Past LIfe Rememberance - Disturbing- Nathan

This is really ... disturbing
I started remembering bits and pieces of this when I was young. In its current state its short and choppy - I didnt remember this in time line order, one segment, or another - over the years.

Nathan nodded at the comment directed to him, not showing the distaste he felt in the company he was in. It was rather unavoidable. He returned one noncommittal comment with another, wondering how long he would have to deal with this farce before he could make his polite excuses.

His eyes were drawn to motion past the garden, a little girl, paler than any of the ladies in the garden, golden hair draped her shoulders. Her giggle wafted to assault his ears.

She looked behind her, as did he, he came close to shattering his glass.
as discussion of the little girl flared amongst the tea, the little girl smiled at the Lady behind her, holding her hand out to the butterfly that had landed on it.
She was the daughter of the (insert title here) Nathan looked so see a slight sneer on the man's face, the daughter of his first wife: talking to The Lady Death: her blue skin shimmering in the afternoon sun. The lady smiled at the girl, met his eyes.
Again the girls laugh sounded as the butterfly flew away....

These visions would not leave him ~

His vantage was perfect. The tree nicely supported him. No one saw him. His target was having a brunch in nice Austria. That laugh. It floated up to him. Her hair flowing about her bonnet in the wind. The girl was glowing. He was sure no one else noticed it. She danced, over to the side, away from the false smiles others were offering her. He wondered if she knew or cared. He saw The Lady and her Court, dancing with the girl. He started for as long as the target remained. Always aware of the man he was following as he watched her every move.

Memorizing them ~

Nathan slipped in the girls window, quickly making himself one with her voluminous curtain as she coughed in her sleep. She did not wake. He approached, starring at the blood gleaming on the pillow near her mouth. She turned over. He saw The Lady fade into the black, saw others nestle about the girl. He looked at the shimmering stain for a moment before licking it off the pillow. she still did not wake, he took a lock of her golden hair.

To be made into a charm to keep ~

The sun was sinking as Nathan walked into the cafe opposite the opera house. Again, who he sought was here. He stopped cold. The man was talking to the girl. She looked up at the man with an uneasy face. Her father, his arm around her introduced them. Nathan felt his blood boil as the man's thumb dragged across little Sophie's hand....Nathan walked outside. As he turned he saw a man tearing down a building.... breaking bricks. How nice.

Sophie walked with her father. Women near her giggled, pointed to a very well built, nicely formed man, breaking bricks for a new walkway to be made. She stopped to watch the familiar looking man as he worked with ease. She felt a pull, her father was rather disapproving of her starring. Well, she supposed he was right. She was excited to be going out to the cafe for the lunch. She ran to their table to seat herself. THAT man was there. She didnt remember his name, but she did not like him in the least. He and her father began to talk.

The sun was sinking. Her excitement grew, but she wanted to be in the shade. She hopped up, her father was across the way speaking with a lady she didnt care to know. Before she knew what was going on, the man grabbed her. She looked up at him, the look of his was ugly to her. She looked ahead, where he was pulling her, in the ally way between the cafe and the next building.She looked, then ceased her struggle. That was ok with her as she could see the eyes of the Guard of the Lady; who would sometimes speak with her. There could be nothing bad waiting in there for her. She was thrown against the wall. For a minute she was dazed. Slowly her eyes focused. There were odd thuds in her ears. When her eyes focused, it was explained. The Guard of the Lady had the sledge hammer and was working on the man's head. There was an odd cracking noise, she noticed that the man's blood and bone had fallen on her dress. There was a void of sound and she looked up to the man w/no shirt.
"You should go back to your father now." he said,not unkindly as he allowed the hammer to fall on the mess of the man on the ground. He did not take his eyes away from hers. She nodded. He waited. There was nothing for it, she stood, brushed herself off and made her way out to the fading light.

Simon looked impassively at the Contact.
yes he knew the girl
thoughts wafted through his mind. For six years, he had been sharing in her consumption, taking her hair, taking her blood off her pillow, taking her bloodstained handkerchiefs.
Bits of her.
Now, he was to take her life.
He was disconcerted with the idea.
This served to do nothing but make him angry.

