There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-W] JP - In the Arms of Destiny
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [WoD-VAMPIRE] - A Debt Collected
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 04:30:47 -0400
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] JP - In the Arms of Destiny
Day 11
Dawn
Hatching Sands
[Snip]
"J'red!" she exclaimed, so happy to see him. Her heart skipped a beat
when
she gazed on him. He looked so tired, and she was sure he too had
stayed
awake all night. Always so diligent, duty first, she softly sighed
and
smiled at him.
Ari was not sure what his look meant, but she feared it would not bode
well
with her.
The morning light was no kind. "You look." His voice caught in his
throat
as he saw that she was standing by pure will, her body exhausted.
"Like
you
need a bath."
[End Snip]
Ari laughed as his words reached her ears. Those were not the words
she
had
expected. She grinned impishly at him and nodded.
"Aye, it appears I be quite ill used I be bound." She answered and
smiled at
him. She was not fooled, she knew he had been summoned to force the
issue
of her sleeping elsewhere.
She focussed hard on his face, his eyes as she willed her body to
comply
to
her orders of walking towards him. She knew she was tired, but she
also
knew that in such times one had to do what one had to.
"I can't tell ya tis not grand ta see ya." She replied trying to prove
she
was all right. She knew he had been worried, and stressed over the
absence
of Gob. She knew that he worried over her. Firefly had been a
godsend
to
them, relaying little messages and reassurances.
She moved slowly and with deliberateness and tried to act like she did
not
feel as bad as she looked. Ari secretly feared that should she fall
asleep
she would not wake up for days. She did not have the time right now
to
sleep, there was too much to do, and she had to somehow find time in
her
schedule to get back to the lessons that Miss Meri had set out for her
to
learn.
"And what pleasure be it that has brought thee ta me?" she asked
already
knowing the answer, but curious to his response. She hoped in her
secret
place that it was more than because the Queen willed it.
J'red couldn't help but smile at Ari's question, "Oh, just thought you
might want to practice some dancing." J'red teased. Then he sobered
as
he looked at her disheveled appearance. "I came to take care of the
caregiver. Ari, you can't go through another day in those clothes.
Azhy is with the wilder, so Firefly and I offer our services to escort
you to your home... and if I may, draw you a bath, and perhaps even
scrub your back?" J'red winked.
Ari stood before him feeling the tears begin to rise and she tried as
hard
as she could to will them away. She did not wish to have him see her
in
this weakened condition. She wanted to be strong and able like he was,
always at the ready to do his duty, to perform tasks and help the
others.
She heard the jest and did smile and chuckled softly in response. She
looked up into his warm grey eyes and saw the love there, the concern
and
worry. She smiled when she heard the offer of escorting her home and
to
give her a bath.
Ari liked that idea, she had missed him terribly and wanted to spend
some
special time alone with him. She closed her eyes for a brief moment to
picture the scene and opened them again.
"I would like that very much J'red" she replied softly. "T'would be
grand
ta have that leisure of havin a soak."
"Then your wish is my command, My Lady." He bowed in courtly fashion
and
gently took her hand, and then wrapped his other arm around her
securely
and
escorted her to Firefly who was waiting.
J'red helped Ari up and then snuggled her into him with his arm around
her
tight. Firefly rose slowly and began to head for the apartments.
<*Ari's Place*> J'red told his bond mate.
<Would it not be wiser to take her to yours? If I remember she does
not
have
a place to rest>
<*By the Egg, Firefly, you are right! To our place*>
As they landed Ari seemed almost too dazed to realize they had not
gone
to her apartment as she'd expected. He helped her down and escorted
her
inside. He left her pulling off her blood encrusted clothing while he
drew her a bath.
After she'd slipped into the pleasantly warm water, he thought of some
of the scented bath salts that she liked and he and Firefly went to
fetch the salts and some clean clothing from her apartment.
Ari closed her eyes as the warm water enveloped her and soaked her
aches
and pains away. She thought she could hear him rummaging through a
draw
of some kind looking for something and she called out to him but
silence
answered her.
If she had not been so tired, she would have ventured out to the other
room to see where he had gotten to. She had hoped he would have
joined
her. She so longed to feel his skin against hers, and take in his
scent, and feel so secure within his embrace.
