AN: Thanks to my reviewers, Fortune Zyne, Novthoniel, CrazyRabidChicken, and Aradia-Hornbeam

Aradia-Hornbeam: Don't worry, a Kaelin chap. Will be coming up eventually. Right now I just want to keep you guys in suspense a bit longer, lol. Thanks for the review!

CrazyRabidChicken: I beg to differ. I mean, it seemed as if they both had a thing for each other, but you're not really sure if they loved each other. Anyhoo, you might like this chap. Not exactly Anna-VH fluff, but Anna will discuss her feelings with someone. Thanks for the review!

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

The call of blazing fires seen through the trees had Van Helsing and the rest of the gang stopping. It seemed like a fine enough place to stay, however it was curious as to why there was such joyful noise. Still, it called to the weary travelers and they pulled to a stop just outside. Van Helsing climbed off his horse and glanced around, slowly gesturing for the others to follow him. They moved into the clearing to see a large festival going on. Anna dismounted and stood beside Van Helsing, watching with confusion.

"Excuse me," Van Helsing called to a young man running past. The person stopped and looked back.

"Ello," He said joyously.

"What's going on here?" Anna questioned.

"Celebration. The town elder has finally given us an heir," The man explained. "Come, join in on the fun." He darted away.

The kids slid off their horses looking around and taking in the sites with interest. Everything had been set up outside, despite the harsh cold. There were at least three bonfires that could be seen, which warmed the air. There was dancing and drinking all around. Some were even playing games. Young children were running around, some splattered in mud. Several adults were carrying large crates filled with whiskey and fruits saved up for a special occasion.

Van Helsing frowned at the scene. They needed a place to stay the night, in case Dracula returned. He didn't necessarily wish to stay here, but at the moment it seemed like the only choice. The next village was at least an hour's ride away, and they couldn't take that risk.

"We'll have to stay here," He announced to the group behind him.

The children nodded solemnly, still a little nervous from when he had yelled at them earlier. Anna and Carl exchanged a glance.

"Will they have room for visitors?" Anna inquired.

"They wish to share in their merriment," Van Helsing replied, looking around. "No doubt someone will be willing to offer up a place to stay the night."

"Perhaps it's best to try and find an inn to stay," Carl suggested, looking around nervously.

"In a town this small?" Anna replied. "It's unlikely that they would have an inn."

"Not that I'd expect to really have a say in anything," Dommy interrupted. "But I for one would not feel comfortable sharing a room with pigs."

"No one said you would be sharing a room with pigs," Amanda grumbled.

"This is the 1800's. People were hick farmers with only enough room in their houses for their families, and then tons of land for farm animals," Dommy countered.

"No one will be sleeping with pigs," Anna interrupted.

"In that case, can I not sleep in a room with Francis? He snores," Dommy said.

"Could you be normal for five minutes?" Amanda snapped.

"For a bit there I think I missed the arguing," Carl said. Van Helsing shook his head.

"I will inquire upon the villagers about a place to stay. Wait here," He instructed, fixing his hat and stalking off.

"He's still mad at us, isn't he?" Stefie asked nervously.

"He was never mad with you," Anna replied gently. "He was just worried. You should never have taken off like that. You put yourselves in danger, and that was a most dire thing to do. I understand your frustration, but we must not be rash at a time like this."

"Yes Mom," Dommy said, rolling his eyes.

"How is a young child like you involved in this?" Anna asked curiously.

"The funny tunnel on the wall pulled me through," Dommy replied.

"I don't understand," Anna said, seeming confused by the words. Dommy then began to explain the situation from the beginning and from his point of view. As Dommy gave the details of their trip so far, Stefie took Francis' hand and pulled him into the crowd.

Carl soon took notice of another man of the cross walking across the street. Curious, he followed after him, leaving only Anna, enthralled in Dommy's story, and Amanda, watching her brother. When Dommy finished, he looked around with a frown.

