Roses in Snow

Brit closed her coloring book. Tips of crayons scattered around her. “Another broke?” asked Ethan. She nodded with a soft sigh. He gazed at her from his desk. Her body trembled and she stretched trying to shake off the feeling. Closing his ledger, he stood to hold out his hand to her. Pulling her up, he gave her a warm embrace and said, “You need to slow the world down, princess. It will be easier once you do.” He started to describe how she should visualize before she moved. She focused on him as he talked, but a glance within her thoughts showed him that she was not able to truly comprehend. Perhaps when some of the vitae wore off, he told himself. She would have to experiment with her newly found abilities. It was difficult to watch Brit struggle, but Ethan kissed her forehead and went back to his books watching her.

Ethan was proud that Brit was acquiring some of his attributes. He grinned at the memory of her broadcasting a comment to the room and how she struggled with moving very quickly. In time, he told himself, it would become natural for her. Brit settled back and picked up a new crayon. Her fingers moved too quickly on the page and pressed too hard. Within moments, the crayon snapped off the tip. Brit sighed staring at the page where she was trying to draw roses and cherries in snow.

Thinking to the night before, she remembered the warmth of the rooftop amidst the wind-blown snow. Ethan had given her warning about instincts. “When we both need guidance, we shall follow our instincts.” With his fingers caressing her bite marks, he added, “Though, instincts can be treacherous things.” More kisses followed until he said, “Mine. And I will not be left waiting.”

Ethan’s touches pushed the pain of Larissa’s loss from her thoughts albeit briefly. He could see within her thoughts as the newly awakened emotions of anger and grief drained away in his diversion. Brit’s eyes widened at his demeanor and words. Swaying to and fro when he pulled her close to him, she settled against him. “I do confess…that….” Her voice trailed off as she stepped closer pressing her body against his. Her fingers caressed his cheek as she finished her sentence by giving a slow and sensual kiss not wishing him to wait.

Ethan whirled her playfully fast and pressed her against the stone support for the billboard adjusting her body against his. “Confess to me, Brit,” he whispered softly before biting and nibbling along her neck. Moving his lips from her neck to her ear, he pressed her as he whispered again, “Confess to me.” Biting more, he flicked his tongue over her neckline. Snow flurried around them and his fingers shook the flakes free from her hair. Brit struggled to form the words that she wanted him to know. Closing her eyes, she felts his tongue on her neck. Her pulse beneath the skin was strong and vibrant.

Ethan continued to nibble and tease her neck with his fangs, never breaking the skin but leaving many bite marks to blush her skin. He yearned to hear her words spoken even though he could see it in her thoughts. Brit’s thoughts were never linear. He glimpsed it all. Her grief over Larissa’s death and her anger over the words she had heard. Dryl saying, “Dead,” and Nareth confirming that she was gone before the laughter started. Brit was offended and hurt over their behavior toward someone who was very dear to her. Her fingers clung to him as she rubbed her cheek against his hair. Her arms and legs wrapped so tightly around him that there was nothing between them anymore. “Confess to me,” he coaxed again. His voice was seducing her away from her high energy heart ache. “I know you will not fight me,” he said softly into her ear.

The wind was cold, and his body was as cold as the night. It mattered not as she could feel him warming where she was pressed against him. “Don’t fight me,” he repeated placing his lips on her neck. Brit blinked in bewilderment knowing she would never push him away. Opening his mouth wide, he sank his fangs into her skin breaking muscle and vein alike holding her tight as her blood filled his mouth. Before drinking, he pulled back with bloodied lips. Looking directly at her, his eyes were dark affected by her taste and his voice growled softly, “This is what I am, Brit, or at least part of me. I never hid it from you and I will always be part beast. But I will only be yours. Always. And you will never be alone because I will not allow it.”

Dipping her back until the stone supported both of them, Ethan drank heavily from her. His throat muscles working as he swallowed her blood turning it into vitae in his system. Brit’s mind raced to keep up. Telling him she would never fight him. She told him that she loved him. All of him. She could feel the snow pelt her exposed throat as he drank. Ethan enjoyed the feel of her chilled skin against his lips and the heat that lay beneath. “Do not fight me,” his thoughts pressed again and he drank another deep sip. Shifting to one side, his left hand slid lower pulling her tighter against him. With his arms around her and his fangs in her throat, Ethan seemed a predator keeping its prey near him. Brit’s thoughts started to drift as in a dream. Dizzy sensations from his drinking and embrace caused her to want her husband closer.

As if reading her thoughts, Ethan shook his head slightly. Biting his lips several times, he cause his vitae to pool before cupping her face with one hand. “I want your kisses,” he said, “And I want you to drink mine.” His tone all but ordered it as he claimed her lips pouring his vitae into her mouth. Brit kissed him and sucked his lower lip with soft pops as she released it. With each drink, her body received a slight surged reaction as the vitae hit her system. She mumbled ‘yes’ once to him and drank his kisses. Her bite marks pooled blood that slowly dripped down her neck. The color was rich red, crimson and dark, reminding Ethan of roses or cherries in the snow. Brit glimpsed his thought. Sensing her blood dripping, Ethan immediately moved to her bites and sucked the cooling blood greedily from her skin. He nibbled and licked ensuring none was left before returning to her mouth again. Reopening his lip, he demanded, “Drink more.”

Brit swallowed drink after drink of the heady vitae. Her body pushed away unsure she could drink any more. Ethan pulled her back tightly and repeated in a low whisper, “Don’t fight me. Drink more.” Her lips trembled from the powerful vitae coursing through her body. Ethan kissed her softly and dripped more vitae into her mouth as she breathlessly leaned against the post that supported both of them. Dutifully, she swallowed and he kissed again refilling her mouth albeit more slowly. Again, she swallowed. Her body trembling hard as it processed. “More,” he whispered. Her mossy green eyes blinked slowly as he filled her mouth again. One drop after another dripped from his lips until the wound healed. His fingers touched her chin holding her mouth closed with a fingertip until she swallowed.

Picking up another crayon, Brit pulled it twice across the page before it snapped. She sighed. Ethan saw her body still racked with trembles. She would acclimate, he thought to himself. Besides, the benefits she would gain were too precious not to ensure they were within her grasp. “The tremors should pass, Brit. You will learn to control the gifts I give you.” Standing, he walked to offer her a hand. “Perhaps color later.” She took his hand and he pulled her up to him settling back on the desk. After carefully looking her over, he kissed her forehead, her cheek and then her lips. Inside, he glimpsed the focus again on Larissa. She needed time to mourn, he thought. With a hint of a smile, the fact that his wife finally realized that not all were “way nice” showed she was growing in a way he deemed positive. “You will always be mine,” Ethan said softly. He motioned her to follow him to the Haven thinking that perhaps dancing could help her body process, and assist her mind to sooth over the loss of her friend.

Good Intentions

Three nights before, Ethan woke and reached for Brit only to find a crumpled blanket. With an audible sigh, he rose, dressed, and went to find where she had gone. She was not in the showers, so he went toward the first floor coming to a halt when he saw that the first floor was submerged. The city had flooded so high that the water had breached the sandbags. Ethan shot back to the second floor asking the Shelter’s residents whether they had seen his wife. None had. A few questions brought him a bit of comfort at finding the flood had come in steadily but gradually. It was unlikely that Brit had got caught in fast waters and swept out to sea.

