Sorry for the error, people! It should be born, 1870, turned 1887, making
her 17.
Dracula 's eyes snapped open moments after Shirra's 'death'. Who in Lucifer's name had the GALL to take Shirra from HIM? He had felt her shock, felt her falling-and dear Sweet Evil- impale her lovely form upon the Cross- a martyr in his eyes. He awoke, screaming her name, his fury melting the ice surrounding his coffin.
And his brides...
He looked up at three maudlin faces.
"Cease your crocodile tears! "
he barked.
"You never cared about her!"
They wailed, sounding more like banshees.
"How can you say that?"
howled Aleera.
"Have you no heart?"
added Verona.
"Yes! I am dead and hollow-I have no heart."
"Then explain why you cried out so fervently for me earlier, if there is no affection in you."
Four pairs of undead eyes turned to face Shirra, very much alive, but feeling a little weak. She was leaning on a pillar, smiling a weak yet wry smile. She was so different outside the battlegrounds. A little more human.
"What?"
cried Marishka.
Verona and Aleera held each other, shaking in fear that she would seek retribution.
Dracula moved swiftly to her, taking her in his arms. He looked confused at her still being alive- and full of joy. The brides winced. THIS was her silent retribution for leaving her alone, they thought, watching as their Lord and Master carried her away.
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DRACULA'S POV:
I glared at all three guilty faces before me, all pretending to grieve for Shirra. I am no fool. I know they are nothing but hypocrites. If they are jealous at one another, I can understand-but why take it out on Shirra? She is barely out of childhood, for Hell's sake! I remove her coat and gently place her into a coffin. How DID she survive? Could my spell have worked? I decide to leave the questions for later. I look at her again. The cool fighter of silk and steel is now replaced with a sleeping angel. I do believe there are two sides of her- a sweet, child-like demeanor, and a dark, brooding one too. I look at her hair-it was tied in a small ponytail earlier. Now, thanks to that stranger 's weapon which left Shirra with three stakes in her chest-and her hair ribbon shredded too as well-, her hair was practically everywhere. I close the coffin and lock the door behind me-for fear that the brides will try something.
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Shirra awoke hours later. She opened her eyes and slipped out of the coffin. How did she live despite becoming a human-no, vampire- voodoo doll? And who was that woman who called her Cassandra?
"She looks so much like me, only older...and who is that girl with her? I can't remember much...."
I still remember the world From the eyes of a child Slowly those feelings
Were clouded by what I know now
Suddenly, she felt confused over who she was.
"Where has MY heart gone? Am I hollow too? Am I allowed to go back to where I begun? Is that too much?"
All was silent, even the heavens. She felt the same feeling she felt before she was turned-Loneliness. And full of yearning. But for what?
Where has my heart gone
An uneven trade for the real world
I want to go back to Believing in everything and knowing nothing at all
I still remember the sun
Always warm on my back
Somehow it seems colder now
An interesting image appeared in her mind. She saw herself swimming-in the day! -, The sun warm on her back. She was with the girl whom she saw in the village square earlier. Had they met before?
Where has my heart gone Trapped in the eyes of a stranger I want to go back to Believing in everything
It was all too confusing for her to grasp. She took up a book-and went to the balcony, sat on it, and began to lose herself in the book's contents.
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EARLIER......
Alina Velastock:
I awoke later in a luxurious room-I later learnt I was in one of the many bedrooms of the Valerious clan, a clan of Gypsies. Mrs. Mouskeri was recuperating elsewhere, I presume. And my poor friend Cassandra. I weep for a while-and realize I am not alone. I look up, and nearly jump with alarm. There is a young man, dressed in a monk's habit, sitting in a chair next to my bed. His blond hair was stuck up oddly. He too nearly squeals in shock.
"I 'm so sorry- who are you?"
"Carl. You?"
"Alina Velastock."
"Nice name."
"Yours too."
He looks so sweet blushing like that. And his blue eyes- Heavens! We just met, and I'm falling for him! I can't believe it...
"Hungry?"
I nod. It must have been centuries since dinner. He holds out his hand-I take it.
"So, what do you do, friar?"
Friendships usually started on less of that.
