~O~

Carousel I

The Lycans had stirred from slumber, snarling at the arrival of a visitor in the Stronghold. Radu had been sound asleep, nestled in a bed of old clothes when he sniffed the air sleepily. He rose, walked up and found Sofia standing there.

He grinned up at her. "Hi!" he said. "Oh..."

He blinked, surprised by the scent.

The Lycans were hissing at Sofia, recoiling away from her. Their eyes were menacing, their teeth displayed in challenge; the larger one wielding his hammer looked down at her as well, baring his teeth with a throaty snarl in his throat. Radu looked up at him and nodded reassuringly.

"It's okay," he said, "She's nice." He looked up at Sofia with a curious smile. "But she smells different. Like the tall one."

Sofia laughed softly. "I have gifts."

Radu lit up immediately. "Really?"

"Yes."

Sofia walked out of the chamber, then returned carrying an enormous bag over her shoulder. She placed it at Radu's feet and he eagerly reached inside. He pulled out a jacket and held it up to himself, smiling with a show of his crooked teeth.

"Thanks, Miss!" he said, "I have fur, but it still gets cold sometimes."

Sofia was happy watching the Lycans dig through the bag for more coats. They seemed to be cautious about the offerings, sharing snarls and hissing sounds between one another. The larger one loomed over Sofia, black eyes difficult to read. She looked up at him with a calm smile on her face. He seemed to consider something before looking down at Radu. The boy was happily trying on a pair of socks and his expression softened before he gave Sofia a small nod.

A silent gesture of respect.

"Thank you." Sofia told him.

Radu quickly shot up, embracing her. It startled Sofia for a moment before she smiled warmly and gave his head a gentle pet.

"Thank you." he said. "They're not always so nice to us. It's a good feeling when someone is."

Sofia nodded in response. "Yes."

She looked at the Lycans, who continued snarling quietly at her. The smells from them were overpowering, but she could see there was a basic understanding; they were calmer now, not nearly as hostile, but still on the edge if need be.

Sofia turned, making her way out of the Stronghold. She spotted the Duke down the bridge, distributing supplies to a villager. When he saw her there, he brightened.

"Ah! Lady Sofia!" he greeted, stretching out his arms in welcome. "It's so good to see you. How have you been - Oh, there's something different about you."

Sofia smiled, nodding her head. The Duke chuckled, delighted.

"You've had a touch of immortality," he continued, "I knew you had it in you."

Sofia looked beyond her shoulder. "The sun. It...burns me."

"Ah, I may have something for that." the Duke assured her. "Check my wares. The crate on your right."

Sofia frowned thoughtfully and turned toward an open crate. She began to dig through it, not quite sure what she was looking for.

She finally found a container and read the label.

"S-Sunscreen?" Sofia questioned.

"Yes. It's worth a try, isn't it?" the Duke said, with a light laugh.

Sofia smiled thinly, nodding her head. It seemed to make sense and she had little to lose just trying it out for the time being.

"How much?" she asked.

"For you? Free."

"Oh?" Sofia raised her eyebrows. "Th-Thank you."

"And I have something else for you." the Duke handed her a flier.

Sofia looked at it, reading the elaborate details of a traveling carnival. She was intrigued by the colorful designs of wolves and tigers.

"There's a carnival traveling around Europe." the Duke explained. "They may arrive here for a short time. It could be fun!"

Sofia smiled. She agreed that it would be fun to see a carnival; it'd been a while since she had fun like that, after all.

O

Sofia watched Alcina soaking herself in the blood bath. The taller woman had stretched back, languid and content like a graceful lioness. She pointedly eyed her in her robe with a show of teeth and Sofia blushed a little, suddenly shy once more.

"Really, darling?" Alcina said, her tone light with amusement. "Still so shy? Come. Join me."

She beckoned with one long finger and Sofia undid the ties of the robe around her waist, letting it pool to the floor at her feet. The sight of her naked form made Alcina sigh with pleasure. She lingered her gaze at the Cadou scar across Sofia's chest for a moment before meeting Sofia's eyes.

"You know, there isn't a single thing in this world more soothing than a blood bath," Alcina explained, "Especially when you have such a darling little treat to go with it."

