Recap: The Lady is trapped on a Pirate Ship and has refused the advances of Captain Northman thus far…
Captain's Log (The next evening)
Progress has been made with my Lady and I recorded the followed with a lighter heart:
Waking up from my daytime slumber I felt a renewed eagerness to converse with the Lady. Had she seen the present I had left for her? My senses immediately sought her whereabouts. Knowing that she was not within the confines of the secret chamber, I emerged. Washing and clothing myself hastily, I opened the door leading to the outer chamber.
She sat in her usual cushioned chair with her back to me. "Good evening Mademoiselle. I trust ye slept well?" I asked, making a ruckus as I entered the room so as to not startle her.
"Indeed kind Sir," she answered in her well-mannered voice as she stood, turning herself to me.
"I hast presented a gift for thee."
Her stance tensed at my words, for I had given gifts to her before, but she had shown her blatant disregard for my advances. Humbly she answered, "Captain, worldly gifts are unnecessary, for I am content with all I possess."
My eyes lingered upon her lips as the one word 'possess' aroused my senses. Possessing the maiden was what my instincts yearned for. Tamping down my need I continued, "Tis not a trinket, my Lady, but a comfort. Come hither, let me show you what I give to thee."
I extended my hand to her, indicating that refusal of my gift was unbecoming. She hesitated at first, but politeness won out and she took my hand. My fingers held hers gingerly as the touch of her flesh met mine. The warmth of her fingers spread to my palm igniting my hand into flames that cascaded throughout my entire being. My eyes flickered to hers to see if she felt the flame that trickled into my loins. Her face gave away naught.
I led her to the desk, rolling down the top to reveal the contents to her. "I know thou hast taken pleasure in a quill and parchment, so I thought you may hath use for such utensils and a space on which to draw."
Her eyes lit up like dew drops on a midnight blooming flower. Wetness glistened as she blinked her eyes to draw the tears back.
Regaining her regal stance she expressed, "Thank you kind, Sir. I shall cherish this gift in good health."
I took both of her hands in mine and gazing into her eyes I stated, "Please, address me as Eric."
"Tis not proper for me to address thee so informally, Sir, but I thank thee just the same."
"Are we not living almost as man and wife? Do we not share the same quarters? Hath thee not see me naked? Surely our informal arrangements would require informality in which the way we address one another. Dost thee not agree?" I answered, trying to reason with her.
Ignoring my previous statement, almost as if to distract me, she steeled her courage, and after a moments hesitation, she continued with reluctance in her voice, "I too, Sir, wish to bestow a gift upon thee to show my acceptance of the gift you hath given onto me."
She closed the gap separating us, placed her delicate hand upon my forearm, and leaned forward with trepidation, placing her smooth lips upon my cheek. Her brazen forwardness delighted me as her lips lingered sweetly upon my face. She was a walking contradiction, for only a moment ago she wished to not address me so informally, and now she kissed me as a wife kisses her husband goodnight. I did not wish to place too much significance into her gesture, but I could not prevent my heart from swelling, knowing that my attentions had not been in vain. I desired more than mere seconds of her lips, but for now, I would accept what she was willing to give.
She pulled back to distance her body from mine, but I held her fast and whispered softly, "No greater prize could a man seek than the sweetness of thy bountiful lips. Do not tease me fair maiden with only a trifle. The greatest pleasure I seek would be thy lips touching mine in our first kiss." I let my words captivate her, remembering the promise I made to the fair maiden. I swore not to lay a hand upon her, but did not make such a pledge regarding my lips.
Her body stilled, but her heart rate quickened, and she did not withdraw from my grasp. I took her lack of movement as an invitation. Cupping her cheek with my free hand, I tilted her chin upward pressing my lips to hers. The softest, sweetest, and most exquisite taste of her wholesome perfection excited me. Desire inflamed my spirit as my tongue wielded battle with hers. Feeling my control slipping, my body urged me to take her to bed, and make sweet love to the maiden. Alas, I could not give in to my most primal needs, and I retreated back, breaking contact with her luscious, lips.
