Dareal held Elizabeth close, not letting go of her in the least as he murmured gently against her. "shh.. rest, its alright, im not leaving you.. i will be right here when you wake up.. i love you Elizabeth." His words soft and tender as he leaned down and kissed away her tears as the potion in the tea did its work, slowly at first.. and as she fell into the deep sleep, her heart slowed to a crawl and haulted. Dareal looked up at Roslynn, the woman nodding lightly as she held out the syringe to dareal. "Once we are sure the magic has left.. then that needs to be injected into her heart. I trust you can do that, m‘lord?" He nodded lightly as he turned his gaze back to Lizzy.

The potion crept its way thru her bloodstream.. seeking out all possibilities to where this magic resided within her. A subtle glow started to ebb from the area where the thorn had stopped its progression, giving off a sense and feeling of sheer evil that radiated off in waves from Elizabeth. Dareal held onto the woman, despite the pain that this was bringing to him and Ros. The thorn sensing what had been done, and what had happened, made not its way towards her heart or mind..but seeking a way out of the body as the potion seeped into the very bones of the woman. A fiery trail raced thru the body, clensing what came into its path as the rat race becan in the womans body. Trembling, twitching and jerking muscles spasmed, even in her ’death’ state. It was like watching an exorcism taking place on a possesed persons body. Blood becan to seep from the womans mouth, causing Dareal and Ros to look at eachother as Ros sighed. "Its started.. there’s no turning back now.. you have to let it continue on..till there’s nothing left..and then.. right when its at the apex of finishing.. injecting her heart with the syrum to jump start it back to life." Dareal nodded and watched in serious concern as Lizzy’s body convulsed more, this time not only blood, but blood mixed with bile and other remnants of what was in her digestive tract spewed out onto the floor as Ros rushed and got a nearby bedpan and held it below the womans mouth.

A black glow started to radiate from around Elizabeth, the evil that was once from the rose, now ebbing out more and more, as a hideous voice echoed thru the silence in the room, a reigning evil laugh that screeched out in defiance.. "NOoooo!! You Bastards! You can not get away with this!!!!" Then the voice was gone, the convulsions continuing until the bedpan was filled with a great deal of blood and bile.. leaving the woman unmoving as the spell broke, sending a tendril of electric shock into Dareal, and then straight into Ros, each of them screaming out in hideous pain as then it subsided..leaving Lizzy motionless. "Now, Dareal.. do it now." Dareal took the syringe, wincing as his hand was shaky from what was going on.. and as he muttered a prayer, he took the syringe, and plunged it into the main artery above her heart, injecting the syrum in one full motion. Once done, he dropped the syringe onto the floor, where Ros quickly discarded it and now they waited.

As Ros went and disposed of the contents in the bedpan and the syringe, Dareal took up a towel and wiped the blood from Lizzy’s mouth and sighed softly. "Please... dont leave me, lizzy." His words of concern and worry echoed in the quiet room. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he leaned down, pressing a long and lingering kiss to her lips. The syrum making its way into her heart, did what it was suppose to do, giving a rush of adrenaline immediately into her bloodstream and her heart getting a heft dose of it, managed to turn over and start beating again. The rythum at first was erratic, fast and hard... her lungs started to heave up and down as the air was taken in, in one huge gasp at first, then shallow breaths till finally her heart managed to slow down a bit.. letting her body re- adjust to having had one hell of a kickstart. "Lizzy.. can you hear me.. Lizzy.... love??" He spoke next to her ear as he looked over at Ros and tossed her the blood wiped towel to have her do away with it before Elizabeth woke up.

Meanwhile, Melanthus lofted a brow as he once again spoke to Edwards in a firm word.. "And as the ruling prince of the land, i will take this to the council if i have to, Edwards. But i really do not want to do that. You know how much of a bitch that can be, dont you?" Melanthus folded his arms over his chest. "If you want -certain- memories erased..thats fine.. like the one memory of you hurting Ricky..but i will not erase their minds completely to the extent that they dont even know you. Now.. think rationally on that." Damn, he hated it when other kindred were more hard headed than him..and this was slightly starting to wear on Mel’s nerves. "Now, we can try and come to a mutual agreement here, and erase only a few of the more horrific memories, or we go to the council.. which will it be?"

Elizabeth coughed and struggled to clear her lungs. In a few minutes though the deep wracking coughs subsided and she leaned heavily into dareal. Her eyes half closed as her body readjusted itself to breathing again. Her hands trembled as one pushed the hair from the side of her face. Clearing her throat, Elizabeth looked up at Dareal an odd light in her eyes.

"Dareal? I had the oddest dream..." The light in her eyes intensified then, as did the growing relization that tears were starting to well up in her own eyes. "I was talking with my father and two others in a field. The one was...beautiful." She shook her head at the memory. "I wish I could show you what I saw. It was...I can’t describe it." She sighed in minor frustration. "I was supposed to tell you something important. But I can’t remember it now." She hugged him close. "I can see it clearly, but.." She grumbled in frustration chuckling softly. "Wouldn’t happen to be able to read minds would you love?" She noticed Ros come in then and smiled softly at the other woman.

Edwards looked up at Melanthus. "The council huh? We’d never get things done at that rate." The bitter chuckle that followed never reached the old Lord’s eyes though. "I’ll agree to that much..for now anyways." There was little doubt though that Edwards would leave the subject alone for more than a few days. "Do that much and we will see what happens from there for now. I do think that they should be informed of it though. No sense in being sneaky about it. We don’t need things coming back and biting us in the arse if Lokious should choose to try any more of his tricks in that field."

He finished his drink slowly, knowing he had pushed the Prince farther than he should have on this. The man was right, they had all suffered from the wraith’s games of treachery. It sat ill with Edwards that even now the effects stirred unrest amongst them. It would cause not only unease amongst them all, but could cause friendly ties to be strained to their breaking point. In a manner of speaking they could very easily do the demon’s work for him through confrontations such as this. edwards sighed. "I leave this mess with them in your capable hands my Prince. I will remain here and continue my dutis as Lord of this Keep until you deem it unwise for me to do so. Are we agreed on this matter?" His voice now calm and more sensable sounding.

Ros smiled back at the two, knowing now that the worst was gone and past. Ros was now feeling extreamly weak in her condition and sighed softly. "If ye not be needin me for a few hours.. im going to go and rest and get me somethin to eat. alright?" Dareal nodded lightly, smilng towards the older woman.. "Thank you Ros.. now go take care of yerself.. i will tend to Elizabeth and ricky downstairs." Ros nodded, smiling once more to Elizabeth and left the room, shutting the door behind her as she headed out to feed and then rest. Dareal then looked down at Lizzy, gently caressing her cheek as he chuckled.. "Unfortunately my love, no i do not read minds." He chuckled a bit more as he sighed and held her close. "Now.. im not going anywhere for a while.. so why dont we relax for a bit...hrm?" He said as he rested his hand on her belly, the sheer joy evident in his eyes as he looked at the woman he loved in his arms.

Melanthus let a mild twitch of his nose and nod of his head show to Edwards. "Ok.. that is acceptable, for now. I will take care of Ricky and Sarah.. but we will talk more on this later when things here have settled down more." With that Melanthus took his leave, knowing that Edwards would still give him a hard time about this whole thing.. but for now.. this compromise would do. He made his way down to Ricky and came to stand beside the young doctor, who was in a light doze on the table. He rested a hand gently upon the man’s forehead and smiled. "Glad to see you are resting young one. If you are feeling up to it.. you can go upstairs to your beloved and rest up there with her. She and the child are doing just fine, and from what Ros told me.. it looks like that it may be sometime within the next week or so and you will have a wonderful bouncing bundle of joy." He chuckled lightly as he grinned to the man. "So i will help you upstairs to where you and your wife can be together for right now.. i think that will do the most good for the two of you, what do you say?" Melanthus grinned as he winked to the man.

Elizabeth curled up against Dareal. She loved him with all of her heart and it showed in the soft words and gentle touch she afforded to him openly. Her hand rested on top of his that laid on her stomach. Beneath their hands the baby grew in silence. In a matter of months the child would enter the world and into their hearts, binding them forever into a family unit.

She chuckled lightly watching their hands now. "Ok so is this going to be a life long commitment or just a pasing thing until you have to change the first diaper? Her eyes sparkled already knowing the answer deep in her heart. He would never leave of his own free will. She wondered briefly at their future together. What would the fates bring them and the child?

A soft nagging of the scenes from her dream, as she thought of it, surfaced again. "Dareal do you know of someone named Williams? He was in that dream I spoke of that I just had. He was one of the two that talked with me. The other though..." She looked at him quizickly. "Do you believe in angels Dareal?" Her fingers traced his cheek as she kissed him softly on the lips.

Ricky flinched a bit under Melanthus’s touch, giving the kindred Prince a slight smile. "I would really like that my Lord. I miss her more than you could imagine..and I worry about the baby. He’s going to be our first, and it looks like he’s going to be coming a bit early if Lady Roslynn is correct."

He leaned slightly on Melanthus as he slipped off of the stone table. "Not the best orthepedic bed I’ve had the pleasure of resting on." His shakey hand rubbing the stiffness out of his lower back. The youngster couldn’t bring his eyes to Melanthus’s though. A tendril of obvious fear still radiated from the young man, though he was trying hard to ignore it.

Together they went up the stairs towards Sarah’s room. "My Lord, are you going to do as Lord Edwards has requested? I know better than most the grave risks of doing that sort of thing." The young doctor grew quiet as they walked slowly. "It’s not myself I worry for on this sir...it’s Sarah. She loves him as her own father...and her mind is very strong from her druid heritage." He lifted a hand to stop Melanthus’s words at first. She doesn’t know herself from what I can tell. I found out from a visitor weeks ago. An old fellow named Williams."