Sophie felt the tears stream down her face. She didn't know where she was. Exactly.
She was in the city.
forgot which one
or perhaps she never knew
She looked at the man. She recognized him, something familiar.
she was sure they'd spoken
at least once
He ripped the gag off her.
"stop that crying." he told her in a cold harsh voice.
She coughed. Only a little. Blood fell onto her chest.
This made the man twitch. He reached out... then changed his mind.
"please untie me." she accidentally sobbed
he pushed her over, licked the blood off, then stormed out of the room.
her head hurt, she closed her eyes.
thought of the ladies by the water...........

Simon followed The Contact. He met with another Contact. He followed that one. Hours it took through many different people. Finally the last of the chain walked to the familiar home in the country.
Her home
Simon watched the latest man go through the back, in the veil of the darkness. To the side he saw The Lady. She nodded to him. He proceeded.
Hours later, he knew his time was limited. He'd have to act quickly.


The dawn was approaching, he knew the day servants would be here shortly. He looked at her unconscious form. He'd inspected her head. There was no damage. He knew the Lady was watching. Waiting to see what he would do. He took out his scalpel. He could miss all the major arteries, he knew The Lady would make sure Sophie would not scar... either way. He knew she would live, for now. Her consumption would take her soon enough. He made short work, making sure to leave enough of a mess, he felt compelled to stay... to clean, he despised waste... but he knew, by the sound of The Lady's tapping foot that he needed to leave. Unable to stop himself, he took another lock of her browning hair. Took a moment to gaze at her beautiful face.

When the maid opened the door, he'd left no trace of himself, he heard the screaming,, stood past the mouth of the Forrest savoring the sound.


Nathan watched. For a moment one of the earth witches met his eyes. Not enough for Sophie to notice. She sat with three of them, they had given her tea as her cough was rather bad this time of year.
Her 'guardians' were looking for her. He wondered why. Sophie had frequently come here to visit the witches, always came back before sunset. Every time her 'guardian' had a fit close to apoplexy. He usually quite enjoyed the useless display of idiocy. He watched the wind caress her face. It brought her scent to where he sat, watching her. He knew she would leave soon. There was a party at her manor. Her 'guardians' never missed an opportunity to have them. This time it was for Sophia's coming of age.

three years since her family had been slain.
she stilled danced with the Lady and her Court
Never during the dance would she cough
her beauty fitting in with the Lady
She laughed with the wizened ladies she sat company with. Her brown eyes glittering merrily.
Her frail hands wrapped around the cup, so delicate
her hair floating about her
a sufficient dark brown now, her pale skin making it look darker than it actually was
She picked some flowers with the wind.
The Witch spoke to her in a seriousness that startled him although he could not hear what was said. Sophie stopped. Unease, tension filled her fragile frame.
what had been said
another flash
another witches eyes, warning him to stay put.


Sophie, leaned forward, engrossed in the opera. Allowing the music, the song to enfold her. She noticed that her 'guardians' had gone. Probably to powder. She felt the hairs on her neck stand up. She was not alone in her box. She looked down.... all the people... she dropped her kerchief. Sophie did not look around, but sat back in her chair. She was sure something was about to happen. There was a stillness about the box that only occurred in the woods when a predator was about. She attempted to even out her shallow breath. The presence she felt was close now. Again, she refused to look, starring ahead, this tactic seemed to work for a moment. Until she felt a hand around her arm. She was then jerked to her feet.
"You will come with us." one of the two men snarled in her ear.
Then large men lead her out, down a staircase she didnt know existed.

The swiftness made her head spin, she fell against the wall, but the man caught her, steadied her, then killed the second man. She looked to see the first, beading profusely from his throat, the second, dispatched, his blood on her. The man who'd killed them, grabbed her by her wrist, pulling him to her.
"you should be more careful." he whispered harshly in her ear before picking her up, carrying her down the stares. She put her arms around his neck, holding on. She knew she wasnt heavy and her weight did not seem to affect his stride. Then they were out in the night air, he was putting her down, his shoulder length black hair had fallen across his face, his black eyes glinted in the night. He then lead her into a carriage with out another word. He closed the door on her face, not allowing her to thank him, in her hands she held his purple hair tie.

He'd let her keep it.
There could be no harm in it.
He attempted to convince himself.
He held her kerchief to his face, in-taking her scent as he watched the carriage take her to her apartments.


BLANK SPOT

Night. Darkness. She could not hold back her tears. Memories of the filthy man, his mustache, his large hands. Her chest hurt, her body felt as if it were shattering.
She was aware of being on her knees, aware of the dirt on her. She was not sure where she was. She knew she had walked for some time. She coughed for some time.
Blood on her hands, she'd lost her kerchief on the way to here, where ever here was.