After a few precious seconds the kiss was but a memory. Her form stepped away from mine leaving distance between us as she tried futilely to catch her breath.
I extended my arm to her and confidently asked the same question I had asked every night since she boarded my ship. "Will thee continue to extend onto this sailor a merry night and join me at the helm?" Surely she would not deny my request after such a tender moment?
"Kind Sir, I believe I shall accept your offer."
Wanting to hear my name spoken from her lips I commanded, "I implore thee to call me Eric. For had we not just kissed like lovers do?" Sir or Captain were too formal for this night.
"Pardon me Captain, but my upbringing hath taught me to not be so informal with a man who is not my betrothed. I will have to seek reason on your assumptions, but for now, I shall join thee for merriment under the stars."
Pleased at her acquiesce to my request, I was determined to hear her laughter by the close of the evening. I extended my arm like a gentleman, and she linked hers with mine. The warmth of her skin invigorated my cool flesh. My undead heart soared, for this had been the nearest she had come onto me.
I escorted her to the ladder of the main deck, climbing first, and then assisting her afterwards. The night air was warm as the wind whipped through the sails. I held her fast by my side as the wind whispered its desire to take her from me.
"Beautiful," I could not help but exclaim as I watched her grip the rail for a clearer advantage, the breeze blew her hair away from her face, and billowed out her dress exposing her underskirts.
"Yes, it is. The stars are like magic, a flawless trick without any doubt of the outcome." She agreed, not knowing that my exclamation had been about her, for even the heavens did not compare to her beauty tonight.
"Art thou correct hast I been speaking of the stars, but my words were not directed towards the heavens. My words were directed to the beauty by my side." She gazed up at me, blood pooled under the surface of her cheeks, mesmerized as if she had never heard such sweet sayings before.
"Thou art too kind, Sir, but my beauty could not compare with such majesty. For this night is awe inspiring and I am but a humble girl in a fine frock."
Her humility for a Lady of her station rendered me speechless, for women of court would never say such things. Her innocence repaired pieces of my undead broken heart that had, unbeknownst to me, shattered centuries ago. Her meekness I had not seen in women of today, for many were pompous, proud of their station and eager to ensure respect. She was much more than a girl and her dress was of no consequence to me.
"I will not quarrel with thee further except to add this- thy dress is not what makes thee pretty." I could not help myself as I twirled a stray lock of her hair around my finger. We stared at each other for a long moment before a chill rippled through her.
"Let me shield thee from the wind," I said as I positioned myself behind her blocking the night air. A waved crashed into the ship at the most opportune time pitching her soft body against my hardened frame. "It seems the gods of wind had another agenda in mind for tonight." I wrapped my arms around her. At first she was unreceptive to my charms, stiffening as my arms enveloped her.
Wanting to relax her I explored with her my knowledge of the stars. "The stars and all their multitudes are constant and never changing. From every part of the sea I hath traveled, the same night sky has been shown and brought comfort unto me. The stars hold all the knowledge of the gods and are a representation so we do not forget." As I spoke softly in her ear I could feel her relax against me. The refreshing warmth of her flesh reminded me of my days on land in the summertime when the water cooled my heated bare feet underneath the midday sun.
Yes, for daylight I had lost, but now I had found my sun once again. I beheld both the beauty of her form and the tinder of her skin like the midday rays. The gods had blessed me with her warmth to counterbalance my cool flesh, and granted me the magnificence of the moon to illuminate her beauty in its silvery hues. I was certain that I had more in my possession at this very moment than had ever been bestowed on any man.
As I continued my tales of how my gods and goddesses had carved out the night sky, I closed my eyes, basking in the fulfillment of peace and security, two things that I had not felt in centuries.
The maiden slumped against my chest and tried to stifle a yawn, but my keen senses were well aware of her fatigue. "Tis late, and I hath tired thee with idle talk. Let me escort thee to bed so that thee may rest well and awake tomorrow with renewed vigor."
