Woven Rings Of Destiny ( Continuation of The Family)

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He nodded slowly, watching the road. He looked over at her, a question burning in his mind, He didn;t know. He just didn't know. "It doesn't matter. Nonne of us have the gift. Even if we wanted to, we shouldn't be able to do it. Of course, it is very old, so it might work. I just don't know. But like I said, Merlyn changed us all with it, people might be afraid you'll do the same. It's magic, love, something that hasn't been around since I was a young vampire. Only Cat really knows what it was like back when there was magic in the world."

"And I can't wait to see my boy, either."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

We arrived at Calais within a few hours, I guess it wasn't as far away as I thought it was? Parking the car's, I found the rental agency's number and called for a person to come and pick them up, they could charge me the extra it cost us.
We all unloaded the cars and boarded the ferry, It would be maybe a six hour drive until I reached home and Micheal. Not too long, I was thankful.
I picked out a nice quiet place for us to sit. sitting down next to Joseph, I smiled then kissed him. "can't wait to get there, I miss him.... And we might not be able to use the book at all.. And I havent seen Cat since we left New Orleans." I listened to the water lapping at the boat as we launched. We needed new rental car's once we got on the France side of this little through way, and then traveling once more.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He put an arm around her, hugging her close. "I guess she needs to be alone. She made a tough decision about her life, and life itself didn't make things easy. But you saw her, she was pregnant. Maybe she justs awants to be alone with her baby. I don't have the answers, love, and I don't know if she does. But I do know this, we're going to see our son soon. I just wish we didn't have to go out again so quickly. That we could just be a family."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"There will be plenty of time for family Joseph, plenty of time. Once this is over, it will just be the three of us again, and we can always work on making a brother or sister for Micheal huh?" I leaned into him, the ship rocking gentle made me feel a little sleepy. Course this wasn't a ship, but a barge or something, but it still rocked nicely.
"This maggie and Ray are the next to get married?" I teased as I watch the two standing so tightly at the railing.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He chuckled, and gave her a hug. "Well, I'd like to think so. Ray will probably look at it as a way to keep her from running off again. And only one brother or sister? Come now. You know how hard it is for our kind to reproduce. We should have at least three before we start to slow down."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Laughing I gave him a little hit in the side and glared at him, "Any excuse to get your wife naked in bed huh?" I thought about it though, he was right. We'd be lucky if we ever did have another child, we were blessed enough to get one. Rare as it was and very uncommon for vampires to even think of trying the impossible, I wanted to think about it. But I wouldn't, I knew better than to get my hopes up.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He put an arm around her, holding her close to himself as he smiled. He kissed her cheek, and gave a small chuckle. "Oh, you know I love it when you're naked and in bed. Besides, we've got all the time in the world to try, and the more times we try, the more likely we are to get it done, right?"

He smiled, and held her close at his side as he looked out, across the water. "Going to go see the little bundle of craziness, huh? Can't wait to see his cute little face. So young, so....human, I suppose, since the change hasn't happen yet. It'll be nice to be back in France, too. Home. Especially with you two there."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

The barge/ ferry let off a whistle, letting us know it was docking or something.
"I can't wait neither, shall we get going? I am eager to see my son." Ray and Joseph took the bags, and Maggie and I picked up the smaller ones. Walking down the plank I secured us a large suburban this time. All would fit in and the four of us could travel together. Talia would most likely get her own vehicle, she was a bit of a loner I assumed.
Loading everything up, I mentioned one word, "Food?" I was hungry, and a cheese burger sounded good at that moment.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He climbed in the front, letting the lovebirds smooch in the back, turning to Aria. "Ahh, yes, food sounds good to me. How about you two? Anything in particular you three want?"

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

I sighed into the air as I drove behind the four of them. Some how being in that environment made me feel odd. After all they were all lovey dovey. I was glad for them to be at least happy now. They all seemed to have had some hardships in the past that I could pick up on so this was good I guess.

And as for this book, something told me that a lot more danger than I had expected surrounded it. I was more than glad to help.

"I'm all alone...in the rainfall" I began to sing softly.

I was again amazed at the physic strength of Aria she was damn good. Her message had come through almost as clear as normal speech and the reluctance that came with it told me she didn't do it that often.

'I hoped that they would stop for food soon. ' I mused aloud.

