Authors Notes: I'm really starting to get into this fic. I honestly think it is helping my writing skills as I just got the highest grade ever (for me, hehe,) on an English quiz. Thank you to everyone who reads or reviews this! I'm still not so sure how dark this will turn out, so be prepared it could get…ugly :x (not until later on, of course lol) if I do decide to bump up the rating I'll let you know in advance. I need to listen to loud music or something to get the creepy ideas going XD I have never written anything really dark before, it's tough! lol R+R please!

Love or Blood

Chapter three: Formal Introduction

We walked through the Castle halls in silence. I wanted to look around but my head felt so heavy that the mere thought of looking up made my neck ache. Instead, I studied the carpets on the stone floors. All were a deep scarlet with thin black patterns woven along the sides. They distinctly resembled the interior of the Count's room. The carpets felt so soft through my thin shoes that I had to fight the urge to fall on them and sleep.

The Argonian Stewardess' tail in front of me was swinging side to side, like a pendulum. I found myself slowly nodding off if as I stared at it. For some odd reason, it seemed to put me in a state that closely resembled hypnosis. I bit down hard on my bottom lip so the pain would jolt me awake. My lips were swollen from my own abuse, but mindlessly biting them was a nervous habit I could not shake.

Our silence was broken when Shum the Butler decided to speak. "Will she really be a slave? I thought they were illegal here in Cyrodiil." I barely looked up, only partially acknowledging that they were talking about me. At that moment, I could not have cared less. So long as I could get some sleep soon, I would be happy.

"She is indeed a slave. It is still perfectly legal in Cyrodiil, just frowned upon and unpracticed. I'm sure the Elder Council will hold no qualms, however. The Count gets his way regardless. We all know how that goes. At any rate, it certainly won't be public knowledge. There are enough rumors about him."

I found it strange that I had become a willing slave. I never thought before that anyone would do such a thing but as I said so many time before, I shall do whatever it takes to preserve myself. If I have to fight grease stains out of pans to save my life, so be it.

"Hmm, bad publicity?" Shum asked from behind me as we stopped at a large wooden door. There was a pause, in that time the Argonian turned to face him while going through a ring of keys.

"You had better believe it. You know how that Mages Guild gets. They'd probably scale the Castle to get a look at his new 'property'." Shum grunted in agreement as he gently pushed me forward towards the door.

The Stewardess then took me by the arm and led me inside. I could tell that this was the Maids Quarters as everything seemed old and worn but comfortable, nonetheless. It was much more than what I was used to. The Stewardess then began to shepherd me to the other end of the living area. She pushed open yet another wooden door and shooed me inside.

I walked in and looked about. There were several stall-like compartments built into the walls here. Each was large enough for an average sized person to stand in. They all had a large wooden tub placed inside. "Do you know how to work enchanted tubs, girl?" The Stewardess said, coming up from behind me. She handed me a large bundle that looked like a pile of rags as I shook my head.

She rolled her eyes and hastily made her way into one of the stalls, beckoning me to follow her. I did, though without someone's hand constantly on me for support, I was awful wobbly and nearly fell. She saw this and quirked her brow. "You're not going to fall asleep and drown in the tub if I leave you alone, are you?"

I rubbed my eyes with my fist "No miss - um, Stewardess. I-I won't."

Huffing, she crossed her arms, "I'm not that convinced... and stop rubbing your eyes, girl. It's bad for your sight." I did indeed stop but it was more out of annoyance. Who was she to tell me what to do? I believe I signed my life over to the Count, not her.

"Now watch what I do," She started as she placed her hand on the tub's rim. "Just imagine the temperature and depth you want. The water will appear shortly." She closed her eyes for a moment and I watched as water began to slowly appear inside the basin. It was almost like there was an invisible servant pouring warm water inside. "Once you get out the water will vanish so don't forget anything." She straightened and went for the door and I found myself glaring at her back. I have a tendency to think about what it would be like to have the courage to tell people off. However, it is just not in my nature. I could never be so bold or rude, I sometimes wish I was, though.

"I'll go fetch you some new clothes to wear. I expect you to be done when I return." I nodded and watched her go. Only when I heard the door latch click behind her did I start to undress. I didn't want anyone to see me naked, nor did I yet feel safe, despite the privacy. All was so strange. The Castle was so large. I shifted my footing and slowly changed, careful to keep my senses on alert. No, I did not feel safe and I did not want anyone to see my scars.

