Love or Blood

Chapter Fifteen: Amenable

xxxx

"Now don't let me catch you dawdling again! You have a job, do it. No more late night reading sessions, understood? Stop nodding, you look like a fool. Go do your work, girl." The Stewardess is right, I must be a fool to think that privacy is an option for me. I want it but I cannot have it. That's life I suppose.

I mumbled to myself as I walked down the hallway doing the very thing Hal-Liurz told me not to do: dawdling. It was far too early to go up to the manor now, the Count would not be expecting me. I did not want him to get cross with me because of an unexpected intrusion. He is the only kind person to me now besides Tualga and Rheena, of course.

With a sigh I looked around and hugged the book I was to return a little tighter. The castle was quiet at this time of night, it made me feel lonely and cold. I didn't like the feeling but I didn't want to actively seek out others. No one cared for my presence anyway - the fly on the wall, the girl who was just seemingly happy to be around others but never spoke, that strange child whose voice only brought awkward silence to conversations. Social life isn't for me but that's alright I'm rarely lonely…but I am a little now.

I quietly lowered myself to the floor and sat, cradling the book to my chest and bringing my knees up. I sat like a child but I was comfortable that way. Whenever I get lonely I pull myself into a ball and try to get warm. I know it sounds silly but it always makes me feel better. However, it wasn't working this time. I felt the little hairs on my arms rise and an uncomfortable air seemed to linger above me. And it got worse, colder. I was getting nervous but lacked the strength to rise.

The air smelt funny, sickeningly sweet, like someone bathed in a vat of perfume. I wrinkled my nose and placed my hands on the ground. I was no longer comfortable on the floor or in the hallway for that matter. I kept fidgeting, fingers coming back up from the cool floor to twiddle nervously on the book's spine. I hadn't even realized I'd been humming rather loudly and obnoxiously.

Further down the corridor and to my left I heard a loud scraping sound, like a heavy metal object being pulled across the floor. My head snapped to the side at the noise and my lip was impulsively pulled between my teeth. I thought of scrambling to my feet but I knew better. Nothing could be seen down the hall, I could have imagined the sound, though it was unlikely. I simply didn't know how to react so I remained idle on the floor and stared down the hall. Or at least I did, until someone tapped me on the shoulder.

Instinctively I propelled myself to the opposite direction of my assailant, thus leading me to fall onto my elbows. Carpet on stone is difficult to slide on, unfortunately I didn't know that. I was grateful that I didn't slap my head on the floor or my back and get the wind knocked out of me. However I mentally cursed myself once I looked up to see a blonde and portly Imperial.

Mercator Hosidus.

"Lying down on the job are we? I don't think the Count would be very pleased if he saw you in this state. Although… I am." Mercator's voice trailed off while his beady eyes slithered around as he looked me over. It was like he had little blue snakes in his eye sockets. My jaw set and I quickly brought myself up into a sitting position, scooting a good several inches away and refusing to look up at him. He laughed and thrust a plump, pink hand at my face. I flinched, expecting to be struck only to find he was being kind and offering me a hand to rise with. Inwardly I wanted to stand on my own and not touch him…but I couldn't. Instead, I pleased him be slipping my hand into his own and lifting my chin to meet his gaze, despite my want to let it hang in shame. I just couldn't say no.

"Thank you." I mumbled, trying to kindly pull my hand out of his.

I was startled by his loud barking laugh. I literally jumped and placed my free hand to my throat. "She speaks?" He questioned, feigning astonishment. "Has he trained you so well already? Gods blood! Either he has too much time on his hands or well knows how to work you." He smirked, his tone suddenly dropping low, "Which is it?"

I blinked, pouted, opened my mouth and blinked again. "I…what? Neither, no! I can speak, he-he's not training me l-like an animal. I-" I was cut off by that same eerie scraping noise from down the corridor again. I turned to look behind me only to have Mercator's hand grab hold of my jaw and force me to face him. Though the action was rude his grip wasn't threatening. I only held my breath instead of trying to flee.

