A/N: Welcome back. Hope you enjoy this next installment. Please leave a review, feedback is always welcome.

Disclaimer: I do not own MLGN or its characters, I make no profit from my writings.


Waking to a kitchen filled with food for the first time in ages Nanoha nearly cried. The produce in her pantry were all of the highest quality. Cooking her meal she couldn't help wondering if this largess was all that was needed to free F from her servitude. The blonde could be miles away and she'd never have gotten to say a proper thank you. Never having expected so much to be given to her by a perfect stranger she had been so cruel and stubborn the day before with the blonde.

Considering the words spoken to her again, now that she wasn't half starved and exhausted she found herself wondering what it would be like to have a companion again. One who would be dedicated purely to her comfort and well being. Shaking herself from that selfish daydream she berated herself, 'F is a sapien creature, she deserves to be respected. You will not enslave her to your childish whims, especially if it means you have to become a food source!'

Then the mental picture of the blonde being lorded over by some faceless brute flashed before her eyes. The knowledge that there would be any number of people more than willing to use the icy beauty for their own pleasure made her meal settle heavily in her stomach. The first inkling of her mind trying to form justifications as to why it would have been best to keep the vampire with her began to form.

Cleaning her dishes and straightening up her home she decided she couldn't put off facing the outside world any longer. If F was gone it was better to acknowledge that fact and move on with her life. Stepping out onto the deck she instantly saw a black tent nestled between two trees. The sudden rush of relief that sight brought her almost frightened her, tapping down her feelings she forcefully reminded herself F would only stay until her instincts called her away. There was nothing to bind F to her, because she could not in good conscious enslave another sentient being with her blood.

Lowering the ramp she saw a faint golden glow coming from the corner of her eye. Walking to the small hidden clearing she found herself blocked from her fire pit by magic. Touching the shimmering barrier she squeaked in pain when shocked by it. The noise and the ping of the alarm awoke F instantly and she was out of the tent golden sword in hand.

Sucking her stinging fingers Nanoha couldn't help thinking F was even more paranoid than she was. Though the fact the blonde was willing to step into the sunlight without her hat to defend her home was a bit more touching than she wanted to admit. When the vampire realized there was no danger she turned back into her tent and came out with her hat.

With a tired yawn the blonde came over to her, "Sorry about the barrier," she forced herself to bite back the use of my lady, "I put it up to protect the drying meat while I slept."

Curious at this use of magic Nanoha asked, "How strong is it?"

Drowsy the vampire answered nonchalantly, "I set this barrier to sting only, if an animal tried to force its way through it would have bounced off with scorched fur. It would take magical strength equal to or greater than my own to break it."

Stepping up to the barrier she tapped it with the back of her glove and it dissipated. Leading Nanoha to the drying racks the blonde stretched her long limbs before saying sleepily, "I think this should make a good start on providing you with provisions for the winter. Was there any particular type of meat you prefer? I can get anything you like."

Stunned by the rows upon rows of meat perfectly hung to dry, it would take her months to get through this much food.

Worried she'd overstepped her bounds F bowed her head, "I… I hope you weren't offended by me coming into your home while you slept. If you'd rather I leave my gatherings outside your door I will do so from now on."

Catching hold of F's sleeve Nanoha said in a choked voice, "You don't have to do anymore for me. This is too much. I was so mean to you yesterday. And yet you did all this for me." Releasing the grip she had the auburn haired woman shook her head and argued with herself, "No, this was purely instinct. There is no greater meaning to it."

Not really understanding but needing to say something F said, "Instinct drives me but it does not rule me completely. I want you...I want you to be happy. Comfortable. Secure. You are a good person."

Turning away from this Nanoha replied, "I'm not good. I alienate everyone I meet. No one can stand me for any extent of time. I'm a brat."

Reaching out to tuck a lock of hair behind one perfect ear F commented, "I like brats. Spoiling the one most important to us is what vampires love best."

