Spirits of the Earth

"Ancient Essyrian Religious Translations, Niahi Wood Legends, Histories of the Fell Volumes 8 and 9, Maps of Historical Sites in Connloath, and Apprenticeships for Serenian Mages..."

The woman paused from the list of books she had been sifting through at the book check in counter, "Serenian Mages?" Artemis made a face, flipping the book over in her hand. "This isn't a historical book. What on earth is it doing in my section?" Sighing, she flipped the book over, gave a shake of her head and made her way to the opposing side of the library.  Magics and the likes were a rare topic to begin with, the book in hand having barely been touched as she slipped it back onto the book shelf and made her way back to her small office and proceeded to review the books on hand. Once that task was complete, she put them away, placing them in order and fixing a few lose and misplaced books along the way. She found herself stopping by a certain section of the library when one gruesome book had been staring back at her. It always gave her nightmares when she had to tend to this book. It was leather, and old, with the most hideous picture of a vampire etched into the front of it and was tilted 'Creatures of the Night.'  Flinching, she moved to push the book back into the shelf, but was afraid to really touch it, and ended up removing her shoe when nobody was looking, and used it to push the book back into place.

There. All better.

She moved to walk away, but paused, double checked to ensure it was in place, as well as any other books in the paranormal and supernatural myth section of the library, before moving on.

Keeping the library tidy was something Artemis Longfellow always prided herself with. She worked there nearly 7 days a week, and easily over 12 hours a day to keep the place running smoothly. She had been there for nearly a decade, having started young helping out cleaning the shelves and eventually made her way to an assistant, and now as the one of the librarians herself (though the title was a bit unofficial, and she has been trying to press the promotion for a while, it seemed Mr. Jacrick, the head librarian, always skirted over the matter, so while she was going through a pile of scrolls deposited on her desk earlier that day, she noticed Jacrick was alone in his office.

Juggling the scrolls a bit, she made quick work to put them away, slinking them into their triangular holdings in the tall shelves before slinking over into his office and peering in.
"Hello, Jacrick!" Artemis said with a pleasantly forced smile, hands gripping on the door frame.

But Jacrick was used to such a smile as he turned around and gave a look at her, before sighing ad furrowing his brows.

"Yes, Miss Longfellow? What is it that I can assist you with today?" he said,  glancing over his spectacles.

Artemis pressed her lips together, feeling a faint flutter of confidence within her as she took a few steps forward, but still barely entered the room.

"I saw you were not busy with staff or students, so I figured I'd stop by to see if-"
Jacrick, raising his brows (as he knew where this was going), turned around with a grumbling groan, shook his head before wilting back within his desk.
"To see if you had considered my proposal. I've been here for nearly a decade and-"

"And what, Artemis?" Jacrick interrupted. "What is it? You are a very dedicated worker, I understand that, but you must realize you haven't got an education to back such a position. You should be happy where you are at. As an assistant librarian at the most prestigious and largest library in all of Ulthyn! Such a title is not normally honored to someone of such meager upbringings, you must understand that, Miss Longfellow, and besides, the funding has been cut on the library so we'll have to be reducing your pay come next week." he added with a nonplused sigh.  "Now, is that what you came in here to hear?"

Artemis could say nothing, she merely looked at him, pale and stunned.

"No, I didn't think so," the man sighed with a shake of his head as he leaned back in his chair. "But chin up old girl, you'll see the brighter side of things. I'm sure with another decade in here, your pay will increase after it has returned to normal and well, things will just be as they always have been when the economy was brighter. Now, is there something else that I can assist you with, Miss Longfellow, or where you coming in here specifically for that?" he said, raising his brow.

Artemis's jaw had been hanging open, eyes wide like a frightened deer's. It was the last thing she expected to hear. She would never become a real librarian.. she would be forced to remain in her position, organizing, coding and cataloging books and scrolls, helping customers, but never, ever becoming an over seer, a true 'titled' librarian. And it was because she was poor.  It was because she had not come from any sort of money. Being smart, dedicated, lucky, and a good worker seemed hardly to add up to anything.
But... at least she still had her job. Though what was she to do about a pay cut?

Finally, she set her lips together into a frown, staring at Jacrick as he looked back at her.
"Well?" he asked, expectantly.
Her lips flattened.
"Well?" he then repeated.
"Thank you, for the update, Mr. Jacrick."s he said, lowering her head, defeatedly. "I'm sorry to hear about the funding issue."
Jacrick nodded and his eyes went back to his work. He sighed.
"Yes, well things like this can not be helped."
"Yes, I suppose you are right."

Having found herself in a new spell of melancholy, Artemis dragged herself back to her station, a small, corner office with an open desk for guests to place their book returns. She paused just before it as she noticed another huge pile of books and scrolls added to her once cleared desk. Staring over at the clock, she didn't bother sighing when she noticed it was nearly 9 o'clock. It looked like another late night for her. The library would be closing soon, and the doorman was making the announcement for the last call as he shouted out the door, then inside, his voice echoing across the tall ceilings and carrying through the library like a flood.

But all of that faded away to grey, like the sun which had set for the day, and even the faint sounds of rain that began to patter at the tall windows inside her office. But she had work to do. She had to get past the fact she'd be stuck here another decade before anything better might happen, and just keep her chin up. At least she had a job. But she was now taking a pay cut that was to be realized as early as next month! How would this do for their mother's medicine? For their food? She'd have to pick up a second job. She'd have to figure out something lest she and her entire family be kicked out into the streets.
Sniffing back her tears, she became automated with her work. She shouldn't cry, she couldn't. Now was not the place. She had to remain strong. She could cry and sob and wallow at home, but not infront of her mother. No, afte rshe told her mother things were ok. She'd at least give her another day She'd have to figure out how to present it to all of them, especially her brother Arrick.
Gods.. at least she wasn't working in the mines like he. She frowned at the thought. What if she would have to now? THat was something she'd have to figure out after she realized how much her pay would be cut come next month's end.

Artemis was troubled, and was so focused on everything but her work, so as she scooped up a pile of scrolls and began to head towards the book shelves in the southern hall of the library, she hadn't notice the final calls of the doorman, pressing all the guests in the library to make their final selections and be out.
It was five minutes to nine.
She moved like dead weight, not too swiftly, not to fast, but still, moving with a dreaded purpose, like a machine, so She also hadn't noticed the man standing right in front of her, probably minding his own business and making his final scroll selections... until she bumped into him.
The pile of scrolls she had been carrying were so tall, it blinded her, towering over her head, so when she felt herself bump into something, she let out a noise, a faint cry of alarm as the tower of scrolls went down, toppling down on top of their heads and then to a heap onto the ground, breaking off a few corners of brittle paper here and there, while a few loosely bond strings came undone, and unraveled a few of the precious documents about at their feet, leaving the woman standing there, too stunned to speak or move while the broken shards of paper fluttered down around them like snow.

Uthlyn was the last place he ever expected to be.  Moving south from his tundra excursion left Dietrich more careful in the direction he took and he knew that he could not risk backtracking his way through the same mountain passes that would lead those goddamned hunters back to his domain.  They were so fucking persistent!  They had been waiting for him in that blasted tower, around that so called 'ancient treasure' that lured him there.  But it was all a ruse, a trick set up by clever hunters to trap and kill him.  They'd underestimated him of course up until they began to use darts doused in holy water on him.  Dietrich made his escape – barely – and knew it wouldn't be long before they'd be after him again.

The mountains would prove just as treacherous to him as it would be for them with excruciating periods without blood to sate him.  As it was, he also happened to be wounded by one of those darts that buried its way into his ribs and he walked with sign of injury, his arm holding his side as his healing had been considerably slowed by contact with the holy water.  Despite threat of Mordecai, he'd rather risk the lower lands of Connlaoth than die like a sheep in the mountains.  At least to increase his chances of making it home in one piece.

But if he thought this path would be any easier, he had another thing coming.  The hunters it seemed had eyes everywhere and it was even harder to get a meal between disguises.  He resorted to vagrants and pigs, draining them dry until he could move on again.  He'd made it to Uthlyn at last, haggard and quite hungry.  But he had quite a decent amount of self-control and found quite a morsel far too tempting.  His mouth actually watered as he saw the drunken man stumble out from the bar nearby.  He was far too drunk to even stand as he watched the man slump against the alley wall and just pass out.

"Well, well, if this isn't an opportunity, I don't know what is," Dietrich commented moving in from behind the man.  He nudged him to make sure he was out before leaning down to his exposed neck, ready to tear into his flesh when he heard a noise from the other end of the alley.

"Hey!  What are you doing?" a patrolling guard said, coming closer from the evening gloom.

Dietrich said nothing and just stood, turning back to run the way he came.  The guard called after him, trying to keep up, but his muscles were stronger and faster and he soon vanished from sight.  Dietrich cursed under his breath when he was several blocks away.  He maybe wasn't a hunter but there were too many eyes in this city to feed properly.  And that was when he paused, noticing a pair of peculiar looking people walking down the street.  Vampire hunters that didn't want to make their business known to the likes of the law were particularly discreet and looked just like anybody else, but for Dietrich he'd run from plenty of them to spot  a hunter out of a crowd.  They were more alert than others and their eyes were glued to the shadows, all the places nobody else bothered to look.

It was only a matter of time before their prying eyes came his way, so Dietrich bolted once again.  His body remained calm however as he felt the magic of his form take shape into a rather handsome man, with full lips a regal face and short blonde hair billowed down his face.  His clothes too turned into a clean cut suit, dark in color as he walked up the steps to the library, looking nothing more than scholarly.  It all happened in the blink of an eye and Dietrich walked calmly into the doors of the library.  He could feel those eyes on the back of his head however and it was only a matter of time before they too followed.

The library was positively enormous and would make for a perfect place to hide from the hunters on his tail.  Curiosity always got the better of them.  He disappeared behind some shelves, walking calmly, looking like any other person just browsing the tomes, but his clear-blue eyes occasionally darted toward the door.  And like clockwork the male and female hunters casually walked in after him.  They conversed briefly with the doorman, trying to seem like nothing was out of the ordinary and Dietrich smirked as he turned and walked in the other direction.

The library would be closing soon, or so it was announced, and despite what was said, Dietrich had no plans on leaving until it was absolutely clear.  As he came walking down an aisle he collided with a bunch of scrolls, with it seemed nothing more behind it.  But between the rolls of parchment he found a young woman standing there looking dumbfounded that she'd struck him so suddenly.  He just smiled at her and looked down as a piece of paper fluttered to the ground.

"Doing some late-night studying?" he said lightly, his voice light and humored.  He carefully bent down and picked up a scroll, unraveling part of it.  "The Mysteries of Sex and Love?" he read, his grin widening.  "I hope this isn't a type of elocution class."

Artemis's dark eyes looked up, going slowly up his finely tailored clothing, to his chin, to his lips, then finally up to his eyes as a breath caught within her throat. She would have all of the luck to run into a handsome man in the library at such an hour. And she found herself simply frozen beneath his gaze, trembling and unable to run or even look away, as she clutched the remaining scrolls in hand. And he read from one of the ones that were spilled open, her eyes widened like saucers. A jolt of panic rushed through her, acid piercing inside her nose, and the only solution she could think of in such a situation was to faint.

So she did, falling to the ground on command like a heavy lead pipe.

"Fantastic," he muttered, but all the while he took his eyes from the woman to momentarily see if the hunters had gotten any closer.  They were looking for him for sure and if he lingered in this aisle any longer they'd catch him for sure.  So Dietrich leaned down and pulled the girl up by the arm and shook her a little.  "Hello?  Miss?"  His free hand lightly slapped her face in an effort to wake her up.

"Hey, you should learn it's very rude to faint in front of strangers.  Particularly those that could use your help in looking for a particular book?  Hello?  Are you dead?"

Artemis, who's fainting was half a rouse, did not assume the man would touch her, let alone lift her up into his arms, so when he hit her face and shook her, she gasped, and reared back, especially at the idea of being dead. Her dark hair was now a mess about her face, scraps of papers still littering it and clinging to some parts of her clothing.

"I.." she began, feeling very much light headed, and more embarassed that she just couldn't escape this man through a faint. "I..." but then the call came again, the man at the front door.

"The library is now closed, all guests please proceed to the front doors before the proper lock out hour."

Artemis pressed her lips together, looking up at the man with renewed energy.
"Perhaps another time?" she offered, rising off the floor and dusting at her skirts. "The library is now closed, sir. Perhaps you can come back tomorrow. I shall take a look for the book you are seeking after hours and you can check for it at my desk in the morning." ANd she found herself needing to look away as she chewed at the inside of her mouth, brown eyes glancing at her desk, then to the front door man, as the front door man looked back to her, seeming impatient that she was still entertaining a guest. But then her eyes spotted the hunters, and she shot a look back to the door man, and the door man rolled his eyes and busied himself to try to persuade the pair to get out.

"What book were you looking for... sir...?" and hse paused, hesitating, waiting to see if she could catch his name. Might as well try to gain the name of the nice looking gentleman, even if he was way out of her league.

"Oh, well, I understand, but you see, I need it rather urgently.  It is called - I believe the," Dietrich said slowly as his eyes lingered over to the hunters between the shelves.  The conversation was getting increasingly animated as Dietrich knelt below to help collect those scrolls that he'd made the young woman drop.  He bundled them nicely and even held half the stacks in his own arm while the other helped her collect them herself.

"Please let me help you put these away.  And then we'll get on to my book.  Where did these go?  Oh, and my name...yes.  My name is Jon Maddic.  It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs... or Miss...?"

Artemis frowned. She was never one for holding her ground, and knew she wouldn't be able to tell this man 'No'. So sighing, she simply nodded her head. The doorman would be quite angry with her. Sighing, she mumbled her thanks as he was helping her collect the scrolls while she worked at delicately rolling up the ones that had become unraveled. But then as he asked her, her name, she blinked and peered up at him, her brown eyes becoming wide.

"Miss Longfellow," she said, hugging her scrolls closer. "Miss Artemis Longfellow." Then as she stood, she gestured to her left. "The book shelves are this way." And she lowered her gaze, unable to keep her head up, for fear he might catch her gawking at him. Why did he have to have a handsome face? Then again, it was better than that nasty fellow with the ugly face, with the gangly neck, pock marks all over him, buck teeth and several hairy moles littering his features. That particular man had come in far too many times in the library to flirt with her. It wouldn't be so bad if he were kindly and if his breath didn't smell of rotten cheese... for looks were hardly a concern in courting, especially for a woman such as she. But it seemed her nonchalant ignorance towards his flirting only made that man assume she was playing hard to get. Thankfully, the man had been away on holiday this past month, so she had some reprieve. Yes, she was never good at saying no.

As they approached one of the back shelves, she set her own scrolls down.
"The scrolls wiht the yellow ribbon go up here," seh siad, pointing to the top row. "And the white ones below it."S he patted the area and gave a cough after the patting had expelled dust. She wrinkled her face, fanning a hand through the air and shook her head. "S-sorry. I'll have to be sure to dust back here in the morning."

Yes, more work for her... yay?
So she went back to her stack of scrolls, inspecting them to make sure they were ok, when she spotted the two fellows at the door. Curiously, she peered between the cracks in the book shelves and watched them. It seemed the doorman was growing frustrated that they were not complying. She smirked. Yes, he would be furious in deed she was still helping a patron. Smiling then, she turned around and moved over to the bookshelf, and found herself nearly smashing into Dietrich.
"Oh! Mr. Maddic!"and she stumbled to grab at the scrolls that threatened to fall. "Goodness! You frightened me!" she sighed, shaking her head. "I do apologize. I should have been more careful." But as she moved towards the shelves again, she chanced a glance back towards the door. Yes.. those two fellows were still there. Interesting.

All the while he was helping the newly introduced Miss Artemis Longfellow, setting the scrolls into their proper place in the shelves in the back, Dietrich opened the eyes at the back of his head and he could see, quite acutely between the slats of the books and shevles the two hunters at the door begin to get quite heated with the doorman.  He could feel sweat beading down his forehead, but he remained calm, sliding each scroll into place.

He caught Artemis when she stumbled into him, making him drop one and just smiled at her.  "Do not worry, Miss Longfellow," he said with a charming glint in his eye.  He picked up the one he dropped and slipped it into it's proper place.  "Ah, but yes, that book I was talking about.  I do believe it is called The Mystery of Illusion by someone named Jurgen Gratzinstein.  S-T-E-I-N.  It is a book talking about training your mind to see between the illusions people set before you, see through lies,  even magic illusions they say.  But oh, I'm sure you don't have much stock in magic do you?"

Dietrich peeled his eyes back to the doorman, watching the scene grow increasingly heated.  Then suddenly something mesmerized him as if it were happening in slow motion.  The male hunter produced a hidden dagger from inside his wrist and stuck it into the neck of the doorman, stunning the older man and spilling red from his neck down his shirt.  The man gurgled for but a second before the hunter gently propped him on the ground and cleaned the knife as if nothing strange was about it, putting it away.  He nodded to his companion and they abruptly moved through the library.  Dietrich had watched with fascination at the blood that splurted out but it was immediately replaced with alarm as he quickly stiffened and looked over to Artemis.

"Well, I remember a few days ago seeing that the book was somewhere in this direction!"  And with that he grabbed her wrist and pulled her along with them.  "Please, this way."  All the while he was trying to remain calm.

"Yes, I know how to spell it," Artemis tried to correct, when suddenly she was pulled off and away. Her breath was caught in her throat, as she blinked, not quite certain what to make of the sudden change of events as she was dragged along. "S-sir, such books wouldn'tbe in the library!" she tried to protest, and after several feet she paused, tossing a glance towards the library vault- which lay withint he basement, the bowels of the very library itself.
" The Mystery of Illusion is kept in the basement." She frowned. "Though I'm not sure if it is in any condition to be checked out."

Dietrich swiftly turned to her, eyes wide and wild.  "Yes, the basement," he mimicked.  "That would be perfect.  I mean...I'd like to have the book as soon as possible, you see I cannot wait.  I really should be telling you this but -" He took a step in closer to her, ear to mouth "-it is a matter of life and death.  If I don't get that book by tonight, somebody I love is in grave danger.  You must help me.  Please."

Of course he didn't tell her that he was talking about himself.  Of that the grave danger was now as the hunters moved swiftly through the aisle.

"Please, Miss Longfellow. You could be saving a life."

Artemis felt the chilling tickle of feel feather inside her. She froze a moment, her eyes going to the hunters moving towards them and somehow she knew. Her heart beat raised several beats faster, ad all she could think of was even her own self preservation. What sort of trouble? Did those other goons have something to do with it? And what was so important about a book?
Nodding, for it was all she could do, she moved swiftly with him towards the door way, sweaty hands faltering to pull it open, though once she did, she took him by the arm this time as the pair disappeared within. And it's only then she blinked, after closing the door to realize..

"Oh! I forgot a light!"  She was never any good  under stressful conditions.

Gods this woman was going to get him killed!  Best kill her now and be done with it and just when Dietrich was going to strike out at her she already vanished back up the stairs to get the light she so desperately wanted.  Well, it wasn't like he could just tell her that he could see perfectly in such darkness.  He stepped back up the stairs after her when he saw the two hunters spot him and the immediately shot their loaded crossbows at him, which also happened to be at Artemis.

Dietrich scrambled toward her and immediately threw his body at her, knocking her down and moved over her to drag her away.  "Gods, they're already here!" he seethed as the female hunter began to dash through the aisle.  Dietrich dragged her behind a shelf and held her to him still, his hand cold and clammy as he waited and listened.

With arrows rushing by them, she found herself suddenly in the man's protective embrace, both pressed against a book shelf, breathing hot, and still. Though something was odd, the man felt cold, and she shivered, her eyes going towards where she could hear the huntress approach. Where at first she had been whimpering, now she was too fearful to even groan as she held her breath, steeled her shivering, and waited for what was to come.

Dietrich's heart would be beating ten thousand miles a minute if he had a pulse, but he remained calm as best he could, yet already he could hear them approaching.  The female hunter was walking beside his aisle when suddenly he felt her approach and immediately knocked the shelf over with massive strength, impossible for a man considering it was loaded with heavy tomes.

The woman yelped as she narrowly dodged it and pointed the crossbow out to Artemis when she landed on the otherside.  "Where is he!?  Tell me now or you die too!"

Artemis had been stunned, the very library itself seemed to be collapse, one book shelf toppling into another. So.. many.. falling... books..
So much chaos...
that she hadn't realized she had been frozen in place, shocked until the gun was aimed at her. Artemis gasped, her eyes widening as she looked up at the woman like a deer in head lights.

"He!? He who!?" The man who had been with her!? SHe had no idea, he was just there a second ago.... and all she could do was stare and shake.

Before the huntress could even utter another word, Dietrich flew from beneath a pile of books and tackled her to the ground.  He tossed her gun away with a backhand and slashed at her with his nails, tearing out her throat and lapping at the blood that sprayed outward toward him.  His face and clothes were covered in it as he turned back to look at Artemis, eyes wild, hungry, but there was no time for another meal when he moved toward her and snatched her up, throwing her over his shoulder as he headed for the basement once again.

The male hunter gave a cry at finding his partner dead on the floor and looked around to see where they had gone and ran out toward the basement door he saw them vanish into.

"There's got to be a way out of here," Dietrich seethed, holding Artemis still.  "You've got to know a way out!"  He moved through the darkness, shelves dusty and hold and knocked one down to make room from a wall to see if there was a window or a doorway nearby.  And all the books he knocked down...only one in particular seemed to care to open up.

Artemis gasped. Never before in her life had something so horrifying ever occur. The most awful thing to ever happen in her life was to find out both of her parents had become gravely ill. Though through tender care, she had been able to prolong their life, even as they were getting worse, but she knew, by their thanks, they appreciated it and it helped a lot. And that was alls he needed.

This was different. This was chaotic, and as the man tore out the woman's throat, lapping at the blood, she was even too afraid to scream. And once she was whisked away, dragged even deeper within the basement, fear sailed through her like a bird soars through the air. She felt as if her organs might even float away as she stiffened within the man's hold and found herself being jostled around in the dizzying dark.

While the man pressed for an exit, Artemis clung to her library key. It was a key that opened most doors within the place, one that would take him even lower, to the bowels of the library, and perhaps off and away.S e had never been allowed to go there, so in a trembling breath she informed him.
"I... I have a key!" She held it out, hands shaking. "It will take you lower. To the forbidden book section. The ones holding old tomes and magics, ones that are meant to be deported, taken out to sea.. here.." though as she tried to hand it to him, her hands, now slippery with sweat, dropped the thing as it landed upon the pages of an open book.

Dietrich gave her a wild glare as she took out the key and offered it to him.  He saw how her hand was shaking, but there was nothing that would convince him to see she was trying nothing more than make herself out to be the innocent lamb.  Nobody was innocent; it was the way of the world.  He scowled at her then softened his face as he noticed that her fear would only keep her sealed in place.

"Then open the door," he said softly as his eyes shot to the basement entrance.  "Hurry!"  He moved like a blur, shooting to another shelf that he shoved and moved toward the door with violent fury to keep that door from opening again as the hunter bashed into it, making it shake with fury.

"OPEN IT!" Dietrich growled at last.

Artemis winced at his command and jumped at the pounding. It was enough to awaken her for her shock, as she bent down to pick up the key, only to gasp when she believed she saw a face peering up at her from the book. She had been so startled, she had fallen to the ground, but the pounding reminded her of the real plight and when she looked back down at the book, whatever face she might have saw was not there. Moving swiftly, she snatched up the key and rushed towards the squat door on the opposing side of the room. She nearly lost the key again, her hands were so full of nerves and sweat that she sighed with some mild and bitter elation once the key slid inside the hole. Turning it with a click, she pushed the door open, staring down at the darkness that below.

Dietrich grit his teeth as he heard the damn girl fumbling around in the dark and what with the incessant pounding of the door.  He heard more footsteps join him by the door, and it was his guess that more hunters had come to join the party.  Just great!

"Oh fuck!"  He took a plank and jammed it underneeath the nob by the steps, keeping the door shut for as long as it was wedged and moved over to the door she opened at last.  "Well, don't just stand there!"  And promptly shoved her through.

Artemis let out a yelp, nearly falling down the steps as she clung to the rail. She was so petrified, her legs were becoming useless to her as she tried to blink back tears away. What a god awful night. What was to happen next- other sorts of magic? And what was this man anyways? Some deranged lunatic that liked to eat blood? Almost like a vampire.. she shivered at the idea and reminded herself vampires DID NOT exist, which was repeated inside her head as she gingerly, but swiftly made her way to the bottom of the steps. Once there, she froze up again, not sure what she was supposed to do. Was she going to die down here? The very idea flashed more hot tears within her eyes.
If she died...
what would her family do?
And on top of that.. she was deathly afraid of.... death!

Dietrich had no intention of killing her.  Not now at least when she was proving so useful and there was no way in hell he was going to get out of this library alive without another bloodbath.  While fun, such activity would no doubt draw the attention of the city guard and perhaps even the Mordecai and that was more trouble than he could swallow in one sitting.  So when Artemis froze in her tracks, he stepped behind her and lifted her from the ground and cradled her in his arms as he bounded through the stacks of books and other shelves that had long since collected dust.  But he paused at their precipice, feeling a strange aura.

No matter, he would have to chance it.  There was no other outlet of escape.  "Now, Miss Artemis, you're going to have to trust me, at least for now.  You see those men that are after me are not good men.  And if you didn't see what happened to your doorman perhaps that is a blessing, but do not assume that they wouldn't do the same to you.  They would just as soon add you as nothing more than another casualty solely for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Now as for that help I requested, I need you to help me get out of here.  I need you to find the proper exit and fast!"  Already he could hear the ax of one of the hunters breaking through the door and there were cries as the pounding was fervent and only grew louder as wood splintered.

Even as the pair were the next floor door, even deeper within the basement, Artemis could hear the pounding and breaking of the door upstairs. Those hunters would be inside that room soon no doubt and she could little but trust the man who held her within his arms. The very act made her stiff, but she had hardly time to consider the close proximity of a handsome man, because their very lives were at stake. Too bad it was awfully dark in this portion of the room, but still, something caught her attention on the other side of the wall. "O-over there, another door. We could see if that leads us out. It was .. was rumored the basement of the library eventually opens up to the catacombs of ancient times. But.." She pressed her lips, feeling too, the strange aura in this room, as if something were calling to her- callign to her beyond the door they were heading towards as she chewed into her lip.
She must be hearing things, she wasn't hearing voices. She had to focus, to keep her wits about her.. lest she fall prey to the chaos all about. And as they neared the door, her eyes widened at the sort of lock upon it. And she knew her key would not fit.
THe lock itself held a silver carving with a demon's face, the key hole, it's mouth open.
Her face twisted at the very sight of it, a breath hitching int he back of her throat as she gasped.

"I ... I do not think I have a key for such a door,"s he stammered, feeling frustrated and helpless as more tears heated in her eyes. Even the door looked strange...
but then a loud THUMP caught her attention, making her yelp as she turned, glancing over her shoulder, catching sight of yet another door... this one appearing more squat and shallow, smaller even. But the lock...

It looked like her key might fit into it.
"Over there. The small door. I think my key might fit," she said. "Perhaps that could also lead to something?"


