In shadows

[Lovely]

December 23, 2009
night
The Commons


Footsteps clattered off as someone ran into the darker shadows of the township away from the tavern's alley. Slight movements, waist-high, disturbed the shadows here, the figure hidden beside the wall mopping off his hands and reaching for a blade that was absent. On his honor, he wouldn't kill any Devhanan he didn't make fall on his own sword, and the night had so far kept him to his word. The night was still young and the alley was far from deserted. The figure, dark haired and fair skinned with eyes that reflected the moons stood still a moment. These steps he heard now weren't running away. They were softer, purposeful and approaching instead.

The young woman who approached had no idea what awaited her in the shadows of the alley, a note begging her to come meet someone on an urgent matter had drawn her to this dark space. Her cloak kept her partially hidden and she walked with a certain determination in her steps, proud, strong, and ever protective of her people. She was often seen as the kindest of all the Devhanan princesses and was the one sought out more than not if one of the commoners needed help. Such was the case tonight, or so she was led to believe, absorbed in her thoughts of what the possible issue was, she was deep into the alley before she realized she was not alone. Damn it, she thought upon finding the man there, her gaze trying to make out who he was. Alessandra's eyes widened slightly as she realized who was in the shadows. "My he's pretty and has a big sword.." She spoke almost teasingly, though cautious when it became apparent they'd seen each other and she could not merely retreat as if they hadn't. She was not able to see enough of him to know he was without his sword at the moment, Aless had seen it on previous occasions, though they had not met.

His hand went instinctively in search of the blade, landing only on his belt though perhaps in the shadow, she might not notice and risk her safety. "..And knows how to use it," he assured her... though he'd be more convincing if he were weilding it now. Instead, he mopped his hands a little more and tucked the scrap of cloth into his sleeve.

He didn't pull the weapon out and she had to wonder what he was waiting for, probably the precise moment to do so. "He seems to handle it well.. or so I've heard.." Her voice was teasing and taunting the fact that he played with a cloth rather than his sword. She'd heard stories about him and his skills.

He stepped away from the wall, snickering. "Yes, and so much better if someone helps handle it for me," he said as if to blame the fleeting footsteps for the missing blade. "You know... kings and their servants." He was no king, but the thought was oft on his mind that he would one day be.

"Mmhmm.." She regarded him with a nearly disappointed expression, her eyes casting over him briefly as he moved. He was quite handsome, she had to admit that - no she didn't! He was dangerous and the enemy and merely trying to distract her. "I bet all the ladies just fawn over you, falling at your feet or into your bed. A king has but to command his servants.. ohhh.. but you're only a prince aren't you? Still I'm sure you rarely get denied what you want." They may not have drawn blades on each other, yet, but she showed him he'd met his match with her sharp tongue.

The cloth was pulled out again, this time to wipe away a faint dark streak from a scratch on his forehead and another on his hand he mopped again. The marks were nearly gone now and not as bothersome as they'd been a few moments before. "Actually, not really. Not when being too busy ... showing off and getting busted up," he sighed, looking at the cloth that had been white once, tucking it away.

[Lovely]

She regarded him and his cloth, her expression softening a bit that he'd gotten busted up and she opened her mouth to offer him her care but the words did not come forth, the step she started to take was paused and her foot returned to where it had been. Aless swallowed the odd feeling of concern for him and watched him silently a moment longer as she gathered herself and her thoughts. Replacing the compassion with the bitter taste of their opposing houses her head tilted just slightly. "Interesting... that's not what certain of the ladies have been whispering about you." Keeping up the appearance to make herself believe it as well, she smiled just slightly with her words.

He chuckled, looking around the alley for this swarm of doting ladies she spoke of. "Alright then... Then I'm a liar and thief. Ah... but of hearts and charity.. what will you give me?" He grinned, moving his own foot to pull himself further out of the shadows. She wished to see that he was well, so be it. She'd see the faint mark that no longer bled, fading more as he spoke.

He moved toward her and her breath caught but she held herself from stepping back in fear, her eyes however appreciated what he revealed. No wonder the ladies fawned and spoke of him so, the rapid beat of her heart was not only in fear but in excitement. Dark, handsome, charming, and dangerous... Alessandra knew for a fleeting moment just why the ladies swooned over him, she swallowed it down and forced herself to see him for what he was - an animal who preyed upon her people, a prince of her enemy's house. Her answer to his query was delivered with an arched brow, a tilt of her chin as if unaffected by him. "The pointy end of my dagger if you dare come a step closer."

Holding his hands at his sides, he took a gracious step forward, tempting her to strike if she dared. "And if I offer you a point in return?"

"Then we dance." Her voice was mostly even as she replied quickly, willing her heart to stop racing as he drew closer and willing herself not to find him so tempting. Neither worked but her hand found her dagger beneath her cloak and the movement of her hand brought it forth, the blade catching the moonlight just right to show a glint from it in her hand.

He extended an empty hand, unafraid and graceful, offering it to her as a gentleman in greeting, not a sworn enemy. He grinned as he bowed slightly, wary of her blade and moreso of any other movement in the shadows around them. Unlike his own display, royalty rarely traveled alone, though tonight their company appeared only to be each other. "Then.. may I have this dance?"

Her hand with the blade grasped tightly, trembled slightly in her confusion, his behavior was not at all what she'd prepared herself for. He did not act like a sworn enemy, he did not attack her... what was his intent if not to harm her? Aless told herself she should just run him through and be done with it, but she didn't move to act on this thought. She couldn't bring herself to attack him in such a manner, his actions and affect on her made her feel as if her head was spinning. "Why do you bow to me.. you are an Onmadian Prince, are you not?" Her voice was soft as she addressed him now, her eyes shifting to look around for others but darting back to him quickly. She'd come alone and she knew better, now she was face to face with an Onmadian prince who had somewhat of a reputation.

"What I am makes you no less a lady. I bow to your grace, not your majesty," he smirked, his eyes holding a pale glow like the very third moon herself.

"Then you know who I am... and finding me here like this.. you must have planned it." She accused softly, watching his eyes and keeping her dagger in her hand, ready to defend but wary to attack should he have his men nearby waiting. "Your charms and false lines do not work on me, m'lord. I am not a starry eyed girl awe struck and waiting to fall into a king's bed."

"Ah... no," he grinned, his head tilting strangely as he rose to full standing, tall and regal though dark, and darker still as he remained in shadows. "Only a prince as you so keenly observed, but your eyes are filled with the same stars as my own and my lines are only as false as you choose to believe. Why would you think I would plan this meeting?"

[Lovely]

"Not to the starry eyed awe struck girls.. to them you are already a king.. oh how you make them swoon.." She chuckled again, keeping herself hidden mostly by the folds and shadows created by her cloak. "Meeting a daughter from your enemy's house in an alley by chance? Hmmm I think not.. since you baited me.. led me here under false pretense, though the ruse has been revealed." Her free hand produced the note which had brought her to this place and she tossed it at him. "Assasination attempts go much better when you try to kill the intended target. Now draw your weapon and let us get on with it, shall we?"

He laughed and looked around the emptied alley, boldly stepping into the light to beg anyone to show themselves other than her and himself. He turned to face her, closer and unafraid of her blade. "Assassinations are meant for finer, sweeter meat than you or I have tasted or had pretense to assume we are. I assure you, this meeting is by chance, my dear... darling.. princess." The laugh subsided along with the smile as he showed no movement to draw anything besides attention to the fact they were alone. "Now put it away. You know the myths as well as I do. If by chance do meet while the third moon sleeps, the dream of destiny awakes. So.. by chance... will you honor the fact that I'm unarmed or are you going to run me through, hm?"

"Be still my heart, he speaks of chance and destiny and us alone... " She whispered, her eyes watching his every move. "Shadows like you... strange.." Her sharp gaze moved, seeing into the darkness beyond him. "Not very wise of you to travel unarmed." She pointed out, letting her hand drop slightly though she did not put her dagger away. "If you did not send the note to trick me into coming here.. it leaves the questions of who did and where are they now?" The blade tapped against her thigh as she pondered, her eyes casting over him again. "What -are- you doing here?"

"Bowing to your grace.. and being loved by shadows, since your grace seems fit to insult my own, and assume that's all I'm good for," he shrugged, casting a small frown as he considered her question and the information that brought her here. He held the note up in the light and frowned more, studying it. "Since I didn't write it, I'm curious as well who did."

"I insult..? I.." She frowned slightly and her eyes darkened with the sigh that followed. "I beg your pardon.. my irritation was not with you as I thought and you have my humble apologies if my banter offended you." She actually apologized to an Onmadian.. it was quite possible that was an historic event. "If I knew who wrote it, I wouldn't have thought you wrote it.. "

"Which you stated plainly enough," he muttered, trying to decipher the script. He returned the note to her. "So that's what the ladies of your court believe? That Onmadian men hear nothing and only know how to deceive and bed, fight and hide in shadows? Which part wasn't I supposed to be insulted by? That if not me, you believe the ruse to be that of an Onmadian brother? Tell me, your grace. Are there any of your court who might wish you disposed of who may have sent you out themselves? This hand is not of any in our court,."

