Authors Notes: This story might get bumped up to an 'M' rating soon…I'm not sure yet. I planned on this story having plenty of adult 'situations' but not explicitly for some time. I was going to change the rating before that stuffs went down XD. Only a few chapters now have mature content but as we progress more and more will occur. Let me know if it should be bumped sooner rather than later. Don't want anyone offended by the stuff that goes down in LOB XD.

WARNING: This chapter is rated M. You have been warned.

Love or Blood

Chapter Twenty-six: Response

xxxx

It had been three whole days since I last saw the Count. After he stealthily retrieved my clothing he politely dismissed me. He mentioned how tired he was though he had not realized it until I slept in his bed. And indeed he looked tired, the bags under his eyes had grown and he appeared positively weary. I had asked him if he desired anything from me before I left and he had said no…that was three days ago.

Hal-Liurz had told most of the staff that the Count had taken ill and needed rest. She pulled me aside later on that day and told me otherwise. "He sleeps." She said coolly. "The Count wanted me to tell you this. He presumes that you care about his wellbeing and does not want you to worry." She looked down onto my still troubled face with an air of resentment. "He also wished me to tell you that you are to return to him when the bell rings, not me." I had nodded and was pleased that she even condescended to tell me, more so that the Count was not ill.

I had thanked her and asked what I was to do until he wakes. "You will do nothing. Remain here where you belong. When he wants you he'll ring." And that was the last the Stewardess had said to me for three days. She did not even cast me a glance when we passed.

During that time I apologized to Tualga. She had not seen me since we parted, as I had slept in the Count's room under his watch, this though I did not tell her. Instead I made up a small lie about the Count having a potion explode and it taking the whole evening to be cleaned. It worked well with the fact that I was in different clothing at the time as well. I easily told her that the mess had gotten on my clothes and I had to change.

She had been greatly worried for my wellbeing and was happy to see that I was alright. She also proceeded to give me all the clothing she had purchased, so I was able to get rid of the articles that were too tattered. Rheena had smiled and fawned over my new apparel. She admitted that she hoped the baby in her belly was a girl, though she would be equally happy if it were a boy.

Then on the second day while I sat on my bed massaged my still discolored wrists, Rheena closed our bedroom door and looked pointedly at me and Tualga. "Listen." She began uneasily. "I have something to tell you both, but I have been putting it off for quite some time. I can no longer since it has come upon me." Tualga and I exchanged curious glances. Rheena put a hand on her rounding belly and sat next to Tualga. "Verick has made some arrangements that are very pleasing to me. His family works silver up in Skyrim and have offered him work and lodging."

There was a long pause. Rheena cleared her throat and continued. "I'm leaving Castle Skingrad…leaving Cyrodiil. I don't feel right here anymore. So much has changed." Tualga looked shocked and distressed. It was like she did not know how to act as she gaped at her best friend.

Finally she shook her head. "Rheena, why didn't you tell me before? W-what has changed so?" She looked so hurt, as did Rheena.

"Because I wasn't sure at first and then so much happened at once. The air is different here now, as is the food, the people…" She trailed off for a moment and looked to me this time. "Then I became pregnant. I truly questioned it then, until you came, Lynn. It was a sign that I am no longer needed here. You will take my place and rightfully so. The day I first met you, I was glad for I knew then what to do."

"Oh hey now, don't you go blaming Lynn for this!" Tualga said fiercely. "This sounds like a pipe dream if I ever heard one! Just how are you planning on getting to Skyrim, huh?" She then stared pointedly at Rheena's belly. "Especially in your condition?!"

"We all know here that Verick has done some work for different people. Well he's leaving those people on good terms! They are providing us transportation north all the way to Bruma. We are to go by carriage and make stops in the Imperial City and Chorrol. I can stretch my legs that way and sleep in an actual inn."

I stayed quiet as Rheena continued to explain herself to Tualga. She had indeed been planning this for a long time. Their rooms at the inns were already booked, supplies were purchased, and her fiancé's family already obtained a home for them in a city called Whiterun.

Despite it all though, I was very saddened by the news. Rheena had been one of the only girls I had ever known who was kind to me, besides Tualga. She had shown me compassion, gave me her clothing, and taught me how the Count and Stewardess liked everything 'just so'. I thought of how she confided her pregnancy to me and me alone. She became my friend. One of my only few friends in my small world and I was losing her. It hurt.

I tried to put on a friendly face and encouraged her the best I could. I told her I thought it was a good idea, and by how passionately she spoke of it, perhaps it was. It was awful to know she was leaving though and so soon.

