A/N- Thanks for the reviews! Here's the next chapter!

Chapter 5

Sage had refused to sleep. Instead, she allowed Terence and Iris to rest in the cabin while she rode with Adrian. Iris hadn't been happy with that arrangement. She barricaded Terence to one side of the cabin with threats of hexes if he tried to cross to her side. The young Belmont had huffed and said that he was "a better gentleman than that." Adrian and Sage had found this argument--which had lasted from the time they had left until they finally tired themselves out--amusing.

Sage and Adrian did not speak to one another. Both feared that the other were angry with them. In Adrian's case, he was right.

Finally, the sun rose. Adrian found a place in the woods that had seemed to be untouched by the evil magic of Castlevania. A lovely brook that looked as though it came right out of a fairy tale.

"Perhaps we should wake Terence and Iris. We need our rest too," Adrian said lightly. He was trying to get a smile out of Sage. It just wasn't going to happen.

"I agree," she said, hopping to the soft, forest floor. She rapped on the cabin door. "Wake up. We're setting up camp."

Sage stepped back to allow the door to open. Terence was the first out.

"Thank God. Here, let me set up camp. Adrian and you may rest, dear lady," he said quickly, walking to the horses.

Iris climbed out next. "I'll water the horses," she said. "You two sleep. You both look like you need some quiet time."

"I'll water the horses. You gather some supplies. Herbs or something," Terence said, undoing one of the horses' harness. Iris rushed and undid the other.

"We used to have horses. I know what I'm doing!" she insisted.

"She's right, Sir Belmont. Let her help," Sage said. Adrian gave a short laugh from somewhere beside her.

Terence blushed. "Yes, milady, but please, it's just Terence."

Sage nodded and climbed into the carriage, followed closely by Adrian. He shut the door as she tried to get comfortable.

They laid beside each other in silence, but just for a few moments. Finally, Adrian sighed and turned toward her.

"Sage, why are you angry with me?" he asked.

She turned and looked him in the eye. She seemed to be searching for something. Finally, she sighed also.

"I'm not sure how to answer that, dearest," she said, sincerely.

"Is it…about my decision?" he said.

"What decision?"

He turned away from her. "Not to turn you…into a dhampire."

"Something like that. But there's so much more to it," she said, pulling him back around. "I just don't understand. I mean, I understand your viewpoint, but what about mine? I'm mortal, Adrian. Mortal women look forward to certain things in their short lives. Love, children, family, togetherness. I love you, Adrian. I want us to be together. I want children, eventually. Not anytime soon, I'm still too young, but one day. I want my own family."

"But what kind of family could I give you, Sage? I refuse to turn you. So, if we were to have children, I would watch all of you grow old and die. It will pain me enough when that day comes for you, but to watch my children die as well…I couldn't bear it," he said plaintively.

"But if you were to turn me, one day, our children might inherit our immortality. We could be a family for as long as we wish. I just want that, a family. A husband who loves me and children to care for," Sage said.

Suddenly, Adrian's eyes grew dark. "I will never turn you, Sage. That is the end of this discussion."

"No, it is not! Adrian, think reasonably, what is the point of our love if we have to cut it short?"

But he would not respond to her. He rolled over until all she could see was his back. With a huff of disbelief, Sage put her back to him as well.

"It sounds like they're arguing," Iris said, as she petted one of the horses.

She was staring off in the direction of the carriage. She looked as though she were disturbed by something.

"What do you think they're arguing about?" Terence asked.

Iris shook her head. Suddenly, Terence placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked at it at first with contempt, but then her features softened.

"I'm worried about my sister, Terence. When we--my family, that is--heard that she had fallen in love and had been saved by the son of Dracula, we were overjoyed. But…Daddy had his doubts. He loves us both, despite what has been shown. He doesn't want us hurt. But now, because of what happened, I feel like Sage is the only one I have left. I need her. I can't lose everybody," Iris said, tears welling up in her eyes.

The young Belmont smiled down at this troubled girl.

"Sage is strong, Iris. Adrian and she defeated Dracula! I think she'll be all right, whatever the problem is," he said, retreating to watch over the horses once again.

Iris followed Terence with her eyes. She smiled but hid it from him. He was annoying one, that Belmont, but…maybe he wasn't so terrible.

End Notes: Happy birthday to me! Today (March 8) is my birthday! My present to me is…finishing this chapter. I like it, don't you? Well, let me know. Please R & R! Thanks!