The celebration went on, well beyond the sunrise, though the numbers started to thin out during the day. Younger and lesser vampires obeying the call of sleep that daylight imposed upon them, in the end only the elders remained. Finally he took his leave, excusing himself under the semblance of politeness. He was the king and no one tried to impose limits upon him but in interest of pleasing the nobility he practiced their customs of etiquette. Sid'ren was many centuries his elder as a vampire and daylight never seemed to make her weary. Regardless she was the first to respond to his words and surprised him by also taking her leave. His desire for solitude made him feel a strain of brief annoyance as he felt obligated to oversee her safety. Celebrations such as these had a way of making the foolish ascend to even greater lengths of stupidity. He could hardly let something happen to her if she was on her own just on the account he didn't want to spend any more time in anyone's company. He dutifully waited for her as she bid her young son, Hakon, good bye. The youth looked weary, obviously staying up as he was a personage of honor. He noticed the youth bidding his mother good night and acknowledging Brahms with a cool nod and a terse tightening of his lips. As they stepped outside of the ballroom the music quieted and at the end of the hallway everything had finally fallen into a steady silence between them. Her steps were quiet, steady steps that made little noise against the dark ruby carpet, he didn't even pay attention to where he was going with her until the steps became silent as well, she eyed him patiently. There was no move to touch or even kiss him, "You have my gratitude and sleep well, my lord."

Sid'ren had never held the illusion that she was his equal, even when his inexperience and youth had made her the more authoritative of the two of them she still had still considered him her liege, as if the Covenant was only a form of serving his interests. He was not sure why the distance, her formality, was uncomfortable to him in this instance but perhaps it had something to do with Almedha's earlier reproach. It felt as if a void or chasm was coming consuming the simple arrangement which affected them both. She vanished into her room and he left for his. His mind was heavy as his heart; his mind dwelling on how to deal with Sid'ren and his heart unfading in its devotion to Silmeria.

As soon as she was within the sanctity of her quarters she felt herself close her eyes. She placed her hand to her throat and smoothed over the golden chain of rubies – the only thing she had been given by her late first husband along with her son – Hakon. Tonight should have been a celebration for everyone, especially her but for her she couldn't bring herself to – not without her mind mired with concerns. She reached behind her neck to release the clasp and remove the necklace. It should have been considered her great triumph, in knowing her son and Brahms both were successful in their growth for this had been as much Brahms coming of age as it had been Hakon's. There was a deep seated realization amongst all of the Undead that Brahms was very secure on his throne even in the aftermath of something as tumultuous as Ragnarok. For all intents and purposes she had served the purpose of their Covenant well.

The Covenant…

…an ancient rite between two parties in which they were pledged to each other for support. It was often favored in situations in which alliances were made between individuals already betrothed or married to others. In her case…for all purposes it could have been considered a marriage – one of convenience, made for a purpose, but nevertheless an empty union – an alliance of necessity. Brahms had never been comfortable with that – they could call it a union but never marriage. A hundred and fifty years ago the nobles had barely known Brahms; he had been undead but was still young and inexperienced in the reckoning of the elders. The need for guidance had been mutually understood and agreed upon . The nobility wanted one of their own to guide the new king but Almedha had chosen her.

The prospect of accepting a Covenant had been daunting but not nearly so much as the realization that now, one hundred and fifty years later, it was soon at an end. Brahms was perfectly well in health and fully able to exercise his authority with ease. He was intelligent and charismatic, loved and accepted by all the classes alike, and the night time society of the vampires had thrived since his ascension. She had gone well beyond Almedha's expectations – not only protecting Brahms from the nobility but seeing that he grew confident and strong, subjected to their influence but independent of their control. Her task was done which meant soon the Covenant would be dissolved and she'd have her future back, if she could call it that.

She would likely have no prospect for a third marriage or family. She had been left a widow at a young age and committing herself to the Covenant had been, by reckoning, a second commitment. No one would want a bride twice over. She couldn't deny that part of her had hoped he might embrace or preserve the Covenant but after today she knew its destruction was inevitable. She could return to arms, fighting the opponents of the undead although she hadn't touched a weapon in over a century. She had been a warrior once but over the last century her place had been here, the court had been her battlefield and her wit and tongue were her greatest weapons. The thought of returning anywhere but court was the only way she could cope with her lack of future opportunities.

