Rays of shimmering light tint
And brighten hues of golden red
That shine through the silken hair
As it falls from upon her head.

Her touch is soft and gentle
A delight upon my skin to feel
Her caress sends shivers through my spine
With it my heart she did steal.

As I lie here in bed and dream
Of her lying in my arms asleep
I wish upon the stars above
Her love to always keep.

Like a kitten all soft and warm,
I held you close throughout the storm.
And though the wind drew ever near,
I gave you hope, and took the fear.

And when I kept you in my arms,
I held you safe from all that harms.
And when my world was all you knew,
You looked to me to take your cue.

But as the world draws ever on,
The things we knew have left and gone.
And all we hoped and all we feared,
Have flown away and disappeared.

Like a kitten all soft and warm,
You hold me close throughout the storm.
And though the wind draws ever near,
You give me hope and take the fear.

Cold glistening darkness bores it's way
Down into my heart, Down into my soul.
Eating me life,inch by life-giving inch.
The sparkle slowly starting to dull.

A fragment of light is left from the cull,
A diamond in the cold unfeeling night.
Hidden from life, a seed in the winter
The come the spring will put up a fight.

Yet winter has forbidden the light,
Cloaking itself in shadows bold.
Yet it starves for life, it claims the warmth
And consumes it utterly, until all is cold.

And in that seed, life doth enfold.
Slowing growing, filling my lonesome heart,
Pulling in you, my life-giving light.
Until entwined we nevermore shall part.

What in this life so poorly spent
Troubles our hearts so deeply rent
Draining our minds and slowly hint
At the doom that waits for us?

Deep in the night of lonely dreams
Visions of life that only seems
To bring about exotic themes
Threatening to consume us.

Like vicious wounds that tear our soul
Our dreams begin to take their toll
Changing our lives to blackened holes
Endless pain, it waits for us.

Bureaucrats dream up
Their unnatural schemes
Promising Life, while
Leeching that very
Life from us.
Filling our souls
Like clinging oils
Along the beach.
Seeping into the
Coral of our hearts.
Silently our screams
Echo unheeded
At the terror
We see, helpless
To stop the pervading
Filth. Knowing not
How to wash the
Horrors away.
Scared of becoming
Further entombed,
Few toil away.
Washing the smegma
From our blood filled
Hands, and only
A grain of sand
Glistens.

I hear the wind as it blows in from the sea,
It lifts my hair it caresses me.
He never takes my hand,
To show he understands,
He never touches me tenderly.

I feel the breeze as it sweeps down from the hill,
It speaks to me when the night is still.
It whispers in my ear,
The words I never hear,
Even when he's near.

Someday I know I'm gonna climb this hill.
To find another day,
Some other voice to say,
The words I gotta hear.
If I'm to live another year.

Moonlight falls across your skin
A silver beam through the window
Kissing the golden rays of your hair
Like warm sunlight in the evening’s glow

Two polished orbs of well worn stone
Gleam with flecks of shining gold
Reflecting the soft blue sky
In the green shade of the river cold

A cloud drifts across the moon
And I see the tender smile in your eyes
And all the images turn back to you
Though they are more truth then lies.

So many of us think that we know so much less then they really do, that it’s truly amazing when we realize just how much trivial information we really do know. I remember in English that I had where we had to speak for five minutes on a topic that we drew out of a container. I happened to get stuck with spoons. I stood there for a moment as I tried to think up enough information on spoons to last a full five minutes. Amazingly enough I did it.

Digging into the depths of my mind I started out simple, explaining how a spoon helps us eat or morning cereal. Much more effective then a fork after all, don’t you think? That is unless of course you want just the cereal and not the milk. Though I tend to like scrapping the sugar off the bottom of the bowl with the spoon and mixing it with the milk.

Though perhaps others like a more fanciful approach to using their spoons and we find them balancing them on their noses. An odd use perhaps, but entertaining, and much easier to accomplish then trying to bend them with only your mind. I don’t know about you, but I always get a headache when trying to attempt that little trick.

And unlike forks, spoons will hold liquid, right? Well yes, but only partially. After all there are so many different types of spoons, some just good for stirring, and good luck keeping anything in them. And then you have your spoons that are filled with holes. Great for corn, lousy for liquid.

And let us not forget one of the greatest uses for a spoon, one that many a kid employs. A substitute shovel. I don’t know how many spoons I’ve unearthed over the years. Many of them were ones that I had used has a kid. Whole new cities were excavated, but when dinner came, the civilization was forgotten, along with the spoon. And both soon became buried once more, only to be found years later, a tribute to the childhood we all leave behind.

It’s amazing where we find inspiration for our daily fix. From reading the tabloids for some odd or bizarre story that might just spark a flame of creativity. Or perhaps an obscure idea that plants itself in our minds while cooking supper and I prey that it stays, until we find the time to right it down.

Many times I’ve found myself without pen nor paper to right down the things that come to mind, or oft times I find myself righting them down on a napkin at a restaurant and hoping the ink stays. Though I have noted that toilet paper is a very poor medium for writing.

I have found myself taking to leaving writing material in just about all parts of the house, the bedroom, bathroom even the kitchen. I’ve even taken to keeping one in the car. Though the hardship comes when I carry one with me and then leaving it elsewhere, and not being able to find it later. Or piecing together ideas from the various notebooks.

Of course I don’t always get my ideas from some obscure source, or just off the top of my head. I often turn to my family for ideas. One day I sat listening to the kids do their homework and a little idea popped into my head as the chattered back and forth. I imagined a story of a moose and a cat, which fit the two kids quite perfectly. They of course were thrilled at the thought of having their names included in a story, immortalized forever. Sadly enough the story is still an idea, but more ideas flow as I watch their by-play. Perhaps one day it’ll be a great story.

The world is certainly full of so much inspiration that it just begs to be taken and rewritten into a story. Goodness knows that I’ve not enough time in the world to take on such a task. But by God, I’m certainly going to try.

In the graveyard of memory the zealots lurk,
desperate to claim the remnants of a lost soul.
Pillaging the thoughts like a brooding leech
Sucking us dry till naught but a shell remains

Desperate in our hour of darkness we seek
to preserve that which we fear to lose.
Alas we find that very act itself unleashes
the demons that destroy it all

If we could but leave it alone
the faint trickles would grow
seeding themselves deep in our minds
to grow deep and wild changing ever

It is not the loosing which we truly fear
but the changing that is ever ongoing, ever unending
The change is not harmful, though we fear it so
but it is the power of life that is found in us all

For what is life, but the changing of forms?
From infant to adult, chrysalis to butterfly
The change is frightening yes, unknown and unbidden
But the result is as beautiful as what we once were.

To stifle the change is make ourselves stagnant
A sure sign of death, not unlike a dead pond
choked with weed and devoid of oxygen
Are we to become that fishless quagmire?

