I sensed, from the smell of the air, from the distant sounds of the birds, and the stillness of the room; from today on, things were going to go all wrong.

Hello again everyone! Guys, I'm going to need reviews or I'm taking my story off the site. Sorry, but my lack of reviews is getting a little irritating and I might publish this story into a book.

Thanks.

Of course, i wouldn't fall bait to this threat. I changed into my clothes with grim purpose. Today, I would give it my best, and be prepared for what ever fate his to offer me. I would be strong for everyone. How could I give in so easily to the things that would come after what these people have done for me.

An image of Steve under the shade of the cherry blossom tree came back to me, and I grew weary. Was I really ready for anything? Could i really withstand anything that the next few years of my life would offer me? Was I really as strong as i thought myself?

I tried my very best to shake away the doubt that seemed to threaten to drown me. So, I got dressed, this time without the company of the maids, since I had politely told them I'd be better off doing things myself today. Who knew what would happen on a day like this?

Of course, at the instant I walked into view through my door and closed the door behind me, I sensed that everyone's eyes were on me from down the steps. It was strange how the dining room and kitchen were both on the floor after the rooms. Especially since there were five floors, and the rooms the second from the top. Basically, the kitchen and dining room both took up the middle floor. Maybe that made sense, but it was quite odd to walk down the steps with all attention turned towards you and as your shoes that click clacked cross the hard floored steps.

I didn't have the grace that each one of them so easily mastered, from years of practise. So everyone could easily identify when I was awake, for apearently vampires don't yawn. I sighed at that thought but smiled, it was such a relieving feeling to yawn when you first wake up, it was quite relaxing too. I wondered what it would be like waking up in the morning from sightless dreams, and to walk out of your room as if nothing had happened. For me, I always liked to stare up at the tops of my bed before i made my way down.

It was today, as I looked down at all the curious faces, that I realized something was amiss. What a surpirse, I thought sarcastically. When i reached my last step down, Steve had my hand in his, and he pulled me forward to interupt the quiet conversation that only vampire's ears could hear. I smiled awardly, feeling a little guilty from having disturbed them. But I didn't object to the chair Steve had pulled out for me, and sat down.

Everyone, in turn, greeted me with either a smile or a gesture or a few words, maybe. John just gave me the look he always gave me, a look daring me to reveal all my secrets so that he may share my troubles. Of course, I could hardly do that. Who'd want to trouble the boy more than he was troubled so far? I guess he also did this because he felt a little responsible for having shared too much of himself the first day i had met him making me bear too much of his presure.

Under the table, Steve had softly took hold of my hand. I blushed and smiled up at him. He flashed me a big grin, and kissed my hand. It seemed as though everyone else didn't exsist as I stared into his endless green eyes. When was the last time I had experienced feelings such as these?

It wasn't long before someone spoke up, and as expected, it was Richard. "Lily might not know this since she hasn't lived here too long, but it's quite rare for us to have meetings like this. Something's happened that we've been assigned to join the war that's carrying on to the west. General Thomas is in need of skilled vampires, and since we have a history of providing our skills for the military, they've called upon us specifically. Of course, we can't go against what they say, and Lily cannot join us in this. Basically, we are to set out tomorrow and say our farewells and leave Lily with as much protection as we can muster."

Steve's hand had gone cold, and I tried to squeeze it in reasurance but my own hand seemed to be shaking out of control. I looked up to see his expression, and what I saw there made my heart skip a beat.

Fear.

"Steve...?" I managed in a silent, uncertain voice. Steve broke his tension and smiled down at me with a smile that didn't seem to reach his desperate eyes.

"Come on, Lily, don't cry now." He said, brushing the tears from my eyes. Richard stood from up from his chair and spoke,

"Steven, it might be better if we save Lily the details. Maybe you should take her up to her room and explain to her at least enough so she wouldn't be at a loss at what we're dealing with. She's too young to take it all in too fast. Here," he said, reaching for something in his pockets, "Take this." He handed Steve a little note and sat down again, speaking in silent voices again with the others.

Steve understood, and pulled me gently along by the hand up the endless stairs. When we reached the doors, he pulled me inside and closed the doors behind him, leaning agianst them for a moment, looking away from me. Then he turned around and gave me a sheepish smile that didn't seem to touch his eyes.

