Chapter 10

It would be one bright sunny day when things changed once again. While out riding Ginger, I got the familiar feeling that an immortal was near. Knowing that I was not strong enough to stand my ground at this time, I turned Ginger and rushed away. Hearing my name called stopped me in my tracks.

"Who is there?" I shouted nervously

In a calm familiar voice he stated "He is my friend."

"Richey?" I replied as my heart fluttered with excitement

"He needs your help."

"Are you OK, I've missed you." I yelled anxiously.

"Help him" I heard as Richey's voice faded away.

"But I am not strong enough, I don't think I can." I called into the emptiness.

There was no response to me call, and, the forest was uncommonly silent. After I acknowledged the fact that Richey was gone I turned Ginger around, taking a second to gaze down the path and muster the courage to go back. We slowly walked back to the spot I felt the immoral.

Upon arriving I could see him standing in the middle of the field looking back at me. His posture was slumped, head down barely making eye contact. As I drew closer, I could see the despair on his face. He seemed to stand there motionless looking over his shoulder. He turned towards me now looking down. At this time, I was only yards away from him when he drew his sword. Turning the sword downward he drove it into the ground and fell to his knees as if inviting me to take his head.

Dismounting ginger, I approach him just to the right of his sword. Then I would circle behind him slowly waiting for a reaction. As I circled back to the front, he still sat there motionless giving up on any thought of fighting. Now, I stood at the left of the sword, I knelt and embraced him wrapping my arms around him. I could feel him start to weep then heard his shallow gasp for air with his head buried into my chest. Just then his whole body went limp and we fell to our sides laying on the ground. I kept my arms wrapped tight. He continued to sob releasing all his pent up anguish. As I held him, I watched the sun slowly descend to dusk. Ginger had stayed close grazing in the field.

I felt it was time to head back to the cabin before it got any darker. Slowly sitting upright and raising him up as well we made it to our feet. We stood there for a moment as he hesitantly removed his sword from the ground and placed it back into his trench coat. Then I guided him to the horse and assisted him getting on. Then I would climb up sitting in front. Carefully, I held his arms around me and grabbed a hold of the mane. Tapping her with my heels, we were on our way. Ginger seemed to know what was happening because she glided genitally through the field with a slow and easy pace.

Arriving at the cabin, we dismounted ginger. By this time Duncan was able to walk on his own but still held his head low. I opened the door for him; he hesitated glancing up as to ask why I was helping him, looking back down without a word we entered. I motioned for him to have a seat, neither one of us was saying a word. Being as hospitable as I could at the time I got him water and a mixture of nuts and fruits. As he looked into the bowl and sat in the chair by the fireplace, I sat on the couch. I nibbled in my bowl of fruit. I could tell Duncan was attempting to eat, picking up the nuts and fruit then placing them back down. He was not ready to eat yet. So, I walked over to the fireplace and began to build a fire.
It didn't take long to build the fire. Then I returned to the couch. He just sat there not moving. I curled up on the couch looking at him I know he had been threw a lot. We occupied the room both trying to work out our troubles both alone. The night seemed to pass timelessly. By morning we were content to live in our misery. Silence continued to fill the room but our eyes would meet, both of us understanding the pain was strong in the room. By midday the temperature in the room had risen, it was hot and humid. Realizing there was still more work to do in the garden and trying not to return to the level of depression that I had experienced before, I left looking back at him as to say I would be back.

After some time, I returned to the cabin with the basket of produce in hand. I cleaned and put everything away. Duncan remained in the chair hunched over; his face was red and swollen. I could tell he had been crying. Presenting him with fresh water I sat back on the couch, offering company to his hard times. Night once again came upon us, this time knowing he would need sleep to regain his strength; I pulled out sheets and a blanket from the closet. I made the couch lining the cushions with the sheet. Turning to Duncan, I reached out my hand helping him to his feet. He walked over to the couch laying down becoming quite complacent. I covered him up and headed up the latter to my room. The night was quiet.

I hoped the next morning would bring more life into Duncan but it would take a lot longer than I realized. That morning, I noticed the shaking in my hand had returned. So after replacing his bowl of fruit and nut with eggs and hand ground wheat biscuits, I went outside to meditate minimizing the shaking as much as possible. About a week later, he started his own form of meditation, Tychy. After a week of his morning workouts, I thought it may be nice if I was to join him. I didn't know if he would welcome the company or be discouraged by it, but the next morning I would see.

He was out early, I stepped outside setting down his breakfast then staying just behind him off to the right I mimicked his moves. The moves were familiar, since, Darius was the one that taught them to me. When he was finished he turned and looked right at me. Looking at him eye to eye, I tried to read his face to see if this was a welcomed event or not. His face was blank showing no emotion either way. Thinking non emotion was a little better than despair I gave a slight smile and handed him his breakfast.

