Love's Endless Kiss

[Honey_B]

The birth of the immortal vampire, the beginning of an endless love, this thread tells the story of a love triangle bound by blood.

The writers for the main characters have already been selected. Please see, OOC: Love's Eternal Kiss if you would like to join.

Aquis Sulis - 400 AD

With eyes the color of ancient gold, she scanned the shadowy interior of the inn. Not many people remained at this hour. Fatigue threatened to pull Yvaine to her knees, but she straightened her spine and turned to the girl next to her.

"Go home, Mairi. I will stay until they retire."

Yvaine just caught a glimpse of her smile. The girl barely waited for Yvaine to finish her sentence before heading for the door. The cool breeze created from the girl's exit caused the flames to flicker and the shadows danced. For a moment, Yvaine closed her eyes as she relished its caress across her cheek.

Her eyes flicked open.

A chair had fallen over as a man staggered to his feet. He nearly tripped over it as he made for the door that led to the inn's rooms. In a flash, Yvaine was there, helping the man's pregnant wife to her feet. In a small voice, the timid little mouse mumbled her thanks before scurrying after her husband.

Yvaine shook her head, wondering what she would do if she were encumbered by a man like that. Running her inn was difficult enough without having to take care of a man. She gathered up the dishes and retreated to the rear of the room, dumping them into a large washtub. Mairi had neglected to get fresh water. With a sigh, Yvaine picked up a nearby pail and headed towards the back door. Sometimes it seemed as if her days never ended.

Her inn wasn't the largest in Aquis Sulis, but it was certainly one of the best. It was Yvaine herself that made it so. She actually cared for her guest, making every effort to see to their needs. Despite the hard work and long hours this entailed, Yvaine loved it. She lived for the endless stream of humanity that passed through her door.

She walked down a path that lead away from the backdoor of her inn, down to a river. Crouching down, she dipped her pail into the flowing stream. The cool water splashed her hand, causing a shiver of pleasure to course down her spine. On impulse, Yvaine stood up and pulled off her garments. Without hesitation, Yvaine slipped into the water, enjoying the feel of the current as it flowed past her body. She ran her hands over the slope of her full breasts, down her flanks and over her softly rounded hips. For a moment, she imagined her hands to be that of another as she slipped them between her legs. A fantasy of a mysterious lover bloomed in her mind. Yvaine lost herself in her senses for a moment before coming back to reality. The Inn was not going to get cleaned by itself. She got out of the water and redressed quickly, feeling the shadow of loneliness as she did.

As she reentered the inn, she noticed that the room was no longer empty. Her face broke into a smile, her fatigue forgotten.

"How may I be of service?"

 

[Swashbuckler]

Nebankh

It had been a long journey from Londonium, though I had fed on my path the first sight of this young beauty and I barely heard her soft melody making the bid of an innkeeper over the roar of her pulse in my ears. I could not beleive her beauty, it was like Isis at dawn. Her hair was one of those intriguing shades of the Celts and her eyes glittered in the dim light like the wages of soldiers in the coffers of the brothels.

Over four centuries, and I had never seen eyes such as these that now smiled before me. Somehow I was transfixed. How The last Ptolemy would have mocked me if she were here, watching as the predator stood dumbfounded in the gaze of the eager prey? Here at teh far flung edge of the world, in this Isis forsaken land of mists and rain and chill. Here before me were eyes more sparkling nad warm than the beauty of the nile at sunrise. The promise of fertility and rebirth dancign before my dark gaze like the desire before Tantallas.

"How may I help you?" asked the siren's voice once again.

"Excuse me, but I will be in need of chambers for a few nights. My Lady will be arriving here shortly and will not wish to be disturbed. Do you have such accomodations availible?" I asked, stepping from the shadowy depths of the doorframe, the night wind rustling my thick dark hair as the glow of fire light hit my ancient dark eyes. I glided before she realised I was movign to bare inches from her, looking down into her eyes, a smile across my thristy lips, but my hunger waited; for the first tiem in centuries...

 

[caspai]

The cold air of the accursed Londinium swirled around her in a grey haze. How she longed for the sun on her skin, the smell of the heat rising from the desert sands...ah, for the beauties and pleasures of times long gone. Pulling the heavy woolen cloak around her more tightly, the woman who now went by the name Aurelia Antonius, when there was a need for a name, placed her feet carefully on the slippery stones of the street ahead of her. The sun was trying to break through the clouds, she could feel it. Like everything else in this miserable land, though, the cold, wet grey overpowered it. She could feel the hunger growing in her. She had not wanted to send Nebankh away, him being her only shield between herself and the swirling mass of humanity around her, the only one she could truly trust, but it had been necessary for him to get things ready, set thing up just as she needed them. His loyalty had been tested, and assured, hundreds of years ago. Had he been here, it would not have been necessary for her to do her own hunting.

She was not so lost in her thoughts that she was unaware of the feet approaching her from behind, strong and swift. She pulled the cloak even more tightly around her, showing off the generous curves that had served her so well on so many occasions. Men were such easy creatures...

A hand on her shoulder stops Cleopatra's steps, and a man turns her around, attempting to see her face, which is shadowed by the deep hood of her cloak.

