Van awoke aching all over. The worst of the pain was in his shoulders and
lower back, the muscles that took the most stress from flying. Attempting
to lift his arms, he found that he couldn't. He groaned slightly and tried
sitting up. Also an impossibility. He lay back, slowly relaxing each
muscle. The pain lessened, but he still couldn't move. He closed his eyes
and cursed himself for stupidity. Right about then, his stomach also
reminded him that it was not happy about being starved for so long. The
night suddenly turned an even darker color at being the focus of his anger.
Finally, after a good hour of angry cursing, he felt a lot better. Or at
least, his thoughts turned brighter.
Unfortunately, it didn't do much for his muscles.
Right then, the door to his room opened and Kiosun strode in. Seeing Van still in bed, he raised an eyebrow. Van glared. Looo~ong pause. Kiosun looked again. And burst out laughing.
Van had no choice but to revert to another glare. It didn't make much of an effect on Ki, but it was a pretty good effort.
"Van, can you move at all?"
"No."
"I'm sorry…I didn't think flying would be so hard, even after twelve years."
Van just sighed. "It's okay. That still doesn't change the fact that I can't move."
An odd light came into Ki's eyes. "Just wait here a second. I'll be right back with something to help."
Van muttered a few choice expletives. "Like I have a choice?"
Ki just flashed a grin and ran next door. A few minutes later and he came back with a bottle of…massage oil? Either that or horse liniment. Kiosun walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Can you turn over?"
Van nodded cautiously. "I think so…" Attempting this, he found that he could move his legs somewhat. With a little help from Ki, he finally was flipped onto his stomach. Ki opened the bottle and put a little into the palms of his hands, warming it to skin temperature. Van caught a small whiff of the substance. It smelled like…
"Roses and cherries? Ki, where did you get this stuff? I'm going to smell like a lady!"
"Well, the housekeeping service always leaves a bottle of massage oil in every room. Usually it's for warriors who strain muscles practicing, but evidently the last person to stay in that room was a lady. The housekeepers probably never had a chance to fix it…or maybe they forgot. It's standard in all great palaces."
"Oh…"
Ki lightly touched Van's back, daubing a small amount of oil on each shoulder blade and down each side of his ribs. The oil was just slightly cool as Ki began to work it into his skin. Warm hands caressed his back, somehow finding the exact places that hurt the most. Gentle pressure was exerted, but as the muscles lost their tension, the pressure was harder. Fingers worked deeply into Van's skin, loosening and massaging, providing perfect relief for the pain. Cramping was eased away, and Van relaxed.
His breathing evened out and Van began to enjoy himself a little. He began to think about returning the favor to Ki sometime… Surprising himself with the thought, he stiffened and drew away. He still couldn't get used to parts of his preferences…it still seemed wrong, despite the fact that he knew exactly the way he felt. Ki seemed surprised himself and stopped.
"What's wrong, Van?"
"That's much better, thank you." Van judged that about an hour had passed while he drifted, dreaming. His muscles were completely relaxed, and trying tentatively to sit up, found it easy to do.
Thanking Ki again, he pulled on a clean shirt spirited in by some soft- footed servant girl. Clean pants lay next to them, along with a new pair of boots. Toiletries were in the bathroom off his rooms, laid out neatly along the counter. Cold water and a white cloth lay nearby, and a golden rope hanging from the ceiling suggested his course of action if he needed anything else. Retiring to the bathroom, he shut the door firmly and changed into the pants. Once suitably clothed, he stepped back into the room with Kiosun. The other young man was peering out the window at the darkness beyond.
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Sensing Van behind him, Ki didn't turn around. It had hurt, when Van drew away. Ki had been enjoying himself immensely, just spending time with Van… Angelique described love once, when he asked how it felt to be bonded to Folken.
"Like I hold the world," she'd said. "I would do anything for him… If everyone else in the world disappeared besides us, I'd still be happy. I think I'd still love him even if he was a girl." This was said with a knowing wink at Kiosun. "Just a minute in his presence makes me happy. A grin, stolen kisses…they make me fall in love with him all over again. I know he feels the same. Spending any time with him at all is a blessing. I know scribes and storytellers tell about the princess and the prince who fall in love at first sight. I didn't love him…at first. But as soon as I got to know him…the real Folken, not the masks he puts on for everyone else…I knew I'd love him, even if he felt nothing towards me. I'm just one of the lucky ones…he returns my love with all his heart."
Ki had felt very lonely right then… He had no one. Angelique had sensed this and pulled him into a hug.
"Love doesn't have to be romantic, or between a boy and girl…or boy and boy. Love can be between siblings, between friends. The love a parent has for a child and the love that is returned. These are all loves, very important ones. Tell me- didn't your father's wife love you, although you weren't her legitimate child? And didn't your father love you despite the fact that you were a bastard? I know I love you, and so does Laike. Would you deny these loves? They are no smaller than the bond between lovers, simply milder. I know it doesn't make sense now, but it will someday. Just wait…you'll understand. And never give up faith. Faith is a part of what love is made of. You'll find someone."
Kiosun finally spoke to the nervous boy behind him. "I believe your cousin wants to speak to you." His voice was just faintly chilly. Van shuffled his feet.
"Would you like to meet him?"
"It would only be polite for me to thank the host personally. Then we really must leave. We have a few short nights before the bonding ritual must occur. We should probably be at Angelique's by then. They know what is required and will leave us alone for that time. It will also be the safest place." Ki turned around and strode towards the door. Van followed hesitantly.
Ki's stomach rumbled noisily, reminding him that although a vampire could survive on one victim for some time, that time was up.
A few more days, he promised it. It didn't listen.
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Kuwaro turned around as his cousin walked in the room. His posture was stiff, but he still seemed to move fluently. A man followed right behind him, the essence of grace. Every move seemed controlled to a hairs length, every expression masked, every thought kept from reaching his posture. The man had dark black hair, a shining wave down to his waist. Parts of it were kept braided, tying the rest of the hair into something that wouldn't get in the way. The eyes were dark blue, almost seeming black in the right light. His skin was pale, as if it had not seen the sun for some time. Kuwaro glanced at his cousin. Instead of speaking, Van glanced down. The young man next to him spoke instead.
"Greetings, your Grace. I trust this evening finds you well?" The young man's manner had slipped into regal court mode, posture politely at attention, face schooled into a look of respect. Kuwaro allowed a tiny bit of his surprise show.