Stepping back out of the bewitching female's grasp Nanoha gripped her right arm tightly with her left hand. Her stubborn defensiveness reared its head again as she pronounced, "I don't need anyone to spoil me."

Instead of getting annoyed or frustrated with the cold shoulder she was given F smiled revealing her sharp eye teeth. Humming a little sing song noise she said, "Whether you need it or not doesn't matter. You will be spoiled, I guarantee it."

Before Nanoha could argue with the blonde she retreated back into her tent. The soft sound of it being securely closed stopped her from chasing after the female to vent her spleen. Stubbornness firmly pushing her softer feelings aside Nanoha stomped her foot at the tactical withdrawal. Puffing out her cheeks she called out, "I don't need you!"

From the dark tent the shocking response, "Maybe not, but I need you My Lady. I will rest now, call on me if you desire."

~"~"~

For the rest of that morning Nanoha organized the foodstuff F had brought to her. Once she had a better idea of what more she needed to collect to ensure a plentiful winter she almost wanted to kick that aggravating blonde. Not out of malice or spite but because F had left her nearly nothing to do. She was used to the struggle, of the relentless strain and now there was this breathing room she hadn't felt since her family was alive. Now she had time to think, and that wasn't a good thing.

Not wanting to dwell on her past Nanoha grabbed her spare cloak and satchel along with a sturdy walking stick. Entering the woods would be dangerous but facing her memories could be more damaging to her than any beast. Picking through some brush she found her path which would lead her to her traps. Knowing her last device would be a total loss and not wanting to see the carnage left from the day before Nanoha didn't bother going that far.

Most of them were empty which didn't surprise her but she did find another hare trapped which made her feel slightly better. Not being fully dependent on the work of the vampire soothed some of her pride. Cleaning it she decided to go down to the river to see if she could find some wild vegetables to cook it with.

Picking a few plants she tucked them away as she carefully made her way down the slippery bank. The sound of snapping twigs nearby had her ducking down to hide amongst the tall water weeds. Worried sapphire eyes caught the sight of a human figure walking noisily through the woods. Staying silent she stayed crouched waiting for the unknown person to leave.

Minutes passed as she strained her ears to confirm she was alone again, finally standing up on numb legs she almost immediately lost her footing. Swinging her arms in a futile attempt to regain her balance she fell into the river and was instantly caught by its current. Fighting against the icy water she could feel her waterlogged cloak dragging her down. With a brief feeling of regret she undid the clasp and felt it get swept away. Using all her strength she made her way back up onto the bank about a hundred and fifty yards downstream. Coughing and gasping for air she could feel her entire body shivering from her dunking.

Rolling onto her back she looked at the sky, she didn't have a lot of time to get back home before the sun began to set. If she didn't warm up soon she could end up ill or worse dead. At that moment she was at her most vulnerable, body too cold to move properly and not a single weapon to her name to protect her from the beasts around her. Then a shadow fell over her and she nearly screamed.

Looking down on the prone body F frowned at the state she'd found her master in. Was it too much to ask for the woman to go one day without nearly killing herself? With a snap of her fingers a wave of warmth flashed over the sopping clothes drying them and providing comfort to the shivering mage. Then in a cavalier manner she undid her cloak and wrapped it around Nanoha before picking her up.

With the still in shock woman in her arms she said, "I'm taking you home. You will rest and warm up or I will bind you to your bed."

A red hot blush flooded Nanoha's cheeks as a slew of perverted thoughts filled her mind. Scrunching up into a ball she didn't dare look up at the vampire. If she had she might have seen the worried face of the blonde who was trying to think up any way to prevent her master falling ill. Lustful urges and thoughts of bonding were the last thing on her mind as her heart pounded in fear.

Long strides ate up the distance then with a mighty jump F bypassed all her security measures and brought her inside the cabin. Placing her on the bed she took off her boots and then pulled up a blanket around her. Between the cloak and the blanket Nanoha could feel the warmth coming back to her.

