"Did she get lost again?" Stephan mused under his breath as they both spent most of their days listening to Scarlett wander around their grand home in the woods.
Vladimir gave a snort, he knew Scarlett only needed to whisper his name and he'd go and fetch her. "She's just found a spot and has probably fallen asleep." He had given her free reign over her new home, only Stephan's rooms were off limits and those were labeled for her; not that his brother minded the intrusion but he still wanted there to be no future issues arising because of it. He had asked her in the car, on the way home from their first outing to get food, if she wanted her own place to retreat to in town and she quickly declined, 'Too dangerous if I can't speak the language.' She said, and that settled him greatly. If they should return to her city she would always have the option, he reasoned and even so, when the renovations on his apartment were complete she didn't venture back to her own apartment afterwards.
"You're not worried about her waking up disoriented?" Stephan asked.
Vladimir shook his head, "She will appreciate being allowed to learn to navigate the place on her own and succeed in the task." He himself knew how possessive he could be and this little exercise was for his own benefit as well, he had to learn to let her discover on her own for her own self esteem. "I will go fetch her before sunset, she is in need of fruit and other food items." They had gotten into the habit of going to town for her every three to four days over the last several weeks and he was rather enjoying the outings as it tended to brighten her spirits and give him a break from his work.
Stephan wrinkled his nose at the prospect of going to the grocery store in town, it stank of something awful as if it was from a few hundred years in the past. "I don't envy you in that respect brother, dreadful place."
Vladimir gave a slow nod. "It's settling for the humans to see her every so often, and besides, having things delivered here, even Scarlett agreed with me, is 'too intrusive'." He had offered her a choice of any vehicle she wished so she could come and go of her own accord; Scarlett did take several moments to consider it, but declined again for not knowing the language and fearing being stopped or getting into an accident. This also pleased him, not for her allowing him that power over her but that she was looking out for her own safety for both their happiness's sake. Vladimir paused and looked up to the ceiling; she was directly above their office in the gallery above them; she was finding her way using her intuition it seemed. The stairs down were hard to miss so she would be, should she choose, find them soon enough. This was how they spent their days, Scarlett wandering about while they worked. On some days she did stay with them in the space that they designated as their office; it was more apt as an oversized parlour, and she would find a comfortable spot and settle in with one of her magazines and be very still as she read it. Vladimir did ask her if she minded at all at the sudden stop in their adventure around and Scarlett said she liked the peace of the place, the calm of it all. In truth that was the sole purpose of the place, a refuge from the world where they could be in perfect safety from the outside, a place where they could ground their minds. A few more moments passed and he heard her feet on the steps and then her head poked around the doorway into the room. Both he and his brother felt the mood in the house lifted because of her presence in it. The last several weeks had been the most content that either of them had recalled or experienced in a very, very long time.
"Are you going to come in or just stand there staring at us love?" He could see her from the corner of his eye and her mood was playful from what he had sensed. "We will be going out to get the few things you need in a moment, I'm almost done for the day." In truth he could work for another day or two but even Stephan insisted he make time for S, as he bluntly put it, 'She has such a limited amount of it, and to waste it would be sinful.' His brother was right and the thought of losing her still weighed heavy on his heart. Scarlett had made it into the office space and stood to the side of his desk watching him type. Vladimir was searching for ways to breach the topic of her continuing her existence since their arrival but it was to no avail; pressuring her, he decided would not be advisable on this topic. He quickly finished what he was writing, scanned it over twice and sent it along to its waiting recipient. Scarlett was in his arms the next moment and he had them in their room instantly. "You need to put on something warm, it's getting chilly out."
Scarlett had a list of things she wanted from the store and was hoping they would be there from what she recalled the number of times they had already been. It was still light out but she had her marching orders to get ready to go so she didn't dottle. A 'warm' outfit was found and put on in a few moments and after a quick trip to the bathroom to check her hair and make it so she didn't have to ask V to find her a ladies room; she was ready. "And ready." He gave her a nod and picked her up and had her in the car instantly. She convinced herself that she was getting accustomed to the transport but was still closing her eyes because it was dizzying, sometimes moving a bit too fast. She did like the car in Paris, but this littler one they had there had her sitting closer to V so that point in itself was all the more better. She also figured that the Paris car would make them 'too visible' and that she confirmed on a few of their trips when he parked amongst other cars in town. She quickly noticed that they weren't on the usual road and wondered what or where they were heading; another town to a different shop, how would she find what she was wanting?