She sighed again, gesturing in her frustration as she spoke, the point of her dagger poking the air. "I apologised, what more do you want? I thought you wanted to kill me, was I supposed to be polite? I thought you wrote it because you were here and I do not see anyone else.. only you, lurking in shadows. What was I to think? Hmm, are we not sworn enemies? Are our houses not bitter toward one another?" Her eyes flared behind the dark cloak that partially obscured her pretty face. ".. I beg your forgiveness for my misguided words, how might I earn that?" She bowed slightly and brought a slightly defiant gaze up to his, the wildness of her spirit lurking in her eyes. "I took what I heard from girls in the tavern and used it to be hurtful. I should not have been so quick to lash out." Another deep breath was taken and she avoided answering his question, simply taking the note and tucking it away. "If you say it is not the hand of anyone in your court then it is not."

[Lovely]

"First, a lady of any standing should never beg," he chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "I'm not offended, truly. I'm concerned. And frankly, I'm here, because I'm not in the tavern, avoiding my brother if you really must know. Second, you earned it with your first apology, to which you have earned mine for twisting such blade coarsely and drawing your regret with it. Last, I do say it is not in the hand of any Onmadian I can identify, not that it was not written by a brother... or sister of our court. A strangeness has filled the air in recent months and it's not merely the rank decay of my ailing father."

"A true lady would not find it neccessary to insult another simply for being where they are." She countered softly, slowly moving her hand to put her dagger away, duly shamed for her behavior. There followed a few moments of not knowing what to say or do and she chewed at her lip. "Our houses are not as different as they sometimes seem.." It was a whisper and murmur more to herself as she moved to take a step as if to go around him. "I should take my leave and let you get on with your lurking.. "

"And not discover the rest of the mystery? Surely your curiosity must run deep if truly we are not so very different," his whisper enticed, seeming to stir the very shadows around them as he spoke at her shoulder.

She chuckled ever so softly, leaning just a touch closer to him. "You didn't think I was going home... did you? We haven't even reached the darkest hour of night yet.. I wouldn't want to miss that.."

"No, you wouldn't if your thirst is as great," he murmurred. "My brother usually takes his leave to maintain his so called pinnacle of honor and obedience to avoid such frenzies. I'm not so diplomatic... or afraid... to partake in such entertainment, myself. What am I but a humble servant to such base pleasures as drinking and whoring? Though one I have no need of with present company... I'll leave it to your grace to decide which," he teased bravely, his tongue slipped into the pocket of his cheek as he watched what he could of her expression beneath her hood.

"Present company is departing. The tavern is not the sort of entertainment I prefer. It's merriment is not what I wish to partake in.. besides there are much more exciting things out here.. but don't let me stop you from doing what pleases you. M'lord." She gave the slightest of dips and continued to move around him but only got a half step.. she felt a sharp pain as something hit her and she lost her balance, falling toward the Onmadian Prince. She gasped as the alley seemed to pitch and spin, her vision going blurry.

The hiss cut the air and the pain sobered him immensely as he looked at his hand that had tried to catch the bolt. It burned fiercely across his deeply reddened palm, bubbling at the surface with a pungent smoke. His gaze shot rapidly to corners and rooftops in search of the assailant but only more shadows were seen. He eased the girl to the ground briefly to check her wound. "Perhaps the tavern would have been a wise diversion, m'lady," he said as cheerily as his tone could manage in his pain and anger over being set up to appear as the attacker himself. Cutting through his sleeve with his teeth, a length of ribbon was shorn to wrap his hand for now before breaking the bolt's shaft with little apology. Taking girl and weapon in his arm, he'd seek help for her. "Onmadia needs no such publicity and you need no such suffering. Trust me and all will be well, princess." Whether she heard his murmurings he couldn't be sure any more than he could be sure she wouldn't convulse or turn on him in a violent rage as the poisons coursed through her. His faith alone guided him to his mount and a direction back to the Onmadian court to seek medicines. Time... In a world where all he knew was its abundance, the young prince felt as if all time in the world was standing still.

The poison coursed hotly through her veins, burning her from the inside as it took hold of her body, her mind fighting against the physical. She could hardly move of her own will, her head swam though she heard a voice speaking to her, she could not find her voice to respond. The poison worked fast and she was merely a mortal woman held captive by its effect. "No.." She tried to tell him, to protest his intent to bring her back to his court, they would surely refuse to treat her. What was one more dead Devhano royal to them, besides something to celebrate? Her voice was barely a whisper and the moan was just as soft, she was limp and hardly awake as he held her and rode away toward his court.

[Lovely]

A sound more than the steam of his stallion's breath reassured him that perhaps the princess would live. The scent told him more that her heart continued to beat and with each surge, the poison was pulled closer to it. The murmurs were those of protest. "Your choice is not yours. It's mine. If I wished you dead, I'd have left you on the stones to fade, your grace. Save your strength. You'll need it for when you're returned to your father. Hah!!" His boots dug cruelly into the horse's ribs, sending them nearly onto the wind itself as if the demonspeed of borne blood coursed in the steed's veins to spur them on.

Again his words were heard through a distant fog as the girl held in his arms swam in and out of the darkness closing in around her. Somehow she understood his words and fought against the poison rather than the man who held her. Her head against his shoulder, her hand clenched his at her hip in a gesture of understanding and trust but it was all she could do. Her eyes slid closed and the dakness took her, she still breathed but would not be long in this world with the poison coursing through her.

The third moon's glow etched a thin sliver of light on the horizon, peeking slowly into the crevasses and shifting the image of the trees passed in haste. Their shadows reached out across the path like so many crooked, aged hands pointing the way to survival for the young girl. This prince was an expert rider, having more than once carried home the wounded for aide as he did now. At the edge of the grounds he slowed and turned, not taking the path through the main guarded gates at all, but to the orchards that skirted the grounds, separating the King's land from the common grounds and shopkeepers. The medicine she needed would not be found in the hands of his bloodthirsty brood who'd sworn to spill every drop of Devahno's blood down their throats. Help waited in another part of the realm if only he could reach her in time for her aide to help the girl. A feat of sheer will and balance, he held the girl and kept on course, pulling free a polished glass from a pouch on his saddle, turning it to catch the moons' light and throw it ahead, a small flashing beacon to alert of his arrival if she was not already aware.

As limp as the princess in his arms was, the one in the manor was the opposite, keenly aware and alert. Long before the Prince's hooves hit the path that would lead him to her, she was on her mount, heading toward him. Lyeal't smiled within the hood of her cloak as a flash of light caught her eyes, he would soon seen the woman's shape in the darkness of the path. Where they must go was well overgrown and very rarely travelled, her family's home left empty and hidden from the world, very nearly forgotten. She waited for him and the lady, a small vial in her hand, hoping it would be enough to ensure the girl would live long enough to make it the rest of the way.

As the path became more dense, he slowed but continued. Relief turned his cross expression up at the corner of his lip as her scent reached him and her form etched itself in the shadows. It was a slim reassurance that she'd found him quickly. "Lead me," he demanded and pleaded equally as he drew his mount up alongside the cloaked figure.

"Cover her mouth and hold her tight." The figured whispered to him, though the girl in his arms was limp and unmoving. Lyeal't produced the vial and leaned over tipping it to let a few drops fall over girl's wound. It would keep the poison at bay a while longer but not for a great length of time and it would be terribly painful, hence the need to cover her mouth.

He considered the woman's order toward him only a moment before realizing what was meant. He nodded as the vial was tipped, squarely clamping his hand over the girl's mouth. "Whatever means to keep her quiet and still, but alive. If you so much as harm her, so help me by the divine moons, I'll split you in half," he cautioned, almost carefree and teasingly, the smile beckoned forth as the drops met the wound.

[Lovely]

"Promises promises young prince.. Careful, someone might think you like the girl.." The woman teased him in return, watching as the girl he held suddenly came to with a burst of life, screaming behind his hand and thrashing wildly against him. Her intent was not to harm the princess but to help her as she knew her lord wished. Clerics did not exactly serve the rulers but Lyeal't had long ago found herself being aligned as an ally and perhaps advisor and friend to this prince. "It will help ensure she'll live awhile longer, but I make no promises as to the length of her life.. Come.." The vial was returned to the folds of her cloak and she nudged her horse forward as the girl's thrashing stopped.

The pain from what was in the vial was much worse than the burning of the poison through her and it brought her from the comfort of darkness with a sudden searing snap. She screamed but felt something over her mouth, the pain and panic making her claw and lash out at what held her. Her strength was surprising for a mortal even one in desperation, but the strength of what or rather who held her was greater. The struggle ended as she became aware past the haze and blur to know the face of the man, she looked up at him with wide eyes, wild with the pain, poison and confusion.

"If you bite me, I promise you I'll bite you back," he smiled strangely as he saw the recognition and realization in her growing awareness. His hand stayed firmly in place and he leaned closer to be sure she heard him clearly. "I'll tell you again, if I wanted you to die, you would have. Nothing could be further from my plans. That I also promise. Hold on." It became quickly clear why his hand was still in place as he turned his boot heels to his mount again to catch up to the cloaked rider leading him deeper into the shadows. The comfort of delirium wouldn't aide her through the rest of their journey.

