Territory of the Wolf and Undead

[Rikugurl]

"Terra, my son..." The gentle beta spoke as she nuzzled his neck, not knowing how horrible her son felt for she had never suffered such a horrible loss. Then again, she had, when she was young and her and her mate had their first litter only for one to be born and died a few hours later. She had taken the death of the first pup relatively horrible but few seasons later, along came an adorable blue eyed miracle. "I know loss is a horrible thing and her death was mere accident. Please, do not place this upon your shoulders."

The large wolf upon the grave slumped close by, his ears bending back and forth to keep from the chill of the wind. "My sister, in who I trusted my father I shall watch over, lays in a place I should of taken instead. Mine life is nothing but failure and not even an honorable death shall pass me to be with her once more."

The two elders stood not too far away but their conversation did not carry very far. Xigbar's tail was broken and he knew he must rip it off at some point, having to deal with the loss of bone but it was better than infection. As for his hip, it had most likely been fractured and if healed, he would have a permanent limp on that side. He did not shift his aching body nor shifted his eyes as his brother came over, sitting by him as he stared at the premature grave of his mate. "I do not wish for your words..." He finally spoke, his voice still harsh as he looked away. "If it were not for your cruel lies of my past mate, Velvela, I would not have such competition that would drive to this. You knew it well that she wasted away due to disease and not by mine acts upon her. A weak, suffering and dying she-wolf should be brought to her death quickly. I would be worse a man if I kept her alive."

Slowly, a golden eye rolled and looked up at his younger brother, the alpha of this pack. "Was it but a cover-up, an excuse to kick me from your society for I was becoming stronger and you feared I would steal your rank?" Before Hatori could answer though, Xigbar huffed, some dust picking up as he did so. "What matter is it now? A true beauty that was mine is gone and I a broken man. I shall never know the joys of pups or teaching them well nor the company of a healthy mate for seasons past. She feared me for those vicious lies and I lost mine patience with it. Perhaps she was too independent than I would like but mine she still was... and ironic twist with such mocking fate. Two fight and none win, not even she."

[Reno]

Knowing the story of his miracle birth, Terra could easily see what his mother was alluding too, and knew the meaning behind her words. It was the same as what one might say ‘when a door closes, another might be found to have opened’ – yet at the moment, he could not see quite how that was possible. So simple and silent, his shoulder touched hers and like a pup cuddling for warmth he laid his head upon her chest. “But I was supposed to protect her…” He whispered, his voice so small. How could he have failed her so? He had said – he had sworn – she would be alright…

And it was his exuberance in the fight – the kick he delivered – that had killed her. He should have known… no, with all his learnings he knew what the unstable territory would do with enough pressure. He should have warned her to stay back!

A hard nip bit at a silvery-blue ear, making Sai give a small bark of pain before he looked at Demyx in some surprise. The golden wolf was hardly fierce and even less so was he ever one to deal pain. But now the yellow youngling was frowning at him sternly, before he spoke, “I perhaps do not quite know the pain you are dealing with… I have never had true family.” He turned his head, looking upon the grave, the scent of the new dirt strong. “But, even unrelated, we feel we are family. And becoming so close, we had a saying about loss.” His rose his head, “Ye are to miss and grief, ye are to let your memory forever weave, yet ye never let the pain loom, that ye join them to the grave too soon, for always there will be one, who too will wish to meet the reaper young.” The younger sighed some as his ears drooped and said no more, not knowing if his point got across well or not.

“Hmph,” Hatori’s tail twitched before he stood from his sibling’s side. “You are right. It does no longer matter. Regardless of what lies poisoned her thoughts, you did little to neutralize the spread. What was your ultimatum? That she either mate with you or you would cause the death of her sibling?” The alpha gave her brother a stern stare. “She was your mate and you handled her wrong and you protected her poorly. You may place your blame upon me all you like, but in the end it was you who did not do enough.” He walked around him, shaking his head. To say he did not feel badly for what had happened would be a lie. Aqua was a great wolf and though he had acted cruelly with his spun lies he had been doing what he believed was in his best interests for his son. He never imagined his brother would truly fall for her as well.

But still the story stood. His threat to her brother, the danger of forced mating – he may have began it, but his brother only continued his own undoing. She was not wolf born like they had been – she had grown as a human and her lessons had remained with them. As he had wooed Ida to his side, so should have his brother for Aqua. A woman of human nature was meant to be courted in a different way – not simply by a barbaric show of strength, but with the tender shows of love they seemed to appreciate. He was glad the only one to know the tales of his happy youth – the days he brought flowers to Ida’s window and howled sonnets to the moon – were only known to her.