Regardless, he stormed up to the rooftop and flagged down a passerby on a float made of barrels. Masking his concern, he asked, “Could you go to the library to inquire whether my wife is there? Return either way. I shall make it worth your while.” Ethan paced the rooftop until the person returned. He found that his wife was at the library where she was being tended for a cold. His mouth set grimly as he paid the man for the information. Not only was Brit stranded across town, but she was unwell. Time passed slowly and Ethan’s mood grew darker despite his ability to get information regarding Brit. He had not been more than an arm’s reach from her upon waking in over a year. By the end of the third night, Ethan knew the streets would be passable when he woke the following evening. He laid caressing the space beside him when it was time to rest.

The following evening, Ethan travelled to the library. He took the steps two at a time and entered to find a crowd. Immediately seeing Brit, he merely looked at her without interfering with the conversation. Wrapping an arm around her, he kissed her cheek and turned to the group. His foot tapped on the ground slightly as he looked from one to the next as they spoke. Brit’s hair, he noted, had been washed in a shampoo that was unknown to him. His fingers caressed her locks and he examined the ends of her hair unhappily.

More conversation. Ethan grinned at Brit’s remark about way nice people. His expression darkened when he looked back to Blue and he spoke for the first time, “There are consequences for everything. Our actions always catch up with us. What you will decide to do will haunt you forever as well. I can only wish you luck and prudence in your choices.” He kept Brit close to him and caressed her arms. His fingers drug on her skin slightly from the soap she had used. It was not the finely milled soaps he had purchased. He wondered where she had bathed and whether anyone was near when she did so. Larissa inquired about the two of them and Ethan assured her that they were well enough. He added, “Brit has had a minor adventure with her health.” Looking down at her, he sad, “Which will be made sure not to trouble us again.”

More people came and went and the conversation continued. Ethan settled near the fire and pulled Brit to him placing two fingers on her throat for 30 seconds. He then brought his lips to her forehead. Brit held still for him and said, “I really do not think I need an onion poultice. Or cupping. Or even a remedy from this century.” The last was a quote from Omega as she held out the small bottle of antibiotic. Ethan took it looking over the label.

Looking at Brit sternly, Ethan said, “I do think that such a decision is for me to make and for you to comply with.” His gaze seemed rather absolute even as he continued to caress her side with his fingertips. Her clothing, he noticed, was clean and it smelled of eucalyptus. His abrupt words caused her to blink. She assured him that she was much better. At her words, he cocked a brow and his foot started to tap again rhythmically. “Much better is not well, is it?” With the same stern expression, he said calmly, “There will be no discussion about this Brit.” He stared at her as she crinkled her nose and struggled not to rub it. “If needed, I will treat your symptoms with ways that have proven themselves over centuries.”

Omega noted that Brit did seem much improved. Ethan nodded slightly at Omega and looked Brit over again. “So she tells me,” he said softly as he ran his finger up her side to her throat again. Pressing his lips together, his jaw muscle flexed beneath the skin. “Perhaps no poultice then.” With an added whisper, he said, “We shall see about the cupping though.”

“Cupping!” Omega exclaimed. “Surely you jest, Ethan.” Brit swallowed nervously and cuddled against him. She remembered seeing pictures of such practices and the marks it left behind.

Ethan returned the antibiotics to Omega. “These will not be required. And jest? Surely I am not. I do not often find myself in the role of the jester.” His fingertips moved back to Brit and stroked down her arm to her fingers entwining them with his own.

Omega smiled, “I will keep the tablets in case Brit’s illness takes a turn for the worse. Thankfully she seems to be recovering without additional measures – either modern or barbarically medieval.”

Narrowing his eyes for a moment, Ethan responded, “You surely mean ‘proven treatments that have been tested for more than three years on lab rats before being released to the market.” Placing an arm around Brit, he pulled her closer and ran his hand over her back and neck. His lips almost formed a pout as he stared at the patterns in the flames of the fire. “Antibiotics are…” His words trailed off before they even started. His fingers tapped lightly along the slope of her shoulder. “Brit, did you eat and drink properly tonight? Will Annika have anything to report to me?”

With the flood, Brit had not left the library in three days. She pointed out that Grr had made soups. Grr discussed what was in each healthy stew. Ethan nodded slightly to Grr and said, “I am sure you have made every effort to keep her well-fed. I do appreciate that.” Turning to Brit, Ethan seemed to almost be inspecting her as he said dryly, “So, you have not been eating what I have directed Annika to prepare for you specifically.” She tried to point out the flood, but was cut short with, “I believe we have a trip to the diner coming then.” Frowning, he took a firm hold of her hand and said, “We should go.”

Brit thanked all for helping her to get better and followed Ethan to the diner. Once there, he ordered food to be brought to her and asked that other supplies he had ordered to be sent to the Shelter less it spoil. While she ate, he examined her skin, which seemed slightly ashen and her fingernails – one which had a small white fleck in the pink just below the crescent moons. He grimaced as he touched the fingertips and noted they needed lotion. His mood felt dark as he thought of Omega’s near chiding of his decisions. “I will never do something that is not thought through with you, Brit. And you need to do what I tell you and trust me.” Tapping the table with his fingers, he grumbled, “I know what I am doing when it involves you, princess.”

As she ate, Ethan silently watched. His thoughts were troubled and he felt angry. Logic said that all was well and that he should be grateful that Brit had been well-cared for. Memory of waking three days without her played over in his mind. Petulantly, he reminded himself that he could have cared for her had she not have left! Noting she was playing with her food more than eating, he said abruptly, “I wish to return to the Shelter.” Signing a slip for Annika, he gestured Brit toward the door. Rather than walk with her, he followed a step behind.

Reasons To Dance

Hearing the music, Ethan slowed nearing their resting place. The closed door muffled the sounds of the music within causing it to sound almost tinny. He could also hear the elevated heart rate of his wife dancing in time to the music. With a hint of a smile, he entered causing her to pivot to face him. He liked that she always came to greet him, and he placed his usual triad of kisses on her face as she continued to breathlessly sway in time to the music. Sitting on the plush fur rug that covered the corner of the room, Ethan motioned for her to continue and kicked back to watch her bounce about the room.

Rather than her usual unfocused bouncing, Brit circled the room walking in time with the music. Her eyes never left his and she started to dance again while wondering why he did not ask her to dance. Her dark, sooty lashes framed her mossy green eyes and she held his gaze while starting to sway. Ethan watched. He noticed her hair moving in a sine-wave rather than bouncing against her back. Her fingers and toes were gracefully positioned and her body moved fluidly. “Has Larissa been dancing with you of late,” he asked. Brit shook her head and told him that she had not danced with Larissa since before Abby was born.

His thoughts returned to when he saw her dancing slowly in the shower. Tonight, her dancing was not so slow, but it maintained a level of sensuality that caught him by surprise. Brit swayed and ran her hands through her hair brushing it back just moments before turning to look at him again from over her shoulder. She held this position and moved her hips before bringing her arms up the wall. She pressed against the wall and repeated the motion before pushing away to turn and lean against it with her back. Ethan’s finger pressed against his lips silently watching her. Brit peeled herself away from the wall and shuffled left and right across the room. Tilting his head, he changed the word “shuffled” to “strutted.” He observed her with no little interest. How did she learn to move so? And if someone did not teach her, how did she learn to move like this. Observing her body, he could envision her stomach muscles moving beneath her clothing. “Baby, why do you dance tonight?”

