Jimeon wrang his hands together, and snivelled when he saw that witch of a woman, Metia wink at him, his eyes reverting back to their clear blue, after his sense picked up her true nature. Jimeon was not just some simple servant, or country bumpkin, oh no. But of course, that will be revealed later. He actually felt a choking sensation, as the wave of bad energy balled into a black manifestation, and he spat it out on the ground, being rid of it now she was out of their view. The King of course, did not have such keen senses as Jimeon, and he happened to notice Jimeon spit the black lugey onto the ground.

“My good Jimeon, what ails you this day?”

“Tis just the chewing tar, M’lord, forgive me, for I could not swallow it.”

“Ah…perhaps it’s not a good thing to be chewing.”

“Of course, M’lord. Oh, and the Bishop is in the chapel. He waits to share a word with you.”

The Bishop was a man that King Henry felt was a stellar example of one that was truly devoted to God and his flock, and not only that King Henry shared a special bond with Bishop Mckenna, one that had stood the test of the years of his marriage to Metia. A man who was devout to God, but he was not so blinded by love that he couldn’t see through Metia’s facade. For little did Metia realize, there was many that knew all too well about her past, her true nature….and her biggest lie of them all.
On entering the chapel, the King felt the spiritual presence of those that were on bended knee, giving thanks and prayer to God, and he swept up the main aisle, to where the Bishop was giving communion to some of the house staff. The King got in line, with his head bowed, just like everyone else that waited to partake in the body and blood of Christ. Bishop McKenna glanced up and saw the heavenly visage of the King, the Angel of Vaas Plains. He also noticed Jimeon at his side, and then when he looked past them to see Metia was not in attendance, he nodded to himself and then smiled at the next parishioner, as he placed a small wafer of bread upon their tongue, and said softly. “The body of Christ is within you.”

King Henry moved along with the line, till it was his turn, and he knelt down, with his golden hair capturing the light that shone down from the coloured windows. Though he did not have his wings open out in full in such a public setting, there was a distinct aura of where they would be if he had. Bishop Mckenna took the wafer of bread, and then placed it on the King’s tongue, repeating the words; “The body of Christ is within you.” , before leaning forward and whispering in his ear.

“I have a message for you, please take this.”

He then slipped the King a small roll of parchment, that was tied with a black ribbon. Stepping back, he took up the wine chalice and held it aloft, as the King pocketed the parchment in his coat.

“This is the blood of Christ, may it keep you free from the sins of those that seek to harm the Lamb of God.”

He then blessed the chalice and offered it to the King to drink…which he did with his eyes closed.

<3>

After ten minutes, Metia finally reached the bathroom, and saw her bath all perfect, with that beautiful tub, with some small angels on the edges of the tub, it was indeed the design her husband wanted, because if it was her, she would put some lion, or something, nothing like that, that’s for sure. She stepped closer to the tub, and waited for the maids leave the bathroom, and once they did, she open her robe, and let it slid down from her naked body. She had a beautiful body shape, nothing that big, but good enough.

She pressed her palms against her own breasts, as she walked on the small chairs, and then step inside the warm water, she keep walking, and the water would always be the weight of her waist. Slowly closing her eyes, Metia allowed her body to slowly go down inside the water, till her head was under water as well. She wouldn’t take long, since all she wanted was just get her body wet. Moving her head back up, she remained on the middle of the tub, on her knees, so the water was now at the weight of her breasts, being able to cover them. She passed her hands through her long blonde hair, before place it over her shoulder. Right now, Metia was staring at her body, it was on that moment, she noticed how awful she was getting, she looked sick. Ugh, she hated this curse she had, her body when was weak, would become like this, like she was sick, she grew more paler, and skinnier, we could see her ribs and spine from her back. She needed somebody’s soul to take over, but she couldn’t do it that now, her husband was still around and she had no female for do that. Now she had to make her best to make sure nobody would notice the changes from her body.

*Though he and the other knight were not the BEST of friends or allies, and competition broke out between the two in friendly banter and duels, he knew all too well of the love the man held for his human wife. Arthur lifted his sight, and from his corner in the shadows, he watched Sir Ahory walk towards the outer wooden railing of the training ground’s arena. The look upon his face was far from recognizeable as all the once obvious joy and love of life was gone. Arthur patted his hand on the boy’s head, and spoke.* “Thank you Lad, now run along. My squire within my tent shall pay you for you service.”

*Sir Arthur watched, then, as the king made his way down, and standing in the shadows, Arthur was unseen but preferred it to be as much. He watched as the royaly dressed and garbed man came to the recently returned knight, and embraced him. Everyone knew of the long standing friendship between the two men, and it brought Arthur a bit joy to watch as his brother in arms had received such a warming welcome back.*

*That’s when the voice rang from behind him. It’s soft, silky sound flooded into his ears and made it’s way directly to his heart, wrapping it in it’s warm and tingly embrace. A soft, genuine smile formed over his lips as he turned to take view of the being whom had spoken. Once he had, it was as though he was hammered by a fist of absolute beauty. This was how he felt each and every time he saw her for the first time of the day, heard her voice after a well night’s rest. All he wanted to do was wrap her within his arms and bring his lips to hers in a never ending fountain of embrace. He hated that her husband had cracked down so heavily on her, and down right hated the fact that she had a husband to begin with.*

*He bowed his head softly, keeping his watermelon Green eyes on hers as he did so.* “You honor me with your words and presence, M’Lady. As always, you have taken me by surprise at the level of beauty you seem to embrace upon skin and increase of level within every passing rise of the moon.” *He rose his head again, but halted any urges to advance upon her.* “If not for you, I’d be far from where I am now, and thus to hear you break word of skill with such good tidings, it fills heart with gratitude.”

The King found joy in seeing his Knight show some humor, and patted his arm again before saying warmly. “It’s indeed good to have you back.” Agreeing with Calypso that she hoped he won, in his event, and gestured towards the royal box, that was on the far side of the arena pit. “Feel free to join with me later, and we shall enjoy the festivity together, so you can report all back to my darling wife. The King Harry slapped his hands together, and twirled around, leaving Calypso and the Knight standing together just near the timber barricades.

Sir Wayne noticed the young angelic creature still standing close by, and he gave her a side ways glance, as she was not quick to follow after the King. He even took a look behind him, if she was waiting for someone else to address. The woman remained silent, dressed head to toe in white, and with the hood covering her winter white tresses. There was something about her, that didn’t seem quite as angelic as she appeared. Sir Wayne knitted his brow, then went back to take in the events going on out in the main arena, and then spotted across the way the tent of Sir Arthur Redmoore. He was rubbing the top of some small child’s head, possibly a messenger, as they were a lot cheaper to pay and quite speedy on their feet. Though Sir Wayne and Sir Arthur were not exactly the best of friends, they had fought before, and there was a mutual respect between the two men. His expression didn’t change, and then he noticed Lady Dana come up behind Sir Arhur, and the two appeared locked in a delicate discussion.

“I see that nothing has changed here..” his thoughts being said out loud, and he started to head off towards his tent, so he could have the right armour and weapons chosen for his turn in the ring.

<3>

Ascending the stairs to the royal box, many of the courts Lords and Ladies rose from their seats and benches, and bowed as the King passed them, to find his throne beneath a colorful canopy, that was the colors of the House of Casterly, and carried its standard. To all the commoners, knaves, traders and Knights, he waved his hand regally, then sat down in the large ornate throne. Disappointed the seat beside him on either side were empty, he let out a sigh, as a maiden brought him a chalice of wine. He took up the golden goblet, and sipped the sweet wine, which he rolled around in his mouth before swallowing.

He knew Calypso would be joining him shortly, but she seemed to have had some interest in Sir Wayne Ahorld. Placing down the goblet on the tray again, which was held by a sweet blonde haired maiden, he eased back in his throne, and drummed his fingers upon the velvet arm rests. Many eyes were upon him, and for once he felt rather forlorn, without his son and daughter there to keep him company. Sure, Jimeon would probably come back from the ale tent, smelling like a brewery, but least that was someone, other than the Lord Chamberlain and others that prattled on for hours about household gossip, the likes of which he did not care for.