But yet, if one were to look deeper
One could find life, for there is change
The pond no longer exists, but in time
becomes a meadow brimming with color and life

And so it shall be with us, dead or dying
A stagnant pond that shall one day rise
and become a meadow, colorful and filled with life
No longer what we once were, but yet something just as grand.

I see proddy greens... blue dragons too
I see them fly with me and you
and I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see wild browns and dragons of gold
Bright dragons bronze warm weyrs of old
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

The colors of the dragons so pretty in the sky
are also on the faces of people flying by
I see weyrmated friends saying how do you do
they're really saying I love you

I hear dragonets cry, I watch them grow
You know they'll gonna fly
Further then we'll know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
yes I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Oh me oh my oh you
Whatever shall I do?
Praise Faranth, the question is eccentric
I'd give a lot of dough
If only I could know
The answer to my question
Is it yes or is it no?

Does your proddy green gain her color
On the weyr ledge overnight
And if you swear that she just rose
Does she rise again in spite
Does she flirt across her wingsail
At ever male in sight
Does your proddy green gain her color
On the weyr ledge overnight

Her comes the glowing green
With her harem to be seen
Up through the skies
Just as steady as she flies
The males have got her thing
And it’s such a lovely thing
But as they fly up close to her
The flits all start to sing

Does your proddy green gain her color
On the weyr ledge overnight
And if you swear that she just rose
Does she rise again in spite
Does she flirt across her wingsail
At ever male in sight
Does your proddy green gain her color
On the weyr ledge overnight

Now the Weyr it flies as one
As they send her on the run
Up past the Star Stones
The Weyr’s only star stones
To voice their discontent
On the green who is not spent
The bonny burning question
That has come and now it went

Does your proddy green gain her color
On the weyr ledge overnight
And if you swear that she just rose
Does she rise again in spite
Does she flirt across her wingsail
At ever male in sight
Does your proddy green gain her color
On the weyr ledge overnight

All was quiet, the snow swirled and drifted around the base of the cold stone altar, presenting a bleak cold morning. Those that were not asleep in their beds seemed silent, as if waiting for something to happen. And then it was as if the world too held her breath as the swirling snow came to a stop, the wind drifting off to nothing as each little snowflake settled along the ground. Though one single snowflake drifted slowly down, coming to rest on an unblinking eyelash. Black hair, wet with snow, hung limp across the pale face of a woman that knelt, not in pious prayer, but chained as a sacrifice upon the altar. Steam arose from her bare arms, curling around the tattoo of a blue rose in the cool dawn air. An iron collar chained high on a post, rested against the reddened skin on her neck and preventing her from falling. It was a stark contrast to the leather armor that she wore, though she wore it with defiance. Fatigue pulled at her body, seeking to drag it down, but yet she kept her back straight, though weariness pulled her head down. She was no ordinary maiden, one where a single glance could reduce her to tears, but a battle hardened warrior to judge by the stark white scars that marked her body.

She intrigued me, have no doubt about that. She did not belong there that morning, no more then I belonged in the deserts. Yet there she was chained as a sacrifice to me. I landed before the altar and she raised her head. She neither fainted nor screamed, but looked at me without fear and her eyes sparked a cold blue fire. She was determined to fight, even though she was bound helplessly. Neither did she curse at me, nor did she try to plead. But instead she stayed deathly silent, a silence so deep it tore me as no harsh words could. There I sat, staring at this woman who stared right back at me, unmoving. Her very eyes taunting me, daring me to do something. How long we stared at each other, I no longer remember, though all too soon, the sun started its downward journey, and yet she still lived. What power this woman had over me, I do not know, but I could not bring myself to kill her, yet it would be my ruin, to leave her here, alive. And so I found myself breaking her shackles and taking her as my captive. The shocked look on her face was the only reaction I received, for her body was numb from the cold and being forced into one position for so long.

Long into the morning I flew, flying across the desert that passed quickly underneath. Not a sound did she make, and perhaps she was unconscious for a time. Before noon I reached my cave, high up in the snowy mountains, a bleak and stark home in an even bleaker and starker mountain. Gently did a set her down upon the cold grey stone of my home, though I had nothing with which to cover her. She lay there unmoving for several moments. Though I sensed that she was awake. Slowly she began to move, rubbing her wrists and finally standing up, albeit unsteadily. She watched me not with fright, but with distrust, though I could hardly blame her for that. But there was something else, something I couldn't quite pin down. So I left her there and retreated deeper into my cave, leaving it up to her to follow or stay where she was. For unless she could fly, there was no way down aside from jumping.

Some time passed before I heard her footfalls coming down the tunnel, slowly, steadily as if she were taking her time and looking around. Though I fear the deeper she comes the darker it gets. I have had little need for light, knowing my home as well as I do. Alas I had not the talent to limit my flame and light but a small fire for her, but yet I knew I needed to do something. And so, without a thought more, I slipped past her and out of the cave and only then did I hear the first sound from her lips, an exclamation of surprise and then indignation. Ignoring her for the moment I flew westward toward a small copse of trees and inflamed their branches. For minutes I fueled the flames until the branches were but burning embers and then I broke off the top of one and flew it back.

Well, well, well. Welcome back, my dear child. I am so pleased to see you again. Did you not get enough last time, or are you perhaps thirst for more? Perhaps you enjoyed it after all.

Well, I suppose I can help you this one last time, but after this you're on you're on your own. After all this studd is not easy to come by, and my dear, it is going to cost you.

Oh, no. Not in money, no never in money. First rime is always free, but the next time, it cost's you your lidfe. I am not joking, my dear. Oh, no. I never joke about something so serious. Of course, it is up to you, you do not have to, or do you?

Ahh, I can see it in your eyes, the emptyness, it is burning up inside you, crisping the very core of your soul. You need to feel it up, quinch the burning thirst, for the fire is eating you up inside. Your first drink was just a taste of Death. Not enough to completely devode you of life, but just enough to make it feel that way.

Ah, but the second is so much more potent, enough to take your life, but not to kill you. No, I am not crazy, though it may seem that way, you will not die, and yet you will not be alive as you are now. You could look at it as losing your soul and just leaving behind the empty husk of your ever youthful body.

There is a bright side, don't you see? Though you may not be alive, you will never grow old, never die. Never get sick, and wounds will always heal. Forever young as they say, but remember by dear, there is no turning back. Are you willing to pay the price?

Oh, how delightful, quich your thirst, cool the fires that rage within. That's right down to the last drop. Oh? What is wrong my dear? Don't worry, the pain will soon go away. See? It is already disappating.

How do you feel, my dear? So delightful, I am glad you are feeling better. Ah my daughter, let me welcome you you to the world of those of us who live by night, preying on the innocence of youth and the life of the old. Welcome, my dear, welcome.

