The Fury of the Night
Chapter 6: Home
Raven cried out in joy as David pulled the front wheel of the bike up into a long wheelie and tightened her grip around his waist. He smiled as her thighs tightened around his as well, letting out a whoop of pleasure at being in the night, being on the high-powered motorcycle, being immortal, and being in such close proximity to the most beautiful, most lethal night creature he had ever beheld. He was so much older than his human shell, and spent a good deal of his time leading with solemn dignity, but he was as Raven was, and it felt good to let loose and to indulge in wildness, in recklessness, knowing he would survive it all. After all, his eternal youth was meant to be enjoyed. He reached down and squeezed her hand briefly, his mind reaching out to hers.
"Almost there, Most Beautiful Bird." he said quietly. "I truly hope you like it."
Raven telepathically give him a bright smile and whispered back, "I am most certain I will, David. Most certain."
In a few minutes, the bikes rounded a sharp curve and came to a stop in a neat line on a large rocky ledge looking out over the ocean. David reached back a hand and Raven took it gratefully, dismounting gracefully.
"Boys, go light it up and give it that 'homey' feel so our guest can have a proper look around." David ordered, and the others took off jumping and running down a steep downward path along the cliff face, shouting joyfully and shoving each other in rough play.
David let out a small laugh and reached out a leather-clad hand to Raven, who took it immediately.
"Lady…"he gestured before him toward the path.
"Sir…" she smiled, gesturing back at him to take the lead. They both chuckled. Their occasional formality or oddness of speech came from being of a time long in the past and of nuances collected along their paths to present day, and they were able to synch into each other when a reference, whether in speech or mannerism, came out, an added pleasure of their coming together for both of them.
David led her, occasionally turning back to take her by the waist to lift her from a higher ledge or stone down to where he had jumped. He knew she could fly more effortlessly than the bird she was named for, but he was really beginning to enjoy touching her whenever he could and sensed her pleasure at it as well. Over the course of the night, beginning with their brief embrace in front of Star, continuing with their kiss of fire as they fell from the bridge, and most recently with the passionate clashing of their "others" after feeding, something had definitely loosened between them, or perhaps…tightened. Neither had given in to serious physical pleasure with another immortal in what felt like forever to both of them. When it did happen, especially with those like he and Raven, it was with an intensity that literally could cause the earth to shake. He had never experienced it to that level, but something deep inside him knew that if another could make him feel like that, it would be this dark beautiful creature who was holding tight to his hand as he led her down into the darkness.
Raven, stepping lightly over rocks and winding through narrow passages between sheer cliffs of stone as she followed David felt excitement as she began to see the reflection of flames on the rock walls. She could smell a mix of the boy's musk, along with clean fire and hear the crash of the ocean behind her, mixed with teasing laughter from inside. David turned to her and took her by her waist, spinning her around and setting her down before him. He leaned down to her ear and said quietly,
"Welcome to our home, Midnight Raven. I sincerely hope you like it here. If you find you would be more comfortable in 'easier' surroundings, I would be more than happy to obtain another residence for you during your stay."
Raven took a step forward and looked around in wonder. They stood inside a cavern with a great, high ceiling. Firelight from large barrels and from a thousand candles lit the entire space, yet a slight ocean breeze did not allow the soot to collect, whisking it away at once. There was what appeared to be a huge water fountain sitting in the middle of the cavern with an assortment of candles placed around the rim while a heavy chandelier hung from the rock ceiling above. The walls were decorated with posters depicting rock bands and movies alongside vintage paintings, and a collection of surf boards lined a whole wall. There were painted rocks and art made of sea shells here and there; jumbles of fishing floats in all sizes and colors twisted in heavy ropes; even a huge iron anchor leaned against the fountain. There seemed to be numerous passageways that led out from the main room, and as Raven sent her mind out through them, she found they mostly hosted the boys sleeping or lounging areas. Some led upward toward the surface, ending in narrow cracks. Others ran downward, toward other small caverns, one lined with luminous seaweed from where the ocean came up from far beneath and flooded it occasionally. She pulled her mind's reaching tendrils back, and absorbed more of the main cavern. On an elevated level sat an ornate Victorian style chair. In another place was the large table she had seen herself and David at. It was surrounded by various maps stuck to the stone walls and several large leather-bound books were scattered across it's surface and a variety of straight back chairs set around it, while an ornate Persian rug of deep maroon was covering the rock floor beneath it. She then noted a sleeping area off to one side with a large mattress and a chest of drawers behind flowing sheets of thin flowery gauze. This was where Star slept, she devined, as she could smell the girl's scent coming from the general area. She stepped further into the great space, turning and turning, taking more and more detail in.
