Love or Blood

Chapter Twenty-Eight: No Civility

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"You dead homicidal imbecile! I will bleed you slowly!" I stared in utter shock as the Count held Master Vicente up by the collar of his tunic as if he weighed nothing. I had my hands clasped over my mouth and eyes widened. I did not know what to do or how to react. Could I help Vicente? Should I? He was a part of the Dark Brotherhood according to the Count. And Lucien Lachance was also a member of that cult. What if Vicente sent Lucien out for me? I remembered the assassin telling me he was not supposed to even touch me, but how could I trust the word of a murderer? Had Vicente truly let such a dangerous man contact me?

"Janus," Vicente began calmly. "I came all the way out here to apologize. It is rather difficult to be taken seriously whilst being in midair…" The older vampire gestured to the ground imploringly. He was not afraid by the Count's rage, though I did not understand why. Vicente seemed his normal self, aside from the very apologetic look upon his face.

"You find this amusing?!" The Count demanded while giving Vicente a forceful shake. It was only then as I flinched for Master Vicente did I notice from the corner of my eye another figure slowly approaching the two vampires in the doorway.

The figure was crouched and shrouded in darkness, silently advancing on the Count. My heart thudded and I panicked. "Sir! Sir! Behind you!" I exclaimed. Without thinking I flung the nearest object toward the lurking figure. The small vase made contact and shattered on impact. The person I struck fell, a barrage of swears flying up from them within the mix of shattered pottery.

The Count had ungracefully dropped Master Vicente. The elder vampire managed to land with poise at his side. The Count then shot his hand backwards and his sword from upon the mantle flew into his open hand, which he then aimed directly at the intruder on the floor. He made quick work of grabbing the ever calm Vicente and pushed him too beside the trespasser.

"You dare bring another?!" The Count snapped venomously as his sword pressed treacherously into the black leather chest plate of Vicente's apparent companion. "Is this the boy who did it?!"

Vicente held his hands up as a sign of peace and shook his head. "Janus, please see reason –"

"Did that fetcher just call me a boy?"

The Count and I were stunned for a moment once the feminine voice cut sharply threw the air. Vicente turned abruptly towards the now apparent woman who was still splayed on the floor. "Did I not tell you to wait for me outside? And do not sass the Count in his own home! I did not teach you to be so rude."

"W-what? Why on Nirn am I the one in trouble here? He was gonna' kill you!" The woman pointed angrily at the Count as she tried to prop herself up onto her elbows, the Count's sword impeding her progress.

"By Sithis, Nerah! Do not point at the man either!"

"Be silent!" The Count snapped at the two, making me jump as well as the other woman. The Count cast a quick spell that immersed his free hand in flames; he made a fist dangerously at Vicente. "You've got a lot of gall coming here, Vicente. You think yourself welcome?"

"Once I discovered what happened I came as quickly as I could. I knew I was unwelcome but I'd rather face your wrath then write some swill of an apology." The other vampire said, ever composed. He looked past the Count then to me. I bit my lip nervously. "I am so sorry, Abigale Lynn. I wished to come apologize to you."

"Don't you look at her!" The Count exclaimed as his sword left the woman's chest and now pressed into Vicente's. "You have no right to even gaze upon her! Be ashamed! Be contrite! It is what you deserve, you miserable wretch!"

Something about the look in Vicente's eyes pained me, his composure to the Count's anger more so. I felt as though I was a wedge or a block between the two vampires. They were friends…it should not end because of me. I believed Master Vicente to be truly apologetic now.

"Sir," I said while taking a nervous step forward. "Sir please, i-it was not Master Vicente who harmed me. He does not deserve this –"

"Does he not?" The Count demanded as he rounded on me. The flames had gone cold in his hand but the fire in his eyes was still very much alive.

I flinched and shook my head, carefully making my way closer, mindful of the wild blood he drank. "N-no. At least I do not think so."

"But he knows the man who did! And he brought someone else into my home." The Count turned to cast a disgusted glare at the shrouded woman. "He deserves whatever torments I can conjure up."

"Please don't, Sir." I said quietly. "Let us just hear what he has to say. I beg of you to not act upon your anger. Just…just…" I was at a loss for words but I needed to say something. I needed to stop this violence before it escalated any further. "I-I missed you. I don't want this to sully our reunion. I don't want your wrath, I want you. Please, Sir. Please."

He stared at me for a long while and his expression slowly began to soften. "If it is what you wish." He said quietly. The Count thankfully removed the sword from its deadly position and stepped away from the two intruders and strode purposely toward me, sword still held firmly in his grasp. He stopped when we were toe to toe from one another. I was surprised, and then more taken aback when he crooked a finger beneath my chin and tilted my head upward, gently forcing me to face him. He held my gaze, an unnerving gleam in his eyes. "I would kill them if it pleased you."