“Let us see some good sportsmanship….hmm?” he said out loud, as the yes men nodded and the Ladies of the court giggled behind their fans.

<3>

She watched the knight walk away before she made her way to the royal box. Jimeon had disappeared to god knows where, but an even younger servant practically tore over his own feet to beat her to the stairs. He carried a chair, which she gently placed her hand on. “Who, may I ask, is this for?” One of her eyebrows rose as she spoke, and gently helped him lower the chair to the ground. ”It’s for you, ma’am. Some other servants got word that you were going to be watching and we thought you might like a chair.” She would have liked to show him just how much she’d like a chair by smashing it on his back, but considering the king was just up the stairs they stood at the foot of, she simply smiled and nodded, allowing him to once again pick it up.

The Training Grounds, Royal Box (Arena)

The servant set the chair down and waited for her to be seated before turning to leave. “Stop.” The word was soft and she held out her hand to take his, which he allowed her to. She kissed it and held it to her chest, the movement lingering. “Thank you, and the others, for your considerate actions.” She smiled and he practically swooned his way down the stairs.

Sometimes, she believed men acted like she was seductive or arousing because they just wanted her in their bed to have a woman in their bed. Others, she knew that she had struck the right nerve. It was an easy game to play, and she loved playing. Of course, no matter if they fell for it or not, they never got anything, and that was just about the finest part.

Castle Garden
*Once there, she sat on a bench that was surrounded and enclosed by the tallest rose bushes Arthur had seen in his life, which was pretty damned long as is. Hand made streams of water ran through tiny river beds that seemed to wind through the stalks of the bushes and plants like a river through a dense wood. It was a sight to behold, and one that set the mood all too well. Hearing her next set of words, Arthur smiled, sitting beside her and taking one of her hands within his.*

“That’s why I’m planning a divorce with Axel, so I can be with you.” *These words, however, brought him great pause. As he knew all too well the punishment of a Lady divorcing her Lord husband. It was not something a Lady did, and thus, she’d be ridiculed all her life. Even after they’d married, even the fear of losing life to the blade of Sir Arthur Redmoore would hardly calm people’s rapid tongues. It brought him worry, unmeasurable in amount.*

“My love, though-” *He had begun to speak just as her lips pressed against his. His eyes closed, and his hand found the back of her neck, holding her lips against his longer than she had intended. The softness of her lips against his, it was a drug that he always longed for. An addiction he refused to rid himself of and would do anything to get to. When the kiss was broken, he sighed, and placed his forehead against hers.* “Though your words bring joy on levels unknowable, I cannot allow you to condemn yourself to such things, my Love. You are a Lady, to divorce your husband will disgrace your name” *He pulled his head away from hers, and gripped her hands tightly.* “I love you, but I will not allow you to make such a sacrifice.”

Striding back to his tent at the other end of the field, his servant Thomas was waving for his Lord’s attention. “M’lord, we have all your weapons sharper than that of any noble, and I paid a pretty penny too.” It was true, lining up against the tent, an array of swords and battle axes to chose from and all had been sharpened to perfection. But Sir Wayne shook his head, and said. “I will use my most trusted, but I thank you for getting all the others sharpened.” Thomas’s face fell slightly, but then he realized that Sir Wayne would have reason for wishing to use his traditional long sword. The reason was it was a gift from his beloved, who had gone to great lengths to procure it for him. It was a wedding gift, and he hoped that the day that he died, it would be wielding this sword.

Godfrey stopped stirring the stew, as the trumpets sounded for the next competitor, and he quickly dropped the ladle and ran to pick up the flag of Ahorld. “Ready, M’lord?” He asked expectantly, his fingers clenched tight around the flag pole, the standard flying high in the air. Thomas handed Sir Wayne his helm, and together the trio made their way down to the arena proper, where the loser of the last fight, was being carted off on a stretcher, by two large servants. He was moaning loudly and then spotted Sir Wayne approaching and gave a weak thumbs up before passing out cold. Reaching the gate, Thomas looked at the flag that was flying for the challenger. “It’s Sir Reed!” Godfrey drove the flag of Arhold into the keep that showed that Sir Wayne would be the challenger, as Sir Reed was already ripping off his cloak and handing it to a young squire. He was over seven feet talk, with enormous black wings, and dark skinned, probably from the eastern country side. He was using a battle axe as his weapon of choice this day, and was masterly swinging it, much to the delight of the crowd.

Sir Wayne simply unclipped his cloak, and slung it on the rails, as his two servants both nodded to him that it was time to show all, why he was renowned in his province of Vaas Plains. The Herald caught sight of the flag of Ahorld being posted in, and raised his arms to silence the crowd, and up in the royal box, King Henry was now beaming, to see his dearest friend about to enter the arena.

“My King….Lords…Ladies….WELCOME…and to all of you, you are here blessed to bear witness to the return of a Knight, who needs no introduction, for you have all seen the flag that flies high as our God does show favour this day. I give you…Sir ARHOLD!!” the crowd went wild, as Sir Wayne started to walk out to the middle of the ground, not yet having unsheathed his sword, while Sir Reed was now already flapping his great black wings, and swinging his battle axe. He swooped up and the crowd gasped as the white flag had not been dropped to start the match. Godfrey and Thomas’s jaws dropped at the audacity of Sir Reed, to start before introductions had concluded. The herald tossed his parchment and fled the arena, as Sir Reed flew directly for Sir Wayne, who was standing still, watching him come at him.

“Move….M’LORD…MOVE!” Thomas sang out, as Sir Reed roared loudly, and swung his battle axe up and behind him, ready to decapitate Sir Wayne. But as Sir Reed started to make his approach closer, Sir Wayne reached behind him and the screech of the metal of his blade rang out, with the embossed letters of his dead wife’s name etched into the blade. The blade’s name…”Ambrosia.” with all the strength in him, he swung the sword with his right hand and there was a mighty clang of the two metals as they hit each other. It sent Sir Reed barreling off course and he flew straight into the barricade, smashing his head against the wooden railings, as Sir Wayne spun on his heel to face him, Ambrosia held tightly within the grasp of his hand.

With a shake of his shoulders, the purest of white wings emerged in a full display, as he rose up off the ground, a fierce look of determination in his eyes, as Thomas and Godfrey were cheering wildly, holding on to each other and jumping up and down.

Sir Reed ripped off his helm and tossed it away, since it had a huge dent in the side of it. Blood was running down the corner of his mouth and he snarled as he flapped his black wings, showing the darkness of what he was. Pushing off hard from the ground, he made a second attack run, with Sir Wayne remaining stoic as he held the sword of Ambrosia tight. The two angels flew at each other, weapons raised and again the battle axe struck the sword, with a loud clang, as the two were brought into close proximity. Sir Reed snarled under his breath and then said loud enough for Sir Wayne to hear. “Your wife died a whore.” Fire suddenly filled the eyes of Sir Wayne, and he drew back his head, wearing the helmet and brought his head back to smash it right to Sir Reed’s forehead, before kicking back off him with his boot. This caused Sir Reed to falter, and as his wings started to droop, Sir Wayne seized the moment, and swung his sword in a diagonal, to slash through Sir Reed’s right arm that held the battle axe. The attack held true, slicing open the knight’s wrist, causing him to drop his battle axe upon the ground below. Sir Wayne was getting ready to drive his sword right through the neck of Sir Reed as they reached the ground, when the crowd gasped, and a loud trumpet sounded.

