Halloween Night, 2001
She sat perched up in a tree, back reclining comfortably against the trunk. She hugged her knee hugged against her chest while the left leg swung carelessly over the side of the branch.
She stared down at the people who passed by all dressed as...oddly as she. This put a smile on her face. This night out of all in the world she could be who she truly was...she could proudly stride among the mortals and be accepted without question, without suffering. Her eyes turned toward a group of people that walked beneath her tree. There were children within the group, young ones, probably no older than 7 if even that, she chuckled at their ways.
She turned her head upwards towards the sky...which was quite clear and the weather was fair. The moon was full, shining brightly down on the busy streets, though hazed slightly with red completing the eerie setting that this date demanded.
She pressed her head back against the trunk of the trees, eyes sliding shut.
"All Hallows Eve...night when the spirits, demons and creatures of the dark had complete supremacy over the mortal plane..."
Her head fell to the side and her eyes opened once again, the iris of her eyes...a brilliantly bright green. Her sight fell upon the forest in the distance. There she could easily see the red glowing reflection of the fire that was steadily growing within the middle of the camp where her family, her Kumpania, was.
Though she could not see the activities she could envision them quite clearly. They would all be gathered about the main fire in the heart of the camp where the elders of the family would recite tales and songs of times since past. Then there would be festive music and feasting...On this night all of her Kumpania celebrated.
But it was why they celebrated that was the grandest secret of all...the true reason had been lost over the passage of time. None save a very few old and wise elders (herself included) knew the reason. They would not tell, nor would she...she saw no reason too. They had suffered much and had the right to be happy in this festival. She wouldn't stand in the way of that.
She shook her head with a sad smile, and repositioned herself on the branch, and slipped off, landing with feline grace upon the sidewalk some seven feet below. Always under the cloak of shadow she went unnoticed by the trick or treaters that passed by.
She was dressed in a simple outfit, rags really in a sense. The outfit was made up of a blouse cut just above her stomach, sleeves coming down just below her elbows and a V-neck cut that revealed just enough. A matching skirt was wrapped and tied about her waist. The waistline of the skirt hugged her perfectly; showing off every curve as it fell passed her ankles. Though the outfit was quit old in age it was obviously very well kept. The outfit was quite colorful: brilliant ruby red coloring, bright orange-red running about the collar and sleeves of the blouse and along the hem of the skirt. Hanging about her waist was a belt made entirely of golden coins.
Taking the chance to look once more up at the night sky and the full moon, she paused to reflect of just how many of these nights she had seen...Hundreds...she shook her head and looked away. It was time for her to leave. She was among one of the elders to speak on that night. She didn't wish to be late.
After only a few steps she stopped again, abruptly. She stood stiff and rigid, the hair of the back of her neck rising for one brief moment before it fell back again. She turned around her eyes glazed over she stared down the street which was filled with bright lights, jack-o-lanterns and people in costume and saw absolutely nothing. The street was completely deserted to her, not a soul to be seen, yet she could feel it deep in her heart, in her soul, that something was calling to her, beckoning her to follow. Whatever it was that called to her, disturbed her and yet at the same time soothed her. Indeed she could even feel the beast within her growing restless.
She could feel it coming towards her...a sudden gust of wind blew her hair this way and that. Her belt of coins began to ring out loudly, almost deafening. The glazed look in her eyes was then gradually replaced by a look of fear and dread. She knew what was coming...she had to escape. She had to leave quickly before it was too late...before he arrived.
She turned quickly on her heel and broke into a mad dash down the street only to stop once more upon seeing a shrouded figure standing not far in front of her at the end of the street. She felt a shudder run down her spine and throughout her body. She blinked to be sure that what she saw before her was real. A mistake. In the moment she of the blink, the figure was gone. She took a step back and bumped into something behind her.
Before she could react, two thick arms wrapped about her body, one snaking its way around her waist and the other across her chest holding her snugly against its masculine form. She turned her head slightly to look at the person holding her but she paused halfway when she felt a pair of lips on her neck.
