Blood Tithe
Chapter Thirteen
The northern wastes (technically the north western) was a desolate stretch of flattened land riddled with a few marshes and mud holes, and that contained some of the largest swaths of the Sepulcher with its vaulting canyons and cruel ravines.
This was the land where the Nighthawks and Bondsman were said to come from, and where they coexisted with a large band of Pulsian natives known as the Kes'shi, or the "strange ones". Garnering such a title was easy seeing that Gran Pulse was so rife with grasslands and fertile land, but they chose to live in such a inhospitable area. It was rumored that they respected snakes as their tribal protectors, their clothing and sari dyed various shades of green, their tattoos always resembling the reptiles somehow. And through such homage, they supposedly had strange powers over other people. True, it was only rumor, but even rumors tend to have a small seat in truth. Few things that were known for certain of them was that their talents for archery and horsemanship were second to none.
It was out here, among these people, that one would find Hassan's twin brother Tezzim. A natural copy of his brother from his physique to the tattoos on his face, with the small exception of more firm cheekbones, and a dark purple sheen in his black hair. With a small contingent of bondsman and pack mules, he rode through the wastes towards home. The trip had not been pleasant by any stretch of the imagination. It had been hotter than hell, the sun unrelenting and without so much as a cool breeze to relieve the burn. The nights were brutally cold, enough that there would've been snow if there was any moisture in the air. Every day and every night were the same. Hot and cold, over and over for around the time of two weeks.
What on earth would the brother of a prominent bloodchief be doing out here in this hell hole, you wonder? Well, to put it simply, he went to retrieve someone. And why would someone like him bother himself with a task he could've easily pawned off on someone else? Well, that's a question of a more intimate nature, isn't it? Nosy. For the time being just be satisfied in knowing that he found who he was looking for, and was now escorting the good lady back to Arash. Just as he had promised.
Tezzim, barred from being Bloodchief due to his being the younger of the twins by a few minutes, was the standing Magistrate of the Fine Arts in Arash, and he'd come to this saint forsaken speck of ground to retrieve his finest musician.
Sabine Sinclaire was a no nonsense sort of woman in her mid-thirties with a pointed chin, an equally pointed nose, and a pointed gaze that could pierce straight through a steel door. Her warm chocolate colored hair was always tidy, kept away from her face and in a bun or twist, seeing to it that her deep green eyes were visible to anyone she needed to see or be seen by. And though she was of a slightly diminutive stature, only five-eight with soft and delicate curves, she was far from diminutive in nature. She demanded a great deal of respect from everyone, and earned it fairly.
A prodigy since she learned to read, Sabine started writing music when she was eighteen, some time after she was given to Tezzim by a merchant who had been caught trying to screw the vampire over. For a short while she worked for Tezzim at the conservatory with filing, until he realized she couldn't read. Although it wasn't simple illiteracy, it was the fact that she couldn't see well enough to read in the first place. Typically that wouldn't bother him or command any sense of urgency, but then he discovered her talent for composition. Without being able to see the score he was working on with one of the other professors, she discovered the reason why it simply didn't sound quite right and adjusted it. It was only after that he decided to have glasses made for her. Then he let her work on her own just to see what she could do once she had the right tools.
Since then the conservatory had been receiving previously unheard of amounts of donations from the nobles who, apparently, greatly appreciated her work. With such astounding results and so little initial investments on his own part, Tezzim couldn't help himself but to repay her with her freedom. He signed her certificate of liberty and presented it to her as a gift on her birthday. Since then, you could say the two were nigh on inseparable as both professionals and friends.
With the exception of the last ten years.
Not long after being released, and elected to the high position of Maestro, Sabine decided she needed to find where she came from, go back to her roots so to speak. And that would be found, she discovered, in the wastes with the Kes'shi. For the last decade she had been with them, living as they lived, listening to their music, and hearing their stories. All the while working on her newest composition, something she referred to in letters as her magnum opus. It wasn't quite finished yet, but it would be very soon.
The experience clearly changed her, and Tezzim could see it.
"I will miss them," she said in passing, "but I have missed Arash even more."
"And Arash has missed you." Tezzim grinned, saying "Arash" and truly meaning "I". "It has not been as enriching since you left."
"How so? Were the understudies I left in my stead not competent enough?"
"In a way, madam, in a way. They insist on playing your requiem mass in the public theater over and over. It has become a bit tedious over the last few months."
"Well, that is one of my most popular pieces." she smiled, something she didn't often do. "And what of you, my lord? How have you fared in my absence?"
Tezzim chucked, watching the ground as it changed in the steady steps of his horse from desert sand and rocks to sparse clumps of grass. They would soon be out of the Sepulcher. "I could not keep busy enough to stop missing you. I found myself...empty and uninspired."
"You will have to forgive me, then. Perhaps I could make it up to you?"
