What's Hidden Beneath..

[poohlive]

Drake didn't get up until way after the sun had risen. He looked down at himself, still in his evening clothes. An empty brandy glass was still clutched to his hand, most of the contents had been spilled on him, sometime during the night.
He was leaning up against a small end table, and the wall. Glancing around, he could tell he wasn't in his own bedrooms, but one of the others ones. Probably one across the hall. It wasn't as big, but quite ellaborate. The tapestry depicted a young woman in a flower dress, taking a walk in the garden.
He crawled over to it, the glass still in his hand.
"I did it for you, she'll know soon enough."
The tapestry moved slightly, as if a breeze had rustled it.
"Yes, yes, I know. Don't worry, she'll be ours soon enough. I have already gotten to her."
He kissed the woman's feet, and then got up. It was a big day today, and he had so much to do.
So much to do.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I didn't know what time I fell asleep, but I jerked awake instantly the second I heard a single noise. Muffled as it was I still heard it. Someone was walking in the hallway.
Sitting up, I hurried and grabbed my clothes and went into my bathroom.
Showering and changing in record time, I trotted down the stairs and into the library once again. Here I was back at square one, ready to work. I shivered again, "Dont think about it Christy.." I was talking to myself, but it was helping.
Opening up my box of supplies I carefully pulled out everything I needed to work with today. Walking to the nearest shelf, I went one by one through the books until I had five pulled out. Walking back tot he desk I put them down careful not to make any loud noises. Hopefully the lush was asleep and would remain so until well after dinner time.
My lips pursed tightly with anger at his behavior I pulled open the first book. It had an inscription on the first page. Turning my head a little I read it aloud, "with all my love, Nina." A woman's hand writing, obviously from the name, but who was it too? Shrugging I moved through the book to the broken binding and pulled out the string and rubber cement. This would repair this one quick and easy. I glanced up as the butler came in with a tray.
"Your breakfast Madam..."
"thank you.." It was all I said and I paid him no more mind. He had fooled me into thinking his master was sane. Hmph!

 

[poohlive]

The candles had already been lit. There was no light peering through the windows. Inside the dark damp basement, their hot air seemed to burn inside Drake's lungs. He tried to make his breaths as shallow as possible.
"To the one," he drank deeply. Fermented wine, religious, stolen from a church a few miles away. The sacred wine taken from it's sacred place helped to ensure the spirits dwelling. It would come out now, and be stronger than ever.
Setting the cup down, he took one of the candles, and put his forearm over the flame. It flickered a few times, as his breath went in and out. The air no longer stung him, he was far more intrigued with the incantation now.
Black smoke trailed around his arm, as if it were his lover, and it was carressing him. He closed his eyes, feeling the warm whisps of a hand trail under his arm.
The flame burned into his flesh. He bit down, trying not to cry out. His hand wavered, but it stood under the flame. With his eyes clenched shut, his lover was still carressing him, helping him through this troubled time.
"To the one."
Finally, he pulled his arm away. A huge black blistered welt was under his forearm, he winced at the very sight of it. That would have to be taken care of, and soon too.
Finally, he brought out the talisman. A small black cross, upside down. With the leather strap around it, he slowly put it around his neck. Something heavy came over him, and he fell down ot the floor.
The candle's smoke turned from a small black whisp, to a huge cloudy mist. It was coming right for him. He tried to scream, but couldn't.
"To the one," he whispered, as it came over him. For a moment he could feel himself fighting, but in an instant it was over.
He stood up, looking over himself. At once, he could feel it inside him. It was helping him, feeling him out.
He was still himself, but now there was someone with him, helping him. He glanced back at the door, leading back up to the first floor.
"No, we must get her," the voice seemed to come from his mouth, but it wasn't his voice. As if in a trance, he simply nodded. She didn't like him, that he knew.
But with this helping him, perhaps he had a chance now.
The legacy would be fulfilled. All he needed was her love. Or, at the very least, her willing flesh.
With a cruel smile over his lips, he climbed the stairs.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

The air seemed to cool inside the library, goose flesh rose up my arms and down my back. Shivering slightly, I glanced around feeling momentarily I was being watched.
Shaking it off, i went back to working a few more minutes until I caught sight of the clock. I needed a break, I was weary from lack of sleep and edgy all day. It wouldn't hurt to take a few minutes to myself.
Standing up, I stretched and yawned widely. Smiling I scratched my stomach and walked towards the door. Turning I ran back tot he desk and put the lid on my glue couldn't have it drying out on me.
Turning back once again, i walked to the door and opened it up. Jumping back I let out a little cry of surprise.
"Holly!....Sh.." My eyes fell on Drake, he was back but looked kind of strange.
"Good morning Sir.. Did you need something?" I asked timidly, hoping the answer was no and he would go away and leave me be.

