Sasha had been there for the worst part of it, when her heart had begun to flutter faster than the wings of the hummingbirds that flew around her father's garden and the fires were centered there in her chest. Was this it? Would God take her now?

She was so lost in pain she couldn't ask these questions out loud and she barely noticed as Sasha's arms tightened around her.

Then, just like that, the pain was gone.

Once she understood that there was no pain and that it wouldn't be coming back she opened her eyes to a completely different world.

She didn't understand the changes. Everything was so clear, too clear. She felt her breath grow rapid with fright as she heard a sound that was as loud and clear to her as elephant hooves pounding on the ground. What was that?! It was coming from the walls of all places.

Shifting a bit in Sasha's arms she gasped at the sound of the fabric rustling. It was a sound she might not have noticed before, but now it was as impossible to ignore as the roar of the ocean.

And the smells! She could smell the cotton of the sheets so clearly that it was almost a tangible taste on her tongue. It was mixed with the smell of dust, the rose water sprinkled on her gown, and the beautiful, rose like scent emanating from the woman laying near her.

She was quickly distracted from the smell by the way things looked. The light filtering through the edges of the curtain fell on the specks of dust on the air setting them off like tiny diamonds floating through space.

It was beautiful, but frightening.

When she got frightened she could fell the pounding of her heart against her chest and the rush of blood through her ears, but there was nothing like that now. Where was her heart?!?

What was happening?

What was happening?

She barely thought about moving from the bed when she suddenly found herself across the room. How had she gotten there so fast? She was distracted from this thought by the scurrying sound from within the walls that sounded like a heard of elephants and she jumped away from the wall with a hiss of fear, but not realizing her own strength, she had jumped and broken a rather pretty table on one side of the room. She dashed away from the splintered wood and marble with another cry.

"WHAT IS HAPPENING!?"

The panic and fear was obvious in her voice and gaze as her eyes as she huddled in the corner, her arms wrapped over the back of her head as she tried to drown out the sounds and sights that were confusing her. Everything was as it should be, but nothing was the same!

She heard the sound of the ocean again and peeking from behind her arms she saw the beautiful woman approaching, the sound being that of her clothes as she moved, but beautiful was no longer an adequate description for the woman. She was perfection!

Looking at Sasha in awe Tanya slowly lowered her arms. She was positive that she had never seen anyone so beautiful in her entire life. She was speechless.

When the woman spoke her voice was soft, gentle, kind, but above that all, it was perfect. It was a voice that made the best opera singers sound like howling dogs.

Stopping not too far from her Sash squatted down so they were at eye level and she whispered, "Shhh, it's all right, my child. I know, I know that it is all very new and confusing."

Unconsciously Tanya reached up and scratched at her throat. The burning had not gone away completely and she felt parched.

Noticing the movement Sasha smiled kindly. "You are thirsty, yes?"

Licking her lips and swallowing, hoping to eliminate some of the discomfort and pain, but no succeeding, Tanya nodded, but before Sasha could say anything she heard the pounding in the walls again.

This time instead of being frightened she looked around, eyes darting along the walls.

Sasha smiled, "Even the finest of homes cannot keep the mice and rodents at bay I'm afraid."

"Mice?" Tanya jumped at the sound of her own voice and trembled at the sound. What was wrong with her voice?

Sasha sighed softly. "Please, little one. If you give me a moment I will try to explain."

Tanya only whimpered, wanting to understand, wanting to listen, but it was like she was being bombarded by the sights, sounds, and smells around her, making it much too difficult to do so.

Sitting on the ground, her long skirts and petticoats billowing around her for a moment, Sasha sighed softly and gently folded her hands onto her lap. She wanted to hug and comfort the girl, but she also knew the danger in doing so.

"Please, child, try."

Tanya looked at her again and wondered how every time the woman moved she looked like she was a Botticelli painting come to life. It was easier when she just concentrated on the woman's beautiful voice and features.

Smiling at her kindly, Sasha asked, "Do you remember my name?"

Tanya nodded, but did not speak, afraid to hear her voice again.

"Good. Then you know I am Sasha." She looked around. "This is my home." Looking back at Tanya she smiled again. "You must have so many questions, but you only asked one. What is happening? That is what you want to know, is it not?"

Tanya nodded again, unconsciously scratching at her throat once again.

Sasha smiled at the movement. "What is happening is that you have been reborn, little one. I know that does not make sense now, but it will given time. I did not choose to bring into this life, the life I lead, the life your attacker led, but I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason. Your attacker and I both noticed you and it was more than just your extraordinary beauty that caught our attention. Pardon the pun, but we noticed the fire within you."

Tanya winced at the words and Sasha couldn't help the soft giggle that bubbled up in her throat. "Perhaps it is too soon for such a pun."

Tanya couldn't help but to smile at the soft laughter. It was a beautiful, soothing sound that somehow made her feel, well, safe.

She listened carefully as Sasha continued, enraptured by the woman and her words. "Child, you are now a creature of beauty, a creature of legend…you are vampire."