I pulled off my gloves and greaves. The leathers certainly weren't comfortable, nor did they really protect me from much harm but they were all that I could honestly wear. It may be light armor but for me, it is rather heavy and does not fit well. I then cast them, my cloak, and all my other clothing articles aside. Tugging the knot from my hair, I stared at my reflection in the tub.

I looked so mangled. Two large sad green eyes stared back at me, my red hair tousled, cascading on my shoulders and running down my back. Dark purple and pink lacerations adorned my pale skin. My scars - constant reminders of what it is like to be a weak beggar-thief who lives on the street.

Sighing heavily I climbed into the tub. It had been a long while since I had last taken a good bath, so the shockingly hot water was welcomed heartily as I settled down. I made quick work of scrubbing myself. I did not have too long to wash and I wasn't keen on wallowing in my own filth. Next time, though, I want to enjoy my bath. If I have the opportunity, of course... The Count could always be crazy. He may not allow me that luxury.

Once I was finished I quickly emerged from the tub. Steam was whispering at my skin as I stood and made my way over to the bundle the Stewardess had handed me earlier. Upon inspection, I discovered it was indeed a towel. I dried myself off and wrapped it around my torso. It was not long enough to cover a rather large mark up my leg but at the moment I wasn't going to complain. I did not think I should.

As soon as I had the towel securely wrapped around me I heard the door open. Turning on the spot I saw the Stewardess coming toward me with another arm full of linens. "You will have to make do with these for now. It is all I could find." She handed me the pile and I eagerly took it from her. Hand-me-downs or not, I wanted to be dressed.

She was about to leave me so I could change when her eyes fell upon my leg. "How did you do that?" She asked rather flatly. It was one of my oldest scars, I had gotten it on my way to Skingrad. Nevertheless, I wasn't in the mood to talk about it. The fact that she saw it made me immeasurably uncomfortable. "A wolf." I then turned my back to her hoping she would take it as a sign to end the discussion. Thankfully she did and left me to change in the stall.

Gingerly poking through the clothes, I noted how soft the fabrics felt on my lightly-roughened hands. They were all made of simple a cotton material but it was a nice change from the stitched coarse garments I was usually forced to wear. I pulled the dark green blouse over my head and the brown skirts soon followed. She didn't give me any new shoes so I had to wear my blood-stained quilted ones.

As I pulled them on I froze. Blood. Were these wretched shoes what gave me away? Can vampires smell blood? It seemed logical and I had to laugh at my own stupidity. Most of the rumors had to do with the Count being some type of blood drinker. I was the only fool who thought otherwise and paraded around castle Skingrad with crimson Argonian soaked footwear.

"What's so funny? Are you decent girl?" The Stewardess must have thought that I went insane. Come to think of it, a girl forced into servitude who laughs maniacally for no apparent reason would make one question her sanity. I quickly composed myself and opened the stall door. "Yes, I'm fine."

She looked me over skeptically, her scaly brows stitched together. "I do hope so," She crossed her arms and rubbed her snout. "We wouldn't want to have to ship you off to one of those new sanitariums." I froze, mentally noting to never laugh in her presence again. "No, I'm fine just thinking is all," I said quickly, that's one place I would never want to be,

"N-no, I'm fine just...thinking." I said quickly. An asylum was one place I would never want to be. I heard they're terrible. Recently made facility prisons to interrogate and hold cultists, necromancers and Daedra worshippers. The ones that are expected to be violent, anyway.

"Good but don't be 'thinking' often, if it makes you laugh aloud." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a green lace ribbon. "The Count enjoys his silence. It could put you in a bad spot to start giggling foolishly while he is reading or something of that nature." I nodded. The Count and I seem to have that in common - lovers of silence. That rule I could abide by just fine. "Here, put your hair up. It gets in the way of work." I mentally groaned, Work already, can I sleep first? She seemed to have read my mind though as she quickly added, "Once we get some food in you, I am to present you to the Count. After that, you may rest." I felt myself flinch once she said 'Count' and couldn't repress it.

I know he's been good to me thus far but he is a vampire. I did not want to see him again...why did I need to be seen anyway? He promised not to feed on me. I just left him, why go back?

The Stewardess saw my obvious hesitation and wrinkled her snout. It resembled what I thought was a scowl. "You had better mind your manners around him, girl." She snapped. "The Count has shown you a great kindness. He spared your life but give him cause and he could still just as easily snuff it out." My insides began to squirm uncontrollably. I never thought of that. He could change his mind at any moment.