"Thou words art not idle or tiresome, Monsieur. Tis the late hour of the night that causes my weariness." She realized that her head had found contentment upon my chest and straightened her stance.
"As much as I wish to receive your company for the night, I fear that I must escort thee to bed so that tomorrow, after thou hast rested, I may take pleasure in your companionship again." Now that she hast given me her companionship I shall not let her take it away.
"Indeed Monsieur, for I wish to give such pleasure unto thee just as thou hath given me pleasure with your tales tonight."
I extended my arm and we strolled slowly along the length of the ship before I brought her to the chambers we shared. At the door I bid my angel of serenity goodnight and placed a soft, delicate kiss upon her hand.
She looked upon me shyly with bright eyes as if she were seeing me for the first time. With one last adieu, I bid her pleasant dreams and returned to my post at the helm.
That night as I visited one of my lovers, I did not partake in my usual fleshly pleasures. I contented myself with satisfying only my thirst and did not wish to calm my loins with such a whore who would bed any sailor on the ship. She was not the one I desired to lay beneath me and I refused to sully myself with a wretched substitute. As Captain, I deserved the best and refused to settle for a worthless wench tonight.
Captain's Log (the following evening)
Last evening the Lady's affections had changed towards me, but this night I fear all was lost. The Lady shan't look upon me the same again….
The night began splendidly as I awoke to the maiden's smile as she scribbled with quill on parchment at the writing desk. My heart swelled knowing that she hast chosen to accept my gift.
She leaped from her seat with joyous delight as I entered the room, but quickly gathered her wits and greeted me with a curtsey. Her rapid pulse betrayed her calm exterior as I hid my smile, knowing her heart beat for me.
The pleasure to be found just in her smile was a revelation for me. Until now the only pleasures I knew were nightly trysts and I did not realize that such feelings could be had with such a simple gesture.
I inquired of her writings, but that only provoked a delicate blush upon her cheeks and a rebuttal, declaring that the intrigue that she scribed was privy to her eyes only. She excused herself, taking the parchment with her as she entered the secret resting chamber.
She emerged moments later, leaving her secrets behind. Extending my arm to her, I invited the maiden to accompany me above deck. Her companionship the previous night had given me immense joy and I wanted to feel that satisfaction again. As she linked her arm with mine, her pulse quickened and her eyes lowered to the floor.
This was a different maiden, a changed maiden from the one that challenged me with a sword upon our first meeting. Her body trembled at my touch though I did not smell fear. Curiously I inquired of her health for this reaction was new to me. For men had shaken in their britches, fallen at my feet, and even soiled themselves in my presence from their fear.
"What vexes thee this night?" I probed as I glided her forward.
"Nothing of consequence my lord. I am…unsure of the night's air and wish not to catch my death."
"Then, we shall be cautious and bring a shawl to keep thee warm." I picked up her shawl that draped over a chair and placed it upon her shoulders. Her term of endearment had not escaped my notice for none hath respected me enough to address me as lord. The sailor's aboard referred to me as Captain or Sir, but never as lord.
My confidence with the Lady soared and I hoped that she would allow me to touch her soon, for my body longed to feel refreshment from her heated skin. Her delicate hand set my arm ablaze and I could only imagine how her flaming touch would feel upon my loins.
I led her out of our chambers, through the lower deck, and up the ladder to the upper deck. 'Twas another beautiful night; the sky was brilliant on this starry night, but her magnificence could not be compared, for her beauty outshone even the northern lights. The moonlight twinkled iridescently upon her skin reflecting a pale hue like that of my own.
The evening started out mirroring perfection as I once again enjoyed her company. She had wanted to hear stories of the sea, even asking questions of me. No wench had ever been worthy of such conversation, but she was no ordinary woman.