OOC: Maybe they find the demon book on some sort of alter in that room with the peculiar lock on it? And maybe they find the key elsewhere? I'm thinking the squat door is small where the pair would have to crawl into it if they wanted to see what was in it, and maybe it opens to a storage room that contains more clues/ hints towards the demonic book idea we wanted to go with~ just a thought >> and again, sorry the post might be rambly T_T *tired*

The darkness was mystifyingly thick and even with his night vision, Dietrich almost couldn't penetrate through it.  He could see the door faintly on the other side as he ushered them through.  If he had a heart, it would have leapt out of his throat by now that was for sure.  But in his vampirism, he was braver than he would have been alive - sometime more than five hundred years ago.  And yet, it was an amazing thought that despite all his strength he would some day be running from mere mortal men.

Well, they just happened to be mortal men that had strength in numbers and holy weapons in their hands.  But he knew if the situation were turned, he'd tear them all to pieces with nothing less than a bloodbath to show for it.  And he wouldn't even need soap. 

Dietrich bolted for the door with the demon mouth when she indicated it.  She was getting uncontrollably frantic and Dietrich could pay little attention to her as his eyes remained glued to the demonic-mouth keyhole it had.  It had a powerful aura, one even a vampire would cower to.  But Dietrich stood his ground and just stared at it in confusion, trapped in his own indecision.  It was only when she indicated another panel on the floor, a trapdoor from the looks of it that he slowly turned to her, tearing his eyes from the demon door and moving to kneel beside her.

As he did so however, he began to hear unusual howling, heavy knocking on the door, as if there was a man trapped on the other side trying to get out.  It sounded evil, nothing short of it and Dietrich had to do a double take to both Artemis and the door to be sure she heard it as well.  It chilled him to the bone.  Such a feeling only brought more desperate anger to him.  He was ashamed to even feel such a sensation for this fear seemed only brought on by mere sounds.  If something was going to kill them both down here, why wouldn't it have the balls to just make itself known.

Curiosity got the better of him though when he rose slowly to the door as the door actively shook with the force of each residual pounding.  The growling on the other side subsided only as he neared.  As soon as he was in front of it, it stopped.  His hand reached out for the knob, which was the crooked, gnarled nose of the demonic keyhole.

It was a chance against all odds when he opened the door, not expecting it to budge as if the wind itself were pushing the heavy oaken door over it.  And in front of him was a small window of moonlight spilling through a gutter-sized window highlighting the outline of a large black tome, with a keyhole on it the same was the one on the door.

"Is this what was making all that noise?" he wondered as he stepped forth, taking time from his desperate escape to see the book.

OOC: Omg.. I hope my reply makes sense ;_; I dunno why I keep staring at this and my mind goes blank T_T

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Artemis had been frozen, mind feeling distant from reality as the door was opened, and Dietrich approached the book. There were several books around here that gave her the chills, made her skin crawl, but this one took the cake. So when he approached, she gasped and rushed forward, latching onto his arm as she pressed.
"NO!!!" though she didn't know where such a reaction to draw near to this strange blood drinking man had come from, but something possessed her to do it, something inside her screaming out for him not to touch it, but then as she had moved as close to it as he was, even she paused to stare down at it, her brown eyes completely transfixed upon the scroll work, the ancient script scrolled across the surface, glinting silver in the moonlight.
"That text..."s he said, utterly confused and baffled. "It almost looks like... like ancient Essyrian.." she timidly stepped forward, coming out from where she had been gripping onto Dietrich's side as her eyes roved over it. The book was beautiful, even if it's very presence sent a chill to her bone. It was of black leather, with risen sculpted silver lettering glittering off the moon light, and as she took a step forward, and she too, noticed the same lock upon the book. But she didn't dare touch it. But the she heard something and jumped. The door upstairs...
it sounded like those hunters had broken in.

There must have been a reason why the door had howled and growled so furiously the way it did and if Dietrich had any experience in the supernatural - which he did - then he'd say the book was trying to get their attention, but for what, he didn't know.  There was an irresistible temptation to touch the book, to caress the black leather softly and his hand grazed over it, but for a moment when the sound of the door opening in the basement upstairs took to his ears.

He snatched the book from the pedestal and tucked it into his coat as he took Artemis by the other arm.  "There's not enough time.  Just open the goddamned trap door!" he seethed at her.

Artemis was so startled she could have fainted dead away, but her heart was drumming in her ears, sweat slicking her fingers as she fumbled through the keys, stumbled to get it in the key hole as the hunters were pounding their way down the stairs.
"Gods.. gods..." her eyes were heating up with tears as she continued to fumble- but then finally, a CLICK, and the door swung open, and even she didn't hesitate as she rushed inside, down on her knees and crawled blindly into the dark.

Dietrich slammed the door behind them and took her key to lock it shut from the keyhole above them.  He was breathing hard and the blood on his face was dried from all the stressful escaping.  The heavy book was taking it's toll in his jacket.  He didn't know why he grabbed it, he didn't know why he didn't just leave the damn thing on it's altar-like pedestal.

The room they had entered was looking a lot like a storage room with nothing more than excess shelves, dusted scroll-slots, chairs and tables stacked on ends to form nothing short of a labyrinth.  Dietrich grabbed her hand for a moment and looked at her dead in the eyes.  "You have to calm down.  It'll be the death of you.  And that's the last thing I need.  Now, take a moment for a breath.  Now, think, and think hard, just where does this room lead?  I remember you said something about the catacombs.  Now if that's it, then that's our destination.  I hope you aren't squeamish around dead bodies."

Calm down!? Dead bodies!? Artemis felt herself grow light headed, even a little nauseous as she let out a whimpering breath. Her eyes were still brimming with tears that threatened to fall. And this man, now with blood all over his face, was he.. no, he couldn't be trying to comfort her. He was as crazy as the others, but then again.. at least he hadn't tried to harm her.
Yet.

The people chasing them... they seemed a deadly sort, even if she had witnessed the man beside her, holding her hand, her kill one.
HOLY SHIT. Her mind whirled at the recollection, fear chilling her blood as she felt herself shake and tremble, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"I.. I can only presume where this leads," she stammered, voice wavering. She was so terrified, her heart racing so fast, it was hard for her to simply 'calm down'. "I've never been down here before. I was never allowed. I'm only an assistant." Not a full librarian. And it seemed she never would. But now was not the time to dwell over the fact her job had taken a sudden turn for the worse.. a pay cut.. how would her family react?

But what was she thinkign!? Right now she had to worry about survival! What if she were to die here? Her eyes flickered around. It was so difficult to see in the dark.

"Who are those people after you?" she found herself asking. She couldn't believe she could be so direct, but her mind was in a rush, and there wasn't time for hesitation.

She was correct in her evaluation.  Dietrich would not kill her for as long as she proved herself useful.  But perhaps a sheep as scared as she was might not be worth the energy it would take to kill her.  Prey like were for vampires that had not the pride nor the power to claim kills of beasts that were greater than they were.  He was not a master vampire, true, he had no thralls in his league, his place in his coven was taken by force and still several ranks below that of - Cronus.

Dietrich stomach churned at the word, frowning as he thought of the Master Vampire and his treasured whorish wife, Bellona. 

But those were sentiments for another matter.  Dietrich's strongest instict was his self-preservation and as long as this -

"Assistant?" he asked with a peculiar gaze.  "You're just an assistant?  Well, after this they better promote you because you're more useful than any other meatbag in this building."  He drug her though the storage room.  The darkness was thick and difficult to venture through as well as dusty.  If he were human he would no doubt would leave traces of sneezing that would be easy to follow.  As it were, he could see perfectly in the darkness and lead Artemis between the labrynthian shelves and crates.

"Those men?  Hmmm, if you must know, they are vampire hunters.  And that's just what they're hunting.  A vampire," Dietrich answered nonchalantly.

OOC: THE TREASURED WIFE, BALOGNE! BALONEY 8D

--------------

At his comment about a promotion, her face fell, but she puffed out her cheeks to keep her hot air in. Thinking about that damn 'demotion' was the last thing she needed, but she couldn't help but grow angry as she was pulled along.
"If anything, I'll be fired for this!" she wailed, stumbling along and barely keeping up, but his hold on her was strong and it was his pulling that kept her from falling over herself.
And as they rushed along, her heart was pumping, beating loudly in her ears as fear rode her like a drum.

And then he said it.
"What?" her face fell. She must've misheard him. She could have laughed. "What are you talking about? Vampire hunters?" Her face twisted in confusion. Was he mad? Clearly he must be. It was all making sense now! (not that she shouldn't have presumed that before!)

Dietrich's eyes were busy frantically searching for an exit of any kind.  The trap door they'd come through was locked, but such doors could still be broken into and there was no telling just how much time they had left to escape.  The book seemed to be made of lead in his grip.  For all his strength it was actually weighing him down and his fingers were starting to lose hold on it.  He immediately aboutfaced and looked Artemis square in the eye.  He opened his jacket and shoved the book into her other arm and continued to pull her along when at last he found some junk, a lot of it, blocking the way to the next room over.

It was an ancient rounded archway and just underneath it a heavy iron door that was rusted through with heavy bolts jammed through the stone.  Dietrich let go of her hands as he was busy moving the junk out of the way.

"Vampire.  Hunters," Dietrich said.  "I don't believe I stuttered and I think you would have seen that little display with that fountain of blood not too long ago.  Don't tell me you don't believe in vampires.  Do I look like a child's fable?  No, I don't think so."

Artemis wasn't sure how to take the man's comment. He was insane, and she repeated that idea inside her head until it began to spill out of her lips. She was muttering something, words pressing into the book as she clutched it fervently. And it was only then she noted something written in the scroll work of text spiraled across the entire book's cover.

"Zahss winste du havven." she whispered, realizing she had recognized some of the ancient text. "To open the book, read the word." ANd no sooner had she spoke it did the book let out a hiss, a puff of black smoke as Artemis screamed and dropped it at her feet. Though even in the darkness she could see serpent like threads of black smoke were wafting up from the sides of it, and the air around them began to chill so quickly, as she trembled, she was seeing the white puffs of her breath.

OOC: woo for making up languages on the spot XD

"What are you doing!?" Dietrich howled, but it was too late when she at last dropped the book and it fell open.  The pages fluttered as if the draft sifted through it and plopped on a proper page.  The smoke thickened and swirled around Artemis and he was in awe at what was happening.  Gods, of all moments it had to now!?  Dietrich grit his teeth and reached for Artemis around the book, but something was telling him to keep his distance, something more powerful than he and the smoke turned to gnarled thorny hands that grabbed at the young librarian's assistant and tried to force it's way into her nose and mouth.  There was a deep growling voice that repeated the words she had spoken, followed shortly by a laugh.

Dietrich ducked forth, finding his willpower and reached for the covers of the book, slamming it shut.  It was surprisingly difficult as whatever was coming out of the book was resisting even his strength.  Dietrich struggled to keep it closed.

Artemis had found herself in a trance, eyes becoming lost and distant in the swirling black smoke. But when Dietrich slammed the book shut, she nearly leaped out of her skin. Her eyes darted around, uncertain what was going on, that was, until a heavy banging began at he door. Screaming, she jumped, smacked her head upon the low ceiling before wincing and cowering near to Dietrich, only to find her eyes falling upon the book and the way he struggled.
"The book.."S he furrowed her brows, watching how it moved and growled beneath his hands. "It's acting as if it were alive!"

"That's because -" Dietrich huffed and pressed all of his body weight down onto the cover of the book as it tried to heave him off.  The ground began to shake and the very crates behind him seemed to fall over on their own accord. "-IT IS!  It's a demon tome!  Couldn't you tell by the letters!  Old Essyrni was of many cryptic languages used by summoners and conjurers to call spirits of the dead.  Among other things.  You're a librarian!  OUCH!  You should know this!" 

His grip didn't hold and eventually the book ceased to struggle.  He tried to pick it up, but it seemed adhered to the floor.  It wouldn't move to his touch, only hers.  "You've got to pick it up.  It wants you!'

Artemis only stared. Her mind was in a whirl from what he was saying, and when she finally came back to reality, her eyes fluttered as she stammered, "W-what?" She shook her head. "But demon's aren't-"  Aren't real, of course, but neither were vampire and vampire hunters. She felt as if she were about to faint, but as she trembled, she found herself shaking her head again.
"Why would I pick it up?! We should just leave it behind!" and she moved to rush past it. She wanted to save her own skin, not some potentially cursed book!

Dietrich snatched hold of her arm and whirled her around back to him.  "You don't understand these kinds of things, that is clearly evident," he seethed, gritting his teeth.  "If you leave the book here now that you've awakened it's curse, it'll make your life a living hell.  These kinds of books don't go away easily.  First you have to see what it wants, now it's attached to you.  It won't even let me move it, let alone open it.  It'll follow you now that it's free of it's chamber.  It will find a way back to you until you obey what it wants.  Now pick it up."

Artemis let out a yelp as she was caught by the arm and drawn back towards him. At his words, she grimaced. The idea some sort of book was going to haunt her did not sit well with her. She couldn't let this sort of thing get back to her family. She paled over the idea.
"Are you sure it's just me?" but the pounding at the door had her lunging for the book, snatching it off of the ground before she huffed and looked about in dismay. But as she did so, she heard it whisper to her and flinched, holding it out from her body as if it were some slimy worm.
"The thing is talking to me- what do I do!?"
could they throw it in some sort of fire? Maybe that would stop it..
THough then again, she didn't believe in these sorts of magics, and here she was finding herself caught within a whirl wind of it. It was so hard to believe, so hard to swallow, but she had little time to debate. Those hunters, whatever they were, THEY WERE ALMOST BREAKING THROUGH THE DOOR!

Dietrich didn't have time to answer her questions when the reminder of the hunters came back to him.  He flew to the crates and shoved them out of the way one by one, smashing through wood and splinters came flying out at him, but he didn't care when at last the old ancient archway was revealed.  "There's no time," Dietrich said as he kicked the door open into darkness before them.  "Just run through.  Take the book!"  He shoved her through it and followed suit, slamming the wooden door clothes.  The smell of corpse and musk and death hung around them.  Yes, these were catacombs all right.  Thankfully there was an unlit torch nearby.  And it was a good thing he smoked a few cigars now and then as he pulled a match from his pocket and struck the tinder, igniting the torch and lighting the way.

Skeletons and corpses lined the sides of the passage, neatly tucked away in half-rotted boxes and some cocooned in wrappings.  "This looks quite promising,  C'mon.  I don't quite like fire, but I'll risk it.  Just hold onto that book and don't let it open up.  It'll try some more of it's strange hocus pocus stuff on you."

Artemis didn't need to be told twice to move on ahead, though as she stepped intot he darkness, the smell of rotting corpses quite pungent in the air, she wrinkled her nose and gave way to a small coughing fit, and as he struck the match and lit the torch,s he let her eyes scan the room, taking in the deathly hall way with wonder. She had only ever heard about the catacombs, and despite them being quite creepy, they also fascinated her as well. Though her attentions were soon torn away, fascinations easily muted when he reminded her of the book. She clutched onto it, frowning as she gave a shake of her head.
"If this thing is cursed, I honestly don't feel comfortable holding onto it. Can't we just burn the book and be rid of it?" she suggested, her voice carrying in an echo through the dark.

Dietrich was about to keep pulling her along when he paused at her suggestion.  He bit his lip in frustration and had a feeling that unless he tried, nothing was going to satisfying her questioning.  If only it was that simple.  But quiet frankly, he didn't think it was going to work.  And the only thing slightly less flammable than gunpowder was undead flesh - the last thing he needed was to accidentally set himself ablaze either.  So Dietrich took the torch and motioned for her to set it on the ground.  "We'll see if it burns the way we hope it will," he muttered and took the top of the torch to the leather hide of the book.  As flame touched to the tome, it unleashed a howling screech that only seemed to make the book angry, but in fact, it seemed as if the torch almost dissipated upon contact with the book.  He pulled it away.  "Well, that didn't seem to go as it planned."

Pursing his lips Dietrich stood and motioned for her to do so as well.  It was time they got on their way before the hunters found them through the junk of the storage room.  But as he stood, he paused yet again, as he heard a distinct growl that did not come from the book.  And as he held the torch out he found three corpses, still quite thick with waxen flesh twitch and move from their slots of rest.

Great.

Artemis's hope almost dwindled away when the torch flame nearly went out. She had no idea what to do or say now, staring at the book in defeated awe. And with some resignation, she reached down to pick it up, only to catch wind of the soft growls from behind her. She jolted to a more erect position, eyes wide, arms clinging around the book as her brown eyes took in the shadows dancing along the wall- but it was only their shadows moving from the dancing torch flame.

"What... what was that?" ANd as she waited, trembling as she held a breath, she heard the low moans again. Instincts had her drawing nearer to Dietrich, her lips set in a pout, frustrated tears threatening in her eyes. And then she saw it too.. the corpses twitch and move slowly from where they were resting, until one raised itself up tall, cobwebs, now well old and dusty, pulling with it, as it moved and turned it's head, dark pits where it's former eyes turned to look at her as she realized the bones just move, and the skeleton was looking right at her.

"Oh.. my ... god.."
Dropping the book again, she let out a scream, and the other skeletons began to rise, much more quickly as all eyes turned upon them, staring at them in menacing silence before suddenly they were on their feet, and when one got close enough to nearly reach her, Artemis screamed again, grabbing up the book and smashing it into the skeleton's hands so hard, all of the small bones once connecting it's fingers broke off and fell into pieces upon the ground.

And that did little to stop the corpse's pursuit as it reached out with broken fingers in attempts to grab Artemis's arm. Artemis screamed again, becuase this time not just bones were looking at her, but the more freshly decaying rotting corpses still carrying remnants of decaying flesh. And all of them had hands out stretched, groaning and moaning and trying to reach out and take hold onto her.

Good gods!  If this was the working of the book, Dietrich immediately regretted picking it up from it's pedestal.  He didn't know what compelled him to do so.  He didn't know why he didn't just leave it there but something about the book wouldn't let him move from that room without taking the book into his grasp.  And now that it was with them, they couldn't just put it back.  Books like this never were good news and were hell bent on revenge to those that refused to obey.

As the skeletons surrounded them, and at her scream, Dietrich only grit his teeth in frustration  and smashed the torch into the face of one of the waxen bodies.  Whatever fluids lingered on the flesh took to flame immediately and the corpse flailed and bumped around into others, spreading fire and opening a passage for them to run.  "Hurry!" Dietrich cried out as he pulled her along.

They ran down the halls, one that broadened out into a chamber with four massive pillars at the center, holding up a high ceiling that was nearly impossible to see even for the vampire.  "Gods, there's got to be an easier way out," Dietrich growled and held close to her that the dead that surrounded them drew closer and closer.  And perhaps in that moment of desperation, his senses had left him.  "The book!  See if there's anything in that damn book to stop these things!"

Artemis's eyes went wide, watching in horror as the animated corpses began the burn. She flinched back, instinctively keeping close to Dietrich and as she was pulled along, she was baffled by his suggestion.
"You want me to what!?" Her lips fell open, too stunned to reply as she bounced along barely beside him in a stumbling run.

"Read the book!" Dietrich cried out as he burned yet another corpse and kicked it away, setting the bones to shatter and break away.  "I'm pretty sure the book woke these things up, maybe it can kill them!  You have to try!"  He smashed the torch into another corpse that nearly grabbed at her.

Artemis made a face.
"But it's only a book!" A book that suddenly thumped within her arms. Gasping, she clutched onto it, afraid it would spill open upon the floor.  She was whimpering by now,t he corpses seeming in an endless supply in the catacombs. And as they continued to run, she began to realize, much to her chagrin, it seemed she had little choice but to try. Just becuase it was a book, doesn't mean it might not be able to help, so she opened the book, a chill washing through her before trembling fingers began to wokr at flippig through the pages.

"I.. I don't see anything! And I'm too panicked too read! It all looks like a series of jumbles! Something about a Dark Prince and his queen.." she whimpered, eyes on the books, eyes on the animated corpses."Something.. something about an alter, blood, a knife.. Oh, I don't know!" she said frustratedly, hugging the open book to her chest. "What am I to look for?! Some chapter on walking bones!?"

"ASK IT A QUESTION!" Dietrich cried out as he moved out of the way of a old rusted sword produced by one of the skeletal minions.  He slammed a boot into his chest and setting him ablaze as well.  The torch was burning low and the light was dim and Dietrich was doing all he could to keep the devilish things from surrounding them.  "Ask it to stop these goddamned things!"

"Wh-what!?" she sputtered, staring at him with wide eyes, though she flinched back as Deitrich began to dance backa nd away from a skeleton with a sword. This was SOOOO not happening. She felt her heart thumping wildly about within her chest as she released another whimper, clutching onto the book until her fingers were going white. "How am I to ask a book a question!?" she shouted, frazzled and alarmed as a skeleton popped up behind her and grabbed onto her arm. She turned towards him, staring into the cobwebbed recesses of it's eyes before letting out a gasp, bashing the thing over th head wit the book as it's skull fell off and toppled to the floor.

"This is all so crazy!" she shouted, but then again, what other choice did she have?  CORPSES were moving about, as if alive all around them, reaching out for them! So stumbling back into a wall, pulling her arm free (which broke off the remaining headless corpse) as she shook off the boney fingers with another whimpering whine. Then, she opened the booka nd began to frantically move through it, when suddenly a bony hand came out from behind her in the darkness, grabbing onto her wrist then mouth and pulled her into a dark hallway she failed to see that was nearby. The only noise that was made was a muffled squeak, and the loud THUD of the book as it fell.

It seemed the girl had the hardest time being able to comprehend the most straightforward of directions.  He knew considering the situation, it must have been a little too much to take in, but now was not the time to panic.  These skeletons wanted blood and though they were no match for his strength much like the vampire hunters, numbers could easily overwhelm.  When she was snatched away, Dietrich cursed and whirled around, smashing bones and burning flesh in a circle all around him.

It was then that he bolted forth into the darkness, torch flaming in hand, illuminating the narrow hallway.  And faintly ahead of him he could see Artemis' feet being dragged around a corner, flailing about.  He cursed again and bolted forward, past the book and down the hall, even as the traps had been activated ahead of him.  Swinging blades went back and forth overhead.  He timed it right and dove for it, rolling on the side and avoiding another just the same way before dashing for the corner once again.

This corpse was strangely powerful, keeping a firm hold upon her as it groaned and dragged her away. Artemis could not believe this was happening to her, and although she tried to struggle, it held a knife to her throat. Her eyes widened at the sight of the blade as she let out a scream.

"Mister Maddic!" she cried, voice echoing through the dark halls. She was surprised she recalled his name. "Somebody- anybody, please help!" And no sooner did her voice call into the darkness did traps begin to trigger, blades falling down from the ceiling and swinging in mechanical arches in their wake. She clung to the side of the corpse man, brown eyes going wide as she watched him purposely trigger trap after trap to deter Dietrich from gaining on them.

"I can't believe this is happening," she whimpered through a mutter, and no soone r had she spotted Dietrich gaining on them did her eyes light up. "MISTER MADDIC!" but the bone man grabbed onto her wrist, dragging her away with a few harsh pulls. Her cries echoed down the hall, though when they looped around one bend, she found them at a dead end, heart thumping loudly in her chest. And since hte man paused, she tried to struggle again, but that's when the knife was drawn out again. 

Her eyes went criss-cross one another as she peered down at it with a whimper, and then the corpse's boney hand smashed into a large button,a nd a secret passage opened. Her mouth fell open, eyes going wide. It looked like some ceremony chamber. Trembling, she turned and shouted again, "MISTER MADDIC!" but the slamming of the stone door cut off most of her plea as she was dragged inside the secret area forcefully by the zombie.  Her mind was racing, her eyes were too strung for tears, and all she could do was allow herself ot be dragged along, fearful she might be cut to ribbons if she did not obey.

And in this room they were not alone, other dead corpses began to awake, and her heart was now pumping within her ears. This time, the corpses were in robes, all holding knives themselves as they rose up with dusty, crusty hair feathered about around them, making them appear more feminine. Their skin was sunken in, decaying, grey and leathery with writhing with maggots that would occcasionally peek out from the holes of their nose or eyes.

She flinched back as they drew near, drawing closer and all around her, forcing her nearer and nearer to a stone slab, and before she knew hwat was going on, they forced her down upon it, cuffing her with metal straps. She struggled, eyes going wide, mind in a whirl. There were so many faces of the dead, of the damned, that she almost didn't notice through the chaos that one drew out a glittering gold dagger and began to speak with their broken jaw in broken common...

"Mistress to the Book, the book of the dead, a tome of a demon. You must die to lay us back to rest. To die so his bride will never return to the world of the wake. May your blood be a lesson to all."

She caught that, every word. Her eyes widened, panic took over her as she shouted out desperately once more... "MISTER MADDIC!!!!!!" just as the gold knife was being thrust down, aiming for her heart.

Mister Maddic.  Gods, why did he have to choose that name as his alias!?  And leave it to a woman to let herself get dragged away by a hand of the undead.  Useless!  But he could scold her and smack her about that another time, provided she was still alive by the time he got to her and he didn't know if he was going to be there in time before something really bad happened.  These skeletal creatures were surprisingly fast for creatures with stringy loose muscle and brittlebones.

But something more possessed them, something beyond mortal comprehension and Dietrich knew in his gut that it had to do with the book.  She opened the book and now it was attached to her.  And these corpses?  He didn't know what they wanted with her, but one thing was for sure – it wasn't going to be pretty. 

So as Dietrich rounded the corner, you might imagine his surprise when he found the stone wall had covered the chamber once more.  He was not strong enough to break through the rock and thankfully the switch had not been deactivated as he struck it again and as the stone slab began to shift upward again, he crawled underneath the stone and threw the torch at the first zombie nearest him.  The corpse with the raised dagger paused abruptly to look up at him, but Dietrich had picked up the dagger from the one that had fallen and clashed rusted iron for iron when two skeletal monsters came at him at once.  Too bad they didn't have any organs to spill, or the ones that did were already shriveled and dried up.

He grit his teeth, taking a step back and blocking a strike to his head.  He lunged forward and knocked the first corpse down, smashing the hilt through it's chest and shattering bones everywhere.  He cried out when a dagger sunk into his back and he turned around and savagely tore off the head of the zombie that did so.  One by one they fell and Dietrich attacked with nothing short of animal savagery, clawing and shattering what could be torn and broken.  It was a shame these creatures weren't human though they once were probably, at least then he'd have reward for all this energy he was burning.

Eventually he found Artemis on the slab and pulled her from the stone and proceeded to smack a hand sheer across her face.  "My name is Dietrich."  And as if by magic the book abruptly appeared on the slab beside them as if placed there by the wind.  "Read it!  Stop these things."

Artemis should have been elated she was being rescued, but she noticed the book looming behind Dietrich, and when he struck her, she let out a noise and nursed a hand against her cheek. Her brow furrowed at the mention of his name, still uncertain what he meant (Was Dietrich a name or a being? She couldn't tell) but when the book fell beside her she gave a jump, stared at it before blinking back some tears she hadn't realized were collecting inside her eyes.

"But if I read from it," she stammered. "What would happen? These corpse.. things.."s he said, backing up closer to him as they continued to draw nearer, weapons in hand. "They threw me on that stone slab and actually spoke to me, warning me, telling me I had to die since I read from the book. That I was it's mistress..." She shook her head, it was all too hard to fathom, but with the skeleton's drawing nearer, she quickly dropped her head and began to flip through the pages.
"I.. Id on't even know what I'm looking for-"
And as if on cue,t he pages began to turn for her, landing right upon a scrolled inking incantation with skull men breaking into pits of bones.