David had remained where he was, just inside the cavern's entrance. He watched in rapt fascination as Raven took in everything. He watched as she turned, crimson eyes flowing here then there then back again; he felt her mind send out runners along the twisting passages and then come back in to herself. She was so silent; her mind so still…Finally she ceased her turning and stopped, facing him. He held his breath in anticipation.
She spoke, looking deeply into his eyes."This. Is. Wonderful." She smiled hugely, stepping toward David and taking his hands in both of hers. He returned the smile and stepped forward, with a little sigh of relief. He had wanted her to like it so badly, and now, she did in fact, seem to.
"Oh David," she breathed, "This is sooo fantastic. It's like a dream. A secret hideaway; an oceanside escape. It's just so fabulous. What IS all of this? How did you ever accomplish this?"
David explained to her how the luxurious Hotel Atlantis had been built right on the fault line and how it had simply been swallowed up when a big earthquake had hit Santa Carla many years ago. How the human's disastrous folly had become his cozy and secure home. Raven's smile grew wider still at his tale.
"All we did was add a little plumbing-like that shower Marko mentioned that is fed by the ocean-, a couple of escape exits, and threw in some decorations. Voilá. We find most of our treasures in the ocean or on the beach. It's a rare occasion when we actually purchase anything except our clothing or a food or drink treat. Some things we can't resist, though. Music, tv, movies, things such as that."
"Or an original Monet…" Raven grinned, tipping her head toward one wall where an oil painting hung obscurely between an Aerosmith concert poster and an advertisement for a freakshow on the boardwalk from 1967.
David's eyes briefly widened in surprise, then he let out a deep chuckle that vibrated up from deep in his chest.
"Dwayne, you're busted!" he exclaimed heartily.
Raven turned to where Dwayne was standing on the lip of the fountain looking at her in shock.
"How did you…" he began, then his mouth snapped shut as he looked back at the painting and then at Raven again. "How did you know?" he asked in wonder, momentarily forgetting her age and the colossal wealth of knowledge she carried with her from centuries upon centuries.
Raven walked slowly to where the painting hung, admiring it's detail in the bright firelight.
"Camille With A Small Dog", done in the spring of 1866." she said as she reached out a delicate finger, running it along the ornate frame.
The boys all had fallen silent and turned to her, mesmerized by the music of her voice.
"Claude was not fond of that little beast; it nipped at him every chance it got and took delight in soiling the rugs in his studio…but Camille adored it. She found it cowering beneath some rose bushes in their back yard, almost drowned from the pouring rain, and took it in. He, of course, pretended to be furious and said that he would not allow it in the home, but Camille loved the dog and Claude loved Camille, and so the dog came in." Raven was looking deeply into the painting now, running her eyes over it, but seeming to look into it.
Dwayne had stepped down from the lip of the fountain and now moved slowly to stand behind Raven, but at a small distance. The others continued to listen raptly, even David.
"Poor Camille though;" Raven let out a small laugh, "She could never understand why little Jean Claude forever went into fits and hid upstairs every time I visited."
Dwayne's eyes widened a little more. "You…you knew him? Them?" he asked quietly.
Raven seemed to come back into the present and turned, walking past Dwayne and speaking softly as she went.