The lips were smooth and cool; they sent a twinge done her spine causing her body to brace with anticipation. The hand wrapped across her chest came up slowly...taking its time to brush her breast before moving up to her chin. It held her chin in its gentle yet firm grasp pushing her head so that it faced completely forward again and then tilted it up towards the moon. Unable to do anything but comply with his wishes, she turned her focus to the moon rather reluctantly.
She stared ahead of her, her eyes flashing in the reflection of the moon's light. She wanted to scream! She wanted to turn around and tear the man behind her to shreds...but...she also never wanted him to let her go. It was ironic really...the only thing that could match her absolute hatred for this man was her undying love for him.
Before she could dwell on the conflict any longer her attention was drawn back to the man as he spoke. His voice was low, seductive and haunting as he moved his lips from her neck up to her ear. As he spoke, his breath was warm and sent shiver through her.
"Hello my dear...I see you've not let these modern times stand in the way of you heritage..."
Although she was known for all her witty remarks and quick comebacks, she was at a loss for words. This in itself was an exceptionally rare thing. She went rigid again, reclining stiffly against him.
"Relax my love...I forgive you for your crimes, I'm not here to punish you..."
Though his deep husky voice carried a reassuring tone, it did nothing to ease her anxiety. She did however force herself to relax, knowing full well she couldn't defend herself from whatever he had planned if she remained tense. He took her relaxation as a sign that she was merely doing as she was told; an eerie smile graced his lips for a short while.
She let out a faint sigh, and finally regained control over her vocal chords, "You're not suppose to be here, you're suppose to be dead...a pile of ashes thrown to the wind," her voice was barely above a whisper but it was as full of malice and hatred as sadness.
He chuckled faintly in her ear, "You didn't really think you could rid me of this world so simply did you...tisk tisk, silly girl..."
He nuzzled into her hair for a moment, inhaling deeply as if trying to remember her scent, then moving back to her ear. He nipped the tip of it. "Besides I thought you'd be happy to see me on our anniversary..."
As he spoke she took the opportunity to focus her blood, pumping her vampiric blood to her legs and her fingers causing her nails to slowly extend in wicked claws. The sensation that came from her ear as he nipped it caused her to lose her concentration and a faint gasp escaped her lips, nearly moaning at his familiar touch. Though she caught the moan in her throat, and instead she issued forth a growl of frustration.
"NO! No! I won't be caught up in this again...I won't be caught up in him again, he isn't the man I knew...he isn't!..."
Her thoughts were running rapidly causing her head to spin suddenly. Her current thought pattern was slowly beginning to become disoriented as was the world before her eyes. Why was this happening? Wait...she focused in with her ears and it registered to her. He was singing in her ear; a low and quietly soothing spell, chant, or lullaby whichever you prefer to call it; it was causing her to lose consciousness.
"No....I don't want this to happen, I don't want to go back to that chaotic place!...not with him----"
It was too late to do anything, her clawed hands fell limply to her side and her eyes slid shut before she could retaliate.
He had repositioned his hold on her as she slowly began to slump against him as she fell further and further into unconsciousness. As she sank, he sank down with her until they were both slumped together in the middle of the street. Her head was resting gently against his well toned chest, her hair falling about her face. He brushed the locks of auburn red and black from her face, and stared down at her...enjoying the look of peace that graced her face. Oh it had been so long since he had seen his wife in such a state that he was in no rush to end it.
His neck bent slightly as he inclined his head down closer to hers. He stared at her again in silence before placing a kiss on her lips and leaning back up. Then his eyes flashed a crimson red for a time as another eerie smile...this time it was almost sincere...graced his lips, though it slowly turned into a wicked grin that was wide enough to show the tips of his fangs.
"And with that kiss I once again seal our bond...you are mine dear wife, you always have been and always shall be. You will never be far from my sight...no matter where you run."
He looked down at her neck, noticing for the first time that she lacked the numerous charms she usually wore. She wore but one, it was a beautiful phoenix pendant hung from a leather cord. The phoenix was made of reddish silver and in the middle of it was a sizable rose quartz stone that seem to glow with its own inner light. He stared at the pendant for a long time. He had given her that pendant on their wedding night...those many, many decades ago. He turned his eyes from the pendant to her peaceful face once again.
"So my dear Aurathina...you do still think of me after all..."