We laughed as I held her close against the rail of the ship's edge. My eyes shifted out, surveying the still night's waters. A flicker of movement caught my attention. My body stiffened, for off in the distance was a ship that was rapidly gaining momentum. Seldom was my ship ever pursued in the wake of battle; my ship was usually the pursuer, plundering ships for material gain.
Swiftly and sternly I ordered the maiden, "Get below deck. Lock yourself in the inner chamber and do not let anyone but myself enter. Make haste my Lady, for there are games afoot." I gently guided her in the desired direction before barking orders to my crew. I ordered Wolfgang to lower the mainsails to slow us down and had him prepare the ropes for boarding.
I unsheathed my sword that hung from my hip and laid in wait for the ship to close in on us.
As the ship neared I dove overboard and, using my vampire speed, I swam through the chilling waters to the trailing ship. Placing my blade in between my teeth I levitated out of the waters, and climbed up the stern side of the ship making sure to stay in the shadows and out of sight. Silently I landed aboard the rival ship. 'Know thy enemy,' my father had told me many centuries ago, words that I still lived by. I laid in wait behind several barrels of rum listening and learning as the men scurrying about. Talking a deep breath, I inhaled the scents of the ship. Several werewolves were among the crew, and at least one vampire.
Just as the enemy ship lined up to board mine I swiftly, using my vampire talents, severed through many of the seaman with my broadsword. Warning my ship of the open attack I howled a Viking battle cry slashing my sword through the line of seamen. Ordering my crew aboard my ship I shouted, "Shoot the lines!"
With the freshly spilt blood my lust fueled as I cut through the enemy without much of a fight. No one was a match or even a challenge for my sword. My sharpened blade cut through bone as effortless as tearing cloth.
The Captain, a vampire that I had not met before, charged me with his sword outstretched. My eyes twinkled as I came across my first worthy opponent. The vampire's eyes were hate filled and wore a scowl upon his face. Metal clanged as our swords met, but I was stronger and faster. Thrusting my opponent back I swung left, testing his strengths with the sword. He dodged back and to the right, swinging his sword swiftly on my left side. We danced back and forth in a blur of motion lost in the throes of battle, completely oblivious to any potential onlookers.
The smell of fear burned through my being, igniting my instincts, and releasing the beast onto my adversary. No longer was I myself, but a snarling monster craving to devour my assailant. The euphoric odor of the sweetest elixir permeated ever pore upon my flesh causing my mouth to salivate. The scents of a winning battle, blood, and the smell of fear drove me to fight. My thoughts swam in an ocean of self-indulgence, wishing to get drunk off the blood of those I killed and bathe in their bleeding entrails that blanketed the once clean deck.
My vision was a blur of red only seeing the color of my desire as I fought the vampire up and down the planked stairs. Dodging my blade he vaulted on the mast, beckoning me to give chase. With a growl I leaped at him from behind and he whirled around to meet me steel for steel. Balancing on the mast did not impair my skill as my feet gracefully waltzed forward and back.
"Might I hath the pleasure of thou name before I run ye thru?" I taunted and I swung low catching my opponent off balance. He jumped onto the deck below which now flickered with flames of fire from the surging battle. I dropped down facing my opponent with my sword outstretched.
"My name is of no consequence, though I surely know who art thou. Ye be the Viking Pirate Eric Northman." We danced back and forth, and even my kidneys in the depths of my undead soul screamed to end this fight. I longed to bask in the spoils from the battle sating my hunger and pleasing my loins with a captured wench. Roaring my frustration I thrust my sword forward with all my strength, tiring of this game. My blade penetrated the vampire, sending him to the ground. Taking a stake from my boot I held it to his chest.
"Now upon death, what art thou name?" I commanded.
"That, I shall take to final death," he mocked with a smirk. I returned his smirk knowing that I, Captain Northman, would have the last laugh.
"You may take thou name, but know that thy death laid upon my hands, and I spoke the last words to ye." I shoved the stake into his chest and watched the remnants of the vampire flask into ash.
Through the thunderous roar of battle I vaguely heard my name. I scanned the ship's deck through my snarling red haze for any other foe. With none found I grabbed a line and hoisted myself to my own vessel.
