Arms of Darkness
By: Haruka-chan
AN: My second Nightwalker fiction. This fiction is going to be different from the last one; this one is going to be in between 1300-1600s the times will be mixed. This was about the time Shido was probably made in to a vampire. I read Shido/Cain but for some reason I can't seem to enjoy them much considering that Shido hates this man, but I guess with hate comes some sort of love. Anyway this is going to be another Shido/Riho fiction, I know a lot of people find Riho annoying, so do I sometimes but she's all right. Sorry about the spelling and grammar, please forgive my poor soul! Enjoy!
NOTE: That the time, costume and furniture are NOT going to match.
General Summary: Lady Riho of Rome is to be married to Count Cain but her need to find love not just marry the highest bidder for her companionship drives her to run from the only home she has known all her life, wanting nothing more then freedom to discover herself, she discovers the Lord Shido of Florence. Learning about his way of life, and his passion for beauty and loveliness she slowly falls in love with him, only to have herself thrown back to her duties as a daughter, and soon that off a bride, and wife, but in her down fall she drags her beloved Lord Shido who soon becomes the target of the sadistic Count Cain of Transylvania. What will happen to the man she loves, what will happen to her and will the love she feel for him save them both in time, or will time save their love encasing nothing but sweet memories in a canvas of passion?
Chapter 1: Thoughts of Freedom
"I have always wandered what made people mother butterflies in the center of their being? What made their breaths run wild as if they were running miles to reach someone who sat but inches from their own body, yet so far from their soul? What made hearts fall and race to great lengths to warm another's being? What made them more then just another man or woman? What people saw in love...and why it was always paired with hate, just in happiness sadness and pain are its sisters laced in inseparably. These things puzzled me, why would one want to bring upon themselves the pain of loving? So many confusing thoughts and feelings! Why let those feeling that you did not understand consume the mind?
...but it was that night...that stormy night that I truly find out all the answer to my questions, the reason for my confusion and answers to my questions answered finally. What I found that stormy night on the path to liberating myself was what I wanted greatly and feared all at once…I found love..."
It was the year 1405, the years of the richest. When the painters were inspired to paint; the golden age of art, brilliant minds revolutionized, where great architecture rose as some would put it, or as others would see it was the time when finally love was seen as something acceptable, rather then hiding it behind oak trees and secret meeting places. Where great literature and philosophy was written. Where Humanism flourished. It was the time of the Renaissance the age of art and science the rebirth of life. Italy, the trade central, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city of Rome is where our story starts. One of the cities of wealth and brilliance. Home to artist, scholars and Nobles. The most known lord of the time was a foreigner a Japanese, he was Lord Takagi who was a once a famous explorer, now among the richest with two of the most beautiful woman as his wife and daughter. He is seen as one of the most Handsome men in Italy not to mention his wife Lady Cathleen is an Italian and among the beauties that grace the land of Rome. His daughter was the real beauty, born with both beauty and brains. It's said that his daughter was like a goddess sent by the gods themselves for those who believed in the old ways. And other felt that if God was smiling down at anyone it had to be him.
"Mother why do I have to go to this ball?" She asked her auburn tresses help up with white stain ribbon, and her almost innocent yet annoyed blue eyes looked towards the woman she knew to be her mother.
"Because my darling you are at an age where you should be married and have a family of your own. Tonight at Lord Ellis' ball, you will meet possible suitors." Her mother a woman in her mid thirties with blond hair tied in to an elegant bun with ribbons and pearls of the finest quality, fit for her stature. Her green eyes which held years of gained intellect and wisdom softening as she looked at her daughter who rapidly became a lady, in need of a husband. Closing her green orbs she smiled thinking of a way to make the appearance of the choosing a husband you did not know more appealing to the young girl who wanted to feel the warmth of having a chance at love, unknown to her the consequences it brought to one's soul.
"Mother, I told you I do not wish to marry without love. I want to know how it feel to be in the arms of the man you love, the warmth that everyone speaks of." She reasoned for the hundredth time, who could honestly tell their mother what they wanted without sounding profoundly selfish? Taking a seat on the large silk covered bed, she played with her hands, anything to make her understand her sentiment.
