~ Autumn Night ~
by Erin G.
© 2006
Author Notes: While this story does take place in the same universe as My Goddess, the two works aren't related.
Content Warning: This story contains content. The content includes: words, phrases, and perhaps even a sentence or two. Consider yourself duly warned.
My new e-mail address is ErinG@xenafiction.net. Since I can't access my yahoo account anymore, the Athenaeum graciously let me use one from their site.
It was November along the Corin'la coast, and the immortal trees were dropping their usual crop of leaves. Millions, no billions, of leaves covered the ground. I slogged through detritus that was knee deep at the moment. Damn trees. The leaves were wet and clung to everything they touched. I had to circle half way around campus to avoid the deepest impassable mounds of the things, and by tomorrow they'd again cover all of the grounds. Sometimes they were hip deep!
Whoever thought to create such stupidly enormous trees probably never considered the mess they'd make each autumn. I grumbled to myself. Oh, I knew who'd created them, but I wasn't going to mention Her name.
I finally found my way into Quea Hall. After peeling the purple leaves from my legs, and climbing the stairs to the fourth floor, I arrived finally outside of classroom 411b West. Magic Theory. Ugh. It was with infinite bureaucratic lunacy that I, as a human, had to take Magic Theory. Worse, it was a night class. Just how was I going to apply Magic Theory in my life? The elves loved it; even the ones that couldn't use magic found it fascinating. Why elves incapable of using magic enjoyed it, I would never understand. Not that I could ever figure out much about the elves, nor had I ever a desire to. I already felt inferior enough. They're memories were better, they learned faster, lived longer, had better eyesight and hearing, and to top it off, 1.5 percent of the elf population could work magic.
I was a human, stuck on their world. I had my parents to thank for that. Oh yes, let's immigrate to their world. It will be a wonderfully diverse place to raise a child, and full of all sorts of unique opportunities for her. What a crock of shdaco. I was surrounded by opportunities all right - opportunities to fail miserably. The damn place didn't even have a name! At least none that anyone could agree on. The Elf Home World. What kind of an unoriginal name is that anyway? It's been 303 years since she-who-I-will-not-name delivered the elves from Earth; you'd think they could have named their own damned planet! Worst of all, my parents actually worship Her. Whatever possessed them to worship a being of such questionable origin, I'll never know. Oh, I'd never say that out loud though. To the last person the elves worship Her, and I had no illusions of what they could do to me if I angered them. Though it was sixteen years ago, I was still angry with my parents for bringing us here.
I was missing the lecture, but I didn't care. How could I envision something that is totally and completely impossible for a human? He may as well be telling me to picture myself breathing underwater. I glanced around and saw the elves listening in utter fascination. Okay, trying to breathe underwater would be more exciting than this!
I wondered if they would notice if I slipped out?
Probably, and it's never a good idea to piss off a fairy elf instructor. Who knows what they might do? This one was full of himself as well.
I closed my eyes and pretended to listen like the other good little elves. It was with great relief when he finally brought tonight's lecture to an end. Thankfully this was the only pure magic course I'd ever have to take. I really didn't even need to listen to him prattle on. I had the textbook, and I knew I'd never get higher then a C even if I memorized every last chapter. It was also with inscrutable elf reasoning that the text wasn't available on the Vid. The elves had some sort of genetic love for books, and computers were seldom used when one could have a book in their hands. That was reason number one hundred and two to hate this place.
We filed out of the room after class. Nobody tried talking to me. Nobody ever did. I was a human in an elf world. They didn't want me here and I didn't want to be here. I took the stairs three at a time and stopped briefly outside the Chem. lab. The midterm grades were posted and I scanned down the list for my ID. B-
"Shdaco!" I growled. Best translation to English: shit or shit eater depending on the inflection. Three other students eyed me with obvious disgust. I matched their stare. So I'm and uncouth human barbarian. Deal with it. I stalked past them, and out into the night air, still seething at my B-. On Earth at just about any university I would have received an A, or maybe even an A+. Not here though. Damn elves and there perfect little brains ruining the grade curve.
The sharp cold air cleared my head quickly. The temperature had dropped a good fifteen degrees in the last ninety minutes. I pulled out a black stocking cap from my jacket pocket. Just this once I briefly considered taking the transport home. Very briefly. It would get me home instantly, but it used magic.
No thanks.
I set off at a brisk pace. My hands were stuffed into my pockets, and my book bag was on my shoulder. Since starting classes at the university I'd refused to live on campus or in any of the free tree-tower apartments. Instead I had a little apartment down by the fishing pier. It wasn't free, but unlike most of my fellow students I actually had a job. Well, kind of. A news magazine back on Earth was paying me for a weekly installment of my life here. Each week I delighted them with my exciting experiences amongst the elves. Too bad it was all fiction. It wasn't even particularly good fiction, but they ate it up, and never guessed the truth. Best of all they paid me pretty well. Housing, food, and other basic necessities could be had here without cost, but to me it was important that I wasn't living off elf charity.
Once outside of the cluster of campus buildings the footpaths weren't illuminated. Even so, the glow from the university and the town below provided enough light to see by. Making my way down the steep hill into town, a salty gust of icy wind hit me full in the face. Snow by morning, I grumbled to myself.
After a few minutes of walking, I veered off the path and into a grove off trees. I could save ten minutes walking home with a shortcut through a cemetery turned park. Or park turned cemetery. The elves had strange ways of looking at cemeteries. For what I could tell, they saw cemeteries a place to go to enjoy themselves in some sort of macabre magical communing with lost loved ones. I didn't really understand that, but then again I didn't really care to. It was rather disturbing to me. They built their cemeteries the same way that humans did with headstones and monuments, but the went one step more and included picnic tables and bar-b-cue pits. That was just plain creepy.
My walk among the graves made a chill go up my spine. I didn't like cemeteries and elvish ones were worse then those on Earth. The darkness here was deeper, little light filtered in from between the trees. I slowed, and picked my way carefully. This hadn't been a good idea. It was just too dark tonight and if I'm not careful I'll? A small, unseen headstone sent me sprawling to the ground.
"Machx!" My shin started to throb. I rolled over, sat up, and clutched my ankle.
I nearly panicked when I heard a woman's voice, "You should be more careful."
I turned and found a vague outline of a figure standing almost on top of me.
Had she been following me? "I didn't see that headstone?" I mentally winced. Of a the stupidly obvious things to say.
She spoke again, "What are you doing here?" Her voice had a distinctive, and decidedly non-elvish accent.
"Umm?I was walking home and took a shortcut."
"Hmmm?from where?" Her baroque accent was delightful and familiar, if only I could place it!
"I?I go to the university, and live down by the pier. I?it's so cold tonight I thought a shortcut through the cemetery would be faster?"
She chuckled softly, "Faster perhaps, but more dangerous it seems."
Her marvelous voice overrode my unease, "You accent is?well it almost sounds like an Earth accent?"
"It should. I was born on Earth?in Ireland."
Despite my throbbing ankle, I had to grin. She's human! "You know?that accent is wonderful on these ears. It's been a long time since I've heard another human voice."
Suddenly a hand was thrust forward. "Let me help you up."
I gingerly put weight on my ankle. It didn't hurt as much as I'd feared. Her hand was surprisingly warm, even in the cold wind.
"Can you walk?"
I knew I could, but? "I?I don't know. I don't suppose you could help me?" I'm amazed at my words. I didn't know anything about the person beyond that she was human, and I'd been bold enough to ask her to help me walk?
She was silent for a long moment before finally replying, "I don't believe you are hurt that badly, and if you wanted me to walk with you, it would have be wiser to simply ask instead of lying about your foot."
My face grew hot with embarrassment and I mumbled, "Sorry." I wasn't good with people, and never had been. I turned away and began limping home.
I've not gone more then a few paces when she called out, "Does that mean you don't want me to walk with you after all?"
I stopped and blinked in confusion, "I?I thought?I mean?"
Her voice was barely above the sound of the wind, "Just speak your thoughts. Do not be afraid."
I took a deep breath, and spoke calmly, "Would you care to walk with me?
"I would." She stepped forward and linked my arm with her own. "Let me guide you though. I'm familiar with this place, and I don't want you falling again."
A broad smile settled over my features. This night is looking up! Her pace was slow, and true to her word she guided me around headstones that I couldn't see.