“WINNER….SIR ARHOLD!” The crowd cheered, as it was clear the Sir Wayne had acquired enough points to declare him the winner without ending Sir Reed’s life, though if Sir Wayne had his way, he would have driven the blade right through to the other side. Sir Reed knew he had been beat, and gripping his blooded arm, he bowed low, his wings falling in behind him. His servants ran out to help him with his arm and weapons, as Thomas and Godfrey ran out and raised the left arm of Sir Wayne in victory. <3>

“What a brave man.” The words slipped from her lips quietly and she stood before she could stop herself. That had been one of the most intense fights she had seen in a long time, granted that she hadn’t seen many fights. For a moment, her only thoughts were that Sir Ahorld was indeed very brave, and very strong. And then the thoughts of a sane Astheroshe began to slip in: he was even more dangerous than she had first anticipated. She hurried to sit back down, knowing her movement would be noticed, but hoping the king would elect to ignore it or simply laugh rather than address her about it. She also hoped that Sir Ahorld did not look at her before the next match.

She would need to be exceedingly careful with her plan. Under no circumstances could his majesty be around when she asked her queen for the leave of absence. And she would need to be careful to tell the lady why she needed it. It was simply an information rendezvous, her annual one, as a matter of fact. For the past few years, she had been lucky though – either the royal family had gone on holiday without her long enough for her to be gone without them ever knowing or the queen would be too far into her sickness to notice who was serving her. Of course, now she not only had the problem of having to explain her absence, but she had to be careful about who she explained it to. 

Leaving his chambers, he was walking up the hall, when he spotted a figure up ahead, well the first thing he saw was a bare bottom, and he made a low wolf whistle sound, only to then want to gag, when he realized the naked beauty was none other than his own mother. “I am having the worst luck today. Eww.” Singing out, and probably being heard by much of the staff, Joffrey called, “No one sent me the scroll saying we turned the kingdom into a nudist colony, Mother.” He started to run to catch up with her, as he needed to ask her about Selene, but the closer he got, the more disgusted he was. What was with this woman? What if the King saw her? Maybe he had.

“Mother…you could have at least put a hat on.”

<3>

And Mother was in one of her moods. Yes, strutting about the castle, screaming obscenities at the King, and running around in the raw. Suddenly it did feel like home once more, the light of Selene was well out of sight, and Joffrey could return to being the sniveling brat he was. He hated his mother, just about as much as she hated everyone else, but in her rage and cutting remarks, he saw an opportunity to gain a few points on the board for Team Brax.

“I hope you’re not thinking about trying incest. Because I will hang up by your cock”

“No Mother, my cock withers at the sight of you, so you can put those feelings to bed….but enough about you and the weather. Princess Selene is here, not sure if you bowled her over in the garden, but she is. AND since you were the one so keen that I wed the girl, she has asked to go shopping.”

This was when he gripped the bridge of his nose, trying to not stare at his mother’s ample bosom. “I heard menopause strikes at your age, so my condolences.” Meaning that her bad temper and need to strip came from being…well old.

She was still on a rant, about how he should be honored to come out of her glorious body, and he snorted, at her egotistical remark.

“Yes, from the back I was sure I could see your flaps hanging down like awnings, but enough about loose lips, Mother. Selene needs clothes, and ..so do you.” He waved and called out as he continued on his march down the hall. “After breakfast…first thing…Selene…shopping..there’s a good Queenie.”

<3>

*Leon lifted his shield either way and batted the daggers far off to the side, opposite of the bladed end of the spear he had just broken. He was no fool, however, and was anticipating that she’d go for the possible weapon, and grinned to himself the moment he saw her do exactly that. Being a demon who’s creator was combat, well, it aided in his ability to fight off really any threat, and this one was all too easy.*

*As he batted away the daggers he had already been moving as quick as possible toward the bladed spear end. Thanks to his greatly enhanced speed, this took no effort at all. Reaching the blade just as she would bend to pick it up(interrupt), he stomped his foot on it and placed the point of his sword at the crater of her collar bone, right above her heart. If she were to move in any direction, the blade would be in prime position to pierce her skin and most likely her heart with little to no effort at all. Thanks to Leon’s incredible speed and strength, it was likely this woman would fall to his blade if she did move.*

“What ever do you mean? I simply wish to announce my attractions to a beautiful woman, and apparently a talented fighter.” *His rather fun tone became deathly ill and cold, no emotion within it as he spoke his next words.* “A fighter who, if seasoned as I believe her to be, understands that this fight is over, with my move proving victor. Don’t be stupid, surrender your weapons and perhaps we can talk, I have interest in sharing words that I believe you’d like to bear witness to.”

Joffrey stood in the center of his room, for what must have been a few minutes, his thoughts wild with that face of hers, and he reached up to brush his finger tips along his lips, even pulling at them slightly with a nervous tick. That girl had bewitched him, and yet done so out of goodness, which in itself was simply all wrong. He knew that this must be a sign of weakness on his part, and that he needed to reaffirm his standing as the dark Prince. Just as he tried to think of how to go about that endeavor, a dark voice called to him, and he turned around to see one of the vampire ladies in waiting, smirking at him. She was dressed in a light silken set of crimson, with her breasts barely covered, and a single strip of silk that covered her nether regions. She licked her lips then lowered her head, and whispered;

“Does Master seek to take his girl, Lia?”

She knelt down on a small rug and offered both hands upwards as to her side there were pieces of rope, so he could tie her up and then suspend her from the ceiling. A game that he enjoyed, and she knew it. Her eyes were as black as the night sky, and her skin so dark, that was offset by her silken black tresses. Her lips were full, practically stung to being ripe, and her breasts rounded and heavy, with the nips peaking through the soft silken folds. She was a Master’s delight, and smelt of exotic oils, though the truth of her was she was of the undead, and a dangerous toy at that. Her timing however, was impeccable, but then Joffrey started to see Selene’s face in his mind, and he let out a god awful howl. He brought up curled fists to the sides of his temple, and grit his teeth, saying;

“Why do she torture me so?”

Lia kept her head down, but her forehead creased, not understanding why he would say such a thing, when normally he would run at her to carry out his most wicked fantasies. Clearly confused by his question, she uttered;

“Master, tis you that is to torture me, remember?”

“No…not you, .you dumb bitch. The angel….UGH…why? What the hell did I do to deserve this?”

Lia slowly rose her head, and saw the Prince walking around in a circle, and then coming up to the wall, he slammed his right fist into it, blood pouring from scrapes upon his knuckles, as he panted heavily. The vampire Lady saw his distress, and rose to her feet, padding over towards him, and then she made the fatal mistake, of reaching to touch his back. Joffrey spun around and seized her by the throat, lifting her up off the ground, while she gripped at his wrist, and struggled violently.

“Mmmmaster..please…?” she cried, as her gargled sound was one of fear. Joffrey snarled viciously, and then threw her across the room, where she hit the wall, and collapsed in a heap. “NEVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!..Understood?” He bellowed, and then pointed to the door. “GET OUT!!” Bruised and with a blooded nose, she collected herself, and fled his room, just as a servant entered and bowed low, stating;

“The Princess of Casterly has taken ill, and will not be able to venture out this night. She gives her apologies, your grace.”

Joffrey stood, cupping his blooded fist in his left hand, and stared at the servant oddly, before nodding his head slowly.

“Very well…if she is ill, then let her rest. I don’t feel all that much like going out myself. That will be all.”

The servant bowed and then left Joffrey to his thoughts, and what troubled ones they were.

<3>

Rushing over to the servant, she grabbed her by the arm and demanded “Who are you talking about? Where did you get this information?” The servant looked too stunned to speak, which only made her shake the poor girl. What was bringing on these actions from her? The servant was finally able to mutter The prince, m’lady. Just a rumor of the prince’s foul moods again… Again. So it was known to have happened before. Picking up her skirts, she rushed out of her room and stepped next door. Raising her hand, she thought of knocking properly. Instead, she banged violently. “Your grace. I must insist upon having a word with you!” The servants feared for the naive princess so they all huddled behind her in case the prince wanted to hurt her.