This area is not safe for a woman alone to be traveling, especially this late. Is there some reason that you are here? Is there any way I can help?

The man's voice had an edge of interest in it. Sometimes this was just too easy. Lifting one hand to the one resting on her shoulder, Cleopatra caressed it gently, and then lifted her face to look into his eyes. All he could see in the depts were her eyes, the deep, dark brown of her eyes, copelling him to do her bidding. Motioning with one finger, she led him into a dark corner, away from prying eyes.

Once she had entered the deep shadows of the alley, isolated and deserted, she lowered the hood of her cloak, allowing him to gaze at the shining darkness of her hair before turning around to face him. The sight that met his eyes was of a woman of eternal beauty, one many men had died for, and one that many more would continue to die for. It had been her destiny during her life to have this be so, and it continued to be so in her eternity. It was their reason for being.

He stood as if mesmerized, gazing at her with a look that clearly stated he could not believe the luck that had befallen him. As she approached him, she opened her cloak, letting it slide slowly down her back, revealing clothing not in the coarse, modern style of Roman Britain, so constricting and concealing, but the clothing of the life she had lived before, sensuous, revealing, clinging. As his hands reached out for her, his head lowering toward her, she turned her head aside, allowing his lips to graze her neck. Running a hand down his head, from his closely cropped hair down to his neck, she felt carefully for his pulse. Finding it, she turns her head so that his lips can capture hers, kissing her deeply. As she allows this necessary invasion, she guages his increasing passion, his blood beginning to pulse through his veins with satisfying swiftness. She had learned long ago that the passion of expected sex not only made the blood sweeter, it also made the death quicker, and quieter. These men who were such easy victims were so lost in thoughts of their own pleasure that they were dead before they even realized it.

Caressing the pulse point just under his ear softly with her long, sharp fingernails, she felt him tighten his hold around her, attempting to drag her over to the wall just behind her. The time had now arrived. As the man deepened his kiss, pushing Cleopatra roughly against the wall, his hands groping her person, her hands formed into a claw, the carefully sharpened nails slashing through the layers of skin and flesh and vein, the hot, sweet blood beginning to spill out. Quickly, her hand reaches down to his erect penis, caressing it to keep his attention firmly placed on thoughts of his own pleasures, Cleopatra fastens her mouth onto the pulsing wound, sucking deeply, hungrily. For a time, the man continues his mauling of her person, but she is long past caring about that, or even noticing that it is happening, the warm sweetness filling her, arousing her as no body ever had or could. As he begins to faulter, she allows his weight to sag and pull her down to the ground with him. Straddling him, her mouth still attached to the opening she had created in his throat, she begins to writhe in the ecstacy of the kill. Were anyone to glance down the deeply shadowed alley, which no-one bothered to do, what they would see would appear to their eyes to be a man and a woman engaged in a sexual act, not an uncommon occurance within the walls of Londinium. Was that not the reason the alleys existed, after all?

Slowly, the blood turned cold, became bitter. With a sigh, she sat up, delicately licking the stray blood from her lips. Had this been arranged by Nebankh, the body would have been carefully disposed of. Since he was not here to take care of such details, she stood, leaving him where he lay. Walking over to where her cloak had dropped, she carefully shrouded herself in its depths once again before walking out of the alley, and returning to her house. He would be missed, his body would be found, and it would cause a stir of questions for a time, but she would have travelled on by then, long gone, barely a memory to the people she had encountered while residing here. Re-entering her home, she walked into her chamber, calling loudly for her attendants to bathe her before she took her rest. When she awoke, it would be time for her to begin her journey.

 

[Honey_B]

She did not take a step back, though should have been her natural instinct to do so. The newcomer riveted Yvaine’s attention completely. The rest of the world simply faded away, leaving only him. He was foreign certainly, with a faint accent clinging to his sonorous voice. Yvaine quickly surmised that Latin was not his native language as she had an ear for such things. It made her curious about him. Many things did. She could not recall seeing anyone like him though she was far from the provincial. The baths of Aquis Sulis drew visitors from all over the known world. No, he was not Roman. Perhaps…

Yvaine realized she had paused to long, staring up at the fire lit planes of his face. She remembered her curtsey.

“Please sit, sir. You must be weary after traveling.”

Yet the look in his eyes did not speak of fatigue. Rather his eyes seemed old, almost ancient, like two pools of dark water too deep to be fathomed.

“I have several vacant rooms available. They are small but comfortable. I can show them to you if you like. Should they not suffice, I can offer you my own quarters. They lie in the next building over.”

 

[Swashbuckler]

Nebankh

As she fumbled for her curtsey, I pressed closer to her small body. Her scent was amazing, not only was it delightful; but it was the first time in longer than anyman could possibly imagine when the first thing my nose detected was not the delicate flavor of her rushing liquid of life. I could smell the fresh water of her recent bath, that was still clinging to her flesh, its late night chill holding her blood hot nipples hard. Barely seperated from my chest by thin layers of cloth that she posted more beautifully than white Greecian marble ever could achieve.