S was a book, a delightful book that was easy to read but also intrigued Vladimirs imagination as to what she was thinking. He had recalled a place that at the time was of little purpose to him but now it would serve a noble one. "Close your eyes, love." She obeyed quickly as he made the last turn to arrive at their destination. "Now keep them closed until I say you can open them." He was out of the car and had her on her feet, holding her so she wouldn't trip. "Now open."
The sun was still out, she could see it through her closed eyelids; there was a slight breeze and she heard the leaves rustling on their branches nearby, there was the sound of wind but no people. Her eyes opened to a sunset filled with every shade of colour of reds and oranges imaginable. Her eyes dropped to where V's arm was draped across her shoulders to see the spectrum of colour refact in even more facets from his skin. Her eyes went up to see him watching her glancing at him; he smirked. "Very pretty."
"I'm pretty?" He scoffed, it wasn't a very manly description of him.
"I mean the sunset is pretty. You are beyond anything I could possibly describe." It was moments like this that she loved, as well as their making love, that had her feeling complet around him, feeling at home within another. "Thank you for showing me this," her eyes went back out to the vista before them, rolling hills with patches of trees underneath a sky that was unraveling in colours through the whispers of clouds as the sun slowly set. "I don't think a picture or painting could ever capture the feeling in this view."
Vladimir had to wholeheartedly agree, the reproduction of a sight might never be fully accomplished. They stood there watching the sun go down slowly, Scarlett's head resting back onto his shoulder, her arm holding his that was around her waist, he not daring to let her go; she felt so light in his hold that he felt that she might just float away if he did, until the sun was just a passing memory. "Let's go before it gets too dark for you love." He had her back into the car and to their destination in a few moments.
-
The shop keeper had started predicting their arrival and from what Vladimir could tell, put out fresher fruit for her and even meat, when she bought it, was better. He stayed a few steps behind her as she picked up a few things; a few tins of soup, more salt and plenty of fruit. On this trip she bought bread in small buns and got several varieties of cured meats sliced for easy meals, sandwiches, so he thought of perhaps taking her out into the woods for a picnic on a warmer day. He mused at the thought of making love with her in the woods, it warmed his thoughts. He caught her smirking at him, she suspected his thoughts so he shrugged at her. He hardly could blame himself for wanting to please her as she gave him immeasurable pleasure in return. Her ease around him in this public setting did much to settle the shopkeeper; he saw him watching them as they shopped, noting the times that she reached for him to come closer to her to translate a label for her or just have him near. Vladimir wondered what the shopkeeper thought of their arrangement, if she was his 'keeper', if he had her captive. She pulled him out of his thoughts again when she tossed another clove of garlic into the basket he was holding and asked the shopkeeper for a carton of milk that was kept behind the counter.
"Un litru de lapte, vă rog." Scarlett was determined to learn the language. A nod from the shopkeeper and a quick motion to get her request satisfied her greatly. V gave her a nod of approval. She was far from conversing in the tongue but her effort and want were not going unnoticed by him, he would often point out a few things and add to her vocabulary. The shopkeeper had her items bagged and V handed over a bundle of bills with a whisper. She suspected V of overpaying but she also imagined that the shopkeeper knew that they could just as easily find another grocery store in town but they shopped here for his silence about them; and that he stayed open a little later for their convenience. They thanked him and were on their way back to the car, V holding on to all the bags when she realized, "I still need to have my supper. Is there a place that is open or should I just wait till we get back? I could make myself a sandwich too. It's no different to me."
"There is a place that should be open, we can pick something up for you." The car turned and they were off down another street. Vladimir was glad he took a few moments when he was out on hunting trips to detour through town to look at what was there for his S. They arrived quickly and he parked and was out of the car, at a painful human pace, to open the door and help Scarlett out. He had brought her to something that resembled a bar but it served meals. "I do hope this will suffice." S was silent, she was too busy looking about and taking in the details of the place and those that were in it. It would be open for the patrons that went there to just have alcohol but they would be having none. He mused that she needed none, what was it, it made her uninhibited, no, she was already that with him. With a few words to a staff member they were seated at a table. There weren't too many people there so he trusted that they would be left alone.
Scarlett looked at the menu and squinted. None of the words looked familiar to her. "I don't know, um chicken? Soup?" She felt helpless but then it occurred to her, "Oh my gosh. This is a first for us, dinner out." Her grin infected V and he smirked.
"I had wished for this event to be at a more prestigious place." It was less than perfect, quite a downgrade in his standard especially when it came to his love, but looking at her contentment, pure savering of the moment, he realized he wanted to impress her with money and not substance; which she valued more. "If it is to your liking love, then we can come back anytime you desire." The waiter came over and he specified what S would be eating from what he observed on the menu.
