The diminutive crone cursed the pelting rain when she finally arrived at the manor outside of Nottingham village. She hoped he wouldn't mind she did not have an appointment, for she traveled quite a distance on foot to get there. She slowly made her way down the cobblestone path, careful of her footing in the slippery darkness. She grasped the iron ring on the door and banged the ring against it.

The door opened a moment later. He frowned.

"You did not have an appointment, Mortianna." The Friar said.

"I know. I'm not here to buy from you. I need to speak with you." Mortianna said.

He nodded and beckoned for her to come inside. She followed him into the sitting room. The witch was grateful to behold a fire blazing in the hearth. She went toward it instinctively and her black and silver robes rustled along the stone floor. She took the hood of her black wool cape down when she stopped in front of the fire.

"What brings ye here to see me, madam?" Friar Capellarius asked.

Mortianna turned around to face him. "Remember the story you told me a year ago? After you brought me some hard to obtain ingredients for my potions, you ran into a curious being you saw devour the Sheriff's consort." The witch reminded him.

Friar Capellarius shuddered. "I know it very well." He said evenly. He sighed. "I hope ye brought some sleeping potions, madam. I shall surely not sleep tonight, for you are not the first to remind me this day of that cursed event!" He exclaimed. He couldn't believe it. Why now? What were these vampires doing to gain so much attention? What if they threatened to take over the community? His eyes widened.

"Friar Capellarius? Yoo hoo!" Mortianna called to him suddenly, interrupting his thoughts.

"Sorry, madam. You were saying?" The Friar muttered.

"Right." Mortianna sighed. "You didn't say more about it, though I'm sure there was more to say. I understand why you stayed silent – more than ye know." The witch said with her eyebrow quirked knowingly. "However, the matter is deserved of attention now because someone close to me is threatened by them, and I dare say verges on the edge of madness obsessing over them. I believe in what he saw. There was no mistaking the look in his eyes when he told me about it." A beat. "I recognized it because I saw it in your eyes a year ago." Mortianna explained.

"Whom?" Friar Capellarius asked pointedly.

"I cannot say his name." The witch replied, shaking her head.

Friar Capellarius folded his arms and looked upon her knowingly. "What have you got for me?" He asked.

"Five gold pieces, lavender oil to induce pleasant dreams, and something you will appreciate… a weak potion of dwale." Mortianna grinned.

"That shall be just fine, wise lady. So… what is it you wish to know?" Friar Capellarius asked.

"As much as you can tell me of these beings. Your knowledge is needed for the time for war is coming." Mortianna said, unblinking.

Friar Capellarius quirked his eyebrow. "Hmm. Sounds to me like the one you speak of seeing one of these creatures is the Sheriff? Who else would have the means and the resources to wage a war?" He asked pointedly.

"You assume too much. You forget I see visions, Friar." Mortianna said calmly.

"Ah, yes. Forgive me. It's just very curious you're here." The Friar began. "I was visited by someone else earlier about the same thing. It's rather ironic that you of all people should come to ask the same questions only hours later." Friar Capellarius hinted.

"Why should that be ironic, Friar?" Mortianna asked, curiously.

"Because you work for the Sheriff, and I was visited by your master's favourite outlaw today – asking exactly the same questions as you." Friar Capellarius said with his eyebrow quirked knowingly.

Mortianna's eyes widened. "Robin of Locksley?" She asked.

"The one and only." The Friar nodded. "Tell you what, Mortianna. If you're not being truthful and the Sheriff really is the one who has seen these creatures and is troubled by them – then he has one thing in common with his enemy." Friar Capellarius said.

"What was his purpose in asking you" Mortianna asked, deciding that spying on Locksley might earn her a reward of some sort from her master.

"What else do you have for me?" Friar Capellarius grinned.

"I'll throw in a weak potion of thorn apple seed." The witch sighed.

"Fine. Come. Have a seat by the fire, madam. I shall bring ye a cup of tea to warm you while I tell you what I told Robin Hood just hours before you arrived." Friar Capellarius smiled as he beckoned her to a chair to her right.