"Mayhaps you can." his grin was devilish as he nodded. "Mayhaps."
Sabine laughed. "It would appear that my lord hasn't changed at all since I've been away."
"Indeed." and his reply was a mixture of a growl and a purr. "But all of that can wait until after the banquet."
"What banquet, my lord?" one thin eyebrow lifted as she turned to look at him.
"The one I have arranged for you as a welcome home gift, tonight, at the conservatory." now he was smug, his grin stretching. "And you are going to enjoy yourself. You are forbidden to touch or even think about anything resembling work until tomorrow."
"You know that's next to impossible, my lord. Musicians don't have schedules, they do or they don't."
"And you won't do anything until tomorrow. Is that clear?"
Sabine shrugged, but was still smiling. "Yes, my lord. As you wish."
And hearing her say that sent a tingle up his spine. He decided then that they had been apart far too long.
(-)
Chess was not a simple game, and Vanille was thoroughly convinced she sucked at it. She understood the object, the rules, how all the different pieces were meant to move, but there was something about the game she just couldn't wrap her head around. It seemed like Kasa could see several turns ahead, knowing exactly what she was going to do from the start. Then again, strategy was never really her strong suit.
"You are a very cautious player." Kasa said as the two of them stared at the board, pieces somewhat scattered across the ivory and wooden squares.
Vanille lifted her eyes, straightening. "I am?"
"Yes." Kasa grinned with slight amusement. "Are you afraid to make a mistake?"
Perhaps. Then again, the two hadn't spent enough time together for Vanille to get a feel for the woman's temperament. If Vanille gained any headway against her in the game, that could prove to be a mistake in itself.
Kasa could hear the girl's heartbeat, could hear it flutter under her scrutiny. Poor thing was frightened, of her most likely. That wasn't uncommon. Many of the servants in the house, the girls in particular, were much the same when they first arrived. It was a troubling trend.
"Put the board away for now, if you please." Kasa asked.
This took Vanille by surprise, forcing her to pause for a moment, but she did it all the same. As she gathered up the pieces she wondered if her surprise came from the request, or the fact that it was a request and not a demand. She returned the game to its place on a shelf and returned, standing beside the chair.
"Please, sit," the vampire offered. "Now tell me, why are you so frightened?"
She couldn't answer at first.
"Don't tell me that you're not." the vampire smiled. "So what is it?"
Vanille felt her mouth try to open, her voice attempt to show itself, but no dice.
"It's my kind, isn't it? You still haven't adjusted to us." she ventured to guess. "You're free to answer."
Maybe, Vanille thought for a moment, all she needed to speak was permission. "W-well...maybe."
"Have you never seen us before?"
"N-no, ma'am." Vanille shook her head. "I had... no idea there was such things as..." she was almost too afraid to say the word.
"Hm, curious." Kasa's eyes shimmered, a thin eyebrow lifting at the novelty of such an idea. "I would imagine, then, that your behavior is not all that unusual."
"I suppose not."
"With that being said, I would venture to think you find us rather...alarming."
Fangs, claws, eyes like serpents, the need to feed, and wrapped in the most deceptive form of nature's design. "Y-yes."
"I understand." the Bloodchief nodded slowly, her hands folding over her belly. She'd often seen such reactions from human children at their first sight of a vampire, cowering and yet stock still at the same time. But she also accepted that this was different. Servants lived in a completely different world, had to see things in a different way. They had much more to fear.
"But I would think you are also curious." most humans were. "You look bright enough."
Perhaps she was, if only a little. She could feel herself relaxing a bit.
This is what Kasa was missing while her husband and brother-in-law were away, someone to talk to. And you could imagine how difficult it was to have casual conversation with the help.
"So...what are you curious about?"
"Pardon?"
"Ask me anything."
Where to start? So many questions...well, now that she was at liberty to think about them in earnest.
"Well...where did your kind come from?" Vanille knew how man came to be on Pulse, but not vampires.
"There's an old story," Kasa began after a moment, shifting in her seat. "Do you know of Titan?"
"Yes." Vanille answered with a degree of confidence. "I saw it."
"Did you?" the slits of her eyes narrowed. "And here I thought it wasn't real. Arash was still made from felled timbers when I was born."
Vanille wasn't sure whether to be impressed or not, although she had a feeling she should be. A city this grand would have taken decades to construct, and Kasa looked no more than twenty-something.
"Well, then perhaps you can tell me if any of this could be true. Some of the elders say Titan swallowed a man and a shadow to make us. Others say we came before humans and were part of their creation. Anyone who was there is long gone. But, whatever the circumstances to our making, it is a well accepted truth that Titan wanted to destroy us. For what reason," she only shook her head. "But our forefathers gathered together and fled, eventually finding their way here." and then she went on to mention the saints and their significance.
All of this Vanille found rather fascinating, most of all their supposed longevity. But a realization also occurred; the blood lust was an anomaly caused by the particular churnings of Titan's bowel. Not sadism.