Sofia grinned, taking a step into the bath. She felt her senses invigorated by the scent, her flesh prickling when Alcina took her hand, pulling her into her lap. The blood dripped in little rivers across her collar and breasts, making the sight of her far more irresistible.

"Mmm, my little hummingbird," Alcina breathed, adoringly.

Sofia shuddered, leaning her head back to give her room to nose her way into her throat. Her tongue licked a long, scorching path along her skin, lapping up every drop of blood in its path. Sofia swallowed thickly, letting out a quiet gasp in Alcina's ear.

"How wonderful you taste." Alcina continued, her breath thick and hungry.

The warmth of the bath, coupled with the sensation of their flesh together felt wonderful; Sofia groaned happily, shivering with a wanton noise when lips moved to her chest, teasing her hardened nipples. But she didn't stop there. She moved her mouth up her shoulder, her arm and stopping at her wrist, kissing the skin there.

Sofia rolled her hips against Alcina's knee; she couldn't help herself, grinding down a little that drew the attention of the Lady holding her.

A deep, alluring chuckle left Alcina's lips as she kissed the woman's chest again, teasing the hardened bud of a nipple with her tongue. A whimper burst from Sofia's throat and the sensation on her chest distracted her from the fingers slipping deeply into her core.

Sofia cried out, clutching tightly to her shoulders as she thrust her hips down onto those deep, probing fingers. Alcina let out a hungry growl, teeth pressing deeply into her shoulder, thrusting her hand in time with Sofia's movements. The other woman's solid nails dug into her back, but not hard enough to draw her blood.

"Don't hold back, little one," Alcina hissed against her skin. "I will bear the pain."

Sofia whimpered and jerked, nodding once and her claw-like nails sliced into her skin as she let out a strangled groan to follow. Alcina snarled softly at the stinging pain of the slices, heat shooting straight to her thighs; only Sofia transformed had ever drawn such a feeling before, and she was damn happy to experience it.

Sofia was close, she could tell given the way she moved her hips faster, her sounds drawing closer and closer together; her body clenching tightly around her fingers as if her life depended on it. Her teeth bared as she struggled to resist finishing so soon.

"Yes, darling," Alcina growled against her ear now, teeth nipping the soft shell of it, "Don't be shy."

Well, that was the end of her. Sofia finished with a hoarse cry against her shoulder, stiffening and jerking her hips several more times into her hand to ride out the last vestiges of her orgasm. Alcina chuckled affectionately, giving her a little kiss against her neck before brushing a lock of wet hair back behind her ear. The woman in her arms continued to shiver, moaning softly several more times before smiling.

"I have a much better use for your tongue and hands," Alcina laughed, her voice husky as Sofia nipped playfully at her jaw. She appreciated the fact that the woman was growing more confident now with her, but she was still in charge.

Sofia reached up to her shoulders, but Alcina shook her head with a grin and a show of teeth, raising herself a little out of the bath, spreading her thighs and cupping Sofia's chin with one hand. The smoldering look she gave the woman in the bath made Sofia's shudder with anticipation. She ran her hands across her thick, beautiful thighs and Alcina guided her right between them.

Sofia devoured every sound she managed to draw from Alcina's lips as she suckled and licked; her mouth teased the sensitive bud of her clit, Alcina breathing hoarsely above her and demanding her fingers. She certainly did not hesitate to push three of them into her.

Watching the woman servicing her, soaked in the blood of the bath made Alcina groan, filling her with fire; such a sight she'd never thought would arouse her so much. The noise had made Sofia look up from her task, earning a wide grin from her.

"Yes, little one," she rasped. "Yes! Don't stop."

Sofia thrilled at the sounds she made, moaning quietly when she felt Alcina's hand smooth up and down her back before giving her backside a squeeze. She twitched her hips back for more and Alcina let out a throaty chuckle, pressing one long finger into her.

She jerked down onto the finger, mouth and hand working hard to please her Lady. Both were getting close; Sofia's hands working to find that place deep inside of her and when she did, Alcina finished with a fierce shout, tossing her head and riding her face hard. Sofia eagerly consumed every bit of her release as she could, but her thighs quivered and she panted against Alcina for more.

"P-Please." she begged.

Alcina chuckled breathlessly, taking only a moment to recover before she stabbed her finger into the smaller woman to help her along. It didn't take long before Sofia finished again with a keening cry against her thigh.