Northman was frustrated. He had ridden all around Nottingham village and surrounding areas looking for Licks. He couldn't find her anywhere. He couldn't imagine where she went, but he'd hoped to find her to bring her to Draconis' cave when he would arrive there in a few hours time with Nottingham's prisoners.

He was just outside of Nottingham on his way to the village, riding along the main path. There were homes dotting the landscape every couple of miles apart. The rain was coming down fiercely now, so he was surprised when he saw a maiden walking toward him along the path. He slowed his horse as he drew nearer to her.

The maiden looked up. She couldn't help but smile. He was incredibly handsome. He had shoulder length, golden blond hair from what she could see lashing out in the wind below his hood. He had a perfect physique, she could tell by his muscled thighs straddling the horse. He smiled as he looked upon her. She blushed.

"Not a good night to be walking alone, milady." He said smoothly.

"Yes, well, that's what you get when you suddenly end up without horses!" She huffed.

"Someone stole your horses, milady?" Eric asked.

"You could say that. It happened a few months ago." She said.

"I'd be pleased to take you home, milady." Eric said. "You shouldn't be out in the rain – or the dark for that matter." He added dryly, suppressing a deviant grin.

"It's quite alright, milord. I haven't far to go." She replied, shaking her head.

"I promise I won't bite." He grinned.

He dismounted from his horse and held the reins while he walked toward her. He stopped when he was two feet away from her.

"At least let me walk with you then." Eric smiled, and stared deeply into her eyes.

She found herself mesmerized in an instant, and powerless to say no to him. "You're very kind, milord. I shall be pleased to have you accompany me." She smiled. Her brown eyes twinkled as she did so. "I don't believe I have ever seen you around the village?" She queried with her eyebrow raised.

"Funny how our paths have never crossed, isn't it?" Eric replied smoothly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, milady. I'm Eric Northman." He said.

"How do you do? My name is Marian Dubois." The pretty maiden smiled warmly.

He took her hand and kissed it. She sighed at the touch of his perfect lips upon her skin, and for the first time she was glad she forgot her gloves this cold and rainy night.


"Oh, my lord, you are perfect." Lady Lictina murmured in Nottingham's ear.

"You promise me you won't turn me?" The Sheriff breathed as he kissed her neck.

"Yes." She sighed.

They were lying skin to skin amongst the dark silk linens of his bed in the Sheriff's bedchamber. The rain could be heard outside of the window and pelting upon the roof. The brisk autumn breezes infiltrated the room, threatening to extinguish the few candles that burned in the chamber. The Sheriff was just about to enter her for the first time when she spoke.

"There's something you should know." Lady Lictina whispered.

Nottingham's eyebrow quirked as he looked down upon her. She looked so perfect lying there naked. Underneath him. Waiting for him.

"What is that, my lady?" He asked.

"I was a virgin before I was turned. Because of that, and because a vampire can heal themselves easily – I remain a virgin every time I … do this." Lictina said. She looked away.

"My lady – " He stopped. The Sheriff's eyes widened in horror when he saw a tiny bead of blood trickling down her cheek – from her eye!

She looked up at him and sighed. "This will never work." She sniffed. "You're the perfect man, and I am a freak. That is a vampire tear, honey. Isn't it attractive?" She said, rolling her eyes.

"Milady Lictina?" The Sheriff asked as he searched her eyes with his. He wasn't certain but it really seemed to matter to her what he thought of her. He found it to be quite touching. He was also quite moved, for he could tell by the look in her eye when she spoke it - that she called him: 'the perfect man'. She appeared to be genuine - unless these vampires were very adept at deceit. Nottingham smiled as he continued to question her with his eyes.

"I want you, milord, but I have found since I became a vampire that you don't get what you want." Lictina said quietly.

"What makes you think I don't want you?" The Sheriff asked as he stared unblinking into her eyes.

