Author's Notes: Wow! Thank you all for the reviews! I never thought that anyone would like this so much! Since I got so many reviews, I have decided to post this chapter up earlier than planned! So, here you are and thanks again! Those reviews really mean a lot! Oh, and as a quick heads-up, there will be no Hassildor in this chapter. It's mainly letting you get the feel of what Abigale's new life is going to be like without me going over her routine in every upcoming chapter :P R+R is welcomed with open arms XD! More notes at end of chapter 8D

Love or Blood

Chapter four: Castle Skingrad

The Stewardess brought me back to the Maids Quarters shortly after I had met with the Count. Thankfully, we did not speak at all on our way through the Castle. I was still too shocked by all that transpired to talk. I was also very tired and praying for a warm bed.

What I was given was neither warm nor comfortable but it was a bed. Who was I to complain? I hadn't slept in an actual bed in so long...

Just like the Stewardess had told me, I was to share a room in the Maids Quarters with Tualga and Rheena. I was a little discomforted that I had to share a room with people I did not know. Still, I was happy. The shelter was a blessing and thankfully both were already sleeping in their own little beds in the small four cornered room when I had arrived. Again I was grateful. I could simply sleep in a bed safely with walls and a roof protecting me from the elements.

My bed was farthest from the door, almost hidden in shadow. Each of our sleeping cots were stuck in the corners of the room, there were only three beds though, and the only corner without a bed in it was the entrance to our room.

Small and cluttered, old and worn, but it was more than anything I was used to.

I had no sleep clothes. All I did was take off my shoes and let down my hair for bed. The sheets were thin and not very warm. I curled myself into a ball and rolled onto my side, facing the wall. If I was not so tired I may have stayed up and went over my thoughts that night but my eyes once closed, stayed closed. Being as exhausted as I was, I drifted into a deep dreamless sleep. It had been a long while since I have had such a sound sleep. My body desperately needed it. I was out cold.

xxxx

"Rise and shine sleeping beauty! We've got work to do." I felt someone's hands on my shoulders, shaking me lightly. I opened one sleepy eye only to find myself hidden under a vast sea of tan blankets. I clumsily emerged from my cocoon of sheets and poked my head out cautiously. I was greeted by a pair of beady blue eyes. "Ah, she lives," Tualga said as she backed away from my bedside. At first, I did not exactly know where I was until I saw Rheena pulling the sheets up on her bed in a nightdress.

It had not clicked until then. Most likely because I wasn't expecting to see someone's eyes inches away from my face first thing in the morning.

"Well, I would hope she's alive but by knowing you and your dragon breath in the morning, Tualga you probably just killed her." Rheena then turned to face me and upon seeing that I was indeed alive, smiled. "Hey there Lynn, you should be getting up now. I bet the Stewardess will be here soon to check up on you."

"Aye," Tualga exclaimed as she pulled an apron off of what I thought was a coat rack. "She'll be wanting us to show you the ropes today Miss Lynn. Best get moving your Imperial-Breton hide." she shot me a grin and cocked her head to the side, beckoning me to come over to her.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I heard a gasp from the other side of the room. Tualga and I both looked over to Rheena who had a hand over her mouth. "Lynn did the Count bite you?!" She asked, slowly coming towards me.

"W-what? Why?" I quickly grasped my neck, shakily trying to feel for bite marks but none could be found. "You're whiter than a ghost, girl!" Rheena said pointing to my legs. I looked down, my skirts had been hiked up a bit once I was asleep so my sickly white legs were shown in all of their porcelain glory.

"She ain't been bit by the Count, you dolt!" Tualga said throwing a cream colored apron over the Redguard's head. "She's an Imperial! Or a Breton...? Anyway, they're all whiter than sheets!" Rheena shot Tualga a death glare. I ignored the two and stood from the bed and began to set my hair back in its ponytail. Only slightly bothered with them for almost giving me a heart attack.

