AN: Hi people! ::Hides behind chair:: soo...been a while huh? Well, I have a reason(yes, how many times have you heard that?) My excuse is that my internet server has been playing tricks on me. It wouldn't let me on at all and then when it did it refused to upload. So there's my excuse, here's my apology: SORRY! PLEASE FORGIVE THE POOR WRITER WITH THE CRAPPY COMUTER! Better now? Okay then, on to the stories. By the way, I'll probably be updating this once a week somewhere between Friday and Sunday, just so you know when to expect it.
Humongous thanks to these sweet and inspiring people...uh, actually, I'll put these on the bottom for those who actually care. See ya there!
Chapter Seven:
Susan sat in her creative writing class feeling incredibly uncreative. She looked down at the poem she had idly written and grimaced. It was somewhere along the lines of 'Roses are red' and was horrible. Sighing, she crumpled up the paper and took out a new one. Tapping her pencil rhythmically on the blank sheet she turned to study her classmates. Her boyfriend Brier smiled charmingly and blew a kiss to her, which she happily returned. Then he turned back to his conversation with Lei and a shape shifter named Taysin.
She glanced to her other side and noticed Lei's friend Avalon was slumped over in her chair, writing fast. She must have had a burst of inspiration. Susan wondered what she was writing. A stray strand of black hair fell across her face and she impatiently brushed it back over her shoulder along with the rest of her hair.
Susan widened her eyes in surprise. Faintly at the base of the other girl's neck were two scars that could be nothing other than a vampire's bite. Susan grinned and turned again to the trio in the corner. She studied Lei for a moment. Everyday he streaked his hair a different color. She guessed it was to be original or something. Today he had picked a color that she had nicknamed gothic-royale, meaning that deep, vibrant purple color that goths and royalty both liked so much. It matched the color of his eyes. His skin had that slightly flushed look that she knew so well. Yes, Lei was certainly looking well fed.
~Brier~ she sent to her boyfriend, knowing that he could hear her through their connection. She wasn't telepathic enough to talk to Lei unless he was already connected with her but Brier was her soulmate and they could speak anytime they wanted. One of the many perks of the deal. The handsome blonde boy looked up, hazel eyes sparkling.
~Yeah?~ he asked.
~Get Lei for me, I want to ask him something~ She could feel the made vampire's curiosity but he knew better than to ask. He poked the boy next to him and said something. Lei turned to look at her.
~Yes?~ came his voice within her head. It sounded a little impatient. She smiled sweetly at him.
~I thought you said that Avalon wasn't for that purpose~ she said, trying unsuccessfully to hide the fact that she was a bit worried. Avalon seemed nice and if he was feeding from her now. This time his voice almost vibrated with impatience.
~Mind explaining that statement?~ he asked.
~Yesterday when I suggested you feed off her you practically bit my head off. Said she wasn't for that purpose. Now, unless I'm mistaken, those are bite marks in her neck~ She felt Lei's mental sigh.
~Butt out of what's not your business witch~ he sent crossly. He broke off their connection with a snap. Susan growled in frustration.
~Brier, get him again for me~ Brier gave her a strange look but did what she said.
~What!~ Lei snarled.
~Does she know? About what you are?~ she asked quickly, fearing he would break the connection again.
~No, of course not~ He paused for just a second too long, setting bells of alarm off in her head.
~Lei! That's a lie, I know it is. What do you think you're playing at?~ she yelled at him. He glared at her from across the room.
~She found out on accident and we can't erase the memory because someone put a spell on her. Speaking of which, do you happen to know anything about that?~ She shook her head slightly.
~That would take quite a bit of power to do. If you're accusing me then you should know better. Even if I could there's really no point~
~I know. Just thought I'd check. I don't know who else might have done it. By the way, if you breathe a word about this I will personally tear you limb from limb. And that includes your precious little boyfriend~
~Well duh. She'd be in a lot of danger if I did. If you want I can give her a few charms to keep her safe. If anyone new happens to come she could easily be passed off as a witch~ He nodded thoughtfully.