The question caused her to stop her dance. Her music player continued and the singers chanted in unison, “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir.” Ethan blinked hard and was tempted to give an answer. His finger pressed harder against his lips to prevent his mouth from opening or closing while he wanted for her response. She pondered, “Um…what reasons are there to dance?”

Her response caused him to grin and he turned off the blaring rendition of Lady Marmalade sung by a quartet of women. His grin faded as he realized that Brit mouthed the rest of the stanza which indicated that she knew the rest of the words. Momentarily sidetracked, he wondered whether she understood the meaning and his eyes rounded as she continued to sway to the song now silenced. “Well, Brit, people dance at ceremonies and for rituals. They dance to celebrate and for entertainment. Some dances even tell stories.” He watched as she processed and noted that she continued to sway. Ethan did not add that dance was sometimes used to show feelings toward another and was linked to more physical pleasures in some cultures.

She slowed down her motion. Turning, she walked toward him slowly and said with a soft lisp, “Maybe..I dance for you, Ethan.”

Ethan looked up quickly wondering whether his baby beloved was developing the ability to read his thoughts. When Brit reached the rug, she slid to her hands and knees playfully advancing toward him as if she were a stalking kitten. Finding his voice, he said, “Maybe you dance for me?”

She continued her slow crawl toward where he was sitting. Her hair was slightly dragging across the rug and she reached toward him. His hand met hers and used it to pull closer. “I dance for you, Ethan.” Speechless, he touched her hair and her cheek. “Since you are not dancing with me…I dance for you,” she whispered. Ethan’s fingers barely moved as he considered her response. He pulled her dark mahogany hair from her neck where it was pasted to the light sheen of sweat. She watched silently. He could smell her light scent and hear her heartbeat that was starting to slow.

His touch and the cool air on her neck caused Brit to close her eyes and tilt her head. Ethan pulled her closer and stroked her throat. Brit paused to press the button that turned the music on again. Etta James’ full voice pumped from the small speakers. Brit pulled off Ethan’s jacket as Etta bellowed, “Baby, take off your coat……real slow.” Ethan kicked off his shoes at Etta’s second line.

((http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xNE54tr4cU))

Transitions

((Taken from assorted RP's))

It was Sunday, and Brit was watching Ethan conduct his business again with the men on the small skiff. Brit sighed softly. The late meetings were more frequent and she could not hear what was being said. Items were exchanged for wide, sealed envelopes. Brit’s awareness was growing, and her questions were becoming more pointed; and therefore, Ethan sent Brit to wait for him at the library. Brit was greeted by Joah and Poncho as she entered, and sat pristinely smoothing out her new dress. Joah assisted someone with nightmares as Poncho looked over the report in his hands. “You’ve been gone for a while….honeymoon?” he asked Brit.

Brit filled both in on her comings and goings. A soft blush tinged her cheeks as she spoke. One left and another joined. Lorne was mentioned, and Brit asked, “Where is Lorne.”

Joah looked to where Poncho had been sitting, but he had gone too. She told Brit, “He left the library. He went to the Shadows.” Brit asked about Larissa and whether she was upset over Lorne’s leaving, and whether Lorne checked on Larissa and their baby. Joah walked over to Brit and placed a hand on Brit’s knee comfortingly. She then told Brit that Larissa died giving birth to her baby and that Nareth had taken the baby from the city.

Other explanations followed, but Brit heard little. She could only remember Larissa’s prettiness and gentle friendship. Tears fell down Brit’s cheeks. One fell and she remembered Larissa telling her how much love she had for Lorne. Another tear splattered and Brit remembered dancing with Larissa in the library, warehouse, and dance studio. More tears fell. The talks in the library and diner. The time Larissa’s eyes went black and the broken glass that swirled around her. Memories passed with the falling of each tear. Joah explained that Larissa was an angel now. Full of sparkle and light, but Brit had not seen her. So many had gone and the tears continued to fall. Joah hugged Brit as she cried and wiped tears with her handkerchief until Ethan came to get her.

Brit felt a strong sadness for a few days. Mirah had told her, “I wish I had an answer as to who goes and gets to stay with us, sweetie, but I don’t. And it kills me that I don’t.” Brit said little about it for a few days. Unexpectedly, Ethan took her from the city once again. This time, they did not meet men with the skiff or with Ethan’s tailor. He took her to a tall tower that overlooked a city on the mainland. Ethan sat on the railing and watched his wife who seemed terribly silent. With a slight frown, he pulled Brit a little closer and touched her neck gently before taking her hand to bring her closer still. With a caress of her hair, he wrapped his arms about her bringing her to him for a tender kiss.

Brit returned a warm hug and paused to take in the view. Another kiss lingered before she pulled away just a hint. Her eyes were sad and she whispered, “Larissa is dead.” He asked her what happened as he anxiously checked her over with soft touches. Brit explained all to Ethan. He held her tightly as he thought over what else he had recently learned regarding the wards that had been removed from the library. After a very long time and some soft quiet words, Brit said, “I was asked if we have been on our honeymoon. Are we?”

Ethan grinned and the look of concern left his face at her question. “Well, you could say we have been on our honeymoon in Toxia, but we came here to extend it a bit.”

“You kiss lots on a honeymoon,” she said before kissing him. Wrapping her arms around him, she said, “And cuddle lots too.” Her lips brushed over his as she whispered, “And get close.” A few more moments passed before she offered, “I read about it in the library.”

Pulling back just a moment, he repeated somewhat stuttering, “Read about it?” He had asked others to keep such things from her and thought of ways he could inflict pain on them for not doing so. She seemed still somewhat reserved and teary wetness lingered on her eyes from where she told him of Larissa. He kissed her again sensing each kiss distracted her from sadness.

Quiet kisses and time passed. Her fingers ran through his hair as she continued to kiss him with a growing boldness. The sound of her dress rustled slightly and she said softly, “I want to make you hungry….and…then….remove your hungers.”

After a brief blink of surprise, Ethan looked at her quite entertained and lovingly ran his fingertips down her neckline to where her dress starts. “Make me hungry?” His finger traced her face as he continued, “I am always hungry for you in one way or the other. It is just a matter of timing for my kind. And how much you want to fight the hunger.” With a grin, he said, “Of course, there are all kinds of hungers. And some I only ever feel for you.” The next kiss was deep and more sensual. He took her back to their temporary resting spot in the city they were visiting. Brit looked about just for a moment before helping him off with his tie as he shrugged off his coat.

The Wedding

((Taken from Rp))

After escorting her into the church, Ethan and Brit lit a candle at the door together. Brit’s shaking hand was steadied with his. She focused intently on lighting the candle while Ethan stole quick looks at her. Many had come to join them and both wondered how so many knew so quickly. Hild, Gweneth, Omega, Nikita, Larissa, Lorne, Pieter, Kishi, Kytara, Merma, Poncho, Katinka, Nicholette, Sinco, Carlos, Arcann, Komali, Xelion, Pix, Tony, Spirit, Kaya, Tanika, Choi, and Jon were there to bear witness. Brit clasped Ethan’s arm tighter not use to having so many watch her and she struggled against the distraction of so many near. Even so, she wished Ellie, Vlad, and Denny could have been there.