It was obvious she was in someone's family plot. The ugly man invaded her memory again. Sobs again escaped her. How could she marry such a man?
She leaned against the stone of effigy... she felt he consciousness leave her.


She was not where she should have been. The manor was in an uproar.
His informant whispered harshly to him across the table in the tavern.
No one had seen when she left, but it had been some time ago, after the engagement had been announced.
Simon came close to sneering when he heard the name of the fiance. Disgusting man. Ugly vices. But as Sophie's guardian had pointed out, not many men would want a child of consumption, and this one vowed to take care of her.
Not to mention her vast fortune as well.
Easily remedied.
He waved the informant away. He would need to return to his own manor, to collect his things. Sophie had probably run to the witches.
Nathan was a bit surprised upon the approach to his home. He saw movement on the corner toward the back of his family manor. He went immediately to the back garden.
Again he saw movement.
He saw a glow, in the family plot.
Nothing there was supposed to glow. He purposefully approached.
Breath caught in his chest.
Sophie. Holding something purple in her hand.
It had looked like she'd collapsed against the headstone belonging to his brother. He picked her up, she was filthy.
Her eyes opened. She said nothing.
He kicked his own door open, oh well, it was just the pantry. At this many of his servants ran in the room, lights held high.
They stopped immediately, starring.
Her skin was so cold, he looked down at her to make sure she was actually breathing. Blood caked around the corners of her mouth.
"she needs to be bathed. Start the tea, I will finish it. Go fetch the doctor."
he did not relinquish his hold of her until the hot bathwater was ready, his female servants a bit nervous.
He did not send any of the servants away upon the death of his parents or siblings, but yet, it had been some time since they had a lady to care for.
He left then. Back to the pantry, he retrieved the herbs to be placed in her tea.
"Sir.. are you here?" his man servant asked
He allowed a grin. "I dont believe I have been here for two days. I will not return until tomorrow ... perhaps afternoon."
"yes sir."
He took his leave. She would need clothing for tomorrow, and the only place to get suitable garments would be her own house.
That could not be helped.

Upon his return he was presented with the doctors letters. She needed to rest for at least a week with not socializing. She should not be moved.
He called his manservant. "Take this to her 'guardians' inform the woman that, as per normal, when I am not here you will not allow ANYONE in. Including her, and the fiance. Also make sure to get enough clothing for her."
He wondered how difficult it would be to keep those two at bay, allow Sophie the rest she needed. "sir, where did I find her?"
"No use in making something up. You found her in the garden."
"yes, sir."
Nathan went down to the chambers underneath the manor... his pleasure awaited him there.

The bath had warmed her a bit. It felt wonderful to be clean. The maid handed her tea, and it had helped ease her aching body.
She was then shown to a room. It was just as nice as any of her own. But she couldn't sleep. She tried.
It was not working.
The restless feeling would not leave her.
She found a robe, and allowed her feet to carry her.
Eventually she found a door she felt like opening. She did so quietly, hearing wretched groans, whimpers and pleads. She leaned against the side of the doorway.
The familiar man, the one she knew she'd seen before held something sharp in his hands
the man tied down was bloody, some of his innards exposed
He met her eyes, she did not look away.

