Lover

[CJF]

((Wow! WW, Cella, that was intense! Hmmm...off to try and post...))

 

[CJF]

((*scream* I just read your last post Cella! It was amazing! Of course I don't mind about the nickname. ))

 

[StarSplitter87]

Sitting at the edge of the pool, Shaula heard snatches of a conversation, bits and fragments of a voice which seemed pleased. Curisity took her and she arose from her stone bench, leaving the shade and calm of it to walk amongst the trees in the highly forested area of the garden, paths suited for it with flowers and unnatural rows of bushes lining the sides. As the voices became louder, she made her step silent with a whispered spell and stepped into the tree line before it wore off.

In an instant, her heart stopped as she gazed upon the couple in the clearing near the swing, Arsyth? She leaned against the tree which hid her well, her dark form blending in with the flora of the forest, the shadows which encased the bright colored beauty in a dimness which echoed that of her dull green dress and her dark flowing hair. And who was with him, that pleasant voice she now remembered she despised? None other than Sirena. Glaring at her back now, anger running within her as she came into the presence of Arsyth, she longed to be in her place. She deserved to be in Sirena's place! Sirena held no rights to the arms of Arsyth! It was her's! But Shaula made not motion to attack or confront, but continued to silently watch, hidden in her place and able to hear each word spoken.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

"Eve...." Samir mumbled, waking himself up. He opened his eyes and found himself staring at a pale shoulder tucked into dark robes. Eve. He pushed himself up and sat back against the wall at the head of the mattress. He bent his knees and rested his elbows on them, taking a deep breath, his mind spinning. The dream had seemed so real! He ran his hands over his face and rubbed his eyes. But no, it couldn't be. He was here now, with Eve. No Tessa.

His heart leapt. Tessa. He remembered her name! He shook his head. No. It was simply a name he had given her in his dream. It meant nothing. Nothing. Samir leaned his head back against the wall and gazed down at Eve's sleeping form. So peaceful. He sat there watching her sleep, a calm coming over him. Yes, this was where he belonged.

((Man, the women are ripping each other a new one! Methinks we need more testosterone or something to calm these girls ))

Eve felt her head pounding as she slowly woke up to find herself lying on an extremely lumpy mattress. Her mind was groggy, and it took her a few times to keep her eyes opened and remain focused. When she did she saw Samir's dark eyes staring at her, watching. Her heart jumped and she quickly sat up, patting her hair as she did. She could only guess how badly her tangled web of hair looked right now.

Eve sighed and stood. "How long have you been watching me?" She glanced at him. "Don't stare at me like that!"

She moved to attempt to straighten out her robes, but stopped, suddenly horrified. She glanced down at her left side to find her arm just dangling there. No, it couldn't be! She couldn't move it! She couldn't even feel it! For all she knew it didn't exist anymore.

Eve reached over with her right hand to grab it. Nothing. She then jabbed it. Still nothing. She even struggled to move the arm by her shoulder. Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing! At first Eve thought it was a mistake, but then she remembered the binding ritual with Samir. So this was her sacrifice; the loss of her arm.

 

[CJF]

Trista didn't know how long she'd been standing there, where Samir had left her, but it didn't feel like very long. She looked around, suddenly concious of her surroundings. So...he was a vampire? The news meant nothing to her in comparison to the undeniable fact that she was, once again, alone without the slightest twinge of hope. He hadn't harmed her in any way, for which Trista was most grateful. She sighed and beagn to walk, unsure of what to do or where to go. She did know, however, that she had no desire to return home. There was nothing there for her accept lonliness. At least here she was around others, wether she communed with them or not.

She was exauhsted and broken hearted, but had no energy to cry. She merely wandered around the village, aware that people probably recognized her as the half crazed, love-struck female elf that had run around the village just moments before looking for the one she believed to be her lover; but it was all trivial now. Samir was a vampire. Brennan was not. So that's it, then? No more thoughts of happiness, no more wishes of love; it's over. The thought was harsh, and did nothing to soften the brunt of reality.

Trista found a spot on the outskirts of the village, near a small stream where she was able to sit and admire something that momentarily took her mind off of her troubles. It took a few moments for her to realize it greatly resembled a place where she and Brennan often went. The recolection brought a smile to her face. She rememered the joy she felt in those moments with him, and how unfalteringly happy she'd been. Memories she'd kept locked away now freely roamed through her mind, taking her back nearly fourty years. She tucked her knees under her chin, and wrapped her arms around her legs. The memories were beautiful; his loving arms around her, his piercing eyes staring into her own. Tears did fall then.

After a few moments, she layed down on the grass and stared at the sky as the tears continued to flow. She finally felt as though she were being honest about how much she truly missed Brennan. For years she'd tried to convince herself she was better off without him, and although she knew that was false, she had never truly realized just how badly she needed him. He completed her in every way, and she finally able to admit it. Not that it maters. I will never see him again. Unless Samir...