I decided to try this physic link thingie too. After all I couldn't shout out the question. But then again, Hm? Could this car go that fast?

I pressed the gas and accelerated forward till I was level with Joseph's window.

"Are we stopping for food?" I shouted across to him" Cause I'm practically famished"

I hoped he understood cause he seemed surprised to see me. I knew it was probably weird and a bit crazy but it was fun!

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

I unlocked my lips from Ray's for a few moments, take in a breath. "Food sounds good, maybe a big heafty cheese burger. It's been a while, do they have a 'mikki D's' on this end of the world?" I laughed lightly, in light of the question, amazed at how much one could forget in two years time.
I looked at Ray as I took his hand in mine. "What sounds good to you Ray?" He just shrugged, as if to say that he was game for anything. I turned my attention up front
"If it's all the same to you two, I would perfer some good fattening junk food. Two years at my mothers, eating whatever there was in the house. I didn't know that they could get seven different grains in one loaf of bread. Yuck!"

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He looked out his window, a bit surprised. He merely nodded his head, and stretched his neck. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to jump into traffic. The fact of the matter was thet France, like a lot of Europe, didn't have as many cars as the united states. As such, they had far fewer traffic laws.

This meant everyone drove like a maniac, and got away with it. "Yes, we have the fast foof franchises over here. Hold on to your seats."

Gritting his teeth, he prepared himself, and dove into the few cars on the road. Ducking people moving where they wanted to go, passing people whenever it pleased his. It was like a roller coaster ride, only deadly.

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

I smiled in answer and followed Joseph as he accelerated through traffic.

I couldn't wait to eat.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"who's that?" I asked, I could only see the hood of the car below.
"Talia." Came his one worded responce, he was too serious when driving. I smiled, my message had reached her. And hers had reached me, It was getting easier and easier to use this gift.
"Pull into that resturaunt over there and let's all go in and dine. Before I eat you my husband.." I teased him as usual, he just wasn't very responsive. Now where was his mind tonight?
The car made a sharp right and I went over against Joseph, shaking my head, I wanted to make a quick comment on driving school and changed my mind. he would probably ring my neck.
Parking I jumped out and stretched.
"Yeeeeeeeeeess this feels good! Ok let's eat!" I opened the back door for Maggie and Ray, Talia parking next to us.
"ready?" I walked inside, starving, the rest could follow when they wanted to. I had one thing on my mind and one thing only. FRENCH FRIES! Hey I was in france, they had them here too.
Chuckling I shook my head, I must be losing my mind!

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

I jumped out of the car and made my way quickly inside. Aria was already inside and had snagged a table.

I looked at the menu and knew what I wanted. Now only if the others would come. Aria seemed happy and that was good.

I could just taste the cheese burger and chips and large coke in my mouth already. I was quite famished.

Ray and Maggie seemed to have been enjoying each other so it was no surprise that they were lagging behind!

I rushed up to the counter.

I remembered my manners soon after I got there.

"Hey Aria should I order for you or will you wait on the others?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I seen Talia wander in and waved, smiling I nodded my head and shouted above the noisey crowd.
"yes! Anything filling with a large fry!" I thanked her and parked my butt in my seat. Informing all those who tried to take a chair this table was full and so where the chairs.
None argued with me and they soon went their way. Talia got us something to eat and came through the crowded room.
"Where are the rest of the slackers?" I queried then squealed in delight grabbing a fry and coke.
"heaven sent! I miss American food!" Chuckling I dug in.

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

I didn't even reply. I just sat and began to tuck in the food at an alarming rate.

"Ah! The joys of greasy, fattening fast food," I mused aloud around a swig of coke.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He sighed. He'd barely missed abut a dozen accidents back there. A few of them by sheer luck. If everyone learned to drive in Europe, there'd be a lot less accidents inthe Americas, that was for sure. He slid from the car, and glanced around before walking slowly to the restaurant. He topped, turned, andmotioned the others over before going in, and ordering himself a couple of cheeseburgers, with several patties of meat, a shoebox of french fries, and a large coke. All in French.