She washed off the dried blood and other debris from her arms and
legs,
and noticed a few abrasions and one gash she would have considered
minor. She pondered how to tend to it, but her medical pouch was not
here, she had left it...where? Ari tried to remember just where she
had
left her pouch, and then sighed. It was with Azhy. She left it
behind
because she was only going to make a quick check on the female and
eggs.
She had not meant to find the warren lady sitting amongst the
shattered
shells weeping.
Ari stretched out in the tub and let the warm water soothe the kinks
out
and soothe the sore muscles. She leaned back and closed her eyes and
waited for J'red to return.
He returned a few moments later with a satisfied smile. He'd found
just
the scent that he thought she'd like and some soft, warm clothes for
her
to put on when she'd finished. He came into the bathroom and saw her
resting with her head against the back of the tub. Not realizing
she'd
fallen asleep he snuck up to her and poured in some of the salts; the
steamy water releasing the fragrance. He stood back and waited for
her
to notice, and he waited and waited. Finally he couldn't stand it a
moment longer. "Ari?"
Ari jerked up and some water splashed over him and she looked around
in
confusion and then her eyes rested on him.
"J'red!" she exclaimed happily. "Where have ya been?" She smiled up
at
him and then her smile grew wider. She took a deep breath.
"Hummmm" she sighed. "Where did ya find it? I've been lookin all
over
for that!"
Ari rose on her knees and extended her hand. "Please join me, for I
have missed thee ever so much."
"Well, since I'm already wet... and I did promise to scrub your back."
As he answered, he was already removing his clothes, tossing them
casually into a corner. "And I'd put those salts on top of your
dresser
after you'd left them here. Guess I never told you."
Ari giggled and blushed. "I did not mean ta leave my things scattered
about, I shall try harder ta be more attentive." She said softly. She
gazed at him as he undressed and took him in with her eyes and smiled
at
him in all his glory. She moved so he could easily step into the tub
and
get settled.
She knelt in the water facing him with a soft cloth in her hand and
she
leaned forward to begin to wash his chest.
He took the cloth from her hand and laughing, said, "No, I was
supposed
to wash you! Now, let's see... Your back, right?" He encircled her
in
his arms, pulling her against him for a long kiss, while he ran the
cloth across her back, though the cloth simply dropped into the water
and he continued the massage with his bare hands.
Ari melted in his arms as his kiss warmed and invigorated her. She
loved
the way he felt against her and his hands gently caressing her back.
Lost in the feelings of this stolen moment his hands moved lower in a
roaming pattern she suddenly gasped and flinched.
He pushed her back to look down at where his hand had grazed the gash
on
his hip. "Ari! You're hurt!"
Ari looked down and pressed her lips. In her excitement to share some
special time with him she had forgotten about her bruised hip and the
other marks and slight injuries to her legs and arms.
"Nay, tis nothin more than a scratch." She replied caressing one hand
along his face to bring his focus to her face. She wanted to look
into
his eyes, and show him she was all right, that it was nothing.
"I musta hit it against that contraption of Dalmar's tis all." She
said
and looked into his eyes. "I be ok, I be fine." She leaned towards
him
and gently kissed his cheek, and then his lips softly and pulled away.
"Ari...mmmm...Ari!" He pushed her back gently. "This isn't nothing.
You're a healer! You should have had this tended to right away."
Ari sighed and pressed her lips together and frowned slightly.
"J'red,"
she softly replied trying to keep her tone steady and even. "Tis
nothin,
truly, I've had worse, and tis clean now. I will bandage it, and it
be
right as rain come the mornin." She explained. "I don't wish ta waste
what little time we have." She confessed. "If'n I be wrong, then
well,
ya can chose my discipline."
J'red chuckled, "Hmmm. Guess it is clean at that. Though..." His
eyes
sparkled, "You should have tended it sooner, so perhaps some
discipline
might be in order?" He sat back into the warm water with a thoughtful
look. "I think seeing to the personal needs of your Wingleader might
be
an apt discipline."
Ari laughed and winked. "Well now, tis true ya be a wing-leader, but
ya
released me ta the medical center." She chuckled warmly as she moved
closer. "Are ya tellin me ya be callin me back for some active duty?"
"Some very active duty... very special duty..." J'red reached forward
and pulled her to him again, and they sunk into the water. He resumed
his caresses, but being very careful of the bruises that she'd
sustained.
