This was a long time coming. This chapter was by far the hardest to get onto paper. I struggled a lot and rewrote this many times. I hope you all like it.~~~Lady B.
As always I don't own BDB.
Reposted 6-10-12. Thanks GothicBelle.
Chapter Seven
Mary slowly eased the classroom door open. She found herself nervous at the thought of talking with Syhren, she wasn't really sure why. When she finally had the door open she saw Blay and Qhuinn at Syhren's beside. Qhuinn was feeding her from his wrist as Blay leaned his head on Qhuinn's shoulder and stroked Syhren's hair. It was a beautiful loving scene, and it warmed her heart.
"We're almost done," Blay told her, never taking his eyes off Qhuinn and Syhren.
Mary seated herself near the door and waited for Qhuinn to finish. Though she was nervous she was also very excited about actually talking to the female. She had spent several hours down here with Rhage waiting on the female to wake up, but this would be the first chance she actually had to communicate with the new vampire.
Mary had so many questions, she wasn't sure what to ask and what to save for later. She was always curious about new people, but there was just something about Syhren that made her worse than usual. The few things she had learned about the female were remarkable. Syhren had basically spent her life in total isolation until Darius passed. Almost a hundred years trapped within this mansion, she just didn't know how a person could stay sane in that situation.
If that hadn't been enough Darius had died leaving her pregnant. Vampire pregnancies are very dangerous; they require lots of nourishment and plenty of rest. She wondered how Syhren had faired though it without her male. The lady had to have a hell of a lot of strength and willpower. Also, in the few years since Darius had been gone, she had been removed from the only home she knew. Not only had a child, but she also adopted two more, had to learn to take care of herself and her family, and learn to deal with the outside world.
Mary watched as Syhren removed her fangs and healed the puncture wounds on Qhuinn's wrist.
"Thank you for your generous gift," the lovely female told him.
Qhuinn smiled, "When you're with us there's no need to stand on formality, we're your friends."
"A simple 'thanks' will do," added Blay. "We're going to go now. We have a few things to do before last meal."
"I bet you do," Syhren said as she blushed, which caused Blay to blush as well.
Both of the young males laughed. Qhuinn wrapped his arm around Blay's waist and lead him to the door.
"See you ladies upstairs," Qhuinn said as they left.
Mary waited for the door to close before she moved to Syhren's bedside.
"My name is Mary. I'm the Brother Rhage's shellan. The King sent me to keep you company until Jane can see you."
"That is very kind of you, Lady Mary. I must say I am more than a little surprised to hear that Rhage has a shellan," the raven hair beauty said. Syhren had a soft, almost lyrical, voice that suited her appearance. Mary detected no malice or rudeness in Syhren's statement, the lady only seemed curious.
"Most of the Brothers are bonded now," she responded.
"That would explain why I have seen so many females here. Would you tell me of the others?"
"Of course," she answered. It would only be fair for the lady; she shouldn't be sent upstairs without a bit of preparation.
"Here," Syhren said moving on the bed so that she only took up the top half, "have a seat."
Mary sat on the foot of the hospital bed. "I know you have met King Wrath. His bonded mate is Beth. She is the daughter of Darius. She works tirelessly at Wrath's side. The two are responsible for bringing the Brothers here to live," she said. It was best to start at the top, even if Beth might be a touchy subject.
"No need to feel uncomfortable, I've known of Beth for many years now." Syhren's voice was sad. "He never loved me, you know. He claimed me as his shellan so he could legally care for me. I have all the documentation. He took great care of me, but Darius never loved me and often took other females or women."
"You know about Beth? You're not upset?" Mary wasn't sure she could be that calm if Rhage ever did something like that to her. It would be unbearable.
"Almost from the beginning, he waited a few years to make sure the young would survive. Half breeds have an even higher mortality rate than regular young. I worry about my young all the time, but the risk of losing Mariah is much, much higher than the chance of losing one of the boys. Havers has declared Wahr out of danger," the female paused and took a deep breath. "I can't deny that Beth's existence saddens me, but I would never, could never blame her for her father's indiscretions. I very much want to meet her."
"She very much wants to meet you as well," she explained. Both Beth and John Matthew were excited to have another living link to their father, someone that wasn't a Brother and may have something different to tell them.
"And the other Brothers?" Syhren asked.
"Wrath found Beth, and then Butch found Marissa, though it took them quite a while to actually get together. It was the same for Bella and Zsadist. Rhage and I really didn't take long at all to mate, Vishous has Jane, and Phury is Primale, but has Cormia for a bonded mate. Many things have changed since Darius passed."
"Darius would be so happy that all his Brothers are bonded and mated. It means hope for a better future," Syhren sounded a bit in awe. "And you all live here?"
"Oh yes," she responded. "Along with John Matthew and Xhex, Blay and Qhuinn, Rehv and Ehlena, Tohrment, the Fallen angel, Lassister, and the doggen."