The Sheriff couldn't believe how much he was drawn to her, and suddenly not caring that she was the same variety of creature as Gisborne and his cursed maker. He desired her more than any other maiden. He forgot all about his plans to wage a war on these vampire creatures. All he could think of at this moment was pleasing this beautiful, seductive, vampire maiden. Which was odd for Nottingham - because all he cared for before was what the ladies could do for him.

Later he would come to realize that was the exact point in time when Lady Lictina managed to change him.

"Even now?" Lady Lictina asked. "Knowing what you know – and what you see?"

Nottingham smiled as he brushed her bloody tear away with his thumb. "I think you're beautiful, Lady Lictina. You're not a freak. You are strong. You are clever." He whispered as he caressed her face. "Except for the fact that you could easily kill me – you're my perfect match. I think." The Sheriff grinned.

Lady Lictina smiled. "I am pleased to hear that, milord. You caught my attention on first glance and I couldn't stop thinking of you since." She whispered.

"You don't need to think any longer, my beautiful, dark angel. I am real. I am here." The Sheriff smiled.

"I am yours – if you want me." She sighed contentedly.

"Yes, Lictina. I want you." He whispered.

Nottingham kissed her softly as he slowly entered her. She lay still a moment holding him tightly, then wrapped her legs around him and pulled him down to her when the pain subsided. The Sheriff slowly began to move inside of her, and each of them found perfect bliss they had never known before…

Two hours later he lay beside her holding her to him and kissing her softly.

"Can you… be my lady, Lictina?" The Sheriff asked. "Or is that against the rules?"

"I don't know if there's a rule. I don't care. I would love to be your lady, but I do not know your name." Lictina smirked.

The Sheriff chuckled. "It is George." He smiled.

"A perfect name, for a perfect man." Lady Lictina smiled.

"Interesting. I don't think any maiden I've ever known has considered me to be their perfect man." The Sheriff grinned. "Do you know who you're dealing with?" He asked with a deviant grin.

"Aye. You're perfectly ruthless. A darkly handsome man with a dark side to him. I like that!" She grinned. "You look incredible in black leather – and out of it." She said with a seductive smirk.

He sighed and felt himself harden immediately in response to her words. "I like what I see too – and what you did." Nottingham breathed. "You're amazing, my Lictina." He whispered huskily.

"Don't give me all of the credit, honey. Being with a vampire is supposed to be the best you've ever had." Lictina said with her eyebrow quirked.

"Then I must agree – because it was! So, let's do it again." He grinned. He leaned in and kissed her neck.

She giggled when his soft whiskers tickled her neck. The heat of his breath upon her cool pallid skin sent ripples through her. When the vampire Sheriff was with her – there was no breath at all. She sighed in ecstasy at the Sheriff of Nottingham's touch.

"George?" She said.

"What is it, my lady?" The Sheriff breathed as he began to kiss her lips.

"You remember what I told you? It will be the same. If you still wish for me to be your lady, every time we are intimate will be like my first time." She reminded him.

"No, lady. It will be like our first time." The Sheriff said firmly. "As long as you consent to it and wish to be with me, I will look after you every time." The Sheriff said.

"Really? You're alright with it?" Lady Lictina asked as a bloody tear streamed down her cheek.

"Oh, my Lictina, do not cry. Yes, my love, I am alright with it. I shall be gentle with you every time." He smiled as he kissed her tear away, momentarily forgetting that it should have repelled him because it was blood.

"Oh, George. I should have come to see you before. It is my curse, but you accept it!" She exclaimed as she nuzzled into his smooth muscled chest.

The Sheriff closed his eyes and sighed. How did I get so lucky? She crawls out of a grave, ends up in my bed – and satisfies me more than any maiden ever has!

"He always hated that about me." Lady Lictina suddenly whispered.

"Whom?" The Sheriff asked as he smoothed her hair.

"I've only been with one other besides you, milord." She said as she looked up at him. "It is Ben." She stated.

"Ben? Ben who?" The Sheriff asked.