~Okay, good idea~ He seemed to be struggling with something for a few minutes. Finally he spoke again. ~Suze? Thanks~ She smiled.
~No problem. I'll write her a note now~ She turned back to the blank paper and began to write, aware that he still hadn't cut off their connection. ~Is there something else you wanted?~ she prompted.
~Yeah, can you ask her why she's so mad at me?~ Susan laughed out loud. The teacher raised an eyebrow at her and she quickly looked down to hide her smile. If she knew anything about those two, she had a pretty good idea of why Avalon would be mad. Sometimes men were such dunces.
~Sure I'll ask her~ she told him. Finally he receded from her mind, leaving her to concentrate on her letter.
*~*~*~*~*
Avalon held up a small folded piece of paper between two fingers and raised an eyebrow. She was standing with feet slightly apart and the other hand on her hip.
"You said you wanted to talk to me?" she asked. Susan smiled cheerily up at the girl from where she sat propped up by a tree a fair distance away from all the other lunchers. She patted the grass next to her and Avalon sat, looking slightly suspicious. Well, Susan would be too if she were her. They had never really spoken before though she and Lei had a rather tenuous friendship. Tenuous being the key word there.
"I wanted to tell you something," she said. It was hard for her to start; she hadn't ever told anyone what she was before. There hadn't ever been any need. " First of all I just wanted to say that I know you know 'bout the Nightworld. No, don't worry, I won't hurt you," she continued quickly as the other girl made as if to escape. "I'm on your side, that's what I wanted to talk about. Protection." Avalon slowly settled back down onto the grass and stared at her.
" How did you know?" she asked. Susan laughed.
" I forced it out of Lei, in creative writing. By the way, you really shouldn't flash that thing around." She said, indicating the two healing wounds on the girl's neck. "The wrong people might notice. I am a witch, just so you know. I could get you a poultice that will help it heal quicker, if you like." Avalon nodded gratefully, looking down at her ands where they were clasped in her lap. She looked up.
" How did you force it out of Lei?" she asked curiously.
" Mmn. It's hard to lie when you're speaking mind to mind. I guessed and he swore me to secrecy. And you can be sure I won't break my promise." They smiled at each other, easily becoming friends.
"You said something about protection?" Avalon asked. Susan nodded.
"I can make you some charms if you'd like. They would help you a little although I'm not strong enough to do any real protection."
"I would like that. What kind of charms?" Susan thought for a moment then spoke.
"Well, Awareness for one. That will help you notice if something is out of place. Sensitivity, Strength, umm, perhaps a Disorientation spell that I can teach you to set off. It wouldn't last long but it might help if you ever need to run. I'm not sure, I'd have see what else I can do but those would be good starters, don't you think?" Avalon nodded happily.
"That would be wonderful," she said. "So who else is part of this Nightworld?"
"Well, there's me, a witch, Lei and Ashyr are lamia, born vampires," Avalon nodded to show she understood. "Then there's Taysin, who's a leopard shifter. Amanda, that senior girl is also a witch but don't mess with her, she's nasty. And then of course there's my Brier. He's a made vampire. He's actually near seventy five years old but he sure doesn't look it does he?" Susan giggled softly, knowing she had that dreamy far-away look in her eyes. Avalon sighed longingly.
"Are you two soulmates?" she asked. Susan looked at her sharply.
"Yes, we are. Most Nightworlders don't believe in it though."
"I know. Lei thinks it's just a load of rubbish. I think it's a dream come true though." Susan smiled.
"Are you and Lei, you know, soulmates?" she asked tentatively. The other girl scowled suddenly.
"I certainly hope not! He's such a moronic...jerk!" she said fervently, anger sparking in her eyes. **Uh oh. Trouble in Paradise, just as I thought** Susan nodded knowingly.