"So am I close?"
"I...I suppose." there was no legitimate reason to say no. "It's possible."
The vampire laughed. "That's certainly comforting, my husband will be delighted to hear about this. Ask me another." she was beginning to have fun, a glimmer in her eyes showing her excitement.
Another? It was hard enough just thinking of one. And, in all reality, she only wanted to know about one other thing.
"Why..." her caution was holding her back, "why is there slavery here?"
"Ah," Kasa nodded, knowing. "The million talon question. If you can believe it, my husband has often asked that question. I remember hearing of how he would ask his father,"
"W-what did he say?"
"I'm sure, by now, you know of our...how to say...needs." she waited until Vanille nodded before continuing. "At first, it started out as a way to punish criminals, and then it started showing promise as a lucrative business to support a stagnant economy. But, in all, we do it because it keeps us fed. Most of us have no dislike for humans, or much like for the way of things, it is just something we must have.
"My husband and I do our best to take care of those in our employ, however, unlike most. The way he put it, which convinced me to change my mind in the first place, is that it's best to be good stewards of what keeps us alive. Show kindness to the humans, and they will willingly share with you."
In a strange way, there was sense in that. Vanille could almost excuse half the bad shit that had happened up to this point. Almost.
"Many of the other chiefs don't agree with Hassan, often called him crazy, but I understand what he means. It wasn't long after out marriage that I lost the thrill that feeding once had, feeling more like a common thief. It was a strange time for me." and she almost laughed. Laughter in a way those teetering on the edge of sanity often did. As if the confusion was amusing.
Their conversation would have likely continued on in that direction if there was not a gentle tap at the door. Out of reflex Vanille stood expecting someone in particular, or perhaps just paranoid. When Kasa gave allowance for her visitor to enter, it was only Donovan.
"Good afternoon, madam," he bowed his head, "sorry to interrupt."
"Not at all. What is it?"
"Just making my rounds, and you have a visitor." and the doctor stepped aside, allowing the aforementioned guest to come in.
Tezzim strode through the door, his clothing and hair and face still dusty from his ride, and his arms as wide as his toothy smile.
"Sister dear, you look ab-so-lutely radiant," his jovial voice echoed off the walls. "And how's the little bun in the oven?"
"Tezzim, so good to see you. Forgive me if I do not stand up."
"Of course, of course," he shook his head, dismissing the petty issue. "You seem to be doing well."
"Yes, I am, and the child."
He knelt beside her on one knee, leaning over the arm of the chair so he could press his ear to her belly. "I think I hear the little one...this is so exciting, I simply can't wait!"
"Well you must, just like the rest of us." she gently burst his bubble as she gently pushed him away. "How was you journey? You look a little red."
"So much sun, sister darling, so much," he shrugged as he stood. "But, overall, it went well. The maestro is back in her tower, and in one piece I might add. And, saints be willing, the theater will be presenting her newest masterpiece within a number of weeks."
"That's wonderful," Kasa seemed genuinely interested. Perhaps she appreciated the arts as much as he did. "It's been far too long since we've heard something new."
"Indeed." Tezzim nodded, his arms crossed. Then he turned his head slightly to the side, finally noticing that certain something that hadn't been in the room before. The slits of his fiery eyes narrowed, showing a keen interest.
Vanille felt a cold shiver go up her back when she felt his eyes settle on her. She didn't like how his eyebrows lowered and his mouth stretched into an almost sly grin. She tried not to look him in the eyes, even as he started taking slow and even steps towards her, but it was nigh on impossible.
"And who," he growled, bending down and getting so close to the girl that the tip of his nose almost touched hers, "is this, sister dear?" For a human she was staggeringly beautiful. And that hair...
"Hassan gave her to me as a gift. Isn't she a wee bit young for you?" Kasa laughed.
He straightened. "We all need love, don't we?"
Vanille shuddered to think what he was talking about, and when she attempted to, it just made her feel sleazy. The feel only magnified when he looked back at her, this time down his nose, making himself seem ten feet tall to the tiny mortal.
"And here I thought all of my brother's taste was in his mouth." he chuckled with a hint of approval. "What is your name, little one?"
Oh god, they really were twins. "V-Vanille."
"Ooh," the slits fluxed again, setting a little wider. "That sounds...sweet."
"Tezzim, stop, you're frightening her." Kasa sounded just serious enough for her in-law to obey, but her expression showed that his behavior was amusing to her in some way. Do I even have to say that Vanille was quite terrified at this point? "You're such a beast."
"I won't deny it." he stuck his chest out. "Although I'm afraid I have to run. I need to freshen up, have a party to host tonight. Good evening, sister." and he took his leave with a courteous dip of his head.
"You shouldn't let him bother you, he's really harmless."
Vanille nodded, but didn't believe it. Something about him...