“Come now.” Hatori said to those that were left of his pack, before heading back towards the den. There was some pause, but soon enough the beta was following, leading Terra beside her with a small nudge of her head. Fang followed even further behind, his head low and her posture shamed. And finally Sai and Demyx tore away, neither of them satisfied but leaving anyways because really what was left to be done?



“A commanding lycan died today.” The statement was so simple as they returned home and Kuku spoke to them all before their morning sleep but it had a mixed reaction among the Vampir. Mainly, only for Ven and Roxas was this troubling news. As they made their way up the stairs Roxas didn’t remember what poor excuse he gave to Axel to break away from their bed for just a few short moments, hurrying to check on his sibling. He knew it was suspicious but it was as if he could feel in his heart how distressed his brother was.

“Ventus… will you be alright?” Roxas finally asked in the confines of his sibling’s room, seeing the strain upon his eyes and the fear in his face. He had a vague notion that Terra was not just any lycan but one who held great power within the pack. Yet that he was also young and possibly quite foolish… and if his activities with Ven had been discovered, what lengths of punishment would follow? Roxas could only imagine death.


Meanwhile, further away and unaware of all that was taking place, the first born of the triplets was laying upon the soft sheets of a bed with colors and silks made for a gorgeous woman. A gentle smile was on his face, his eyes quite adoring as he brushed back the black locks of his sleeping lover. No words really described his joy and content. The act itself had been wonderful and new – different from making love with a man. He had to be so, so delicate – and everything from her chest to her legs was different. Curves so shapely and wonderful, round breasts, soft skin… the noises she made and the feeling of her around him… and the love in her eyes all for him.
Yes, it was truly different and oh, so wonderful. He kissed her brow, smiling delicately, knowing he could only stay so much longer before he must return to the basement before the sun rose. Yet he was soaking in every moment he could, for perfect nights like this were precious and rare.

If only… if only he could show the hunter this. Would Riku see life differently… if he had someone to love?

[Rikugurl]

I won't be on today. Have a lot to do and need to see Audra since I haven't seen her for almost two weeks.

The next night, the sound of heavy hooves padded on the moist ground. It was but another black stallion, though not as skilled as the last just yet. In times, he would be as well and fine as his three year old friend. As the pace was slow, marine eyes looked out through the night. He had heard the song of the wolves night prior and figured it would be an easy night to find some kills as sorrow ran through the pack. There was a quick jerk suddenly as his ears picked up a noise, the smell of centuries and death filled his nose and he knew what weapon to grab from his back.

A stake was pulled from his quiver and his bow suited fast before he twisted in his saddle to pull and release. The stake went flying through the air and was only caught with great skill before it impaled the old body. The sound of flesh burning only could be heard for second before the stake was dropped to the ground and the wound healed. "I am still impressed by your speed, dhampir." The man spoke, now for the silverette to see. It was but the master of these woods himself. "Though I still must wonder how you walk so well since most your life is upon a horse."

The horse slowly shifted his weight so that the two were now facing each other, the hate boiling in the hunter's body. "How shall I repay you for such a visit, Kuku? I haven't seen you since my adolescence."
"Actually, it's amusing that you ask for I do have an offer." The blonde grinned as he saw the young boy clench his teeth. "You have a vampir in your city now, do you not? He is housed in the home of a young woman that you fancy. I am sure you are already hot on the job but I wish for you to... rid him of this plane. He has become as useless to me as he is to you. And to excite this hunt and to have it done quickly," Bony fingers reached into his pocket, pulling out a stack of pounds before throwing it at Riku.

The man caught it easy, glancing down at it with a frown.
"I will pay 10 pounds more each night that he is alive to keep you interested. No need to come find me when the deed is done for I will know it but meet me here for your pay each night. For now, good evening." And then the master was gone, leaving the hunter and horse in solitude. Marine eyes looked down at the money in his hand, swallowing some as his fingers ruffled the edges just to see how much he received. Though the money was good and the task already set without it, he felt it was a deal with the devil himself. The pounds were placed away quickly before reins were hit, the horse springing to action as they headed back to the city.