———
Diary Entry #42
We ate out for the first time as a couple tonight, the little break from cooking was nice but I prefer my own food I think. I wasn't sure if they were trying to be fancy or if it was what they normally served but it was a bit too spicy for me. I managed to have most of my meal, even under V's watchful eye; it wasn't all that bad really, the company more than made up for it.
It feels like V is anxious about me and it's just not when we are going out, it's like he's waiting for me to say the word and start me off on the 'big' adventure with him. I want to say yes, I really do but the image of him with the red head still haunts me. I know in my heart he could, and my god it would be so nice to be able to be his equal. I find myself getting depressed for hours when I'm not with him and wandering around the house thinking about how much of a coward I am. I still think about what he asked me in Paris, about what my dreams and aspirations are, and everyday I question if I have found any; the horrifying part is that I don't know and what if, what if I brought that question over with me and ended up being a lump beside him. I guess with the upgraded features I'd pick up on a lot more things, like speaking the language.
I miss Liz. I keep asking her when she will be able to come visit as I know, in one word that all the travel arrangements would be made in under thirty second by V but she still is resisting. I hope I haven't lost her. I guess I'll know how she is when we go back home to see her. The strange thing is that I don't miss the place or my apartment, just her. This place, big place, is my world now and it's very strange that I feel like I am home; all the rest of my life was the journey to be here. I'm a dork and if you ever read this without my permission V I will be very mad at you. 3 S
—-
Scarlett closed the leather bound book and tied the tassel around the button to hold it securely closed.
"I'm glad to see you are still practicing your handwriting love." Vladimir stayed well away from her at the entry of the kitchen; her thoughts were her own in that little book and he respected her need to put them there. He was next facing her in a pulled out chair to be eye to eye with her. "You seem sad, was your meal not satisfactory?"
"It was okay, a bit spicy but pretty good." Scarlett smirked. "I liked being out with you tonight, it was more interesting."
Vladimir appreciated the compliment and still sensed her mood. "Then why the sadness?"
There was a sigh from S's lips, "I miss Liz." She shrugged. "I don't want to leave here and she is still not wanting to come so I guess I'll stick to texting and calling her." Scarlett shook her head. "I just don't want us to become strangers."
"I could do something to aid that but I think she would see right through the plot so I will not interfere. We will eventually make it back to her city or if she chooses to go off on a trip, bump into her." He smirked, he would be sure to keep tabs on her for the opportunity as well as mention to S if they were to be anywhere so she could even take the initiative. Vladimir, even with the muted tone of the evenings events savoured them, they were the stuff a simple life was made from, what he was missing for a very long time. "Let's go get you into something more comfortable and have a snuggle?" There was an approving nod from the woman in front of him and a snort from the office in the distance. Perhaps other sounds much later that might be heard that night will shut his brother up; V smirked.
Scarlett put her diary away and got up to look around the kitchen before she let V scoop her up and take them to their bedroom. She did want to shower and get the smell of the place they were at off them; she thought it interesting that they still allowed smoking in places because back at home it wasn't allowed anymore. She went to the bathroom and took care of business before stripping down and turning the water on to the shower. She lingered under the water for a few moments, "V?" And he was in view as she turned the next moment. "Can you help me wash my back?" There was a fixed gaze from the man, it was a yes. She was mid reaching for the puffy sponge when his hand passed hers and grabbed it. His hand was on her torso and a froth of bubbles was quickly developing on her back. She lathered up her hair with shampoo and rinsed it then went for the conditioner; V was crouched by then going over every inch of her legs, his on hand holding her still. It was mid conditioning her hair when she felt his fingered brushing up against her center. The first few times were forgivable but it was then when the lather laden puffy sponge was slowly dragged along them and his hand was massaging her rear that she let out a whimper. She could feel herself pressed back into V's chest and the sponge then encircled her breasts and V's other hand was on her sex; fingers stroaking it, teasing her. She finished rinsing her hair only to notice that the sponge was returned to its place and she was enclosed in V's arms. His fingers on her sex were relentless and she didn't resist, it'd be the wrong choice. "Mmm." Two fingers found their way in and were pumping her so slowly that it was maddening. A groan slipped and she suspected to be taken from behind but V only quickened his fingers and held her more firmly to his chest.