Ricky suddenly grew still inside of himself. He had spoken to boldly to the kindred Prince, and part of him feared the results of his words and actions. They could act so soft spoken...he shook off the dark thought with a solid slam within his own mind. There would be no more of that he firmly told himself. The rush of relief he felt told him he had done the right thing. Ricky flinched as Melanthus’s hand caught his elbow halting him before Sarah’s closed door. What Edwards wanted would be painful and risky to say the least...even on a small scale.

Dareal smiled as he let a bit of a chuckle escape his lips again. "Nay, a dirty diaper is not going to scare me away.. ye are stuck with me my love." His grin broadened even more as he kissed her. "And.. the dream ye say ye had.. i know exactly who williams is. He’s been.. helping our clan on a.. quest of sorts. The wraith that has been plaquing us can be gotten rid of..but.. we are missing one thing in order to send him back permanantly to where he belongs..and that’s some kind of tome. Currently.. no one knows of its where abouts..and its important that we find it." He sighed at that thought.. how were they gonna find this tome. So far none of the clan members had come across it and Dareal wished that they could find it soon.

Melanthus stopped right in front of the door, firmly yet gently holding onto Ricky’s elbow as he looked at the young doctor. "First of all.. if i do wipe your minds.. its not as horrid as you think it will be. Some people if they dont do it right..yes can be painful..buti have no intentions of doing that..at the moment. I managed to talk Edwards into only .. erasing one memory from you and her..and that was of this last few hours that’s caused you pain and her pain.. nothing more. Second..yes.. i know of Williams.. he’s helped my clan as of late with our... wraith problem, as i told you a while back while you were healing." Melanthus sighed softly as he shook his head... "I dont want to have to pull rank on Edwards for this.. i really dont, and if i do.. ill have to take this matter to Council, which he wont like..but as i told him.. for now the only thing i will do is just erased the last few memories from your accident till this point here." And with that he let go of Ricky’s arm and smiled a bit.. "Now.. lets get you inside with your wife.. i know she’s been worried sick about you." And with that, he opened the door gently, motioning ricky inside as he watched the two rejoined. "Please.. for now tho.. act like i did do this.. i know its going to be hard to pull that off..but i dont want to wipe those memories.. but i have a feeling that Edwards is.. well.. got other plans..and i need to keep abreast of what he’s doing. You two just stay in here.. ill send someone up in a bit with something for you both to eat and drink.. just dont leave the room.. please?" melanthus asked in a gentle tone. Mel did have a very tender side to his almost forboding appearance..but he did have a heart..and at that moment.. it showed to them both as they looked at him.

Elizabeth looked up at Dareal a vague look clouding her eyes briefly, tome? She sort of remembered something being said by Williams about that. Elizabeth eyed Dareal a moment before speaking carefully. "The one with Williams spoke of it." She went silent then staring at their hands. "I know of that tome somewhat...its fuzzy though. Like its locked away. They said it was for the safety of myself and the baby that they did that. But that you would know what to do."

She shook her head then as if coming out of a daze, the vague look gone now. In its place a puzzled look instead. "Did you just say something? Sorry I guess I just zoned out there for a second." Her sheepish look at him almost amusing, if it had not been for the words she had just spoken. Her hand drifted across his chest tracing the muscle patterns beneath his shit softly. How she wished she felt better right now...A soft smile crossed her lips as she thought of holding him close to her in bed.

Ricky was at Sarah’s side, almost instantly caught up in her embrace before he could even sit fully on the bed next to her. Her tears of relief coming with soft sobs at seeing him alive and well. Ricky held her close soothing her with soft words and a gentle touch to her back. "I’m ok baby. I’m ok.." His eyes flickered up at Melanthus, behind the fear though was a deeper look of gratitude to the kindred Prince. "Thank sir." He said softly holding the sobbing Sarah to him.

"Do not underestimate him my Lord. He normally gets his way...even if it means twisting the rules and using tricks you’d least expect." He spoke quietly holding Melanthus’s gaze briefly before dropping his cheek to Sarah’s head. "Where you least expect the attack...that is where you will find him my Lord."

Dareal nodded lightly.. he knew what to do..but it would require one of two other kindred to be present to help. Neither of which were currently.. available.but one was on his way home..so.. he would have to send word back to Muncaster when he arrived that he was needed. Dareal smiled softly as he gently rubbed her arms with his hands.."Shh.. im not going anywhere.. dont worry, this night is ours together." He whispered as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears and gently he laid down beside her, pulling her in close to his body while his arms wrapped around her, keeping her safe and close. He sighed contently, and idly nibbled at her neck, giving off a few chuckles as he was truly happy at the moment.

Melanthus nodded to the couple and took his leave, going back downstairs to the main living room and taking a seat on one of the plush couches there. Hours passed by, and he still remained where he was, only briefly looking up as the door opened and Ros stepped in, looking a tad better, but still tired. "Get some rest now Ros.. i think it would be best that on the morrow, all of us, save for Lord Edwards head back to Muncaster. I dont truly trust staying here anymore." Ros nodded as she hauled herself upstairs to the spare room her and Mel had been staying in, replying back.. "Have ye told young ricky and sarah yet?" She asked halfway up the stairs. "No, not yet..but after we all rest.. i plan on telling them first thing tomorrrow.. i have a feeling that Edwards is going to do what i already told him NOT to do. I really dont want to have to bring the council in on this.. but.. if he insists on being so bloody hard headed.. i might just have to." Ros nodded and said no more as she walked to the room and went in, going to get some much needed rest. Melanthus on the other hand.. remained where he was, thinking on what to do next.

Ricky laid with Sarah as they discussed in depth her dreams of the last few nights and reveled in the movements of their child within her. The candles flickered softly with the warm breeze that filtered through the patio doors. Sarah had long dozed off as Ricky still laid next to her atop the bedcovers. He had enjoyed a shower with her and rather liked the idea of the clean clothes he had on now.

He had checked her over carefully as she had dozed off, satisfying himself she was indeed ok as was the baby. Her gentle breathing soon had his eyes drifting closed. What happened next he could only have nightmares of later. One second he was drifting off on the soft bed the next a powerful blow came to the side of his head. The spray of salty warmth telling him, as did the pain, that they had company...Edwards? The thought never finished as unknown hands firmly held him gagged and against the floor.

"Do what needs done and then meet me later. Be more gentle with the woman though." Edwards cold voice ringing softly in the room. Blinding pain brought a muffled groan from the young doctor. Ricky’s mind exploded as the cold hand now on his forhead cast its power into him. He fought against the hands that held him, knowing only one set was human. Then the world crashed down on him. He gasped as the other backed off. "Thats just a taste boy, dont need you remembering me."

The kindred moved towards Sarah, still sleeping somehow. His cold eyes flickered to Ricky’s, "I only took a few things for the moment. Nothing important yet. I want you to see this before I do you in my young friend." The kindred’s fingers carressed Sarah’s cheek, her eyes flickered open briefly. Sudden terror etched on her face as his hand muffled her scream. His head tipped to her neck as she thrashed under his hold on her. The muffled sobs echoing in the room as he fed slowly, not allowing her the ecstacy normally brought about by the kiss. Ricky struggled violently against the human hands, who had ordered this? That memory alone gone...He felt a heavy weight slam again into his head...darkness followed, but not before he vaguely remembered he shared blood now with the other kindred here. He used it now, opening a strong link to the kindred Prince. His mind went dark then..as Sarah’s sobs of pain and terror filled the room now.

Melanthus had been sitting on the sofa.. still debating on what to do when his mind was suddenly asaulted by the link from Ricky. What he was being fed thru the link was enough to cause the kindred prince to spring off the sofa and bolt up the stairs, directly to the room where Sarah and Ricky were at. Melanthus did not even bother to open the door, rather instead shifted out of phase and appeared in the room like a ghost as his eyes turned a dark crimson color as now his rather distasteful anger arouse, but in control. "Now, i do not recall any visitors this late." Mel first took one look at the kindred hold onto Sarah and let out one hell of a hissing growl. This time he would use his powers for what they were intended to be used for. The two intruders that were let in by Edwards, obviously there to do what Melanthus had not yet done.. were taken aback as Melanthus’s form turned into something..that was never seen before by any normal kindred. His form contorted.. growing paler, as his form seem to shift into something more ancient looking, unlike his normal appearance, giving him nearly a very gothic and nearly frightning appearance. His eyes shimmered a deep crimson while his fangs grew to be revealed visibly by them all. Thru it all.. the anger of the prince was held in check, not once did he let it get out of control. Fluidly he took one step towards the kindred.. coming up behind him and grabbing his neck as he choked him.. growling. "I am the prince here..and you will not .. be going against.. me." He said, his strength pulsing thru his hands as the other kindred fought to get away from Mel’s grasp. But Mel had one hell of a grip on him. As the kindred let go of Sarah, he was lifted up into the air, and with a growl in protest, slashed at mel’s arm with the elongated nails that are sharp like knives that dig into flesh. Mel was not phased in the least, he ignored the pain that started to ebb in his arm thanks to the sucessful strike from the other kindred. But for him it was too late. Mel tightened his grip, cutting off the air to the kindreds body as he flung the kindred out the open window, letting him fall to his death.

It was then that the human that was there, holding ricky, stopped dead in his tracks, watching this .. kindred.. come straight towards him, only this time.. Mel shifted into a black timber wolf, leaping at the human that was there, knocking Ricky away as the man was pounced on and Mel lunged into bitting his arms and any flesh he could get to. The man hollared in terror, as melanthus opened a link to Ricky mentally.. :::: GET out of here! Take her to Dareal’s room..and all of you right now.. GET outside and into the car that i drove here in. Its out front... GO NOW.:::: Melanthus continued on his vigilant attatck, tho not wanting to kill this man, but definetly going to do a good bit of damage, long enough to let the couple get to Dareal and Lizzy’s chamber. Melanthus then opened up another link to Ros.. telling her to go to the stairs, and making sure that no one was there to impeed their progress. Mel would get back home on his own accourd, that was no problem at all. AFter the couple left the room, Mel shifted back to normal form and remained on top of the man in front of him, growling at him as he reached up, pulling back his fist and slamming it into his head, knocking the bloodied man out as he stood up and shortly there after, went out the door himself.