"Got ourselves into a little trouble, we have." I looked at him, still standing with a worried expression in the middle of the room. He walked towards me from the two doors and stood still in front of me for a few moments. His thoughts were unpredictable, and the way he looked at me said very clearly that he wanted to remember me.

Softly, his hand brushed my cheak and pushed back a small lock of hair. I smiled up at him for his sake, and he smiled sadly, tracing my lips softly. My hand moved up to play with one of the little locks that swayed over his eyes. I would miss him so much, cried out my heart. Why does he have to leave me now? Why when my little tree has finally shed its first leaf? Why now, when my garden was finally starting to burst into beautiful flowers and wonderful smells? Why now, when we had finally gotten so close at heart and in love?

I couldn't say this to him, lest I ruin the moment. But from the look in his eyes, I realized he could sense what I was thinking, and that he shared my thoughts. He was like my last breath on earth, my only chance of joy in this empty world, my only safety in a house of vampires.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered, staring at me intently. "Must I once again say goodbye to the fair lady?" I could see the pain in his eyes, and wished he'd let go and shed those hidden tears. Why must he hold back, when I may cry like an endless waterfall? When will he finally trust me enough to lean on my shoulder? At that moment, when I stared into his eyes, I saw the endless knowledge that flowed through his thoughts. His intelligence seemed emense.

For a moment, I allowed myself to see the two of us together in the future, like this, with three little children running around and giggling. For a moment, I let myself see the two of us together forever. For a moment, don't let him die.

I froze. The thought didn't seem my own, more like a distant memory. I tried to shake it away as Steve's expression went to worry when he saw my shock. "Lily?"

"Shh." I said, shaking my head and leaning my ear against his heart. "I won't see you for a long time, will I? You're going to be gone for a while, aren't you? So, I want to enjoy you here while I can. I'm going to miss you, you know." My voice seemed distant, soft and pure. I wasn't really paying attention to what I was saying, but I was savouring every beat of his heart. My arms tightened around his back, and I cried softly, "It's too soon."

"I know." He squeezed me tighter to himself and cried out in anguish, "I know, damnit!" At that moment, he lips rushed onto mine, sudden and unexpected. For a moment, I stood silent as his lips parted sweetly, waiting for me to join. Tears stinging my eyes, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held onto him tightly. My mouth partly in turn, and i felt his felts thirsting for blood. I didn't noticed too much when the iron liquid touched my tongue, for it was quickly gone with the sweetness of the kiss.

Steve's breathing remained off beat, but he had calmed slightly, his eyes blinded by love. He regarded me for a moment, his face still clearly showing his pain. When he spoke, it began controled and still, but as he spoke, he grew more and more out of control of his pent up emotions. His struck went to my heart in more ways than one.

"I waited for a thousand years to hold you in my arms. I've waited a thousand years to see your smile and listen to that enchanting voice. I've waited thus long to finally tell you I...! Lily, I-" His arms wrapped even more tightly around me. It was at that moment that I realized the mystery that rang in his thoughts. After all that I've experienced with him, his soft words while i watched my graden grow, the simple gestures as I'd walk through the halls, the broad smile whenever I'd look at him, and the scarlet face when we'd kiss, what could he have wanted to tell me? I was fool not to guess at that. But something told me that now wasn't the time. A moment such as this should be treasured and spared for another time.

Through all my curiosity and frustrations, I ignored my own thoughts and spoke softly to him, my hands on his head and my cheek on his.

"It's alright. There's no need to tell me. It's alright. You'll make it through this, strong and true. I'll see you again. You know that, don't you? Maybe then you can tell me your thoughts. Maybe then it'll all be fine. Please don't worry. I don't want my memory of you to be sorrow. What other than your smile to inspire me while I wait for you?" Steve nodded, putting his face on my neck and breathing in my scent one last time before he stepped out of my arms towards the door. I read the message which he spoke on his lips, without a sound. I'll miss you, sweatheart. Stay strong for me, until next time. And he was gone.

Of course, i wasn't able to wake up in time for everything the next day, and when I had finally reached his two room doors and pushed them open with all my might, I came face to face with a distant chill that spread through the room. A dark emptiness. He was already gone. I had missed him after all.

My heart longed to shed the tears that I choked down endlessly, though I needed to be strong for him. Though it would brake my heart every morning when working on my garden not to have his silent presense swiftly guiding me my arts. I would be very lonely while he was gone, that much was true. But I would look forward to the day of his return. He would come back, I was certain of it. At least, this once, he would come back to me regardless of victory or loss.