First draft written Jan, 31 1995.

"Meow" said the cat with the long silky fur,
As she batted a paw and started to purr.

The dog gave a bark as he saw the soft cat,
And he chased her right off of her soft padded mat.

The cat she did run right up over a chair,
and took a great leap right into the air.

And dog he did too go right up that chair,
but landed on his nose as he fell from the air.

The little cat landed atop of the table,
for her legs they were quite nimble and stable.

The poor little dog with his nose quite bruised,
felt battered and beaten and oh so abused.

The cat she did blink and lept to the floor,
the little dogs nose she wished to explore.

He watched her, his eyes opened wide,
but not a whimper he made. It was a matter of pride.

Not a word she did say, but instead gave a lick,
and wouldn't you know it, it did just the trick.

The dog he did blink and he started to stare,
but then he realized they could be such a pair.

And thus did the two, accept the other as friend,
and thus we stop here, for this is the end.

Smoke filled the air as screams pierced the night, Alanna glanced out the window towards the encroaching disaster as she watched the night brighten with fire. A frantic glance at her husband confirmed her worst fears, there was no one to protect them. Only this afternoon had the Counts guards left to patrol the fort that lay a half days ride to the west.

"What are we going to do?" she asked frantically, her eyes filled with fear as she listened to her newborn daughter cry upstairs.

Sadness greeted her words as her husband pulled her into his arms. "I fear their is nothin gwe can do, but try and fight. No one is going to come."

Alanna glanced once more out the window and frantically ran upstairs, she paused but a brief moment to grab a few blankets and her now burbleing daughter before running to the closet. Carefully she bundled the child up, only a few months old, but already so dear to her heart.

"Hush little one." Alanna murmered softly as she tucked the child into a basket. Pulling of the necklace of an owl that had been her wedding gift from her husbands family, she tucked it in with the child. "Keep it safe dearheart, it is supposed to bring to you."

Carefully placing the basket into the closet she whispered a prayer to Carhia, Goddess of Life, "Please keep this child safe, watch over her and guide her steps so that she too may find her place in this world."

A chrash greeted her words downstairs and a quick glance down at her daughter found her yawning and then sleeping. Murmuring a word of thanks she quickly hid the basket behind other baskets, shutting the door and then racing downstairs.

Raiders were in her kitchen, how dare they! She screamed her defiance in a wordless curse and lunched at them, snatching a poker from the fireplace. Her husband was already defending off two of the raiders, and one of them was sporting a cut across the arm. Though he wasn't a master of swordplay, he was able to hold them off for awhile.

One of the raiders winced as the poker glanced across his brow and he growled "Get the bitch! She's mine!"

Alanna couldn't help but go pale, she knew full well what he meant. Dread filled her heart, as did fury as she redoubled her efforts to defend her home and her family. A gurgled cry stopped her in tracks however, and she turned and watch her husband stumble, a sword trust into his gut.

"MEHI!" she yelled and tried to rush after him. His face was filled with pain as he clutched his stomach, blood darkening his clothing and then oozing through his fingers. He tried to speak, but blood only foamed in his mouth as he dropped to his knees.

Fingers dug into Alanna's hair and she was yanked back by rough violent hands, their intent felt in their pressure as the roamed her body. Darkness freckled her vision and she greatfully let herself fall into it, her last thoughts for her daughter hidden upstairs, preying that they didn't find her.

~~

Ferrain reined in his horse as did the others in his band when the rider was spotted. Dark eyes watched and took note of the lathered horse and the man that was slumped in the saddle. No one moved for a moment, until the trappings of the saddle were recognized and then many cried out their surprise.

"Cairen!"

"Dear Lord! What happened to him!"

"Quiet!" roared Ferrain as he nudged his stallion over to the man. "Easy there." he said as the man started to slip as he tried to reach out.

"Must get help, the town, raiders are attacking." came Ceiren's reply.

Silence greeted his words momentarily, then the band burst into action.

"Siyavash, see to his horse. Braedon put Cairen on your horse, get them home as quickly as possible and see that they live." Ferrain watch as the others readied their weapons, there was a battle up ahead and many were eager to join.

Glancing off towards the direction of the down, Ferrain began to make out thin lines of red, evidence of burning. He raised his hand to get everyone's attention. "I know most of you have family in town, but above all things, no matter what happens, keep your head. Loosing it will only get you killed."

Then as if one creature, the band burst forward, leaving but three behind to make their way back to the camp. Hooves thundered through the night as they raised for the town, lives depended upon their speed.

The night raced on, but finally they reached the town, much of the outer homes were destroyed, but those of the inner city were still holding strong. To a man they ran down the raiders, the fight lasting well until the first rays of the morning light.

Many of his men sported injuries, some severe, but only one that might prove to be fatal. Luckily they were in the hands of a skilled healer and would hopefully live to make it home to their families. Ferrain took stock of his men and gave them leave to search out the families they had here, as he too went searching.

He stumbled his way through the rubble, the debris making it hard to judge the roads that would lead him to his sisters house. After an hour of searching he found it, and despair filled his heart. Though the fires had yet to reach here, so far in from the walls, the doors were bashed as were the windows.

Stepping in he met with a ransacked house, furniture was turned over and things were scattered. The place was in ruins. Though the building was still standing, thats all it was a building, a desolute hull that had once housed his sisters family. Slowly he began to search the lower rooms, until finally he came into the kitchen where the bodies greeted him.

His brother-in-law, his belly ripped open, eyes open wide, no longer filled with pain and fear, but now empty and dead. He turned and when he saw his sister, a muffled cy escaped his lips. Dear Lord. Her body lay upon the cold hearth, bruised and swollen, her gown in shreds. Slash marks left thin trails of blood along her cheeks and across her bare breast. Closing his eyes a murmured a prayer to grant them passage into the netherworld.

Tears filled his eyes as he began to prepare his sisters and her husbands body for burial. Taking care to carefully wrap each one in clean linen. His heart aching as he laid them out in the front room, he murmured his apologies for having to leave them for now, and with a heavy heart he began searching the rest of the ouse for his niece, preying that she had not been stolen.

As he made his way upstairs, his heart beat even heavier, ruin once again greeted him, furniture was broken apart, items strewn across the floor. Ahead of him was one small stuffed horse, a gift for his niece. Leaning over to pick it up, a faint noise reached his ears. Quickly he stood back up, his swoard ready. Then he heard it again, muffled but this time plainly heard for what it was, the soft noises of an infant.

Absently picking up the hore he began searching and calling out, hoping to rouse louder noises from the child. "Amianna!" he cried, tearing through her room and nearly busting his knee on the cradle which lay toppled over inside. Cursing loudly, a spew of explitives flew from his lips before he remembered the child. However the pain and loudness in his words, produced a yell of fright from the infant and he stumbled back out of the room to find it.

