Sometimes I wonder how I got into such a strange arrangement with vampires of all people. Vorador and Janos Audron had let me learn how the pillars came to be. The Hylden were the Ancient Vampire's enemy, and upon sealing them away into the demon realm, they were cursed with immortality. The sun, water, and impalement is the only way to kill a vampire. They also have a thirst for blood, which sustains their strength and their use of magicks.

What the Sarafan had said about these creatures was much farther from the truth. Uschtenheim was the best example that human and vampire could co-exist, so long as they keep the balance and peace. Had I spoke of this to someone else, they would send me away to the dungeons for blasphemy. As I looked over the landscape from Jano's retreat, the artist in me began to work with a new blank canvas, with plenty of colours and brushes to help create the next piece.

I had chosen to stay in this place of my own choice, even if it was a massive risk living with an vampire. But Janos himself wasn't at all a monster as some would paint him to be, he was softly spoken, knowledgeable, and somewhat a gentle being, despite his tall posture, his distinctive attire, and those beautiful black wings of his. He would often wrap his wings around me if I got too cold, he had an eccentric way of being friendly, but I welcomed it, even if I was blushing every time he smiled at me.

It had been a long year, but I didn't care. Whilst Janos would visit Uschtenheim to collect his "donations", I would look around his abode with interest. Starting with the interesting weapon that laid within a special case. I noticed the skull on the hilt first, then its long curvy length that lead all the way into the tip. There was a strange feeling around this blade, almost as if it was calling out to me. I hovered my hand above it, but compelled myself to leave it in its place.

"Vorador crafted this blade." I heard Janos say, he landed on his balcony gracefully and with such precision too. "This is the weapon for the one who's destined to wield and with it, bring back balance when the time arrives."

I wondered for a moment before asking, "I assume this prophesized being is yet to be born? Or do they exist now?" Janos gave me a smile, raising his finger to his lips.

"It may be another century before that day comes Kellin. This blade is far more powerful than you think, and it will serve the destined one once it is time. For now, I will hold onto it until then." The Ancient moved closer to the case, carefully closing the lid on top before turning his attention on me. Whenever he looked at me, I could feel some kind of attraction towards him.

It had started several months into living with him. Since the place was rather open, it was bound to happen that I'd see him without clothes, just before he took one of his "baths". Since the touch of water is like acid to vampires, they opted for the use of blood baths, but were made that the blood wasn't too thick to bathe in. Unlike myself, he bore no shame, and I must honestly say, that I would like to paint him in his glory. Every part of his muscled chest, his arms, his wings, his face and messy wet hair. Maybe even his. . .

I snapped back to the current reality, realising I had been staring at the Ancient's chest. I turned away to scold myself for thinking such madness, me? A human artist from Willendorf? Finding one Ancient Vampire to be very attractive? My gods I must be insane.

"Kellin?" Janos spoke with a little piece of worry leaving his voice. "You've turned as red as those strange creatures that live in the oceans." Did he just refer my blush similar to the colour of a lobster!? The audacity!

Impulsively, I turned around and did my best to speak calmly. "My apologies Lord Janos, if you must know the truth. . . I wished to do a painting of yourself. Preferably with you at the balcony, looking over the landscape in thought." Oh dear god I just said it. . . I can feel his eyes on me, and his steps got closer and closer before I realised he was right in front of me, but I daren't look up.

I felt his hand touch my shoulder, his golden gaze on my body. Was this it? Was it time for him to sink his fangs into my neck? I did my best to control my breathing, and then suddenly he moved his hand under my chin and lifted my head up to look right into those eyes. "Lord Janos?" He questioned with a smirk, "This is a first Kellin. Even for you." His face got closer to look at me, and I honestly could not deny the fact that he looked even better upclose.

"Forgive me Lord Janos." I placed my hand on his cheek before impulsively planting my lips upon his. It was a swift kiss, but it sent my mind into some kind of bliss. I stepped back from the Ancient, keeping my viridian eyes on him as his face processed what just happened.

Janos touched his lips, that shocked look suddenly turned to what seemed to be a strict face. "Come here." He deadpanned, and I obeyed. Without hesitation he pulled me by my hand and spoke dangerously calm, "Again." Not wishing to dissapoint him, I held his face and kissed him again, this time more deeper than before. He lifted me from my position, letting my legs wrap around his strong waist. I placed one of my hands on his chest, and he broke off our kiss.

"Lord Janos. . ." I quivered out as I could feel his icy cold breath on me. I felt his hand touch my lips to silence me, he clearly understood what I wanted. What we both wanted. He carried me away to his quarters, and what transpired next would shake the very core of my existence. As I was lowered onto his bed, the dimmed candle light was fading, leaving only the soft glow of his eyes.

Time. . . We took our time exploring one another, with soft, intimate knowledge of connection. Whatever pain I had felt at first, turned to pleasure as we had gotten used to this new sensation. After a long embrace, Janos pulled me closer to him. I held his hand as my eyes slowly drifted, I felt his kiss on my head before falling into a blissful slumber. The following morning was different for us both. The bed sheets covered me, with the Ancient sitting up with a book of some kind. I liked how he slicked his hair back with ease, and how he looked as if he was waiting for me.

I wrapped my arms around him as best as I could, carefully avoiding those magnificent wings of his. "My Lord. . . Are you alright?" I asked, tracing one of my fingers along his stomach. Calling him my Lord felt right, it felt. . . lovely." He hummed quietly back, and I could sense he was smiling.

"Of course Kellin. . . But I must ask. . . Is this what you truly want?"

As an artist. As a human. To have such a relationship with an Ancient Vampire could shake the very foundation of Nosgoth's conflict between man and vampire. But I realised that no matter the choice, there would be a price. When I met Janos, I had no idea how it'd become the very thing I found myself in. Now? I understand the choice I make. I moved around to face him, ready to give the answer.

"Yes. My Lord."

End of Chapter III