She was leaving in spring which was right around the corner. Tualga cried a lot that night. They had been the best of friends since Rheena first began working there. She told me latter she was losing her right hand in more ways than one.

On the third day all tears had stopped and Tualga and I feigned excitement for Rheena's sake. Neither of us wanted her to go but we also wanted her happiness. It was difficult enough making such a choice like that for yourself and your unborn. She didn't need our negativity, so we gave her none.

The day went by much as any other. We sat together at a table in the Maids Quarters. Rheena played with my hair while I examined my hands and Tualga read aloud the Black Horse Courier. The day was quiet and I was unsure of the time but believed it to be a little after noon.

"'Tragedy in Chorrol! The Dark Brotherhood strikes again! A chaotic display of public death! Are they getting sloppy? Eyewitness tells all!'" Tualga announced in her best Imperial reporter expression.

I felt my blood go cold. "Ooh this should be good and scary!" Rheena snickered from behind me. I had stiffened but it went unnoticed. No longer did I want Rheena to touch my hair as I remembered a dark gloved hand toying with it.

'Like cool silk'.

"'Local Argonian Mercenary (whose name does not wish to be revealed) entered the house of the now deceased Francois Motierre to collect on a substantial debt. Upon entering the home a shrouded figure leapt from the bannister and plunged a blade into Mister Motierre's heart." I felt myself grip the edge of the table and stayed motionless.

"Yikes." Rheena whispered. "Well, what else does it say?"

Tualga cleared her throat, abandoning her humorous imitation. "'Mercenary states: Was a girl! Human or Mer, I could not tell. Definitely the hips of a woman though. She moved like a flash of lightning. I tried to grab her before she fled, but damn, she was fast. Motierre did not stand a chance.'" I released a breath I did not know I was holding. A girl. Oddly it relieved me.

"'Adamus Phillida states: That is two murders within a week's time, both from different counties. If the public has any information on the murder of Francois Morierre of Chorrol or Tertious Reius of Skingrad, please contact the closest officer at once. The only way we'll get these monsters is together.'"

"Skingrad?" Rheena exclaimed. "Who was that who died in Skingrad?" I shifted uneasily and finally pried myself from Rheena without causing any suspicion from the two.

Tualga folded the paper and shook her head. "The baker. You know, the shop on the corner? Yep. Dead as a door nail."

I began rummaging aimlessly through a basket of linens, as if they were the most interesting cloths of Nirn.

"How did he die? What did the Dark Brotherhood do?"

Tualga lowered her voice. "There was quite the scene after I left the Inn. Guards wouldn't even let us within ten feet of the shop. Apparently it was a great mess. Lynn just missed it. You could'a walked right by a murderer, girl!"

"Imagine that." I grumbled. Yes, imagine it could have been so easy.

She turned back to Rheena and continued to explain. "Well, the poor sod was scalped! Someone took his cap right off his head, both literally and physically." Tualga eagerly told her as I tried my best to shut her out. "The baker somehow survived the attack and clawed his way to the door. That's where they found him. The murderer finished him off at the threshold of his own shop; tore his throat out with his bare hands!"

I remembered telling the baker that I myself wanted to rip his throat out. It was a grim discovery knowing that Lucien Lachance had listened to me so well. "Then he went into the back and washed up. That's what the guard told me, anyway. Murderin' scum took a bath in his victim's house!"

"That's just wrong in so many ways!" Rheena gaped. I felt woozy. "It's just so demented! Who would ever feel so comfortable after killing someone? He actually took a bath?! I cannot fathom it!"

"Yeah, it's pretty frightening what they're capable of." Tualga said solemnly. "But you want to know what's even scarier? They've yet to find his cap…"

My stomach flipped and I almost ran towards the privy when Rheena stopped me. "Lynn, you okay? These stories get to you, huh?" I felt terrible and guilty. It was as if I had somehow sanctioned the torturous murder upon the baker. Did he deserve such a fate for being cruel to me? I did not think so, nor did I think I was in the position to make such a call.

"Yes." I said nervously. "They scare me."

"I can tell! You're whiter than usual, which is a feat for you, Lynn! Come on, sit down." Tualga had just pulled out the chair next to her when the door to the Maids Quarters burst open. We all whipped around to see a weathered young man with a satchel on his hip.

"Ah, there you are." The young man said to me. "You are the lady Abigale Lynn, yes?"

I blinked and stared confusedly at this man. I did not know who he was or what he was doing in the Castle looking for me. "Who wishes to know?" I managed to question. I was so stunned by someone knowing of me. The boy only smiled and made his way forward. "I don't know who you are…" I shook my head at him and backed away.

