"Really, Aunt Millicent, if you please, I have had enough discussion on this matter." The young woman gave a sigh of disgust. "And I'm far too old for you to simply brush me aside to wither away and rot in boredom and dust in the study. Really, I think I've read nearly every book by now..." She stared idly at her manicured nails and sighed.
"Well, there wouldn't be any dust in it if you wouldn't keep scaring the maids away," her aunt said in retort.
Victoria lifted her eyes.
"Really? And I wouldn't have to become so rude, except you leave me to itch in the confines of this house and dress."
Her aunt shot her a look.
"Mind your tongue, Victoria. You are a lady." She took to her tea with an angered sip. "You need to tone down your arrogance you know. You are becoming almost too old to marry without question. It's salacious at best. And honestly.."
"Honestly, what?" Victoria barked, though barked in most politeness as she set down her tea. "Can a woman not make herself useful? There aren't many of our kind to begin with and-"
"And I've heard enough of those remarks, Victoria," her aunt told her harshly.
Victoria lowered her gaze.
"But if you'd just understand,"s he began, staring at her tea. "I just wish to be useful."
Aunt Millicent sighed.
"In due time, in due time."
"I believe I've followed you enough on your own errands to know what is expected of me."
"That's not the point." her aunt replied, taking another irritated sip of her tea.
"Than what is expected of me?" Victoria said, slamming hand down towards her table. "I am going to be twenty five this year. Twenty five, dear aunt, that's an age far younger than when you were allowed in the field and you are not wed.."
"I chose the life of a celibate," her aunt retorted, giving the tea another angered sip.
"Perhaps only in fear of having a daughter such as you.." she shook her head. "But never you mind, Victoria. It's time to go."
"The meeting.."
"Yes," her aunt reminded. "They have an idle claim, one I've ignored for a time, but I hardly see it as proper justifications to waste my times, chasing off some werewolf from a set patch of ruins."
"Werewolf?" Victoria's interests perked up.
"Yes, a were wolf." her aunt gave a sigh, setting down her cup of tea. "I know that look, young lady, and dont' you get any ideas."
Victoria's lips sagged as she leaned her head back in a sigh.
"You know me too well, Aunt."
"Indeed."
Once tea was had, the two women left the house in carriage, the horses pulling them towards the normal meeting location of choice- a stone building, though not immensely grand, it had a bit of a humbled charm to it where a few, selected super natural beings met with the Negotiator's from time to time- the Negatiator's being the only beings that seemed to keep the peace between those with cursed abilities, and those without. In more recent years, things had evolved into a more civil request when plans were drawn out; but history had once dictated Victoria's kind as super-natural killers. After all, how much easier was it to kill a vampire once your enchantments turned him into a mere mortal man?
But the meeting went on...
and on and on...
boring as usual as Victoria gave a tired sigh...
That was.. until the conversation turned towards the werewolf.
"Werewolf?"
"Yes, it seems he's claimed himself a small patch of land-"
But her Aunt interrupted.
"Please, if I might interject, and do not find me rude, but this seems something hardly to trifle with when our numbers are so few.."
but then the men at the meeting turned their heads towards Victoria. And she found herself open to blink.
"What about your niece?"
"What about my niece," her aunt asked defensively.
"Is she not, well, beyond her own age to start dabbling into some of these, er, negotiations?"
Her aunt went stiff, especially when she heard her niece rise out from her chair.
"Why!" Victoria began with such a cry of admiration. "I am tickled the conversation has finally led my way. My aunt, though I love her dearly, has made it quite clear she fears for my safety, and also may fear my inadequacies-"
"Victoria, please," her aunt tried to interject, but Victoria threw up her hand.
"Let me, speak, please, for you've humbled me well over the years. At least let me solicit my case." she sighed at her aunt's glare, but continued. "You see, I've studied well under my aunt's these past several years of my life, for well, most of my life, and even with the parents before then, although it brief, and it pains me to remain locked away, unable to lift a finger to help."
"Well, young lady, your aunt does bring up a pressing case in the matter."
"And what is that case?" VIctoria asked the old man.
"That your kind is few and far between. She is merely looking out for your well being.."
"And yet, she feels this matter you discuss is less trifling."
"Well, yes but-"
"Well, yes, but what?" Victoria stopped him, looking from one man to another. "Don't you all see this as the golden opportunity that I do? That it can allow me to stretch my wings, and I dare say, in an albeit, more calm and safe environment, while my aunt can attend to other business as well. I find my suggestion most efficient, do you not? And also, most useful of my time."
She sat back down, muttering. "Really.. I've had much too many books to read.."
The group all looked to one another, grumbling and discussing the course of measure-
and it was only then that her Aunt suddenly gave to rise.
"This is enough!"
the room went silent. They all stared at Millicent, curiously.
"We need not discuss my niece as some piece of meat,"s he rolled her hand in a huff. "Perhaps I can allow her, just this one time, to prove her merit."
Victoria's eyes sparkled at the idea as she rose- but her aunt thrust a hand towards her and gave her a stern gaze.
"But do not consider this without consequence, my dear, Victoria. This is only a small mission and I do not think it wise if you go it alone."
"But is that not the purpose-"
"Silence, Victoria, Silence." her aunt commanded. "I still have the floor." she added in a bit of a huff. Victoria frowned. "Now, at this time, we will disband and return home, and consider your escort but in the mean time.."s he flashed the other men in the hall a trying glare. "We shall discuss this at another time."
"As you wish, my lady. The meeting is adjourned."
As the two stepped outside, Victoria couldn't help but grow quiet, then caught her aunt by the wrist before the two proceeded into their carriage.
"Thank you, Milli.."
Her aunt turned towards her, almost a mocking sneer, but it was just the way she looked- just arrogant in the eyes and nose. As did Vicky.
"For at least giving me a chance." Victoria said with a smile.
Her aunt, tsked once, and then they were off- heading back towards their home.....
OOC: Tag to Lion 8D
Sorry it took so long to type something up >.>
but there you go!
Hopefully there aren't too many typos XD
[I think you were pretty okay with this one xD]
"And you're certain that's what they intend," Urich said contemplatively, his brow delicately furrowed as he leaned on his elbow, palm tucked underneath his chin.
"Yes, sir Oorick, that's what it says," said a skull that resided on the table. The voice that sprang from it was otherworldly, the ghost of a former guardsman of Sul'Gulthan, , his face ethereal over the mass of bone.
"Urich," he corrected, glaring at the skull.
The ghost's face was confused. "Oooooooo...Rick?"
"Urich!"
"O-Rish!"
"Yer," he said, losing his patience. "Rick. Now put it together. Urich!"
"Orick," the ghostly skull said proudly.
"Oh forget it! Why do I bother!? I mean you pick up a ghostly soldier's lost head and you make him your secretary and he can't even pronounce your name right!" Urich exclaimed sitting up from the large, ornate chair he'd made his thrown here in his stronghold. He strode across the great hall, hands behind his back, thinking on the letter that found its way mysteriously through the front gate, pinned to the great doors with an arrow through it. The gall of the stranger to come near these ruins! But the letter had been retrieved and had the seal of an Order he did not recognize.
The letter was far too infuriating to finish reading on his own, so that was why he currently had Robern, as he called the skull, take a look at it. Thankfully the soldier was educated enough to have learned, or this would have been a very, very long night.
"To the dweller of this sacred place,
You desecrate these lands with your foul and odious presence. Your evil has not gone unaccounted for. You lure travelers and kill them with ghastly intent. You will be made responsible for your actions, purged and destroyed if you do not agree to our following terms. Vacate the premises immediately, repent, and do not bring anymore evil into these lands. If you do not do so within three days' time, we will be forced to take immediate, and most drastic, action against you.
We send this letter in warning. Do not take it lightly. Understand that if you do comply and leave the ruins of a once sacred fortress, no harm will come to you, you will not be hounded or hunted, and are free to find a home elsewhere, more suitable to your kind. The stronghold will be cleansed of any traces of your presence and all lost souls within will be exorcised to be passed to the other side, include those you have slain.
This is your only warning. We remind you, if we receive no answer in three days, we will deal with you accordingly."
"Oh how dare they send such a letter!" Urich howled. "They think they can just kick me off my land, my home! Nobody seemed to care about it before I got here. It was desolate and broken, smashed to bits with all you dead folks roaming the halls as if you were still alive!" He was fuming and turned back to the ghostly head of Robern. "Don't you understand what I mean?"
The ghost looked at him quizzically. "I do not think so, sir Orick. But what do you think you are going to do about it?"
"I'll tell you! I'm going to give that 'negotiator' more than a piece of my mind. I don't mean to be starting wars...but if they mean to sweep me off what I've claimed as my own, they've got another thing coming! I am the master of this stronghold. I'll see to it that I stay that way."
"But it's been three days already..."
"Then we better get ready," Urich said striding out of the hallway and calling behind him. "Tell everyone to prepare for siege. Our home is going to soon be under attack."
The ghost stared at the werewolf lord with confusion. Another soul drifted by, looking at Robbern, her head half on her shoulders. "He knows we're dead right?"
"Keep your voice down. He's going on a hunt I think. He needs all the concentration he can get."
Yup, just another night at Sul'Gulthan.
Victoria puckered her lips as she looked into the mirror, then went about painting her lashes. Though her hair was already dark, she was still conscious of her presence. After all, if she did not doll up her face, she feared she looked rather plan, and what was a proper woman to do when she traveled on an adventure? Look plain?
She thought not and stared at her face with a frown. She was only slightly prettier than before. Then went about fussing over her hair, unrolling the hot iron as she finished her curls, which she began to studiously perch upon her head.
"Do not forget your riding hat," her Aunt informed her as Victoria was making her way out the door.
"Aunt Milli, please," Victoria griped. "Such a hideous hat.."
Her aunt glared at her and Victoria reprieved.
"Oh alright.." she took the hat and began to fasten it to her head. "But if some hunter mistakes my head for a pheasant and I die under those causes, I'll be sure to come back as a ghost to haunt you!"
"Ghastly girl!" her Aunt waled, waving a strict finger at her. Victtoria merely turned around to give her haughty Aunt a wink.
"No, ghastly hat," she said, tipping it to her and disappeared into her carriage.
Really.. it wans't like she had much of an audience to impress, but she did have her first audience, and an audience all on her own.
Sighing, she pressed her head against the side of the cart as the thing lurched forward, and thus began her long journey to the grounds.
"So what what more can you tell me about these ruins, Frederick?" she poked her head forward, after rapping to get the coachman's attention.
Frederick turned around, smiling at her with his rotting face. Really, did he have to make his smiles so repulsive? However, Frederick was a kindly, self possessed zombie, and he had been working with their family for years. She supposed she could forgive him this time.
"Miss Armani," he began, and the stench of his breath waved over her and she nearly wretch. Bopping him on the head with her cane, he turned away, apologizing, "Oh! Sorry, Miss Armani." she said, clearing his throat. "But the most I can tell you are things that you already know."
"Great," Victoria commented dryly as she wilted back into her seat. "Just carry on then, Frederick," she said, pulling the curtain aside.
It was too long of a journey for Victoria's tastes, and was quickly putting her in a foul mood. Where she had once been excited, then nervous and sweaty over the ordeal, she know found herself itching in the back seat and fuming mad. Rapping at the door, she commanded, "Frederick, please stop!"
The cart lurched forward, sending Victoria off of her seat.
"Yes, Miss Armani?" came his voice. Victoria grumbled. "Do you wish to walk from here?"
"Walk?" she grabbed onto her hat nad pushed herself to her feet.
"Yes, we are almost at the site.."
Thrusting open the curtains, she gasped as she noticed the ruins looming over on a distant hill. It was growing later int he day, and she was hoping to be off and done with this ordeal by supper time. But she was just crawling to get out of that cart.
"Yes, I can walk from here." she stated, helping herself out of the cart before Fredericks' cold dead hands tried to offer her their help (after all, last time she had accidently pulled his hole arm mess and it was quite the ordeal- and she had to wake up to retching over smelling salts!)
Yes... she'd rather forget that one.
Stepping outside, she fetched up her parchments in their leather binding, her parasol, that she hung across the crook of her arm then proceeded to fix her hat, pushing up the feather that had since wilted during her ordeal inside the carriage.
Then sighing, she gathered up her dark skirts and began making her way up the rocky hillside as she peered over at the greying skies. She sighed and propped down he parasol, but then hesitated, and thought better of it, and tossed it against her shoulder as she looked around. It was best to keep it closed for now.
Spotting a trail, she strolled over towards it and began walking up the great length of the hill and towards the great crumbling wall before her. Frederick trailed behind, which caused Victoria to halt in her tracks as she whirled around.
"Are you following me, Frederick?" she asked, arching a sharp brow at him.
The zombie halted in his tracks.
"Yes, my lady. I have been ordered to do so."
Victoria released an irritated breath.
"Inconceivable!" she huffed, hefting onto her skirts as she stormed away with much ferocity in her step as she approached the wobbly black gates at the front of the old strong hold and shoved them clean open....
the massive black, wrought iron gates giving way to Miss Victoria Armani with a terrifying squeal that echoed across all of the hollowed lands...
The crashing clang of rusted iron gates moving against stone in resistance to someone's entry told him the messenger had at last arrived. Whoever this person was, the ruin would seem empty, but they would not feel alone. There were eyes everywhere, in the shadows, in the lights. Dimly lit torches would guide their way to the great hall and they would behold before them the glorious excess of the Master of the Sul'Gulthan.
Urich, waited for the negotiator, bitter, frowning, but not without his fine wine beside him in a bronze goblet rimmed with jewels, just one of the many treasures he'd come to find in this place. It had not looked like much from the outside, but Urich had not been raised poor and neither had he been born rich. He was taught to make the most of what he had and even if he bore the beastblood, was that a legitimate reason for him to live in squalor? Not as far as he was concerned.
The skull of Robern sat beside him on the armrest of his throne and it in its eyes were lit tiny gold flames, to inspect, to detect...to keep its mouth shut. He heard footsteps echoing closer and closer to the great hall door. He turned to the skull, "Here they come."
"I thought you were going to scramble everyone to 'give them hell.'"