Rest assured, I shall be on my best behavior.

xxxx

Back in the Maids Quarters, the Stewardess forced me to eat several slices of bread, two very large carrots and a small portion of mutton. I ate it all with little trouble but the fact that I was to constantly mind myself or forsake my life made it hard to swallow.

"Good. You're all set then?" She asked as I pushed my plate away for about the fifth time, thoroughly relieved that she did not load it up with food again.

I looked towards her and nodded, "Yes Stewardess, I am." She motioned for me to stand. Even with a full belly, exhaustion made me sway slightly. "Right then, before we see the Count, I think you should meet your new superiors." she turned and began to walk toward the door with me following close behind her.

"Right then, before we see the Count, I think you should meet your new superiors." She turned and began to walk toward the door with me following close behind her.

Superiors? They sounded threatening enough. I swallowed hard and bit my lip as the Stewardess led me through the Maids Quarters. We finally stopped by an open doorway and heard what I thought was two women arguing. The Stewardess sighed heavily as she went through her now familiar ring of keys. "Gods blood, those two will be the death of me." She mumbled as we entered the room.

"You best shut your damn mouth! Just because he's not as tall as you Nords don't mean he's got a small-" Sure enough, standing in the room having a shouting match was a middle-aged Nordic woman and a young Redguard girl. Both, whom upon seeing me and the Stewardess enter, quickly stopped shouting and bowed politely.

"Ah, hello Stewardess." The Nord said quickly as she gave her apron a good patting down. "We didn't here you come in ma'am. Rheena and I were just discussing-" The Stewardess held up a hand to silence her. "Whatever you were discussing Tualga, I am sure I don't want to know." I watched as the Redguard's eyes slowly drifted to me. She nudged the Nord; Tualga, and soon her gaze followed.

"Whatever you were discussing, Tualga I am sure I don't want to know." I watched as the Redguard's eyes slowly drifted to me. She nudged the Nord, Tualga and soon her gaze followed.

"Is that the...erm new girl?" I heard the Redguard ask. I was trying my best not to look at them. I could tell by the way she spoke of me she knew that I was the lucky thief whom the Count took pity on.

The Stewardess nodded and pushed me forward. "Yes, this is miss…Hmm. Girl, what is your name?"

I cleared my throat and began to wring my hands. "Ab…Abigale Lynn." My bottom lip was now once again being pinched. I have not introduced myself as Abigale Lynn in such a long time that it felt strange to do so.

Nervously, I glanced up. The girl, Rheena was attempting to smile. "That's a pretty name." She said softly. I gave a small nod, not daring to do much else.

"Aye, but it's far too long!" Tualga said stepping forward to shake my hand. The action startled me. "I'll be calling you Abby from now on." Up close, I could see her more clearly. As a Nord, she toward over me. Perhaps she was six foot seven, maybe a bit taller. She had a blotchy pinkish complexion, pale blue eyes and curly blond and white hair that framed her rounded face. She was a Nord through and through and by her accent, I could tell she must have lived up in Skyrim at one point. "No, not Abby...Lynn! Yeah, there's not too many Lynn's here nowadays, you know." At first, I was a bit distrusting by her warm greeting but I quickly decided to welcome it the best I could. After all, friends are far better than enemies. Maybe I will not have to be much of a loner anymore. If I am safe, that is. "I'm Tualga! Skingrad's Head Maid and this," She said while gesturing to the other young woman. "Is Rheena, my right hand."

Rheena walked over to me and thrust her arm out, gently pushing Tualga aside. "That is me miss Lynn. You are to be my right hand." I nodded, I could do that. She seemed friendly enough.

"Technically, she'll be your right and my left," Tualga said placing her hands on her hips.

Rheena clucked her tongue and rolled her honey colored eyes. "No one asked for your two septims, Nord," She muttered under her breath. Then she turned to wink at me. She stood on her tiptoes and patted Tualga on the head. "Don't worry, we're just playing. We don't really hate each other."

Tualga laughed, "Aye, hate is too strong a word."

I watched the Stewardess out of the corner of my eye, she was pinching the bridge of her snout and shaking her head. "Alright," She began wearily. "I just wanted her to meet you two. Go set up the spare bed in your room. She'll be staying in there with the both of you."