"You know him, George. You stood right in front of him when I first met you." Lady Lictina said.

The Sheriff narrowed his eyes as he contemplated a moment. Ben. Ben. Benedictus… Draconis! Ben! His eyes widened.

"Surely you don't mean – Sheriff Draconis? The vampire Sheriff? You are his lady?" The Sheriff gasped.

"Not anymore." She smiled up at him. "Now I am yours. And I wasn't his lady when I crawled from Guy's grave either – so don't worry you stole me from him." She grinned.

"Oh, no. Lictina I –"

She put her fingertips to his lips to silence him. "I came to you willingly. I came looking specifically for you." Lictina began.

He kissed her fingertips, then looked upon her questioningly.

"There was nowhere else for me to go to get out of the sun when I arrived to your castle just before dawn." She explained. "There wasn't much time for me before sunrise and Guy's grave was my only choice." She blurted. She looked away just then, realizing her mistake. As much as she wished to trust this handsome stranger, he was still a human after all.

"Why did you need to get out of the sun?" He asked her pointedly.

She shook her head as she looked upon him regretfully.

"Why can't you tell me, my lady?" The Sheriff asked.

"I have already said too much. Suffice to say it is a vampire thing." She said.

The Sheriff furrowed his brow as he held her to him. There must be something very pertinent about sunlight to make a beautiful creature such as she wish to lay buried underground until sundown. His eyes widened. Would the sun… kill her?

"George?" Lictina said suddenly.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Where were you just now?" She asked.

"Thinking about how glad I am that you crawled out of the grave when you did. I was just leaving, you see. You may have missed me." He explained.

"I wouldn't have missed you." She grinned as she looked up at him. "I heard you have your little tantrum." She winked.

"What?" The Sheriff asked, incredulous.

"Oh, my love – who cares? I am ready for you again, if you are." Lictina smiled.

He took her in his arms and passionately kissed her. She controlled her fangs from appearing once more, deciding their first night together might be too much for him. She pulled him on top of her, and the Sheriff was straddling her, leaning over her. He was just about to take her when there was a knock at the door of the den that was just beyond the bedchamber.

"Curses!" The Sheriff huffed. "Ignore them, my lady. Whomever it is will go away if we ignore them." He whispered as he kissed her neck.

"If you're sure it's not important." Lictina whispered.

"Trust me. Nothing is as important to me as being with you right now." The Sheriff grinned seductively.

She smiled up at him, then he leaned down to her and kissed her passionately. He drove his tongue into her mouth and tasted her desire. He was hard for her. He reached down and touched her and sighed when he found she was ready for him. She moaned when he began to please her and anticipated feeling him fill her again with his manhood. He moved his hand away and lowered himself to her. He just touched her and was just about to slip into her when the door sounded again.

"Damn it! I'm going to kill whomever is standing on the other side of that door!" The Sheriff growled. "Forgive me, beautiful." He said to her softly. "Stay right here. Don't move. Let me see what the hell this cursed interruption is about." He sighed.

"I'm not going anywhere." Lady Lictina promised him.

He kissed her once again then reached for his robe at the foot of the bed. He threw it on and arose from the bed. Next he grabbed his sword and headed out of the chamber to the den.

The knocking was still going on when he walked swiftly through the den. The Sheriff muttered curses then opened the door, brandishing his sword.

"Oh, it's you!" The Sheriff spat. "Well at least you bothered to knock this time." He muttered facetiously. He lowered his sword. It seemed any weapon at his disposal was impervious to these 'it creatures'!

"I'm here to pick up your prisoners." Eric grinned. He suddenly wrinkled his nose and began to sniff and narrowed his eyes. He pushed Nottingham aside and strode into the den.

"What the hell are you doing? The wagon is outside. Take the wagon of prisoners and go!" The Sheriff barked.

"Where is she?" Eric demanded.

"Whom?" Nottingham asked as his eyebrow shot north.