"Silence, you miserable talking head. This is a much better plan. Ghosts and demons can only do so much. But once they're in my reach,... Well, I wanna look in their eyes as the life of them slips away."
".....The other plan seems much better."
"I said silence!"
There was a loud knocking on the door, which stood as strong as the will of its Master. Urich sat back, taking a sip of his wine before his voice boomed loud and commandingly. "Enter."
The walks was long and arduous, and Victoria was regretting, step by step, in having to walk through the rough terrain. She could already feel her boots giving her blisters, no doubt- something that only fueled the fire in her blood.
"Really, you'd think this werewolf would just live in the wilds for all he seems to care for his keep.."s he grumbled, eyeing up the place as she adjusted her hat, giving a noise when a pair of bats flew out from a recess of trees. Hand to her chest, she sighed, wilted almost and fixed the damn feather on her hat that she knew was no longer erect.
"Really..."s he huffed again. "He must be a wild man, indeed!"
Staring up the ominous building, with hit's dreadful looking gargoyles at the front she made quite the soured face of it.
"Such hideous tastes,"s he commented, brushing off the invisibly dirt she might have collected off her sleeve. Erecting her posture, she hung her parasol, that she had, during her wanderings, used as a walking stick, and now proceeded to grasp the rusted, iron knocker as she hefted it against the mighty door.
She heard the noise echo from within, and leaned towards, wondering if the damn werewolf would even be inside to answer it.
That's when his voice rang out and she gave a jump.
Holding onto her hat, and righting it (as it began to tilt off her head), she gave an indignant huff.
"Well, I never.." she grumbled, then smoothed back her hair and proceeded to push the door open...
.........
... only the damn thing would not budge.
Grunting, she tried it again, pushing herself against it with another huff.
"Really, now, if you would want me to enter, perhaps you shouldn't have made your door out of lead!" She grabbed onto the knocker again, beating on it. "Perhaps you should open up for me, Mr. Renqvist! Lest I.." but the more she tried, the angrier she got, and it was finally the helping hand of Frederick that tipped the scales....
"Allow me, Miss Armania..."
and suddenly the doors came open- and Victoria, crying out in alarm as she spilled over while the mighty doors lurched open, groaning into a wide open swing.
Now in a mess upon the floor, Victoria gave a start, pushing herself huffing to her feet before squaring her shoulders and throwing her face high up into the air and demanding, "Who is the man of this keep!?"
and her eyes were burning with her terrifying temper as she clutched her parasol in white knuckled hands, though they were hidden beneath soft, white gloves, in lovely contrast to her broad, deep blue dress.
Urich sat there, unimpressed as the woman made a spectacle of herself. But shock did ring through him. The person who was coming here to remove him from his home was a WOMAN? His face hid the shock well but he glanced over to Robern and the skull too dropped its jaw at the fireball in the blue dress but said nothing as Urich scowled at him. She was followed by something slinking and slow behind her, a corpse dressed like a valet. Well, well, she had fine taste in escorts.
Urich stared at her nonchalantly, grinning a little and taking another sip of his wine. "Oh, I'm sorry you came all this way, Miss," he said, looking her over and satisfied with what he saw. "You see, the master has left! You just missed him on your way out. Why didn't you see the horse tracks that had bolted out from the stables on the side? Oh her was just here a minute ago."
Urich looked around him and shook his head at her. "Oh, no, no, no, no. I know what this looks like, but i assure you I was only keeping it warm for him. I'm the official Throne-warmer. That is my title. He gets quite upset to be sitting on a cold throne, so in the meantime he has me take his seat. But that is all.
"I assure you the man of the keep will be back very soon. Would you like to have a seat at the table and wait for him? I'll be glad to serve you. Anything you'd like, anything at all. Cheese? Wine? Pork?"
As the man looked back at her, she planted her hands on her hips and looked tartly back at him, her gaze narrowing as she was, most thusly unamused. And then he proceeded to tell her the Master was not in?!
"That is outrageous!"s he decreed, snapping her parasol into her palm. "And what sort of pompous title is that? Throne warmer, really?" she fanned off her face, unamused after having waved the silver tip of her parasol dangerously in his face.
"Now, I'm not leaving until I speak with him. And I believe I smell a rat. You do realize this is most serious and formal business."
She then paused, fuming a bit as she tapped her foot impatiently.
"Your master is a werewolf? How come I can smell one?" she asked, snapping her head towards him. It did, obviously, pay to have that fair amount of werewolf genes and it was then she realized, giving a start.
"YOU!" she pointed her parasol at him again, the silver tip seeming to flash beneath the dim chandeliers. "You sir.." she moved forward, giving him a sharp poke of her finger. "You're a werewolf!" She chewed over the thought. "Something fishy is going on here and I want an explanation. Do you even know how I am?" she shouted, voice echoing with her arrogance about the room.
"Ahem, I think you're in quite a mood," Urich said coolly. He raised a flexible leg and shoved the point of her parasol gently away with the bottom of his boot. He grinned at her and shrugged, taking another sip of his wine and crossing his legs as he leaned back on the throne.
"My strange and...overdressed visitor, the only reason you smell werewolf is because it is the shedding season. Like normal dogs the master's hair falls out accordingly and new hair grows in. He brushes quite frequently, tries to keep his coat as pristine as possible." Another smile and a hand reached down and plucked a dark hair from the floor. "See? Unless...perhaps this is yours, dearie?
"You do seem...kind of old. Are you sure your hair isn't the one falling out?"
It didn't take Victoria all of two seconds to clobber him over the head with her parasol.
"How dare you so boldly offend a lady!" she scolded, her face burning in rage. "The letter was sent three days ago! Three days!"
Turning back to Frederick, she gave a fierce snap of her fingers.
"Frederick, do come here!"
The zombie-man blinked, bowing. "Yes, my lady."
"And do bring my bag with you,"s he huffed, smoothing back her hair as her fingers itched over the idea... Ha! She was hardly old! Ha! Hair falling out. She glowered over in the thrown and stomped her foot.
"Now, now," She waved her parasol dangerously. "I do not care for you, or your title. Or this place..." She grimaced at how shabby, but somehow, respectable, the place had been made into. "How long must I wait for him to return? Clearly he can't be so ignorant as to ignore the letter sent. It was official!" Hands to her hips, she hefted her hand onto her hips and gave a haughty sigh. "Have you any idea who I am? Or what I am?" she fluffed back her hair angrily. "I am a Negotiator here on official business, so if you please, just direct me to that rapscallion and I can be done here. He has only a week before charges are pressed against him. He should consider himself lucky I even decided to come at all to speak." She sighed, staring at him, testy. "You. Tell me where he went so I can fetch him from the woods. I don't have time to sit and wait."
Urich was seeing stars from the blow and he was fuming, but he quickly recovered from the threat of tearing her throat out in one feel swoop. He almost wanted to laugh at the lady reference but disguised the outburst as a cough. He kept his place on the throne and nodded and waved a hand as if bouncing to the words she spoke in musical fashion and nodding some more, taking another sip of wine.
"Yes, well. You could be waiting years. He's gone south for the winter. Werewolves can be kind of ducks in that matter. In fact that is one of his favorite meals. Why don't you try the mountains to the south. I hear the Serendipity Riverlands are gorgeous this time of year." He chuckled at her and sneered.
After another long drink of the wine he got up from the throne, standing tall and fixing the collar of his coat, dusting off a shoulder and heading to the long table at the center. He pulled up the nickel jug of wine and poured himself another cup, sweet red liquor pouring into it with expert grace.
He turned to look at her with a raised brow. "You amuse me with your impotent scowls and haughty gazes," he said. "You say it was an official document." He laughed aloud then. "But look where you are, lady! In the middle of godforsaken nowhere. Did you clearly expect a more elaborate welcome? Why don't you tell me more about this 'negotiator' thing? Just what have you planned on negotiating?" He sat on the, leaning on a leg and looking at her with a wolfish curiosity.
Victoria glared at the man. What a horrid being he was! She was already quickly loathing him for his ignorance, arrogance and inability to make this task any easier.
She sighed hotly, hands to her hips.
"Either way, YOU still need to vacate the premises," she informed him, a finger jabbing the air. "I have strict orders to keep the peace. That's what we negotiators, do." She said, sighing again with much distaste as she worked at fluffing her hair. "Naturally, you have to oblige my claims, or face the wrath of the counsel itself." Turning away, she snapped towards Frederick.
"The documents, Frederick."
Groaning, in a most grotesque way, he stumbled towards her with a slight limp and opened the bag, producing the parchment and handing it to her.
"Here you go, Miss Armani."
"Good," she said, yanking the thing from him and thrusting a pin from her hat, then moved over towards the large wooden door and sunk the peace of paper into it, securing it with the hat pin.
"There," she smoothed her hands down on the documentation, the seal, ironically the color of blood, evident even from their distance. She placed her hands to her hips and turned towards him. "This is your final notification. Leave the premise or I will be forced to press the matter and see you all out personally. I'd rather not have any strained relations between the super-natural beings, such as that of your master, " Not her master, as he had none! "And that of his.. "she looked around, blinking at the peculiar.. er.. things around the room. "That of his servants." She cleared her throat, throwing her chin up high and stared over at him, almost challengingly as she held a cool face.
"I would be much obliged if you all simply listened." She'd hate for things to get ugly, especially on her first, personal mission of all things! But really, she was feeling rather doleful. Here she was, on her first assignment and it was meant to be an easy one, and the man merely fleed! She supposed that was the way of things. Perhaps the document simply scared him off. "This is not an affair taken lightly. Mortal lives were lost here, on territory not meant to be claimed by such, well, such beings and the order does so hate to get it's hands dirty, if you know what I mean, but if we have to, don't think we won't take actions against all of those who are under his heel! Less fuel for the fire, and less supports to the mast."
Urich took a casual sip and rolled his eyes at her incessant speech. His hand waived again like a concert conductor and crossed his legs on the table as he adjusted his seat. "Maybe," he said, cracking the joints in his neck. "You would feel a little better if you had sex. Not that I'm offering, dear, that would be quite uncouth of me as you are a guest in this household and have been here only for five minutes." He shrugged, took a drink, but took the time to look her over and raised a brow to show he was pleased with what he saw.
"Now, wait a minute before you, a complete stranger, comes here into the house of the Master, and dictates who comes and who goes. That is not very ladylike of you, madame, to be making demands in a house that oh so obviously does not belong to you. Not that you would have the taste to live here, I doubt. I don't even know your name. And perhaps we can talk this out like civilized people. One. Step. At. A. Time." He smiled charmingly and took another drink.
"And I haven't been much of a host, myself," he admitted, slipping off the table. He reached around a pulled out a chair, please sit. Can I offer you something to eat? A drink perhaps? I might live in a ruin but I'm not an animal."
Well, not a whole animal.
Victoria's face went bright red.
"Well, I never!" she exclaimed, appearing ready to beat him with her parasol again, but instead, she thrust it angrily into the ground before her. "Do not use that tone with me. You, sir, have no business being here. It is the law of things. If super-natural beings wish to live in harmony with their mortal cousins, of which my establishment has been fighting fervently for so as to snuff out any reasons for genocide from either party, then your Master must hear me out, or be forced to vacate the premise by an equally larger force than even myself." She tapped her parasol's tip into the ground. "Now, I doubt either yourself or your Master would want that."
Then, tipping her hat, adjusting it about her dark hair she informed.
"And I am Miss Victoria Armani, lady of Negotiations for the Counsel of the Paranormals in this territory. Your master, being a paranormal, is under my jurisdiction as this is my land I must oversee."
She sighed, tiredly, irritably as she pressed two fingers to her temple.
"Really, this was all in the letter," she grumbled. Staring at him as he offered a drink, she merely offere a glare in return.
"Honestly, you could have had me fooled, you were no animal!" THe scent of werewolf stilled burned. She eyed him suspiciously, pinching her nose. "Are you sure you are not the werewolf?" SHe wrinkled her nose. "I think this stench is far too fresh to blame on dander."
"If I was a werewolf," he said, "don't you think with you so close and vulnerable before me, that I would have eaten you up the moment you were within biting distance, a delicious looking little morsel like yourself?" He laughed again, but quickly cleared his expression.
"Fine, if it's business you want, it's business you'll get," Urich downed the rest of the wine from his goblet, feeling the buzz of the alcohol within. "You see, my beautiful visitor, you say you are trying to keep the peace between converging worlds. Those of the paranormal variety and those of the fleshy variety. But what you really mean is that you're a bully working with a group of bullies who try to muscle in on land that clearly doesn't belong to them. Now, this place...had long since been haunted and abandoned before my Master moved into this place, and time and again, it's been quite active in activity. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think ghosts and ghouls and demons count as creatures of the supernatural variety? Is that right Robern?" Urich said, gesturing to the skull on the throne's armrest.
"Yes, that is correct," Robern said, the skull rattling its hollow bones in reply.
"My point exactly. Well, why wait until now to move in on this place? I've found bones of people that have died here not because of its history, but because of their foolish wanderings in places where they do not belong." Urich stepped closer to her, towering her and stepping on her parasol, before leaning against the table, crossing his arms over his chest.
"The laws of your so-called counsel have no bearing here. They did not fight for this land. They did not furnish this place. They do not guard it from people like you. They do not serve anything more than a wretched filth to be scrapped off my boot. Now if you're smart, you'll take your leave and you can shove that up your counsel's ass."
Despite his words, and his failed attempts to woo her (if, that beastly man could really think to claim those as flirtations of the least!), she simply gazed at him throw unphased, half-lidded eyes and gave a snort, yanking her parasol out from beneath his boot.
"You sir, can growl and fuss all you want. It has already been decreed!" Sighing, she turned back to her escort. "Frederick, my bag." Once the zombie lugged it over to her, and she, hvaing folded her arms in impatience as she tapped her boot upon the floor, went about rummaging through it and produced a small, black book.
"Here." she handed it over towards the man. "You might want to try reading this. It contains the laws and rules of the Counsels jurisdictions. Call it bullying all you want, but it has maintained the peace and has decreased the needless bloodshed and exorcisms." Sighing, she looked around at the place and shivered, staring over at Robern.