"Oh my God, this might be it!" and no sooner did she declare that did she give a scream as an approachign corpse warrior swung it's blade at her head.

Dietrich pulled her away, sending them both reeling to the floor as her feet tripped over his and he fell to the side, watching the skeleton that made it through the open stone door.  More would soon trail in behind it.  And there was only one other avenue of escape.  Dietrich was no longer interesting in putting these things to rest, there was no use in trying to flip through a book that would only listen to a featherbrain.  So he scrambled up when steel clashed to ground and made for another hallway on the opposite end of the sacrificial chamber, motioning for Artemis to follow him.  He could see two iron doors up ahead and bashed through them as he ran, leading to a ladder that led up a stone tunnel.

Artemis followed after him, finding herself bouncing in a run, remaining in place, after she watched him bash through a door. Her feet were moving, yes, but they just couldn't carry her forward as she stare at him in dismay.

"What did you- did you just-?" her brain was rattled as she hugged to the book, keeping the page open as she whimpered. "Where are we going? And what about me reading the spell? There's something on this page about putting the guardians of the dead to rest, to halt pursuit.." her eyes scanned the pages, all the while she was trying not to trip over her own two feet and kept up behind 'Dietrich'. "Oh, but some of this text is hard to read... Tutso... so... me'ak.. or something."She frowned.

"I just want to get the hell out of here!" he cried outa she climbed higher.  "Keep reading if you want, or stay behind!  I don't give a damn, I'm not sticking around to wait to see what'll happen."  He did so and reached the top of the tunnel and threw more lit torches on the walls down at the zombies that started to climb up after then bolted for the iron grate that led to the city streets above them.

Frightened, Artemis abandonment her mission to read and slammed the book closed. This Dietrich had the right idea. She followed as swiftly as she could after him, eyes nearly blinding her with tears all the way to the top. She kept as closely as she could, what other choice did she have, all the while fumbling to keep the book clutched tightly within her arms.

Dietrich almost didn't wait for her to pass through before he slammed the grate shut and latched it closed.  Where they ended up mist have been in one of the many underground tunnels that sprawled thoughout Connlaoth, allowing smuggling or safe passage for mages.  Or they could have just been the sewers from the smell of it.

Dietrich covered his mouth and nose and forced the stench from his senses.  "Be thankful you're at least in one piece," he muttered, leaving her there as he turned his back and began to walk through the dunly lit tunnel.  "It was nice meeting you.  Have fun with your demon book!"

Artemis blinked, too stunned by his reaction that he was about to simply just walk away, and despite her better judgement, she pursued him.
"Wait! Mr. Deitrich!" the name sounded funny. "I haven't an idea what this book even entails! And if it truly is a book of demons," she said, grabbing onto his arm and seeking his eyes. "Then we have to do SOMETHING to put it back to rest! We were the ones that disturbed it, after all, so it's our responsibility to do something about this. What if those undead creatures still find us up here?" And then she remembered.. "ANd what about those people chasing after you? What was that even about?"

Perhaps she should have left it go.. for all she knew, he was some sort of deranged murderer!

"We don't have to do anything!" Dietrich growled, yanking his arm away.  "I'm wiping my hands clean of this.  This isn't my problem anymore.  You've used up all you usefulness to me.  I'm going home.  Good evening Miss Longfellow!"  Dietrich waved goodbye as he continued down the tunnel path.  He'd gotten quie far from her when she was little more than just a dot in the distance.  But somehow as he was walking, his feet became all the more sluggish until he couldn't even lift it from the ground.  Suddenly he let out a shrill cry as something abruptly yanked him from his feet and catapulted him back toward Artemis, landing in a rough roll on the ground.  He stared up at her with wild eyes.  "You're a witch!" he growled, warily climbing to his feet.

As Artemis watched him abandon her, fear struck her, and she was overwhelmed with emotions. Tears began to well up in her eyes, raining down in warm salty tears upon the book. She had no where to go. She was lost, and this man, this man who dragged her into all of this chaos, was just about to abandon her, just like that. Her job was ruined. For all she knew her life was cursed, and there were potentially undead corpses out to get her. It was just too much to take, so when she Dietrich was suddenly yanked back towards her by some unknown force, she gave a sharp cry of alarm, dropping the book in fear as it muttered something in a deep, demonic tone.

"Wh-what!?" her eyes went wide, before anger suddenly filled her, her hands shaking as they clenched into fists. "You can't be serious! I don't even believe in witches, or devils, or ghosts or other silly things! Even animated corpses who were just chasing us through the catacombs of Uthlyn! I don't even know how to swallow any of that!" SHe shook her head, turned away as she rake a hand through her thick, brown hair, now a mess and falling in disheveled locks about her face. Turning to him, her lips trembled, both with fear..a nd wit rage.
"My job is probably ruined, my family could possibly be in danger, and now you're trying to tell me I'm some sort of witch!?"

She couldn't believe it, and hefted up the book and started to beat him with it square upon the head.

"You're a horrible, wretched man! and I wish I never had met you and that whatever this book was sputtering, I wish It was sputtering at you! I never wanted to be apart of this! I just wanted to get home to my family! The day working at the library was long enough!" She wailed through a sob. "My parents are ill and dying, my brother works long hours in the mines and still we barely manage to scrape by! Why on EARTH would I ever want to be a witch or want this cursed book?" She shook he rhead, compltely in disbelief such a selfish man existed. "You horrible, HORRIBLE MAN!"

and no sooner was she striking Dietrich down with the book did a puff of smoke come out, jolting her and causing her to jump back with a yelp. The book fell between the pair with a clatter, and after a moment, it leapt again, the book opening before snapping closed back onto the ground with a feral and vicious bark.

Artemis's face twisted, a fist clutched to her chest as she peered down at the book curiously. Did it seriously.. just.. bark!?

"Hey watch it!  You must have some kind of death wish woman!  I could rip your head clean off and dance in a rain of your blood!"  but the hits kept coming and Dietrich was starting to feel dizzy from the sheer weight of the book on his head.  He shoved her away to give him some much needed space before snarling fangs at her.

"I could care less about your problems.  I've got enough of those myself.  And it's not my fault you understood those cryptic words in the first place!  I hope that book ruins your life.  Nobody that don't have got the gumption to take care of their lives don't deserve it.  It's not my fault your parents had to put up with you taking care of them.  You can't even take care of yourself."

But Dietrich was at a loss for words when the book barked at him like a savage dog.

Artemis could have slapped him, smacked him some more, and pulled out his eyes for how mad she was, but when the book spoke (or in this case, barked) she was terrified.
She had no idea what to make of it, and as she curiously leaned nearer to it, it began to growl.
Blinking back some tears, she ignored it for now and turned toward Dietrich.

"Don't talk to me as if you understand my problems! You're a heartless criminal, and if I had half a mind, or any sort of bizarre powers, I'd use them to force you how to be a better man!" she spat, hands into fists, eyes nearly blinded by her tears. "But you're not! You're like a spoiled, selfish child! Even an animal has more heart than you-"

And no sooner did her voice rise again...
The book growled, snapping open and closed in a more furious bark as it lunged towards Dietrich,a nd continued to growl, the book shaking as it landed near his feet.

"You know nothing about me!" Dietrich said defensively.  His face was growing hot and his eyes hotter and he looked just about ready to tear her apart.  "I don't give a shit about you or your problems.  Still looking for a scapegoat I see.  And now you can't be satisfied until you take me down with you.  But you see, even if you are some kind of demon-bride as you said, I don't care.  It's not my problem, like I said before!"

But when the book continued to growl at him and bark and snarl, practically becoming alive, an unwelcome chill of fear coursed through him.  "Gods!"  He carefully reached out for it to try and calm it down when the lid slammed on his fingers.  "OUCH!  FINE!  Fine!  I'll help you, you wretched wench!  It seems this book won't let me go either until we find it what it really wants."

"I know enough about you from your actions!" Artemis snapped back, but at his other words, her own eyes filled with hot, angered tears. What a cruel and uncaring man! But hten when he decided he wanted to help her, she had enough of this, turning tail and running in tears the other way.

As she'd left the book with him, the demon book suddenly rumbled on the ground and as she ran the other way, the book flew from it's spot on the floor after her, bashing right into her back and growling all the way.  Dietrich's eyes widened and got up ran after her.  "Are you all right!?"

Artemis yelped, and was taken completely off guard, and off balance, as she found herself on the ground. Turning around, her eyes widened in shock to find the book at her feet. Shaking her head, she pushed away from Dietrich, sobbing as she tried to run away again, only to be smacked in the back by the book again, and found herself crumpling to the ground once again.

"What- what is wrong with this stupid thing!?" she said, sitting up suddenly and trying to wipe frustratedly at her tears and as the book growled at her, she cowered away.

Dietrich had had enough of this and pulled a handkerchief from his coat and gave it down to her and reached below to pull her to her feet.  "You really should stop running, it looks like it'll just follow you all the way home.  Just calm down.  We'll figure this out.  It wants you and it won't let you go unless it gets what it wants.  And I think we might only find those answers unless we read it," Dietrich said, holding her close.

Artemis stared angrily at the kerchief, and as he assisted her to her feet, she tensed. But it was his words, the fact he was trying to calm her after being so cruel to her, that really got to her as she pulled away from him and shook her head.
"Read from it!?" she shook her head again, using the kerchief to dab away her tears. "The thing is cursed! I don't want to even think about TOUCHING it!" But it seemed she'd have little choice as she stared down at the silvery scroll work upon the book's cover and sighed, trembling even as she remained near to Dietrich, but still abrasive.
"There has to be something else we can do!" she said, finding herself back in pathetic sobs again. But she couldn't help it. If she was cursed... she didn't want to think about those consequence as she took the kerchief to her nose and blew.

If his kindness couldn't console her maybe his cruelty was the only thing that would knock some sense into her.  And knock some sense into her he did.  Dietrich yanked her by her arm and shook her fiercely before smacking her across the face again.  "Now get ahold of yourself goddammit!  It seems we've both gotten into a mess we can't very well crawl out way out of.  Now we just have to make the best of it so relax!  Don't think I won't smack you again!  Don't be one of those sniveling bitches who can do nothing more than cry for their sorry state.  For lack of a better phrase: Be a man!"

Artemis couldn't believe this! He just struck her... again!
Throwing back her shoulders, she was just about to give him a piece of her mind, her brown eyes as hot as the fires of Hell, when the book let out a terribly deafening deep throated laugh. Artemis's eyes went wide as she pressed against Dietrich, cowering away from the book as a massive black shadow began to curl up from the sides of the pages.

"Oh.. my... God.."

And a pair of red eyes began to form, glowing from the shadowy dark, staring back at them as teeth cut out from the shadows, a hand lunging forward, ready to grab a hold of Artemis's arm, and as it did so, it yanked her forward, the shadows solidifying as she fell into them and they poofed away. ANd as it happened, her lips were found crashing into HIS, his being a tall demonic figure with red skin, rippling muscles and gnarled horns set atop of the wild black hair upon it's head.

"Hello mortal mistress.." he cooed between his teeth, his breath rancid, his teeth yellowed and sour as Artemis's face went pale, then green from the smell. "What is that? Is that fear I smell?" he asked, pulling her even closer, harder still so that she yelped as a long, pointed tongue whipped out and began to lap at her neck and cheek. Flinching,s he tried to pull away, but it was to no avail.

"L-let go of me!" she stammered, but the demon only laughed and held strong.

He didn't know what to think of the sudden demonic shadow that manifested before them and he stood in sheer shock when it snatched Artemis away and suddenly started devouring her with his mouth.  No, not devouring, kissing.  But with the force of it and how large his mouth was, it wouldn't be hard to devour her head first, no doubt!  Dietrich stood back, not quite sure what to do.

But the fear that coursed through him as well was enough to sicken him into bravery.  "No!  Foul demon," Dietrich said, stepping forward.  "Let her go!  Coward...sickens me.  Attacking such a foolish defenseless weak woman.  You've got something to prove, prove it to me, you sad excuse for a demon lord!"

If Dietrich wanted to get a real response from the demon, he would have to try better as the Demon tossed his head back in a laugh. The sound echoed deeply around them, hurting Artemis's ears as she flinched, though at Dietrich's words, she grew haughty.

"I am NOT foolish!" she shouted, but the demon's eyes only lit up to see her change her tune from fearful to angry as he purred and leaned forward to steal another kiss. Gasping, Artemis reared back and slapped a hand hard across his face, but he only laughed through it and grabbed onto her wrists, slamming his lips to her once again. But then he was intentionally ignoring the little vampire, wondering how much anger he could coax out of the child of the night.

There was no longer a need for words when at last Dietrich lunged forward and slashed at the tangible flesh, bright red, that clutched at Artemis, licking her clean with his tongue.  His claws dug into flesh that fell like stone and made his nails hurt from the feeling of it, but he clawed down on it and felt like it was clay peeling away underneath, leaving openings for bright red blood to ooze out of him.  The demon howled a laughing howl and released Artemis to trade her for the small pathetic vampire.  He clutched Dietrich around the neck with a fie hot hand and actually made Dietrich sweat.

"What-  WHAT ARE YOU!?" Dietrich growled, trying to claw at the wrist.

The demon bore his eyes into the vampire's and only grinned sinisterly.  "Well, wouldn't you like to know!  You'll be nothing more than my mistress' lackey, you'll follow her and do her bidding.  You'll obey, until I am awakened once again!  You'll never be free."

Once she was free, Artemis watched in horror as the demon slammed a fist and held Dietrich around the neck. And then at his threats, at his words, fear swelled through her and came bubbling out of her mouth as she exclaimed, "NO!" And she rushed forward, only to be stopped beneath the demon's gaze as he laughed.

"You... the reader of the book, the opener of my world," he purred, his tail thumping excitedly agaisnt the floor. He stepped forward, bubbling, black steam rising up around each hoofed foot as he stepped from the pages of the book and onto the ground, the shadowy smoke still following him, black as ink as he walked. Artemis backed away, trembling, whimpering before she found herself up against the wall. Dietrich, who had long been discarded against a cruel laugh, was ignored once again as he was dropped into a crumpled heap as the demon's claws gently stroked across Artemis's face.

"You, the keeper of words. I owe you much," he told her, eyes glowing red. "You, who will become the sacrifice, the awakener of my sleeping bride..." and his claws slid lower, down her neck, then chest, and down her sides to where he smiled as he stared at her, cackling cruelly.
"And even better.. a virgin sacrifice to a demon lord.." he purred, his face but inches from hers.
"A virgin bride."

Dietrich writhed on the ground, holding his neck where the demon's claws had embedded themselves into his neck.  He turned over, coughing pathetically, as if he were still human, leaning on all fours until he eventually found bearings enough to stand.  He couldn't face something so powerful, not by himself, not with just his body.  He could crush Dietrich like a fly, and why he didn't he didn't know.

Except for the fact that he was to become Artemis' servant in this duty, he had no reason to remain here.  And yet he couldn't run, the demon prevented him from doing so, yanking him back as if he were connected by a chain.  He leaned helplessly against the wall, remember his mortality, his weakness and suddenly he felt as if he were human all over again.

There had to be a way to yank the demon back and his eyes drifted back toward the book he'd walked from on cloven hooves.  Dietrich dove for the book.  The tome was lighter now and moved to his touch as he pulled it up into his grasp and turned the pages frantically.  He found something he did understand at last, not by the words but by the illustrations of the demon's clawing the ground as it was dragged back into the book, and read out loud: "Madi-ach medi'tal esterna nocte!"

The demon dropped Artemis to the ground with a devastating thud and turned around, eyes wide, wild.  He growled and eyed Dietrich with pure rage, nearly charging at him to throttle him.  Dietrich turned the book over, the pages facing him and repeated the phrase.

"Madi-ach medi'tal esterna nocte!  MADI-ACH MEDI'TAL ESTERNA NOCTE!" Dietrich screamed at the top of his lungs.  The pages of the book fluttered back to the one he came from and the demon cried out as he was suddenly sucked back into the pages, clawing the ground much like in the illustration, the tunnel howling with wind all around them, before being slammed into the pages of the book, both covers slamming shut and throwing Dietrich onto his back.  The book rattled and struggled against his hold, but Dietrich refused to let it go.

When the demon was torn away, Artemis fell against a wall. She leaned against it, unable to move her legs as she witnessed the thing being dragged back into the book. And as it was pounding against it from within, momentarily not threatening either of them, Artemis let herself drop down to the floor, tears coming to her eyes before she broke out into sobs.


OOC: I woke up with a head ache ;_; so figured I'd attempt one little post before going back to bed ><

Dietrich's free hand fumbled to clasp the lock shut, the demonic mouth nearly severing his fingers in the process.  He dropped the struggling book to the ground and leaned against the wall, holding his hand when he eventually moved toward Artemis.  He just stared at her as she cried, brows furrowed but eventually they softened and he lowered a hand down to her, saying nothing as he tried to coax her to stand.  "Get up," he said in a gentle voice.

His words broke through the fog of her sadness, gentle and caressing to her ear, a way her father or brother might speak to her. But she did not raise off the ground at first, still letting a few more tears come out before she pushed herself up, but was too weak and leaned against the wall, her eyes lowered as hot tears still slipped down her face.
"What are we going to do?" she asked softly, her voice trembling as she tried to collect herself.

"There's not much we can do," Dietrich said, letting go of her.  She still had his handkerchief and didn't want to ask for it back considering all the tears and mucus that ended up on it.  She had a hard time not crying.  "He's too powerful for us to fight alone."  He looked down at his feet thinking for a time.  But it didn't take long for him to come to a conclusion.  "I know a man...in my coven who may be able to help us.  We will take the book to Cronus.  He's them most powerful vampire I know and has skill in magics even I couldn't comprehend.  He won't be happy that a human is mixed up in all of this, but he might be able to help us."

At his words about vampires she felt herself growing numb. Oh right..vampires. She still wasn't sure what to believe, but she had seen enough to make her laugh in spite of herself. She simply shook her head.

"Do we have much of a choice?" She turned to him, her eyes wide and the tears finally subsiding. "But even if this would be a demon, you must realize, before today, I never believed in all of this stuff. I never had a reason to. It's just unfathomable all of this came to fruition so fast just by one fateful run through the basement of the old library where I work." Or worked. For all she knew, she'd never work there again. Her future looked bleak as she continued to shake her head. "And how do I know this isn't some sort of nightmare, but if it isn't... oh.. I just don't know." she downcast her eyes, staring down at her feet through long lashes as she sighed.
"I don't even know how comfortable I would feel... meeting more vampires." her lips twitched into an awkward smile that did not keep. "I thought vampires ate humans."She gave another nervous smile. "You know... drinking their blood nad all that." Though when her eyes met to his, she nervously cleared her throat and looked away.  "So... is that what you are?" she asked after a time, a hand gripping herself in a half hug. "A.. vampire?" she timidly raised her dark eyes to meet to his again. Accepting this would be difficult, but if they were to be... partners of sort, cursed one in the same to this book, she supposed she'd have to get used to working with him.

"You don't believe because of what?  Because it all seems too far-fetched?  Because we are the legends you only hear about in books of wild fantasy and children's fables?  It doesn't matter if you believe in something or not for it to be real, Miss Longfellow, I'm sure you learned that enough tonight." Dietrich said plainly.  "And since we are forced together in this, then perhaps there isn't much room for dishonesty between us."

That was when the magic of his transformation began to fade away.  And his hair transformed into it's original dark auburn and eyes turned back to their normal blue.  Too did his features turn back to their pale, haggard, flesh, tired, wounded, wild and desperate, but Dietrich all the same.  "Now do you believe?  The proof of it all is before your very eyes and still you refuse to open them.  I am Dietrich Chapel and yes I am a vampire.  How I came to be one is a long and unnecessary story.  Furthermore, the man called Cronus is only one possible outlet.  I'm sure there are plenty of others who would know about the book we've come into contact with.  In fact, if we could find one of those other outlets, I would be more than happy.  Me and Cronus are not exactly on the best of terms, shall we say."

Artemis's face fell, her eyes going wide as saucer's at Dietrich's transformation. She hadn't expected him to be able to change his appearance, or that when his mask was taken off that he'd looked like that. She almost pitied him, and wondered if he chose to hide his appearance on purpose, but then again, that thought was quickly disregarded. Of course he did.
It was a lot to take in, so her mouth hung open a moment longer, moving only slightly as if to speak before she pressed her lips together in a frown.
"So you are a vampire," she released a held breath, it coming out trembling from her lips as she looked away, or more precisely, down at the book with a bit of a pout. It was still hard to swallow, and she had no idea how to respond to any of this. And she was tired, and sore... and just wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
Please let this be a nightmare. was all she could think, but she had a sinking sensation that, naturally, a nightmare this was not. So carefully, she drew in a breath to calm herself and let her eyes raise back to his.
"Please forgive me, I.. I'm still having a hard time swallowing this," and just the act of admitting that set her to tears as she looked away, and recalling the kerchief and began to work at dabbing at her face.

Dietrich couldn't help the sympathy he felt for this poor pathetic human.  He remembered being very much the same way and he didn't learn to shed his weakness until he died and became a monster.  But perhaps it was just a way of compensating for the gumption he felt he never had in life.  Few people got second chances and those that did often wasted them. 

But he could see that this woman didn't think her tears were sad or pathetic.  It was the only way she could cope in a situation like this.  To each their own, then, he supposed.  But at least the demon had gone back into his book and for now the book laid there, prostrated and tame, the lock having clasped.  But it as only a matter of time before it would move again, he supposed.

"It's all right," he said, summoning the courage to awkwardly put a hand on her shoulder.  His eyes were still hard and he frowned at her.  "But if you want my advice, we should get to someplace safer than this.  The hunters are still after us and no doubt the sun will be rising soon.  I can't linger here much longer.  And I don't know how you can either, considering the stench.  C'mon, we'll find a way out of this."

Sunlight? Oh, dear! She had forgotten how vampire lore worked as she looked up at him with a frown, her eyes searching his, as if sympathetic. She brushed some tears aside as she shook her head.
"But where can we go?" she sighed a second time and glanced down at the book. "And what of the book? Are we to take that with us?" She flinched at the idea, but knew they would have to. She just didn't want to be the one to admit it.

"I'll carry it.  It's either that or we have it flying toward us no matter where we go.  And I'd hate to have anyone else come by and become involved in this whole mess.  The last thing we need is some stupid beggar coming down here and poking his nose to where it doesn't belong."  Dietrich frowned and patted her shoulder again.  He leaned down and plucked the book from the ground.  It felt like it was breathing, and heavily, labored breath as if tired, tortured and punished.

"We have to get out of the city.  We go to Cronus, Cronus doesn't come to us.  I hope you don't have any prior obligations."

Artemis frowned.
"I do have my family," she said hesitantly. "And my job." she gave a sheepish rub to her arm and sighed. "But I'd hate to get either involved, but I can't just abandon my family." She glanced up at him, not knowing much on what to do. "They need me to work in order to survive. We can't live on just my brother's income and my parents are too sick to work, and my sisters, too young to get jobs that pay all that well and we're trying to get them to learn some schooling at home and, and.."
She shook her head. "Gods, what am I to do!?" but she didn't expect the vampire to have a solution. SHe felt she was at wits end and knew full well her family would suffer if she remained, and would suffer while she was gone on whatever sort of dark adventure this may become.

Dietrich raised his brows, taken aback.  He honestly didn't expect such a small librarian to have so much trouble.  But everyone had problems, it was a fact.  For him, it was just a small matter of hunters and sunlight and the need to feed every so often.  And power struggles between lessers in the coven, but those were a dime a dozen. 

"I'm sorry.  I didn't know," he said genuinely.  "We'll figure this out.  And we'll get you back to your family in no time.  It must be hard.  But there's not much else we can do but figure this out and either exorcise the demon or kill it entirely.  Demons are...bad stuff.  C'mon let's get out of here, you can cry and walk at the same time can't ya?"

Artemis shook her head with a sad smile at their predicmanet, trying to brush her tears away.
"I suppose I can," she admitted, laughing despite herself as she groaned. "Gods, what have I gotten myself into?" She sighed and stared over at the book as he held it. "I don't know if this will be as simple as you say. If I don't show up by tomorrow morning, I might not have a job." she lowered her eyes defeatedly. "They were down sizing, after all. I was to take a pay cut starting next month."

"Of course it won't be simple and it might take longer than we hope, but it's a start and that's what counts," Dietrich said.  He motioned her to walk along with him as they began down the tunnel again.  He turned and glanced at her searchingly when she mentioned her job at the library and frowned again, hating that he was feeling so much pity for someone so pathetic.  Could he really kick her when she was down?  Yes, of course he would, but he needed them to be on working terms if they were gonna get through this and insulting her now would be counter-productive.

"I don't suppose he offered himself for a pay cut.  No?  I didn't think so.  Economically, speaking, there are plenty of ways to balance the books without taking your pay away.  Maybe they ought to make you work more hours...but well, now look what happened just when the library was closing.  Well, y'know, I...have always had an interest in books and the arcane...perhaps I could 'donate' something to your library.  I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement to allow you to keep your job.  Or at least give your family a nicer house.  I imagine it's some rundown little shack."

Artemis was numb to his words, walking along behind him and simply nodding as he spoke. It was hard to tell if she was even registering what he was saying at all. Her mind was on a million things at once, and part of her knew he only mentioned donations to make her feel better. He probably didn't have the funds. And why care? Besides, the library would just gobble the money up. Besides, what sort of money would come from a vampire anyway? And now she was getting a head ache and sighed as she rubbed at her temple.

"But well, that's a bridge we'll cross if we survive this," Dietrich said with mild sympathy.  It wasn't that he didn't want to give up the fortune he'd amassed during his adventures.  Even the undead had use for money, and if he didn't feel so damned sorry for this woman, he wouldn't have even bothered offering some.  Even if the library just sucked it all up, at least she'd have a job, and maybe a little more because of it. 

As they neared a part of the tunnel that opened up to an aqueduct that spilled out into the city, he noticed a slime, covered ladder beside him and motioned for her to climb up.  "Don't worry about the book, I've got it."

Artemis was still numb, but nodded, registering him asking her to climb up the ladder. Though she had only made it up a few steps when she slipped upon it and fell down, smashing into Dietrich with a yelp.

Leave it to her to slip and fall.  Thankfully he suspected as much and took a step back to catch her as she fell.  He had an arm around her waist and when he felt she had her feet securely to the ground did he let her go.  "Be careful.  You could hurt yourself."

OOC: Hey! He's the one that told her to climb up that slimy ladder XD

--------------------------

Artemis's heart was beating a mile a minute. It took her a moment to calm, and it was only when he was holding her did she realize... "Your hands.." She blinked and looked over at him. "They're cold." Her brow furrowed in concern. She was not accustomed to how vampires were, to her, she feared he was getting sick or something... little did she know!


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OOC: Also hope its ok I assumed his skin would be cold >.> though if I'm wrong with how you rp him as a vampire, I can correct it XD

"Yes.  That happens.  And so are yours.  There is a draft in here after all.  It's very cold in here."  H gripped her hand and felt her pulse there and swallowed hard, containing himself as best he could.  Asaa vampire his skin would be cool to the touch but downhere it would seem almost as cold as death.

As he held her hand, she felt her cheeks flush.
"I.. I suppose you're right."S he looked away, tucking in her lower lip before glancing up at the ladder. Drawing in a breath, she attempted to climb it again, but her shoes were too slick and she barely made it to the second wrung this time when she slipped and fell once more with a squeak.

