|
|
Elizabeth laughed as Dareal hefted her up. She buried her face into his shoulder, tears of happiness dampening her cheeks. Never before could she remember being this happy...or this in love. Williams chuckled warmly watching them. "I dare say, this is much better then most of the things I've needed to do as of late. Gabriel was right in his arguements for this." Williams cleared his throat, knowing Dareal might catch onto that name eventually. "Well I would like to suggest maybe a wedding? Hmmm? Afterall would only be proper ya know.." He winked at Dareal. "I'll discuss buisness with ye concerning other things once you've had a few more minutes." He turned towards the door, gliding to it. "I'll be with Melanthus Dareal." He glanced at the kindred, the look veiled in thought now. "There is a wraith that needs banishing...and a young kindred below that is fully possessed by one of Lokious's minions. It looks to be a rather long day my friend." With that he stepped through the closed door and vanished.
As Williams left the room, Dareal chuckled more as he gently placed Elizabeth down on her feet and held her ever so closely and gently. "Mmm.. a wedding, i guess that would only be proper now." He grinned as he let Elizabeth go, and walked towards his dresser. Upon reaching it, he stopped and opened the dresser drawer, shifting the clothes within it around a bit, as if looking for something. "Now i know.. its here..somewhere.. " He muttered to himself. He tossed a few pairs of undwear out of the drawer, letting them fall to the floor as he stopped and grinned inwardly to himself. "Ahh.. there you are my darlin." He whispered, as his fingers came across a small square box. He opened the lid and peeked inside, smiling to himself as he took the smaller container out of the box.
Wrapped in black velvet, the tiny box remained nestled in his palm as he walked back over to Elizabeth and grinned. "Well, i hope you like.." He said, smiling now softly as he knelt down in front of her, kneeling upon one knee as opened the black velvet case, and nestled inside was an ancient looking ring of stunning beauty. In the center of the ring, was a diamond that seemed to be the most startling white and clear of all that's been seen, circular in shape. On either side of it, two smaller diamonds, roughtly half the size as he turned the case to face her, letting her see the ring. "Elizabeth.. will you marry me?" He said as his eyes looked up, showing all his love and his sincerity as he spoke those words to her.
Elizabeth watched Dareal with curiosity as he rumaged through his dresser drawer, tossing underwear out of it onto the otherwise clean floor. "Now I know why castles keep maids around." She chuckled softly. As Dareal kneeled in front of her and offfered the ring up to her, asking her to marry him, Elizabeth felt a rush of warmth race through her. Her eyes looked at the wonderous gift in his hands...the material token of his love for her. Yet its rare beauty sp[oke so much more to her suddenly. With her hands trembling slightly she took the box from him, touching the center stone with a single fingertip. Closing it she closed her eyes in total happiness. Before Dareal could blink, Elizabeth stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling his head against her stomach. Her head leaned down and rested ontop of his head. "YES! I will marry you..." Tears flooded from her eyes now. In spite of all the horror of the last few days, this one moment made it all seem worth the pain and suffering. She held him tightly.
"I love you Dareal." She whispered. "I love you Elizabeth." He said thru a choked up voice. He took the small box, opening it and taking the ring from inside. He reached up, still on his knees and placed the ring on her ring finger, smiling as a few of his own tears of joy trickled down his cheeks. Once the ring was in place, he slowly stood up and leaned in, kissing her and holding her close as he did so. It was several long moments before he released her and he took a deep breath, smiling while his fingertips came up and ran gently against her cheeks. "You are so beautiful.." And he smiled as he walked over to the small chest at the end of the bed, picking up the shirt and pants there as he started to dress finally. "If you like, you may take the limo and .. go gown searching. Maria i know will love to join you in the endeavor. She knows of all the best places to look for such items." He said, finally slipping on his pants as he buttoned them and walked back over to her, smiling. "If you see something there.. where ever you are.. get it. All you have to do is let Maria deal with the bill, she knows of the account information that we have within London proper. So nothing is too expensive for my beloved." And again he wrapped his arms around her and smiled, nuzzling her neck fondly as his hand came to lovingly rub her stomach.
Elizabeth was practically bursting with emotion as Dareal slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly, a raidiant glimmer seemed to fill the center stone as she turned it under the sunlight filtering in through the open window of the room. "Oh Dareal...I've never seen something so beautiful." Her voice a bare whisper. Her eyes slipped away from the ring to watch him as he dressed. It was one thing she knew she would never tire of. The way his body moved and the gliding of his muscles under the soft skin. As he stepped over to her again and slipped his arms around her, Elizabeth couldn't help but rest her cheek on his shoulder as he nuzzled her neck gently. Her one had slipping up into his still damp hair, running softly through the long length of it. The other hand rested gently on the one rubbing her stomach. Inside she shivered in delight, two children to love...She was finally going to have the family she had always dreamed of. "Mmmm ok I'll go along with that idea I suppose..but a limo? Is that really necessary?" She sighed softly chuckling. "I'll get spoiled if your not careful."
He chuckled lightly as he sighed gently against her neck.. "Mmm.. well, the limo is the only thing big enough for you, Maria and all the items. Besides.. Melanthus would have it no other way." He grinned down at her, winking.. "And.. there's another surprise i have to show you later on.. its on the far side of the estate.. i think you will find it quite breathtaking." He said as he grinned. Yup, he was not going to tell her, but she would find out later that afternoon early evening what it was. "Now, shall we go downstairs?" He said taking her hand gently into his own as he slipped on his shoes that he stood beside and lead her to the door, opening it and guiding her out of the room. Guiding her back to the Foyer, he just so happened to see Maria cleaning the main living room. He let go of his beloved's hand and walked over to Maria, explaining to her what was needed to be done. The womans lighted up with joy as she nodded and skittered off to go change. Dareal laughed as he strolled back to Elizabeth. "Maria will be right back, she went to change, and then.. the both of you are to go have some fun, and spend money on your hearts desire." He murmured, placing a soft kiss to Lizzy's lips as he stood there, embracing her in his arms.
Elizabeth kissed Dareal back, brushing her own lips lightly across his. "I think I could get used to this sort of pampering after awhile..though I'm used to doing for myself more." She sighed then. "Guess you have things to attend to as Williams said. By they way who is Gabriel?" Her eyes met his, the happiness dimmed only afraction with concern she tried to hide. Her soft fingers trailed down Dareal's chest as she averted her gaze. He had enough to worry about right now...and she was rather looking forward to the outing. Footsteps alerted her that someone, other than her shopping partner, where approaching.
He nodded lightly, nuzzling her neck a bit more as he smiled. "He is the leading angel who stands in the presence of the God/Goddess as a co-ordinator. He is the Archangel of annunciation, humanity, resurrection, heavenly mercy, vengeance, death, revelation, truth, and hope. Bringer of news and heralds the revealing of answers. Maker of changes. He is the Patron Saint of Communications Workers." He smiled a bit more as he recalled a bit more information for his beloved.. "Within all of the legends of birthing, Gabriel as been accredited as the angel who selects souls from heaven to be birthed into the material world and spends the nine months as the child is being developed informing the new person of what he or she will need to know on Earth, only to silence the child before birth by pressing his finger onto the child's lips, thus producing the cleft below a person's nose." He was actually amazed that he recalled all of that, since it had been a long time since he had to recall one of mighty Angels from above. "So you see, there's nothing to worry about my love..nothing at all." He murmured as he too heard the approaching footsteps and lifted his gaze to see who it was.
