's own choosing careful to pluck each word from the void as a mortal might suckle at the meat of a Tetraodontidae," or more commonly known as a blowfish and the dance a chef must take in preparing such a delicious, yet deadly, meal.

A soft, short laugh rumbled in the back of Gabriel's throat as he stood there. "We are immortal, free to explore life in ways mere mortals can only dream of; don't throw your self on your sword with such haste. We are, too, predators and liable to feast on a meal lain out before us. A sad story of happenstance wanderers on such a scene. A terrible and grisly last sight. One indescribable by mortals, but suspicious to the weary, and tell-tale to our foes. Still," Gabriel's tone leaped from a low to high note on command, "even with the constant surveillance of technology and the tools of science that might find signs of something not altogether... 'normal'... we cannot afford to lose what we are simply to satisfy the diminishing space left by mortals too eager to consume their environment for a fleeting moment of satisfaction."

The man leaned in closer to the Lord's ear, his voice growing softer, "We might like the old days to return. The hunt. The terror in our prey's eyes as they realize the end has come. But, my Lord, this is Lady Duskarie's Castle. Her vision is this coven's vision, and her commandment ours', yes? I would be grief stricken if my Lady should shed another tear, especially at the news of someone so prestigious and powerful passing into the night; the promise of their joviality and fire snuffed out in eternal slumber. Such things have been known to happen throughout the ages to careless men and women too eager to stake their claim. Enjoy what the night has given us, work with me in building a future for our people. The old days are gone, but there are so many more ahead of us." Provided, of course, the man didn't insult Duskarie again. Castles were dangerous places; a Vampire could be tied to a tower and left forgotten at the sun rose. Terrible tragedy.

[liam]

Liam froze and his eyes widened at the closeness of Gabriel. Soon however his shoulders fell and he closed his eyes a pained expression falling upon his face. He bowed his head opening his eyes looking at the floor. Gabriel's words made sense, and they also made Liam feel ashamed. He sighed and looked at the ceiling as he ran his hand through his hair. He looked at Gabriel and smiled weakly, You make so many good statements. You sound amazing and yet I'm still confused by your words. You seem to imply danger yet concern. For the lady and for others. You care yet you also long for past times. I, on the other hand, am fiery and say hurtful things. I'm a teenager to the core and I hate conformity no matter the degree. I don't really care what happened to me any more. I don't care who cares, I'm just so sick of trying to appease all the elders, I'm becoming someone whom I'm not. Also, what in the world did I do to make her run like that? And on the subject of her, is she really the same age in appearance as me? She seems so old, there's no way she can be a teenager as well. Impossible and I refuse to believe it. Another thing, Liam crossed his arms as his brow furrowed in thought.

I don't understand how she expects us to act this way. Not hunting humans, hunting animals instead I suppose? What are we, 'Modern Vampires'? I can't stand the taste of animal blood. I prefer human blood. It's more sustaining anyways With this he smiled to himself and then looked at Gabriel, You stay here, whatever. I'm going to get myself killed most likely, but I'm tired of being banned to the shadows and fringes of human society. I'm so tied of all the new rules and restrictions. Besides, there are so many humans, and they kill each other every day so what's wrong with us killing a few as well? I just don't understand! He frowned but with his youthful features it looked more like he was pouting. He looked at the ground lost in deep thought. He didn't understand the rules at all, yet he always managed to break them easily.

To Liam it seemed no matter what he did he was breaking a rule. He'd been apprehended for so many things he had begun to hide out more and more in the caverns like an animal in hiding. As these thoughts filled his mind his smile melted away and was replaced with a deep sadness and shame. He closed his eyes as his bangs fell covering his face. His shoulders slumped and he chuckled, Perhaps, it would be better if I disappeared, if only for a while. I cause so much trouble, My Master used to say I was too much trouble to handle and that one day I would regret my wrongful deeds. But, I never understood what he meant, until right after he bit me. And now,

Liam rose his head to look at Gabriel, Now, I'm still acting up, even though I know it'll end in pain. I think. I think....ah who am I kidding. He smiled sadly and then turned his back on Gabriel and began walking to the entrance to the castle. His head was cast down and his eyes were partly closed as they turned glassy from sadness. He sighed and lost himself deep in thought as he walked.[/blockquote]

[within7temptation]

She watched the younger vampire for a moment, after he had passed her to go towards the entrance, and the followed. "Liam..." Her voice was soft as she reached his side. She had been listening to their conversation with great regret. Her delicate hand found that of the male's and held it loosely. It was not an act of atraction or wanting. Rather, an act of comfort and of understanding. She did not make him stop walking, but she walked with him instead. Her hair swayed around her as she watched the floor several paces infront of them. "I am going to tell you some things about me. Things that will help you to understand. But I will demand two things of you. One, do not pitty me. Ever." Gods, give her anything --anything at all!-- save fore a good man's pitty. "And two, do not think that I am seeking pitty."

She lifted her gave to watch the "young" man beside her. She wanted to see his reactions when she spoke. "When I was seven years old, my parents arranged for me to be wed to an 'Olf Friend of the Family.' A vampire named Marques Vontair. We were wed, and I was turned, the night of my seventeenth birthday. I am of Ireland, just the same as my Lord Morgan. So, naturally, I was expected to mature very quickly. And, as most of the women in my family, my 'teen' years came and went quickly. But, being seventeen and immortal, it took me a while to understand why we had to have rules. Why we had to follow them." Her eyes turned first to teal, and then to gray as her hand tightened on his and she stopped in the entrance room beside the glowing hearth. The painting above it was now the source of her interest as she continued to speak. "I was a few month along, I forget just how far, in my pregnancy when they attacked us. Humans. A vampire that was not of ours had got crazzed and had massacred so many. The villagers assumed that it was Marques, seeing as how he was the oldest of us. The female Elders got me away from the castle just in time. I was standin high on the mountain when I saw the mob kill my husband. And in a rage, I got my revenge. And his. But I lost my child in all of the sorrow and the rage and the stress. I would have had a baby girl."