It was not the manor that the master returned to, but towards the area in which the wolves called their own. He was rarely seen here for his scent was strong and their noses better than theirs but he needed to find one wolf out and knowing exactly where he laid was a benefit. He knew the young wolf heard him coming before he could sneak upon him, seeing him pick himself up and growl. "Calm, Eskel, I am not here for much chatter. I know of what happened the past night and I thought upon what you said. You are true that we are now mates and it is custom to protect such a bond. Arliun cannot keep flight upon you for she has a will of her own and since it is sworn that neither you nor I wish to live upon the same ground, I've brought you this."

Once again he reached into his pocket, holding a shiny ring. "This will keep us connected. I shall know where you are and if you are well and vise verse. Say an item in which you wish for this to be and it shall change to fit your custom. A bracelet," The ring suddenly turned into a gold band, "a necklace," the band turned into a simple chain, "an earring," it became a simple loop. "or plainly the ring." And once again it turned to the ring that it once was. "All I ask is that you wear it somehow. It is only meant for you and if you pawn it away, it will burn through the skin of anyone else."


"I do not see why we have traveled to the place in which you were handled so horribly..." A redhead spoke as his green eyes looked out to see a large manor and a ginormous plantation. It was the place where Roxas had spent his days laboring, where he was given but shreds of food unwanted or spoiled and where all the slaves worked with a limp in their heel. "Why ever have we come here?"


In the city, a blonde vampir hurried down the streets, passing people as they headed home to come to the library. He burst through the door, startling the librarian who was on the evening shift before she realized who it was. "Ah, sir... the gentleman has not been here for a week. Perhaps you should send for him elsewhere." Blue eyes looked over the area as if she were lying before he took a deep sigh. Terra.... There was no way he could return to the lycan area for he learned that he always made a mess when he stopped by, but he had to know if it was his dearest friend that had been killed that night.

Would he know it in his dead heart?

"Good evening..." He spoke softly before leaving the place, stepping back outside before looking up at the moon. It would be just three more days until full moon and the rest of the clan were hoping that the battle would be called off. It was mating season and one important wolf had fallen. It had been done before and all were hoping it would be done again. Slowly his pale hand reached for his necklace, his fingers wrapping around the charm as he started to pray.

[Reno]

Feet flighted quickly across roof tops, so speedily the dark form blended in with the night sky, easily mistaken for a black bird to a man not paying close attention. Harsh, quick breathes fell from the creature's lips as he leapt from yet another roof top, his fingers grabbing onto a pole that was proudly brandishing the national flag. He flipped artfully, and landed upon the empty cobblestone road, sniffing the air. "Hmmm..."

Strangely opposite to his speed of before, he stood at a standstill, crossing his arms and tilting his head quite curiously as if he were pondering some very difficult problem that had a far-reaching solution. The scent from him was fresh, having just made another kill recently - this time a poor spring hare his prey which would be his slumbering lover's morning breakfast. His scent was all over the town, having been near and far to discover what was open at such late hours. Places he had frequented before like the bar and those he had not yet dared - such as the theater. "Now whatever would Lilo like...?" He murmured to himself, absently studying the begonias lining the walk. He reached out and picked one enjoying the simple white flower with it's stunning pink rims. "Perhaps with this delicate flower I will invite her to the ballroom." He grinned, presenting it to a light pole, "Oh Lilo my love, how art your feet so gentle and soft on the floor. They are meant for dancing!"


Amethyst eyes studied silently the silver band, tilting his head quite peculiarly. Finally he sighed and breathed - "A bracelet." The little trinket changed at his command, which sent a secret delight through him. What wonderous magic!

He picked it up carefully within his teeth and fit it around his ankle, finding it adjusted to the size of him without need of fitting. He flexed his claws some, finding it an easy weight to carry before he rose his head, looking upon his... mate. His very daring mate for if Hatori were to discover of him here, there would be no mercy. For either of them. "Does this appease you?"


"Because through my years..." Roxas slowly spoke, his voice full of trepidation, "...I was not the only to suffer. Each man, woman and child brought from the sea, though they were of a different color to myself, were just like I when it came to punishment. My master... he does not cut all of them..." He indicated a small girl with dark black hair braided into pony tails. She did not limp like her elders. "Only those who tried to escape."

A frown marred his lips, "At first I tried to distance myself from these people foolishly believeing that even though my situation was the same... I was better. A silly notion really, nothing was different from us but out skin. We thought and we talked and we bled all the same way. Overtime... I grew a connection with one of them. Raijin. He was my friend, always speaking with me and sharing food with I and watching over me when I was weak with illness or injury. Had once even taken the whip in my place for I... and I can not live out my years of eternity until I know he can find peace in his as well."