(II)
Dash felt someone shaking him, calling his name in an excited hurry. His eyelids parted only a little, his eyes sliding behind them to see what was going on. Before he could react, Helm took his thumb and pressed it to his sire's eye, forcing the lids apart.
"Time to wake up, or we're going to be late."
Dash twisted away, sitting up from his comfortable position, grumbling as he scratched his head. "What the hell is going on? Is the city on fire?"
"No, my friend, not quite. Now let's get a move on, yeah?"
"What's the rush?"
"You need to bathe and get dressed, or we're going to be late to the party."
Dash's eyes opened wide, blinking in genuine confusion. "Party?"
"That's what I said." Helm was grinning from ear to ear, tightening the satin scarf about his neck. Something he hadn't owned before. In fact, all of the clothes he was wearing were previously unseen.
"Where did you get that?"
"Bought it. Yours is there." and Helm pointed to the fine suit hanging from the dilapidated wood wardrobe. "It didn't cost too much, so don't worry."
Dash sat up straight, his feet on the floor, now fully awake. "And what's this party you're rattling on about?"
"Maestro Sinclaire is back in Arash, so there's going to be a banquet this evening to celebrate."
"We didn't get invited."
"No." he admitted, and then smiled. "But our dates did. Both of them are singers in the orchestra."
Dash's brow flattened. "You're sure you're not just trying to trick me into thinking they're singers?"
"No, no, no. It's for real this time. Free fine dining is involved, so naturally I wouldn't lie about it."
"Naturally."
"Come on, you old sod, just trust me for a change."
"Fine." he shrugged in defeat, standing up and reaching for the new outfit. "This is...quite nice actually."
"Knew you'd like it. Now get the lead out, yeah?"
Dash took the clothing, disappearing into the washroom and shutting the door. "So what are they like?" his voice carried from behind the rickety door.
"They're young. Human. And they've got all their teeth, just so you know."
Dash laughed loudly. "Thank you for that consideration." Reinforcing the idea that there was an incident where that hadn't been the case. "What do they look like?"
"Well, I got myself a fine young blonde," Helm seemed exceptionally proud about that, "and yours is an elegant creature with dark red hair that nearly reaches her perfect backside."
"Sounds like fun. How did you manage this anyhow?"
"Like I've told you," Helm shook his head. "I know women."
"The hell you do." Dash laughed again. "You know women's body parts. That's the long and short of it."
"Just hush up and get dressed." he demanded. "Or I'll go without you and tell them you ran off with Francisco Argenti."
"You do and you'll come home to find me gone along with an empty bank vault."
And that kept Helm firmly in his place, never mind whether or not they were on time.
(III)
Tezzim had enjoyed the food, the excellent selection of wine. It had gone steadily all night long, finally coming to a close after midnight. The party altogether had been magnificent, he remembered as he lay in bed. However it wasn't his bed he was lying in. He didn't go home after the banquet, and instead followed the maestro to her apartment within the higher floors of the conservatory. Per her request he remained, and the two spent the next few hours in the throws of passionate lovemaking. Ten years apart had indeed made their hearts grow fonder for one another.
Now the two lay there in the wee hours of morning, twisted up in the sheets, exhausted.
Sabine couldn't stand to lie still for very long, though she was tired. The need to write, to soothe the constant ring of notes in her head was greater than the need to sleep or cuddle. She shimmied out of Tezzim's embrace and reached for the oil lamp on her bedside table. With just enough light to see by she found her glasses, and then opened the drawer to find a pencil and a stack of score sheets. Some of them had already been written on.
Tezzim's face tightened, eyes scrunching to keep the light out. Vampire's eyes are very sensitive, as I'm sure you knew already, and even a little light could prove uncomfortable.
"I said no work until tomorrow." he grumbled, his face buried in a pillow.
"It became tomorrow at the stroke of midnight." she replied softly.
"Hmm...touche." he then twisted on his side, facing her and blinking until his eyes adjusted. "Can it not wait, love?"
"No, it can't." she replied.
"Come now," he tried to snatch the pencil from her hand, a gesture she shied away from. "We've only a couple more hours before I have to leave. Let's not waste them."
Sabine paused, her hand going from a maddening seizure of putting notes onto paper to a dead halt. She put the pencil and the paper flat in her lap, taking a breath to shrug. She then took off her glasses, turning her head towards him.
"How would you have us spend them, my lord?" there was no innuendo in her voice, no playfulness. Which was actually quite common.
Tezzim smiled in a way that Sabine understood, and only few others fully did. He scooted closer, his lips just touching her cheek. "I'm thinking of many activities that we could occupy ourselves with."
"Just like you occupied all the others while I was away, I'm sure."
Tezzim eased away, his expression a somber one. "Yes, that is true." then he lifted his eyes to settle on hers. "But you are the only one I have ever loved."