There was no doubt though she could NOT let him break the Covenant – she had to be the one to do it if she wanted to salvage her pride. She had debated doing it on the way back to her rooms, in the silence of the hallways but he had been seemingly lost in thought, un-receptitive to her presence at best. However truthfully she had lost her nerve, as much as she hated to admit that – that she couldn't be strong enough to do what she must. Maybe it truly wasn't too late to catch him and end it all, to thrust herself out of limbo.

She was grateful she hadn't already divested herself of clothing, only her jewelry which meant she didn't really have anything of value to make her a prime target for theft. She cast on a cloak to cover her shoulders from the chill but the truth was she didn't want rumors or whispers that she was involved in an affair with Brahms – especially where it was going to end hopefully tonight. She made it to his room and tried to silently acquire his attention to the fact she was there, after receiving no response she realized he might not be there at all.

She carefully placed her hand upon the handle, pushing the heavy door open; its hinges didn't protest or make a sound as her eyes wandered around the room. She had never seen his room, some vampires like to indulge the absurd mortal notion that vampires slept in coffins though clearly Brahms was not one of them. The curtains were drawn shut, shielding the room from the sun. His bed was immense but for the most part unused; in fact the room barely looked frequented at all. Underlying her shock she had to confess she felt a measure of concern, if he wasn't here there was only one other place he would go. She closed the door, careful that she had disturbed nothing while there and rose on a regal staircase.

The hall emanated a pale glow that could be seen glimmering at the edges of the walls at the staircase end. Even so far from the source of the light the narrow hallway brightened gradually until it glimmered brilliantly at the source. Even her superior sight had to adjust to the glow of the room. Her eyes immediately going to the source, it was impossible to ignore Silmeria's presence. Her eyes adjusted slowly to the light, beholding the Valkyrie in silence speculation.

She had seen Silmeria before however not for some time; she was sure her reaction was unchanged, struck with shock by the degree of resemblance between the two of them. Not EXACT likeness, they possessed many attributes that made them differ from one another yet shared just as many others. There was no mystery, no question as to why Brahms was attracted to her at least in a physical sense but she knew there had to be more to it than that, if looks alone could've satisfied his particular tastes than she might not have had trouble ensnaring his attentions herself. It took her time to pull her eyes away from the silent captive and remember why she had come up here – to find Brahms.

She found him; silently sleeping in a corner; her first instinct was to wake him, to convince him of the dangerous repercussions this simple act had. She could count on her fingers many ambitious vampires who would love to act in this case if they knew EXACTLY where he was and how vulnerable he left himself in sleeping in the open, devoid of any protection. Nevertheless she couldn't wake him, not even to speak of what was upon her mind. She turned to leave but stopped before silently retracing her steps. She felt a tender smile pull at her lips as she releasing the brooch, tugged upon her cloak, and slipped it over his sleeping form…to keep him warm.

Come evening he rose feeling a thick layer of smooth, dark satin slip over off his skin as he stood. He captured the cloak before it fell to the floor, it was made for a female but he knew it was Sid'ren's from the scent. She had been up here last evening? He looked around but the room was deserted save for Silmeria. It was tempting to sleep the night away here under Silmeria's gaze but it was a necessity for him to get up. Recovering his lost sleep from the previous night could only come after he finished attending to his responsibilities of ruling.

He went to the lower levels to find a host to feed upon, now seeing clearly the wisdom of his decision to gather hosts before Ragnarok, bringing them here where they could live and breed, protected from the end of the world. When the gods had started gathering for war he had clearly read the signs and wasn't about to have the vampire race die out from lack of sustenance. Sid'ren had warned that pinching Midgard of its mortal denizens might provoke the gods to attack them with their gathering strength, the attack had come but the gods had brought their strength against the isolated, rebel covens. In fact, the only source of conflict he had garnered from the gods had come in the form of Lenneth, who wisely stepped down before dawn, and Hrist, who had been made to regret her foolish challenge. Out of all the humans they possessed he chose a fair but young blond who had hair like Silmeria's but it was dulled with dirt and, his nose wrinkled, she had the fresh smell of a human man on her which was definitely not like Silmeria. He washed down his distaste for his fare as he fed, leaving swiftly after he finished.