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Karen Mouskeri:
I change into some other clothes before meeting Princess Anna Valerious-as she is called-. Goodness, she is nothing like the princess in fairytales, save her beauty and pride. She asks me if I am fine. I cannot say. How can I when I know my child is a vampire-and that the man we entrusted her to-is a vampire too? Grief theatens to take me-but I fiercely wipe my tears away. Gone is the image of a prim, conservative woman. Now, I am simply going to be the fighter I was once. She is with Gabriel Van Helsing, both talking about the other vampires-oh God; do I actually believe in all this?
"Have some bread first, Mrs.-
"Call me Karen."
I eat, despite my pain at losing Cassandra to the darkness. I have to be strong –for her.
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EARLIER....
Anna had felt jubilation for the first time in days. Her brother was back! She had asked the servant girl to get more servants to assist the two female visitors-and asked Gabriel to follow her. There he was- in clean attire and resting in his bed for the first time in weeks. Asking Gabriel to wait for her outside Velkan's room, she had closed the door behind her and-cried in his arms for joy.
"What about..."
She whispered.
Velkan knew what she spoke of.
"I have tried to control it. Its not easy-but I have. But I must tell you about a friend of mine. She is the prisoner of the Count-
"Is she called Cassandra?"
He looked up, puzzled.
"How-?"
"She tried to attack us earlier- Gabriel tried to take her down but-
"WHAT? Who is this Gabriel? Is she-
"She's alive ("But how?" she thought.), Velkan,"
She said, calming him. She then told of Gabriel.
"But-It doesn't sound like her...she's not that evil, Anna. I know. I befriended her-
"Velkan, do you know what you are saying?"
"Of course. Anna, believe me, All is not what it appears. Now, can you introduce me to the strangers?"
"Certainly."
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VELKAN'S POV:
I have awakened in a bed-a first in weeks. I could lie there happily for a few years but there is a job to finish. Anna comes in to greet me. I hold her as my dear sister weeps for joy. I weep along with her. Then, she tells me of Cassandra- my heart nearly stops when I hear her name. Anna is shocked to hear I have befriended a vampire-but she does not understand her. She is not like them. I know it because I have spoken with her. When all this is over, Anna and the world will see her for what she really is- a pure white rose in bloom.
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CASTLE DRACULA:
Shirra was so transfixed in her book she hardly heard the turning of a key in the lock, the door opening-and Dracula entering. She was still reading when she heard the voice she knew and respected.
"What are you doing?"
"Reading, my Lord."
"On a balcony?"
For a moment, the child hidden within her made a cameo.
"I like the feel of the wind caressing my face and blowing through my hair."
"You'll fall."
"I'm dead already. And I can fly."
Silence.
"Tell me, My Lord, how DID I survive?"
He told of the spell he used on her after she had cut herself. She raised her eyebrows.
"Does that mean that I'm nearly invincible?"
"More or less."
She rolled her eyes. Dead or living, men never did give straightforward answers.
Dracula watched her closely. The moonlight fell on her, playing on her alabaster skin. She looked more feminine with her hair let down tonight. She placed her book down.
"My Lord?-
"Please, call me Vladislaus."
"What about Dracula?"
"That'll do."
"Right. So, Dracula, what are your plans for the stranger-sorry, I forgot to tell you what I know! "
After she told him, he looked somewhat pleased.
"So, his name is Gabriel Van Helsing...The famous monster killer-
"THAT Van Helsing? Sorry. Continue."
"Do relax, my dear. You're quite on edge tonight-literally."
Silence again.
Dracula sat opposite her.
"Tell me, Shirra-do you love me?"
"What?"
"Answer the question."
"Yes, you are my sire and-
"I meant...the other kind."
She froze, as if his words were a spell that turned her to stone.
Then, she found her tongue. She turned to leave, feeling awkward. She never was comfortable with the opposite sex.
"Excuse me-
Then, the most unexpected thing happened. Dracula grabbed her arm, pushed her against a pillar with one hand and wrapped his other arm round her waist before kissing her. Shock shot through her like lightning. What in seven Hells-? Yet, as much as she was caught off guard, she could not deny she liked it. She simply leaned back and took his hand that was round her waist. She noticed there were only four fingers on that hand. She had seen it once, before she was turned. It was due to a traitor of a friend, he said. Just then, a loud blast that would have shattered their eardrums intruded in on the moment. Both broke off from their kiss-and looked down to see Gabriel Van Helsing, holding a smoking shotgun. Winchester, likely.
"Now that I have you lovebirds' attention-
Before he could finish, Dracula transformed-and flew down at him...