Ricky held the unconscious Sarah in his arms as he told Dareal what was going on. Blood flowed from her neck staining the soft flannel gown she wore. Ricky could still feel her heart racing under his hands as he slipped into the car with the others. With Ros’s help he inspected the wounds in Sarah’s neck. It would have to wait though till they arrived at Melanthus’s castle.

The young doctor tipped his head to the top of Sarah’s. His own blood flowing freely down his face and neck. The dull aching in his neck and shoulders telling him how strong the blows actually had been. He felt Ros’s hands holding a compress to his own wounds. "Thank you." He muttered softly, but his eyes never opened. Ricky’s thoughts swirling about in his head now, a jumbled mess from the attack, shock and loss of a few of his own memories. His shoulders trembled a bit, he felt so tired and ill right now. He nodded at Ros’s question about being cold. Her voice came muffled but he made out a few words about shock, head injury and brutal feeding.

Sarah started to come to as they pulled into the drive of Melanthus’s castle. She cried softly against her husband’s chest. Fear and exhaustion in her voice as she muttered incherently about the attack. Breaking into deep sobs, that caused more bleeding from her neck, they took her upstairs.

Elizabeth stayed silent the entire time, nothing more than a disturbed look on her face as Dareal drove. Her hand rested on his thigh during the trip. Once at the castle, Elizabeth shoo’d Dareal off to help attend to Ricky and Sarah..."I’m fine love. They need you and the others right now." She had kissed him softly and then seated herself comfortably on the large couch in front of the fireplace. A look of deep soul searching in her eyes as she sipped at a glass of wine offered to her in silence after the others had gone upstairs. She glanced up to see who had handed her the wine.

Melanthus looked around outside the door to the room he was in, taking note that everyone had escaped safely. With a quick turn, he exited thru the window he tossed the other kindred out of, floating to the ground and taking form of his timber wolf and took off back towards Muncaster. It would take him a little bit, but not as long as it would if he walked. He would make it there, and then he would notify the council of all that was happening with the Lord of Rhionne keep.

Dareal kissed Elizabeth gently as he hurried up the stairs with the others, two other maids followed behind them, havin been called by Ros to come up and help them with the injured. Ros took them to the room that Aaron and Brian had shared, since it was the first room they came across and they quicky took the two injured inside and settled them both on the bed. Ros took a look at Sarah’s neck wound, frowning as she barked out some orders for the nearest maid to get her some herbs..water.. antiseptic.. and some numbing salve. As Ros tended to the pregnant woman.. Dareal went to work on Ricky, having him lay back on the bed as he examined the side of the man’s head where the blow took place from the fight. A huge knot already had formed as well as one hell of a nasty bruise to accompany it. He pulled a throw blanket over Ricky’s body, to help keep him warm as he had the other maid get a bucket of clean water and some cloths.. plenty of cloths in fact. Both maids hurried bout their duties, getting said items for them both as Ros went to clean, numb.. and stitch up the wound on sarah, then turned to work on Ricky. His condition was not as bad as first thought.. but as she flashed a small keychain size flashlight in and out of his eyes.. she tsked a bit and sighed. "Sarah will be fine.. the salve i put on will help in speeding up the injurie and keep it numb till its healed. But Ricky here.. we will have to keep an eye on.. he has from what it looks like a concusion.. not severe, but definetly one we will have to keep and eye on. Head trauma is not something to be careless with, so the next few hours i will have to constantly wake him to make sure he responds." Dareal nodded, and went about cleaning up the abrasions and the cut on the side of ricky’s head. Ros stitched that up as well, then taking a seat in a nearby chair as she looked at the maids and Dareal. "Go, i will remain here. If i need anything i shall call ye." Dareal nodded lightly and headed back towards the door to go check on Elizabeth.

The figure that had handed Elizabeth the wine was not kindred by any means. He was human, roughly in his late thirties with short shoulder length hair the color of wood. Eyes of pure hazel shone down at the woman as he smiled. "Thought you might like to have something to drink miss. Please.. if you need anything, do not hesitate on calling on me, the names James." He smiled in kind as he turned to leave the woman, speaking back as he left. "Anything at all.. just let me know. Our home is your home." And the gentleman dissapeared back towards the kitchen where he had come from. He was not dressed like a servant, mearly like he was a family member, more than anything else. His demeanor was kind and within his eyes, she could see the haughty joy that shone in the mans eyes that rivaled those that lived here at the castle. As she sipped her wine, Dareal came up behind her and gently leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her head as he whispered to her.. "How you doing love?"

Sarah sobbed softly as Roslynn worked on her neck. The woman’s gentle touch though soothed her fears. Though she flinched every once in a while if there was a sudden movement. The blood loss made her weak but was not at a dangerous level. She was young and strong physically, so her body was already compensating for the shock to her system. Sarah drifted off into an unsettled and restless sleep as Roslynn and Dareal finished with Ricky.

The young doctor though was another matter. He was stunned and shocky. Ricky muttered softly under his breath at Dareal’s touch, his eyes glassy and nervous. Yet he calmed under their soothing gentle touches. He blinked slowly as Ros checked his eyes. "Ouch." He muttered trying to turn away from the light. He felt tired and sleepy. The dull pounding in his head accented each sound in the room to a louder level then normal. He shivered under the blanket Dareal had placed on him.

His eyes slid shut as Ros shoo’d Dareal out the door. "Rough night." he said quietly to Ros as his own eyes closed into a deeper sleep than was normal. His pale face and slightly sunken features telling the healer he had been stressed far beyond his normal limits. The young man needed rest desperately. "Thanks Ros..." The words coming as he drifted off, taking comfort in her quiet presence.

Elizabeth sighed deeply, reaching up to touch Dareal’s face with her fingers. "I’m doing ok love. I was tired earlier, but seem to find myself wide awake now." She chuckled lightly. "How are Ricky and Sarah doing?" Her eyes holding concern for the two people she knew. "Its going to be a rough situation isn’t it Dareal? I know Edwards only a little. What happened tonight in all honesty?"

She pulled him around gently to sit next to her on the couch, drawing her legs up underneath her as she sat looking at the man she loved so dearly. Her inner strength the comprehend and accept the trials of life shone deeply back at him. If she was scared or nervous about what had transpired so recently it did not show in her at the moment. Instead she seemed to be seeking a way to understand this new world she found herself submerged in now. A world that only the other day she never knew existed.

Elizabeth sipped slowly at the wine relishing the rich flavor of the drink. Setting it down carefully on the table near her, Elizabeth frowned loking into the fire. "What will happen to Ricky and Sarah now? For that matter me to? I take it this is a major breach in you folks keeping things quiet."

Ros smiled softly and kept a vigilant close eye on the two she was now in charge of taking care of. She woke Ricky about every half hour.. checking on him as was needed to make sure he still knew who he was, who she was.. the usual information..then let him go back to sleep. Yes, indeed it was going to be a looong night.

Dareal tho sighed softly, a bit tired himself still from all of the just so recent events, resting his head gently against Elizabeths chest as he replied back to her questions. "They will be alright. Ros is looking after them both. They were lucky.. nothing majorly severe.. Ricky’s got a mild concusion.. and going to have one hell of a headache when its all over, and some mild shock. Sarah’s going to be just fine. Ros stitched her up, so she and ricky are both resting right now." He murmured as he nestled in closer to her. "As for what will happen to the two.. they are currently under our protection.. till Melanthus talks to the council to see about what to do about Edwards. As for you my love.. you are more than welcome to stay here with me in my chambers... i do afterall have a nice large room all to myself.. and you can move here if you like.. or you can go back to your place, tho i hope the former instead of the latter." He lifted his eyes up to meet hers, smiling softly. "As for keeping things quiet.. well.. what happened tonight with Edwards was not something that was expected. We knew about Lokius.. we have been battling him for some time now.. but i did not think he would strike out at Edwards and cause these recent events." A sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes. "And truth be known.. im growing weary of this battle. Im not losing hope or faith.. but its wearing on me and the othes of my clan.. its felt everyday and each day its a bit weaker on everyone." Which was in truth.. so very true. The clan was beginning to weakin in strength from all the fighting against Lokius.. but they all stood together as one against this evil..and they were going to survive this.. no matter what.

Melanthus finally made it back to Muncaster, entering from the rear of the castle as he came in thru the back door in his normal form, shutting the door behind him as he headed towards the council chambers and closing the door behind him. A few of the maids blinked as the lord of Muncaster did that, one young woman shoo’ing the others off as she entered the room to see if Melanthus needed anything at all to help ease his tension and to see if he wanted anything to drink.

Elizabeth snuggled in close to Dareal. "I can imagine how Melanthus is feeling right now. He seems to be the one in charge if I am correct in that observation." Her fingers trailed his arm then rested on his hand squeezing it firmly. "Dareal he seems to value your friendship." Her eyes grew distant again as they had done at Rhionne Keep.

"Time is fluid Dareal. Bonds need to be strengthened now, before more trouble comes. The things you see now are but a small echo of what goes on throughout the world as we speak." Elizabeth looked at him then. "Dareal the time of choosing comes. The choices made now will reflect on the final outcome. Take care to listen closely to what is not spoken but felt. Some of the choices to be made will be painful to carry through. But you all need to be stronger now than ever before. The centuries of friendships will be strained. Melanthus MUST become a Prince again in every manner of the term. If he does not, this house will fall and Lokious will revel in its ashes."

Elizabeth drew a deep breath a paleness to her face as she struggled to bring forth more of the death dream. It strained her and the pain it brought to not be able to tell him what had been said to her was evident. "Dareal...the Book...the way is there and in the trail of blood shed for its recovery...so many innocents yet to be lost..." Tears welled up in her eyes and the vague look shattered.