F then went to the kitchen and in a tone of voice that brooked no protest asked, "How do you take your tea?"

Answering in a small voice Nanoha watched as the blonde made her drink. How long had it been since someone had taken care of her? Even when she had a companion she'd been the one to dote on them. Her stubborn pride had never allowed her to be a burden on another.

Hot tea in hand F sat on the edge of the bed and held out the cup. Dark eyes watched her closely to make sure she drank it completely. Then taking it away the vampire rose stiffly to clean up.

In a voice that sounded harder than she meant it F demanded, "Sleep now."

Rolling over and curling deeper into the sweet smelling cloak Nanoha closed her eyes. As she relaxed the very thing she had been running away from caught up with her. Exhausted and feeling emotionally weak the memories of her family, and the aching pit in her heart their death left hit her hard. With nowhere to run her mind was free to roam where it will and she found more and more unwanted thoughts bubbling to the surface. Soon the warmth surrounding her and the strange humming noise F made in the distance lulled her into a grudging sleep.

Visions of people she'd once known made the restless doze Nanoha had fallen into a nightmare. The distressed noises she made as she was confronted with the pain of the past alerted F something was wrong. The blonde scanned for any sign of trouble but instead she found a fidgeting sleeping Nanoha and was conflicted over whether she should awaken her.

The whimpering and clutching at the cloak in her hands settled it for F, she couldn't allow the sleeper to suffer any longer. Reaching down to touch Nanoha's cheek she began to hum gently, the sound along with the cool touch on the flushed face brought about a shift in the dreams away from her painful past to her now complicated present.

Bending down F pet her cheek as she whispered, "Rest easy My Lady."

Her words sparked the sleeping figure's nightmare to a new scene. In it the blonde vampire had dropped her friendly demeanor and stared at her with indifferent eyes. The creature's menacing closeness had her reaching out in both dream and reality to fend off its attempt to attack her.

By sheer bad luck Nanoha caught hold of F's shirt sleeve and the solidity doubled her sleeping panic. Crying out in a fear tinged voice, "Please don't hurt me."

Petting back the messy bangs F whispered soothingly, "Never My Lady. I will guard you with my life."

Pushing away the vampire and turning away in her sleep the woman curled in a ball. The grimace she now wore worried F, then the sleeping form's pain laced words froze her heart, "No. You don't care for me. You just want to use me. You're just like the rest of them. I can't trust you."

Since the moment she'd awoken in Nanoha's bed F had been fully focused on convincing the woman to bond with her. Not once had she shown any interest in the person, all that had mattered was her instinctual need to claim the mage before her. The realization that she'd been so animalistic shook the blonde. All her life she'd prided herself on being in control of her baser urges. That was why she'd ended up on her quest, no mage before now had been able to stir her drive to bond.

In that moment she pledged in a whisper, "I hereby swear to you My Lady that I will make every effort to get to know you, and allow you to know me so when the time comes we can make a real decision."

For now Nanoha had agreed to let her stay, and she'd accepted her help with grudging thanks. As F considered the reason for the hostility she knew the next time they interacted she'd have to do more than just urge the woman for a bond. Rationally they needed to get to know one another, otherwise she might be trying to force a life long commitment on a person who'd only grow to resent her. No more cajoling or pandering, she had to let the auburn haired mage know what she was getting into. To do otherwise could doom them both to an early death.

Three hours later Nanoha awoke from her nap to the smell of food cooking. Groggy from her bone deep exhaustion she struggled to sit up. Within moments of her fumbling with the blanket F was back by her side. All the vampire's talk of taking care of her, of being her personal servant made her feel uneasy. After all there could only be one thing F could want in return, blood… making her little more than cattle to be tended and not an equal.

Flinching back at the concern shown she spoke in a sleep harsh voice, "I'm fine. I don't need you to coddle me."

Unamused by this behavior F took hold of her face and said, "This isn't me coddling you. This is me showing my concern for your health and safety."

