Authors Notes: I finally got in some writing time, so here is chapter six! When you see the capital X's, that means your entering third person, lower case X's means your back in Abigale's head. XD. Here goes my first time writing in third person. Fingers crossed! Hope you like it.

Love or Blood

Chapter six: Advancement

XXXX

The Count of Skingrad paced back and forth within his room, the carpets beneath his feet beginning to wear as he did so. Pacing had become much more than just a nervous habit for him once he was awaiting a shipment; it became an adrenaline-filled sport to which there was no referee.

Usually he would not allow himself to sink into such a state of desperation, but it had been three days since he last had something to sustain him. Moreover, for a vampire, no matter how well they treated their condition, three days was a very long time.

So back and forth, he went almost relentlessly, thinking about nothing and everything all at the same time. His thoughts often raced during times like this as he tried to refrain himself from having an emotional breakdown. Fighting the desire to actually feed and keeping from referring to himself as, monster.

Had he been in a more logical state of mind, he would have dismissed both notions as side effects of his disease: hunger and self-loathing.

But after what seemed like an eternity of mental strain, there came a small rapping on the door. He looked up, his head jerking quickly towards the sound. As suspected, there were two people just outside of his door. Had he not been pacing so feverishly he would have noticed them sooner.

He could feel their pulses after all. The steady thrum and rush of the blood flow.

Swallowing hard he went to the door, trying his best to compose himself. "I should have known better." Janus thought as he gripped the brass knocker, inwardly scolding himself. He had gone without blood before; he knew the effects that his mind and body went through without it.

Still he would find any excuse on Nirn to forget the drink. Now he was suffering the consequences. The aftermath from lack of nutrition and the mental abuse he was about to yet again put himself through, as he always did when forced to drink.

Quickly he opened the door and in walked two of his oldest servants, both loyal and silent. His eyes locked onto the two boxes they were carrying. Both employees dropped the crates carefully by his feet, not wanting to disturb the fragile contents inside.

Without a word, the company left, knowing simply by the look on his face that he wanted to be alone. He always wished to be alone, or so they all thought.

Not wanting to prolong his stricken torment, he placed a hand on the crate and began to mutter a complex charm to unlock it. The spell seemed to drag on as it always did in his time of need. Soon though he heard that all too familiar, click of the lock and pulled the lid wide open.

He quickly reached inside and pulled out one of the large glass bottles. The crimson liquid swirled eloquently around inside its container and cast red shadows from the candle light. His first thought was to simply open the bottle and drain its contents where he stood. However, the Count of Skingrad would never sink so low and demean himself in such a way.

Walking across the room to his wine cabinet, he set the bottle down and reached for a bottle opener and silver goblet. In a trance like state, he watched the liquid flow into his cup, absentmindedly reading a minor heating spell. Finally, with the blood warm and as fresh as he would allow, he drank.

Cringing with disgust, he fought back the urge to dump the fowl substance. The taste was bitter and horrid when warm. "Argonian." he mentally groaned. Over forty years he learned to place the 'donated' blood to whatever race owned it simply by taste. It was not a skill he would gloat upon but it was certainly a way to amuse himself; idly thinking of the many Tamriel races and not the obvious matter at hand.

Finishing his first glass he quickly poured another. The taste may have been wretched and closely resembled drinking the water from the Anvil docks, it was oddly satisfying. His muscles felt more at ease and for a moment he contemplated having a third glass simply to retain the euphoric like state.

His thoughts of comfort quickly vanished though as there came another set of knocks on the door. Quirking his brow he glanced in its direction, he knew who it was but had not expected her to come so early. Without waiting for a reply, the Stewardess pushed open the doors and walked in.

"Good morning sir Hassildor. You sent for me?" The Argonian asked in a raspy voice. Janus blinked, unsure of why he had even called his Stewardess down in the first place. "Yes, I did." He began, looking off to the side with his brows furrowing.

"I believe it had something to do with your newest servant." Hal started while crossing her arms somewhat impatiently. It then took him only a moment to remember why he had called her in. "Right. The mute one." he recalled, placing his goblet down on a small table.

Hal gave a small sigh. She sometimes felt like a mother to the Count. No matter how many years he surpassed her in age the Argonian would always look down on him as if he was an incompetent child. Granted she was not alive when he was a boy, she knew him for her entire life and could easily tell what he was thinking.

"She's no mute, just on the quiet side." The Stewardess answered, her scaly brows quirking slightly.