"My friend, Licks! You have her in here with you! I can smell her!" Eric spat. He turned and flew quick as lightening to the double doors that led into the Sheriff's bedchamber.

Eric threw open the doors and the Sheriff ran after him.

"Licks?" Eric called as he walked into the room. "I know you're in here!"

The Sheriff was astonished when he went into the bedchamber and found she was gone! The bed was empty! He also didn't see her gown lying on the floor - where it was before! Where could she have gone so quickly?

"Damn it, Licks! I'm on to you! This is a mistake and you know it!" Eric called out as he stood in one spot in the center of the room and circled.

"As you can see, I am alone." The Sheriff snarled.

"A little early to retire, isn't it?" Eric sneered. He pointed to the bed in total disarray. "Looks like you just got out of your bed! Funny. You don't appear ill to me?" Eric pointed out, with his eyebrow quirked knowingly.

"Maybe I have a long day ahead of me on the morrow!" The Sheriff retorted.

"On a Saturday? Right!" Eric laughed. "She's here. I know she is here." He sneered.

"There is no one here but me." Nottingham said evenly.

"Have no fear, friend. Your bed partner is still here. I can smell her." Eric snarled. He cleared his throat and looked around the room, raising his volume a decibel or two. "That's fine. Let her explain to Draconis where she has been! I'm leaving, but be warned: you two have made a mistake!" Eric spat.

He exited the bedchamber then the Sheriff's den fast as lightening.

A few moments later the Sheriff heard a creaking sound. It was coming from the trunk lying at the foot of the bed. He looked toward it. The lid was opening. His eyes widened and he walked over to it.

The lid pushed open and Lady Lictina smiled up at him. She was laying in his trunk with his navy silk sheet wrapped around her. Her gown had been folded and was placed underneath her head.

"Don't listen to him, honey." Lady Lictina grinned. "We are not a mistake – let's get that clear." She said. She sat up and arose from his trunk, stepped out of it, then threw her arms around him.

"My lady, I thought you disappeared." The Sheriff breathed as he held her to him.

"No, milord." She smiled up at him. "And I have some delightful news!" She added.

"What's that?" He asked.

"If we keep on like this and things work out, I have found the perfect place here to sleep during the daylight hours – besides Guy's grave." Lady Lictina smiled with her eyebrow quirked knowingly.

"I don't understand?" The Sheriff said, shaking his head.

"Your trunk. Why, it is just like a coffin. It works perfectly! So you see, if you wanted me near to you – this will work quite nicely." Lady Lictina grinned.

"How fortunate, my lady!" The Sheriff smiled. "I do believe I like that idea... I think." He mused. Did she say 'coffin'? He shook his head. "You can sleep in the trunk during the day – and remain in my bed with me during the night." He whispered huskily as he began to kiss her neck. "Except when you're in my bed we won't be sleeping, lady!"

"Good!" She whispered hotly into his ear.

He sighed. "Indeed. I do believe I like that idea. Now, my love… where were we?" The Sheriff smirked seductively as he began to kiss her hotly.


She had her neck exposed and her long, dark hair pulled back in complete submission to him. His fangs were out and his mouth was opened as he leaned down to her perfect, warm neck. He just touched her neck, but didn't leave a mark when he suddenly retracted his fangs and turned his face from her.

"Guy? What is it?" Lady Gisla asked.

"I can't do this, my angel. Not just – "

"You must. I'm asking you to, handsome. I want to be with you and share this life with you. Make me your lady forever, Guy." She purred.

"I will, my love." He grinned. "What I meant is that I can't do this – until I've had some mead." Guy explained. "You must understand, my lady, I never thought I'd be biting into anyone's flesh – least of all yours." Guy said.

"Alright, my love. I suppose you're right. Will it matter if I drink of it too? Will I still become a vampire if I've tainted my blood with spirits?" Lady Gisla asked.

"I doubt that a few sips will do any harm, my lady." Guy smiled.