NRPG: Fade to black. (winks)
---
Afternoon
J'red's Apartment
Ari bolted up and gasped like one who had been under water and barely
made it to the surface before the lungs exploded.
"What? Where? By the Powers! I slept all day!" her mind a panic and
still foggy from sleep.
She looked around at her surroundings and then fell back into the
warmth
of the covers. She was in J'red's bed, and she remembered why. She
lay
there for a bit, stretching and taking the time to wake up slowly.
She
wondered what time it was. It could not be too late she hoped?
Ari heard noises from the other room and smiled. He was still here.
She
smiled to herself and snuggled back in the covers for a few more
minutes. It was then; she heard voices. One was J'red's, and the
other,
a female. She sat up and tried to hear what was being said.
Wait a minute, she thought; that other voice was... Miss Meri's! What
was she doing here? Ari could hear the voices clearer now.
---
"Are you sure you wouldn't like something? Tea?" J'red asked as
Meriwen made her way into his apartment. He watched her look around
his
apartment before taking a seat.
"Aye, thank thee, that would be so kind." She offered quietly as she
sat
in the chair that he had indicated. She smiled as he went to his
kitchen area and began the makings of tea. While he was gone, she
took
the time to study the room.
It was very nicely decorated, simple yet practical. Yes she had to
admire this young lord and his fine ways. She was sad that the
business
she was on might in fact break any possible links with him. She was
also
sad in a way that she would not be graced with admittance into his
father's home and estate. Good family; solid family, well except,
perhaps for that spoiled girl. But then that seemed to be the cases
in
most families. The youngest were always pampered and without the
mother's influence, well it was sad.
She steadied herself, and went back over all she had learned and
studied
upon. She knew he was a man of honor and one who would not shirk his
duty. She also hoped to show him that with how Lady Arideregh truly
was, she needed to be released from the life she was in to step up and
forward to the one she deserved.
J'red brought out the tea and set it down in the table before her. He
poured it out and offered her a cup before sitting down himself. He
knew he should make some small talk but he was so tired he found
himself
asking, "What brings you here, Miss Meri?"
"Lady Arideregh." She answered simply. "I feel tis time that perhaps
we
have a chat."
Meriwen sipped her tea and watched his reaction. He was a handsome
young man, and she could understand why some one as her young charge
had
been swept away by his charm and good looks. But, she had been robbed
and her life as it should have been had been stolen, and she was here
to
do her liege's bidding. Not that she was happy with what he had
planned, nor with whom, but she had a plan and once the first step had
been taken, this step of removing Ari from J'red, then the others
would
fall in line. She had made sure of that.
He nodded, "Of course. I know that it looked rather dangerous with
the
wild dragons, but I'm very confident in her skills as a healer and she
had everything under control."
Meriwen smiled and shook her head. "I be not here about the Dragons,
wild or otherwise." She replied. "I be here because of the Lady
Arideregh's status and where she needs to be. Her place at court has
long been vacant and tis time for her to step forward, into the light
and shine as she was meant to."
J'red felt his chest tighten. All he could come out with was, "But...
she's a dragonrider."
Meriwen smiled. "Aye that be true, as is the Prince. He attends his
duties as well." She answered simply. "She has been long missed and
unfairly kept from her family as well." She added for good measure.
"I had thought you of all people would have understood that duty at
times over-rides personal wishes and wants. Lady Arideregh needs to
stand up and take the mantle to which she was born to. Surely you see
this?" Meriwen took another sip of tea. This was a delicate time, a
time that she must lay the facts one by one, and let this young lord
recognize the truth of them, and then let him come to the right
decision. She hoped she could count on him to be the one to pull away
and direct her wild young charge into the direction she was meant to
be.
J'red in haled sharply as Meriwen's words struck home. How could he
stand in the way of Ari taking her rightful place. If he really loved
her, he couldn't. He wouldn't. He managed to nod, "Of course, if Ari
chooses to...."
Meriwen smiled and nodded. "Tis good to hear." She replied more
hopeful
that she had been all morning.
"Spending time with Lady Arideregh, I be quite sure you have witnessed
her stubborn and different mind set." Meriwen continued. "I be hoping
that perhaps you could aide me with helping her see her rightful
place."