If the Count was not so dignified, he may have rolled his eyes. "I know. I've spoken to her." he shortly replied. "Being quiet will do her good as I won't know when she's about. I have decided to place her here."

Hal-Liurz's brows rose even further as she eyed the Count skeptically, waiting for him to continue. "She's quick, silent and to be blunt, I'm tired of my home having to sit and fester an entire week before it's seen to. Once a day she can enter my manor; work and leave."

"You think it wise?" The stewardess quickly interjected, "She was thief only months ago. Do you really trust her amongst your things? She is a good girl I know, but old habits; such as stealing, are hard ones to break." For a moment he just watched his cantankerous companion, wondering briefly why she was always so difficult to reassure.

"All the more reason to have her close. I may not have as many people around to keep an eye on her but we all know that I am quiet capable, perhaps more so, to watch her." Hal-Liurz gave a defeated sigh and nodded slowly. "If that is what you wish sir then I will inform her of her new post once she awakes. But, are you really sure?"

"Very." Janus answered while turning away from the Stewardess. "Besides, I don't think I will have any trouble with keeping her in line," he walked back over to his empty goblet with every intention to fill it once again. "I'm afraid I put the fear of the Gods into her." He gave a dry laugh as he watched the red liquid pour from its bottle.

Shaking her head Hal bowed, dismissing herself. She always had good instincts, but what worried her the most now was the idea of her newest underling roaming the Counts hall's freely. She trusted the girl to an extent but still could not shake the feeling of this situation being a bad idea.

xxxx

I don't know how long I had been awake for but my best guess would be hours. Sleeping in the day and waking up at nightfall is not so bad once you get used to it. Not being able to sleep though because of memories is a slight problem.

I had been restless and could not sleep for more than ten-minute intervals. Around what I would say was three in the afternoon, I gave up. Rheena and Tualga were both sleeping soundly as I dressed. Once I had slipped on my shoes I quietly left the room; not wanting to disturb them.

Even though I had been living here in the castle for several months now I was not going to poke about aimlessly. Never would I leave the servant's quarters without someone to accompany me, and when I say someone, I mean Tualga or Rheena. The other maids still don't seem to like me very much.

When I entered our little common room, I looked around and was not surprised to see it mostly empty. I needed something, anything to get my mind off my old family. Twiddling my thumbs as I entered the room further, I let my eyes do a quick sweep of the area.

What they fell upon was heaven sent, for cast aside on a makeshift table was a little auburn book. I made my way over to it and sat in a rickety old chair. Carefully I picked up the old tome, handling it as if it was a holy relic. It had been a long time since I could read. Most of my books and possessions were probably still hidden behind the chapel.

Turning it over to read the cover, running my fingers over the golden lettering. "The Book of Daedra." I whispered solemnly. I must have come across a dozen copies of this book and new most of it by heart now. Still it was a book so with a simple shrug I opened the cover and brought it to my face, holding it only inches away from my nose as I always did, as if I was trying to hide from the world.

Maybe I was.

xxxx

Minutes ticked by but time meant nothing when I read. I had just finished reading about the Mad God; Sheogorath, and no sooner had I turned the page to Vaernima's section did the book get snatched up from my hands.

Looking up confused to see Hal-Luirz staring down at me with a look that vaguely resembled contempt. "What are you doing up girl?" she asked tapping her foot.

I quirked my brow and looked from the book that she now held, to her face. I thought it was a little obvious what I was doing honestly. "Reading miss." I said quietly.

"I'm aware of that, but why aren't you asleep? You'll be needing to get up again in a few hours." I nodded sheepishly and replied in an even softer voice, "I couldn't sleep Stewardess. I just…nightmare." My voice was quickly failing me as it usually did when I was nervous.

I bowed my head and cast my gaze to the floor. "Forgive me."

Hal sighed and set the book aside. "You're not in trouble," she stated flatly. "Although I think you should be in bed, you now have the freedom to roam as you please." I looked up at her curiously, "Roam as I please?"

"The Count has decided to post you in his manner; you will work there from now on. I think your superiors will be pleased, as thanks to you they will now have Fredas off." I swallowed, "But, Tualga said that he doesn't want anyone in there, more than once a week."

"Apparently he's tired of wallowing in his own filth and has come to his senses. Why he chose you of all people is relatively obvious; you keep to yourself and can work." I bit my lip and slouched slightly in my chair.