 

[poohlive]

"Sir?" There was a cool smile around his face. He glanced at her figure, as if for the first time. Small, and petite, but nothing short of a very attractive woman.
"My name is Drake, Christy. Please, call me that," he held onto the door beside him, slightly leaning into it.
"No, actually, I don't need anything. I just realized I have been actig pretty strangely the passed few days. I want to apologize, it's just been a while since I've had any real company. I must have let my manners run wild."
He said this with a hearty laugh just behind his voice, as if it were a simple thing of the past. Which, at this time, it were. All of his nervousness was gone, and Drake felt like he was running on auto pilot. He looked into her eyes, for the first time he looked into them. Not piercing them, but simply admiring the color as they sparkled in the morning sun.
"Please, I'm going for a little horse ride around the property. Would you like to join me? I won't keep you long, just an hour or so..."
He glanced around her, looking at the library, "And at the look of things, I believe you have earned a break."
He held out his hand, his smile warm and friendly.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Alright now he was completely opposit as before, but why?
"Yes Sir.. umm Drake." I smiled shyly up at him. He was acting so normal now? Perhaps it was the drink that altered him some what into that weird guy?
"It sounds wonderful, I would love to." I smiled brightly at his suggestion, still a little nervous though.
"Thank you.." I moved out into the hallway, his eyes still holding my own. I almost tripped over something and caught myself.
Blushing I averted my gaze and cleared my throat.
"When would you like to go? I should change shouldn't I?" I had worn a soft silk blouse and a silk skirt that reached my ankles, I didnt think it was the right thing to wear on a horse though?

 

[poohlive]

He held onto her arm, as she tripped, helping her get her footing once more.
"Oh, of course. Some pants would be helpful, maybe even a button down shirt. Speaking of clothing, I am having a tailor come later on today. She is an old friend of mine, and I asked her here for a couple of things for you. Riding clothes and whatnot. I'd give you some of my own, but I doubt you'd fit in them."
He paused att he stairs, laughing slightly at his joke. He held onto her back, in a soft and gentle way, helping her up the stairs.
"I'll be waiting for you out in the stables Christy."
He watched her up the stairs.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Everything was fine until he touched me, then like I had been burned I moved away. A weird current passed between us and I didn't think it was remotely sexual or nice in anyway. It frightened me some what, for no reason what so ever. My imagination was playing in over time again. I shook my head and turned back to thank him once more.
"Thank you Drake, that is very kind of you." Was it? hell I didn't know. I should be offended he didn't like my hair or clothes. But what did it matter? My job would be done sometime soon and I could go home. Home of cheese burgers and fries and no one bothering you with their eccentric behaviors.
I made it to my room and changed into 501's and a tshirt. Slipping on my hiking boots I put my hair into a pony tail and wrapped it around to make a bun. Securing it in place with some pins I trotted back to the stairs and down them.
He gave me a strange look and I halted in my tracks and began to walk instead of jog.
"Sorry, I didnt want to keep you waiting all day.. This place is huge and often I feel lost just going to my room.." It was the truth, one wrong turn and who knew where I would end up. This -place need a 'you are here' map.
My eyes met his again and he held my gaze once more. Odd, but he wouldn't do that before? Or was it me who wouldn't meet his gaze? sighing I smiled as best I could, and hoped for the best. It was broad day light and I would be safe out there with him.. I hoped. A flash back of the night before came back to my mind and i did my best to keep my smile in place.
"An hour of riding with do me some good.. Shall we?"