Ethan walked down the aisle with Brit on his arm. Continuing to steal glances at her, he whispered, “You are stunning.” It never occurred to Brit how many set aside their differences to be there for their wedding. She smiled to their friends as she passed them as she walked to the front of the church where Stacy stood. Ethan gave Stacy two rings, which she held in her right hand and said, “It is the right hand of God that blesses, to the right that Christ ascended, and to the right that those who inherit life eternal will ascend. Blessed are these metal symbols, given by me unto you to prove among any observers true faith, concord, love, and that in marriage the weakness of one will be compensated by the strength of the other. There is perfection within a union of imperfections.” Brit’s hand tightened on Ethan’s as she listened.

Stacy’s right hand seemed to gleam brightly as she prayed, “Welcome these witnesses forgiving them of their transgression this day of blessed unity. Two souls bonded in unwavering union protected here until come judgment. Amen.” Ethan took Brit’s hand entwining her fingers and gave her a comforting squeeze. Stacy continued, “Welcome witnesses. Ye are truly blessed to witness a holy union granted in the gift of free will. God’s gift to mankind.” Stacy pulled from her pocket a small coloring book and opened it to take a small piece of paper. Looking from the paper to the audience, she said, “This book given as a gift to me possesses an excerpt from which I will read. This excerpt will have special meaning unto these two as they take their steps into union.”

Brit listened carefully to each word along with Ethan. Reading from the book, Stacy’s voice filled the church. “’What is Real?’ asked the Rabbit one day, when lying side by side near the nursery fender before Nana came to tidy the room. ‘Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’ ‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It is a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long long time, not just to play with but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’ ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse for he was always truthful. ‘When you are real, you don’t mind being hurt. It doesn’t happen all at once. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get all loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.’” Outside, gunfire blazed, but neither Ethan or Brit heard anything except for the unusual reading from the Velveteen Rabbit.

Stacy placed the tattered book and the paper back into her pocket. Looking from Ethan to Brit, she smiled before looking up at the audience. “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate instituted by God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two person present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together by God’s Law, or the Laws of the Realm, let him speak now, or else hereafter forever hold their piece.” The crowd grew quieter as eyes shifted about. One scratched her ear while another narrowed his eyes. Merma chuckled thinking that someone would have to be suicidal to object.

Ethan took Brit’s hands in his and looked directly to her. He mouthed, “You are beautiful” causing her to beam up at him. Stacy refocused on the couple, “I require and charge you both as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess it. For ye be well assured that so many as be coupled together otherwise than God’s word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.” Both Ethan and Brit smiled at each other and then to Stacy feeling completely at peace with what they are doing.

Stacy smiled at the couple, then asked, “Ethan, wilt thou have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsake all others, keep thee only unto her until judgment and divine wrath cometh upon this Earth?” Looking directly into Brit’s eyes, he responded to Stacy with a simple and meaningful “I do” as another smile hinted on his lips. Pausing, Stacy asked Brit, “Ms. Brit, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him until judgment and wrath up this Earth cometh?” Processing each word, she smiled up to Ethan and lisped, “I will” as she gave his hands a tight squeeze.

Stacy directed Ethan take Brit’s hand and repeat after her. His voice was clear as he said, “I Ethan take thee, Brit, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse. For richer or for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until judgment cometh, according to God’s holy ordinance, and there unto I plight thee my troth.” Several noted that Ethan did not blink once. With a nod, Stacy had Brit repeat after her. Brit lisped repeating each word slowly and ensuring that she said each and every one, “I Brit take thee Ethan to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish until judgment cometh, according to God’s holy ordinance and thereunto I plight thee my troth.” Ethan actually blinked at part of the plight and squeezed Brit’s hands slightly.

Bowing her head, Stacy said, “Let us pray. Bless these rings, O merciful Lord, that those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their children’s children. Amen.” Ethan quirked slightly at the last part of the prayer. Stacy gave each one of the rings to give to the other. Ethan placed his ring onto Brit’s finger repeating after Stacy, “With this ring, I thee wed; and with my body, I thee honor; and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” With the last word, he slowly slid the ring onto Brit’s finger before looking up to her with the triumphant expression of a 10-year old after his first kiss. Brit then repeated the same vow as she slid a ring onto Ethan’s finger. She could not resist bouncing slightly as it settled in place and her smile mirrored his happiness.

Both knelt as Stacy placed her hands on their foreheads and said, “Let us pray.. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Those whom God hath joined together let no existence put asunder. Amen." Removing her hands, both stood. Opening her arms in a wide embrace, Stacy addressed the audience. “For as much as Ethan and Brit have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

A chorus of Amens could be heard from the crowd, including a few who had not ever said it before. Facing one another again, Stacy said, “May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so life together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting.” Someone whispered, “Blessed be. Amen.” With a warm smile, Stacy said, “Let now this union be witnessed by all present as now. Ethan, you may kiss your bride, and go forth from this house forever your union in grace.” Ethan did not need to be prompted twice and very slowly pulled Brit to him placing her hand where his heart was located. Then he pulled her even closer lifting her up for one single sweet kiss. Their lips barely touched before it turned into a more lingering kiss.

After the kiss, Stacy said, “As these two conclude, there is a request f a ceremony of common cup. Let all witness to look upon.” Ethan picked up the chalice and took his necklace to use the point to cut his wrist slightly dropping blood into the goblet. He then guided Brit’s fingers to do the same with her wrist. Guiding the cup to her lips, words are heard, “My blood, your blood, our blood…unites as one.” She sipped from the cup while watching him the entire time. He drank the rest and whispered, “Mine” before putting the chalice down and walked her back down the aisle and out of the church. Pausing a moment, an invitation was given to all to celebrate their union with music and drink.

Going to the Chapel

Ethan watched her leave and then made his way to the church. He had planned every detail of the wedding except for inquiring whether Stacy would officiate. The memory of his first encounter with the archangel gave reason to feel a bit anxious. Still, Brit cared a great deal for her and he wanted all to be perfect. From the small gathering outside of the church, he was directed to Stacy within. Ethan paused a moment seeing his chylder waiting. Gweneth had arrived quickly, which pleased him. He nodded to both Stacy and Gweneth in greeting, but turned to Stacy and said, “There is a matter I wish to discuss with you and ask your assistance in.” Stacy granted that he could pose his request. Ethan continued, “I know Brit confides in you. And you are amongst His followers and are one of uncrushable faith. I wanted to ask you to perform a different kind of union ritual. A wedding, if you will. But somewhat adjusted to the nature of both involved.”

Stacy looked Ethan over. Rather than seeming arrogant as he had in the past when he encountered her, he stood there seeming quite anxious looking at her with big eyes while waiting for her response. Stacy pondered for a moment, her eyes shifting from the book in front of her to Ethan. She said, “I will do as you ask of me, taking into consideration your nature, and my own as well.”