"Why yes, remarkably well. Although, I do not believe we've been formally introduced. I am Duke Kuwaro, cousin to Van here."
"My name is Kiosun, your Grace. I have come here in my own behalf to thank you personally for your shelter and hospitality in the time of our need. Unfortunately, I am unable to stay any longer. I must return to my brother and sister immediately. I will be leaving within the hour."
The duke expressed his deep regret. "Of course…only too well do I know the bonds between family." This was said with a pointed glance at Van. "I will see that a pack is made ready for you at once. Is there anything you need?"
"No, your Grace. I cannot spare the time, even for a small travel pack. Thank you for your kindness. I pray that we will meet again… Farewell, Duke Kuwaro."
The duke nodded and bid farewell. Turning to his cousin, he saw fear and perhaps a little hurt as well.
"Daijoubu desu ka, Van?"
"Hai, daijoubu desu. I had hoped to stay for sometime."
"Why do you not? You know you are welcome."
"I cannot…I promised Balgus that I'd always have Ki at my side. I must leave as well."
This was a lie, the duke could tell immediately. Then, much of what the boy had told him was not the truth…or at least, not all of it. When Van had mentioned not being able to take a wife, his eyes had slid to the floor, guilt in them. The servant's tale about his reaction to the sunlight hitting his foot…and the immediate burn resulting. The story where bandits attacked them was not true either, since neither one had been beaten or bruised badly. Most bandits roughed their victims up a little. Not to mention that the last of the bandits had been cleared out years ago and never dared return. None of this made sense…and while he respected his cousin, he knew that he would have to someday know the truth. Kuwaro managed to look chagrined.
"Of course, I understand. I'll pack you some clothes, since yours all were taken and Kiosun will have some at his house."
"Thank you, cousin. I'll repay you someday, I swear it."
Kuwaro nodded and bid young Van a fond farewell. As the young boy walked out, the duke halted him for a moment. "Van…Roses and cherries?!"
The boy winced. "It was all I could find…"
The duke rolled his eyes. He only hoped the pair found what they were searching for.
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Van set a travel bag on his bed and began to pack the clothes that Kuwaro's servant girl had provided him. They were all neat and tidy with the crisp scent of lemon accompanying each as he folded them. Suddenly reminded of his own smell, Van flushed.
Walking into the bathroom, his gaze fell upon the giant porcelain tub that graced the shadowed corner in resplendent purity. Two knobs lay on either side of a spout in the shape of a dragon's head. Van stared at the spout in bewilderment. How was one to work this odd contraption? The Fanalian palace had nothing like this, it was too antiquated for modern plumbing. Looking around for clues of any type, he spotted the gold rope meant for summoning a servant.
Upon ringing it, there was a faint echo below him, and a few minutes later, a panting servant girl ran in. "Lord?"
"Can you please run me a bath?"
"Of course, Lord." The girl sashayed over to the spouts and tapped them. Steaming water poured from the spout, splashing into the tub below. As he stared in wonder, the girl turned back and walked right next to him.
"Is there anything…else you need, Lord? Anything I can…do for you?" she breathed in his ear, a wandering hand making it quite clear exactly what she meant. Van carefully removed the hand.
"No, thank you. Although a bathrobe would be nice."
"Of course, lord. Anything for you…" A heated glance was tossed behind her as she left. Sighing in relief, he began to shed his clothes. That was when Kiosun walked in.
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Kiosun walked into Van's room, passing a servant girl on his way in. Van wasn't in his bedroom, but the bathroom light shone through the door and water was running inside. Opening the door, he found Van standing before the bath…completely in the nude. A pair of pants was in one hand, the other hand resting on the lip of the tub. Van's startled gaze met his. Ki felt a blush rise to his cheeks and he cursed his vampiric complexion.
Van spoke first. "Ki…I um…was just…preparing for the journey."
Ki tried averting his gaze, but found himself entirely unable to take his eyes from the beautiful male in front of him. "I'm sorry, Van, I should have knocked…"
Van made no move to cover himself, and a small part of Ki…well, maybe not so small…was intensely happy for it. His heart pounded in his chest as he finally tore his gaze away from the naked boy who so captured his love. Van turned to the bathtub. It was about halfway full and a dull roar came from the pipes, making it hard to hear.
"Oh well, I don't mind." Ki's heart leapt. "The journey…I really need to stop in Lokia to get a gift for Merle…and I really want to see those corals you spoke about. Could we delay our journey for one day more?"
"Van, you know how important it is to become Vampire…has the hunger not hit you yet?"
"The hunger…" Van's voice was haunted. "Yes, I feel it…"
Ki softened. It seemed he could not deny his love anything. "If it means so much to you, of course we can stay there for a night."
"It will be my last day before I truly become kyuuketsuki, or so you tell me. I really would like to make it the best day of my 'life'."
"Anything…" Ki whispered softly. "Van, I love you so much." The roar of the water made it impossible for Van to hear him, but neither of them realized that one more was privy to their conversation.
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Isabelle paused outside of the young prince's bathroom. Two voices she heard from inside… Van's and another. Regarding the bathrobe in her hand, she decided to wait a few minutes to make sure she wasn't walking in on anything. Van's voice spoke first.
"Oh well, I don't mind. The journey…I really need to stop in Lokia to get a gift for Merle…and I really want to see those corals you spoke about. Could we delay our journey for one day more?"
"Van, you know how important it is to become Vampire…has the hunger not hit you yet?"
The servant girl's eyes widened. Vampire?! Balgus had connections in every nearby country, inside the servant's quarters, just for safety, he told them. She was to wait on every noble that came and spy on them. She hadn't expected Van until a pigeon came with a message. She had pulled every favor and string she had possessed to get herself in this position. It seemed it had all paid off.
"The hunger… Yes, I feel it…"
"If it means so much to you, of course we can stay there for a night."
"It will be my last night before I truly become kyuuketsuki, or so you tell me. I really would like to make it the best night of my 'life'."
"Anything…Van, I love you so much."
Isabelle knocked politely on the door as soon as the water began to fall with the 'nearly full' sound. A tall man opened it. The man who had told Van he loved him. She brushed past him and turned the water off. The young prince was completely naked and looked uncomfortable. Her sharp eyes noticed that the other man was slightly aroused, but hiding it well. She turned back to Van, handing him the robe.
"Here, lord. Is there anything else?" She put extra heat in her voice to spite the man behind her. Van began to look sick as she rubbed up against him. When he spoke, his voice broke slightly with panic and disgust.