"Good!" Rheena exclaimed. "I am in desperate need of someone other than this barbarian to talk to." Tualga shot her a glare and went to comment but before I could hear whatever she was about to say, the Stewardess was pushing me from the room. "See you later, Lynn!" One shouted to me but I couldn't decipher who the voice belonged to for the Stewardess quickly shut the door.

xxxx

She led me down the dark corridors once again and I found myself nervously wringing my shirt's hem. I walked with my head bowed and my stomach in as many knots as my now crumpled blouse. The Castle seemed so ominous on the inside as well as out. The blood red tapestries that clung to every wall did little to improve its dark demeanor. Instead, it made the Castle walls look as if they were bleeding. Thus, I kept my head down.

"You are to be brief." The Stewardess said as we entered the large door which I had broken into earlier this evening, or was it last night? I never did find out the time. We stood in the main hallway of the Count's manor, my lip was nearly split in two as I looked up toward the Stewardess. "He wishes to see you only to make certain that you will pass as a Castle maid." She stared at me as if reading my mind. "Nothing more."

Perhaps she really was a mind reader for I was debating on whether or not I should go see him with my hands clamped protectively around my neck. Her comment 'nothing more', told me that I did not have to take that precaution. I felt a small bit of relief and managed to nod. She turned on her heel and pointed forward, "I believe you know your way from here. I shall wait in this spot. Come back once he's finished with you."

I swallowed hard, the little comfort I had vanished. Finished with me? I timidly began to walk the hallways past his library, studies and spare rooms. All were foreboding as if mocking me for I had just mere hours ago wandered through them with pride and ignorance. Now here I was creeping down them as if to my doom. Hopefully, I won't be smeared on the walls before the night's end...

I stood there in front of his doorway. The dark wooden doors seemed frighteningly large now. My hands shakily grasped the circular brass knocker. I bit my lip and shifted my weight from one foot to the other as I debated on whether or not I should carefully let go and try to run as far away from his room as possible.

I really did not want to let the brass knocker fall and alert the Count but taking a deep breath, I found myself gently tapped the knocker to the woodwork three times. Clunk, clunk, clunk. The sound had never before stilled my heart so. Prickles ran up my spine as I swallowed hard and waited for a reply, wishing that one would never come. But my wishes were not in the habit of coming true.

"You may enter." I heard the Count call from the other side of the door. My entire body immediately froze. I became another statue to add to the Count's vast collection. Breaking myself from my stupor, I looked down the hallway, half hoping that someone else had said those three little words. But no, I was alone.

I obediently yet reluctantly pushed open the door. It groaned loudly and was astoundingly heavy. Because of the enchantments I had over me earlier, the door had not made a sound. Upon hearing how loud it really was I could see why the Count rarely left his room. If I had a door was like this one, always loud and shockingly heavy, I would not want to have to push the nuisance open every day.

His room was dark, the only light was coming from the large crackling fireplace. I clung to the door and timidly stepped into the room. Unlike last time when I had broken in, I saw the Count. Well, rather his silhouette. I could not be entirely sure if he was facing me or his fireplace but once he gestured for me to come closer, it became apparent that he was indeed facing me. That or vampires are double jointed and remarkably flexible...

"Come here, girl." He said, his voice tired. I intertwined my fingertips and held my hands splayed over my stomach, keeping them as close to my throat as possible without giving myself away. The Count tilted his head to the side as I walked over to him. Standing in front of him with my head bowed and my gaze fixed on my stained shoes, I began gnawing my bottom lip, my stomach twisting further.

When one is being studied so closely by a vampire, I believe it natural to be nervous. I kept myself from shaking but could not stop myself from wringing the hem of my blouse more. Cautiously, I risked a glance up at him. He was remarkably tall. Because of the angle of the fireplace's light, my eyes had begun to adjust a bit more to the dark. Still, I could make out little more than just his red eyes. Regardless, I did my best to secretly assess him.

What I could see was imposing. I could not believe his great height, as he was an Imperial and certainly not Nordic. He was also very broad shouldered and strongly built. The way he easily towered over me was unsettling. In an effort to not focus on his size and my obvious discomfiture toward it, I tried to take in his other less imposing characteristics. Unfortunately, this left me with little to observe.