Again more for emphasis than for need, she took a sip of tea and
remained quiet so he could sort out the details and be willing to aide
her. She knew that Ari carried simple childish fantasies about this
young lord, and from all indications, he was smitten with her, but she
also knew that the warren and his duties would always come first.
Now this was not a bad thing, nor wrong, for duty and honor before all
was the mainstay of this land. Without that ability to place others
before yourself was what kept Prince Reolden unmarried and not with an
heir.
No, if all went well, if things went the way she hoped, the Royal
Nursery would be open again. The land would have an heir, the breach
would be healed and some of the toadies would be upset, but that was
the
way of it.
No, now was the time to protect Ari and keep her from those the King
had
chosen. Now was the time for Reolden to step forward and together
begin
a dynasty of Dragon-riders and perhaps strengthen the land like never
before.
"Aide you, Miss Meri? I'm not sure I understand," J'red was afraid
he
did understand but he didn't want to believe what he thought she was
asking him to do.
Meriwen smiled and looked deep into his grey eyes and the look of
puzzlement that was so evident in his question was not matched in his
eyes. No, he knew what she wanted, and she made the firm
determination
that before she left here this afternoon, he would be in her corner.
"I be asking thee to aide me, and in a way Lady Arideregh, in helping
her realize her duty, to help her see she has so much more to offer
others in her position within the court, and how much joy and
happiness
she will bring to all her family. Not to mention the peace that would
come of it, and perhaps help heal her own family. This incident has
torn
the family apart since her birth, tis time for the breach to be
mended."
She looked at him and smiled warmly. She did like him. He was a
pleasant young man. "May I count on thee?"
J'red hadn't grown up as the son of a Lord without understanding the
duties of one's position. He also well understood the complexities of
the relationships within royal families. It had been a common issue
of
gossip among the young nobles when they had gathered. He also was
well
aware of the assets that Ari had and knew that Meriwen was speaking
truly when she said that Ari would bring joy to court. Her ability to
look on the positive side of whatever situation faced them had already
helped J'red when dealing with the crises of recent weeks. He
swallowed
and met Meriwen's gaze, "may I consider what it is you ask of me?"
"Be ya asking for time to consider my request?" she asked not too
surprised at his first refusal to help her.
J'red nodded, "Yes, I would."
Meriwen nodded again and smiled. "I be pleased that you are one who
thinks things through, and not rush head on into something
willy-nilly."
She complimented.
"I need someone who carries this type of qualities, for I must also
admit I worry over Lady Arideregh, and hope with thy help to keep her
from falling into the wrong hands. I will take you into my confidence
to say that the King has prepared two men that he wishes for the Lady
Arideregh to be courted by and marry one." She paused so again he
could
take in all the information, so he could and would make the proper
choice to help her.
"I personally do not wish to see her live that kind of life. I must
admit finding her with a dragon, a male one at that was not something
any of us had even contemplated. But this is a boon, for now we seek
someone who can accept this part of her. As you know, tis not easy to
be bonded with a dragon, and many allowances must be made. She needs
someone who understands this, and can offer her a life-style that will
help her blossom, to help her shine and glow. To help her use her
talents and gifts that she has, and not keep her tied too tight to
rules
and regulations."
J'red nodded in agreement, "Of course. I've witnessed several
unjoined
mated with dragonriders. It is just so difficult for the mate to
understand the... complexities... of being a bondmate to a dragon."
Meriwen smiled and nodded and took another small sip of the now luke
warm tea.
"Aye, and I know that many in the court would not understand. I wish
not to place her within that environment. It would crush her spirit,
and I have come to enjoy her fey ways." Meriwen gave a soft chuckle.
"I must admit I be glad she is not a hot-house flower too delicate for
the climate of the court. She has her mother's spit-fire, but she
also
has the most generous hearts. She will be an asset to all that comes
into her circle of influence. Don't ya agree my lord?"
"Of course," All the compliments that Meriwen lavished upon Ari
brought
a wide smile to the young man's face. "Ari is a treasure beyond
worth,
and her spirit is unmatched." Yet, he felt wary of her, unsure of why
Meriwen would be so generous with her compliments. "But if you fear
for
her spirit to be crushed in court...?"
Meriwen chuckled softly. "Tis those that I refer to as toadies, that
bow and scrape to all but only care for their personal gain. Many of
those sorts make their home in the halls of the court. I long to have
Lady Arideregh returned to court." She confessed.