"Riho dear, you will come to love the man that you marry, it's quite very natural. Once you spend time with him it will become easier and you will understand that this love is just as great as finding love for yourself." Stated her mother, of course she herself had to admit to her own contradictions remembering her own thoughts and feelings at the age of her daughter.
"But mother I want what you and father have. I want to know the man I marry, not some stranger who I have to give not only my body, and mind to but my heart as well," Riho was her name, Riho Takagi the daughter of the great explorer, and aristocrat; the man god has blessed with wealthy, respect, a beautiful wife, and a daughter.
Her mother smiled and sat next to her daughter on the bed, maybe she could ease her mind, give her hope that will work to both their favor. "Darling I know what you want, but that is not possible. I was lucky to have known your father and actually loving him and I wish you could have the same, but your father grows impatient." She wanted to be gentle, it was true that her own marriage could have been labeled a 'love marriage' but even then she was lucky to have at least spent time with the man who she has loved for the past 18 years.
"Does father not want me to be happy?" She asked. She had to know even if the question itself sounded selfish, admitting there was no way around it, she bit her lip anticipating her mother's reaction to her self-interested question.
Knowing that the question was soon to be asked, she knew that this wasn't the time to be upset with her for asking such things, again being reminded of the times she wanted to yell at her mother and father for trying to choose a husband for her. "Of course he wants you to be happy, that is why he feels you marrying is good for you."
"Mother..." She whispered her eyes a bit excited then returning to their lazy gaze of self-pity, of course leave it to her mother to make her feel as if she asked a question completely out of self gain, yet answer it as if it was natural for her to wonder.
"Come on dear get dressed the carriage will come for us soon" She stood walking gracefully to the large elegantly painted doors, and smiling at her daughter, "Darling I hardly think you will find love just sitting in your quarter sulking."
Riho sighed as her mother left her to dress. walking out in to the balcony over looking the sea, she was quite fortunate living in a castle that her father bought sometime before marrying her mother, of course it had it's grandness being near a private lake. At least the peacefulness of her surrounding let her think of all that a young woman would think of and more. "I do not wish to marry a man who will see me as a prize for my beauty and father's money...I want love. Funny how I want love yet I do not know what it is. Riho you are absolutely hopeless."
"Lady Riho, I am here to help you" The maid was already here to help her dress, how convenient for her.
"Yes, I might as well get this over with" she said under her breath and walked inside, it was the truth how could she possibly want to find a husband among men who were widowers, those who looked to nothing but ravishing her or were after her father's wealth.
"Lady Riho are you excited about the ball tonight, I hear that a lot of handsome lords and princes are all attending." Her name was Annabelle, as always chatted as she tied her hair.
The maid chattered, the girl should have been the daughter, at least then she could see that being in a place where she was the daughter of a local Lord was both a blessing and a curse, more of the latter then anything to her mind. "I suppose so."
"Come you must be ready, smile and be glad that you are this fortunate." Annabelle often got annoyed with her, as she spoke to her about her worries which seemed like leisure thinking for her who had to feed her family by working.
Riho stared at the mirror. 'Yes, all they see is a piece of gem, and the riches that come with It, of course more gain for them rather for me, I wonder if when they are young, they are pulled aside to have a lesson on how to lie of love to gain wealth.' Her thoughts were so strange sometimes, even she had to question her sanity, what was she doing thinking about such things? If only she had the answers.
A couple hours later Riho found herself dressed in gown of blush satin strapless sheath, which had a crepe bodice with empire a belt and a drop waist with a full skirt. On her neck was a clear crystal bib necklace and on her ears were matching chandelier crystal earrings. On her gloved hands a small simple crystal beaded bracelet, her hair was done up with twist in the front of her head with the rest of it pulled back in to a high pony tail of curls which were decorated with ribbons and pearls. Leave it to her father to dress her like a turkey ready to be feasted on. She was heading towards one of the noble's home where the ball was to take place. Sighing once again as her mother and father chatted about possible suitors that will attend the ball. Yes what a grand life she led.