"No!" He removed himself from her grip, not showing any attraction at all. She sucked in air, making her chest larger…not that it needed the extra lift. His eyes went cold and he pushed her away.
"Enough. I have all I need." She shrugged and walked out the door. She could take a hint. Just as soon as these two left, she'd contact Balgus and tell him everything she'd learned.
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Kiosun watched the servant go with trepidation. Something about her wasn't… submissive enough to mark her as an old hand at serving. She couldn't have been a servant for very long, or she'd have given up easier. The regular girls knew to let things lay after the first rejection. Oh well. He'd make a small complaint to the servant master, and let the matter drop. Something, though, still nagged at the back of his mind. He ignored it.
Turning back to Van, he finished what he had been saying. "We'll fly to Lokia tonight. Bathe and make yourself ready. Pick your best clothes…we want to look wealthy enough to attract the right merchants."
"Hai, alright." Van slipped into the giant tub. Ki marveled at modern piping. The bath was huge, fully large enough for five people to fit and still preserve modesty. As he turned away to return to his rooms, he heard an odd rustle behind him and glanced back. Van had spread his wings, apparently to wash them. Unfortunately, Ki knew how hard it was to wash wings. The water kept sliding off, and soap washed all the waterproof oils away so that the wings became saturated with water. However, wings tended to get very dirty by flying through the air, as dust and bugs seemed to be drawn to them. Van hadn't seemed to notice that he hadn't left yet, because he began vigorously splashing around, like a bird in a fountain.
Ki smothered a laugh. With hair straggling in his eyes and water logged wings, Van looked… Ki's thoughts grew depressed. Absolutely breathtaking. And absolutely remote. Watching Van's profile grow disgusted at the sight of his wings, now almost entirely black, with specks of dirt liberally sprinkling them, Kiosun was returned to good spirits. He watched for another moment as Van tried without success to wash his wings. Finally, Ki spoke. "Would you like some help?"
Van started and whirled around, spraying water onto the floor. Eyes wide, he stared. "I…umm… I guess so…" Van stuttered, completely shocked. Ki just nodded and picked up a bottle of soap from the table by the bath. Working it into his hands, the sharp smell of marigolds drifted through the room.
"Seriously, Ki, can't you find anything better?"
Ki grinned merrily. "Nope!" Van groaned. Ki gently turned Van around until his back and wings could be easily reached. Gently working the soap into Van's wings, Ki began to hum an old tune his foster mother had sung for him.
Van slowly relaxed, wing muscles loosening just as his back had earlier that evening. A white lather arose from his wings, a few stray bubbles drifting in the air. After a few minutes, the lather was more gray than white, and Ki knew the dirt had given up its hold. A small pitcher sat under the table, perfect for rinsing. Filling it with water, Ki upended it over Van's wings, soap streaming off in rivulets.
His breath caught at the beauty and how far it was from him. How could he make Van love him before the bonding ceremony? He definitely had to talk to Angelique.
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Van started as he heard Ki behind him. His mind caught up with him as he stuttered his agreement to something Ki said. Realizing what he'd agreed to, Van inwardly sighed. Ki tempted him so much… Little glances, words, his very being made Van want to reach out and touch him…At the same time, Van felt scared. Afraid of what he was becoming…afraid of what he already was. The very newness of this relationship.
When he was fifteen, he'd tumbled with a servant girl. All of Balgus's men had talked about girls at one point or another, without realizing the young prince was listening. He'd expected more…pleasure, especially from the way they talked about it. Instead, it felt unnatural, wrong. He'd tried later, with a different girl, but with the same results. It held nothing for him. One day, a few months after his second attempt, he saw two older pages kissing in the hall. Both of them were male.
This concept startled him, but at the same time, he felt a yearning for it. When the two boys found him watching, they immediately broke apart in a panic. He assured them that no one would hear about it from him…and he'd kept his word. Later, one of them came to his room and asked why. He'd explained.
"I promised not to tell because sometimes I feel like you two do. Girls…they disgust me, and I want no part of them. But what you two were doing felt like what I should be doing. I felt like it should have been me."
The young man had understood, and showed Van what it was like to be loved by a man. And Van learned exactly what his preferences really were. The boy had thanked him and left. They'd never met again. But ever since then, the thought of a relationship with a female disgusted him. Instead, he found himself watching handsome young men, and silently yearning after them. He'd never breathed a word about it. But Kiosun had known, had been watching him turn females away. Had noticed his gazing at the young men. And Van found himself falling in love with the handsome young vampire.
Still, it was only his second relationship with a man. Van wasn't even sure the first one counted…it had only been one night, after all. It just felt odd to yearn after another man this much. Every moment spent with Ki was a pleasure, a moment to be treasured. Van skittered from the thought. All the echelons of society repudiated those lovers of the same sex. His rearing had warned him never to betray his feelings. So, he hadn't. But this was new…it made him want to defy society and all sense of propriety, and love Ki and to hell with it. Alas, he still felt odd about this new relationship. As soon as he was a vampire, and far away from Fanalia, maybe he would tell Ki how he felt.
Forcing himself to be content with that, he relaxed as Ki washed his wings and hummed a sweet tune. Pouring water over his wings, Kiosun rinsed the last vestiges of soap from Van's wings. His very drenched wings. Ki began to laugh. Van turned around, mock glaring.
"What?"
"Oh my…you look like…" He couldn't stop laughing. Glancing in the mirror behind him, Van began to laugh as well. He looked like a miserable raven after a thunderstorm.
Soon they were both laughing helplessly, and every time they calmed down, a glance from one would set them both off again. Finally, they just couldn't laugh anymore, and collapsed, spent. After a few minutes of companionable silence, Van grabbed a washing cloth and finished washing the rest of himself, realizing that to salvage his dignity now would be pointless, and not really caring if Ki saw anything. Ki watched silently, a small gleam in his eyes, though from laughter or something else, Van couldn't tell. When finished, Ki handed him a towel as he stepped from the tub. Nodding his thanks, Van turned to drain the water.
Ki's hand reached around him and pulled a small knob on the spout. A click was heard and then the sound of water running off elsewhere. Turning away, Van found himself nose to nose with Ki. Their breaths mingled and Van froze. Ki searched his eyes, looking for something.
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All that was reflected was uncertainty. Ki turned away, a small noise of sorrow escaping his lips. Nothing. There was no love in those eyes. He walked towards the door, but as his hand turned the handle, Van's hand fell to cover his. Half turning, Ki looked at Van.