Lyeal't kept a furious pace all the way back to the manor, knowing he was following closely but not checking for him until the gates opened of their own accord, knowing she returned. She slowed, and then came to a halt in front of the dark stone house. She was off her mount and heading inside to gather things she needed, letting the prince follow her in with the princess in tow. She might not even still be awake, and Lyeal't was worried at seeing the wound the girl bore.

Alert enough to hear his words, her defiant nature caused her to sink her teeth lightly into his palm, simply because he'd threatened her about it. Despite that challenge as it were, she held tightly to him as he spurred his horse forward and took them deeper into the forest . Her eyes were growing heavy again by the time they reached the manor.

She did bite into his palm and he laughed, roaringly amused though he kept his own sounds low and stifled by his concentration on the ride and the gate ahead. She was growing limp again it seemed when they arrived and he slid her off with him, no longer concerned of her screaming. He poured her into his arms to carry her gently inside or to the step, wherever his friend thought best.

She heard him laugh and it brought a small smile to her face though it was gone quickly replaced by the agony of what her body suffered internally. The princess put up no fight as he pulled her off the horse and into his arms, she could not have even if she wanted to. Odd that she didn't want to, strange how she trusted him so fully, so quickly even with an arrow cutting her down as she'd stood beside him. One might believe that he had been the one to lure her, but as he'd said, if he wanted her dead, she would be. Alessandra believed him and though unable to let him know, she trusted herself into his care now. Her breath shallow, her heart beat faint, and the light of her eyes fading, she fought against the cold which started to creep in.

Lyeal't held the doors open, ushering him inside with the girl and leading him to a room where he could lay her down. The expression on the cleric's face was not one that would give much hope. She was sober and concentrating, already trying to find something stronger to use as an antidote to what pulled the life from the princess. "Her time grows short at an alarming rate."

[Lovely]

Venge wondered if Lyeal't could feel the heat of the glare... the only thing warm about him... from across the doorway? "Fix her. That's all I've come for"

"That's all you've come for... all you think you've come for. Quite a girl you're holding there." She motioned him to set the girl down.. wherever. "Are you certain you want to let go of her..?" She teased him, amused at his demeanor and smiling like she knew things he didn't, which she did.

He had no verbal answer. Staring another moment at the witch, he decided on continued silence.The girl was fighting against the poisons and the pain of the temporary remedy, warring against his grip. He carried her to a patch of floor beside the hearth to set her down where she wouldn't fall in her writhing. Letting her go wasn't his decision, but hers and whether she held onto life a while longer or begged for an alternative he could give. He smoothed her skirts down along her legs to keep her warmed and stood, folding his arms and again staring at the other woman in expectation of... what, he didn't know. Smoke, fire, water, serpents or demons, it didn't matter, as long as the girl was healed.

Lyeal't laughed softly as she started moving around the room, stopping to kneel next to the girl for a moment, checking on how she was fairing, not well it appeared. "I assume you were wise enough to bring that which wounded here?" She motioned to the blood on her dress, the bodice and back soaked and the wound still seeping. Lyeal't tossed powder into the cold hearth and a warm fire sprang to life, though the princess wouldn't likely feel it in her agony.

A light sheen of sweat covered her and her skin grew cooler, paler as the minutes passed, Alessandra moaned in pain, writhing on the cold stone floor, her eyes fluttering open to fix on the prince a moment then they closed again. It was as if she could feel the poison moving through her like fire in her veins.

He left the room for the space of a breath, returning with the broken shaft of the bolt and the paper that held the damnable note that put her in its path. "This is all there was to hold onto," he said, tossing the broken wood and crumpled note on the table for the woman's inspection. "Do what you can or what you will, but don't let her suffer if she's to die. You don't see it though, do you? She lives, but at what cost?"

"If I told you what I see... I wonder if you would listen to my advice or be stubborn about doing what someone else tells you?" She mused as she examined the broken shaft of the arrow and sighed heavily. "The one who did this is learned, they are also obscured by shadows. They hide and use poisons not commonly known even for one like myself.. I'm sure they did not expect her to live long enough to seek help or to be found by someone who would bring her to me.. or someone with gifts as vast as mine.. Tell me my darling prince.. do you desire this girl?"

"What I desire is my business," he countered coldly though the woman seemed to be peering into his thoughts. He nodded. "Shadows engulfed the attacker as swiftly as the poison started to work on her. If you're not certain of a cure, then what is your advice? I cannot heed something I have not heard."

"Of course it is your business, your majesty.. I only ask because of what I see for her should she live beyond the hour.. what I see for you.." Lyeal't gave him a knowing smile and glanced at the softly whimpering girl who was suffering and fighting for her life. "She's strong, most would have folded within moments and death would have taken them long before now.. My advice depends upon you.. You long for a throne which by all rights could and should be yours. I see this woman with a crown.."

He chuckled despite the pain of the woman on the floor he knelt beside. "Then you've seen the untimely and most unfortunate end of my brother's life as well? What I wouldn't give to see that moment for myself, but I cannot see it as truth until that time." He shook his head and ran his hand lightly over the woman's cloak on the floor. He couldn't and wouldn't deny her strength... or her wit and beauty he'd been party to enjoy before she was struck. Should death seize his brother as the witch saw, whether simply wished by him or foretold by the moons themselves, the throne would evade him if he had no queen. His hand clenched into a fist around the woman's robes and his humor turned sour and bitter.. it could be simply the Devhanan royalty taken to power. "Whose crown, witch?"

[Lovely]

"I do so love when you call me that.." She laughed as she came to kneel on the other side of the girl. "Onmadia's crown, your crown.. your Queen, Venge.. I see it.. but it's slipping away with her life. As are your sons.. one with your stunning blue eyes.. do you know how rare it is to find a woman who can bear a child borne blessed? Much less one of royal blood, who is intact and unbound?" Lyeal't sighed softly as she poured more of the mysterious elixer over Alessandra's wound, it hissed and smoked lightly. The girl moaned and arched, her eyes opening again, but they closed again as she lay back, panting. "She's a fighter.. such a waste, such a pity.. she'd have fine children.. "

"So your efforts only make her suffer worse? You have no cure or do you toy with me?" The razors bared behind his lips, his tongue sliding over them to make them glisten while his eyes shone in black and gold, reflecting the flames in the hearth. "Say what you mean to have me do and stop your games. Or would you have me carve out your heart and feed it to her to help her live?"

"My efforts keep her alive and fighting while we find out how far you are willing to go to have all you desire. There is no cure for the poison.. even feeding her my heart won't save her... but you my handsome and dark prince have it in your power to give her back her life and so much more. Chose her.. turn her.. and bed her this night and you will have a blessed son born before your father takes his last rattling breath.. you'll have a queen, an heir, your father's approval and more right to the throne of Onmadia than your less worthy brothers."

His grin was other-worldly and dark in his suspicion and doubt though he considered the words of the future she painted in the blood of his brothers. "And what of Marcus and his Devhanan wh*re? What of Ather? And what of my dear sister Soma? Who will stand at my coronation and the birth of our so-worthy heir? My father's ghost would condemn any childe of Devhanan blood, blessed childe or chosen, my heir or my brother's. I would turn her to save her, but she is likely to slice out her own heart than be queen to Onmadia's court. What... do you see... that makes the change? Does a new moon rise or do you have some other purpose to see me take her?"

"Venge, Venge, Venge... if I tell you all the answers it will take all the fun out of the adventures.. but.. time is short so I will tell you a bit more." She smiled at him making a square in the air with her fingers. "Think outside the box my boy.. This girl is far from a Devhanan wh*re.. she's still pure and untainted by a man.. good little princess that she is unlike some of them.. anyway the Devhano are different you see, they have this thing about honor and keeping their word and repaying debts and kindness.. I know that you would not know this as your family is quite bitter against theirs.. but it is their nature and the teaching of their own ailing king. Sooo you save her life, she will feel in your debt and ask how she can repay you... I think we both know how you'll answer that question. It will be a sacrifice for her to give you that innocence and purity which she keeps so guarded.. Ask her for one night or three days, however long you feel you need to do it properly.. at the end of such time you will return her safely to her home and seek a meeting with her father. You then confess how you got carried away with the lust of her turning and how you can not in good conscience leave her ruined, that you wish to have her as your wife. Now were you talking to your father you'd be dead before you could even finish.. but Devhano is a kind man and very soft hearted when it comes to his children. He could cut off your head but that would still leave his dear sweet daughter shamed and ruined.. he seeks peace with Onmadia and has already given a daughter to one of them, he will agree to give you this one because you are so honorable in admiting the impulsive mistake and willing to risk yourself to confess, ask his forgiveness and make things as right as they can be and of course you are looking out for the best interest of his daughter by marrying her instead of leaving her to shame. She will probably be angry with you for telling her father but she will obey him and become your wife.. she will not cut out her own heart for a few reasons.. the first being the child she will quickly be made aware of, the second being that she is honorable and would not take a cowards way out, the third and most important perhaps is that if you handle her correctly, if you treat her as your wife and queen and not merely a means to an end.. she will be as loyal to you as the night is long."