S was collapsing quickly, Vladimir enjoyed making her squirm, dominating her and giving her intense pleasures. Her fingers that were pressed to the wall were going white and the hand she had on his over her heart was gripping it tightly; her body was trembling so he kept pumping her sex firmly. "Don't resist love." S garbled a few words before her body gave up and succumbed to him. He kept his fingers moving as she rode out her orgasm and then went limp in his arms. The warm water cascaded over them as he carefully rubbed her sex; 'no harm done' he thought, she knew to speak up if he had been too rough. He kissed the back of her neck; the smell of satisfaction radiated from her skin and it was intoxicating to him. Her hand fell from his on her heart and he felt her arm slip between them and her fingers wrap around his length, he smirked; she wanted more. Her hungry eyes found his as she turned and he lifted her up, pressing her back to the marble. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her lips found his as he pushed deeply into her core. Deep kisses, her trembling lips with her pounding heart setting his hurried pace; he needed his release. Her lips pulled away from his and her head tilted back in a long groan made him pause to feel her legs tighten their grip around his waist; he growled in response and felt his own release. Her gasps at his neck drew him back from his moment of euphoria. The water was shut off and he had an oversized towel on her back as he held her tight and took them into the bedroom. He debated dropping them onto the couch but it was their bed that they landed on. He released her legs from around his waist and wrapped the towel around her, securing her arms around her chest. He was growling in contentment as he opened up her legs further to re-enter her core. His hands held her hips and he pumped her slowly, quickly, and slowly again as she gasped and squirmed with her still damp golden hair clinging to her face and neck. He couldn't hold back his release, he couldn't stop his efforts so he continued his motions as the slickness they both released kept flowing. The gods were thanked and thanked again when her body arched up and she cried out and his body answered hers again.
Covers were pulled over them, the towel from around her was released and he embraced her spent form carefully. His lips were at her throat, kissing it tenderly.
Scarlett mumbled, "We can cuddle now." There was a muffled chuckle and a 'thank you'. It wasn't what she had in mind not a few hours earlier but it was entirely better than anything she could plan out. Scarlett worked on breathing, catching her breath with her husband still firmly between her legs. She was too spent, it was all too intense, so satisfying that nothing more was needed. —- S woke to find V still holding on to her tightly; she felt her body calm. Their bedroom was sufficiently dark with only a ray of light being allowed entry to cast a glow in the room. She felt her stomach gurgle and it wasn't good. No. It was still upset from the spicy meal from the night before. She didn't want to break the moment but needs needed to happen. "Morning love." There was a low growl behind her, the man had waited for her to wake. "I need to go…" she was instantly lifted up and brought to the bathroom and as soon as he had her steadied, left her. The lights had been set on low before the door closed. The towel that was around her fell and needs were taken care of quickly; she decided, upon her release from the bedroom that only bland items would be comsumed today. S mumbled, "my hair is a knotty mess" and grumbled picking up her brush to start the process of straightening it out; there was a scratch on the door. "Come in." V was behind her instantly and carefully pulling the brush from her hand. She was left just standing there looking at her reflection and that of V intensely focused at his task.
Many moments passed, locks of hair were easily realized from their knots; Vladimir didn't regret any of them but did concern himself at every strand remaining intact. His eyes watched hers watching him and even in her still stirring state of waking up he could see her love for him. "You are well?" There was a nod but he knew there was soreness within her; a forgivable lie. He worked carefully but quickly so the brush could pass through her hair without any obstacles. It was set down and his fingers started twisting bunches of her hair into several braids with the end tucked into a bundle. She did watch him curiously and tuned her head slightly to look at his work; his hands smoothed over her shoulders and down each of her arms so his hands settled over hers to place them firmly on the marble counter, he intended her to keep them there. He then settled his hands on her waist and pulled her back slightly, positioned her legs open and gave her a glance; she swallowed deeply. "Yes?"
Scarlett shook her head and went down on her elbows, pushing her rear into him. She looked up and gave a nod. Food could wait, she had another need after fighting the urge to stop V sooner while he was brushing her hair to kiss him. She licked her lips and kept her eyes locked with his in the mirror; she knew how exceptionally capable he was at pleasuring her in this position.