"Then why does my lord not turn me so that we might marry?" she had asked him that before, before she left for the wastes. Perhaps now he would have an answer.
"Well," he resigned with a sigh, "I don't believe now is the right time."
"Is that all? Or perhaps you know you are incapable of being faithful to one woman."
He let his head fall back, exasperated. "My darling, it isn't that. I only imbibe in the joys of another woman when I cannot have you. Once you are mine, I will see to it that you know for as long as I live."
"Then why will you not turn me?"
"Because," he leaned in close again, one clawed finger pressing perilously close to the swell of her breasts, "I haven't decided if this is the you I wish to see for the rest of our lives. Perhaps I'll be surprised and like you best when you hair turns gray."
"I do not wish to grow so old." she snapped.
"Well, that settles that, then. And I wouldn't want to run the risk of you losing interest in me."
"Indeed." she watched his finger carefully, like a hawk, as it inched lower and lower while he spoke.
"Although I am growing to love how you look now. You've...matured since you left." her breasts had become fuller, her hips as well, and there was a grace about her only aging could bring. The look of passing mortality on her was stunning for him to see, something no vampire maid could give him. "And these tattoos are striking."
Her time with the Kes'shi had garnered her a great deal of things. A new view of the world, of the people that were nurtured by Gran Pulse, and a new hobby. She took to archery like it was second nature, it was in her blood and those people could see it. In time they decided to put her on a horse, a black monster with stark white hair named Phantom, and when she could hit a series of targets at a full gallop, they saw it as a sign from the gods. Something about her was very special. They gifted her with Phantom, and then went through an elaborate ceremony. The women sang while the men tattooed her with serpents, one down each arm with the tail curled at the shoulder and the head just above the wrist. It was to signify the lethality of a Kes'shi archer, like that of a viper. One bite, one kill, and not a sound to be heard in warning.
"I'm glad you appreciate them." she nodded after a long pause, being brought out of reminiscence as his large hand fanned across her stomach. "I was concerned that you would not."
"My dear, please, I enjoy native art very much. Especially if you're part of it. Perhaps you could model for me again soon. Now," he reached for the paper and pencil still in her lap, tossing them aside, "let us not waste the time we have."
She put her glasses on the side table where they had once been. "Will you promise to at least consider my desire?"
"My love, your desire is my desire." he had always been a giving lover. Even before they were sexually involved he had been attentive to her.
"Do you promise?" she sounded more insistent, grabbing his wrist so that it couldn't move another inch.
He shrugged in the end, knowing there was no argument. "Of course, my dearest heart. As you wish."
(-)
Two weeks have passed since Vanille came to work for Hassan Ibn-Kalitas and his family. It had been, without a doubt, two of the easiest weeks she'd had since coming to Arash. Keeping the lady of the house company wasn't exactly what one would consider "work", not by any stretch of the imagination. The master was kind with his words and generous with his gratitude. Perhaps the most effort Vanille had to exert was in avoiding eye contact with the master's brother who, for a time, seemed to be everywhere she went. She simply blamed it on the paranoia and went on with her day.
"So what is with the mask?" she asked Donovan as they sat across from each other. Kasa had dismissed her so she could join the others for lunch.
"Pardon? Oh, that. All the doctors in the city wear them, that way we're more recognizable. That, and we servants aren't supposed to show our faces in public."
"Oh." the reply made her pause, a sort of disillusionment having happened.
"I hear that you and the missus are getting along rather well."
"I suppose." she thought about it a moment. "I amuse her at the least. I think."
"That's good. If she's pleased then the master will be also."
Vanille nodded, as if coming to some realization that eluded her before. "Everyone seems so excited about the baby."
"Oh yes, we are very much. You see," he paused to wipe a smudge of mustard from his mouth, "it's not as easy for vampires to have children as it is for humans. If they conceive at all, the pregnancies tend to be problematic."
Ah, so the vampires weren't perfect? Even they had flaws?
"Lady Kasa has already been through three failed pregnancies; two were miscarriages, and the third was premature resulting in stillbirth."
"My goodness. That's awful."
"Indeed." he nodded. "It was hard for both of them, and dangerous for the madam. But everyone has high hopes for this one. No trouble so far, thank the saints."
Vanille found herself suddenly sympathetic towards her owners. It was a strange, almost unwanted notion, but it stayed all the same. But only for a short time.
"You seem to be adjusting." Donovan was smiling. "I'm glad to see that."
she nodded without a word, thinking about it. Maybe she was. "It's been strange. Difficult at times."
"I understand. Hard to sleep I bet."
"Yes."
"What's keeping you awake?" it was a common question for him to ask as everyone's reason was different.
"Just...homesick I guess. I miss my family." she was starting to notice the creeping need to cry.
He nodded again. "That's fairly normal."
She had imagined as much, to be sure, but that didn't make it any easier. "Do you have any family, Donovan?"