Dracula 's eyes snapped open moments after Shirra's 'death'. Who in Lucifer's name had the GALL to take Shirra from HIM? He had felt her shock, felt her falling-and dear Sweet Evil- impale her lovely form upon the Cross- a martyr in his eyes. He awoke, screaming her name, his fury melting the ice surrounding his coffin.
And his brides...
He looked up at three maudlin faces.
"Cease your crocodile tears! "
he barked.
"You never cared about her!"
They wailed, sounding more like banshees.
"How can you say that?"
howled Aleera.
"Have you no heart?"
added Verona.
"Yes! I am dead and hollow-I have no heart."
"Then explain why you cried out so fervently for me earlier, if there is no affection in you."
Four pairs of undead eyes turned to face Shirra, very much alive, but feeling a little weak. She was leaning on a pillar, smiling a weak yet wry smile. She was so different outside the battlegrounds. A little more human.
"What?"
cried Marishka.
Verona and Aleera held each other, shaking in fear that she would seek retribution.
Dracula moved swiftly to her, taking her in his arms. He looked confused at her still being alive- and full of joy. The brides winced. THIS was her silent retribution for leaving her alone, they thought, watching as their Lord and Master carried her away.
88888888888888888888
DRACULA'S POV:
I glared at all three guilty faces before me, all pretending to grieve for Shirra. I am no fool. I know they are nothing but hypocrites. If they are jealous at one another, I can understand-but why take it out on Shirra? She is barely out of childhood, for Hell's sake! I remove her coat and gently place her into a coffin. How DID she survive? Could my spell have worked? I decide to leave the questions for later. I look at her again. The cool fighter of silk and steel is now replaced with a sleeping angel. I do believe there are two sides of her- a sweet, child-like demeanor, and a dark, brooding one too. I look at her hair-it was tied in a small ponytail earlier. Now, thanks to that stranger 's weapon which left Shirra with three stakes in her chest-and her hair ribbon shredded too as well-, her hair was practically everywhere. I close the coffin and lock the door behind me-for fear that the brides will try something.
8888888888888888888888888888
Shirra awoke hours later. She opened her eyes and slipped out of the coffin. How did she live despite becoming a human-no, vampire- voodoo doll? And who was that woman who called her Cassandra?
"She looks so much like me, only older...and who is that girl with her? I can't remember much...."
I still remember the world From the eyes of a child Slowly those feelings
Were clouded by what I know now
Suddenly, she felt confused over who she was.
"Where has MY heart gone? Am I hollow too? Am I allowed to go back to where I begun? Is that too much?"
All was silent, even the heavens. She felt the same feeling she felt before she was turned-Loneliness. And full of yearning. But for what?
Where has my heart gone
An uneven trade for the real world
I want to go back to Believing in everything and knowing nothing at all
I still remember the sun
Always warm on my back
Somehow it seems colder now
An interesting image appeared in her mind. She saw herself swimming-in the day! -, The sun warm on her back. She was with the girl whom she saw in the village square earlier. Had they met before?
Where has my heart gone Trapped in the eyes of a stranger I want to go back to Believing in everything
It was all too confusing for her to grasp. She took up a book-and went to the balcony, sat on it, and began to lose herself in the book's contents.
88888888888888888888
EARLIER......
Alina Velastock:
I awoke later in a luxurious room-I later learnt I was in one of the many bedrooms of the Valerious clan, a clan of Gypsies. Mrs. Mouskeri was recuperating elsewhere, I presume. And my poor friend Cassandra. I weep for a while-and realize I am not alone. I look up, and nearly jump with alarm. There is a young man, dressed in a monk's habit, sitting in a chair next to my bed. His blond hair was stuck up oddly. He too nearly squeals in shock.
"I 'm so sorry- who are you?"
"Carl. You?"
"Alina Velastock."
"Nice name."
"Yours too."
He looks so sweet blushing like that. And his blue eyes- Heavens! We just met, and I'm falling for him! I can't believe it...
"Hungry?"
I nod. It must have been centuries since dinner. He holds out his hand-I take it.
"So, what do you do, friar?"
Friendships usually started on less of that.