"How long have you been off Earth?"
Her voice had a hint of laughter, "Oh, it's been awhile. I came here when I was very young. I've spent most of my life here. How about you?"
I sighed. "I've been here for sixteen years. My parents immigrated with I was eight. In that time I've seen two other humans."
"Do you like it here?"
I hesitated. "Well?"
"You miss your home?"
"Well?yes."
"Let me guess? You have few if any elf friends?"
"None," I admitted, "Is it like that for you as well?"
"Well," she replied slowly, "I've been here for a bit longer then you have, and I've assimilated into the culture somewhat. I do understand you're feelings though. Elves, despite their peaceful and extraordinarily generous society, do have some issues with a cultural superiority attitude. I do have some elf friends though."
"Issues?" I snorted, "Some of the instructors at the university treat me like I'm some sort of backward hick."
"A backward what?"
"Hick? Like a?dumb barbarian."
"Ahh?the word you're looking for is probably Jukaja or historically Jukajanr."
"I've heard Jukaja, but I don't know what it means."
"It's an insult that has no easy translation. It's from a street dialect. Now that ancestral elvish is coming back into the elves vocabulary, it's being mutated with common elvish. It's a bastardization of a beautiful ancient dialect. Jukajanr meant boorish, uncivilized, but also honorable. Jukaja?umm, ignorant parasite is a 'polite' translation. I'm sorry if you've been called that," she added quickly.
I was growing angry. I heard that name cast my way several times. "Shdaco elves." I growled. It was becoming my favorite curse of late.
"Please, don't think of them all that way. There are elves that treat people like us very well. They don't look down upon us, and are good friends."
I wasn't in the mood to agree, "I've not met any. I wish my parents had never brought me here. On Earth I would be at the top of my class, had friends, and been enjoying my life. Here I'm struggling just to be average. We can't compete with them. I have no friends. They don't like us, and I don't really like them either."
She sighed softly, "I know?"
"I guess I sound pretty bitter, huh?"
She chuckled, "It's okay. We understand each other."
"So, how do you come to live here?"
"I?" Suddenly she grabbed me and pulled me to a stop.
"What?"
"Shhh!" she hissed.
For several minutes I stood in silence with her, the only sound was the wind and the rustling of leaves. Her hand tightened on my arm until it became almost painful. I wanted to pull away, but I was suddenly afraid to make a sound. Her silence was eerie and ominous. Suddenly her grip relaxed, and she started walking, "You need to leave here now," she ordered, pulling me hobbling after her.
"What?wait?what's going on?" I asked in alarm.
She was silent until we reached the edge of the cemetery. "I'm sorry?I didn't mean to frighten you. Like Earth, I'm afraid the Elf Homeworld has its share of problems too. People with black hearts can be found here, just like everywhere else, and it's more dangerous at night. You should go home now. Stay in the lighted areas, and take the transport instead of walking at night."
I stepped out of the trees and into the soft glow of a streetlamp. I turned to thank her but she was already gone. Standing there alone, I now felt strangely deflated. "I didn't even get your name," I whispered in disappointment. "I never even saw your face." Damn, damn, damn!!! How could I find her again? She was the first friendly voice I'd heard it years! And she was human!
It was cold again. Funny how it's hadn't seemed cold when I walked with her. I turned and limped down onto the path. My apartment was only five minutes away.
A short time later, with the Vid on, my ankle wrapped, half an olive and mushroom pizza polished off, and a bottle of some unpronounceable fruity elvish wine in my hand I settled back in bed. The Vid was showing an erotic drama. It was typically elfish fare for this Vid stream, heavy on the sex, and not so heavy on the acting. "Here's to uncouth barbarians?" I tipped the bottle of too sweet wine and gulped the last few swallows. I knew I'd regret that in the morning. I closed my eyes and listened to the 'dialogue.' It wasn't long before that I was giggling. Elves do love their bawdy romps. Too bad life didn't mirror fiction I grumped. I'd be happy just to have someone to talk to. I wonder if I can find her again? I should go looking tomorrow?
The wine bottle clunked to the floor, but I'm already asleep.
<><><><>
I opened my eyes to the silvery light of the autumn morning. As I sat up, my poor little human brain reminded me that drinking alone was never a good idea.
"Owe?." I whimpered, stumbling to the bath, careful not to put too much weight on my sore foot. Hot water, then cold sprayed across my face clearing my head. I shivered as I dried off. Goddess my head hurts! I dressed, went to the window, and peered out. I'd been correct in my prediction; a blanket of snow covered the rooftops.
I had class in just over an hour and a half, but I wasn't going anywhere before breakfast. The cold pizza sitting next to my bed made my stomach churn. Grain cakes and hot tea were the order of the day. I finished quickly but the food did little for my head and foot. In the cupboard is a little treasure that would help though. In the back under an upside-down cup was something that looked like a small raisin. It was in fact a dried fruit, but this was not the sort of thing you'd put in your food. This one, among other things, was a powerful natural painkiller.
"Only one left," I grumbled, rolling it around in my hand. I'd have to buy more, and that was not something I enjoyed doing. It was a banned substance, but it wasn't all that hard to buy, especially where I lived. Fairy elves that used them often became violent and paranoid. It didn't seem to have that effect on anyone else. It was addictive, but I didn't need it much. Once every few weeks?well at the moment once a week, but that was hardly a lot I reasoned. I popped it in my mouth and chewed slowly. It was bitter and sweet, and the effect was nearly instantaneous. The pain in my head and foot vanished. I felt energetic, alert, and just pretty damn good!
I stretched slowly and smiled. This might actually be a good day! It was the last day before a six-day break from classes.
As I readied myself for the day, the Vid was on an all news stream. More snow was coming tonight. Hopefully it will hold off until after I get home. Preparations were complete for a visit from the ruling council. Bloody royalty is all they are. And there was an apparent suicide of a wealthy businessman here in town. The authorities have not ruled out foul play. There was also a fourth murder in Rahalan last night and? I shut the Vid off and rolled my eyes. You'd think that with all their vaunted magic they could catch murderers and solve crimes easier. Why they couldn't was always a mystery to me.
Out the door forty-five minutes before class, I found it remarkably peaceful and calm outside. Wood smoke tickled my nose as I walked. The path to the university wound up a one hundred meter hill, and my feet crunched in the snow with each step. The walk brought a smile to my face. I felt good, but I know that it wouldn't last, always mindful that my mood was being enhanced by other means.
The day passed quickly, and I didn't even glare at anyone. Hmmm?too bad I couldn't feel this way all the time! I decided to skip my Magic Theory class. I was in too good a mood to have it soured by 90 minutes of hideous boredom. As a reward for skipping class, I had a nice change, being able to walk home in full daylight. The snow and leaves had been cleared from the footpaths. My ankle was beginning to ache again, but even so I elected for the shortcut through the uneven grounds of the cemetery.
I stepped into the cover of trees and stopped for a moment. The snow here was untouched. Not even animal tracks crossed this area. It was a strangely beautiful sight, and I considered not even going in any further. It was so quite and still. I started walking, careful not to trip as I had last night. The only noise was from my own breathing. As I traversed the area, a light snow began to fall. This was glorious, and it was a rare of those few moments that I actually enjoyed this world. A crooked smile crossed my face. Enjoying myself?in a cemetery. Well, I had to take my pleasant moments where I could get 'em, and this was a pleasant one.
I stopped, closed my eyes, and relaxed to the silence. This place wouldn't be so bad if it didn't have elves. I frowned. Well, my pleasant moment vanished with that thought, I sighed. I miss Earth. I miss being around my own kind. I hate elves, but I suppose it wasn't there fault at all. It was mine. I wasn't like them; I couldn't really expect them to accept me, could I? My mood had turn towards melancholia. I just wanted to go home. I couldn't though. I had nothing on Earth, and at least here I could live. Maybe?maybe someday though?
I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a familiar voice. "Hello again."
I spun around and found my benefactor from last night. For the first time I had a good look at her. She was a few inches taller then I, with lustrous cinnamon brown hair, fair skin, delightfully rounded human ears, and?red eyes? I blinked. Changing eye color was common and easy, but red was an unusual color. She was wrapped in a luxurious white parka with a silver fur-lined hood.