Ethan felt that things were coming together. He said, “I do appreciate that and know you will find the best way possible to combine both our natures..with respect for what is different but keeping the heart of the blessing itself untouched.” Gweneth hinted a grin as she listened. Stacy responded, “It is seen in this world as a blessing but, to the Father, it is what it is: a union. Two souls bonded for as long as they both shall live, a mortal soul mating.”

After ensuring that the church would be kept safe during the ceremony and advising that a few of his kin would be joining as witnesses, he excused himself to greet Gweneth and prepare for the ceremony that was to start within the hour, which is the time he had given Brit to prepare.

Meanwhile, Omega and Larissa had their hands full assisting Brit who was bouncing from one area to another as they struggled to dress her. Omega was not surprised to see such garments as what was pulled from the trunk. Ethan had not selected the more modern versions, but rather authentic fashions of a much earlier era. It took a moment to sort each item after removing the tissue that cushioned each against wrinkling during transport.

First, Brit slid on the silk stockings that were almost opaque. Omega remembered when the sheerness were scandalous for the day and assisted Brit to connect each stocking to the antiquated garter that tied it in place. The pantalets were cut to fit Brit perfectly, and the brushed Egyptian cotton was edged with an icing of lace that dripped over each stocking-covered knee. Larissa tried to keep Brit’s focus while Omega tied on the first layer of petticoats. Again, yards of lace-edged, brushed cotton that tied prettily around Brit’s waist followed by a pretty ribbon-covered hoop petticoat frame only to be topped with yet another full petticoat. Both Larissa and Omega struggled to adjust each layer while Brit nearly danced in place. The gown settled over Brit and both helpers hushed for a moment. Omega commented on how pretty she looked and praised Ethan’s taste in clothing as well as brides. Larissa took hold of Brit’s hands to attempt to keep her in one spot as Omega buttoned the tiny buttons on the back of the gown. Excited chatter filled the room as one secured Brit’s crown of flowers and the other tried to find her feet to slide the slippers in place. The last thing item worn was the locket given to her by Denny and Viviane.

Larissa arranged Brit’s hair until it was perfect. “You are lovely, little girl.” Swallowing hard, Omega said, “Denny wanted to be here…but he will be very happy for you, I know.” She watched Brit flounce and twirl. “You look…so beautiful, Brit,” Omega told her as she fought back some emotions. “You really are a princess now,” Omega said. Taking Brit’s hands, Omega smiled to her, “The perfect bride.” She gave Brit a final look-over and said, “I know Ethan picked this out, but I think seeing you dressed in it will quit undo him.”

Larissa lengthened her own lovely dress with a snap of her fingers. Omega had already dressed for the wedding. Friday night rabble-rousers shot at each other down the street. “If they shoot my dress, Ethan will be way upset,” lisped Brit. Ethan was waiting at the door of the church with a bouquet in his hands. He stopped pacing and seemed speechless when he saw Brit. Omega said with a flourish, “Ethan, may I present your bride.” Omega walked up the steps and kissed Ethan’s cheek whispering, “A little more notice would have been nice.” Nodding to Omega respectfully, he regained his voice and said to both Larissa and Omega, “I think you both truly for bringing her to me.” Stepping forward, he took Brit’s hand and offered the bouquet. Larissa followed Omega inside. Ethan stared at her as if to burn her into his memory. He slowly kissed her hand and placed it on the crook of his arm, and then he walked her into the church.

A Most Proper Thing

At sunset, Ethan walked into the library and made his way directly to Brit. Brit had been talking to Larissa. Without a word, he gave her a triad of kisses before offering his customary greeting to others. Larissa started to speak, but Ethan’s look of impatience caused her to postpone her discussion. Ethan quickly explained that he wished to take a walk and pulled Brit along behind him. They left the library quickly with Brit having to scamper to simply keep up. He escorted her up to the rooftop where he first met her. She looked over the city and toward the rooftop across the street to where he had been standing when she first saw him. “Look,” she lisped. “Someone has taken your standing spot over there.”

Ethan pulled her much closer as he glanced across to where Brit pointed. His eyes narrowed ensuring that there was no danger from the observer across the way. “They can have that roof,” he said. “I have all I need right here in my arms.” His hand ran over her cheek before he stepped back a bit. “Now,” he continued, “there is a reason that I brought you here in such a hurry. This is the place where we exchanged our first words.” Her hand slid down his arm holding his hand and she lisped, “It was summertime.” He nodded and moved toward the edge where they could view the shoreline. “It was,” he replied. “And you looked so cute doing your handstands.” His hand wriggled free from hers so he could slide it around her waist. “Though, this time, I did not bring you here to make you remember our first meeting. I wanted to talk to you about some things of faith.”

His words seemed to meander a bit. He first told her of the things that he had told her before: His human days when he was a monk and his discussions about the faith that guided him then and continued to guide him today. Ethan said, “Do you remember how you asked me what lovers are?” Of course she remembered. He explained that lovers were more intimate than beloveds. Reaching for Brit’s hand, he said, “Exactly. Amongst that, other things that….well…for example, my faith…the one I told you about.” His words began to meander again, but she seemed to follow. He suddenly stopped and moistened his lips as he realized that he had gone on another tangent. Regrouping, he said, “Well, in that faith, lovers….and beloveds also, I would say…” He stopped again and his hands gripped her tightly. Starting yet again slowly, he said, “It is the most proper…and honorable thing…and blessed by God…that they are joined in his eyes for all to know….it completes their union as a couple in the most spiritual way there can be…”

Brit’s head tilted slightly toward him listening. She repeated, “A most proper and honorable thing…” Ethan nodded mechanically and continued, “It is what people call ‘marriage’….what validates the union of a man and woman in the eyes of God. What makes their union pure and untainted….” He grins for the first time adding, “A lot like you are.” Tracing his fingertips over hers, he clasped her hand tightly and looked down at the floor before looking up again. She giggled to him remembering asking him about marriage in the diner and when he described how she was to him. “And like you are too,” she added.

Her remark surprised him that she thought of him as pure or untainted. After a pause, he said, “Well, yes…..marriage!” Another deep breath and he said, “It is only suppose to happen once…and only with one person truly meant for you. It is a most serious ritual. For my kind, it would be slightly different, how the ritual goes, but…the meaning is the same.” Shifting nervously from one foot to the other, Ethan’s second hand joined the first one still holding her hand. Brit looked up curiously as he seemed to be struggling for words. She whispered, “It sounds most romantic…and God approves.”

Brit’s voice caused him to look down to her and he nodded several times. Ethan’s stance changed drastically as if he had made a decision. He turned her toward him, and she saw his chest rise and fall as if he had taken a deep breath. Keeping her hand in his, Ethan knelt down before her before looking up to her. He said, “There has been no night or day since we met that I did not crave your nearness and did not find absolute comfort in your presence. You are what fills my existence with meaning and are the only one I want to be with in any possible way. I can not imagine my unlife without you anymore, and I want to make this union sanctioned in God’s eyes….what I wanted to ask you, Brit, is…would you chose to become my wife…to be the one I am bound to in God’s eyes forever and for me to become the one your bonded to in his eyes forever?” He looked directly into her eyes not breaking eye contact at any moment. “I want to be yours always and for you to be mine always as well.”