"He had terrible migraines that kept him awake; likely caused by the poor light in his studio and his voraciousness while he was working. He could barely look away from the canvas once every few hours, so intently did he focus, forever trying to get just the right tint to his colors, just the right angle and depth to his shadows. Often he would take long walks during the late night hours and stop at a café in my neighborhood that was popular for it's late hours. I was an early fan of his work and approached him one night to tell him how I admired his style over that of Degas, and we talked for hours over hot tea. Mostly about painting, but also of his wife and family. He ended up inviting me to his home to view his studio and meet his wife, of course. I was already beginning to think of excuses, as I was sure I would never be able to go, hindered by the light as we are, but to my delight, he suggested a late-evening invitation given the fact he liked to work the day away and only took repose in the evenings, long after the sun had set. Of course I accepted. Two nights after that, I arrived at their humble home and received the most gracious greeting. Camille had prepared tea for us and a late snack of light meats and pudding." Raven turned to the boys and smiled as she saw how intently they were listening. She looked at David and giggled. "Of course I could NOT partake of the meats; they smelled positively rancid-I believe it was mutton, but I did take tea and some pudding that was really very good."
David gave a small smile as he listened, and caught the wistful emotions coming from her. These memories were fond ones, but they came with a touch of true sadness as well.
He watched as she turned and walked along the outer wall of the cavern, her gaze coming back to land upon the painting time and time again, her crimson eyes flashing with the reflection of the firelight.
"She was so wonderfully charming, asking questions of my life and how I came to be in Paris. I felt badly for having to lie to her about virtually everything except my interest in Claude's art, but she never knew the difference. She made sure of my comfort, having Claude add to the fire and constantly warming my tea. When he ushered me to his studio, she came with us, and I could see the pride in her eyes when he showed me a piece he was working on. They were such a divine couple…" At this she paused briefly and focused her gaze on Dwayne.
"What made you chose this particular painting?" she asked directly.
Dwayne looked back towards the object, studying it before answering.
"At initial glance, it was the red of her shawl. It's such a unique color. Then, I was drawn by the realism of the dog's shaggy coat. How many thousands of brushstrokes it must have taken to get that just right…Then the stripes of her dress; the way it makes me feel as if I can reach out and touch the fabric." He paused for a moment, then continued. "But the real reason is because of her. There is something about the line of her jaw; it looks so determined but gentle. And her browline; I can almost picture them coming together when she frowned. The line of her lips is so firm; I can't picture her smiling often or laughing, at least not in public. Her eyes look to be magnificent; deepset and large, brown I like to imagine. I wish I could explain it better; she just draws me in whenever I look at her. The guys all tease me—tell me I have a crush on a painting." He ended and looked down at the floor of the cave.
Raven let his feelings enter her, and moved to stand before him. She knew he had spoken with absolute truth and sincerity; he had shared with her. She reached out and slowly lifted his chin so he was looking into her red eyes.
"She was exactly how you describe her. Her jaw was strong, with hollows beneath each side where she placed one drop of perfume each morning. Perfume that smelled of night-blooming jasmine. For all that strength of bone, she could be the most gentle woman on the earth, taking in stray animals and children daily until Claude despaired they would ever have a moment of peace. She could not bear cruelty to children or animals and would speak very openly against either. And how her brows would indeed meet right in the middle when she frowned…usually when she spoke about the aforementioned topics. Her lips were the firmest soft pink without a line upon them and she did not smile often in public; at home, however, she was different. And her eyes…her eyes were the deepest brown and ever so deep; you could feel yourself falling into them at times as you were engaged in conversation. If you had been there in that time, Dwayne, you would have fallen at her feet.
"Claude loved her much and he painted her often. He said he could never do her justice, but I feel he has, with this very painting. You chose well, Dwayne. You chose rightly."
At this, she released his chin and turned around, taking a few steps away, then turning back towards him. She looked past him, at the painting of Camille Monet.
"He was brokenhearted when she died. He never got over it. He thought of killing himself often for a time. I even thought briefly of changing him, but instantly knew I could not. Doing such a thing would only make his loss eternal, not ease his pain, and neither could I simply kill him to unburden him.
"In some things, we should not interfere, you see, Dwayne. And eternal love is like that. It must be left to it's own ends by those who are involved. We are night creatures and will take life to continue our own existence, but when given a choice, we should never interfere with love…nor with pure hate. Each must be given the chance to run their true course. If we interfere unnecessarily, we run the risk of causing an imbalance in the wheel that turns the world. And it often can come back to us, and not in a pleasant way."