"You have awfully soft hands for a maid. What does he really have you doing up there? You can tell me, we're friends now."

I was anything but Mercator's friend. He was deliberately making me uncomfortable in order to distract me from that terrible noise. I knew this because I knew men like him, he thought he was very smart. The best thing for me to do was to play ignorant in order to leave quicker. So I did just that. "I'm his maid and I need to see him now. Please, he'll be cross with me. I-I don't want him to be. Please…"

My eyes began to tear up from being so close to him. I wasn't scared, it was his perfume. I was holding back the desire to sniffle or sneeze. He took my facial expressions as ones of abject helplessness. I believe this empowered him. He placed his hand on my very lower back and guided me to the door wordlessly, a smug grin taking up his entire face.

"I suppose I shouldn't keep you then. Go to your master, I wouldn't ever want to put you in harms way." He opened the door for me and picked up the book that had been sadly forgotten during the ruckus. He placed it in my hands and turned me around to leave, giving my bottom a pat and telling me to hurry along.

I did just that. With my face bright red I sped off, but not to see the Count. Instead I was going to make a quick stop back at the maids' quarters. I desperately needed to wash my face.

XXXX

The Stewardess was tired but she wasn't ready to call it a night yet. She was making her rounds, the snoopy ones she didn't get paid for. She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. All night she had been moping around, caught in old memories and present nuisances. She hadn't felt this miserable since the Countess had fallen ill. Yet Hal-Liurz could not place this sudden depression, she could not find a reason for it. She was happy, had all she ever needed or wanted. However, these thoughts did little to comfort the Stewardess. She still felt something was wrong.

So as she passed the maids quarters one more time she couldn't help but to peak inside…and then step inside and poke around.

She could here the splashing of water and smell the soft, sweet sent of soap. Soap that was being overused...she immediately new the culprit.

With a huff and agitated flick of her tale, she pushed the door to the washroom open and stormed over. Either Abigale Lynn was trying to drown herself or was intentionally tempting the Stewardess to do it for her. Hal-Liurz truly did not know but either way she wasn't pleased. Luckily, before the Stewardess could even entertain the idea of either outcome the girl pulled her face out of the wash bowl and began groping for her nearby washcloth. (1)

"What did I tell you to do earlier? Why do you see fit to prance about the castle like some ditsy spriggan?"

Abandoning the idea of drying her eyes with a cloth, the girl hastily rubbed them with her palms and stammered apologies. "I'm sorry Stewardess b-but I had to. I-" She stopped speaking once her vision cleared. She saw the angered look the Stewardess had fixed on her and felt it was slightly unnecessary. She opened her mouth to speak but decided it would do her no good. Would the Stewardess even listen to what she had to say? Moreover, would she believe her?

Hal-Liurz looked the girl over and felt a pang of nostalgia and jealousy. The girl's lashes had darkened from the water and her skin was clean and smooth. Stray strands of wet hair clung to her face and framed its soft curve. The water made her brows appear finer but darker and helped define their high arch. Abigale Lynn was exactly what she had wished to look like as a girl. All her childhood she had longed to be human. To be pretty and smooth like Abigale Lynn.

Of course now she no longer wished for such things. She was an Argonian and she wouldn't change if she could. But seeing this girl brought back unpleasant memories of pining for someone she could never have. Of course now she would much rather slap that 'special someone' but nonetheless the memories still hurt.

"I won't be late." The girl muttered, effectively bringing Hal-Liurz out of her stupor.

The Stewardess gave a tight nod and let the girl pass her without another word. Once she was gone Hal-Liurz let out a breath she did not know she was holding. She didn't hate Abigale Lynn, she just felt it so unfair. A girl with such beauty should not be so shy. She took what she had for granted and that discouraged the Stewardess. And it was a combination of her looks and personality that was going to get them all into trouble, Hal-Liurz knew it.