OOC: I couldn't resist |8*

Dietrich grabbed her again and laughed, "I can see this isn't going to work.  Maybe you should just climb onto my back and I'll climb up."  He approached the ladder and motioned for her to put her arms around his neck.

Artemis's face was as red as a beat.
"Er, I think my shoes are too slippery," she admitted with a pout. Though at his suggestion to climb onto his back, she hesitated, staring at him before looking around, then back down to him.
"Well, should I also hold onto the book as well?" she offered, flinching as hse stepped near her, still afraid to just.. wrap her arms around some strange man. Bus she suppose she had little choice. Drawing in a breath, she muttered something to herself before wrapping her arms around him, keeping her face shy and as tucked away from his as possible as she nestled her chin into the back of his neck and left shoulder.

"No I got it," Dietrich said clutching the book firmly in one arm as he grabbed the slippery rung.  He was strong enough to hold the book and climb the ladder as they went, balancing her as well as the book.  He could feel the awkwardness in the air but thought nothing of it.

"Oh..." she replied to him, clinging even tighter as he began to climb. And she found herself closing her eyes real tight, afraid the pair of them could meet their doom like this, but when they made it to the top, and out into the clear air of the streets, she found herself peeking through one eye.
"Oh, are we already outside?" she said, her voice still trembling and her arms still clinging to him tight. Her heart was pounding so heavily within her chest, she was afraid it might have beaten clean out of it and would fall back into the pit of the catacombs from whence they came.

Dietrich stood there at the precipice of the exit grate for some time with her hanging onto his neck, her feet dangling several inches off the ground when she posed the question and he couldn't help the laughter that errupted from him and echoed through the chamber.  He patted her hand gently, nodding.  "You can let go now," he said.  "And you'll have to hold the book now.  I'll open the grate."  As he handed the tome off to her, he came forth and pulled the steel grate from it's bearings, bending it quickly with just enough space for them to pass through.

He helped her through and dropped down to the street below.  The moon was still high, at least he had enough time to make it out of the city.  "C'mon we've got to get out of the city as quickly as possible.  Or I won't see the next night," he said.

ARtemis blushed hotly and obeyed, avoiding his eyes as she took the book and simply nodded.
"I guess it's true about vampire? That you can only roam about at night?" And as she clutched the book as she thought it over. "Does sunlight hurt you?" It was probably a stupid question to him, but all she knew was folk lore about his kind. Nothing.. about the real vampires, anyways.

"When you linger in the night as much as we do, sunlight tends not to become your best friend.  Something in  the skin I guess.  I never pondered too much on it.  You start to decay and turn to ash because sunlight feels all that much more intense.  Technically, the light of the moon is mere reflection of the sunlight, or so I've heard alchemists claim, but it is extremely benign, which is why most vampires linger in darkness.  Not to mention, things are just more beautiful by night, aren't they?  Correct me if I'm wrong, I haven't seen a dawn in about five hundred years."  Dietrich crawled out into the street and dusted himself off of the grime on his hands and walked down the street, quite calm and taking out another cloth from his pocket to clean his face.  Though his clothes covered in dirt, dust and blood wouldn't help his case if trouble came along.

Artemis peered over at him as he explained.
"I think if I ever became a vampire, I'd be asking all sorts of questions. Though does it not seem peculiar to only be able to lurk in the night?" And at his mentioning of the night being beautiful, she gazed up at the stars she could finally see, their light reflecting within her eyes.
"I suppose the night is beautiful, but it also seems.. lonely. THough I suppose it's due to the fact most people are asleep at night." She shrugged, clung to the book tighter and continued to follow him, her eyes ever wary on the shadows, and her hands sweating over the book. She just hoped the demon was ... sleeping.
She was also never really good at conversation, though she was a bit nervous, so her words were more or less just coming out.

"You are right," he muttered and shrugged along with her.  "That's another thing to be appreciated.  We tend to overlook things when we are occupied with the clutter of day to day life, surrounded by walking meatbags with nothing better to do but make other peoples lives miserable.  Misery loves company after all."  Dietrich frowned and then glanced over to her as she clutched the book.  "Perhaps I'd better hold that now.  I'm...sorry you happened in this...perhaps you'd like to see your family before we leave.  It could be a while."

Artemis lifted her face. He had.. quite an interesting view on life. She would never consider people as meatbags herself, but well.. She shuffled then, uneasily as the focus came back to the book.
"I don't mind carrying it for a time. Perhaps we can find a bag for it so we can keep our arms free."
In truth, she was also clutching to it much like a security blanket, however, in another breath, she was fearful of the thing. "But I suppose if you want to.." she said, hesitantly handing it towards him, but gave pause at his suggestion and blinked as she raised her head.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" she asked, her voice lowering to a whisper.

Dietrich carefully took the book into his own arm and held it in the crook of his  arm.  "I think it might be best if you kept your distance from the book for a while.  I'll think of a way to hold it without bringing too much attention to us."  He took off his jacket and bundled it inside and held it against him.

"We should go and see them if you wish.  But you cannot tell anyone about me or what happened.  Bas things happen when you say more that you should."

Artemis looked up at him with a frown.
"But what ought I say to them? I'm no good at lieing." she really wasn't,a nd her family called her out everyt ime.

Dietrich looked down, noting her concern.  "Just say you're going on an extended assignment from the library.  They want you to go down to Serendipity to see about a book.  That's not really lying.  It's the truth...just a little something extra added."

Artemis halted in her tracks.
"Serendipity! Goodness, do we have to travel that far?" her eyes were wide as saucers at the idea.

OOC: SHORT POSTS!!!!

Dietrich frowned at her.  "What's the big deal?  As a vampire, one has to learn to travel fast across the continent," he said.  "We'll be there faster than you know.  And don't think I'd travel this far north for my health.  There are certain things I don't mind traveling through Mordecai-country for.  In this case, we're leaving Mordecai-country.  Is there a problem?  You don't believe in magic either?"

Artemis's lips moved, as if speaking a thousand words a minute, but no sound came out of her lips. Then her eyes fluttered as she shook her head.
"Goodness, no, I do know magics exist its just.." She frowned. "I've never been outside of Connlaoth, or this city for that matter. I... I've never considered this sort of travel. It' just a lot to take in and I don't know if my family would understand such a tall tale."

"You'll just have to take a leap of faith," Dietrich said.  "Come one we can't waste to much time deliberating.  The sun remember?  C'mon then!"  He nudged her along and kept walking down the street.  "Take us to your house.  Or unless you'd like to skip that part altogether, we can just leave the city."

Artemis cringed, though nodded, making haste as she lead him down one street, then wove them through another, and soon the pair were in a more dingy side of the town, the only beings stirring were rats and one man snoring after having passed out from the effects of alcohol on his front stoop. She stepped around him, keeping close to Dietrich before pausing infront of her house and drawing in a deep breath.

"That's my house. THe one in the middle." she said, gesturing to the row houses, though they all looked the same, almost as if one dull, massive heap of building which was deceptive in itself, for each door partitioned one section of it, and there were a few stories worth of families here.
"We're on the first floor." But she hesitated, and didn't approach, knowing full well they'd all be sleeping, considering not a single candle was lit. This made her frown. They probably had no idea their daughter was in danger. They probably assumed she had been working late (which wasn't unusual). Her eyes flickered down to her boots as she hesitated.

"Perhaps... er.. I could just leave a note," she muttered beneath a whisper, feeling too anxious to go inside. "I think they are all sleeping."

Dietrich wasn't prepared for what came before him, watching the town transform, almost in seconds, from the posh uptown metropolis that the library was tucked away in, to the darker side of Uthlyn often ignored by its residence.  It wasn't too destitute, but it was easy to see that those that lived here did not have the privilege of flaunting the latest fashions on a daily basis.  Artemis had confessed herself that she and her brother were supporting their sickly family.

Dietrich almost felt sorry for the poor mortal, but not sorry enough.  He approached the stoop beside her and nudged her shoulder.  "We can't stay here deliberating on this.  You either have the gumption or you don't.  Tell them now.  Don't be a coward.  They're your family, they'll understand."

Artemis was still beside herself when the door clicked open.
"Artemis?" came a familiar voice. Artemis turned to him.

"Oh, Arrick!" her eyes went wide, then as her brother stepped outside, it was easy to see him now, heavy muscles, pale skin, blonde hair; all of it capped in moonlight.

"Where have you been? Mom and Dad finally fell asleep an hour ago. They were worried."

Artemis bit her lip.
"I had to stay late." She tried to square her shoulders, glancing only once to Dietrich before looking away. It was only then her brother spotted the man, then smirked.

"Late at the library, right.." he teased. At his tone, Artemis gasped.

"Arrick! Please, this is NOT what it looks like!"

Arrick's grin became bigger.
"Than may I ask who he is?" her brother asked playfully.

Artemis's disposition became sour, her lips pouty as she lowered her head.

"Arrick, this is Mr. Chapel. Mr. Chapel, this is my brother, Arrick."

Dietrich eyed the burly man that answered the door and the exchange between Artemis and him.  It turned out to be her brother and while he was not one to jump in alarm at the stranger, he eyed him for a moment, unsure what to make of the man.  He looked like he could crush him if he ever set his mind to it, but Dietrich knew he'd be no match for him.  Mortal strength was nothing to him.

"Greetings, Mr. Arrick," Dietrich went on, leaning against the stoop railing, casually and nonchalantly, glad he hid the demon book under his arm and bundled in the jacket.  "I'm afraid your sister here is a little too gifted in her work at the library, so much so I think I may have a job for her.  It involves extensive travel and we came here hoping to get your blessing that she may go."

Where as Arrick had been jovial and light hearted a moment later, his face fell at the words. He immediately looked to his sister, who flinched and looked away.

"Artemis, what's going on?" he shook his head. "This is not like you. Are you in some sort of trouble."

Damn her brother for knowing her too well! She tried to avoid his eyes, but no matter which way she looked, of course he was still staring at her.

"Er... "she sighed, defeated as she shook her head. "Something like that."

"Artemis! What is it!" he tried to reach out for her hand, but she reared away.

"Please, Arrick, don't!" she said, looking up at him with a pout. "I can't explain it all to you now, and I shouldn't be gone for long and-"

Growling, Arrick turned to Dietrich and got right into his face.

"What is the meaning of this? Spit it out and tell me what's actually going on!" Arrick threatened.
Artemis's eyes widened.

"Arrick, please!" she siad, placing her self between Arrick and Dietrich as it looked as if her brother was about to tear Mr. Chapel to pieces. He wasn't even trying to look at her. "I need his helpt o fix this. Please, you must understand. We found some sort of book."

"What book?" Arrick growled, eyes never leaving Dietrich's.

"He doesn't need to know!" Dietrich snapped and glared daggers at Artemis.  He didn't even flinch at Arricks threats and only shrugged at the man as if he were nothing more than a bug underneath his boots.  He couldn't even be moved by him. 

"It is none of your concern, save to say that if you get involved, it will be the death of you.  And I don't think your sister would like that very much.  Don't get involved, and don't worry, Mr. Arrick.  I'll return your sister to you in relatively good condition."

Arrick was about ready to rip this man apart, when his sister's touch brought him back to her.

"You're not going," he growled, and took her by the hand and began to drag her away. Surprised, Artemis gasped and fought against his hold.

"A-Arrick please! Don't be foolish! What Mr. Chapel said is right!" she stammered, and here, her brother paused at the door, glaring daggers at Dietrich.

"I doubt anyone would come to mess with us. What do these men have on you anyways, Artemis? Is it money?"

Artemis shook her head, blinking back hot tears. "N-no, it's nothing like that. Please, you must understand..." an hse was trembling. "We.. "s he lowered her head, defeatedly. "We found a cursed book."

Arrick's face twisted, then he looked over at the man, daggers in his eyes.

"What sort of book?" he asked gruffly towards Dietrich.

"One that.. if we don't deliver it quickly will put us all in danger. PLease, Arrick. Is houldn't be gone for a week. Just.. tell the library I'm ill. Just.." she felt her brother's grip loosen as she pulled away, but she stood there, unable to look at him as she stared down at her feet.

"You have no say in this matter, Mr. Arrick.  Your concern for Miss Longfellow is commendable but unnecessary becuase by powers beyond our control we've both come into contact with something that would bring misfortune onto your entire family if this is not dealt with immediately.  I'm not sure even telling you of this book is a good idea.  Knowledge is a dangerous thing after all, even for the likes of you I'd wager.  But that's beside the point."

Dietrich straightened, remaining calm still and motioned for Artemis to come with him.  "Mr. Arrick, like I said, I promise to return your sister in proper condition.  I have no designs upon her, just to reassure you.  But this is something you can help with even if you tried.  You'll just have to trust me.  I know that might be hard to do, since we've only just met, but you don't have a choice.  Can you trust me?"

"Of course not," Arrick growled, and Artemis took his hand, squeezing it lightly, causing him to look her way.

"Arrick, please understand. I wouldn't if I had to. Besides," she forced herself to smile. "Wasn't it you who always used to tease me about going on some silly adventures outside of books rather than in them?"

Arrick frowned, squeezing her hand back before wrapping his large arms around her in a hug.
"Oh, Artemis, what did you get yourself into? Can't I come along to help?"

Artemis felt tears prickle in her eyes.

"If only things were that simple, Arrick. We are not children. You will just have to trust us." She looked over to Dietrich. "Both of us." She said on a careful breath. "And you need to stay here." she pressed, her eyes searching his. "For our parents, our sisters.. for the family."

Arrick took a good long moment and held Artemis again.

"But you're no adventurer," Arrick reminded. "Who will protect you?"

Dietrich was wondering at the question too.  Who would protect this young woman when it came down to it?  He didn't know and shrugged because of it.  But he supposed it was only right to come to one conclusion.  After all, he wasn't going to do it.

"She'll learn to protect herself.  And if she doesn't, she'll die.  Not to be rude, but it's a fact of life.  She'll just have to.  After all, she said it herself.  She's not a child anymore."

Arrick frowned, glaring over at Dietrich.
"I suppose it's too much to ask another man to do it," Arrick growled, but at his sister's gentle touch, he turned back to her when she suddenly clung onto him.

"Arrick, I am scared, but do not be afraid for me and I will be back before you know it." Truthfully, she was clinging to him so he wouldn't see her tears, but he knew they were there. Lifting up her chin, he wiped them away before holding her again.

"Is there no way I can come with you?" but Arrick already knew the answer.

"No, I have to do this on my own." There was no sense in dragging the entire family in on this- let alone the only one who was able to bring in any real money from his work.  Then with another hug, she stepped away from him, staring at him as she approached Dietrich. "Be sure mother takes her medicine."

"I will."

"And that father does too."

Arrick nodded, and Artemis frowned in worry.

"Goodbye, Arrick." she said softly.

"Take care of yourself, Artemis. You hear.. cause if you don't come in one piece.." and here, he lifted his eyes menacingly to Dietrich. "You can bet not even the gate's of hell will stop me from tearing you apart."

Artemis was stunned at her brother's words as she simply stared.

Dietrich couldn't help but roll his eyes at all the sentiments exchanged between Artemis and Arrick and he snickered at the thought that they almost seemed like a fairytale couple from a story-boook, a child's fable of a knight pledging to return to his ladyfair, except everything was the complete opposite.

Gods, I hope these two aren't sleeping with each other.  But far be it from me to care, Dietrich thought with another amused laugh.

At Arrick's threat he finally did laugh out loud and pointed at the man.  "Good one," he said.  "You certainly do know how to jest, Mr. Arrick.  We'll be seeing you now.  Come now, Artemis, we've got a long journey ahead."

Arrick glared daggers at the man and Artemis tossed him one last look before she left.
"Send my love to them all," she called out, then turned around and kept on walking, too afraid to look back.

If she looked back, Dietrich didn't think she would have the strength to keep going, so he thrusted out an arm to hold her back and push her along with him until they were well out of sight from her house and he hissed at her, the book feelng heavier in his arm.

"Why did you have to go and open your big mouth for?  Are you trying to get your brother killed too?"

Artemis flinched back.
"I'm not very good at lying,"s he admitted, fearfully. "It sort of just slipped out!"

"You didn't have to lie!  You just didn't have to tell him the truth.  And now I might have to kill your brother because he may come and try to kill me.  And that'll be your fault too.  But nevermind that.  We've got to get out of this city.  The sun will rise soon.  I can already feel my skin begin to smolder.  Please don't slip up again.  You're so figety!"

"Well, it's not like I'm used to this!" Artemis protested. "And don't you dare!"s he said, halting and smakcing his arm (something that even surprised her, but she didn't care). "Go after my brother and I might have to harm you." She gave a sniff, her nose to the air. "He was just being protective." It was his job, after all. He was the one bringing in most of they money. She was just lucky her money earned from the library could do any help at all.

"All right, but you just watch that brother of yours.  I'll defend myself to his death if need be.  Defensive or not, i swear I'll tear his head clean off.  I'm not making any promises.  Look...I get it, in a way.  I don't have family of my own.  Not anymore, so forgive me if I'm a little more ornery than usual.  It's the threat of sunlight, makes me antsy.  Just keep walking and forget I said anything."  Dietrich cursed at himself under his breath and clutched the heavy book even tighter.

Artemis was surprised by the way Dietrich replied and simply nodded.
"So... where are we going?" she finally decided to ask.

"The hell if I know.  You're Connlaothian, I'm not.  But I guess if we really wanted to be safe, the best route would be to head to Sirantil Valley.  We've got many miles to go before then.  We find a nice cave or a cottage and we'll be set.  You do got gold on you don't you?  Never mind that, I'll find money as we go.  I already know whatever you earn goes to that rotten life-sucking family of yours," he said, bitter still.

Artemis could not BELIEVE the words coming out of this gentleman's mouth! Or, perhaps she was confused. After all, was he really even a gentleman. But instead of retorting, she only rolled her eyes at him and followed along.
"Just becuase I am from here does not mean I know how to act like a convict," she replied bitterly. Cause that's how she felt. Like a convict!

Dietrich slowed down and stepped away from her slightly.  "Right, right, that was me," he said.  "It's been a while since I've gone on the lamb.  Honestly I thought my running days were over.  We'll make it to the Valley and then head to the Terrin Mountains and head to my house.  We'll meet Cronus soon after that.  At least we'll have a safe place to stay.  Does that sound fair?"

Artemis didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded. She had no idea what to do or where to go, so she might as well trust him, even as a knot was forming within her gut.

"Well?  I guess I shouldn't expect an answer.  Just relax.  We'll be there before you know it.  Cronus taught me a thing or two against his will about making the most of the night hours.  If you close your eyes and imagine your flying, you'll be in the Valley before dawn.  Go on, try it.  Just close your eyes and hop onto my back.  I'll take you there safely."

His words were like some peculiar dream, or fairy tale. or one of those fantasy books that she read. With a frown, she looked up at him curiously.
"Are you asking me to pretend I can fly?"s he wasn't sure she completely understood him.

Dietrich laughed.  "No, not at all.  Just pretend something is flying you.  Mind over matter, that sort of thing.  Don't tell me you don't know about that.  Well, it's just using your imagination to make things seem not as bad as they really are.  Here, just climb onto my back.  I'll have us in the Valley soon.  Just do it, don't question it."

Doing and not thinking wasn't part of Artemis's forte as she stared at Dietrich's back with a frown.
"And you expect me to just trust you?" she sighed, realizing she honestly had little choice. So with a lot of hesitation, she finally stepped forward, staring at his back for a good long while before wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Just don't drop me," she said, whispering into his ear. She was afraid and closed her eyes tightly. Flying.. were they ACTUALLY going to fly?!

No.  They were not actually going to fly.  It was only apart of the mental state of having to work with limited time.  Nighttime hours were not as long as daylight hours, they seemed to move by like sands through ones fingertips.  But Dietrich moved swiftly across land, sticking to where shadows were thickest, even as the sun began to rise.

Already he could see the colors of dawn bleeding through the sky.  He cursed and moved faster, his limbs a blur as he finally made it to the edge of the valley and ducked inside the mouth of a small cave, exhausted but alive as the sun finally shone in the morning sky.

ARtemis peeked open her eyes as they entered inside a cave. The light still reached inside,a nd she could tell it was affecting Dietrich and making him weak.

"Where are we?" she said, looking around, though she didn't expect him to know.

"The Valley.  We made it, barely in time."  Dietrich gestured for her to let go of his neck as he leaned against the cave wall and well into the thickest part of the shadows as he could.  "We'll be in the wilderness for the a while.  I hope you don't have to go take a piss.  But if you do, there are some bushes over there.  And if you don't mind, you should look for something to eat.  You look famished.  Fear seems to take a lot out of you, doesn't it?"

ARtemis frowned.
"I don't think I could eat." and she studied him a moment before asking. "So what do you do during the daylight hours?"  In legends, vampires just slept.

"Fuck, feed, sleep, what do you do during nighttime hours?" Dietrich said.  "I am getting awfully hungry.  It's hard travelling over a thousand miles in a single night.  I exaggerate but you get the point."

Artemis's face flushed at the statement. She had no idea how to respond to it, so she just grew quiet and wide eyed, and stared. Though it wasn't fear that made her gape, but prudence(for she hadn't realized quite yet that him being hungry = she could become a midday snack).

"I'm sorry if I came off as rude, but would it be too much to ask if you could find me something to eat. As it is I can't leave the cave without incinerating.  Or ... unless I could get a taste of you...I wouldn't mind that either."  Dietrich grinned at her and scooted forth, reaching out a hand at her.

And now instead of staring, Dietrich's diet finally caught up to her mind. And at the very idea of it, her skin paled, her eyes rolled back and she fell to the ground in a loud THUD as she fainted.

"Perfect," Dietrich said rolling his eyes.  " Just perfect."  He reached out and pulled her into his lap and held her across him so that her neck was exposed.  He couldn't help himself as he brought up her wrist and could feel the very pulse there so tempting...  Just a taste wouldn't hurt would it?  And drew her wrist to his lips.

The very act of picking her up drew Artemis out of the unsconscious, though she didn't move, only felt herself in a warm embrace. Though when she realized the embrace wasn't very warm, her eye popped open and she gasped. Limbs went everywhere; legs, hands, feet. She hadn't even meant to freak out like that, but when she first came around, she hadn't recognized Dietrich and panicked. Then, after her hands smashed int his face, knee int his gut, legs into his arm and she, who, from this very action, came tumbling out of his hands, gave a yelp as she collapsed onto the ground.

She hit pretty good for someone who was unconscious, and Dietrich rubbed his arms and chest which felt even more weakened since he had been growing hungry.  He leaned back against the cave wall and laughed.  "All right, all right!  I won't feed off of you, sorry," Dietrich laughed.  "But I am getting hungry, and that will pose a problem."

Artemis's eyes went as wide as mill wheels.
"You were trying to what!?" and it seemed as if she might pass out again, but instead, she just felt ill as she tried to fight the urge, too afraid that the next time, if he WERE to feed, what if she didn't wake up? The idea made her tremble.

"I was trying to feed.  I'm sorry I wa  only going to have a taste.  Defiinitly not enough to transform you.  Last thing I need is to have one of the likes of you to live forever.  Adventures of the eternally faint," Dietrich laughed.  "Please get me something to eat.  I can't leave the cave.  If ai don't feed soon I'll go into a frenzy"

OOC: I feel bad for Dietrich, her attempts will more than likely me full of fail >.>

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His laughter unnerved her, as she cringed.
"Wh-what!? T-turn?" her lips fell open and she just stared. Did he mean.. she swallowed hard. That he could TURN her into a vampire?! And the very idea turned her paler than a ghost.

"Artemis perhaps I am being too subtle but please listen to me very carefully!  I need you to bring me something to eat NOW!  Something bloody!  Go!  Git."

"B-b-b-ut, I'm no huntress!" Artemis stammered. "I wouldn't even know where to begin!" And in all honesty, she hadn't a clue. Hunting after animals.. or even people, for that matter, was just something she couldn't understand. She bought her food from the market, so in a sense, she had been sheltered from that sort of life. But then she considered.. the butcher.. they would hve blood, maybe cuts of meat that were bloody.

"What about a butcher?" but then her face fell immediately after she suggested it. "No, that won't do." The town was just too far away...

Dietrich was growing frustrated at the least but at least now the message had sunk in.  Yet he frowned all the same at the sheer inability of Artemis to do anythink really.  He was growing desperate and looked at her imploringly.  "Look...you won't like iit but if you just give me a taste of your blood I'll be sated.  Just let me nick your fingertip or something.  I won't take more than what I need promise."

Artemis's face twisted at the idea, appearing both shocked and repulsed. She visibly flinched back, backing up near the wall of the cave as she shook her head.
"But you're asking me to let you drink my blood! That just sounds crazy and I-" her lips trembled, brown eyes peering back at him. She had no idea where to begin. "And I'm not good with blood or .. or even pain.."S he grit her teeth. "It sounds like it would be awfully painful. Are... are you sure you can't just wait until nightfall?" THough she had a feeling he could not as she stared at him with a pout.

"It'll just be a nick I swear. It won't hurt much at all.  In fact some may claim it feels quite nice, sensual even.  How do you think I feed while my victims sleep?  Oh I don't mean I'll feed on you when you sleep!  Just give me your hand.  Gods I can't believe I'm grovelling for blood by a human. Heavens smite me please!"

Artemis flinched. She was still to scared over the prospect to just hand herself over to a vampire, even for a nick of feeding, so when he pressed the issue, she took another step back, fear and hesitation still ever present in her eyes.
"Yes, you might not but you could,"s he retorted with a pout. "And I can't.. I just can't. I'm.. I'm too afraid of any sort of consequences.. and and.."

well.. he was a man after all, and she was always uneasy in close proximity of men. IN a sense, they frightened her,a nd to be so closea nd intimate with Dietrich to allow him to just 'drink' some of her blood, made her feel light headed, dizzy and nauseous at the thought.

"That's easy enough to see," Dietrich replied soflty.  His natural response to anger against those that did not grant his wishes was momentarily stilled. After all, you always got more flies with honey than with vinegar.  And he figure if he could grasp onto his patience just a little longer he might just be able to coax it out of her.
 
Dietrich moved closer to her when she moved away from him.  They neared the mouth of the cave a little , he could feel the sun's heat a little more intensely but braved it anyway.  "Don't be afraid," he murmured reaching for her hand and grasping it gently.  "Don't even think.  Just close your eyes.  I'm not going to hurt you. Just close them."  He gently held her palm and turned it over, placing his lips over her wrist.

Artemis continued to back away, but eventually she froze the moment his hand took her wrist, and when lips were pressed against her wrist, she felt a fearful and exhilarating thrill rush through her.
"But.. but I can't help it," Artemis admitted again, still trembling and her voice barely leaving her mouth. "I'm just afraid it will hurt." she admitted, and despite him telling her other wise, she released a whimper and wondered if she truly had no other choice. But seeing as he was braving the sunlight, he must be desperate for food. Is this how they would have to work together. It frightened her immensely, but then she closed her eyes tightly and remained tense as his lips were kept to her wrist.

"Just.. just be quick about it." she stammered, barely able to choke the words out that it was ok, but in the same breath, her entire body tensed up in fear. By the Gods, what was she allowing him to do?

She didn't need to tell him twice before Dietrich gently turned his face up to hers for a moment and then looked own to wrist.  While he didn't need an excessive amount of blood if he drank too little he would get hungry much sooner.  If he drank too much, she would die and then where would he be.  Arteries gave the freshest blood, thick with oxygen, while veins were dark and much to small.  But they were his only choice.