"Ah," he took a sip of milk before continuing. "I don't know. I haven't seen my parents since they sold me. I'd imagine they've long since gone."
Vanille choked. "What?" she gawked at him, unable to believe what she had just heard.
"Oh, I don't suppose I told you that already, did I? It does tend to surprise people." what was easily the most boggling thing about it was his apparent indifference to the subject. "Don't feel bad for me, I don't."
"Why would someone do that to their own child?" Vanille just couldn't wrap her head around it, thinking it absolutely criminal. She honestly felt the impulse to cry.
"I would imagine it was for a good reason, at least that's what I told myself. Still," he paused a moment, still untroubled, "it doesn't bother me. Beth loves me enough." and he smiled.
Vanille had to wonder where this man must have come from. How did one go through life as he did with the fierce blow of your parents putting a price tag on you? How? She could not, that was certain. She couldn't say with any confidence where she would be without her adoptive father's love. Most likely she would still be here, but you get the idea.
The clock on the wall of the kitchen chimed the hour, and everyone at the long table started to move at once. The soiled dishes were stacked at one end as the servants left to return to work. Vanille felt the need to hurry back, but resisted when she realized that Donovan was following her. Apparently they were headed for the same place. Must have been time for him to check on the Kasa again. The amount of protection the entire household seemed to show towards her was quite humbling.
Both of them were somewhat surprised to see Kasa out of her chair when they arrived, and no longer in her silk house clothes. A small host of servants were helping her change into something else, something someone would normally wear when going out.
"M-my lady, is something amiss?" Donovan addressed her curiously.
The vampire turned and smiled at him. "Not at all. I simply wish to go out, I have been cooped up in this villa for too long."
"Not by yourself!" he paled, his hands clutching.
"Of course not," she laughed, "the two of you are coming with me. See to it that she's ready and meet me downstairs."
"Oh...very well...y-yes ma'am." and he quickly turned about on his heels, turning Vanille with him as he hurried back the way he came. All the while Vanille wasn't entirely sure as to what was going on. But she didn't ask, and only assumed that this sort of thing didn't happen often. At least, that's what she could tell by the uneasy look still hanging on Donovan's face.
The two went back into the hidden hallway, to one of the many doors lining the passage. Inside appeared to be the communal wardrobe for the servants, shelves stuffed with various articles of clothing and things of the like. With the hurry of a nervous man Donovan went through it all in attempts to find what he needed. When he returned he passed her a pair of leather sandals, but held onto something else.
"Those should fit you just fine. If not, they'll do until we get back."
"Where are we going?" she asked, lifting one foot to rest against her knee as she put the sandals on.
"I don't know, that's what concerns me. I understand the missus can go where she pleases, but I do worry." And Donovan waited for her to straighten again before holding up the other something in his hand. A white silk veil that he held by the thin golden chain that was somehow woven into it. With care he looped either end of the chain around her ears, keeping the stretch of semi-transparent silk in place.
"There we are," he seemed satisfied. It kept her face hidden, but didn't cover the silver tag on the collar. Now she was able to leave the property without threat of arrest under suspicion of escape. "Now let's hurry along." They still needed to stop at his office for his hat and mask before going to the ground floor. From there they stepped out the front door, seeing Affir standing at the foot of the stairs beside a horse and carriage, hitched up and ready to depart. Kasa was already seated comfortably inside.
"My lady wishes to be taken to the Khalastria district." Affir said once the doctor was close enough to hear passed the natural hush of his deep voice.
"Ah-hah," Donovan nodded, understanding right away. "Does the master know about this?"
"I am to notify him once you have left."
"Oh. I suppose we'd best be on our way then."
"Be careful. Drive slowly." the bondsman cautioned.
"Always. Come along, Vanille, you're riding up front with me." and he smoothly climbed up to the driver's bench, taking the reins in one hand, and offering the other. Vanille took his hand, surprised to feel a helpful push from Affir who she hadn't known was so close behind her. She looked back at him from beside the doctor, unsure of what to say, and could only manage to nod her head in quiet things. A gesture the vampire returned just as the reins snapped and the horse began to walk.
"Affir isn't a bad fellow," Donovan said, like he knew what she was thinking, "just quiet."
"Are they all like that?" Tor had been, and Affir wasn't showing much evidence of the contrary.
"I think it's part of their breeding, to be honest. I really can't say for sure, but it seems like most of them are that way, doesn't it?"
Vanille nodded, suddenly captivated away from the conversation as they left the property and went out into the proper of the city. It was her first opportunity to really have a good look around, and now that she did, it was easily decided that she had never seen anything quite like it in her life. The gilded domes, the villas and fountains, the statues at the plaza, it took her breath away.
Khalastria was the patron saint of medicine, known formally as Khalastria the Gentle. Before her death at the age of seven-hundred and forty-four, she founded Arash's only hospital and medical university. From there the district slowly expanded to include an animal hospital as well as a very fine spa, all of which was overseen by her ten children. With that being said, did I mention she was also known as the patron saint of motherhood?