Vladimir didn't need to check to see if she was ready, he could smell her arousal for some time so he glided his length into her core easily; a growl escaped and he heard S whimper softly. He watched her expression change into one of absolute pleasure as he moved deeply within her. Light taps of his lap quickly turned into slaps and her rear blushed deeper with each trust he took into her. Holding her steady he quickened his pace with her increased laboured breathing and pulsing heart that was thundering away. Gasps turned into groans, and muscles started tightening down his loves back as she cried out, her body tensed so forcefully for several moments until it released. Praises were silently said as he held her and waited for her recovery. He would need to feed that day, he didn't care it was so soon but no cost was too great for that moment he felt. He lifted her body up slowly, turned her and embraced her tembeling form; no, no cost was too great. "I will need to go out today," he whispered softly "and it's all your fault." There was a giggle; she wasn't sorry it seemed. "After you have your lunch we can go on a drive, there is another place I wish you to see. She nodded and he carefully lifted her and took her to the closet so she could get dressed. He himself was properly attired instantly and he kissed her shoulder before he went off to 'work'. Vladimir often wondered what his brother thought when he was with his Scarlett; listening to them being intimate but then again, his brother never said or did anything to concern him enough to have him leave the place. He walked into the room and settled down to read all that he had missed from his few hours away. It didn't take too long for him to see Scarlett pass by and then for Stephan to mumble, 'I'm adding /braiding hair/ to your special skills.' and then chuckle. Vladimir ignored him and went about sending emails, copying his brother in all of them, and replying to his in turn. They had learned a while back that them appearing to not be together aided them in many things including security; if the humans were always guessing where they were then they could better move around from country to country undetected.
Scarlett settled herself down in the kitchen after she had her breakfast, the view from the window in that room looked out onto the bit of field before the forest took over; to her it was so lovely. Soon after she had just arrived, she had asked if there were any wild animals in the woods should she want to go for a walk and sadly there were wolves V told her. He did take her around the house, mansion, so she could look around but she then had no interest in ever setting foot outdoors unless V was with her. It had occurred to her that there was nothing she wanted to do to ever tempt what she thought was her fate from so long ago into having a chance to get her now. With her magazine in hand she lounged on the bench by the window that looked out, with a cup of tea in reach, she was content. The article she was reading was about rainforests around the world, the average amount of rain they received and all the different forms of life within them. There was mention of the different tribes that were settled in certain areas and a map of them. She then felt a shift in herself and realized that V had left the house, or at least the near vicinity of it; her chin lifted to look outside but she didn't expect to see him, it was merely a response, she glanced at the time and then over to the doorway that Stephan was now occupying.
"So it is true what my brother tells me." The woman across the room shrugged. He noticed how her hair was done up and recalled the style of it from several eras ago. He had always thought of her as lovely and now he realized, talented. How he wished to see that gift evolved. "He's gone to feed so there is no interruption on your outing after your lunch." She did give him a grin and a little nod. He let himself into the space that he had no need for, one that had never been present in the building before now and settled himself down near the woman. "What are you reading about dear?" She tilted the page so he could see where he was sitting. "Ah yes, a dreadful place."
"It seems to me too. All that humidity, bugs and animals that would think nothing of biting me." She snorted to herself and smirked. "Any vampires there who would do the same?" She looked up to the first person who she had ever considered part of her family.
Stephan took his eyes off the view of the space outside the window and nodded, "Yes, three sisters occupy various areas of the jungle, they are nomadic, and there is one fellow who amuses himself in producing half-breeds there also." He gave a shrug. "He is asking for trouble should the Italians discover it. No matter to us, we are not involved in that nonsense." The woman looked puzzled but unphased by the information.
"Then I don't want to go there for that reason either. Ugh." Scarlett shook her head. "Are there any in Australia?"
Stephan gave a shrug, "Perhaps. We have never had any reason to go there, and its not ideal, all that sun with little to offer in cloud cover or any other cover." He shook his head. "The fires there are too frequent to build a shelter and expect it to stay or go undiscovered also. I guess we could take up residence in a city but with so many sunny days we would be limited into when we could hunt." There was a bit of understanding in the woman's eyes along with a soft nodding. He then noticed her look out the window suddenly and then turn her head as if something crossed before her eyes that she was watching; there was nothing he saw. "Tracking your husband are you?" She shot a look at him and he chuckled.
"Yes?" Scarlett had to remind herself that the brothers shared pretty much everything long before she came along and with their hearing ability, what she and the husband did alone wasn't all that private. She felt her cheeks warm. "I mean, I think so but I can't be all that sure."
"Are you able to track me?" Stephan thought it would be a valuable thing to have her gifts added to their family; a point to remember should his brother waver on her transformation. Scarlett gave a little nod and he didn't press her further as to the extent of her tracking him or any more on the matter; he would find out all he needed to in time and that he had much of. "Are you happy here sister? I mean the solitude is nothing for us but you have always been immersed in a group of humans, had interactions on a day to day frequency."