Simon saw the man's eyes look toward the door. He narrowed his eyes. His servants knew better than to come down here. He looked behind him.
Sophie
His body turned toward her. His hand put down the scalpel, His feet lead him toward her.
She shivered slightly. He wondered if she feared him. If she did, her eyes held none of it. She calmly looked at him.
"You should be sleeping." Nathan told her quietly.
I'm cold." She coughed a bit into her kerchief.
It was colder here. He was sure he did no need to point that out. "Would you like some more tea."
Her deep brown eyes
"yes, please."
"If you will," he held his arm for her
she looked so frail
Instead of resting her hand on it, like most would, she warped her arm in his as he led her to the kitchen.
She did not sit, she walked toward the pantry and its door, badly in need of repair.
"Its colder outside." He reminded her as he lit the stove for the water. His man servant appeared out of nowhere, like he normally did
She turned, wind blew about her, she coughed slightly, as if clearing her throat, he smelled the blood that appeared on her kerchief "I will walk in the garden whale the tea is prepared."
her soft voice carried by the wind, caressing his ears
He could stop her, he could throw her over his shoulder or drag her, She couldnt fight him in his sleep
She slipped out the door.
"Stop."
she turned to look at him, she paused, but by no means would she come back in w/out force.
There was nothing for it, he took of his blood streaked jacket and placed it around her.
She slipped her arm around his.
They walked in the night, She pointed out the various herbs, the flowers. How she knew this, he could only fathom it was the knowledge of the witches....
It was the onset of winter, to early yet to snow.
But she accurately named everything there.
She smiled.
He lead her toward the wasted pantry door, but she stopped, looking at the stones in the plot. An appropriate gust of wind blew her long brown hair behind her, she was glowing again.
He allowed her to lead him toward the grave stones, through the iron gate.
She rested a hand on the closest one
a frown
disgust
"a child of sin." she looked past him
"we both are." she continued
then she knelt down, touched the ground
"evil has soaked in here, demanding retribution." she almost whispered
"and you give it. attempting to irradiate it. you will be compelled to do so till you die."
she looked up at him, her body visibly shivering.
He scooped her up to a standing position, warping his arms around her, leading her into the house.
"when you return, will you walk with me through the house?" she asked after taking a sip of the tea.
"Certainly." he found that he too, could not speak much above a whisper.
"May I sit in the library?" she asked
"you have access the the entirety of the house." he informed her, while looking at his man servant. The man nodded, a mild look of concern/confusion in his eyes
"bring the other cup." he told the man, holding his hand out to her, she grasped it, her cold fingers, wrapping around his warm ones. He lead her back to the room he'd placed her in.
Above the garden, the sun would rise, shining in its glory through the stained glass.
He turned down the bedding for her, then handed her the cup his man servant had carried.
"she should have a fire, constantly in any room she is in." he reminded the man.
He immediately set forth in rebuilding this one.
"you have things to do. I know." she said softly
He nodded at her, turned to leave..
"wait." her voice even softer
He looked to her, holding out her kerchief to him, for a moment he could not move, slowly he took it from her, took it with him. Taking one last look at her as she drank the tea.

He was not surprised, when he arrived at the top of the afternoon when he saw the police carriage. He made sure to arrive just after they did. He allowed shocked surprise to fill his face, as he of course knew 'nothing' of what was going on. He'd been (insert name of place here) and was just returning. The men glared at the door as Nathan took the opportunity to enplane the elderly nature of the doorman. Nathan was sure Christopher was taking his time to actually answer the bell. The two men turned at his arrival, attempting to look menacing. He was not at all impressed. He greeted them politely. It seemed Sophie's 'guardians' were under the impression he had kidnapped her and was holding her hostage. He led them in, as the doorman appeared, apologizing profusely for his slowness. The policemen understood as soon as they saw the elderly man. Nathan excused himself in order to straighten his appearance, the men were offered food and coffee.

Nigel appeared at his side just before he entered his room to change his travel clothes.
"We are still in possession of the doctors notes?" he asked
"Yes sir, what we sent her...'guardians' was a copy."
as per his instructions
"very good, show the papers to the men." He hesitated, not knowing why. Nigel was on his way out before he could find his voice, "Nigel." he realized the volume of his voice had dropped. "Sophia?"
"She woke late in the morning, The cook, did not make her a feast, as one of his brothers had consumption, so he made her toast, a bit of meal, all of which she ate. Nurse Tilly's daughter arrived around ten. Kale has made Miss Sophie some lovely teas all throughout the day."
"Nurse Tilly?" he stopped
"She had a letter of introduction sir, I assumed you knew her,"
An image of the witches filled his mind. They would know, wouldn't they.
"Very well? Her activities?"
"Miss Sophie has spent the day in the library. I have made sure to supply her with blankets. The nurse Kale has checked on her, kept her company. I'm not sure the girl is long for this earth sir."
He felt as he had been hit with a sledge hammer. He finished.

"you can understand her 'guardians' concern." the police man asked, rather nervously. No one from town had ever enjoyed visits to his manor house.
"Definitely." He turned to Nigel." What time did you find the girl?" he asked.The rumors of demonic presence/ possession, death... they were enough to keep people away. ... it had never been forgotten that when the priests had traveled up to the house to investigate the rumors, his parents were waiting in the front yard, crucified. As the mob outside was temporarily stunned, what was left of his parents had caught on fire.
He'd been eight
When he'd turned nine, his brother had been found, rather eviscerated, he had been ill, fever and hallucination, pain.... the doctors that attended the surviving member of the family had many stories to tell of the odd boy, whom they believed to be an offspring of the devil. The rumors died down as he was an avid church goer, and contributed handsomely. Or he had been until the town was more at ease. He had a tenancy to travel, and it was known he was never one to sit in the family house.