Raven seemed to sigh deeply then, as she looked again to the painting.
"Yes, you have chosen well, Dwayne." Raven said, running her eyes over Camille's face again. "Do not be ashamed of being drawn to her. I was not…" she ended on a whisper, leaning into his ear. "She kissed me once, innocently enough, on the cheek. But afterward, I was enraptured with her, and when she died, I was sad for decades…" She pulled back then and spoke more loudly. "And do not let them tease you about your taste in art; which is most excellent." she ended firmly and reached out, giving one of his hands a squeeze.
Dwayne had caught his breath at the secret whispered in his ear and looked as stunned as a vampire could. He smiled hugely at her when she squeezed his hand and felt pride that she had confided in him. He stood a little straighter as she turned back toward the others.
David had, of course, heard what she shared, as he was fascinated with the story he had entered her mind and had rested there quietly as she had shared her tale.
"How many magnificent tales like that does she have to tell?" he wondered, and knew the answer was unfathomable.
Raven looked around at the other boys, smiling, as she decided to lighten the mood.
"You all must think I am incredibly boring, not to mention a teller of long tales. I'm afraid I lost myself to the moment. Your home is so wonderful, I cannot wait to find what other treasures are hidden here!" she exclaimed in truth. Her bright smile was infectious and the others returned it.
"That was amazing!" Marko enthused, jumping up onto the fountain rim.
"MORE than amazing." Paul smiled.
David had removed his trenchcoat and the lighter jacket beneath it and moved to take a seat on the big chair that sat up on the rocky elevation. His voice echoed across the room as he spoke.
"We do not think you are either boring OR a teller of long tales. We think you to be exquisite and are delighted you are here with us, are we not?" he challenged his boys.
They all whooped and hollered toward the ceiling, howling in delight. Raven laughed in joy. Paul had pulled a boombox from somewhere and the sound of light rock softly filled the air.
Raven watched David, studying him as he let his long frame relax in the chair and let his head tip back against it's frame, closing his eyes. She felt an outpouring of relaxation and contentment from him. She walked over to where he lounged and sat softly down on a big pillow off to one side at his feet, as the boys began a good-natured argument about who would shower first.
"Long night?" she asked teasingly in a soft voice.
"Not 'long'." he answered, opening his eyes and looking at her, taking in her beauty, more pronounced in the firelight. "More like 'intensely pleasurable." He gave her a devastating grin then, showing his deep dimples.
Raven grinned back, lowering her long black lashes. "Hmmmm," she said, "That's exactly the way I would describe it."
He laughed then, the deep sound echoing back from across the chamber. He stretched and threw one leg over an arm of the chair.
"Thank you for sharing your story with Dwayne; with all of us. And for being supportive of him and for sharing about how the wheel can come unbalanced." He paused for a moment, then continued. "I have taught them much, and they continue to learn, but there is so much yet to teach…It is a tremendous help when a lesson comes from another as well. I think they get tired of having to listen to only my voice." He spoke quietly, looking off into the fire contained within a barrel nearby.
"You are welcome if indeed there is some small thing I have done to aid in their education. You have done so very well with them and continue to do so. Don't worry; they haven't been around long enough to even begin to chafe at the bit yet. Trust me." Raven let out a small snort, causing David's eyes to turn to her again. She was so powerful, yet she was being so humble before him, causing him to be even further intrigued and drawn to her. He knew if she was in the company of others than he and his boys she would never have shared such a personal story as she had done, and never offered such words of encouragement and supportive education to a being ranked lower than herself. Secrets and softness led only to betrayal; this was a lesson they both knew well. Yet she had shared, and she had shown softness. And here she was, sitting at his feet like a servant, looking up at him with attentiveness.
He suddenly wanted to reach down and draw her onto his lap and hold her in his embrace.
"Would she come willingly?" he wondered, thinking perhaps she had had her fill of physicality with him.