"Well, excuse me! I'm so used to seeing you damn pink Nords that I forgot the Breton complexion." Rheena turned on her heel and stomped over to her dresser and began to rummage through her clothes for something to wear.

I was in the process of slipping on my stained shoes when Tualga walked back over to me and placed an apron in my lap. "There you are, Miss Lynn. Say hello to your newest friend - the apron. Soon, it will be like your second skin." I looked down at it and picked it up. Carefully examining it, this thing which was my to be my new form of shackles.

It was your basic white apron. Throw it over your shoulders and tie it around your waist. But to me, it was much deeper than that. Perhaps I was just being overly dramatic as I put it on but I could feel the tears form in my eyes. This silly cotton apron saved my hide and bound me to a dish rack. I was eternally grateful but at the same time, I felt pathetic and feeble. I was alive due to the Count's kindness and his need for extra hands...

Hastily, I rubbed my eyes. I did not want anyone to see me cry. Especially, not on my first day of servitude. I did not think the rest of the staff would be very understanding. "Something wrong, Miss Lynn?" I heard Tualga ask from behind me.

Shaking my head, I tied the apron tightly around my painfully narrow waist. "No," I said quietly and set out to make my bed, an excuse to not face her and to busy my hands.

"You don't have to be shy, girl. No one is cross with you. Well, 'cept for the Stewardess but that's just because you stole from her." I could hear the smile in Tualga's voice as she spoke.

I wanted to say something, anything, to show my appreciation for their warm welcome. I slowly turned to face her while wringing my hands, opening my mouth to say thank you but no words would come out. Several times my mouth would quickly open and shut. I must have looked like a Slaughter fish out of water.

Rheena giggled. "You're a bit shy, huh Lynn?" I nodded hurriedly, it was my best way of communication, nodding. I spoke a bit last night but that was just because I felt obligated to do so. I needed to stop being so shy but it is just hard to do. More aptly feeling impossible.

"I-" I began and grinned broadly. It was a start. "T-thank you for...for…" Suddenly I was stumped. What was I thanking them for again? In the midst of willing myself to speak and my triumph for doing so, I had forgotten what I was going to say.

"For what? Not judging you Lynn? We have no right to. Everyone makes mistakes." Rheena said as she tied her apron on. I did not think that was what I was going to say but it had to be close enough so I nodded. When I went to open my mouth to speak to her once more, there was a slight tapping coming from the door that stopped me.

No one had to answer it though as the Stewardess walked in on her own. She strode in with a rather smug look on her face. "Good. You're all awake, I shall make this quick then." She turned, her blue skirts ruffling slightly as she did so and pointed to me "Abigale Lynn, you are to follow Tualga and Rheena around today. The Count has yet to decide where your permanent workplace will be." She paused and crossed her arms. "He has taken the liberty to pick your workstation for you and simply wants you to aid your superiors in any way you can. I suspect that this is his way of getting to trust you better, allowing you to wander his halls." I didn't like the way she was looking at me. It was not a cruel stare but it was a skeptical one.

I supposed she had every right to be cautious about me, I did steal from her. I felt the need to reassure her, though. I did not want her to always look down on me the way she did. I did not like to be looked at in any manner. I could always tell what people thought of me when they looked at me. Thus far, the Count has been the only exception. I think it's because of his eyes. I'm not used to seeing anyone with a scarlet gaze. "His -" I began, straining to get my words out fluently. "His trust is well-placed, Stewardess. I-I shall be the Count's most loyal…servant." I was unsure if I truly meant those words or not but upon saying them I felt as if I had just sworn by something, almost like taking an oath.

Loyal. I always try to stand by what I say. Perhaps I can be as blindly loyal as I know she wants me to be. I think I at least owe him my loyalty... unwavering loyalty to a vampire who holds my life in his hands...