[Lovely]

Though he held no breath or warmth, his shoulders rose and fell like a predator breathing in the scent of prey and starving for it. His tongue ran past the sharpness of his smile as he formed the tale in his mind and envisioned the throne as his own. "A room, then. I will not take her on the floor like a common dog," he hissed, exhaling a passion and urgency to save her and twist the prophecy at its hilt. The woman and her children would be his with or without blessing as would the throne at some visionable future. He rose, pulling the woman into his arms. "Lead us then leave us."

"As you desire my lord.." Lyeal't spoke in a low almost purring voice as she rose up motioning with her hand in the direction she began to lead him in. She led him up the grand staircase and to a room on the opposite side of the house from her own. He'd have his space and privacy to do all that he needed and wanted with the Devhano princess. The room was clean, comfortable and suitable for noble guests but nothing as lavish as the royal palaces provided. "I'm sure you'll be quite comfortable here." She commented, leaving the door open for him to enter with the girl as she stepped back into the hall. "Should you need anything.. it's only a 'ring' away otherwise I shall see you again when you're ready to depart." She bowed slightly, ready to leave them at once.

Alessandra whimpered faintly when she was pulled into his arms and lifted from the floor, her arms hanging down and her head tipped back as he carried her to the room that Lyeal't provided for them. Her eyes remained closed, fluttering when she was moved but she did not 'awaken', the conversation which had been held over her had not reached her in her agony for her to be aware of the plot that was begining as Venge carried her to the room.

He set Alessandra gently onto the bed and spoke hastily before Lyeal't departed. His request was simply for comforts and kindness. "Bring us two bottles of wine. If you have none, have it fetched from our hall. It's no one's business what ritual our cleric seeks with it. I shall also want a bath for her and clean linen. Her new life will not begin in the memory and gore of the old."

"This was my family's home.. all that you need is here and it shall be prepared for you. That door there.." She pointed to a door on the side wall. "..leads into a bathing area, I shall leave everything you requested there for you so that you may have your privacy and the bath will be waiting for her shortly. Is there anything else you'd like?" Lyeal't asked softly, happy in her own way to see his concern that the princess be comforted and not brutally thrust into a new life.

Her eyes fluttered open to gaze up at Venge, holding on his face for a moment before closing again. What Lyeal't had given her helped her to hang on to the threads of life and she fought the darkness which closed around her, though outwardly she was still.

"Only water and feed for my horse and that he be kept out of the rain while l am not tending him for a few days. Keep him away from your mares," he winked and turned to close the door, stopping an inch from closing it completely. "And your assurance. I have truly never doubted you and I would hate to think I have reason now."

Lyeal't blew him a kiss and smiled softly at him. "Name one of your daughters for me, hmm?" She chuckled, his horse would be well kept and the prince even more so by both this 'witch' and the woman who would be his queen. "You have my assurance that I would never do anything to or lead you down a path that would bring you harm. You'll thank me one day.. when you look into her eyes and see the light in them, shining out for you. When you hear the pattering of small feet and laughter of your children down the hall.. Wrong or right, you have always been my favorite Venge.. my loyalty will always be to you and yours."

[Lovely]

He smiled a genuine thanks though the coldness in his eyes remained for the task at hand - to take a life and return it from within himself. He drew on his strengths that were given to him by the choice of his king and master and his own to obey and succeed. For the moons, the kingdom, for glory and his own personal satisfaction he took this matter onto himself to resolve that he might see his father, Devhano and his own brothers fail or fall at his feet. That he would have this woman as his queen was a satisfaction all its own. He closed the door to the witch and approached Alessandra with that strength beating in his chest where no heart sounds uttered. "You will dream of me and it will be sweet and gentle, I promise you," he muttered, having not yet lied to her though he would not tell her of the shrieking pain that would sunder her as his blood became hers. His only hesitation was this one pain she would suffer at his hands which wrought a guilt he warred with himself over. To suffer that she would no longer suffer these pains again? The irony churned in his mind as he sat beside her on the bed, knowing she heard him. "Tomorrow, when you wake, these will only be shadows of dreams, unpleasant memories, distant and pale," he murmured. He leaned close over her filling his senses with her and the poisons she fought, his hand seeking the wound and the buried wood within the pierce while he kissed her cheek and whispered more quiet reassurances. He turned a moment and unwrapped his hand where he'd been stung himself. The burn was nearly gone. No matter that the mark had all but disappeared. He took the blade from his side and pulled his palm along it, opening the burn deeply into a seeping gouge. He pressed his palm over the wound and held her still. "Only distant and pale," he whispered at her ear before setting his teeth into the veins in her throat, severing her from the world she once knew.

Her eyes had remained closed while he leaned, hovered and spoke to her of what would be and promised sweet dreams of him. It was as if he were already weaving her into such a place, his voice sifting into the darkness to pull her away from the abyss which sought to keep her. She felt his lips against her cheek and tried to reach the 'surface' to find him and perhaps return the gesture in thanks for being so kind to her. The pain returned suddenly and her eyes flew open, wide and shocked, she gasped and cried out, struggling beneath him against the panic, fear, and seering pain which was much worse than the poison. She didn't understand and yet it was all clear, her body instinctually fought against what was happening, her hands clawing and beating at him to no avail. His strength greatly out matched hers and she was helpless to stop him from doing what it was he intended. She screamed again, one final shriek of protest as he took away everything she had been, a soft gasp followed and she was still beneath him.

His cut hand moved from the wound to cover her mouth, smearing red over her neck and face as her life poured from her and his own blood poured from his own wound over her lips. "Drink or die," he hissed, wiping her blood from his own mouth a little before seeking the broken bolt within her chest to free it, grasping it forcefully and ripping it free with his other hand.

The blood ran into her gasping mouth and smeared over her lips and chin, whether she had wanted to or not, some of it had already been swallowed before she realized it. His words swirled through the weakened girl and the confusion of what was happening to guide her. Her eyes shifted to him and she moaned in agony as he ripped the remains of the bolt from her chest, causing her to sputter and choke on the blood running into her throat from the gash on his hand. The moment came when it all settled clearly and she reached to the wound to drink new life from him pressing her mouth against his hand and swallowing as quickly as she could as the blood flowed. Her hands lifted to cover his and hold it there so she could drink, her eyes closed and she lost herself to it.

[Lovely]

Relief sweetened the taste that met her lips as she took what he offered her. While she drank, he fed, pulling the poison and tainted life from the gaping wound that would no longer plague her or threaten what she was. Where his blood had poured into it, the hole meshed and knit and the poison smoked away, a poor-man's cauterization though effective for his needs. As she drank, the wound filled further and what was torn and contaminated was cleansed and purified with a new poison of immortality and a thirst for power and pleasure borne into this blood from the Onmadian fathers. His blood was hers and what remained of hers was now within him. She would hear him, feel him, understand his mind... and his heart though it was still and silent, though not unfeeling or uncaring. Perhaps his curse was caring too much. He let her drink until his mind became clouded and the room began to spin. "Enough," he chuckled, gently tearing his hand from her grasp and ever-thirsting pallette. "You now have eternity, princess. And.. you now have me."

While he let her, she drank in an almost greedy manner, feeling the more she drank of him the more she wanted, it was enough to make her start to grab at his hand when he pulled it away. Her own hand dropped away as she realized with some shock what she was doing, her gaze turned to him as he spoke, her eyes filled with questioning about what had happened and why. She stared at him bewildered, confused, feeling so alive and strong yet exhausted at once. "I.. have.." Her voice seemed as lost as she was for a moment, her hand trembling as her arm lifted and reached to touch his cheek. "You.. turned me.. you saved me?" She blinked a few times making connections in her own mind as it slowly settled and cleared. She could 'feel' him inside of her, he was a part of her now and in a small way she was also a part of him. They were connected and would be for as long as both of them remained in this world. It was an odd, terrifying and wonderous realization, she felt awed and very different. Was it just the change or was it his blood in her or both? Her other hand rose to touch her chest feeling over it and the top of her breast, searching for the wound that had healed.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand though the cutting white razors still glistened as he spoke and the gold in his eyes pulsed wide with the fresh blood flowing through him. "I haven't saved you. I've stolen you. Purely selfish desire to have you, keep you and never let another know you, as long as the moons rise and I walk in their light. If you believe I've saved you, then I have."

"Stolen me..?" She watched him as she lay beside him, she wasn't ready to try to move much just yet. His eyes were beautiful, his face handsome even with the blood smeared and sort of dangerous aura that surrounded him. She wasn't afraid of or horrified by him or the blood generously coating them, though it was somewhat uncomfortable with her dress being soaked from the now healed wound. She thought she understood what he meant but how did she? Was she understanding it correctly or was it still confusion from what had happened that made her read his words or feel what she did. "Saved me so you could steal me?" Alessandra chuckled softly as she tried to wrap her head around the confusing swirl of thoughts and feelings some of which were his and not her own.

He smiled and ran a smudged finger over her cheek. "You've been unwell and you need to rest. Don't try to think or hear or understand. Everything will be too loud, too bright and too muddled for a while." Venge leaned over her again and kissed her freshly painted lips, helping to clean them of the mess he'd made. There was a tenderness and a sorrow along with a desire that burned slowly and quietly that she would know within him without his words. A prince so long without a princess and now... ? He sat back slowly, content and quiet while his ideas stumbled over themselves. He was drained and felt no need to rush his plans. Wine and discovery were at the forefront now. "You can stand - you can do anything you want... have ever wanted... and more... Come with me."