Her hair, still damp sparkled like a nymph's in the dim glow of the candle light that dimmed very pleasingly at my will. Its wholesome scent almost made me feel.., feel alive... The stagnant air of the comon room seemed baptised pure by the smell of those locks that clung damply to her head.

My eyes widened as I looked into her eyes, but what they flashed was uncomon. Usually when I stood close to someone, and my eyes widened it was the last thing they would ever see, that feral red glow that signaled thier death and guarenteed life for myself and my mistress. But now my eyes smoldered with something that I had long since thoguth I had lost, somewhere on the moonbaked sands of the nile, oh so long ago.

I heard her words and let my figners push a watersparkled lock of hair from her soft, warm cheek, slowly before I answered. Staring into her eyes to gage if she could detect the night chill on my skin, or see what fire flared in my eyes as my lips replied to a so dull a subject matter, but one that had to be adressed. "My Lady would require uptmost privacy, she would very much love to aquire your.., how did you say..? Personal quarters? She would have no problem meeting a just fare to preserve her privacy, which she will completely demand. I will also require lodgings, but anythign will do for myself," I rattled off very businesslike and completely meaningless. Then, then my voice I allowed a tremor as I finished with my tongue wettign my throbbign lips, a hair's breathe from her blood filled ones, "Would you be so kind as to show me these private quarters of yours?

 

[Honey_B]

"I... Who... They are this way."

Never before had her tongue been made so clumsy. It was his nearness, his lips scant inches from hers. This time Yvaine did take a step back. Several in fact. Trying to flee the eerie intimacy that had sprung up between the stranger and herself. Her hand covered her mouth. She had been about to kiss him.

Who was this man?

She asked herself the question again. The inn had always drawn its fair share of rogues. Men who assumed too much, that her attentions came with the price of a room. Yvaine had always been able to neatly discourage such advances and she certainly had never responded to any of them. She had been with a man but one time in her life. A brutal act that had occurred when she could only count thirteen years. She bore no physical reminders of the event but the mental scars remained.

Behind the counter lie a doorway that opened onto a courtyard.

"My quarters lie just through here."

Yvaine stepped through the door and into the small enclosed space between the two buildings. She had created the beautiful little sanctuary after her father died. As always the sound of the fountain soothed her and she began to regain her senses. She didn't linger amongst the flowers, but instead hurried through the space to the opposite door. The door to her living quarters and her bed chamber. She did not look behind her, but she knew, without a doubt, that he was following her.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Nebankh

A slight smile curled at the corner of my mouth, lips parting just enough for the barest chance that my inscisor would be revealed before I forced my lips into greater camoflage. How like a young chamber slave girl she was, desperate to act on her blossuming desires, yet, embarrased that her master's allure was pulling aginst her. Her hand dared to her lips that ached for the touch of my own, how they would be pleading with her mind for this one liberty. But both lips and mind in concert, both knowing that this one innocent liberty would lead to a rebelliion that would leave the entire empire of her body in flaming ruins, an desperate for more...destruction.

The way her cheeks flooded, as she jerked her head away, with crimson set my temples throbbing with thirst, nearly as powerful as the rising tide of so long forgotten hunger pulsing between my thighs. I floatd behind her, out the rear door and into the small overgrown courtyard and past the babling fountain of the garden. The way her hips swayed in her rush to the small door to her secreted rooms, was so appealing. Strange, how many years, decads had it been since I pursued such a wonderful feast out of personal lust rather than out of the hunt? I had no idea, my mind was lost in the mesmerization of how the thin linens of her skirt clung tightly to her still river dampened curves.

The heavy beat of a long dead heart pounded like a galleys cadance for ramming with in my chest. Tryign to convince me to take the lunge that would place her sprawled on the stepstones of the garden, her skirt offerign no protection, no armor to slow my spear from plundering her soul. I could see it happening, I wanted it to happen, my lost hunger refound and demanding; so why in Isis' name was it not happening? Why was I not rending her robes and skirts with my claws? Why was I not already enjoying the hot warmth of living female splendors with my comanding maleness? Why...?


She reached the small door and drew it open, she stepped acros the threshold delicately, not sure if she dared turn around. I could hear her blood racing through her veins, with the fear, not of me, but of her own body's rising desire. Her scent was heavy with lust, pushing the smell of her blood from the air. I stopped so very close behind her. I could feel the curves and furrow of her ass against my thigh's lightest touch. Brushing her hair away from the side of her face, "Can you show me around these quarters? I would so very much desire to see these rooms to see if they will be suitable for my misteress," I asked trying desperately to hide my true intentions from my voice, yet even more pleased that I could not as I looked into the corner of her eye intently with both of my timeless, dark pools.

 

[caspai]

Aurelia Antonia

The glow from the kill the previous night had worn off. She was not hungry, but she was bored, and when she got bored, she got petulant. Flicking at the fine cotton cloth that conservatively covered her body, she wandered about the room of the pathetic excuse for a dwelling. Through the open door, she could hear a fountain tinkling, the happy noise of the moving water doing nothing to improve her mood. Weak sunlight fought through the gloom of yet another grey day in this miserable land. Picking up an intricately carved, delicate wooden figure, she flung it across the room, smiling in satisfaction as she heard the wood snap upon impact. Almost instantly, though, she frowned again. This, quite simply, was no way for a living goddess to be forced to exist.