"Riho, what do you think about Lord Victor?" Her father asked finally, she wondered if he was waiting to ask her this.
"Father I do not know how the man looks, I have never spoken to him," Riho explained, hell she would have been lucky to have gotten a letter where at least she could test the man's intellect.
"Oh you will meet him tonight, he told me he will be there if you are there." Lord Takagi laughed whole heartedly.
She was glad her father found her situation to be so humorous. "Yes, father I look forward to meeting Lord Victor and every other suitor" Riho answered her father with a smile on her lips, did she ever disobey him? No she didn't have the courage to do such a thing. 'How do all of these men know me? Yet I know nothing of them.' The carriage came to a halt and the door opened for them, with that she halted her thoughts as well, she will have to use all her concentration on pleasing the two being in front of her.
"Oh I have to compliment Lord Ellis on his new home." Lady Cathleen started, leave it to these women to have nothing but domestic thoughts run wild in their minds. Taking Riho's hand and pulling her towards the steps leading inside she said, "Come along dear."
"Yes mother." Riho followed like a puppy would follow its mother.
Inside the beauty of an Italian palace, soft music, greeted them. Couples dancing and laughter of the false world they created for themselves. Riho lingered at the door. Was this the life she wanted? No, it couldn't be, she wanted a life without walls and people. She wanted to see what life held for her, without any barriers, she wanted freedom from it all. She wanted to run wild and free like a wild Arabian horse on the fields of Tuscany, let lose her hair and dip into the lake as if morals didn't matter at all.
"Oh Lord Takagi, Lady Cathleen and Riho!" An all to familiar woman coming towards them, her gown showing her own standing in the social ladder they have created. The scarlet red silk hugged her breast as the deep rooted gold prints brought out her beauty, the woman knew how to grace herself at the very least, with large ruby earrings and necklace around her pudgy neck.
"Lady Ana, it's so pleasant to see you again and you look wonderful!" Lady Cathleen complimented taking the woman's hand into her own and kissing her cheek.
Lady Ana blushed, shaking her head lightly "You are still so ver young my darling, I grow old with each year that passes. You look ravishing Cathleen. And look how beautiful Riho is, as she always has been."
Riho smiled and bowed, "You are far to kind to me, Lady Anna."
"Oh! I wish she was my own!" Said Lady Ana cupping Riho's face in her hands. "Come you have to meet Lord Victor, he has been very impatient about your arrival, not to mention every other Lord." Lady Ana said as she led Riho by the arm.
Riho smiled but truth be told she wanted to roll her eyes at the woman and just break free from her confines, the woman was suffocating her with her strong perfumed oil, but once again she rehearsed that to rebel now would be to disrespect and hurt her beloved mother and father, that was the last thing she truly wanted to do. Smiling her brightest smiles, she watched the dancing couples, and the glares of young women who detested her. They approached a tall and slim man he had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, he was quite handsome, but she could tell by the looks of him that he knew nothing of Sir Plato's work, nor would he know philosophy apart from literature, they both would be quite confusing to him she assumed.
"Lady Riho what a pleasure to see you once again." He said with smile taking Riho's hand and bringing to his lips.
So they have met before? What a shame for him that she did not recall the event at all. "Yes, It's a pleasure Lord Victor." letting him kiss her gloved hand just like so many had done before, and will probably again for the reminder of the night, he was to be no special form any other man who would approach her.
He smiled at her, perhaps he was trying to make her fall in love with the pearly whites of his teeth, and possibly that was his special charm. "Come Lady Riho, honor me with a dance."
"I...umm...I would love to" She said in defeat, she couldn't run from him nor could she refuse, since sooner or later she will have to dance with someone.
"Lord Victor do not take all of her for yourself, let us other have a divine taste," A deep smooth voice with a rich accent spoke, the sound was like the oldest wine.
Lord Victor turned to see who it was, Riho herself was just as curious about who had spoken. "Count Cain of Transylvania." Said Lord Victor almost with a heavy sigh as if he was disappointed with the man's presence.