He grinned. It was good to be home. He grabbed his food, and went over to the table, sitting down and taking a large bite of cow. "Mmm. The familiar taste of grease and fat. Perhaps for dinner, my dear, we can have som real French food? And not just the fries?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I glanced at Joseph and chuckled, "I happen to like this french food. Well, it isn't french, but I still happen to love french fries." Sipping my coke, I watched as Maggie and Ray came over with their food and sat down with the rest of us.
"If you want real french food, you can have it tomorrow night, ok Love?" Laughing at his distaste for junk food, It still amused me.
"Hey you two, about time you joined us!" I slid over next to Joseph a little closer to make room for Ray and Maggie.
We all ate in record time and clearer out. Once out in the car, we picked back up on the road. Needing to get to Orleans and see Micheal and from there to spain.
Thinking momentarily about those following us, I whispered to Joseph, "We can't stop and see Micheal, not yet. It isnt safe to reveal where he is.." Falling silent, I knew it would cut him to agree with me, but it had to be done this way.
On through the night we drove, switching drivers often while others slept. Some with haunting dreams, others with pleasurable ones.
Myself, I dreamt of this place we were going and the things lurking inside this cave. Mysterious things that made my skin crawl a little. I awoke when it was my turn to drive, and as the sun was rising we finally entered spain. Driving along the coast, I knew we all needed a break to feed and relax. Pulling over to a old style Hotel, I told them all to rise and shine.
"Let's eat, refuel and rest up." I climbed out of the driver seat and got everyone rooms according to who was with whom. I asked Talia if she wanted to share a room with us or her own? Once she decided I got the needed rooms, and unloaded the car of my smaller overnight bag. I needed to shower and rest up for awhile. Then as usual, hunt.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

Standing outside a local pub, I watched tourists come and go. Nothing remotely exciting was happening tonight, and I hated boredom. Smiling, thoughts of how the conductor begged for his life entered my mind. It was thrilling for a moment, then it wasn't. I had looked inside his wallet, and found pictures of his family. His Wife and children.
Remorse went through my, sharp stabbing pains, something I hadn't felt in a long time. I wondered at them, and how i could feel anything for anyone? Being dead you would think I would have no emotions, but I did.
I stared up at the night sky, when was the last time I just stared at the stars? I had forgotten what being human was like, and in the short time I was this creature, I had lost some part of myself and my sanity.
I needed space and time, away from everyone and everything. Including Vladamir and his strange ideas of ruling the world. Thoughts of past conversations echoed in my mind, the one that still stung was Lance. Attempting to show me of all people, just what love was. I dont know if he failed, or I had failed. but what ever had happened I was still just a ruthless killer.
I reached into my back pocket and pulled out a credit card, looking down at my name spelled out in gold letters, I had a thought. Perhaps I needed some time alone? Deciding things were never my strong point when it came to myself.
Walking along, faces blurred by, life went on, things changed, and I felt the same. Shaking my head, I wondered what the hell I was doing here and why? I did not care about some fabled curse, nor did I care who did what with this book. It was not that high on my totem pole of important things.
Stopping at a pay phone, I called my office and asked them to transfer some money, the usual amount, into an account here. Once I was certain they had done it right, i walked along further. No destination in my mind, just the urge to get away from everyone and be alone.
Hours later, I found a teller maching and began withdrawing out the money the machine would allow. It would have to do until I got somewhere else and given the bank enough time to adjust the withdrawl rate.
I found a rental car, and just drove. But instead of heading south, I went north. Peace and quiet, into the country and far from stupid things that just did not matter. My cell phone rang, and I knew it was Vlad, trying to reach me. I let voice mail pick it up, I needed time.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He looked around, and picked up the pay phone. He dropped in a few coins, and dialed. After a few minutes he had the number he wanted. A few rings, and then the other end picked up. He spoke in hushed tones, looking over at the others as he spoke. He got a comfirmation, and nodded once before hanging up. He sighed, and sat down back against the wall as he looked at the ground before his feet, wondering what his son was doing....



Vladamir

He sighed, and hung up on her voicemail. He sat back in the chair, looking up at his faithful servant. "Chad, do you think we have any chance?"

Chad looked down, and raised an eyebrow. "Sir?"

Vlad let his head hang down. "Sometimes, sometimes I wonder if we can really do it. It's always just a few thousand years away...."

He sat in silence for another hour before nodding. He stood up, and turned to the door. Chad stepped up, behind and to the right, ready to serve. "Chad, go get the car. We're going to the airfeild."

Chad bowed, and rushed to do as he was bidden. Vladamir called up Erika again. The phone rang, and then switched over to voicemail. He left a simple message. He told her he loved her, and said goodbye. He hung up, already decided in his mind as he went to the door.