The yell quickly subsided into cries of fear, hunger and lonliness, leading him to the closet that lay open, a few baskets were tumbled onto the ground, and at first that was all he saw was baskets. Then he began pulling them out, and tucked into an inner recess to one side he found his niece. Bundled within blankets she lay their her eyes wide as she watched him pull her out.

"There, there little one." he murmured softly, tears streaming down his face to find her alive. Carefully he took the infant, not minding the wetness that surrounded her and the stench of needing to be changed. "Oh my dear Amianna, you're alive."

Amianna blinked a couple of times and then began to wail, she was wet and hungry and wanted her mother. Ferrain carried the child to the other room where he began to unwrap her from the blankets. As he did, the necklace fell out, tumbling on to the floor where it winked up at him. Picking it up he looked over the golden owl, studded with shining topaz "What is this?" he whispered softly and then laughed as Amianna reached out her little hands towards it.

"Pretty thing isn't it?" he noted and then placed it next to her as he proceeded to change the childs things. "A last gift from your mother." he said softly as he picked the girl up. "Well we'll see that it doesn't get lost." And with that he placed her into a clean basket and tucked some warm blankets around her. Tucking the toy horse next to her, he then wrapped the necklace in a clen diaper and then placed several more around the infant.

"I do fear that we can not take anyting else with us, there is not much room upon my horse." he murmured to the child as he picked up her basket. "Still, you have come out with your life, and for that we shall be very thankful.

Outside he lashed the basket down upon his horse, and then went back in to bring out the bodies of his sister and her husband. Ignoring a reproachful look from the stallion he placed their bodies upon his back and then lead the horse back through the town.

Kaida sat quietly off to one side as she watched Amianna start to saddle up the large gelding. "Wouldn't it be better to try a smaller horse out instead? I fear that he'll trample you."

"Siyavash said I could try him, and I aim to try him out." Amianna retorted stubburnly as she flicked a stray hair out of her face.

The gelding shifted a little, snorting loudly causing his chest the rumble. Amianna eyes him a moment and then placed the saddle upon his back "Easy fella" she murmured as she began to tighten the cinch. "Stop your fussing Kaida, he's not going to eat me." she notes with a laugh. "He's no Kyshun with teeth and fangs." she notes as she ste sback to look him over. "Even if he is a black as they are."

"He can still trample you iffen he tosses you." Kaida insisted. Even though a year younger then Amianna, she watched over the girl like a hawk. Though just a slave, she held a fondness for the dark-haired girl that was as wild as the untamed horses she wants to ride one day.

Slipping up into the saddle, Amianna grinned like child with a bit of candy. "You can see forever from up here." she laughed.

Applying a bit of pressure to the geldings sides, she took off at a bit of a trot guiding him through the lines of horses and then out into the open plains. Kaida raced after on foot, her bare feet barely making a sound on the soft grass. Amianna leaned forward and urged teh gelding into a gallop, her long black hair coming loose from the ribbon that held it in place. Kaida came to a stop as she picked up the blue ribbon that fluttered to the ground and watched her friend race off.

The wind rushed past her face, stinging a little from the cool morning air, but Amianna did not mind. Here was a horse that felt right underneath her, a horse that was to be hers and hers alone. She closed her eyes and imagined the path before them seeing clearly the grass ahead of them, the mountains off into the distance. Each foot fall bringing them closer to the spring that lay ahead, it's waters glistening in the early morning light. She could even see the birds that rose up off of the waters, their wings beating in the air.

Wings beating in the air, she could even almost hear it. She starts a bit and opens her eyes, she can hear them. Reigning in the gelding she stops and watches the birds rise up off of the water, just as she had imagined they would. Sweat beads breaking out on her forehead she watches for several moments before deciding to turn around and head back to camp. Briefly she closed her eyes, and saw nothing but darkness and then opened them again.

"Okay, that was just too spooky." she murmured to the gelding who just flicked his ears back a little as he caught the sound of her voice. After severl minutes of walking, the reached the camp where Kaida was waiting for them.

Seeing the look upon Amianna's face, Kaida paused in her approach. "Is something wrong?"

Pensive for just a moment, Amianna then broke out in a grin "Oh, no, it was just a wierd daydream." she notes as she swings down off of the horse, landing lightly on her feet. "I was just imagining the birds rising up off of the spring, and then I saw them doing just that. It spooked me a little, but then I remembered there are always birds out there on the water."

Kaida laughed and nodded, relieved that nothing was wrong "That there is, though you shouldn't have been paying more attention" she admonished.

Looking a little sheepish, Amianna nods and smiles "True, but it was glorious to be out there on him, it was as if we were one."

Kaida nods a little and then just shakes her head "It's the same out of all of you horse people. You loose your head while on a horse. I'll keep my feet under me and on the ground thank you."

Tossing her friend a glance, Amianna laughed "It's just because you can't ride you say that, I'll teach you if you want."

With a look of mock horror Kaida shook her head "Oh dear no. My place is on the ground, you know slaves aren't allowed to ride."

Snorting a little in response, Amianna sighed "True" she murmurs sobbering up. "Still you would think they'd let me take you with me."

The gelding nickered softly as Ferrain approached leading his stallion. "Ah, Amianna, there you are."

"Yes, Uncle?"

"How was the gelding, does he work out for you?"

"Oh yes! He's wonderful. He's he really going to be mine?"

Ferrain laughed at the look of pure joy on his nieces face. Still so young at only thirteen, but yet already growing up so fast. "Yes, he's yours as long as you care for him." Not that he was really worried about that, for she'd been helping with the horses since she was old enough to sneak off to the lines herself.

Burying her face into the horses neck, Amianna wrapped her arms around him. "I will care for him, don't you worry." she voices softly. "And I'll name him.." she pauses a moment and then glances mischieviosly at Kaida "Kyshun."

Rolling her eyes, while hiding a little laugh behind her hand, "Come on Amianna, put your devil horse away and lets get you ready for tonight."

Amianna let out a deep sigh and then turned towards her Uncle "Do I really have to go?" she asked as she led the large gelding to the lines. "I mean, can't it all happen without all the fuss?" she muttered softly under her breath.

With a great laugh Ferrain shook his head "Sorry dear, it's a great celebration, where you shall become a woman and you'll be placed into your trade." he noted as he turned to walk back towards the camp. "Besides, your Aunt has been looking forward to this for weeks."

A great celebration. Amianna let out another sigh as she took off Kyshun's tack and placing it in the tent near the lines. Undoing the rope gate she led the great gelding in. Well what if she doesn't want to become a woman, she thought silently and watched the gelding move off to join the rest of the small herd as she closed the gate again.