"You know," she purred in her heavenly Irish accent, "You were standing here for so long, I was wondering if someone had placed a new statue."
"I was just enjoying the?the beauty of this place." I laughed and it felt good!
"Indeed," she returned my smile. "But didn't I tell you not to come here again?"
My laughter died quickly, "Umm?did you? You said not to come here in the dark, but it's not dark yet?"
She nodded, "So I did? And I see your ankle is on the mend."
I grinned again, "It's much better."
"And would you like me to walk with you again?" she asked with a wink.
"Well?if it's not too much trouble." Please, please, please?
She stepped forward, again linked her arm with mine, and we set off at a slow pace. This so was very nice, but I was suddenly overcome with shyness and couldn't quite work up the courage to speak again. I wanted, no needed, to get to know her better.
Too soon we'd reached the edge of the cemetery. Was she going to leave now?
"Where do you live?" she asked softly.
My knees trembled. "Just down the path a bit. Less then a ten minute walk." I couldn't keep a slight quiver from my voice as I added, "would you like to join me for dinner?"
She remained silent. My body was already reacting to her. A thrill of desire was quickening my heart and warming my body. Why am I standing here trembling in front of her? She's human?I needed her touch?her arms around me?her lips against mine? I swallowed hard. I'd never felt something so overwhelming before. My body was on fire. She was attractive, but I felt like I'd do anything for her? I'm not that desperate for affection, am I?
"Yes," she murmured. "I think I'd like that."
"Really?" I winced at my own eagerness. I must sound like and addled child to her!
"Yes, but?why don't I take you someplace for dinner instead? I know a fine restaurant not far from here, if that's okay with you?"
"That," I swallowed, "sounds wonderful to me." We started walking, and my body quickly relaxed, cooling my fevered desire. I'd never been so aroused in my life, and certainly never from just meeting someone! I gulped in the cold air, and glanced sideways at her. She was watching me with a crooked grin. She knew what effect she'd had on me!
She suddenly stopped and turned to face me. She pulled off her glove, and touched my face. "Are you feeling alright?"
Her hand was fire against my cheek. "Y-yes, I'm fine. I've not eaten much today though."
"And you took something today that you shouldn't have, didn't you?"
My eyes widened and I started to panic. How could she have known that?
"Relax. You're emotions are very exaggerated right now. I could see it on your face and in your eyes. So?am I right?"
I nodded mutely. There was no point in denying what she already knew.
We started walking again. "You need to be very careful with that. You must eat enough all day, or you can become emotionally unstable as it saturates your system."
"I though it only effected fairy elves like that."
She raised an eyebrow. "Where did you get that idea?" I began to get a sinking feeling. "How often do you use it?"
"Very rarely. My ankle really hurt this morning, and I had to get to class." Once a week was rare, wasn't it?
"Well?there are other things that are safer. You could get a talisman that would take care of minor pain."
"Magic? I don't think so," I replied gruffly.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to push. It is your body after all?"
I bit my tongue. Why had I growled at her? "I?I didn't mean to sound like that. I'm nervous about using anything magical, that's all." It wasn't all, but I didn't want to go into my deep distrust of anything magical.
She again slipped her hand into mine. "I suppose we humans have to stick together. Maybe we should look out for each other from now on?"
My heart leapt again. "I think I like that idea!"
We turned down a narrow cluttered alley, and I couldn't help looking over my shoulder nervously. This wasn't a great part of town. Seeming to read my mind she murmured, "Don't worry, I have friends here."
We stopped at an unmarked door, and she rapped on the hard wood with her knuckles. A miniature door popped open at eye level and she spoke a few soft words in an elvish dialect that I didn't understand. Apparently she'd spoken the correct words, because the door opened to admit us. It was so dark inside that I could barely see. "It's okay," she whispered. "Just keep holding my hand and let me guide you."
We walked further into the dark room and I quickly grew more nervous. This was a restaurant? Where was she taking me?
"Easy now, there's a railing next to you, and stairway in front of you. We'll go down very slowly?"
I peered closely and slowly made out the railing. "How can you see anything?" I whispered in the near darkness as we start down.
Her voice is light and reassuring, "I can't see that well. I'm feeling my way along a wall, and I've been here many times before. It's usually a lot lighter then this, and we're going in the back way. You're doing fine, and were almost there?"
True to her word a door swung open and light as well as sounds of people talking and laughed flooded into the passageway. We turned into the room and were met by a silver haired and very distinguished looking elf. His tall graceful swept-back pointed ears, and gray eyes matched his hair perfectly. He was sporting a black tuxedo, and a monocle. I glanced around the room I couldn't help notice that I was woefully underdressed in my gray sweatpants and oversized sweatshirt.
Again my companion spoke a few words in a strange elvish dialect. The elf smiled, nodded, and replied in the common elvish tongue. "Welcome as always, Ooi'a'noia. Delightful to see you again! Do things go well with you? Would you like a private room or a table in the common area?"
She flashed him a wide smile. "I crave privacy tonight. My friend here is?" she trailed off with a raised eyebrow. I realized that I'd never given her my name.
"Rheda." I offered.
My jaw dropped open when the elf actually bowed to me. "Well met, Rheda. And I bid you a warm welcome to Mu'norr. If you'll both follow me?" Still stunned that an elf actually bowed to me, it took being nudged from behind before I followed him. He walked a twisting path through tables filled with elves. I glimpsed several of booths along the walls with elves sitting or reclining together. It was very warm in here, and even with just a few quick glances, I felt the powerful sensual energy of these elves. I'd never been in a place like this. I was glad when we finally stepped into a private room and were seated.
The man excused himself and we were finally alone. "Where are we?" I breathed.
Her reply was gentle, "Someplace where you need not worry about being different."
"I was feeling?I don't know how to describe it. The room we walked through?"
"Yes, I know. There is a great deal of raw emotional energy in this place. I?that is, even us humans can feel it."
"Felt like raw sexual energy to me?" I mumbled.
She laughed softly. "That too."
"I'm glad we got a private table. Oh?and, um, what exactly is your name again?"
"Noria."
I frowned in confusion. "But he called you Ooi?oia? what was it?"
"Ooi'a'noia. It's more of a formal name," she shrugged, "It's far too hard for most people to pronounce, so I go by Noria. He likes to tease me by proving he can pronounce it."
I licked my lips and slowly mouthed, "Oiy-ya-a-noiah-a." With so many vowels it was impossibly hard to pronounce.
She grinned, "First time even. That was fairly close. I really prefer to be called Noria though."
"Well, that's good because I don't think I could pronounce it again. It doesn't sound Irish though," I noted.
"Oh, it's not. I took an elvish name when I arrived here."
I tried not to frown. "Why?"
"There were a number of personal reasons, but?the one you would relate to the most was my desire to be accepted."
"If it's not too personal of me to say so, I was very surprised to find you in the cemetery again?"
"It's not too personal. I was visiting?a friend. I try to stop by her grave every day."
An elf woman suddenly entered into the room. She was bald, and had cobalt blue tattoos all across the top of her head. I couldn't help but stare. I'd never seen a bald elf, and bold tattoos were very rare. She grinned at me, and tipped her head down for a moment. "Want a better look?" she purred. I blushed crimson and Noria chuckled. When the woman looked back up she winked. "Don't blush, I get stares all the time. I don't mind."
"But?aren't others critical of you?" The words fell out of my mouth before I could stop them.
The woman glanced at Noria for a moment before smiling at me. "No, that's something they never do. So?can I get you two something to drink?"
Noria tilted her head to one side and gazed at me. "What would you like?"
"Some wine? You'd have to choose because elf wine mystifies me?"
Noria nodded, "It takes awhile to learn the differences. I think a bottle of Corisle'cwew would be nice tonight."
"Hmm, good choice. We have one bottle of one-seventy-three left?"
"That's fine. As for dinner, bring me the Ah-meor'til."
The waitress nodded and turned to me. "And what would you like?"
I hesitated. We didn't have menus, and I didn't even understand what Noria had ordered. How was I supposed to know what to ask for? "Um, what do you recommend, Noria?"
"The lali-ma chy zu is wonderful."
I tried to salvage some dignity to cover my embarrassment, "That sounds perfect." After we're alone again, I mumbled, "Whatever that is?"