So he gently braced her wrist up to his mouth and bit in with the smallest amount of pressure, fangs sharp enough to tear through the sensitive flesh quickly and easily and he drank just a little, tongue lapping at the red liquid of life, sating himself just enough before he pulled away.  Not enough to kill her, and definitely not enough to inject her with vampirism.  Just a taste.

He wiped away the blood with his shirt and even tore off a bit as a makeshift bandage, wrapping it snugly to slow the bleeding.  "It will heal quickly, don't worry.  And thank you."

Artemis let out a yelp the moment his fangs sank into her flesh. She jerked back, but only slightly, not enough to tear his teeth out of her. And she was trembling, eyes watering up at the experience, that was, until she felt him begin to drink at her blood. The feeling was hard to describe. It was soft, subtle, and dare she admit a little sensual as her cheeks heated into a blush, as did certain parts of her body. Her heart was beating rapidly, the blood still being drawn, being drunk of his lips. Then she felt his tongue against her skin and she shivered and as he pulled away, her wrist felt a bit cold. Then when the clothe was applied, her eyes fluttered opened as she stared at him dreamily before suddenly her legs gave way as he collapse to the cave floor with a yelp.

Well, that was to be expected.  Dietrich looked over Artemis as she collapsed and shook his head.  "Everytime.  It was just a taste," Dietrich rolled his eyes as he grabbed her arms and dragged her back into the cave.  He just laid her head on his lap as he laid down against the wall of the cave.  It was nice to have her asleep, because now he could sleep.

And that was something he missed.

The night had been far too long, and she hadn't realized how much she needed sleep. So she slept rather well, their bodies nestled together before she awoke sometime that evening when a cooler breeze swept through the mouth of the cave. It was then her eyes shot open, and she gasped, limbs flailing about as she had absolutely no idea where she was- that was, until she jerked around and realized she was in the vampire's arms. ANd before she knew better, she let out an ear splitting scream.

Dietrich jumped up at the scream and rolled away from her, covering his ears and gritting his teeth.  "Gods!  What the hell woman?  What's wrong with you!?  Can't you see I was trying to sleep!  How would you like it if I just woke up and screamed in your ears!  You're incredibly rude, you know." 

Artemis was taken back by his words, and still startled by their predicament. It took some time for her to realize what was going on as her eyes quickly searched the cave, then went back to him.

"Oh.. I... I forgot what had happened," she frowned and lowered her gaze, staring forlornly at the cave floor. "I must have been dreaming of something else." Her cheeks heated, since only snippets of her dream would be remembered, but as she began to recall what was currently going on, she stared down at her wrist and noticed the bandaging with a frown. It was then she laughed in spite of herself, but it was half hearted. "It's still hard to believe. I feel like a criminal, running away from the law or something." She peered up at Dietrich with a small smile, but it quickly faded. "I'm sorry. This is all just new to me." Then glancing around she pondered out loud. "I wonder how long we had been asleep..." Though judging by HIS grumpyness, probably not that long. Though it seemed the sun was already setting as she peered towards the front of the cave.

The sun was fading fast, that was comfort enough and it didn't take long for Dietrich to settle down, rubbing his sore and ringing ears from her shrill cry of sheer stupidity.  "We've slept long enough.  We can move on now.  Vampires are used to running on little sleep for long periods of time, at least I am.  I can't say the same for the stuffy bastards in the coven, living in their basements and attics and waiting for the spiders to make nests of them."

Dietrich expression grew hard and bitter, remember why he'd gone out there in the first place, and remembered his house in the mountains, missed his fireplace, his wine, his blood.  And he could have cried pitifully for being stuck out here in the wilderness with a half-wit and a demon book that wanted him to be her slave!  PAH!  That very idea brought a smile of amusement to his face.

"I suppose, we should get moving now that the daylight is fading," Dietrich said, collecting his things and only remembering now that the book was in his jacket.  And he jumped when it landed on the hard cave ground and growled at him, snapping.  "Gods be damned!  It seems the book wasn't asleep for very long!  Let's get the hell out of here!"

Artemis saw no reason for his smile, and her frown only deepened because of it before she turned away to glance around the cave. But when the book growled and snapped at them, reminding her of the 'curse', she flinched back with a whimper, her eyes wavering with uncertainty.

"What.. what are we to do with it?" she asked, then shook he rhead, correcting her question. "I mean.. who ought to carry it now?" She'd rather not, but who knew what sort of ideas Mr. Grumpy blood sucker had in mind.

"If we had the option, I'd rather we just leave it here.  But since we can't do that, I suppose it's  your turn again.  Though...maybe that's not such a good idea either.  Look...we can probably go out on our own for a while, look and see what's around here.  Maybe there's a town nearby that can offer proper food and drink.  I'm sure you're starved.  And I doubt we'd be able to go unnoticed by a barking book."

Artemis looked up at him with a frown.
"But do you really think it's a wise idea to just leave it here?" she looked around the cave. There wasn't much to it but...
"And what if it just finds us again?" she asked, tucking some hair behind her ear with a sigh. "It seemed the book didn't want to let us leave it's presence before."

"I think now that it's figured out we can put it back inside of it's little cage, it might show slightly more respect, but I don't think it'll be too much trouble if we leave it here for a while.  If it follows us...well, hell, then.  But you won't make much of a bride, dead and skeletal.  You've got to maintain your figure, don't you?"  Dietrich relinquished his jacket once more and wrapped the growling book delicately in the leather and shoved it deeper into the cave.

"C'mon, we won't be long.  It knows we can't go anywhere without it anyway," Dietrich said, nudging her to follow him.

Artemis sighed, defeated, but gave a nod. There was some logic to that she couldn't deny, however, she did not like being referenced to as some bride needing to prepare for whatever the demon book had in store.

"Alright, so long as we're not gone for very long.." and she followed him outside of the cave, and was startled to realized they had truly slept through most of the day, and the night stars were already coming out and the moon was high in the sky.

Dietrich nodded to her and led her out toward a beaten path several dozen yards away from the view of the mouth of the cave.  "The town's not to far up this way.  I think I could use a good strong whiskey, compared to what we've been through so far.  I might even need the whole bottle.  You drink much?"

As Artemis followed him, she lifted her head at his question and wrinkled her nose, giving him somewhat of a pat.
"No," she siad, shaking her head and tucking her hair away. "I can't say that I am." ANd as they continued walking, she thought about what he said and idly commented, "I never knew vampires could drink. Well, anything besides blood, I mean."

"Hm, you don't get out much then, I feel is safe to assume?  No boyfriend?  No lover?  Fiance?  You should open yourself up to a little more than your brother's interaction.  You might learn something you never knew before.  But I guess we have little choice in that now.  Thrown together in a mix like this.  You should try a shot, it might relax your nerves."  Dietrich's eyes widened when he saw the town come further into view.

Artemis frowned and shook her head at each example of a possible lover she could have.
"One hardly has time to consider love when trying to make ends meet for her family," She siad, sighing and hoping that would satisfy his questioning so he wouldn't press it any more. Though at the mention a drink would loosen her up, she shook her head.
"No, I'm not much of a drinker, and I wouldn't take it if you offered." Her eyes took in the town, the lights from it glitterig like starlight. She pressed her lips together as the dirt road turned into the cobblestone streets of the city, her eyes taking in a nearby town.

"The Bull and Ale.." she blinked, staring at the crude, wood carved painting of a bull on the front. "I suppose this is as good a place as any for some food. Shall we try in here?" Though she was soon regretting her suggestion as she walked inside and the entire crowd was rowdy, ruthless, and consisting of what seemed to be dirty, seedy men.

Oh it was perfect!  Just a place to aake her squirm and just the kind of establishment he was looking for.  Cheap booze and fast women, what more could he ask for!  "Take a seat at a table, wherever you like.  I'll order us drinks and...a ginger ale."

OOC: Did ginger ale exist back then? lol

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Where as Dietrich might have seemed elated, Artemis was not. With a frown, she observed the place with a frown, too hesitant to step inside it too fast lest the dirt from the walls (and men) get on her. Eventually, she saw an empty table at a seemingly more quiet area of the tavern and dropped down into the seat, but not without making a gasp when a man made a pinch at her rear. She would have slapped him had he not looked four times her size, so she merely looked at him with eyes four times their size before taking a seat and averting his gaze.

"Can we please hurry up? This place makes me very uncomfortable." she said, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, which resulted in her huddling up, appearing to look almost like a ball.

((It does now.  Besides technically speaking, doctors didn't exist either. Barbers were doctors.))

"Would you just try to relax!?" Dietrich pressed, pushing her chair in.  "The more you act like a prude, the more somedoby's gonna wanna take advantage of you.  Just try to seem more at ease.  For your sake."  He went to the bar and got the dinks in their two cleanest glasses and slipped the bartender an extra coin just to make sure.

Dietrich's words were easier said than done.When he brought her their drinks, she merely stared at the glass before sighing.
"It's not that easy. I'm just.. I've never been in a crowd like this before." And she winced as the men behidn them laughed loudly, sounding like barking dogs. "This place is so very.." and as a man danced past them, humping a bar maids leg, her face fell and her skin paled, before she nsapped her lips closed and looked away. "So.. very noisy." she muttered. Suddenly, she didn't feel so hungry as a blush heated her face.

OOC: lol, true XD

"Look, I know it's not as frumpy and boring as you'd like it to be, but it's the only place within a hundred mile radius and I'm sure any further and that blasted book will come launching through the frail walls any minute now," Dietrich said, taking a sip of his brandy.  "Just don't pay attention to anyone else.  Just talk to me.  I'm not going to hump your leg."

Artemis slowly looked up from her drink, not sure what she ought to say to him, but talking to him rather than the unruly crowd sounded like a good idea, or at least the best idea.
"I know it's just.." she sighed. "I suppose there's a lot I'm not used to." she muttered, looking down cast at her drink.

"That's all right.  There's lots I wasn't used to either.  But one of them most definitely were bars like this.  I met the woman who transformed me in a place  like this, so to speak. The walls were much cleaner.  Here would you like a sip of this?  Just a tad to calm yourself."

Artemis lifted her head at his wording.
"Changed you?" Did he mean some sort of love? The meaning of 'change' of a vampire hadn't quite hit her in the moment, and she was also caught up in the question that she could only shake her head 'No' at the offer of drink.

"What?  Do you think I was born this way?  No...it takes a lot to break down a man enough to no longer care about what happens to his life.  She saved me, so to speak.  By giving me a chance at another one.  She was Cronus' wife.  They were...on the rocks at the time, still are by all accounts.  Whores will be whores," Dietrich said, shrugging at her refusal yet again and taking another sip.  "What about you?  Have you ever thought of leaving Uthlyn, going out on your own?"

Artemis took in what he said, not sure how to digest it. She never met.. his type before, and she felt a little uneasy at the information he divulged.
"Oh." She said simply. She had forgotten about the whole biting and turning thing. But it made her realize.. "So you had a choice?" It was a curious then, but then when the conversation came back to her, she only shook her head.
"No. Not in the state my family is in. I couldn't abandon them. So.. really I had planned on staying there for a good long while."

"That seems so sad in a way.  I suppose I could understand that, but don't you think you'd be letting yourself grow old and gray with nothing to show for it.  I'm sure you'd like to have a family of your own some day."

Artemis frowned as she considered Dietrich's words, then lowered her eyes again to her drink she hadn't really touched.
"I suppose, but it seems fate has something different in store for me."
Such as now adhering to the whims of some cursed book! She sighed. "Reality is much more different than getting what you want. My family couldn't survive on that and it would be irresponsible. Besides, I couldn't even possibly consider marriage or a child right now. For all I know.." she stared at him,t hen cast her eyes away, wilting through another sigh. "I'm probably jobless. And I'd be worse off than I was before my parents had gotten ill." Though she had some relief knowing her working to pay for the medicines has at least lengthened their life, if not, at least somewhat improved the quality of it.

"Hmm," Dietrich mused as he listened to her.  He needed something stronger than brandy if he was going to suffer this conversation much longer.  Unfortunately for him, the effects of alcohol on dull blood wasn't quite like the effects on a living being, it was much slower and though it bored him some to listen to her go on about his troubles; he remembered that he did ask about them.

"What ails them?" he asked then.  "Your parents.  What are they sick with?"

OOC: CUe family rambling.... NOW XP

"My father was a mine worker, like my brother. He suffers from a severe cough that keeps him in bed most of the days. Sometimes it's worse than others, but he's lived well past the doctor's expectations. Then my mother's caught something we aren't quite sure of, but it seems a similar disease to what my father ails from." She smiled a little before mentioning, "The doctor jokes that she love my father so much she wanted to take some of his pain away, so she took some of his illness with her. But she's normally too weak to get out of bed, though most evenings she at least tries. Recently, however, her legs have become so weak, so things are even more difficult than before, considering neither can earn an income and any extra money we have goes to medical bills to help them fight this. But at least the medicines are working. As I mentioned before, the doctor is impressed the pair of them are still alive and in as good a health and spirits as they can be. I'd like to think mine and my brother's efforts are helping, and our younger siblings are too young to really earn much money aside from a few side jobs earning meager copper. But it's all to keep the family going. We're trying to keep my younger sisters in school, you see. So we've still got some hope for the family."

Dietrich nodded as he listened to her family woes.  She was taking it rather well, it seemed, far better than he would have back when he was still of warm, hot flesh.  Or at least maybe she was just holding it together like nobody's business in this moment.  So he looked over to her and studied her eyes, finding the emotion fluxing in there, or what he assumed was emotion.  It could just as easily just be the large amounts of dust falling from the ceiling.

"That is...a lovely story," Dietrich said, trying to be comforting.  "Well, I mean...don't bother with deluding yourself.  Hope is an intangible thing and the reason you keep reaching for it because you'll never fully grasp it.  Your parents are going to die no matter what you do - unless of course of some fine divine intervention.  But in all honesty, what good as Ansgar brought anyone.  Artemis, think about it.  You keep doing what you're doing, in hopes that it will have some kind of effect on the outcome, but all in all, you're just giving your youth away, your life for something that's going to float away.  Just like that.  You should run away, get out of the country while you still have the chance.  I mean, aside from all this trouble of course."

Artemis gave a sad laugh at his reply and lowered her gaze.
"It's not that simple. I would never give up on hope, even if there was just a faint glimmer of it. And I love my parents. They would do the same for me if they had do." She shrugged. "And I respect them and love them too much to let go. They do sometimes try to prod me into.. loosening up, and mention that I should at least look for a husband and they'd be ok but.."s he rubbed nervously at her arm before sighing.  "It comforts me knowing that I comfort them. So if I lose my youth, I do not care, at least I know I spent my life doing what I wanted. Besides, there was my job at the library." She gave another sad smile, even a laugh. "I always dreamed of becoming a librarian." Her eyes faded away as she looked down at her drink. "but well.. we both know what has become of that." She forced a smile over at him, then looked back to her drink before finally downing some herself with a sigh and look around. Suddenly the place seemed a little less hostile, as she studied soem of the rough drunkards laughing happily about this or that. It even had her smiling, though it was still the same sad smile as before.  This world she sat in.. it was a whole other world she would never become a part of- something foreign, something unique, so for that moment in time, she just let herself become an observer, listening in to conversations and actually seeing those rough men as people for the first time.

"How quaint," Dietrich remarked.  Suddenly he didn't feel like drinking anymore and after a final sip, he shoved his glass away from him.  All this talk of family and happiness and love and carelessness.  It sickened him and he brooded at the glasses for a long while before drifting his eyes up to her.  She was staring at something, or someone.  "Someone catch your interest?" he presumed, a wicked smirk on his lips.  "Don't be shy.  Go and talk to him."

"What?" Artemis asked, blinking as if waking up from a dream. Then when she caught his gaze, her face reddened. "Oh!" Her eyes went wide.  "N-no! I was just.. just staring off in thought I-" Ugh, why did he have to word it like that!? And why did he even care if she was in a relationship or not? She pouted, looked offended, but said nothing as she sighed and looked back down at her drink.

"Oh relax," he chuckled, seeing her squirm.  "I was just teasing you.  You're far to easy to tease, don't you think.  Do you want something to eat?"

Artemis's face was still red when she timidly peered up at him.
"I suppose so. That's why we came here anyways." she sighed, not certain she could make herself eat in an establishment like this but... she really had no other choice. "I wonder what sort of things they serve here." And by the looks of it, it appeared as though they served meats and potatoes, and stews and things, even some chicken by the looks of it (aside from ale, their obvious primary seller).

OOC: Ugh, would have posted earlier but I think I'm getting an ear ache or something and I just keep staring at things all blah like- So if you get blah posts, I blame that and not me >>
<<

[Of course, I'll blame you!]

Dietrich gave her a grunt anf smirk and moved toward one of the bar wenches and smoothed hus hands over her waist, murmuring into her ear softly making her blush and she bit her lips with a nod when he moved away back to their table.  He sat back down and looked over to Artemis.  "We'll be getting one of everything on the house.  I hope you're hungry." He smirked at her.

Artemis watched Dietrich flirt with the bar maid in transfixed horror. She couldn't look away, nor did she want to keep on looking, but she did anyways, and her cheeks turned even pinker when he returned. She felt even more uncomfortable with him now as she moved uneasily within her seat and found herself asking (despite her really REALLY not wanting to know the answers..) ,"That seems like an awful lot of food. What did you say to her? I don't think I could possibly eat more than one plate." Even as her stomach was growling loudly. she tucked her lips back and if she could blush more, she was, as she remained slouched forward with a bad posture and a pout.

"Oh you'll take your pick from the servings.  The rest is for me and her.  I told her I knew more than one way to cook a sausage.  I offered to show her how.  Oh and if you crave the crepes, don't eat them I told her that was my specialty.  I'll be out to uphold my end of the bargain in about an hour!  That's when she gets off.  Ah here comes the first tray now!"

Instead of blushing, Artemis paled.
"I'd ask if you have no shame, but clearly not. Then again, you're a vampire. You drink human blood." And she looked away with an indignant sniff, not even bothering to look at the food he was going to procure for them using THOSE sorts of tactics. What sort of man did that? Then again, she had to remind herself, he was no man...

Dietrich made a face.  "What's that supposed to mean?  I thought I was doing you a favor, you said you were hungry and now ther's free food coming.  Relax and be thankful.  Besides it could have been worse.  I could have offered her sex."

And now her face was red. All of this talk was making her dizzy. So she stood up suddenly.
"Excuse me, I need to use the privacy room." And hopefully it would have some form of running water so she could splash onto her face. She needed to get a hold of herself. But then again, she was completely out of her element here and if it was up to her..
she would just find a place somewhere to cry.

She was hungry, upset, anxious, nervous and completely out of her element. She had no idea how to react within an establishment like this, and made haste towards where she presumed the privacy rooms were, an had to sigh, wilting slightly beside the door when she realized..
it was locked. She'd have to wait her turn.

OOC: lool

He made a face again and shrugged.  He nodded to the bar wench and smiled at her as he cut himself a bite of bratwurst after Artemis left.  She needed her space.  So he'd let her have it.  He should have looked up to see a man approaching her from behind and laying a hand on her shoulder when she was waiting for the privacy room.  "Oi, well hello there, little lady.  I've never noticed you here before," smiling a rotted grin.

Artemis turned around with a start. Her eyes went as wide as mill-wheels as she stared up at the large, rotting toothed fellow that had approached. Her eyes darted around. Was he honestly talking to her?  Frowning, Artemis shook her head.
"That's because I'm not from around here. Just passing through." and she turned her back to the man, hoping he'd just go away as she focused on he closed privacy room door. Whoever was in there better hurry up!

Dietrich heard the new conversation and perked up, looking their way as he continued to eat casually. 

"Oh...that's nice!  What's your name?  You come here alone?  You can't be alone, pretty thing like you."

Artemis found herself sweating under all of these questions (that, and her attire did soem in many layers, one shirt beneath her blouse, and ontop of her blouse, a sweater.) Then the rest were simple skirts, whihc she smoothed her hands across, hoping to get rid of some of the sweat.

"Oh no, a friend of mine has brought me here." She said, forcing an awkward smile when she looked a thim, but had to avoid his eyes. Was the man just staring at her chest!? How repulsive, and she began to feel ill as the man crept nearer to her.

"Oh? A friend eh? Is she as sweet as you?" he asked, slicking back his hair.

Gods, if only she had the gall to kick him int he balls! why couldn't he just leave her alone?

Artemis merely shook her head.
"N-no, it's not a girl. He's sitting over there." and she gestured towards where Dietrich was, all by his lonesome, enjoying his meal as if he hadnt a care in the world.

When she gestured toward him, the other man turned around to look.  Dietrich couldn't really hear what they were saying but he waved his hand and winked at Artemis giving her an 'okay' sign with his hand and a thumbs up as if applauding her choice.

Artemis was surprised Dietrich seemed to.. what.. what was he doing!? She huffed, realizing what he meant, and when the other person in the privacy room came out, Artemis was more than elated.
"Oh, finally," she muttered under her breath, not wasting another minute before disappearing within.

Once inside she paused before the grimy mirror, observing hereslf with a bit of a pout. She had dark  circles under her eyes, her hair was a bit of a mess, and her clothing - good heavens, it was wrinkled! Sighing, she began to fuss over herself before pausing to consider...
why did she even care what she looked like? She was being entertained by a vampire...

and apparently a vampire with horrible taste. She still felt sour about him, an dher mood continued to worsen, especally when the man outside started to knock on the door.
"Anything i can help you with in there, missy?"

Whirling around to the door, she found some anger and confidence and barked back, "Good heavens, I should say not! Please, leave me alone! THe privacy room has the word privacy in it for a reason!"

She could only hope the man would oblige.

He really didn't know what he was doing, or what was going on, so he just went back to eating his food and watched the show like a child.  It was entertaining really, to watch Artemis squirm so.  Even more so to watch her get all huffy.  Now...if the man didn't leave her alone and tried something.  Well, he wasn't sure what he'd do then and guessed he'd just cross that bridge when he got to it.  So far...no harm done.

Artemis made sure to spend an extra long time in the privacy room, but was surprised that, when she stepped outside, the man was still there.

"Hey there.." he said, his eyes slipping down her form. "It seems your friend over there doesn't seem to mind much that you're away, so I figured I'd stick by here, you know, to be all chivalrous and make sure you were ok."

Really.. his rotting teeth and horrendous breath were hardly flattering, not to mention, he had so many wrinkles and unruly stubble about his face, and she was pretty sure some of the stains in his gristly beard were from tobacco (or somehow... urine.)

"Well, I am fine so if you'll excuse me.." Artemis begin, trying to move past the man when he grabbed her suddenly by the wrist.

"Why in such a hurry? Why don't you and I go into the privacy room fo ra quick.. chat?"
but by the way his eyes were looking, she assumed he was hardly wanting to go in for a chat.

"Unhand me!" she yipped, glaring at the man and trying to pry her arm free.

"What's the matter doll, afraid you'll have too mcuh fun?" and despite her efforts, the man was much stronger than she was as she found herself forced back into the privacy room with a gasp. ANd the man didn't wait to close the door before his lips and hands were moving all over Artemis as he had her pinned up against the wall.


Never before in her life had she felt so violated as she did right then. And she felt so afraid, and so angry, and no matter how she struggled, the man seemed t keep getting the upper hand, and even went so far as to rip parts of her blouse.
HER BLOUSE!
Her library blouse! Oh, I twas too expensive to get that repaired and now the button was lost, clattering somewhere upon the bathroom floor, all the while the man's nasty tongue was rolling down her cheek.

Artemis grimaced and managed to shove him away, realizing now was a golden opportunity to run, only to find herself running into the ugly man's even uglier, taller, and more brutish friend.

"Well, well well, what have we here, Claytus?"

Artemis shrunk back. Oh this didn't look good.

"Room for one more?" Dietrich asked as he lingered in the doorway and lightly tapped Claytus's friend on the shoulder.  The large man turned and gave a grunt and then looked back to Artemis.

"All booked up, sorry.  Git!" he said.

"That's a shame," Dietrich remarked.  "I was hoping you wouldn't say that because now I'm gonna have to force my way inside and we both know how uncomfortable that'd be...more for you than me.  I think you should let me inside before things get ugly..."  He smiled at the pair and knocked on wood just for good measure.

The two men had had enough of this intruder and moved away from Artemis and turned on him.  "And just what were you going to do about it?  Shrimp."

They towered over the vampire by a good six inches and he quirked a brow, but kept smiling.  "Oh wouldn't you like to know," he said with a fangy smile, one they seemed to hardly notice.

Artemis could not believe her luck. Was someone really asking to join in? It was bad enough with one of them, then there was two, now THREE? But the moment she realized it was Dietrich, she felt re leaved, however, the men seemed less enthused.

"Say, ain't that your boy?" Claytus said with a grubby finger, but before Artemis coudl move towards him (not that she could, the taller fella was int he way), Claytus grabbed her by the arm and tugged her towards him and kept her in place by pinching a strong hand at the base of her neck. "Too bad we ain't into sharing. He was the fool that left you alone. It's his fault he can't keep an eye on his girl."

"B-but I'm not his girl. I told you we're just-" and thena knife flicked out and she saw her own reflection in it, and the reflection of the ugly man behind her before the metal was pressed to her neck. Her eyes went wide, before she glanced over at Dietrich with pleading eyes.

"Now be a good boy and git the hell out of here." the man sneered, showing off his rotting teeth. And god, was his breath foul, Artemis thought she was going to wretch right onto his boots.

"You heard the man. If you like your girl's neck unscathed and her head where it is, you'll stay out of this until we've taken our dues. ANd if you're lucky, your face will go unmarred as well." Claytus's friend replied, the width of his shoulders blocking the entire entrance of the privacy room.

Claytus laughed. "You tell 'em, Roy!" ANd he pushed Artemis's hair away from her neck. "Mmm, you smell good. Now just keep still if you don't want me thrusting this knife into your throat."

Any other might have flinched or even stiffened at the sight of the knife that Claytus procured and pressed against Artemis' neck.  As could be expected, she wasn't too happy to see it.  But it was just this distraction that Dietrich had been waiting for.  It was too easy, much too easy to determine when mortals needed to produce weapons to protect themselves.  It was almost endearing.

Almost.

He just smiled and chuckled a breathy laugh as he leaned lazily against the wall.  "Enough talk then.  Let's put this to the test!"  And he leapt at Roy with lightning speed, claws reaching up at the man that towered over him and slashing his throat clean through, blood splurting out like hot fire and spraying Dietrich across his face.  He was too fast for Claytus to keep track of as he was locked in shock.  But that was all the time he needed before Dietrich lunged forth and grabbed the knife from him, falling on top of Artemis, awkwardly to the side, and let the blade cut into his palms, but it was a small price to pay for his own hand that went around his throat.  Once he wrenched the blade away he placed both hands on either side of his head and slowly began to squeeze.

"You should know better...I don't play nice," Dietrich snarled at him with wild eyes, hearing the man cry out until his head was jelly in his hands.

ARtemis watched in horrified fascination as the events unfolded. There was so much blood. One man was easily down, his throat torn out - then the other...
It was too much to bear. She flinched away at the sound o fhis skull cracking, squeezing her eyes tightly closed before the gooping sound of his brains nad blood splattering made her legs turn useless as she collapsed onto the floor. She was seeing white fo ra time, and felt hot and dizzy, before she bent over nad wretched out whatever meager contents had filled her belly.