"How charming," she commented, off the cuff and sighed.
"And you don't need to lecture me on where ghouls and ghosts stand." she tapped her parasol to the floor.
"So I take it your response is to ignore the documents then? If so, I suppose my time here is done, and the ghastly paper work, only beginning." she groaned. Of course her first official outting had to involve paperwork! "I suppose I shall be seeing my self out."
Urich wouldn't touch that revolting book she handed to him. He just let it drop to the floor when she let it go. Now he was getting angry. He tried to reason with her, tried to treat her civilly but if she would not listen...there was no other option.
"You are not going anywhere," he growled at her and lunged a clawed hand to her throat and yanking her toward him, slamming her hard into the ground. He crouched down and placed a knee hard in her gut. "It's high time to be knocked off your high horse, good lady. You really should have stayed outside the gate."
He dug the claws deeper into her neck and shot his free fist hard at her face.
Invisible hands lunged out and encircled around zombie that served as her valet, keeping him pinned to the wall and free of giving this intruder any aid.
Well, this was certainly most unexpected!
The beastly man turned into a beast, lunging towards her and knocking her clean to the ground. She barely had time to make a cry of alarm as claws dug into her neck and a hand came towards her mouth.
"You ARE a werewolf!" She screamed, suddenly snatching onto his hand, barely cushioning the blow as his hand swung just a breath away from her face. "Ugh!"s he tried to push him back, kicking beneath him and looked desperately for her parasol, (which of course she had dropped when he first suddenly snatched onto her with his most, foul hands!)
"Get off of me, good sir! Before you regret this transgression!" THough he was strong, she, on the other hand, had not come completely ill-prepared as she fetched up for her wretched hat, yanking it from her head, dispelling the curls as they tumbled about her face and smashed the hideous monstrosity into his face- feathers and all.
The effects would work immediately, quelling all of his supernatural powers in the blow- as during the carriage ride to his 'manor', Victoria had enchanted the hat with her powers to negate his-
and never thought she'd live the day to see the hat being of any use as she watched his claws turn back into hands and any beastly snarl to his lips.. well, oh, goodness, perhaps that was just natural as she blinked back up at him, then narrowed her eyes.
"Please, do get off of me, sir,"s he said, hardly seeming amused. "Your werewolf powers are useless to you now. And I suggest you call your ghouls off of my valet before I exorcise them as well."
OOC: Note, the hat will only negate his powers if she's touching him with it XD
Hope this post is ok and makes sense <3
Urich felt his supernatural strength leave him and was horrified by the effects of the contact, feeling drained but she hadn't calcuated for something else. Urich refused to let her go, rage fueling every vessel and port of his body. He leaned over her and dug his knee harder into her gut and moved his hands to her throat, squeezing hard and gritting hit teeth.
"I don't need my claws to choke the life out of you!" he seethed. But a quick death would be too good for her. Urich snatched her by her shoulders and backhanded her away. "What the hell did you do to me?!" he breathed, feeling the effects turn him further into a mortal man. "Get out of my house!"
Victoria hadn't accounted for the man himself turning vicious as her face nearly turned blue at his operations. When she was smacked aside, she found herself crying out in alarm as she crumpled to the ground in a mess of feathers and hair. Now that the hat was no longer touching him, his powers would return as she groaned.
"Your house?" she set her jaw, face still throbbing after the effect as she scrambled to get up, god blasted, these skirts! "Now hear here!"s he wagged a finger, her pride never bruised as she jutted out her chin, fingers still clutching her enchanted hat. "How dare you attack a Negatioator! You could be executed for much less!" she informed him, nursing her face, dark eyes piercing to his. "Calm your temper, wolf, lest you feel my wrath before the councils."
And here she thought this job would be boring!
"I'll give you one more chance to surrender yourself, or back off," she huffed, then narrowed her gaze at him. "And have you been living inside a box for most of your life? What do you mean what did I do to you?" she gave a sniff, fussing over her hair. "I simply used my own powers to negate yours. What do you think a negotiator is?" She stuck her nose up in the air, already having fetched her parasol, keeping herself rested against it, pride simply glowing from her form.
She would NOT be had by an unruly wolf!
Urich was doubled over, holding his gut as the blood surged through him again, as his powers came back, slowly. Too slowly. It was like being dunked in ice water, made cold and numb save the fire of his rage, until he was slowly pulled back to life and watched her with reddened eyes. It suddenly became very hot in this room and he tired of this woman.
"You've over stayed your welcome!" he said lowly and dangerously. "Get out of my house!" He was screaming and grabbed anything he could find and chucked it at her. First it was the goblet and then the wine jug and next a candelabra and kept the assult, grabbed as many items as he could.
"You stuck up little whore. This is my home! I've built it, I've protected it! You have NO right to tell me to leave. The only laws I abide by are my own! I don't give a DAMN about your fucking counsel or your supposed laws that have nothing to do with me! You've had your chance to leave! Now you're going to die here."
And he charged her again, lunging to tackle her to the ground. Whether or not she took his powers away, he would make sure she suffered before the night was over.
"Goodness!" She popped open her parasol, bracing herself beneath it from his barrage of attacks, wincing lightly at each one of them.
"Do quell your temper, sir. If you have found my presence here to be against any code of ethics, I suggest you read your letter again! It was clearly defined in the letters you were sent three days ago that you can stand a trial to pardon," she pressed. Really, did he honestly think she was just going to pry him needlessly from his home? He had three days to appeal his case!
"And there wouldn't have been a call of alarm from the counsel had you not slaughtered innocents on these grounds." Victoria sighed, growing tired of this. "Be reasonable!" she shouted over her parasol, but then gasped as she watched him charge her like an animal again.
She barely swept out of his way in time, skirts tossled in the wind of the force of his body racing by, mere inches from her own.
"Sir, calm yourself this instant!"s he shouted, an angered stomp to her foot and another point towards him with her open parasol. "If you love this place so dearly, let me remind you again there are ways you can stay." she huffed. "Many of your kind are living just fine within the orders and you can easily do the same!"
Really, was there no reasoning with this wolf!? Here, she tried to be civil, yet all he seemed to want to do was tear out her throat!
He landed with a hard scrape on the ground and climbed to his feet. "I'll tear your skin off with my teeth!" he cried. All hope was lost. "You'll have to kill me to get me out of here. I'm not leaving. This is mine. You're the only one who doesn't seem to understand that." Urich stood up and dusted himself off. He looked to Robern and nodded. "Call out the hounds."
"Yes, sir."
The castle began to rumble and there was a sharp array of howls that peirced the air and out of the shadows appeared thirty hounds, wolves of the forest their eyes boring into Victoria for all she was worth. "Kill her," Urich commanded.
The wolves obeyed his very words and charged her, teeth gnashing with slobber and hunger.
Victoria stared at the man and his claims, furrowing her brow and holding secure her parasol and hat.
"Don't blame me for following protocol!" she snapped. "This is my first-" No, she stopped it there, realizing it would only harm her status to reveal this was her first (and probably, after this shenanigan) only job. "And I was only coming here under strict jurisdiction. Have you lost your sense of reasoning? Really?" Her face was hot and pink as she squared off her shoulders, even her breasts, barely held captive beneath her garb, were subject to the blush as well. The good squaring off her shoulders would do now as the man went to call his hounds.
"You'd sick your dogs after me!?" she stared at him, appalled. "You sir, are a scoundrel! Call them off at once so we can discuss this as civilized beings!"
But it was too late, and the dogs were already coming after her.
She backed away in alarm, then cried over towards Frederick.
"My bag! Toss me my bag!" ANd the zombie, who was some what subdued, though, he really did not hold much of a fight against the ghouls, groaned and simply obeyed.
"Yes, Miss Armani," and he tossed the parcel her way.
She caught it fiercely, but the contents seemed to spill out as she gasped, the dogs upon her.
"Frederick!"s he cried out, feeling the animals bite into her arms as she scrambled to find..
but there it was, against the fury of maws and lashings, the cold bottle of powder and before she knew it she cried out, tossing the jar open and thrusting her arm out amongst their wild rage.
and the powder fell down around them like snow..
and the hounds, sudddenly whimpering tot he ground, faded away into soft, sweet puppies as their bodies wriggled in delight.
Panting, her heavy chest, heaving.. heavily,(ooc: lol..) she looked down at the cute little beasts as one licked at her bloodied cheek. With her dress and hair a mess, she slowly pushed herself off of the floor, glaring daggers over at the other man as she tossed her parasol over her arm and thrust him a shot of arrogance from her mouth.
"YOU SIR!" she bellowed, words echoing across the room. "Have hardly seen the last of me!"
Panting, she began to toss her things into her bag, though it was proving difficult as the little pups continued to lick and prod at her with their love.
"Get down, you little beasts, go to your master." except they didn't want to, and all of their fat little puppy bottoms sat on the ground before her, staring at her with adoring eyes.
Victoria groaned and placed a hand to her head.
"Really now, this is ridiculous.." but she fetched the thing she knew they wanted from her satchel and tossed the wad of meat away, it landing with a smack onto the ground.
The puppies all barked and rushed for it.
Victoria only sighed and went back to fetching up her bag.
"Dogs.." she grumbled, referring to all of them, not just the pups..
Urich grinned as the wolves charged in for the kill. They would tear her to pieces. Though they were not wolves of the supernatural variety, they sensed the power that lurked in his gifts, and obeyed his every command, and were often fed with the blooded meat of the foolish travelers who meandered this forbidden fortress. She would rue the day she came into Sul'Gulthan!
He laughed manically, overjoyed that at last he would be rid of this annoying woman, and raised his hands in triumph!
Until he heard the whine and whimper of happy puppies. His face blanched, his arms still raised, as he saw the doggies surrounding Victoria, licking her happily. He frowned immensely and his arms fell. "What did you do to my wovles!?" he howled in indignation. Urich fell on his butt as a few of the puppies came scampering toward him, whining for attention. "PUPPIES? WHY PUPPIES?" He cried and held two of them to his breast, hugging them hard. And they howled along with him!
Finally after much humiliation, he climbed to his feet, wiping his eyes, holding a little dark-haired, white socked, yellow-eyed pup in one arm as he stalked back to his throne, hunched over. Urich scowled at Victoria as he sat down again. The ghouls promptly released Frederick.
"GO ON GET OUT OF HERE YOU STUPID WENCH!" He wailed. "You've caused enough trouble for the day! Go on and bring your stupid counsel... But I promise, I'll have the last laugh." Urich howled to himself, the pup howling along with him.
"You know where the door is!"
Victoria only gave one last glare to him before throwing her chin up high, jutting her chest out and storming out of there.
"The counsel will hear of this!" ANd with that, she slammed the door, the noise echoing on her way out.
Though the counsel did hear of it, and the response wasn't what she had desired. She was ridiculed not only by her Aunt Millicent, but by the elders there as well. They were still in the midst of discussing the matter when the counsel began to debate over the validity to expel the wolf from the land.
"He blantantly ignored the letter," Millicent reminded. "And although we have ignored it from sometime, it only proves that this is our responsibility. We'll have to do a major clean up here." Then she turned to her niece and sighed. "Victoria, please understand why we'll want you not to participate. It will only complicate the matters and we want to keep peace, not war."
"I think that werewolf thinks other wise," Victoria retorted, but a sharp glare from her aunt had her silent again.
"No, no, this time we'll invite him to the counsel to discuss this over tea."
"Over tea!?" Victoria stood up suddenly.
"Victoria, mind your manners and your turn. Now be seated!" her aunt scolded.
Victoria was too hot and bothered by it to obey.
"You can not invite that animal here!" she cried.
"Victoria, really. We are not here to make enemies. We need to make amends and hear his side of the case. He also must be persuaded, and perhaps while inside the confines of the counsel.."
"He cares little for our counsel or it's laws!" Victoria snapped. "He didn't even know about us! Acting as ignorant as a child!"
"Yes, all the more reasons we ought to bring him in. If he's a truly wild werewolf, we'll have to force him to be displaced if he can not oblige the laws." her aunt sighed. "And this is the end of the discussions, Victoria. Have a seat and behave."
She couldn't believe it, would NOT believe it. To think, they were going to hold an evening to listen to that ruffian! She felt her blood broil and churn, but bit into her lip, kept to her seat and tried to think of other things as the meeting continued...
but all she could think about was that god damn werewolf!
She saw her self home that evening, not wanting to take the carriage.
The long walk would do her some good, and the cool evening breeze did wonders to cool her face as she began a long strided walk towards her manor.
Without her valet, she was finally able to be alone- and watched, bitterly as the carriage carrying her aunt disappeared.
She was actually surprised her aunt allowed her to go unescorted, but perhaps her Aunt understood her best of all...
Yes, the long walk was needed indeed as she sighed in spite of herself, and continued onward towards her home.
OOC: Hopefully not too many typos in this post this evening XD
Perhaps being unescorted was not the wisest decision, he thought as he observed from the underbrush. It was not often Urich left the decadence of his home to follow prey from afar. He was not comfortable, cold and wet, having traveled far from the ruins of Sul'Gulthan to eye the annoying woman from afar. His vision was sharper than the average man and as he huddled in the mud, he could see her walking toward a larger keep of her own.
"So this is where the bitch lives. Hm, she does well for herself...probably on her back all day," he thought with a great deal of venom. Urich did his best to contain his urge to pounce her by surprise and gouge that pretty face of hers off and make her eat it. He grinned a little, satisfied at the thought. But even that brutality was too good for her. She wanted to make his life a living hell... He'd invade her home like she did his!
Urich followed her like a shadow, coated in the scent of another man's clothing, stolen from a stupid merchant who was too drunk to know anything went missing, and buried himself in dirt and mud and grass, tailing her as she walked calmly to Armani Keep.
Half the day was spent, perhaps more by the time Victoria had dragged herself back to her home. The Armani Manor was hardly something to scoff at, a nice, large house, boasting two tall levels with many rooms and a small garden outside with an area designated for the possibility of an afternoon tea. An ornate, tall iron fence guarded the outside, as she flicked the latch open on the gate and was surprised to be greeted by Frederick.