"Well, maybe it won't be so bad." she mused as she turned to head back towards the camp. The only thing that really bothered her, was where they would put her. All she knew was that after the feast, she would find out where she would be placed. What they thought she was worthy of doing. She had no idea how they decided upon the placement of her clan, what factors they based it on, and she was nervous. What if she ended up as nothing more then someone who fetches and carries? What if she was delegated to sewing only.

She hardly noticed the others looking at her, many of them with knowing smiles. They'd been there before and knew what she was feeling. As Amianna reached the tent of her Aunt and Uncle she slipped in and wondered over to her small little corner. After this, she'd have her own tent, a place of privacy to retreat too after working.

That was another thing that worried her, she had never been alone in her life, and after tonight, she'd be on her own. Sitting down she absently picked up a warn little stuffed horse. No longer a child, but an adult. One with responsibilities to fulfill. She glanced down that horse, she'd had it ever since she was a baby. Once it had been nice and plump, the black and white coloring shiny and bright. Now it was a little flat, and a dull black and off white color. It had been resewn here and there as the seams stretched and broke. She smiled softly as she placed it back down on it's special spot beside her bed her bed and looked around.

Here was the place in which she grew up, here was where she learned to walk and said her first words. She gave a soft little sigh and sprawled out onto her bed.

"I don't want to grow up!" she exclaimed at the top of her lungs.

"Well, I'd be surprised if you didn't have reservations."

Amianna sat bolt upright and then grinned when she saw her aunt standing there. "Well I do want to I guess, but I'm just scared."

Kyrene sat down next to Amianna "Well I was scared too when it was my turn. In fact I ran away." she noted softly. "Everyone has to deal with it in their own way. That's part of growing up. No one came after me, and after awhile I felt bad about it, and came back." she said.

Listening quietly to her Aunt, Amianna nods a little and then sighs. "I understand." Even if she really doesn't, well moree like not wanting to understand. She purses her lips a little as Kyrene rises up and heads out.

"Be sure to not be late, and don't worry too much, the others are just as nervous as well."

Amianna hmms a little, well at least the others are just as nervous she ponders and then grins, sure that Caidi is sure to be in a tizzy. Quickly grabbing her jacket she races out of the tent to head over to her friends.

When the world was new and the gods were young they created a race that would someday become known as dinosaurs.

Here they learned the follies of having creatures dominant over others and the great beasts ran rampant and so they wiped the slate clean. A period of quiet reigned over the world and then the gods turned their attentions to the little mammals and the few reptiles that were left and started anew.

They decided that all animals should be equal, none having a place above the other and peace and harmony reigned. However one god was dissatisfied with the arrangement and longed for the days of old. Unbeknownst to the other gods he took aside one set of primates which he had been tinkering with and made a few more changes and thus the Neanderthal was born. Unfortunately something went a little wrong and they didn't turn out quite as he meant and thus he abandoned them.

He turned back to the primates and chose another to further his plans with. Carefully he changed them, introducing intelligence and a sense of creation. He fashioned for them a history, instilling into the them the belief that they were solely created to rule over animal and land alike.

One of the other gods happened upon the plot of the discontent god and set out to amend the matters. He appeared in the guise of a snake to try and reason with these new animals, but so well had the discontent god tinkered with their minds that he had to resort to trying to feed them a fruit of the gods to get them to see the truth of things.

Alas the discontent discovered the attempt to right things and using trickery transformed the fruit of one of truth to one of a lies. To them it seemed as if the snake had tried to trick them, and the discontent god played upon this trick and told his new creations that for being so devious as to believe that he had done things wrong, he cast them out.

Left to their own devices and the effects of the tainted fruit they chose to believe it the fault of the snake and thus turned their backs upon the other animals and came more to believe in the seeds that their god had planted, they were indeed meant to rule over animals and lands. Thus they came to know longer understand animals or even the land, for they had made themselves blind and deaf with their own conceit, a gift of their god.

To this day the ancient gods mourn for the lost animals and joyously embrace those who turn from their path of conceit to that of harmony and the discontented god is ever a jealous one and punishes those who seek to turn from them by having his priests persecute them.

Father, she couldn't even remember his name, let alone remember what he looked like. Mother refused to talk of him. She stared at the small painting of him and tried to imagine what he must have been like. Handsome he was, devilishly handsome. she could almost have fallen in love with him, f she didn't know he was her father.

Putting the painting back in the box Adyna sighed softly as she looked around through the rest of their meager possessions. Mother would be back soon and she had no wish to be caught going through them. She cocked her head as she heard some footsteps and then relaxed, only her sister, home from working for Yolanda. Still best to get down out of the attic anyways, Rhianwyn would probably tell on her, she was at that age.

"Dyna!" called out the younger sister, as small footfalls turned into frantic running "Dyna! Where are you?!"

Groaning, Adyna pushed the box back and called down the trap door. "I'm in the attic you dolt, I'm putting away the sheets that mother embroidered." There, that out to forestall any prying questions. She glanced back at the box of mementos and then shook her head. Best to make sure the sheets are in the trunk.

No sooner did she get the lid latched did a small head peek up through the floor. "Scary" said the solemn voice as pale blue eyes surveyed the attic.

Snickering Adyna laughs "It's not scary, it is hot up here however, come on. Want some juice?"

Heading down the ladder, the two sisters made there way to the kitchen, it wasn't much, mainly a little nook for a stove and chilled cupboard to store things. Taking two earthen mugs of the shelf Adyna regarded her sister. Small and petite she looked very much like their mother with her fiery red hair and pert little nose. Adyna on the other hand had black very much like the picture she found of her father, and brown eyes as well.

Rhianwyn sat down in front of the hearth where a small meager log was placed and was burning low. Still neither one would touch the fire for wood was scarce and thus precious in the steadily cooling days. As Adyna brought over the watery juice she sat down near her sister "How did things go today?"

Taking the juice the child grinned "It was good I got two whole pennies for feeding her chickens and gathering eggs." replying cheerfully.

Two pennies, that with the silver she picked up for milking the brindle cows and helping Nashyda with her twins might just get them supper tomorrow. Adyna let out a sigh. If they didn't get some more money in soon, they'd starve this winter.

"Maybe mother will get paid a little more." Adyna murmured softly. "They just have to give her more, she works so hard." Rhianwyn solemnly nodded in reply. Even as young as she was, she understood the importance of money.

There both the girls waited as night began to fall and the fire began to grow colder. Neither one got up to light the candles, again they were to precious to waste, and neither one made dinner. Shortly after night fell their mother came in through the door, crying softy. "They wouldn't give me more money, and they fired me for even asking." she collapses down onto the single chair in the living room and starts crying even more.