He told her not to try to understand, or hear, or think but when he kissed her like that, she felt... and ohhhh what she felt and heard without meaning to. Her mouth started to respond to follow and return the kiss but he pulled away before she could do much. She pouted slightly, he was right about everything being too much.. that kiss left her spinning again. "Anything?" She slowly sat up, coming onto her knees, facing him as he started to teach her about her new life. So much was different, she'd been chosen and though she'd been around those who were, it was entirely different to have it happen to you. Alessandra leaned toward him, trying to bestow a tender kiss, thats what she wanted to do first.

[Lovely]

"Noooo, not yet," he chuckled, his eyes dark and his face speckled and streaked with the remains of her mortality. He pulled away further, standing but reaching a hand out to her. "Come with me," he said, insisting a little more strongly, though kindly, a promise in his tone that she would enjoy what awaited her.

Her eyes glimmered softly as she untangled her cloak and skirts, sliding off the bed to come to her feet and take his outstretched hand. She pouted though cute in the way she did, for having been told she could do anything and then so quickly told no when she tried. Despite that she was drawn toward him as if pulled by an invisible line running between them. "How am I to repay you for saving me?" She asked softly, her free hand coming up to her forehead, brushing over it lightly, he'd told her not to think but that was impossible and before she got too swept away or confused, she wanted to make sure she'd given her promise to pay the debt she owed him.

"By coming with me to finish your transformation into the beautiful creature you've become," he remarked almost in a whisper. He didn't need to speak any louder. The mist in his mind that created his thoughts ran in the blood in her veins and she might know what these thoughts were almost as they formed, like his words that were barely carried on the drafts in the room that would never chill her again. "My duty is not finished, it's only begun. It starts here, princess, in my hands. You will be washed of your past. You're reborn, you might say, a daughter of my house... though you are no less a daughter of Devhano, still." He stopped - it was too much at once to take in, what her new role meant would bring a storm of chaos and likely destruction to both houses if they didn't act carefully and prudently. Such politics left his mouth soured and scorched with words he left unsaid. Venge's head twitched as he forced himself to hold back the rest for later. He grinned and took her hand. "First, wine and warmth, two sensations that are wholly different to us. I'll run your bath and admire... if I may?"

Her hand slipped from his and came to join her other, meeting at her throat and resting against her chest. "Daughter of.. your house.." She echoed in a whisper, realizing with a sudden 'slam' what that meant, she now had his blood -Onmadian blood running through her veins. Was it true though, was she still of her own and of his or would neither accept her? The bitterness and hatred ran very deeply with some members on both sides. She nodded not really hearing him as he asked about her bath, her mind reeling with what he'd said and with thoughts that were in her mind that weren't hers. "Is it.." her hand lifted to her temple and she closed her eyes for a moment. "It's you.. that I hear.. and feel.. and know.. as if .. we were one?"

~Yes~ Venge nodded slowly, chillingly, as his voice rang over a wind without uttering a sound to her ears. The echo may have been overwhelming though he'd tried to be gentle with the thoughts he cast out. "The wine will help dull the effect. For the first few days it may feel like bulls are stampeding through your dreams, even while awake. Trust you will only hear and feel what I want for you to and in time, you will be able to shut me out from you. Between us, there are no secrets, Alessandra. As my queen, which I hope you will one day be, there should be none from here until the end of our reign. As my consort, however, perhaps we have secrets all our own together - and if not, we should get started, hm?"

He was fairly accurate in describing how it felt inside her head and she managed a small smile but her eyes flew open at his last few comments. "Your queen..?" She stammered a bit, staring at him in shock and confusion. ".. your consort..? I.. You want me to be.. your lo.. lover?" It was hard for her to even suggest that he truly desired such a thing. "I'd say you're teasing simply to raise my ire but strangely.. I know you're not.. You really wish me to be this to you? To be your lover and your wife?"

[Lovely]

"It's not a ruse or a tease, or a fabrication for other gain. Had you continued walking tonight, I likely would have followed you. It's strange, I have your assailant to thank though don't pretend I have any less anger or hatred for the cowardly attempt to kill you. I was no party to it other than being there to prevent his... or her... wish, and act on my own." He approached her again, reaching his hands out again though not for hers. He expected she'd shrink away as he tried to stroke her shoulders. She'd know his intent, but allowing it? Her will was still her own... for now. "M'lady... I've made my choice and given you yours. You asked as if you too desired it, whether you could do anything you wished, am I right? In that moment, your desire led you. It hasn't changed. Your bath will clear many things. The rest will follow as it will."

She trembled but didn't shrink away from him as he touched her, the bold girl from the alley hid behind the shy one standing before him now, though she shined through the soft smile that peeked out. "I've not had a lover.. never.. known a man.. I know many do take them before or after they've wed.. I fear I may disappoint you.. not being as well trained as some would be." She bit at her lower lip as her gaze drifted down, she tried to collect her thoughts some. His touch over her shoulders helped to ease her and brought her a step closer to him. "Would your people accept me in the role you wish to place me, at your side?"

He had to laugh a little, his eyes rolling skyward in the uncomfortable and ironic admission. "They have issue accepting -me- on any given day except when only two moons rise. It is a fact that I am not the first in line heir to the throne of our court, no. I am, however, chosen by Alos himself to succeed should dear, honorable-and-just brother Prince Markas fail his duty to the crown. Only then would I be king, you see. Time, princess, and little else but time... is what I have to offer you, unless... " The words of the witch rattled through his thoughts and some part of their echo may have carried along to the princess as he paused, images of planting the seeds of his own heir striking heated fires behind his eyes.

She gasped softly and a moment later after the pleasant sensation finished running it's tickling hand over her, she chuckled. "You have yourself to offer.. " She spoke quietly slowly bringing her gaze back up and seeking to meet his firmly. "You have yourself, your heart, your love, your loyalty.. things far more important than a crown in matters between a husband and his wife. For I would be beside you in all things even if you didn't take the crown. It's not your crown which makes me desire you.. or makes me tremble when you touch me.. T'is the man who would wear it that matters most to me."

Knowing what he'd said to Lyeal't but feeling what churned within him now as the woman before him spoke, Venge's decision to clean away the past was being muddled with what the future was promising and how close it was to the current moment. She'd not known him but an hour, though he could say much the same about her. The witch had helped form his decisions, but these were her own. "I matter? Me, a servant and heir to your enemy's house? You would surpass such titles and lineage and stand beside me based on that desire, m'lady? My loyalty follows a stranger path than you might expect, then again... you expect it as you have learned my mind and soul and learn it still. I will have that crown, I assure you that. And you will be beside me on my throne and in my bed. There is one here, the owner of this house, whose sacred traditions allow it to be done here.. now... tonight. Your grace may go with you if you still choose not to take me, or such promise, and return to your court and remain well. It is my deepest wish... that you stay."

[Lovely]

Her eyes stayed with his and the smile remained soft as he spoke, nodding now and then to affirm what she'd said to him. When he finished she held his gaze and lifted her hand to rest against his cheek. "I would.. I will.. now, here, tonight. I will take you as my own and give you myself in return."

"Then by the moons, let it be done," he said formally, calling on their heavens to be witness to their union. He only had to summon the witch to perform the ceremony, and there was ever so slight a chance she would refuse it if she saw reason to belay the request. He pulled her hand into his that was now sealed and nearly healed over. He kissed her palm and let her hand slowly fall with the images racing through his mind of the story Lyeal't had painted for him.. and for her now that her dreams were painted by him. The bell to call Lyeal't took a moment to find but it rang somewhere distantly in the house, though clearly in their sharp ears.

The images that came flowing to her as he let go of her hand made her stumble back to sit on the edge of the bed, though she smiled in awe of what he showed her. So openly and freely he'd shared it and she was touched by that as well as what images played through her mind.

Lyeal't arrived moments after the bell was rung, knocking lightly at the door and awaiting entry. She knew as she approached what she was being summoned for but out of respect for the prince and his chosen, she remained in the hall and would allow him to tell her what they wished.

Venge offered the woman on the bed the warmth of his smile as he gathered the thoughts and images she'd formed on her own. Her innocence and purity made him quake with a strange eagerness and a different sorrow of what else he would take from her in one night. He paused at the door and tried to clear his mind to speak with cleric whose rank in his house now far surpasses his own with the request at hand.He pulled the door open with every ounce of that respect restored where before he had been her master. "We bring our souls to be joined, Lyeal't. You've seen this, have you not? Shall it be blessed by the moons?"

Lyeal't graced him with a warm smile and looked past him to the woman who waited as eagerly for her answer as he did. "It will be blessed." She gave a slight nod of her head and motioned them to follow her out on the terrace for it to be done with the light of the moons smiling down on them.

Alessandra stood as the woman entered and she gave a respectful nod to the cleric, waiting for the answer to the question Venge had asked. The joy she felt when Lyeal't gave that answer was like nothing she experienced before, she honestly desired to be his wife with all her heart. She came to his side when Lyeal't motioned them to follow her out, wrapping her arm around his.