I felt my eyes widen as I swallowed hard, unsure of how to move or respond. "No Sir I-I would not like that."

"Nor would I." Vicente's voice rang out. I stealthily turned away from the Count and watched as he assisted the woman with him in standing.

"Abigale Lynn agreed to hear your apologies Vicente, not your sarcasm." The Count snapped as he too turned away to watch the pair. He looked down his nose at the now standing woman, showing nothing but utter contempt. "And who in Oblivion is that and why are they in my Castle?"

"Ah, the wonderful 'mine' faze, wears off in another few centuries…never gets old though." Master Vicente mumbled. He then placed a hand on the leather-clad woman's back and approached the Count and I. "Please forgive the abrupt intrusion. I was just so very shocked at what I beheld. I had feared the worst, you see." The Count remained unfazed, his shoulders squared and sword still held in a white-knuckled grip. Vicente cleared his throat and pushed the woman closer. "This here is Miss Nerah Vlando. She is…well, she is what one could call my ward, I suppose. And – for Sithis sake, Nerah remove that hood at once!"

I was very surprised to hear that Master Vicente had a ward. However, I was even more surprised by the way she cursed and sputtered. It was so unlike the ever cool and composed vampire who oversaw her.

Again the woman swore and pulled back her hood, glaring daggers at Vicente all the while. She was pale, though not as white as I, and very thin but with wide hips. Her cheekbones were prominent, her nose tilted down, and she had a small beauty mark under one eye. Her black hair was cropped short and tousled; it stuck out at odd angles and different lengths. She wore dark makeup on and around her eyes and had painted her lips red. She would be pretty if not so angry. A scowl seemed permanently etched on her features and her thick dark brows stayed knotted.

"Introduce yourself." Vicente said with estranged happiness as he again turned to her.

"Why?" She crossed her arms haughtily and leaned to the side. "You already did that for me. Besides, he's an ass—" Vicente gave the girl a hard look and she immediately went quiet. "Asinine introductions! You got it!" She corrected herself, hands bawling into fists while forcing a smile. "Hello, I'm Nerah Vlando. You're Count Hassildor," She mocked a bow to the Count's direction and then turned to me. "And you must be –" Again she stopped but not because of Vicente this time. She looked me over, eyes sweeping from my feet to the top of my head. "Woah…" A broad grin full of slightly crooked teeth spread across her face. "Pretty! Very pretty. Now I see what all the fuss is about!" She chuckled darkly and inclined her head to me. "Hello Lady Abigale Lynn. I've heard much about you."

"And I still haven't heard an apology to keep you both here." The Count interrupted. He placed his hands on my shoulders possessively and pulled me to him. I bit my lip to keep from making any sort of sign or sound of resistance. Wild blood - I told myself as I felt again engulfed by him - wild blood.

I watched the woman, Nerah Vlando, as she observed the Count and the way he pulled at me. She looked puzzled and somewhat amused. She sucked at her teeth and looked him over with the eeriest of expressions. Her dark blue eyes then flicked to mine and I quickly looked away.

"Abigale Lynn," Vicente began, thankfully taking my attention. "I am deeply sorry for all that you were put through several nights ago. That man is disobedient and thickheaded. I am sorry that he frightened you and laid hands upon you." I nodded to him, but felt very restrained in my movements. With the Count at my back and this strange woman to my front, I wasn't sure of how to act.

"I-it was not your fault, Master Vicente. You should not be punished for the actions of another." The Count grunted behind me so I continued with haste. "But I-I commend you. You came all the way here to say this to me. I am humbled and grateful." Again the Count mumbled behind me, but this time he held me tighter.

"I am glad of that, my lady. I left the day after I heard of the ordeal. I would have been here sooner but it is hard to travel in the light of day, I'm sure you gather." He smiled warmly at me and I found it funny that Master Vicente was the only one in the room whom I felt the most comfortable with, and I knew him to be a killer. "I have no way of making this up to you and his actions were his own. You needn't tell me of the details, I don't want to make you anymore uncomfortable than necessary. However, I feel that I am in your debt for the actions of my… other underling. If you ever have need of me or if I can provide you with anything, anything at all, you need only write to me and I shall do my best to please you."

I smiled despite not knowing what I could ever possibly need from Vicente. "I accept your apology and your humility. Thank you."