"Ki, will you help me dry my wings please?" Ki nodded shortly, again searching those beautiful dark eyes. This time, there was something… A slight softening, a change in light? He wasn't sure. Turning away, he snagged another towel.
Beginning at the bottom and working his way up, Ki gently chafed the feathers, drawing away the moisture and caressing them at the same time. Van had the other towel wrapped around his waist, and it fell all the way to his ankles. At least this palace wasted no luxury.
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Van shivered slightly as Ki dried his wings. It was so…sensual. Like the first night they'd met. The towel around his waist seemed a little tight, so he surreptitiously loosened it. Finishing with one wing, Ki moved to the other, completely drying each feather before moving to the next. In a few minutes, his wings were entirely dry. As Ki again turned to leave, Van said, "Thank you, Kiosun."
This quiet statement fell into the gentle silence and Ki nodded. "You are quite welcome." Without another word, Ki left, leaving a very much bewildered ex-prince behind.
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By flying the remainder of the night, they reached Lokia an hour before dawn. Kiosun silently guided Van to an inn, where the owner and his wife were actually vampires themselves. They politely introduced themselves to Van, leaving out the vampire part, and when Ki explained that Van was his new "student", they nearly went into shock.
"Fifty years it's been, Kiosun, and now you choose whom you will induct?!" said the man.
"Oh, Kiosun, I'm so happy for you!" gushed the woman. "I know you two will- "
Her husband gently elbowed her at Ki's warning glance. Van noticed this exchange, but did not comment. The husband then spoke heartily. "Any friend of Kiosun's is a friend of ours. The windows all have heavy shutters and several have no windows at all of course, for the true vampiric clients. Which would you prefer?"
"No windows please. We will be staying today and tomorrow, then leaving for Angelique's. For the ceremony, of course."
"Of course. Now, if you'll follow me to your rooms?" The innkeeper guided them to their room, gave them a key, and warned them that no one would be awake during the day except for the hired help. Van nodded and walked into the room after Kiosun. Another single bed. Sighing over his odd fate, Van stripped his shirt and began the exercises to keep his wings limber and pain free. After running through his full repertoire, he slipped into bed next to Kiosun, who'd been watching him with approval.
Blowing out the lamp, Van pulled the covers to his chin and fell deeply asleep, worn out by everything that had happened. Ki stayed up a few minutes longer, admiring Van's sleeping figure, then resolutely turned over and went to sleep.
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In the evening, just after sunset, Van woke up, encircled in Ki's arms. Both arms were snugly wrapped around his waist, effectively trapping him. From the soft even breathing in front of him, Ki was asleep. Unless Van woke Ki up, it would be rather difficult to get out of this embarrassing position. Opening his eyes, he found Ki watching him silently. When Ki noticed he was awake, he began to speak in a husky whisper. "I didn't want to wake you up so I didn't move.
Van flushed deeply. "It's ok, I had the same thought." There was a long pause. Finally, they both drew back at the same time, embarrassed. Van located his shirt and tugged it on, pleased that his muscles weren't bothering him.
Ki stood and dressed behind him in a soft blue velvet shirt and black silk pants. Looking at his own clothes, Van winced. Ki laughed and handed him a matching set of clothes in red and black. Dressing quickly, Van turned to Kiosun with a cheerful gleam in his eyes. "Can we go now?"
Ki laughed. "Of course! Where would you like to go first, the market or diving?"
Van considered. "How about the market? Then we can take our purchases back to the room and go diving."
"Sounds good. Follow me?" Kiosun swept out of the door, proudly leading the way for his eager young friend.
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The marketplace was packed with people shouting their wares as others tried to haggle the prices. The entire square was lit up as bright as day, and everyone seemed cheerful. Van stared about him with wide eyes, trying to comprehend such a large nighttime market. Trinkets, swords, fine jewelry, and food were in abundance. Glancing about, he tried to think of gifts for Merle.
Ki led him about the market, showing him all the stalls and stores. Van laughed and joked as they walked, and picked out all the things he wanted. A new cloak for himself made from deerskin, a necklace for Merle with seashells and foreign coins on it, several new sets of clothes, and a fuzzy wool blanket with cats and birds chasing each other around the edge. When Ki's back was turned, Van impulsively bought him a brand new dagger with an odd black owl's head with glittering eyes. It had a grace and danger that seemed to fit Ki so perfectly…tucking the package away with the rest, Van also bought himself a dagger, this one with a dragon on the hilt.
Hooking the dagger in his belt, Van turned to find Ki just finishing his purchases. He grinned. "I'm done shopping, how about you?"
Ki winked. "I'm through. Now…let's return to the inn and then go diving. We have about four hours until dawn, and we need at least two for the diving tour."
"Great, let's go!" They both raced back to the tavern, laughing. Hiding their purchases in their bags, Van pulled out the remainder of the money his cousin had given him.
Ki peered over his shoulder. "Huh. Looks like enough to buy our own little farm."
"Really?"
"Truly. We could start breeding horses of our own, starting with Coral and Breeze. Angelique would be willing to lend us studs too, and we can get more mares. We could build a cozy little cabin just for us, and live there happily for eternity."
Van sighed. "It sounds so perfect."
"It'll be just ours. Forever."
Van winced, reminded that he still wasn't sure how he felt about Kiosun. "Forever…" he echoed.
Ki grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the door. "Come on, we have to get going!" Van followed, all other thoughts dropped from his mind as he imagined what the famed corals would look like.
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Before them stretched out a panorama of colors. Every shade of red, every shade of blue, every shade of green caught their eyes and clambered for attention. Brightly glowing fishes swam curiously past their boat, butting their noses against the clear glass sides. A small staircase led to this tiny room, just big enough for two people. The walls and floor were made of glass, and the wooden boat above was slowly floating in a circle around this incredible reef. The corals themselves were glowing gently in the darkness of the sea, all different shapes and sizes. Some looked like fingers, reaching up to grab passing animals. Once Ki swore he saw a fish snatched up and stuffed into the nearby rock. Van stared around with wide eyes and an eager smile on his face, wonder in his expression.
Ki stared at his young friend, taking extra pleasure from the amazement that had Van so captivated. Admiring his beauty for the fiftieth time made Ki's heart ache even more and he was strongly reminded that he had very little time left. His stomach was nearly wrapped around his spine, hunger making him weak, and the strenuous activities of late had only emphasized that weakness. Every once in a while he caught Van with the Hunger on his face… Ki had to make Van love him before the ceremony or the pair would be split forever, causing great anguish to the new vampire. Setting this aside to worry about when he had a chance to talk to Angelique, Ki once again turned his wandering attention to the wonders that the ocean held.