Scarlet recalled V asking her something similar when they had just first arrived and since then she hadn't stopped to ever think about it again. "No," she huffed, "I mean yes I'm very happy here and I don't miss being around people. It's exhausting really, I hated having to pretend to be someone who was okay and happy or whatever when I really just wanted to be left alone. I think I hated always trying to fit in." She recalled her past, always fearing that it would be uncovered. "I know when I first met your brother, being in his employ as uncertain as I felt, there was peace and a sense of calm there. It wasn't the nice clothes or good food but the quiet place that he gave me that was so enticing but the quiet place." She looked over to her now brother. "I really didn't trust him until after my attack and he brought me to Switzerland and even then, that was better because I found out the truth and in a weird way it was settling that he was what he is and not just a human." Scarlett looked over to her shoulder and said to herself, "I should eat, he's on his way back." and proceeded to get up and go heat up a few leftovers from the night before. A salad was pulled out from the refrigerator and seasoned. "Do you mind me being here Stephan?" It was a fair question she figured. "I can't imagine that sharing your roof with a human is a common occurrence."
Stephan chuckled, "You my dear sister are a pleasure to live with. So quiet when we need to work and I have never seen my brother so purely content in all our lives. This room, kitchen, took a bit of getting used to but it does remind me of a time long ago when such rooms were a place of gathering to share food with others in celebration of abundance." He looked around the space that Scarlett had made her own. "There is much warmth in this space, it is as you say settling and peaceful." There was a grin from the woman. He heard his brother enter the house and proceed to where they were; he didn't move a muscle from where he was seated. There was a slight twitch from the human who heard nothing but her other senses were fully aware of her mate nearby.
"Should I put something warmer on or is it nice enough out there with what I am wearing?" There was no mistaking the warmth in her chest when V was near; the question was called out almost at random; it seemed if there was anyone other than her brother present.
Vladimir came upon the scene, eyes blazing and very content at the blood in his belly and the prospect of spending some time with his mate in the woods. "Just a light coat love, and shoes." Scarlett still wore little if no footwear at all even now. The woman gave him a smirk and finished up her food and cleaned up her dishes. He wished there was some way to free her of the mundane nuisance of preparing food but then again, she was still human and the activity was her being in a natural setting as was going to gather food. He glanced at his brother near where his wife likes to sit, he could presume as much as they had a chat but he didn't feel the need to question what was talked about; he needed to show his brother, in a way, he trusted him around his mate. —- They were off shortly after his arrival back. S clung to him as he sped them off into the woods, he had been wanting to take her out to their destination since their arrival but the weather wasn't conducive to the trip and he didn't wish to have to call in a Dr should she catch a sniffle. It was a good run to their destination, a clearing deep within the woods where no human had, even to that day, set foot. Hers would have the honour of being the first and only. Vladimir was about to instruct his love to close her eyes but they had been shut most of the way, from what he could tell, as she held onto him so tightly, her steady breath on his neck and pulse of her heart indicating that she was ever so calm in his arms. He almost hesitated to set her down in the clearing but how he wished to show her where their destination was. "You can let go now love." 'Never' she mumbled to which he shook his head. "But I wish you to see where I have brought us."
Scarlett's head nudged up and turned to see the sound that was already in her ears, the brilliant cascading streams of frothy water falling from a place above them in the distance into a vast pool of crystal water. "Beautiful…" she gasped. There were no other words to describe the scene, it was a monument in itself that only nature could create and her husband could show her. Her eyes looked over the space they were in, eyes never straying from the falls before them even when she was carefully placed back on her feet and V held her from behind to savour her appreciation for the place.
Vladimir mused to himself, 'all the money in the world and this is what she loves, values' "I would wish you to see all the beauty this world holds my love." S nodded but kept her eyes on the water, he could feel her body relax as if it were submitting to the wonder before them. Vladimir then thanked the gods yet again that day, such a creature they had gifted him, he was truly humbled. "Let me gather a few treasures for you to commemorate our visit.." he found a safe place for the woman to sit that was dry and stripped off his clothes, her eyes were now on him and he grinned at her. No, it was a bit too cold for those amusements, he had something else in mind. He dashed off and jumped high up into the air before plummeting down into the pool of churning water at the base of the waterfall.
Scarlett just sat in silent wonder, of the natural beauty before her and the man who loved her. "Simply incredible." V had her sitting on a long narrow boulder that looked as if it had toppled over from the cliff a thousand years ago, that time had worn down all the edges and smoothed it over since. Without a soul nearby, perfect isolation, she had thought that she, if not the present company included were not there, she would feel afraid, but there was no fear to be found. Was she instinctively aware of her love? Yes. She had to keep reminding herself of that sense she had seemed to develop; she tried to piece together when it came about but it was so gradual that she wasn't sure if she had it when she was still blindfolded or after their return from Russia. Something stirred within her, picturing V down in that water, she wished she could be with him, a little grin touched her lips; she dared to think that one day she would be.