"Well, your gentleman caller wishes to know. As for me, I'm just a humble messenger." He began to rummage through his satchel. Again at this I was taken aback. Everyone outside the Castle thought I was dead. Who would write to me?

Tualga let out a long low whistle. "Not even an entire day out with her and she gets herself a 'gentleman caller'."

"There must be some mistake. I am Abigale Lynn, yes. But I have no one of…I mean I don't…who are you again?" I was flabbergasted as the young man handed me a very neat and crisp little envelope. It was sealed with red wax and had not a tear.

"I just told you lady Abigale, I'm a courier!" He laughed at my bewildered expression. "You act as though you've never received mail in Skingrad before." Tualga, Rheena and I all shifted around uncomfortably. As an act of respect I went to pocket the letter. If it kept us from getting into trouble I was more than happy to take it.

"Um, you're not supposed to do that." The messenger said uneasily. "I was given specific instructions, you see. I am to make sure that you open it in front of me."

It took me off-guard. I noticed something then about the young courier that made me wary. He shifted from foot to foot and kept fiddling with his pockets. Despite his jovial smile I felt there was something amiss. I reluctantly opened the letter.

My Dear Lady,

"No!" I near shouted as I crumpled the parchment and threw it at the courier's feet. I could almost feel Lucien Lachance's breath on the back of my neck. "I want no part! T-t-take that back to your master!"

Rheena and Tualga both jumped at my outburst. The boy looked genuinely shocked as he retrieved the letter from the floor, then a bit apprehensive. "I…have no master, miss. But I was given instructions. You are to take this, miss or I will have to do something terribly," He winced and looked to be thinking carefully. "Embarrassing to you."

"Just who do you think you are, boy?" Tualga said rising to her feet. The courier to his credit looked unafraid.

I wiped a shaky hand along my brow. Of course he knew I would not read his letter. Of course he would set up some type of trap to force me to do as he wanted. "What are you to do then that is so humiliating?" I forced myself to ask. "How much is he paying you?"

"He is paying me very handsomely miss, which was why I could not say no. But if you refuse to read that then I have to read this –" He reached into his pockets and pulled out a very small note. "You do not want me to do that. I do not want to do that. Please accept the letter for both our sakes."

I was afraid then. Could it be some incriminating letter somehow tying me to the baker's death? Or some falsehood about my honor; claims that were never done? It was something terrible, that much I knew. I snatched the letter rudely from his hands and walked several steps away before folding it open and reading it.

My Dear Lady,

It has only been a day and I feel l compelled to write you. I thought of you often as I traveled home. It was strange, though quite enjoyable. I still feel like I can taste you…I can wholeheartedly admit my actions were a bit brazen but a man in my position has no time for subtleties. And you, the intoxicating woman that you are, deserve boldness. I wonder if you appreciated my gift? It is a token of my utmost affection. I doubt your Count has ever given you something so fine. I can promise you that I can offer so much more than he. Freedom being the most tempting, I'd wager. All I ask of you, my dear lady, is acceptance. Allow me to court you as a man, for if you decline for some unfathomable reason I cannot give you my word that I won't finish what was started in that alleyway. You are reluctant and it was my doing. I acted too hastily in the heat of it all. Allow me to rectify this, so that I may one day perhaps feel your heat as well.

Write to me. Think of me (preferably in the most carnal ways possible) and often. Indulge me and I can promise you that when the time comes you shall not regret it - I am a man of my word. Be assured that you shall be in my thoughts. I will be here awaiting your swift response.

Yours truly,

Lucien Lachance.

I had paled and my hands were shaking violently as I finished the letter. My nostrils flared with anger and my stomach knotted in utter disgust. I stared daggers at the courier before me. This time he looked nervous. "I presume you will read aloud whatever it is you hold if I do not write back?" He nodded slowly at me. I was absolutely infuriated. "F-fine then! I shall do as he asks but you will tell him of my reluctance!" I stormed to a ledger and sat down.

Tualga and Rheena were speaking behind me but I could not hear them. My ears were ringing and I could not believe my terrible luck. I could not fathom this Dark Brotherhood assassin writing to me, asking to court me! I placed my wrists at my temples in sheer exasperation. Why was this happening to me? Was I becoming too complacent in the Castle? I should have never accepted the Count's kindness. I should have stayed in with him where I was safe.

What was I to write to this perverted man? I debated on telling the Count, but I could not wake him as he slumbered. I was not permitted to leave the Maids Quarters regardless. I did not want to encourage Lucien Lachance but it seemed I was left with little options. I took a piece of paper, inkwell and quill from the ledger and began to write hastily.