He stepped outside as Chad pulled the car around. "Who is John Galt?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

I drove until I was too tired to move any longer. The road began to blur and my eyes became heavy. It was time to pull over and rest for the remainder of the night. Something called to me, I heard it inside my mind, though I couldn't clearly think of what it was. But my eyes turned to the left and up on this hill sat an empty old castle.
How I knew it was empty, No idea. Why I just suddenly looked up at it, again no idea. And why I was turning up the road with the intention of sleeping there, was beyond me. Normally these types of places would give me the creeps. Not only dirty, old and decrepid looking, It was spooky looking. Laughing, I wondered what could possibly be more scary than a vampire?
Pulling up infront of the house, I leaned over the steering wheel and glanced at the house. No lights, the door was hanging off of it's hinges and the wind howled in an eerie way. Something called to me again, whispering my name. It had to be my imagination, for I was more tired than I had been in weeks. A shiver passed down my spine for a moment, thinking briefly I had saw someone moving up in the tower window.
This castle had two towers, from what I did see. One on the east side and one on the west. This looked like something from "King Arthur and the knights of the round table" movie I had seen while state side.
Chuckling at my obvious stupidity for fearing this place, I climbed out. If I feared it why was I even bothering to get out of my car? Maybe because deep down inside, it wasn't scary, but what I might discover there was? Shaking my head, I walked up the long wide stone steps to the front door.
Now should I call out and see if anyone lived in this shit hole? Or just wander in? The hairs on my body prickled as again I heard my name whispering around me. This was not amusing, and I knew my imagination was working in over time.
"Alright Erika, quit acting like a ninny." I mumbled to myself as I walked in. My mind was very creative tonight, what did I expect? Some ghoulish monster to jump out and end my life?
"Whooppeee do, like I have a life. And damned if Im not talking to myself!" Shaking my head, I stepped over the half hung door and glanced around.
Gasping in shock I glanced around. It was amazing inside! granted it was dity and worn looking, but this house was NOT empty. That shocked me, more than anything. Tapestries hung here and there. Rugs on the floor, pictures hung along the stairway. There were couches and stools and end tables in the living room of this huge place.
I did not know the proper names for any of it, but it was grand indeed. Walking further into the main entry way, I glanced to my right, it looked like an old dining room. I glanced around the doorway in and spotted a very dusty long table. Candles still sitting in the center of the table, a china hutch against the wall, dishes still inside.
"Now what haven't theives robbed this place blind?" Everything looked old, spoke of old old money and riches galore. And it all sat here as if time had frozen this place. Turning back to my left, I walked into the living room of this huge place and explored. There was so much in here. Antiques from all over the world, even ming era style vases holding long dead flowers.
"Creepy, damned creepy."
Why was I in here in the first place? I muttered a few choice words under my breath and moved back into the hallway. Under the grand stair case there were more doors. I assumed leading to a den, kitchen, servants quarters.
"Hello?" I called out timidly. I had sworn for a moment someone had moved back in there, just out of sight through the inky blackness.
No answer came to my ears, but my name stil whispered through the halls.
"Erika...Come this way." Repeated a few times, and I moved forward towards a set of double doors.
Why was I even still here? My heart pounded and my body felt itchy, like I should be aware of something and yet wasn't.
Walking to the doors, my hands gripped both handles and turned. Surprisingly they twisted soundlessly and swung open as if freshly oiled this very day.
Alright, I was losing my mind. For before my eyes was a very clean spacious den. A fire burned in the hearth, and not one speck of dust was anywhere.
"Come in my child, do have a seat." Came a voice, I could not find. Then my eyes fell to an old hand resting on the arm of the chair. Slowly I came forward, words stammering from my lips, "I am sorry to distrub you Sir, I .. thought this place was empty."
He motioned me with his hand, his husky voice telling me to come around where he could see me.
I felt a little apprehensive about that, but did as he bid me to.
I came around the chair and jumped a little. I could not see him clearly at all. He wore a black hooded robe and all that was visable was his aged looking hands.
"I know why you are here, alas you do not. Have a seat young lady, I have something for you."
"Something for me? How could you even know I was coming here?"
"Because, I called you here."
"Alright, this is a little too weird for me, I think it's best I leave." I made a move to rise and failed, it felt like I was being held down to the chair by unseen hands.
"Not yet Erika, you need patiences my child, and you need to listen to me well."
I snorted, then my eyes jerked to the hooded man, "How did you know my name? You a stalker or something?" I was growing angry and a little worried.
He chuckled at that comment and shook his covered head, "No, I have no interests in you other than to help you."
I was sure this was a really bad dream, some low budget horror flick. He chuckled again, could he read my mind?
My eyes narrowed, my thoughts on whether or not he would die easily or with a fight?
"You can not kill what is already dead in some cases my dear." He said it softly, his voice sounding younger than the appearence of his hands.
He could read my mind, which only added to the confusion.
"You lost a love once, a love you weren't truely aware of. But time heals all wounds dont they?"
I nodded my head, agreeing with him.
"No! They don't. It festers inside of you, and you aren't even aware of this. I eats at you like some virus. You are blinded by things, you just gave over your soul and your mind, never questioning motives or reasons. This man was killed because you didn't even try to see beyond your nose."
Anger boiled deep inside me at his words, unjust as they were and accusing, it was unfair of him to judge me and wrong. He knew I was angry, I think it was what he was trying to do to me from the beginning.
"You have balls insulting me old man! You have no idea what you are dealing with here!" I growled at him as my temper reared it's ugly head.
"Oh? Well thats fascinating truely. Consider this my dear.. Do you know what you deal with?"
I did not care, nor wish to listen any more to this horse shit!
"Let me go, right now." The threat hung in the air as my eyes narrowed on him.
"I have a gift for you, something that will open your eyes and show you just what you deny every day. There above the fire place is a precious gift, no other has held that sword but myself, long long ago. Take it, if you are wise as you think. If you are so sure of yourself and your abilities to handle anything. Then face the truth. Face the Sword of Truth. It won't steer you wrong."
He faded before my eyes, slowly going more and more transparent. And as he faded from my sight, the grip on my body released me.
Standing and shaking, I glared at the offending chair where he once was.
"Face the truth?!"
"Take it Erika." The voice came to my mind, whispering gently.
Turning to the hearth, I noticed this room was now dark and damp. Stale smelling and filthy everywhere. No warmth from the fire place, no light. I walked to the hearth and looked up at this web covered sword. It was dingy, age had covered it with a good coating of muck and shit.
"Take it Erika!" The voice whispered more urgently in my ear. I felt the wind whip past me, chilling me to the bone.
This was Insane! Take it why? Unsteady, my hand reached up and grasped the hilt of this sword.
Lifting it, it was light as air, but looked to be as heavy as an old bastard sword would. I felt a shock from the cold metal and glanced down. It looked like some old junk, someone like that fruit ball would have, to decorate the house.
Glancing around, I took the sword and got the hell out of there as fast as I could.
Once outside I climbed into the rental and sat looking at this sword. Etched into the hilt was as saying, "Truth can not hide from thee, You have but to see."