"Oh Dareal...I’m so sorry.." What she saw though from that vision while dead though, Elizabeth was unable to repeat. The daze left her and she cried bitterly over something she had not wanted to see but had become the vessel for. After a few minutes she pulled back from his arms. "Go to Melanthus now. He has so many desicions to make right now my love. He needs you as much as you do him. I will be fine." Her lips touched his softly, "No matter what desicions are made concerning us unlike you...Just remember, I understand and love you fully."

She stood slowly and went to the hearth leaning against it wearily. "Dareal they will choose not in Melanthus’s favor in dealing with us. I have no regrets..." Elizabeth swallowed firmly, "but one..that the blood of innocents paved this path and will continue to do so until the wraith is stopped." What she had seen had been chilling to say the least.

Dareal blinked and stood up, walking over to stand beside Elizabeth as he sighed softly. "I wont let anything hurt you.. nor the others. Yes, there was a breach in our society.. but when the council meets, like i already know that Mel’s called for them.. i will be there to discuss the options. But i wont let them harm you.. not now..and not ever." His words strong, yet gentle as he swallowed back impending tears that wanted to rush forth and run down his cheeks. His hand lifted to run lightly thru her hair as he turned and left to go to the council chambers where Melanthus was at.

As Dareal entered the room, the other seven members of the council had already joined the chamber with Melanthus. The only two missing were Larynda and Anthony, who were of course unavailable at the moment. Dareal bowed to them all and took his seat to the left of Melanthus and looked at them all. There was Damien, Rapheal, Roslynn (who managed to come down for the meeting), Melanthus, Dareal, Reginna, Michael,Justine, and James.

Melanthus sat in utter silence for the longest of times as he finally raised his gaze to look at all the members of the council. "This council is now in order.. we have a serious problem, that has to be dealt with. Lord Edwards of Rhionne keep has come to lose.. what little sanity im thinking, thanks to Lokius. You all know what occured there.. and there’s a great question that needs to be sought an answer to. That being of the mortals Ricky and Sarah. They were family to Edwards, but since the incident earlier this nite.. they have gone thru a lot and the concern is amongst our kind.. will they leak out that our kind exists to the other mortals that are around us?" He let his gaze go from each to the other, then looking at Dareal as he could see a bit of the unease that had settled in around the priest. "I state this as my own actions and my opinions, and here they are. Dareal’s beloved, Elizabeth is not to be touched nor harmed. I will not budge on that decision. The other is that Ricky and the woman above not be killed nor harmed either." That brought a few lofting brows and questioning looks from the other council members. "M‘lord.. i have to object.. if they leave these premisis.. there is the strong possibility that what they have seen and heard.. they will spread to other mortals, and you know that can not happen." That coming from Damien who leaned forward on the table.

Melanthus leaned back in his chair as he rubbed the ridge of his nose. "I do not believe that they will. But.. i will not have them killed, nor will i have them turned into kindred either. Sarah is pregnant..and i will not ruin that.. nor will i ruin their lives because of what Lokius has done. The only other option is for a mindwipe.. but.. if that was to be done.. it will be done by one of three people.. and only them; Roslynn, myself, or Dareal." The council members looked around at eachother, murmuring back and forth about what Melanthus had proposed. The room then went silent again as Melanthus started to speak... " The reason i am reluctant in doing so is because of the fact that Lord Edwards has been family for the two mortals.. and until now.. they had no problems at all with him..and they actually all got along famously and lovingly. It was not until Lokius’s interference in Edwards that things went askew." That caused the council members to mutter to eachother again in a soft talk as Dareal looked towards Melanthus and gave a re-assuring pat on the shoulder as the kindred prince started to show his true colors as prince. "Then by the council’s decision and choice.. death and embracing has been eliminated by us.. that leaves the mental wipes the thing to carry out. Lord Dareal’s beloved will be spared this fate, but the other two mortals must be wiped of the knowledge of our kind. They may retain the memories of who we are..but not -what- we are. Once they are stable and in good health once again.. the wipe is to be carried out by one of those three as the lord has mentioned. For our safety and the safety of our kind, the council has spoken and passed down the judgement."

Melanthus nodded lightly as they all stood up, each bowing to Melanthus in utter respect and trust. The clan was tight knit..and even in the toughest of times, no matter what.. always made it thru with the correct decisions, thanks to Mel’s strong leadership and caring. The meeting lasted roughly fifteen minutes to 30 minutes.. the time seemed to pass faster than it normally would, but as they all left, Dareal remained with Melanthus and offered a kind smile. "I know its hard my lord.. its never easy in such situations.. but we know your strength and care has always held us firmly together. You have our strength.. and our loyalty as long as we live in this realm." Melanthus smiled back as he stood up, clapping Dareal on the shoulder as the two left the room.. "Then i believe old fart.. that without a doubt, things will turn out in the end for the good.. and as long as we all trust eachother and are there for eachother.. nothing can break the chains and links that we all share." Dareal nodded lightly as he turned to leave and go back to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth stared for a long moment into the fire after Dareal left her side. A cold shiver going down her spine as she felt eyes from a hundred different locations watching her movements. She shook her head at the feeling. Her cell phone rang dully in her coat pocket on the couch behind her. Walking over she rooted around for it, finally grabbing hold of the rather noisy object on the 8th ring. "Elizabeth here." Her words still etched with the thoughts going through her mind.

"No Nick, I don’t think it would be possible for me to do that right now...I don’t care HOW badly he THINKS I need to go there...No tell the old coot he lost that chance a long time ago little brother...Because I met someone..." She sighed in aggitation now. Unaware that Melanthus and Dareal had come into the room behind her, along with two of the other council members wishing to meet her.

Her hand rubbed at her eyes in a very irritated manner, yet her voice stayed calm for the moment. Those behind her watching and listening with more than normal interest to her words now. "OK look this is the way it is kiddo. The only ammends I’ll be making with that ass is when I put a 45 to his head and watch his brains paint the wall behind him." The venom in her words sparking her aura in crimson red.

She adjusted the phone against her ear listening calmly, "Listen Nick, do yourself a favor little brother...get that kid out of his hands...Yeah I’ll do it...I know a safe place kiddo, but my terms and my say got it?...If the old boy tries that again Nick I’ll bury him without a second thought...how bad the baby get knocked around?" Her deep breath and bowed head said alot.

In a suddenly cold firm voice Elizabeth spoke, "Go into the den at my house. Behind the map of Brazil you’ll find a dagger. Take it to Tyler in Morristown South England. Tell him I’m requesting that debt be paid...no baby, no money’s needed. When you hand him that dagger Nick, honey, he’ll ask you for something thats going to sound pretty strange." She chuckled,"No not your life. But it will seem odd. It did to me at first to...guess I got a bit wiser the last few days on stuff..." Her voice grew slightly distant. "No I don’t remember a damned thing after we talked...I slept like a log for 2 days though."

She paused suddenly deep in thought as if picking her words with infinite care now. "Do I THINK that? That Tyler is a vampire? If I did Nick, lets just say I don’t think you’d want to hear my oppinions on that." She chuckled softly. "He’ll treat you good kiddo, if only because he loves his work and stealing kids from asses like Bartles. The man’s good hun...yeah I have helped him in that manner...ok kid take care and dont drop your guard round Tyler...cause you may not like his basement thats why...weird place full of, well interesting artifacts...he’s a bit different Nick just accept it if you want your son back and deprogrammed...You to hun...luck." With that she turned the phone off and whipped it across the room through an open window.

Her eyes closed as she wrapped arms across her stomach. "Please Tyler, just help us this once more..." The sudden rush of a link being established to Elizabeth was felt by the four kindred. It was horribly strong, and ancient. Her knees buckled as the force slammed into her. The room spun and dipped crazily and Elizabeth felt hands grabbing her and lifting her carefully with great speed. The feel of the couch came next as did Dareal’s familiar touch. Other unfamiliar hands touched her forhead as a male’s voice she did not recognize spoke to Dareal and Melanthus..It sounded like a quiet arguement of sorts, but one born of concern not malice.

The powerful link backed off in its intensity and Elizabeth’s head cleared enough to now allow her to open her eyes. She felt exhausted but ok. The exhaustion passed quickly as she felt Dareal sit her up against him, something bout the other man though that had touched... Tyler’s link could be felt by them all as it swirled in and around them, taking stock of each of the four male kindred with her. It lingered on Dareal the most, as if taking stock in him and his strength. Carefully it did the same with the others, almost bowing towards Melanthus, recognizing him as a Prince.

Then the words came into their minds, ringing with power and stength. Yet a great gentleness in the fact that a mortal stood within the protection of the circle of kindred around her. "In the presence of the acknowledged Kindred Prince of England and members of his high council, I introduce myself to you all...I am Tyler Bannok, kindred as yourselves."

The link strengthed on Elizabeth who winced and shuddered against Dareal in confusion at the knowledge that Tyler had imparted to her of the others. "No fear sweet Elizabeth. Your fate is well amongst them and myself. I will honor the debt to you as we have done so in the past with each other. Not all of us are monsters. I myself as you have rightly pressumed though, walk the grey areas of this world. You though, dear Lady of Dareal’s, have long before this garnered my respect. I am pleased that you have found your hearts desire finally my young friend. May the blessings of all that is good and strong support you through these darkest of hours."

Elizabeth reached out tenatively through the strong firm link, she shied away slightly from the feel of the other kindred surrounding her, yet they could all sense her desire to not fear them, but understand instead. She felt them waiting to see her next move...Slowly, shakily as if taking her first steps at walking, Elizabeth touched the offered link to them. Feeling for the moment what they shared together as a clan. She blinked at Dareal, smiling slightly as she nuzzled into his neck sighing, relief at what she felt now washing over her. Tyler and the others chuckled silently.

"Thank you Tyler...for doing this for me." The softness of the thought showing the bright inner flame of her mortality and strength to stand in the face of adversity. Her soft breath warm against Dareal’s skin.