I frightened myself with my own thoughts, hardly registering the Stewardess' nod. "I do hope so and he seems to think that you will do just fine." Sighing, the Stewardess turned to leave. "You will have the same schedule as Rheena for now. It will not change unless the Count wishes to place you elsewhere. Good day, girls" And with that, she left the three of us standing in the room and I could not help but notice how everyone had loosened up once she had gone.

"T-the Count plans the schedules?" I asked quietly. I highly doubted that he was the one who constantly plotted out our routines. Not surprisingly, Tualga shook her head.

"No Miss Lynn. It's not like him to do such a thing but I believe that the Stewardess is right, he is watching you."

Usually, there would have been nothing frightening about that statement. However, when it is the Count of Skingrad watching you and he just so happens to be a vampire, I think it was only natural to suddenly freeze up the way I did. Apparently, I was not the only one who thought it was a little unnerving.

"Spooky," Rheena said as she looked towards me. Tualga laughed as me and Rheena exchanged irked glances.

"You bunch of ninnies! I've worked for the Count almost all my life and he's not yet bit a staff member. So quit shaking in your damn slippers, we've got work to do."

xxxx

My mother had always said 'maids work was slaves work with coin' and I had always believed her. I have been a bit of a worker ever since I could read but at the time I was more of a nanny than a maid. I had to cook and clean up after my little brother and all of my nieces and nephews. All together, that equals three toddlers and two infants. I knew how to work and did so without pause for days on end.

But there was some type of odd peace in being a maid that you do not get with a tribe of little children running around your feet. You work - and hard at that - but you have a bit more time to appreciate every small thing you do. Once you stack up dishes they'll stay there until someone needs to cook, not until a curious five-year-old wants to try out a new throwing disk...

So you can take a small step back and know that what you did was appreciated, even if no one voices a 'thank you'. I was more than fine with that. By tomorrow, all of my muscles would surely be tender but at least I would have the satisfaction of knowing that they were aching from doing something useful for others as well as myself.

None of us had stopped working at all throughout the day. We ate a quick breakfast in the morning and took a twenty-minute break around noontime but that was all. Rheena and Tualga would talk a lot while they worked and I even managed to speak on some occasions as well. Mostly, I simply did my work and lapsed into silence.

They did indeed show me the ropes. I knew the basics of cleaning but not the way the Stewardess wanted everything done. Apparently, she was the one who had us all wear silly aprons. She also wanted everything to be kept a specific way. Tualga told me quite simply when I asked her why: Tradition.

"Hal-Liurz has worked in castle Skingrad ever since she was hatched. Her mother was one of the Countesses favorite servants." Rheena said as she scrubbed the floor with a sudsy brush. "She was even born in this Castle. She knows it and the city like the back of her hand."

"Aye," Tualga agreed. "The Countess was just as dear to Hal-Liurz as she was to Hal's mother. Once the Countess got sick, the Stewardess was heartbroken." Tualga reached up and wiped the beading sweat along her brow off with her forearm. "That's why we're supposed to keep everything a certain way, just how the Countess had liked it."

Rheena snorted. "I guess she was quite fond of these silly aprons too then, huh?" Tualga stood and nodded. "You bet. They were made here in Skingrad,

"You bet. They were made here in Skingrad. Ccustom made for us Castle hands." She sighed and looked off to the side. "It's the only reason why I put up with the Stewardess, really. It's out of respect for the Countess. But she's not terrible, once you get to know her. Too smart for her own good, that's all."

I had to wonder what happened to the late wife of the Count. If she was a vampire, how did she die? Tualga said she was ill. Was that even possible for vampires? "Y-you knew her then?" I asked her cautiously, trying my best to mask my curiosity.

"Aye, but not for long though, I'm afraid. Possibly for three years before…well, she became ill. But she was a lovely woman. Religious and kind. Very chatty too." Tualga laughed while reminiscing. "Sweet thing, she was. Rather outgoing but damn fiery too. Still, it seemed everyone she met was a friend to her."