Brushing the hand away she turned from the blonde to swing her feet to the ground. She might verbally complain about not wanting a servant but in reality she never wanted to be seen as a commodity. The concern being shown could only be equated to a shepherd for their sheep, in the end all the care ended with a blade to the throat.

Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand she tried to focus on where she was and what was going on. Breathing deeply the meal being prepared had her nearly drooling, she could cook well but it had been a long time since she'd had the right materials to do more than scrape together an edible dish. A surge of self-condemnation filled her at her desire to give in and let the vampire fatten her for the slaughter.

Sensing F was moving behind her she felt her mind and body begin to argue. Her instincts were telling her to give in and submit to the bonding. Her head was screaming at her to not be so naive, then her paranoia kicked in as she began to wonder what the vampire might have done to her while she slept. Running a hand over her neck she made sure no wounds were present.

F realized her hovering over Nanoha wasn't endearing her to the woman. So she quickly retreated back to the kitchen to finish her work and start plating the cooked food. It was as nutritious as possible and she'd used every skill she possessed to make it appetizing. Hoping at least this small offering would be accepted without suspicion.

Moving to the table with the plates she placed them down before commenting, "You seemed to be having bad dreams, I'm sorry if my presence disturbed you."

Again her stubbornness flashed and Nanoha bit back, "You do not disturb me and my dreams are none of your concern."

Washing her face in the basin the novice mage looked into the mirror above it and could see the shadows around her eyes had grown darker. She was too close to the edge of exhaustion, her two close brushes with death proved she wasn't as capable as she liked to think. Maybe it would be better to go to the city, at least then there'd be people around. Then the gloomy thought, 'Not that any of them would care if anything happened to me," struck her.

Not wanting to start an argument with the mage F ignored the comment and instead pulled out a chair before saying, "If you are up to it, please come eat," in as gentle and persuasive tone as possible.

Violet eyes flicked over to stare at the vampire through the mirror's reflection, 'Why is she trying so hard?' It seemed so demeaning, for the beautiful being to be falling all over itself to please someone as inconsequential as her had to be a crime. A thousand years ago the blonde would have been a Queen or a perhaps worshipped as a Goddess, and now in this degenerate age she was reduced to being a servant for the most pathetic excuse for a mage imaginable.

With lead legs she made her way to the table and could see a full course meal waiting for her. Her starving stomach rumbled loudly and she could feel her cheeks heat in embarrassment.

Moving to the other side of the table so as to not crowd the woman F said, "Please eat before it gets cold. If there is anything you dislike let me know."

Again Nanoha could feel her outrage at this kowtowing but hunger overroad her stubborn pride for once. Sitting down she picked up her eating utensils and took a bite, the soft sound of happiness at the delicious flavor made F smile. Ignoring her guest Nanoha ate with more gusto than she'd shown in many months, cleaning her plate before leaning back with a contented sigh. Her eagerness was not missed by F and silently she pledged to cook as often as possible for her mistress.

Pouring out a glass of water for herself F was about to leave the table with it when Nanoha said, "I didn't think you could drink anything but blood."

Deciding this could be a good opportunity to better explain herself F pulled out a packet of powder, the fine grains of sand were the color of dried blood. Pouring it into the glass F said, "I can eat and drink anything a human can, for now though I get my needed sustenance from this nutrient supplement."

Then with a forced smile she said, "Skol!" and drank down the fluid.

The grimace she made as she swallowed made Nanoha frown in empathetic sympathy. Before the reality of the situation sunk in, "You really need to feed properly, that can't be enough."

Staring down at the rough wood of the table F answered, "Feeding isn't the issue, until a vampire is bonded they will always feel hungry."

Nervously Nanoha shifted in her chair before commenting, "I guess you really must want to drink my blood at this point."

Wanting to reassure the mage F said, "Blood is too precious for something so crass as feeding. A vampire only does such a thing on rare special occasions."