This day was the day Nebankh had arranged for the prospective bodyguard to come to the house to meet with her. It had been necessary to arrange for such a thing, as a woman and her household alone could not travel without the obvious presence of a man to protect them. She thought this rediculous, and had told Nebankh as much. The very thought of protecting herself sent a thrill through her bones, the idea of all of that killing putting a dreamy look into her eyes, a lassitude filling her. Nebankh had insisted, however, and she could see the logic, really, of not drawing unnecessary attention to herself. Feeling as if she were bestowing a favor upon him, she had agreed to allow Nebankh to arrange for the bodyguard to come to meet with her. She had warned him to choose carefully, though, as a careless choice would not only anger her, but would lead to an unnecessary death. Nebankh hated it when she killed for no purpose beyond the mere act itself. He preferred to only kill when it was necessary to feed. It was an eccentricity within him that amused her, and there were so few things that were able to amuse her.

The man, though, was late, and that was something she could never tolerate. Even when she had lived a mortal life, promptness had been vital to the well being of those who had served her. For the past ages of her existance, promptness had been necessary for the continued life of those around her. With a snort, though, she remembered the promise that she had made to Nebankh. She had to give the man a fair chance, and then she could kill him if she felt it necessary. As Nebankh had been the only constant in her life for so long, she occasionally felt it necessary to acquiesce to his demands, no matter how odd they seemed to her. She would not kill him immediately upon his arrival. And anyway, two bodies appearing in such a close space of time really was too much danger to deal with in this crowded city, no matter how poor excuse it was.

Detecting the movement of a new body before it approached the door to the dwelling, Cleopatra could feel the energy of a very masculine man approaching. Ooooo.....perhaps Nebankh had provided her with a toy. It might perhaps turn her feelings a little more kindly toward him if he had. While she gained the most exquisite release from the kill, she had not lost her sexual appatites upon her mortal death. If anything, they had seemed to grow in strength. She listened as the servants allowed entrance to the man she was to meet, hearing their hushed instructions to him as to how he should approach her. Nebankh had always had such a talent in training servants appropriately. It was a talent it had never been necessary for her to develop. Turning her back to the door as he approached, she prepared herself for the first impression. She had long ago learned that first impressions could set the tone of any relationship, and had long known the power of seduction, and of slow revelations. As the door opened, and she felt the man's eyes resting on her back, she slowly began to turn, her chin held high, and her eyes meeting his directly. The sight that met her was of a man of not immense stature, but well built, and quite pleasing to the eye. Ah, Nebankh had provided a toy, she would have to thank him properly when she again saw him. Perhaps she would allow this one to live, if he pleased her as much as she thought he would. Walking forward, she smiled.

Welcome to my home. I am Aurelia Antonia, and I believe I may be in need of the.....services.....you could provide for me.

 

[Honey_B]

Yvaine

The close contact sparked an intense longing within Yvaine. It brought back the memory of the fevered fantasy she had indulged in while in the river. She could imagine his hands traveling where hers had been, she could imagine going further than she even her dream would allow. Yvaine had to grip the door's frame to keep her body from betraying her, to keep from swaying back against him and throwing herself into his embrace.

The words between them ceased to hold their intended meaning. Yvaine knew on some instinctual level that man was not merely interested in securing lodging. Not anymore at any rate. She could not pinpoint when this had occurred. Perhaps the first time their eyes had met. Yvaine realized she could think of no way to deal with the growing tension, so she chose to ignore it for the time being, slipping into the role of the hospitable innkepper.

As she entered into her quarters, she pointed out the amenities, her bare feet treading softly over the mosaic floors. Yvaine couldn't bring herself to look at him throughout the tour, but eventually she ran out of things to say. He just stood there, at the center of the spacious front room, becoming its focal point. His stillness was absolute, except for his eyes which seemed to follow her every movement. Yvaine cursed her ridiculous behavior. She was acting like a scared mouse, frightened of her own shadow. She leveled her gaze to meet his dark eyes, the fire of her will shining in her own. She was an independent woman in an unforgiving land and Yvaine did not run away from confrontation, not even if it was with her own demons.

"Who are you and why do you look at me that way, stranger? I swear that you can ensnare me with your eyes. I have heard tell of a snake that lives in the deserts far to the East. It's stare alone entrances its prey. I fear you have the same power."

 

[SilverBullet]

Creyton

Creyton had never felt an air as thick as this. What is this new sensation crawling all over his body? Whatever it was, he did not like it.

As their eyes met something sturck him that he had never felt before. He had never seen a woman so small and yet so beautiful; except for her eyes. There was something about her eyes that wasn't quite human. He couldn't explain what it was or this feeling. It was as in a dream when you wanted to run but could not. How could he be afraid? This was a woman much smaller than himself.

He was sure that only a few seconds had passed, but the time seemed to linger on for eternity. Finally, he was able to move his eyes from hers and speak.

"Hello.. my name is Creyton. I was told that you are in need of my services."