"Frederick, what on earth are you doing her?" she inquired.
"Miss Millicent had seen you approach. She wanted me to greet you," the ghastly man said, bending over so she could see some of the rotting holes in the side of his head. Victoria made a face. No matter how often she was exposed to her Zombie valet, her servant, she could not get used to the fact he had worms crawling under his skin and he had pieces of his body just falling off.
Drawing in a breath, she simply nodded.
"Well I am home and well now,"she simply stated.
The zombie nodded his head.
"She was afraid of the shadow that was lurking behind you," the valet informed.
"Shadow?" Victoria's face twisted before she turned over her shoulder- but saw nothing. "Probably just the shadows playing on her old eyes."
Sighing, Victoria passed her valet. "Frederick, I'm going to retire for the night, but would like a fresh cup of tea and if dinner hasn't already been decided, I would like duck this evening."
"Yes, my lady," the man said, bowing to her, then looking back towards the woods just outside the road. He frowned, but turned around, closing the gate with a creak and followed after.
Once inside, Victoria unbound her bonnet, casting it aside and made off towards her room.
Her aunt was waiting for her at the top of hte stairs, but she ignore her, simply walking past.
"How was your walk?" the woman inquired, arms folded across her chest.
Victoria sighed, pausing only once before continuing.
"Tiresome. I would like to rest peacefully.. and quietly, before dinner. I asked Frederick to make duck."
Her aunt nodded, shaking her head and just let Victoria be. They could discuss what happened today at dinner.
Once inside her room, Victoria threw herself onto her bed and let another, long winded sigh escape her. She felt a fool, and troubled over everything. To think, just one man stood in her way of showing those at the counsel she was worthy-
and now any bit of her deserved title was being taken away- as if to be scattered to the four winds and never be seen again. Yes, it definitely was an unfortunate turn of events and as she lay upon her bed, she felt something press onto the mattress.
With swiftness, she pulled a dagger from her skirts and turned-
"Bernard!" she put the knife away with a sigh. "You silly cat, why on earth do you feel the need to startle me?"
But the black cat simply replied with a purr, moving forward as it nuzzled against her hand. Victoria found herself chuckling affectionately at the gesture.
"Well now, don't be so demanding now. I only have so much love to give," she teased her cat, scratching him beneath his chin. Shivering, she felt the wind pull in from an open window, but feeling too tired, she just let it be and dropped back onto the bed, allowing her cat to continue to purr beside her as she scratched behind his ears.
Afte ra time, she had nearly dozed off to bed, but found herself awaking with a start and grumbling, rubbing at her eyes sleepily before getting up from her bed and fussing over her dress.
"Bah, so constricting,"s he griped and moved towards her closet after fussing over a few loose strings on her corset. Now that the dress was loose, she felt herself breathing with ease as she sighed, and went about fussing through her selection.
She didn't want something so prudent, and let the dress finally slip away when she found another dress more appropriate-
A deep, ash colored dress with a low cut int he front and a collar that fit snuggly around her neck with a silver clasp.
It had a corset, but she'd call for the maid to tighten it as she began to slip on the dress in front of her full bodied mirror in the corner of her room and took a moment to admire herself, only to frown.
So she had a nice figure, most men would say, her breasts nearly bursting from the confines of such a dress...
but her face. She touched her cheeks.
It was too long and her lips, too flat nad her eyes, nothing too impressive. Her nose, might have even been a tad too large for her own liking and only at certain angles, angles that she began to strike in the mirror, made her feel like a pretty lady at all.
Sighing, she went over towards her desk and took a seat before it and began to spritz some perfume across her form, only idly staring at her face and not knowing much else to do with it. Make up and rouge could only do so much.... Sighing, she moved to rise, knowing her corset needed tightened up the back and that she ought to call a maid in to help-
All the while Frederick was informing the cook staff to have the duck and tea be ready soon.
"Yes, the food will be ready soon. And the soup and salad as well." A large, wide hipped maid swatted towards Frederick. "Now git yer decaying body out a' this kitchen before yer eye falls inta' the soup again!"
Urich breathed to keep his patience as he tailed Victoria's frustratingly slow pace. If only she could make it to the house faster! The wolf in him was eager to get rid of her then and there but there was no telling just how and where she had more of that strength-sapping power. He had no idea where that came from and frankly had never even heard of these so –called 'Negotiators'. As far as he was concerned they were just a group of bullies who used the word 'peace' as an excuse to push their weight around, sending meddling women into places they clearly didn't belong.
It wasn't like he was hurting anybody! He kept to himself! Didn't wage war – not that he had the resources to wage it. He didn't steal from snot nosed nobles. He didn't rape women. He didn't plunder tiny worthless villages. All he did was eat a few travelers who were stupid enough to get caught behind his gates! He even treated them like royalty! Gave them all the food and drink they wanted, told good stories, sang good songs and even offered them a place to sleep. Sometimes if he was a little hungry, he had a midnight snack that was all! Some even went on their merry way and were sure to call on him again sometime.
Those were the ones that didn't look to appetizing anyway.
How could this woman dare invite herself into his domain and accuse him of being a monster!? The gall... In any other moment he might have respected such boldness, but in this case it just sickened him. Urich thought quite highly of himself; in fact, he was a very nice man. He wouldn't have called himself a monster. Maybe she didn't know it yet, but he was determined to show her who the real monster was.
The front gates were far too easy a target and just as easy to get caught at. He waited several minutes before going around to the side, watching for footmen and scaled the tall iron pikes that served as the gates with relative ease, ensuring to leave no trace of him behind. His attire of choice was form-fitting, tight leather trousers and soft shoes as opposed to boots and short-sleeved tunic and vest-like piece that went down to his hips. The leather belt was a nice touch too. Simple, but well...fashion was the last thing on his mind. And it certainly didn't help that he intentionally rolled around in the moisture of a grassy knoll in order to mask his smell. The woman obviously had some wolf blood of her own. Or maybe he just needed to bathe more often.
But he was a true mudman in his disguised, covered from head to toe in it earthen darkness evening fell. He landed in the gardens when he was over the gate and when the coast was clear he cross the path carefully, looking for any open avenue inside, but alas as he saw, two stories up, there was a window open just slightly. It was too perfect of course, but he wouldn't just pop right in. He crouched low and gathered all the strength he could into his legs before vault up to the window sill with no problem, latching to the edge of it with his bare hands. Slowly he lifted his head up to peer over it and saw the bitch sleeping in the bed with a goddamned cat beside her.
"Stupid cat," he thought and took another leap to reach for the roof. He waited there for several hours, keeping quiet and waiting. He peeked down from time to time, holding himself from the roof and peeking through the curtains to see if she had gone. She was changing in front of the mirror.
"Good gods, even I don't take that long to dress," he whispered to himself when he was back on the roof. Would she ever leave the room?
The duck was delicious as usual, but Victoria found herself picking at her food. She was ever so distracted, and the conversation her Aunt was holding wtih her was of idle interest.
"Really, Victoria, pay attention!" her Aunt scolded. "And keep your elbows off the table."
Frowning, Victoria obeyed and went back to picking at her food. "And here you requested duck, but are simply picking at it!"
"I would eat more but I'm hardly hungry," Victoria replied lamely.
"Hardly hungry!?" her Aunt said with alarm, turning red faced. "Hardly, indeed! YOu just walked a good many a miles to get home."
"Yes, but I said I'm not hungry," Victoria sighed.
"Oh, stop moping about it, Victoria. I know you're still feeling dejected after what the counsel said, but the rules are clear."
"Yes, the rules are clear for you," Victoria quipped.
"Now, now now, don't play off your faults on me!" her aunt scolded. "This werewolf has not been schooled in who we are and what we do. We can't just continue to parade into his home until he is more thoroughly educated on the manner."
"The good that'll do," Victoria murmured. "You are asking us to take him from his home."
"Yes, because of the murders!" her aunt decreed. "And because that land should be left to ghosts, they claimed it first! It's not fair for them to have to share their lands with a werewolf."
Victoria rolled her eyes, pinning her fork into a piece of duck.
"I don't think these ghosts and ghouls really cared," she replied lamely.
"Don't care, indeed! We still need to make another visit, nd this time, one more in good faith. Heaven's child, what did you do to the man to get him so upset!?"
Victoria dropped her fork.
"I was simply following protocol! It wasn't my fault he lied to me, then proceded to try and kill me!"
"Kill you!?" her aunt cried in alarm. Victoria made a face, quickly kicking herself for admitting to that one. "What the devil DID you do!?"
"Oh, Aunt Millicent, please! I'm hardly in a mood to discuss this!" Victoria said, raising in anger. "You send me int here to demand a man leaves his home, and he, HE has no idea we even exsist! You should have seen the expression on his face when I smashed my enchanted hat onto him and he lost his wolfish powers!"
Her aunt gasped in alarm. "You enchanted your hat!?" Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Aunt Milli.. please.." she said through her teeth and finally move to rise. "I think if I was better prepared in dealing with someone who is unused to such beings as us, then perhaps I might have tackled this ordeal differently."
"but the point is you didn't!" her aunt pointed out. "And now we have a very upset werewolf we have to deal with.
"Upset, indeed!" Victoria said, yawning madly at the prospect. "But do let us talk about this later. I fear I hve no appetite for food, nor for this conversation."
"Victoria.."
Victoria glared at her aunt.
"How would YOU feel if someone were to come in here, demanding you leave YOUR home?" Victoria snapped, raising a brow at her aunt as if to challenge her at her cause.
Her aunt's face crumpled.
"Do whatever you'd like. This conversation is over!" her aunt said.
Victoria set her jaw, then moved to leave, heading for the door.
When at last he heard the door of her exit slam shut, Urich finally bounced into action. Within seconds he twisted off the roof and through the open window, carefully balancing so as to not break his neck in the gardens, falling backwards. The room was dark, but his night vision cut through it, though he bore no claws or fangs of any kind. The mixture of bloods left him in the embrace and ease of both worlds, providing him strength when he needed it and good sense when he didn't. But there was no time to bother with good sense, not when there was revenge to be had.
As petty as it was.
Urich didn't waste time exploring and bolted for her closet, tearing the doors open and pulling out one frock after another and springing claws to his hands. Urich slashed them across the clothing, tearing them open and ripping them to shreds. When he was finished with her dresses, every last one of them, he moved on to the drapes and tore them apart, laughing at his childish endeavor. He didn't care, however. Revenge was revenge no matter how it was served.
He smashed her mirror, crushed two posts on her bed threw candelabras to the floor, snuffing out the candles before it all took flame and smeared the ashes across every portrait and picture in the room, ripping holes in the canvases and raising them high and throwing them into a pile of destruction in the middle of the room.
And at the sound of the moving door knob, he bolted for the window.
Victoria was already feeling lousy, and as the door squealed open, she found herself, staring apathetically at the mess inside her room. Her eye twitched slightly as she turned to the window, believing to have seen a flutter of exiting movement.
"Gee, I wonder why my room is in shreds," she mused out loud with indifference, walking straight into her room and staring at the open window with a scornful eye. Then, over her shoulder she noticed the shredded garments, the drapes, the canvas and merely shook her head.
"And here I thought I wouldn't be worth his time. To think, I've upset a mere child."And she dropped her bustled bottom onto her bed and just threw herself onto the mattress.
"I guess I shall be shopping tomorrow," she mused, not even caring if the werewolf was nearby.
What was he going to do anyways? Tear off the dress she was wearing?
No, she suspected he might rather like that and sighed hotly before standing up agian and thrusting her face outside the window, wondering if she could get a glimpse of that damned werewolf.
She'd give him quite a tongue lashing.
Those dresses were custom made! The tailor would be furious with her- after all, it was erm.. difficult to get a dress styled to her..er.. fit.
Urich was long gone by the time she entered, leaving nothing more than muddy tracks in his wake as he vaulted over the iron bars yet again and scurried off into the brush. The Valley was notoriously field-like and forests were few and far between. But he carefully made his way from the keep, out into the wilds before disappearing entirely into the evening.
Petty reveng was petty indeed and he didn't feel nearly as satisfied as he thought he would by the time he made it back to Sul'Gulthan. But as he entered into the ruins that he'd made his home, he pushed the annoying woman from his mind. She wouldn't bother him anymore. Not naked at least and if she had to spend a great fortune to replace everything he'd destroyed so be it.
It wasn't like the Counsel was going to summon him or anything.
So he went back to his throne, wine in hand and relaxed before a large roaring fireplace. "Sir!" Robern called.
"Yes, my beheaded friend," he said, smiling.
"You've got another letter"
At this Urich blanched. Not again.
Her aunt was most disappointed, and the counsel, a bit annoyed.
"If he doesn't take kindly to the tea, we'll have to see him thrown out personally. He knows where Miss Armani lives. If he's gone so much as to harass her personally with petty revenge, I'd hate to see what else he might have in store."
And that was the end of that, and Vicotira found herself in town at the tailors, drawing her arms up as the woman set about the measuring tape to hips then to chest.
"I swear, Victoria, you need to lose some weight."
Victoria glared at the woman.
"I say!"
"Well, your measurements have gotten larger, I suppose it was about time for you to get a new wardrobe."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Then perhaps the wolf did us all a favor," she muttered and when the woman inquired what she meant, she merely shook her head. "Nothing, really, Melissa, just musing."
"What color dresses would you like? We have a few new styles I could offer to make."
"Any without a corset?"
Melissa frowned. "I'm afraid not."
Victoria sighed. "Very well then. I do like dark colors, perhaps this time, I could add a simple red dress to my collection, maybe in a wine color, fi you would. And oh, these stripes look lovely, one in this and perhaps something in this deep green velvet."
Melissa set to marking down the order.
"What will you wear in the meantime, Miss Armania?"t he seamstress had to ask. "You only have one dress in which to wear.
Victoria shrugged.
"I Suppose I shall go through town naked then?"
Melissa had to laugh. "Miss Armani, what a naughty thought!"
Victoria rolled her eyes skyward, with indifferent.
"Not as naughty as the dog who tried to one up me." she sighed over the thought.
"What have you got on your wracks?"