I thought about the way the Count looked last night by the fireplace. His elbows resting on his knees and his lips pressed firmly to his knuckles as he sat. He did seem so…empty. Almost vacant, as if he has known nothing but sorrow. And on the night when he had met me, nothing but pure anger and rage. I could now see why. Those who have no one cling to their possessions.

"She sounds lovely." I said quietly. I always had respect for outgoing people for they had courage to speak when I did not. I began to wonder what she was like, how she looked and talked. I always try to imagine people, even if they're just fictional characters in a book. Now, people may not be reliable but they certainly are interesting.

"She was! She could make you do the silliest things!" Tualga was beaming, so much so that it made the aging lines in her face almost vanish. "I remember this one night she had the chef singing some odd tune. Now, he sounded awful but Countess Rona simply loved it."

"Old chef Relou? He sang?!" Rheena asked while choking on a laugh. "But he's such a grouchy old Dunmer!" Tualga smiled and nodded feverishly.

"And danced. I could go on and on about the silly things the Countess could get us all to do. She was just such a nice woman, we couldn't say no."

xxxx

For the rest of the day, Rheena and I listened while Tualga had told us about Countess Rona and how the Castle was run years ago. Apparently, there had been a lot more changes in the atmosphere of the place rather than the architecture. She said the Castle life had its ups and downs. It was either blissfully happy or tense and odd. Once the Count and Countess became vampires, the air became perpetually cold and dark. After the Countess' passing, all grew sad. Eventually, with the passing of time, all turned bleak but less cruel.

However, she did not talk about the Countess's illness at all or how she passed. She only said that she had gotten sick about fifty-three years ago and went to sleep. I assumed that she meant had permanently ended. Tualga did slip and mention her being a vampire on one occasion. She said something like, 'hated herself for being it' and I had to associate that the 'it' was vampirism. It would only make sense as the Count was one too.

She sounded like a nice woman. The good and kindhearted always seem to go tragically.

xxxx

By the end of the day my every muscle hurt. It was around eight in the evening when we decided to retire. Once we had entered the Maids Quarters, Tualga led us to our dining area. To my surprise, there were not many maids other than her, Rheena and myself.

"Where is everyone?" I asked quietly, not really expecting an answer. "This is

"This is everyone, Lynn," Rheena said as we sat at a small table. Tualga brought us over some food and in the meantime, I could not help but notice the way the other servants were watching me.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. They were glaring at me and I did not know why. I was sworn to keep my position a secret yet they eyed me like the theif I was. "Ignore them," Tualga muttered as she pushed me over a stone cup.

"They're just bitter." I bit my bottom lip and Rheena watched me sympathetically. "They don't know how you came to work here. We always get suspicious over new hired hands. It's nearly impossible to get a position in the Castle. It took me about five years, with quite a bit of help on my husband's part."

"Aye, so don't fret, Miss Lynn. Soon, they'll see how sweet you are and won't be carin' at all on how you came to be here." I nodded. In a way, I could understand why the rest of the staff would look down on me even though they did not know I was a thief. The Count did say that help was hard to come by and I appeared out of the blue working with the higher-ups.

Rheena and Tualga had begun to eat so I decided to take their advice and ignore the glowering maids. Reaching for the pitcher I poured myself some water and loaded my plate with some food. I had just started to eat when I heard Tualga scoff. "Rheena that's revolting! Have you no manners, girl?"

Swallowing, I looked up and immediately regretted doing so. Rheena was shoveling food down so fast that I was surprised she did not choke. "I can't help it, I'm starving!" I winced and watched he continue to shovel down everything on her plate.

"She's been like this for two weeks now, little piglet she is." I looked down at my plate to keep them from seeing me smiling. It was rather funny the way these two acted. They reminded me so much of me and my sister so very long ago when I was a child...

Sighing, I pushed away the old memories and continued to eat.

xxxx

"We'll be needing to get you some pajamas, Miss Lynn but these will do fine for now," Tualga said as she handed me one of Rheena's old nightgowns. Apparently, Rheena has grown too big to wear it and decided to give it to me so I wouldn't have to wear my work clothes to bed again.