"I long to see the Royal Nursery opened again and filled with happy
sounds as it be in my day." She added with a hint of nostalgia in her
voice. "The people of this land and the court deserve to have those
toadies expelled and a new court arise from the ashes of the old.
Lady
Arideregh was promised to the court, and tis time for her to take her
place. I wish for her placement to be one that begins a new era."
Meriwen leaned forward and placed her cup on the table in front of
her.
"I know the duties you have here My Lord, and I know the obligation
you
carry for all within this warren and the surrounding area. My lady has
spoken very highly of thee, and I must admit she be rather smitten
with
thee.
"But tell me true my lord? Can you say right here and now that ye wish
to be more than casual bed partners?"
He sat back, startled by her revelations and then her abrupt question.
She pulled no punches, that was for sure. So just exactly was Ari's
destiny at court? To be a breeder of royals? Did that mean... but
what
about the Prince? Reolden was first in line and certainly his progeny
would be destined for the throne? But the fact that Meriwen was
asking
him that question obviously inferred that Ari would be married and
raising her children in the court. J'red could not move to court. So
he could not possibly be... "You mean mates? I... I..." He closed
his
eyes for a second before admitting the one thing he could admit, "I
could not abandon my position here and move to Rallengarde."
Meriwen nodded with almost no expression on her face. She had already
known that, hence the question. She was hoping he would see it was
fruitless to continue something that he was not willing, nor able to
do.
If he told Ari this, if she could hear it from his lips, pained as she
would be, broken hearted as she would be, it would be best, and from
there, she could help her step into the role she had been born for.
"Tis a brave man who can answer with the truth, even tho it pains him
to
hear of it." She answered simply. Her opinion of him rising with each
minute she spent with him. She was saddened in a way that he could
not
marry Lady Arideregh. In many ways he was perfect for her, but twas
not
meant to be.
His duty was to his warren and his dragon-lady. Lady Arideregh's duty
was to her family, the land and all the people within it.
"Perhaps it be best if ye spoke of this to her. I think coming from
me
it would not be met with much acceptance." Meriwen counseled. "I
know
ye have some tender feelings for her, and for that I am greatly
appreciative of this fact. But since ya know in thy heart it can not
be
so, by prolonging this, it makes it that much harder for her?"
"Thank you, Miss Meri, for making the situations so clear. I will
take
all of what you have told me under consideration." He tried to show a
stiff upper lip, but it was very difficult. How could he tell the
woman
that slept so peacefully and contentedly in his bedroom that he could
not be the man she was destined to be with? With his heart breaking
he
stood, "I must be getting to my duties, Miss Meri. If I can offer you
a
ride on Firefly to where you may wish to go?"
---
Ari stood by the door of the bedroom stunned by what she heard as the
two people she thought cared about her discussed her as if she were a
piece of furniture. She was not surprised that Meriwen had come to
try
to see where J'red stood on their... well what she thought had been
their relationship.
Small little bits of conversation between her and the older woman
began
to fall into place. Meriwen had suggested that J'red was your typical
young lord, and yes he was smitten with her, for who could not be, but
his duties lay in one direction and hers another.
Ari had not argued with her, for she had believed in J'red, and even
Sheldon had told her NO one could make her do anything she did not
wish
to. Not her mother, Not the king, the Prince or even Miss Meri.
Now she stood and heard the man she loved with all her heart, the one
who completed that missing piece within admit he was not interested in
her that way.
Ari felt her stomach cramp, her chest tighten and burn. The lump in
her
throat choked her airway and she found she could not draw breath. She
took a few deep breaths and tried to push the overwhelming pain away.
She felt ashamed and humiliated. She remembered the words of her
mother
and knew them to be true. She could not believe she had been so
foolish.
She did not wish to see either of them. What if J'red did not leave?
She just could not face him.
It would be easy once she left to keep herself from him, well, not
easy,
for it would pain her deeply, but she knew enough to keep from being
seen by him. She felt the tears flow and cascade down her cheeks, as
her heart broke again, but this time for having to give up the bond
she
had developed with Firefly.
Suddenly she was angry and mad and she wanted to box someone's ears.
She took a deep breath and stormed out into the room.
"HOW dare ya! HOW dare ya both stand about and speak of me as ifn I
be
a piece of bloody meat ta haggle over!"