888888
Karen Mouskeri:
I change into some other clothes before meeting Princess Anna Valerious-as she is called-. Goodness, she is nothing like the princess in fairytales, save her beauty and pride. She asks me if I am fine. I cannot say. How can I when I know my child is a vampire-and that the man we entrusted her to-is a vampire too? Grief theatens to take me-but I fiercely wipe my tears away. Gone is the image of a prim, conservative woman. Now, I am simply going to be the fighter I was once. She is with Gabriel Van Helsing, both talking about the other vampires-oh God; do I actually believe in all this?
"Have some bread first, Mrs.-
"Call me Karen."
I eat, despite my pain at losing Cassandra to the darkness. I have to be strong –for her.
88888888888888888888
EARLIER....
Anna had felt jubilation for the first time in days. Her brother was back! She had asked the servant girl to get more servants to assist the two female visitors-and asked Gabriel to follow her. There he was- in clean attire and resting in his bed for the first time in weeks. Asking Gabriel to wait for her outside Velkan's room, she had closed the door behind her and-cried in his arms for joy.
"What about..."
She whispered.
Velkan knew what she spoke of.
"I have tried to control it. Its not easy-but I have. But I must tell you about a friend of mine. She is the prisoner of the Count-
"Is she called Cassandra?"
He looked up, puzzled.
"How-?"
"She tried to attack us earlier- Gabriel tried to take her down but-
"WHAT? Who is this Gabriel? Is she-
"She's alive ("But how?" she thought.), Velkan,"
She said, calming him. She then told of Gabriel.
"But-It doesn't sound like her...she's not that evil, Anna. I know. I befriended her-
"Velkan, do you know what you are saying?"
"Of course. Anna, believe me, All is not what it appears. Now, can you introduce me to the strangers?"
"Certainly."
888888
VELKAN'S POV:
I have awakened in a bed-a first in weeks. I could lie there happily for a few years but there is a job to finish. Anna comes in to greet me. I hold her as my dear sister weeps for joy. I weep along with her. Then, she tells me of Cassandra- my heart nearly stops when I hear her name. Anna is shocked to hear I have befriended a vampire-but she does not understand her. She is not like them. I know it because I have spoken with her. When all this is over, Anna and the world will see her for what she really is- a pure white rose in bloom.
888888888888
CASTLE DRACULA:
Shirra was so transfixed in her book she hardly heard the turning of a key in the lock, the door opening-and Dracula entering. She was still reading when she heard the voice she knew and respected.
"What are you doing?"
"Reading, my Lord."
"On a balcony?"
For a moment, the child hidden within her made a cameo.
"I like the feel of the wind caressing my face and blowing through my hair."
"You'll fall."
"I'm dead already. And I can fly."
Silence.
"Tell me, My Lord, how DID I survive?"
He told of the spell he used on her after she had cut herself. She raised her eyebrows.
"Does that mean that I'm nearly invincible?"
"More or less."
She rolled her eyes. Dead or living, men never did give straightforward answers.
Dracula watched her closely. The moonlight fell on her, playing on her alabaster skin. She looked more feminine with her hair let down tonight. She placed her book down.
"My Lord?-
"Please, call me Vladislaus."
"What about Dracula?"
"That'll do."
"Right. So, Dracula, what are your plans for the stranger-sorry, I forgot to tell you what I know! "
After she told him, he looked somewhat pleased.
"So, his name is Gabriel Van Helsing...The famous monster killer-
"THAT Van Helsing? Sorry. Continue."
"Do relax, my dear. You're quite on edge tonight-literally."
Silence again.
Dracula sat opposite her.
"Tell me, Shirra-do you love me?"
"What?"
"Answer the question."
"Yes, you are my sire and-
"I meant...the other kind."
She froze, as if his words were a spell that turned her to stone.
Then, she found her tongue. She turned to leave, feeling awkward. She never was comfortable with the opposite sex.
"Excuse me-
Then, the most unexpected thing happened. Dracula grabbed her arm, pushed her against a pillar with one hand and wrapped his other arm round her waist before kissing her. Shock shot through her like lightning. What in seven Hells-? Yet, as much as she was caught off guard, she could not deny she liked it. She simply leaned back and took his hand that was round her waist. She noticed there were only four fingers on that hand. She had seen it once, before she was turned. It was due to a traitor of a friend, he said. Just then, a loud blast that would have shattered their eardrums intruded in on the moment. Both broke off from their kiss-and looked down to see Gabriel Van Helsing, holding a smoking shotgun. Winchester, likely.
"Now that I have you lovebirds' attention-
Before he could finish, Dracula transformed-and flew down at him...