Vladimir searched the familiar waters for the treasure he seeked and found several since he and his brothers last visit to the place. The two of them had seen a great many things, history unfold before their eyes but the most valuable thing they had done was study the land. The actions of the humans only ever concerned them when they were in the way or intruded on them so when they found this particular place, over a century ago, they saw to it that no human would ever find it. The formation was from a time when they didn't exist and they surmised that it had formed long before humans stood upright. His hand swept up a few of the precious little stones that showed promise of pleasing his love before he surfaced and climbed out of the wildly churning waters. His Scarletts gaze was still fixed on the falling water when she caught a look at his form; her look was an unwritten promise of what was to come. He was so glad he had fed that day.
Yes she's seen him, every inch of him, kissed nearly every inch of him but seeing her lover unobstructed from her eyes with the sun threatening to break through the clouds, she struggled to remember to breathe. Such a craving. He donned his boxes so quickly that she was still sighing as he sat next to her. His clapped hand opened and she saw several cloudy white pebbles. "Pretty! Thank you." Her lips found his but once she tasted him, there was no separating herself from his spell.
The token was acceptable and Vladimir took his reward hungerly. Only did he pause drawing her in closely to place the stones into her lapel pocket of her coat. His hair was still dripping, his arms drew her into him so tightly that he had to remember to allow her some space to breathe. There they sat, moments turning into several minutes with no pause or signs of stopping until he felt the woman faint slightly; he pulled himself and her away. "Thank you love." She was gasping in his arms and he just held her.
"V" Scarlett felt her strength slowly come back to her; as much as she loved kissing him, there was only so much her body could take, sadly. She didn't dare pull away from the man, his embrace was what she needed to feel to give her a bit of courage. "I've given it a lot of thought and I want to."
Vladimir had to take a moment to check his own hearing; he thought he was dreaming when S said her few laboured words. "What's that love?" She pulled herself away slightly to look into his eyes, she was so serious.
Scarlett swallowed hard, "I want to, want you to change me but not just yet, I'm not ready, but I want you to." Even she saw that he too needed a moment; he did hear her but her words to him were very heavy.
Vladimir's arms tightened, "As you wish my love." he wanted to leap for joy and yet he felt such a weight of dread fall over him. There were too many possible outcomes but yet the path now was set. He would savour every moment with her until she said the word but until then he would prepare himself for the action and the consequences if they should turn dark. "Let's get back home before you catch a chill." He kissed her forehead and then cheek. He wondered how long she had waited to tell him, to find a moment when they were truly alone so only he would hear her deepest wish, the wish to never let the ravages of time ever come between them. His eyes found hers that were intently looking at him as if she had more to say, "Only ever with your permission my love." she did appear relieved that he didn't put up a fight and he himself knew down deep inside that any further resistance in this grave manor would push her away no matter how much he intended to keep her safe.
V took his time pulling away from her and she wasn't sure if she would ever be ready to give him the 'word' to start her transformation, the image of the redhead still flickered in her memory but the man from then was blurred out to the point of being almost indistinguishable. In true fashion V was dressed quickly and nearly all the water from his hair was shaken off, he had her in his arms in the next moment. Her eyes closed slightly as they flew through the dense forest, Scarlett felt like she was floating in a sea of green blur as they went. It was when they were a short distance from the house; as she could tell, that she was set down and allowed to finally walk on their walk. Again, V was hesitant to let her go so quickly and he just held her. She was second guessing telling him her wishes when he whispered, 'we have company.' in her ear.
Vladimir gave Scarlett a wink and took her hand carefully in his as he listened to the visitor that Stephan was conversing with. "We are back brother." he spoke in a normal volume, the house, and where his brother was was still not in sight. S looked up to him in question but stayed silent. There were few humans who knew of their home and even fewer that would dare venture on to the land without an invitation but this particular human believed he was safer than most and was indeed correct. Vladimir guided Scarlett to the opening in the trees to where Stephan was and while staying well within the shade of the trees around them found their way to the steps of their home where he was sitting. "I do hope our guest hasn't been waiting for me for too long bother."
Stephan wasn't either amused or irritated at the intrusion but the local priest insisted that he would only speak to his brother about this 'pressing' matter. "Brother, please do see to what he wants so he can go away." He gave Scarlett a wink, "Doesn't speak a lick of English my dear so don't worry about saying anything." She smirked and sat down beside him and Vladimir sat down as well as to settle the poor man before them.