"Perhaps I should make him an Awareness charm as well?" she suggested slyly. Avalon rolled her eyes.
"I'm not sure even that would help him. I threw myself at him last night and he didn't even seem to realize what was going on!" She sighed in frustration. " Sometimes I just absolutely hate him."
"Honey, all men are completely clueless. It just so happens that Lei is a Redfern and so he's even worse." Avalon gave her an inquisitive glance and she explained.
"The Redferns are the most prominent lamia family in the Nightworld. They are directly descended from Maya, the first of the vampires. Unfortunately, they aren't exactly known for their brains. Too much inbreeding if you ask me, especially ones that come from the enclaves. Those are places where only Night worlders live, mostly vampires. They're usually really secluded."
"Did Lei come from an enclave?" Avalon asked. Susan nodded.
"Yeah but his brother kidnapped him and took him away when he was really little. Before he came here." Avalon frowned slightly, disturbed.
"How do you know that?" she asked. It was obvious that Lei had never told her about his past. Susan shrugged sheepishly.
"I'm nosy. I tend to find things out. Anyway, never mind that. Is Lei your soulmate?" Avalon shrugged and shook her head.
"Don't know, what's it like?" Susan leaned back against the tree again.
"It's wonderful. Like lightening and sparks and it's like going into a different world where only you and your other half are. You know everything about them and they know everything about you but you don't even care because they still love you. Once you've found him your linked whether you like it or not, even in death." Susan watched the other girl. She seemed pretty wretched.
"No, I don't think we are then. Nothing like that happened, although it was kind of nice. I could see his mind, like one of those heat sensor devices only with his feelings. It was comforting but nothing like that."
"Hmm, doesn't really sound like you are. You could see his mind though? Was he letting you?" Avalon shook her head.
"I don't think so. He seemed surprised." Susan looked thoughtful for a moment.
"I don't know. That's definitely not normal," she mused.
"That's what he said. I don't know what to do about him. I've tried everything to make him realize that I like him aside from just out and saying 'hey Lei, I love you'. Even then I have this sneaking suspicion that he would just say it back, thinking I meant as a brother or a friend." Susan laughed, completely understanding how the other girl felt. She had literally had to whap Brier upside the head before he understood but even then it was only because the soulmate link kicked in.
"Perhaps I can help you out. But later because here comes Prince Charming now." Lei was approaching them, looking slightly uneasy. This was certainly going to be fun getting them together, Susan thought.
Okay, here are my prolonged thank yous. In no particular order except for how they appear on my review list, Thanks to:
Starwisher: you hate suspense?! Eek! You're really going to hate me in that case. I'm addicted to it. I'm really glad that you like my story though! And as for the Ashyr thing, he's not doing anything just yet....but now I've said too much. Thanks!
Kristy Marie: Thank you, thank you, thank you! They say all good things come in threes...or if they don't then they should! ::grins:: wow, all in one sitting huh? Cool! And thank you so much for your review!
* ~Keller~*: Hee, hee, hee. Thank you for your blessing in the pretty little box! And sorry about the 'not soon' part. I tried, really! As for your question, I'd have to say B. Charmed. I haven't seen much of Roswell and Dawson's Creek has gone so downhill lately. My favorites are Buffy, Angel, and Gilmore Girls, especially Gilmore girls!
Myst: Yeah, mental anguish. I like that. Mental anguish is good for the readers. Gives 'em something interesting. I mean, how boring would it be if they just said 'I love you', 'I love you too' *smoochie, smoochie* ? Fun is definitely the word for it!
kitty_kat: you are so * sweet*! I think the expression 'da bomb' works just fine for me. And to continue our little tradition here: thank you for saying thank you for saying thank you...and I think that's all the thanks so far! One question though, as one who is completely illiterate when it comes to internet lingo, what does g2g mean? Anyways, Thank you!