I picked up my fishing pole and basket and headed off to the river. Looking back, I saw him sit down and begin eating. Well it's getting a little better I thought. I returned with five fish I couldn't help but think about how everything has been going. Duncan seems to be slowly working his way thru the pain. My heart is still heavy and hurting but my outlook is looking better.

Entering the cabin I saw him sitting back in his chair but to my surprise, the dishes were done and he was sitting a little taller. He started making more eye contact. Showing a slight grin, I held up the fish and walked into the kitchen. I began fixing dinner glancing over to him on occasions. He was getting fidgety, looking up at me from time to time. Then, he got up and began starting a fire in the fireplace. Then we sat at the table to eat, it was still quite but almost nice.

Each day appeared to get a little better but the house stayed silent for upwards of three weeks. It would be one afternoon as I was carrying firewood, when he walked up and said "Let me help you." reaching out his arms.

"Thank you" I replied with a smile. This was the first time I have heard him speak.

Walking in the house, I wanted to keep the conversation going, so, I continued to ask questions.

"What would you like for dinner?" I said softly.

"Surprise me." He stated in a monotone manner.

"OK" I replied noticing he may not be ready to talk too much at this point.

Stepping back outside, I reached down and picked up some rocks. Then I started walking through the meadow. It wasn't long until a pheasant popped up front the grass; before he was fully air born I flung the rock and down it went. Picking it up and heading back to the cabin I could see Duncan sitting out front. He seemed to be watching my hunt and starting a fire. That night, we cooked dinner and ate outside. The night was cool and comfortable. The stars were bright, and the sounds of the night filled the air.

The month to come was similar to this, but Duncan became more talkative. Mostly it was small talk nothing too detailed, just small talk. But things would get interesting,

One afternoon while we were walking along the river, we stopped at the cliff to admire the waterfall. Duncan walked to the edge looking down at the river below. I set our bags down and walked up just behind him. When suddenly out of nowhere a silly grin came across my face. Trying to fight the urge I took a step back. I could feel my heart start to flutter and this childish feeling came rushing in. The smile grew bigger than without another thought, I reached up and gave him a push. As he went soaring out from the cliff I saw him turn and look at me. He was running in mid air reaching back as he fell. Then, before I knew it, he flipped and dove head first into the water. Turning screaming and laughing with delight, the child in me had come out to play. It had been so long, way before the accident, which I had felt like this, and I didn't want it to end. I could see him at the bottom looking up at me in surprise but not too upset.

He had dove in head first, so, I had to make this good to show him up. Backing up to give myself some running room, I took off. Sprinting to the edge, and then jumping as high as I could, I was able to complete a double full twisting layout with a pike to dive entry. I was proud of the dive. Coming up for air, I looked around for Duncan. He was nowhere to be seen. Hoping, I didn't make him angry I started to head for shore.

There from behind me; I could feel someone pull me under the water. In surprise, I bounced back up to the surface. And there he was with a full grin on his face. Laughing and splashing him back, I began to race for the shore. Seeing him engage in the race I swam just a little slower letting him win. I could see the light returning to his face and his posture nice and straight as he climbed up and helped out of the water.

From this point on things were more positive, with only moments of despair. We spent time talking around the fire, along with walks. Every day life seemed pretty good. I really liked the way he looked at me, like I was a normal person. There were times, I thought, I should tell him, but I couldn't bring myself to give up the normality I felt when I was around him.

There was one day; I had to think quickly to protect my secret. Duncan was in the front yard practicing his sword techniques.

As I walk up, he asked "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" I asked with a chuckle.

"To practice" he replied

"No that's ok." I said staying out of reach.

"Well, I could use your help, get your sword." He insisted

Walking over to the wood pile I pulled out two long branches. Throwing one to him I smiled "Here how about this?"

"You don't trust me?" He giggled

"Sure I trust you." I replied with a smiled, trying not to encourage the subject.

As I lunged toward him, he would engage back. I kept all my moves lose and without intent, while he would try to catch me off guard.

"I don't think you are really trying." He suggested

"Should I be?" I questioned

"Impress me" he encouraged

With a circle and a flick of my wrist, I disarmed him and had the stick to his neck. How I did it exactly, I don't know, but played it off as a trick. I smiled at him then dropped the stick and walked in the cabin. I wondered how I was able to do it. I know I gained some skills taking in the energy released into the atmosphere but this was more than I expected. He never brought up the encounter again. I think he realized it was not something I wanted to discuss.

We spent more and more time together. I came to feel more comfortable in my lies to him, forgetting about the destiny that I had. Until one day when I woke, there was sweat running down face. I was starting to have thoughts of children and incredible urges to mate. Recognizing the signs, I knew it was time to leave for a while. Packing my bags I told Duncan I had to go and I would be back in a week. He asked if he could come but I declined. Saying there is something I have to do alone, not to worry and I would see him soon. I didn't give him much information, leaving him to guess but I think it was simpler that way.