Sadly she spoke to an empty room; the remnants of the tea still on the
table. The stillness of the room echoed the sudden emptiness of her
heart and she dropped to her knees and rocked as she sobbed bitter
tears.
---
Summary:
Day 11
Dawn: Ari is convinced to go back with J'red and have a bath and
freshen
up. She falls asleep in J'red's bathtub while J'red goes to her
apartment for some bathsalts and a change of clothing. He awakens her
and then helps her get "clean".
Afternoon: Ari awakens in J'red's bed and hears voices. Meriwen
arrives
to talk to J'red about Ari's destiny and his place in it. She asks
him
to help her to take her place in court -- which she points out is not
J'red's place. Overhearing this, Ari comes out to confront them, but
too
late, as J'red and Meriwen have already left.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Carys Murray
AKA
Ari and Azhy
Miss Meri
&
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
J'red and Firefly
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 2004 01:45:09 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [WoD-VAMPIRE] - A Debt Collected
Date and Time Unknown
In the Past
Old World
The night was dark and eerie, but the messenger plodded along. Each
step
taken bringing his possible death one step closer. This would not
stop his
masters from sending another one to his doom should he fail. This
message
was of the highest concern. He wondered just how many before him
walked
this path?
Up he went, slow, methodical steps as he walked along the uneven path.
The
night was dark, the fog dense in patches, not even the moon was out
yet. The
wind had picked up as he climbed this mountain path.
Then the howling of the wolves could be heard. The moon began to slip
out
from behind her coverings and shone with an iridescent glow that
softly
shimmered with her silvery light.
The messenger hurried up the path. He did not wish to incur the wrath
of
the masters. Their punishments were swift and harsh. They would
brook NO
disappointment. He swallowed hard as he approached the old castle.
Parts
of the outer buildings were crumbling and in various stages of decay
and
rot.
He thought he felt someone watching him. He heard scurrying in the
brush
just beyond his sight. He felt his heart pounding, the blood rushing
through his body past his ears causing the roaring like sound as he
made his
way up the large stone steps to the front of the gate.
He pounded on the wooden gate and found that it swung open. That was
strange. The villagers had all spoken of the castle and gate being
locked
from within, and that no one had been seen leaving that place since
anyone
could remember. Others spoke of a curse so vile that if you had been
allowed in, you would never leave.
The masters promised the one they sought WAS there, and it was up to
him to
deliver the message. The one within would be waiting. He slipped
past the
opening in the gate and continued up the path. The sounds of his feet
crunching the gravel pathway was all that broke the eerie deafening
silence
that permeated around him.
Not even the wind made a noise. He could see the trees and brush
swaying in
the breeze, he could feel it on his face, and yet nothing touched the
silence that surrounded him.
There was a lone light in what appeared a window, nearest the door.
He made
for the light and hoped it meant his message could be delivered. He
reached
the door in safety and knocked.
The hollow echoing the pounding made just increased the sense of doom
that
clung to this place. If he had not believed in curses before this
time, he
did now.
He suddenly heard footsteps that appeared to move closer and closer.
Then a
loud scrapping noise echoed in the darkness. It sounded like a large
bolt
being pulled aside.
The creaking noise as the large door opened made the hairs on the back
of
his neck rise and he felt the rush of goose-bumps as they flushed his
entire
body.
Inside the soft small circle of light from an old fashioned lantern
stood a
young woman.
"I.I ha.I have been sent to..sent to deliver this message of great
importance to Lord Amon." The messenger stammered and hoped she could
not
hear the knocking of his knees.
"We have been expecting you." Her soft bell-like quality voice sounded
and
she stepped back to give him admittance into the castle.
As he drew closer to her he realized she was not a woman, not yet, but
a
young girl just on the edge of the bloom of womanhood. She was a
sweet and
tiny little thing and he stepped in behind her as they walked from the
large
ornate entry into the great hall.
It was like he had stepped back in time. The carvings along the
cornices of
huge gargoyles and mystical beasts were fascinating and impressive.
The
coldness of the room was due to the stone walls and even with a
roaring fire
in the huge fireplace the cold still crept in and chilled one's bones.
The walls were covered with magnificent tapestries and a few portraits
of
the previous owners. They continued through the great hall, past the
large
stone stairway that appeared to be made from solid pieces of stone
that led
up to the second story.