The tall man was pale, his long wavy blonde hair tied back with a scarlet satin ribbon. His eyes were an unusual deep gold color, beautiful yet unusual. He was dressed just like very other noble and lord in the room, yet something about him was different.
"Count Cain, it's a pleasure to meet you." Riho found herself saying even before it registered in her head.
His lips twisted into a smile almost leisurely "And the same for you Lady Riho."
"Count Cain we did not expect you back so soon." Said Lord Victor.
"Yes, I did not either, but how can I miss a chance to see the beautiful Lady Riho." Said Cain looking down at the blushing Riho.
"I am not all that you say?" She whispered.
"Lord Victor you would not mind if I take this dance with Lady Riho would you?" Cain asked.
"Oh no certainly not." He said.
"Shall we?" Cain asked as he held his hand out to Riho.
Riho smiled and nodded. Cain slowly led her in to the center of the ballroom, placed his fisted hand behind his back and another to hold her hand. One of Riho's hand went to join Cain's while another rested on his shoulder. Cain led them slowly, the music stirring softly in to them.
"So Lady Riho have you met anyone that could possibly be your suitor?" Cain asked.
"No Count Cain I have not, to be honest with you; I do not think I am ready to marry yet. What about you?" She said.
"I see, I feel that same way, but it is always time that drives people make such long decisions." He said.
Riho looked up at him and said "I suppose your right, at times I wish I could have forever to decide certain things."
Cain smiled at her and replied "Time seems nonexistent to me."
Riho laughed. "How I envy you Count Cain." She said.
"Do I detect a hint of sadness?" Cain asked.
"I suppose. Tell me Count Cain have you ever in your life felt you needed to be free from something?" She asked.
"I think I have. I was about your age when I did not want to be the son of a lord. I did not want all the responsibility, so I ran. I ran away and explored what I wanted." He told her .
Riho's eyes sparkled. "It must have felt wonderful." She said.
"Yes, it did but it did get quite lonely after a while. I longed for something more, someone to be at my side. So I returned and took on as Count." He said.
"Do you like being a Count?" She asked.
"It has its good and its bad points." He said.
"I wish I were as lucky as you." She said.
Cain laughed and said "Lady Riho I think every maiden wished they look half as beautiful as you and you say that you are not lucky?"
"But is that all I am?" Riho asked.
"I see your mind is growing wings. I do not believe your husband will like that." He said.
"What about you? Do you feel offended by my thinking as well?" Riho asked bravely.
"No, I do not. I wished more maidens were like you." He said. Riho found herself blushing once more.
Lady Cathleen watched as her daughter and the count conversed.
"The count is charming is he not?" Lady Ana asked.
"Yes, he is and Riho seem to be enjoying herself." Lady Cathleen said.
"I think he is perfect for her." Lady Ana said.
"Yes, so do I." Whispered Lady Cathleen. The music slowed for couples.
"I suppose we stop here." Riho said.
"I would like to continue if you wish." He said.
Riho would rather dance with him, then any other man at the moment.
"I would love to." She said to him.
Cain smiled and put his hand on her waist bringing her closer, Riho laced her hands around his neck. She pondered on the smiles he gave her, they held something mysterious in them. They danced with the music without a word, Riho found herself, slip from this world to another fantasy where she saw herself free, but as all things it came to an end. The music stopped as the host Lord Ellis decided to toast Count Cain and her father for what reason she was unknown of.
The ride back home was quite with her father and mother chatting about something or the other, but something about what she discussed with Count Cain made her think about if she was truly happy. Riho let out a small chuckle. Happy? Why would she even consider asking herself that? Of course just as Count Cain had said many maiden would kill to be at her place, yet she was questioning herself about her happiness? How ironic is that? The way he spoke of time and freedom, she wanted to experience those things. She wanted to rush in to some things while she waited for other, she didn't want to have a time for everything. Riho's head clouded over with so many thoughts that she didn't even notice they were home already.
"Riho darling were here already." Her mother called.
"Yes, Mother." She said as she stepped of the carriage and walked towards the door to the palace. The mere walk to her room seemed longer then her life. Riho walked towards her bed and sat down, her mother came in a short while later to help her with her dress, not that she ever needed such help.