Michael came into view as he smiled towards the two, standing there embracing eachother. "Thought i would congratulate you two on your engagement. Seems Maria in her delight has let everyone know what has transpired." He grinned as he chuckled.."And might i say, its about damn time, Lord Dareal." Dareal blinked and chuckled lightly as he nodded.. "Ah, well, thank you Michael, seems that i will do a formal announcement once my beloved here returns from her day of shopping." Michael nodded and bowed with a flourish and grinned.."Lord Melanthus is waiting for you in the council chambers, i will tell him that you will be along shortly." Dareal nodded.. "Thank you Michael." And with that, Michael left, heading down the hall to the council chambers.
A pink blush colored Elizabeth's cheeks at Michael and Dareal's words. "I suppose you should get going..no need to let his Lordship wait on you love." The playful jab at Melanthus was followed by a soft coughing chuckle as her hand covered her mouth. The angry wail of Stephen ringing down the hall. Elizabeth couldn't hold back the chuckle that escaped through her lips. Sheaverted her eyes to lock on the fireplace to focus her attention. It lasted only a few seconds though. Maria thankfully could be seen hurrting down the hall towards them. Elizabeth Spun around kissing Dareal firmly on the lips before ducking around him and taking Maria's hand firmly as she whisked through the front doors.
Dareal blinked and chuckled as Elizabeth and Maria exited thru the door, on their way to the awaiting limo. The driver opened the door for the two, letting them both in as Maria told him of their first stop and they drove off. Dareal with a smile and chuckle at the sound of stephen turned and headed down the hallway. He sighed rather happily as his footfalls were light hearted and quiet upon the stone floor. He turned the corner to see the open door to the council chambers and the off and on cries from Stephen. As Dareal entered, he grinned as he stepped in. "Ah, evenin Melanthus, and hello again Williams." He nodded towards the ghost, smiling as he took up a seat near Melanthus and the babe. "Seems you have been having your arms full my lord." Melanthus nodded and grinned a bit as he held Stephen for the time being, the child finally settling down as the pacifier was placed in his tiny mouth, soft sucking sounds heard. "Aye, that i have been. And i have heard of your announcement as well.. congratulations old man." He said, grinning broadly. Dareal blushed slightly as he himself chuckled.. "thank you. Its going to be interesting, but i love her so." Melanthus nodded lightly as he then looked towards Williams, as did Dareal do the same.
Williams eased over stroking the infant's velvety cheek. "The last of my line. Sleep small one." The infant closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep after giving a few soft hiccups. His small body snuggling against his father's chest. Williams watched a moment more before sighing and turning back to the two kindred once again. "You have a desicion to make Lord Melanthus concerning the young Richard in your lower chambers. As I told Lord Dareal, he is FULLY possessed by one of Lokious's minions." He paused letting the significance of his words sink in. "His sire, Anthony, has been informed by myself and Gabriel as to what needs done. I'm afraid it does not sit well with him." The spirit looked at Melanthus now, a grim look of sorrow on his face. "Once again my Prince you will be called upon to act in your station as such. It grieves me that it must be so....for both Anthony and Richard." The words that drifted across between them acknowledging this fact in their tone and manner. He turned catching Dareal's eyes now, giving Melanthus a few minutes to come to terms with the possibilities. "Dareal, I'm afraid you are the only one here that can do the necessary exorcisim...It will not be easy. The boy has welcomed the darkness into his heart and soul. Not even the powers that be are sure of the outcome in this..only that blood WILL be shed...and two lives lost...one will be regained though." He sighed wearily. "Only that much do I know my friend..nothing else."
Both Dareal and Melanthus went silent as they both thought upon what was to come next. "I know it wont be easy, Williams, but i will do the exorcism. No one deserves that kind of pain and hell like what Richard is going thru now. It will be done." Dareal said as he met Williams gaze. "And i know what is to come... if Anthony does not do this, then i will make sure its done." Melanthus said as he looked down at the sleeping newborn in his arms. "Life is so very precious..and for the longest time, i never saw that due to the darkness that had fallen over my eyes. But now.. now i know and understand.. and im very lucky that i pulled out of that darkness way back when, when i did." Dareal patted Melanthus on the shoulder lightly.. "Well, we are all better off now than we use to be. Life's mysteries even happen to those of us who dont always truly understand what is going on, my lord."
Melanthus sat there in silence, thinking on the recent happenings and sighing, as he recalled the promise to Sarah. "I know who the other is that is going to be lost, i think.. but im not sure." He mummbled to himself mainly, tho looking up as Roslynn came into the room. "Young Richard downstairs is getting worse. His words..well.. are not the same ye want to be speakin around others, to put it lightly, m`lord." Melanthus nodded as he stood slowly up, holding baby stephen in his arms. "Roslynn.. see about fetchin Anthony for me please. Its time, and he is needed to do what needs to be done." Roslynn nodded lightly, leaving the room as she went in search of Anthony. Melanthus looked down at stephen in his arms and smiled lightly.. "life is so precious.. and i do love it more and more each day. Dareal.. get the things you need ready.. a half hour from now and we shall do this deed." Dareal nodded lightly and slipped from the room, nodding to Williams as well, as he took off to his chambers to get the necessary things. "Roslynn will care for him, while me and the other two... do this. I just pray that this all works out." And with that Melanthus took Stephen with him and headed back towards his own chambers to prepare as well.
Richard slammed up against the bars of the cell. His eyes cast over in a red glow that was feral and deadly looking. Williams watched from a short distance away as he awaited the others in the chambers below. Richard growled viciously and lunged at the spirit, wanting to do the impossible feat of ripping him to shreds. Williams studied the youngster critically while rubbing his chin. "You know my boy, I think you'd give it your all wouldn't you?"
The calm, quiet words seemed to back Richard off momentarily. The reddish haze dimming as a malicious grin crossed the twisted features. "Old one I would have what is left of your soul if my master would but give me the chance at it."
Williams nodded slowly, "Indeed you would my boy. Indeed you would. But know this the darkness you've given yourself to so fully can never stand against the power of the light of creation. Though the Darkness is necessary for balance, there is no room in matters for its total control."
Richard growled low in his throat at Williams' words. "My Dark Lord will have you yet old ghost, and will feed well on the eternal screams it brings to his ears. As I to will feed then from the blood of those foolish enough to get in my way. Time is my master's now old one and that is one thing you have failed to tell the Three. For what purpose do you remain silent? It will be your silence that will be their defeat in this." Williams started to speak but went silent at Richard's words realizing the work of Lokious at hand now...self doubt and questioning one's own faith. He instead smiled coldly back at the kindred. "My strength is in knowing that this suffering will eventually end Richard. In that I have faith in my Lord's choices." He turned hearing footsteps approach...It was time.