Frowning at this contradiction the mage pointed out, "You don't look very satisfied with that mix and I didn't see you eat anything."

Sighing at this F tried to explain, "I could eat all day and it wouldn't be enough since it isn't food or drink I need. It is only through the magical bond to a mage that my hunger can be completely satisfied."

Chewing on her lower lip as she took this in Nanoha then tried to clarify her understanding, "So you don't need to feed on me?"

A pale hand fluttered as if to say yes and no, "Vampires feed off their master's magic once they are bonded. The bond links our cores and the mage's magic stabilizes us."

As far as Nanoha could tell this was just F admitting she needed to feed on her. Therefore making little more than milk cow, it didn't matter that the vampire wasn't going to suck her dry in one go, instead she would slowly use her body to sustain her own. This wasn't something she was prepared to ever agree too. It was best for the blonde to leave as soon as possible and find someone who would accept. Yet, in the back of her mind she could feel a pressure to keep her, as if some deeply hidden part of her needed F.

Sipping her drink Nanoha casually commented, "What if you bond with someone and you end up hating them?"

Shocked by the concept F replied, "If I was incompatible with the mage to such a degree my magic wouldn't draw me to them."

"Even if they were powerful?" Was asked in a soft voice.

Shaking her head, "I grew up with a mage with even greater magical reserves than you, never did I feel a pull towards her."

"So there is something more than just being a strong mage you are looking for in a master?"

Blushing F answered, "I've never really thought about it. Until now I've never felt the urge to bond, I sorta thought I'd find someone I could live with happily and eventually we would decide to take that step together."

Exasperated at this Nanoha huffed out, "What have you been doing this whole time? Did you just think you'd stumble across the perfect master in the woods?"

Shrugging in honesty F said, "It's what my mother did. That's how she found her mate. She told me the greatest treasures are often found in the most remote locations."

Rubbing an arm in an unconscious calming gesture Nanoha couldn't help further questioning the vampire, "Let's say you find someone you want this with but they don't want the bond?"

Playing with the cup in her hands F answered, "If that is truly how they feel then I'd have to leave. As much as I care for them it won't change the fact that I need to bond."

Feeling it would be better to leave things as they were F stood up to take her cup to the sink. Knowing the woman would not appreciate her overstepping her bounds again F asked, "Would you like me to clean up?"

Shaking her head Nanoha answered, "No, you cooked. The least I can do is clean."

Nodding her acceptance of this F let out a fake yawned, "Unless you have any further need for me I will return to my tent. Perhaps this evening we can talk further?"

Feeling a little wary but willing, Nanoha agreed to this request.

~"~"~

As the sun set on the strange day Nanoha wondered what F would want to speak about? She prayed that it wouldn't be a repeat of her plea to bond. While she could when alone admit there was a pull that had her tempted to give in there was no way she'd say so aloud. Nor was she going to change her mind, she lived alone for a reason. No one could hurt you if there was no one around to betray her trust.

The sound of boots on the walkway had her shifting her attention from the book on her lap. Reading the ancient tome on the Mage's creations had been dull but she had gleamed a few new clues regarding her guest. F was speaking truth about being unable to harm her and her instinctual need to bond. It spoke of vampires needing their master's blood to stabilize their minds, without it they could go mad. After her conversation earlier with the blonde she wondered if it was truly magic or blood that the vampire needed.

The figure in her doorway hovered for a moment as if unsure if she should enter. While her mind was still confused her emotions responded honestly, Nanoha spoke gently, "Please come in."

As the blonde stepped forward her eyes studied the room, searching for Nanoha could only speculate. When she reached the tall high back chair Nanoha had salvaged from her family home F spoke, "Good evening…" mentally the blonde thought my lady then continued, "how are you?"

Feeling a little self conscious of the book in her lap Nanoha tried to shift it to the side to hide its title. The movement caught the blonde's attention and leaning in she saw what it was and laughed, "That book has very little real facts about my kind. If there is anything you want to know, you need just ask."