"It's a spicy poached anhkfish with sautéed sea mushrooms in black wine sauce." Noria revealed helpfully. Or, not so helpfully as I'd never heard of that type of fish, and the extent of my knowledge of mushrooms was limited to what were put on pizza.
"Noria, what language are you speaking here? I know elvish pretty well but this doesn't sound anything like it."
"It's ancestral elvish, a dialect completely different from the modern form. Not very many people speak it anymore, but its popularity is starting to increase again. The group that run this restaurant speak it, and they prepare food in the traditional ways."
"Well, I'm doing well to speak the modern version. Why did you take the trouble to learn the ancient form?"
"Oh, I love languages. I speak twelve Earth languages and nine elf dialects. When you learn a new language you learn about the people that speak it, or in the case of most elf dialects you learn about the ancient elves that spoke it. Six of the elf languages I know are 'dead' languages. I can't actually speak them though. Nobody can; I can only read them. To me it's as if I'm hearing whispers from hundreds of thousands of years ago."
"You speak twenty-one languages? I thought I was doing good to speak two!" Why is it that everyone seems more talented then I am?
"Yes?" she trailed off and met my eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make you feel awkward. Linguistics is my passion. I grew up in a multilingual family, and I just never stopped learning new ones."
"Don't be sorry. It's great that you've found something you're good at. I have yet to find my calling. Somehow I don't think I'll find it here."
"You never know."
I knew. Among the elves was not where I belonged.
Our food arrived quickly, and I was astonished to fine it so delicious. Never before had these flavors crossed my pallet. The anhkfish wasn't a fish; instead it was a squid-like creature. I was at first skeptical at eating a mass of thin tentacles, but one bite convinced me that this was fabulous. The sea mushrooms, while scrumptious, were not mushrooms either. What they really were I couldn't even guess at, and I was far to embarrassed to ask. I tried to eat slowly, but I was ravenously hungry. Noria didn't seem to mind that I finished my meal well ahead of her.
"A bit hungry were you?" she asked with a wink.
I laughed. "I was, and that was just about the most wonderful food I've ever had."
Noria sipped her wine, "I know. They prepare everything by hand here. They don't conjure or teleport anything. Even the ingredients that they don't find here are shipped overland by the train."
My eyes widened, "You must be joking."
"No joke. The say teleporting alters the subtle flavors, and conjuring never quite equals the true textures. Who am I to argue that? Nobody serves a better dish than what you'll find here though."
"That must be expensive."
She shrugged, "Very expensive I imagine." She then winked at me, "Don't even think about asking to pay for this. It's my treat." She smiled and refilled my glass.
I met her eyes, instead of red they were now a bright gold, a match almost to the wine. With the warmth of her gaze, and the affection being directed my way, her eyes were becoming far more intoxicating then the wine. After a long moment, I finally found my voice, "Thank you, that was a wonderful dinner, Noria." She again captured my gaze. Oh, was I being dawn into those eyes! After a moment she broke eye contact and looked away.
I started breathing again, surprised to realize that I'd been holding my breath!
Her eyes were cast downward, and her voice was low when she again spoke, "Would you care to take a walk along the waterfront?"
"I'd love to," I answered quickly, hoping I didn't sound too eager.
For a moment she didn't react. When she frowned slightly I asked, "Is something wrong?"
She shook her head and sighed, "No, everything is fine. My mind just wandered for a moment." She finally looked up at me. Her smile had faded, and her eyes had again changed color, now they were a light copper hue. It was uncommon for someone to change eye color so often, but I knew that various charms could link eye color to mood. What mood was being reflected in those eyes now? I wasn't certain.
"Shall we go then?" she asked, quickly standing.
I followed slowly. She hadn't even finished her meal, and I wanted to ask what the sudden urge to leave was, but I thought better of it. She held my hand and guided me out of the room, walking so quickly that I almost had to run to keep up. We didn't even pause at the exit; she simply breezed past everyone and out the door. The darkened hallway we'd arrived in now was lit in a deep purple light. She half dragged me up the stairs, past other customers and finally out into the alley. Only then did she stop.
"What's the big rush?" I demanded breathlessly.
"I'm very sorry," she began, "I?was getting very claustrophobic and needed get outside in the cooler air. That place is kept very warm, and sometimes it's a little suffocating."
I sighed in relief, "That's okay. It was a little hot in there for me as well! I was afraid something was seriously wrong."
Hand in hand we walked from the alley. "No, it was just me feeling a little uncomfortable. I'm fine now." She took a deep breath and let it out. "Ahh?the cold air feels good."
Snow was falling lightly as we strolled out onto the street. We turned right and heading down the boardwalk along the wharf. We walked in silence. There were few people out, and boardwalk was deserted by the time we reached the docks. The only company we had was a lone black cat prowling along the edge of the boardwalk. It followed us for a while, perhaps looking for a handout. The temperature was just a few degrees below freezing, and only a light breeze blew in from the water. It was a beautiful night for walking in the snow, especially since I wasn't alone.
"This is really marvelous," I murmured, eager to break the silence.
"Which part?" she answered in a light voice.
"Everything," I began, "but?mostly it's because I'm with you."
Her hand tightened in mine, "I know. I feel the same way."
That was music to my soul. I was so very drawn to her, and was amazed at the seemingly instant connection we had. The warmth and affection I'd seen earlier in her eyes had been true. I'd found a real friend. My first since I'd arrived here sixteen years ago.
"I was wondering," she begin hesitantly, "If you would like-"
Suddenly my foot slipped and a hidden patch of ice, and I went down hard on my sore ankle. "Shit!" I howled, "Not again!" For the second night in a row I was sitting before her clutching my throbbing foot. It was worse tonight.
She squatted next to me. "Are you okay?"
"Now it really hurts like hell," I whimpered, "and I truly might need you to help me walk this time," I added, trying to force a smile.
"You'll have my help, but you should just sit there for a moment and calm down. You're trembling."
I nodded and tried to slow my breathing. Damn?I just ruined the best evening I've had in my whole LIFE! My anger at myself was interrupted by a new sensation. I was sitting in the wet snow and it was quickly soaking through my sweat pants. The semi-frozen slush was fire on my backside. "Noria, I've got to stand up before I'm completely soaked."
"Hold on." She stepped behind me, slipped her arms under mine, and lifted me easily to my feet. I stood on my one good ankle, and tried to put weight on the other. Pain shot a path upward from my foot and ended somewhere in my hip. "No way I can walk on it," I growled through clenched teeth.
Wordlessly she draped my arm around her shoulders. "Okay, use me as a crutch? We can get home that way."
"Great," I winced. "I live all the way down by the last pier."
"I know about where you live, but I didn't mean we'd go to your home anyway. Mine is a lot closer." She quickly added, "I mean, if that's okay with you."
"I was hoping you'd say that," I laughed. "I really didn't want to hop all the way home."
"Well, you'll need to hop all the way to my home, which isn't far at all. Now lets get going before you freeze in those wet clothes."
Though awkward at first, we rapidly learned to move smoothly. I wished my foot would grow numb, as my ass had, but I had no such luck. Her home was mercifully close and the journey would have been quick, except that her house happened to be on a hill. The footpath was snowy and slick, and it took us the better part of an hour just to climb the hill. By the time we'd reached her house, I was exhausted, and both legs were now throbbing.
Once inside it was mercifully warm, and I wanted to just lie down right after she closed the door.
"No, you can't lie down here. You're wet and freezing, and I need to get you thawed out. Come on, just a little bit farther. You're going to have a nice hot bath."
To my frozen exhausted mind that sounded like heaven. A few short hops later and we were in her bath.
"Okay, sit here." she instructed. With her help I eased myself into the bamboo chair. With a touch on the wall she began filling the tub. "Now don't move. I'll be back in just a moment." She slipped from the bathroom leaving me alone.
As the bath began to fill I looked around. The room was tiled in deep red, and the large whirlpool tub was set into the floor. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, already feeling the heat from the water. True to her word she returned quickly.
"Are you okay?" she asked. I nodded wearily. "Good, lets get you undressed." I couldn't help smiling as she knelt and very carefully unlaced my shoes and slipped them off my feet. My smile vanished when a wave of pain erupted from my foot.