The door shut behind the three, Melanthus leading the way down, with Dareal then Anthony in line. Anthony pulled the door shut behind them as they all silently came to the bottom of the stairs, moving over towards Williams and to look at the cell that held Richard. It was Anthony first that spoke up, looking a bit concerned. "Williams.. I.. think there's another that's been.. Touched by this.. Wraith. Leiliah.. She's.. Not been herself over the last few hours. Something.. different and I cant place it. It's..like she's two totally different people." He said, showing his concern for the woman, and the look of concern for Richard as well. Dareal went over to make sure everything was in place for this..exorcism of sorts, Melanthus remaining as stoic as ever. As Anthony waited to see if Williams knew anything about Leiliah.
Dareal came forward, holding the bible, and the golden hued cross in his hands, gently looking towards Williams. The exorcism would be hard indeed... and drain him to near nothing, but the hardest part would be up to Anthony, to end Richard's life also.
Little did they know, that there was another person lingering in the shadows.. Ricky. He had wanted to see what was going to happen.. but wanted to stay hidden for now till the time was right to reveal himself to the others.
Williams bowed his head in silence, contemplating his response with great care. "Aye my Lord, she has been touched by the demon himself." Williams looked up into the man's eyes, his own full of pain and regret. "The child she carries is of the Dark One himself. To what ends it will come are known only to the powers that be. But know this also Anthony..another child has been conceived to act as the balance for that deed." His words rang dully in the room, leaving a cold chill. The Book and Lokious being just the pivotal point in a war that had lasted millenium.
He looked towards Richard now. "But her soul is her own as of yet. The Dark beasts taint warps her personality. Once the child is birthed it will be as any other infant until its 5th birthday...unlike the other child whose aura will be a powerful light amongst the shadows that crowd around seeking its soul. In the end both will face each other. No more do I know on that matter Anthony." From the dark corner, hidden from view and hearing, Ricky sat listening intently. His eyes closed, the child they spoke of was not Stephen but another yet to be born. In his heart though the young doctor knew that Stephen would play a key roll of some sort. Tears rolled down his cheeks at what the child would be faced with in life.
Richard lunged again howling in rage. "I'll see the other child DEAD! Its blood flowing down my throat.." His eyes turned black then, as a cold laugh echoed around them. "Do your deed Priest. I'll not take your prayers and power without a fight and a taste of blood to sacrifice the cause of my master."
Anthony sighed softly, as he had feared, she had been endangered by this wraith, and his feelings were true. All he could do was put that mental note to the back of his mind for now, for safekeeping.
Dareal then came forward, holding the cross in one hand, the bible in the other as he started to pray to the lord above, asking for his assistance and guidance in the dispersal of this foul demon back to the realms of the dead and beyond. The cross began to glow its holy light as the words of the lord were spoken aloud. A gentle breeze picked up in the lower room they were in, the scent of sulfur making its way into their senses as Dareal opened his eyes, staring at Richard. The chant getting louder with each word, his eyes shimmering oddly with an inner light. The wind swirled around the four standing outside the cell, then the whirlwind moving its way thru the bars to encompass and circle around Richard.
"By god's holy light and words, the darkness that has come is unwarranted and crossed the lines that which breaks the balance that there's to be held. I banish THEE from this soul.. to let it be free and cleansed from your foul touch!" And the cross glowed brightly as he continued to chant, the aura glowing to encompass Dareal as it drew upon the life force of his own, surging out towards Richard.
Richard howled as the driving force reached out to strike him. A black aura surrounded the young kindred in an ebony veil. It met with the life driving force that Dareal had brought forth with an audible thundering sound that shook the bars of the cell.
Ricky's head snapped up as he felt the powers unleashed in the lower chambers. Without thinking he reacted on some deeper level seeing in his mind a scene so horrible that he almost lost consciousness. He felt himself moving then as if in a dream state as the bars of the cell glowed with a wrything black flame brought forth by the caged kindred. The bars shattered outwards then towards the priest and releasing the kindred from within the cell. Ricky's body slammed into Dareal in that split second taking the full impact of the deadly missile meant to destroy the kindred priest.
It struck him in the side and drove through knocking him into the far wall. He vaguely looked up seeing Richard lunge at Dareal with clawed hands and fangs that went beyond the normal extension of feeding. Richard was in a death frenzy. Ricky glanced down at the dull pain in his side, vaguely taking in the sight of the cast iron bar that had penetrated his body just below the ribs and seemed to, for some odd reason, extend a few bare inches on the exact opposite side of his torso. His breathing was labored, as he slumped to the cement floor watching the scene with the others unfol;d before him.
Dareal stood in one place, continuing to chant, tho blinking as he saw Ricky come out of no where, and take the blow that was meant for him. Dareal turned his full attention to the task at hand, the glow increasing with each and every word and movement of his body.
It was Anthony that came about, fully vampired, his eyes glowing a bright red as his hands reached out, raking at Richard as he attatched him, tumbling him to the ground. Anthony struggled for a few moments, dodging a few of the raking attatcks from Richard's claws, the shirt he was wearing being shredded open by one of Richard's claw movements. That was too close. He knew what he had to do, and with quick reflexes, reached to his back pocket, pulling forth the clan dagger that was used to end a kindred's life that had gone rogue. "Forgive me.." Anthony said.
Dareal surged with all his might and prayers, believing in the holy light and the god above as the white light shimmered and transformed into flames of white light, licking around his body and striking out towards Anthony, encasing him in a holy glow as well. Anthony felt the presence stronger than any he had ever imagined, taking the knife and driving it home into the flesh of Richard, twisting and turning it in the flesh as the burning sensation flooded into Richard's form.
Richard never uttered more then a solid grunt as he felt the blade enter into his flesh. The burning fire and Anthony's strength holding him pinned beneath his sire. An explosion of white light filled the room as the full extent of the exorcisim hit the combatants. A scream that was near deafening filled the room as the demon possessing Richard flew upwards towards the ceiling followed by the white flames. It engulfed the creature that defied thought and as it blinked out it took the creature with it.
The lower chamber went silent then. Richard's gaze returned to Anthony, his eyes once more thier normal deep brown. Pain filled them from the dagger's deep position in his body. His trembling hand touched Anthony's still on the hilt of the dagger. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he buried his head into his sire's shoulder. "I'm so sorry Anthony. Please forgive me." He felt himself slipping then as his blood pooled beneath them.
Ricky's labored breathing could be heard then across the room. "Don't let him suffer Dareal..." Ricky muttered softly, his own wound bleeding very little at the moment.
Melanthus turned to walk to Ricky, kneeling at his side as he took a look at the fatal wound. He frowned and recalled his wife's wishes as she herself passed on.
As Melanthus tended to Ricky, Dareal knelt beside Richard and Anthony. Anthony looked up at Dareal and nodding lightly. "All is forgiven Richard.. it's alright." Dareal said re-assuringly as Anthony took the dagger, running it thru completely, till he heard the blade strike the hard stone floor beneath them.