Unfortunately, it didn't do much for his muscles.
Right then, the door to his room opened and Kiosun strode in. Seeing Van still in bed, he raised an eyebrow. Van glared. Looo~ong pause. Kiosun looked again. And burst out laughing.
Van had no choice but to revert to another glare. It didn't make much of an effect on Ki, but it was a pretty good effort.
"Van, can you move at all?"
"No."
"I'm sorry…I didn't think flying would be so hard, even after twelve years."
Van just sighed. "It's okay. That still doesn't change the fact that I can't move."
An odd light came into Ki's eyes. "Just wait here a second. I'll be right back with something to help."
Van muttered a few choice expletives. "Like I have a choice?"
Ki just flashed a grin and ran next door. A few minutes later and he came back with a bottle of…massage oil? Either that or horse liniment. Kiosun walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Can you turn over?"
Van nodded cautiously. "I think so…" Attempting this, he found that he could move his legs somewhat. With a little help from Ki, he finally was flipped onto his stomach. Ki opened the bottle and put a little into the palms of his hands, warming it to skin temperature. Van caught a small whiff of the substance. It smelled like…
"Roses and cherries? Ki, where did you get this stuff? I'm going to smell like a lady!"
"Well, the housekeeping service always leaves a bottle of massage oil in every room. Usually it's for warriors who strain muscles practicing, but evidently the last person to stay in that room was a lady. The housekeepers probably never had a chance to fix it…or maybe they forgot. It's standard in all great palaces."
"Oh…"
Ki lightly touched Van's back, daubing a small amount of oil on each shoulder blade and down each side of his ribs. The oil was just slightly cool as Ki began to work it into his skin. Warm hands caressed his back, somehow finding the exact places that hurt the most. Gentle pressure was exerted, but as the muscles lost their tension, the pressure was harder. Fingers worked deeply into Van's skin, loosening and massaging, providing perfect relief for the pain. Cramping was eased away, and Van relaxed.
His breathing evened out and Van began to enjoy himself a little. He began to think about returning the favor to Ki sometime… Surprising himself with the thought, he stiffened and drew away. He still couldn't get used to parts of his preferences…it still seemed wrong, despite the fact that he knew exactly the way he felt. Ki seemed surprised himself and stopped.
"What's wrong, Van?"
"That's much better, thank you." Van judged that about an hour had passed while he drifted, dreaming. His muscles were completely relaxed, and trying tentatively to sit up, found it easy to do.
Thanking Ki again, he pulled on a clean shirt spirited in by some soft- footed servant girl. Clean pants lay next to them, along with a new pair of boots. Toiletries were in the bathroom off his rooms, laid out neatly along the counter. Cold water and a white cloth lay nearby, and a golden rope hanging from the ceiling suggested his course of action if he needed anything else. Retiring to the bathroom, he shut the door firmly and changed into the pants. Once suitably clothed, he stepped back into the room with Kiosun. The other young man was peering out the window at the darkness beyond.
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Sensing Van behind him, Ki didn't turn around. It had hurt, when Van drew away. Ki had been enjoying himself immensely, just spending time with Van… Angelique described love once, when he asked how it felt to be bonded to Folken.
"Like I hold the world," she'd said. "I would do anything for him… If everyone else in the world disappeared besides us, I'd still be happy. I think I'd still love him even if he was a girl." This was said with a knowing wink at Kiosun. "Just a minute in his presence makes me happy. A grin, stolen kisses…they make me fall in love with him all over again. I know he feels the same. Spending any time with him at all is a blessing. I know scribes and storytellers tell about the princess and the prince who fall in love at first sight. I didn't love him…at first. But as soon as I got to know him…the real Folken, not the masks he puts on for everyone else…I knew I'd love him, even if he felt nothing towards me. I'm just one of the lucky ones…he returns my love with all his heart."
Ki had felt very lonely right then… He had no one. Angelique had sensed this and pulled him into a hug.
"Love doesn't have to be romantic, or between a boy and girl…or boy and boy. Love can be between siblings, between friends. The love a parent has for a child and the love that is returned. These are all loves, very important ones. Tell me- didn't your father's wife love you, although you weren't her legitimate child? And didn't your father love you despite the fact that you were a bastard? I know I love you, and so does Laike. Would you deny these loves? They are no smaller than the bond between lovers, simply milder. I know it doesn't make sense now, but it will someday. Just wait…you'll understand. And never give up faith. Faith is a part of what love is made of. You'll find someone."
Kiosun finally spoke to the nervous boy behind him. "I believe your cousin wants to speak to you." His voice was just faintly chilly. Van shuffled his feet.
"Would you like to meet him?"
"It would only be polite for me to thank the host personally. Then we really must leave. We have a few short nights before the bonding ritual must occur. We should probably be at Angelique's by then. They know what is required and will leave us alone for that time. It will also be the safest place." Ki turned around and strode towards the door. Van followed hesitantly.
Ki's stomach rumbled noisily, reminding him that although a vampire could survive on one victim for some time, that time was up.
A few more days, he promised it. It didn't listen.
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Kuwaro turned around as his cousin walked in the room. His posture was stiff, but he still seemed to move fluently. A man followed right behind him, the essence of grace. Every move seemed controlled to a hairs length, every expression masked, every thought kept from reaching his posture. The man had dark black hair, a shining wave down to his waist. Parts of it were kept braided, tying the rest of the hair into something that wouldn't get in the way. The eyes were dark blue, almost seeming black in the right light. His skin was pale, as if it had not seen the sun for some time. Kuwaro glanced at his cousin. Instead of speaking, Van glanced down. The young man next to him spoke instead.
"Greetings, your Grace. I trust this evening finds you well?" The young man's manner had slipped into regal court mode, posture politely at attention, face schooled into a look of respect. Kuwaro allowed a tiny bit of his surprise show.
"Why yes, remarkably well. Although, I do not believe we've been formally introduced. I am Duke Kuwaro, cousin to Van here."
"My name is Kiosun, your Grace. I have come here in my own behalf to thank you personally for your shelter and hospitality in the time of our need. Unfortunately, I am unable to stay any longer. I must return to my brother and sister immediately. I will be leaving within the hour."