[Lovely]

The third moon had risen to its full orb light since the woman had been brought in and changed to the pale bride by the young prince. The three faces of dawn's grace shone approvingly over the terrace as Lyeal't spoke of the truths and promises each would take to honor the other beneath them. Here, returned to their room truly as the 'one' of spirit and sanctity, Venge again beckoned Alessandra to her bath and bid Lyeal't a respectful farewell for the remainder of their stay. It was only right for the bride to be as lovely and pure as her inner spirit for the remainder of their ceremony together.

Lyeal't had left them after kissing her cheek and now Alessandra was alone with Venge, awed by man and promises they'd made in the private and beautiful moonlight ceremony. She was still a little shy but not hesitant to share with him now. Slowly the beauty was revealed beneath the soiled garments as she began to remove them with Venge's help. The bath water steamed lightly and awaited them, for she had no intention of going alone. "Can I kiss you now?" She teasingly whispered in his ear, doing her best to help him shed his clothes as well.

His laugh was held in but the grin spread wide, his eyes filled with delight. "Of course you can... but will you? You might have to catch me first." He hadn't told her what other wonders she would learn, letting her find on her own that freeing her of the of the chains of mortality he'd cast loose of her also freed her of the reluctant speed and awkward arrangement of movements that would suddenly be fluid as water itself and as quick as the dart of an eye. When he was speaking before her, he moved with such agility and now, behind her, he spoke quietly at her shoulder, following the fabric down her waist with a gentle touch. "Or is it I who've caught you?"

The shiver caused a soft giggle to flow out as he whispered, teased and shifted around her. She leaned her head back to his shoulder as his hands moved down with the fabric they untangled from her form. "Well if you don't want my kisses.. I'll have to keep them all.." She spun quickly to face him, wrapping her arms around him and bringing her kisses down his chest since he'd denied her his lips.

"Mmm.. no, they're all mine. I just choose to take them a few at a time," he explained, graciously accepting the attention she offered instead. His shirt had been loosened and her kiss and bared breast against him was itself a dream he could enjoy for hours. The dress hung at her waist and was helped to the floor gently.

"Well I don't want to give them to you now.." She stuck her tongue out at him as she stepped out of the pile of her dress, her eyes full of laughter as she gently kicked the ruined garment out of the way. She held her arms loosely around him and curled her fingers into the fabric of his shirt, tugging it gently to pull it from him. "Can't wear this in the bath.." Her head shook slightly as her fingers brushed against his skin, followed by soft kisses, she ducked closer to trail over his side.

"Of course. As you wish it, m'lady," Venge agreed with a soft, pleasure sigh, letting her play and tease. As he'd said, time was entirely theirs, however Lyeal't had given her information specifically so he wouldn't belay his desires too long. He had no more than three days while the timing was perfectly ripe to furrow and sow. The shirt sifted downward, forgotten, and the strings at his waist were as loose and only needed the coax of a request to fall beside her dress.

[Lovely]

Her smile would be felt as she shifted her attention down and her kisses whispered softly across his abdomen just above where his strings had been loosened. Her fingers flexed slightly and then gently moved to his trousers, carefully pushing them downward and letting them slide the rest of the way on their own as she straightened. Her kiss grazing his collar as she stood against him, stealing a glance down at what was now bare. "May I..?" She asked softly, leaning against him a bit, one arm wrapped around him and her other hand 'walking' down over his torso and below his waist.

He'd said 'no' enough, he'd decided, and the grin slowly came back. "You may." She hadn't asked of her ability, but inquired for permission and he would not deny her that. ~Alessandra...~ He called to her from a smokey, lusty fog, her name echoing more gently now in her mind as his finger brushed her cheek and lifted her kiss to his.

Her smile curved more deeply as he gave his permission and her hand dipped down to gently explore. Her eyes fluttered as he called to her and she could feel the passion with it as much as she could hear the word softly in her mind. Her lips were parting and her chin tilting just as he touched her cheek and she was guided effortlessly to accept and share his kiss. Her fingers rested still for a moment and then lightly, slowly ran over him.

"Gently," he murmurred over her lip, easing her touch on him to barely-there. The tone of his passion deepened inside his chest with a rumble of bliss at the sensations she'd given him so far, but that feather-light touch that teased him so...He chuckled and resumed the kiss, less mild, more eager and his thoughts building more images upon those she'd already seen. He stroked lightly down her back and over the smooth curves down to her thigh, returning the barely-there touch where his fingers curled, the lightest stroke to her where no man had been permitted to touch before.

She didn't have time to pout as he kissed her again but she was pouting inwardly, she'd thought she was being gentle. She was so nervous and shy about it.. but once he showed her just how he liked it, she kept her touch over him in that manner. She was distracted by the images he shared with her, a few of her own begining to form and flow back to him. She felt his caress down her back and arched ever so slightly against him a small gasp parted her lips further in his kiss as his feather light touch brushed over a place no man had ever gotten close to. Her thighs shifted a little and she tried not to shy away from what was so new. "Feels nice.." She murmured, trying to let him know she welcomed the attention even though it might seem as if she didn't.

"Just a taste," he grinned, not going too far too fast. She knew where they would end their evening, but evening was both now and a long way off. Three days... he grinned wider and withdrew from the embrace. "You're ready," he said, taking her hands into his and moving toward the steam that awaited them still. Curious it seemed to him, but the water here was likely under the witch's power to remain warm for as long as they wished it. Many times he longed for heat, for warmth to embrace him though the effects of cold were no different, only a mindset of how he once reacted as a child. He'd been like her, once, knowing what a pulse felt like, what sickness felt like... even what a burn from the sun they hardly ever saw felt like. All memories and useless ones kept to remind him of the humility of mortality he no longer owned. The warmth of wine, of a treasured embrace, and that of the sensuous bath all lured him like siren song... the few guilty pleasures he allowed himself and would now share.

[Lovely]

Being connected to him like this was a wonderful experience for her, he'd told her that she'd learn how to keep him from her mind but she hoped there would never come a day when she felt the need to. No secrets between them and everything shared openly and freely, making their bond that much more and bringing them even closer than either of them would ever be to another. With a soft smile her hands held his and she followed him to the steam of the bath that awaited them. "The woman here.. the cleric.. she is also your friend?" She asked though she seemed to feel the answer already. "Lyeal't.. she is protective of you.."

"More than my own mother... and more closely than a nosey sister," he admitted with a laugh that rang clear and kind. One hand reached out, disturbing the water and spilling the steam over the edges and into the air in curls. He pulled his hand back, admiring the wisps that floated off his arm. "She could choose to be anywhere and serve any house, or several, even in the Southlands, but she honors our court by staying here. She honors me more, and toys with me, calling me her favorite. If asked by my father, she'd have to choose Markas over me. Thankfully... he's never asked. Lyeal't is a special creature and above all she's kind to me. I cherish that... it's rare in our house to find such kindness." His steam covered arm encircled Alessandra's waist, sharing a similar kindness and protectiveness with her. "I will show you no less respect. You are my bride. She is not."

Alessandra smiled warmly, feeling how different the heat of the bath felt from his arm and she curled to him, enjoying the new sensations. "I don't believe she would.. choose your brother over you.. I can't quite explain it but just a feeling I got in her pressence. You are to her as one might feel for their own kin. I dare say she loves you as if you were." She kissed his shoulder and ran her hand up his arm. "I'm glad for you, that you have that, that you have known her kindness.. No, she is not your bride and your bride is not jealous of her affection for you."

"Her heart beats, but not for me, not in that way, so nothing for you or anyone to be jealous over. Her affection is just as you say, like kin, like a sister. It's good you can sense such things. It might save you further in the halls of our kingdom. Watch out for Soma and her twisting ways with words to get answers she wants.. and Ather's sharp tongue. He might be younger, and chosen as I was, but he's greedy in ways even I find distasteful. He has no desire to rule the court. He only wants the riches and the command of the army.... and to direct the clerics to provide him personal favors so his hands stay clean. When you first showed me your note, I thought perhaps it might have been him, or someone masquerading to seem as him." An anger and distrust burned in Venge's thoughts over his rivalry with those who were truly his kin. An utter hatred fueled that fire when he spoke of the younger prince and the possibility he'd been involved in trying to take Alessandra's life. A similar sourness wrenched his thoughts though not as sharply as he spoke of Markas, the borne heir of the Onmadian court. Though he disliked the older man and the pure blood of their father, he respected him no less than his position commanded. "By the moons I will discover the plot and they will be dealt with properly," he vowed, sealing it on the call of the moons. His hand fanned over her hip and hugged her closer. "But not while they shine tonight. Tonight I will discover you .. and you will discover... " He would let her finish that thought herself as he offered to ease her into their bath.