"I'm sorry, but I had to get your shoes off. I know that hurt." She peeled off my soaked socks, wrinkled her nose, and dropped them in a pile. Her hands went to my waist and she leaned close to me. She winked and whispered, "I hope you don't mind me undressing you?"
I wanted to reply with something enticing, but the pain in my foot didn't lend itself to any seductive words. By the time she'd removed the last of my soaked clothing, the tub was full.
"Now, just one more thing." She bent down and fastened a fine chain around my sore ankle.
"What's that?" I asked wearily.
"It's a healing charm." I opened my mouth to protest but she cut me off, "Yes, it's magic, and yes, you have to keep it on. I don't want to hear any complaints, unless you want to be in pain for a few weeks?"
I meekly replied, "Sorry, I won't complain." She helped me into the tub. I eased myself down and sat back in complete bliss.
"Lift your sore foot."
"Why?"
"Because you can't keep it in the water. It's swollen and the hot water will make it worse."
"Aww?" I grumbled as I set my foot on the edge of the tub.
"Will you be okay in here for a bit?"
"This is so nice?I think I could stay in here forever."
"I'll take that as a yes," she laughed. "I'm going to go shower, and I'll come back to help you out of the tub."
"You're not going to stay?" I asked before I thought better of it.
She raised an eyebrow and replied, "No?I don't think so." Just before she closed the door on her way out she added softly, "At least not this time?"
The next thing I was aware of was her hand on my shoulder. "Maybe I shouldn't have left you alone." she murmured.
I blinked and yawned. I'd fallen asleep in the bath!
"How do you feel?"
"Mmmm?good," I answered. I did feel good. My foot didn't even hurt! With her help I climbed out of the bath. I tested my foot with weight, surprised and delighted that there was no pain.
"What are you doing?" she admonished as I dried, "stay off that foot!"
I grinned sheepishly. "But it doesn't even hurt anymore."
"Oh, it would if I took the charm off!" She shook her head. "Okay, lets get you into bed." She handed me a second warm fleecy towel to wrap myself in.
She helped me hop from the bath into a bedroom and climb into bed. I finally took the time to examine my surroundings.
The bedroom was very warm, just like the others in her house. Dominating the room was a large stone fireplace fitted into an ornately carved nook. The walls were paneled; the rich deep browns and reds of the hardwood made the room seem even more comfortable. A small triangular table with three woven bamboo chairs was in one corner of the room. The oddly shaped table was topped with pink veined marble, and an array of small brass figurines that seemed to be positioned as if for some game. The one window in the room was covered with heavy red drapery, and even in the daytime must have let very little light though. There were no artificial lights, and instead there were dozens of red and black candles positioned on almost every flat surface. Only a dozen or so red ones were lit at the moment. The fireplace provided most of the light.
A display over the fireplace caught my attention. Nine knives were arranged in a tight circle, their blades all pointed inward. At the center of the circle hung a small tablet of stone. The tablet, no larger then a sheet of paper, was inscribed in black with a fine script. The fluid script was too small for me to read from where I lay. The blades themselves were dark, and none seemed to reflect any light.
On a small round silvered-topped table next to the bed was an iridescent indigo flower vase. A small bouquet of dried roses poked from the top, their shriveled petals darkened to near black. A framed picture of a woman sat near the vase. The woman, a very pretty elf, had golden hair and silvery eyes. One wall was nearly covered completely by a large tapestry. The tapestry, a hilltop night scene of two lovers aglow with the light of a full moon, was tattered at the edges. Along the other wall were recessed bookshelves crammed full with what looked to be well-worn books. A high-backed dark leather chair near the fire seemed to be a favorite reading spot, and a book lay on the seat, opened and upside down.
Noria noticed my wandered gaze, "My décor is a little dark, isn't it?"
I tried to be diplomatic. "Oh no, I wouldn't say that?"
She chuckled, "I would. This is my favorite room though. I have a lot of memories here. As you might have noticed, I love books as well as languages. I can sit for hours in front of the fire, warming my toes and losing myself in some wonderful universe."
Again, I felt a little lacking. Expect to study I didn't read much, and didn't really enjoy fiction.
"I did it again, didn't I?"
"Did what?" I blinked.
"I made you feel uncomfortable. I'm sorry."
"You're sorry? You've been amazing to me. Someone you didn't even know, you took to dinner, brought into your home, bathed, and now is sitting in?" I trailed off.
"My bed?" she added softly. "Well, it is the only bed in my house."
It was a large bed as well, made for two. Was I somewhere I shouldn't be? "I'm not?umm?I mean?is there someone else?"
"No I?suppose not." Her voice took on a note of regret and sadness that was impossible to miss.
"Did I bring up something I shouldn't have?"
She smiled faintly and shook her head, "You are correct in guessing that this room once was home to someone very close to me. She was the 'friend' I was visiting in the cemetery."
"I'm very sorry for you loss, Noria." I mentally kicked myself. Good move, Rheda, get her thinking about her dead lover. Nice way to thank a new friend for her kindness.
"Rheda, I lost her a long time ago. Even so, it's been hard for me to?let her go completely." She sighed, "It's not something I'm terribly proud of. Those that know me well see it as something of an obsession. They've never loved someone like I did though. You didn't do anything wrong by getting me remembering, and please don't feel bad about being here. I brought you here because you needed my help, and?because I wanted to."
I leaned forward to take her hand, and again my foot interfered. Pain jolted me out of my thought of comforting her.
She noticed instantly, "It's okay, Rheda, I'm fine. You're not though, and I need to take a look at your ankle again. Why don't you lay back and try to relax?"
I lay back, silently cursing my ankle.
"Hmmm?it looks much better. The swelling has gone down, and there's not much bruising. I think the charm has expended all of it's magic though." She carefully removed the chain from my ankle. "Let me massage it a little. That may help some?"
Her fingertips brushing against my ankle, my foot jerked away from her.
Concerned, she asked, "What's wrong? Did that hurt?"
I laughed, "I'm ticklish!"
"Well?I'll try not to tickle you," she grinned, "much." Her fingertips again brushed against my ankle, this time I didn't pull away. Her nimble fingertips traced a path over my foot, hard enough not to tickle, but gentle enough to feel oh-so-good! She slowly worked her way from the heel along the sole, all the way to the toes.
"Goddess," I breathed, "that feels soooo good."
"Mmmm?" she murmured and continued her work. She seemed to know just where it hurt, and just how much pressure to use. I began to think that getting injured was more then worth it for this foot massage. Up and back, she covered the foot and ankle again and again. Suddenly she moved to the other foot, though it hadn't been injured at all. She began to repeat the same heavenly massage. "You don't mind if I do you're other foot, do you?"
I broad smile swept across my face, "No?I don't mind a bit. Your touch is just wonderful."
Without a word she continued, and without asking began to massage my shins, and calves all the way up to my knees. I melted under her touch, becoming so very relaxed. I'd never had anyone give me a massage before. Her hands danced over my skin, each touch, every caress sweeter then the last.
"Why don't you turn over? I can get the back of your legs?" she purred.
Without a word, I rolled over for her, anticipating her gentle touch to continue.
"Don't move now," she whispered, and I felt her leave the bed. "I just need to get something." She was gone just for a moment, and then settled back onto the bed.
"Where'd you go?"
She didn't answer. A felt something warm touch the back of my leg just above my knee. It traveled downward leaving a warm trail. "What's that?"
"Just something to help make this even more pleasant." she replied craftily.
"More pleasant?"
Her warm palms stroked the back of my legs, feeling smoother and softer against my skin. "Do you like?" she purred.
I moaned softly, "Is that?oil?"
"No?not exactly. It's better." Her hands were now traveling along the entire length of my legs. She paused ever so often to drizzle more of the warm slippery liquid over my feet, calves, and thighs. Soon my skin became slick to her touch, and stayed warm even after her hands move to another area.
My voice trembled when I mumbled, "This is wwwonderful."
"Ohhh, I know," she responded in a deep voice, "and it's far from over."
Far from over? I dared not even think of what was next.
She lifted off the towel that had been covering my behind and back. Warm liquid dribbled across both cheeks and up my spine. Her hands followed, first lightly caressing my cheeks, then with more pressure kneading the muscles. Unable to contain myself, I moaned softly.
"It has been many years since I've touched someone like this." she revealed as she continued upward, working the muscles of my back. "I find that?I miss it very much."