The vampire submissive that fled down the hall and then shape shifted into a bat to leave the castle, left behind a small trail of blood spots in her wake, and was seen fleeing by some of the house staff. No doubt, this was going to get around the gossip circles, and unbeknownst to Joffrey, it was going to get back to Selene. Joffrey collapsed into a chair, and sat staring out his window, blood dripping from his knuckles and a foul look on his face. He closed his eyes and exhaled loudly, the throbbing pain of his hand giving him a sense of feeling, and he brought his fist up to his lips, licking at the blooded wounds. Everything about him, everything he once cared for, or didn’t was changing in a whirlwind of crazed emotions. He was infatuated with Selene. She was now something akin to what one does not touch, and yet she was betrothed to him. What on earth were his parent’s thinking? An angel and a demon? How was that ever to work? Why did kissing her just make him….melt? Why did it curb the very darkness within himself. His hand trembled and then he thought. “I know, I’ll play a few cords on my lute, belt out a tune…yeah…sing really badly and…cheer myself up.” He picked up his favourite lute, a classic from the nearby town, and rose to his feet, about to strum a few cords…when…..

“Your grace. I must insist upon having a word with you!” There was a god awful banging at the door, and in a fit of panic, Joffrey broke the strings to his lute. “Shit!” He really wasn’t having any luck, and now she was banging furiously upon his door. What on earth? She was supposed to be sick. He tossed the lute out the window, and then stomped over to the door, reefing it open, with his fist still bleeding. He took one look at her, and he thought he was going to be sick. He could see the servants in behind her, and then he snarled at them, before taking her hand and pulling her into his room. He slammed the door, and then seemed to lose it, pacing back and forth…then…it all unraveled.

“I’m…a demon, Selene. I’m all kinds of wrong for you. I’m dark…I’m broody…I’m evil. I’m…I’m…Selene, I’m in love with you!” he then looked like he was struggling to breathe. “Think I am weak…I am, I’m confused. You confuse me. You should hate me, I am…all wrong for you.” He then stood with his head bowed, his hands trembling…clearly hurt and lost at this moment.

<3>

Rodrick was still getting used to the cold temperature of the water, after having such heat inside him with the Queen, of course the huge change on the temperature was kind of hard to deal on the beginning. He heard her words, saying that she should have her guards escort him to her chambers, and all he did was just point his two fingers at her, and move his hand, like he was saying “You got it.” He really couldn’t believe he was going to have more of this with the Queen, with the Queen from the Night Lands kingdom, its so odd and weird, but she still remained like a forbidden fruit for him, if anybody found out about the two of them, Rodrick would end up finding his head on a wall. He just needed to be more careful with his moves, but when something he wants is hard to get, the more he will want. Its challenging, and he’s a man who loves challenges, and loves win against them, to prove how he can get whatever he wants.
He began to wash his body, by using the soap and the water around him. He wouldn’t take more than ten minutes to finally finish. Stepping outside from the lake, he picked up the towel and began to dry off his skin, and his hair as well. He wrapped the towel around his waist, and picked up the soap, with his clean t-shirt, as he just headed back to his tent. While he walked, he noticed many knight’s eyes on him, like he was having something they wanted, or that he done something that was like a sin, he just stared at them with a confused expression, trying his best to pretend like he done nothing, and acting was a thing Rodrick done it pretty well. A man like him needed to know how to act, or he would never get what he really wished.
Once he got inside his tent, he removed the towel, and threw on some simple and thin clothing, it was only for him to go to sleep. Now that he was dressed, he sat down, picked up a beer and began to drink it while thinking about what had just happen between him and Rose, and the thoughts forced him to grin.

Each kiss got deeper, their tongues danced against the others, and then he started to take to her throat, kissing and nibbling her neck, wanting to cover her body in his kisses, suckle her breasts, that for now were hidden beneath her bodice. His hands traced up and down her sides, eager to tear away the fabric, so he could touch her bare skin. He drew his head back, and stared into her eyes, searching for her to say he could go further. But…she pushed him away saying;

“Joffrey…? Are you going to take my maidenhead?”

Selene had that look of uncertainty in her eyes, and then he remembered, she had never done this before. It would make it her first time. But it felt so right, and the demon inside him was truly suppressed. He wanted her so badly, and had he been himself, he would have tore the dress right from her, and started to plough into her mercilessly. Joffrey caught his breath, and then realized that she can’t have been ready. In a first for him, Joffrey just smiled at her, and then said;

“No..a few stolen kisses, and I had gotten carried away. Forgive me, my Love.”

He stayed on top of her, and then kissed her forehead, then stared at her, and asked;

“Am I the one you truly want?”

<3>

Levi tilted his head slightly and had to fight back laughter at the look of elation on Mrs. Peabody’s face. Finding his composure, he was able to look quite serious as he held his father’s tea. With his free arm, he draped it across the front of his body and used his other hand to hold the tea close to his face to obstruct the view of her nether regions.

“Dear Lord… and of course it is black tea.”

He continued to watch in fascination as the woman seemed to be quite close to ecstasy. His father’s procedures weren’t always orthodox but it seemed to keep his patients happy. Business seemed to be good, in any event. He almost jumped as the woman began to shout, a chuckle managing to bubble free from him. As his father retrieved his hand and began to wash it, he raised his eyebrow at the woman. Levi was beginning to see why she was a regular.

Looking back at his father, Levi followed him out of the observation room and passed off his tea while responding “You may find it curious that this woman lives alone at The Luxembourg Hotel. Angel, Demon, or Human, it is not safe for her to be alone if she truly has anything to do with Selene.” He stared at his father in hopes that he understood what his son was trying to say. “I think it would be wise if you went alone to investigate. I shall stay behind and see to it that there is a room arranged for her so that we may get to know her better. We wouldn’t want her to fall into the wrong hands.”

Levi looked at his father’s arm and began to chuckle. Reaching out, he clasped his father’s shoulder and pulled him closer “If I were you, I would have her start buying you drinks first. Or at least give her husband a call and offer some professional tips.” He smiled boyishly and winked at his father. Levi was finding quite a bit of humor in his father’s work.

Saffron lay in bed perfectly straight, her hands folded over her stomach. She was nude underneath the sheets, and she was feigning sleep. She’d been up for hours, but she didn’t want to speak with anyone. Finally, she opened her eyes, sighing slightly as she got out of bed. She put the sheets back to where they had been and walked over to the wardrobe, standing in front of it for a moment. The servants were ordered never to help her dress unless there was an event. In fact, they didn’t help her do anything unless there was an event. She sighed once more, grabbing one of her husband’s coat and slipping it over her form. Her hair was messy but in an what some might say attractive way. She ran a hand through the ginger locks before fastening the coat so she wouldn’t have to hold it. She left the bedroom and headed for the stairs, knowing where her husband would be almost intuitively.

Doctor Bianchi’s Office – Ground Floor

Milly ran after her as she entered Johnathan’s office, her bare feet making not a single noise on the floor.

“Mrs. Bianchi, the doctor is working-”
“I know.”
“See, he’s-”
“I know.”
“Well, you might not want to-”
“Milly.”

The maid girl stopped, panting slightly as Saffron turned and settled her delicate hands on the girl’s shoulder. “Mrs. Peabody is here. I know.” The girl curtsied but had managed to get Saffron to stop in the outer area of the office, where she stood and waited with the maid.

Selene listened to her father tell her that she could not go home just yet. Allowing herself to lift her head and look upon the majestic angel, she smiled weakly. “Yes, father… When I am well…”

Turning around, she walked to the vanity in the corner of the room that the servants had supplied her should she start feeling better. Sinking into the seat, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked horrible. Her blonde hair was plastered to her face and bare shoulders, her eyes their normal color but still shiny from tears. Looking at her father in the mirror, she asked softly “Mother is here?” That could mean nothing good. If she had heard of Selene’s condition, there was little doubt in her mind that her mother would just let it be. Her father had said she was here, and that meant she was pissed. Looking down at her fingers, she whispered barely audibly “I did fall in love…” Her father commented on their natures clashing and it only made more tears fall.