"Nothing that would fit, the only dress I have might be a bit too small in the bust line for oyu, Miss Armani. You know you have, um.. pretty wide assets and -"
Victoria stomped her parasol to the floor.
"Do not remind me of my assets,"s he said with a hot sigh. "Just fetch me the dress and I shall try it on."
The woman obeyed nad left her, coming back with a small dress with ablue body nd creamed sleeves and details. Victoria raised her brows at it.
"It seems a bit simply."
"But gorgeous, still. Do at least try it on, Miss Armani." The woman sighed, but obeyed, groaning as she felt her breasts nearly tear the thing in half.
"Do you not have something a bit larger?"
Melissa fornwed, looking around before slipping a red dress from a mannequin.
"I do have this dress, but I'd have to make a few alterations before you could leave in it."
Victoria nodded and reached for the dress.
"Red.." she frowned. "Such a flashy color."S he slippe di tout then stepped out of the changing room, and the tailor gasped.
"Miss Armani, you look like the goddess of love herself!"
Victoria rolled her eyes. "I feel like a damn apple. BUt I shall take the dress. Please tighten me up and adjust what needs ita nd I shall be on my way."
The tailor obeyed, and as she fussed over the thing, VIctoria sighed. "How long shall I have to wait for my dress order?"
"Oh, I'd say about a month."
"A month!" VIctoria griped.
"Aye. You be needin' a lot of dresses, Miss Aramani. It will take us a good amount of time to get them done with quality."
Victoria sighed.
"Well, I suppose I'll take the blue and cream dress int he meantime. IT's better than nothing."
Melissa nodded, finished fussing over the dress and Victoria moved to pay.
"But if you get the dresses done any sooner, please notify my immediately." Victoria informed. Melissa nodded and the woman was off, pushing open the door and strolling out into the street, eyes glazing over tiredly as she looked at the many shops within the street.
"I suppose I should get myself a hat to match,"s he said idly, and began to make her way towards the end of the street. She was in such a hurry, not paying much attention when she suddenly walked straight into a man before her.
"Oh, dear I'm dreadfully.." but as hse lifted her head, she noticed the familiar auburn hair and hazel green eyes and gave a start- hand going to her lips. "You!"
And she stared incredulously at the werewolf before her,- a wolf in sheep's clothing no doubt- looking as handsome as ever.
And look at him- walking about the streets as if some ordinary man! She furrowed her brow.
"You owe me quite a few dresses."
What rotten business did he have in town, now? But he needed a new suit if he was going to call on these round of snot-nosed bottomfeeders. They wouldn't take him seriously otherwise. Not that he really cared. Urich rarely went shopping on busy days like these. It seemed all the townspeople were here today or maybe the local business were just having sale after sale. He found the clothing he was looking for, a simple suit of navy blue, with gorgeous embroidery on the collar and sleeves, with a pleated shirt to match. He bought a fine amulet too, to grace his chest but that complete the set. But he found it was not enough.
Why not just go all out and get some new boots too? Urich grinned to himself. It was better than looking like the trash they expected him to look. And he'd sure as hell look far better than that wench!
He was humble enough to carry his own purchases, holding the bag over his shoulder after having it tailored his size and walked nonchalantly down the avenue. A gleaming pair of boots caught his eye and he paused, staring at them with awe. Black leather, most likely made for riding, but he could have them cut down to his specifications... No, no that would be a travesty! They were perfect the way they were! And they would go so perfectly with his new --
OOF!
"Oh, who dares!?" he roared, regaining his balance and saving his bag from tearing ont he ground. He stood up and gave daggers to the buffoon who couldn't watch where they were going. "YOU!" he spat at the same time she did.
He snarled, his features darkening dangerously. "You've got a lot of nerve talking to me like you-you... I don't even know what in the gods' names to call you, you've got me at wit's end. I'd kill you now but I don't fancy going to prison for mere mortals. Now what the hell are YOU doing here?"
Victoria lowered her eye lids, staring at him as if disinterested and gave a snort through her nose, hand to her hip.
"You can call me Miss Armani,"s he informed him, boredly. "I'm a negotiator, and I'm here because I needed to do a bit of dress shopping," she spoke nearly through her teeth, but tried to remain civil. "Someone seemed to be telling me it was due for an upgrade." She eyed him suspiciously, looking at the bag he carried and noticed the vendor's symbol upon it.
"Doing a bit of shopping yourself?" she prodded, using her parasol to poke his bag. Then she craned her neck up to him, glaring, but bored. "Luten's- only the men's finest fashions." she stated, as if it were a dismal affair.
"Either way, if you'd please move out of the way, I can continue on my way to purchase a hat." she said, resting her black parasol before her and shifting her hips beneath her new red skirts-
Really, they did seem to attract a lot of attention, as a few men nearby began to crane their necks her way- even one had to do a double take on his horse, and ended up smashing his face into a store sign.
"Why don't you get out of MY way...as you could see I was here first, minding my own business until you smashed your large behind into me, like some kind of boulder. You look like you've gained a bit of weight since I last saw you. But your breasts look rather nice." He commented and shrugged at her. "If you're in a hurry, just go around me, but please take as much room as you can. Your ass will need it."
Urich rolled his eyes at her and returned to his window-gazing. She wasn't worth his time either on the job or on the street...which was where she really belonged.
Victoria felt her brow twitch at his comment.
So she had gained a little weight, but certainly HE wouldn't have known about that! And he didn't need to start complimenting her assets the same time he was berating them. Really!
She was about to chew him a new one when something caught her eye-
It was her Aunt!
Panicking, since she clearly did NOT want to be seen with this criminal, she made a mad dash into the store, eyes going desperate towards the sales man as she asked-
"How much for those boots int he window!?" and she pointed DIRECTLY at the pair Urich was admiring from the window.
Oh no she didn't!
Urich was horrified at the gall. Of course he didn't see the old prune parading herself down the street and dashed right into the store after her. "Don't you dare!" he said to the shopkeeper. The little old man jumped at his approach. "My father is dying! Those were the boots were going to dress him in for the funeral... I'll pay double whatever the current price is!"
He turned to Victoria with venom in his eyes. "You buy those boots, I skin you alive. You diabolical little troll."
Victoria turned around, appalled the man would dare follow her here. She had contemplated whacking him over the head with her umbrella, but with held the urge as she deepened her scowl.
"Dying father indeed, you mean that animated, talking head back at your manor?" she quipped, tapping her umbrella to the floor, then turned to the shop keep.
"This man doesn't have the money. He already used it to buy me a slew of new dresses," she informed the man, putting herself between Urich at the salesman.
"And further more, I'll be needing polish for the boots as well."
She would not let this man one up her- not when-
She paled, noticing her Aunt stroll across the window, sweat collecting across her brow.
Aunt Millicent-
did she see them!? She could only pray not!
Urich's face burned in fury at her comment. This woman was uppity off the clock as well. Did she have no decency? She pretended she was a lady but he could tell it was all just a mask to her, a game to be played and to make him look like a fool without a home, without money, without even a smidgen of dignity.
The tiny old man at the counter didn't know what to do. Urich nudged her out of the way with his hip and poked the counter with a large sack of coins. "This woman clearly is insane and what is she going to do with a pair of men's boots anyway? Look at her, how could a cow of her size and shape have any admirers?"
"Sir, you really shouldn't be talking about a lovely lady like that," the old man said.
"I demand you give me those boots this instant. Please! It's a matter life or death!"
"But you said your father was already dying!" he said, but he was still trembling. "I don't have to--"
"Yes you do!"
Well now! Things were going from bad to worse! Victoria's brow twitched at the man.
Did he have no decency!? Calling a lady a COW of all things! She couldn't help but feel a flush of embarrassment for it, and found herself hating for not being a skinny fawn the men all praised- though she didn't realize the temptations an hour glass body could bring-
It didn't matter in that moment in time as the cad had made an insufferable comment towards her and had already lost her heart.
The nerve of him!
"Yes, only a gentleman with such a colorful tongue could purchase such boots," she stated, pushing his sack of coins away wit her own purse.
"Now, Cedric, I can cut you a check. My Aunt is good for the coin on those boots. I'm buying them as a present." For who? Well, no one could be so sure!
"Y-yes, my lady," he said, seeming to be just as fearful of the ladies cold and demanding stare as he was with the rude rough tongue of the gentleman beside her.
Then as the man scurried off, she planted a hand to her hips and glared at him.
"You, sir, are a cad. Waltzing into my town, calling me names... so it seems we have gotten off on a bad foot. But a bad foot indeed! If anything,y ou are a rotten, callous man who only thinks about himself with no obligations to the rules set about him. Now, if you mind your tongue and mind your manners, I'd like to purchase these boots with on further quarrel, as my time in dealing with YOU is over." she gave a sniff, turning away and put her hands out to the salesman.
"My boots, if you please," and he handed her the bag and she, in turn- SLAMMED the bag into his hands.
"Here, enjoy your boots while the counsel works at kicking you from your home."s he said miserably, then spotted her aunt had gone and didn't waste anymore time in that store as she strolled out, head held high and probably leaving a very angered and confused man in her wake.
Either way, he would NOT get the upper hand on her!
Really! A cow! The manners on him were atrocious!
Maybe if he had his damn boots now he'd leave her alone. One could only hope!
Urich was astounded at the gall of the woman and stood there dumbfounded, sweating out his anger as she smashed the boots into his hand. Now he didn't even want them... He was seething absolute rage, but found he could not channel it into anything other than staring at those boots and the ring of the bell as she made her exit echoed in his ears over and over and over again. He dropped the boots to the ground and took the gold and gave it to the old man.
"I'm sorry sir. You can have your boots back," he said. "In addition to this payment. I didn't mean to be such a jackass in your lovely establisment. Now...if you please can we start over?"
"I-...." the shopkeeper didn't know what to say at the sudden change in attitude.
"Let's just forget this ever happened," Urich went on, feeling sorry for the old man to have to witness such a display. "I'd like to purchase some boots... But not these ones. They have already been soiled by the intent of a homewrecker. I'd like nothing from that woman. And I only want to look nice. Will you help me accomplish this goal?"
"Er...sure?"
"Thank you sure. Now...ah, those are some nice ones on the shelf," Urich said, picking another pair of dark brown well-oiled leather. They had a rustic look, but would go just as well with the suit, if not better. And he knew he could pull it off. After the transaction had been done, he went on his way.
The meeting was tonight after all.
Victoria had returned home, and much to her chagrin, her Aunt was chastising her over this and that.
"And you can't possibly where that thing to the meeting," her Aunt griped.
Victoria sunk into her hand as he leaned to one side in a parlor chair.
"Are you done chastising my dress so we can leave. We'll be late at this rate."
Her aunt made a face.
"Victoria, your dress is scandalous. What do you think the werewolf will think?"
Victoria gave her aunt a nonplused glare.
"I care not for what he thinks."
"Really! He'll see you as a slab of fresh meat!" her aunt scolded. Victoria rolled her eyes.
"And if he does, that'll only confirm that's he's an animal," she retorted.
"Just get to your room and change," her aunt commanded.
Victoria sighed. "But to what dress? The man shredded all of my clothes."
"You assumed he did."
"I could smell his scent a mile away," Victoria siad, nose to the air.
"No fussing- just get up there and change. Just wear what you wore the other day."
Victoria sighed and finally raised from the parlor chair. "Oh, alright, if you insist,"s he said, fanning off her mouth as she strolled into her room and went about changing.
They were late, as she predicated, and a scowl was forming across her face. The dress fit much better than the other, perhaps a bit more snuggly, showing off more of her curves and bust. And the damn hat her aunt made her wear..
well, this time she enchanted more than htat.
She didn't trust Urich as far as she could throw him, after all.
So as they made their way into the great hall, her Aunt Millicent pushing through the great doors, it made her blood curl to hear her claim,
"Oh, Mister Urich, so good of you to join us. I hope your travel went well?"
And that's when Victoria paused, staring with her mouth open like a fish-
unable to tear her dark eyes away from him.
He was handsome. He looked refined-
he looked nothing like the wolfish man she met before.
She even had to blink-
This could NOT be the man from before! Preposterous!
The journey was long and tiresome. And as determined as he was to keep his home, Urich felt there was a futility lurking in the cold air. He left Sul'Gulthan with a solemn expression, feeling as if the battle had already been won and by powers beyond his control. He had taken along Robern, the soldier's ghostly expression as he viewed the world outside of the fortress for the first time in what he claimed was three hundred years.
The world was brighter, though the morning was dull and cloudy. He was taken with the expanse of the Valley, it hadn't changed much in the past few hundred years, but frankly he was glad to see it again. No war, no smoke or fire, no bloody flags hanging in the distance. There was light. There was life. And if Urich didn't know any better, he could have sworn the soldier's skull actually smiled.
If only he knew how bleak the situation was. But then again, since he read the letters, he supposed he already knew.
They greeted him courteously and Urich bowed and shook the appropriate hands when he arrived, holding the skull in his right arm. He sat himself in the far back, looking solemn and meeting no ones eyes intentionally. But when he looked up, they were greeted with defiance. Not evil, but sheer will. Yet even Urich knew that probably wouldn't save him.
"The meeting will begin shortly," someone said. He only nodded and leaned back in his chair, looking around at the decadence of the council house. Pitchers of wine, fine bread and cheese. And tea... He snorted. Like wolves drank tea!
He set Robern on the table beside him, kindly refusing any offer of drink with a gently shake of his head. He leaned with an elbow on the table, crossing his legs and had one arm lazily cradled in his lap, at least to hide the frustrated fists he was making underneath. At last they could begin when that horrid woman entered the room.
The old woman that spoke to him, Urich only brushed a hand to the back of his head and smiled at her, glaring at Victoria then turning his eyes to the table. "Let's get this over with," he said softly.
He wasn't wearing the boots.
Why in GODS name had he made a fuss if he wasn't going to wear the boots? But then again, perhaps he wasn't lying? Though she doubted it and chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to keep herself from thinking about it but-
Where were the god damn boots!?
Her Aunt continued on with her speak, pointing out this letter and that to Urich, though Victoria could tell the man could care less. Her Aunt was simply speaking, going on about taking away his home-
It all served to irritate her, really.