"Whatever is with that look upon your face?"

Ven seemed to start in surprise, and his eyes widened as if his prayers had become reality for standing before him in his normal attire was the handsome lycan, his brunette hair somewhat disheveled and his eyes darker from the black rims around the rims of them. It was obvious he had been in a fight, for he was favoring his left arm and there were nasty looking scratches partially hidden by his blouse at the nape of his neck. The only thing that might of filled Ventus with some joy was the little gleam of gold upon Terra's belt, already it's glow dimmed and dirtied from nights laying in on the ground.

The brunette rose an eyebrow at the other's staring, frowning tersely, "I hope you are aware I am not a ghost." He crossed his arms absent-mindedly, and winced some finding that it was a bad idea. "Come, we have some reading to do, do we not?"

[Rikugurl]

"You do but look just a tad silly, my love." A voice came from behind the vampir just a ways, making him spin to see the said woman he was asking the pole to be. She giggled at the look on his face as she walked up to him, planting a sweet kiss on his lips before pulling away. "An errand I needed to do to the judges home to drop off my papers of the day," She explained before showing him a basket that was upon her arm. "And a gift he did give us to share. Fresh fruit from the orchard to the north."

Unknowing to the two new lovers, their home was being invaded.

Boots kicked up the dirt and dust that was in the basement, a strong arm slashing the top of a coffin before ripping it up to see nothing inside but some dirt. A loud snarl came from his throat as his eyes narrowed, throwing the top about without care before rushing up the stairs. He climbed three sets until he reached the top flat, his clawed hands reaching for the knob only to find it locked. "LILO!?" He called to the door but after a few minutes without answer he started to pound upon it. Still nothing but that didn't stop the hunter from getting in as he kicked the door right open, wood cracking and flying about as the lock ripped right off.

In madness, the man started to view every room, smelling the scents that were both heavily human, vampir and majick but not of it could be found.


"Indeed, and it looks fine upon you." The blonde spoke softly before a smile cracked over his lips before standing straight. "I guess this is Good evening then..." He slowly turned and started to head back in the direction of his manor, though as he furthered his distance, he paused and seemed to ponder before glancing over his shoulder. "Please, feel free to come to the manor at any time. My clan shall now harm you."


"I see..." The redhead spoke as they quickly made their way pass guards and came closer to the barns. "But I ask you this; what is it that you are planning on doing?" As he asked, both looked upon a crack in the wall to see a group of people huddled around a camp fire. "Mine eyes have never laid upon so many negros before." Axel whispered before both of the vampir stiffened when they heard the sound of a carriage coming close. "Who on earth still travels this late?" A protective arm came around the blonde's chest, pulling him into a darkened cove.

They watched as the carriage, drawn by tired looking horses, came to the entrance of the manor. It was easy to tell that the arrival was not planned as some guards walked over and talked to the coachman. It seemed to grab both of the men's attention than making it useful as a distraction. They both saw the carriage door open and man holding out his hand for what seemed to be a very pale skinned and haired woman who wore dress of nobility. Whatever was a noble woman doing at the manor. "Did you know it that noble blood ran through this family or is this off note?"


The blonde gasped as he heard the familiar and handsome voice behind him, quickly coming to attention and looking over to see a man well beaten. "Terra..." He spoke softly as the question of their studies came to be before he rushed to the man's front. "Whatever happened!? Are you in great pain?"

[Reno]

"Hmmm, sounds delicious!" The brunette stated as he came close, pushing some of her hair behind her ear and very tenderly placing the flower against the strands, easily held there. It made her look vibrant and exotic, and he blushed just a little. "Well I have been about town as of late my darling, and now I know every nook and cranny that is awake so late. So now we can have much to do if you wish! Or we can simply return home and..."
His eyebrows raised a bit mischievous, his words no longer talking about the basket she held "Enjoy the fruit~"


"I will.... keep that in mind." Eskel said softly, unable to promise the same as he was not the leader of the pack he ran with and then watched the other leave once more. He looked down at the bracelet, nudging his nose against it's cold surface. He wondered perhaps if it was because of their song last night that this was brought - had the man worried of him? Certainly no such goodbye would be given for a lowly hand as he...

He laid back down, continuing to feel perplexed by this gift, feeling suspicious and confused.