And lastly but never leastly, : Lisa B: I'm so glad that you like the way that I write! And sorry this isn't soon but at least it's up!
Well, that's all for now. Any comments or criticisms would be vastly appreciated for the sweet, thoughtful things they are. Just remember, there's a reason for that blank box down there. To make writers feel good. See ya!
Humongous thanks to these sweet and inspiring people...uh, actually, I'll put these on the bottom for those who actually care. See ya there!
Chapter Seven:
Susan sat in her creative writing class feeling incredibly uncreative. She looked down at the poem she had idly written and grimaced. It was somewhere along the lines of 'Roses are red' and was horrible. Sighing, she crumpled up the paper and took out a new one. Tapping her pencil rhythmically on the blank sheet she turned to study her classmates. Her boyfriend Brier smiled charmingly and blew a kiss to her, which she happily returned. Then he turned back to his conversation with Lei and a shape shifter named Taysin.
She glanced to her other side and noticed Lei's friend Avalon was slumped over in her chair, writing fast. She must have had a burst of inspiration. Susan wondered what she was writing. A stray strand of black hair fell across her face and she impatiently brushed it back over her shoulder along with the rest of her hair.
Susan widened her eyes in surprise. Faintly at the base of the other girl's neck were two scars that could be nothing other than a vampire's bite. Susan grinned and turned again to the trio in the corner. She studied Lei for a moment. Everyday he streaked his hair a different color. She guessed it was to be original or something. Today he had picked a color that she had nicknamed gothic-royale, meaning that deep, vibrant purple color that goths and royalty both liked so much. It matched the color of his eyes. His skin had that slightly flushed look that she knew so well. Yes, Lei was certainly looking well fed.
~Brier~ she sent to her boyfriend, knowing that he could hear her through their connection. She wasn't telepathic enough to talk to Lei unless he was already connected with her but Brier was her soulmate and they could speak anytime they wanted. One of the many perks of the deal. The handsome blonde boy looked up, hazel eyes sparkling.
~Yeah?~ he asked.
~Get Lei for me, I want to ask him something~ She could feel the made vampire's curiosity but he knew better than to ask. He poked the boy next to him and said something. Lei turned to look at her.
~Yes?~ came his voice within her head. It sounded a little impatient. She smiled sweetly at him.
~I thought you said that Avalon wasn't for that purpose~ she said, trying unsuccessfully to hide the fact that she was a bit worried. Avalon seemed nice and if he was feeding from her now. This time his voice almost vibrated with impatience.
~Mind explaining that statement?~ he asked.
~Yesterday when I suggested you feed off her you practically bit my head off. Said she wasn't for that purpose. Now, unless I'm mistaken, those are bite marks in her neck~ She felt Lei's mental sigh.
~Butt out of what's not your business witch~ he sent crossly. He broke off their connection with a snap. Susan growled in frustration.
~Brier, get him again for me~ Brier gave her a strange look but did what she said.
~What!~ Lei snarled.
~Does she know? About what you are?~ she asked quickly, fearing he would break the connection again.
~No, of course not~ He paused for just a second too long, setting bells of alarm off in her head.
~Lei! That's a lie, I know it is. What do you think you're playing at?~ she yelled at him. He glared at her from across the room.
~She found out on accident and we can't erase the memory because someone put a spell on her. Speaking of which, do you happen to know anything about that?~ She shook her head slightly.
~That would take quite a bit of power to do. If you're accusing me then you should know better. Even if I could there's really no point~
~I know. Just thought I'd check. I don't know who else might have done it. By the way, if you breathe a word about this I will personally tear you limb from limb. And that includes your precious little boyfriend~
~Well duh. She'd be in a lot of danger if I did. If you want I can give her a few charms to keep her safe. If anyone new happens to come she could easily be passed off as a witch~ He nodded thoughtfully.
~Okay, good idea~ He seemed to be struggling with something for a few minutes. Finally he spoke again. ~Suze? Thanks~ She smiled.