The unseen kindred chuckled softly, "I never doubted you Elizabeth for a moment...it was myself that I doubted in many things. You knew something was different about me, yet you never questioned nor let it affect our friendship. I ask your forgiveness dear Lady for those times you awoke with no memory and feeling ill. If all is well between us now I will take my leave. One day sweet Elizabeth, I wish to know that your hand is joined with Lord Dareal’s, and that the child that grows within you now has been brought to know us all. For mark my words dear Lady, your son will bring great wisdom to this world. Through the clan that you are with now he will come to know love and what true family is.Those are things brought on by more than just genetics and blood dear Lady."

Elizabeth felt tears sting her eyes at Tyler’s words. "All is well and forgiven between us Tyler. You will always be a welcomed freind in our lives." The simple words from her unknowingly releasing Tyler from any wrath or possible harm from those kindred present, or others under Melanthus’s reign. She had no training in court politics nor council ways. But only through her words could he be absolved of any wrong doings. As a victim she had seen only the will to forgive one who had only acted on his nature. She felt no wrongness had been done. Instead of hiding behind veils of mystery and misdeed, Tyler had admitted openly in front of the Prince and council his doings. Elizabeth following her heart and instincts on him, had forgiven and embraced the offered appologies and freindship he gave openly. Tyler broke the link gently and was gone.

She looked up at Dareal, "Did I do the right thing Dareal?" Her calm eyes radiatinng her love for him. She leaned against him then and looked at the other three kindred. "I seem to find myself surrounded by you folks." Her gentle laughter easing the last of any remaining tension in the room. "Melanthus, introductions please?" Her soft smile catching the Prince’s eyes as she slipped Dareal’s arms around her waist and waited.

Dareal smiled and wrapped his arms around Elizabeth as he drew her into his chest while she faced towards Melanthus and the other two kindred. Melanthus grinned and bowed gentlemanly before Elizabeth and motioned his hand towards the two other kindred with him. "Ah, i guess introductions would be in order." The long blond haired kindred stepped forward, bowing to her as well.. "Im Michael Chatwyn, my dear lady. And its a pleasure to meet the one that’s finally melted the old man’s heart." He grinned coyly at Dareal, causing the kindred priest to blush a bit and cough. Then the second kindred bowed and smiled towards them all.. tho he seemed a bit younger than those around, at least in his early twenties with light brown hair, roughly shoulder length, shorter than most of the kindred’s here. "And im James Lockton, m‘lady." That smile seemed to radiate out to all those around and Melanthus nodded to them all. "They are two of the council members here. There are a few more that i can introduce you to later if you so wish?" Melanthus smiled and looked up the stairs as Roslynn was making her way back up to check on Ricky and Sarah.

"Feel free to show her around the place, Dareal. I think she would enjoy the garden as well as the small pond that is out back." Dareal chuckled lightly as he grinned.. "Aye, she might, so im taking this as you wanting me to go and relax for a while, mmm?" That coy grin creased Melanthus’s lips and he nodded.. "Aye, for we will have more visitors soon. Seems our dear Anthony will be returning within the day or so.. and he has a couple with him. Apparently his own chylde and another woman with him. So it seems things will be a bit busy around here once they arrive." Dareal nodded as then Michael and James bowed, smiling, and taking their leave of them as they set off to do their daily doings in the castle. "So, care to go for a small walk, my dear?" Dareal murmured next to her ear as he playfully nipped at it. Melanthus could not help but chuckle and grinned.."Ah, well.. ill take my leave of you two lovebirds. Enjoy the scenery." And with a bow and grin towards the two, he took his leave as he did say one more thing over his shoulder, directed towards Dareal.. "Old fart." Which caused Dareal to look up and laugh a bit as he shook his head. "Oh bah.. just wait till his wife gets back.. she will teach him." He chuckled as he waitied for Elizabeths response to his question.

Elizabeth smiled lightly at the others. "It’s a pleasure to meet all of you." Her eyes went to Melanthus’s. "I would really like to meet the others in..." She laughed as Dareal nipped at her ear playfully. "Well in all do time..." Her hand catching Dareal’s face as she planted a rather long kiss on his mouth. Melanthus’s warm words reassured her that all was well with her and the clan.

The idea of a walk along the pond and through the garden, had her eyes lighing up with a passion born of love and desire for the man whose arms were wrapped around her now. It was clear to all the kindred in the room that Elizabeth was far from a threat to them. Her love radiated strongly to the sensative beings, drawing them to her in a protective manner. She was Dareal’s lady fully, no other held the place in her heart as he did. The child within her caused her aura to shimmer in vibrant colors specific to one with child. She carried the gift of life...the miracle of creation, and she shared it openly with them now.

Dareal and Elizabeth walked outside to the pond and garden. She stayed close her arm around his waist occassionally brushing her cheek against his when they paused to look at something. Her eyes glittered softly and with desire for him. As they took a seat on the soft thick grass on the far side of the pond, Elizabeth suddenly seemed shy and almost timid. Her desire to know Dareal intimately, warred with the rape of a few days ago. she slipped down onto her side, putting her head into Dareal’s lap. Her fingers tracing patterns on his leg, "Dareal can I ask a question? Might sound odd considering everything that has just happened ok?" She snuggled closer into his lap but seemed nervous to look up at him. "What is it like...to have a kindred feed from you? Tyler did that to me but I have no memories of it. I guess I’m curious, but also afraid to."

She sighed deeply wrapping her arms up under her head on his legs. Her eyes closed reveling in the feel of him. She wanted more than anything to make love to him...the soft smile reflecting her thoughts tugged at her lips. She wanted it but was also nervous...the trauma still fresh in her mind.

Dareal let his hand run gently thru her hair as he tilted his head and looked down at her. His fingers gently ran beneath her chin, tilting it so she could look up at him. "In truth, when one of our kind feeds from a mortal, it can be done in two totally different ways. There are those that... are not so carefull in how they do it. They dont care what the other feels, so usually the.. feelings can be painful, hence why most of the victims minds are... cleaned of the incident. But the other one is .. when its done with passion and love, is the most enjoyable and tender thing that two people can share together."

Dareal’s fingertips came down and gently ran across her own lips.."There is no pain.. only something so beautiful and sheer brilliance when its done between people who love eachother. It also lets you feel the feelings and emotions of what i feel thru a link between us at that time." His words gentle and soft as he dropped his hand to rest just lightly over her heart. "And what is in here too." Another smile as he leaned down and pressed a kiss gently to her lips, lingering on it for a few moments before breaking it. "I have a feeling you want to feel the ’kiss’ if im correct. But.. after all that you have been thru, are you sure you want to share that.. with me, right now?"

Elizabeth looked up into Dareal’s eyes. Passion, fear and trust all mixed into the glistening depths. Her fingers traced softly across his hand over her heart, the muscle outlines of his forearm strong and weldefined as the touch went up to his elbow then back down. She could feel her heart racing under his palm, wondering briefly if he felt it thumping as hard against her chest as she could.

A dampness touched her brow with a subtle cool show of her nervousness. The realization of just what Dareal was capable of doing to her struck hard into Elizabeth. Dareal could feel the sensation of a literal skip in the beat of the pounding muscle under his hand, as well as the sudden hold in her breathing. It was only a second in time, then past. Her hand came up then and gripped his in a firm gentle touch bringing it to her cheek. Closing her eyes Elizabeth savored the feel of it against her cheek and neck.

She listened to the sound of her own heartbeat racing in her ears now. But it wasn’t bad now, each beat of her heart seemed to strengthen the resolve to over come the fears deep within her. She needed this and knew it...It would be frightening and possibly there would be pain in it along the way. Ricky had been gentle in his exam, but it had hurt severly, she had cried hard through it all. Dimly she remembered that Dareal and Melanthus had both been there. The pain and drugs dulled the memories of that time. But they could not ease the sickening cold in her stomach as images of the brutal rape played over and over in her mind.

With a deep shuddering breath, Elizabeth opened her eyes pushing with great resolve those images aside. Instead she let her eyes look deep into Dareal’s. "Yes Dareal I am very sure of it." She swallowed. "I’m terrified of it all though. Go slow and show me its nothing to fear from you." The trembling of her hand, racing heart and shallow breathing told Dareal the story words couldn’t.

Dareal gently lifted his other hand to caress her cheek as he smiled down into her eyes. "I shall go slow, and i promise you it will not hurt." He leaned down and gently kissed Elizabeth upon the lips, gently lifting her head up as he managed to slide out from beneath her head and to lay beside her instead. Gently he pulled her body in close to his, one hand gently pushing her hair back from her face as he let his other arm remain drapped about her waist.

Gently his lips came to her lips, kissing her again, tenderly and lovingly. Letting his lips slowly travel along her jawline and towards her earlobe, where he playfully nibbled there as he murmured softly to her. "Shh.. relax.." And as he moved his lips slowly down to her neck, he murmured to her again three little words, that meant the world to him.. "I love you."

He could feel the beating of her heart against his chest and beneath the flesh of her neck as carefully he let his fangs prick the tender flesh that awaited beneath his lips. It was not painful like Elizabeth was at first scared of, it was like getting your finger pricked in the doctors office. But it was then that as Dareal started to slowly feed, she could feel each and every sensation flow into her. The warming sensation of his touch, was that like a raging fire as it coarsed thru her veins. He took it very slow, allowing her to feel everything. To experience how it should be, and not at all like what she was afraid of or had been told. It almost seemed like a dream, to have such feelings coarse thru her body. Dareal then opened his very emotions to his heart, allowing those to slowly ebb into her, so she may know exactly how he feels. Time seemed to slow to a stop as he continued, slow and gently with her.

Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat as Dareal’s fangs pierced her neck at first lightly. She shuddered against his touch, then as she felt him draw her blood into his mouth and feed. The slight pain turned to a gentle pressure that nothing could compare to. Then Elizabeth was overcome with what her and Dareal now shared. The waves of ecstasy and love the two shared was beyond words. Her hand came up running through his hair and across his shoulders. Elizabeth’s body relaxed under Dareal’s touch as he gently fed. The sensations were enormous waves of emotion that poored through Dareal into her, catching her own up in his binding them together in a way like no other.