"No!" she said as she sat up. "Samir isn't Brennan! He can't be!" she said as she stared at her reflection in the water. "He's a vampire. He's not who you thought he was." But deep down something wouldn't let her believe it.

 

[Kitangel]

Gina woke up.

The first thing she saw was dirt. This seemed familiar.... but as she sat up and looked around, memories came back. She was in a prison cell, waiting for either of Their Majesties to come and confirm her story. Part of it would already have been told by the "nice fellows" who brought her here. She just had to wait, now....

She looked down at herself. The patrol guards had clad her in a rough brown peasent dress, which was torn and dirty from the travelling and cell. She herself looked cleaner than she ever had been at Necromin ((am I right?)), but her skin was still more brown than pale. Hopefully, if either of Their Majesties decreed her safe (and since she had shown no violent behaviour towards anything that was not brought to her as food, they jolly well should!), she could get out and bathe in one of the springs.... somewhere. If there was a nearby lake, maybe she could use that.

For now, though, Gina was just happy waiting. Her evidence and story was ready to be presented, and all she wanted was a bath and a good meal.

And she waited.....

 

[MissCellaFane]

((Man, the women are ripping each other a new one! Methinks we need more testosterone or something to calm these girls ))

Eve felt her head pounding as she slowly woke up to find herself lying on an extremely lumpy mattress. Her mind was groggy, and it took her a few times to keep her eyes opened and remain focused. When she did she saw Samir's dark eyes staring at her, watching. Her heart jumped and she quickly sat up, patting her hair as she did. She could only guess how badly her tangled web of hair looked right now.

Eve sighed and stood. "How long have you been watching me?" She glanced at him. "Don't stare at me like that!"

She moved to attempt to straighten out her robes, but stopped, suddenly horrified. She glanced down at her left side to find her arm just dangling there. No, it couldn't be! She couldn't move it! She couldn't even feel it! For all she knew it didn't exist anymore.

Eve reached over with her right hand to grab it. Nothing. She then jabbed it. Still nothing. She even struggled to move the arm by her shoulder. Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing! At first Eve thought it was a mistake, but then she remembered the binding ritual with Samir. So this was her sacrifice; the loss of her arm.

Samir was somewhat surprised to see how quickly she seemed to have recovered from the ritual she had performed. She stood quickly, berating him for staring at her while she slept. He hadn't been aware it would bother her, but wasn't about to argue the point. He was, however, about to ask her how she felt when she suddenly looked down sharply at her left arm, a puzzled and frantic look on her face.

"What's wrong?" He asked, his brow furrowed. Eve could always be counted on to act a little strange from time to time, but somehow Samir felt there was more to it this time.

She didn't answer. Instead she proceeded to examine her left arm, squeezing it and poking it with her right hand. Then she stopped, looking down at the floor as if collecting her thoughts. Samir felt it was safe to ask again. "My Lady? What's the matter?"

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Eve's first thought was to get angry though she didn't know why. Maybe at herself for being so foolish. Or even at Samir for making her doubt him! But neither one made much sense. She as only covering up her panic situation with the only emotion she was the most comfortable with. She inhaled deeply, turning around to face Samir when he spoke.

"I...My arm. It's...gone," Eve said slowly. Then she tried explaining more. "I can't move it. I can't even feel it!" It was hopeless! She groaned, sitting back down next to Samir. "It was the binding...It took too much energy out of me."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Samir's eyes widened. What was this? He stared at her intently as she groaned and flopped down next to him, her left arm limp at her side. He didn't know this "binding" could have permanently harmed her and he was angry with her for not telling him. He would never have agreed to it if there was a risk to her. His jaw clenched slightly, but otherwise he showed no outward sign of his anger. She'd already lost the use of her arm, she didn't need his anger on top of it.

He turned his head to look at her next to him. She wasn't looking at him, but down at her arm and somehow she didn't look like the powerful woman he knew. Sitting there, staring at her dead arm, her hair askew from sleeping on the lumpy mattress, she seemed more child than woman. She'd suffered so much in her life. It wasn't fair this was taken from her too. "Are you sure there's nothing that can be done?" He asked softly, unwilling to believe the condition was permanent. Surely there was something she could do! He'd seen her do miraculous things with that book of hers and her herbs and trinkets. There must be some kind of spell or incantation or potion or something that would put her arm right again.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Eve let out a sigh, looking over at Samir. "I don't know. It might just be temporary...but I doubt it." Then it was almost like she could read his thoughts. "I can't do anything if it is permanent. I'm a destroyer, not a healer." She grabbed her limp arm and set it before her in her lap. "But it's the risks I take. After all, that's how I got my scars."