Mr. Lachance,

I am responding to your letter with haste only as per your request. I am afraid I cannot give you permission to court me though you seem intent on it. Despite your threats which do frighten me, I must decline. I am not a woman to waste your time upon and I am sure that you have many others to peruse. I have no place in the world outside of Castle Skingrad. Nor do I desire to leave it. I beg of you to cease this notion of yourself and I for it shall never be…Not for a day, not for an hour, not for a second.

I am sorry.

Abigale Lynn.

I did my best to write to him civilly although it pained me to do so. I knew that this matter was a delicate one and my anger would most likely only get myself or others hurt. But I desperately wanted this man to go away and never return.

I folded the letter and handed it to the courier. He took it from me happily and handed me the small note he only moments ago held as blackmail. "I'd recommend you read that later and alone." He said with a wink. The boy was exceedingly happy that I wrote to Lucien Lachance. It is what that murdering man wanted. If he was happy then this boy's pockets would be well lined.

"Just take it and leave me. Dissuade him from contacting me further, if you can." I turned away and went to my room. I suddenly felt tired and needed to be alone. I made sure to shut the door loudly to keep anyone else from entering. I didn't want to explain myself to anyone. I did not want Tualga or Rheena's pitiful gaze upon me.

I lied down on the bed and stared at the two letters in my hands. I could not bring myself to read the second as of yet. I wanted to cry. I buried my face in my pillow and allowed tears to fall quietly. I did not cry during my molestation, nor did I cry having to relive it for the Count. Now though, in the darkness of my room, forced to face it again I wept. It was unfair. Why was it me that caught his attention? Why was it me who somehow seemed to catch the eye of all the monsters of Cyrodiil?

I felt crushed by the cruel humor of the world. I cried myself to sleep.

XXXX

Janus's eyes opened to his darkened bedchamber. There were no candles lit and no sounds to be heard aside from the rustling of bed linens. Despite feeling refreshed from what he could only assume was a day's rest, he could not pry himself from bed. The delicate fabrics still held the scent of her hair and skin. He had been so pleasantly surprised by it when he first went to rest; it had led him to a wonderfully dreamless sleep.

Abigale Lynn.

He allowed himself to bask in it for a moment longer. Janus took the pillow she had used and inhaled it deeply. He imagined her smiling face lying next to him in bed, wearing naught but his shirt again, her messy red hair flowing, a naked shoulder revealed…Janus then groaned in sheer aggravation as he felt himself standing at full attention below his waist. He was tempted to ease the current ache in his groin, but decided better of it. He stood and moped around his bedchamber for a few moments and waited for his arousal to subside. Once it did not, he grew increasingly frustrated and tried getting dressed. He soon found it impossible to stuff himself into his tight pants and gave up the notion of lacing them.

Staring down at the rather burdensome appendage, he decided breakfast was in order. Blood usually made it better or worse. He was willing to give it a try.

Janus went to his cabinet and began pouring himself a glass. The red liquid swirled before him as he warmed it with a quick spell. He drank deeply then poured himself another, and then another. He was surprised then to find himself so very hungry, as well as still aroused. His desires only seemed to increase as he heartily drank another cup.

The clock read noon so there was no way he'd be able to go out and feed. His body felt starved in every manner possible. He decided he would walk tonight with Abigale Lynn, if she was willing. The thought of her again made his mouth water with want. He abandoned his goblet and took the entire bottle. His waking desires would pass; he would find some manner of thought to dissuade them. But to be on the safer side, he decided to wait and drink until evening. Create a small time gap before thrusting Abigale Lynn before himself, just a precaution of course.

Several long hours slowly ticked by and eventually the clock struck eight. He eagerly went to ring the bell for the Maids Quarters. Janus had instructed Hal-Liurz to tell Abigale Lynn that he wished to see her before anyone else. He hoped his cantankerous Stewardess did as she was told.

xxxx

In my slumber time had escaped me as it naturally tends to do. I was later awoken by a worried looking Rheena. She entered the room cautiously with a candle in her hand. "Lynn?" She called to me gently. I stirred then turned to face her. She looked upon me with great sympathy and a bit of confusion as well. "Would you mind if I came in here and talked to you?"

I shook my head and sat up sleepily. Lucien Lachance's notes were still in my fists. I put them in my skirt pocket, again feeling lowly.