He met the policeman's eyes, Nigel handed him the doctors note. He read it, then handed it to the men.
"Where is she now?" he asked Nigel
"The Library, sir."
"I understand she is not to be disturbed by anyone, but you must understand we need to see her." one of the men explained.
"Of course." Nathan answered, "if you don't mind I'm rather curious as well."
"Did you know the girl."
"I do not recall ever being introduced to her." Nathan replied without lying.
They entered the library. He slid a look to the two men. They immediately reacted to the heat emanating from the room. The Nurse Kale seemed to be burning infusions of incense and had just handed a cup of tea to the girl.
The firelight played in her eyes, set her brown hair a blaze with color the sun did not,the golden colors of her youth, reds glared, her brown eyes seemed to look like red amber. Her paleness stood out, in one hand she clutched her bloodstained 'kerchief. She looked at them w/out saying anything. Her skin looked as close to white as one could get. She sat near the fireplace in his favorite chair, with several blankets covering her, one of his favorite books in her lap. Her hand trembled when she put the cup on the table beside her. She then fixed her amber eyes on the men, who actually squirmed under her gaze.
"I have written a letter to my aunts." her soft voice almost could not be herd over the crackling of the fire. Nurse Kale picked the envelope up and handed it to the closest of the men, who took it with unease.
The other man cleared his throat "could you tell us how you came to be here?"
Sophie closed her eyes and leaned back. "I have no memory of how I came to be here."
One of them cleared their throates. "Your aunt said that your absence was noted at your engagement party."
She did not answer, but looked at hms as if she were waiting for him to finish his statement. This made the two men uncomfortable. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a close to invisible grin on Nigel's face. Ahead he noted a look of distaste spread across Nurse Kale's features. His ire seem to be on the side of Nurse Kale.
One of the men cleared his throat, looking down at the letter the doctor left. "It states specifically that you are to have NO visitors," he cleared his voice "and that you are not to be moved."
Sophie raised her eyebrow. "Hence the letter to my aunt." he quiet voice seemed to find an edge, the edge seemed to unsettle the man.
"oh, yes, very well, I thank you all, Im sure your aunt will be relieved that you are in such good, charitable care."
Somehow, Nathan doubted that.
Nigel showed them out.
Sophie sipped her tea. A purple ribbon in her hair, keeping it out of her face. Her gown was lavender. He stood transfixed, unable to move.
"I have seen the parts of the house you frequent. There's no need to show me the empty carcass." She looked back at his book for a moment.
She was not at all disconcerted in his standing, staring at her.
She was used to it.
He was now sure she'd know, all these years of his presence.
"would you care to dine with me?" he found himself asking.
She looked away from the book, illuminated by the firelight, glowing. She smiled, her red-amber eyes met his. "lovely."
for a moment his breath left him.

Nigel, Nurse Kale and a few of his other trusted servants brought in a small table in which to place their dinnerware in the library.
"you usually eat in your room." she mentioned.
He did, he'd had a desk placed in there. She was correct in that she'd seen the parts of the manner he'd actually lived in. He would eat in his room, the kitchen, the library. The only rooms he had a desire to go. Besides the private ones under the house. he attempted not to be transfixed by her presence. Her beauty was almost painful.
She looked at him, for some time, as if attempting to learn something,
He was sure she would
A mischievous smile appeared on her white face "Did you travel well?"
It seems as if she had chosen her words carefully. He did see the humor in it. She knew not to ask where he'd gone, or did he have a busy day. Perhaps she didnt want to know of that.
"The scenery was quite to my content."
"just past fall." Sophie muttered, looking into his eyes, stealing his breath. " I appreciate fall."
He almost forgot to put his food in his mouth. She would prefer that time.... she knew she was not much longer in this life. He attempted to turn his thoughts from that, they instead went to her fiance. Bile rose in his throat.
"I have no desire to marry him." Sophie responded to his thoughts.
That could be fixed.
"I'm sure his nieces would appreciate your concern." her eyes: molten fire.
He did not miss the implication. It was not the time, however.
She seemed to relax. Could she read him so well?
"If I am awake upon your return, would you take tea with me?" she asked
it seemed she could
He nodded, his voice temporarily stuck.