"Dear tell me what you thought of Lord Victor?" Her mother asked.
Riho just nodded and replied "He was charming."
"I am sure he was. Now tell me what you thought of Count Cain?" She asked .
"Count Cain..." Riho said.
Lady Cathleen giggled and asked "I knew it you like him do you not?"
Riho felt as if she was in some kind of a daze, she couldn't hear a thing that her mother was saying or maybe she didn't want to.
"Mother I am quite tired." She said.
"Yes, I will see you in the morning." Her mother replied. She then gave her a small kiss on her head and walked out. Riho walked to the balcony. The lands around her seem to call out to her.
The wind seem to whisper her name
...Riho...Riho…
"I want to be free." She whispered as tears trailed down her face and then all was black. Riho woke to find it was already morning and she was in her bed.
"How did I get here? I don't remember anything..." She whispered as she sat up. A knock came at the door.
"Come in." She said.
"Lady Riho, you're up. The Lord and Lady wishes to see you." The maid said bringing in her breakfast. Riho nodded as she placed the food on the table and went to her closet to pull out a dress for her to wear.
"Did you enjoy yourself at the ball my Lady?" The maid asked.
"Yes, it was pleasant." She said sipping her tea.
"But barely." She whispered.
"Lady?" The maid asked.
"I'm done." She said grabbing her dress and throwing it on.
Riho brushed her hair up in to a bun and walked towards the meeting room. Riho walked in to see her mother and father sitting laughing about something.
"Mother, Father you wish to see me?" Riho asked. "Ahh yes come in." Lord Takagi said.
Riho walked slowly towards the chair and sat down across from her mother and father.
"Darling your father and I have talked and have decided on your husband." Her mother said.
"A husband?" She asked as if she was a child and didn't know what the term meant.
"Yes, Count Cain of Transylvania." She said.
Count Cain?!? Riho thought.
"The Count?" She asked.
"Yes, he was quite charmed by you last night, he wishes to court you for some time, before you are married." Her mother said.
Riho looked down at her hand. So this is it, the man I thought was on my side has turned against me. She thought.
"Do you not wish to marry him?" Her father asked.
"I do not wish to marry anybody." She said to him.
"Riho you are at an age where you must become a wife, build a family of your own. Your mother and I grow old, we do wish to see our grand children." Her father said with a soft smile.
"Why can I not wait? Why are you trying to send me away?" She asked in a whisper once more.
"Darling we are not trying to send you away, we are trying to do the best we can for you." Her mother said.
"I do not want to marry mother." Riho answered. She looked up at her mother with tears. Her father stood and walked towards the huge bay windows.
"Riho, the Count is a good man and he will take care of you. I do not wish to force you in to marrying him, but I will have to." Lord Takagi said.
"You are forcing me to marrying him." Riho said.
"Riho darling he is a charming man, he will serve as a good husband" Lady Cathleen said.
Riho stood and exclaimed "I do not care if he is charming mother! I do not wish to marry!" before she fled towards her room.
"I am worried for her dear, she is not herself lately." Lady Cathleen said as she looked towards the open door of the meeting room.
"She will marry Count Cain." Lord Takagi said.
Lady Cathleen sighed and said "Yes, she will have to."
Riho ran in to her room and stood against the door as hot liquid came down her face. "Why? How could he?" She asked as she slipped to her knees and held herself as more tears came. "I don't want to be trapped forever." She whispered. "I don't want to marry." She said. So I ran. I ran and saw everything I wanted to see. Cain's words drifted in her head. Yes, it was decided she would flee. She would run away from it all. Wealth, power and time away from all of it. She will go some where people didn't know her. Where they won't treat her like a lord's daughter. Where time has no meaning. Riho decided she was going to pretend everything was fine and that night she will flee. She will find love if not that then at least she will have a taste of freedom and real happiness and after all that is all she desired...was it not?
The rest of the day went as usual, it was finally time for dinner. Riho decided to join her parents only so she could see their face once more. She walked in to the dinning hall and saw her mother and father already seated at the table waiting for her. Riho took her seat on her fathers left side while her mother occupied the right.