Vladimir huffed, "To what do we owe this visit to padre?" The man had dawned in his official 'dress' so as not to let anyone mistake his designation was visibly disturbed but had a determined look as to accomplish his task. /It has been brought to my attention that you have returned wedded to this, I assume, lady and the customs agent was not aware of needing to take a copy of the marriage certificate for the records. We had waited for your filing of it for months but nothing came. We wished to mail you to request it but it seems you don't receive letter mail at this address so I took it upon myself to come and see to it./ Vladimir rolled his eyes, they were not concealed as nor were his brothers; there was no need with this human, he wasn't ignorant or stupid enough to reveal anything as was the dozen or so predicesiors before him. "Is that all, let me go fetch it for you, it's really no problem. I'll be right back love."
"Yes dear." Stephan uttered to which Scarlett giggled.
"He meant me." She mumbled as Vladimir got up and went into the house.
"You sure sister?" Stephan shot back.
"You had your chance before he found me so too bad for you." Scarlett stifled a giggle but yet her mind wandered down that path of possibilities.
He could see where her mind was going and ventured in, "Yes, those do happen if you are wondering." He watched her cheeks flush slightly; she truly was an adorable human. Their onlooker just watched the interaction and Stephan thought it might be a good thing to show the priest that there was no ill doings going on with them lest it bring unwanted attention to them. "Do tell sister, did you enjoy your walk, any souvenirs?"
Scarlett snapped out of her train of thought and the workings of the mechanics involved back into the current situation. She had recognized the vestments of the person before them but had no clue why he was there. "Oh, yes, where did he put them." She felt around her pocket and fished out the several pretty pebbles. "They are very pretty, I'll need to find a spot for them so I don't lose them." She placed them into Stephans hand. She recalled the lovely stone he had given Liz and his interest in such things.
"Very lovely indeed." He realized that the woman had no idea what she possessed. "May I polish them for you?" She gave a nod and he pocketed them. The priest before them was just glancing between them, he was still at odds it seemed. "He is here to inquire about your marriage documentation, we didn't realize it needed to be filed." He shrugged. "Must be a new rule that we were not aware of. Things hardly ever change in this country so we were not expecting it."
Scarlett gave a big sigh and in that next moment resisted in turning her head to watch V come out of the house. She thought, in that instant, when in odd company that it would be a very good thing to conceal that aspect about herself; it made sense. V handed over the document and sat back down beside her, taking her hand to place a kiss on it. She was not aware that such a certificate even existed until that point, she wasn't even sure about any of her documentation, but it set her thinking of all the other provisions V had made for them.
Vladimir watched the human before them and wondered if this would be the end of this nonsense, he wanted him to go away as he and Scarlett still needed to go get her groceries. "I trust everything is in order and you can be on your way?" He was irritated now. 'Sir I can only assume this is the correct document but I don't understand the French language that it is in. So we can have it officially translated by an authorised agent that will take several weeks, or we can have a quick service to satisfy the entry requirements for your wife.' He looked so nervous and Vladimir could sense the uptick in his heart rate and see the start of perspiration on the man's brow. There was no way he'd allow the document to be let out of his possession; it would indeed stand up to scrutiny but in the interim he didn't want to give the humans reason to disturb him and S further. "Very well, Friday at two in the afternoon we will be present for the service. Please have the documents required ready and I will have mine and Mrs Lonescu information that you will need for them on your desk at the church in a few hours when we go get our groceries." Yes, the priest was confused but didn't question them as there were many beliefs that were not adding up if his looks were stating that much. He quickly departed and the three of them sat there to watch him go. "We are getting married on Friday. I do hope you don't mind?" Vladimir grimused. "If you can stand me still."
Stephan got up and started laughing, "Here is your chance to stand him up at the altar sister!" He continued to laugh to himself as he went inside.
Scarlett just sat there for a moment, "So he didn't think that was real and we have to get married, uh, again?" She humphed to herself.
Vladimir wasn't at all sure what her mood was, she did just express her desire to be with him for eternity. "If you'd rather not love we can leave the country and not… " he felt pain, it was deep.
"No, no. No. If that crazy old priest needs to marry us then so be it. I'll always know it'll be nothing compared to our first time." Scarlett almost giggled but resorted to just smirking at the memory of their first few days together as a couple. There was no ceremony as such but it was that more deeply meaningful. "I, " she took a breath in and shrugged, "I'd like a small bouquet of flowers, " she gave V a glance, "simple flowers, nothing fancy or needing to be flown in from halfway around the world."
He gave her a nod, and motioned to stand her up from her perch. "That I can do love. Now let's get ready to go get your groceries and I need to dig up a few things so Friday goes as smoothly as possible."