 

[poohlive]

"Of course," he started off on a brisk walk for both of them. Something that even a beginner would be easy with, although, from the way she easily got on that horse, he didn't doubt that she was a bit of an expert when it came to horses.
A part of him came bubbling up, and old part. He wanted to ask her about her dream again, and if he was there. But something struck that down. It was a huge blow, and he felt winded for a second.
"I know what you mean. I've lived here all my life, and I still don't know where I am half the time. The trick is, if you get lost, just yell really loud. Harris will come and help you. He's lived here about as long as I have, and know's the place in and out."
He led her off into one of the horse trails running through the small forest. It met up with the lake a little bit later.
"So, how are things so far? I trust you're finding everything to your liking?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I mounted smoothly and took the reins held by one of the stable hands.
"Thank you." turning I watched as Drake mounted his horse and turned to lead the way.
"This place is beautiful and yes I like it here and everything so far has been easy to find.. And your butler.. Harris is his name? Anyways he will get anything I need and bring it to me if I can't find it. So it's rather nice working here.." I smiled then fell silent again. These horses were beautiful, the land the castle everything in and around it. So why the nightmares?
I shivered a little and glanced around the wooded area closely. My mind working over the events of my dream and how I got out here in the first place when I had just barely arrived, why did I feel I knew this place?
Shaking my head, I knew I had to stop thinking, it was getting the better of me.
"So umm.. Where do these trails lead??"

 

[poohlive]

"Everywhere. A few lead to a road that go back to town. One of them leads to a spring, where the water is delicious. It's better than anything bottled, I assure you."
He smiled, as the trees gave way to the lake, which looked dazzling as the sun sparkled on it's surface.
"This one, however," he moved a but further down the way, to his old spot. Here, apart from a small dock where a little boat was held, there was a nice round white tabled that was filled with lunch.
"This one leads wherever you want it too."
He got off his horse, patting the old mare carefully, and watching as she went down to the lake's surface to get a drink.
"You mind joining me? There's way too much for just one person."
He held out his hand for her to take.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Her heart did a little jolt in her chest when he smiled at her. Feeling very awkward and strange at his easy going smile and gentle nature all of the sudden. It was like night and day, Jekyl and Hyde.. etc.
He came towards me holding out his hand, asking me to join him in this beautiful place to eat lunch? How could I say no? The smile alone and the gentlemanly way he presented it, it would be rude to say "no you scare me.." He wasn't so scary now, infact he was quite charming.
I had to stop being soooo stupid and just go with it and enjoy myself for one day.
"Yes, I would love to." Smiling, I held out my hand and slid from the saddle. His hands came out and gripped my waist to help me down, and as quickly as he was there he was stepping back again, or was it me who moved? Blushing I glanced down at the table and moved forward.
"This is a beautiful place, and peaceful.. Do you come here often?"

 

[poohlive]

"Every day," he said, pulling her chair out and helping her sit. Her horse had followed suit and joined his own down by the lake.
"I usually have breakfast here, but..." he rolled his sleeves down, to cover the black scar that was now forming. Good thing he was still behind her, her sweet aroma coming up to his nostrils.
"But... today I started things a little bit late. Once in a while I'll sleep in. Getting up with the sun can get very boring after a while."
He took a few pieces of canatloupe cubes, and took a bite out of one. Ripe and delicious.
"Yes, things are going splendidly," he said this to himself more than to her. He looked out on the lake, lost in his own little world for a moment, but he came back, glancing over at her.
"Well, I hate to do this, but we need to talk business for just a second. My library, how long do you think you'll be, and do you have any ideas? I know I like it the way it is, but I'm always open to new opinions..." he cocked his head slightly, looking at her again, "Especially from you."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

"Well Drake.. I had been told I had three month's time to repair everything in the library, but much of it isnt as worn as you thought.. Or whoever hired me thought. Actually within the next four weeks I can have it done and be out of your hair completely." I smiled, thinking that was what he wanted to know. When could he get his privacy back and me out of his home.
"The only Opinion I truely have is to shade those large windows to keep the yellowing down and to repair the room it's self for damp air leaks from the walls. The books themselves are in very good condition. Very few have needed to be rebound, mostly just pages fixed back into the bindings.
The yellowing can't really be changed. If you attempted to clean the pages even with steam it would smear most of the words. Best to just let that go as nature intended it. There is a very old book in there i seen up top but did not dare try and pick up. Worn greatly and I amnot sure the title, but a glass case would be best for that one if it is of value to you?"