Words fell from my mouth without thought. "I've never had anyone touch me like this before."
She responded by sending a stream of warmth over my back and rubbing it into my neck and shoulders. My entire body was in a realm of pleasure, relaxation, and arousal. Moving from head to shoulder again, I couldn't believe what was happening to me. After caressing every inch that she could reach she murmured, "If you turn over I can do your front now."
My eyes were closed when I rolled onto my back. Her tantalizing voice brought a quiver to my body, and now my soul was filled with need. I wanted her, needed her. I opened my eyes to see her tip a fluted bottle and pour a line of golden liquid across my breasts.
I moaned again, even before she touched me. My eyes drifted closed. Even my dreams did not match this. Her hands cupped my breasts, and stopped moving. Even with my inflamed body, I could feel the greater warmth from her hands. "Open you eyes, Rheda. I want you do see me."
My eyes opened to find her kneeling over me. Her robe had been tossed aside, revealing her glorious body.
"Rheda, I need you. I want you to give yourself to me?completely?"
I could hardly speak, "I'm yyours?please?I need you so. Can't you feel th-that?"
She rocked back, sliding her hands from my breasts downward. Her fingers dipped between my legs, her touch was gentle, careful, coaxing me to surrender everything to her. I gazed into her eyes, stormy red now and full of molten fire. She leaned forward. My body was completely under her control. I was on a knife-edge for an instant, she held me there, then my body tensed and I was falling through a cascade of pleasure. Never before had anyone done this for me. My eyes closed, but I felt her near me, holding me through every last blissful moment.
I finally opened my eyes and found her atop me; her head nestled against my neck. I could feel her trembling, and it didn't take but a moment to see that something was wrong.
"Noria, are you okay?"
"No?no?" she murmured and suddenly climbed off of me. "I can't?I can't do it."
So spent was my body that it took real effort to sit up. Had I done something wrong? I looked on in concern. She had an unbalanced wild-eyed look, and her lower lip was trembling. She grasped my hand, "I?won't?do?it!" she snarled, squeezing my hand until I cried out.
I tried to pull away from her, "Noria, stop it! You're hurting me!"
She began panting and growling. My hand still locked in her grip; she started to pull me to her. I tried to free my hand, but it was impossible. Her strength was unbelievable.
All at once she released me, and I tumbled backward into the bed. She let out a long wailing cry, and leapt up. She stood with her back to me, facing the bedroom door.
I was afraid to move, afraid to breathe. What had happened to her? I was completely confused.
After many long minutes, she slowly turned toward me. Exhaustion shown on her face, and her eyes were now a dull yellow. Haltingly she began to speak. "I?am so?sorry, Rheda. For so many things. Are?are you in pain? Did I hurt you? Is your hand okay?"
I rubbed my palm and flexed my fingers. I would have a bad bruise, but I wasn't concerned about that. "Noria, what happened? What's?what's wrong with you?"
Her shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry I ever invited you to dinner? I should have refused?"
"I don't understand."
"You should leave, Rheda. You can dress with whatever is in the closet, and?t-try to forget everything that happened tonight. You need to forget you ever met me."
I looked at the closet, and rubbed my wrist again. My gaze went to her face; her eyes were filled with enormous sadness and deep fatigue. "Noria, please tell me what's wrong."
Her eyes drifted closed for a moment before she replied, "It's n-not safe for you to stay here, you must leave. You need to quit the university and move far away from here. If?if you need money to get to Earth, I can give that to you. This city is now very dangerous for you to stay in."
"Noria, none of this makes sense! Am I in danger from?you?"
"No!" she pleaded, "I wouldn't?I couldn't ever hurt you again. I'm so sorry I did?"
"Who am I in danger from? Noria, you must tell me!"
"No! You?can't know! It's not safe! You must believe me?it's not?"
"You're in some kind of trouble, aren't you?"
She unsteadily shook her head, "Oh, Rheda? You have no idea what kind of a person I am. Just being with me puts your life in danger. You must leave. Go to your apartment, and take what you can carry. Take the transport to anywhere, just so long as it's far from here. You need to do this now, before anyone discovers that you are?are?" She dropped her gaze and bit her lip.
"Are what, Noria?"
She sighed deeply. "Unmarked."
I frowned. "I don't understand."
"They all saw you with me. If any of them see you again, and see that you?don't have my mark?they will probably kill you. They wouldn't confront me for letting you go, but?you are in great danger from them."
I was getting a sinking feeling, "Who is?them?"
"If I tell you, then you are certain to die when they catch you. Rheda, I really like you, I don't want to see you hurt."
"Come with me then!" I blurted. "If these people are so dangerous, then you need to escape as well!"
Noria stared at me and shook her head. Slowly she returned to the bed and sat on the edge. "You don't know what you're saying. You have a good heart, but?"
I interrupted her, "I think I'm in love with you." The words again fell from my mouth before I could stop them. Why did I just say that? How could I already be in love with her?
"Goddess, protect me, but I so wish we'd never met," she murmured. "Rheda, you can't be in love with me. I seduced you."
I laughed softly, "I know that. I'm not quite that dense. Don't you believe in the chance of love at first sight? I didn't before tonight, but I do now."
"Maybe," she allowed, "but not in our case. There was something at work here that you aren't aware of. I seduced you with magic."
I wasn't going to fall for that. "How? You're human!"
"No, Rheda, I'm not."
"Well, you're doing a pretty good imitation of one. Rounded ears and eyes, Irish accent, you look and sound human to me."
"I was human?a long time ago. I told the truth when I said I was born in Ireland, I just didn't tell you when. I was born to human parents three hundred and seventy nine years ago. Three hundred and fifty two years ago I?became something else."
"Noria, why can't you just accept that I really care for you? You don't have to make up stories to-"
She stopped me. "I'm a vampire, Rheda."
I scowled at her. "Noria," I spoke slowly, "why do you think that you're a vampire?" Now I was growing really worried. Maybe she was really delusional and paranoid. Then why do I still feel so drawn to her?
She gave me a curious look, "Do you know that you are the first person to ever question me when I tell them I'm a vampire?"
I swallowed hard, "Well, then it's about time someone did!"
"They don't question me because it's the truth. I'm nearly four hundred years old, and I have these." she opened her mouth and I watched in stunned silence as her canines lengthened to frightening size. "I feed on life energy through the blood of other beings to keep myself alive. Myself, and those like me have a kind of power, similar to Fairy Elf magic. We live in a secret world, that mortals never suspect. We only stay alive because we can seduce mortals, feed on them, and then make them forget it ever happened. Rheda, I look to be about twenty-five years old, don't I? Do you think I could have learned twenty-one languages in twenty-five years?"
I couldn't take my eyes off of her teeth. Could this be a trick? Just this week I had learned in my Magic Theory class about illusionary magic. I knew that very simple spells could be bound to charms or talismans, and something like I just witnessed would be an easy spell. Why would she do that? Vampires are NOT real! I needed time to thinks this through. "Am I in danger right now, Noria? You?you're not going to?er?bite me, are you?"
"No. I very nearly did though."
"What stopped you?"
"I?didn't want to do that to you. I like you?and?goddess, I wanted your friendship. If I would have bitten you, I'd have made you forget about me. That was a foolish thing to do. My kind cannot risk having mortal friends. We can't risk ever being discovered for what we are."
"Noria?I know what you think you are?"
"Yes," she replied slowly, "and if I were smart I'd grab you, sink my fangs into your neck, drink from your soul, and make you forget it ever happened. I?can't do that though."
"Okay?so?um?I know you're identity. Aren't I a danger to you?"
She eyed me, "Are you trying to provoke me into hurting you? Rheda I told you to leave, and you insisted on staying! Now?now I actually revealed myself to you. Goddess, I have no idea why I did that! I'm not thinking clearly at all! You're right; we do have a problem. Can I trust you not to tell anyone about us?"
"Noria, I'd never tell anyone about the vampires. Who would believe me?"
"Nobody, hopefully." She bowed her head, "Why did you push me into telling you the truth?"
"I had to know?"
"NO!" she shouted, "You didn't! Don't you see my problem now? You know so much that I couldn't even make you forget even if I wanted to! If I let you go, there would always be a risk not just to me, but to all of my kind." She sighed, "I have no choice."