"Father, Mother I would like to apologize for my behavior this morning." She said quietly.
"We understand that you are scared, but this is something you must do. Apologize accepted." Her mother said.
Lord Takagi looked at his daughter and said "You still seem to me as that beautiful girl I knew. I wish the best for you." It was his way of apologizing. Riho looked up and smiled at her parents.
"Thank you, and I love you both very much." She said.
"We love you too darling." Lady Cathleen said.
Lord Takagi smiled and squeezed her hand, the only form of affection he had showed her since the whole 'you must pick a husband soon' . The dinner was quite and same, with a usual 'yes' and nods from Riho. She sat at her vanity table and looked down at the paper and ink she had gotten so she could write a letter. Riho found herself crying for the fact she was going to leave the two people she cared for more then anything.
"It must be done." She whispered and picked up the quill. An hour later she was at the front gate of the palace. It seemed the guards were taking a little 'nap' all to her convenience. She ran to the stables and brought out a horse and headed out the gate.
Riho looked back once more at the home she known for the past 17 years. "I can't turn back now, I want to be free. I don't care any more." She whispered as she pulled her cloak closer. Yanking tight the strap of her saddle and flung herself on to the horse. Once more she looked back, as if doubted exploited her mind, but in the end the desire to do as she pleased won her over. No one saw her, no one stopped her, it was quite depressing really how easy it was for her to escape her invisible cage. Riho rode as fast as she could, away from the home she knew and fast so nothing can stop her.
But the heavens above her didn't agree with her, it opened up its eyes and let the tears fall, along with thunders of anger and lighting of sadness, how poetic she was slowly becoming. Riho tried to hold on to the strap tighter to prevent herself from falling of, but it was all up to the horse now to get her to a safe place, the rain was beyond her human sense to control. "Come on don't let me down now." she whispered to the beast. Riho gasped as another thunder broke. 'Why tonight of all night?!? Why did it have to rain this way when she was so close to her freedom' She thought. "I won't give up." She said to try to encourage herself. Another lightening flashed through the sky. Riho cursed her luck once more, there wasn't a shelter that she can take now and she was too far from the city, considering her family palace was at the out skirt of the city near the woods and forest. "Come on, I know your not afraid of this storm." She said once more encouraging the horse to not fail her.
"Maybe this is the gods way of telling me that I should have been more selfless, and stayed home." She said pushing the hair that was in her eyes. "Oh what I wouldn't give to be dry and under the warm silk sheets." she said to herself, why was it like her to be such a coward? Shaking her head and pushing the tears back she rode on. 'No! I won't give up, I will make it. I have to.'
At that moment the heaven gave a thunderous roar making the horse lose it nerves and dropping Riho off, and running. Riho stared up at the sky and tears formed at the corner of her eyes. "So this is how it will end?" She asked before she saw nothing but black.
A carriage was heading in the road where Riho lied unconscious, almost as if it was fated for it to happen, to them to meet on a night where storms of will clashed. Yes this was fated for the two to finally meet.
"My Lord there is a maiden lying on the ground." The young woman inside the carriage said.
"Stop the carriage." He said.
"Yes, my Lord." The coachman stopping.
The Lord stepped out and walked towards the body. Riho's hair covered her face and she lied on her stomach, her face hidden from the world.
"Is she all right?" Asked the woman stepping out also.
The Lord moved her to her back and moved some of the hair out of her face. A small gasped escaped the Lord, but it was covered by the louder gasp that came from the woman.
"Oh God she is beautiful, like a fallen angel" She said bringing her hands to her lips.
"She is still alive, we shall have to bring her back to the palace, we cannot make it back to the Vatican City in this hell of a storm." Said the Lord.
"I agree" Said the woman.
The Lord picked Riho up and brought her in to the carriage.
"My Lord you are all wet." Said the woman giggling.
The Lord laughed "So I am, but it is worth saving a life." Staring down at the dirt fill face of Riho. 'Such a beautiful face even with the dirt gracing it. I wonder what she will look after she is cleaned, quite like an angel.'