Deciding to be bold Nanoha asked the one question that had bothered her about vampires since she learned of them as a child, "Are you really immortal?"

Taking the stool from near the fire the vampire sat on it before her potential master. Taking a deep breath she answered, "No, the ancient mages never learned how to defeat death. Merely delay it and make it very hard for it to claim us."

Studying F's face she asked, "How old are you?"

Smiling at the scrutiny which exposed her long eye teeth the vampire replied, "I am five and twenty."

Shocked by this Nanoha babbled out, "I'm older than YOU!"

For a split second F was tempted to tell the woman if they bonded then as long as she lived so would she. Her vampiric magic would extend her life, slowing her aging process to a crawl while also strengthening her body. She nearly shuddered at the vile sliminess of using this as a lure to get Nanoha to bond with her. She'd have to be stronger, she had to prove that she wasn't just doing this out of instinct to both of them.

Suppressing a tremor F said, "Age is merely a number."

Glaring at the blonde the mage argued, "I should think it would matter a lot to you. If I am older than you wouldn't that shorten your life span if we bonded?"

Looking away F picked at the seams of her pants F as she tried to deflect from this topic, "I… I was born in the summer, how about you?"

Not willing to be rude Nanoha answered, "In early spring. This coming spring will start my twenty-eighth year."

Smiling at this opening F tried to continue the conversation, "You would be a near age mate with my brother. Like you he is a mage."

Curious Nanoha had to comment, "So vampires can have human children."

Nodding F said, "The high mages made us using the human genome. We share nearly ninety-nine point six percent of the same makeup. You could consider us merely a different breed of human."

Astonished by this Nanoha asked, "Then why are there so many differences between us?"

Shrugging F said, "Humans share ninety-nine point nine percent of the same genes and yet are incredibly diverse. I have no idea what the High Mages did but it was enough to have us classified as Other Beings."

Head tilted at this new term Nanoha repeated it questioningly, "Other Being?"

Sighing F explained, "It means we don't have to be treated as equals. We are a subservient race. Any Being who fails to meet that ninety-nine point nine percent automatically falls in that category and can be killed without any legal penalty."

Feeling sick now the auburn haired woman said, "That is disgusting. You are clearly as intelligent as a human and have some form of higher moral consciousness which allows you to distinguish between right and wrong."

Smiling at this vote of confidence in regards to her humanity F said, "That was how we were defined by the High Mages, the laws were not changed even after their fall. Their curse on us lesser beings still stands."

Enthralled by this history lesson Nanoha asked, "What curse?"

Looking a bit sheepish as she'd inadvertently brought them back to the topic she'd been trying to avoid F tried to give a basic answer, "Our need to bond."

Sure she was going to regret asking but now in full on curious cat mode Nanoha prodded, "The book said something about unbonded vampires going feral."

Shivering at the thought F said, "Unlike you, my mind is not my own. Without the bond I will go mad, my kind must serve or be doomed to become a monster whom no one would mourn."

Worried now the mage asked, "How long do you have left?"

Shaking her head the vampire answered, "I don't know. It is different for everyone. By tradition vampires bond before their twenty-first year. I'm far beyond that so it is imperative I find one soon."

Biting her lip Nanoha asked, "Why haven't you bonded with a mage before now?"

Looking up into sapphire eyes F said, "I couldn't do it. None of them felt right. The bond means more than servitude, it makes that person the center of our universe. The mage is supposed to completes us, but none of them gave me the contented feeling my mother spoke of so I refused."

Surprised by this since the book made it sound like a mage could claim a vampire against their will, "How were you able to refuse?"

Laughing bitterly F explained, "I'm also a mage."

Confused by this, "So what does that mean?"

Holding out her hands F said, "It means I am a contradiction, I am a slave who was born to rule. Vampiric mages were meant to be bonded to only the highest of officials. Concubines for Kings and Queens who would guard their people's safety in times of war."