"That used to be one of my favorite nightdresses. It's so comfortable! You should fall asleep instantly." Rheena said as she continued to go through her drawers. "I've outgrown a lot of my old clothes and until we can persuade the Stewardess to get you some, they are all you've got to wear. Don't worry, I take wonderful care of my things."

I nodded and turned my back to the two of them to change. At an almost lightning pace, I through off my old clothes and slipped into my new nightdress. "You know, Rheena if you didn't eat like a pig you wouldn't have outgrown all of your damn clothes," Tualga said, crossing her arms.

"Well, it's a good thing I did though, huh? Poor Lynn would have to parade around the Castle naked if it wasn't for my hand-me-downs." I gulped at the thought, again seeking composure as Rheena then walked over to me with an arm full of clothes. "Here. I don't fit them anymore and they are all in good condition and clean. It's all I got for you. I'll talk to the Stewardess tomorrow. We'll see about getting you your own things."

I looked at the large bundle she handed me and mumbled. "Thank you." Picking through the linens, I sorted out which ones I would be more inclined to wear. I was not picky when it came to clothes, but things like sleeveless doublets…they did not entirely suit my tastes.

I placed all the linens in the chest at the foot of my bed. Once all was tucked away sat on the mattress. I could not wait to sleep tonight. "We best get to bed, girls. Lots more work to do tomorrow and it's Fredas! You know what that means."

Rheena sighed and flopped onto her bed. "Yeah, yeah. Nonstop scrubbing."

"Does…W-what happens on Fredas?" I asked looking over to Tualga, who was just snuffing out the last candle on her nightstand.

Before Tualga could speak, Rheena was quick to answer. "It means we will be working in the Count's manor all day long. He only allows us in there once a week and I swear he makes it filthy just to be bastar-" I heard Tualga clear her throat to keep Rheena from insulting the Count.

"Erm," Rheena stammered. "I meant...to be a pain…goodnight."

Tualga and I giggled. She decided to tease her friend more and called out in the darkness, "The walls have ears, Rheena. Best watch your mouth lest you want to wake with fangs."

Our laughter soon died down. I was tired and definitely ready to sleep. I laid on my side and stared at the stone wall next to my bed as I thought. Tomorrow we were to clean the Counts manor. I was not looking forward to going in there again. I honestly had hoped I seen the last of it once I met with the Count the other evening.

It had nothing to do with him being a vampire, really. Of course, that fact makes me a bit more nervous but if he did intend to bite me, I think he would have done so by now. Perhaps there were such things as tame vampires. Although referring to him as 'tame' felt rude. I supposed if he could control his instincts for over fifty years than I had nothing to worry about.

I sighed and closed my eyes. I was going to continue to work hard and be on my best behavior. Not that I minded this type of work, it was tiresome and I wanted to take a hot bath but all-in-all it was welcomed. It was a nice change to wake up in a bed and dress for work than be awoken by some drunken guard and have to flee.

How could one possibly miss my last life? Life on the streets...constantly fighting to hold onto my possessions and pride. I am fortunate. I was forced into such circumstances on a daily basis when living in alleys. At least every confrontation I could escape before I got hurt.

Now no more running...Am I really one of the 'lucky' ones? I made it out alive and was immediately thrust into slavery. Isn't that so much better than dealing with the dangers of the cities? My Master seems kind.

After all, what type of danger could possibly lurk in here in Castle Skingrad?

Author's Notes: I know I'm boring you by now but I really wanted to respond to one reviewer in particular. 'He Who is to lazy to log in' (lol loved the name) pointed out that it would be a good idea to put in the third person point of view in later chapters. I was thinking about it the other day, since this is about the Count and Abigale (mostly) I think it's only fair to get a glimpse into the Count's mind every now and then...I also don't want you to get the wrong idea of him XD So thank you very much for that review! You made up my mind with that! XD