Within several minutes time the opposition had laid down their weapons in surrender for their Captain had met his end. Several of my men dragged the remaining sailors aboard my ship. Mercy would not be shown to those who dared to challenge me. I could smell their fear through every fiber of my being and I could barely contain myself from openingly feasting upon it. For my bloodlust had not been sated yet this night and I salivated for a taste. My vision still distorted with the blood at my feet I willed myself to focus so as to not lose control before my men.
The enemies kneeled before me hoping to obtain my mercy, but flowing blood and the smell of their fear spurred me to end it quickly so I could sate my own needs. Their Captain had been slain and 'twas my duty to end his followers.
Glancing at the eight cowards who surrendered on their knees, I noticed a woman with a large bosom on the end. I commanded with a lick of my lips, "Spare the one on the end; throw her in a cell. Kill the rest." My desire to be done overrode any conscious thought as the delicious scents haunted the air and skewed my sight.
Before I finished my sentence a howling scream came from the surrounding crowd and one charged forth trying to free the prisoners. "No," the voice claimed with a sword drawn, "You must spare them. Hath mercy!"
My survival instincts roared to life: the aroma of flesh and blood drenched my senses, adrenaline pumped through my veins from battle, my sight was filled with the blood of my enemies, and the challenge fueled my desire for control.
"Who dares to defy my command," I roared, "The penalty for such insolence is ten and one lashes." Throwing the heathen face down on the ground, I pushed my foot into the deviant's back, pushing his rotting flesh to the planked deck, and drew my whip.
"But Captain-" someone began.
"Do you dare defy me also? Will ye be next?" My vision clouded with fury and I did not even see the other man who dared to interrupt a lesson on obedience. The one beneath my feet stunk of entrails and foully baked blood.
I did not hear the murmurs from my crew or their protests of defiance, because they were too afraid to defy my direct command. The only thoughts of mine was exerting my dominance, sating my hunger, and punishing the impudent one below my boot.
I cracked the first lash, but only a whimper escaped the insolent party. My vision blurred further, craving to hear the screams of the one who blatantly defied me in front of my crew, and prolonged my desire to quench my driving instinctual need to feed.
Crack…
Crack…
The smell of freshly sweetened blood, untainted by rum, percolated through the air spurring my senses into madness and arousing ever nerve ending in my body as blood rushed between my thighs. My body howled, teetering on a precipice between the spoils of pleasure and ultimate pain. My snarls turned animalistic and my vision coveted the sight of the oozing elixir that pooled under the surface of the clothing beneath my boot.
Crack…
Crack…
The crack of the whip finally caused a chilling scream that brought me out of my bloodlust trance. Recognizing the voice and afraid to look at what I had done, I dropped the whip.
Horrified, I looked down at my hand that had held the offensive weapon, and then at the broken Lady beneath my feet, marred by my own hand. Her flesh oozed fresh blood and her shirt was torn away from the lashing, exposing her back. Her blonde hair now sprayed out before me as the borrowed hat she wore tumbled away from her. She was lifeless, completely unmoving on the ground before me. My heart lurched when I smelt fresh urine fill the air knowing that she had lost her faculties over the trauma I had inflected upon her.
I had marred the spirit and exposed the flesh of one so pure who had brought my deadened heart joy.
My knees gave out as I fell to the ground before her almost in prayer.
Wolfgang stepped forward as if to take her from me, "Don't touch her," I barked, not wanting anyone near her.
Slowly I stood up on my unsteady feet and lifted her limp body with great care. Cradling her in my arms like a mother swaddling her newborn infant, I brought her back to my chamber.
A/N: This chapter was very hard for me to write and it broke my heart. The aftermath is up next and then after that we hear from Sookie. It does get better folks, so bear with me.
Thanks to BathshebaRocks for telling me what this chappy needed.
So on that somber note, I will leave you to review. Let me know what you think, good or bad; I can take it.