Standing up from her chair slowly, Selene gasped and almost fell over from how weak she was. Rhonda had returned and rushed over to help steady her. The servant turned to look at the king “M’lord, I suggest she gets a warm bath and rests. It has been a very trying time for the princess.” She gave Henry and encouraging smile to show she could manage. Your presence seems to have done her a lot of good. Her voice dropped to a whisper and added “There is a rumor The Majesty Queen has arrived…”With that tidbit of information, she turned to undress Selene and help her into a warm bath. After allowing her half an hour to soak, Selene was then dressed in a new white gown and was placed in bed to rest. Rhonda had left the room but Selene did not sleep. Instead, she looked at the ceiling and remained silent with her hands on her stomach.

Selene’s immediate reaction to his touch was to try and recoil, fear bubbling up inside of her irrationally. Was he going to hurt her? His arms snaked around her waist to wrap on her belly. Without even thinking, she instinctively leaned back against his touch. Tilting her head, she closed her eyes as she waited to hear more words of rejection from him. She was surprised. Swallowing hard, she looked down at his hands on her belly. Slowly her own hand lifted to brush fingertips over one of his hands. He was being so gentle with her. As he soothed the child, it began to calm down immediately. It certainly had a sense of who his father was. It was suddenly as if a breath of fresh air washed over Selene. Sighing contently, she lifted her head to brush her lips along his jaw. She felt so much better…Feeling light as air, a small smile curved her lips up. As he bent down to whisper in her ear, goosebumps raised along her bare arms and she felt the wind get knocked out of her.

He said he loved her. Again, doubts flooded her mind, her own inner demons seeming to whisper accusations in her ear. Disentangling herself from his hold, she walked away from him and shook as she saw visions of black and red. “No no…” She whispered. Think of Daddy…think of Daddy…” Looking up, she glanced over her shoulder to look at Joffrey. There was no malicious demon in the room with her. Just her beloved dark prince. Her father’s face melted from her mind and the images of Joffrey holding her close replaced them. She watched in her mind as he bent down to kiss her for that first time. It was if she had just woken up. Stepping back towards Joffrey, she reached up with one hand and stroked the scruff on his face. Smiling gently, she pushed down all fears that he was only here for the child. She wanted to live on their love, not her fears. Standing on her toes, she pressed her hands against his chest and whispered “Will you just kiss me already…”

At the moment he held her, Selene let go of her inhibitions and found herself leaning back against his chest. The light touch as her finger tips caressed his hands had him almost smile, but he was not done, for he had to stop the baby from trying to destroy its mother. Now at least, the infant spawn knew its father was close, and Joffrey had a gift that no one else could give her. The love of his being, that proved paternity, as well as the fact he loved her. At first she broke free from his hold, and up came that look again, questioning everything.

“No no…”

“Selene…”

He only said her name, not about to start fighting with her again, not after everything that brought him back to this place. He had himself made the demon within his being dormant, and what she would see, was the same man that she fell in love with. He was there all the time. Only when truly in rage, did he release the callous dark side to his nature, but for now, he could only see his love, the mother of his unborn child, and he just wanted to hold her.

Finally, Selene turned around and then she crossed the floor, going up on tip toes, and brushing her fingers along the scruff of his face. He could see the love in her eyes returning, this was the woman he wanted…he needed so desperately.

“Will you just kiss me already…”

Barely had she finished the sentence, and he swept her up in his powered arms, and kissed her with such passion, the ache in his heart, heard through the light moans that escaped through the corners of his lips. She was like oxygen, the very air that one needs to breath to live. His hands traced all over her back and only broke the kiss to see her tear streaked face, gazing at her beauty.

“You never have to ask that again.”

<3>

The beeping sound of the removalist van backing up towards the drive of Apartment 112, had Amelia come running out of the empty apartment, excited to see her belongings had finally made it from her old apartment. The real estate agent, who had been going over the check list of all the utilities and services with Amelia, wandered out to watch, with the clip board now held up to her chest. Amelia had had a rough day at work, spending much of the time searching for the deceased’s ear as part of the autopsy report on the latest case. Her signature lab coat was on the front seat of her small hatchback, and Amelia was dressed in her traditional grunge/emo attire, that she wore so well. The roller door on the back of the truck swung up, as the two removalists started to unload the boxes and crates, with various black furnishings, to be taken inside her new apartment. Some of the statues and oddities that were coming out of the van, had the real estate agent raise an eyebrow. Massive candle sticks, and a large glass case that housed her pet snake. As the items were carried past, Amelia stood with a joyful expression.

“You…keep snakes?” The real estate agent said, almost frozen to the spot, as Rattle’s tank was taken past her.

“Doesn’t everyone?” Amelia replied, then she could see that this was unsettling the Real estate agent, so she was quick to say. “In my spare time, I like to help get anti venom for the hospitals. Do you know how many lives that saved alone last year? I should have got a medal.” The witch said with a firm nod. The Real estate agent sighed, and then handed Amelia her card.

“If you need anything, call me. It has my number. Oh….and try not to have the music blaring too loud. There are tenants with small children here.” Amelia saluted, and then she leaned forward and said. “Only singing is from me, and I normally do it whilst dancing naked around an open fire. I think the kids here can sleep easy.” The real estate agent rolled her eyes and headed to her posh looking sedan, leaving Amelia to the unpacking. Amelia did a little finger wave, and then skipped inside, to start unpacking.

<3>

Lysander drove quiet the whole time, having Melinda, Halle and Eric on the back of the car, he was glad that none of them was crying, he already had a huge headache from this all, and dealing with crying children was the last thing he wanted.
Reaching home, he parked his car in front of his house. He got out, and the first thing he went do, was pick up Halle, she fell asleep during the ride, so he was going to place her in her cradle, Melinda could easily hold the sleeping Eric, and carry him inside as well.
Unlocking the door, he whispered to Melinda, that he was going to put Halle in her bedroom, she just nodded and went to the living room, with Eric. He was still asleep, but let’s just say that his cradle wasn’t still done, he was actually going to finish it today, he never knew that the baby would born today.

Reaching Halles bedroom, it was all based on pink and white colors, he slowly placed her on the cradle, and cover her with a small blanket. He stayed there for a couple of minutes, just to stare at her, admiring her. Then he went down, to kiss her forehead softly, before turn off the lights and walk out of the bedroom.
Heading downstairs, he saw Melinda with Eric on her arms, and he decided to bring the baby rocking blue chair. He placed it on the ground, in front of the couch, and carefully removed Eric from Melinda’s arms, and placed him in the chair, putting on the belt, so he wouldn’t fall, he began to whimper, so Lysander just rocked slowly the chair, making him go back to sleep.

Whenever they got home, Melinda got out of the car, and held Eric against her, having a blanket covering his body and his face. She just followed Lysander inside and nodded when he told her that he was going to put Halle in her bedroom. She just went into the living room, sitting down on the couch, and hold Eric, staring down at him, he was such beautiful baby, unluckily for him, he will now live without a mother, but he will have his father and grandparents support, people always say a grandmother is mother twice, and that’s basically what Melinda was going to do, Lysander will need tons of help to take care of two young children, and she was afraid if he couldn’t make it, if he could do something stupid because of the loss of River, she knows how much he loved that woman. He lost his father, then lost the trust he held towards his brother, and now he lost River, the only family he has is his two children, and their grandparents.
Whenever Lysander was back, she looked up at him, and allowed him to remove Eric from her arms, and put him on a rocking baby chair, she just stared down at the baby, before huff out, the atmosphere was getting too depressing again, Melinda wanted to cry, because she lost her daughter, yet she didn’t wanted to put Lysander more depressed than he already was. Pushing herself from the couch, she went into the kitchen, and made a coffee for him, but for her, she certainly got a cup of vodka. She needed alcohol anyways. No matter how many years it passes, Melinda will never stop drinking her dear alcohol. She come back and gave Lysander a mug with coffee, there was no way he was going drink alcohol, he had children to take care, and he would certainly need to do huge changes on his daily routine by now.
“Here..You will end up needing more coffee, to stay awake.”
Melinda said with a small smile, before sit down besides Lysander.
After taking a sip of her vodka, she saw a paper over the table, and picked it up, she began to do origami, since she wanted to make herself busy and her thoughts as well. Whenever she was done, she stretched out the wings from the goose she made, staring down at it.