Adyna was silent for several moments and then stood up and walked over. "We have some money mother, we can get by I'm sure, until you can get a new job."

Bronwyn looked at her daughter and gave a pitying smile "It won't help, we have to be out of here in the morning. He was generous enough to allow us to stay the night here."

Rhianwyn frowned "We're leaving? Why?"

Adyna snorted "Cause we don't own the house, stupid." At Bronwyn's glance she sighs "He owned it, and now with mother out of a job, we're out of a home. Where are we going to go mother?"

"I don't know, sweety, I really don't know."

Later that night as the girls lay in their bed together, Adyna listened to the house creak, a familiar and usuelly soothing sound. Tonight however it kept her awake, knowing full well that it would be the last night anyone of them heard it.

She looked over at Rhianwyn who was blissfully asleep and sighed as she turned over. Morning was going to come early enough.

What seemed like only a short time later she was woken up by a thundering pounding on the front door. "Come on you lazy harlot, time for you to get out of here! You know the rule, if you're not out, you'll be paying for each minute stayed."

Adyna struggles to hear her mothers reponse but couldn't, but she knew trouble was here. She nudge Rhian awak and helped her sister dressed. Luckily they had all packed that night, but all were going on little sleep. By the time the front door was forcefully opened, she and her sister were ready to go. Bronwyn had just brought down the last of their stuff and was putting it into the little cart that they owned.

"Bout time you filth was getting out of here." the man sneered as he look at the girls "Though I'm sure the Master would be willing to pay something for them, especially the 'eldest." he added as he came up to Adyna "Nice little thing like you, the Master would be liking you I think. What is she, bout eight?"

Bronwyn hissed "I ain't selling me girls, no matter the price and you be keeping your hands off her, I aim to see she's a better life." Adyna listened fearfully, she wasn't exactly sure just what was going on, but she didn't like the sounds of it. "Come one Rhia, you can sleep in the cart for a little bit." she murmured as the girl bout dragged her little sister out.

No sooner then they were out the door one of the other men grapped her arm "Hey, sweet thing, wanna earn mommy a little more money?" he says, his voice practically oozing.

"Leave me alone!" she cried out, yanking her arm back. He kept a tight grip on her, however "Come now, it ain't all that bad, just a little romp, that'll fix ya, might even like it."

Crying out, Adyna began kicking and scratching even as their mother came out of the house. "Let her go." she growled as she grabbed a shoval that was near the door. "You know I can do it." she added even as the man reluctantly let Adyna go.

Hurrying over to the cart, Adyna took one side as she trembled as her mother put the shoval in the cart and took the otherside. Without a word the two began to pull at the small cart, slowly moving away from their home.

"Mother" Adyna whispered after the had left the village and were several hours down the road. "What did those men want?"

Sighing, Bronwyn shook her head "Nothing good dear, and especially nothign suitable for young girls, it's hardly suitable for grown women." she replied "And I hope that you won't have to be subjected to that at all, honey. No one should have to be subjected to it."

Nodding a little, though still confused Adyna glanced back at Rhianwyn who was now walking alongside the cart. She seemed to be affected the least by the change of circumstances and was busy finding some late autumn flowers in the fading light. Even in such cold times, life still clung. Biting her lip Adyna turned back to look ahead, hoping to see the next village come into site, though it was still several miles away.

Darkness found them on the edge of the village and Bronwyn bartered some of their items for a place to sleep in the stables. Though it smelled a little musty, the hayloft was warm and the animal noises below helped to lull the children to sleep. Morning brought little joy however as they had to continue on their way. No one was hiring, not this close to winter.

After a week of travelling they made it to a larger town. All were weary and less hopeful then when they started out. Both girls were in awe however as they watched the people bustle around them and listened to the sounds of horses on cobbled stones, a pleasant change from the dust and mud of the villages.

They recieved a number of glances, most of them disdainful, but were ignored by most everyone for the most part.

The opening was dark with only a pale sliver of the moon shining through. Little Kitsa lay there a moment and then yawned. She stretched out and then was suddenly pounced by her brother. She went sprawling and gave a yip and then promptly turned and went after him as well. A full blown mock-battle was on, until a well placed snip from mother sent them both running outside the den.

It was a neat Den, a culvert that ran under the road and opened out onto a large field. A tall lady with blond fur on her head would sometimes leave meat out for them and it was fun trying to see who would reach it first. This night however, her and her brother went exploring up along the roadside to the humans dwelling. A small hole ran under the fence and it was a close call on who would scramble under it first. Her brother Vos made it under just before she did.

They looked around and found themselves in a garden, however the garden didn't interest them, something else did. In the distance they heard the distinctive sound of water. Stealthily they moved through, passing under a pine and then through some junipers as the slunk there way onwards. Shadows moved and they paused, glancing curiously in the direction of the light that shone out from the house.

After a few moments, they continued onwards and soon found themselves at a pond. They both leapt up onto the bricks that surrounded it and peered into the water. A small bell fountain was splashing water lightly into the pond, and cat tails were along edges. However, the things that caught their eyes the most were the darting movements of goldfish.

Little though they were they were exciting and Kitsa couldn't resist stabbing her paw into the water after one. Vos watched on as she kept missing and then he tried as well. After several minutes both finally snagged a fish and pulled it out to eat. It wasn't much but it was tasty.

They heard the sharp bark of their mother calling after them and the two ran off towards home again, the fish only momentarily forgotten.

I was once a bard, traveling the lands and entertaining. I enjoyed a healthy wench and a bottle like most any other man. Life was good and full of fun and the occasional thrill to keep it from getting boring. It wasn't a grand life by some opinions, but it was a wholesome one. Who knows the number of fresh fields I plowed, or the amount of seed I lay behind, that was not for me to worry about. My worries centered around keep the masses laughing, crying or whichever mood I wanted them in.

Alas, that holds true no longer. I still roam, but now as unfortunate soul doomed to wander for eternity. For I fell into bed with the wrong lass. She was a buxom beauty, her breasts as full as twin moons, hanging out of her dress as if ready to fall like plump fruit. To my misfortune, this lovely lass was not more a beauty then I am saint. No, no beauty was she, but a lady of such evil that I cringed before her as she gave me her fate. Yes, I am a vampire, and this is my story.

I remember being cold and then violently ill as I stumbled down the stairs later that night. The room spun around me, everything out of focus and a tumult of noise crescendoed around me. Grasping my head, I flew out of the inn and stumbled off into the night. I don't know how I managed, but somehow I ended up in an abandoned hut near dawn. I still hadn't realized fully what had happened to me, but as the sky started lightening, I felt within myself a fierce and quite intense panic. I was restless and yet very tired at the same time. I hadn't slept yet and so I didn't think anything extra of it. Still as the sky grew brighter I began to feel more and more fearful, I couldn't place the fear and so I stayed huddled where I was.