To his surprise, being fully inside his own mind, Raven stood at once, rising gracefully from the pillow. She looked deeply into his eyes, which were now a deeper shade of blue, and said firmly,
"Yes, My Night King. I would most willingly come and would enjoy the comfort of your arms much. Please, may I?"
David's eyes never left hers; he simply reached out a hand to her. Raven took it and he gently pulled her up onto his lap. She settled between his legs, and threw hers atop his as it still rested on the arm of the chair. Then she settled herself back against his iron chest as his arms came around her, taking her against him. She closed her eyes briefly and snuggled her head more tightly into his shoulder, then opened them to find him looking raptly down at her.
"You fit there perfectly, Little Bird. Just like I knew you would." he breathed.
"Mmmmm…." she almost moaned. "It does feel so very good…and right. I've heard that the devil is in the design of the details…" and smirked a little as she continued to look deeply into those blue wells. "Tell me, David, tell me true. Am I where I'm supposed to be? Because I could swear that I am, but this…and with that she gestured to their bodies touching each other so closely, "This was not foreseen or expected. I am in no way troubled by it and I do not have the words for how intensely pleasurable it is, but I just did not see it." she quietly said as her brow furrowed.
David turned her gently in his arms then, bringing her to face him fully. He was looking at her so intently that she sucked in a breath and felt her fire rise instinctively within her.
"Raven, when you first reached out to me, I had only a vague impression of your physical being. I was caught by what you are; who you are; and the matter that you need assistance with. Physical attraction was not at play in my mind, as it was not an issue. When I came to you and entered your mind, I was nearly overcome. Once again, not by your outer appearance, but by the depth of your being. Your knowledge, your power, the essence of you. After I had come back into my self, I truly began to find myself thinking more and more of your physicality, but it did not overcome my senses. However, this night, with you before me in the flesh, I was overtaken more than once by not just your beauty—you know how devastatingly beautiful you are to our kind, not just the humans—but the call of your body to mine. I couldn't resist taking your hand, kissing your forehead, kissing your lips; feeling your fire over my flesh is unlike anything I have ever known, either pleasurable or painful. After feeling it once, I want it again. And again. I am trying to hold myself in check, and you needn't have any fear of me. I will not harm you. But the scent of your blood is like the call of the most potent drug ever known. Being near you is exquisite hell and divine heaven at the same time."
Raven looked at him with wide eyes as he took her chin and lifted it gently.
"I did not foresee our connection either, but I tell you truthfully, My Raven, I am certain you are right where you are supposed to be. I can feel it. Please trust in me."
She found her eyes moving down his handsome face and coming to rest on those irresistible perfectly curved lips.
"I do." she whispered, and watched those lips lower toward her own. She closed her eyes as she felt David's lips touch hers, and a little shiver went through her causing him to tighten his arms around her more. She hooked one arm around his neck, pulling him closer and gently touched his cheek with the other hand. Blue electricity snapped from her fingertips and made firey trails as she caressed him softly. He was so gentle as his tongue entered her mouth and met hers. They gently explored each other's mouths, none of the violence of the kiss they had shared after feeding earlier was present now. This was a sharing of gentle pleasure, and both were luxuriating in it.
As had happened before, they were interrupted by the boys, who had briefly exited the main cavern to make sure the exits were secure and the cave was secure for the night before returning with all their rowdiness and comradeship still evident as they shoved into each other and exchanged insults.
Neither David nor Raven felt the need to pull away from each other, and continued their kiss for a minute even after the others made their presence known. The boys had noted the position of Raven on David's lap as he sat on his throne and also the blue fire that flowed from her fingers as she touched his face. They knew better than to make any comment regarding the relations between the two; a teasing remark could mean immediate death. They had great respect for David, and were a little in awe of the terminally beautiful thing that sat on his lap, so making any kind of remark never crossed their minds. They just continued on with teasing each other and flipping through some CD's Marko had found.
Finally, David pulled his lips away from Raven's and she raised eyes that were red shot through with silver fire to his.
"All good?" he asked softly.
"All good." she smiled back. She then turned herself to snuggle herself in again with her head against his shoulder. David ran a still-gloved hand over her thigh and moaned lowly in appreciation, then he called out to the others.