 

[caspai]

Aurelia Antonia

She could smell the discomfort seeming to exude from his pores. Forcing herself to go more slowly than she wished, she kept her distance from him. Walking around so that she could view him from behind as well as from the front, she was pleased with what she saw.

What I would need of you is simple. To keep my self safe from unwanted attacks and ravishments. A woman cannot travel alone along the roads of the great Roman Empire without risking more than she is willing. There was a day when anyone could travel unmolested from one end of the empire to the other, but that day is long gone. That is why I need you, to protect me.

Try as she might, she could not keep the irony from her voice at this last bit. Realizing that she was possibly revealing too much, she hurried on.

I have a man within my household who usually performs the necessary protections, but circumstances made it necessary for him to travel ahead. It was he who contacted you and set up this meeting. He left two days ago for Aquis Sulis, which is where we will be traveling to. Our progress does not have to be rushed, should we find something along the way to amuse ourselves.

Looking slowly into his eyes, she could read the almost unwilling interest flare within their depths. Stepping back, she tipped her head slightly to the side, and looked at him inquiringly.

So, are you willing to help me in my time of need?

 

[SilverBullet]

He stood completely still and she walked slowly around him. While he felt very discomforted as she looked at his entire being, there was strong sexual sensation about her; something that he liked.

This woman did not feel the need for a bodyguard at all. He could tell that in her voice. He was sure that she felt she could take care of herself in any situation. He knew that she could. Why was he hired to do this if she didn't want a companion at all?

"Yes. I have never backed out from a job before. I have been hired as your bodyguard for this trip. I will do anything that you ask."

 

[caspai]

Aurelia Antonia

"I will do anything that you ask."

She knew that he had said things previous to that, but all other words were blocked from her memory upon hearing those words. Having a person pledge themselves to her was the most intoxicating experience she had ever found. It had been that way since she was a small child. The intoxication of complete and total control over the actions of another person.....she almost began purring at the thought of what she could ask of him. The heat of arousal began to rise within her, but she pushed it down with great difficulty. The overwhelming desire to leave this horrid city was stronger even than her desire for this man, which seemed to be growing stronger the longer she was near him.

Turning, she forced herself to walk across the room and look out the window. When she had again regained control over herself, she turned to face Creyton. Smiling softly, she spoke carefully.

I will give you the rest of the day and tonight to make whatever preparations you feel are necessary. I and my household will be prepared to leave as the sun rises tomorrow morning. I will expect you to be here then, and to be prompt.

The last word was said a bit sharply, and the gaze she leveled at him was filled with warning. Attractions were amusing, but control must be maintained at all time. Thinking again of the things she would have him do, she smiled softly to herself.

You may go now, but remember, sunrise.

 

[SilverBullet]

Creyton

Creyton nodded and walked out the door. He had never met anyone like this before, nor did he ever expect to again. The energy surrounding her was so strong that he could feel her even now. It was the energy that made him cringe but made him want more.

He was sure that this wasn't going to be just a journey to a new town as had thought before. What this was, he did not know.

Creyton made his way into town to pick up all the normal supplies needed for a long trip. He also visited the weapon shop. He had never needed extra weapons before, but something inside told him they might be necessary.

After a day a shopping, he stopped at the tavern to have a few drinks and get a room. He was going to be on time in the morning. He was not going to be late.

 

[caspai]

Cleopatra

The long, dark night had descended. The servants had long since finished the preparations for their trip and had retired to their beds. If she concentrated, she could detect each heartbeat, right down to which of the servants were not sleeping alone, and which of the the serving girls was pregnant. Roaming about in complete darkness, she pondered her existance. This was her most favorite time of the day, when everyone else was gone, when she was completely alone in her element. Were Nebankh here, he, even, would have left her to her solitude.

Sleep had long since ceased to be a necessity for her. In the very beginning, when she still clung to the memory of her mortality, she had struggled with that, attempting to force her body to accept the sleep that it no longer felt the need for. After a short time, she had recognized and accepted the new realities of her existance, and had come to love the night, seeing it as a representation of her superiority. The weak mortal soul had need of sleep, needed to lose itself in oblivion. She did not share that weakness. Were she to go too great a time between feedings, she would begin to feel a certain amount of fatigue, but since she rarely let too great a time go between killings, that fatigue was a very rare occurance.

The sensual aspects of mortality, the sensory delights, had only increased in intensity when she had abandoned her mortal illusion. She reveled in the feel of silk, in the flash of gold, the glimmer of precious jewels. She had been known to occasionally wallow in an orgy of fine foods and wines, and had never had to resort to the vile practice of vomiting to maintain her figure. She looked exactly as she had when she had died. She neither gained nor lost weight, and her skin seemed to take on a sheen that it had not previously held. All things considered, she was greatly pleased with everything she had gained when she ascended to her rightful place as a goddess walking upon the earth.

During life, her sexual appetite had easily matched, if not overshadowed that of the people around her, and that, too, had greatly increased through the ages. It had been that fact which had made her search out and create Nebankh as her companion. She had believed that by allowing him a piece of her immortality, she would have someone with her who could meet her needs when the mortals fell short and had to be destroyed for their inferiority. She had succeeded in a measure. While his stamina had not matched her own exactly, he was still able to fulfill her desires more fully than had any of the mortals she had allowed the honor. It was rare for a mortal, whether it be man or woman, to manage to truly rouse her in any way other than their death, but she occasionally found herself somewhat obsessed with a speciman of human life.