But that was hardly the worst of things. There was no way such a busy establishment such as this had continued on without noticing, and another set of burly fellows was at the door.

"Hey, what the fuckin' hell is going on here?" one of them sneered, his eyes pitting poisonously upon Dietrich, the he saw the blood and instantly, his own blades were drawn. "You're gonna die, mother fucker!" and he quickly crossed the room, aiming to slice the blade clean through Dietrich's face.

"On the contrary," Dietrich said, jumping back and evading the blade.  He didn't have the patience to kill everyone on the room and merely sunk his fist into the man's gut when he side-stepped him and thrashed his fist down on his head, throwing him down to the ground.  The next man to come at him, wrapped an arm around his neck and Dietrich flailed is legs upward, rolling up and over, reversing the man's grip and sending him twirling to the floor.  He punched his face hard enough to knock him out.

But the disturbance was enough to get everyone's attention in the inn and it was enough to get Dietrich back on his feet.  He moved over to Artemis and grabbed her by his bloodied hand.  "C'mon, let's get the hell out of here before more people try to prove their manhood."

Artemis gasped as she was dragged forward, her body lurching back into reality, something she wished she could have hidden away from. And as she stumbled behind him in a run, she visibly flinched at the site of the dead men, and the others laying in groaning, pained heaps upon the ground. She wasn't about to argue that they needed to get out of there, and was relieved when they made it into the streets without a fuss. Though she could hear the chaos growing inside, even well after the pair were running against the cobblestone.

"Dietrich! I can't run that fast!" she called out to him, feeling her sweaty fingers loosen their grip within his bloodied hand. But she whimpered when she heard the tavern door slam open- it seemed more men might be just as furious as the last. And here she was, stumbling over her own two legs to keep up pace with the vampire.

It was bound to happen.  Dietrich grumbled, remembering she was merely human and paused for half a second to move behind her and swing her up into his arms, cradling her legs and body against him as he ran well and fast into the night, taking a slightly longer path out of town.  The men behind them gave chase but they were soon out of sight when Dietrich ducked into an alleyway and paused, waiting to divert them from their path.  He looked down at Artemis.  "Are you all right?"

Before she had a chance to protest, Artemis found herself scooped up within his arms. Her heart fluttered along with it, as did her hair as the winds whipped wildly about her as he ran. By the time they were out of danger, out of sight, Artemis's heart was beating nearly out of her chest, so at his words she found herself ignorant of, only staring out, eyes wide as if she had seen a ghost. But it wasn't until she realized they weren't moving that the question finally registered as she simply nodded her head.

"Good.  Now next time someone tries to put their hands up your skirt, please be a little more clearer that you need help instead of just pointing at me.  Not only that, but it's very rude!  And...oh, the food!  I didn't even get to try the banana flambé!"  Dietrich couldn't mourn for long and took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face with it, his neck too of the blood of Claytus' friend.  "There that's better.  You ready for another run?"

Artemis frowned at his words, then furrowed her brow once it all sunk in.
"Those men were terrifying, we could have been injured, or worse, killed and you're worried about the flambé?" She slowly shook her head in disbelief. Then at his question about running, she simply sighed. "I don't know. I feel rather ill," she admitted as she grit her teeth. She had been famished, but now her stomach was twisting into a terrible series of knots.

Dietrich reached into his pocket and pulled out a small sack he'd stashed away for later.  They were smashed cookies but still fresh and gave them to her.  "Try to eat, please," he pressed.  "I hope you're not allergic to chocolate."

Artemis's face went long as she stared at the bag before shaking her head. She clutched onto her stomach. "I don't think I could eat, but thank you."

"Please try!" Dietrich pressed, hoping she would at last take a nibble.  "Or at least put it away in your pocket for later.  We might not get a chance at another meal for a while, and you'll need your strength so that i'll have mine.  I should have drank that man when I had the chance, but all I've got is you and well, it might not be enough, but at least it's something.  You'd be surprised at how famished a vampire can get."

Artemis was taken back. "Wh-what? You're not implying you might have to.. have to.. drink again?" She paled at the thought, having already taken the bag of cookies, which she promptly dropped onto the grass.

Dietrich looked at her sternly.  "I'm not implying.  I'm stating very plainly that a vampire must feed regularly or run the risk of going insane, becoming rabid.  I'd be able to kill just about anything to survive.  I didn't say that I would feed only from you...but you are the only fresh-blood living being available to me.  I have to utilize what I can.  You would do the same thing in the same position, think about it.  Hmm...we should get back to the cave though, I feel we've dawdled enough."

"Yes..but.. but but.." she frowned, pouting after him as she remained grounded. "But is there no other way?" It was still difficult for her to wrap her head around this vampire thing, and quite frankly, she didn't like the idea of being his evening meal. She stared down at the ground, her frown deepening before she reached down for the food sack she had dropped with a sigh.

"Well...I suppose there is animal blood, but it is a lot less sating, and you always have people worrying over their missing pets.  A human is just so much easier to explain, people kill each other all the time.  I'm sorry I've put you in this position, but what other choice do I have?  ...I mean...I felt your pulse quicken when I took my tongue to your wrist.  That doesn't usually happen.  You got the shivers, and I think you know the ones I mean."

"Pets? What?" her mind was racing and she flinched back after she realized what he meant, hugging onto the bag of cookies. But then as he explained about people, she pouted, and when he went on about his tongue, her face turned beet red.

He cracked a smile, he couldn't help it.  "I'm sorry...was that a sensitive subject?"  He smirked a little wider and moved over to her, offering a hand to help her up.  "Y'know the wrist is one of the most sensitive parts of your body."

Artemis cringed at his question, then pouted when he pressed the reason why.
"It wouldn't matter, I'm not used to.. to any of this." she said, down casting her gaze once she was on her feet again as she sighed. "Most of my life the past several years has been nothing but organizing and coding books in that dusty library. Though I'm sure you're sick of hearing about that, so let's just be off then." Her mood quickly turned a little sour. But she also had nothing to eat, so there was that. And the fact Dietrich had served to ruffle far too many of her prudent feathers.

He noticed she had dropped the cookies and picked them up himself, opening up the paper sack and took out a smashed piece.  He took a bite, a nibble really and moaned at the taste of it.  It was delicious.  "Here, please try one.  Please, for me."

Artemis watched him, still pouting as she sighed, shaking her head.
"I can't, I just can't. I don't feel so good," she said, wincing as she held onto her stomach. "Can't we rest somewhere? I mean, before we head off to the cave?"  Though to be honest, she had no recollection on how far away they were. "And my feet are killing me," she grumbled as she gave a rub at her ankles. These boots were definitely not cut out for this.

Dietrich frowned and put the cookie piece away when she refused him yet again.  He placed it in the bag and rolled it up, putting it back into his pocket.  "I think there might be another inn around the corner.  If not we might have to camp out in an alleyway.  I hope you don't mind the smell."  He put an arm around her and held her close.  "Besides I could use a bath."

OOC: Just like a man, putting an arm around a lady- THEN warns her about his smell 8D
*snicker snicker* though ok, he probably needs the bath from the blood but I *HAD* to comment. HAD TO

----------------

Artemis peered up at him. SHe was hesitant to agree, even though she wanted to, but eventually nodded her head.
"Do you think this one might be more.. erm.." she twisted the tip of her boot into the cobblestone as the thought over the proper word to use. "More tame than the last?" Cause if not, even she would prefer doing something as silly as sleeping in the alley. And well, she also didn't like Dietrich being this close. It made her very uncomfortable as she shifted uneasily beneath his arm.

[He needs a bath from a lot of things, not just the blood.]

He knew she was uncomfortable, and that was why he did it, squeezing her tighter under the hold of his arm, leading her through the alleyway and out on to the opposite end of the street to a smaller, more delicate inn than the one they had just come from.  He opened his other pocket and gave her a small bag of coins. 

"Here," he said.  "Get a room and I'll wait in the back and you turn the light on, to tell me which one it is.  I can't very well walk in there looking like I just killed a man, which I just did.  Being covered in blood is not the classiest state in the world.  Go on then." He shoved it in her hands and pushed her off.

At the sight of the inn, her nerves actually calmed. It looked quaint, if not a bit small, so she knew they ran the risk of their not being any vacant rooms inside, but it was a risk she was willing to take. And his suggestion made sense, for her to go in first to get them a room. So with a nod, she took the coin and disappeared inside, taking for a long moment with the old lady at the front desk. A room was ordered, and two baths, as well as an inquiry about a meal. There had been some soup left over, which the old lady promised to bring up to the room after Artemis had been well and settled, so with a bow and a thanks, she walked up the stairs, then another set of stairs that curled around in shallow hallways until she eventually made it to the top floor, where a small attic room, fit with a single tub behind a curtain, and a single bed and chair within the room was produced. It was only after she lit a candle near the window that she frowned. One bed....

And it was, of course, the only room vacant. Sighing, she simply reminded herself they might not be lucky enough to stay in this room the night anyways. She was here with a vampire. If anything, they should hve slept here during the day. So she took a seat on the chair nearby, nibbling at her finger nails as she waited for Dietrich to join her. ANd he was fortunate, the water in the bath had just been warmed and taken up before she had come up. And as much as she wanted a bath herself, she realized there was only one bath and well... heavens knew she'd be too fearful to get undressed around him, especially with just a curtain between them.

Within seconds, Dietrich appeared at the window and hung on the sill when the candle appeared up top.  Great, an attic room.  Well, he supposed it was the best they could do when it came down to it.  It wasn't like he gave her a whole lot of money.  He could do without a suite for this night; he did used to sleep in alleys and sewers after all.  He rolled his eyes at the thought and gave a gentle knock on the window, then felt foolish when at last he realized the window was slightly open.

He crawled in through the window and closed it with a click.  "Well, that was tedious.  That angry mob came back from their little fruitless hunt and started looking through all the alleys!  We might have to stay here for another day until they think we're gone for good.  I hope the book is all right where it is," he said, unable to believe he was expressing the thought himself.

He busied himself with unbuttoning his bloody shirt and looked over to Artemis.  "I know you've been through a lot.  Sorry by the way about the incident at the inn.  Can't believe I'm even saying that, but well...there we go.  I'm afraid i'm going to ask you for something you're not going to like.  I'll have to discard these clothes since they're bloody and I may be naked most of the time I'm here.  I'm going to have to ask you to procure me some attire when morning comes.  I hope that's not too much to ask."  And then worked on his trousers, before slipping into the bath with a pleasant sigh.

Wait... what!?
He was going to have to get undressed?! He was going to have to get undressed. He was going to have to get undressed... and stay like that for most of the night?!
Her eyes widened as he began to unbutton his bloodied clothing, unable to tear her eyes away. It was like some terrifying nightmare. Everything that she feared that could go wrong with her life, did in that day and was continuing well into this moment. She could't even speak, despite her lips moving silently in protest. And his apologies were easily cast aside as she felt herself go faint, light headed before her eyes rolled back once his trousers were dropped. ANd the second he slipped into the bath, she fainted into a hard drop upon the floor.

Hee thought he'd made sure to be quick and as indiscreet as possible and when Artemis fainted on the ground with a thump, he gave an exasperated sigh and threw his head back.   He could see her through the partition just a little and threw some water at her from the tub just as there was a knock at the door.  "I think that's for you!  Wake up!"

She felt the splash of water with a groan, wrinkling her face. But she didn't rise off of the floor, that was, until there was a knocking at the door again. With a gasp, she shot up.
"What do I do!?" she asked in a panic.

OOC: lol, she WOULD panic if there was a knock at the door >>;
it's probably like.. HOUSE KEEPING
but yeah XD

"Really?  There's a knock at the door and you don't know what to do?" Dietrich said with an obvious eye-roll.  "Are you telling me you've never answered doors before?  Open it for crying out loud!"  He hissed at her and pulled the curtain tighter to conceal himself as he sunk his face down below the surface of the tub and kept quiet as the voice came out from the other side.

"Oh, it's just your soup dearie?  Remember you wanted some?" the old woman asked on the other side.

Artemis blushed. She frowned over at Deitrich's meanness. She couldn't help but feel so flighty. This was all new to her, and she'd never stayed in an Inn before. She never could afford it. Steeling herself, she approached the door slowly, before opening it, smiling a bit and bowing to the woman on the other side.
"Thank you. I can take it in myself. That is very generous of you t bring it up... erm.. so fast."
The old woman looked at her, smiling warmly, but handed the bowl over to her. But just as she was leaving, she paused in the middle of the halla nd asked.. "So, who is the gentleman such a nice lady is escorting this night? Got a brother... or lover?"

Artemis's face went beat red.
"Y-yes! It's my brother. He came in not too long ago."

The old woman smiled, nodded, then walked away towards the steps. "Do come down if you need anything else deary. ANd have a wonderful night."

After the old woman left, she closed the door with a sigh, then peered over at the partitioned area where Dietrich was and frowned. Gods, her nerves were going to be shot soon, and nothing  that horrible happened yet!

Dietrich emerged from the water as soon as the door was closed and brushed his wet hair back and out of his face.  Water turned his auburn hair to black and he smiled, blowing water out of his nose, loving the feel of a fresh hot bath.  "This is all right," he said, relaxing in the warm waters with approval.  "You did all right, Miss Longfellow.  Maybe you can't speak to a man for five seconds without fainting, but at least you can pick a room.  Go on and enjoy your soup, you're not looking at anything.  I'm in the tub.  Just don't forget those clothes I asked for."

Artemis sat at the small corner table in the room, simply staring at the soup. ANd despite being incredibly hungry, again, events prohibited her from enjoying a bite. Sighing, she turned towards the partition, happy to note she honestly couldn't see anything, and making her skin burn to think how much she over reacted. But she couldn't help it. She was... well, just that way, she supposed, uneasy around the other sex. She had been sheltered a bit, though always uneasy once she realized her likeness for them, though with it, her own confidence deflated, despite not being that bad looking. It came with the turf. She just wasn't in the position to marry anyways, and always fretted and thought too much over the matter. Even now as she chewed on her fingernails.

"Do you think a place would be open at this hour? I'm afraid most stores ought to be closed."

"I'm afraid we've spent too much time in the town so far and it would take us to dawn to travel back to the cave once more," Dietrich mused.  "Just wait till morning.  I'm sure there's a robe around here somewhere.  All right I think I'm done.  Check the closet, its got to be around here somewhere."

Artemis checked the closets with a frown.
"There's nothing in here,"s he said, her frown deepening. "I.. I could ask that lady?" she said, adjusting her sweater, which hung loosely over another blouse that buttoned up beneath it. "Shall I at least try?"

OOC: .. just lulz, I dunno why she'd ask for permission- sadly It'd be something I would do lol

Dietrich rolled his eyes tiredly.  "But of course, darling.  Unless of course it was your evil plan all along to see me in my barest of flesh."  He laughed and winked an eye at her.

Artemis felt the familiar acidic burn within her nose, her flesh becoming white and clammy, though she gripped onto a piece of furniture to keep herself from fainting.

"R...right. I'll go right away." she said, and tried opening the door, but kept pulling it in the wrong direction. The door was push, and she whimpered frustratedly before realizing, with a click.. to push it open. She paused, feeling sheepish, and tucked her hair aside.

"I.. I shall return quickly." And hopefully with clothing in tow. Though the conversation with the lady down stairs wasn't much better. It was awkward at best, asking for clothing, even after the woman tried offering to launder the clothing (Since Artemis had came up with the story that the soup spilled on his clothing) then had to press that he was soaked in mud (hence the second bath) and his clothing was torn beyond repair. And that any sort of clothign would do.


Too bad the only thing she could offer him was a woman's button up blouse and a pair of men's old trousers. Scaling back up the staircase to the top floor, she opened the door with a huff, tucking her hair back again and clearing her throat.

"I.. I managed to get something." she stated, staring over at the privacy screen with some hesitation, though she was happy he had remained behind it.

Dietrich got out of the water and dried himself off with the closest towel when he heard her leave, thankful she at least had enough sense to her to just get it done.  He honestly didn't think it was that hard, but maybe he expected too much of her.  Either way she had done what he'd asked her to do and though the style of the blouse wasn't all up his alley, he smiled anyway as he peered at her from around the partition.

"This will do, thank you, darling," Dietrich said as his hand reached around to snatch the clothes from her and quickly redressing into his woman's shirt and old trousers.  They were a little frumpy and big on his slim build, but it was acceptable for now.

"You did well, my friend," he said with a genuine grin when he stepped out from behind the partition.  He looked at her sternly after a while and gave a frown.  "Why are you so uncomfortable around me?  Is it the whole vampireness thing?"

The moment he stepped out from behind the partition, with his tight fitting, floral printed woman's blouse (with a great big, red fabric rose pinned just about the left breast) and too baggy, too big of pants nearly hanging from his hips; ARtemis had to do everything in her power to keep herself from laughing. Slapping a hand ove rher lips, she found herself shaking within, though at his question, instead of saying anything, she randomly let out a snort.

Which was embarrassing enough to cause her cheeks to ripen to a pink color.

Though when she gasped, a small giggle escaped before she slapped a hand over her lips again, and through her second attempt to repress it.. she snorted again and turned away.
"I'm.. I'm so sorry it's just that.." and then she turned back to him, hands dropping away from her face, which was now beat red from repressing her laugh as the laughter began to channel out through her in a series of giggling bursts. Shaking her head, she tried to compose herself, and smoothed a hand over her lips in attempts to calm her smile, but peered over at him from over that hand, eyes glossy with the threats of entertained tears as she slowly shook her head.

Clearing her throat, she finally found some strenghth to get herself more focused. More serious.

"I'm. I'm sorry about that,"s he said, with a sigh, sounding more like normal, the more serious Artemis as she straightened her shoulders out. "It's just... I.. I guess that colors no good on you." Then she snickered again, this time the laughter coming out in an unflattering burst as she slapped a hand over her lips again and found herself shaking her head.

[I could have sworn I wrote that his clothes were large.  That would mean the shirt too.]

Dietrich frowned at her laughter and waved his hands off and away.  "Yeah, yeah, yeah, laugh it up while you still have the chance.  I could just as easily walk around naked and I wouldn't give to two shits about it.  In fact," he said just a moment before he undid his belt and dropped his pants.  "There!  Now be quiet!"

OOC: You did D: but I thought I had written the women's shirt was small,but I guess not |:
but either way, it would still look silly XD

----------

ARtemis was having a terrible time composing her laughter, trying to shake it off, especially at his threats (though even she failed to take him seriously). That was, until he dropped his pants. And hse stared..a nd stared..
but being too giddy, another snort came out through a laugh and she slapped her hands over her lips and turned away. But the laughter had her, and would not let her become removed so easily from it's clutches.

Well, that was that.  He promptly undressed and threw himself on the bed, wrapping himself up in the blanket over and over again until he was cocooned.  "Good night!"

It wasn't until Artemis realized what he had done that she turned to him, repulsed.

"D.. Dietrich!" she stammered. "You can't just.. just lay int he bed like that! Please, do get dressed! This is hardly appropriate." Then she grew angry, narrowing her eyes. "And rude! Just because I laughed at you doesn't mean you have to be so childish! Now.. if you please!" she said, fetching up the clothing and offering it over to him.

"Don't talk to me, I'm already asleep," Dietrich said with a shrug and just cuddled into the blankets.  "I guess you'll just have to sleep on the floor then, or pull some blankets from the closet.  Oh, yeah, I'm asleep."

Artemis's face fell. And it was burning. Did he not realize how indecent he was and how inappropriate he was being!?
"Dietrich! Do not joke about this! I've brought the clothing to you! Just.. put it on.."s he said, offering it out to him, pouting a bit as she looked over at him with big brown eyes. "Please?"
She hoped he'd oblige.. she really didn't wnat to sleep on the floor...
then again..
there was only one bed..
where WOULD the odd man out sleep?

Dietrich pulled out a pillow from underneath his head and tossed it at her face as he made himself comfortable once more.  He closed his eyes and rested his tired body, completely rolled in the blanket and making sure to take up the whole bed, saying nothing in response.  Nothing but a loud obviously pretend snore.

Artemis stared at him in disbelief. And now wiht the pillow in tow, she glared at his head.

"Now you're just being stubborn and more rude!"s he said, and leaned forward, smacking him over the face with the pillow. "And that's an awful sounding fake snore. Don't vampire's know how humans really sound like when they sleep?"

"Of course we do," Dietrich snarled after the pillow smashed into his head, his hand gripping the sheets around him.  "Because they make perfect prey when they are asleep."  His eyes opened and he looked at her dangerously before his arms reached out and grabbed her, pulling her over him, his hand around her throat.  "So have a little respect."

Artemis let out a yelp, finding her face just inches from his, and her body resting over top of his. Thank god he was wrapped up in that bed sheet. She felt herself beginning to sweat, her eyes frozen as they were wide open like a fish, and her throat tightened because well.. that's where his fist now resided. She winched, gritting her teeth, but had no idea what to say, considering she did not wish to become his lunch. Gods.. she was never going to sleep again. And she felt as if she might cry, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

Dietrich loosened his grip and let her go.  "Don't snivel," he muttered with a frown.  "It'll give you wrinkles in bad places.  Not to mention, it's extremely unattractive.  Here, I'll scoot over.  Just take one of the partition sheets down and wrap yourself in it.  Complain, and I'll shove you to the floor.  Take it or leave it."  He did scoot over, still laying n his side to allow her plenty of space for herself and got comfortable on his side of the bed.  "Besides, it's not like I'm showing you anything."

Artemis watched him for the longest time with a frown. He didn't need to show her anything because.. well, he already did. She supposed she should take what was offered to her, but she drew away, sitting at the edge of the bed for a while before taking the partition sheet off and...
curling up on the floor. It wouldn't be right to share the same bed with a man, and in silence she could suffer alone on the floor. And it was uncomfortable, and her mind was racing, but eventually she settled in and began to drift off to sleep. Sleep was sleep, and she was exhausted.

"You  would crawl away and sleep on the floor.  I know you're going to be cold though.  It's a shame I can't give you body heat, but let's try this.  It might be fun!"  Dietrich slid off the bed and rolled over to where she laid and contoured his body exactly to hers, cuddling her close all while still wrapped in his sheet, spooning with her.

OOC: You *would* post after I tried to sneak one in before my shower this morning! hmph!
XP
and the mental vision of this scene.. lol
----------

Artemis's eyes snapped open the moment the vampire was on the floor with her. Their bodies nestled close, she visibly tensed, gritting her teeth. There was no way she'd be able to sleep like this.. especially with his teeth so close to...
sitting up, she spun around to look at the vampire, but then words failed her. Was he actually trying to help her, or make fun? She assumed the latter...
"Must you mock me?" she asked, her voice wavering, as if about to crack. She shook her head in disbelief. It seemed this man was out to torture her. First the near nakedness, then the bed.. now he followed her onto the floor! Was she to have no reprieve!?

Frankly it was a little bit of both, and a small quirk in his grin gave it away.  But it was enough to  get him to crack open an eye before sitting up quickly, wrapping his arms around her again and yanking her down with him, holding her in a vice hug and nuzzling his chin in her neck.  "Be quiet and sleep.  That's an order."

Artemis let out a yelp as the two fell back onto the floor. She flinched at the contact of his chin to her neck, and tried to lean back away from him as he held her.
"But I.. I can't!"s he stammered, pouting as she looked at him, brows raised in worry. "My heart is racing a mile a minute. This is hardly proper.. and and... did you forget you're a vampire?" She tried to looked at him imploringly, hoping he'd just let her go.

OOC: looool

He held her tightly with one arm and gripped her back, squeezing her tighter to him.  He couldn't stop grinning and just wiggled his other arm up and reached out two fingers -specifically his middle finger and pinky - to splay over her eyelids, holding them down, while his thumb and index finger awkwardly reached down and pinched her lips closed.  "Silence, now, lamb.  And sleep."

At his reaction, she completely freaked out, squirming away from him, arms flailing as she jerked around and shoved her hands against his shoulders and giving a half muffled scream as she pushed away, kicking off of him with her legs and spillin gout of whatever had been wrapped around her from the partition blanket and spilled out with an 'oof' on the bare floor.

"D-Don't touch me!" she stammered, scrambling to sit up now, pouting over her shoulder as she braced herself, as if ready to run away. Then she added, after she caught her breath. "Please." And her eyes wavered, threatening with tears.

"Geeze, fine.  Be that way," he said, with a frown and an eyeroll.  He could see it had been a little too much too soon and rolled back to the bed, hopping up before throwing himself back onto it and grunting, and getting comfortable where he closed his eyes and proceeded to curse at her mentally and through faint whisperings.

OOC: Everything is too soon with a woman like Arty 8D
--------

Artemis watched him return to the bed with a sigh of relief. She had never met a man suhc as he, let alone a vampire, and she was tense because of it. She found herself visibly shaking, and took a moment to close her eyes, trying to calm herself as she released a held breath. Gods.. this was going to be a long journey.. and most definitely a long night. Sleeping on the floor seemed like cake walk compared to having a vampire trying to snuggle you while doing it. But as she nestled back into the sheet upon the floor, she thought back to Dietrich's touch.

It was rather... cold.. and she shivered at the memory, closing her eyes and TRYING to get to sleep, though her mind was racing.

It was a strange feeling for Dietrich to sleep during the night.  But luckily the best of the evening passed uneventfully.  And it wasn't until he felt the sun's rays scorching against his flesh did he jump awake and roll off the opposite end of the bed, screaming and cursing in pain, and hiding himself in the darkness of the shadow.

"Close the curtains!" he shouted.

Artemis woke up with a start. Her hair in a tangled, unruly mess, and her eyes bleary from sleep.

"Wh-what!?" She too, winced at the sun's rays, and in that moment, was too tired to realize what he was screaming and cursing about. Was there some sort of rat or something in the room?
"What's wrong?"
But then she realized, and her eyes widened. Scrambling off the floor, she rushed over to the curtains and slammed them shut, and paused there for a minute at the last of them (thankfully there was only three) and peered over at Dietrich as she was catching her breath. Gods, he was going to give her a heart attack before the day was even to start!

When at last the shades were closed, Dietrich wiggled up from the floor and sat up, peering across the bed at her with narrowed eyes.  "Thank you," he said with a bitter expression before standing up and dropping the sheet to the floor, throwing it back over the bed and heading for the dropped trousers.  He at least put those on and held the end of them tightly in a fist.  "I'm going to need  a belt too, now that I think about it.  Oh, and good morning I guess."

Artemis gasped, and found herself staring at him as he walked past her, naked, and headed for his trousers. She slapped her hands over her nose, feeling the acidic burn of a nose bleed, though thankfully one did not come. Her face was as red as a beet, and at the mention of a belt, she only nodded, still staring at him as if she had seen a ghost.

Gods.. she'd never get used to this!

"Artemis, listen to me, we're never going to get through this unless you learn to be comfortable with not only yourself but me.  Do I make you uncomfortable?  Why are you so...prudish?  You really need to get out more."  Dietrich rolled his eyes and snatched up the woman's shirt and pulled it over his arms, though didn't button it.

OOC: I did a double take when I mis-read woman's 'shirt' as 'skirt' XD
-------

Artemis stared at him, her cheeks quickly burning at his comment.
"It..it's not that simple. It's.. it's just how I am," she tried to protest meekly, her eyes casting to the ground. She never felt comfortable around men, especially attractive men and well, despite him being a vampire, he was attractive... so that in itself would have made her fumble regardless. Though adding him being a vampire to the mix took the cake. ANd naturally, she wasn't going to admit THAT to him.