Jennifer texted Anya to ask her to cover for them. She decided to just tell her they were taking a sick day and when she’d call later she would tell them they had caught colds from each other, since neither of them seemed keen on having their co-workers thinking they were throwing up. Even if they knew they were simply taking a… “personal day,” there wasn’t much they could do about it if they said they were sick since it was strictly against the rules to come to the hospital if you had any sign of fever. Even if you were simply coughing you had to wear a face mask. Which Jennifer had done just so she could still go to work. Work was very important to her. She loved helping people and becoming a doctor was the best way to do that. But her relationship with William was more important. Especially at the moment. It wasn’t like anyone was going to take the time to come check on them, anyway. Jennifer took William by the hand and pulled him into her house, laughing lightly. They had walked since neither of them had brought a car and the last fifty yards or so she had made him run with her. It was such a playful, childish thing to do, but it made her happy to just relax, have fun, and laugh. She stopped before getting all the way inside, because she noticed a moving van outside house 112. “Ooh, I get a new neighbor today. Will you help me bake something for her? Please?” she asked him, grabbing his other hand now so that they were face to face and she was batting her eyelashes at him, making the best puppy dog face that she could. “I want to greet her.” Of course she was just a nice person and would do it for anyone, but this was particularly important to her for a very specific reason. Her only friend in this neighborhood was Galtem and that relationship had clearly taken a turn for the worse as of today. And she could use all the friends she could get right now. All she knew about the new person in 112 was that she was female, because Jennifer had been around when she had checked out the house, but she hadn’t gone over to say hi. But it would be really good for her to have a friend outside the hospital. “Afterwards we can do whatever you want,” she promised, moving closer to him, but not letting go of his hands. “Since you’re so tired we could go to sleep,” she said in a teasing voice and she gave him a quick kiss.

William on the whole way has been chasing Jennifer, she was forcing him to run around, it was something extremely childish, but he enjoyed the way it made her calm down and how happy she looked like, with that beautiful laugh of hers. They needed some time to laugh after what had happen anyway. Jennifer sent Anya a message asking her to cover for them, Anya was Jennifer’s friend, so she was basically William’s friend as well, he was a guy who got along with everybody pretty well, but not with that certain guy, Galtem. He just couldn’t stand him, the same way he couldn’t stand William, maybe if Galtem had never been with Jennifer, or start to threat him, he could be friends. But after threaten him about if he makes Jennifer cry, that pissed him off, because William never made her cry, he was only there for please her, and do whatever she wanted. Galtem was the one who made her cry, and left her behind, so he really had no right on saying those stuff.
Soon they reached her house, and he held Jennifer’s hand, as he noticed a van outside the house 112, this meant Jennifer had a new neighbor. His eyes went back at her, as she was asking him for help her on baking something for the neighbor, Jennifer was always this nice to everybody, but he thought she also wanted to make up new friends in her neighborhood. She grabbed his both hands, as the both of them was facing each other, she was making that puppy dog face, that made him bite his lip, and tilt his head down while chuckling.
“Alright, I will help you.”
He finally offered his help. William wasn’t a bad cooker, since he has been living alone this all years, of course the guy had to learn how too cook, so he could make food for himself, he couldn’t spend his whole life on ordering chinese food and pizzas, now could he? And he had to admit sometimes it felt better when it was him making the food, but it was even better when it was Jennifer making.
“Sleeping seems a wonderful idea.”
He mumbled against her lips, as he wrapped his arms quickly around her waist, not letting her escape from him that easily, but he was only doing this so he could make the kiss last abit longer. Once he broke the kiss, he winked down at her, and removed his hands away from her body, then clapped them together.
“What are we going to bake anyway?”

“Good!” Jennifer said excitedly, her smile growing when he said he’d help her. “Because, you really didn’t have a choice and it would be a shame to have to force you,” she teased. Jennifer wasn’t the most amazing cook. She would definitely rather order in or eat out than put out the effort to make something, but when it came to desserts she very much enjoyed getting creative. When she wasn’t making something fun like desserts, she just became stressed out and occasionally threw things. She could count her major freak outs on one hand and three of them involved cooking. But, luckily she was going to make a dessert and William was with her and there was no chance her stress level would go up when he was around. When she kissed him, he stopped her from turning around by wrapping his arms around her waist. She smiled and allowed him to keep her there for a moment longer, continuing to keep her lips on his until he was the first to pull away. He winked. God, he was sexy when he winked. She bit her lip as she smiled up at him.

When he let go and asked what they were making, she became excited and turned around to go to the kitchen. “Well, I found this recipe online that I have been dying to try. Someone posted a picture of them on facebook and posted the recipe under it. They’re cookie dough bites and they look amazing.” She went to another room to grab her laptop and brought it back to the kitchen and opened it up on the counter. “They seemed like the perfect thing to greet a neighbor with. Pies are too stereotypical and even cookies are what everyone expects,” she chattered on as she pulled up her facebook page. She scrolled down looking for it. She stopped when she saw the pictures of Galtem and Selene in horror. Them looking…happy. She’d never seen Selene look happy. He was kissing her cheek in some. She definitely didn’t think of Galtem as the “take cute couples photos with my girlfriend” type, but there he was. With the most heartless girl out there. In some ways, literally. When she saw the one that showed the whole outfit he was wearing with the sign that said he loved her she almost physically gagged. What the hell was he wearing? And for her? Because he loved her? He’d been gone the majority of their actual relationship! She wasn’t hurt this time. She didn’t want to cry. She was fuming. She wanted to rip his throat out. She quickly kept scrolling, hoping William hadn’t seen and found the recipe. “Here it is,” she said, trying to force her voice to sound like nothing was wrong. “So, we need butter, and both regular and brown sugar…” she muttered, going to the refrigerator trying to block out the horribleness of what she’d just seen.

William stared at her as he waited for her to explain him what was they really going to make. As she walked in the kitchen, he followed her while listening to her. So they was going to make cookie dough bites, the name already left water in his mouth, he adored cookies, and if Jennifer said by the looks of the picture from the cookies looked delicious, then he couldn’t wait for make them, and of course take one or two for him to taste it. They had to taste it first before give it to the new neighbor, right? He stayed in the kitchen and folded his arms in front of his chest, waiting for Jennifer come back with her laptop, so they could take a look. He still didn’t got closer to her when she turned on the laptop, what made him curious was when all off sudden she was quiet, didn’t said a single word, and that made him wonder what was wrong.
Approaching behind her, he took a peck over her shoulder, and finally noticed what she was seeing. It left him upset and relieved at the same time. Upset because Jennifer was looking pictures about Galtem, and relieved because there was another woman by Galtem’s side, and he was flirting with her, this only meant something, it was his girlfriend, for sure. Then he noticed that woman was Selene, the hell? He was dating a vampire? How was that even possible? When did vampires and werewolves get along? And with Selene? One of the most heartless vampires out there? And she looked happy as happy he looked. So they were fine? Then why in hell Galtem come after William? If he had a girlfriend then he should start minding his own business and stay away from him and Jennifer. Then he noticed the outfit Galtem was wearing and the paper he was holding in front of him. He was trying his best to not laugh, and once Jennifer changed back to the cookies and pretended like nothing happen, he couldn’t help but to burst out laughing.
“I can’t believe he done that for her.”
Even if Galtem held some love towards Selene, William couldn’t believe he done such thing, if he was in his place, he would never do it. That’s the fewest things he would never do for Jennifer, or for anyone, unless he was extremely drunk.
“So now he’s dating a vampire? Selene? Well, he has courage, that’s for sure.”
William said with a shrug, since he knows Selene isn’t somebody that would be so sweet, well from what he knows from her, she’s a dangerous vampire, so yeah. He walked up to the table, and began to grab the stuff Jennifer was taking from the refrigerator.
“What do you think about that?”
He asked her, still not daring himself to look at her. He noticed those pictures left her kind of uncomfortable, and he was wondering why she got like that.