~No problem. I'll write her a note now~ She turned back to the blank paper and began to write, aware that he still hadn't cut off their connection. ~Is there something else you wanted?~ she prompted.
~Yeah, can you ask her why she's so mad at me?~ Susan laughed out loud. The teacher raised an eyebrow at her and she quickly looked down to hide her smile. If she knew anything about those two, she had a pretty good idea of why Avalon would be mad. Sometimes men were such dunces.
~Sure I'll ask her~ she told him. Finally he receded from her mind, leaving her to concentrate on her letter.
*~*~*~*~*
Avalon held up a small folded piece of paper between two fingers and raised an eyebrow. She was standing with feet slightly apart and the other hand on her hip.
"You said you wanted to talk to me?" she asked. Susan smiled cheerily up at the girl from where she sat propped up by a tree a fair distance away from all the other lunchers. She patted the grass next to her and Avalon sat, looking slightly suspicious. Well, Susan would be too if she were her. They had never really spoken before though she and Lei had a rather tenuous friendship. Tenuous being the key word there.
"I wanted to tell you something," she said. It was hard for her to start; she hadn't ever told anyone what she was before. There hadn't ever been any need. " First of all I just wanted to say that I know you know 'bout the Nightworld. No, don't worry, I won't hurt you," she continued quickly as the other girl made as if to escape. "I'm on your side, that's what I wanted to talk about. Protection." Avalon slowly settled back down onto the grass and stared at her.
" How did you know?" she asked. Susan laughed.
" I forced it out of Lei, in creative writing. By the way, you really shouldn't flash that thing around." She said, indicating the two healing wounds on the girl's neck. "The wrong people might notice. I am a witch, just so you know. I could get you a poultice that will help it heal quicker, if you like." Avalon nodded gratefully, looking down at her ands where they were clasped in her lap. She looked up.
" How did you force it out of Lei?" she asked curiously.
" Mmn. It's hard to lie when you're speaking mind to mind. I guessed and he swore me to secrecy. And you can be sure I won't break my promise." They smiled at each other, easily becoming friends.
"You said something about protection?" Avalon asked. Susan nodded.
"I can make you some charms if you'd like. They would help you a little although I'm not strong enough to do any real protection."
"I would like that. What kind of charms?" Susan thought for a moment then spoke.
"Well, Awareness for one. That will help you notice if something is out of place. Sensitivity, Strength, umm, perhaps a Disorientation spell that I can teach you to set off. It wouldn't last long but it might help if you ever need to run. I'm not sure, I'd have see what else I can do but those would be good starters, don't you think?" Avalon nodded happily.
"That would be wonderful," she said. "So who else is part of this Nightworld?"
"Well, there's me, a witch, Lei and Ashyr are lamia, born vampires," Avalon nodded to show she understood. "Then there's Taysin, who's a leopard shifter. Amanda, that senior girl is also a witch but don't mess with her, she's nasty. And then of course there's my Brier. He's a made vampire. He's actually near seventy five years old but he sure doesn't look it does he?" Susan giggled softly, knowing she had that dreamy far-away look in her eyes. Avalon sighed longingly.
"Are you two soulmates?" she asked. Susan looked at her sharply.
"Yes, we are. Most Nightworlders don't believe in it though."
"I know. Lei thinks it's just a load of rubbish. I think it's a dream come true though." Susan smiled.
"Are you and Lei, you know, soulmates?" she asked tentatively. The other girl scowled suddenly.
"I certainly hope not! He's such a moronic...jerk!" she said fervently, anger sparking in her eyes. **Uh oh. Trouble in Paradise, just as I thought** Susan nodded knowingly.
"Perhaps I should make him an Awareness charm as well?" she suggested slyly. Avalon rolled her eyes.
"I'm not sure even that would help him. I threw myself at him last night and he didn't even seem to realize what was going on!" She sighed in frustration. " Sometimes I just absolutely hate him."