Ugly ducklings who find themselves turning into swans within the walls of Castle Skingrad, once the centre of court life, often attract much attention from their superiors. Skingrad had a eventful and colorful history and such attention usually lead to squawking, demanding, bastards. Unfortunately, the Stewardess wasn't much of a baby person.

XXXX

The Count listened as she pressed a small palm to the door. He felt her frail arms strain once she pushed at the wood with all her might, eventually putting her weight into the effort (2). With a creak and groan the door gave and slid open. It was a rather drawn-out and pitiful display but he did enjoy it, oddly enough.

…Granted, it was a big door.

She quickly leapt into the room, dodging the heavy door as it began to close. He blinked, her usual prim and proper appearance was absent. Although she wore clothing that mainly consisted of rags sewn together she always had an air of grace. He had never seen her so messy before. Her tight ponytail had nearly fallen out of its ribbon, red strands of hair framed her face and neck. The dark, olive-green shirt she wore was far too large and made her appear smaller than she already was.

His brow furrowed as he watched her pat down the wrinkles in her skirt. Her being so unkempt had unsettled him. She could've had a rough day but he severely doubted it. How trying could knitting be?

"Good evening." She greeted his floor. "I've brought you…" With ever fumbling fingers she held out the book before him. He watched as her grip tightened around the book's binding once he drew nearer. Janus moved closer slower. He had to time himself just right in order to keep from startling her. He really didn't want to get that book flung at him, it looked heavy. Of course he didn't think she would actually hum a book at his head but her behavior was unpredictable.

"I told you to keep it until you had it finished." He said while offering a kind smile. "There was no need for you to rush. I am a man of my word." The girl stared up at the ceiling above him with her lips pulled into a pout. She looked perplexed. Had something he said confused her? He quickly went over the brief conversation in his head but found nothing wrong with it…until he noticed her glancing at his mouth when he grimaced. It took a moment for him to realize what had her so seemingly bewildered. Janus paused, his face crumpling for a minute. 'I am a man of my word'. Suddenly, he felt his masculinity at stake, which was certainly not a good thing. Technically, he wasn't a man. He had all male parts, functions, urges -and then some- but technically he was not human. Therefore, not a man. "Ah, figuratively speaking, of course. While I'm still a man, I'm not technically human." He laughed, and flashed her a big, 'I have fangs' smile. "Vampire, remember?"

He expected her to nod or show some signs of understanding. Instead her brow quirked, followed by the quick shake of her head. "Oh I know that, my Lord. I was just- I…I mean I wasn't. " She bit her lip. "I'm sorry, sir."

Janus examined the book cover quickly before handing it back to the girl who was currently red as a beet and quite interested with the tapestries. He liked it when she looked at his things or at him. More so when she looked him in the eyes, but he didn't truly understand why he did. Janus sufficed to peg it as a trust issues. "I see. Lost in thought?" There was his nod, followed by the quick glance and twiddling thumbs. "It's alright. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes fantasies are more enjoyable than the present. Don't get too wrapped in them though, I need you here." Another smile. Smiles were good.

She blushed red, her lips quirking into a small nervous smile, "I am very sorry, but…thank you for this." She fiddled with the book, glancing back and forth to him and it. "It means so much to me. I-I know I don't deserve an ounce of your kindness. I shall prove myself worthy, I promise. I swear. Y-you've only been good to me and I can never properly thank you. So thank you, again."

The girl continued to stand there fidgeting. He couldn't help but to notice how small she was compared to him. She was cute and she was sweet, albeit annoying at times. Being an honest man he told her this. "I think that's the most you've ever said to me." He was grinning, maybe to widely. "You are delightful. You're just in need of a little motivation to help coax it out. Such a kindhearted girl is a breath of fresh air. I would like to hear you speak more."