"I didn't realize I was that bad at telling stories," He said. The others looked around with confusion. Anna frowned when she noticed Carl, Stefie, and Francis were all gone. She quickly began to search through the crowd, Amanda joining in with her.

Dommy frowned, looking around the way while Anna and Amanda were distracted. He caught sight of what seemed to be a wise woman leaning on a crutch as she moved along. He grinned mischievously and rubbed his fingers together, demon horns practically appeared on his forehead. He glanced back at his sister and Anna, and then darted away so quickly he was hardly even noticed.

When Amanda and Anna turned back, they both looked surprised to see Dommy gone. "When I get my hands on that kid," Amanda muttered under her breath with a frown.

"Where could everyone have gone?" Anna asked with concern, watching as the partying continued, everyone out of sight.

"I'm sure my brother has gone off to do some damage, no doubt," Amanda said with a frown. "Stefie most likely has dragged Francis away to enjoy the fun, and Carl is most likely doing something boring."

"You seem to know them all well," Anna said softly. Amanda shrugged.

"I'm, probably wrong about Carl," She replied. "But I'm almost certain on the others." She suddenly frowned, looking at Anna. "Where's Justine?"

"Who?"

"The blond girl. We left her behind because she would have been too afraid to come, but she's not here with you."

"Oh, Van Helsing commanded her to stay with Ian," Anna replied.

"I bet she liked that," Amanda said with a grin.

"Why would you say that?" Anna inquired.

"I think Justine has a thing for your dear … cousin, was it?"

"Yes," Anna replied. "That is very interesting. But from what you say, I'm sure it would not last."

I think it's just a crush," Amanda replied. Then she frowned, looking at Anna out of the corner of her eye. "I don't want to butt-in, err, inquire upon something that isn't necessarily my business, but what exactly is going on with you and Van Helsing?"

"What?" Anna asked, looking with surprise at the girl.

"Well, I know you kissed and everything, but I have a theory that that was simply off of an adrenaline rush. Do you really like the guy, or what?"

"That is hardly an appropriate subject for a young lady," Anna said.

"First thing, you had no trouble discussing Justine and Ian," Amanda pointed out.

"They are children," Anna replied. "They do not know anything of real feelings."

"Second," Amanda continued. "I'm from the one hundred and some odd years in the future. Where I'm from, it's hardly inappropriate to discuss anything of that sort. So spill."

"Van Helsing is a very … captivating man," Anna said quietly.

Amanda grinned. "Alright, we're getting somewhere. Go on." When Anna didn't continue she frowned again. "If you don't tell me, who are you going to tell?"

"No one. These things should not be discussed," Anna said.

"You do like him, don't you?" Amanda asked.

"I would hardly know if what I feel for Mr. Van Helsing is just something left over from all those years before. I barely know him anymore," Anna said.

"I don't think he's changed too much," Amanda replied. "Aside from being a bit more … depressed, I suppose. I really think he feels guilty about what happened to you."

"He doesn't need to," Anna said. "Still, this is a time not for romance, but for work. We must once again rid the world of Dracula, and those women."

"I don't know," Amanda said. "If this is as much of a story as your last escapade together was, I'd think there would be an excellent chance of you two hooking up."

The two stood in silence for a few moments, before a group of people holding hands dancing about grabbed onto Anna and pulled her in. She, in turn, grabbed Amanda, and the two joined the festivities. Moments later Van Helsing returned, staring at the empty spot with vague concern. He glanced around, seeing Stefie and Francis emerge from the crowd with a group for others, preparing for an archery competition. Carl was standing with the monk and another man by a closed stand in a heated discussion. He caught a glimpse of Dommy running over to Stefie and Francis with a walking stick in his hand, an old woman watching from the distance as she sat on a bundle of crates. Finally he saw Anna and Amanda circle around with the dancers, now laughing and allowing themselves to enjoy the festivities. He pressed his hat further over his head, resolving to allow them all a chance to relax before they were all faced with the dangerous task ahead.

He sighed and then turned, marching over to the beverage stand.