The duke expressed his deep regret. "Of course…only too well do I know the bonds between family." This was said with a pointed glance at Van. "I will see that a pack is made ready for you at once. Is there anything you need?"
"No, your Grace. I cannot spare the time, even for a small travel pack. Thank you for your kindness. I pray that we will meet again… Farewell, Duke Kuwaro."
The duke nodded and bid farewell. Turning to his cousin, he saw fear and perhaps a little hurt as well.
"Daijoubu desu ka, Van?"
"Hai, daijoubu desu. I had hoped to stay for sometime."
"Why do you not? You know you are welcome."
"I cannot…I promised Balgus that I'd always have Ki at my side. I must leave as well."
This was a lie, the duke could tell immediately. Then, much of what the boy had told him was not the truth…or at least, not all of it. When Van had mentioned not being able to take a wife, his eyes had slid to the floor, guilt in them. The servant's tale about his reaction to the sunlight hitting his foot…and the immediate burn resulting. The story where bandits attacked them was not true either, since neither one had been beaten or bruised badly. Most bandits roughed their victims up a little. Not to mention that the last of the bandits had been cleared out years ago and never dared return. None of this made sense…and while he respected his cousin, he knew that he would have to someday know the truth. Kuwaro managed to look chagrined.
"Of course, I understand. I'll pack you some clothes, since yours all were taken and Kiosun will have some at his house."
"Thank you, cousin. I'll repay you someday, I swear it."
Kuwaro nodded and bid young Van a fond farewell. As the young boy walked out, the duke halted him for a moment. "Van…Roses and cherries?!"
The boy winced. "It was all I could find…"
The duke rolled his eyes. He only hoped the pair found what they were searching for.
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Van set a travel bag on his bed and began to pack the clothes that Kuwaro's servant girl had provided him. They were all neat and tidy with the crisp scent of lemon accompanying each as he folded them. Suddenly reminded of his own smell, Van flushed.
Walking into the bathroom, his gaze fell upon the giant porcelain tub that graced the shadowed corner in resplendent purity. Two knobs lay on either side of a spout in the shape of a dragon's head. Van stared at the spout in bewilderment. How was one to work this odd contraption? The Fanalian palace had nothing like this, it was too antiquated for modern plumbing. Looking around for clues of any type, he spotted the gold rope meant for summoning a servant.
Upon ringing it, there was a faint echo below him, and a few minutes later, a panting servant girl ran in. "Lord?"
"Can you please run me a bath?"
"Of course, Lord." The girl sashayed over to the spouts and tapped them. Steaming water poured from the spout, splashing into the tub below. As he stared in wonder, the girl turned back and walked right next to him.
"Is there anything…else you need, Lord? Anything I can…do for you?" she breathed in his ear, a wandering hand making it quite clear exactly what she meant. Van carefully removed the hand.
"No, thank you. Although a bathrobe would be nice."
"Of course, lord. Anything for you…" A heated glance was tossed behind her as she left. Sighing in relief, he began to shed his clothes. That was when Kiosun walked in.
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Kiosun walked into Van's room, passing a servant girl on his way in. Van wasn't in his bedroom, but the bathroom light shone through the door and water was running inside. Opening the door, he found Van standing before the bath…completely in the nude. A pair of pants was in one hand, the other hand resting on the lip of the tub. Van's startled gaze met his. Ki felt a blush rise to his cheeks and he cursed his vampiric complexion.
Van spoke first. "Ki…I um…was just…preparing for the journey."
Ki tried averting his gaze, but found himself entirely unable to take his eyes from the beautiful male in front of him. "I'm sorry, Van, I should have knocked…"
Van made no move to cover himself, and a small part of Ki…well, maybe not so small…was intensely happy for it. His heart pounded in his chest as he finally tore his gaze away from the naked boy who so captured his love. Van turned to the bathtub. It was about halfway full and a dull roar came from the pipes, making it hard to hear.
"Oh well, I don't mind." Ki's heart leapt. "The journey…I really need to stop in Lokia to get a gift for Merle…and I really want to see those corals you spoke about. Could we delay our journey for one day more?"
"Van, you know how important it is to become Vampire…has the hunger not hit you yet?"
"The hunger…" Van's voice was haunted. "Yes, I feel it…"
Ki softened. It seemed he could not deny his love anything. "If it means so much to you, of course we can stay there for a night."
"It will be my last day before I truly become kyuuketsuki, or so you tell me. I really would like to make it the best day of my 'life'."
"Anything…" Ki whispered softly. "Van, I love you so much." The roar of the water made it impossible for Van to hear him, but neither of them realized that one more was privy to their conversation.
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Isabelle paused outside of the young prince's bathroom. Two voices she heard from inside… Van's and another. Regarding the bathrobe in her hand, she decided to wait a few minutes to make sure she wasn't walking in on anything. Van's voice spoke first.
"Oh well, I don't mind. The journey…I really need to stop in Lokia to get a gift for Merle…and I really want to see those corals you spoke about. Could we delay our journey for one day more?"
"Van, you know how important it is to become Vampire…has the hunger not hit you yet?"
The servant girl's eyes widened. Vampire?! Balgus had connections in every nearby country, inside the servant's quarters, just for safety, he told them. She was to wait on every noble that came and spy on them. She hadn't expected Van until a pigeon came with a message. She had pulled every favor and string she had possessed to get herself in this position. It seemed it had all paid off.
"The hunger… Yes, I feel it…"
"If it means so much to you, of course we can stay there for a night."
"It will be my last night before I truly become kyuuketsuki, or so you tell me. I really would like to make it the best night of my 'life'."
"Anything…Van, I love you so much."
Isabelle knocked politely on the door as soon as the water began to fall with the 'nearly full' sound. A tall man opened it. The man who had told Van he loved him. She brushed past him and turned the water off. The young prince was completely naked and looked uncomfortable. Her sharp eyes noticed that the other man was slightly aroused, but hiding it well. She turned back to Van, handing him the robe.
"Here, lord. Is there anything else?" She put extra heat in her voice to spite the man behind her. Van began to look sick as she rubbed up against him. When he spoke, his voice broke slightly with panic and disgust.
"No!" He removed himself from her grip, not showing any attraction at all. She sucked in air, making her chest larger…not that it needed the extra lift. His eyes went cold and he pushed her away.
"Enough. I have all I need." She shrugged and walked out the door. She could take a hint. Just as soon as these two left, she'd contact Balgus and tell him everything she'd learned.