This was such an occasion. As she wandered through the rooms of the dwelling, her thoughts again and again turned to Creyton, and his offer. He would do anything at all for her. Anything at all. Such an offer was a rare treasure, and she wondered if he realized what she could do with that pledge, wondered if he had any grasp at all of the worlds of pleasures she could bring to him, were he willing to follow through with that pledge. Oh, she had absolutely no intention of making him immortal. She had Nebankh, she had no need for an entire cadre of immortal men. One had proven more than enough of a trial at times. Creyton, though, could turn out to be quite a delightful diversion. He had not recoiled from her as so many had before him, and that fact intrigued her, drew her to him, making her crave the feel of his mortal flesh more than she had any man in her memory since her dearest Nebankh.

Looking through the window, she realized that her musings had again eaten up the entire night. The sky was beginning to lighten, and to the East, the first slim fingers of the sunrise were beginning to tickle the darkness, making it draw reluctantly back from its firey touch. Frowning at the loss of her comforting darkness, she listened for the first stirrings of the servants, and was gratified to hear the rustle of movement throughout the dwelling. Soon they would be on their way. Nebankh had left two days previous, and as the travel took four days of steady travel, he had two more days before he would reach Aquis Sulis. She had every confidence in his ability to find a discrete resting place for her. He had never failed her before. Drawing on her enveloping cloak, adjusting the hood to completely conceal her face, she walked out into the garden to bid farewell to the night.

 

[SilverBullet]

The alcohol had not helped him rest through the night. Haunting visions had plagued him during the darkness. Visons of demons, blood, torture, and of course the woman. Everything was fuzzy. He couldn't remember anything specific about his nightmares, but yet he knew everything they were about.

As his eye's jumped open, a sharp pain was pulsating in his neck.

Something had bitten me in my dreams.

What or who, he did not know. He did not want to know.

Looking out the window, he could tell that the sun was about to show a little of itself. The sky was beginning to turn red.
Quickly, he grabbed the supplies he had laid out for his journey. Looking back once before closing the door, he took in all of the little room that he had made home many times before. This was all that he had to call home.

He would walk to her home. It wasn't far and he would make it before the sun took over the sky. That was the most important goal for the moment. He squeezed his knife firmly to insure that it was still by his side.

As he marched closer to her residence, he could feel her energy once again, getting stronger the closer he got. The energy wasn't as strong as he felt the day before, but yet he knew it was there. Had he became more immune to the feeling? Was this why he wasn't so unconfortable as he had been before?

Finally, he could see her standing in the garden. A chill swept over him as he looked at her for the first time today. Slowly, he walked up to her. She was as beautiful as before, but still had the same look to her eyes. A look he still could not explain.

"Have I arrived early enough?"

 

[caspai]

Aurelia Antonius

His approach had held only the slightest hint of hesitation, and that could be explained easily enough through nerves at the thought of displeasing a new employer.

She turned at the sound of his voice, and felt his eyes drawn to hers. After his eyes locked with hers, she drew the hood further down, casting a shadow over the top half of her face.

I find your promptness pleasing. We shall be traveling quickly. I hate journeys, and wish this one to be over as quickly as possible. My requirements are simple. If we are attacked, you will protect myself and my household. The servants are not without weapons to protect themselves, so you will not be called on to do this alone, but your presence as a visible deterrant is a necessary....evil.

Her voice seemed to caress this last word as it rolled off of her tongue. It was almost as if she were enjoying the very taste of the word. Seeing a slightly stricken look on Creyton's face, she continued on quickly.

We will be traveling by ox-drawn cart, one for my belongings and one for my people. My conveyance is somewhat more comfortable, and if you would care to, you are welcome to share it with me. I don't care for this journey to take any longer than four days, but at the same time, my servants should not be expected to travel at night. They are a simple people, and somewhat subject to superstitions. As there is no way to counter this within their limited experiences and education, I find it a necessary delay that we will only be able to travel during the day.

At this point, she hands him a small silken bag containing several coins. As her hand touched his, she felt a shivver run through him, and an awareness flash through his eyes.

I remind you now of the words you spoke yesterday. You have never backed out on a job before, and you will do anything that I ask of you. I consider this to be a solemn oath upon your soul.

With a smile, she turns from Creyton and walks to where her belongings and her servants have gathered, and settles herself on the velvet cushions that have been placed in the smaller of the three carts.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Nebankh

She fluttered about the not quite Cleopatra, eternal queen without a kingdom, living quarters expaining all its inadequacies fully like a frightened bird. I ignored her every trembling word, concentrating all of my observations upon the skittish movements of her young form. Her thoughts were barely upon what she was selling. Her thoguhts drowning out all sound, thoughts that she was not prepared to be sharing with herself. Thoughts of passion, this intimidated her nearly as much as my pescence in her rooms.