Rheena placed the candle down upon the nightstand and sat on my bed beside me. She placed a hand on my shoulder and tried to smile reassuringly. "Want to talk about it?" She asked carefully. I shook my head. In truth I couldn't really talk about it. The matter itself made me feel sick and crazed. I still could not understand it.

"Just some pervert." I managed, despite not wanting to tell her anything, I felt compelled to do so. "I met him on the shopping trip with Tualga. He was…assertive."

"Was he the handsome one she was telling me about? You met him by the bakery, yes?" I shifted uncomfortably at this and prayed that she did not somehow put him, me and the murder together. I didn't see how she could with what limited information she had on the matter but the idea still plagued me.

"He was handsome alright." I scoffed, placing several stray strands of hair behind my ear.

"This man he didn't…you know, try anything, right?"

"No." I easily lied. "He wanted to but eventually my refusal wore on him. Sadly it did not prove to be a permanent deterrent." It was best not to tell anyone what really happened even if I left out the connection to the baker. I was embarrassed despite it not being my fault and felt terribly ashamed. I didn't understand why and my nerves were beginning to madden me. It was not my fault, yet I thought it was. I had been away from men for so long that I became careless. Perhaps it was my fault…

Rheena let out a small laugh. "You know Lynn, you do realize most men take rejection as a challenge right? At least the pigheaded ones do. And judging by your stare, he was probably very arrogant and a tad too touchy-feely." I felt myself crack a very small smile and nodded. "Just don't get so worked up over some rich creep's letter. You're safe in here, Tualga and I already talked to one of the guards. We told a little white lie about that courier being a peeping pervert, so you won't be bothered by him anymore."

This made me smile more genuinely. "Thank you." What good friends I had. I knew in the end that if Lucien Lachance was desperate enough, he would find a way to bring word to me. Regardless I was moved by how caring Rheena and Tualga were. They did not understand why I was so upset, of course. But they did whatever was in their power to help make me feel better.

"Don't mention it. But I have to ask, of course you don't have to tell," She looked a little uneasy but ever curious Rheena always managed to brush it aside. "What did that little note say?"

I bit my lip and reached into my pocket. "I haven't yet read it. I fear I won't have the stomach to." I stared hard at the piece of paper before me as I debated on burning it with the lit candle on the nightstand. Deep down I knew I could not. There could be so many different things written on it, perhaps incriminating things. It would be unwise of me to simply cast away information that may very well be used against me in the future. The more I knew what Lucien Lachance was thinking, the better I could prepare for it.

With a heavy sigh I unfolded the parchment.

I've never been one for lyrical oppress, but you inspire me so;

'Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I'm so very Glad
I did not harm you.
For if you were gone,
which you are not
I'd never know the taste
of your sweet twat.'

I do hope you accepted that letter. How unfortunate and humiliating if you did not.

L.L

"Foul man!" I shrieked as I crumped the little note. I had expected something serious, or something threatening to my position in the very least. I shouldn't have been surprised but I was immensely, and very angry again. Lucien Lachance may well be miles away but he was still under my skin.

"What? What is it?" Rheena asked worriedly as began shredding the paper.

"Just the idle threats of a depraved persons mind." I was furious but did not know what to do with all my anger. I have not felt such frustration in nearly a year. It was hauntingly vexing. No longer did I know what to do with myself, my rage, or my sorrow. I changed so much in Castle Skingrad, for the better. Feelings that were once a daily crisis now were foreign to me. I wanted so much not to be bothered by the writings, or my encounters with the assassin, but I could no longer shut it out. I could not brush it aside and press on. It was tormenting me in ways I didn't know possible. One man with lust and money and murder was going to madden me.

I felt on the verge of insanity being out of the little norm I had come to know. I stood and grabbed some clothing from my trunk. "I need to bathe. I need to get this man's unreal essence off of me." I left the room and made quick work of scrubbing myself again in the bathtub. I thought perhaps I should speak to someone, tell someone the truth and how I was feeling, just to be rid of the burdensome feeling on my chest. Alleviating it somehow in any manner would surely help…but I could not.

Then as I stood dripping wet and naked away from the tub the bell to the Count's room rang. Only then did I feel marginally better.

Authors Notes: Yes I'm making Lucien Lachance a pervert! Why wouldn't I?! There is so much stuff that has yet to go down in this LOByness. Can. Not. Wait XD. And…yeah, about that rating! Let me know what you think. It takes like two clicks to change but I don't want to jump the gun here. Nothing really nasty is happening yet…

This chapter was mainly a setup for the next one. We're hitting milestones here! Abbeh is distressed, Janus has got on his happy pants and Lucien is writing smut! It's only just begun~