Afterwards he clenched the dark cloak in his hands and went in search of Sid'ren, sure of where to find her at this hour if she rose this evening. If that was the case he'd sit down and eat with her. He wasn't mortal, didn't have any need to eat or drink but he still enjoyed the simple pleasures that mortals practiced and the gods neglected altogether. Sid'ren was there and apparently shocked to see him. As he entered the dining room her lips were curved upon the edge of a cup of tea – a novelty she indulged herself with every eve. She set down the cup and smoothly but quickly rose as if to leave him in solace and solitude so he could concentrate.

"Stay! Stay please."

"My lord?" her voice was serene and lyrical, calm yet firm.

He moved towards her slipping the dark cloak to rest over her shoulders, "I beg your pardon? For last evening," he finished lamely.

"It was nothing."

"It was wrong of me," if he considered it wrong it had to be sincere because Almedha had told him as king to NEVER admit wrong unless he was indeed wrong. He glanced as her crimson eyes flickered to meet his, knowing that he wouldn't drop it, that it would be rude to ignore his sincere apology.

"It is granted, my lord. Forgiven and forgotten. Pray think no more upon it," against the dark cloak her skin was pale, flawless and ethereal as if spun from the stars. Her hair was a light blond like a captured beam of pale moonlight. She was undoubtedly the fairest of the vampire race that was ever seen or likely to be seen again. She had a likeness to Silmeria, that much he acknowledged however she was a hollow shadow to Silmeria's radiance.

As soon as he realized the path of his thoughts he remembered Almedha's words and tried to discard them but it was useless. Trying to forget Silmeria was like forgetting to feed, the thought of never being with her made the fate of going feral seem a blessing.

There was no doubt that his Covenant with Sid'ren was on the wane, their union grew more estranged as the years passed. In the beginning the need for her had been obvious and she had been a great help but as he grew and learned he had…less need of her guidance, her counsel. What she used to accomplish or help him accomplish he could now do without her. Only respect kept him from discarding their arrangement, respect and the fact he could trust her, talk to her.

She was silent for a moment, "My lord, my son would beg a stray moment of your time this evening if it can be spared."

"Oh? I figured he'd be asleep this evening after last night's festivities," he had a feeling what that would entail, nothing pleasant or kind, but he didn't want to bring his conflicts with Hakon to the eye of his mother, "It will be no trouble at all. The first free moment I have I will visit him."

She smiled, a sincere one, "Than, with your leave, I will depart," she finished her tea and gracefully placed her cup down rising with ease.

He had wanted to get his "visit" with Hakon out of the way but he wasn't all that eager to see the youth either so his visit came to pass close to several hours after midnight passed, when the night was waning, giving way to daylight. It hadn't been hard to find him, visiting his room and being directed by his butler to a room however he wasn't the only one there. The young vampire was shirtless, wearing only breeches and armed with a blade. Several friends acted as spectators watching and waiting for their turn to face the victor in the sparring duel. Hakon's butler notified him of his presence and he saw the arrogant youth face curve into a scowl, he was definitely not in a good mood this eve.

"You disgrace my mother," he didn't even turn to look at Brahms as he delivered his condescending verbal blow, continuing to viciously skewer his opponent and Brahms didn't doubt he was pretending the unfortunate youth was him, "Using her honorable bloodline for show when it's to your benefit. Last night was the height of her triumph! My coming of age, celebrating your illustrious reign, most of it in which she has served you well, covered your back," he said venomously, "The least you could do is HONOR her instead of pretending as if she isn't THERE!"