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

I took the room key and turned to Ray. "I'm going to head to our room and put this away." I gave him a lingering kiss and shuffled my suitcase from one hand to the other, then headed inside. I caught up to Aria. "Hey hun. How long will we be resting here? I need to feed, unfortunately I haven't yet got to the point where I can go more than a couple of days." I shrugged "I just don't want to be late and cause a delay."
I gave her a timid smile. I felt the urge so deeply it frightened me. I knew that I had waited to long, but I had to find out the details before I went off hunting.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I glanced around for Joseph, not finding him I walked outside our room. I spotted him down aways, standing by a pay phone. Walking over to him, My eyes met and held his.
"What's wrong love?" I walked up to him, wondering if there was something about me bothering him? He did not look happy at all, infact been rather quiet since we started driving. He just stared at me, nothing being said, I was unsure what was on his mind? Sometimes it would be easier if I could read his mind, perhaps I would understand him better.
"Why are you out here instead of inside with me getting warmed?" I didn't ask accusingly, but curiously. Why would he be out here alone?

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He stood up, reaching up to brush back his hair as he smiled. He glanced over at the payphone, then back at her before shrugging and stepping close to give her a short kiss, he smiled, and stepped back to look over her shoulder.

"I was just,....talking to someone I know from a long time ago. I'm a little worried about things. And most importantly, I miss my son. I've barely seen the boy, and I guess I'm afraid he'll grow up before I can meet him."