She began to feel indifferent about it all. Sure, it was going to be bothersome at times, but at least she didn't use a sword or a bow to protect herself. In her thoughts, she began to laugh slightly. "At least I didn't lose a leg. You'd be carrying me around everywhere then we really would be bound."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Samir allowed himself a small smile, indulging Eve. How she could laugh about losing the use of her arm seemed incomprehensible to him. Then again, he relied on the strength of his physical abilities, whereas she relied more on the strength of her mind and willpower.

"I am thankful for that also, My Lady." Samir said, a twinkle in his eyes. "For though you are light and easily carried, a woman who has lost the use of her leg being carried by a vampire through the city streets is not a sight people are likely to forget!" He chuckled slightly and then sobered. He looked down at his hands, remnants of the green paste she had spread on them in preparation for the ritual still stuck in the creases of his palms. "My Lady? What did the binding actually do?" Samir let his eyes catch hers again. He already had a good idea of what the ritual meant, but he wanted to hear it from her mouth.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Samir smiled then Eve noticed he looked down at his hands, the green paste still sticking onto them as his smirk dropped. She watched him, wondering what he was thinking, but having a good idea. When he finally spoke she was right.

"My lady? What did the binding actually do?" His dark eyes caught hers.

"It combined our souls," Eve said as she brought up her right hand to her face, staring at the paste. "You are a part of me now. The only way you can be released is if I release you myself." Again that excited feeling in her stomach, and she momentarily forgot about her predicament.

 

[Sylvengard]

"I have been better," Arsyth told Sirena, "but my day just got better at the sight of your face! You are like the morning sun, my love." Bowing, he kissed her hand lightly. On the outside, he was smiling his charming smile, wooing her into his arms. Inside, though, his stomach was twisting into knots at how flowery he could actually be if needed. The morning sun was nothing beautiful . . . only an emblem of power. The sun could be his when all was completed, but mind on the task was vital. Holding eye contact with her, he did not release her hand at first.

His black cloak was moving lightly in the wind, and in a blink the color became a dark green. The silver skull at his collar was hidden behind the front of the cloak. It was his sign, and he never removed it. Death. It was his friend. Bend the fates and never be defeated by them. Chaos was his clay, evil his works. And only evil was there power.

"How have you been, darling?" he asked, more charm emanating from him.

 

[LightofHeaven]

((Dead arm! ))

 

[LightofHeaven]

Flynn walked through a long corridor lined with windows. The afternoon sunlight casting pools of sunkight onto the stone floor of the castle. Sabriel had departed for the gardens, wishing to join the party and chat with her fellow maidens. Flynn wished he could be there also, but Dale awaited him. Why?

He stopped at a closed door; its brass handle glinting in the sunlight. He raised his hand and knocked softly upon the smooth wooden surface.

A voice answered from within, "Come in."

Flynn stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. It was a bright room. The walls were lined with bookcases, upon wqhich were many leather-bound books and trinkets of sorts. In the center was a large circular stone table at which sat a single person, half-silhouetted against one of three windows, overlooking a vast field in which horses were joyfully being ridden by children and guided by noble horsemen.

"I have come, Councilman." Flynn said, giving a small bow. " Gorn said you have sent for me."

"Yes, I have." Dale replied, looking up from the book he had apparently been reading. "However, it is not for much. His Majesty bade me send you to find him later on."

What was going on? first, Gorn had sent him to find Dale, and now Dale was sending him to the king. This was oddness. He could have gone straight to the garden and found the king. But that was no matter, Dale was friend and at least he had found him here. "Is that all?" he asked.

"I believe so."

"Very well. It will bedone." He paused. "Lancir, is something wrong?"

"Ah, nothing is wrong. Nothing at all." the Councilman answered; looking at him curiously. "Why do you ask?"

"Curiosity bids me ask. But why are you not down in the garden celebrating this special day?"

Dale slammed the book shut andstood; startling Flynn. "Is it time already?" Dale asked, waqlking around the table to the door. "Ashame, Shana will be disappointed with me being late because of some book! Come, let's be on our way."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Samir smiled then Eve noticed he looked down at his hands, the green paste still sticking onto them as his smirk dropped. She watched him, wondering what he was thinking, but having a good idea. When he finally spoke she was right.

"My lady? What did the binding actually do?" His dark eyes caught hers.

"It combined our souls," Eve said as she brought up her right hand to her face, staring at the paste. "You are a part of me now. The only way you can be released is if I release you myself." Again that excited feeling in her stomach, and she momentarily forgot about her predicament.

It was what he thought. He let his eyes wander back to his hands, a silent war of emotions raging inside him. It occurred to him that he should have asked this before he allowed her to perform the ritual. But then, if he had been aware of this information, would he have gone through with it? It still didn't set well with him that he wasn't in control of his own soul. And the way she said it.....she made it sound as though she owned him. A feeling of regret settled itself into the pit of his stomach. Had he earned her trust only to become her slave? He would have gladly walked through fire for her, but it would have been his choice. Now.....now he didn't have a choice.