The Count had a full head of thick black hair, combed back and neat. Silver and gray streaks ran along the sides and top, indicating some age and wisdom. His complexion was near ice-white, a great contrast to his dark hair. His face was firmly structured yet balanced - like he had been meticulously carved from stone - his features both sharp and masculine, lightly touched with time. His expression was cold, tired and withdrawn, yet The Count's gaze was jarring and intense. His eyes were a vibrant red, much like a garnet, and seemed to glow brilliantly in the darkness. Besides the deep bags under his eyes and mildly gaunt features, he looked relatively young. Perhaps he had contracted vampirism when in his late thirties or early forties.

He was dressed very finely too, in dark burgundy and black attire. His clothes were made of velvet, trimmed with gold and lined with fur. The garments were richly embellished with patterns that must have been tedious to design. Despite their obvious expense, I felt his clothes were reserved for a Lord. What I had seen of nobles, they wore vibrant colors with many flashy gems. The only jewels I could see on the Count's person was a golden ring on his left hand and a modest amulet that was tucked into the high collar of his tunic.

If someone was to glance at him quickly they would be none the wiser of his condition and pass him off as your everyday nobleman. If their gaze lingered, they would see a more powerful and imposing figure. He was a vision of wealth and authority. It was in his quiet yet demanding character. There was a knowing in his stare. He was well aware of his own strength and had no need to prove or flaunt his rule. Whether it was the way he stood, so composed and still, or the way he eyed all his finery with disinterest, The Count of Skingrad seemed to emanate gold and power.

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze and turned my head to the side slightly. Upon doing so I noticed that I had unintentionally exposed my neck to him. Don't do that! He could drain you dry! Quickly, I snapped my head back into its original place, bowed and staring at the floor. My muscles in my shoulders tightened, my back somewhat hunched as I looked up again, albeit slowly.

The Count either did not notice or care about my sudden jerky, shaky movements as he continued to watch me unfazed. Had I been born less shy and more blunt, I may have asked why he was still staring at me. But alas I am neither, so all I could do is stare back. I could not look him in the eyes, however, out of fear of turning into stone by his never wavering gaze. I settled for staring at his shirt's collar, memorizing the odd gold and burgundy designs sewn into the fabric. I soon noticed though that his chest and throat were still. He was not breathing. I know I should have expected that but it shocked me nonetheless.

I would have gasped but he spoke first and broke me from my stunned state, he seemed to have a tendency to do that.

"I suppose you'll do." He said calmly. I looked up at him, slowly trying to absorb the fact that the man before me was indeed dead. Well, in the sense that he has no pulse or need to breathe. I supposed the term 'undead' does fit vampires. "You are sworn to secrecy. No one is to know how you came here." I nodded and opened my mouth to agree but no words would come, despite me willing them to do so. "Your superiors and my most trusted staff members are all who know of your unique servitude and predicament." He chose his last few words rather cautiously, not really wanting to use the term: willing enslavement. "We are to keep it that way... Understood?"

I nodded and forced myself to choke out several syllables. "Yes, Sir. I-I will not tell anyone."

He folded his arms behind his back and nodded. "Good. Now, what is your name, girl?" This was not a friendly notion or introduction, I could tell by the way he posed the question. The Count only wanted to know so he could decide what to call me, or refer to me as, rather.

"A-Abigale Lynn, Sir," I said while twiddling my thumbs and looking off to the side. Even my name sounds as shy as I am. It made me more uncomfortable.

He paused and arched a dark brow. "Is Lynn the surname?" I bit the inside of my cheek and shook my head.

"No Sir, I do not have a surname." I watched his eyes fall to my chest and rest upon the hollow of my throat, his expression curious. It was my turn to not breathe. My eyes widened and I felt my breath hitch. Is..is he going to bite me? I swallowed hard and watched him carefully.

But the Count then nodded and looked back at me. His near glowing stare made me flinch. "Well, you are not lying so I will not force one out of you." At first, I did not understand how the Count knew whether or not I was lying. However, as I thought about it, I remembered my mother telling me once that there was a physical reaction of the body when one lies.

She had always been a good healer but a difficult mother. At least her medical knowledge proved reliable for I think my heart may beat irregularly when I lie. It would explain the Counts actions and why he needs to hear me speak to decipher whether or not I am telling the truth.

"You are dismissed then." He said as he turned and walked toward the fireplace, as though I had already gone. I watched him take a seat on his dark burgundy sofa and stare into the flames as I left. He looked like a rather…sad man sitting alone in front of the flickering light.

Sad but overwhelming. I was relieved to leave his room and quickly close the groaning door behind me.