As the light seemed to dim in the brown eyes of Richard, Dareal placed his hand lightly upon the young kindred's forehead, sending soft prayers for him. As the last gasping breaths escaped Richard's lips, his body went limp, his blood pooling out around the three as it soaked the stone floor and their clothes as well. Dareal's prayers heightened, using what was left of his own powers to bring forth the light and power that was needed for the final deed of this night. The white light being drawn back into Dareal, and re-directed thru his hand that rested upon Richard's forehead as Dareal nodded lightly to Anthony.
He sighed softly, taking a fingernail and ripping open a gash in his forearm and placing the bleeding wound to Richard's lips as they both started to pray for Richard.
Richard trembled as Anthony drove the dagger through him, tears flooding his eyes. The burning pain eased slowly and he slipped totally into the darkness that beckoned to him with its soft whispers of rest. In the darkness though came light and a soft soothing comfort. He had truly been forgiven, nothing could ease the pain though he felt from having to relive the acts of violence that had been done while possessed by the demon. Yet the light intensified and he felt the cold stone beneath him once again, warmed by his blood. Dareal's hand on his forhead felt soothing and Richard could feel the Priest at that moment...understanding the brilliant power he held through his faith. Anthony's wrist against his mouth filtered through the fog.
He tried to twist away not wanting feed from his sire again, fearing the pain it might bring the man he loved as a father. The emotions struck home hard, as tears continued to roll down his cheeks. Their prayers comforting, yet frightening as he felt the need to feed. "No." He gasped struggling to avoid what he knew must be.
Ricky laid on the floor watching the scene with Richard now. His eyes never straying from it. "He's afraid my Lord of causing harm again. Go to them if you want. I'm not going anywhere." He glanced down at the wound, closing his eyes and swallowing sharply. "Kind of bad isn't it?" Fear and pain mixed in his soft words. "Guess I'll be seeing Sarah soon." He bit back the tears that threatened now.
Melanthus nodded lightly as he murmured..."Aye.. it's bad my friend.. I promised Sarah one thing on her passing, that which I will keep. I will return.. then I will give you the peace that you need, and that Sarah wanted for you. You have been family and friend to this group... never forget that." And gently Melanthus stood up, drifting over to kneel beside the three.
Melanthus knelt his head beside Anthony's head, whispering softly to him.. "Shh.. Do not fear what is now in the past.. Richard. You will not harm your sire.. nor others here. Listen to my words my son..and understand.. What happened was not your fault.. It was of the wraith's doing. We care about you, and we want you to come back to us.. to remain with us and learn." His words soothing and re- assuring as ever as he brought one hand up to gently stroke thru his hair. "Now drink.. and heal. You and the others here in this family are safe from harm."
Anthony looked down at Richard, letting his life blood seep still slowly against Richard's lips as he brought one of his hands down to clasp Richards. "Shh... I'm here, just feed.. and come back."
Richard eased under Melanthus's and Anthony's quiet words. The gentle touch of the Prince's hand stroking his hair and Anthony's hand clasping his, drove home the fact he was now among family finally. Closing his eyes, trembling, Richard opened his mouth and fed slowly. As he did, his body raced to do its work to repair itself. Slowly the wounds healed and the bleeding halted. As his sire's blood flowed once again into him, Richard felt a heavy sleep descend upon him.
For a brief minute he struggled to remain awake, but the taxing events had taken a tremendous toll on him as well as the others. Sleep took him finally. His handsome young face finally relaxed as his head rested in Anthony's lap now. Though his grip loosened only slightly on Anthony's hand, an unbreakable bond between them had been forged through this.
Ricky watched in silence, giving a silent pray that the wrong done to the young kindred and the others had been righted. He shuddered closing his eyes. The pain was growing more intense now. "Soon Sarah." he whispered. Anthony placed the dagger once again back in its proper place as he looked down into Richards face. " "Take him upstairs to your room, Anthony.. you both need rest now." Dareal said and Anthony agreed as he smiled a bit and sighed, slipping his arms beneath Richard and with a slight grunt, picked the young kindred up and took him upstairs to his room as they both needed now to rest and sleep. After they left. Melanthus and Dareal turned to go and kneel beside Ricky once more. Melanthus knew it was time, and he had a promise to keep to Sarah. Gently Melanthus lifted Ricky's head to rest in his lap as he looked down into the young doctors eyes. "Sarah asked me... that when it was your time to join her.. to give you the peace and kindness that I bestowed upon her own death." He said softly as Dareal sat upon the floor on the other side of Ricky. "You will not feel pain.. just a soft and tender peace that she felt upon her own death." As Melanthus spoke to Ricky, Dareal looked back over at Williams, to see the old ghosts reactions in this matter.
Williams watched as silent as ever now. A heavy sadness in the hunter's eyes. The thousands of deaths he had personally seen in the last few years seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit. He looked to whisper something as his head bowed. The weight of his station becoming evident to Dareal, and the toll those burdens of death and knowledge held for Williams apparently open. Even in death the ghost worked hard to keep things in balance. The events that had just transpired had obviously come at a price greater then any had suspected. But to whom?
Ricky looked back at Melanthus, fear radiating back at the kindred Prince. "Could you please remove this from me my Lord? I do not wish to die knowing that a piece of that evil creature's magick remains inside of me." The young doctor's finger's tightened on Melanthus's hand. "Please...I'll deal with the pain knowing it won't last much beyond a few minutes afterwards." He gasped trying to draw a breath against the rod that interfered with his breathing.
Williams seemed to flinch at Ricky's words but never moved, a haunted look in his eyes. The will of the young mortal strong even now at the time of his impending death at Melanthus's hands. "Do as he asks my Lord...There is no way to ease the pain of it though." The ghost's voice husky with unshed tears. Yet he never looked away.
Melanthus nodded lightly as his free hand gently grasped the iron bar, tightening his grip and with a firm tug, pulled the iron bar from within Ricky's body. The wound flowing forth the dark, red blood that flowed thru his veins. As the bar was tossed aside, Melanthus placed a hand over the wound as he sighed softly.. "Close your eyes, and think of Sarah.. and think of the times you have had together.and will have together." As Ricky gasped and the pain flooded his body, he did as Melanthus asked, feeling his eyes heavy with sleep as he shut them.
Melanthus bared his fangs, letting them extend to their full length as he gently ran his free hand thru Ricky's hair, then silently he bowed his head against Ricky's neck, whispering... "Relax ..and remember.. " Melanthus placed his mouth to Ricky's neck, letting his fangs carefully and fully enter the artery that laid beneath the skin. Once inserted.. Melanthus let Ricky get adjusted to the slight bit of pain that mixed with the pain of his wound, but only a few moments later.. was the pain forgotten as Melanthus gave him the very same experience that he gave Sarah upon her own death. Pain free..and relaxing as he slowly drained Ricky of what little life blood was left.
Ricky shivered against Melanthus as he felt the kindred's mouth against his neck. The pain of the rod's removal racing through him in solid waves of breathtaking pain. He nodded at Melanthus's words, a free hand finding Dareal's as the Prince's fangs entered his skin. His grip tightened with surprising firmness on priest's hand, the only evidence of the pain inflicted by the Prince. His sharp intake of breath seemed unusually loud to their sensitive hearing in the silent room.