She led him through a large door that at first had appeared to be part
of
the ornate wall. Into the darkened hallway they stepped, where only
the dim
light from her lantern shown. At the end of the hallway appeared a
soft
glowing light.
Again they stepped into this room. It was a drawing room, perhaps
once a
study. It was warmer and not as cold or ornate. The trappings were
rich and
added to its charm.
The fireplace in this room was center on one wall, and was not as
large as
the one in the great hall. The room was filled with portraits and
scenes
and in some cases various maps from different ages.
The young girl closed the door and stoked the fire to bring it up a
notch
and he could feel the heat radiating outward.
"My Lord will be with you in just a moment." She offered an
explanation and
then quietly went to the corner nearest the door and sat down and
picked up
her needle-work. She sat quietly and lost in her work.
The messenger knew that he was expected to stand at the ready in the
middle
of the room and await the master. This Lord Amon, who ever he was,
was
obvious one of power and great wealth.
"Good Evening." Came a deep voice from the furthermost corner. The
messenger spun around and from the shadows stepped forth a man.
The messenger stood as if stunned and unable to speak. The power that
emanated from this being was over-powering. He stood gaping as this
Lord
Amon moved with almost no effort closer to him.
"I.I.I am here..to." the messenger stammered again
"To bring me my summons." The deep quiet voice replied in answer. He
reached out his hand and somehow the written message was now in his.
He
stood quietly reading the message and an evil sneer appeared on his
face.
The messenger involuntarily stepped back and a soft gasp emitted from
him as
the countenance of Lord Amon changed and darkened his already dark and
ominous gaze.
"I see." He replied softly the hint of amusement clung to the
statement.
"Is there a reply My Lord." The messenger meekly asked. He knew his
masters would wish one, and perhaps if he had one to carry back, he
would
indeed make it back safely in one piece.
The ominous chuckle that emanated from the dark lord was unnerving.
"You may tell YOUR masters, that what else can the answer be. Seeing
as I
have no choice in the matter."
The messenger began to feel the fear set in and he wondered if his
dead body
would be the final message.
Amon chuckled deep and low.
Suddenly, and he was not sure how, he was standing on the cold stone
steps
of this dilapidated castle, the cold winds blowing and cutting through
his
thin layers to chill him to the bone. He ducked his head as best he
could
in the turned up collars of his coat and made his way back down the
steep
incline and past the gate and back down the mountain side.
He made much better time going down than going up. Part of that he
felt was
he dreaded each step towards the castle, and now he could not move
fast
enough to put enough distance between him and that horrible, yet
fascinating
place.
Just as the early grey sky of dawn peaked out from the low hanging fog
cover
he spotted the cold silent village that he had set out the night
before.
He rejoiced that he had indeed made it safely from the demon's lair.
Stepping into the warmth of the inn, he stood by the fire to warm his
chilled bones. He did not know how long he stood there, for it seemed
like
he would never ever warm up. When the innkeeper's wife came in to
stoke up
the fire and found him standing there she greeted him with suspicion.
For
if he had indeed gone up to that damned place and returned, how could
she
not be sure he was not cursed? That he had returned in human form so
that he
could wipe out the village.
The Innkeeper interrupted them; smiled and welcomed his guest back
from such
a dangerous journey. The messenger smiled warmly and sat with them
and
shared his eventful night.
Nothing he said contradicted some part of the legend or myth of that
place.
When the morning post came, the messenger was on the coach to begin
another
long journey to his masters and tell them Amon's words.
* * * * *
Present Time
City of New Orleans
He stood overlooking the street on which he lived. He marveled at the
many
changes his city had gone through. He even forgot how long it had
been
since he arrived, to take over and repay the debt he once owed a
lifetime
ago.
Time changes many things, but humans never seem to learn. They scurry
to
and fro totally blind to what was around them. Which in some ways made
his
life easier. There were many that believed in the old tales, the old
legends, but never once did they ever leave their comfort zone to
prove it
one way or the other.
The heart of this city, her soul was an old one, and steeped in
mystery and
the darkness of what they called the occult. She was more than that,
but
here in this sanctuary hidden deep within the bayous was a power most
dared
not touch. Most never even thought to seek it. For those who did, a
heavy
and great price came with the prize of this knowledge.