She sat perched up in a tree, back reclining comfortably against the trunk. She hugged her knee hugged against her chest while the left leg swung carelessly over the side of the branch.
She stared down at the people who passed by all dressed as...oddly as she. This put a smile on her face. This night out of all in the world she could be who she truly was...she could proudly stride among the mortals and be accepted without question, without suffering. Her eyes turned toward a group of people that walked beneath her tree. There were children within the group, young ones, probably no older than 7 if even that, she chuckled at their ways.
She turned her head upwards towards the sky...which was quite clear and the weather was fair. The moon was full, shining brightly down on the busy streets, though hazed slightly with red completing the eerie setting that this date demanded.
She pressed her head back against the trunk of the trees, eyes sliding shut.
"All Hallows Eve...night when the spirits, demons and creatures of the dark had complete supremacy over the mortal plane..."
Her head fell to the side and her eyes opened once again, the iris of her eyes...a brilliantly bright green. Her sight fell upon the forest in the distance. There she could easily see the red glowing reflection of the fire that was steadily growing within the middle of the camp where her family, her Kumpania, was.
Though she could not see the activities she could envision them quite clearly. They would all be gathered about the main fire in the heart of the camp where the elders of the family would recite tales and songs of times since past. Then there would be festive music and feasting...On this night all of her Kumpania celebrated.
But it was why they celebrated that was the grandest secret of all...the true reason had been lost over the passage of time. None save a very few old and wise elders (herself included) knew the reason. They would not tell, nor would she...she saw no reason too. They had suffered much and had the right to be happy in this festival. She wouldn't stand in the way of that.
She shook her head with a sad smile, and repositioned herself on the branch, and slipped off, landing with feline grace upon the sidewalk some seven feet below. Always under the cloak of shadow she went unnoticed by the trick or treaters that passed by.
She was dressed in a simple outfit, rags really in a sense. The outfit was made up of a blouse cut just above her stomach, sleeves coming down just below her elbows and a V-neck cut that revealed just enough. A matching skirt was wrapped and tied about her waist. The waistline of the skirt hugged her perfectly; showing off every curve as it fell passed her ankles. Though the outfit was quit old in age it was obviously very well kept. The outfit was quite colorful: brilliant ruby red coloring, bright orange-red running about the collar and sleeves of the blouse and along the hem of the skirt. Hanging about her waist was a belt made entirely of golden coins.
Taking the chance to look once more up at the night sky and the full moon, she paused to reflect of just how many of these nights she had seen...Hundreds...she shook her head and looked away. It was time for her to leave. She was among one of the elders to speak on that night. She didn't wish to be late.
After only a few steps she stopped again, abruptly. She stood stiff and rigid, the hair of the back of her neck rising for one brief moment before it fell back again. She turned around her eyes glazed over she stared down the street which was filled with bright lights, jack-o-lanterns and people in costume and saw absolutely nothing. The street was completely deserted to her, not a soul to be seen, yet she could feel it deep in her heart, in her soul, that something was calling to her, beckoning her to follow. Whatever it was that called to her, disturbed her and yet at the same time soothed her. Indeed she could even feel the beast within her growing restless.
She could feel it coming towards her...a sudden gust of wind blew her hair this way and that. Her belt of coins began to ring out loudly, almost deafening. The glazed look in her eyes was then gradually replaced by a look of fear and dread. She knew what was coming...she had to escape. She had to leave quickly before it was too late...before he arrived.
She turned quickly on her heel and broke into a mad dash down the street only to stop once more upon seeing a shrouded figure standing not far in front of her at the end of the street. She felt a shudder run down her spine and throughout her body. She blinked to be sure that what she saw before her was real. A mistake. In the moment she of the blink, the figure was gone. She took a step back and bumped into something behind her.
Before she could react, two thick arms wrapped about her body, one snaking its way around her waist and the other across her chest holding her snugly against its masculine form. She turned her head slightly to look at the person holding her but she paused halfway when she felt a pair of lips on her neck.