"You want me to stay with you?"
"No?you must stay with me so that I can protect you, and protect what you know."
I smiled shyly. "That doesn't sound so unpleasant?"
"You don't understand, Rheda. I'm a vampire. I seduce people and drink their blood. Does that sound pleasant to you?"
"Uhh?no, not really," I admitted. "What's it like?"
"What's what like?"
I shrugged. "Biting people, being bitten, you know the whole vampire thing."
Noria threw her hands up. "Okay, I give up. I still get the feeling that you don't believe me."
"Well?" I temporized.
A low growl rumbled from Noria, "Rheda," she purred softly, "If you keep demanding proof, I just might bite you and give you the proof you seem to want."
I took a deep breath, and met her gaze, "Okay, where will it be? On the wrist? On the neck?" I tilted my head back, exposing my throat. I was calling her bluff. I am certain that vampires are not real.
Her voice trembled, "You are absolutely insane. Why do you tempt me like this?"
Come on, Noria?we can work this out together. You know in your heart that vampires don't exist. I eased myself back on the bed, and turned my head to one side, "I'm right here, come and bite me?"
"Rheda?you're treading on dangerous ground here?" I lay motionless, waiting. She crawled on her hands and knees until she was over the top of me. "You?have know idea?how much you're tempting me!" she hissed. "I am so hungry?and have so much need right now? Rheda, stop this before I do something we'll both regret?"
My heart was pounding now. Am I complete sure that she's not a vampire? I met her gaze. Her eyes were awash in a boiling crimson hue. She looked desperate, unstable, and very frightening. This was a bad idea?a very bad idea! "Noria, okay, I believe you." I pulled my shoulders up and tucked my chin against my neck. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tempt you, I?" She wasn't listening. "Noria, you're frightening me, I believe everything you said?"
She's not listening to me! I put my hand against her body, thinking to push her away. At my first touch she moved with unbelievable speed. Her palm thrust my head to one side, her mouth opened wide, and her teeth plunged deeply into my neck. A moment of panic swept over me. I was paralyzed under her power, I couldn't move, not even to lift a finger or cry out. I could hear her sucking at my neck and swallowing rapidly. I tried to speak, but my throat felt numb. I could only breathe and listen. After the brief pain of her bite, I felt no discomfort at all. I simply felt warm all over. Though she lay on top of me, her body felt feather light. As the seconds passed a wonderful calming feeling came over me. A hint of a voice in my mind whispered, Rheda, do not be afraid, she will not harm you. Was that real? A certainty settled into my thoughts that she wasn't hurting me. Why would I think that? I was no longer afraid. She moved against me, biting deeper. My vision grew dark, but I could still hear her swallowing. Finally, I couldn't feel her on top of me anymore, I couldn't see, and I couldn't hear. Blackness covered my consciousness.
<><><><>
I was floating in a warm place, relaxed, and very pleasant. A blanket covered me; below me a bed was downy soft. I opened my eyes to a soft flickering light.
"Hello, Rheda."
I turned to find Noria sitting cross-legged on the bed. I smiled up at her.
"How are you feeling?" she asked softly.
"Mmmm?" I yawned and stretched, "wonnnderful." I replied sleepily. Goddess I did feel good!
"Do you?remember what happened before you went to sleep?"
I sat up, looked around, and ran my hands through my tangled hair, "You mean before you bit me?" I asked with a second yawn.
Noria looked stunned. "You mean you remember that?"
"Yes?" I looked at her in confusion. I reached up and felt my neck. It wasn't even sore. "Is there some reason I shouldn't remembered it?"
Noria pulled her legs up to her chin and regarded me, "My power always blanks my prey's memories. You shouldn't remember it at all. Rheda, what I did?I cannot begin to express how sorry I am that I lost control. You were tempting me terribly, but it was completely my fault that it happened. I have never lost control like that before. I even took more then I should have from you. Far more. I was forced to sustain your life with my power. I've never done that to anyone before either! Are you certain that don't feel any weakness or pain?"
"I really feel fine. In fact, I've never felt better. My foot doesn't even hurt! What normally happens to people after you've bitten them?"
She shook her head, "Nothing. They just don't remember it, and are usually slightly weakened. Their imagination usually fills in the missing time with something pleasant."
"I don't feel weak or?" I trailed off, a thought suddenly occurring to me. "Noria, how does one become a vampire? I thought?well, if you were bitten by one, you'd become one?"
"No, that's for werewolves. To become a vampire you need to be bitten three times by the same vampire within a short span of time."
"Is that how you became one?" I asked gently.
"Yes," she responded haltingly "when I was twenty-five I was bitten three times in one night by a Vampire Lord. He made me what I am."
My memory of vampire legend was vague, but thought I remembered a few things "Where you under his power afterward?"
She smiled tightly, "For a very brief time. After I'd realized what he'd done, I drove a wooden stake through his heart while he slept."
My eyes grew round, "Oh?I?uhh?"
She chuckled, "Yes, I murdered him. I later found out that he'd violated our most important law, and I was well within my rights among vampires to seek revenge upon him. You never turn someone without their consent. Feeding is one thing, it's necessary, and mortals are not harmed. Turning them into vampires is something very different. They are changed forever, and the life we lead is?very difficult both physically and mentally. We watch each other for signs of mental instability. Those that succumb to madness are eliminated for our midst."
"You mean they're killed?"
"Unfortunately yes. It is a terrible and soul rending thing to hunt one of your own kind." She turned away abruptly.
"Noria?the woman who?once shared your bed? Was she a vampire?"
Her answer came out as a sigh, "Yes?"
I bit my lip, but pressed on, "How did she die?"
"I?killed her, Rheda. I held her in my arms and took all of her essence into me?"
"Because she?"
"Yes, Rheda. She fell into madness. As her mate it was my responsibility to bring her under control."
"Noria, how could you do something like that to someone you loved?" I was stunned.
"I had to do it, Rheda. She had destroyed two other vampires, and murdered seven elves by completely draining their life energy. When she hungered, she slipped into an animalistic state. She had no control of her actions, and no memory of them either."
"But?then she wasn't really responsible. Couldn't she have been helped?"
Noria replied solemnly, "You don't understand. We must feed to live. Preventing her from feeding would have meant a slow and agonizing death. She became aware of her crimes, and instead of facing our Vampire Lords' courts and their horrifically brutal punishments, she elected to die in my arms. It was because I loved her that I was able to do what I did. I don't expect you to understand. The others didn't either. For doing it, the Vampire Lords sanctioned me, and I'm now considered an outsider among my people. Only a small number of vampires will associate with me at all."
"How?how long ago was that?"
"Almost thirty years now. She's one of the few vampires buried in the cemetery, and I still visit her every day. I know several other vampires are watching me for signs of mental deterioration because I do that. They don't hold on to their memories like I have. I still love her, and I always will. They're probably wondering if I'm growing unstable. They don't dare challenge me though, unless I do something far outside of out laws. Even the Vampire Lords were weary of sanctioning me."
She'd visited her lover's grave every day for thirty years? That did seem like a long time to mourn. I didn't want to question it though, her love for her wife was still plain to see. "Why?why would they be weary of you?"
She grinned, "They're actually afraid of me, and I find that eternally amusing. You see, as a fledgling vampire I killed my master just days after I'd been turned. My master was a very powerful Fairy Elf Vampire Lord, so they think I have some special powers that allowed me to do that. It scared the hell out of all of them when I did it. They are still very weary of me."
"How did you do it?"
"Oh, that's my little secret," she winked. "They're more then happy to leave me alone."
"Noria?did you enjoy it?"
She frowned, "Killing him? Well I admit it was satisfying, but-"
"No, not that. I mean?uh?did you enjoy biting me?"
"I?" she paused, "why do you want to know?"
"Because?I felt very calm after a few moments. I knew you weren't trying to hurt me."
Noria's voice dropped to a whisper, "Yes, I did enjoy it. I know you can't understand that, but?I am what I am. I can't help but enjoy feeding."
I nodded slowly, "I do understand. It almost seemed familiar," I continued slowly "Almost?like it'd happened before."
Noria looked at me in confusion. "Rheda, you were unmarked. You'd never been bitten before. Once someone is bitten they will always carry the mark of the first vampire that fed upon them. You will always carry my mark."