He violently parried his opponent and sent him forcefully backwards turning his vicious crimson eyes upon Brahms only turning when his opponent came back into the fray. With lazy ease he watched as Hakon continue to berate him, "Do you know how humiliating it is? To see her escort ABANDON her side? Even worse that she has to go to other men to attend to her needs or go without at all! She has only ever seen to your comfort, you triumph! And you repay her by mooning over-"

"You'd best silence any further words you have to say. Down that path is dangerous territory you don't want tread upon!" Brahms had enough at that, his fangs barred in a snarl "That," he snapped, is NONE of your business. It is ours!"

He would accept insult where his behavior had warranted it but he would allow NO insult to Silmeria for being the object of his affections and the boy seemed to take his threat seriously because he altered the path of their discussion back to his mother.

"What need do you have any more for it? The union is a mockery: a subject of joke to the nobility and a source of pity to the lesser classes. Neither of which my mother deserves or needs! I am of age and I will not consent, like my grandfather and uncle before me, to see you reap benefit out a union which you don't value! At the very least if you release her she is fair enough still to attract suit!"

The youth just wanted him out, out of his life and his mothers, and he didn't care what it would look like. It would likely destroy Sid'ren's future to be rejected, cast out of her second commitment to another male for no reason. First there was the matter that already others considered her unlucky, based alone on the fate of her first husband. Second, she was beautiful and intelligent but he knew that everyone would look for some defect in Sid'ren that made the Vampire King end his arrangement with her, "That is not up for discussion, not with you. You are of age but you are her son and she is a grown woman, not in the least dependent upon your protection. That is a decision that if ever pondered will be decided between she and I alone."

"Then I will make sure she is aware of it. Good day, my lord."

The arrogant youth finished his practice session, sheathed his blades, and left to bathe leaving Brahms with much to think about.

He left in a foul mood; he had known that he would before he had even gone to see the youth, before he knew it he saw where he was in his throne room – alone with Silmeria. Or so he thought, his crimson eyes coming to lie upon the cloaked form of Sid'ren. She swiftly turned, a look of guilt flashing over her face, as if she had intruded in looking upon something that was for his eyes, his pleasure alone. His mouth curved into a bitter scowl, having been ready to rend the young punk apart the moment he turned his accusations, his rage, his fury upon Silmeria. Several times he had wondered that if he allowed Hrist to take Silmeria back if his fixation would be allowed to weaken, to wane over eternity but every time Hrist tried. He could NOT lie down, he could not just allow her to take Silmeria because Silmeria WAS his, of that he was utterly sure.

He reined his attention upon the diminutive female before him, trying to gain control of his anger over the son so she didn't feel it was aimed at her, "Sid'ren?"

"I-I was not trying to impose, I had, I believed I would find you here if I waited."

"Why is that?"

"Because of last night…"

"And you sought me out?"

"Yes…but not for what you think," she flushed as if burning from the implication that she'd try to approach him for physical tryst, "I came to speak of our Covenant."

"You have talked to Hakon?"

"He has but," she swallowed, "It was on my mind long before he brought it to my attention," she continued, "I apologize for Hakon's words, they were harsh and misguided. I would have never sent you to him if I had known his intent and the insult he presented to you. Forgive me."

"You cannot beg forgiveness for something you didn't mean, you can't fix something when you did nothing wrong."

"I have come to ask you to dissolve our Covenant, to free me from our agreement, it is complete."

"Is it? What do you intend to do?"

"Excuse me?"

"My half of the Covenant includes providing for you welfare. If I release you…what will you do? Remarry?"

Marriage would certainly mean that he'd not have to provide for her but she looked uncertain, "I, I don't not believe so, I might have prospects among the middle class but none of my own."

"Have you even given thought to what you will do?"

"Return to arms? Before I added as your advisor I was an avid warrior of great skill. It is the only place I can go to for lack of better options elsewhere."

"You make it sound like a last resort rather than a choice. I could put in a word for you, I am sure Almedha and I can find you a suitable match."

Her eyes lowered, "No…no, my lord, if you release me the only path my pride will allow me to embrace is in the protection and service of our race. The world is in ashes and we are perfectly poised to rise from them."