At that moment Elizabeth opened the doors to her own hear and soul to Dareal. Her fears and loves, her joys and every saddness. All wrapped up into her mortal core creating who and what she was. To remove any of those memories or experiences no matter how horrid, was to diminsh her as an individual.. Each emotion building on the others forminga structure whose stability resided in the fact that like a garden such as the one they cuurrently laid in by the pond, they needed nurturing and guidance. If there had been doubt in Dareal’s mind of Elizabeth’s love it was dispelled now and forever. Her body pushed against his, its soft full curves warm from her desire and passion. Elizabeth eyes remained closed as Dareal continued to feed ever so slowly.

Ricky lay in a deep sleep now, Roslynn getting nothing more than a soft mutter from the young doctor. His pupils were unequal and reacted sluggishly to any lights shined into them. The severeness of the concussion coming to bare after a few hours. Only Roslynn’s aid had kept him from slipping into a coma early on and unexpectedly. Instead the damage had peaked in a quiet safe place under the watchful eye of the kindred healer and others that came to help her. He would wake eventually, but when was hard to tell.

His young wife, heavy with their first child, felt the first waves of labor go through her in the quiet room. Sarah woke as the pain lanced through her. Ros was not there, having gone to rest and feed. The sudden pain of the contraction, coupled with not being fully awake had her confused. Not recognizing Melanthus’s voice or touch at first Sarah shrank away. Slowly the contraction slowed then eased off and she was able to get a grip on herself. Her tired frightened eyes looked into his, "Please dont leave." The whispered words getting cut off as another contraction surged through her. "To soon...to fast...." The contractions came closer than they should have, and much stronger. Sarah grew fatigued as sweat dampened her hair and face within 2 hours. Through it all she never cried out in pain. Instead she leaned into the kindred Prince, a bond establishing as Sarah slowly gave herself over the powerful man, crying softly against his chest between the contractions.. Her trust growing out of need and fear. They could see it in her eyes and aura that things were not well....

The sweet taste of her blood filled his body as the intoxicating emotions and sensations not only filled her, but him as well. He fed gently from her, not pushing it any further than that as his body quivered at the arch of her form against his. Tenderly he removed his fangs from her neck, kissing and sucking at the puncture wounds as they healed over. His hands running every so slowly over Elizabeths form as they crept back up slowly, inching the light jacket she wore down off her shoulders to reveal the soft velvet flesh. His lips lowered, leaving tiny kisses along her collarbone as he managed to finally rid her of the jacket and moving his hands along her waist and chest.

He could not help how he felt.. his senses had been assaulted by not only her touch nor taste..but the wonderful scent she harbored. His senses were skyrocketing as his lips left firey trails of exotic sensations along the bare skin. As his lips continued to explore the exposed flesh, as did his hands. Slowly, as to not startle Elizabeth, and only stopping if she wanted him to. Soft sighs escaped his lips as the warm air from his breath brushed across her flesh as his lips came up to meet hers in a searing, passionate kiss. His body shifted against hers, keeping her as close as he could, wanting to just feel her warmth and her touch. God, he thought, he could totally melt against her and into her. It was like watching ice melt against a searing hot bonfire. His desires were mounting with hers, wanting to taste not just from her, but ’of’ her. To feel her share him, for them to become one, and with over eight hundred years of abstinance, he was now wondering how in the hell he could of ever resisted these emotions. But he had, and now.. he found the one woman he would share those desires with, and to share his soul with.

The soft night sounds of the animals that resided within the garden, the chirping of the crickets, the hooting of the owls.. seem to add to the magical aura that surrounded them. His hands went lower, gliding lightly along her thighs as his fingertips slowly pulled the edge of her dress up as his firm hands slipped beneath the material to caress the velvet flesh that lay bare and hidden from view.

Melanthus carefully held the woman close to him, doing the best he could to help her thru the contractions as they came and went. "Shh, i wont leave you. Slow deep breaths.. dont fight the contractions." He murmured softly towards her as he was definetly not one who knew much about child birth. And with Ros out feeding and resting.. he only hoped that she would be back soon. But as the hours passed, Sarah’s contractions only seemed to get stronger and worse. He leaned over, dipping a towel into a nearby water basin and gently dabbing Sarah’s forehead with it. "Just hang in there.. its going to be alright. Ros shall be back soon, and she can help you in this." He said again, smiling a bit, but he knew..something was not right.. and yet.. he had no clue what it was, nor what to do about it.

Elizabeth surrendered totally to Dareal’s kisses and touch. Her body moved in closer to him, pressing against him wanting the same as Dareal did. She shivered under his touch, both frightened at the intensity of the emotions and the desires to carry it further. Her hands moved over Dareal’s body now with more sureness. One slipped behind his head, pulling him in closer as their kiss deepened.

Her eyes closed as she faintly tasted her own blood within his mouth. With a tender burning passion, Elizabeth forced herself to slow down. She backed her kiss off, letting her lips trail down his cheek to his neck. With a soft sigh her head sank into his shoulder. Dareal’s shirt buttons opened under her experienced fingers, with the gentlest of sighs Elizabeth let her hands slip under the soft material, carressing his skin with fingertips and lips.

She tensed for the briefest of seconds as Dareal’s hand found the more sensative hidden areas under her dress. Her hand slipped down running along his thigh and upwards, undoing his pants. Slowly their clothes landed in a pile behind them....As the hour wore on they came to know each other through their passion and loving touches. Elizabeth arched under Dareal’s touch and pulled him to her, wanting him as she had wanted no other in her life. Dareal’s mouth and hands igniting a burning desire to know him in every manner possible....

Sarah cried against Melanthus’s shoulder in between contractions. She was growing weaker by the minute now. The fear in her eyes evident to the two kindred, Michael and James, who had come in to check on things. Sarah didn’t shrink away though as they neared the bed. Another contraction surged through her sapping her strength and will. They watched as her face paled and her body slumped against Melanthus, Sarah’s breathing erratic and labored.

Her hand gripped Melanthus’s suddenly firm as she looked into his eyes, "The baby...my Lord please...don’t let him die..." She gasped softly as a sudden quiet descended on the three of them. The knowledge that Sarah was in grave danger, as was her unborn son, driving home to them all. The young woman’s eyes locking on Melanthus’s again. "If it all goes wrong...raise him as your own...as a warrior in the old ways....please....promise me." Tears rolled down her cheeks as another wave took its toll on her.

"Please my Lord when it is time...let me know the sweet passion of the kiss...I do not want to leave this world in pain and fear..." Her voice was trembling as she leaned into him, motioning to James and Micheal to sit on the bed. "I only wish to know those that will be his family...please... tell me of yourselves?" Her eyes begged them to help her stay conscious for the time, to learn things that would never be spoken of again.

In the corner shadowed against the wall, Williams stood in ghostly silence. Watching Sarah battled death..His face holding the pain of what was to come. He could only pray silently that the kindred Prince would do as Sarah asked. It was the most painful thing they witnessed now. But it was life’s circles and the work of something far greater. In Sarah’s death a new life would come forth. A life that would have great impact on this kindred clan. In her death, came their salvation at the hands of an infant born in love and trust. Sarah’s words binding the child and the clan...if ...Melanthus accepted what she asked of him in front of two of his council members.

Time no longer mattered, as neither did the place. Dareal moved carefully on top of Elizabeth while his hands continued to roam freely along the naked flesh that was beneath him. The smoldering fires that were being shared between the two grew to an intense height as he claimed her fully as his own. His movements were gentle and slow, letting her adjust and bringing her to her own peak. As he did, his head leaned down, pressing long kisses along her neck that he could no longer resist. The heightened senses of his own caused his body to shudder against hers as he let his fangs once again pierce into her neck, no pain at all was felt as he fed again, and this time the sensations from the feeding and their joining sent spirals of exctasy thru them both.

Each movement, each touch that dareal gave and he got back was more than he could have ever imagined. Every single movement of his body against hers, the warmth that surrounded them both seemed to turn into a torrent blaze as he fed deeply from Elizabeth, but keeping his mind from doing harm to her, which he knew he never could do, not to the one he loved... and what they shared right now, was something more than just magical to him.

Covered in a sheen of sweat and labored breathing, Dareal withdrew his fangs from her neck, kissing away the marks where he had penetrated her at. His body shuddered against her hands as groans of sheer contentment escaped his throat. His eyes lowered to gaze at the woman beneath him, his lips curling in a tender smile as his body slowed against hers, allowing him to catch his breath.

James and Michael both sat upon the edge of the bed as Melanthus held Sarah against him. "I.. will do as you ask. And i will raise the child as my own, and in the old ways.. you have my promise." The two kindred council members looked at Melanthus, then nodding in agreement as to the request. James was the first to speak up to Sarah as she asked who they were.. "Im James Stockton, m‘lady.. i was born and raised in northern England." The short brown hair he wore so stylishly for this day and age, was tucked behind one ear as he managed a smile towards the woman. Michael then after patting James on the back, made his introduction as well... "Michael Chatwyn m‘lady. I was born in London, some three hundred years ago. I am also the one here who is the art afficianado.. or art collector." Michael had the long blond hair, that graced all the way down his back, which normally he would have put up in usually a pony tail or braid, tho at the moment, he wore it down, soft waves from when he apparently had it in a braid earlier, was evident in the otherwise normally straight strands.

Melanthus noted the time and sighed softly.. "Ros should be here soon, just.. hang in there Sarah.. please." Melanthus murmured to the woman as he held her as more contractions wracked her already tired frame. She was trying her best, now if only Ros could get there and help out in this.. rather grave situation that seemed to be unfolding around them.

Elizabeth was totally consumed now by the raging passion. Her hands held Dareal close as he moved atop her in unison with her. She gasped trembling as a brief moment of fear washed through her. But it was only fleeting as she felt his mouth against her neck kissing more ernestly in the fires that burned through them both. She felt a firm pressure then, much harder than the first kiss, as she realized vaguely that this time he was not holding back the length and depth of his fangs. Trembling at the feeling, her hands pulled his head in closer as her cheek rested against his hair while he fed deeply now.