He flung his blood stained clothes on his sitting chair. His valet, and most trusted amongst servants Nigel stood impartially beside the chair as he ripped the rest of his clothes off, growling in temper.
He snapped his wet hair back, ripped the ribbon out, it was black. He needed more purple one's.
"your bath is ready sir. Also I took the liberty of contacting Basil."
He stopped. Stood in the middle of his room, in front of the desk unclothed.
"He has informed me that there is an interested party concerning the fiance that is offering a more that handsome compensation for your time."
"you know of the fiance?" he could not quite bring himself to say 'her'
"sir, my niece was in his employ. for a short time."
She had died in childbirth, unwed... the child had not survived either.
A snarl escaped him, even he was surprised by the ferocity.
"your bath sir?"
Nathan looked at himself in the mirror. Every muscle, every sinew tense, blood had seeped through his clothes, staining parts of his skin.
He sunk himself in the bath. Watched the steam rise.
why did he feel like he was an idiot 14 year old boy in that girls presence? In all his life he'd not found anyone worth taking his time away from his occupation. It was a good one as if fed his need for blood, for the knives, the pain of others. He'd made sure they were all worthy of such attentions, but he'd also increased his fortune as well.
Disgust filled him. He was now old enough that long rides made him ache.
Only younger than the fiance by a few years.
In all his life he'd only been close to Nigel, Christopher and a few others on the staff that I dont feel like making up names to rt now. They understood his passions. They made sure the staff was trustworthy.
Not that it mattered. He'd killed the one who hadnt been. Over a course of time.


part two




She sat up, the Lady was there..
her black eyes shining a light not yellow or white.
The Fae who had sustained the living, the Fae who had bread with them
creating a type of hybrid.
She and the other elders were the gods
she was the acolyte
as was Nathan.
Blood as the life force.
That which sustains.

She was barely aware she had put the robe and slippers on, her feet carried her, again.

He scribbled in his journal. He aslo had papers of estate to finish. He watcher her enter his room. Did she know what hour of the night it was? She spared him a passing glance, climbed into his bed.
What the hell was she doing?
"I have no intention of sleeping elsewhere." He informed her as he attempted to finish what he was writing.
She said nothing, but certainly made herself comfortable...
His hand trembled. He carefully placed the quill down. Slowly stood up. She was looking at him.
Disconcerting him.
He looked at the fireplace, added a log to it automatically.
She was always cold
What did she think she was doing?
He removed his clothing. She did not look away.
She waited.
For him.
He grabbed her wrists, forcing her on her back as he stratled her.
She looked up at him quite calmly.
"you are making yourself unwedable." he growled
"I care not for the men in my circle." Still calm.
He kissed her, hard, he was sure he was bruising her.
"Do you even understand what you are doing?" he snarled in her ear.
"Perfectly well sir." she whispered in a way that made him loose the rest of his composure.
He froze, looking at the bruise around her mouth, feeling ashamed of hurting her. Again.
Her eyes, still amber looked into his, wanting.
waiting, unflinchingly
"I want you to wife."
"you belong to me." she whispered
she was right.

He was aware it was morning. They were intertwined. Her blood in his mouth, his still stained hers as well. She was looking at him. A soft smile played on her lips.
She was not cold.


He did NOT like visiting the (insert priestly title here) but it was rather unavoidable.
The man had stumbled around his excuses long enough. Nathan pulled out the all mighty bank notes.
It looked as if the man were now drooling as the golden trappings of his holy office shimmered in the afternoon sun.
The snow threatening in the air.
The man took the money
"In two days time."
It was agreed



The snow was dropping slowly from the sky. Nigel and Kale had accompanied them, wrapping Sophie with in an inch of her life in furs. The Church was close, but they wanted to take as little chance with her health as they could.
She shivered only just.
She wore a plane white frock, with one of his purple ribbons in her hair.