Brahms was careful in his response, "Very well, I agree to release you however until such a time as you remarry I will retain rights to provide for you. Think of it as a pension, gratitude for your presence and friendship all these years, you will be an independent woman beholden to no others for financial security."

"Very well, do what you wish but I thank you for that. If it wouldn't be too presumptuous of me to ask, what do you intend to do, my lord?"

The question drew him up short, he had not really thought on it, he was free of the Covenant but what would he do. Marry? He knew Almedha would likely push for it even though he had Silmeria. Sid'ren's astute gaze flickered to Silmeria, following his gaze. Suddenly he felt very awkward and wondered if she had ever resented his attention, his devotion to Silmeria during the duration of their Covenant.

Her lips formed into a slight smile, as if reading what he was thinking, "Do not grow uneasy with me please do not put distance between us based on caution. I have no designs upon you, no illusions that there was something of that nature between us. I have understood this since the beginning. I cannot exercise jealousy or resentment for the object of your affections when I don't attempt to hold them myself."

He had to admit her serene logic sounded right but Hakon's words weight heavily upon him about the wrong he done to her unintentionally. She glanced at Silmeria her eyes held no resentment, her tone held not a touch of envy, "If I may allow my years of experience to speak, do not live your eternity devoid of love, it will make your existence cold to touch and empty to the core, as painful as ever. I had my chance, I know what it means to fall in love and," she paused in pained silence, "to lose it. I would not wish that upon you. We are not in love but I am fond of you. Whatever others say...you should not give up your designs, the hopes that rest upon the Valkyrie. Even if you shattered that crystal and banished her unto oblivion, you would not stop loving her. I know this from watching you gaze upon her alone and deep inside I know you do as well."

He glanced at Sid'ren and vaguely remembering when he had first met her, before their empty betrothal. She had been younger then, distraught over the lost of her mate who had been killed in service to Hel. Her bitterness had forged her hatred; she had been one of the most outspoken supporters of his intent to break free of it all. She had believed in his vision and after their joint success, they had cultivated and strengthened his reign. Now he was strong enough to rule without her and to possess all the freedoms that the autonomy of his station promised.

Wisdom flew from her mouth, if there had been any way for him to stop loving Silmeria than he would've been able to accomplish it some time ago and the feelings he had possessed these long centuries would have truly been nothing, meant nothing. The fact he could not let her go whether it made sense or not, whether it was right or wrong…

"I have stepped down, I won't hold you back but many will rise to try to take my place so when you choose your Bride, our Queen, choose wisely so you won't live to regret it."

He blinked, he wanted to thank her but the words wouldn't come up, she understood so completely, so easily in ways that even Almedha didn't. She didn't berate him for being foolish, didn't find his wish to be reunited with the Valkyrie impossible, "I have idled a long time…perhaps too long," his mind trying to focus on what he'd need to make Silmeria's rebirth possible, "I need remnants of the research on the divine in Dipan."

She appeared surprised, "The Heretic Kingdom? What if such has not survived Ragnarok?"

"I cannot know unless I try."

She looked ready to object, "Let me do this for you. Brahms, you are the Lord of the Undead, and while I know you would face any danger you'd ask of your subjects. After Ragnarok the gods are sure to be eyeing us for weakness, the absence of our monarch is one such weakness we cannot afford to…we cannot present it. You are needed here. Make what you need known but allow me to oversee the recovery," suddenly he realized this was an insinuation to value, where she had once been needed she was no longer. She was prepared to move on, perhaps more than he was. Between the words of Hakon and Almedha he had thought to take the easiest path, embracing one that had been laid out years and years before. Obviously the desires of one's hearts were not so easy to snuff and abandon, it was a path he could not take and one Sid'ren didn't sound ready to let him take, "It might be hard to trust my intentions. You probably don't understand my motivation very well but if you had lost love beyond the chance of re-," she sighed, "If you lost someone so dear, so irrevocably than you'd understand why I can't allow you to underestimate the chance you have been given, the happiness you can yet possess."

"Sid'ren?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you, may your travels be swift but safe."

She smiled softly, a bright, secret smile.