"Secure?" Raven snuggled in further as his voice vibrated through his chest into her side.
"All good, Boss." Dwayne answered.
"Locked up nice and tight." Paul grinned as he threw himself into an antique rocking chair, coming close to tipping it backwards.
"Snug as a bug in a rug!" Marko pipped, making Raven laugh.
David felt her body move against hers when her musical laughter rang out, and he brought his hand to rest against her ribcage, rubbing gentle circles against it.
Suddenly Raven felt his body tense and she immediately picked up Star's scent coming closer from outside the cave.
David sighed hugely. He did not want the girl here, but was nonetheless responsible for her. Whether that ended up being her life eternal or her prompt death, he did not know, but until that deciding moment, she was his to oversee.
Raven moved as if to leave his lap and he quickly brought her back into position tight against himself. Star and he had never shared an intimate relationship. They had never been more than creator and creation. He had never been interested in her in that way, no matter where her thoughts had led her. She had to understand that. She needed to understand that.
"I purposefully frightened her earlier." Raven spoke in a soft voice to David. "You have duty to her; I understand that. I do not wish to cause disharmony in your home. I will tuck myself in somewhere away from her."
"You will stay as you are." his deep voice rumbled. "You are a most honored guest here; you are meant to be right where you are." And with that, he continued softly stroking small circles onto her side and gently running his hand up and down her thigh slowly.
"As you wish." Raven mockingly bowed her head. They both knew he was not a lord over her and she was a giver of commandments instead of one being on the receiving end and they exchanged a sarcastic grin.
The boys' heads went up as they finally caught Star's scent and the faint sound of tumbling rock could be heard approaching.
As she stumbled through the cavern opening and over the last step, Star was shocked at the sight before her. The terrifying night creature that had been with David earlier was seated on his lap on the throne and they were both staring at her, as were the boys. Star's eyes took in the way the creature was so comfortably settled with her legs thrown atop David's and her head snuggled into his broad shoulder. She saw the way his hand was stroking her body and sucked in a deep breath. She had never seen David be affectionate with a female like this. Even the ones he had to flirt with to entrap. The most he had ever had to do with them was maybe run his fingers through their hair and flash those dimples. This…this was something new….something…dangerous. Star could feel it in the soul she still had partial possession of. The coming together of these two was formidable, but the joining of the two in an intimate relationship was a volcano waiting to erupt, potentially causing death and destruction and hurt and chaos to the world.
"I…I didn't have anywhere else to go." Star managed to stutter out. The boys all looked toward David, while David and Raven kept their gaze on Star.
David shifted his position a little, tipping Raven more toward him, exposing even more of her thigh and let his fingers travel up beneath the hem of her skirt. Raven knew what he was doing and went along, turning her head to look up at him. She reached up and toyed with the neck of his t shirt and stroking his throat. She quickly found out that the touching of his throat was not a good idea for tiny flames began to show themselves along her fingers, and she quickly returned to just playing with the black fabric, smothering a smile. David glanced down at her as soon as he felt the fire come and then suddenly withdraw and lightly smacked her backside, giving her a teasing smile. He dropped his head and murmured in her ear, "Soon, Beautiful, soon."
Raven let out a sound that was somewhere between a laugh and a snort and hid her face against his shoulder.
David smiled inside as he delighted in silence at the way she played along with his game, as well as in the sound his leather glove had made when it smacked against her flesh. It was delightful. And the feel of her touch against his neck…that snap of her coming to life against his throat was indescribable. "Heaven help me when we DO come together…" he thought.
His attention then turned back to Star, who stood trembling in the entrance.
"You may find a place to sleep. Our guest will be taking your bed." he stated forcefully.
Star stood still, unsure of where to go. Her fear and confusion radiated out from her, and Raven knew how to peacefully end the evening for all of them. She was having fun playing with David, and would give no second thought to destroying Star herself, but she so wanted to have the delightful night end on a peaceful note. Her mind made up, she lifted her head and winked at David. He looked inside her head, saw what she was about, and began to make an argument against it, but then saw she would not be swayed. He remained silent as she sat herself aright, unknowingly creating a delicious friction through his leather pants, and rose from his lap.