The staff at the spa must have known that Kasa was coming, as three of them, humans dressed in white, were waiting just outside of the building. Donovan pulled the horse to an easy stop, encouraging Vanille to step down and help Kasa out of the carriage, something she did with all the hurry of someone eager to please. The lady Bloodchief's hand was chilled to touch, but trusting to her servant's support as she stepped down. The attendees circled around Kasa and walked with her up the stairs.
"I have to take this 'round to the stables," Donovan said, "but you stay close to her, you hear? Watch her like you would your own mother."
What an odd thing to say, she thought as she nodded, turning on her heels and hurrying up the stairs to catch up.
Inside everything was white, the stone flooring tiles and all the walls. It looked so clean, so sterile, not what many would consider relaxing. Then again, maybe the color scheme was meant to appeal more to vampires. Whatever the reason, it caught the sunlight that bled through the many open windows and doorways, creating a natural ambient lighting throughout, leaving no need for a torch or candle. Once within the threshold you could smell a myriad of incense and warm oils, it was everywhere, encouraging the sensation of melting in one's muscles with each inhale. Okay, now that was relaxing.
Vanille did as Donovan said, remaining close by as the entourage moved along.
"Would you like your usual room, madam?" one of the attendees asked.
"Yes, that would be fine."
"What services would you enjoy this afternoon?"
"A warm bath...and a massage would be delightful. Is Rodrigo in today?"
"Yes, madam, I will be sure to let him know you're here. Will there be anything else?"
"I believe that will do, thank you."
The room the attendees lead them to was bright with light coming through a vast open window, no glass, only silken shades to dampen the breeze wafting through. Candles flickered, dozens of them, each a different color and with a different aroma in the smoke. Lavender, sandalwood, cinnamon, and warm honey. You know, those kind of scents that would make you wet yourself if you dared to enjoy them to the fullest.
The middle of the marble floor was sunken in and filled with water, a gentle veil of steam hovering over the surface. Nearby was a cushioned table much like the one in Donovan's office, but was most likely for another purpose entirely. There was another, smaller table, with fluffy white towels piled atop it, what looked to be just in reach of the bath.
There were dozens of rooms just like this one, along with others that were pitch black, without any openings to the outside, with rows of beds. It was a typical thing for council members and nobles to come here for a power nap in the middle of the day. And beneath them was the heart of the spa, a hollow but secure foundation where ovens were constantly working to keep the baths hot and the air spiced with botanicals through thin, almost invisible vents in the floor. An architectural wonder.
The attendees helped Kasa change clothes, into a simple white robe, before leaving her and her servant alone.
"Mind the door, would you? I don't wish to be disturbed."
Vanille jumped a little, not expecting to be spoken to. "Sh-should I wait outside?"
"Yes, that would be all right." and she stepped down into the warm water, ending the conversation.
Vanille quietly stepped through the silken veil that was meant to be the door, if you could really call it that. Personally I would've expected more privacy, but that's just me. She knelt down and tucked her legs beneath her right beside the opening, lacing her fingers together and letting her hands rest that way in her lap. For a long while she simply sat there, twiddling her thumbs, wondering why Donovan wasn't back yet as the minutes ticked by. Did it really take that long to stable a horse? And where was this Rodrigo fellow? Maybe she was over thinking this, or maybe, at this point, being idle just felt unnatural.
Fifteen minutes...twenty five minutes...a half hour passed and something didn't feel right. She jumped slightly at the steady thump, thump of boot heels coming down the hall. The tension eased when she saw it was Donovan, but only for a split second. He didn't acknowledge her presence at all as he strode passed her, stepping without a word into the room after shoving the silken curtain aside. Vanille turned onto her hands and knees, looking into the room to satisfy her uneasy curiosity. Kasa didn't appear to know he was there, her back to him and her head bent down as if napping. Vanille pulled the edge of the curtain aside, wanting to see more clearly. Somehow she was still certain that something was off kilter. Was it the way he walked? The way he lingered just at the edge of the bath, hands behind his back and silent? No, it wasn't that...wait just one damn minute...when did Donovan dye his hair? Or had it just spontaneously changed from blonde to black?
It hadn't.
Vanille reacted in a way she hadn't expected. She scrambled to her feet, breaking into a hard sprint towards whoever it was in the doctor's clothes. She shouted wordlessly as she leaped onto his back, latching onto him with both legs tight around his waist and both arms about his neck. The impact forced the hat and mask from his head, revealing him as a complete stranger, a very angry and seemingly determined stranger. He twisted hard, wildly in Vanille's grasp in attempts to grab her. With her added weight he lost his balance, splashing down into the bath as they fell.