The movie had long since finished, and Amelia had fallen asleep on her vintage love chair, with the candles in her room having long burnt out. Waking up suddenly to see the credits rolling, and the lights out, Amelia woke with a start, and then realized just where she was. Course, it was her new apartment. The smell of all the new cardboard boxes and the rug freshener, set off her sinuses and she started to sneeze, before sitting up and rubbing her eyes. With feet planted on the floor, spread apart, and her knees together, she could only see the light that was coming from inside Rattle’s snake tank. It was getting late, and she hadn’t thought to ordering something from a local take out, nor did she even know where to start finding the boxes that were for the kitchen. Her stomach grumbled softly and she brought her arms around it, leaning forward and sighing.

“I’m hungry..” she thought to herself, mocking a pout. Just then, she could hear something just outside her door. Rising slowly, she tried to creep through the maze of boxes, and go to see just what was making the din. She couldn’t see anything through the key hole, and being brave, she picked up a bat, and then opened the door, armed and ready to swing. Course, it was just someone’s black cat, that had knocked over a bin. She wasn’t fussed with cats, preferring to keep snakes instead, but everyone has their own unique tastes in familiars. Sighing, she was about to go back inside and order some chinese.

<3>

“I think you’re right,” Jennifer said with a laugh as she finished off the cookie dough bite. She was proud of herself that they were so good and looked quite pretty as well. Before they ate all of them, she set out a few for later before wrapping the rest in plastic wrap after setting them on a plate. After looking around at the kitchen she made a face. “The mess can wait,” she decided, not feeling like cleaning right now. However, she decided to put away her laptop, since she no longer needed the recipe up. It seemed to be sitting there taunting her about the pictures of Galtem as long as it stayed open. Stupid, ridiculous, attention-seeking Galtem. She reminded herself it didn’t matter anymore and tried to let all her negative thoughts towards him leave her as she shut the laptop. She turned to William and smiled at him. “Ready to meet my new neighbor?” she asked, picking up the plate and looking at him excitedly.

112 – Ameila Reed

When they got to the house Jennifer couldn’t help but here the movie that was going on inside. She smiled to herself and rang the doorbell. She wasn’t really nervous since if she were weird or mean she simply wouldn’t try to see her again and it wouldn’t be a big deal, but she would be disappointed if that happened. Because Jennifer wasn’t in desperate need of another friend right now, but it would be nice. She was also glad that William was with her, but she didn’t want to overwhelm the girl either and look like the crazy welcome committee. Thinking about this, she turned to William. “Is this too much?” she asked a little concerned. “Would you be freaked out if you had just moved in and people came to welcome you with food? It’s what people do in the movies, but I just realized I don’t know if anyone actually does it in real life…” she trailed off because it was too late anyway. She’d already rung the doorbell, so she simply shrugged and smiled anyway. If it was weird and cheesy then it would be fun to laugh about later.

She was just about to put the bat down, and go help herself to another glass of wine, when this time there was a knock at the door. Now the last thing outside was a cat, disturbing the garbage cans, but this time whatever was out there, was human. (Possibly) Creeping up to the door, bat in hand, she yanked it open, armed and dangerous, only to see a lovely looking couple standing on her doorstep, one of which had long blonde hair, the male with her was roguishly handsome. She instantly hid the bat behind her, scared of what these people would think. She certainly wasn’t expecting company, not at this hour.

“I am so sorry, I keep hearing things outside and am new to the neighborhood.”

Amelia offered a wide smile, which only increased when she saw that the girl had brought food with her, perhaps a welcome plate to the complex. Well, if that isn’t the most neighborly thing to do to a new tenant. Amelia set the bat down and then opened the door in full and stepped back saying;

“Won’t you come in, just try to ignore the boxes and packing styrofoam. I only just moved in this afternoon. I’m Amelia by the way…Amelia Reed.” She hoped that they might come in, and she would get to know who they were, and if they were indeed neighbors.

<3>

William left Jennifer’s apartment with her. He placed his palm on her back, while walking besides her. They soon reached the door from the new neighbor, and William was already preparing a nice welcome smile, but then Jennifer began to ask him if this was even a good idea, if this wouldn’t scare anybody, that she only saw this in the movies, and now she began to wonder if people do it in real as well. William chuckled, and tilted his head to the side.
“Now its already too late to think about it.”
It was already too late, because Jennifer had already rung the bell, now they just needed to wait for somebody come out from the door.

The moment the woman open the door, William’s smile quickly disappeared, because she was holding a bat and aimed dangerously at them. He stared confused at the woman, wondering what the hell was she doing, he didn’t wanted to harm her since she was new, but he would if she tried to do something with that bat. But she didn’t, she just got scared and since she’s new she didn’t knew what to wait at this hour. She explained her reasons, but William still remained with an expression that thought “What is wrong with her” He was just surprised she was different. He never thought the new neighbor could be like this, and he noticed by her scent she was a witch. Well, he didn’t hated anybody but vampires.
“Oh sure. I’m William Dunn, and she’s Jennifer Wiles. She’s your neighbor, not me.”
William said with a small chuckle, allowing his expression to change into some more comfortable and nice. He would only step inside whenever Jennifer got in as well.

“I’m so sorry…the bat and all. Heh, the last neighborhood I lived at, they would steal anything that wasn’t bolted down, and I kinda got used to having a bat near the door.” Amelia said quickly, seeing the look of “what that f*ck?” on William’s face. Not exactly the best way to greet new neighbors, with that kind of reception. She made sure the bat was put well out of sight, as Jennifer and William entered. What met them was a Gothic inspired lounge room, and out the back there was the kitchen and dining room. Boxes were still piled high in the foyer, but at least you could move with a certain amount of freedom in the lounge and there was a three seater couch, with the coffee table closer to her vintage love seat. The theme of the room; Black. It was back and with a vengeance.

Amelia saw the plate of goodies that Jennifer had brought over and squealed. “Oh my goodness, chocolate covered cookie dough balls?!” It was the kind of excited expression you would see on the face of a girl at the fair, though she was a bit old to be called a girl. “So sweet of you to make them. Please, have a seat.” Amelia gestured for them to find a comfy spot, while Amelia cleared her lap top off the coffee table for more room. She picked up a desert treat and went to take a bite, a look of ecstasy coming over her face. “Delish!…so so good.” She swallows the bite, and then asks William; “So you don’t live with Jennifier? But you two are like dating? Sorry for all the questions, its one of my wicked traits. Probably why I got into the line of work I do. I am a forensic scientist at the local Police department, or better known as a lab rat.” She nodded away to herself, and then bit her bottom lip and asked more questions. “Does this complex have like a thing against pets. I have a pet snake, he is in the tank over behind me, and I swear, I only ever let him out to watch Jeopardy, but I would hate to lose this apartment, if the body corporate had a thing about pets that I didn’t know about.” She may have appeared to be babbling abit, but she only had Rattles for company, and not many friends, for reasons that would become clearer later on.

“So…tell me about yourselves. I kinda spilled the beans on me. Do you both work in town?” she asked.

<3>

Jennifer laughed a little when William voiced that it was too late to think about turning back now. The girl answered the door and Jennifer’s eyebrows rose. She could tell William sort of tensed up beside her, but he seemed fine especially since the woman quickly put it behind her back. It certainly took her by surprise, but this merely made Jennifer laugh a little for some reason. Being greeted by a woman dressed in dark clothing with a bat in her hand could be considered humorous. When she apologized she just smiled and said “Oh it’s no problem. I understand wanting to protect yourself.”
She nodded and led the way into her house as she introduced herself. Interesting would be a good word to describe the inside of her house. It was like going from a commercial happy neighborhood into some kind of lair. Amelia certainly looked like someone who would live here, but she did not seem to act like it. She was so cheerful and friendly while the room was anything but that. Jennifer exchanged an amused look with William and he introduced them. She nodded politely as she explained that the last neighborhood she lived in hadn’t exactly been a good one, but continued looking around the room. Amelia would definitely be an interesting neighbor that was for sure, but she was still pleased because she seemed to be incredibly nice.
Handing the plate to Amelia when she noticed what it was, she didn’t bother hiding how pleased she was that she was excited with what she had brought her. “We just made them. Thought we’d welcome you into the neighborhood. Didn’t know if anyone else would, but I assure you it’s a nice one,” she said, laughing as Amelia took a bite and enjoyed them.
She shook her head when she asked if William lived with her, but said “Yes, we are like dating,” with a smile. She always hated saying “my boyfriend” because it sounded so possessive to her. But dating was a good description of it.