Her lips parted slightly in astonishment when he sank to one knee. Processing his words, she replied, “I…I want to be yours always and forever, Ethan…and you to be mine…always and forever.” Nodding to him, she bit her lower lip and felt a blush tinge her cheeks. “Always and forever yours…my one and only.” After a few seconds, she blushed deeply and nodded, “Yours…yes.”

Though he stayed kneeling, he was obviously less anxious. “Well then,” he said, “we will marry each other tonight.” He sounded much more like his usual self and said, “I’ve arranged some things that you shall need. They wait for you in a chest in our resting place. But it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before marriage so I will meet you at the church. Do be there in an hour.” He pointed toward the clock tower. Then he added, “A lady will need to help you dress.” Blinking hard, she said that perhaps Larissa could help. He stood nodding and motioned for her to run to get ready. She bolted for the library and burst through the heavy doors like they were screen doors attached to a country store. “I’M GETTING MARRIED,” she yelled, “AND I NEED HELP GETTING DRESSED!”

Omega was there holding Ethan’s letter in her hand. “That explains when.” With a warm smile to Brit, Omega said, “So you didn’t refuse him?” Brit shook her head no and was swept up in a warm hug by Omega. Omega then paused to question, “And…he did actually ASK you, didn’t he?” Brit quirked slightly and lisped, “Of course, he did.” Omega grinned and chuckled, “How very startling.” Larissa and Omega then left with Brit to help her dress and to get her to the church on time.

The Art of Swooning

Ethan walked into their shared resting place just in time to see Brit’s hand gracefully touch her forehead and, with a fluttering of her lashes, she slowly started to sink to the floor. Dropping his pack, he crossed several meters of space between them in record time to catch her before she landed. She was dead weight in his arms. He bounced her lightly to get a better hold and carried her to the mound of blankets. If he had a heartbeat, it would have been racing as he looked down at her crumpled form before him. With his hair falling forward, he worked quickly to check her pulse, heartbeat, and coloring. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary except for the fact that she was non-responsive. Thoughts flooded his mind as he methodically went through a sequential flowchart trying to diagnose what had happened to his baby beloved.

He swallowed hard quelling the rising anxiety and reminded himself that he had been careful to not drink too much. A brief thought: Could another? His jaw muscle clenched as he checked her throat. Only his marks were there and her strong pulse let him discount that possibility. Just as soon as the current thought left, another sinister concern arrived. Perhaps she had been poisoned. His frown deepened as he looked in her mouth, and felt her face and neck examining her skin for any sign. A dart perhaps? Grabbing the lapel of her new red coat, he yanked it open scattering the ornamental buttons to see if she was marked or cut. Anything!

As buttons clattered on the cement and tile floor, Brit exclaimed, “Hey! What did you do that for?” Ethan fell back astonished and, for once, was the one who was sitting simply blinking. Brit’s eyes opened and she sat up searching for the scattered buttons oblivious to his expression of dismay. Reaching for her, he hugged her tightly feeling the tension and fear drain from him. For a moment, he thought he lost her. Burying his face in her hair, he felt suddenly possessive of her few short mortal years and silently vowed they would not be lost to accident. “Are you okay,” she lisped.

“Am I okay?” His mind was struggling to make sense of the entire situation. He repeated himself which caused her to wonder if he was unwell, “Am I okay?” His hands touched her face, neck, body, and hair to ensure that she was truly fine. He crushed her to him again.

She started to squirm and said, “Yah. Are you okay?” Her voice was registering concern as she tried to loosen his hold on her.

Holding her away slightly so that he could look at her, he said calmly, “Yes, yes. I am fine.” They watched each other silently for a moment. Ethan blurted, “What just happened, Brit? You almost hit the floor!”

Brit broke into a smile. “Oh! That.” She beamed up at him. “I was practicing swooning. The book that Larissa gave to me had a whole chapter about swooning. I have never swooned and so I thought that I should practice.”

This time, it took Ethan a moment to process. Crossing one arm, he regarded her a full minute with one hand covering his mouth. “Baby, like other things in that book, it is better to let nature progress on its own.” Her disappointed look made it impossible to be cross with her. He stood and helped her to her feet. With a slight grin, he added, “You have been studying hard. Take a break from reading for a while.” With light kisses, he opened the door and ushered her out. “Let’s take the book back to Larissa.”

An Intense Day

((Taken from RP))
The man came to the library like so many do. He asked Brit for books regarding the history of his kind. In time, he filled out a library card application, sat down to color with her, and told her a little bit about himself. While watching her color, he struggled to remember how he left this world the first time around. He described an abyss-like existence. Then he started to tell her about the centuries old war between his people, lycans, against vampires. Brit was stunned as she thought of many. Omega, Nikita, and Ethan to name but a few. Besides, Brit had not seen such a war. Perhaps it was over, and so she told him that all vampires were not cruel. Larissa and Lorne had come in time to see his shock as he wondered what had happened in the past five centuries to make people sympathetic to those he considered the embodiment of evil.

Brit explained, “Ethan is my beloved…my one and only. And he would not hurt you or anyone else.” The man looked at her incredulously.

Lorne looked up from the book he was reading to Brit. Creasing his brow, he said, “He bloody well would hurt people. He would kill people. Or has he taken to loading those enormous guns of his with flowers and music, and replacing his claws with marshmallows and happiness?”

Pouting, Brit replied, “You and Ethan don’t like each other. So… what happens with you and Ethan is…um…different.”

The man interjected, “I’m in too weak a state to make any boast or threat. But I hope you are right. Eventually, I’ll regain my strength. I’ll return to the war in full and hope that your…vampire idol never enters the reach of my claws.”

Tilting her head, Larissa commented softly to all in hopes of soothing the growing discomfort. “I would say he seems to be a great warrior, but someone wise once said that wars do not make one great.” Brit heard nothing Larissa said as she processed and felt the man had just issued a threat. It unsettled her. Plus, she knew that idols were not supposed to be good things. Larissa continued “What is this war you are talking about, if I may ask. There are so many.”

The man smirked as he mulled over thoughts himself. He told Larissa the war was one of the originals between the bats and the wolves. Larissa smiled to Brit, “And is Ethan a…bat?”

Lorne’s brow creased a bit more and, before she could answer, he said, “You said Ethan would not hurt anyone else. If someone gave him reason to, he would. I am someone else. Disliking someone does not justify gunning them down like he did with me.” The volume of his voice increased, “Ethan sat on the throne of the Shadows, killed them one by one, and cursed him with nightmares. You would have chosen to die rather than live without him, and he would have died thinking he failed you even though you were not benefited in any way by the violence he sewed.” Lorne was all but yelling. He sat back adjusting his chair and scowled at Brit waggling a finger at her. “He is good with a strong heart and noble spirit, but do not presume to mislead strangers into believing he is harmless and non-violent. It simply is not so.”

Brit stared at Lorne clearly hurt. Whether by his tone or his words, it mattered not. She never intended to mislead anyone! The man drummed his fingers along the spine of the history book and he handed it to Lorne saying he did not feel he needed to borrow it after all. Lorne took several deep breaths releasing each one slowly and accepted the book silently looking it over. Larissa blew some cool hair on Lorne’s heated skin and stayed silent while watching him seem to boil. After a moment, Larissa straightened and smiled to Brit. Brit stood and filed the library card application then fled upstairs obviously very upset.