She lay back against the soft, down pillows and silken linens and smiled up at him. Her skin glowed by the light of the fire in the hearth. He looked down upon her and smiled, then he arose from the bed and walked over to a nearby chair where his robe was draped upon. She smiled appreciatively at the sight of his perfectly hard, naked body as he walked away from her, and bit her lip in anticipation of his touch again. Gisborne picked up the robe and put it on. He turned and cast her a seductive smile before exiting the room.

A short time later her returned to her with two goblets of mead. He passed one to her, they toasted to their soon to be immortal bond, then drank all from their goblets.

"Now, Guy. Do it now, my love. Let's get this over with so I can see how it will be when you love when I'm made a vampress!" Lady Gisla grinned wickedly. "I have a funny feeling it's going to be better." She winked.

He felt the bloodlust coming over him again in response to her words. This time he didn't attempt to control it. His fangs reflexively appeared. Now was the time.

He opened his mouth and slowly bent down to her. She found herself aroused by the sight of his fangs suddenly. A heat rush traveled through her body and settled. She was on fire for him. She pulled her dark, shiny locks back and leaned her neck to one side – and then Gisborne bit into his lady's flesh.

"Guy!" She cried out when she felt her lover's fangs sink into her neck.

He tasted her blood and he hardened instantly for her. She tasted sweet. Wait until you taste a virgin's blood… Gisborne could hear Northman's voice echoing the words in his mind. True his lady was no longer a virgin - yet she tasted divine. He could not imagine how much better she could have tasted if he had not bedded her first. Gisla tasted perfect. She was sweet, but not too sweet. Almost like… cherries. Everything about her tasted perfect.

The pain was indescribable. White hot, sharp, seering pain. She lost her breath, yet strangely she was still on fire for him and excited at the thought of him tasting her very blood.

"Guy… taste me, my love. Taste my blood." She murmured weakly.

"Gisla… my beautiful lady." He breathed as he licked her neck and savoured the taste of her sanguine ecstasy.

"Taste my very soul… it is still on fire for you, my... Guy." She managed to choke out the words while she felt herself grow weak.

"My love, you taste so incredibly perfect." Guy murmured in his perfectly arousing, raw, gravelly voice. "You are perfect, Gisla." He whispered as he licked away at her neck and drank her life force from her.

She closed her eyes and sighed. The pain was gone now. She was incredibly aroused by the sound of his sexy voice. She wanted to give herself to him – now.

"Oh, Guy… take… me…" She breathed. "I want… you…"

And then a blackness enveloped her and she sank into a deep slumber for a time.


Lady Marian was sipping tea in the sitting room of the Dubois manor, and quietly penning a letter to her mother in London when she was startled by a knock on the door.

She called out to her servants but nobody responded to her summons. The knocking sounded again. At first she began to curse as she wondered who would be calling at this late hour, and then she hoped Master Northman was standing on the other side of the door. He certainly was an intriguing gentleman.

She opened the door and smiled. It was not Northman, but the other blond nobleman who had caught her eye, and was slowly stealing her heart.

"Robin!" She exclaimed. "What are you doing? Come in out of the rain. You mustn't be seen!" Lady Marian admonished him.

"Milady Marian, I'm pleased to see you're safe." Locksley said as he followed her into the hallway. She closed the door and led him into the sitting room. They sat together on a small sofa by the fire as he continued. "I heard a report that you were seen walking in the village not that long ago." Robin said.

Lady Marian noticed his face was pale. He appeared genuinely concerned for her welfare.

"I would have been home by dusk – if I had one of my horses!" Lady Marian said as she quirked her eyebrow knowingly.

"Alright, point taken!" Robin huffed. He sighed and placed his hands upon her shoulders. "Listen to me, Marian – promise me you will never venture out after sunset again!" He implored her.

"Robin?" Marian said as she searched his blue eyes with hers.

"From sunset to sunrise you stay in your manor. Please, milady. Trust me on this. There is great danger lurking after dark. It threatens us all – even Nottingham!" Robin said firmly.