The lips were smooth and cool; they sent a twinge done her spine causing her body to brace with anticipation. The hand wrapped across her chest came up slowly...taking its time to brush her breast before moving up to her chin. It held her chin in its gentle yet firm grasp pushing her head so that it faced completely forward again and then tilted it up towards the moon. Unable to do anything but comply with his wishes, she turned her focus to the moon rather reluctantly.
She stared ahead of her, her eyes flashing in the reflection of the moon's light. She wanted to scream! She wanted to turn around and tear the man behind her to shreds...but...she also never wanted him to let her go. It was ironic really...the only thing that could match her absolute hatred for this man was her undying love for him.
Before she could dwell on the conflict any longer her attention was drawn back to the man as he spoke. His voice was low, seductive and haunting as he moved his lips from her neck up to her ear. As he spoke, his breath was warm and sent shiver through her.
"Hello my dear...I see you've not let these modern times stand in the way of you heritage..."
Although she was known for all her witty remarks and quick comebacks, she was at a loss for words. This in itself was an exceptionally rare thing. She went rigid again, reclining stiffly against him.
"Relax my love...I forgive you for your crimes, I'm not here to punish you..."
Though his deep husky voice carried a reassuring tone, it did nothing to ease her anxiety. She did however force herself to relax, knowing full well she couldn't defend herself from whatever he had planned if she remained tense. He took her relaxation as a sign that she was merely doing as she was told; an eerie smile graced his lips for a short while.
She let out a faint sigh, and finally regained control over her vocal chords, "You're not suppose to be here, you're suppose to be dead...a pile of ashes thrown to the wind," her voice was barely above a whisper but it was as full of malice and hatred as sadness.
He chuckled faintly in her ear, "You didn't really think you could rid me of this world so simply did you...tisk tisk, silly girl..."
He nuzzled into her hair for a moment, inhaling deeply as if trying to remember her scent, then moving back to her ear. He nipped the tip of it. "Besides I thought you'd be happy to see me on our anniversary..."
As he spoke she took the opportunity to focus her blood, pumping her vampiric blood to her legs and her fingers causing her nails to slowly extend in wicked claws. The sensation that came from her ear as he nipped it caused her to lose her concentration and a faint gasp escaped her lips, nearly moaning at his familiar touch. Though she caught the moan in her throat, and instead she issued forth a growl of frustration.
"NO! No! I won't be caught up in this again...I won't be caught up in him again, he isn't the man I knew...he isn't!..."
Her thoughts were running rapidly causing her head to spin suddenly. Her current thought pattern was slowly beginning to become disoriented as was the world before her eyes. Why was this happening? Wait...she focused in with her ears and it registered to her. He was singing in her ear; a low and quietly soothing spell, chant, or lullaby whichever you prefer to call it; it was causing her to lose consciousness.
"No....I don't want this to happen, I don't want to go back to that chaotic place!...not with him----"
It was too late to do anything, her clawed hands fell limply to her side and her eyes slid shut before she could retaliate.
He had repositioned his hold on her as she slowly began to slump against him as she fell further and further into unconsciousness. As she sank, he sank down with her until they were both slumped together in the middle of the street. Her head was resting gently against his well toned chest, her hair falling about her face. He brushed the locks of auburn red and black from her face, and stared down at her...enjoying the look of peace that graced her face. Oh it had been so long since he had seen his wife in such a state that he was in no rush to end it.
His neck bent slightly as he inclined his head down closer to hers. He stared at her again in silence before placing a kiss on her lips and leaning back up. Then his eyes flashed a crimson red for a time as another eerie smile...this time it was almost sincere...graced his lips, though it slowly turned into a wicked grin that was wide enough to show the tips of his fangs.
"And with that kiss I once again seal our bond...you are mine dear wife, you always have been and always shall be. You will never be far from my sight...no matter where you run."
He looked down at her neck, noticing for the first time that she lacked the numerous charms she usually wore. She wore but one, it was a beautiful phoenix pendant hung from a leather cord. The phoenix was made of reddish silver and in the middle of it was a sizable rose quartz stone that seem to glow with its own inner light. He stared at the pendant for a long time. He had given her that pendant on their wedding night...those many, many decades ago. He turned his eyes from the pendant to her peaceful face once again.
"So my dear Aurathina...you do still think of me after all..."