Finally, she stuttered her pitch to a hlat and confronted me with talk of serpents she could not posibly even comprehend with her limited life experience. Standing there as her voice fell silent in expectation of my answer. Slowly, I let the small light of the room fade around me, holding her eyes fixed with my own. Making myself the only thing she could see, all she could focus upon. Her lips parted slightly as if to speak, but I stepped forward quickly, before she could realise I had moved at all.

Catching her chin with my thumb, I covered her lips with my forefigner to keep her silent and keep her eyes locked upon my own. Slowly, I turned ehr head to follow the movements of my own as I pushed past her in the doorframe that led to the sleeping quarters. Locking her mind with my own through the undefended gates of her eyes, I stepped through the doorway, knowing I would not have to apply any more physical pressure upon her chin, the accelerating pulse on my thumb was proclaiming my victory, unheard by all, save myself.

Staring into her eyes, I smiled softly and commanded her soul without a word, "Come, show me the bed, lead the way, apropriately..," I spoke directly to her mind, without the need for mortal words. She was far beyond the pale sounds that mortals make. She knew of what I was asking, and I knew she could not refuse, she was beyond help, a fledgling fly in the web of a divine spider. I cocked an eyebrow expectantly as my smile broadened, curling around my throbbing inscisor just covering its entire length with my lower lip.

 

[SilverBullet]

Creyton

As their hands met something shot all the way through his veins. From his hand to his head an unexplainable jolt shook his every bone. He wanted to touch her again.

He had a great sense of pride when she said that she was pleased at his promptness. For some unknown reason, he wanted to please her in any way that he could. He was going to please her in any way that she wanted.

"I will travel with you. You are the one that I have been hired to protect so I will stay as close as possible. I will protect your servants and possessions as well, but you are the priority. No, I have never quit or refused to take any job, and yes, I will do anything that you ask of me."

He didn't know how far she would take these words, but he didn't care. He knew that if he should quit any job, this was the one, but pride and lust carried him on. He followed his seducer into her private cart.

 

[caspai]

Aurelia Antonius

The journey progressed, and all went quietly. She found that having this toy that Nebankh had provided for her helped the time to pass quickly, as she did not have the overwhelming boredom of travel to focus solely on. As the journey began, she made her initial approaches slowly, merely catching his eyes with hers, and letting him drown in the depths of hers. She knew that he feared her more than he desired her, but as it was with most men, the desire was more difficult to dismiss than the fear. She chose not to toy with his mind, enjoying for once the novelty of his reactions, completely his own, rather than the reactions she directed him with her mind to take.

When the sun was high in the sky, she had the servants stop the carts, and had poles attached to the corners of the carts carrying people, her servants as well as herself, and had thick cotton cloth draped upon the poles. This provided shade for them during the heat of the day, but it also provided a greater deal of privacy. She had no need of this for herself, but thought it best to not rile the servants too much. Nebankh was not here to try to explain away her eccentricities. There was Creyton to think of as well, and it appealed to her right at this moment to be magnanimous, and to concede to the human need for a certain amount of discression.

The servants took the opportunity of the stop to break their fast, as did Creyton. She allowed him to choose certain morsels to present to her, feeding her with his own hand. As this was not the food necessary for her survival, she ate of it only sparingly. They were soon upon their journey once more, and within the draped cart, she became somewhat more aggressive with Creyton, running a finger along his cheek occasionally, allowing him to make his inital approaches, and carefully encouraging them. Soon he gathered his bravery, and reached out to stroke her breast. With that motion, she aided him, shifting so that her clothing soon revealed the objects of his desire. Sliding her hand behind his head, she guided him to her breast, sighing contentedly as he began to suckle and fondle them.

As she leaned back upon the pillows behind her, she pulled him atop her, and could feel the erection behind his clothing. Pulling him up so that his lips met hers, she nuzzled his neck with her lips, finding the pulse just under his ear. The allure of that pulse was almost too much for her, and her breathing became harsh. Forcing herself to control the compulsion she felt to feed right then, right there, she instead flipped so that he was lying under her. Kneeling with one knee on each side of his torso, she slowly pushed her clothing aside, revealing her body to him, watching the look of appreciation and wonder that appeared upon his face. When she had accomplished this for herself, she did the same with him, slowly, piece by piece, revealing his body to her eyes, a body pulsing with life, filled with blood and lust and longing. She began to feel his longing filling her with one of her own, and she fell upon him, covering his body with hers, feeling his warm skin caressing her somewhat cold flesh, artificially warming her.