"This has certainly never happened before!" Roxas whispered right back, seeing the way that all attention was grabbed as the carriage came by. It was beautifully ornate. Some of the woman - as woman always did - seemed to sigh in jealousy at the beauty and grandness of her entrance. How could they think each other so different - the white woman that is? No matter the skin tone or the species, a woman had a fine eye for jewels. He knew as such... because he certainly knew Larxene had a fancy for them as well.

All around the carriage was being spied upon. Even those safely in the quarters were poking the door open and peering out. Even Roxas stared with aghast, looking at the fine lady he had never seen before as she was guided to the manor. The only answer he could find was, "Perhaps she has come to purchase something... the land?"


The brunette lent back some as Ven came near, his face staying quiet monotone, as if emotion had been sucked from him - perhaps their were Vampirs in the world that did that instead of feasted upon blood. "I am quite alright. Had I not been I would not be here." He answered flatly, but it was obvious to one with a good mind that he was telling a false story. At least, possibly he was alright in the body but not in the heart.

And slowly, it must be dawned, that there were only four great and high lycans - a talk they had once held in their many hours of the night though loosely, for Terra did not relate pack stories simply his connections. He himself was one - and Aqua of course who they spoke of at the riverside. And naturally he had once talked of his parents - it was no secret Hatori and Ida were leaders.

Now the question remained - which of them had died?

[Rikugurl]

Lilo blushed as well when she got the referral. Last night had been the most majickal time she had yet to experience. No spell nor words of majick could make their love any more pure. All morning, she wondered around her flat, imagining what it would be like to hear the sounds of little feet upon the boards. If her lover were not dead, the seed would of been planted last night and she would start her long months of motherhood. A hand across her stomach had appeared a few times as she imagined it so, only becoming slightly under weather at moments when she realized it would never be.

She wouldn't need to tell her lover such stories.

"Well, either way, these fruits must be put away before we do anything~" She smiled as she took his arm in hers and the two walked towards the flat in which they lived. Small chatter passed their lips as they reached the place, the door being opened for her like a gentleman and the two proceeded up the winding stares to reach the top flat. However, as Lilo turned the corner, her eyes widened to see that the door was wide open. "Ah...." She paused, stepping back into Sora. "I fear a robber has broken in!"


"Let us find out~" The redhead grinned with a devilish smile as he pulled Roxas along, hiding in the shadows as they crept upon the carriage. "Ah, it is but a Scottish carriage. A long way they have traveled for such an event. No wonder the horses are weary." He ran a finger across the Scottish emblem before glancing at the entrance. "I have become quite curious. Come, let us see what this affair is!" Right after his last breath of a word came from his lips, he was gone and at the sides of the soldier at the door. A breath was breathed and the man suddenly fell, being caught quickly only to be gently laid down.

Like a snake in a barn, Axel made his way through the door, placing the carriage boy to sleep as well before waving for his lover.


Eyes looked away as he heard the emotionless voice from the lycan, the bricks looking darker than ever before. His master the night before told them that an important beast had died in the lycan pack and now he knew it well that it wasn't the one he knew so well. "Would I be out of line to ask what was it that has happened...?"

[Reno]

"Stay here my love." Sora said, holding Lilo back some before he hurried forward to the flat. His eyes narrowed as he stepped within, his face belaying any happiness. If the robber was still here, he would not find himself with luck tonight...

But as he studied the rooms and found that while things were out of place and broken no one was here. He lifted some of the flowers tenderly, knowing they would die within a few hours now that they had been torn from their bed. All of Lilo's care ruined in but a moment. He sniffed them, catching their earthen, pollen scent.

And then he caught his scent, his eyes turning a bright yellow and he growled, knowing the scent as instinctively as his own! "Dhampir!"


"But- Ax!" Roxas hissed but his lover was already on the move, taking down two men with a breath. He frowned some, unsure if they were over-stepping their boundaries and causing trouble and it was lucky it was dark or the red-head would have discovered nothing went unseen on this plantation. There were many unnoticed, spying eyes. He sighed some as he was motioned to come near and did so quickly, coming near his side.

"Are you sure this is wise my love?" He murmured gently, afraid of what repercussions their treachery could cause.


"You... wish to know?" The voice was still full of little emotion, but a dark hint was at the tips, warning the Vampir upon something he wasn't sure what. Even still he nodded tentatively. And so Terra spoke. "After you had left, Aqua and I argued over what had occurred and stepped deep into the forest. Our minds were not with us only our anger." His voice started to fill with anger. "Xigbar happened upon us at that moment, standing on a cliff. He taunted us and incited me into battle." The wolf started to pace, his shadow stretching strangely in the moonlight that Ven could almost see the blackness of the wolf pacing after the man.