And it was ironic he mentioned them getting out more.. cause here she was.. finally doing just that. She chewed on her lip nervously before sheepishly staring over at him, but not knowing what to say.

"I know from experience it's quite hard to get over your inhibitions without someone there to help you along," he said, slowly standing and walking over to her.  "Unless you face your fears, you'll never get over them.  Would it be all right if I helped you along the way?"

Artemis stared at him. And stared and stared. Then reared back a little, trembling still as he approached. Help her? Oh Gods.. he had no idea what he was asking of her. Even his mere presence set her on edge and she felt like running away.

But she couldn't, and she felt a twitch within their pout.
"I.. the thing is I... I don't think you can help me," she said softly, casting her eyes down to the ground. After all, it was easier staring at her shoes than his face. "I'm.. I'm pretty sure this is just something that's my own problem and I.." she sighed. "It's not that big of a deal. We'll.. we'll get through this mission either way. I mean.. we just have to figure out what to do with the book- then this silly little adventure will be over, right?" and thought hse looked up at him wiht a forced smile, i twas obviously fake. But she was still hopeful, searching his eyes perhaps, for some sort of answer. He could agree with that logic, right?

"I understand," Dietrich said with a nonchalant shrug but he didn't move an inch from where he stood before her.  "But I havav feeling wen're going to have more awkward moments like this if we don't learn to deal with it now.  I'm not going to let your inhibitions get in our way in case we need to do something that is less to our liking.  Just be still and more importantly be quiet."  Dietrich leaned in and gently used a finger to tip her head up toward him.  without another word, he pressed his mouth softly to hers.

Every thought, prayer and power in all of the universe came to a halt the very moment he sealed his lips unto hers. It was true as they say, that first kisses are memorable, and at that moment in her life, 27 year old Artemis Longfellow had received her very first kiss. She supposed it shouldn't have had such an impact upon her, seeming as she obviously was not in love with the man (and for half the time, was down right afraid of him); but even attractive holds value within a person, and the kiss set her aflame.

Her cheeks turned ripe red, her body stilled, and for the briefest moment, she felt herself almost kissing back. Except she was too scared too. Then after a time, her eyes widened as she peered back at him. Too afraid to say anything, but also having no idea what to say. And she was also too afraid and stiff to breath.

Dietrich pulled back with a small, wry grin and his eyes searched her face for a moment.  He shrugged and stepped back.  "There, that wasn't so bad now was it?" he asked and proceeded to button up the shirt with it's awkward fit.  "Now that that's out of the way, if it wasn't too horrid, maybe you won't feel so uncomfortable around me too much.  Now, about that belt.  I think it's safe to say stores are open now.  I lent you my gold, please go into town and find me something more suitable to wear.  I can't be wearing a woman's shirt for the rest of the journey."

His words passed through her, over her, under her, into her...
but it did not sink in. She was still staring at him, face hot as the Moraki desert and as soon as she let her mind catch up to the moment, her legs gave way and she fell to the floor, a hand cupping over her lips. But then as she sat there a minute, thinking it over, reflexes kicked in as she suddenly slapped him across the cheek after having found the strength to rise to her feet. Her eyes were blazing mad.

"Have you no manners!? What do you think you are doing? That was highly inappropriate and lest I remind, it was very rude, uncivilzed and against all codes of ethics! We have only just met after all and .. and well.. well.. you're not.. not even human!" she said with a sniff, finding herself moving about uneasily after finding her legs, her eyes avoiding his angrily as she folded her arms over her chest. "And here I had done you a favor by drawing the blinds closed. I had even gave you blood before and.. and all you can do is.. is be cruel to me!" she said angrily.
Then paused after a time, hands curling over her lips as her anger faded, but only subtly.
Why had he kissed her?

The slap came like a whip-crack and left Dietrich stunned there for a long time. He furrowed one brow at her while the other raised itself and he grit his teeth, trying to contain his anger, looking at her with hunger and rage all the same.  "Yes, something about ethics and morals," he muttered with mild-interest.  "As if those ever really matter.  And yes, you've pointed out to me on several occasions I'm no longer human."

He rolled his eyes and stepped over to the pile of dirty clothes he'd left the night before and found his boots, caked in dirt and mud.  He took the low end of his trousers, the old ones and proceeded to clean them as best he could.  "Could you please just get me some proper clothes?" he asked quietly, continuing to wipe off his boots until the leather shined.  "I mean, I wouldn't want you to be doing any favors for me.  I didn't save your life or anything.  I just want some proper clothes.  I'd do the same for you."  He just shrugged nonchalantly.

Artemis went quiet for a time. He was right. He had saved her life... several times. Though was he not the one who started this all? Though it was too late to point fingers, and technically, the demonized book was now both of their problems, so it didn't matter how it really all started. Besides, it didn't stop her from feeling guilty from the slap and stared down at the floor.
"Yes, I suppose I could go now." And quietly, she left the room.

Her mind was in a whirl as she made her way down the road. SHe reached a hand up touching her lips and remembered how soft and gentle the kiss had been. ANd then her reply, which was hardly as soft, nor gentle, and had been twice as rude as a simple kiss. But he just... he just DID it, with no convictions and and...
Was it really so bad if she had liked it? but no no... No no no. For starters, he was.. soem sort of creature, a killer in the night. It wasn't even and option to entertain. And what had he meant by doing that anyways? How was KISSING her to make her feel any better? If anything, it now made her feel more awkward and confused, and a lot more angry than scared, though she still felt afraid, she supposed if his objective was to make her less afraid of things, he might have succeeded but Gods...

She raked a hand through her hair. This was a nightmare. And even after she'd had fetched him some clothing, that of which seemed to take forever since she had no great taste in clothing herself, she began to head back towards the inn. But she was dragging her feet. Yes.. guilt was still winning over. She supposed he only partly deserved the slap..
but still! If they were to work together, he HAD to know his boundaries. And just KISSING her was definitely over stepping them!

The kiss was still on her mind as she passed by a vendor stand, trinkets chiming in the wind. She found herself staring at a necklace, one of the moon. A crescent moon with a simple drop crystal coming off the top. When the vendor noticed her staring, she was going to simply pass on by- but she was easily persuaded into purchasing an item; and with the necklace acquired she stared at it for a time. Perhaps she'd feel better if she gave it to Dietrich. He did like the moon didn't he? Though then again, she didn't know much about him. He was a vampire, that much was obvious but...
What about the man behind that monster? Or was there really no man at all? And how were they ever to peacefully work together on this sort of mission? She was useless, like a lead weight, and he was.. well.....
She drew in a breath and pushed open the door, careful not to let any light slip in before peering around.
"Dietrich?" her eyes glanced around the room.

It wasn't too much to ask even for her, or so he hoped.  How hard could it be really, to get clothes?  She was a librarian after all, she ought to be used to sorting out details and gathering books for patrons or whatever the hell librarians did.  Dietrich waited there moving underneath the bed, away from the sunlight tha leaked through the curtain some.  He didn't know if he'd fallen asleep but he jumped at the sound of the door and peeked out from under the bed, staring at her.  "So? Where are they?"

Artemis blinked. Dietrich was no where to be seen. but then he spoke, and she jumped, clutching a hand to her chest when she realized he was under the bed. Sighing, she gave a shake of her head.
"You almost gave me a heart attack." She crossed the room near to him. "Here." She handed down the clothing, held folded in her hands. "I've got what you needed. Hopefully they'll fit and are your style. I'm.. not very good at clothing selections, I'm afraid." If her own frumpy sweater and skirts didn't attest to that, what else did? Though the tattered, dirty look to them gave her somewhat of an edge. Thankfully, they weren't too soiled or ripped.

Dietrich stared at her for a good long while before deciding to crawl out from underneath the bed.  The clothes provided to him weren't working for him and maybe he couldn't account for her taste, but at least she could follow simple instructions.  So he grabbed the clothes from her, a simple, if drab suit of brown.  But at least they were clean and unbloodied.

For the second time in that room, he just dropped his pants and took off his shirt without reservation and quickly dressed in the new ones before plopping on the bed and snatching up his now clean boots.  "You did well," he said in a nod of approval.  "Hm, you shoulda bought yourself something too.  Unless you like looking frumpy, I don't know!  Maybe you'll like the blouse I had, put it on, see how it fits.  It's better than nothing."

As Dietrich dropped his clothing, her eyes widened again, staring at erm.. that was, until she whirled away, pink faced. Then at his last comment, she simply shook her head, but peered down speculatively at her clothing.
"No.." she said with a sigh. "My clothing is fine. It will need mended and cleaned at some point, but it ought to suffice." And she said this still with her back to him, not sure if it was safe to turn around yet. THe man had a knack for just being.. well, naked. And to think, she just LET herself LOOK at it this time and well.. er...
Men's parts were definitely awkward, that was for sure.

Dietrich smirked at her and nodded at her assessment.  "Well fine," he muttered, tugging his boots on.  "Oh and look, sorry about the kissing thing. I was just trying to put things at ease about the whole you being around a man thing.  I wasn't trying to insinuate anything.  You know once you have experience, things don't seem that big of a deal."

Artemis flinched at his statement and looked away. She felt the back of her neck burn, and her cheeks, though she had no idea what to say to that statement. How would a kiss fix anything? If anything, it had obviously made it worse! And it most certainly would NOT fix her insecurities.

"I think you and I have different ideas on how one is to fix a problem." she muttered, keeping her eyes averted to him and her back to him as well.

"Hm, yes apparently, but any solution short of death is worth a shot, don't you think?" Dietrich asked.  He sighed and leaned back against the bed.  "So since I'm going to be stuck in here for another good amount of hours, what do you propose we do in that time?  Perhaps you'd like to venture back to the cave and get the book?  Or maybe we can just wait until nightfall, either way I can't leave the room.  Maybe you should have bought a deck of cards or some kind of game to play while we're waiting."

Artemis stared at him for a time. Oh right, he was stuck in here. Daylight and all. She looked down at her boots and thought it over.
"I .. er.. I suppose I could see if there is a library. See if they have any books we could read. Though I would prefer not venturing off onto my own.. I'm.. not exactly fit for this sort of adventure and well... I wouldn't trust myself alone in such a place."

Dietrich threw his feet up on the bed and chewed on his lip, relaxing with his hands behind his head.  He partly turned his gaze to her and raised a brow to her.  "Oh, really?  And just what kind of 'adventure' are you accustomed to?  You can't tell me you dreamed of taking care of your parents for the rest of your natural born life."

Artemis turned towards him with a frown.
"I'm from a city and I belong in one, though at least I knew what sort of streets and places to avoid where I was from." she looked awkwardly down at her shoes, tucking in her lower lip beneath her top teeth, not bothering to answer his last question. "I should be off. I'll get us something nice to read, or perhaps a game." She supposed cards or marbles or something...
what did vampires do to pass the time anyway?

"Yes, that would be nice, you go do that.  Run whatever errands you must.  Obtain holy water if need be, I'll just be sleeping," Dietrich said with a careless shrug and turned over on his side, his back to her and closed his eyes to rest.

OOC: I just realized we're on 15 pages for this thread already can you believe it?
They've survived this long (somehow)
XD
--------------

As Artemis returned to town,s he made herself busy in the library, nose in the books. There was a lot to gather there, but when the library refused to lend her any of the books, she left a bit down case, though as she was walking, she remembered the necklace and pulled it out from her pocket and examined it. She had forgotten to give it to Dietrich. Stuffing it back into her pocket, she glanced around noticing a book shop. A book on vampires caught her eye and she dind't know what compelled her to buy it, but she did. She also bought a little wooden box. The game seemed interesting enough- the old woman said it was ancient Essyrni in origin and the object of the game was to obtain as many of the metal medallions in your sides recess before the hour glass went out.

So with a bit more lightness to her stride, she returned to the room.
"Dietrich, it's me. Artemis." she said, stepping in. "I've got a few books and games we can use to pass the time." And here she paused, handing him a history book on Connlaoth. "I wans't sure what you'd liek to read so erm.. I figured history was always a fun subject for me so.."
She tucked her lips back awkwardly, then recalled the necklace.
"Oh, and here," she handed it out to him. "I er.. thought this would look nice wiht the brown suit." She fidgeted. "I bought it earlier but forgot I had it by a nice vendor at the corner shop at the market."

After she left, Dietrich rolled back underneath the bed, in the seclusion and protection of darkness.  Just in case the sun wanted to play tag, he would not be it.  He'd had enough scars to prevent any further foolishness in that department.  His eyes barely closed to sleep however when they burst open as Atemis finally came in.

He peeked his head out from underneath the bed once more as she revealed the items that she'd been busy buying and he scowled a her.  "That money is for our journey, not just knick knacks, so use it sparingly if you please.  Oh, gods, what is that?"  Dietrich eyed the necklace she purchase and reached out a hand from under the bed to snatch it from her.  He cursed and dropped it when the metal stung him.  He hissed and glared at it.

"Blessed," he said, massaging his hand.  Then his scowl turned up to her.  "You don't even like me and you're buying me things now.  That's very suspicious.  Particularly to men, around whom you are most obviously uneasy around.  You're trying to get something.  What do you want?"

"Blessed?" Artemis didn't entirely understand as she frowned. "It was only a few coppers. The merchant was from the local church." Her frown deepened. "And I didn't mean anything by it. Just that... well.."s he sighed. "I just... wanted to apologize for being so difficult."
Then she looked down at the thing. "Though if you don't like it. I suppose I could take it back."

Dietrich frowned and slumped on his side to look at the book on the bed, reaching up to grab it.  He was satisfied there was a slight less fiery touch to it and pulled it down with him.  "Hm, it doesn't matter, all women are difficult.  It's inherent in your genes.  But you keep it, it might come in handy some day.  It was a lovely gesture though," he said with a shrug and pulled himself back underneath the bed.  "I'll take the book though," he said, dragging that along with him.

Artemis blinked at his comment about women, then as he disappeared under the bed she asked, "Oh? And you think men are not so.. difficult?"

"Of course they are, but are usually much less flighty.  If a man says something, he usually means it," Dietrich said from underneath the bed.  He'd been scanning the book for nothing in particular when he moved out from underneath and looked at her from the darkness.  "A woman can't be trusted, a woman's word might as well be made out of lead for it is worth only as much.  Every woman I've ever known has been a cheat and a liar."

Artemis frowned at his words, actually growing irritated by them.
"That isn't true. In fact, I'm a horrible liar, and I doubt I'd be any good at a cheat. I tried playing a game of cards once, using buttons instead of money, and even then I couldn't fake my way out of a bad hand." She shook her head. "Though, perhaps vampire women are different than human women." she said, mulling it over.

"All women are the same, vampirism just makes them think they can get away with more shit," Dietrich snapped.  "It's hard to believe that it can actually make them worse, but it's true.  I've never met a woman worth her salt.  I wouldn't mind living out the rest of my immortality alone so long as I would never have to be left at the mercy of a woman's uselessness.  How would you be any different?  Foolish?  Weak?  Stuck in your books?  You don't even have the ambition to pursue something real and tangible!  What makes you any better?"

Artemis frowned, and found herself growing angry at his claims.
"I'd like to think I'm very different!" she snapped back with a stomp of her foot. "So I might know how to defend myself, or go around to seedy bars to get needless attentions, but I am what I am. And I'm not about to pretend to be something else. I'm realistic in my goals, Mr. Chapel, and I very much take offense that you'd assume I'd be like any other hussy you have met. My life was to help my family, and I wanted it to be that way. Not.. not.. following some vampire who paraded through my library and got us both cursed by some demonic book!" And with a huff, she turned around. "You can stay in this inn by yourself if you're going to be like that. I'm going out for a walk." And she stormed out the door, slamming it behind her.

He didn't give a good goddamn.  Dietrich tore at the book she'd given him and hurled it across the floor from his position under the bed.  Daylight was already waning and when at last it did, he slid out from underneath the bed and stalked to the window.  He was hungry, starving in fact and opened the window before flying down to the alley below, landing with a soft crouch.

He scouted what windows were still lit, dormant and stalked through the town on the prowl until he found a dark window, curtains still fluttering to the breeze and slipped quietly inside the house.

It was an hour later before she had returned. The sun had begun to set, and she hadn't realized it was just dark enough for a vampire to prowl, so when she returned to an empty room, she blinked.
"Dietrich?" and got down on her hands and knees and peered underneath the bed. But all that remained was the torn remains of the book. She picked it up and carefully set it on her lap with a sigh as she sat upon the table. She fell to melancholy, eyes distantly staring at the window when she finally realized where he must have gone, and the idea terrified her to no end.
He was a vampire.
It was dark.
He had to feed.
Rushing over to the window, she threw her head out and shouted, "Dietrich!?" and her voice echoed over the rooftops, scaring a pair of nearby crows.

Dietrich prowled inside the house, eyes adapting to darkness. It was a small hut of sorts, comfortable and delicately designed and inside was a young man and his wife resting together on their cot for the night.  They were closely knit and Dietrich knew he'd have to be careful if he was going to feed and not wake them.

It was something he'd done a thousand times before, kept himself alive and moved discreetly over the young woman as she slept.  He was soft, gentle, as thin as a ghost before having his fill of her, on some place where the mark would seem inconspicuous, on her exposed wrist. She moaned softly, turning into her husband and gently kissing his chest while she remained still in deep sleep.

Dietrich grinned and was about to move away when distinct shouting of his name alerted him.  Shit, Artemis! he cursed in his mind and darted for the window just a second before the couple awoke to the noise.  He hid underneath it and looked around in the dark before darting down the street.

Not seeing him, Artemis sighed and wilted back in through the window, a glum look upon her face. She felt more stressed than she ought to, and made her way back to the bed, attempting to read t keep her mind off of things, but her eyes kept straying towards the window. Perhaps she ought to sleep? Though she didn't know how long it took for her to eventually drift off, laying there, a book open, spread across her chest as her mouth remained open as well, breathing gently.

Dietrich crept back in the window and hung there watching her with narrow eyes as she slowly slumbered off.  "Psst!" he hissed at her.  And when he got to no response, he plucked a piece of wood from the sill and chucked it at her face, hoping it would be enough to wake her up.  "Psst!  Get up!  We have to leave, we've got to get the book and get to Cronus before the night's end.  Hurry."

But he wood he threw at her clattered off the book and rested there, never hitting her. So continued to sleep she did, dreaming of times long past.. a time, when there were no vampires.

"Stupid wench," Dietrich seethed before he jumped in through the window and snatched her out of bed without further notice and tossed her over his should before heading back through the window and dropping down to the alley below.

Artemis's eye shot open, and suddenly she found herself flung over a shoulder. It was only as he was bounding back towards the window she realized, "Dietrich!?" and then suddenly, he was leaping out of it and the two went into a free fall- that of which made her scream, something that echoed down the way, alerting the men on nightwatch.
"Hey.. who goes there?" a man asked, shining a lantern down their way.

"You and your big mouth," Dietrich grumbled and set her down, looking at her fiercely.  He looked behind him and saw the watchman continue down the alleyway.  "Sorry, sir," he called out raising a hand.  "We just had a bit of a slip in the alley, but she's all right."

Thank the gods this time he didn't have blood smeared all over his face and clothes.

Artemis was shaking so terribly, and tears in her eyes, but by the time the watch man approached and shine da light over their faces, he noticed Artemis's tears. He narrowed his gaze.
"You sure she's alright?"
And Artemis flinched under the watchman's scrutiny, something that made her eyes tear up even more.

"Don't shine that light in her face, sir," Dietrich replied with a frown and pulled Artemis slightly out of it's glare a little.  "She's fine.  She just a fright is all.  See?  She'll be all right.  We've just had a late night and been under a great deal of stress lately.  But thanks for your concern, Mr. Watchman sir."

Dietrich offered up a handkerchief he pilfered from the house and used it run underneath Artemis's eyes.

The watchmen kept the lantern on the pair of them, but lowered it, his mouth moving as he chewed on his tobacco then spat some aside. He eyed the lady. "That true?"

Artemis only stared, blinking but nodded her head.
"Y-yes. It startled me, as did your light," she replied softly.
The man continued to chew, then with a sort through his nose, he spat again and nodded. "Alright," he tapped his blade before turning, "Carry on." And he moved to lumber back down the way with a bit of a limp.

Dietrich chewed on his lip and scowled at the man before turning back to Artemis with a raised brow.  "Impressive.  I thought you couldn't lie.  Well done, Miss Longfellow," Dietrich said with a bow of his head.  "Let's get the hell out of this piece of shit town."

But even as he said it, Artemis was still frozen in shock, simply staring at the back of the watchman as he left. Only when Deitrich was tugging at her arm did she blink out of her stare. Turning to him, she frowned, and then quickly grew angry and moved forward, hand quick as a snake as she pinched his arm, then hit it.
"You frightened me! Why on earth did you do that!?" she wailed, eyes wavering with hot tears that quickly slid down her cheek.

"Gods, you act as if I attacked you.  You sleep any more soundly than that and you'd make it too easy for someone with such intentions."  He laughed at her strike and shook his head.  "I'm sorry, fine, I'm sorry I scared you.  But you should learn to be more responsive!"

"What are you talking about? How can you blame me for being asleep!?" she glared daggers at him, hands balling into fists. "If you wanted me more responsive well.. well then, you should have woken me up! Not dragged me out the window!" ANd she hit him again with a light fist. "Any sane person would have screamed!"

He rolled his eyes and sighed exasperatedly.  "Oh, please!  Can we not do this now?" he asked.  "We've got a long way to go.  Please calm down and let's just get to the cave."

Artemis frowned, but said nothing, biting her tongue to keep back a retort.
"Very well,"s he said stiffly and as she followed him towards the edge of town, she frowned and looked about. "Which way?" She was awfully bad at directions.

"This way," he said, pointing out of the alley and down the road out of town, the same direction from which they came.  "I don't like the thought of leaving the book unattended for too long.  The last thing we need is someone nosy enough to snoop in dark caves!"

Artemis frowned, but kept up with him, following his lead as she brushed some of her bangs out from her eyes.
"YOu don't think anyone would have taken it, do you? I mean... we hadn't seen anyone out that way the last time we were there.." SHe felt herself beginning to worry, which at least kept her mind off the fact the forests looked rather ominous int he dark.

"I don't know," Dietrich admitted and as soon as they made it out of town, he lead the way back to the cave where they hid the book in the comfort of his jacket.  He crawled inside of the cave and cursed loudly as he pulled the jacket out and found nothing inside.  "It's not here!"

"What!?" Artemis stammered, and rushed to his side, staring down in wide eyed shock. Then looking up at him she asked, as if he ought to know. "Where did it go!?" and she began to look around, though there wasn't a single trace of it to be had. "Oh no.. do you think someone's found it?" Says the woman who always states the obvious when she's in a pickle, or in such a flustered mind.

But despite the hook, Dietrich did not take the bait and he looked at her with wild eyes.  "I don't know, but we don't have long to find out.  I'm sure that demon is pissed.   And I'm afraid if anyone else took it they might wake it up."  He looked around, throwing the jacket over his shoulders and carefully looking around for suspicious footprints.  When he found them, he knelt down and pointed at bootprints that were smaller than their own.  "Look!  What do you make of this?"

Artemis stared at the prints with a frown.
"It's almost like a child's foot print." she mused. "You don't think a child might have come in here to get it, do you?"

And a laugh came from the end fo the cave, and Artemis gasped staring over at the tiny man at the end of the way.
"Who are you calling a child?" he smiled meanly at the pair, folding his arms across his chest.

Artemis couldn't help herself but stated, "Oh, my gosh, it's a dwarf!"

The man rolled his eyes. "I guess that's better than calling me a child. So you're the owners of that book?" he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Artemis peered to Dietrich questionably. "Five hundred gold, and you can have it back." he said slyly.

"Five hundred gold!? Goodness, you can just have it for that sort of price!" Artemis replied indignantly.

The dwarf laughed.
"Whatever, sweet heart, I'll go down as small as four hundred, but after that, we ain't cutting a deal. So what'll it be? I could settle for three hundred if you lift your skirts and let me poke."

Artemis went red faced, apalled.

"How dare you ask for such a thing!"

"What? Not many women outside of whores would seek to entertain such a clever and mischievious bandit such as myself." he added, rubbing again at his cleanly shaven chin. "THree hundred and a fuck sounds reasonable, don't you agree?" the man asked, looking over cooly at Dietrich.

"How about none of it and I start throwing stones at you, you awful man!" Artemis said. She could not believe this, but the dwarf only laughed, eyes sparkling.

"Well, what's it gonna be? Id on't have all night and the book won't go anywhere without me."

Pissed, Artemis picked up a stone, glaring daggers at the man, but the dwarf only laughed. "Go ahead and try to stone me, but it won't get you back your book!"

"Hey mate, listen here," Dietrich said with a shrug.  "Now, I get where you're coming from.  But lemme tell ya, there ain't much in the bag with this one here.  She's a cold fish.  We rented a room together, spent the whole day in there just sweating it up, but there was no dice.  Now, don't get me wrong, she's gorgeous.  Look at her, that face, those eyes, those breasts.  I get a hard on just looking at her, but it's like ice in there, frigid.  May as well be the tundra."

The dwarf glared at him and looked him over.  "So what's your point?"

"Well, I was thinking.  Instead of trying to wager money and the girl, why don't you and eye play a game, man for man.  And the winner gets the book...and the girl.  How does that sound to you?  Three contests, wits, brawn, and the impossible."

Artemis's face was bright red by now, and she couldn't take it any longer.
"Dietrich!" she said to him, turning around and smacking him on the arm. "That most certainly DID not happen and-"

The man was laughing.
"Who said I was interested in games?" he gave a clever grin. "It seems I've got the book, you want it, you find a way to pay for it." The he added, his grin grwing wider, "nd feel free to be clever about it."

Dietrich shrugged.  "Well, as it so happens, we don't have any money to spare and I'm afraid you can't sleep with her, so if you're really keen on it, you can just keep the book for all I care.  It's more of a nuisance really.  In fact, I'd be more than happy to let you have it, isn't that right, Artemis?"  Dietrich stood and smiled sweetly to her, nudging her to agree.

Artemis furrowed her brows at him angrily, but caught his look, her mouth falling open.
"Oh, uh.. er.. yes!" she said, turning to the man, tucking back some of her hair. "It's quite disagreeable with us." she added iwth a nervous laugh. "There's a demon in it and all."

The dwarf raised a curious brow.
"Demon?" he laughed. "You mean expensive. If you won't cough out the money, then I must bow out and bid you a good day." And with that, he did, bowing and disappearing outside the cave.

ARtemis turned to Dietrich.
"We've got to stop him! He's got the book!" she hissed.

And a moment later, she heard a horse thundering away.
"See you later, dung eaters!" the dwarf laughed.

Gasping, Artemis exclaimed, "He's getting away!"

Dietrich stopped Artemis, shooting arms out to he to hold her back.  "We're not going anywhere.  If he wants the book, he can have it, one less problem for us.  I doubt he'll hold onto it longer than a day.  The book will probably eat him and come flying back to us, remember?"  He motioned for her to hit the road, continuing to walk.

"Besides, this will be a good time to reflect on our relationship.  You ran out of that room very fast."

"What are you talking about? The book it-"
And then he brought up the other day and she grew quiet, biting her tongue and looking away from him.
"What of it?" she asked hotly. She didn't really wish to speak of it, but they would have to deal with one another, after all. She walked a little faster, hoping he'd just get ot the point, and also so she didn't have to remain that long by his side.