Williams whispered some type of prayer in that odd ancient language that he had shared with Dareal on their ride Beyond. Its power washed over the small group of men, soothing fears and calming any distress they felt now. Its strength flowed through them replacing what had been torn from Dareal during the exorcism.
Ricky became lost in the sensations and images that came with what Melathus was doing. Slowly tears fell from the corner of his eye nearest Dareal, but the peaceful look on his face as his breathing stopped told them he had passed on as his wife had wished. Slowly his heart came to a stop and his grip finally loosened on Dareal's hand.
The final word of Williams' prayer coincided to the exact second that Ricky's life ceased. He turned and walked heavily towards the stairs. "May the Lords have mercy on his soul." The whispered words cold and ill feeling as the ghost walked up the stairs.
As Ricky's body slowly collapsed in Mel's arms.. Melanthus gently pulled back, shutting his eyes as he sighed. Gently he lifted Ricky's body from the floor, Dareal standing slowly as he looked to Melanthus.. "Do you..need help my lord?" He asked.
Melanthus shook his head as he sighed."No.. I will see to it that Ricky's remains are interned properly beside his wife's." Dareal nodded and Melanthus took his leave, leaving Dareal to stand alone in the dungeon. He thought back on the prayer that Williams had been saying, then frowning as he deciphered what it meant, causing a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach to churn. Swallowing, he headed for the stairs, and up to his and Elizabeth's room, telling the two servants to clean the dungeon well, and to repair the cell door. They nodded and headed down below as he himself retired to his room.
Elizabeth's shopping spree was evident to a point. Packages were lined up neatly under a table with a sheet tossed over them as if in some hurry. Yet the beautiful woman sat on the open windowsill looking out into the night. Her eyes half closed as the warm breeze lifted the ends of her hair off of her bare shoulders. She seemed tired in a way that wasn't very clear. Her face held a slight tension to its soft lines, and her hands rested across her stomach. It was a rather percarious position she sat in considering the long drop below to the grounds under the bedroom window. Only one foot sat lightly resting on the carpet in the room the other was folded under her adding to the off balanced position.
Elizabeth listened to the whispers of the night and leaned her head back against the window frame. A soft whisper of words coming from her lips, as if hearing another voice and answering them. The strain on her face increased slightly and she muttered a soft curse rubbing the bridge of her nose with the hand she had been using to hold herself in place. She teetered for a second scowling up at the night sky, her eyes distant and disturbed. Then she seemed to notice Dareal. "Oh...hi." The words oddly out of sync with the normal tone she had for him.
Dareal gently closed the door behind him, looking a bit on the tired side as he heard her words. They did sound..odd.. He walked gently over to her. "Hey there beautiful.. How was the shopping trip?" He said as he sighed and wrapped his arms very gently around her shoulders, kneeling beside her as he peered up into her eyes.
"Watch ya doing sitting here.. hmmm?" He said softly as his head gently nuzzled against her arm. A long drawn out shuddering sigh escaped his lips as he bit back tears from rolling down his cheeks. He was so tired of seeing pain and death..and all he wanted was to see happyness once again in the clan. Remembering Williams' words to that prayer had shaken him up a bit, tho trying his hardest to hide that fact.
Elizabeth's hand hesitated a second before dropping down to touch Dareal's head gently. Her fingers tracing through his hair as she seemed a bit tense. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth spoke softly. "Dareal what happened?" Her other hand gently cupped his face now and tilted it up to look at her. "Please don't hide your feelings from me Dareal...I love you." She said softly, leaning over to kiss his forehead. "There's no shame in crying my love, if the situation warrants it."
Her hands slipped around his neck as she slid down to the floor in front of him. With a firm pull she rested his head against her breasts resting her cheek on his head. "You can oly give so much of yourself Dareal. At times you need to be given to also." Stroking his hair gently, Elizabeth debated wether to tell him of the whispers that had bidded her to step over the edge of the window. Taking a deep breath she decided to wait for the moment. The headache from them still pounded dully in her temples. Right now his needs were more important then hers.
Dareal sighed softly as he pulled her gently in close. "Tonight.. we lost Ricky.. due to one of the wraith's demons that had.. taken over Richard. Melanthus is taking care of the burial of him right now. Richard.. we nearly lost as well.. but managed to pull him back from the brink. Ricky..we could not."
He shuddered slightly as he nuzzled her neck.. "I.. don't know what I would do if I ever lost you, Elizabeth. I dont want to lose you to that demon.. and I'm afraid that I might. I .. love you, you are part of my soul.. you are that which keeps me alive." Tears slowly started to roll down his cheeks as she sighed.. "Please.. I don't want anything to be hidden from each other.. especially where..it concerns Lokius. Lately.. he's been..going after everyone and anyone, and I'm so afraid that he will harm you like the others he has."
His eyes slowly lifted to gaze into hers, lifting a hand to caress her cheek. "Please.. promise me..that if you ever.. feel different.. odd things happening .. or whispers of things said by no one that you can see. Promise me you will tell me. That's his way.. to get revenge on those he wants to hurt and destroy.. and I just can not lose you." He stressed as he swallowed lightly, the tears evident as they rolled even more freely down his cheeks.
Elizabeth rested her forehead against his. "I'm so sorry about Ricky." There was sorrow in her words, but an odd hollow tone as well, as if she had bottled up something deep inside for the time being. "It must have been hard to lose him to the Dark One." She shuddered against the cold that had just settled into her. The pieces of her own encounter, and the odd arguement with her companion earlier over what gas station to stop at, seemed distant but important. She brushed his tears away from his cheeks. "Shhh what little bit happened earlier and just before you came in is probably nothing more then just stress ok?" Leaning in Elizabeth kissed Dareal lightly on the lips. "Besides I think there's a nice warm bed over there waiting for us right now. Of course after you shower that is." Her oddly distant mood and lack of reaction to the bloody clothes very unlike her.
Dareal sighed softly as he looked up at her, deffiently able to tell her mood changes as he sighed.. "Lizzy.. please, tell me what is bothering you. I can tell something is, I don't have to read yer mind to see it. For the first time in my life. I'm scared to lose you..and our children." His hand came up and lightly rested upon her stomach, caressing it lovingly as if he cant wait to see her fully weighted with the glow of motherhood that would soon be coming. He gently kissed her lips in return as he held her close to him, not willing to let go as of yet. "And i cant wait till we are married.. i have so many things i want to show you.. to take you." His one hand still resting lovingly on her stomach as his eyes lifted up to gaze into her own.
Nodding slightly Elizabeth told him slowly about the arguement and how she'd been the one to start it. The words came with even more difficulty now as she tried ever so hard to tell him about the whispers to slip over the sill. The strain to tell him showed on her face as if another was trying to will it otherwise. Drawing a deep shaky breath, Elizabeth visibly winced as the final words came from her. Her hand trembled as it brushed her hair back from her face. "It was only when you came in that it seemed to stop." She didn't speak of the odd words he had heard her muttering...she didn't remember saying them. Nor the soft curse. "It's just the stress of pregnancy and the deaths is all I guess." Another cold sensation tickled at her causing her eyes to grow distant for a split second. "I'm fine Dareal ok?" The sudden sharpness to the tone going unnoticed by her as she stood suddenly and went to sit on the bed.