"We fought upon the rocks, and he slammed me good into some of them. I was just getting away when he snagged my tail so I kicked him back. The blow was hard, and it dislodged some of the rocks..." His eyes narrowed, his body shaking. "He feel but lived the rockslide... but we had been so preoccupied with our fight we forgot she was right below us." He turned his back to the Vampir, tilting his head to the ground. "....She was crushed."

The next words were a strange twist to the previous - full of fury and shame, hate and sorrow. "She died...... I let her die - my mate.... I didn't do as I was meant to. I was suppose to protect her. I as good as killed her!" He yelled but his voice shook, belaying the tears in his eyes even though Ven could not see it.

After a moment, he whispered painfully, "I-I told her - I promised she would be a-alright..."

[Rikugurl]

"Dhampir!"

Eyes widened before hurried feet came up the stairs and with a gasp, the basket full of fruit fell upon the floor much like the items that had been thrown about during an episode of rage. Vases were broken, chairs overthrown, art laid upon the floor with mud laced over them. It was as if crazed beast were set loose after being stung by a wasp. Slowly she walked over the broken mess to find her lover in her bedroom, flowers in his hand as his eyes wild with anger. "Why... why has he come to do this? What good has it come to him!?" She called, tears coming to her eyes as she slowly started to hold herself.

All these items she had bought were from the kindness of her lover's heart to help her and her mother gain the life they were meant to have and this.... this man in who her and her mother took care of so many times came without a care and destroyed most of it!?


"We are but the top of the food chain, my love. There is no need for fear for you are no longer his slave but a free man that can outwit him now. If you do not experience a chance of risk, you will lose so much in life... or shall I say, after life." Axel chuckled as they walked along the shadows to where the sound of voices could be heard. "Since you were but prisoner here, you see it what is happening as I stand watch. The peephole is but my fondest pastime." He admitted, getting a glare but only blushed before he nodded to the door.

A sigh came from his young lover but the boy quickly found himself upon his knees and peering through the hole in the door. What the blonde could see was his old master, looking non too happy as he was but nearly halfway dressed for bed as the pale woman stood before him.


Ventus was lost for words as he learned the story of his mate's demise. Though he had stated a few nights before that she wasn't his mate just yet, he still seemed to see her upon this light. It was normal, for he too thought such ways about Xion and Sora with Lilo. It seemed like only his elder brother gained the true wish. At the shout though, his very soul shivered and his dead heart broke. He heard an emotion that he had never heard from the lycan before, shocking him that such a strong man would be able to obtain such emotions.

But he remembered that Terra was one of God's child and that they were all created equally in His eye...

"Terra..." The boy spoke softly as he slowly walked to him, a finger hesitantly reaching up before wiping tears away. "Do not blame yourself. Your mind was not clear but full of rage and need. It is a sin that was given to us all and blinds us from the light. Though it is a tragedy and your word lost, there is no doubt that you would of given your place up for her. Just the plain knowledge that you would of give your life for her proves well enough your good intention and God had made his final decision." He paused, seeing that Terra didn't seem to want any talk of this but he was persistent.

"Sometimes... we do not know why God does what he does. For I, he took both mine mother and father in brutal death in which they never deserved. Mine mother burned as a suspected witch and mine father overtaken by the raging ocean." This was the first time Terra learned of Ventus's past. "He also took the life of the man who saved my brother's and I and plagued the his family with a life of poor. Even with this, I do not hate God for I believe He knew that their life would be better with Him. Heaven would sooth their soul and bring them a peace they needed that sometimes is unknown to us. Would mine mother have faltered if she knew of her husband's death? Would the man who saved us be tortured and killed if he were found with treason for saving us? And... would your mate suffer a cruel and bitter life if you had died last night?"

His tongue ran over his lips as they dried before he reached down and took both of Terra's hands in his as if for prayer. "You must pray that she has found Heaven and Him easily and her life is no longer causing her pain nor fear. She is safe... and waiting for you but you need to forgive yourself before these prayers can be heard by others. Bring yourself peace and your soul will be connected to Him. When you pray, she can hear you and she shall forgive you."

[Reno]

OOC: I just came up... with a cool idea!