The sensation was unlike any she had felt before as her mind exploded in a spectacular array of emotion and color. The gentle pull of his drinking seemed to reach every part of her body. Her body shuddered against his in a climax of fulfilment. Elizabeth felt Dareal kis her neck closing the wounds from his feeding. In a daze of love and contentment she looked up into his eyes as he looked down at her. "I love you Dareal. With all my heart and soul. I never want to lose you...no matter what the cost." She pulled him down to her kissing him deeply and tenderly.

Slowly she let him go, laying next to him for a few minutes just reveling in his body that was hers alone. Her hands running lanquidly over every part of him. A soft smile creased her face as he reached for her clothes and put them on her slowly. She laid in the grass with an arm under her head watching him dress. Slowly her eyes closed into blissful sleep, devoid of pain and stress. Her last moments awake being of Dareal kneeling next to her smiling. "I’m tired love...just need to sleep a bit ok?" The soft words her last as his hand stroked her cheek.

Sarah listened and felt their words, knew their stories without being told ..’Odd how that is now’ the silent thought being heard by the three kindred. It was not an uncommon occurance for a mortal to do this in their final hours. The mind became open to untold possibilities and strengths. Her face paled more as the pain wracked through her. The baby was close to coming now...

The young woman was in great pain and terrified for her child. But nothing in her mind or body held fear of her own approaching death at Melanthus’s hand. His words and promises had given her the inner peace to endure this final struggle. Her hand reached holding Melanthus’s. "True Prince in every manner my Lord...have strength for the others in what comes." She gasped softly as the baby came closer to birth. Ros’s appearance was welcomed as she came through the door...

Dareal smiled down at Elizabeth, relaxing a bit beside her as she drifted off to sleep. "I love you too, Elizabeth." He murmured as he sat up and gently lifted Lizzy into his arms and held her closely as he sighed contently. "Sleep my love, ill take you to my room, where you can sleep." And without a second thought, he held her in his arms and headed back inside, down the long hallways and to his room. He opened the door with but a thought, entering the darkened room, which was lit by only a few candles and gently placed her upon the king size bed that awaited her. He leaned down, gently pressing a kiss to her lips as he smiled.. "I will be back in a few, do not worry, i just have to talk to Melanthus my love." She nodded and with a tired and dreamy look, she drifted off to sleep.

Melanthus made his way out and up towards the room where Ricky and Sarah were at. He cringed at the sobs and cries of pain he heard as he entered. The room full of kindred.. Ros, Mel, James and Michael all standing around the bed as Ros shoo‘ed James and Michael out of the way. Ros had the two kindred get the needed basin of water and more towels as she pulled Sarah’s dress up and out of the way so she could get a look at how far she was. "Tis time.. the babe will nae wait any longer." Melanthus stayed right at Sarah’s side and held her hand as the other two kindred came back with the towels and the water, placing them on the small table beside the bed. "Lass, when the next contraction comes.. ye have to push, ok?" Sarah nodded as Dareal came in behind the group, moving James and Michael off to the side as he told them to give them room. Dareal took notice of Williams over in the shadows, knowing that something was going to happen to Sarah, recalling something that Elizabeth had said and he looked at the pregnant woman as she pushed with the contractions. She was the innocent that would die... he recalled what Lizzy had said and frowned as he came up along side of Melanthus and placed a hand gently upon Lizzy’s forhead, grabbing a towel and soaking it in the water, ringing it out and dabbing at her forehead. "That’s right.. long breaths dear one. Its almost over." He said as Melanthus held her hand, lending her the strength she needed to finally deliver the child, Roslynn immediately taking up a towel and cleaning the babe as a very loud and healthy wailing cry came from the child. "Tis a boy, m‘lady Sarah.." And after cleaning the child up, she placed him in a clean towel and gently placed him upon Sarah’s chest so she may take a look at her son. Melanthus smiled but could see the strain and the life draining quickly out of Sarah, he knew that once she had her moment with the child, he would do as he was asked for her.

Sarah’s eyes glistened with a love so deep it hurt to watch. Her trembling fingers traced the small face and hands, a smile gracing her tired face as her newborn son gripped her finger tightly. The infants deep blue eyes watched his mother’s face intently. A look both wondering and content as a small fist found his mouth and loud, strong sucking sounds ensued. Sarah could no longer hold the tears, they streamed down her face in a steady torrent soaking her face. She brought the child to her cheek, taking in his glorious new scent, the feel of his thick hair and the silky softness of his skin. "I love you little one. I’ll always be with you, I swear it."

Crying now, Sarah handed the baby reluctantly Roslynn. Her pain filled eyes, suddenly filled with terror that she was going to die and none of them could stop it. Those same eyes went to Dareal, "See it isn’t just the warrior’s route he walks my Lord...each of you has something to offer..." A wave of pain raced through her. Sarah burried her face into Dareal’s lap sobbing, trembling as she felt Melanthus’s hands pulling her back against him,fully aware the kindred Prince was whispering someting to Dareal.

Melanthus finished explaining what was happening to Sarah, and her request that she asked of him as well. Dareal turned his gentle gaze to the woman that lay at deaths door and placed his hand upon her forhead gently. "I shall make sure that he is taught by us all.. that he will know of everything that there is to know, fear not of that, dear lady." And as he smiled towards her, she felt a gentle wave of tenderness ebb into her body from his touch. His lips started to form the words of a prayer to those above, to keep her soul safe and that her travel to the other side be a safe one as well.

Melanthus leaned down, murmuring to Sarah as he sighed softly.. "You will feel no pain while i do this.. i will be careful in not adding to that pain you feel already. Your son will grow up strong, and the name of Stephen shall be his." He smiled at the woman, pulling her close to his chest as more pains wracked her exhausted body. Melanthus leaned in, pressing his lips to her neck as the pressure from the ’bite’ was felt. Great pressure at first, but easing off as Melanthus gave her the taste of the kiss, slowly draining her body, letting her know one last feel of passion, so she could forget about the pain that had been wracking her form since the labor.

Roslynn took the babe during this all, taking him into the bathroom to clean him and wrap him in a clean blanket, checking him over as well to make sure he was healthy and strong. By the time Ros returned, Melanthus had finished with Sarah, pulling away gently from the woman as he laid her back upon the pillows and wiping the trickle of blood that lingered upon his lips. Dareal continued to pray for her, giving her body one more blessing as Melanthus sat there, giving her lifeless hand one last gentle squeeze. God how he hated to do that.. and as if there had not been enough bloodshed within the past few weeks.. now this. Melanthus closed his eyes tightly and murmured towards James and Michael... "Take him into the other adjoining room. Be careful with him... once he has regained consciousness.. i shall explain to him what has happened." James and Michael nodded, and both carefully picked up Ricky, taking him to the room next door.

Roslynn came out with stephen in her arms, sucking on his tiny fist as she looked at Melanthus. "M‘lord.. if you will.. i shall go get a crib for the child and place it down in your chambers for you." Melanthus nodded lightly and took the child from Roslynn, peering down at the tiny newborn that had no idea what happened just now. It was then that as Melanthus looked up, he noticed Williams, lips pursed in a questioning look as right then, so did Roslynn. Dareal smiled a bit towards williams as the three stood in one place, beside Sarah’s body, wondering what he would say.

Sarah left the world peacefully, as Melanthus had promised she had felt absolutely no pain...just tremendous pressure followed by an ecstasty that new no bounds. Melanthus coming, in that instant, to know Sarah, and the strength the young woman had. Slowly as he fed, sarah’s body relaxed into his arms. As her heart stopped its final fluttering beat, a soft smile crossed her lips.

Williams watched it all. She had died in the arms of one who had compassion enough to over look his own pain to ease hers. Dareal’s prayers acting as the catalyst needed to open the gateway for Sarah. Her spirit lifted upwards as her heart stopped. He had for a moment been nervous she would flee away from the spot. But her vow to remain near her newborn son was a strong and true one.

In times of great need she would be able to cross the veils at will. For now though she needed the rest, and gentleness, affored to her in the sweet boundaries beyond this place. He watched as she approached, timid at first but drawn to his shimmering form like a moth to a flame. Smiling Williams stretched his hand out kissing her cheek lightly before sending her over to watch her child unseen by Melanthus...though the priest still connected to Sarah through the prayers he had uttered, could see the graceful young spirit with little problem. Sarah smiled kindly at him, stopping briefly to touch his cheek and whisper a deep thank you to Dareal.

Her eyes went to rest on Melanthus holding the baby, "I will vist our Prince this evening when all is quiet. It would be best then, for now he and his new son must have time to bond." Sarah stood behind the kindred Prince smiling softly down at her newborn son.

Williams came forward now to the others in silence. Pain and happiness mixed on his face as his fingers touched the baby. "It has started my friends. Take strength in knowing Sarah is well and happy. My ultimate gratitude my Prince for giving her a moment of tender passion asking nothing in return for the deed done." The ghost rested a comforting hand on Melanthus’s shoulder. "You did well my friend. She did not suffer in the end, and you now have a son who will change the very world we walk in. I think you will be discovering the joys and tribulations of parenthood. Dareal...may I suggest you watch closely hmmm" A warm chuckle came from Williams, but it was tempered in saddness. "Others will die also before this is over, I ask that you afford Ricky the same curtisy as you have shown his wife when it is his time. But you will not be the one asked to do the deed Melanthus...no another will do that. You have brought enough death for the time being, now my Lord you will learn as the others here the gift of life and all its wonders."