 

[poohlive]

"All those books have great value to me. It was a collection that my great grandfather started over a hundred and fifty years ago. I have tried to get most of the rare and collectable books. Mostly something that would be good for conversation and such."
He smiled, knowing the book she meant. Not the old Drake, but the new entity that was now charming her. It knew of the book, very very well.
"Listen, when you're in there, if you feel like you really want one of the books, go ahead. I have got plenty, and I think since my behavior has been so rude, I do owe you something."
He took a glass of wine, but stopped her before she could say no, "Please I insist. Most of those old books will simply stay in there, and continue to mold over. I'd like to see at least one go to some good use. Just take you pick."
He took a small sip, letting a drop hold onto his lips for just a second, before his tongue came over, taking the last dops into his mouth.
He nearly groaned at the flavor. With a sigh of satisfaction, he held the glass in his hand.
"Fantastic. Excellent year. You a big fan of wine?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

"I couldn't possibly.." he cut me off before I could say no to him. I felt my heart flutter wildly in my breast from excitement and gratitude. He did owe me, but all he had to do was appologize for him behavior, not give me one of his books. Some of those were valued more than I make in a year!
And to top it off he said any of them? I smiled and blushed once more, whispering quietly "Thank you."
I watched in facination as he sipped the wine and moaned. His tongue snaking out to lap up the run away drop before it escaped held me transfixed. Shaking myself out of it, whatever it was, I nodded again.
"Yes I do love wine.. Though I do not know much about it." I picked up a ripe fresh strawberry and bit into half of it, chewing slowly as his eyes watched me. I felt a little self conscious about sitting here with him, under such deliberate scrutiny. He was watching me carefully as if trying to see inside my mind, or find some flaw in me?
He poured me a small portion of wine and I thanked him once more. Lifting the glass I took a small sip and smiled.
"That is wonderful flavor, very sweet as well.." I didnt know much about wine but this one was wonderful. I had to be careful of how much I consumed, I was not a regular drinker and I knew it would go to my head real fast if I overly indulged in the drink.
"not too much please.. I can not drink very much.. Has a weird effect on my, and I do have to go back to work.." I smiled at him, getting more comfortable here with him.
Finishing my strawberry I picked up a piece of mellon with my fork and dipped it into the sweet sauce provided by my plate. This was peaceful and for a brief moment I wanted to stay here for the rest of the day. But work called and I had to get going on it before too long.

 

[poohlive]

"Oh, please. Work? You said so yourself things were going along splendidly. And I haven't had company for so long. Please, just spend the day with me. I haven't had a companion in so long."
His soft eyes pleaded with hers, "As your boss, I'm ordering you to relax and have some fun."
Drake gave a hearty smirk before topping off her glass. He poured the rest into his own glass, and took another sip. He purred at it's taste, fantastic.
"You much of a swimmer?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I tried to cover the top of my glass to keep him from filling it, but the look in his eyes were so friendly, I couldn't say no.
Sighing I moved my hand away and nodded, "alright just one day though. Ok?" I couldnt refuse my boss could I? He was being so sweet, but why!? I had a feeling he wanted something from me, I just wished I knew what that was?
Perhaps he was just making up for his treatment of me for last night?
"Sir.. Drake? You don't have to entertain me, really it's alright. A mistake was made and i was where I shouldn't have been.. But I am hired to do a job, I would hate to not get it finished.." He made some flourished waving movements and ignore me, instead asking me if I could swim?
"Y-Yes.. I can swim..b-but I didn't bring a swimming suit with me.." I picked up the wine and sipped it, just a little bit to appease him, I was nervous again. i could feel that choking sensation clawing up my windpipe, making it impossible for me to hold a conversation without going totally brain dead.
I was never good with people! Why was god cursing me with this?! And why couldn't Drake just let me go back to work??