"That's quite a house full, are you sure there is room for my family and me?" the lady smiled at her. "Darius would be so proud. Wait, what about Wellsie? Darius said she and Tohr were having a young. Oh no, tell me he did not lose them during the birth?" Of course Syhren would know who Wellsie was, but nothing of any of them after Darius's death.
"Wellsie and another female were attacked by lessers not long after Darius was lost. Wellsie was still pregnant and all three perished."
"No male deserves such a tragedy, how fares Tohrment?" Syhren sounded so heartbroken.
"He took it bad and disappeared for a long time. He was almost dead when Lassister brought him here."
"He was the one in the clinic, wasn't he?"
"Yes, you two had an odd reaction to each other." The scene had been very frightening. Rhage had told her that normally only bonded couples have that type of reaction.
"That explains so much," the female's voice was very sad again.
"What do you mean?" she couldn't help but ask.
"He is a broken male, his soul is wounded, and he is in a very dark place. At the center of him I saw pain and turmoil when I looked at him in the clinic," some of the things Syhren said amazed her.
"I was told you are blind," she was confused.
"I am, at least to the physical world. I cannot see my surroundings or what others actually look like," the female paused. "I think I should go back to the beginning and explain better. You strike me as the inquisitive type and I do not think you will be happy with part of the story."
Mary smiled then realized Syhren couldn't see that. "That would make me very happy."
"I was given to Darius when I was an infant. I was perfectly healthy. I grew up well. Darius doted on me, I lacked for nothing. I was very well educated. I had no defects whatsoever. I was always told I was very pretty for a pretran. My hair I am told is still the same deep black and my complexion is just as pale as before. Darius said my skin is like porcelain, where before transition it was a dingy grey giving me the appearance of death. I have often wondered what I look like now," Syhren sounded wistful with the last statement.
"I've never seen a female before and after transition," Mary said. "But if the changes are anything like what I've seen the males go through they are impressive. I can tell you that you're very beautiful."
"Thank you," the female smiled. "I am much taller since my transition, but am still considered petite for my race. I used to love the color of my eyes. Darius gave me this pendant," she pulled a beautiful purple stone from beneath her gown. "It is a purple sapphire, very rare and it matched my eyes before my transition."
"The color is amazing. Rehv's eyes are a few shades lighter, more of an amethyst. Until I saw your eyes I thought Rehv's were the prettiest purple, but yours are the most wonderful shade of purple. I think your eye color is remarkable. They are the most beautiful lavender I have ever seen. They are much better than Rehv's amethyst, Saxton pearl grey or even Phury and Z's sparkling yellow. Though they don't quite beat Rhage's blue; his eyes are the most perfect color on earth."
The lady blushed at her as she tucked the pendant away and arranged her hands in her lap, very distinguished for the environment. "Thank you," Syhren said.
"Do you think the change is due to the blindness?"
"I've always assumed so, that is how it works with others; vampires, humans, and even animals. I've spent hours studying the subject."
"What did you mean when you said you are blind to the physical world?
"Let me continue my story. Darius saw me through my transition. I came out with this defect," she motioned to her eyes. "My world was black except for the beings around me. I believe what I see is your soul. Vampires and humans and even lessers are humanoid shaped blobs of color. Over time I have learn what the different colors and shades mean. I can tell what your emotions are. The ones on the surface and the deeper ones we try to hide. I can see the good and the evil within. I can see all the changes. There are so many variables I have had to learn, but I have had over seven decades of practice now. I can also see the bonds between others; they are ribbons of light that connect us all together."
"That's just astounding," Mary stated. It would be awesome to just be able to look at someone and know exactly how he or she feels, on second thought maybe not.
"It has its advantages and draw backs, but it's better than being completely blind. I have always been thankful for that, at least until Wahr was born. I would do almost anything just to see my young once."
"I don't know what to say…that's just terrible," she had never thought of that. It was sad that Syhren and Wrath would never know what their children looked like. That would have to be pure torture for a parent. "I know it's not really helpful, but you have three very beautiful children," she said.
"Thank you."
They both fell silent. Mary couldn't think of what to say or ask next. Syhren had an odd look on her face, so she just waited.
"Why is it that saying my young were beautiful made you more forlorn?"
That made her a little uncomfortable. Syhren seeing what she could is a major disadvantage in a conversation.
"I apologize. I am taking advantage. I try not to, however, at times like this, when I see such a dramatic shift I cannot help myself. Again my sincere apologies," the female was very respectful and had given her an out.
"No, no. I…it just makes me a little uncomfortable to talk about this," Mary hoped Syhren could see the truth of that statement. "The thing is I can't have children. I feel like I'm cheating Rhage out of the family he deserves."
"That is dreadful," Syhren replied. "However, you must be an incredibly remarkable woman for a Brother to have taken you for a shellan and more so as a bonded mate."
Again Mary smiled. "We must both be very lucky," she gave a little laugh. "We both landed Brothers even though we're not perfect." Again with the stupid smiling.