She finally sat up.
"Aunt Millicent, if you please," she began. "Could you bring up the point of his offenses?"
Millicent turned to Victoria.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Yes, his offenses. You're boring us all with the details about the agency, but have yet to get to the part about his crimes. It seemed to me he has done most grievous deeds, but if what he's coming here today only shows us, he was hardly int he wrong if he didn't even know the rules."
"Victoria!" her aunt said with alarm. "First of all, hold your tongue until it is your turn to speak. We are speaking on official business and the laws can not be-"
Victoria waved her hand at the thought.
"Really, Aunt Millicent, this is a bagged case. It's why you let me take it to begin with, but really, it's not bagged at all. It almost seems our laws are rigged against Mister Renqvist here, and I for one, am already growing bored and confused over our delay to handle this anyways."
"Victoria!" her aunt cried out in anger, but her niece simply rose.
"If anything, we should show more civility towards his case. We brought him here for tea and cake, but you all simply are planning to merely push him off of his land. Well," she continued, folding her arms across her chest. "I was brought to believe we were based off of a system to benefit both kinds. If Miter Renqvist has lived in ignorance for so long, it is not his fault he had killed a man on his lands. And, these lands, as far as I saw, aren't even suitable to be fighting over. So if it's his home we are asking to take, why not just let the werewolf have his territory?"
It was here the whole counsel went silent, and only then did Victoria realize what she had said and slowly turned.
"Er, yes, forgive me, I do tend to speak my mind a bit too much, I-"
WHACK-
The sting from her aunt's slap sent a shock through her.
"You will know your place, Victoria! We are here to deliver a speech and rights of our authorities. If we ignore this case, no matter who is ignorant or how, we lose the source and footing of the laws we have cherished and dictated for so long! If not for these laws, chaos would indeed, continue to consume these lands from untamed ruffians who hunt the weaker mortals as simple prey!"
Victoria nursed her cheek, eyes flashing hotly towards her aunt.
"And here I was under the impression you wanted to hear the man out- yet you hear him out not at all! What are we Negotiating if not for peace between both parties, Aunt Milli? Tell me that!"s he spat back hotly. "We all talk about order, but all I see is you all huffing around, believing tea can buy you jurisdiction!"
"Victoria! Mind your tongue or I swear to god I'll-"
Victoria flashed her aunt a heated glare.
"Or you will what, Aunt Millicent?" her niece challenged.
Millicent was taken back.
"You wretched child! How dare you speak out of turn. How dare you speak to your elders this way, and how DARE you think yourself a Negotiator!" Her aunt pointed to the door.
"The door is right there, Victoria. You can see yourself out of here."
Victoria kept her pride about herself, seeing how she had already lost her case-but not the war.
"You can silence me, Aunt Millicent, but I will form an appeal if this keeps up, and don't think I don't have hte power. It's in my blood!" and with her nose to the air, she simply left, leaving Urich to the mercy of her strained aunt, who only turned back hotly to the table and declared.
"I'm afraid, Mister Renqvist, that this meeting will have to be delayed to another time," Millicent informed, sighing. "I do apologize for my niece's out burst. But we will relook at this case in another months time." she bowed to him graciously. "If you'll excuse me, we have a more pressing matter that concerns the future of my niece's position here." she gestured towards the door.
"If you will see yourself out..."
He had his head propped against his hand, leaning on the table and looking nothing short of bored as the old prune went on and on and on about things he knew nothing about. A hand went up into the nose of the skull and he smiled a little, watching Robern make a face and gesture to listen to the lady. Urich's expression asked, 'Do you want to listen to her all day?' To which the ghost's face simply shook his head and vanished.
He was almost falling asleep, but managed a nod here and there that he supposed he understood what she was saying, but honestly he hadn't heard a word at all. Just a lot of yapping about laws that supposedly existed that had never bothered to had been posted to him until now. Of the last thirty years he'd lived in Sul'Gulthan...now they wanted to make him aware of the problem.
He only vaguely looked up when the outburst occured, though the first thing that got his attention was the loud slap that rang through the great council chamber. Ugh, the older cow trying to maintain her dominance over the sligtly younger, slightly less ugly cow. Where had he seen this before? He pursed his lips, watching the display with half-interested eyes. And only sat up when his arm had grown tired.
He didn't like watching this wicked, devious woman trying to argue a case for him. It was her stupid idea in the first place! And only scowled at her when she walked away. It was obvious she was trying to play both sides, the sneaky little double agent. He knew for a fact she didn't give a piss to the wind about him keeping the only home that had been his for a good chunk of his life. And he sure as hell wasn't going to be buying her bullshit.
But the whining had been tried and done and he tired of this place. Not only that, his ass had grown numb on these painfully uncomfortable chairs. Now the letter didn't say anything about bringing your own chair... He wondered how they would react if he proposed that. His throne would look quite nice in its place, yes.
He looked at the prunish old woman Victoria had called Millicent, when she demanded his attention, attempting to be courteous.
Urich only stood and bowed to her, leaning down to pick up the skull of Robern and cradling it in the crook of his arm. He sighed and looked to the old woman with tired eyes. "If that's how you treat your own bloodkin...I can only imagine how you'll treat me. Good day ma'am," he said, bowing and taking his leave. But as he passed by Millicent he paused and took a step toward her, reaching for her wrinkled hand. He held it gently and pressed it to his limps and gave her a solemn nod before backhanding her across the face.
"That's for Victoria," he said quietly, as the entire counsel erupted in outcries and murmurs and gasps. He bowed again and took his leave then.
Victoria had taken herself outside for a stroll, forcing Frederick to stay back at the carriage. She needed time to herself, time to think over how preposterous this all was. And to think- she defended the man who tried to kill her in his own home!
Though, she hated to admit it, she only began to realize his side of things and the fault of their own agency during the very 'tea party negotiation' itself. But boy, wouldn't her Aunt Millicent be mad!
She couldn't help but smile inspite of herself.
"Well, there goes my career," she sighed. But what could the counsel do? She had a unique power not many were gifted with- but she was sure by now her aunt was going to sell her off to some arranged marriage far away from here.
she didn't much care for the idea, but who was she to make a choice in her life? Today, she was finally able to earn some wings to voice her own tongue-
and the entire counsel felt the brunt of it.
"Well, at least I went out on a good note, and a note for myself," she told herself, and drew her shawl tightly around her arms and strolled out into the street- finding the need to, once again, walk home.
She needed the time to think- and how her emotions were brewing inside her like a storm- monsters be damned! she would tear any an all apart who messed with her.
Perhaps she'd feel more..
lady like and 'repressed' when she got back home-
If she had a home to go back to.
Maybe her aunt would simply disown her for such a deed- though she doubted her Aunt would let her out of her clutches that easily.
She grumbled over the idea and shivered against a cold wind blowing- the only thing forcing her to move faster, despite the tremendous amounts of plots plaguing her mind.
After a time, she moved to the back alleyways- knowing it was foolish, but just hungering for the risks-
After all, her Aunt would more than likely stick to the main roads-
and not many would dare seek passage way through the narrow alleys...
Frankly, he hadn't known how the meeting ought to have gone. Though he was more than sure the slap to the old crow's face wasn't going to make him with good points in anyone's book. Well, since he was sure they were going to kick him out of his home anyway at least he had that to have them remember him by.
Urich would walk home as he often did. He might have liked to play the nobleman, but truly he didn't have a cent to his name that wasn't stolen or found. He had no real staff, no chauffer, no horse, no carriage. He'd learned to do most things by himself and for himself. Brothers and sisters were nonexistent, cousins were unreliable. He was the only person he could count on.
But the stress of all thsi nonsense - and it was nothing more than that - was beginning to take its toll on him. He passed through the town, nothing more than an odd man carrying a small skull under his arm, passing an alleyway with a familiar shape inside it. He paused to look and when he recognized who it was he gave an audible scoff of pure disgust and stomped off toward the town exit.
"Well, at least this day can't get any worse, Robern," he muttered.
She thought she smelled a wolf. Turning around, she thought she had seen Urich, but thought better of it and adjusted her hat. The cold was aching at her neck as she rubbed at it- but the truth was, she was just tense.
"Well, well, well, what's a pretty lady like you doing on this side of town?"
Blinking, Victoria looked around, but didn't see a man in sight. Drawing out her parasol, she demanded, "Who are you?" and then she glared and added in a bark, "Show yourself!"
The man in the shadow grinned wickedly, before stepping out and licking his lips.
"It's been a while since I've had a taste of a mutt before."
VIctoria was taken back.
"I beg your pardon?"
"What? Doesn't a tamp like you know she's part werewolf?"t he man said, moving forward, tongue lulled as he began to lift up her skirts. She smacked him down.
"I say!"
"I say, indeed!" the dark haired man said, and Victoria soon found herself suddenly pinned against a nearby wall, and the werewolf who approached her was going to take full advantage.
"Well now, I think it's nearing the full moon, and despite it not being night, I think if we bred like dogs it migh tbe all the more fun..." the man growled, hands roaming dangerously over her form.
Victoria's face burned.
"I say!"s he slapped him suddenly. "Do get off of me!" she huffed, stomping her boot. "I am not a lady to be trifled with!"
"Oh... what's this? Trying to be an alpha now are we?" the wolf licked his lips. "I may not be an alpha, but I know goods when I see them..."
"I say! Back away!"s he shouted, trying to shove the man away as he lapped a hot tongue at her cheek and neck.
"YOu might be rather pretty if you took your skirts off!" he told her, suddenly slamming his fist against her throat nad working at tearing at her dress.
Why was it men were always tearing at her dresses!?
With renewed rage, she suddenly SLUGGED the scoundrel off of herself, sending him into the alley way to nurse at his face.
"I told you, I am no woman to be trifled with!" she shouted, voice echoing down the alley.
But the dark haired man's only response was to transform as Victoria watched, in horror as he let out a devilish howl and his clothes burst off his body- and leaping into the air, he became a monstrous wolf, fangs bared and ready for the kill....
Urich was far away from the scene of the commotion. In fact, he was almost near the gates when he heard the howl. That was strange... He would have smelled a wolf that was this close in proximity, but he supposed he was far too preoccupied with his thoughts to have paid proper attention. It didn't quite alarm him and in fact only raised his curiosity. But he supposed it was none of his business and the snot-nosed counsel would take care of it. They were 'negotiators' after all, whatever that meant.
"It sounds like something you ought to take a look at," Robern said, face concerned.
"Oh yeah, why should I care?"
"Maybe they'll consider the feat and let you keep the ruins," the soldier suggested.
Urich considered it for a while, rubbing his chin. "I don't think they'd buy it. They're too busy with iron pikes up their asses to give any consideration to anyone that isn't themselves. You saw how that old cow treated her niece. Even if I help somebody - which I have done plenty of in the past - she won't get past the fact that I slapped her."
"You make valid points. But could you really let another werewolf run loose in town... What if people got hurt?"
"I don't care Robern. Let it kill everyone in this worthless place!"
"My lord..."
"OH all right!! But I'm NOT going to ruin my suit."
Urich gave a heavy sigh about faced, looking glum and clearly not wanting to bother with it at all. Another wolf...all the better to distract the attentions of the counsel. Maybe the bastard would get somebody good, like that stupid bitch.
He saw the familiar alleyway the noises were coming from, but kept his distance, and looked up to the building overlooking the scene. With an effortless bound and with the help of some scaffolding, he made it to the roof and leaned over the edge, making a surprised and clearly pleased face at the scene below. "Oh look, Robern, it's that wench Victoria, finally getting what's coming to her." He leaned down and grinned, watching the wolf attack her.
"Shouldn't you help her?"
"NO. She deserves this."
"But he's trying to rape her!"
"And that means I should interfere. I'm only a half-breed. He clearly looks like he's had his round for a few hundred years."
"He's clearly bitten! NOt born. That means you are his superior just by blood. Even if you are half. Isn't that how you explained it to me?"
"Goddamn you and your memory! I thought ghosts couldn't retain new information."
Robern only grinned.
"If I ruin my suit, you go to the pups. They'll piss all over you."
Robern frowned.
Urich set the skull down on the ledge to overlook the fight and he proceeded climb over the ledge. He peered down on the scuffle with a lazy sigh and had serious second thoughts. He hoped to the gods the wolf would at least deliver a killing blow. And he quietly jumped down from the ledge, claws unleashed, hair and fangs grown in, in hybrid form. He knew he wouldn't need a full-blown transformation. That would ruin the suit.
And when the wolf had his back to him, he grabbed the son of a bitch by his neck, reach his arm all the way around and digging his claws in deep, lifting him high in the air before slamming him into the floor in a clear show of domination.
Victoria had been braced, and still remained braced before she realized what happened. Blinking,s he could only stare down at the scene with sheer confusion- for there was Urich- half turned into his wolfish brute form, fingers curled and pressed just overtop of the dark, black wolf struggling beneath him. The wolf, however, had other thoughts on the matter as he continued to bite and snip angrily at the man trying to dominate him.
Victoria's eyes narrowed as she went about, slipping on a pair of enchanted gloves and was quick to Urich's side, placing a hand upon the wolf as it struggled and soon- the dark haired man (though obviously totally naked, unlike how he was clothed before) melted before them, back into his human form with a blink.
"What the hell-" but then quickly he turned his dark eyes, piercing at Urich.
"YOU!" the beast snapped, sniffing the air. "You're only a half breed. Get the hell offa me so I can rape and kill that lady-"
Victoria stared back down at the beastly man without amusement at his comment.
"He can't use his powers so long as I touch him with this glove," Victoria stated simply. "Mister Renqvist, do as you please with him."
The wolf only blinked, then quickly snarled at her, snapping at the air.
"What do you mean!? YOU do not have the upper hand! What did you do to me witch!?"
Victoria fanned her mouth boredly.
"Any time now, Mister Renqvist."
Urich watched with fleeting fascination as she turned the wolf into a mere mortal man, as she had done him when he had attacked her. Now why she hadn't done this sooner, he wouldn't have needed to intervene and ruin his suit with all this strenuous work! But his expression had gone sour as he noticed the attitude of the man who continued to feebly resist Urich's hold on his neck.