Even though I barley spoke to Rheena and Tualga as we worked I would miss there company. Not to mention I wasn't exactly enthusiastic to have the honor to wander about alone. Every time I simply stray from the others I get caught. Granted I'm not doing anything bad but nevertheless it is tiresome.

So naturally, I'm not looking forward to it.

"When do I start this new routine?"

xxxx

Tualga and Rheena were still sleeping when I went back into our room. I went straight to my bed and sat, thinking now about my new position. It would be simple enough and I would mainly have the day to do what I pleased and get a good nights rest, for the most part.

My shift starts at eight in the evening and ends at midnight. Not much to it really but I didn't really want to work alone.

With a sigh, I pulled the knot from my hair, letting it fall loosely to the small of my back. Absently I toyed with the ribbon, my mind set solely on work. In a way I was happy, almost excited. I was being trusted, which is a lot for someone like me. But there was also a fair amount of discomfort; I was to be alone with the vampire who could end my life if he wanted to.

Then again he has given me a responsibility that he has yet to give to anyone else. Not to mention I have been working for him for a good while now and he hasn't once mentioned getting rid of me. "Maybe I am being to judgmental. After all he could have gotten rid of me when we first met, he showed me mercy…he was the only person to ever show me mercy."

I blinked, for the first time realizing that the Count was the only person who ever sparred me any type of punishment. He could have been like everyone else; tormented me for no reason. Count or not, vampire or not, he gave me a home and showed me kindness. In a sense, he saved me.

Sighing once more, I crawled back into bed. Was I being ungrateful? I believe so. If it weren't for him I wouldn't even be in this bed now, wouldn't have laughed yesterday or ate something. For all I know I would be dead. I honestly don't think I could have lasted this winter out behind the chapel. I only got by last year thanks to a basement.

I shuddered, remembering the cold of that dark lonely place. I was going to prove my worth to the Count. I don't want him to regret saving me. Such a lowly sad creature I was. To this day I can't understand why he did let me live. What did he see in me other than a desperate pathetic thief, why save little Abigale Lynn when I can barley save myself?

Perhaps the Count saw something he could gain by helping me. On the other hand, maybe it was just a random act of kindness. Either way though I will make sure that he never regrets it.

xxxx

I'm so used to Tualga or Rheena waking me up everyday now that when I woke up this afternoon to find that I was alone I was actually shocked. For a moment I wasn't sure if I had wandered into the right room when I went back to bed earlier today.

I threw the covers quickly off me and scrambled over to my chest. I hastily dressed; not knowing what time it was can drive one mad. But just as I was about to walk over to the bedroom door, it opened for me and in walked the two missing people.

"Get yourself some beauty rest then, eh miss Lynn?" Tualga said as she strode over to me. Immediately I could tell that the two of them were up to something. They were staring at me quizzically, as if I was withholding some sort of information.

Sure enough, Rheena posed the question. "So, you gonna tell us what's going on then?"

I blinked confused, it did not help any either that I had just woken up. "What, did I do something wrong? I was only sleeping."

Tualga crossed her arms, smiling slightly. "The Stewardess told us not to wake you until seven. She said you wont be working with us anymore." she paused and her smile grew. "I hope you've not been getting into any trouble."

"Not to my knowledge. I did get a new shift though; I'm not going to be seeing you both as much."

Rheena pushed by Tualga "What?!" she exclaimed in her usual over dramatic manner. "You can't leave me! Untie your tongue this instant! The Stewardess said you would tell us about your new position when you woke up so spit it out!"

If I had not been used to Rheena's strange ways by now I might have recoiled. But seeing as I am I knew it was best just to, as she said, 'spit it out'.

"It's nothing, really. The Count has just found a place for me to work, on my own." Tualga's pale brows furrowed. "Working on your own…where? There's no empty positions. We've actually have a lot more help than we usually do." she glanced quickly at Rheena, and then turned back to me. "What are you to be doing?"

"I'm working up in the manor now. I have to-" But before I could finish none other than Rheena abruptly cut me off. I should have readied myself for her usual hysterics; it has gotten worse since her pregnancy. "What?! All by yourself?"

She griped Tualga's shoulder, "Why is he having you work up there, shouldn't it be me or Tualga? Has he ever let someone work by him? He's so stingy and uptight. I doubt this is just some sudden change of attitude. He's plotting something…"

"Oh aye!" Tualga exclaimed with a roar of laughter. "Plotting against us all! How dare he? Giving us a day off and finally giving Lynn a workstation. Wicked, wicked man, that Count. Wouldn't trust him with me life!"