Amon stood quietly and let the gentle breezes wash over him. He had
resented
being called to over-see this place. He had exacted his displeasure
on
countless souls through the centuries. As if their suffering and pain
would
some how repay his having to be here.
He did not know when he stopped resenting his assignment. At the time
of the
debt he had incurred it was one that he had never once regretted. No
his
Rose was worth everything.
So, he had settled here, with his transplanted Rose and lived a quiet
life.
Certain times through the centuries were fraught with more danger than
others. For the most part he had been left in peace, to over see the
ghouls
and keep tabs of the others of his realm.
In that last half century a great change had taken place. With the
new
modern wonders of the age, many of the diseases and fevers were taken
away,
and it was harder to hide when one needed to dispose of a body. Or to
use
one.
The newer generations were no longer afraid of the dark, of the noises
and
sounds of the bayous. They laughed at the moving pictures that showed
his
kind with relish. It was now cool to be of the realm of the undead;
to walk
among the mortals bearing a curse.
Still their work continued, and they continued to haunt the cemeteries
at
night, to battle over territories and rights with the other clans.
Amon did not personally care one way or the other about most of the
clans.
He did enjoy watching the antics and pretend superiority of the
Camarilla.
Their self importance amused him. He found it entertaining to watch
as they
tried to blend in with the mere mortals, and live and be like them.
He on the other hand saw the waste that was before him. They were the
strong ones, they were the masters of the human race. They should be
like
the Gods of old, worshiped and feared. Not relegated to the shadows
and
only hinted at in stories, tales, and legends handed down.
No, he knew that one day they would be the masters again, and the
human race
bred to serve them. As it had been intended eons ago. So he over-saw
what
needed to be done and with the patience of the millennia saw the
progress
they had made, and enjoyed the battles and skirmishes along the way.
What concerned him at the moment, was the feeling that the small
insignificant clan of the Giovanni were trying to push their way into
his
territory. He would not put it past them, or to use others to do some
of
their dirty work was only to be expected. He chuckled at the rumors
of
their calling foul. Their cries of outrage as the sacred rules had
been
broken; that an innocent had been slain during a parley.
Amon chuckled evilly and was faintly amused by what the others
referred to
as an innocent. There were only a handful of truly innocents that
ever
walked this earth. He should know, he had tainted many of them. Some
had
been chosen by him self to walk with him awhile. Each one a pure
delicate
sweet rose gracing his life with their translucence and light.
He remembered the first time he had laid eyes on his first Rose. He
closed
his eyes for a moment, to relive it, to remember the faintest hint of
his
humanity that was left. Yes she was the keeper of his humanity. Never
was
she to be burdened or corrupted by his true self, his true nature.
She was
the light that kept his dark world afloat. She was his true strength,
and
with out her he would be nothing, he would not exist.
Amon opened his eyes once more, and returned to the matters at hand.
It was
time to begin the next step of their plan. The next step; that would
bring
them closer to being the true masters of this world.
Amon stood quietly in the dark and watched as the many every day
dramas
and scenarios played out on the streets. He listened to the sounds
around
him, tuning out what he deemed not of any importance.
When the one he waited for approached him he waited like always before
in
silence as he was told what had been completed, what was to be done
and then
the messenger waited if there was any message to be returned.
Tonight Amon sent back a reply. He sent back a warning to not be too
careless, for although everything was in place, and in order, things
were
not as they seem.
He waited and watched as the messenger scurried away, more like a rat
than a
man. But then, the humans were not really that far up on the
evolutionary
ladder. Species far older still roamed the earth. That at times they
could
plan and think was what made them so interesting, adaptable, and at
times an
interesting prey.
He waited for the right time to turn and slip back into the shadows
and be
one with the night. He was suddenly hungry and he had not been on the
prowl
for some time. He enjoyed the hunt on occasion, to keep up his skills
and
to take a closer look at what was truly out there. Besides, he enjoyed
the
pickings one prey, the toying with them, and if they were worthy, he
would
release them quickly.
Yes, he felt the inner fire that told him the season of his hunt had
begun.
He never knew how long this fire would burn, but he might as well
enjoy it
while it lasted.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka Amon
Dedicated to my dear special friend Aykoth without who's special input
and
our friendship would not have been able to let Amon walk among us
again.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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