 

[poohlive]

"Oh, swim suit. You americans, you need suits for everything."
He smiled, taking off his shirt, and walking down the dock.
"If you feel you must wear something, there should be some boxers in that small shed over there, you can change into those. I always have an extra pair of clothing out here, in case I..."
he leaned dangerously over the edge... twirling his arms, as if he were slipping...
"In case I fall... in!!!!"
The splash was big enough for water to jump onto the dock he was just standing on.
"Come on in, the water's glorious."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I flushed at his comments, as if I was chicken or something!?
Getting braver by the moment, I stood up and approached the edge of the lake.
Reaching up, I tugged off my shirt revealing my simple bra and bent down. Untying my shoes, i slipped them off and pushed my jeans over my hips. Leaving on my cotton bikini's and my bra I waded in until mid thigh.
teeth chattering I cried out, "t-t-this-s is-s cold!!" I stood there, arms holding my sides as I shivered, he was insane but fun I had to admit.
I didn't need a suit dang it! This covered the same thing as any old suit would.

 

[poohlive]

"Oh, it's not cold," he laughed, swimming up close to her.
"You just need a little coaxing, come here. In a couple of minutes, you won't want to get out."
He moved bahind her, letting his hands come across her shoulders. For a minute, the old Drake came up, and his body began to shake with nervousness. He didn't know what he was doing, he wasn't sure.
It was just a second though.
The bigger entity grabbed a hold, and relaxed everything. He began to massage her shoulders, with long deep loving ease. Drake was surprised to see he was doing it just like a pro.
"There, feeling better?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Chirsty

He came right up to me and moved behind me, I shivered again slightly as his warm hands encased my shoulders and started to rub tenderly.
I tensed a little, wondering his motives for such a movement, but he went no further or any place improper.
"Yes, thank you.." My teeth chattered again and I chuckled softly.
"It's still cold though.." I moved forward a little bit at his insistance, his body walking mine forward. I could feel him pressed behind me and this worried me he would get too friendly with me.
I did not want that, I was still scared of him. but not so scared I would let him do as he wished with me. I felt the cool water lapping at my stomach and inhaled sharply.
"How can you swim in this!? It's so c-cold.. Only way to get used to this is t-to be num-m-m-m-b" I giggled again, I sounded funny. was the wine effecting my mind already?
"I am alright S- Drake.." A subtle hint he could move away from me now.

 

[poohlive]

"You know, body heat is the best kind of warmth," he moved back in front of her, swimming just out of reach.
"The problem isn't that it's too cold, you just haven't dove in yet. Come on, just sink your head in, then everything else won't feel that cold."
He laughed, holding his nose as he sank into the water. The cool crisp lake touching him, carressing him. He stayed there for just a second, taking it all in.
When he came up, he moved the hair out of his face, and gave her a wonderful smile.
"It's perfect down there. Come on, give it a try."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I looked at the water and at him, not believing him for a moment it would feel better!
shrugging I figured I could give it a try and see if I survived this or not.
Taking several deep breaths to calm myself and prepare for ice land, I took one in, held it and sank under. Instantly I shot back up out of the water and gasped loudly.
"OH MY LORD!" I shivered again and laughed as I stood there water dripping down my nose and forehead.
Moving further into the water, I slowly stopped shivering. It was still cold, my hands felt numb as did the rest of my body.
"This.. is... definately.. not happening.. again!" I laughed and shivered some more.
I had ignored his comment about body heat, I didn't want to think about being touched up against him. Not because it was repulsive, no infact it wasn't repulsive at all. That was the problem! I seen his mood swings, I didn't want to be involved with him where he could use me as a punching bag. Seen too many movies about that on lifetime.
But his smile, those eyes and his nature today were so appealing, I wondered how he did a complete turn about? I moved in closer until I was up to my chest in the water and standing before him.
"Ok.. Have i swam long enough?" I pleaded and half teased like a whining child, wanting to keep the mood light now that my toes were frozen off.

 

[poohlive]

"You tell me," he said, swimming around her. His eyes never leaving hers. He could see her still cold, and in fact he was cold too. His body didn't show it though, it was as if whatever were inside of him were somehow numbing the cold.
As if he were immune to any pain.
"It's your day off, we can do whatever you want to do. If you want to stop swimming, we'll stop."
He jumped up to the dock, scrambling atop of it, before grabbing one of the towels from the chairs they were just on. He held it to her.