"Robin, you're frightening me!" Marian exclaimed, her eyes widened in fear. "You are not speaking of the Sheriff then?" She asked, incredulous.

"No, my lady. Oh, my love – we have much greater problems than Nottingham!" He huffed. "I'm working on a plan, it's going to take some time. I can't just embark on this great endeavour without careful consideration, but until then, I cannot tell you more than that." Locksley explained.

"Robin? I need to know what I'm dealing with! I shall need protection. If I'm facing a more formidable force than the Sheriff, then ye shall have to do better than telling me to remain in my manor with my doors locked, with no one here but my lady servants to assist me!" Marian implored him.

"You're right, Marian." Locksley agreed.

"What do you suggest then?" She asked.

"Tonight, I'm staying with you. I'll return to camp at dawn." He said.

She quirked her eyebrow suspiciously at him. "You must be jesting! You come up with a tale like that just to stay in my manor overnight? An attempt to steal my virtue, no doubt!" She rolled her eyes and pointed to the door behind him.

"No, my lady. Listen to me! I shall guard you…all night! You must let me do this, Marian." Robin said, unblinking.

She looked into his eyes and knew his intent was pure. "If the Sheriff finds out you're here – "

"Trust me, milady Marian. If he knows what's good for him, he'll be staying indoors too." Robin hinted.

"Does he know about whatever you're referring to?" She asked as her eyes widened.

Locksley stared unblinking into her eyes, but chose not to respond to the question.

Lady Marian gasped. "What is it, Robin? What has you and your enemy running scared of the night?" She demanded, a look of horror passing over her.

"Do not think on it, my lady." Locksley whispered as he reached out to her then held her to him. He began to smooth her auburn, tight curly hair. "I will protect you, my love. That is all you need to know." He soothed. "I'm sworn to protect you and I shall ever uphold that vow!" He said firmly.


Northman stood before Sheriff Draconis' throne awaiting his dismissal.

"Tell our good, human Sheriff I'm pleased, Eric, but don't say more about it than that. We mustn't inflate the human's pathetic ego!" Sheriff Draconis snarled. "He made good on his promise though, and it looks like I shall be hosting another successful party! Shame you can't stay." A beat. "It's a shame about something else too." He added with his eyebrow quirked knowingly.

"A shame about what, Sheriff?" Eric asked, though he was certain he knew whom the Sheriff of Region two referred to.

"It seems Licks has wandered off somewhere." Sheriff Draconis said. "I haven't seen her since just after dusk – last night!" He spat. He narrowed his yellow green, cat like eyes upon Northman as he continued. "You haven't seen her – have you, Eric?" Draconis asked pointedly.

"No, Ben. I haven't seen her since the night you made the arrangement with Nottingham." Eric lied. He wasn't planning to lie, but the words just tumbled forth past his lips, almost without will of his own. He regretted it as soon as he finished the sentence, but there was no turning back now. He didn't know why he was covering for her.

"Is that so?" Sheriff Draconis asked again.

Eric nodded but said nothing.

"Well, I do hope she is behaving herself wherever she is. I hope she knows a thing or two about loyalty by now?" Sheriff Draconis hinted.

"And what of you and your harem, Ben?" Eric asked pointedly. "For I know this has been a point of contention. She mentioned it to me in the past, as you know." Eric said. And last night as well.

"She must accept it." Sheriff Draconis replied evenly. "She best not disappoint me! Do tell her that if you should see her, won't you, dear boy?" The vampire Sheriff seethed with his eyebrow quirked.

"Yes, Sheriff. If I see her I shall tell her." Eric said.

"Good. Now, run along. Tell the human Sheriff I will be in touch!" Draconis grinned deviously as he waved him away.

Sheriff Benedictus Draconis wasn't sure what Northman was up to. He was always the one Licks ran to whenever Draconis and she quarreled. He was no fool. He knew Northman had her eye on her for some time. He was going to find out where she was and whom she was consorting with! How dare she disappear on him!