And yet, she had said he was a part of her. Which meant, in turn, that she was a part of him. That thought banished the unsettled feeling in his stomach as he began to realize what that meant. She had called it "binding". If they were bound together, they were now one. He looked over at Eve and felt as if he were seeing her for the first time all over again. She may have been the one to say the incantation, but that red glow had come from between their palms. They had both felt the pain. They had both become weakened afterwards. If he was hers......then she was his. Instead of feeling like a slave, now he felt like a keeper, a guardian. Part of her was now in him and it was now even more important for him to keep that safe.

He got up from the floor and walked the few steps to the window. It was dark outside now. He opened the shutters and let the moonlight cascade down upon him, resting his hands on the windowsill. He took a deep breath of the cool night air and he smiled, now letting his gaze travel back to Eve. "Thank you for telling me." He whispered. "And I don't regret doing it, if you were wondering. I trust you, Eve. I just hope now......you can trust me."

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Eve let her hand drop back down to her lap in order to look at Samir when he spoke. Her dream, still fresh in her mind, came back to her. She wished she understood what it meant. It couldn't be just as easy as him betraying because in her dream he didn't really want to. It's as though he did, not because he was forced, but...because he just couldn't do otherwise. He may never want to betray her, but what if he does?

She realized she was taking too long to respond to him. Her eyes had even drifted away from him and to the wall without her knowing. Now she quickly looked back in the vampire's direction, the moonlight coming through the open window, forming shadows on his face.

"I have always trust you," Eve said. "Haven't I?"

 

[MissCellaFane]

She took longer to answer than Samir would have liked. For a moment, he wasn't sure she was going to. "I have always trusted you," Eve finally said. "Haven't I?"

A question answered with a question. Had she trusted him? Had she truly? He couldn't help but think that if she had, she would never have felt the ritual was needed. Disappointment settled over his broad shoulders like a blanket. Perhaps she would never truly trust him. Perhaps nothing he did would be enough. But at least now he knew. He smiled faintly in what he hoped was a reassuring manner and then nodded. He pushed himself away from the window and headed towards the stairs. "You're hungry. I'll get you something to eat." He said, looking for a reason to excuse himself.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Eve watched him go, surprised he ran off so quickly. Had she actually upset him? But that was ridiculous! Why would he be upset with her? However, as she watched him disappear down the stairs, she wasn't so sure now. At first she thought about following, but decided against it. He was just being overly emotional. In fact, he had been acting that way a lot lately. She couldn't help but assume it had to do with that elf. Oh, what she wouldn't give to confront that elven harlot! She was ruining Eve's vampire!

Frustrated, Eve stood up quickly from the mattress, momentarily forgetting about her arm as it dangled and flopped like a helpless fish. Sighing, she held onto it with her other hand and walked over to the desk where the potion from Roden was laying. She sat down in the chair, glancing at it. It had to be done. She didn't care if she had to go back to Necromion, find someone who knew what to do, and then come back to give it to Roden, she would. However, she would much rather figure it out herself.

And so she tried. She sat there for about twenty minutes, not getting anywhere closer to the answer she was looking for. She even took out her spell book, attempting to find even a clue on softening poison liquids. But like she had mentioned before, her spells were destruction, which meant the stronger the better. It was doubtful any necromancer would strive to create a way to dull said power. If anything she needed a sorcerer's spell book.

Frustrated, she stood and began to pace around the room. She only took several steps before fishing several marbles she kept in her pouch and placing them on the desk. There she leaned over, rolling the marbles under her finger, thinking deeply. There had to be a way to change the chemical balance in the poison. There just had to be.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Samir took his time downstairs. His first stop was the main room where he had left his shirt and boots. He pulled both his boots on and then slipped his shirt back on over his head. As he did, his eyes caught sight of a rough woolen blanket peeking out of a cupboard near the kitchen. He approached it, an idea forming in his mind. He searched the house for the materials he would need, found what he required, and within a quarter of an hour had fashioned a sling for Eve's arm out of a few leather straps and some strips of cloth he had cut from the blanket, all held together with some carefully placed stitches.

Satisfied with his job, he then entered the kitchen, searching for some sort of food. All he could find were the apples and a few pieces of stale bread. He fingered one of the apples, tossed it in the air once, and decided it was better than nothing. Grabbing the sling, he headed back up to the loft. When he reached the top, he noticed she had her back to him. She had the marbles out on the table that she used to help her think. He wasn't sure what kind of powers they held, but she always seemed to come up with good ideas after she used them. Samir approached her quietly, not wanting to disturb her too soon, stopping a few feet behind her. He waited a couple minutes and then finally decided to get her attention. "My Lady?"