"I understand. Then why," my voice was cut off by a wave of sharp pain in my mouth.
"Rheda, are you okay?"
I tried to answer, but couldn't. I clenched my eyes shut, and took a deep breath. A voice whispered in my ears, "don't be afraid, the pain will be brief."
The intense pain quickly subsided enough for me to speak, "I just had a horrible pain in my head and mouth. It's going away now?"
Noria grabbed my shoulders in her steely grip.
"Noria, what are you doing? That hurts!"
Her fingers relaxed. "Rheda, open your mouth," she demanded.
I opened wide. "Why?"
She snarled, "In the name of the Goddess, what evil power is this! Rheda, you have fangs!"
I raised my hand to my mouth, and touched the points of my elongated canines. My eyes widened. "Noria, why do I have these?" I asked in alarm. "You said I'd have to be bitten three times!"
Noria's voice took on an edge of panic, "I?I didn't? Rheda, I swear I didn't! I don't understand how this could happen!"
"Do not be afraid, Rheda." This time I was sure I'd heard a voice.
"Noria, did you just hear-"
Noria's face was rapidly shifting toward rage, "Someone did this to you! They turned you and made you forget somehow! When I find who did this to you I will rend their flesh from their bones! Their soul with be consumed in hell!" she hissed.
"I am with you, Rheda. There is nothing to fear. Please, let me speak? Relax in my embrace, I will keep you safe?" I felt myself slipping into sleep. Comfort surrounded me, and I was filled with the warmth of...love?
My eyes opened. I spoke, but the words were not mine, "Ori, my love, there is no reason to fear."
Noria pulled away in shock, "What did you just call me?"
"I am here, Ori. It's Lenési. I am speaking through this human woman. We are finally reunited."
"Rheda, how do you know my wife's name? Who told you that?" Noria demanded harshly.
"Ori, Rheda had no knowledge of me. How could she have known? Please don't be afraid of me now. The madness is gone. I can live again through her."
"This is not possible. Lenési died thirty years ago!"
"No, Ori, I didn't. Only my body died. You took my soul into your essence. I've been with you for all of these years. I've been waiting for you to find a suitable host for me to occupy. Rheda is perfect for me."
"Who put this spell upon you, Rheda? It must have been a Vampire Lord. Only one of great power could have done this?"
"No Vampire Lord did this, Ori. It was made possible from our love. Please, you must believe me. I've waited so very long to be with you again."
"NO!" Noria clenched her eyes shut, "You can't BE here! Please, whoever is doing this, I beg you to stop!"
"Ori, we met nearly one hundred and ninety years ago. You were visiting your birth home on Earth. We first saw each other while you were visiting your father's grave. I was there putting a bouquet of pink lilacs on my sister's grave. It was snowing at the cemetery, but not when we met later that night in the Tusker Pub. Do you remember?"
Noria's mouth dropped open. "How??"
"Because I'm really here! I remember our whole life together! It's me, Ori! Do you remember your promise to love me for eternity? After my death you also promised that you'd never love another. I heard you, my love. I've been with you ever since."
"Oh, goddess?" Tears streamed down Noria face, "Nési? I?am I dreaming?"
"No, my love. I'm with you. I've been with you every day as you visited my grave. I've listened each night as you cried for my love."
Sobbing, Noria threw her arms around me. I loved her as?as? Is this me? I tried to speak, but couldn't. I was aware, but not in control of my own body. Fear started to creep into my thoughts. "Do not fear me, Rheda. I do not intend to keep you prisoner inside your own body. I have merely borrowed it for a time. Our souls are?combining now. You may speak to Noria if you wish?"
I took a deep breath. I felt as if I'd woken from a dream. My arms were around Noria, and she was sobbing on my shoulder. "N-Noria? Are?are you okay?" I asked cautiously.
After a moment, she pulled away from me. "Nési?"
"Uhh?no. It's Rheda."
Noria looked very shaken, "Is?Lenési?with you?"
I nodded slowly. "She is?I?I think. She's letting me speak now. Noria, how did this happen?"
She shook her head in wonder, "I think you're asking the wrong person. I have no idea how it happened."
Lenési spoke again, "Ori, I made you drain Rheda to the point that you needed to sustain her with your power. It was then that I was able to move into her body."
"You did that?"
I licked my lips, "She said she did. Oh, this is so very confusing! I'm speaking words, and remembering things that never happened to me."
Noria trembled. "I need you back, Nési. My life is so empty without you! How long can you occupy Rheda's body?"
"Forever, my love." Lenési revealed, "My essence is far stronger then hers. I need not overwhelm her though. She still lives. Her soul is melding with mine, yet we will always be partly separate. We can feel each other's thoughts, know each other's memories?"
"Are you willing to live that way, Rheda?" Noria asked.
I replied softly, "Do?do I have a choice?"
Noria was silent for a long moment before speaking again, "Lenési, you can't do this unless Rheda agrees. You cannot force her to accept your essence."
Lenési disagreed, "I can, Ori. I'm far stronger then she is. She isn't being harmed."
"She's been turned though. Does she understand what you're doing to her? Did she agree to it? Did she agree to live her life as a vampire?"
"Ori, my love, isn't our love more important then that?"
"Nési, you must have her free consent. You cannot turn someone without their permission, even for us to be together again."
"But what if she doesn't agree? Ori, I want to live with you again! I want us to share our lives like before! My love, I've waited so very long?" Tears poured from my eyes. My heart was breaking. I couldn't lose her again!
"Rheda, can you hear me?"
I wiped my eyes and took a shaky breath, "I?I'm here now?I think. I can always hear you as well. I know what she says, and everything she feels. She loves you so very much..."
"Do you understand what's happening?"
I looked down at my trembling hands, "I think so," I mumbled. "She wants to live again."
"Do you understand what will happen if you let her? You will be sharing your body with a more powerful spirit. She will be able to take control anytime she wants. You will be a vampire, stalking mortals, and drinking their blood. You life will be utterly changed forever. You will be giving her much of the control of your life. In many ways you will lose your identity."
I closed my eyes. Part of me screamed to give my consent, but?was it really me that wanted this?
"Rheda, what Ori told you is not how it would need to be!" Lenési whispered in my mind. "If you agree, I would be willing to share with you. We would exist as equals. We would make choices together. I wouldn't dominate your will. Please, I so need your help! You feel how much I love her. I'd even ask you each time before I took control..."
Would I be a vampire though? I thought.
"Yes. That part of me will assert itself. I will happily take control when we'd need to hunt. I could easily spare you that experience, if that is your wish. I promise that this is something you'll never need to experience. I could even shield those memories from you."
Can I trust you?
"You already know my thoughts. You know why I wish to do this. Ori will not accept me, unless I give you a choice. You will not accept me, if I fail to allow you keep much of the freedom of choice and control you now have. You know I speak truth. You know I couldn't lie to you. Please, Rheda?help us. It is you're choice alone. I will not force this upon you. Let us love again? Please!"
I opened my eyes. For years I've existed in a vacuum and apart from everyone else. I hated my existence, always dreaming of someday escaping this isolation. Earth was my dream, but what was Earth to me? Would my life be better there, or would I still be?alone? The fictional tales I concocted to sell to readers on Earth, they were nothing more then what I wished my life were like. After this chance, could I go back to my old life? I shuddered. It was an existence, but it was hardly a life. I knew these were my own thoughts; I'd felt this way for years. I couldn't feel Lenési as I had just seconds ago. Would this be a better life? I almost snorted at that thought. There was only one answer to this question.
"Lenési, I agree to what you proposed. I think?I think I need this as much as you do."
"Rheda, if I could physically kiss you, I would. You have given me the kindest gift imaginable."
"Rheda," Noria began, "Are you certain about this? What did Lenési propose to you?"
I smiled, and took Noria's hand in mine, "Lenési, would you like to explain it all to Noria? You have my permission to take over?"
"Gentle Rheda, my happiness is yours. You have given me life and love again?"
As her spirit surrounded me and gently assumed control of my body, I whispered, "And you have given me life as well?"
Two lovers fell into each other's arms. Tears mixed with joy to fill the emptiness in three souls with love.
The End
Rheda, Noria, and Lenési return in First Storm.
If you like this tale, please let me know. ErinG@xenafiction.net