Vanille held her breath all the while trying to keep her grip on the intruder. Somehow he managed to pry her arms apart, jerking himself around to face her, and his hands searching beneath the water for her. She panicked at the feeling of him squeezing her throat, her breath threatening to let itself go. Her heart was pounding, a cloud of precious air escaping from her open mouth as she clawed at his hands. He shook her hard, the back of her head smacking into marble as he pulled and pushed. As a last ditch effort to keep from drowning, she loosened her legs from around him and planted her feet on what felt like his stomach, pushing with all of her strength. When she felt him let go, she scrambled to get her head above water.
He didn't want to kill her, no, not the slave. She didn't know it, but he was doing her a favor. All he wanted was the Bloodchief, one of the many blood-sucking sacks of filth that had made his life a living hell. He reached into the front of the stolen leather coat, finding the knife he had smuggled in here, a knife he lifted from the corpse of a bondsman he'd killed this morning. He turned, his steps sloshing water on the risen floor, to face the now vulnerable vampire.
Vanille sputtered, trying to breathe, pulling herself half out of the water and onto the floor. She felt like throwing up, the tender spot on the back of her head alight with fresh pain. She turned her head, blinking her vision clear as it settled on the man. He looked poised to strike, arms out, knees bent, knife tightly gripped in one hand, and yet he just stood there. For several seconds he stood absolutely still. What was he waiting for, wondered a small spark of curiosity, but then her eyes fell on Kasa. She had stepped to the far end of the bath, a towel pressed against her naked body, and she was looking at him. Just...looking right at him with all the composure of a statue.
Vampires were blessed with many abilities, one of which being great strength. But, as you can imagine, that came to the men in greater measure than the women. But mother nature saw to it that they weren't entirely helpless. Something about their eyes, the slits would dilate until all you could see was black, an endless darkness that pierced right through you. Like looking down the barrel of a gun.
Vanille watched, terrified and amazed as the man was locked in Kasa's gaze, and then knife towards himself. There was a tightness in the man's face that betrayed a sense of resistance, a rebellious snarl, but it wasn't nearly enough to deny her intent. He buried the blade to the hilt in his chest, a gargling urk lurching out of his mouth before he collapsed. The water started turning red.
"Are you all right?"
Vanille heard Kasa, but was almost afraid to look at her. Afraid that gaze would make her do something. She only nodded, droplets of water falling from her chin and the tips of her hair.
The staff was alerted shortly after, and Donovan was found on the floor of the stables. His lip was split with a nasty bruise forming beside his mouth, but he was otherwise unharmed. And, naturally, a messenger was dispatched to the Lord Bloodchief at the citadel, who was likely to be here very soon. Until then, the resident bondsman of the spa stayed in the room, letting not a soul in or out.
"I don't know who he is." Donovan shook his head, a handkerchief pressed to the edge of his mouth. He looked down at the body that had been removed from the bath, the body still wearing his clothes. "I didn't even see him." No one had seen him, no one knew who he was or where he'd come from. There was a manacle around his neck that marked him as a slave, but that was the only clue to his identity. "Are you all right, madam?"
"Yes, I am." Kasa seemed untroubled as she sat in a chair, dressed in a fluffy white robe with her hands folded in her lap. "A little startled, but fine."
"I will be sure to have a closer look once we're home again." he nodded.
Vanille was quiet, her arms crossed over her chest to hold the towel around her shoulders. A little voice in her decided she was in a mild state of shock, unsure of what just happened or if it had even happened at all. The only thing she was assured of was that there was a body getting cold on the floor in front of her.
When Hassan arrived he was beside himself, nearly sprinting through the building to reach his wife. He shoved passed the bondsman, who wouldn't dare try to stop him, and he appeared on the verge of tears when he saw Kasa.
"My love, I came as fast as I could," he crossed the floor in only a few strides, arms open and falling to his knees when he reached her. "Are you hurt?" He held her tightly, his head pressed to her chest.
"I'm unharmed, husband." she hugged him back. "Although I may not have been so fortunate were it not for your gift. She saved my life."
Hassan looked up at her, surprise in his teary eyes. He kissed Kasa's hands before standing up and then walked to stand beside Vanille. She only looked up at him, feeling dwarfed by his height for a moment. She stood up when he gestured to her with his hand, and then suddenly stiffened when he put his arms around her and held her close.
"Thank you," he said, almost sobbed. "Thank you, thank you, thank you,"
She didn't know what to say, or what to feel. She hadn't even expected this to happen in the first place. And this feeling lasted even after he had released her from his sincere embrace.
Author's Note: This took a while, I know, bit of a hang up near the end. I knew what I wanted to do with it, I just wasn't sure how to go about it. Next chapter I'll be revisiting Lightning and Fang, and with any luck I'll be able to focus on them more intently after one last interlude with Vanille and the vamps. And thank you so much to "LazyMio" for you reviews. I'm very pleased to entertain you, and I only hope that I can continue to do so.