The days wore on just as I thought. Nothing had much meaning to me, and I tried to spend more time on the garden, sometimes just sitting there with my back leaned against the wall, thinking about everything and nothing. My sweet little garden promised me strawberrys in summer, and that at least I looked forward to.

One morning when I had set out to observe how things were fairing in the kitchen, I was greeted by a bright smile from the head chef, it apeared. She smiled at me charmingly, and offered me a honey cake. I smiled and accepted her offer. I didn't ask her why, but she saw the question in my eyes, and answered for me.

"Just thought you look a little down, lass. Thought I might do a little favour. Not only that, but how else she I give you this little gift which the young lad had left for you?" I looked up at her, puzzled. For the first time since Hehad left, a small shimer of interest shown up inside me, showing plain on my face, bringing forth a little colour. The chef, Merian was her name, motioned for me to follow her deeper into the kitchen, since we had just been dwelling at the entrance. I'd never been in the kitchen before, and I noticed there were many young ladies about, getting ready a huge feast for everyone in the household.

Even as we were making our way through, Merian was giving instructions on what things were amiss and what else needed to be done. Despite her apearance, she was quite capable. Her young voice was sweet and confident, and it was a no wonder why she kept getting constant glances from the young men of the house that made their way through the kitchen now and then. Of course, what was her confidence and the way she was capable and seemed to have a great wisdom in what she did, I realized she must've been older than any of the women in the kitchen, regardless of how they might apear.

Out of a slight curiosity, I told Merian to stop for a moment, and she did just that, pausing from her business. "You keep mentioning a feast that's taking place tonight. What could it be for?" She smiled down at me, amusement plain on her features.

"We all decided that it's time to take a little brake from the dark times, and try to brighten up the household a bit. See how happy they are, those lads? This gives them a little time to enjoy themselves and rest. Tonight we celebrate for the lords and ladies of this hosehold, and carry their hearts with us." She regarded my expression and give me a little smile of comfort. "Not to worry, lass, you might not get to dance with that Steve fellow, but there would be plently young lads ready to put even the slightest of smiles on the lady's face." I nodded,

"Of course I'll come tonight. I'll bring Steve's heart along with me, and hope that he enjoys it as well." Merian reached for a small key and turned into into a small cuboard door to open it up.

"This is yours," She said, handing me a little box. "The lad had sent this through one of his finest men, he did. The fellow was quite silent, didn't utter much of a word other than the message young Steve had left with him. He relayed to me, 'Keep it safe for her until she finally decides to explore our massive household and end up here.' The lad really is unpredictable. You're a lucky lass, you know? He's a fair fellow. I see in your eyes the same strong that I see in his. Let us hope for his safe return." I nodded, and left the kitchen with a smile. I felt the need for privacy when I was to open the little box, for the tears began to build up behind my eyes even as I made my way up the flight of stairs.

I opened my doors, putting the box in between my arm and side. When I was inside my room, I closed the two doors behind me with a bit of urgency. My heart seemed to be beating faster, and for the first times in the last three months, I felt colour in my face and a smile. What the box contained I didn't know yet, but i had hope. So, like an excited little girl, I jumped onto my bed with the box, and made myself comfortable, unwrapping the box in between my legs.

Inside the little box was a letter with my name neatly written on it. Lily. I set aside the box just for a moment, making myself comfortable and leaning back as I began to read his words as they he were sitting right next to me.

Hello, Sweatheart. How are things fairing for you? I really do hope you're smiling as usual. The garden needs lots of care. You haven't given up on that, have you? Well, I'm not too worried about that. I know you love that garden of yours. I'm still with you, you know, even if from a distance. I'm still watching you as you plant your beautiful little flowers. My hands will still guide you where you need it. You need just call for me, and I'll be there for you. I'm with you always, even as you read this. You need just listen.The battles are getting harsh, yes, and I've just enough time to write this letter for you while all are at rest. Don't worry, everyone's holding on just right. Though, I'll be honest to you and tell you that things are rough for us. I don't think things will ever be the same as before. Even Izzy. Sweet, little Izzy. You know how she's always loved to be in charge? She's changed, Lily. Things are rough all over here. No one's passed yet. We'll get through this. I know you didn't really want to hear such horrible news, but I wanted you prepared. I'm coming back to visit in a month's time, just wait for me, my sweet. My heart misses you terribly, and I can't wait to see your shining eyes again. Smile for me, Lily, I need something to remind me to keep going.