"They can both leave us now." The Count said fastidiously. I looked over my shoulder at him to see his gaze still on me. I looked at him imploringly, wanting to say something but he spoke before I could. "No Abigale Lynn. No. Do not even think on it. Just because you accept his apology does not mean I must. You are foolish even to pardon him."

I gave him another exasperated look, wanting desperately not to ruin the Count's only friendship, but he seemed set on it. I bowed my head and turned away from him. "I am sorry for thinking it, Sir."

"Wow you're a real gem aren't you?" Nerah Vlando scoffed. I looked up, thinking her comment was directed at me, only to see her glaring up at the Count. "Do you beat the snot out of her when no one else is around too? And here I thought I was the one with a stuck-up boss." Vicente swatted the woman on the shoulder looking furious. Before he could even speak she stomped her foot at him and pointed to me. "That's not right! This entire arrangement is screwy! He can't 'own' her!"

"I do own her. She is mine. She is treated with the utmost respect here, which is why I cannot fathom her benevolence to you two impossible fools." The Count spat. I stood in his grip awkwardly and silently pleaded with the stunned Vicente to stop them from continuing their random quarrel.

Nerah Vlando placed her hands on her hips, her jaw set in place. "Treated with the utmost respect, eh? Well, you just called her foolish yourself! Is that the best insult you got or are you saving something special for latter?"

"Vicente," The Count began slowly, dangerously. "If you do not remove this intolerable adolescent from my presence I shall do it for you permanently."

"Sir, please!" I breathed looking up at him bewilderedly. "Y-you cannot. I do not know her b-but she is a lady!"

"She is no lady. However, she is food if she doesn't shut her mouth." The woman stiffened and I was mortified by the Count's words. He spoke as though he intended to make good on his threat.

I could not suppress my gasp as I turned fully toward him. His fangs had emerged again and the hunger was back in his eyes. "No-no-no! Don't!" I pleaded to him. Would the Count really attack this woman before him simply because she challenged his ruling of me? It had to be the blood. It had to be. "Sir t-this is only the wild blood talking. Please see reason."

"Wild blood?" Vicente asked looking confused, finally placing himself between the two. "Janus, when was the last time you fed on the living?"

"That's none of your damned business." The Count seethed. I tried desperately to feel save within his grasp but was having difficulty doing so. I felt like I was the only thing in the room preventing him from making a meal out of Nerah Vlando and it was frightening.

"Janus I am older than you, stronger than you, and right now proven smarter than you. You will come with me for a walk this evening or so help me –"

"Tread with caution, Vicente. You threaten the wrong man."

Vicente bowed his head in respect, slyly putting an arm in front of his ward. "Don't see it as a threat, my friend. See it as what it is. I am trying to keep you from harming your staff members and my family members." He nodded to Nerah behind him. "The ladies can remain here and talk for a bit. It would only be an hour or so and we both know you need it desperately."

The Count too pushed me behind him and briskly walked to Vicente, pointing a finger at the other woman. "There is no way on Nirn that I would leave Abigale Lynn here with that girl." He snarled. "The last time she was left alone with one of your 'family members' she was nearly raped in an alley! How dare you even suggest -"

And then I could take no more. The Count was so busy seething at the two that he paid no attention to my leaving. As quietly as I could I left his room. I had no intention of leaving his manor without his permission but I could not take hearing of what took place in that alley again. Nor could I stand anymore of his rage. First the Stewardess and now Master Vicente and Nerah Vlando, why was there so much anger in him? If anyone should be upset it should be me.

So I walked down the hall to the library, thinking for a moment I could get away and collect my thoughts before being pulled around like a doll again. But just as I reached out to touch the door, the Count appeared before me. I gasped and jumped back.

"What are you doing?" He quickly asked me before I could recover from the initial shock. His face was no longer angry. He looked himself, more empathetic though. "Why did you leave?"

He stood there motionless in front of me as he awaited my response. I was not used to him moving so quickly – being naught but a blur of colors – and it had frightened me. I knew I still had much to learn about vampires but I wasn't sure I was ready to know it all.

Finally I gathered my courage and stilled myself. "Sir, I do not wish to see you angry anymore. Why are you so angry? Why?" I implored as I stared up at him. He looked away for the briefest of moments and I watched his mouth twist into something resembling a pout or a frown. I thought of Vicente's words then, about the Count needing to 'feed' on the living. I swallowed hard and asked the most uncomfortable question I could muster, but this I had to know, for myself and him. "I-is it the wild blood, Sir? Do…do you need to…you know." I could only watch him now as he clenched his jaw and looked away. "Do you need to…eat?"