As I left, I couldn't believe it had been six months since he came. After the evil left I had went into heat but ever since I left Darius I have found an easy way to deal with it. All I have to do is die for the week then it is over, no stress, or locked rooms, just wake up and it's over. It has become just part of my schedule, it just happened to sneak up on me this time.

I knew of a cave close by, it was secluded and deep enough that I would not be found. I made sure to cover my tracks well, so that I could not be followed. I made my way there.

In the past, I have died in every way imaginable but I have learned that the best way is quick, quiet, and in a way that doesn't need assistance. Venom is easy to harvest from snakes, fish, or anything else that is in the area. Today it is a mixture of rattlesnake and black widow venom. I mixed it in a canteen of water. After chugging it, I prepared for a nice long nap, excepting the pain that comes beforehand. In about a week, I began to wake feeling pretty hung over like normal.

It was later in the afternoon and I could hear a gentle rain falling, which echoed through the cave. Excited to hear the rain I made my way out. Being dead for a week really can make one smell bad. After a quick shower, I was on my way back to the cabin. I could feel my heart racing the closer I got. I was so looking forward to seeing him again.

As I opened the door, I looked around eagerly to see him. There he was in the chair pointing more towards the fireplace than the room. Glancing up at me I could see a smile forced on his face.

Rushing over to him I asked "Are you alright?"

He just looked at me and stated "I was worried about you."

"I know that there is more than worry to this." I insisted

"No just worried and thinking about things that has happened." He said looking down in a scratchy voice.

"I know." I replied in an understanding voice beginning to reflect on things myself.

For a while silence once again filled the room.

But the silence was broken when Duncan made a comet that seemed to come out of nowhere "You know I really care about you"

"What?" I asked

"Do you have feelings for me?" He blurted as if he wanted to ask for a while.

Taking a deep breath and turning away I answered "We are two people who have gone through some rough times and taking a break. Duncan, I can't even express how glad I am that you are here but I am not able to be in any relationship at this time." I wanted so bad to blurt out everything. I wanted to unload all my pain and sorrow. I didn't want to be alone with this anymore but I knew I couldn't do that to him. The consequences of him knowing could cost him his life.

"I understand we could use more time" he replied

"I am sorry; I am really not ready to think about it." I stated as I turned back to see his reaction. I was confused by the reaction I saw. He had a slight smile like I said the right but I could tell he would have liked to hear something else. Confused by the new attitude he was demonstrating, I wondered if something had happened when I was gone.

Digging for information I changed the subject by asking "So what did you do when I was gone?" studding his reaction once again.

"Nothing much, just day to day routines but I have been making plans for us. You know if you came back." He stated somewhat cocky, with a large grin, staring me straight in the eye. Well, he is not looking at the ground, nor has a look of amazement or dread in his face. So I guess he does not know anything.

"What do you mean if I came back?" I questioned, inquisitively.

"Leaving without saying where you are going only means one thing in the immortal world." he said kind of sarcastically.

Yes, I thought he doesn't know a thing, as I regained my breath. "What kind of plans were you making?' I asked with a big smile covering my face.

"Well, I thought a picnic was in order to celebrate your return."

"That sounds very nice about now."

"You'll just have to wait until tomorrow."

"Why not tonight?"

"It's getting late we won't make it to the place I picked out in time."

"You've been sightseeing."

"Maybe a little."

"Okay" I said as I reluctantly agreed. "What do we do now?"

Pulling out an old CD player he said "How about a dance?" extending his hand.

"Don't mind if I do." I giggled placing my hand in his.

It wasn't a slow dance but a quick close tango. We laughed and spun around the living room like there wasn't a care in the world. This is just what I needed; worries and promises were all on hold for now. I felt normal and secure. The twitching was under control and I have become good at hiding it.

It would last about two hours until things got complicated. A slow song came on, there were no vocals, but it was peaceful. As we leaned in together, I could feel my heart start to flutter. Looking up into his eyes, my heart was full and broken all at the same time. I really wanted to tell him everything at this point.

Stepping back I opened my mouth, stuttering trying to find the words I said "I... I... I'm tired I need to go." turning and walking away.

As I climbed the latter, I tried to grasp what was going on. I knew the time was near, when I would have to leave. Things were starting to get out of hand; the complications were not what I needed. Almost letting him in on the secret would do nothing but create another James, and one of him was more than enough. At the picnic, I would tell him that it was time for me to leave. I would need to move deep into the mountains. But right then I crawled into bed. I felt my breath, short and shallow, heartbroken and exhausted I waited for the tears to fall but they never came. It was a long time before I was able to sleep but finally drifted off.