I love you, Lily.

Yours Forever,

Steve.

I sat there, silent tears streaming down my face, and hugged the letter to myself. "I love you too..." I wiped my tears and smiled, just as he had said. I could wait for a month. Until then, I should smile and be myself. Maybe Merian was right about tonight's feast, maybe a distraction would do me well. Though as I gazed through my closed doors, I knew that tonight I wouldn't go to that feast. Tonight, something would happen and I wouldn't make it to the festival. Though, fear didn't seem reasonable. This distraction wouldn't be a bad one, just a one that would make it clear what I should choose.

I wasn't too surprised to hear my name being called out by a few maids, "Miss Lily! Miss Lily! Oh, Miss Lily, open the doors! This is urgent!" So, I sighed and hopped off my bed, making my way to unlock the doors. Right after I'd undone the last lock, the doors seemed to open by themselves. My head popped to look outside oy my room, to my left then to my right. It was when I looked straight forward that I saw them.

Five armoured gaurds, covered from head to toe with a thin layer of armour that I knew to be the best and mosat rare of all. Each had their faces hidden, but I could sence thier malice and distaste for my friends' home. From my view up top, I could see that the tallest of the men who stood in the middle was the mosat deadly of them all. His eyes shown back at me with grim resolve. I saw the scars on his neck line. I almost gagged at the sight, for this man might as well be dead with all his injuries from before in his years and some fresh ones. I saw how his eyes reflected that he had seen too much, had been wiped of all that was good. It was strange how at the instant I saw him, I knew exactly who he was.

"Hello, Andrew. It is Andrew, isn't it?" Of course. I was in the past, after all. This was Andrew a few hundred years ago, just before he had set out on another one of his wars.

If I could see his men at arm's faces, I was sure they were glaring feriously right now. But I paid no mind to it and took in all that was before my eyes. To think, my wonderful, precious friend was such a grim young man. Though he shared the same body as the Andy in the future, he was still left with his wounds unhealed. His heart must be hurt and bruised from all the injuries he'd had in recent years, especially with that little girl he had met while hiding a few years ago. Or was I wrong? Had he not yet met that girl? Could I have miscalculated? Maybe I could ask him in person, later. Right now wasn't a time for that, since this young man hadn't even met me yet.

"How could you know that?" he asked icily. I smiled softly and began walking down the stairs.

"A little guess," I winked at him, then went on to fill the silence that went on after that. I could see the guards were unsettled, their hands on their weapens to pull them out straight away when needed. Maybe I play with this a little, since he was going to take away the fun I was going to get this night. "Also, I had a little friend to hint me in on it. Oh, don't worry, I'm not in the least bit harmful to any of you. Actually, I'm not exactly lady of this house, I'm just a guest. Filling in for the missed, you might say. What is it you had wanted of my hosts?" I was surprised to see that my little speach had actually worked on them. Even though I might've acted calm and cheerful, inside I still felt an empty weight of the fact that Steve wasn't here to guide me in this situation. After all, what could one say to someone you know so well when they don't have a clue who you are?

"I have come to offer my services," Began Andrew, now feeling a bit more in control of the situation. I stared at him, making sure that I was giving him my full attention. I had seen Thomas do this many times, and had oserved how he took the ovvers into consideration. "I have heard that the war is becoming harsher at the moment. I have a couple thousand men who are ready to defend their land, and who have come far to offer their skills. Not only that, but many of them are capable smiths and are prepared to help in any way when we are in need of weapons and futher on. I expect that you accept this offer, for we will not dissapoint you. And, we ask to gather more supplies for our trip towards the actual battle. I'm afraid we've run out of food and water, and my mom are being starved. If it's not too much to ask, we ask for enough food to fill as for one night and one day. After that, we will be capable of providing for ourselves. That is all."

There was silence for a moment, and I realized they were waiting for my answer. I thought back to what Thomas would have said to them, and tried to think if what they said would be a fair trade. Finally, I walked foward slowly, a sweet smile on my face. The guards moved in front of their leader, but he told them to make way. I walked strait up to him, so that I could almost feel his breathing on my face, but i remained arm distance apart. "General Watson, I accept your offer. Tonight, my people will feast in celebration of a long year. Your men will be welcome, but might I ask one thing before you set off to prepare?"