He looked at Victoria, sickened at how she could be so uppity even now that she had been attacked. "Maybe," he said. "But don't just order me around like I'm some kind of lackey. Maybe I have half a mind to just let this poor bastard go! You hold yourself with nothing but pompous airs even after you've been through the grinder. Why can't you just act like a normal person?"
The wolf stopped his struggles for a moment and looked betwen the two of them. "Do you know each other?"
"Great detective work, sir," Urich glared at him and tightened his grip around his neck. "And you! You stupid bastard. Only a fool would attack a person in the middle of town on a night like this. There are people around! Don't you know you'd get caught? I almost feel ashamed to be werewolf solely because of your stupidity. Now, understand, I don't want to kill you. But your a disgrace to your own kind. And....truly it is better that you die by your own kind than by the likes of hers. Now do you have any last words?"
"You stupid asshole! Let me go!"
"Really? Those are your last words?" Urich rolled his eyes and squeezed harder until the man fought no longer, losing all oxygen to his brain and his skin turning purple. He frowned at the poor schlub and let him grow limp against the ground. "I'm sorry it had to be this way," he muttered.
Victoria only watched, in some fascination of the wolf's strength. She had never gotten to witness it so close before a werewolf, well, being so.. werewolfish!
She shook her head at his remarks.
"Don't think I don't appreciate the gesture," she muttered, though it was hard for he to swallow her pride in his presence, after all, for so long she had been trained as such, and felt almost hurt for it when he snapped at her. "In fact, I'm rather confused by it." she admitted, staring over at his wolfish body and snarling lips, then down to the man and watched as his life was taken from him. It was of the few times she could witness such an act- and she wasn't sure quite how she felt about it.
"I suppose thank yous are in order," she said, extending a hand out for him, then quickly realized, with a blush, she still held the enchanted glove. "Well, perhaps we won't use that hand to shake."s he said, and tried extending the other one.
"Well, don't think I didn't give any consideration for letting him slaughter you," Urich admitted, staring at the naked man's body. It was shame he had to die with so little to cover his...humiliation. Then again he may have just been suffering from inferiority and perhaps that was why he'd been driven to attempt rape in the first place. But Urich didn't give in to his considerations for long.
He turned to Victoria giving her a displeased look at having to play the hero. He didn't even want to touch her and backed away, looking up to where he'd left Robern to observe on the rooftop. He gave the building a gentle nudge and whilst it shook, it quaked enough to knock the skull off the ledge. Which he caught with expert grace, though, Robern's ghostly expression was less than pleased.
He walked passed her, avoiding any contact and just shook his head. "I suppose, I'll be seeing you again in a month," he said, bowing coldly and taking his leave.
Victoria felt the snub of his coldness, and became numb. THough she couldn't help but turn around to question.
"What do you mean in an month?" Her face twisted into a question. Did the counsel order another pitiable meeting!?
OOC: Sorry it's short XD
Urich stopped, out in the street, feeling funny with a skull under his arm, but his hardened expression did not change. He met her gaze with solemnity. "Yes, I suppose your so-called aunt is just going to postpone the inevitable. Your little outburst didn't help anybody. In fact it probably only made it worse. And I doubt this incident will fare any better in anybody's favor. Werewolves running loose on the street, no doubt your 'counsel' will see this as further reason to keep my kind as far away from yours as possible."
Victoria frowned as she looked at him from where she remained standing in the alley way- and he out in the street. There was a sense of sadness about her as she sighed.
"You obviously did not listen to the lectures. We do not try to tear your kind away from others, we're meant to keep the peace. So all the kinds of beings can live in some sort of harmony." She tossed off the idea with a wave of her hand. "All the good it's doing for you when they keep prodding their noses into it."She sighed however, realizing it was, somewhat her fault any of this had begun.
"Though I suppose you have every meaning to hate me. Your case was meant to be easy, almost ignored, but I wanted to take it. They probably would have kept it ignored, even if I had failed, had there not have been an attack against me." She sighed again, with disgust. "Not that it matters, I doubt I'll have a rule in your future any longer, nor with the counsel."s he sighed again. "And here I just wanted so ever to be useful."
Before all of this, she was merely dragged around to hear preaching over books and politics and now her future looked even more glum, perhaps as glum as his.
"I don't expect to see you ever again,"s he told him, the moved to be away from him down the same dangerous alley she had come.
"Oh, I listened, with little interest, just about everything that aunt of yours had to say. And all of it meant nothing. They are just words, with little bearing on the realities of life...or my life. I lived in harmony with you mortals for all of my years. I never harmed anyone that didn't have it coming. I'm not trying to play judge or jury, or executioner. I was fine before your organization started meddling. I've always kept to myself..."
Urich kept his head down. "I tire of all this. I don't imagine I'd like to see you again either, but I'd just like you to know one last thing. I didn't fancy much in the way your aunt treated you in that council chamber. So I gave her a piece of my mind. I doubt it would have changed anything in my favor, but should you see her again, you ought to find her face quite swollen. Now...have a good evening madam."
Urich about-faced and headed straight for the gates for the second time.
Victoria was stung, startled by his words even-
Did he do what now!?
Suddenly she found herself racing to his side, her enchanted glove reaching out to touch his arm.
"What do you mean!?" she inquired, eyes full of fear and wonder. "What did you do to my aunt?!"
OOC: Sorry for the short post!
Urich furrowed his brow and took a step back from her, knowing she'd try and sap him again. He frowned. "I gave her a taste of her own medicine!" he said defensively, his tone clear he did not regret what he did. "They all saw! Everybody saw! I struck her across the face, gave her a good slap! Now, I don't consider myself much of a hitter of women, but don't you go saying she didn't have it coming! Though, of course, my home is most likely good and gone by now...no need for another meeting. But it had to be done. Now get away from me with those filthy gloves.
"I've got to go home, while it's still mine."
Victoria only stared at him, her face growing long. She had no idea what to make of all of his comments, and her cheeks went red at the idea.
"I don't know, you seemed to enjoy back handing me back at your manner,"s he reminded him, only keeping a more firm grasp upon his arm when she realized it was the one with the enchantment, then squeezed it lightly, her eyes softening.
"Why would you do that?"s he asked after a time, her voice actually sounding tender for once, even sweet. "I know my Aunt can be trying, but I could only imagine you would have enjoyed watching her berate me." Then at the comment, she lowered her gaze, still blushing, still holding his arm. "That is to say, since you hate me and my kind, so."
"That was different," he defended. "You were an unwelcome intruder in my home. It doesn't matter what lies between your legs, I would have treated you the same had you been a man. Though, granted, I don't know any man that possesses gifts as you do. Perhaps it's for the better."
Urich wrenched his arm from her grip.
"I'll admit, it was fun watching you get cut down to size. It would serve your right for all your haughty airs. The world doesn't belong to you as you may well know. But...you don't treat family that way, and certainly not in front of others. Blood is thicker than water, you know. It wasn't right. If it took a stranger to slap her in the face, well, so be it.
"And it would be stupid to say that I hate your kind. It goes to show that you really haven't bothered to know anything about me. If I hated you, I would have killed you on sight. My mother was human. I never hated her. I only hate meddlers who come barging into other people's homes without their permission and attempt to throw their weight around."
Urich gave a speculative glare. "Why do you look so surprised that I would do this anyway? You must have known your aunt had it coming."
She mused over the thoughts, still staring him clear in the face.
"BUt it's as you say, blood is thicker than water," she afforded a small smile. "And I'm only as arrogant as need be. I was told I was heading into the home of a rogue wolf. What was I to expect? Not to mention you lied to me." She frowned. "Though I suppose I would be less willing, if the circumstances had been turned around."
She thought over it a moment then looked down to his feet.
"And really, you call me arrogant!"s he pointed " Where are the boots I bought for you? " she asked, angrily, hands to her hips. "And who is calling me simply human? I am no more human than you are, but I suppose I'm human enough. Most don't possess the sorts of magics I can cast."S he shook her head. "Negotiators are rather rare. I suppose it makes a little sense you might not have heard about us. But we negate the miraculous powers of yours and the super natural kind."
"I had every right to defend myself against a foreign invader. Whether to lie to you or to eat you, you were in my home. Gods, you're such an infuriating woman. I thought you didn't want to see me again! Yet here you are prolonging unnecessary conversation. I just want to go home! I'm am very tired!" Urich sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his claws disappearing and so did everything else that made him a wolf.
"I could care less about your kind. You're just a meddling woman, who's going to turn into a meddling old maid. And I didn't want your rotten boots. You only bought them so you can lord them over me...or lady them. Not that you're much of either. So, I gave them back and bought something with my own money because I wanted to. I think they look better anyway. Are we done here? Nevermind. We are."
At the moment he questioned it, she tore her hand away from him.
"Then I believe we are. And really, why would anyone want to Lord over you with shoes?"s he shook her head, it was absurd, and turned to move away. Really now, how silly for him to just assume! "You seem to put yourself on quite the pedestal, Mister Renqvist. I bid you good day." and she curtsied, if only out of dignity before turning and making her leave, still pink in the cheeks over it.
Really, what of this man? What of him indeed! IF he wanted to continue to treat her like a cow, he could go to his own miserable pasture himself! Though she paused herself still, realizing she hadn't quite thanked him and sighed.
She called over her shoulder, waving to him.
"And thank you for your involuntary resolution of heroism to my plight. I will notify the counsel of your good deeds." And she moved away, as if of. No reason to linger on her thank you, anyway! And, she only sought to thank him, as if to add salt already to their bitter wounds.
but really... it did bring up a good question..
If he didn't care- why bother?
Why bother at all indeed...
Urich only made a rude gesture over his shoulder, middle finger raised as he continued on his way out of town. The night was only barely over when he made it to the old ruins of Sul'Gulthan. He stared at the rundown place. He supposed it wouldn't have hurt to have put more thought into fixing it up if he knew one day he was going to lose it. He doubted very much that infuriating woman was going to do anything more to help his case. She'd done enough damage already.
He returned to the darkness of his great hall, food still laid out, almost rotting and he tossed it into the great furnace after placing Robern's skull on the armrest of his throne. "She's got a lot of nerve," Urich went on to mutter to himself, lighting a fire that engulfed the whole hall. "Like I need her help. All she's gonna do is make it worse, again!"
"Maybe she really wants to help, sir. She said it was her first time on the job. She was only doing what she was told."
"It's no excuse, Robern, and you know it. If your superior officer had told you to kill an entire camp of survivors, women and children, no less, would you have done it?"
The ghost was silent, looking solemn.
"It's a matter of principle. I ruined her home like she's bent on ruining mine. But she doesn't care. None of them do. Maybe it's just better if I leave anyway. Nobody seems to give a damn, and they all have pretty much made up their minds anyhow. I suppose I should be saying my goodbyes to all of you ghosts pretty soon."
Robern was silent, his face looking morose and sad. "Maybe you should have let her get eaten after all."
"Now that's more like it!"
She had heard the lectures enough. Her Aunt was quick to remind her at every twist and turn just exactly WHO she was and just exactly WHAT was to become of her.
"We could try to marry you off, but I feel bad for any man within our stock. Really, Victoria, the least you could do is try."
"I am trying, Aunt Millicent," Victoria said with a soft, disinterested sigh. Yes, the end of the month couldn't come fast enough. Not only would she have her dresses well...
She hadn't informed her Aunt, but on her growing distaste for this manner, she had been sneaking into the counsel and sifting through their god awful amounts of paperwork-
and there was so much fuel to fill her fire indeed!
Not only should Urich be protected under an ordinance about his basic survival principles, but the ignorance is bliss deed, as well. There were so many loop holes it was astounding, and one night she found herself missing all of her sleep for it as the month passed on and away- nearing the dredful Friday night meeting at Urich's manor.
"Do not forget, you are not to come, Victoria. You have renounced yourself from your counsel position because of your outburst-"
"My outburst of what?" came her niece with a haughty tongue. Victoria hadn't slept for four days, preparing a document in secret and her aunt's attitude was grating on her nerves. "I know my place, Aunt Millicent, you've reminded me on numerous occasions."
Her aunt glared at her, fire brewing within her eyes.
"Just stay here and be civil. Frederick, come. Prepare the carriage."
And with it she was off.
No doubt Urich would give them hell, or worse..
or. perhaps the man would wisen up and leave. She didn't want to think what the counsel was to do with him- nor should she care. She merely wanted (or so she told herself) to thrust the laws back into the order within this organization, one lame beast at a time.
Really, it said it all right here, and she looked over the paper work, again and again, and fought against her fatigue as she became overwhelmed with excitement and struck out to the road-
and it would be a very, very long walk indeed, as a storm was threatening on the horizon. Sighing, she muttered, "And here I had forgotten my coat."
Never she mind that!
The trek to his manor was a gruesome way- but little did she know what Urich might have in store as he made her way towards the grounds, one boot at a time....
Millicent and her men were already at the door well within the hour, and upon approaching the gate, she gave a sneer, thinking about how foolish Victoria must've been to just come in, probably unannounced and threatened the man with her parasol. She knew she should have been there. THe dumb girl was not ready for this, and was too prideful- though she supposed it ran in the family.
Approached the door, she took the knocker in hand and gave it a heavy thumb.
"Mister Renqvist," she began. "It is I, Millicent Armani, Negotiator and Mistress to the Laws of the Counsel to the Paranormal. I have with me my men and require that you open the door so that we may discuss what we hadn't finished some time ago. Manners about the estate."
Every dreadful day passed by melding well into the other. It felt like a dream, well more of a nightmare, slowly and gratingly becoming a reality. Urich of course made no preparations to leave and bid his time. Yet he also knew the futility of a fight. No doubt the crone would come marching in with some army behind her of some kind. And what good were ghosts and ghouls, when he was the only living thing here that could be hurt by their weapons.
When they finally came for their arrival, he was busy feeding the pups that had once been his wolves, that Victoria's strange powder had transformed. They were fat and happy and played in a hay stack he had put in the corner. A rug made of bear skin was also laid out several feet before the fire place and a few of them took to napping on it.