"Yes, I was very lucky to have such a male of worth to take care of me. You are the most fortunate one because you have one that also loves you," Syhren paused for a moment. "Mary, you are very easy to speak with."
"Well, I'm a counselor, communicating is what I do. It's how I met John Matthew which is how I found myself here and got to meet Rhage." Syhren was very easy to speak to as well; things just flowed from her mouth.
"I think, you and I, Mary, are going to be great friends," the female smiled and it lit up the room. Amazing.
"I hope you're right, Lady Syhren," she said placing her hand on top of Syhren's. Syhren wrapped her hands between hers.
"Please call me Syh," the female requested as she released Mary's hand.
"Syh, I like that. I have so many questions for you."
"Well," Syh said still smiling, "until the doctor comes we can just take turns asking each other questions."
"What was life like here before Darius died?"
"I studied all the time. The doggen and sometimes Darius would read to me. Some years ago Darius brought a gentleman to teach me Braille. I had a very large library at the other house. Darius and I painted before my transition. I never got to drive, but a few times a year Darius would take me out in one of his convertibles. I loved the feel of the wind rushing around me. Those are the few times in my life that I felt free. I love music. I play the piano and harp. I, of course, learn by ear," Syh grinned at her. "I speak several languages, even a few which are considered dead in the human world. Darius also trained me to fight. He said he wanted me to be confident in myself and my ability to survive. I stayed here always hidden and protected. Darius taught me many things so I could survive on my own. Those last few years I had come to believe he was practically clairvoyant. He once told me one day I would have to be brave because males much greater than him had died before their time."
Syhren slipped into silence and looked thoughtful. "How fares our King? I noticed he had a dog with him when he has visited me. Our race very really keeps animals, why the dog?"
"George is a seeing eye dog," she replied.
"So my Lord has finally gone blind," Syh replied.
"Yes, but with George and Beth and a little restructuring of the Brotherhood, Wrath has continued to serve your people without interruption. Outside of this house no one knows he is completely blind. It has been rumored, but none have proved it. Beth helps with the paperwork and George helps him move around on his own," Mary explained.
"That is wonderful. I do fine on my own as long as I am at home. Eva and Tollie never leave my side when we go to the clinic. I only have issues when the young leave their toys or books out. I broke an ankle about a year ago."
"Well there are more than enough doggen around here that it shouldn't be a problem here," Mary said.
"I require the young to clean up after themselves when possible. They are so close in age that I'm afraid they will not have enough one on one attention to learn some things, so I don't want them to be pampered. It's about learning responsibility," Syh explained.
"It's a good practice and many human families follow it," she added. "Earlier you said Mariah was a half breed, that makes things different with her, doesn't it?"
"I have a higher risk of losing her, our races do not always mix well. Often times one side will try to reject the other. It's a very painful death for the young; I pray to the Scribe Virgin daily to spare my little one," Syh told her.
"How are you able to be so attached to her with that type of risk?" Mary needed to know these things; she wanted so much for her and Rhage and needed as much info as possible.
"Young in the Vampire race are miracles to say the least. Females only have the chance to become pregnant every ten years and it rarely happens. The pregnancies are very hard on us and more miscarry than make it to term. Also more often than not, the mother is lost in the birth. When that happens most of the time the fathers go crazy or kill themselves or both. Many blame the young and abandon them. Then we have the fear that the young will be lost before their fifth year. Half of the successful births in our race don't make it past five. Then the next worry is that they will not make it through transition. About a fourth die then, mostly females. Another fourth are defective like me. We are considered non-breedable and are rarely mated. We are outcasts," Syhren was being very honest with her.
"That's just depressing," Mary said. There was so much risk in her and Rhage adopting a vampire or half breed baby, and if they adopted a human baby, they had to watch it grow up and die. Maybe they weren't meant to be parents.
"It is a fact of life and it teaches us many important truths. We should cherish every day we are given in this life. We should love like there is no tomorrow. We should never take the people in our lives for granted. And be grateful for what we do have and try not to dwell on what we don't," Syh smiled at her. "We are given many opportunities in life and should make the best of them. Darius and my way of life were taken from me, but I was given Wahr, then Ahnger, and then Mariah. I am very blessed to have them."
"Do you love Wahr more than the other two?" Mary had to know if being adopted made a difference.
"For me there is no difference in my young. I am blessed to have each of them and would do anything to keep them safe with me. Why so many questions about my young?"
"I want to adopt a child," Mary simply said.
"I think that is a wonderful idea," Syh said. "How does Rhage feel about it?"
"We haven't had a real conversation about it yet," Mary confessed. They had talk around it, but never really discussed it.
"Well then that's where you need to start. I only had to deal with my emotions and opinions, but you have your hellren to consider too. Talk with him," Syhren advised.
"I will," Mary said.
Before anything else could be said Jane appeared.
"Shall we get this over with ladies?" the doctor asked.