Dietrich grabbed Artemis's hand whether she wanted him to or not and pulled her close.  "I'm talking about your little temper tantrum," he said.  "I...I just wanted to say that I was sorry for what I said.  I didn't say I changed my mind.  But I think for your sake...I'll apologize like a true gentleman...if it's worth anything to you."

Artemis's face went red. she had already tried to forget about that from earlier,but it seems like it couldn't just be cast aside. So she frowned and squirmed awkwardly beneath his grip.

"I don't think apologizing would do you any good right now, Mr. Chapel," she said with a sigh, averting his gaze. "Because we'll just have an argument over this again, I'm sure." And she moved to pull away from his grip. She really didn't want to spend anymore time on this subject, or around him when he was trying to 'fix' something he obviously could not. "Though the apology is appreciated."S he added with a mumble, hoping he'd just drop it so this moment could end.

He did let her go and frowned, looking at the ground with heavy shoulders before looking out to the road.  There was a sudden cry that erupted in the air and the ground shook with anger as what he thought was the screaming dwarf suddenly stilled the air.  Dietrich waited, looking out to the sky as he saw something bright passing over them, something that abruptly turned black as it came plummeting toward them.  He turned and saw it was nearly upon them as Dietrich yanked Artemis out of the way and the book came crashing on the side of the road, growling a them.

And attached to the side of the book was the roasted arms of a dwarf, but the dwarf was nowhere to be found.

OOC: nice post XD *amused*

-------

Artemis clung to Dietrich's arm, her heart in her throat and eyes as wild as dinner plates.

"Oh.. my god.. is that?"
but she didn't have to finish her sentence to confirm. And she grimaced, looking away and burying her face against Dietrich's arm, not knowing how to stomach the fact she just saw a charred arm.

"Told ya that it was only a matter of time before the book came back," Dietrich said, slowly prying her form off of him.  "The dwarf could have kept it for all he wanted, but it wouldn't have kept him."  He smiled at her and carefully crouched beside the book, moving the roasted arms out of the way and picking up the smoking book and muttering the words against it that kept it tame.  "Let's get to Cronus, c'mon!"

Artemis felt so strange, so fearful in that moment that she remained frozen in place. How could Dietrich act so casually? But then she reminded herself.. he was one of htose things that killed. So in silence, she followed him, only glancing back once to where the charred arm was before grimacing and looking away.

Dietrich looked behind him and frowned at her snail's pace.  "Do you mind?" he questioned.  "I'd really like to get there before dawn.  We still have time.  What's the matter?"

Artemis frowned.
"Sorry if my legs are not as long as yours. I'm not used to walking so quickly, and these boots are killing me." She sighed. "How long do we have to walk, anyway? Is this gentleman far?"

"Quite far if you don't beat the sun.  Look, I know this is all happening so fast, but...what other choice do we have?  I don't know anyone else that will be of much help, except for maybe the High Lord of Darken Vei, but I hear he's on vacation.  To be honest, I hate Cronus, but he's our only chance.  Do you want me to carry you again?"

Artemis stumbled over her own two feet at his question. Blinking, she bit into her lower lip and looked away.
"Er.. you mean as in how we did that once before out the window? " she frowned. "I don't think I'd feel very comfortable traveling that way." She sighed. "I suppose there really is no other method to get there faster." So she said as a carriage began to roll into view up on the horizon. There must've been a path,a nd she blinked, noticing the lantern's glow int he front of it.

OOC: I Hope this makes sense D: I'm so tired *goes to nap*

As the carriage paused, Dietrich looked up and over across the road, eyes narrowing at the lantern light. "That's strange," he muttered, moving to give the book over to Artemis as he walked toward the carriage.  Once it seemed to spot them, the carriage too rolled toward their direction and paused just a few yards from them.  "Wait just a moment," he commanded before stepping forth.

He approached the carriage side and his eyes widened at who he saw within.  "Bellona," he muttered.  "You were the last person, I'd expect to find this way.  What do you want?"

The woman inside looked at Dietrich with listless eyes before moving her head out of the carriage to find Artemis.  "I came here to help.  Please come inside.  Cronus was concerned about you," she muttered, eyes glittering in the moonlight.

Artemis remained back, clinging to the book and peering curiously over at the woman. SHe frowned, not quite sure what to make of this, but this woman seemed a familiar of Dietrich, so she waited, chewing on her lip to see what was going on.

"You shouldn't have come," Dietrich seethed and scowled at her.  The woman merely kept her gaze cool and steady on him.

"He sensed you were coming to him anyway.  Might as well take a ride.  Who is this by the way?  Caught another lover?"

Dietrich shook his head.  "This is Miss Artemis Longfellow.  We are just acquaintances."

At the woman's gaze upon her, Artemis found herself moving to stand just a little bit closer to Dietrich. Though at her initial assumption they might be lovers, she frowned.
"Yes, just acquaintances," she agreed, hugging onto the book.

Bellona just smirked at the pair and scooted over, the carriage door opening without contact with anyone and though Dietrich was hesitant at first, he eventually stepped inside of the first seat and motioned for Artemis to follow.  "Don't worry, she says she's here to help," he said with a sarcastic grin.

Artemis's face went long as she kept her grip upon the book. It took her a few seconds to talk herself into entering the carriage, but soon even she was stepping inside, finding herself sitting as near to the door as possible, staring only once timidly at Bellona before glancing down to her lap.

"What is that in your lap?" Bellona inquired.  She pointed to the book and Dietrich shifted uncomfortably in his seat. 

"That is none of your concern," he said defensively.

"Ah but it it is my husband's concern, no doubt.  That is why you're seeking him.  And what he is most concerned about no doubt has to do with me as well.  Don't try to fool me, Dietrich I know you too well for that.  Now dear, if you wouldn't mind explaining what happened - from the beginning." She looked directly at Artemis now.

Artemis shifted uncomfortably beneath her gaze.
"Um... from the beginning?" she asked with uncertainty, frowning as she glanced from her, then to Dietrich, not sure if she should comply, considering her 'friends' hesitation.

"Do not worry about him," Bellona said with a small smirk.  "He doesn't realize one needs as many details as possible to solve something like this.  I'm here to help just like I said.  Though I sympathize with your reservations to trust me.  Trust would not be so easily granted to a living mortal if this were the other way around."

Artemis frowned. She still didn't trust this woman, but it seemed she had little choice as she glanced down at the book, remaining silent for a time.
"It just started as some horrible circumstance at the library I work in Uthlyn." She sighed, not really wanting to go on any more as she shifted uncomfortably, frowning and looking sad as she peeked another gaze over towards Dietrich.
"And it was almost closing time, and he had come in, nosing around for a book, and we found ourselves being chased by some god awful men." And women.. "And we had to take homage in the basement and and.. well, we just happened to find this book, which more or less has clung to us ever since." She wasn't sure if she ought to explain the demon part as she chewed nervously on her lower lip.

"A demon tome," her voice purred low and she blinked at them both with high brows.  "This does not bode well.  I'm sorry to hear that, Miss Longfellow."  She tried to smile at her but Dietrich shifted in his seat.

"We were fine, I was taking her there just fine.  We didn't need your help."

Artemis frowned. She hadn't mention the demon bit, but she supposed whatever it was this lady was, be it another vampire or other creature, she probably sensed it. Biting into her lip, she stared down at the book.
"I just want to be rid of it." she muttered through a whisper and sighed. "And as quickly as possible."

"Don't worry, darling, we will help you be rid of that pesky book.  You may not know it, but vampires can be good people too," Bellona smiled at her.

But Dietrich wasn't so easily amused.  He straightened in his seat and peered over to her.  "Bellona, don't try to trick her.  Don't try to manipulate her into joining just to be rid of the book.  She has a family of her own you know, a life outside of this!  This was just an accident.  Don't try to manipulate her like you did me."

Bellona looked over to Dietrich with furious eyes and she set her jaw.  If looks could kill, he'd be dead ten times over.  Instead she did her best to contain her anger and looked to Artemis.  "I will take you to Cronus and he will be able to answer the question of this book.  But understand that all such actions come at great risk.  Books like these are used to contain powerful demons, demons that are eager to trick and trade and make any deal possible to break the spell the book has over then.  It is both their home and their prison.

"And also, keep in mind that where you are going...nor mortal has set foot in for nearly a thousand years.  It is sacred to me and my husband and all within our circle.  Be respectful and brave.  An ounce of fear may prove you to be good prey.  Dietrich will make sure you emerge unscathed."

Fear was evident in Artemis's eyes at what Bellona had revealed. No human had ever set foot there..a nd for that long!?  She felt that fear grip at her heart, and for a moment, she had forgotten how to breath. Instincts had her eyes going over to, Dietrich, her eyes pleading with him. Did she really have to never show an ounce of fear!? What sort of place was he taking her to!? And naturally, she was too afraid to ask, her jaw still gaping open before she pressed her lips together and tried to swallow the knot tightening within her throat.

"Artemis," Dietrich looked at her now.  "Of all thing, Bellona is right about that.  It is our coven.  A vampire coven.  And Cronus' sacred home.  Don't fear, I'll protect you.  Just don't speak to anyone that you don't have to,  They'll get the wrong idea.  Do you trust me enough to let me do this for you?"

For some reason he felt he had to ask, that at least on person on this carriage actually had a degree of trust toward him.  After the people he'd hurt, and those that hurt him, that he migt look up at last with some dgree of forgiveness.  That he might be able to forgive himself.

Artemis hesitated, her mind going number over the question. She had come this far, she had agreed to see this man. They had to look into this curse; they had to find a way to break it. So with a nod of her head, she agreed in silence, before answering softly, "Yes." All the while her heart beat was still hammering inside her head.

"Good," Dietrich nodded to her and even gave a trying smile to Bellona.  The other woman just smiled at him and  turned to gaze out the window.  The carriage rolled along and bolted down the road at breakneck speed, racing the dawn.

Artemis hadn't expected the carriage to move so fast, so when it lurched forward, she let out a yelp and came crumpling to the floor. Now in a heap, she blushed and scrambled back onto her bench, and clung onto it until her knuckles went white. She only realized the severity of the sunlight hwen she peered outside the carriage window.
'Oh, no...' she thought 'Can we make it there before the sun comes up and burns Dietrich?'
And she chewed nervously on her lower lip, silently praying that they would.

Dietrich had drawn curtains over the windows.  No vampire ever left proper safety before traveling so long and so far abroad as Bellona did on this night.  He said nothing more to anyone else inside the carriage, seeing no reason to as the night gradually passed.  The motion eventually lulled him into something that resembled a slumber, one he didn't get much of that morning and relaxed against the corner of his side of the carriage.

When she was sure, he was no longer responsive, Bellona turned to Artemis and eyed her up.  "Now that our respective companion is a little drowsy, why don't you tell me the truth about how the two of you met, darling?  Dietrich can be a little - how does one put it - pushy, at times and can make a girl quite nervous.  I'm sure he's been a little more than brash in your time together, has he not?  I've known him his entire life, well, most of it.  It's almost sad, how he's become.  But some adjust to eternity much better than others."

Artemis frowned.
"I don't believe I understand your question." She looked from Bellona, the timidly over to Dietrich as she tucked back some of her hair. "We.. we met at my library." She shuffled uneasily, not sure quite what to tell her. "He.. he had come in late. It was nearly closing time." She sighed, looking down at the book on her lap ad hesitated, uncertain what she ought to tell her. Would Dietrich be mad if she gave any more details then had been presented? "Things had just gotten crazy, and we ended up being chased into the basement..."
And as she phrased it, she dind't realize she had left out key parts and that it sounded a lot differently with some of the descriptions she was omitting...

Bellona gave a chuckle.  "I think you mentioned something about hunters as well.  That does sound like Dietrich.  He's always running after legends and stories, tomes and treasures.  Though why he would pick a demon book, I don't know.  That doesn't sound particularly like him.  He doesn't particularly become attracted to things that are my powerful than he is, they don't - click.  Don't be shy, darling, I'm not here to hinder or harm you in anyway.  What library do you work for?"

Artemis felt her hands sweat a little as they itched over the book's surface.
"Uth.. Uthlyn... the Library in Uthlyn," she found herself saying with a bit of a pout. Tucking back her hair again, she down cast her gaze. "Yes, there were hunters, though this book wasn't the reason he was there. We.." she hesitated, chewing on her lower lip. "We came upon it by accident when we were being chased."

"Hmmm," Bellona replied thoughtfully, casting her gaze out toward Dietrich for a moment.  She blinked at him, taking in this new information before looking back to Artemis.  "Then the book was hidden away on purpose.  That much is apparent.  Would you let me see it?  Demon books rarely like to be distanced from their possessors, but I hope you will be willing to make an exception.  Perhaps there's something I can decipher from it."

Artemis hesitated at the woman's request. She chanced one look over at Dietrich, then over at Bellona before slowly nodding her head. If Dietrich trusted this woman enough to transport them, she might as well let her have a look. So with uneasy hands, she handed the book over to her.

Bellona took the book delicately in hand and barely gave the slightest breath of touch.  Instantly she could feel it flinch and quiver with an impotent rage, the words of its ward still powerful upon it.  She looked at the runes engraved on the cover and her breath caught, the portait of a devil consuming the bodies of children and men alike.

"Kazi-Kalla," Bellona whispered.  "That's what these letters spell out.  I'm assuming that is the name of the demon.  Demons fear their names because identifying them allows you to discover their weaknesses.  It corners them and makes them vulnerable.  That also makes them very very dangerous.  But I see from the other proctective runes on here that this book is meant to contain it within its covers.  And at the same time the demon has made his home here.  This is both his fortress and his prison."

"Kazi-Kalla?" Artemis repeated, then blinked curiously down at the book. She digested what the other told her with a curious frown.
"So.. if the book is it's prison... why was it after us?"

"Like all demons, they are tricky things.  They want to find mortals foolish enough to obey them, or fear them so that they can free them from their prisons and wreak whatever matter of havoc they can upon the world.  It's very simple really.  Well, others are.  In this case, the book chose you because I imagine you were one to make contact with it.  All demons test you for vulnerabilities, where your fears lie, your sorrows, anything they can think of to try and get inside your head," Bellona explained.  "That's all I can think of for this moment.  Just don't tell Dietrich I'm lending a hand, he wouldn't like that."

Artemis frowned as she took in what Bellona said. Fears and vulnerabilities..
and she was chalked full of them. She released a held breath and looked down at the floor. What was she to tell Dietrich anyways? It wasn't like she could hide the fact Bellona would know at least something about the book. And as mucha s she wanted to ask for the book back, she really, really did not want it near her.
A book housing a demon..
it made her shiver.

Bellona held onto the book and rewrapped it in Dietrich's jacket.  Her hands ran along the familiar feel of leather and stitches and a smile touched her lips.  "Don't worry, Miss Longfellow.  We willhelp you get out of this.  Even if Dietrich is a butt head."

Despite the joke,  Artemis frowned. " It seems Dietrich trusts you enough to help us." She bit into her lower lip. "What sort of help can you provide? What can you do? Is there some way we can destroy the book or, for lack of a better word, to put the demon to sleep? You see... It sort of..."  She chewed on her lip again. "Clings to us... Following us like a lost child. That's why we haven't just left it behind... We can't."

Bellona's eyes widened at the revelation and made an 'oh' with her mouth.  "Hm, yes, that is quite typical of demons once they pick a 'favorite'.  They will cling to you and torment you for as long as they want until you do what they say.  Some make physical contact very easily, some can even physiaclly attack you.  The only thing tangible I may do is perhaps give you some wards that will help shield you from Kazi-Kalla's influence.  Talismans.  But Cronus will be able to tell you more on how you might defeat him.  Such a demon...may only be squashed by someone greater than him.  And I don't think that's Dietrich.  As much as he'd like to believe he is."

It was a lot to take in as Artemis frowned. "Are... Are vampires... Related to demons?" She asked with sheepish uncertainty.

Bellona smiled at the question, however quaint.  She could understand this young woman, despite her better instincts and what Dietrich was doing with her in the first place made her question eve her own judgment.  She seemed sincere enough; and genuiniely terrified at her circumstances. 

"Vampires are, in a way.  We are each individuals in our own right," she said slowly.  "Vampires in creatues of the night.  Most who do not learn to control their hungers end up feral and rabid.  And then there are those that come together for protection, form a coven to guide ourselves and our lessers.  Perhaps we are just more civilized than your typical demon.  But some crave power more than others, some would rather not to leanr to steel their desires and run rampant like wild children."  At that she cut her eyes to Dietrich and gave a small smile.  "But like I said, we are all individuals in our own right."

Artemis listened with interest, but her head felt over whelmed with information, and if she were to listen to much longer, she feared she'd forget something important (or, rather, was already at that point of her own doubt) and followed Bellona's gaze to Dietrich, but didn't catch the meaning behind it.

"I'm sorry if my questions seem silly. I don't know much about your kind," she continued to chew on her lower lip before she sighed, lifting her gaze. "I suppose what I have heard were any stories brewed around the uncivilized sort. Having met Dietrich, I wouldn't have initially considered him.. well... a vampire."

"Well, that is to be expected, my child," Bellona laughed.  '"Such myths are difficult to dispel, but I think they do more good than harm.  Vampires like the mystery that shrouds them, not in any pretentious manner, but because it keeps meddling mortals where they ought to be, at home.  And being 'civilized' is just a formality, we are just as dangerous as any creature of the night.  Perhaps even moreso because we look so ordinary."

At the comment on Dietrich, she smirked and rubbed her face a little in thought.  "Dietrich is definitely different.  He's a one of a kind even amongst the coven.  He strives to become more than he is because he finds his life, as of now, quite unsatisfying.  When I found him, he was too drunk to remember his own name.  I took pity on him, and gave him another chance.  But I guess some things are meant to stay broken."

"Well, he also looked like a completely different person," Artemis added, albeit softly, beneath her breath. She sighed as she listened to what Bellona was saying and glanced over at Dietrich's sleeping form. He was unhappy, even as a human?
"So... you saved his life?" Artemis questioned, not realizing the full context behind what Bellona was meaning.

"In a way," Bellona said with a nod.  "I think he wanted to die the night I saw him, and he would have if I hadn't intervened, more drunk than any man could handle before falling ill and dying from the poison.  He mad little sense.  Something about a woman, had torn his heart out from it's bearings and it never returned.  Wounds like that do not heal easy, if ever in Dietrich's case.  I tried to help him, to love him.  But he is not an easy man to understand.  There is much I will never know.  Not sure if it would even matter."

Artemis's eyes lit up at the words before she peered over at Dietrich with a frown of pity.
"So you were in love with him then?"
Did this man have a fear of love? Or some terrible story behind it? It sure seemed so as Bellona was pointing out. She, who had only ever dreamed of love, did not fully understand the implications behind it as she sighed quietly before asking, "Are we almost there?" ANd she turned to her. "At the coven, I mean."

"I tried to love him.  I think I thried to believe that my love was strong enough to help him, but I was wrong.  And he was never really mine," she said softly.  There was no more to say after that and when as last the carriage rolled to a stop on the edge of a narrow mountain pass. Beside the cliff and rocks there stood a small cabin build into the stone work and Bellona was the first to move toward the door, Dietrich sitting up at last from his slumber.  "We there yet?" he groaned.

"Yes," Bellona answered simply, holding the demon book against her chest.

Artemis digested her word with care, even being as tired as she was. She felt pity for the man as she peered over at him. Perhaps he just wasn't very good at love? Not that she could even give two cents on the matter. But their conversation was a nice distraction, so when the coven pulled into view, she had all but forgotten she was being dragged into a pit full of vampires.

Her throat tightened, her eyes widened, and her knuckles turned white from where they were perched within her lap. The fear had already started long before she could steel it away as she swallowed back the knot within her throat and peered over at Dietrich.

Dietrich sat up the moment he saw that Bellona had the book in her arms and landed on the ground below, waiting for Artemis to follow. 

"What is she doing with the book?" Dietrich hissed in her ear.

Artemis jumped a little at his words and frowned up at him.
"She wanted to see it," she whispered with a pout. "Why?" Should she not?

Dietrich just shook his head at her and put a hand on her shoulder and nudged her along to follow Bellona as she led them into the cabin.  The room was pitch black and dusty beyond reason.  Bellona lit one match from something on the side and lit a candle within a lantern.  She passed it off to Artemis, but Dietrich reached his hand forth to hold it instead.

Bellona just smirked at him and moved toward a hidden panel in the wall, opening a section of the wall that revealed a darkened staircase below.  She disappeared inside and Dietrich nodded for Artemis to go ahead of him.

Artemis's eyes widened as the staircase was revealed to them. And when Bellona disappeared, she was still staring at it. It was only at Dietrich's gesture did she blink and become broken from her stare. She pressed her lips together and turned back towards the dark stair case, a hand now clutched to her chest as she hesitated, and took a few cautious steps inside.

"Where does this lead?" she whispered, feeling a chilling wind spiral up the stairs and seep in through her clothing as they made their way deeper and deeper down the dank stairwell.

"To more stairs and more darkness," Dietrich answered truthfully.  "Then after that, an antechamber, enchanted to prevent entry from miscellaneous creatures.  Namely nosy humans."  He gave her a small smirk before proceeding down the rest of the stairs.  "You're not scared are you?"

Nosy humans? But why on earth would anyone want to sneak into a vampire's lair? She frowned at the thought, then at his question she answered truthfully, "Yes. Yes I am."
She feared any small noise or movement might make her piss herself, but she tried to steel it. Thankfully they were kept on moving due to the endless spiraling steps, for it hid her shaking well.

Dietrich softened his features and reached out for her hand.  "Just hold onto me," he said with a nod.  "You'll be all right.  Nothing will harm you if you stay close."  He gave her hand a squeeze but shied from a smile, it was awkward enough as it was.  And proceeded further down the steps after Bellona.

Artemis's stomach and heart were doing flip-flops inside her chest. ANd his words made her only slightly blush, but her hands were too clammy and her skin, too pale from fear for it to stay. But hwen he squeezed her hand, she tensed and squeezed back, and by the time they made it down the end of the steps, she had nearly fallen over for how sore her legs were.
And then she looked up, eyes taking in a massive black door with a carved frame around the knob and key hole depicting a wicked face, like that of a devil. Staring intot he eyes of the sculpture, Artemis felt herself about ready to faint.


Gods.. what had she gotten herself into?

Once they had descended the stairs, Dietrich's own heart might have been beating loudly and heavily if it still could.  After all, no human had ever ventured down here since he had come several centuries ago.  Anything could happen and he wasn't sure he was prepared to deal with the consequences.  Even with Bellona here to vouch for them - in her own selfish manner - Dietrich did not trust her more than he could throw her.  But she was their only hope, and Cronus, to be rid of the cursed book that plagued them.

The hall at the end of the stairwell was dimly lit with they ventured forth through violet candles.  The hallway opened up to an empty chamber, or so it seemed, for it was wide with a high cavernous ceiling where light failed to reach.  Beneath their feet was a crest carved into the stone, a great dais of what looked almost like a calendar, or perhaps a map, either of which couldn't be specified.

"Wait here," Bellona said to both of them and Dietrich stayed behind at the center of the dais, symbols all around them.

"Try to relax, will ya.  Can't have them smelling the fear on you," Dietrich whispered, but even that gave a sinister echo that resound up through the cavern around them.  "Cronus will be with us shortly."

Artemis couldn't help herself. She was shaking, even as she tried to steel herself. She was cold, and frightened, and this place reeked of death. It was evident no true life forms could live here, but then again- were vampires even truly alive?

Peering over at Dietrich, she frowned.
"You ask me to relax, but this place is as cold as winter. And it smells of the grave."
But at the sound of a door opening, and a whisper of ghosts, she gasped and backed up against Dietrich, clutching onto his arm.
Oh..
It had only been bats.

"I understand this can all be very unsettling.  And it is very cold," Dietrich muttered, seeing his own breath billow out in a mist.  He smiled at the cloud as it drifted upward toward the cavernous ceiling.  And as he did so, he could hear voices echoing from down the chamber hall.  He patted Artemis' shoulder.  "It's all right.  You might even like Cronus.  He's an asshole, in a good way.  A gentleman of the old days.  But him and me don't really see eye to eye.  I'm sure you can use your imagination why."

But she couldn't, and she flinched at the thought.
"Dietrich... what if they don't like me?"
This place... it gave her the shivers. She just hoped it wouldn't be her grave.
"Dont.." she moved uneasily from where she stood, before lowering her voice and adding, "Don't vampires eat humans...?"

"Oh, pffft!  Only humans they don't like, trust me.  I know plenty of vamps that got their claws stuck in a human, in more ways than one," he winked at Artemis.  But his face immediately softened.  "Oh, I don't mean it like that.  I only mean that you're safe as long as you don't make yourself out to be, well, vulnerable.  Which is hard to do considering our circumstances, but relax, I'm here to protect you.  You've got nothing to worry about.  Cronus won't let anyone lay a finger on you, or in you, or taste you."

If he thought his words were meant to comfort, he had another thing coming, for soon, Artemis felt her nostrils burn and her vision spinning around her. And a moment later, she was clutching onto his arm and nearly passing out!

Deitrich caught her against him and righted her on the ground.  "Hey!  Hey!  It's all right!  Just use my coat sleeve of your nose," he said as he took the coat he placed over her shoulders and wrapped it just below her chin to help shield her mouth and nose. 

Artemis obeyed, but frowned a little for it as her brown eyes peered up at him.
"That isn't why I'm upset," she told him rightly. She shook her head. "I... I've never done something like this before. It... I.... to be honest. I can't help but be scared." But then glancing on ahead, she tried to steel herself, but even the knot in her throat wouldn't go away, and instinctively, she found her hand reaching out to hold onto his.
"Thank you." she told him after a time. Though she didn't look at him as she said it, her eyes still wide with uncertainty, she went on to say,
"For this. For helping me try to break this curse." Though she knew he had little choice- she had a feeling he also did not want to be here as well! "I just hope this all works..."
FOr she honestly did not want to become vampire food!

Too bad sooner came rather than later, and her hand was making Dietrich's palm all itchy.  Really, did she have to grip onto him so hard!?  He tried wiggling it off of him, but to no avail.  He sighed, at least it was her way of coping, of relaxing, even if she was trembling and scared to death of what was to come.  Figures emerged down the hallway, one taller and much more masculine and the other undeniably female.  Dietrich had forgotten just how attractive Bellona looked in his lighting, but when the masculine figure made is presence known, that thought quickly went out the window.

He peered up at the massive figure, well, massive for one who was approximately 6 foot 3 and broad shouldered.  "Cronus," he breathed, peering at the ancient one, though he appeared not a day older than forty in age.  He was wrinkled around his eyes and his hair was long and black, his eyes darklit candles reflecting the violet dimness of the lighting around them.

"Let me see the mortal," he said, his voice surprisingly soft.  He looked at Artemis and Dietrich set her forth, trying to give her at least an ounce of gumption.

If Dietrich thought he was gawking, Artemis was positively gaping. The man was as beautiful as he was dark- standing tall and broad shouldered, and dark eyes that pierced her. THough his voice startled her, she found herself still staring long after the question was asked before she took a timid step forward.

"I'm the human." She said. Duh. That much was obvious as she internally winced at that. "My name is Artemis. Artemis Longfellow." And she held a breath,a nd was to rigid to even try to curtsy.