Alcina removed her finger, giving her sensitive cunt a few wet pats before lifting her up for a fierce kiss of teeth and tongue. Sofia melted against her and both women took a moment to collect themselves.

Sofia was still trembling and Alcina smiled down at her. She brushed a sticky lock of hair from her forehead and Sofia returned the smile, her eyes closing once to appreciate the little gesture.

O

"Sunscreen, really?"

The sunscreen was applied to Sofia's arms and the other woman had given her an awkward smile in response, shrugging her shoulders.

"You had the utmost desire to visit that den of mutts and the Duke simply gives this to you for free?" Alcina questioned.

"Radu," Sofia explained, "W-Wanted to give him clothes."

Alcina watched as the maids performed the task, eventually smiling with amusement. Her three daughters were even taking delight in the sight. Sofia sniffed her arms a little, wrinkling her nose.

"Yes, the scent leaves much to be desired." Alcina agreed, also making a face at the terrible smell. "Still, perhaps we should indulge this idea anyway. It would be a reprieve if we were to stave off the sun, even for a short time."

The maid finished coating Sofia's hand in the sunscreen and turned toward the door. Another maid opened it and the warmth of the sun welcomed them. Daniela skipped outside and the other two followed. Alcina watched them with amusement before she looked down at Sofia.

"Alright, darling. Go on." she encouraged. "If it doesn't stop your flesh from burning, I'm here to pull you back."

Sofia nodded nervously. She blinked, slowly made her way toward the door and carefully reached her arm out into the rays of the sun. Squeezing her eyes shut, she anticipated brutal pain with her flesh blistering. When it didn't happen, she opened one eye and looked at her arm, which still remained pristine and pale.

"It works!" Bela gasped.

Sofia let out a pleased laugh, staring at her hand with a mystified smile. She stepped outside with Alcina and looked up toward the sun, taking a moment to appreciate its warmth. Alcina watched her with a soft smile before gesturing for her to follow her into the garden. Maids were tending to the flowers blooming and she eyed them with approval.

"Perhaps I could have the Duke bring us these little bottles monthly for you," Alcina suggested. She paused, leaned down to take in the smells of the flowers before regarding Sofia again. "I assume your trip to the Stronghold was to your satisfaction?"

Sofia nodded her head. "Yes. They were...h-happy."

Alcina murmured an affirmative. She wasn't nearly as interested in the well-being of the dogs lurking behind the walls of the Stronghold; Mother Miranda had ordered them to be kept in line, after all. They were smelly, filthy failures serving no use. Still, Sofia seemed to like them, much to her disapproval.

Her mind went back to Mother Miranda, growing uncertain of her choice; it wasn't like her to do things for no reason and she knew that Sofia was far from an interest to her. She had disguised it as a lesson to Alcina in some way. Even when they held their meetings with the others, Miranda had always been staring at her with a smile on her face; like a serpent waiting to strike the unsuspecting mouse.

"Oh!" Sofia snapped her from her thoughts with the flier. "Car-nival."

Alcina studied the flier for a moment, making a face. Her three daughters immediately circled her to look at the flier with curiosity.

"A carnival!" Daniela said, with a grin.

"Sounds delightful." Alcina murmured, with a wrinkle of her nose. "But Mother Miranda would never allow such a thing in the village."

Sofia looked disappointed.

O

"No."

The Duke chuckled at Miranda's immediate response. "Think of it, fair Miranda," he explained, "Allowing a carnival would keep village morale quite high. It would certainly distract them from their day-to-day woes and they would certainly thank you for it."

"They should be grateful for what I've already given them."

"As they are." the Duke added, rubbing his hands together. "But if the Benevolent Supreme Mother offers one night of merriment, when she otherwise would not? Well, I think there would be no question of your generosity and - "

"Enough." Miranda interrupted, annoyed by his brown-nosing.

"As you wish."

Miranda sighed, rolling her eyes. Then, she looked thoughtful. Perhaps distracting them for one night would be a benefit.

"Very well." she replied. "One night. That is all."

Upon her departure, she made her way to her laboratory, studying Sofia's notes. There was a detailed map of the skeleton of the other woman, measuring her wingspan when her arms opened.