"I understand." She offered quietly to his thoughts on his siblings and on the woman who gave them her blessing and hospitality for their union. The road ahead of her and Venge was not likely to be an easy one, it was near certain no one in his house would accept her without some fuss, fight, and protest and some would not at all. The same could be said of her own house though more there were forgiving.. but his house was hers now and her future was with him. Wherever he chose to be, she would be at his side and his desire to wear the Onmadian crown as king was clear and it burned from him into her. If that was to be their path then she would fight and stand beside him on that road. Her arms slid around his shouldrs, as he'd said they had other things to discover. "I will discover just how you... we enjoy planting a very special seed.." If the cleric was as right as they believed her to be, Alessandra would be with child before they left this house, she would give him a son.

[Lovely]

"You will. We will." His thoughts were reeling back around that singular thought... a son. He slipped from her touch on his shoulders, stepping over the rim and into the water and settled into it, reaching out for her settle in as she wished, facing him or not. A soft cloth waited in his hand already scented with sweet oils to cleanse the spatters and streaks away from her.

She bit her lower lip, smiling ever so cutely at him as she watched him settle in the water and await her. "I shall be the envy of every maiden in the land for I have the most handsome prince.." It was an honest and sweet compliment which only barely touched her growing desire for the man who was now her husband. Her leg shifted over the side of the tub and she brought herself into the warmth of the water, easing into it with a pleasured gasp. "Ohhhhh... it's quite different.. " Her laugh was soft as she curled down with her back against his chest. "So many things I have never done.. never experienced.. I'm happy that I get to share them with you."

Venge reached around her and dipped the cloth in the water, bringing it up over her breast and shoulder, letting it drip lightly over her skin as she settled against him. "A heat that will never burn but will always soothe. You like it?" The cloth brushed back down her arm with swirling spirals of red tint flowing away into the water around them. He looked back to the shelf to assure things were as he'd requested and there two bottles of wine waited with their glasses.

"mmmhmmm.." She let her head ease back to rest on his shoulder as he ran the cloth over her and she relaxed, enjoying the attention and pampering her was showing her. "I like it even more because you're in here with me.. I don't believe I have ever enjoyed a bath this much." She chuckled softly. "That probably sounds silly."

He brought the cloth up across her chest this time in a close embrace, bringing his kiss to her shoulder and then her neck as he swirled away more of the stains of her past. "What can I do for you to enjoy it more?" His voice sifted over her skin as light as the steam itself as he took the cloth back over her and down into the water.

"mmmm... ohhhh.. that.. keep doing what you're doing...." She shifted and stretched in response to his kisses on her neck and the way he used the cloth to wash her like a caress. "..it's perfect.."

The blood on her neck that remained was taken slowly away with his kisses and gentle swabs of his tongue, so different from the harsh tearing he'd given before. Each pass of the cloth over her left her more beautiful and each pass of his kiss left him wanting more. He paused from his attention briefly to gather the glasses and one of the bottles from which he poured a plain glass for her and reached it around her in offering. "Wine warms within," he whispered, again kissing her shoulder and setting the bottle down behind her. He turned and held his own wrist to his mouth, cutting a small gash through which his blood seeped and was held above the bottle, a few drops at a time added into it to blend and flavor that would be added to her glass little by little.

The glass was taken with a smile and she sipped from it, marvelling again at how different things were, even the taste of wine and how it felt sliding down her throat. "I suppose everything is new, isn't it?" She pondered in a soft whisper, trying another taste and easing back against him, feeling his movements behind her. He'd awakened her more with the kisses and gentle lapping over her neck to clean the blood away, warming her with desire for him. "What are you doing back there?" She was curious and playful in her tone, starting to turn to try to see what the movements were that she could feel where she rested against him.

[Lovely]

~Taste and see~ he beckoned, curling around her with the tint of his blood on his smile he hoped she'd turn enough to kiss away.

The invitation was too tempting to ignore and she turned, seeing his glistening smile, causing her mouth to curve into a grin as she leaned to gently lap the blood from his lips. She tasted him and wanted him, his blood, his kiss, all he had to offer and she leaned to offer him the same with a deep lingering kiss that told stories of her hunger for him.

He let a few drops fall into her glass before bringing his wrist to her, though more and more relunctant to pull his kiss from her. It was important that she learn this and quickly. "Seal it closed and it will heal within the hour. Try. You can't hurt me or do it wrong. Your mind must focus on healing, not drinking. We're not borne and it's something that takes practice. Of course, if you wish, you may drink first."

Alessandra watched him carefully, feeling his wish and the need for her to learn, she swirled her glass gently to mix his blood with the wine and then set it down on the ledge, taking his arm in her hands. Her mouth came gently to the wound and she focused her mind, lapping at what ran out of the slice, that being her treat and her drink for now as she was taught. Slowly her tongue swabbed over wound to seal it for him, to heal it as he'd directed, her mind remained focused on that intent. She leaned back to view his wrist and allow him to see that she'd done it as well.

Venge smiled while he watched and felt her drain a few more drops from him. He hadn't taught anyone before, but went by what he remembered when he was turned. Having warrior brothers left him far more wounded than this and on his own to clear his own marks. That was his father's manner of teaching. The strong survived and built their own strength. He would not be so cruel to her. He inspected the mark that was closed but a little jagged - a scar that would be nearly nothing. "You've done well. The next is as crucial but more difficult to control. Your desire and thirst will drive you mad if you do not drink when you should. You need to know that point and never reach it if it can be avoided. Your wine will keep you from becoming ill until you've adjusted. Can you still eat all you've craved before? Yes, but this craving will far surpass any you've -ever- known. Think of that taste upon your tongue now and how it feels, how it calls to you and makes you desire it more. You will feel the change - your teeth become razors, your senses strengthen and seek it out for you. You can hear me in your thoughts, but soon you will be able to sense me in other ways... a sound of how I move, my scent and how it lingers differently in the air and in my robes. Now close your eyes and take my wrist.. bite softly - that's all it will take."

Aless nodded to his instructions, to his valuable lessons as he taught her things she might not know of on her own, his guidance was given in a loving manner as paid him the attention he deserved for taking the time to show her that way. "Is it.. " She paused looking to him, trying to find the right words. "It makes me desire you more.. not only wanting this.." She motioned to his arm where he'd cut it open and been healed. ".. but wanting you.. is it supposed to happen.. is that normal?" She voiced her question and left him to answer it as she followed his instructions, taking his wrist and biting softly.

[Lovely]

"I suppose it is," he grinned, his own razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the low light. "It's part of the hunger, but I don't know how intense it might be for you. You might have to show me," he suggested, wrapping around her with his arm out for her still.

She licked at his wound, concentrating on sealing the holes she'd made and hoping to do a better job this time, since he seemed to look over the last mark she'd healed, critically. "I don't know how intense it might be.. I just know I want you." She let go of his wrist and turned herself to nibble his mouth instead. "I am more hungry for your kiss and touch than anything I have ever felt before."

Again he grinned against the tug of her lips, sweeping her tightly against him. ~Show me~ he whispered through her thoughts, echoing it until she could hear it clearly and feel the embrace as much in her mind as in his arms.

She could hear him as clearly as if it had been her own thought and she wrapped around him, clinging and kissing him eagerly and passionately. Her hand held the back of his neck to keep him in the kisses she could not get enough of, her lithe form curling and pressing against his. Want and need mixed in the flavor of her kiss and her other hand slowly began to wander over him, curious but unsure of how to show him as she'd never done such things before.

"Whatever you feel you want...," he suggested between the sweeps of her lips against his, encouraging her exploration and discovery. The sentiment was carried into her thoughts as well, the pleasant reactions to her touch rippling through her fingertips from his skin and his essence that grew stronger in her veins.

"Why are you so... stubborn?" She asked him softly with a slight pout to her lips, what she wanted was him and she stated it so many times she was begining to wonder if his pleasure was in keeping himself from her. It was frustrating and humiliating enough to bring a slight sting of tears to her eyes as he once again told her 'whatever she wanted' and denied her that which she wanted most. It was nearly enough to make her scream, though she didn't and merely pulled her hands from him and attempted to push him away so she could get out of the tub.

His eyes flared with inner fires as he withheld himself from her, fueling her further and building on what had been started. She tried to fight him off now, however subtly, and now he responded as she pushed, instead grasping her and pulling her close again. "Because part of what you are now learns to take," he said sharply with a hint of that fire warming his words, shaping them into the suggestions that painted themselves into vivid pictures in his mind he showed her in flashes of what awaited her. His wound was sealed but he opened another on his lip, beckoning her to take more and follow him away from her warm water.

"I don't want to take... and I don't want to waste my wedding night on things I have all of eternity to learn."She refused him, being as stubborn as he was and turning her gaze away from him, her arms folded as she waited for him to let go of her. The images he teased her with made her want to cry all the more as he continued to only taunt her with them.

"Then learn tomorrow and have your wedding night with me now," he said more gently, coaxing her to unfold, though his insistence was no less sharp. He could feel the desire melting to anguish and he would not continue to deny her. "Come with me. She'll heat your water again when you're ready for it."