The ghost looked up into Dareal’s eyes, " Your Elizabeth...the one that comes, Anthony, has the ability to unlock what is within her mind. But she will be frightened and it will not be pleasent for either of them. Have care with them both, there is great risk in what must be done. I’m sure you understand a bit of my words at least. The four of you male kindred have been chosen to help Elizabeth through this. But Dareal...it is her love for you that will finally allow her to succumb to Anthony. Force the issue, but do not fear her anger or tears. Prince Melanthus, in this you will need to be a Prince, not her friend. Micheal and James, it will be by your hands she is held firm when she struggles, and your shoulder Dareal that will ease the tears and remind her that when it is done and over with, that no malice was intended by the others. She WILL see that, I promise you that." He sighed, "May the light show you the way in the darness."

All four of the kindred nodded lightly. Melanthus sighing a bit in relief as he looked at the newborn in his arms. He smiled, actually seeming very happy to have a son. Something that he’s never been given a chance to have. Dareal looked at williams a bit and chuckled at one of the comments williams made. "Hrmm.. i think your right.. this would be.. well.. good practice for when Elizabeth has hers." Dareal said as he chuckled lightly to himself.

But as williams spoke the last thing, they all nodded once again and Dareal sighed. "I hope with all my heart.. that she will not think badly of anyone.. or of the clan. Gods knows.. i dont want to lose her..or lose her trust, especially after what.. we shared this night." Dareal’s cheeks reddened a bit as he cleard his throat and Melanthus lofted a brow, taking note of the crimson blush across the elder kindreds cheeks. Melanthus snickered slightly and just grinned towards Dareal. He knew exactly what happened..and thought it best not to embarass the old fart right now.

Roslynn coo’ed at the tiny infant and smiled as she looked at Melanthus. "I shall go ready the infants crib..and send out one of the maids to.. get the necessities for the young one as well." She said as she smiled at them all, and smiled as well towards Williams as she took her leave to make up a list of things that would be needed for the infant.

Anthony gathered up Richard with the help of the LImo driver, who after that brought the bags up behind them. It was then that a maid, dressed to head out towards the store opened the door and blinked, smiling brightly. "Lord Anthony.. ye have returned!" The woman was ecstatic as another young maid came behind and giggled as she shoved the woman in front of her. "Marion! get going.. i will see to Lord anthony and his friends. We need those baby supplies!"

Anthony blinked as Marion skittered past them, heading towards the limo and talking to the driver as he nodded and she got in. Anthony looked at the other woman as she ushered them all in, taking the bags from the driver so he could tend to Marion and the duties she had to carry out. "Emm.. ok, i missed something there.. a baby?" He asked confused as he placed Richard on a nearby couch carefully as the maid nodded. "Aye.. tis a long story lord Anthony.. shall i let Lord Melanthus know you have arrived?" She asked happily as Anthony nodded. "Aye, if he’s not too busy."

The maid skittered off upstairs to let Melanthus and the others know that Anthony had arrived. And shortly after that, it was not Melanthus that came down.. but Dareal. Anthony blinked as he saw the elder come downstairs, smiling??? Anthony lofted a brow as he stood still. "Lord.. Dareal, i.. thought lord Melanthus was going to meet us?" He said softly as Dareal looked over Anthony, then to leiliah, then to Richard, shaking his head. "No.. not yet. Lord Melanthus has.. his hands full. It will be a few hours before he will be able to meet with you. Ah.. i see you brought guests with you. One.. im guessing is your chylde..the other, she’s not." Dareal smiled towards Leiliah and bowed humbly towards her. "Im sorry.. my name is Lord Dareal, priest.. you could say. And you are?" He asked towards Leiliah, smiling. He did not look all that fearsome, the way Anthony had made him out to be.. and Anthony was totally..well.. flaberghasted as this was a change for the elder. Never had he seen him so.. outgoing?

"LeiLiah..." LeiLiah said, watching the man carefully. He, indeed, was almost humble as it were. It made LeiLiah smile out of politeness... and maybe just because it was really there.

LeiLiah looked about the foyer as they walked in, Muncaster being a lot like Magdon. Her eyes landed on Richard as she sniffled and sighed. She wasn’t quite sure what this would mean pertaining to her life outside... not that she had one. She’d really much rather stay in and sleep for a good long... fifty days. That’s what it felt like.

LeiLiah looked back up from Anthony to Dareal, unsure as to what she should be saying next. So, she remained silent and let the two talk out whatever it was they needed to talk about.

Dareal smiled kindly to her.. "Ah, well.. welcome to Muncaster castle, Leiliah. Please.. make yourselves at home. And..anthony.. when Melanthus has the time, he shall wish to meet with you and your friends. Till then, perhaps some sleep was in order?" He looked at the three of them, noting the shackles on Richard and lofting a brow.

Anthony looked over at Richard and sighed, deciding to go ahead and tell Dareal the story, tho not getting.. too close to him, still recalling all the stories and a few of the things he had seen that he knew of Dareal. "Well, then i suggest, lord Anthony that you take Richard downstairs, where till Melanthus can look at him, he would be safer there." Anthony nodded as he looked and saw Roslynn coming down at that moment. Dareal stopped her, talking to her off to the side as she nodded and looked at Anthony, smiling to them both as she headed over to Richard, checking on him. "I shall take him downstairs, im on my way down there anyways." Roslynn said with a smile as James came in from the kitchen area, having heard the voices and looked at Roslynn. She motioned him over, and they toted him downstairs to take care of him.

Dareal then yawned a bit and sighed.. "Anthony.. your room is still down the hall, and for your guest.. there’s a room upstairs on the right if she cares to use it for the time being?" He said as he looked back upstairs as if waiting for something. With a shake of his head he turned back to look at the two before him. "And.. if you will excuse me, i have to check on my beloved." Anthony blinked as he heard that.. wondering if perhaps he heard wrong and erked. Dareal bowed and took his leave as he turned to look at Lei.. "Emm.. ok.. let me show you to yoru room?"

"He seemed like a nice man..." LeiLiah said to Anthony as Dareal left the room and Ros took up Richard.

LeiLiah looked back at Anthony, blinking, "Erm... okay." She said, following Anthony up the stairs. She was beginning to wonder what kind of man would own such a house... and if, unlike her home, all the rooms we used.

She smiled to herself at the last thought, following behind Anthony, forgetting the images she’d seen moments again for the time being. Once in the room, LeiLiah sat down on the bed, wanting to ask something of Anthony, but unsure as to how she’d bring it about.

"Anthony...?" She asked, just before he was to leave the room awkwardly. She fiddled with her fingers, wringing he hands in he lap as se looked up at him. How’d this man get so tall anyhow? LeiLiah smiled at that, looking at him after calling his name.

Richard awoke as Ros and James grabbed hold of him. With a snarl his eyes snapped open..the crimson red looking all to familiar. But the blackness of the youngster’s heart telling them all he was fully possessed by the evil that Lokious had offered to him. He swung at Roslynn, but the chains held him back from doing more than just the rather sharp bump she recieved. "I’ll see you all rot in hell for this." He hissed nastily, nothing of the confused boy left in him now. His eyes shimmered from crimson to ebony black like strode lighting. He struggled against the shackles muttereing curses and what he would do to Anthony and the others once he was free.

Elizabeth stood by the stairs watching as Richard was carted off to the lower levels. The evil that radiated from the handsome youth, seemed to twist his features into a paradox of sorts. Killing beauty..the thought ran through her mind briefly as her arms crossed her stomach. As Dareal turned to lead the others off she went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She smiled slightly at Le with a slight nod of welcome. Anthony though...her eyes locked on his and a wave of nauseating fear wrench her insides. Visions of the conversation with Williams and the other spun just out of reach from her. Elizabeth shivered against Dareal, the fear radiating into him.

"I know you." She said softly to Anthony. In a way she did..but the events between them still had yet to pass. Her mind siezed into a steel wall.

Roslynn winced as she hissed back at Richard, James taking him and putting him into one of the many cells that were down there, and making sure he would not be able to get out. "You ok Roslynn?" James asked the kindred woman. She nodded lightly, wincing at the minor cut on her forehead. "Aye, im fine lad. I do think its time for me to go and talk to our Prince once again. Seems.. lokius has gotten to this one..in a bad way." James looked at the youngster, shaking his head as he lead Roslynn back upstairs.

Anthony blinked at Elizabeth as he passed by with Lei. Confusion showed in his face as Dareal held his beloved in his arms. "Shh.. its alright love.. he’s not here to hurt anyone.. its alright." Dareal murmured against her ear as Anthony walked into the room with Lei, shutting the door behind him as he was now just..totally confused. How could the woman know him? He never before met her. He stood stark still as Lei went and sat upon the bed. His mind wandered a bit as he felt the link with him and richard faintly. He was awake..and not happy. Anthony tho managed to block the link for now as he blinked his eyes and looked at Lei. "Hrm.. yes, Leiliah?" He smiled as he moved over to sit in a chair across from her bed.

Dareal in the meantime took Elizabeth back to his room, holding her close as he rubbed her arms. "Shhh.. what do you mean you know him? I dont think i’ve ever introduced you two? And you know that no one here is going to hurt you, love." He whispered softly against her ear as they walked back into Dareal’s room. But upstairs, Melanthus was having James and Michael go outside, digging up a plot in the family graveyard for Sarah’s body. She may not be direct family, but she was now. Melanthus made sure that sarah’s body was properly prepared and entombed before being burried. He watched over all of it, keeping the child in his arms ever so close and not letting him go for the world. "When you are older, Stephen, i will tell you of your mother and father." He said to the child in his arms as he remained standing out there, watching over what was going on.

"This is... going to sound completely off the wall, but... would you finish what Azriel started for me?" LeiLiah didn’t know how else to put it. "I know it isn’t exactly the right time to be asking, or the best question to be asking of you, but..." LeiLiah’s eyes trailed to the carpeting on the floor. She thought herself selfish for asking something so great of Anthony.

LeiLiah shook her head, her black curls spilling over her shoulders. "No, forget I mentioned that. It’s not a good idea to be asking somthing that big of you with everything that’s going on." Although LeiLiah knew that, in the end, it was what she’d wanted all along, from day one, she couldn’t ask Anthony to finish some one else’s mess. Namely, LeiLiah being that mess.

Continued...