Dareal sat down besdie her and held her gently in his arms as he established a mental link to Melanthus, telling him of what was happening and what he needed from his pedestal down in the dungeon. A few short moments, Melanthus came quietly into the room, the bible in one hand, in the other the golden cross that seemed to continuously shimmer with a soft glow. Dareal looked up, smiling faintly as he nodded and the kindred prince made his way over. Handing Dareal the needed things, he sat down on the other side of the two. "thank you my lord." Melanthus nodded gently, and Dareal took the book, flipping to one particular page that he knew held most of the warding spells of protection for people. As he nodded lightly, he held the cross up as he started to murmur soft words of protection, a silver light streaming slowly from the book as it seemed to ebb its way slowly up and around Elizabeth, like a fog. A sense of calming and and gentleness could be felt, along with a very strong feeling of hope and protection as the cross began to glow and send out tendrils of gold to mingle with the silver fog that slowly wrapped itself around Elizabeth.
Elizabeth tensed as the cross glowed brighter. She pulled back as the gold rays reached for her. Fear burned bright in her eyes and she made a sudden move to take off. The whispers became even more powerful...<
Melanthus blinked as he reached out and firmly grasped Elizabeth as Dareal continued to place the protection ward upon Elizabeth. "Whoa.. easy, its alright.. relax, its almost over." Melanthus said as Dareal concentrated, letting the silver and gold tendrils of fog spiral around her. His words echoed thru their minds as a gentle breeze suddenly swept thru the room, brushign past them all. A few minutes later, and Dareal finished the ward, reaching out and placing his hand lightly upon her forhead, murmuring something in pure gaelic as a bright light flashed, lighting the room in a golden and silver hue.
Elizabeth struggled against Melanthus crying softly as the ward descended down onto her. She pulled back into his chest as Dareal put his hand on her forhead...The world crashed in on her then as distant music and soft voices drove away the darker whispers. She shook under Dareal's touch as a thin cry from the corner echoed around them and a shadowy apperition was driven towards the ceiling howling its displeasure at what had been done. Elizabeth felt tears streaking down her cheeks as Melanthus held her still.
Melanthus held her now a bit more loosely as Dareal looked at the apperition taking off and away from Elizabeth. Holding the cross up towards it, he murmured yet another protection spell.. sanctifiying the very room they were all it, making the beast leave the room. He was going to make sure that she was safe..and the room in which they wre in as well was.
Dareal gently held her against his chest, rocking her within his arms. "Elizabeth.. it's alright.. everything is alright. You have nothing to fear from me or the others here. All but the maids are
indeed kindred, like myself and Melanthus. All of us tho are not the ones that kill for sport.. no..None of us are like that. As for...what you have seen tonight.. In my former life, I was indeed a
priest. I was brought across a long time ago, as you know. But that does not change howIi feel about you.. Nor will what I am ever change my feelings towards you. I love you..and I love the children that you carry." He gently reached down, brushing away one of the few tears
she was shedding.
Melanthus remained in the room, listening to what was going on as he shifted upon the bed to fold his hands lightly in his lap. "My dear, you are among family now. Just like those that work in this
castle are. Kindred, or not. Don't doubt what you feel deep inside your heart. Your feelings are where your strength is. You are very lucky, to have Dareal as your beloved. God knows he's blessed to be with you." Melanthus said finally as he stood, smiling to the two of
them as he turned to take his leave. Tho a gentle link to both Elizabeth and Dareal was formed from the kindred prince. As the link formed, the image of brilliant crimson roses appeared in Elizabeths mind, the scent they would give off seeming so real. Dareal looked up, smiling towards Melanthus as he mouthed a word of thanks as the lord of Muncaster took his leave, closing the door behind him.
Elizabeth hugged Dareal tightly. The look she gave the Prince was worth the tears she had shed. Her eyes closed as she let the image strengthen in her mind and flow over with her love for Dareal. It washed down the link into Melanthus pulling him into it with a deep heart felt gratitude she could not voice. Her eyes closed as she leaned up and pulled Dareal's mouth to her own. Elizabeth's heart raced suddenly with the emotions she'd kept pent up. To have his love and protection was more then she had ever dreamed of. A faint shimmering filled the room then, with it came the scents of early spring and the soft musical sound of children's laughter. She deepened the kiss knowing somehow it was a sharing of what was to be.
Dareal held the kiss for as long as he could, feeling the strength and love that Elizabeth was sharing with him. The sights and sounds. The scents of the scenery he was being shone were beyond what he could do with his own kindred powers. She had her own, and it showed now to him, that her love was her greatest gift of all he could ever hope for from her. Everything they had been thru, and were going thru.. seemed all well worth it now. The pain, all of it, was worth
it as he held onto the woman he loved with every ounce of his very being. After several long minutes, he gently broke the kiss and let his eyes gaze back into her own as he smiled and gently wiped away a few of the stray tears that she had shed.
Elizabeth's hands slipped to Dareal's chest slipping into his shirt, touching the sensative skin beneath. Her fingers played over his skin slowly. Looking up into his eyes she spoke softly. "I want nothing more then I have now my lord and love." Those words sending a rush of feeling through her that was staggering. She gave to him the one thing she would give no other...herself. If it ever came to it, she would give her life willingly. The rare words backed by the
motion behind them shone in her eyes and soft smile. "In my heart we are already one. The children granted to us will be a link that will bind us in a way no other can. I want you to know that joy Dareal. I want to share my life with you always." Tenderly she kissed his bare
chest, working her way up to his neck. Letting the soft kisses linger there for a moment before touching his lips again briefly.
Dareal smiled and kept his arms wrapt gently around her. "We have been one for some time, i noticed it a while back, truth be told, and i feel like the luckiest man around." He lovingly returned her kiss, lingering on it for a bit as well as before finally breaking it and gazing into her eyes. "I would kill anyone and risk all that i am, to keep you from harm, and the children. Never doubt my love for you or them.. for you three are the light of my life, the one thing that keeps the darkness away and at bay." He murmured as he nuzzled her neck lightly, placing light kisses and nibbling off and on upon the tender flesh beneath his lips. As he continued doing that, he managed to murmur loud enough for her to hear.. "And when shall we be married.. hrm?" He said, giving her a gentle growl and nuzzle.
Elizabeth leaned into Dareal's kisses and touch. Her heart speeding up as he nuzzled her neck gently. The fact of being married to this man was more then she could ever believe possible right now. It all seemed like some moment from a fantasy story. But it wasn't, the feel of him under her hands and his words told her she was deffenently in the real world as of now. Not some far away dreamscape or altered reality. "Married...I like the sound of that more then you could ever imagine!" Her face rested against his head, her fingers stroking his hair in gentle swirling motions of her fingers. "God I love you so much Dareal." There was a hint of longing and pain mixed with the words as she spoke them. Part of his very nature scared the hell out of her...but it was also the inner calm heart that drew her to this man. She carried their children in her belly. If somthing were to ever happen to him, at least she'd still have that to hang onto. Elizabeth went silent then pondering his question. "The sooner the better my love...Please."