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Janus had been beside himself with rage just moments before but oh how she weakened him. Abigale Lynn did not realize the pull she had over the Count. The very moment she stepped out of his bedchamber he was there, perhaps not immediately bodily, but spiritually. Then he had to be with her again and followed her out; using his vampiric powers to more as teleport than walk or run.

She did not understand his anger but it was just. She was so very desperate to stop his rage also but was powerless to do so. He could feel her mentally buckle underneath his gaze and presence. He felt ashamed of his rawness but only for the fact that it offended her. If it would have made her happy for him to go apologize, he would, though reluctantly. But then she asked the question…that awful, awful question.

"Do…do you need to…you know." He knew it was coming and could only clench his jaw and turn his head. "Do you need to…eat?" His fangs unleashed themselves so quickly that they stabbed into his tongue. He winced but otherwise seemed calm, composed and only slightly offended by the question. However, on the inside everything primal was screaming to him.

He gazed at Abigale Lynn in a new light; the one of hungers and desires beyond the want of flesh and warmth. His mind flashed quickly to the time she had cut her hand on his sword. His memory thought greedily of the smell of her blood and the heat of it pooling in her palm.

Janus' neck tensed as he did his best to keep Abigale Lynn from seeing his fangs as he spoke. "Why do you ask me of this?" Simple speech seemed difficult for him. When was the last time he had fed and why was she asking him this in private?

"I am concerned for you, my Lord." She said earnestly while taking a step closer. Don't. He thought, purely out of fear over the predicament he was in. He feared for Abigale Lynn and himself. "Vicente was right. Y-you need to. You are so overwrought." Then ease me. His mind battled over the girl furiously.

I own her so I could…No, I am my own master and I will not succumb to this. But she is so very helpless and small, and she smells so good. No, Abigale Lynn is not food; she is my friend, perhaps more than that. But then again, friends do help other friends. No, not that way, I promised her never that way. But she is right there and she wants to help…

A small hand lay gently on his arm. "You need to." Abigale Lynn said softly, pulling him from his mental struggle. "Please take a walk with Vicente, Sir. I shall wait for you here."

The Count gulped and felt confined within his own skin. He was surprised that something as small as her touch could banish his sinful thoughts. But deep within him they were still there, it was his trial to keep them and every other desire for her in check. So Janus nodded mutely to Abigale Lynn as her hand slid down his arm and touched his hand. "I will then, shall you wait."

He felt a pang in his chest and it hurt. It was as if his long dead heart had tried to beat. He looked again at the bright-eyed girl and wondered when he had gotten so attached and why had it taken him so long to do so. Feeling her warm, soft fingertips always calmed him in a strange way. It was a familiar yet foreign feeling – a small human comfort that had been absent for half a century. It was so innocent…and yet not. He intertwined his fingers with hers and watched her try to smile.

Neither of them truly understood their connection and influence over the other as they walked silently back down the corridor. Their clasping of hands was less romantic for the two and was more like a comfort they had both secretly and desperately needed for a very long time.

xxxx

We parted once we again entered the Count's bedchamber. Nerah Vlando and Vicente were speaking heatedly to one another when we walked in. "Vicente," The Count called, thankfully he sounded more like himself again. "I will take you up on your offer, so long as you swear to me that your ward will do nothing ill to my Abigale Lynn."

Master Vicente chuckled and nodded enthusiastically. "You have my word, my friend. Hopefully with something decent in you your possessiveness shall slight. Me, mine, my. Goodness I wonder how any of us vampires survive the Mine faze."

The Count said nothing as he took out a cloak and fastened it tightly around his broad shoulders. He turned to me instead. "I won't be long and if you are in any sort of danger I will return." He looked a little pained for having to leave and from his living hunger depravation. "You know where the wine is, you are to make yourself at home here. But don't let that woman touch my things." He added, cocking his head to where Nerah Vlando presently stood, eyeing a golden scale.

"I will be waiting patiently, Sir." I answered, forcing a smile. Truth be told I did not want the Count to leave despite it all. I had missed his company but he had been all fire so far this evening, I thought it to be the best and put on my most obedient face.

He nodded to me again then walked past me and out the door. Master Vicente followed after him once he had given Nerah a quick talking to. I stood silently as their footsteps faded into nothing and hoped that the Count found whatever would make him feel better out there, thought I tried not to think too hard on it.

I sighed through my nose and turned around to find myself being studied by the rather tall woman leaning against a column. "So," She said wistfully as she picked at the leather on her gloves. "You're the one the Family Man is all riled up about, eh?"

Author's Notes: Had to re-read Envy to remember Nerah's personality. Man does that story need to be beaten with a magical grammar stick or what? XD