This was almost my undoing, and to this day I wish it was, for I've grown weary of things never changing, never being able truly to enjoy the taste of wine or women. Though after that one incidence I think I'd be happiest just to be able to get drunk again. Alas, but I'm veering from my story, a trait I do more and more often of late. I crouched there huddled against the wall, wrapped in my own arms against the chill in my body as the first ray of late streamed through the cracks.

A panicked scream filled the air. It was me. The light was so fiercely bright that it burned my eyes even as I dove down the stairs into the cellar. To the warm comforting darkness. Crying as the pain wrenched through my body, I stumbled my way in the darkness until I found what I determined to be the darkest point and there I lay and fell into a dreamless sleep.

I do not know whether one day passed or many, but when I awoke the very air around me had taken on a new quality, this place was now a sanctuary, a place to hide, a place to rest. Carefully I made my way through the dark, it wasn't as hard as I expected it to be, for somehow I was able to see quite well. However, when I reached upstairs and stepped out into the moonlight, I found that my sight diminished. In fact the more light there was, the worse it got.

There was a hunger within me, one that was steadily growing by the hour and so into town I went. It was a rowdy night, much like any other night in town and I made my way to one of the inns I had sometimes frequented. I squinted against the firelight and chandeliers within, but though it was hard to see, they didn't burn.

As I watched some of the maids dance, I felt a familiar stirring within me, though alas my poor loins slept on, having had deserted me in this afterlife of mine. I figured however that it couldn't stop me from touching, from tasting, after all they were sure to have had customers before who couldn't rise to the occasion.

Slipping a few coins into the hands of one pretty little lass, I followed her upstairs to her room. It was a pleasant room, done in roses and pinks, satins and lace. A very feminine room with a hint of fresh violets. Locking the door behind me, I smiled at her and took off my shirt. She smiled back as she very slowly began to undress. I watched as her clothes fell down past her creamy shoulders and uncovered her small but nonetheless delicious looking breasts. I couldn't wait any longer and soon had her pushed down onto the bed.

My lips were all over her, tasty and enjoying as I nibbled on her skin and suckled at her breasts. I reached down between her legs and soon had her squirming. In the flickering candlelight, her skin took on a glow, that made me feel almost feverish. My touch became rougher and I bit down onto her breasts. She cried out, and not even thinking, I placed my hand over her mouth.

She started to panic and began to thrash underneath me. I pinned her between the legs with my knee and grappled her other breast with my now free hand and began kneading it fiercely. I nipped down onto her breast again, and this time I drew blood. The taste of it seared my senses and sent me on a high that no drug ever neared. I clamped down and started to suckle, my teeth sinking in as I took in her blood.

It was an odd thing, but shortly after I began suckling, she began relaxing and started to moan. Removing my hand from her mouth and sliding beside her, I lay my head on her chest, never letting go of her breast and once more placed my hand between her thighs. She had become extremely wet since my fingers had last ventured there and it didn't take long for her to cry out in pure orgasmic delight.

Satiated for the moment I pulled back and watched curiously as the teeth marks healed over. I licked my lips, savoring the taste of her blood and licked off the few drops that lay on her breast. She had taken on a pale look as she lay there, exhausted and seemingly unconscious. I pulled a few more coins from my purse and lay them on her table. I had thoroughly enjoyed myself. Stepping out of her room, I headed back downstairs and mingled with the other patrons and it wasn't long before I had the urge again and once more, I followed yet another whore to her room.

Many weeks passed by this way until I found my coin supply almost dwindled. I had lost much of my talent as a bard, there is something about being undead that removes some of the spark of life that is so needed. So I had to resort upon other means. With my steady supply of food, I found I had increased in strength considerably, and so I put it good use. One evening, several miles out of town, a coach was coming in late. The team was two pairs of perfectly matched bays, the couch itself spoke of wealth. tethered to the back was another horse, this one a horse so grey it was nearly white. As they drew into the woods, I swooped down upon them and instantly killed the team with swipes to their jugulars. It's amazing how ones nails can still grow so long in the afterlife.

The other horse screamed and reared and broke its tether and charged off into the darkness. Inside came answering screams that only got louder as I threw open the door. Inside were two young girls, barely into womanhood, an older lady and a dark gentleman. The screams had come from the girls. The man was fit to be tied and the old lady seemed perfectly calm.

I hesitated but an instant and then grabbed the girls before fleeing with them into the night. I hadn't gone but a few feet when a bright flash lit the night and sent me stumbling forward. This was pure luck, for not a second later, my back was hot as a fireball blasted overhead and crashed into some trees, causing them to explode from the sheer might.

Now it was my turn to panic as my world filled with a searing heat. I took a chance that the mage couldn't get off another one until after I was standing and I gripped tighter to the girls, causing one to scream in pain and mortal fear as she struggled hard against my grip. Luckily I managed to escape, but just barely it seems as yet another fireball lit up the night quite painfully. After a couple of miles I slowed down, mainly because of the girls who couldn't keep up any longer. I didn't want to kill them, well, at least not yet. So I slowed down, it wasn't much further to my home anyway.

Hours later I had them down in the cellar, and locked the door. The smell of them filled my senses, I could almost taste them in the air. Sweet, fresh and most assuredly innocent. I know they feared the worst out of me, but the worst that they could imagine wasn't what I had in mind for them. Vampires become almost as much an animal of instinct as most any creature, and now was one of those times I just completely went with my feelings. I grabbed the youngest and latched onto her neck. There was a lust, but there was also a deep raging hunger that screamed with wild abandon as the taste of her virgin blood flowed down my throat. She went limp in my grasp as the other one screamed.

What seems like hours must have been only minutes, for when I had sucked her dry, the other girl was still screaming, though a little hoarsely. I gently laid down the body and once again, upon instinct I bit into my own wrist and held it to her lips. Bright blood colored her pale lips and then suddenly and agonizing and yet exquisite pain filled me as she started sucking on my wrist. I sat there for several long seconds, lost in the intense orgasmic feel of it before I wrenched my wrist away and snarled at her.

She cringed back away from me as she licked her lips. I could tell there was a hunger there and a savagery. Gone was the innocent beauty replaced with a deadly charm. I turned and left her there, still weak and went after the other girl. She screamed again, how she had a voice left I did not know. SHe tried to run, but I was stronger, the virgin blood had increased my strength ten fold. Yanking her back against my chest, I buried myself into her throat. Savoring the sweet exquisite taste and then once more I did the same as I did to her sister.

They say blood tells all, and it does, whole family lines can be identified just by a taste of their blood. As my two fledgling children lay there, one next to the other a thought came to me and soon I was whispering softly to them, instructing them. When I was finished I led them out into the woods on the other side of town and left them there to be found.