Dareal nodded lightly as he sighed contently. The weather over the past few weeks was slowly slipping into winter time, and as Dareal looked up and out the window, small white snowflakes began to rain down upon the landscape outside. "How does a holiday wedding sound?" He asked as he looked down into her face as his fingertips gently tilted her head up so their eyes could meet. "A christmas that none could forget, does that sound appeasing?" He grinned as a small light twinkled in his eyes. The joy and laughter could be seen within those cool calculating orbs. As he waited for her response, the sounds of laughter were heard suddenly downstairs and the slamming of the door. Dareal looked up briefly and chuckled as he shook his head. "Youngsters.. think they have never seen snow before." If she was to agree, Dareal knew exactly how to set it up, with the help of course from Melanthus and the others.
Elizabeth's breath caught for a second as she became lost in Dareal's gaze. She wondered briefly if he knew just how much power he held over her heart and soul. When he glanced away she found she could think clearly then. Her answer was quick and full of emotions she hadn't felt in years. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck in a strong embrace, "Oh Dareal! That would be wonderful...a Christmas wedding." Tears of joy made her eyes glisten brightly in the room's dim lighting. "I think I'll forego inviting my brother though. If you don't mind Dareal. He might have issues about somethings if he found out. Unfortunately he has an uncanny knack for such things." Her soft sigh said alot about how she felt. As much as she loved her brother, there were things about him that bothered her to no end. Eventually Elizabeth knew she'd have to discuss that with Dareal. For now though the fact he was really going to marry her was first and foremost in her mind. The wedding she'd always wanted was finally possible. "Dareal you have no idea how much this truly means to me. Someday I'll tell you why. For now...Just kiss me!" With that she pulled his mouth to hers, letting their lips touch softly at first. Then slowly she deepened the kiss letting her hands move across his shoulders.
Dareal returned the kiss as deeply, pulling her as close to him as she could. The inner fire that ignited within him could be felt by her as he let her know exactly how he felt. After a very long time, he managed to tenderly break the kiss and smile. "Well then, christmas is only.. what.. a week away? Did you manage to... look for a dress while you were out earlier?" He said, grinning like the cat that ate the canary. In fact, if she had not found a dress..well.. he knew someone who had a very gorgeous gown, that definetly would not mind if she was to have it and wear it, sense the current owner would not wear it again. That person being Larynda, but Dareal would say nothing of it, unless Elizabeth had finally not found a gown she liked, then he would suggest it. "We can have it here.. at the castle out in the gardens.. can you imagine the ground dusted in new fallen snow, the winter flowers blooming still as well as the rare roses that are out there?" He murmured while letting one hand gently caress her arms and back, tilting his head ever so slightly to the side. "And i understand about your brother.. invite anyone from your family that you would want to come, the more the merrier i always say." He chuckled as the sounds of laughter and play could be heard outside. Oh yeah, they were all having a lot of fun out in the new falling snow, which was still steadily coming down.
Elizabeth melted against Dareal as he pulled her in close feeling the love and drive within him towards her. A sigh of contentment issued from her lips as he broke away to continue the conversation. Her eyes glinted playfully as he started speaking of Christmas to her. "Yes it is only a week away to be honest. And no I didn't really find anything that I liked to much in the dress department. Well at least not something one would wear to a wedding that is." She smiled impishly at him and said no more on that matter. "What I did find would umm more fitting for in private afterwards." She laughed softly tipping her head down to avoid his eyes. If she didn't Elizabeth knew she'd bust up laughing. "As for having the wedding here...I think it would be beautiful. I happen to love the snow." Her face softened as she closed her eyes picturing the scene vividly in her mind. Every detail of the flowers and snow bringing back pictures and memories of her childhood with her family. A look of utter peace and rememberance had taken hold of Elizabeth. The effect causing her features to soften and glow with an inner warmth so few knew she held deep down inside of her. At the mention of her brother though the look vanished instantly, replaced in that moment with a hardened exterior that she was more used to showing when something painful was being brought up. Elizabeth sighed deeply and smiled as her head tipped towards the window. "I'll consider it. But my parents died a long time ago Dareal. All I have left of them are memories and a few things they left me. Not including a very sizable inheritance. Dad wasn't the most talkative of people about his work, but it paid the bills and more..." She paused then thinking back to her parents. "My mother died of cancer when I was about 16. It hit the family harder then we like to admit." She refrained from telling him that she to had been diagnosed with the same cancer just last year. Ricky had helped her get it into remission but they watched outf for it carefully now. The last few tests had been iffy to say the least.
Dareal gently continued to caress her as she talked. He could sense the joy at what he spoke of for the wedding, but could also sense when she stiffened back up at the mention of her family. "I did not mean to bring up bad memories my love.. i did not know.. im sorry." He murmured as his fingertips came up and caressed her cheek. "So, no luck in finding a gown hrmm..? But i sense that you did find as you said. something else for afterwards.. hmm..something nice and lacy my dear?" He said, grinning as he always did, hoping that would get a laugh or chuckle out of her as he lightly lowered his hands to her sides and began to tickle her. "So, i assume im going to have to wait till after the wedding to see this nice lacy undergarment of yers?" His laugh was calm and relaxing, soothing in a sense as he kissed her forehead. "If.. and i say this.. IF. you dont find a gown that you want, i know of one that might just fit you. If you wish to see it. You have but to ask, and it can be arranged." He grinned even broader, since he knew what the gown looked like, having been at Mel’s and Larynda’s wedding, since he WAS the one who married them, afterall. "If you would like, would the lady care to take a nice walk with me in the snow this evening?" The snow brought back memories of his own, recalling back when he was younger, the snow dusting and covering the landscape, making the countryside look like a winter wonder land. He held out his hand, then gently entwined his fingers with hers as his question lingered in the air as he awaited her reply.
Elizabeth smiled up at him before letting his touch and voice work their magick on her. Her eyes closed slowly as she rested her cheek against his fingers. "Nice and lacy...you could deffinently say that much for it I suppose." She barely stiffled the laugh that threatened to take hold of her. The tickling though broke the last of her reserved mood and she felt her defenses drop fully. A light laugh escaping her as she squirmed in his hands. Wanting him to stop, yet not wanting him to take his hands from her body. Dareal's kiss to her forehead was the last straw as Elizabeth felt her external armor give way beneath his soothing calmness. "Maybe you could arrange something Dareal. I want this to be special in all ways for us." Her tipped back to look up into his face. The innocence of her childhood reflecting briefly in her soft eyes when he spoke of the walk with him. "I would love to accompany you my lord. I have not enjoyed the quiet beauty in a rather long time. I can think of no one else I would rather share such a moment with." Elizabeth vaguly wondered what it was that caused her to say such a thing to him just then. Her heart though knew what her mind had only recently discovered. She was truly in love. The type of love that transposed time and ages. A rare and wonderous thing had occured for them both in this short span of just a few days. Elizabeth looked down at their entwined fingers. The look on her face unfanthomable except for the look of calm inner peace the simple gesture seemed to give her.