The boys and Star watched her graceful movements as she stepped down from the throne.
"I would not take your bed, Star. I am in no need of cushions to lay my form upon. Take your rest in peace. I will cause you no trouble." She then spun around to face David.
"Now, about those pajamas?" she deadpanned. "I'm ready for bed." The boys laughter echoed through the chamber and Star dashed for her bed, disappearing behind the gauze curtains.
David grinned evilly at her and leaving his throne, he jumped down beside her.
"I don't wear pajamas." he shot back, "You'll learn that." He then snatched her hand and began to lead her toward a snug passageway.
"To bed, boys." he ordered back over his shoulder and Raven took the time to call out over hers,
"Thank you gentlemen for a wonderful night! I'll see you at the close of day!" She heard them each call out a good night to her in return and take off for their respective parts of the deep cave.
Her eyes glowed red in the dark, showing her the way even in the blacker than black passage, just as David's yellow showed him his. His hand remained firm around her small one until he pulled her through a doorway into a large room. Raven looked around curiously, taking in the huge bed in the center of the room, dressed in fresh sheets and soft comforters and the plush rugs on the rock floor. Candles were strewn about, on the floor, atop the chest of drawers that sat along a wall, on top of a huge bookcase of fine oak that matched the bedstand and the chest of drawers.
Raven turned her head towards David's in the blackness, able to see him perfectly well.
"May I?" she asked with a grin, gesturing broadly towards the room.
"Of course." he answered back immediately, knowing what she wanted without her having to speak it.
With that, he watched as she walked over to the closest candle and reached out toward it. A single flame shot up from her finger and she laid it to the wick of one candle. As the wick caught, the other candles began to light themselves and a wave of flames lit up the room. As Raven withdrew her hand, her own flame winked out.
"I need you around when I lose my lighter." he chuckled. Raven laughed merrily.
"I noticed you did not indulge in your habit tonight." She said, pointing to the cigarette that was ever-present behind his ear.
"I did not. I found my mind fully occupied with other things." He smiled.
Raven smiled back again. She enjoyed him so much.
"This is your room?" she asked, though she knew it was.
"Yes; yours while you stay with us."
"David, I will not displace you from your own room. I am perfectly fine curled on a ledge somewhere. You know that." She looked him in the eye fully. "You know I will not and yet you offer, and I am truly grateful for your generosity and chivalry."
"I know you are able to rest most anywhere, as we all are, but I also know you both enjoy and deserve a soft place to lay your head as well." he answered quietly. She felt a firm resolve in him and knew he would not let her sleep anywhere else. An idea then came to her, and while it might be awkward at first, it might lead to pleasurable rest for both of them.
"Would you consider sharing, then?" she boldly asked. "To speak frankly, we are comfortable with each other, and while we have acknowledged the desire in our bodies, we both know it is too soon. And we both know we can control ourselves." She pretended not to notice as her own voice betrayed her confidence on the last part.
David seemed to contemplate her request.
"Are you sure about it?" he asked, watching her face closely.
"I am certain. Now…since you don't wear pajamas and this IS your bed, please feel free to be comfortable. I, on the other hand, would greatly appreciate a little something to cover myself with please. I'm don't like to admit it, but I am loathe to sleep in dirty clothing."
David smiled and moved to open a drawer, pulling out a neatly folded white t-shirt, which he handed to her.
"You are a godsend." she smiled. Raven then proceeded to kick off her boots and David moved around to the other side of the big bed, doing the same. She looked around, noticing he had sat on the edge of the bed with his back to her and she took the opportunity to remove her camisole and slip into his shirt. She smiled to herself as the softness of the garment brushed her skin and a clean fragrance wafted up to her nose. Then she quickly pulled down her skirt and stepped from it, letting the t shirt fall down around her.
David removed his leather gloves, then his shirt and as he stood to pull down his leather pants, he caught sight of her out of the corner of his eye just as his t shirt was falling down over the curves of her waist. He caught his breath at the sight of her perfect ass covered in only a lacy black thong. "I should've known; pure sin." he chuckled to himself.