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Kiosun watched the servant go with trepidation. Something about her wasn't… submissive enough to mark her as an old hand at serving. She couldn't have been a servant for very long, or she'd have given up easier. The regular girls knew to let things lay after the first rejection. Oh well. He'd make a small complaint to the servant master, and let the matter drop. Something, though, still nagged at the back of his mind. He ignored it.
Turning back to Van, he finished what he had been saying. "We'll fly to Lokia tonight. Bathe and make yourself ready. Pick your best clothes…we want to look wealthy enough to attract the right merchants."
"Hai, alright." Van slipped into the giant tub. Ki marveled at modern piping. The bath was huge, fully large enough for five people to fit and still preserve modesty. As he turned away to return to his rooms, he heard an odd rustle behind him and glanced back. Van had spread his wings, apparently to wash them. Unfortunately, Ki knew how hard it was to wash wings. The water kept sliding off, and soap washed all the waterproof oils away so that the wings became saturated with water. However, wings tended to get very dirty by flying through the air, as dust and bugs seemed to be drawn to them. Van hadn't seemed to notice that he hadn't left yet, because he began vigorously splashing around, like a bird in a fountain.
Ki smothered a laugh. With hair straggling in his eyes and water logged wings, Van looked… Ki's thoughts grew depressed. Absolutely breathtaking. And absolutely remote. Watching Van's profile grow disgusted at the sight of his wings, now almost entirely black, with specks of dirt liberally sprinkling them, Kiosun was returned to good spirits. He watched for another moment as Van tried without success to wash his wings. Finally, Ki spoke. "Would you like some help?"
Van started and whirled around, spraying water onto the floor. Eyes wide, he stared. "I…umm… I guess so…" Van stuttered, completely shocked. Ki just nodded and picked up a bottle of soap from the table by the bath. Working it into his hands, the sharp smell of marigolds drifted through the room.
"Seriously, Ki, can't you find anything better?"
Ki grinned merrily. "Nope!" Van groaned. Ki gently turned Van around until his back and wings could be easily reached. Gently working the soap into Van's wings, Ki began to hum an old tune his foster mother had sung for him.
Van slowly relaxed, wing muscles loosening just as his back had earlier that evening. A white lather arose from his wings, a few stray bubbles drifting in the air. After a few minutes, the lather was more gray than white, and Ki knew the dirt had given up its hold. A small pitcher sat under the table, perfect for rinsing. Filling it with water, Ki upended it over Van's wings, soap streaming off in rivulets.
His breath caught at the beauty and how far it was from him. How could he make Van love him before the bonding ceremony? He definitely had to talk to Angelique.
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Van started as he heard Ki behind him. His mind caught up with him as he stuttered his agreement to something Ki said. Realizing what he'd agreed to, Van inwardly sighed. Ki tempted him so much… Little glances, words, his very being made Van want to reach out and touch him…At the same time, Van felt scared. Afraid of what he was becoming…afraid of what he already was. The very newness of this relationship.
When he was fifteen, he'd tumbled with a servant girl. All of Balgus's men had talked about girls at one point or another, without realizing the young prince was listening. He'd expected more…pleasure, especially from the way they talked about it. Instead, it felt unnatural, wrong. He'd tried later, with a different girl, but with the same results. It held nothing for him. One day, a few months after his second attempt, he saw two older pages kissing in the hall. Both of them were male.
This concept startled him, but at the same time, he felt a yearning for it. When the two boys found him watching, they immediately broke apart in a panic. He assured them that no one would hear about it from him…and he'd kept his word. Later, one of them came to his room and asked why. He'd explained.
"I promised not to tell because sometimes I feel like you two do. Girls…they disgust me, and I want no part of them. But what you two were doing felt like what I should be doing. I felt like it should have been me."
The young man had understood, and showed Van what it was like to be loved by a man. And Van learned exactly what his preferences really were. The boy had thanked him and left. They'd never met again. But ever since then, the thought of a relationship with a female disgusted him. Instead, he found himself watching handsome young men, and silently yearning after them. He'd never breathed a word about it. But Kiosun had known, had been watching him turn females away. Had noticed his gazing at the young men. And Van found himself falling in love with the handsome young vampire.
Still, it was only his second relationship with a man. Van wasn't even sure the first one counted…it had only been one night, after all. It just felt odd to yearn after another man this much. Every moment spent with Ki was a pleasure, a moment to be treasured. Van skittered from the thought. All the echelons of society repudiated those lovers of the same sex. His rearing had warned him never to betray his feelings. So, he hadn't. But this was new…it made him want to defy society and all sense of propriety, and love Ki and to hell with it. Alas, he still felt odd about this new relationship. As soon as he was a vampire, and far away from Fanalia, maybe he would tell Ki how he felt.
Forcing himself to be content with that, he relaxed as Ki washed his wings and hummed a sweet tune. Pouring water over his wings, Kiosun rinsed the last vestiges of soap from Van's wings. His very drenched wings. Ki began to laugh. Van turned around, mock glaring.
"What?"
"Oh my…you look like…" He couldn't stop laughing. Glancing in the mirror behind him, Van began to laugh as well. He looked like a miserable raven after a thunderstorm.
Soon they were both laughing helplessly, and every time they calmed down, a glance from one would set them both off again. Finally, they just couldn't laugh anymore, and collapsed, spent. After a few minutes of companionable silence, Van grabbed a washing cloth and finished washing the rest of himself, realizing that to salvage his dignity now would be pointless, and not really caring if Ki saw anything. Ki watched silently, a small gleam in his eyes, though from laughter or something else, Van couldn't tell. When finished, Ki handed him a towel as he stepped from the tub. Nodding his thanks, Van turned to drain the water.
Ki's hand reached around him and pulled a small knob on the spout. A click was heard and then the sound of water running off elsewhere. Turning away, Van found himself nose to nose with Ki. Their breaths mingled and Van froze. Ki searched his eyes, looking for something.
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All that was reflected was uncertainty. Ki turned away, a small noise of sorrow escaping his lips. Nothing. There was no love in those eyes. He walked towards the door, but as his hand turned the handle, Van's hand fell to cover his. Half turning, Ki looked at Van.
"Ki, will you help me dry my wings please?" Ki nodded shortly, again searching those beautiful dark eyes. This time, there was something… A slight softening, a change in light? He wasn't sure. Turning away, he snagged another towel.