Dareal smiled even more as he slowly stood up from the bed, drawing her up against him as his hand remained entwined with hers. "Then, by all means, lets go. Shall i suggest a light shall for you this eve m‘lady? Twould be a bit chilly, to say the least." He said with his stunning accent as he let it finally come thru completely. After saying that, he lead her over towards the closet, opening it and finding a nice knit shall, taking it from its hanger and drapping it lightly about her shoulders. Once she adjusted it, he lead her out of the room and down the hall to the grand staircase that winded down to the main floor. The maids were abustle with cleaning the place, seeing off to one side, Melanthus speaking to Roslynn. Melanthus looked up, grinning to say the least as in his arms was the small babe that he rocked. "Ah, going out for a stroll old man?" He joked and winked towards Dareal. "Aye, pops." He grinned broadly as he and elizabeth moved towards the door. "Oh, do you think it would be possible, for.. oh.. Elizabeth here to view Larynda’s gown?" Melanthus lofted a brow slightly in question to that.. "which gown would that be?" Dareal chuckled even more.."why of course the wedding gown of hers. Oh.. i failed to mention, there’s going to be a christmas wedding, rather fitting dont you think?" Melanthus grinned back and chuckled. "ah, well.. i dont think my beloved would have any problems with that. Whenever she would wish to view the gown, she has but to ask." Dareal nodded lightly.. "Thank you pops. Now, i will leave you to your.. endeavor there with the child." And with that, Dareal opened the door and lead Elizabeth outside to the cool air and falling snow.
Elizabeth's eyes lit up at the beauty of the sound of his voice. She tipped her head listening to the accent, feeling a part of her being drawn to another time momentarily. It felt good and she willingly let the subtleness of it carry her along on the sensations it caused within her. "Wish you wouldn't hide that from me Dareal. You have a beautiful voice." She let Dareal lead her through the halls and down the stairs. The castle's atmosphere starting to reflect the upcoming holiday. How many had Dareal and the others sared within these walls? The thought was cut short when Melanthus spoke up. Her eyes catching on the infant in his arms. Another life added to the many already within the castle. The child's life would be unique to say the least. He was obviously loved and well cared for. The contented sucking of the baby as he went to town on his own small fist brought a knowing smile to Elizabeth's face. Already the child's attention was riveted onto his new father. To be that young and unaware again of the world's dangers. Elizabeth wondered how her own would fair in this place. Elizabeth tipped her head shyly as the two men talked. Ask? hell she wasn't sure if that would be such a good thing. Larynda and Melanthus made her a bit skittish with their power...Dareal did to at times, but she was begining to realize that it was going to be a part of her life now. The rush of cool air from the open door sent a sudden startling change through her in the blink of an eye. Her head snapped up in graceful motion as her hand loosened a fraction on Dareal's. The breeze that flowed through the doorway lifted her hair gently from her shoulders, dancing the ends across her upper shoulders and back hightlighted by the lights behind her. For a moment it looked as if she seemed frozen in time, an ethreal creature unsure of its boundaries held in place by nothing but a thin gossamer thread. Her eyes reflected another time and place that only Dareal and Melanthus could understand. She drew a deep slow breath closing her eyes as a few snowflakes graced her hair with thei tiny perfection. A soft prayer barely audible issued from her lips in thanks to the higher powers.
Dareal shut the door behind them, turning his gaze towards Elizabeth. The tiny snowflakes that started to dot her hair sent a sigh of contentment and utter relaxation as his hand gently squeezed her own. "You ok my dear?" He nudged her to get her attention after she uttered that soft prayer. "you seem as if you were in a distant place just about now.. a penny for your thoughts?" And he gently lead her down the front steps onto the walkway that split and went in two totally different directions, one leading to the gardens.. the other to the lake that was not that far from the nearby boardering forest. He of course took the path that slowly winded around to the side of the huge castle. The snow dancing down in the air as the path and ground were already coated in a full, yet light, coating of the soft powdery snow. Some of the smaller pine and frasier trees already had a christmasy look to them. The snow adding the extray enjoyment as Dareal glanced at them, smiling all the more as he listened to her talk and lead her at a casual pace towards the garden. The ancient castle had its own mystical look to it. Instead of looking so imposing, it would remind anyone who looked upon it, like one of those great castles in post cards and the like. The snow falling around it, glistening at its base as the ancient stones showed their age, and yet.. a kind of power and nobility of such a wonderous place. They passed by a few of the other clansmen, that just happened to be out and about, playing or rough-housing, as some put it, tossing snowballs and the likes at eachother. It was a sight indeed, and one that would kind of reflect upon a normal rockwell painting. All Dareal could do was chuckle at the young kindred.. knowing that it was a rare sight to see the clan this relaxed, after all that has happened. The maids had already started inside, the decorating of the castle. And off in the distance, Dareal could hear another small group of the clan, heading off to the forest, hearing them talk about looking for the perfect tree.
Her eyes refocused a bit at the sound of his voice. "Just remembering is all."Her voice reflecting then strong inner calm she pojected without knowing it. It seemed to radiate around her and mix with the quiet serene landscape. Somehow amidst all that had happened so recently. Elizabeth had
become a calm center of sorts. "My father used to take me for rides at night through the woods near our home. We'd ride along the forest's edge watching the snow fall on the pastures and other horses turnout at the time. It was a quiet time just the two of us shared together. Nothing but the silent snow falling, the rustling of the branches overhead and the creaking of well oiled saddles. Occassionally the horses would snort or chomp the bits urging a faster pace." Her eyes locked on the castle then, seeing it as Dareal did. The fact shone in her eyes that she appreciated the awesome beauty of the place. "There was an old castle near us in the highlands. Sometimes we would
go there and walk through the ruins. My father knew so much about places like that. I always wondered how, I still do in fact. He could make the stories of the legends of those places come alive in your mind. It was like watching a movie of sorts." She laughed softly, "My mother said he had his own bit of magick in a way. My father never denied it come to think of it. He would just smile and leave the room afterwards to go for long rides alone. He seemed sad somehow at those times. Like he knew things we didn't and was unable to share the wonders of a world only he knew about." Her hand swept up graeully to tuck a stray strand of hair from her face. "I to this
day know so little of the man he truly was. He seemed bent on keeping his past from me in every manner possible. When my mother passed on, a part of him died with her. We still went on our rides, but he was distant as if expecting something else on those nights." Elizabeth sighed then deeply. "One night a man met us out in the deeper woods. He was impressive to say
the least. Almost like a knight out of a fairey tale." She glanced at Dareal sideways quickly then. "Don't laugh at what I say Dareal. Because that night I came to know that other beings walk this earth. I can't remember it all. Somehow I think it was meant to be that way. I can only remember it on nights like this...and its the only time I can remember the contented finality with which my father gave me that last hug and kiss before he rode off with that man. They knew each other, I know that from the way the talked and acted towards each other. After that night I never saw my father alive again. But the funny part is, is that I feel no pain or hurt from it. Just a
strange peace in somehow knowing he didn't die alone or in pain. He was ready that night and I have spent every year since remembering that moment." Her fingers tightened in Dareal's hand and she smiled at him. Her calm face oddly lit by the darkness and castle lighting around them.
Continued...