"Honey, all men are completely clueless. It just so happens that Lei is a Redfern and so he's even worse." Avalon gave her an inquisitive glance and she explained.
"The Redferns are the most prominent lamia family in the Nightworld. They are directly descended from Maya, the first of the vampires. Unfortunately, they aren't exactly known for their brains. Too much inbreeding if you ask me, especially ones that come from the enclaves. Those are places where only Night worlders live, mostly vampires. They're usually really secluded."
"Did Lei come from an enclave?" Avalon asked. Susan nodded.
"Yeah but his brother kidnapped him and took him away when he was really little. Before he came here." Avalon frowned slightly, disturbed.
"How do you know that?" she asked. It was obvious that Lei had never told her about his past. Susan shrugged sheepishly.
"I'm nosy. I tend to find things out. Anyway, never mind that. Is Lei your soulmate?" Avalon shrugged and shook her head.
"Don't know, what's it like?" Susan leaned back against the tree again.
"It's wonderful. Like lightening and sparks and it's like going into a different world where only you and your other half are. You know everything about them and they know everything about you but you don't even care because they still love you. Once you've found him your linked whether you like it or not, even in death." Susan watched the other girl. She seemed pretty wretched.
"No, I don't think we are then. Nothing like that happened, although it was kind of nice. I could see his mind, like one of those heat sensor devices only with his feelings. It was comforting but nothing like that."
"Hmm, doesn't really sound like you are. You could see his mind though? Was he letting you?" Avalon shook her head.
"I don't think so. He seemed surprised." Susan looked thoughtful for a moment.
"I don't know. That's definitely not normal," she mused.
"That's what he said. I don't know what to do about him. I've tried everything to make him realize that I like him aside from just out and saying 'hey Lei, I love you'. Even then I have this sneaking suspicion that he would just say it back, thinking I meant as a brother or a friend." Susan laughed, completely understanding how the other girl felt. She had literally had to whap Brier upside the head before he understood but even then it was only because the soulmate link kicked in.
"Perhaps I can help you out. But later because here comes Prince Charming now." Lei was approaching them, looking slightly uneasy. This was certainly going to be fun getting them together, Susan thought.
Okay, here are my prolonged thank yous. In no particular order except for how they appear on my review list, Thanks to:
Starwisher: you hate suspense?! Eek! You're really going to hate me in that case. I'm addicted to it. I'm really glad that you like my story though! And as for the Ashyr thing, he's not doing anything just yet....but now I've said too much. Thanks!
Kristy Marie: Thank you, thank you, thank you! They say all good things come in threes...or if they don't then they should! ::grins:: wow, all in one sitting huh? Cool! And thank you so much for your review!
* ~Keller~*: Hee, hee, hee. Thank you for your blessing in the pretty little box! And sorry about the 'not soon' part. I tried, really! As for your question, I'd have to say B. Charmed. I haven't seen much of Roswell and Dawson's Creek has gone so downhill lately. My favorites are Buffy, Angel, and Gilmore Girls, especially Gilmore girls!
Myst: Yeah, mental anguish. I like that. Mental anguish is good for the readers. Gives 'em something interesting. I mean, how boring would it be if they just said 'I love you', 'I love you too' *smoochie, smoochie* ? Fun is definitely the word for it!
kitty_kat: you are so * sweet*! I think the expression 'da bomb' works just fine for me. And to continue our little tradition here: thank you for saying thank you for saying thank you...and I think that's all the thanks so far! One question though, as one who is completely illiterate when it comes to internet lingo, what does g2g mean? Anyways, Thank you!
And lastly but never leastly, : Lisa B: I'm so glad that you like the way that I write! And sorry this isn't soon but at least it's up!
Well, that's all for now. Any comments or criticisms would be vastly appreciated for the sweet, thoughtful things they are. Just remember, there's a reason for that blank box down there. To make writers feel good. See ya!