[Lovely]

It wasn't fair that she could feel the insistance that she do as he wish and that it fought strongly against what she wanted, she didn't want to unfold and give in. Her arms loosened somewhat though she tried to bring them back together and her head twitched bringing her gaze toward him and then away. She blinked and a few tears rolled down her cheeks, she was no longer coiled around herself but did not reach to tangle around him again. "Very well." She said softly as she tried to shift away from him once more, it seemed clear that the very last thing on his agenda was making love to his new bride, yet he found such pleasure in teasing her with images while denying her. Now it had come to this, to her feeling this way for him to conceed to actually giving her what she wanted and had nearly begged for since they'd been wed. It was a hollow victory if it could even be considered that, it shouldn't have been a battle in the first place.. it should have been the most natural thing. "I'm not concerned about the bath water or it's temperature." She stated simply as she reached for a towel.

"Very well," he echoed, his brow knotting as he watched her expressions darken with her tone, pulling the towel into place. He reached for the towel once her hands were knotted into it, tugging it to bring her closer again. "Tears?" He let loose of the towel, seeing them now and reaching to brush them away. "You are unaccustomed to me and I've been too forceful," he realized out loud, his own tone softening. Apologies were not something he was accustomed to in his position, only having others follow what he wished. His hand dropped and his gaze lowered to the floor.

She was surprised as he pulled her toward him, her head lifting and her eyes glimmering with hope behind the tears, that he would kiss her.. would show her some of the passion she saw in the images he'd teased her with. Her own gaze fell with his apology and her hope was not realized, she shook her head slowly. "No.. it's just the opposite. You haven't been forceful enough." She reached for him with a trembling hand, her fingers brushing his jaw and beneath his chin as she tried to lift his gaze to meet hers as she brought it up. "It is our wedding night and I am still..." She paused and blushed her voice lowering slightly. ".. a virgin. I know it's a girlish dream to have.. and that you turned me to save my life. The marriage is more for practical reasons than romance or.. love.. but just for tonight.. could you pretend.. it's for love? When I saw you in the tavern.. something inside me stirred.. Dare I say it was love at first sight for me. That's how I knew of your reputation with the ladies and of who you were.. I had hoped but when I found out you were of Onmadia I thought there was no chance to be with you. That's why I was so cross with you in the alley."

"It would not be pretending," he smirked, relieved she was not cross with him now, only disappointed. "You were cross... that I had not tried to steal your cloak and everything under it as the stories from the pub seem to tell? Why should you wish such a thing? Other than it's not entirely true... entirely?"

"I was cross because you were of Onmadia and I was of Devhano.. so no matter what I felt.. the fued between our families would not allow me to ever know you the way I wanted to. At least that's what I believed at the time.. so I was angry at.. everything.. at you for being who you were, for making me feel these things, and being so.. enticing." Her hand drifted to his shoulder and over his chest to rest above his heart. "I thought you didn't want to steal my cloak or anything beneath it because of who I was.. and I was angry at myself for being so angry over a man I had not even spoken to.. but who made my heart race and my breath catch."

[Lovely]

"And stop," he reminded her gently, pressing her fingers over the still, empty hollow that was strangely warm in his perception though the skin was still cool beneath her fingers. "Few dare to speak their mind to me as you do, without whispers and tiny giggles behind covered mouths and blushed cheeks." He spoke of such actions with slight contempt. Those who knew him knew he heard them as clearly as he heard her. "That is what makes you enticing to me... and careful about what I might spur you think and say," he chuckled a little. "Perhaps I am merely unaccustomed to one such as you." His hand moved to mirror hers, pressed lightly over her chest and pushing the towel away.

She shook her head slightly, a small smile curving her lips as she dared even more and took a step closer to him, pressing his hand more firmly against her chest with the motion. "No.. not stopped, it just works differently now. I feel as if it races now as if I can hardly breathe when you touch me.. it's absolutely thrilling. Perhaps I am greedy for wanting more.. but I want.." She leaned to bring her mouth teasingly close to his, brushing her words against his lips. "..everything you are. I don't want you to be careful around me though I do like that I entice you.. I only wish I could make you forget being proper or being concerned with doing everything right and make you lose yourself in me like I long to be lost in you.. at least for a little while."

He wondered which of the tales she had heard from the whispering larks in the pub, or if it was only what she'd built in her mind about him and what she dreamed he would be. To forget being proper was simple enough, but the rest he would hold to Lyeal't's attention to ensure he could afford the luxury of letting his guard down completely, even tonight. "By the moons...," he exclaimed softly, in awe of how she drew him to her so easily. He met her kiss and pulled the towel away from between them.

The tales she'd heard did not compare with the wonder of the man who was now her husband, or the awe she felt mirrored in him. He finally gave her what she'd been hoping for and her kiss clung to his as her arms slid around him so she could press herself against him. Aless gasped as if her breath had caught with the sensation of her skin against his, her fingers curled in his hair and she held him to a hungry urgent kiss as the desire rippled through her.

The hunger in the kiss was beyond what he had poured into her veins. It was her own desire calling out to him now, strongly. Ensured now that it was not what had been done to her, but what her inner heart truly desired, Venge returned the kiss as urgently, reaching to lift her up against him. This was no alley with wandering eyes and sudden knives, but his one safe haven where this once, as she'd so eloquently requested, he could lose himself for a while and the release of that realization swept through him to laugh under the kiss and sweep her from the floor.

She was swept up and her own laughter rang softly through the room, the smile that shone for him was a priceless reward for his actions and the joy that filled her because of him. Within herself she could feel him strongly and now almost as clearly as her own emotions and she understood, he was not doing this simply to please her or because it was what she had wanted, he wanted it as well. She reached to kiss him again, her eyes closing as she concentrated on making him hear her. ~I love you.~

[Lovely]

Did she? She spoke to his thoughts and his inner heart the way he'd shown her, already learning to find him in ways the eyes might not always be able. The laughter was nearly a triumphant cheer as he spun her through the room away from the steaming bath and back to the bed awaiting them and fresh linens. Did it matter? He reached out to pull the messed cloth away before laying her down, fluidly strong and quick in the grasp and pull of his hand. If the sheets tore, he didn't care.

Her hand touched his cheek and she tried to bring his gaze to meet hers again as she whispered. "I do." She more felt the question in his mind than heard it but needed him to know what she felt and that her declaration was true.. not the whispers or giggles of those who wanted him for other reasons.

Venge looked up from the spill of soiled bedding as she spoke. He set her down gently to the bared padding and followed the pull of her fingers and the yearning that followed her thoughts. "Then allow me please, this one comfort. A moment less than a breath?" He intended to cover the lumpy padding with the more suitable linens they'd been given.

"I certainly hope that is not the only comfort you'll have this night." She kissed him sweetly with her hopeful words and slipped gently from the bed. She grasped one of the sheets, intending to help him fix the bed to his liking, though honestly she wouldn't have noticed if he took her to the floor.

Locked in her gaze and her thoughts, he showed her the speed of movement that she would soon learn. Her fingers still grasped the edge while he'd smoothed the rest across in the blink of an eye now stood beside her again, reaching for the corner she held. "Let it go and lay back... princess," he said softly.

She let go of the sheet and smiled sweetly at him though she'd wanted to help and show him that she was happy to provide him with whatever comfort he felt he needed. Her lips brushed his and in the next moment she was on the bed looking up at him. The sweet smile was upon her mouth again as she held her hand out to him, inviting him to join her and not leave her waiting.

This time he followed the brush of her kiss as she nestled back, biting his lip again to freshen the cut. He took her hand and held it out beside her, hovering almost weightless above her. "Welcome to me," he smiled, teasing a little and opening the invitation not just to his home and his court, but to himself. His knee nudged beside hers as he leaned down with his reddened kiss.

[Lovely]

She did not resist him, excited by him and how he held and hovered, she was drawn to the red of his lips not because of a thrist for blood but by her desire for him - because it was him. Aless took his invitation happily, pehaps even being greedy in how she arched up to meet him and tugged at his lip with her own teeth, though gentle enough not to tear him open more. She made a soft noise, pleasure at the taste of him but also pleading as she reached with her other hand to try to pull him closer. She wanted to feel his weight and his smooth skin against hers, she was restless for him as she'd been teased and denied for some time now.

He nudged more insistently as she reached for him, slinking himself down against her. Reality and realizations were slipping slowly into his thoughts about her. There would be no more talk, no more stories, only the truth of this woman, his bride, a princess and a woman completely, honestly, wholly in love with him as himself and not of whose house he belonged. He let go of the fingers he held, reaching back to his side to hold her leg gently as he pressed against her.

She bit her lower lip in a brief moment of shyness as he held her leg and nudged at her, the moment passed and her smile peeked out at him though still a bit shy her eyes were filled with delight. She shifted her other leg and opened herself more and invited him to delve and show her the full extent of his passion. Her hand slid around to his lower back as she gazed up into his eyes with desire burning in hers.

The laugh this time was soft, a simple delight as he accepted her invitation to her as well, moving gently to present himself to his princess, not intending conquest or selfish indulgence. Though he needed no words, only the essence in her thoughts as he shared that delight with her, an unvoiced sigh of pleasure, his agreement... ~A love shared~... flowed to her.

Her eyes closed and her head tipped back into the cushion in pure pleasure as a soft noise escaped her gently parted lips. She had no words to describe the bliss she felt at thier joining but he'd clearly feel it flowing through her entire being. Her head slowly came forward again, her mouth trying to form words to express how perfect this was, when no sound came she pressed her mouth to his in a tender kiss.