Andrew nodded slightly, so I went on, "We are in need of a few more capable cooks, for it appears the ones I have myself won't be able to finish the task before midnight if they are to do it alone. We have enough food to last through the night and more so for the next day. Is that too much to ask?"

Andrew shook his head, "Not that I've heard, no. My cooks are that of the best, as you might of heard. They will be hear by noon. My men are in need of a little rest and time to brighten up their harsh moods. I've never seen my own men so worn out. We greatly apriciate your offer. Tonight, then, lady...?"

"I'm not the lady of the house, but yes, my name is Lily." He nodded, asigning tasks to his men to spread news of the feast, and as he did so, he reached out for my hand and kissed it politely, walking out of the room in an instant to join his men. When they had left the main hall, I let out a huge sigh and fell to my knees, pushing my hair out of my eyes.

"Nice one, Lily. Very very nice... Never thought I'd have to work with a General, of all people!" But then I remembered him for who he was, and smiled. "You're doing fine there, my friend. Just fine."

I got up from where I sat on my knees and made my way up the stairs again. The maids that had called me now surrounded me once again. "So, how was it? Isn't he just handsome!" One of the girls giggled, I sighed and smiled.

"Actually, he's a good friend of mine. I wouldn't think of him in that way. Have you listened to nothing I told you of your Lord Steven?" Everyone giggled, then one girl bravely added,

"Well, who says you can't have both?" Everyone giggled along with her and I sighed, walking a little faster. They were teasing me now. Even though i knew they meant no harm and were just being silly, I needed to get ready for the night and prepare myself for my conversation with Andrew, or General Watson as he liked to be known as. That sounded a bit harsh though, so i stuck with Andrew, even though the urge to call him Andy kept building up. "Well, I must admit that you being with General Watson would make you seem so much more daring and womanly. I mean, i know we're not much to judge from one little witness, but when you're around that man you naturally look graceful and bold."

"Well..." Another went on, and I turned around, since they'd caught my interest. "Around Lord Steven, though, she's so beautiful and sweet and polite. I mean, Lord Steven brings out the girly side of her. The lady like side."

"That's cause it's love," I interupted, not really liking the way they were comparing two of my loved ones. "Around General Watson, it's just because I know him so well and because I know how he can be. he wouldn't listen to you if you don't speak with him straight out. To gain his respect and full attention, you must show him you are worthy of it. Otherwise he wouldn't take your words to mind, much less to heart. So you see? That's why I'm so open around him. I'd have to be, or else he wouldn't give me what I wanted in return. His attention would do well to help me with all these questions I have in mind for him.

"Anyways, I must get ready. Marissa, Elisa, could you girls help me with my clothing? I'm afraid I haven't prepared too well for tonight. I wouldn't want to look out of place." The two girls nodded and walked on ahead of me into the room. The other maids curtsied and left us. I nodded and walked into the room, closing the door behind me. You're beginning to become very much like Izzy is, you know. Even traces of Thomas is showing on you. These are signs that you're finally beginning to become a woman worthy of this household, my dear, so keep up the effort. I'm finally beginning to see some changes in you that I like to see. Now, hold your head up high, and smile for me. That's it. Have a good night, my dear, and do your best as always. I'm counting on you.

I nodded to the voice in my head, and set out to my bed to strip my clothing. The girls had put out for me five different dresses, each pretty in their own ways. I looked through the different ones, each giving out a different message. The first one was so that whoever would see me would see the message, 'hold me.' The second one would say, 'look at me there, you fool. Not so low.' The third one said, 'look at my beautiful shoulders, why not come a little closer and see?' The fourth clearly showed, 'I'm funny, nice to talk to, come everyone and talk to me, I'm very trustworthy.' Then when I looked down at the fifth one, I laughed. As if i would wear something like that. 'If I kiss you, would you marry me?' Then I thought of Steve, and my laughter failed. So, I chose the third one. That way, I wouldn't attract too much attention, but still look my usual self.

The dress was a light green shade, cheerful and flowy. My shoulders had nothing on them except a thin layer of sloth that flowed down swiflty. Later, Marissa and Elisa helped me with my hair, and put a green ribbon on one side. Though, it wasn't too big, just enough to make it look cute. My luscious brown locks clowed down my back and around me. I smiled at how I looked. Just pretty enough for a friend.

Tonight would be quite an Adventure.