It wasn't long before men from the town stumbled upon them, both of them entwined in each others arms, acting as if frightened of the very men that had come to save them. It took awhile, but they finally were coaxed to follow them back to town. There was much celebrating and once again I was washed over with the wish to enjoy the drink as much as they did. It is a sad thing, but alcohol had no effect, and though it did not bring the same exquisite pleasure as fresh blood, I still often wished to experience once again.

I watched curiously as the old lady swept them up into her arms while the mage watched from a distance. He then suddenly looked around and I felt a fear rising inside me as he seemed to be looking in my direction. At that instance I fled. I had long since learned to trust that fear. To take the time and hide. I don't know what it is, but I'm as sure as I am dead that he knew I was there.

As I was retreating I was met on the path by a horse. A quick scent of the air told me this was the very same one that had ran off from the coach earlier. What it was doing starting at me now I couldn't guess. He seemed unafraid, but he wasn't friendly either. The two of us stood there for several moments, neither moving, neither making a threatening gesture. I know he knew I killed the other horses. I don't know how I knew, but something told me to not try the same tactics on this one.

After a moment I made as if to tip my hat, though I had none and chose another path. I almost half expected him to charge me, but he didn't and walked calming on in towards the town. Very strange animal, very strange indeed. I spent most of my trip home thinking about the mage and the horse and how both seemed to know more then they should

I slept, it was a restless sleep however, I was riding the horse and it was daytime. This alone disturbed me, but there was something else as well. For we seemed to not be on the earth, As the perspective changed, as dreams are want to, it seemed we were riding across the surface of a giant green seed. Perspective once again changed and I say a tree with purple leaves that stood in the middle of ravine that split into a pair of mountains. And sitting underneath it was a man, who I realized was me, and what really struck me as odd was that I was drinking down several skins of ale and enjoying every last drop.

I awoke, shivering with the memory of the daylight and the dream. I didn't move for several long moments. I had never dreamed before, well at least not since starting down the path of my new life. So it stuck with me even more so because of that. It had to be because of that horse, for that horse was in my dreams as well. I slipped out into the night still thinking upon it.

Following the instinct of knowing where my children are, I made my way into town. I was led to one of the more expensive hotels and soon was scaling up the side until I was perched outside a window. The girls were inside, giggling with each other. They were in the a room by themselves and they seemed to have discovered a more sensual nature.

As I watched, they explored each other's bodies, touch and tasting. It was an erotic thing to watch, they were tender about it with each other, stroking softly across their smooth white skins. It wasn't long before they were stripping and touching each others breasts and rubbing their bodies together. It wasn't long before their moans escalated louder and louder as they fingered or licked each other.

The window was cracked open and I could smell the sweet scent of their bodies, hear their soft cries of pleasure. I was almost ready to slip through the window, when the door suddenly opened. I nearly fell off as I threw myself back away from the window, it was the mage. This time however he seemed not to notice me for his eyes were on the girls.

They both affected a gasp and tried to cover themselves up, eyes wide. It's amazing how well a woman takes to being a vampire, it's almost as if they were made for it. If I didn't know better, I'd have said that they were mortified, but I think they planned it all. The mage however was quite shocked, and suddenly quite excited as well.

He seemed to take courage that they hadn't called out and took a step further into the room and shut the door. There was a click and I knew what was on his mind. The youngest girl affected a little whimper and a shiver at the sound and he crossed the room and sat down on the bed and petted her hair and told her it was okay, that he wasn't mad at her, or her sister.

I was fascinated, I had thought he was their father, now I wasn't so sure, though I know some fathers tended to that sort of thing so perhaps he was. He continued to talk to them soothingly and told them that there was nothing to be ashamed about. After all, it was what people who loved each other do. And then he proceeded to tell them how much he loved them, much like he loved their mother. And here I thought I was a cad.

It was intriguing to watch as he seduced them, or seemed to, for I think it was really them working on him, giving him the proper responses and it wasn't long before he was naked with the two of them. I had a feeling that this was to be their first meal, and sure enough it was. Both of them started working over him, working together as he took turns fondling them both, enjoying their young fruits and since I had not touched them, they were still in fact virgins, albeit dead ones.

When he took the first one, shock crossed over his face, for everyone had expected that they were raped, but as soon as his shock subsided he began to look real pleased and started working even harder with them. He came quickly in her and moved onto the other one, momentarily having forgotten she too was likely a virgin and thrust right into her. She cried out even as her sister had before and he slowed and took it more gently. To this I dunno if it actually hurt them or not, but either way they were having a great time.

Things started to get a little wilder after that as he nipped a shoulder and found himself nipped back in turn and this opened a whole new game of play, I watched, entranced, waiting for the first blood to fall, which didn't take to long. There is something about sex that just brings out the teeth and they easily pierce the flesh then.

I heard him gasp and then watched him ejaculate across the bed as the youngest had sunk her teeth into his neck, while the eldest pierced the inside of his thigh. Longing stirred within me as I watched his spasming member as the girls fed off of him. As I did, they broke off after a bit and cleaned themselves and him up.

The door burst open at that point, or should I say it shattered. The girls stared in shock and then screamed as the old lady walked in and blasted them away. I was in shock as I watched them turn to ashes before my very eyes. A chill ran through my body while she walked up to the mage and checked his pulse. Nodding to herself that he was still alive, she shook her head at him and then covered his body with a blanket. It was odd to watch such tenderness out of her after her brutal attack.

Before she could be alerted to my presence I slunk off into the night, to think and to regroup my senses. I hadn't realized that she too had powers. I wandered along the streets and came to the stables. In the paddock was the horse and he was standing at the fence watching me. I startled as I looked over at him. The damned horse seemed to be amused at my confusion. I shook my head and told myself I was imagining things.

I continued to walk on past the stables, however I paused a moment and turned to look back and found the paddock empty. I blinked my eyes and shook my head, I knew my eye sight was poor when there was any light around, but I didn't realize they had deteriorated into seeing hallucinations.

I headed towards home and once again when I lay down I dreamt. Once again I was on the horse riding across a giant seed and then ending up at the base of the tree. What did it mean, I had no clue at that point, but I loved the ending. The alcohol that abounded. This time I was with a handsome lass, enjoying her as I once used too. I awoke with such longing and bitter at the cruelness of the dream. I woke up early, restless, but I stayed down in the cellar for the sun had not yet set. It's funny how one begins to feel these things without seeing them

Once again I headed back into town, the horse was nowhere to be found so I went to the hotel since I figured the horse had to belong to one of them. The old lady was alone at the moment and was sitting at a desk reading some tome. I watched for several long minutes as she flipped pages and just as I was about to climb down again, a page turned and depicted a picture of the very tree between two mountains that I had been dreaming about.