“An intense day, it seems,” said Larissa quietly The man said low that some people do not see what they do not wish to see. “Perhaps,” replied Larissa feeling concern. The man offered apologies, exchanged some words with Lorne and Larissa, and then left after a few reassuring words from Lorne that said no offense was taken. Larissa struggled whether to go after Brit, but she stayed massaging Lorne’s shoulders and neck.

Watching Brit’s empty chair, Lorne clasped Larissa hand. “Some simply see what is there. It is an overwhelming way to live.” He continued to hold Larissa’s hand that had been massaging his shoulder. His thoughts rolled over and over his words and he wondered at the flare of emotion. Not anger. Pain.

Stealing Apples

((Taken from RP)
Brit was surprised to find that Larissa was pregnant, but not as surprised as Larissa was to find that Brit thought people got pregnant by swapping spit in toilets. Therefore, to Larissa, it was well-beyond time for Brit to gain a better understanding of reproduction. “What do you know about sex, Brit,” Larissa asked. Brit knew there were books about it in the library, but confessed she had never looked at them. Brit preferred fairy tales and books with colorful pictures.

Joah entered the library and was told that Larissa and Brit were talking about sex. Taking her seat near the fireplace, she said, “Talk on. Don’t let me interrupt you.” Larissa went on to say that fairy tales were mostly about sex, but told Brit that many books left the most interesting part out. Joah added, “Ah, fairy tales. Gruesome for the most part.” Joah told Brit that Cinderella’s sisters cut their feet to fit the slippers, and that Cinderella’s birds pecked out their eyes and they served Cinderella as blind slaves for the rest of their lives. This last part surprised even Larissa.

Brit was stunned and whispered, “What about Snow White?”

Joah said, “Or Sleeping Beauty?” Joah told both that the Snow White’s prince really just wanted her body and his men dropped Snow White’s glass coffin which dislodged the bite of the poisoned apple. And Sleeping Beauty’s prince raped her.

With a whispered lisp, Brit said, “I thought it was true love’s kiss that saved her….that he kissed her…both of them.” Larissa told her that fairy tales had many versions and confessed that she liked the twisted ones more as they were more interesting. “What was he going to do with a dead body?” asked Brit. Neither answered, but Joah told her that the tales change for those who do not like the brutality of them and suggested that Larissa might be better for educating Brit about sex.

Larissa gave Brit a book that looked very old. It was titled For the Education of Decent Young Ladies. Joah muttered, “That ought to be enlightening” and wondered if swooning was covered. Larissa decided that the book would do as a start. The conversation sidetracked to make up briefly. Brit told both how Ethan painted her face with make-up brushes which caused Larissa to tell her that she made a beautiful canvas. Responding to Larissa’s words, Joah said, “Sometimes two people paint each other’s bodies with their own.” When Brit asked how people did this, Joah graciously turned the conversation back to Larissa who volleyed it back to Joah. After a moment, Joah explained, “In the way of touching, they lie close. The man slides himself inside the woman’s legs…inside her.”

Trying to imagine it, Brit asked, “Sort of like canoodling?”

Joah saw that Larissa was not going to field this question either, so she sighed softly saying, “And I thought we were talking about fairy tales.” With a deep breath, Joah continued, “ Yes, Brit. Canoodling starts it. Except the part of the man that grows hard with excitement slides in between the woman’s legs, inside her warm wetness, completely into her.”

Brit listens without blinking. She remembers something while canoodling, but such things did not slip inside of anything. Brit finds it all pretty interesting. “But why?” With a glance to Larissa, she asks, “Why are your cheeks so red? Are you warm?”

Larissa struggled with the topic even though she brought it up. “Brit, you are so sweet, and some people are so mean. They can make fun of others’ innocence and ignorance. I would like you to learn more. I know you are quite intimate with Ethan, and I respect how he approaches you. I don’t know much about vampires though, and if he will ever…” She pauses and takes another deep breath. “There are people out there that would take such intimacy away and force it on others. And I would not want you to be a victim of that.” Thinking a moment, Larissa adds, “But also, it is beautiful to find these things for yourself with the one you love…and I wish for you all the best with that. It is hard to explain because without the excitement and that need, it is just plain. You have to be there in the verge of wanting it so much…then…it is the most beautiful thing.”

Nodding in agreement, Joah then continued, “When his excitement is over, and he grows soft again, he leaves seed inside the woman. Sometimes a baby grows from that and sometimes not.” Stretching, Joah wished she had her tea kettle with her. “Why? Because it feels as good as Ethan’s kiss, Brit. As for making babies without touching, I have no knowledge although I expect it feels the same.”

Brit blinkblinked and softly said, “Oh.” To Larissa, she asked, “Is that how you got pregnant?” She processes slowly connecting it with things she knows. As for Ethan’s kisses, she smiled and felt her cheeks warm slightly. Then asked Larissa, “Was it beautiful?”

Larissa raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, basically Joah is right. Biologically, that is how we reproduce. At the second question, she said, “Oh, it was!”

Joah quietly added, “But….sometimes it can also hurt. It can hurt very badly if done to someone who does not want it.”

Brit asked Larissa whether she was hurt. Larissa explained that she was not hurt, but people do complicate things. Joah agreed and said, “Yes, they do complicate things. There are many ways of being hurt. When the love is not returned by the beloved. Others.” Joah did not explain further as she remembered violence done to her when she was left for dead. All that was added was, “Others might use force…instead of love.”

Adding quietly, Larissa said, “And others take it for granted.” Brit asked GrrBrool who came into the library whether he ever had someone to force him to canoodle or not love him back. Larissa laughed, “I highly doubt it. Grr is so adorable.”

Blinking, GrrBrool said, “I see I came at an interesting time.” He suggested ‘adorable’ for his marker. Joah explained that they were talking about sex and asked him to share his experience for a male perspective. GrrBrool said, “From a technical side? Making puppies? Or tha good times side of things? Or scrumping to relieve tensions.” When Brit asked what was scrumping, GrrBrool said, “Oh, scrumping Well, that’s what it was called in the army when two troopers need ta get their minds back on the job.” He clarified that both sexes were in the army then continued, “They would find a quiet spot and well, work it out. Ya know…err….ta get tha hormones back in check.”

Joah had just made some tea and was close to spitting it. Larissa listened as GrrBrool continued to meander down the path explaining the need for scrumping. After a bit, Joah shifted the topic by asking whether Larissa had a book for decorous behavior for young men. Brit sat wide-eyed listening to Grr’s take on…scrumping.

Hearing the conversation shift and noticing Brit’s reaction, GrrBrool asked if it made sense and then whether it was a taboo topic. Larissa explained that Brit was just under-informed. Grr said that he was happy that everyone can feel so frank about stuff, then left to take a cool shower patting the cool walls on his way to depart.

Joah broke the silence when Grr left and said, “Brit, let’s just say that there are many ways men and women can make themselves feel good that way. But not all of them lead to babies. Only the one way that Larissa and I told you about.”

Brit nodded to show she understood, then went to get the urban dictionary. She opened it to find ‘scrumping.’ Reading slowly, she lisped, “Apple-stealing.” Then she read more, “When a man and a woman get it on. A redneck tuerm used when two people leave a party to do the deed quickly and return with knowing nods to their friends. Best done in a truck and in the woods.” She read more. “Rapid rabbit sex closely related to porn star sex.” To Joah and Larissa, Brit asked, “Is that good?”