Beginning at the bottom and working his way up, Ki gently chafed the feathers, drawing away the moisture and caressing them at the same time. Van had the other towel wrapped around his waist, and it fell all the way to his ankles. At least this palace wasted no luxury.
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Van shivered slightly as Ki dried his wings. It was so…sensual. Like the first night they'd met. The towel around his waist seemed a little tight, so he surreptitiously loosened it. Finishing with one wing, Ki moved to the other, completely drying each feather before moving to the next. In a few minutes, his wings were entirely dry. As Ki again turned to leave, Van said, "Thank you, Kiosun."
This quiet statement fell into the gentle silence and Ki nodded. "You are quite welcome." Without another word, Ki left, leaving a very much bewildered ex-prince behind.
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By flying the remainder of the night, they reached Lokia an hour before dawn. Kiosun silently guided Van to an inn, where the owner and his wife were actually vampires themselves. They politely introduced themselves to Van, leaving out the vampire part, and when Ki explained that Van was his new "student", they nearly went into shock.
"Fifty years it's been, Kiosun, and now you choose whom you will induct?!" said the man.
"Oh, Kiosun, I'm so happy for you!" gushed the woman. "I know you two will- "
Her husband gently elbowed her at Ki's warning glance. Van noticed this exchange, but did not comment. The husband then spoke heartily. "Any friend of Kiosun's is a friend of ours. The windows all have heavy shutters and several have no windows at all of course, for the true vampiric clients. Which would you prefer?"
"No windows please. We will be staying today and tomorrow, then leaving for Angelique's. For the ceremony, of course."
"Of course. Now, if you'll follow me to your rooms?" The innkeeper guided them to their room, gave them a key, and warned them that no one would be awake during the day except for the hired help. Van nodded and walked into the room after Kiosun. Another single bed. Sighing over his odd fate, Van stripped his shirt and began the exercises to keep his wings limber and pain free. After running through his full repertoire, he slipped into bed next to Kiosun, who'd been watching him with approval.
Blowing out the lamp, Van pulled the covers to his chin and fell deeply asleep, worn out by everything that had happened. Ki stayed up a few minutes longer, admiring Van's sleeping figure, then resolutely turned over and went to sleep.
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In the evening, just after sunset, Van woke up, encircled in Ki's arms. Both arms were snugly wrapped around his waist, effectively trapping him. From the soft even breathing in front of him, Ki was asleep. Unless Van woke Ki up, it would be rather difficult to get out of this embarrassing position. Opening his eyes, he found Ki watching him silently. When Ki noticed he was awake, he began to speak in a husky whisper. "I didn't want to wake you up so I didn't move.
Van flushed deeply. "It's ok, I had the same thought." There was a long pause. Finally, they both drew back at the same time, embarrassed. Van located his shirt and tugged it on, pleased that his muscles weren't bothering him.
Ki stood and dressed behind him in a soft blue velvet shirt and black silk pants. Looking at his own clothes, Van winced. Ki laughed and handed him a matching set of clothes in red and black. Dressing quickly, Van turned to Kiosun with a cheerful gleam in his eyes. "Can we go now?"
Ki laughed. "Of course! Where would you like to go first, the market or diving?"
Van considered. "How about the market? Then we can take our purchases back to the room and go diving."
"Sounds good. Follow me?" Kiosun swept out of the door, proudly leading the way for his eager young friend.
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The marketplace was packed with people shouting their wares as others tried to haggle the prices. The entire square was lit up as bright as day, and everyone seemed cheerful. Van stared about him with wide eyes, trying to comprehend such a large nighttime market. Trinkets, swords, fine jewelry, and food were in abundance. Glancing about, he tried to think of gifts for Merle.
Ki led him about the market, showing him all the stalls and stores. Van laughed and joked as they walked, and picked out all the things he wanted. A new cloak for himself made from deerskin, a necklace for Merle with seashells and foreign coins on it, several new sets of clothes, and a fuzzy wool blanket with cats and birds chasing each other around the edge. When Ki's back was turned, Van impulsively bought him a brand new dagger with an odd black owl's head with glittering eyes. It had a grace and danger that seemed to fit Ki so perfectly…tucking the package away with the rest, Van also bought himself a dagger, this one with a dragon on the hilt.
Hooking the dagger in his belt, Van turned to find Ki just finishing his purchases. He grinned. "I'm done shopping, how about you?"
Ki winked. "I'm through. Now…let's return to the inn and then go diving. We have about four hours until dawn, and we need at least two for the diving tour."
"Great, let's go!" They both raced back to the tavern, laughing. Hiding their purchases in their bags, Van pulled out the remainder of the money his cousin had given him.
Ki peered over his shoulder. "Huh. Looks like enough to buy our own little farm."
"Really?"
"Truly. We could start breeding horses of our own, starting with Coral and Breeze. Angelique would be willing to lend us studs too, and we can get more mares. We could build a cozy little cabin just for us, and live there happily for eternity."
Van sighed. "It sounds so perfect."
"It'll be just ours. Forever."
Van winced, reminded that he still wasn't sure how he felt about Kiosun. "Forever…" he echoed.
Ki grabbed his arm and dragged him towards the door. "Come on, we have to get going!" Van followed, all other thoughts dropped from his mind as he imagined what the famed corals would look like.
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Before them stretched out a panorama of colors. Every shade of red, every shade of blue, every shade of green caught their eyes and clambered for attention. Brightly glowing fishes swam curiously past their boat, butting their noses against the clear glass sides. A small staircase led to this tiny room, just big enough for two people. The walls and floor were made of glass, and the wooden boat above was slowly floating in a circle around this incredible reef. The corals themselves were glowing gently in the darkness of the sea, all different shapes and sizes. Some looked like fingers, reaching up to grab passing animals. Once Ki swore he saw a fish snatched up and stuffed into the nearby rock. Van stared around with wide eyes and an eager smile on his face, wonder in his expression.
Ki stared at his young friend, taking extra pleasure from the amazement that had Van so captivated. Admiring his beauty for the fiftieth time made Ki's heart ache even more and he was strongly reminded that he had very little time left. His stomach was nearly wrapped around his spine, hunger making him weak, and the strenuous activities of late had only emphasized that weakness. Every once in a while he caught Van with the Hunger on his face… Ki had to make Van love him before the ceremony or the pair would be split forever, causing great anguish to the new vampire. Setting this aside to worry about when he had a chance to talk to Angelique, Ki once again turned his wandering attention to the wonders that the ocean held.