The woman released his hand as she continued to watch the picture. "I was not even two hundred years old when it happened. And it is so hard for us to concive... She was my only pregnancy. In almost seven-hundred years, I have had only one conception; And she was lost. And it all started because one dult chose to break the rules and risk the lives of every Vampire within a hundred miles. That is why I enforce the rules. So that such things will not happen again, and another wife and future mother will not have to go through such a tragedy." She looked back at him with a somber look.

[gabriel]

"I'm a teenager to the core and I hate conformity no matter the degree. I don't really care what happened to me any more. I don't care who cares, I'm just so sick of trying to appease all the elders."

Such a sweet enduring naivety from someone so old. Either a blessing or a bitter curse of someone that simply couldn't fathom changing. Perhaps he couldn't. Whatever the man's "affliction," Gabriel found it charming even if Liam might not be the sort to appreciate the blushing compliment. It had been enjoyable feeling the other start at his touch. It was nice to know he could still shock people with simply his predatory presence. It was a terrible thing, being ignored when you knew your place was as a ferocious beast.

Yes, appeasing the elders was a sad state of affairs. Even this elder often enough ignored the courts entirely; he'd roamed the lands on his own until he'd simply grown tired of mortals. Rules, restrictions, desperation for survival. They drew inward when they should be whispering in the ears of the powerful. Swaying them and clinging to them until the next, more powerful one surfaced. They were above all else afraid of death and that was an easily manipulated fear.

"What are we, 'Modern Vampires'? I can't stand the taste of animal blood. I prefer human blood. It's more sustaining anyways."

Who did the young elder think he was talking to? Gabriel loved wrapping himself about a mortal and tasting their short song on his lips. Sadly a man couldn't do that as often as he once could, but the dangers and scarcity of the hunt these days had hardly prevented, nor kept, him from the sport. Small in number, but sweet in prize. Animals were thoughtless brutes and couldn't truly comprehend the magnitude of death's embrace piercing their flesh and gorging itself of blood. A mortal, however, their wine was scented and flavored with understanding; or, in better circumstances, swept up in the carnal pleasures drowning in passion and unaware of the quenching exchange.

As Liam began to depart in what might prompt Gabriel to action, his beloved returned and caught the man by the hand. His back straightened just a hair at the sight, but he fought the urge down. True they barely knew one another, but Gabriel still considered Duskarie his. They might enjoy passions with others, but ultimately the two of them would not so easily part. All the same, that did little to simply disband the jealous thoughts that would like nothing more than to swallow Liam whole. Fortunate Gabriel was too old to lash out so blindly.

Keeping his distance, then, the man observed the two. Duskarie would like to keep the wayward teen in her company and so he would let her woo him back to the fold with her explanation.

[liam]

Liam looked at Lady Duskarie his face emotionless yet asmile resting on his lips, Tragic. Yet, if you keep something from being what it is meant to be, eventually it will rise up and strike out. I've always been rebellious, even as a tot. My parents were slaughtered by an elder vampyre. That vampyre, for reasons unknown to me, couldn't kill me. Instead, in secret, I suffered. He adopted me as his own and raised me. I pretended for many years to be happy and content with this and even grew close to my Master. So close, that, for the times back then, I allowed him to use me for unspeakable pleasures. All I could think of was to please my Master. However, he was always worried because of me. You see, I was a sickly child and couldn't wander too far outside, couldn't play like the other boys, couldn't run like them, couldn't move half of the time. He worried so much it nearly drained him. Each night he had to hunt just to refresh his health. Then, on my 17th birthday, I fell mortally ill. I was bed-ridden for five months. In those five months my Master did not once come to my side to comfort me. Suddenly, on the night I would have died he appeared. I couldn't see him clearly for the dim lighting and my high fever. Yet I could still feel the pain from his bite. It lasted longer than usual because of my weakened and sickly state. When I finally awoke reborn, I was banished from his house with no explanation. Only a last order. I intend to fallow that order even if it kills me. I have no regards for such strict rules. Rules yes, however when the rules keep us from being what we truly are, I ignore them.

Liam smiled his eyes darkened as he looked away. He was touched that the Lady had confided in him her story, however he felt no pity. Pity was something he could never feel, for he had never had a reason to feel it. He gently took his hand back and ran his fingers through his hair his eyes closing as memories of the past swept through his ming. His Master's last words still sounding loud and clear, Leave my house, never return. If you return I will not hesitate to kill you. However, Liam, I have one last order for you before you go, now that you are a child, yes a child, of the night never forget who you are inside. No matter what, never forget who you are and remain true to me. Liam sighed as the words echoed through his mind.

Liam shook his head and looked once more to the Lady, Perhaps, it would be best for me to move out of this region. Seeing as I cause much trouble for you. Though I'm not sure where I'll go, it's best for me to leave so you can return to your other quests and not have to worry about a troublesome person such asI. He grinned as he stood hands clasped behind his head looking very much like a modern teenage boy who's been caught doing something naughty.