Overwhelmed by this thought Nanoha blurted out, "You really should go to the city, you'd find a better match there. You'd be wasting yourself by bonding to me."

Hurt by this statement F stood up, "It is getting late. I should let you get your rest. Is there anything you'd like for me to collect for you tonight?"

Shocked by the swift movement Nanoha shook her head, stammering, "uh um, I don't know. Whatever you bring will be appreciated."

Putting her hat on to hide her face F turned away. Pausing only slightly at the door to say, "Good night my lady."

So flustered by the abrupt departure Nanoha didn't even get upset by the use of 'my lady.'

That evening F needed to run, her mind was a jumble and releasing her pent up emotions in speed was all she could do. Nanoha was what her instincts wanted. Her mind and heart could easily go along with that decision but in the end it wasn't just her affected by this. Could she make the auburn haired woman happy?

Making it to the outskirts of a lively town she sniffed the air. There were mages here, she could go inside and meet them. One here might be more willing to bond but there was no drive inside her to do so. Leaning against the town walls she tried to put herself in Nanoha's position. This was more difficult than she'd thought it'd be.

Of course she knew there'd be humans less than inclined to bond but if she used her charms on them they'd give in eventually. And that was the crux of the situation, she wanted Nanoha to choose her of her own free will. Not because she'd befuddled her with magic or even her natural allure. Since learning of what this bond meant she wanted hers to be based on mutual respect and love.

Did she love Nanoha? It was hard to say, but she feared any length of time spent with her would have her falling hard. That stubborn pride and cute pout made it difficult not to hug the woman. Spoiling her would be a pleasure, swallowing hard as her thoughts shifted to more carnal ideas. The few times she'd held Nanoha had her body tingling and more than ready to mate which was definitely skipping steps.

On her end it was a given, she wanted the feisty woman for herself. But what did Nanoha want? To not be hurt again. To live a quiet secluded life. For her to leave her alone.

Even her last words had been to that effect, go away and find someone appropriate. The only problem was she'd already found her and she wanted nothing to do with her. Jumping over the wall she walked the darkened streets and found a few places still open. Checking over wares she used it as an excuse to seek out the mages. They never realized she was there and before anyone else could comment on the stranger in their midst she was gone.

Coming up the main thoroughfare she found the place she knew had to be there. A mage and her vampire lover, jumping to the rooftop she lay down to listen to their conversation. It was rude and she was trespassing but she needed a fresh view on the bond. Her parents and siblings had not given her a wide enough knowledge base.

The couple seemed to love to bicker and the equality between the pair was nice to hear. Mentally she could see herself teasing Nanoha in a gentle manner just to see her cute expressions. But would she appreciate that? Had the woman shown any signs of being drawn to her? Not just the visceral response a vampire can induce in all humans with their allure, was there a physical and emotional attraction growing?

Sighing she jumped back down and decided it was time to go home. As she walked back to a secluded section of the wall to jump it again she felt a tug on her instincts. Someone needed her help and with a heavy heart she responded. The mage in question wasn't in immediate dire straits but if not found in time could have been seriously hurt.

It was clear they were trying to perform magic beyond their limits and it had turned against them. With barely a whisper of effort she dispelled the binding cords around the struggling form. The woman was attractive and looked at her with admiration and awe.

Bowing her head after finishing her task F felt the urgent need to flee. This person would ask for the bond and she couldn't give in. The fact that her own feelings were what Nanoha felt towards her made it all the worse. Biting her lip she to control the internal pain she was feeling she could taste blood.

Clenching her shaking hands as she fled into the night she mentally resolved that tonight she'd do the right thing. To satisfy her genetic impulses she'd finish helping the reclusive mage then get as far as possible from this area. Obviously she was causing more harm than good by staying. Looking up at the gibbous moon she decided she would go to the ocean and if no acceptable mate could be found by that time she could at least die with one less regret.