“Wow that’s really cool!” she said, genuinely, when she spoke of her job. It was cool to have such an interesting neighbor. She must have been really smart. “Your snake should be fine. I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem with pets around here. Just as long as you don’t let him loose in the neighborhood or anything, but that’s kind of a given.” Jennifer laughed again and nodded when she asked if they worked in town. “William and I are both doctors at the hospital.” She wondered if she should mention that they were also werewolves in the local wolf pack, but figured with Amelia being a witch she might figure it out on her own.

William noticed the way the house looked like, so dark and seemed unfriendly, but the woman was the opposite of it, she looked extremely friendly and a polite person. Well, witches was always weird people, wasn’t they? At least the all witches he got to know they were kind of weird, but most of them were evil if not they had something wrong with them, but Amelia was different she was a cheerful person, this was actually going to be a good friend for Jennifer, somebody like this is what Jennifer needs.
Now that they was inside, William remained quiet but always with a friendly expression on, he would let Jennifer talk, even tho Amelia was the one who spoke a lot, it actually made him chuckle lightly, he never thought Jennifer’s neighbor was actually going to be somebody like this, and if it was a guy, William certainly would make this meeting very short, but since its a woman, he will let it last.
When Jennifer said they was like dating, William just smiled and nodded his head, he knew Jennifer never liked to sound possessive so he didn’t took her words wrong. He didn’t liked to sound possessive either, and he would give her space whenever she wanted to, but if some guy was getting to flirty with her, of course, William would step in, he wasn’t that good boy when somebody was flirting with his girlfriend.

Now William heard Amelia talking about her snake, he stared at her with a curious expression, before look at Jennifer and back at Amelia.
“You have a snake? Badass.”
He said with a small laugh. He never thought somebody would actually have a snake as a pet, especially a woman. But if she wanted protecting around her house, using a bat as a first impression and then have a snake as her pet, was actually a good protecting to those who feared snakes. Then the conversation went back to what they were, Amelia worked at Police department, and was somewhat a lab rat. Interesting job, and that would also explain why this woman didn’t had so much fears, she certainly was forced to see extremely disgusting things from crimes, no?

When William expressed interest in Amelia’s snake, Rattles, by saying “You have a snake? Badass.” Amelia jumped up and skipped over to the tank, taking back the lid and then reaching in, to bring out the snake thinking that if he liked snakes, he would surely love to pat it. “Hold on, you can stroke my snake if you like.” She chirped, pulling him out, a metre at a time, then wandering over to drape the snake around William’s shoulders. Amelia was an expert snake handler, and the snake seemed to be content enough to start winding itself around William’s neck and shoulders, when suddenly Amelia’s cell phone started to beep. “Just a sec, let me take this call.” She turned to go find her cell phone in among the cushions of her love couch, finally digging it out and flipping it open. It was a text message, and then Amelia slid her finger across the screen to open it. What she read, made her stop in her tracks. It was from her ex-boyfriend, Lysander. Needless to say, she had no idea he even lived in the same apartment complex.

From: Lysander

Message: I’m sending this message, to let you know that sadly my wife, River died giving the birth of our second son, she lost too much blood and she couldn’t make it. Her funeral will be today at 1pm, I hope those who care show up at her funeral, and show her some last respect, and the last goodbye.

For a moment, you could see the blood running from Amelia’s face, as her chin started to wobble and her brow creased. Her grip on her cellphone became week and it dropped from her hand, falling onto the rug.

“River’s dead..” She whispered, her eyes brimming with tears.

<3>

William tilted his head to the side, and began to chuckle when Amelia told him he could see her snake. Oh wow, he was really going to pet one? He never feared snakes, so he always wanted to know the feeling of touching one, and how it is on having them around you. Soon Amelia showed up with the snake, and placed it around Williams shoulders. One hand would be holding the end of the snake, and the other, its neck, staring at the snake’s head. The snake was actually something weird to touch, it was actually a nice feeling, but at the same time weird. He was having fun, hell, he even started to make the snake making out with Jennifer. Well, “making out”. He was just poking the snake’s mouth against Jennifer’s cheek.
“Its adorable, look at it. It loves you.”
William said with a smile, till Jennifer told him to wait a little since she got a message at the same time as Amelia? Well weird, but William was more distracted with the snake. He soon made the snake turn its head and stare at him. The snake stretched out its head, getting closer to William, and all he felt was its tongue touching his cheek. Other weird feeling.
“Oh god, it licked me. I think you have competition Jennifer.”
William said with a playful tone, as the conversation sadly had to become serious, Amelia mumbled that River was dead, and right now William was trying to remember who was River, the only thing he knew about her is that she was the girl who Galtem tried to hook up with, basically his brother’s fiance, well that sucks. His head turned at Jennifer, and she was asking him she wanted to go to the funeral but not alone, certainly Galtem would be there, and William himself didn’t wanted leave Jennifer alone while Galtem was alone.
“Sure, I can go with you.”

626-Lysander Manzenli

Lysander remained quiet staring down at his son, while rocking the chair, so the baby could remain calm. His eyes stared down at the coffee Melinda had gave it to him. Now he knew he was going to change lots of things in his life, especially his daily routine, now it would only be work, home, home, work. He would have no time for friends, and he certainly would need to stop drinking alcohol, he has kids to take care about now. Those kids was going to drive him insane, because when one sleeps, the other one is crying, and he will never have some decent peace at the end, he knows Melinda will help him, but he doesn’t want her to think he can’t do anything alone, nor he wants to bother her forever.
“I’m going to warn the others about the funeral, I know its not through texting. But I’m not able to go see them all and tell him in person.”
Lysander said those words to Melinda, as he grabbed the phone and began to text. Texting this only made her death more real, and it actually forced him to start crying again, but quietly, and the tears was less. He needed to put himself together, and he had the perfect idea for it. He took one of those anti-depressing pills. It would be enough for him to feel kind of numb, but he woulds till be aware of what was going around him, it just would stop the all crying and make him feel so depressed. After sending the text, he pushed himself up from the couch, and went upstairs, taking Eric on his arms as well, he needed to get himself ready for the funeral, and the kids as well, even tho he didn’t felt like waking up Halle.

(Ignore the male’s face)

Melinda still keep on playing origami, since it would be enough to make her distracted for awhile, she wasn’t in need for pills, the alcohol would be enough, and she was taking it so she could feel slightly numb. She soon pushed herself up from the couch, and began to walk around the living room, having her arms folded in front of her chest, as her eyes looked around. She was trying to keep her mind busy, so it wouldn’t start thinking about her daughter, but whenever she noticed that Lysander began to cry, she allowed some tears to slid down as well. It was so quiet, yet inside there could be a voice screaming in pain, inside the both of them.
Melinda’s eyes laid on the window, as she noticed that they was having some new neighbor, but it wasn’t a simple one, she felt a strong scent of magic in the air, and it was so familiar, she was trying remember where she had already felt like this, this magic was way too familiar, and she finally remembered it! It was younger sister, Amelia. She was their new neighbor? Lysander probably sent now her a message about River, so she certainly got the message right now. Melinda was curious and she wanted to face her sister after all those years, they haven’t seen each other in awhile, and of course she missed her, but she hoped her habit on having snakes were gone, Melinda always feared those things. Lysander went upstairs, so Melinda took that chance to meet up with Amelia.

112-Amelia Reed

She left Lysander’s apartment, and hugged herself since it was kind of cold. Walking up to Amelia’s door, she just began to knock on it. She hoped it was really her sister, because then this would be a very awkward meeting, since she had no clue on what she would say if it wasn’t really Amelia, and it was just some random person.