He took the initiative at that moment, rolling over so that he was again on top of her. Reaching down between her legs, he found her pulsing center, now hot with a passion she had not thought possible, had felt with only Nebankh for so very long. The sensations were so very delicious that she closed her eyes and moaned deep in her throat, arching her back so that his hands could more fully explore the mysteries of her flesh. When he removed his hand, her eyes flashed open, but his hand was quickly replaced with a much more satisfying piece of his anatomy, and she smiled deeply, wrapping her legs about him and holding him so very tightly to her. They matched their movements to each other, beginning the timeless dance of lust and passion, both lost in their own worlds, and yet sharing brief glimpses of the ecstasy with one another. As the passion mounted, his lips covered hers, his tongue beginning to plunder her mouth. Two such similar motions going on in different places on her body was too much for her, and she tore her mouth from his, screaming as her muscles began to clench in orgasm. The moment seemed endless to her, lost in the swirling emotions that still accompanied such a climax, even after all the centuries she had existed. When she came to her senses again, she found him sprawled across her body, both of them drenched in sweat, and in the sweet secretions of lust. Pushing fingers through his hair, she shifted so that she was lying more comfortably, with him still asleep at her side, and watched as the day wore on. By the time his eyes began to flutter, she was again dressed, having cleaned herself up with a flask of water and a soft cloth, and the sky was beginning to turn purple as the night began to draw near. Silently, she handed him water and a fresh cloth, and watched calmly as he cleaned and clothed himself.

 

[SilverBullet]

Creyton

While he knew this was something he could never have, he wanted her. Not for the moment, but forever. The fear and lust he had felt before was even stronger now. Thinking of such things was ridiculous after having only known her for a day, but the thoughts were there. How could he be with someone that he was afraid of? He had never been afraid of anyone before, especially a woman. Yet, he knew that it was the fear, combined with his desire, that made him want Cleopatra.

Their passion was like an illusion, something he had never experienced before. He would never experience it again, once their journey was done. After just a taste of her, he would never be satisfied with anyone else.

He had not meant to fall asleep, but could not resist it. The time he had just spent with her seemed to use all of his energy. He felt ashamed when he awoke. He had not been hired to sleep, but to protect.

"I am sorry. I did not realize my body was so tired. It won't happen again."

Creyton didn't know how to speak to this woman. He knew she wasn't one for meaningless conversation. He sat silent, trying to resist the urge to look at her beauty. He wanted to speak so that he would have an excuse to look at her. Turning his head, he noticed the sky changing colors once again.

"Are we going to stop and set up camp? From what I remember, you said we weren't going to travel at night."

 

[caspai]

Aurelia Antonius

Placing her hand on his cheek, she smiled softly.

Sleep is necessary for the mortal soul. I was not offended, I expected it.

Looking to the darkening sky, the calm that always came to her at this time filling her, relaxing her, she felt the tension of the sun filled day draining from her. As the darkness fell, she lowered the hood of her cloak, allowing the cloak to slip off her shoulders, catching it in her hands as it slid down her back.

Yes, we will be stopping for the night.

With that, she signalled the man driving the cart, and he began to search for an apporpriate camping site for their group. When one had been found, the three carts stopped, forming an arch around them to shield them from the road. The servants moved swiftly and efficiently to set up the camp, erecting a small tent for their mistress, and soon the smells of cooking filled the night air.

The night is when I feel the most at peace. The darkness is so soothing, and gentle. It covers the earth in an embrace. It conceals and teases rather than revealing all to the naked eye.

Turning her dark eyes to Creyton, she searched his face

You could have not taken this job. It is a very short one, and the pay is not so great. Was there some reason for you to wish to leave?

 

[SilverBullet]

Creyton

Another wave of energy shot through his body as she touched his face.

Mortal soul? What was she talking about? Does she not sleep?

"I haven't worked in awhile, so I needed any type of pay that I could get. Yes there is a reason why I haven't searched for a job. I didn't even look for this one, someone contacted me."

Creyton looked away. He knew she could read his face like a book. He had only failed in his chosed profession once. He would never forgive himself.

"Would you prefer that I stand guard outside of your tent? I will be able to keep an eye on the surrounding better as well. It is not customary for me to stay with the one that I have been hired to protect."

He wanted to stay with her. He was feeling a mix of emotions inside but he tried to keep them hidden.

 

[caspai]

She could smell his fear as easily as she coujld smell his blood, and it quickened her. Fear was an acquired taste, and she exulted in it. He was such a fun toy, though, and she did have three more days to survive without Nebankh. If she frightened him too much, he would withdraw from her, and she was not ready for that to happen. Moving a little away from him to allow him a certain amount of comfort, she smiled at him slowly.

I became accustomed to having someone sleep next to my door from the time I was a child. Your presence there tonioght will be a comfort. Thank you.

Turning to walk into the now-furnished tent, she stopped along the way to accept a plate of fruit from one of her servants, and then continued on into the tent, closing the flap which made up the door behind her. While she would not sleep that night, she would have many thoughts to occupy her. She had to take care not to frighten her new toy.

 

[SilverBullet]

Creyton

Creyton cleaned off a spot to sit outside of the door of her tent. Although he had wished that she had invited him in with her, she did not ask him. Perhaps it was better that way. He was her hired bodyguard. He wasn't hired to do anything else. He would sit, think, and watch the surroundings. There was so many things that his mind needed to review.

The servants seemed to be having a great time. They were having a feast around a campfire. Someone was singing and a few were even dancing around.

She must take good care of them. She must take care of the people that she likes. I'm not sure what she would do to someone she hated. I can only imagine.

His thoughts took him back to their time in her cart. He had never imagined that someone could make his body feel that good.
He thought that she enjoyed it as well.

After a few hours had passed, he opened the flap on the tent to check on her.