Subject Name: Sofia Petrescu

Cadou Affinity: Favorable

Brain Functions: Normal

Appears as a normal human with red eyes and pale skin; a possible mutation in the parasite. Can mutate upper limbs at will for use in flight. No further mutation has been observed as of yet.

The subject can heal any external wound within seconds. Appears to suffer from Solar Urticari which results in blistered flesh. Patient has also observed to have experienced illusions and perceptual distortions.

Starvation was attempted and the subject's delusions appeared to worsen. Seems to excrete vemon from nails that halt regeneration in other Cadou-infected beings.

Unfit vessel for Eva. Continued observations for alternate use.

A thin smile lit her lips.

O

The village buzzed with excitement that evening.

The carnival had been set up with its leader making his announcement on a soap box. He was a Spaniard dressed in a black suit, cloak and tophat. His eyes were warm, friendly and his smile kind as he regarded the people of the village.

"A good evening to all of you!" he addressed them. "I am Diego Cortes, troupe master to our traveling family. It is an honor to be welcomed into your village."

Applause from the villagers. He chuckled and regarded each face among the crowd.

Meanwhile, Sofia was eagerly taking in the attractions with Alcina at her side. The taller woman wrinkled her nose with dismay, scanning each booth.

"I do hope my dear daughters are enjoying this." she said. "They were eager to witness such a spectacle and I'd much rather return to the castle. The things I do to make them happy..."

"It's fun!"

"Ah yes, rigged games destined to drain the common man of every penny and vagabonds the world throws away." Alcina sighed, regarding the sights around her. "Still, I suppose there is a charm to this. After all, one rarely sees merriment in this village. I suppose I could endure for the moment."

"You...ever g-go?" Sofia looked up at her.

Alcina licked her lips. "Once or twice. One tends to lose track when blessed with immortality."

Sofia grinned at her.

"Why must you look at me that way?" Alcina frowned her disapproval. "When I left the village, my music band performed at these little things before."

"F-Fun." Sofia stopped at a stand filled with stuffed animals. "And cute."

"Ah, you'll be wanting one of these, I assume." Alcina regarded a stuffed goat in a suit. "Hm. Looks like my nephew Alphonse from Bulgaria."

"M-may I?" Sofia asked.

Alcina rolled her eyes. "I suppose. But the ungodly thing stays free of my chambers."

A grin of delight. "Thank you."

"Your need for these silly things," Alcina made another face. "I swear you're becoming more and more like my grandfather; his hoarding became the death of him. Soon you'll be having these things stacking in my castle to haunt me."

Sofia giggled as she retrieved the plush goat.

Alcina's gaze softened as she watched Sofia eagerly take in the sights of the carnival around them. Normally, such things would have repulsed her and she'd make an effort to avoid them as much as possible. Damn the woman for her charming, innocent ways.

"How are you feeling?" she eventually questioned.

Sofia looked up at her before they took a seat near the fountain. "I'm okay."

"Nothing has changed within you?"

"No." Sofia shook her head.

"Mother Miranda blessed you with immortality as well," Alcina continued, watching the village, "And yet, she loathed the thought of you."

"Yes..."

Alcina's brow wrinkled somewhat. "Forgive me for my doubts, draga." she said, hesitantly. "They have nothing at all to do with you. I am happy to have you by my side, as you well know. Mother Miranda's will is always unknown to us, even her closest Four. I - "

Suddenly, her three daughters approached, arguing with one another. Alcina rose, raising two hands to silence them and Sofia looked surprised.

"What are you three arguing about?" she asked.

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "They're saying it's my fault."

"It is." Bela snapped, glaring at her. "You made a mess like you always do."

"Shut up. He deserved it."

Daniela looked up at her mother now. "We were wandering the carnival looking for something to do when one of the carnival men tried to slap her ass."

"So I bit his hand off." Cassandra explained, as if it were no big deal.

"And one gets upset and calls her a 'crazy sow'." Bela added, with a grimace. "So I sewed his lips shut."

Alcina gave a chuckle of amusement and Sofia raised her eyebrows.

"Yes, I see." Alcina smiled at her daughters. "Perhaps I may enjoy the carnival yet."

O

Note - This chapter was inspired by the song "The Carnival" by Amanda Jenssen.