Pondering a moment, Joah smiled saying, “Yes, that would probably describe ‘scrumping’ quite well.

Larissa burst out laughing. “Well, you see…just imagine ‘hungry’.” Brit closed the book and mouthed the word ‘hungry’ as she thought of canoodling and the feelings that it sometimes yields. “I think that is enough for one day,” said Larissa. Joah agreed.

Outside of the library, two eavesdroppers pushed off the wall. One said to the other, “Ethan needs a truck if he is going to scrump.” The other said, “Indeed.” And they both went to the Haven.

A Public Discussion

Watching the flames in the fireplace, Brit blushed slightly thinking of Ethan leaning forward to whisper a comment against her lips before placing a soft kiss. He then kissed her chin and her throat, and then he placed another on her neck before opening his mouth wider and biting down on the skin. She could hear soft pops as his fangs sank deep through the layers of her flesh. Pressing her against the wall, he trapped her with his hands and body weight ensuring no possibility of her breaking free while he gulped her vitae. She could hear it being pulled from her. After regaining her bearings, she closed her eyes losing herself to the intense sensation.

As she watched the flames, her heartbeat started to race at the memory of the night just as it did while he drank from her enjoying the adrenalin rush that flavored her blood in a way he found pleasing. He drank until she felt dizzy, and then licked his lips clean and ensured that her wounds had closed. Brit stroked his cheek as he grinned at her saying nothing. Quietly, they simply stayed close until he pierced his lip before leaning closer for a different kind of kiss. Her body’s response to the taste of the powerful blood was immediate. She felt stronger. Her thoughts were strangely clear. Blinking up at him, she realized how very beautiful he was, and she wondered if the blueness was always in his black hair. She could smell the ocean and contrasted it with the salty-vanilla scent of her own skin. The night seemed clearer and she could hear the rustling of their clothing. It had happened before, but she associated the clarity and enhanced senses with the blood on his lips and pressed against him in return as she sucked softly on his lower lip until he pulled away.

She tried to follow him but he spun her toward the wall and pressed against her again biting into her neck again. This time, he took only unimportant amounts of blood but focused on feeling her skin part. Letting his fangs slide in and out of her neck…savoring the taste…..

“Brit?” The voice blinked her out of her memory and she noticed the library had become quite full. Merma, Poncho, then Neri, Omega, Larissa and Nareth. Denny entered. Nareth had said that she had bought a dress. Brit and others asked to see it. Nareth looked lovely, but Denny’s focus seemed to be on Brit. “He’s taking too much,” Denny muttered. Then a few minutes later, he added, “I miss the colorful dresses too.” The newspaper he was reading rustled. Others talked and admired Nareth’s dress. Some started to pay attention to Denny as he continued, “Around each other too much.” He muttered something about wedding rings and stared at Brit as he told Nareth she looked beautiful. Then he asked, “How is your beloved Ethan, Brit?”

Denny watched her noticing the paleness. Her answer was sentient, clear, and aware with no hesitation. Denny said, “How many are near” and Brit answered without missing a beat. “Is there anything else you want to tell me,” Denny asked. She told Denny of the ring she received for Valentine’s Day and he gave her no response for several moments. “Brit, I know he drinks from you, but are you drinking from him?” She did not answer and seemed to focus on conversations of others in the library for a moment. Denny picked up a book and hurled it toward Brit who caught it easily and simply put it in her lap. Omega asked him if he had gone mad, then commended Brit on her catch. Denny answered Omega, “No M’Dear. Our dear Brit has tasted vampire blood.”

Brit said softly, “What happens between beloveds is not for public discussion.” The words were not hers, but she felt they fit at that moment. Denny continued to glare at her and said, “I think it is time for bed for you, youngling. Wouldn’t want to stay up too late and miss OUR dear Ethan now, would we?” Brit kissed Denny’s cheek as she left and thanked him for understanding. She left not knowing that, within the hour, Denny would destroy the second floor of the library and spend the following hours repairing it while harboring rage regarding his adopted daughter.

Days of Grace

When Ethan returned, the days that followed were quiet. It mattered not that fractions continued to fight or that people continued to follow up vendetta against each other nightly. Ethan quickly proved uninterested in much conversation or company beyond Brit. As for Brit, she found his nearness comforting and they did not leave their resting place for days. Nothing was hurried. The first evening, Brit woke to Ethan slowly dragging a single fingernail across her skin as if he were examining it for the very first time. Nothing was said beyond the exchanged greeting. With the slowness of someone who has eternity to spend, he watched her skin’s reaction until nearly sunrise when he gathered her to him and sank his fangs deep into her neck. He drank in miniscule amounts of blood as he held her tightly and only licked the wounds closed before falling into his daytime slumber.

The following morning, Brit returned from her shower to food that had been brought for her. Ethan combed out her vanilla-scented hair that had started to dry, and had gifted her with a pair of boots with small heels and new dress that matched his suit. He seemed to find amusement in watching her clip-clomp around the perimeter of the room clinging to the wall to stay mobile. The corset of the dress was quickly laced by him and she spent the remainder of the evening chattering to him while brushing out his hair. Like the night before, he showed no interest or indication of leaving their resting place despite the sirens that screamed in the streets for most of the night. Prior to resting, he gathered her to him and held her tightly as he fell into his sunrise slumber.

Ethan woke alone the third day, but quickly found Brit dancing in the studio with Larissa, Merma, and a neko named Brianna. He watched quietly and turned down Brit’s invitation to join in. When he turned down her request to dance with her alone, she wrapped up her dance lesson with the others and left. After ensuring she ate properly, he returned to their resting place, and then they danced slowly and quietly until dawn. Like the first night, he drank small drops of her blood before licking the wounds closed, and she became keenly aware of the metallic salty taste on his lips when he kissed her good morrow. She slept to the song “As the World Falls Down” playing in her dreams.

The fourth, fifth and sixth nights were more of the same. Brit had quickly fallen into habit of sleeping when he did, and she did not stray far upon waking. The nights were filled with quiet togetherness that seemed to reaffirm the reality that both were indeed there with one another. Both enjoyed their nearly week-long unspoken celebration of recognition that each knew keenly how close they were to losing the other. Though others had invited them to return to see changes in the library, this was their time which was needed to come to terms with the past few weeks.

It was not until after the seventh night that Ethan willingly left their resting place. They found themselves in the Haven. Despite the large crowd, Brit’s only focus was on Ethan and his nearness. Leading her to the corner, Ethan’s usual reserve disappeared as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her openly. One kiss turned in to many with each being deeper than the last. The electric circus of the dancing crowd mingled with the bold kisses was dizzying to Brit. This time, the bite was deep and demanding. She could feel the fangs puncture through the thick walls of vein and hear the pull of blood from her body. Her heart raced giving a rush of adrenalin to flavor her blood in a way that he had always found pleasing. The music pounded and the crowd responded oblivious to the couple in the corner. To her, it was as if they were still alone in their resting spot, and the intoxicating sensation she experienced had nothing to do with the fact he drained her to the point her pulse was thready.