Author Note: Lana Selkirk is owned by a dear friend of mine who has helped me through tough times. I see only fit to dedicate this fan-fiction to her. Cover art by venetianmasked . deviantart art / I-am-death- 677531597
Scarlet Carson
Chapter 1 – The meeting
Lana Selkirk sat outside on the studio dormitory balcony that overlooked the city of London; the garden was lush and trees just tall enough but still short enough to block the entire city skyline view. There should be more paintings of the night; too many had the light of day, the moon herself cast her own light however eerie it may-be it was still beautiful! More people should appreciate the night! She sighed as she saw the night fog rolling in and looked at her painting, the fog didn't look as thick as usual but it never did at first glance. However, the way it was floating around gave the city an eerie feel and the brunette was determined to capture that in her painting!
"Painting again? Do you do nothing else, Lana!"
Elizabeth, one of Lana's room-mates spoke from the arch of the balcony doors.
"Aye, th' night's just perfect for it!"
Lana spoke back without turning around; rolling her eyes. Sometimes she just wished she could paint in peace!
"Don't tell me, yer goin' out tonight. Let me guess, poker with Stephanie and the others?"
"Correct! Want to come?"
"Nay thank ye. As ye can see, I am not dressed for it."
"Just wanted to ask. Don't stay out too long dear, wouldn't want you to catch a death of cold!"
"Thank ye Lizzie, have fun."
"Take care, Lana!"
With that Elizabeth hand the other girls left. Finally, some time alone!
Dracula walked the foggy streets of London, enjoying the feel of the city; it felt so different than it did during the day! Now this, this atmosphere was wonderful! Almost like home! The Count found himself wandering, in search of his meal and some fun! He had walked around until he found himself standing outside of a dormitory building; more so because a glimpse of light had caught his attention and now he was looking up at the culprit; a beautiful brunette! Her hair had the most beautiful curls he had seen and the length went below her shoulders; he would say the length would reach below her shoulder-blades as the girl's hair was tied in a bun. His eyes were locked on this Aphrodite, even if she was improperly dressed to be out there; at this hour.
Lana shivered, rubbing her shoulders and arms; she felt as if she was being watched. She sipped her evening tea and scrunched her nose. It was going cold! So, she downed it, making a face. She put down the palette and stood; a gentle breeze blowing and making the skirt of her nightgown and robe make gentle waves. She stifled a yawn and stretched, looking out and almost immediately flushing a bright red as she saw a strange, tall man looking at her!
The vampire knew he had been spotted and removed his top-hat and gave a bow.
"My apologies, I did not mean to stare. I am, lost. Please, forgive my rudeness."
He spoke, averting his gaze. The brunette huffed but the man's accent was foreign, from across the sea.
"Oh? And how'd ye git lost?"
She asked. The Count blinked, his ears twitching, that accent was…nothing like he had heard. It was heavy, but strangely appealing!
"Sightseeing. I think, I made a wrong turn somewhere."
"That's usually how people git lost."
Lana chuckled and excused herself, this man needed help.
"How can I help ye?"
"I need to get back to Carfax Abbey."
"Carfax Abbey… that's a' least 3 miles due South-West; a two-hour walk. But there is an inn across the road behind the building. I would recommend it; most streets are nay safe at this time o' night."
Her gaze did not falter from this man, she could tell he was tall, he was… handsome, strangely alluring, there was just something about him.
"Where are ye from stranger?"
Why was she conversing? She had said all that needed to be said! He smiled, glancing back up at the brunette. A beauty indeed!
"South of your sea. From Transylvania."
He gave a bow.
"Yer a long way from home."
"Yes, that I am. But, where are you from my lady?"
"North. I hail from Scotland!"
Lana spoke proudly, her back straightening by mentioning her place of origin.
"Scotland… I have never been there. Is it beautiful there?"
"Now, sir, ye're goin' out of line! Striking up a conversation at this hour from your perspective!"
"My deepest apologies miss. Good-night."
"Good-night."
Lana gathered her things and put them inside, closing the balcony doors and locking them, closing the curtains, turning off the oil lamps save for the one she carried with her to her room which faced the other way. That man… foreigners!
Dracula smiled and looked around before making a jump to the roof of the building, his shoes not making a sound as he walked along the tiles of the roof; he stopped as he heard a window open and a woman letting out a frustrated sigh. It was her, he could tell. But he couldn't understand what she was saying; she was speaking English? She was speaking! He could tell! But, he couldn't understand a word! He crouched and waited. The light went out and he could hear her breathing even out. He got back up and crawled down the side of the building and turned himself into mist and slipped into the room, reforming and standing by the woman's bedside. She was like an angel from God; he had to have her!
"May you go into a deep sleep, dream of happiness, feel nothing."
He spoke, waving his hand over her face and brushing the brown locks from her neck. His fangs became longer and he sank them into that lovely neck and moaned. She tasted so sweet, just like a forbidden fruit! When satisfied he pulled back, tucking the brunette in and caressing her cheek before turning himself back into mist and slipping out of the window again back to the streets and started walking back to Carfax Abbey.
The next morning Lana was rather sluggish and pale, her room-mates had called for a doctor upon seeing her; they had never seen her like that before and became worried! The doctor prescribed some iron for her and a cough medicine. Elizabeth sat on a chair by her room-mate's bedside.
"I told you staying out like that would give you a cold! Now we need to look after you!"
She huffed but was glad it wasn't anything more serious than the Scottish girl's lack of vitamins.
"You do as the doctor say, get plenty of rest! We'll make sure the Headmaster and teachers know of your being out for a few days. Do not make this a habit please!"
She took the brunette's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze before leaving.
Lana just rolled her eyes and gave a tired groan, pulling the cover over her, drifting to sleep and as she did, she could see that strange man and his image was so reassuring and calming she fell asleep instantly.