Arms came around the younger woman, bringing her close and rubbing her back tenderly. "It is alright Lilo. At least neither of us were harmed." He said to appease her - even though he must admit this was quite terrible and his stolen blood boiled. "Come let us clean up. they are simply things we can replace." The brunette said gently, giving her a tender kiss.

It took them some time to clean everything and set things as right as they could - some of it was a struggle as they would need the marketplace later. Or more precisely Lilo would since Sora had a bit of a disagreement with the sun.

After seeing her off to bed and dozing as peacefully as could be though, Sora left the home carefully secured, his teeth grit and his heart angry and sped off through town tracking the scent he was beginning to know quite well. It was perfectly fine for the Dhampir to dislike him - but Lilo never deserved such cruelty. She could never deserve it! And he was going to make sure Riku understood that she was off limits to his anger!


"What is the meaning of this!" Roxas shuddered at the bellow of his former master, taking a breath to remind himself that this was not the life he lead any longer. He concentrated carefully on the man and his mistress - the Quinsins. His master was a tall, burly man with hairy arms and a fine beard, his shoulders wide and the muscles on his arms formidable.
Compared to him, his petite wife who was nearly as pale as the woman who walked in, looked very dim in comparison. Her clothes were of cotton and wool, washed out in color and her blonde hair was pulled into a bun, tangles of it hanging from it loosely. Her lips were very red and her nails very long.

"You have awoken us at such an hour for what madness?" The man demanded, ignoring the hand of his wife on his arm who tried to soothe him.


Dull blue eyes stared down at their hands, the other frowning peculiarly. He merely shook his head and took them away. "Ven..." They stood there for a time, the silence between them uncomfortable and long. It was one of those silences that stretched so long, you were unsure if you should break it because you've simply forgotten why the silence started.

The man finally sighed. "I just.... need my mind off of it. Come on let's... let's read."

[Rikugurl]

Aquamarine eyes looked through a crack in the door that he had made by simply opening it an inch. Inside the room was an old man with a blonde goatee and long blonde hair. Blankets were pulled over him though he still seemed to shiver. The man had been coughing for days now and the fever upon his head coming and going. The papers were adding up and even the young woman who brought them to court each day was worried. It wasn't just the court papers but the bills as well. He seemed to of lost a grip upon the pence that he owed and even as a judge, the pay was not always so fine.

The door slowly closed and the man sighed, his anger being swallowed in the pit of hate that had grown since he was born. He made his way back to his dark bedroom, not needing to flip on the lights to see as he walked in and looked upon his writing desk to see the pounds he was given this night by the vampir master.

"I will pay 10 pounds more each night that he is alive to keep you interested."

10 pounds a night, was it? If he could make enough to pay the bills and aid his father... he would have to think of a plan.


The young, Scottish woman didn't seem to flinch as the man shouted at her, but one of her hands did indeed tighten. "Who do you think you are talking to? I am adopted daughter of His Grace Ellar Fairholm and his wife, Duchess Peigi and I have traveled quite far to get such brutish welcome?" She waited as the man let off some more steam before she shook her head. "I am not concerned what hour of the night it is for my journey here was unplanned but the moment I received information that you have someone in which I wish to possess upon your slave farm, I hurried here before any further harm could be given."

She reached into a bag that one of her mother's servants held, it being a scroll that was sealed with wax. It was handed over to the man, only to be snatched form her hands, seal broken and scroll undone. "As you can see, I have come here to purchase one of your negros. I will pay you any handsome fee that you request for him. He goes by the name of Raijin and has been upon your states for years upon end."


Ven eyes flickered, slowly looking up at the brunette as he finally broke the silence before a gentle sigh came between his lips. "Alright, I shall ready the table as you fetch the book.." He spoke softy as he turned and headed into the library, going to the table that they always met and fixed the chair for study.

[Reno]

Though his concentration was hard on completing his task only he and the Vampir king were away of, the sound of pebbles hitting the window soon alighted his attention, and soon he flighted to it to see what was the matter. It was possibly a small shock to him to see his prey - not that he did not think he would come but perhaps not in quite a... common way. If one of them were of a different gender, it would possibly be romance that lead Sora to his window side today.

But the dark yellow eyes and the fury on his face was a give away that he was not quite thrilled or in any mood to read poetry or sing a sonnet. When the window was open he snarled and showed his teeth. "Come down here Riku! I must speak with you!"


