Thirty years flashed by in an instant and Larten's life had taken many turns. From travelling with war packs to rejoining Seba, a lot of things had happened. But now he found himself being reminded of that night, the night where he woke up alone with her shirt draped across the end of his bed. He had not seen her since.
"Arra Sails, that was her name." The young girl chirped with a broad smile. "Popped by and checked in about two years ago."
The girl had to be about twelve years old and was more than happy to have someone new to talk to. Seba had brought his assistants to meet Lady Evanna of the wilds, and she seemed to have taken a shine to Larten, but he had been left with the servant girl as other visitors arrived. This particular girl, Flemeth, seemed to want to fill him in on her entire life story. And it was getting quite boring. Until..
"Arra Sails?" He was surprised by the thrill of excitement that ran through him at just the sound of her name. Even after all these years. "Why would she come here?"
"She was like me, back before she was blooded anyway. Lady Evanna didn't seem too happy to see her at first but then she warmed up to her." The girl took a sip of whatever was in the cup she held. He swore it smelt like ale! She offered it to him but he waved it aside.
"So where is she now?" Excitement tinged his tone but his shoulders slumped when the girl shrugged.
"Left again, didn't she? Didn't say where she was off to. But why are you so interested in her?" The girl belched, much to his disgust. Before he had to respond, Seba came to the rescue.
"Master Crepsley, come, we are leaving." He informed his charge who nodded and bid a hasty farewell to the girl. She didn't even seem to notice their departure, too busy refilling her mug of ale. Once outside, Seba laughed. "I see you made a friend. But she is a bit young for you, is she not? Even for you, Larten."
But the younger vampire didn't take kindly to the teasing. "She was foul. I do not know where Lady Evanna found her but I believe firmly that she should put her back there."
"Now, now, Larten, what happened to the young charmer who returned to me, hmm?" The older man clapped him on the back. "Come now, let us move on. We must say goodbye and leave."
"Where are we going?" A third voice piped up. Wester had joined them.
"Vampire mountain."
The trip up the mountain was easier than Larten had remembered. He must have been very weak when he took the trip the first time. But now, as a full vampire who had wisened up, this was really quite easy. The halls still felt the same, dark and dank, and the stench of all sorts of foul things still hung in the air. But there were less vampires. In fact, there were very few. Seba noticed the look of confusion on their faces but waited until they were sitting with some broth and ale before explaining.
"We are early. Paris asked me here for some important business. But do not worry, you will not have to wait long before others begin to arrive. Then you shall have a good time, I am sure."
Seba was not an old fool, he knew that his charges were eager to prove themselves against other vampires. But Larten seemed to desire it more than Wester. Although the pair were close, Seba could see minute differences that, in times to come, might end up forcing them apart. But those musings were far too dark and the events far too distant to be bothering with now.
"I suppose you two shall be looking to join the training in the gaming halls. I am sure Vanez will be happy to show you the ropes." He laughed at the thought of Vanez taking Larten down a peg or two. He shook his head at the looks from his assistants.
"I could always help them to start off with?" A female voice offered. Female vampires were uncommon as they were not needed. The species could not reproduce. The three men stood and the brunette stepped into view. To Seba's utter surprise, Larten gasped.
A guilty smile passed across Arra's lips as she looked to the orange haired vampire. "It's nice to see you again, Larten."
Tadaa, said I'd put the next one up soon :D
Enjoy!