She gulped but she wasn't afraid. She was just very anxious. Janus was right, it was the most she had said to him without having him initiate the conversation. She was proud of herself again, but now she was afraid of disappointing him with her silence. Her lip quivered but she forced herself to speak. "It's hard. I'm trying, my Lord, but it's just so difficult for me. I wish it was not. I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Janus said, eager to keep her engaged in their little conversation. "I can understand the pressure you must feel, alone in a castle with a vampire. It sounds like a tragic tale, indeed."

"But sir it is not." She spoke so quickly Janus could almost not believe it. "I-I like it here."

Janus looked at he doubtfully, "Do you?"

She responded with an eager nod, a small smile growing on her face. "It's wonderful here, my Lord. Your home is so beautiful, and you are so good to me. I have never been treated so kindly." She blushed slightly but continued on despite her obvious unease. "I owe you my life. I owe you my happiness. You are so generous, without you I'd be…I'd be."

She spoke of him as though he was magnificent. She looked at him as though he was magnificent, something to be awed and feared. Cherished, but at a distance. A powerful yet merciful deity. It was then that the Count realized that he had a little fan.

"Let's not dwell on the past. I'm quite honored to hear that you feel the way you do. This is your home now and I'd like for you to be as comfortable as possible. So, stop blushing."

Abigale Lynn bit her lip in a failed attempt to hide her smile and pressed her cool hands to her cheeks, hoping to quell the heat rising in her face at his words. "Sorry."

"Now didn't I tell you to stop apologizing? Are you defying my orders already?" Some could call it flirting, yes, but in truth she seemed to like it. And that was the only reason why he did it. Honest.

"You did. So I'm…not sorry?"

"That's better." And then she laughed. It was the most beautiful laugh in the world. From the way she tried to hide it behind her hand to the sound of it. He really liked her laugh. "When you've quite finished." He smirked, badly pretending to be annoyed.

"Sorry." She said with a shy smile, still trying to stifle her giggles.

"What did I just say about apologizing?" And she laughed again. It made him feel good. "You have a lot to learn. It's going to be a long night, isn't it?"

Even through he giggles he clearly made out the words "I hope so".

XXXX

Tualga and Rheena exchanged worried glances. Abigale Lynn was excitedly talking into her pillow, occasionally coming up for air bright faced but pink from…lack of oxygen, or to comment on her evening with such enthusiasm. They had never seen shy little Lynn like this before. Was she sick or drunk again?

Rheena picked up the book while Tualga just nodded bemusedly at Abigale Lynn. "He err, let you borrow another book?"

"Yes!"

"Did you have to do something for it?"

"No!"

"Could you very well stop shouting? The Stewardess is going to come in and have our heads." Tualga snapped, snatching the book from Rheena, which was then snatched back by Abigale Lynn.

"My day was awful until I saw the Count. I think we've reached a point of understanding. He knows that I am shy but willing. I've never been treated so sweetly by anyone. Ever. You must know how it feels to be looked at like-like a person and not just an object. Everything I have is thanks to him and he just keeps giving me more. I ask myself if I deserve it, or what it's going to cost me later on but… I don't care anymore."

She carefully placed the book back on the little table and crawled into bed. "I'm happy now. I think I deserve it."

1. The Stewardess doesn't really want to kill Abby XD. She's not jealous either. Looking at Abby brings up memories and makes her sad. D:

2. She is super weak, I like emphasizing it XD!

Authors notes: I know it's been so long since my last update but I've been very busy and have had a lot happen. I'm obviously still writing this story, ( I love reading the first chapter, oh how my writing sucked! XD) But yes, I'm still working on it! Thank you everyone for the reviews and sticking with me! Your kind words were what got my but in gear again! Thank you and please let me know what you think of it! And sorry for such an abrupt ending, you know how fickle these plots can be XD

(Oh and I capitalize spells and enchantments along with the titles: Count, Countess, Lord, Steward, Stewardess etc. Just a reminder for new readers! 8D)