Behind the peephole, Roxas gasped softly, his eyes going wide. Why ever would someone want a negro slave - especially his friend? He had never heard of this happening before and his mind spun with possibilities. Could it be that perhaps, somehow, he had offended this lady at one time and she was going to have him executed for treason?

The thought made him very sick.

The man looked carefully at the notice, his eyebrows furrowed as if he were trying to understand something very simple that he was making too complicated. His frown turned upside down though when he heard the mention of money, and greed seemed to brighten his eyes. "Oh you will, will you? How handsome a fee? He is quite a good slave."

Roxas' lips pulled back and he withheld a hiss of anger. He knew his master did not even know which of them was Raijin! He knew none of them by name! He was simply lying to get paid more!

[Rikugurl]

Eyes averted as he heard the rocks upon his window, only walking over to open the shutters, looking down to see who was calling only for his fangs to show and his blood boiled once more just at the sight of the vampir below. His window opened and he snarled, his eyes too seeming to change into something more paler as the man below spoke. He was about to fly out his window and slam his sword down the beast's throat but just as he reached for the pure silver weapon, his fingers paused.

"I will pay 10 pounds more each night that he is alive to keep you interested."

His pale fingers pulled away as he made a low growl in his throat before slamming the window close and leaving his room. Down the stairs he hurried and out the front door, a silver knife being hidden under his cape as he walked along the alley in which the vampir was waiting for him.


Though the peeping tom couldn't see the pale woman's face, her exotic, single eye narrowed under her silver hair at the man's response. "Of course he is a good slave, I expected nothing less. Name your price, Lord Quinsin for he is priceless in mine eyes."

[Reno]

Arms crossed as the other disappeared from the window and his senses were heightened further, able to hear the other's rushing blood and moving feet as he came down the stairs and to the door. Had he been less unhappy he would of been surprised that the other had even listened.

As the other came outside and towards him, his nose scrunched up again, getting a whiff of a scent quite unpleasant. He didn't concentrate on it as the other paused. He walked into the light of the moon, and paused, just facing the other for a moment, before he huffed. "I've said it before but you've got some real audacity don't you? Is this truly how you treat people that are kind to you - does it seem right in your eyes? I can understand perhaps still wishing to kill me even though I did thine a favor - your hate burns very strongly... it is even fine you destroyed my bedroom!" He shook and pointed at him quite rudely, "But you dare to defile Lilo's home too?! When she has been nothing but kind to you! You made her weep in such sorrow. And to think she was so hoping to brighten your days now that she lived so close. To think I would allow her!"

He crossed his arms again, growling. "I have no problem with your tossel with me, but leave her be from it! Or I will.... Will..." The brunette seemed to trial off, thinking of an adequate punishment and huffed, his heart to well to think of such. "Well I am not certain what I will do but I shall!"


"Hmmmmm...." The man tapped his chin thoughtfully, playing the scene out as well as an actor. He even did a quick glance to his wife as if to gain her approval. Roxas just shifted uneasily, his gut twisting in confusion and fear. Well... if this woman took Raijin to hurt him he supposed he could just steal him from her!

"Five-hundred pounds." The blonde's jaw dropped open at the mere mention of the cost - was he daft?! No one would pay that! Certainly not for a slave!

[Rikugurl]

Eyes narrowed as the vampir started to have his words with him, their punch hardly hitting him as he stood as still as the lamp post that wasn't lit. At the threat, and a cheap one at that, he could only chuckle, his fangs gleaming in the moonlight. It only seemed to infuriate the vampir even more before the wicked eyes turned to him. "You have very frightening threats, newborn." He hissed before coming closer. "And I shall do as I must. Lilo, for all I know, has betrayed me for she has lost her sweet virginity to a monster. A monster in which I have devoted my life to slay, to butcher and to make extinct. She is no better than you, demon."


At the price, the woman frowned and her eye darkened, seeing a grin under the man's beard for he knew it well that she did not have the money, at least no upon her. But he thought wrong as the silverette looked upon her mother's servant and he opened the bag, allowing her to reach into it and start taking stacks of pounds that were tied with twine. Five stacks of one hundred count bundles filled her hand, easily seen as she flipped through them to show that all was accounted for. This sort of money seemed to stun the lord and his wife as the Scottish woman did not flinch. "Your money, Lord. Before I hand it over, it is but well routine that you sign your slave to me and to have him appear before me to confirm that you indeed still have him and that he is well alive."

Green eyes glanced down when he heard an intake and whispered, "What is it? What is happening, Roxas?"