Rheena glowered at the still hysterical Nord. "He is a man Tualga." she then turned to me, speaking intently. "They always plot; good or bad. I'm just worried for you Lynn. I like Hassildor, but you can't over look that he's a-"

"Vampire?" Tualga quickly answered.

"Well, yes." Rheena began, "But there's also-" Tualga crossed her arms, "I've been in this Castle for over fifty years. Him being a vampire has got nothing to do with anything." She turned back to me, speaking much more gently than she had been to Rheena.

"Don't judge him for…being ill, miss Lynn. He is no different from you or me. Crankier, that's for damn sure, but otherwise," she waved her hand dismissively over her face, "fine. The only thing he'd be plotting is how to make you shut up if you start that humming of yours 'round him."

I smiled sheepishly, I didn't know they heard me humming. Guess I had better learn to control myself. "We're proud of ya miss Lynn. But it's gonna get lonely fast now that you wont be helping us out as much."

Rheena sighed, "Just to be clear, I wasn't necessarily talking about the Counts, err…condition. I was talking of men in general. Whether or not their healthy or charming their all gits. Arguing about money, family, safety, killing…" she cleared her throat, "killing time…together."

"I'm sure the Count won't be talking to me about any of those things. I'm a maid you two, not his confidant." Tualga laughed, then gave me a hard pat on the shoulder. "Shame that. You'd probably get along. Listening to you talk is a nightmare; big words give me a headache."

"That's because you're a Nord." Rheena chimed in, earning a scowl from Tualga.

The two began their usual arguing. I for one had much on my mind, most of which, oddly enough was about Tualga's age. I would have never guessed she was over fifty.

xxxx

I twirled the new silver key in my hands as I walked. Never did I imagine that I would have a copy of the Counts key. Ironically enough the thief gets the key, it's like a bad punch line really. The situation in my opinion was farce, so much so that I couldn't keep a smile off my face as I entered the manor.

Odd as it was, I had unusually high spirits today. Obviously I was still a bit nervous about my awkward predicament but Tualga's words had consoled me. Why should I be frightened? He has not given me reason to be. Nevertheless, I believe that I'm entitled to at least feel intimidated. According to the handful of staff members I spoke to before leaving the lounge, no one has been aloud in Hassildor's presence daily for over a decade.

Honored, excited, intimidated, and afraid. Most would be overwhelmed by such an onslaught of emotions. Luckily, I can bottle myself up quiet nicely, or at least attempt to.

The first thing I had to do was see the Count himself. Apparently the Stewardess composed a list of 'To Do's' for me but left it with him. It worked out well enough though as he whished to speak with me one more time before everything was finalized. I guess he wants terms to be clear and I suppose he will give me the same lecture the Stewardess had just given me moments before.

Don't touch this. Don't do that. Moreover, this is what happens if you do.

I will do as I am told of course. But for once in my life, I'm grateful for my shyness. Hal-Liurz couldn't stress silent's enough.

I think it will work out perfectly; I bite my tongue and in turn, spare my neck.

As I approached the Counts bedroom door I slipped my newly acquired key into my apron pocket. It was something I definitely did not want to lose seeing as only me, Tualga, Hal-Liurz, the butler and the Count have a copy.

I pursed my lips while reaching for the brass knocker. Out of pure curiosity I began wondering why the Count; being so rich, had brass knockers on the door. Why not silver, or gold for that matter? Keeping myself mentally entertained with little questions and silly notions made it easier for me to knock. Thinking or rationalizing everything always helped to calm me down when I'm nervous.

My sister had once said that I tried to blind myself with more 'complex' logic, to help dull any pressing obvious matters. I suppose I agree with her. Anything seems less severe when you consistently analyze it.

Because the more attention one gives a problem, the more potential to solve it arises.

"Think, observe and rationalize." I lectured mentally as I let the knocker fall for the third time. "Satisfaction, or rather complacency, often follows mental strain. The more I think, the simpler everything becomes, the more easy everything becomes."

Authors Notes: Well it starts. Not much else to say. Surprisingly I'm proud of this chapter, writing in third person definitely does give more freedom. Sorry if its…of low quality, I tend to go off track when writing, especially in third person. Hehe. Reviews would be great, and thanks to all who have or will! :D