He had never known a shy moment, even when he was still human, and felt no need to be so now. He pulled down his leathers and kicked them away, turning and climbing into the big bed, settling himself beneath the soft sheets and turning on his side towards Raven.
She approached the big bed and as she did so, the majority of the candles snuffed themselves out at her bidding. The remaining light made dancing shadows on the rock walls and made David's white/blonde hair shine. As Raven crawled beneath the covers, she couldn't help but moan. It felt so decadent to lay on the softness and feel it come down around her as well. When she laid her head on the pillow, her eyes closed briefly in full appreciation.
David was watching her reaction with pleasure. Such beauty, and right here, beside him.
Her eyes opened, and they just gazed at one another for a few moments.
"Comfy?" he smiled.
"You have NO idea." she smiled back. "Thank you so much." She reached out her arm and brushed her hand over his hair where it fell over his ear.
"You're welcome, Little Raven." he answered softly. Raven cast her mind out gently through the cave, finding each of the boys in their own spots, already sleeping soundly, and Star in her bed, beginning to drift off as well.
"It's peaceful here." she breathed. "So peaceful."
"For the most part, it has been." He replied. "Though we have had our battles from time to time. I know your kingdom is not…at rest…as much as ours. It must be hard, controlling all of that natural chaos that such a huge mortal city brings."
Raven was silent for a minute, then replied, "It is. If it were not for the huge feeding ground that it offers, I would entertain the thought of leaving. We are always under threat of discovery or of being boxed in without a way of sure escape. We are large enough in numbers that we could still easily overcome attack, whether it be mortal or not, but the slaughter that ensued would bring definite attention, and we would be punished by those who rule us."
He felt the genuine conflict and outright tiredness within her then, and he reached out, his bare hand gently touching her cheek. He felt her suck in her breath and start to withdraw, but he let his hand linger. Her eyes widened as purple-blue sparks began to dance from the spot where their flesh met. David marveled at the smoothness of her skin; it was like silk over granite, and he let his thumb gently stroke that pale perfect cheek. Sparks turned into flame as he slid his body closer to hers, though keeping a small distance between them. He wanted her to decide on this. She must make the call.
Raven started to speak.
"David…' her voice cracked.
"Shhhh. Come here. Let me hold you. I swear, Raven, that's all I want to do. Come to me." he rasped in a gravelly voice.
She looked into his eyes and saw nothing that would try to harm her. Nothing that would take advantage of her. Nothing but an open desire to comfort her.
She slid herself to him and he nestled his arms around her, pulling her close and resting his head atop hers. He softly stroked her back through the sheets and noticed as she began to relax against him. Her flames drew smaller, and while he missed the lick of them, he needed her trust more. And he would win it.
As he continued to gently caress her back, the beautiful purple/blue snapped in on itself and winked out. It was heaven when he felt her let her breath out against his chest and snuggle against him.
"I've got you, my Beautiful Bird. I've got you." he whispered.
To his surprise, she was soon slumbering quietly beside him. His mind touched hers in a brief telepathic kiss, searching for any hint of uneasiness or bad dreams, and was delighted to find none of either. He settled himself down more comfortably in the bed, and she moved in her sleep with him, as if they were one being. Night creatures slept, not quite like humans but somewhat close, their minds needing rest from reality. Their sleep at times could be something closer to what would be called "resting", where their eyes were closed and they were disengaged from the present, either letting complete darkness take over their mind, or simply sending it in pursuit of pleasurable quiet memories such as a peaceful stream or a quiet moonlight walk. They recharged in this way and when they chose, they would come fully alert to the present, ready to set themselves to task again. Another choice was absolute sleep, much as humans experienced. They let themselves slumber, and with that came dreams. And more often, nightmares. Flashbacks of heavy battle would suddenly intrude and sleep would be fitful. The next night, they would have to drink deeply to reset, so to speak.
But this night, David knew, there were no nightmares. There was no unease, no distrust. Only peace and calm. He breathed in deeply, taking in the fragrance of the small figure pressed tightly against him, fitting herself into him as if by design, and let sleep take him.