He removed himself from the bed. She opened her eyes. Her cheeks flushed, her skin still pale.
She watched him as he went to his writing table.
The letter, to her 'guardians'. Sophie having no desire to return to her father's estate had requested he allow them to remain there, and receive a stipend for the rest of her days.
She was much more kind than he.
He grinned. Wondering what the cast off fiance would do, knowing it, waiting for the man to arrive.


and he did. In a rage. The 'guardians' had demanded to see their 'niece.' which of course he denied for the time being, as Sophie's health did not permit such things.The man arrived, seething in rage to be denied his child bride.
He challenged Nathan to a duel of rapiers. Nathan had laughed in his face, accepting. The slothful man was no challenge. He sent the body back to the 'aunts' with a letter, informing them that should they annoy him further he would seaze Sophie's estate, which was technically his, sell it and turn them out

Things settled.
Three months slid by, almost without his notice.
In the spring, and probably due to the every other day letters of 'concern' from her 'aunts' she'd asked him to hold a dinner. He agreed to the logic. People would want to see that she was there of her own volition. He was aware of the rumors concerning the two of them.
She found them as amusing as did he.


She looked outside. It was close to time when the guests would arrive. Marie had finished assisting her in dressing. Kale had given her dose of medicines, herbs and teas for the evening. Of course there would be more with the dinner. Nigel had informed her that the players had arrived. She could hear them tuning. Nathan was still down below in his workshop. She sighed. He did tend to loose track of time when down there. There was nothing for it. She gathered up her skirts, down to the passage that would lead her to her husband.

She did occasionally watch him at his hobby. Hobby/ occupation. One in the same. Normally he did not loose his sense of presence, except when down below the house. She opened the door, careful to look at the floor. He did so love to remove parts. Of which she stepped over. She had no desire to get someone Ilse's blood on her dress, especially some one as unclean as would be found here. Her husband looked at her, saw in hand, blood dripping. He was gleaming with it. He looked at her, mildly disoriented.

"The guests will be arriving soon." she said over the groan of agony, the pleading....
"Hmmm." he cast a look back at the person on the table. Then sighed.
"If I must."
"It would be a bit odd for you to be late, as you are known to be here today." she reminded him softly.
He placed the saw down on the table.
"Very well."
He followed her upstairs.

He rode as fast as he could. He ran into the house, non stop until he reached the door to his and Sophie's room. Her 'aunts' were outside of the door. The doctor, covered in Sophie's blood.
"I arrived as soon as I received the message." He was out of breath.
The 'aunts' sneered at him.
"Its your fault." one of them stated.
He rounded on them. "You, ladies will go to the solar. You have done your best to destroy her, and are merely upset about your lack of inheritance. Go, before I remove you." He ripped open the door, a few people were still in the room tending to Sophie, almost drowning in her own blood.
her black eyes shining a light not yellow or white.
The Fae who had sustained the living, the Fae who had bread with them
creating a type of hybrid.
She and the other elders were the gods
she was the accolyte
as was Nathen.
Blood as the life force.
That which sustains.

"Every one OUT." he snarled at them. At first no one moved. He stalked in the room, bodily throwing out the first person he reached. They fled. The doctor had followed him in. Nurse Kale exited, throwing a glance toward Sophie over her shoulder.
"You.. understand... it may be too late...." He punched the doctor in the face, then threw him out of the room. He slammed and locked the door.
He stood for a moment. Starring at Sophie's unconscious form. blood everywhere.
She should not be like this.
Not her.
Not now.
He felt his knees weaken and somehow made it into the bed, next to her, gathering her up in his arms. For the first time, he cried. His body wracked with sobs he could not control. The Lady moved. He looked up at her.
"I will give you anything." she couldn't leave him. Not now. "my life." he again, sobbed, clutching her. More of her blood on him that he'd ever wanted... too much.
"you would be so selfish, as she lives for you."
He looked up at her, at a loss, what more could she want? What more could he offer?
"what ever you want." he ghasped
"In my time, in your time, half this life, half the next." she said
"yes." he answered.
He couldn't help it, as he took in her life fluid, it had always tasted better than any. It was habit now.
The sun's red rays cast themselves through the window, on her face, he stopped to look at her, her breath deepened. She slowly fluttered, then opened her eyes.
He kissed her as gently as he could.
She sighed.
She kissed him, softly.
Her eyes traveled to a towel, completely bloodstained, soaked, slightly bulging.
"three months." she whispered.
he rested his forehead against hers. He should have stayed.
Why did she not tell him?
"I knew. I could not carry your child." she said.
a sadness he had never heard, imbeded in her voice.
He looked to the cloth.
As did she.
"I want that," her eyes met his. "we should take that in." her voice so weak.
Yes, they should, he reached over, pulled the cloth to them.