"WHO IS IT!?" he bellowed, playing with two of them, shaking their paws. But when the answer came, he froze. Urich rubbed his face tiredly and stood up. When he reached the door, he held his arms against it, not daring to open it at that particular moment. "We can speak through the door!" he shouted. "I'm listening... Go on, then."
Millicent only glared at the door.
"Mister Renqvist, really, this is no way to hold a hospitable conversation about your claim to this property of land. You must open the door at once so we can talk."
Victoria was still well on her way, but the damn ground was mushy from a previous rain and she found herself growing more and more exhausted for it-
especially when a snap of thunder hissed over head. She ducked, holding onto her hat, as if the damn bolt might hit her.
"Goodness, what a terrible day for talk and tea," she lamented in a huff. THen straightened herself out, parasol in hand and continued onwards towards the gate- which was still quite a ways off indeed....
Urich was growing impatient with her persistence. He didn't much care for old women before, now he truly was growing to dislike them. But there wasn't much of a choice here. Urich opened the great doors of his hall way and closed them, locking them shut behind him. He met Millicent at the gates, fixing his old coat against shoulders.
He stood with the antechamber door behind him and held his hands behind his back.
"What's a matter...a little mud holding you back?" he said smugly but immediately removed the expression from his face. He sighed. "You don't need to go inside. We can talk right here."
Millicent hardly seemed phased by his rude behavior.
"There is much paper work to go over. I also need to apologize for the rudeness of my niece, without her, we could have been over and done with this matter indeed." She tried her best not to glower at the man, still recalling the sting he had cast upon her cheek.
"Now,"s he huffed. "Will you let us inside, or are we to remain out here, with these precious papers which could potentionally blow away in these winds?"
Really, did he not understand what the orders dictated?
And the more he fussed.. he was merely buying Victoria more time as she continued enroute, as fast as her little legs could carry her- and with these skirts, it was a trifle bit difficult indeed!
Urich crossed his arms in front of his chest, sighing and only glaring at these buggers that insisted on getting into his home. "If I let you in, you'll only disturb my pups. They're playing and napping right now. And if I open this door, the cold winds will only bring a chill throughout the hold. I'm afraid them being pups, I can't allow that. They'd freeze to death."
And as if his very words summoned the brunt of weather itself, the air began to open up with small pellets of rain. It was soft at first but began to steadily pick up, making the muddy path all the more treacherous. The wind was howling and the rain was merciless as it pelted down on them all, Urich being the exception as he stood in the way of the porch-like covering that hung over the antechamber door.
"Now are we going to get started, or are you going to complain about a little rain?
Millicent glared at him and his defiance.
"Sir, your pups would do well for us to come in quickly then if you care so much. And if you are a father, then where is your wife? Perhaps we can talk some sense into your, Mister Renqvist," Millicent pressed. "And the rain will ruin the papers. Now push him aside and let us desist this unnecessary banter." And Millicent and her crew from the counsel began to move forward....
OOC: I'll post something with Victoria in the next reply, I swear XD~
"I don't have any children and you are NOT getting in this house!" Urich roared in pure rage, which scared a few of the men as he pushed them back, but he could not force the ten others that cast him aside and stormed into the antechamber, and to the massive doors of the great hall.
Urich was lost in the ensuing choas as the men tore his place apart, shoving everything aside that he had placed in front of that door and proceeded to push it open. "Goddammit! You leave my dogs out of this!" Urich rushed through the crowd and shoved a man to the ground and stood between them and the wolf puppies that eyed the strangers curiously. Some wagged their tales but the rest just clung to the bear skin rug in nerves.
"Now you woke them!" Urich said waving his arms around. "Thanks a lot. Do you know how hard it was to get them tired from play?"
"We have no need for your pups," Millicent said with a sigh, eyeing the room up with much speculation. "My, my, why on earth would you stay in such a place, Mr. Renqvist. I do believe your ceiling has sprung a leak." She pointed up towards then, then over at a table. "Come, councilman, bring the paper work over towards the table and the charms. When we are finished here, if you continue to ignore the laws, we will have to simply negate the super-natural elements at play here and vanquish what we can. Really now, do you want to wear an iron collar your whole life? It's a device, we Negotiators have created for such an occasion, for werewolves who do not understand the clear order of things."
And while her Aunt was threatening Urich with the iron collar, Victoria was finding herself in some trouble of her own. WIht the rains pouring down, her parasol was worthless against it, for the wind blew the waters in all directions. Groaning, she closed the damn thing and just let the rains spray into her face, tugging along her satchel protectively as she made her way up a precariously steep hill side.
Though her boots, curse them with heels, stepped into softer mud and she found herself slipping, twisting her ankle as she tumbled down into the slick, thick mud and crashed back at the bottom of the tireless hill.
Huffing puffed breaths through her lips she gritted her teeth and looked down at her dress, now smattered and lathered in mud.
"Ugh, and to think! What on earth is that all about!"s he cried, slamming her hands into the mud angrily before pushing herself up and crying out in pain, then landing back onto her ass in the mud and hefting up her skirts to look at it as she rubbed at her boot.
"Oh, bother, I've gone and twisted it and now it hurts.." She bared her teeth, glaring up at the mountain side but merely snatched her satchel from the ground and began her way back up the hill, ignoring the bleating pain that kept shooting up her leg as she walked, using her parasol now as a clutch.
Justice would prevail!
Urich looked up at his ceiling, but saw no leak there. The woman was senile, obviously. "You have no right," he growled at the crone. "You'll do no such thing. This has been my home for more than 30 years. The only laws that matter here are my own. Why now all of a sudden do you come barging in here demanding that I leave? Explaining to me laws that have no bearing here. You'll expell all the ghosts that all this place home? They've lived here longer than I and only now do you have any interest in any goings on here.
"You're a hypocrite. An old prune of a woman with nothing better in her life than to bully and destroy the lives of others who have done nothing to you. You won't even hear me out. You don't give a damn. You preach peace, but what you really mean is you'll have your way no matter who gets hurt by it. You won't put a collar on me! I've done nothing wrong! I'll slash you open before you touch me!"
Millicent had heard enough.
"You will watch your tone, Mister Renqvist," she said, hissing out the last portion of his name and gestured towards the table where her men already began unfolding pieces of paper, even bringing out a few enchanted devises, one, included, was an iron collar, branded with the symbol marked all over their books- the Mark of the Counsel.
"Now, we will hear out your case. 30 years is a long time, but did you think about your actions before settling here? And what of the ghosts? Hrm? Do you think they honestly want your doggish mannerisms to disturb their existence?" She waved off a hand. "I think not. Look, Sir, we are here today to remind you of the travesties you hold against us. Need I remind you, you struck myself within the confines of our own counsel building itself! Do not think that goes without consequence!" she shouted, voice echoing throughout the hall.
"And what you have done to my niece, warped her into thinking you might deserve to stay here, probably threatened her very life, well, it will not be ignored indeed! Now, take a seat sir before we are forced to proceed in a much less civilized manner!"
And it seemed she might be all too late, as Victoria struggled against hte rain and muck, dragging herself and her limping leg up the cursed hill side until finally she pushed through- the massive, iron gate in view. She never thought she'd enjoy the sight in all of her life!
Picking herself out of the mud, she leaned forward, pushing through the rain, parasol guiding her forward- not realizing the simmering tensions brewing within...
"Don't think you can threaten me, you old crow," Urich growled again, backing away toward his throne. The pups whined, feeling the tension in the air growing and whimpered a little. A brave white one in the corner of the rug growled at the old woman, and another even went so far as to openly attack her swishing skirts, yanking on them as the thread began to tear.
"THIS IS MY HOUSE! I COULD SHOUT DOWNTHE VERY HEAVENS IF I SO PLEASE!" His voice seemed to summon hell itself and the ground quaked at the echo of his tone. Some men were shaken by the action and stepped back, holding on to their blades. "I'm not going anywhere. The matter is solved! The ghosts know me better than they know you! You're the real monsters! Get out of my house! This is my home! I've never hurt anyone! I've never robbed or pillaged or descecrated or destroyed! And you deserved that slap you stupid cow, because you should know better.
"Get out! This is your final warning!"
"Well," Aunt Millicent began, a click of her tongue. "It seems your more wolf than man after all. Perhaps we should just cut to the end and get that iron collar around you? How would you like to serve out your days in a dark cell as nothing but a mere mortal man, as mere mortal as those you so hungrily devoured on these forbidden lands!"
Turning to her men she commanded, "He is showing defiance, the iron collar, now!"
And it was at that exact moment the large doors were thrust open and a terrible crack of thunder roared from outside, lighting blistering behind her form as Victoria stood there- a terrible sight for a terrible situation.
"This has gone on long enough! Councilman, stand down!" Victoria commanded, voice echoing as powerfully across the chambers as Urich's did but moments ago. She took a few trying, proud steps into the room, holding up her papers- which, thankfully, had not gotten bogged down by the rain.
"I have here papers PROVING this man's innocence and that the grounds ought to belong to him."
Millicent turned with a start, alarmed to see her niece suddenly show up at such a tense moment and then,- to her clothes!
"Victoria! You're a mess!"
Victoria ignored the comment and stormed across the room, holding the papers up high before slamming them angrily upont he table.
"You left me so many years to do nothing but read, read in that dusty library, well it's paid off!" she lifted her nose against her Aunt and simply stated.
"I've done all of the research and we are out of our jurisdiction. Mister Renqvist is free to have claimed this land. See for yourself the documentations!"
Millicent only stared ghastly at her niece, then blinked nad turned to look down at the paper, the ink only slightly bleeding from the rain.
"What.. what IS all of this!?" Her aunt look astounded.
Victoria only glared coldly.
"This man's freedom. Simply read it. It's your laws. Now be away with your counsel nonsense. We have no jurisdiction here, Aunt Milli."
Millicent felt her blood boil, but as she began to read over the papers, she snatched them up.
"Very well, we shall re-evaluate this at once, but you.." she glared at her niece.
"I expect your bags packed tomorrow!"
and with a snap of her fingers, the councilman began to gather up their things.
Millicent turned as she left, glaring back at Urich.
"Don't think this is the last you'll see of us. Just because my ungrateful niece has sought to use the laws to protect you, we will be back again if there is a mistake!" And with it, her eyes turned to Victoria before she glared, and slammed the doors behind her as she left.
Urich already had his claws unleashed to tear into the man that held the collar. There was no way he was going to get near him with that dreadful thing. He already walked a fine line between mortal man and beast...they would take away something from him just because they were afraid of what he was capable of. But he wasn't afraid to show them what true power was. For all their enchantments they couldn't deal with the fact that something more powerful than they dared to fight back against their so-called 'laws'.
He was about to pounce too just when the door thrust open and the wind was howling outside. The wolf pups yelped and a whined and huddled together, the one that yanked at the old woman's skirts scampering back to the tiny pack and watching with curious eyes, as the figure attempted to compose herself. It was pure luck, Urich thought with savagery, still wary of the men that surrounded him.
But he had no time to interject as Victoria came in looking like she trudged through a nightmare, limping a little, and slamming even more paperwork down amidst the piles that were already there. Really...more paperwork? Like that was going to save him? He sighed and retracted his claws, watching the interplay between the woman and the old crow. What was this about? Jurisdiction...
"The land's been claimed. You never had any jurisdiction anywhere aside from your own asses..." he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest
Gods, he truly didn't care. He only wanted these unwelcome bastards OUT of his house! A concept they clearly did NOT understand. And when they finally left, Urich grabbed a mug, empty as it were, and chucked it at them in there wake. "AND STAY OUT!" And gave another rude gesture. He sighed and locked the doors after they left, muttering words that would make a priestess faint.
Urich stomped back to the pups, looking at the pair that stood up to the crow. "Thank you. You get extra slops for your bravery." He noticed the shape still lingering by the table. But his expression was unimpressed.
"Does 'not see you again' mean anything to you?" he asked, going about his business to pour some wine into his favored goblet.
Tired, weary and worn, she; she found herself numb to all of the effects around her.
It wasn't until Urich rude comment for her to leave did she realize what she had just done-
Not only had she proved the Counsel wrong, made them leave, lost her standing with her aunt and probably a standing with the counsel, but she was now invariably homeless.
Not to mention, as she gave an indignant sniff, that she was wet, sopping wet, and muddy, just coated in mud!
She probably looked like some wild creature, some peculiar beautiful beast from the wilds, with her curly black hair in a mess about her face, plastered to her skin and her blue dress, now nearly black (and brown, thanks to the mud..) from the rain. It was only then her cheeks heated in color, her eyes panged just ever so slightly with tears as he turned to address him.
"I wouldn't dream of staying here a minute longer, you ungrateful man," and pushing steadily on her parasol, she used whatever strength she had left from the climb to storm across the room and clean out of his god damn house.
Really, how rude of him to just cast her away! But, what had she expected?
She hadn't really done all of that just for him, anyways. She despised the man and in so, despised herself for protecting him- but it WAS the law, and she was tired of being called useless. But now, how could the counsel deny all of her hard efforts!?
But what did it matter?
For what home did she have to give? She was still of the Armani blood line, yes, but now what of it?
She was barely three steps away from his house when her leg suddenly gave way and she toppled into a puddle against the floor. And finding herself too exhausted, and too overwhelmed from the whole ordeal, her mind spiraled away, and even a strong a woman as she could give way to a simple faint. Exhaustion could do a number on a lady-
but two rejections were enough to devastate.
So there she lay-
skirts and hair and body soaked in a puddle of mud while the rains continued to pour down from the swelling skies above.
He thought he locked that door. No matter she was free to leave of her own volition. She caused enough trouble...she and all her meddling women relatives and those feeble men that followed their lead like they didn't have the balls to do it themselves. There was some respect to be had in that and granted, Urich knew Victoria had guts. But he still didn't care for her.
He took a sip of his wine and took a seat at the table, drinking lazily and feeling like he wanted a pinch of tobacco of all moments, at least to calm his nerves as he listened to the rain fall in the opened door. But he didn't pay much attention to it. Thunder rolled lazily across the sky. A pup moved from the safety of the bear rug and scampered near him, looking at him then at the door and stalking over to it in curiosity.
"Hey! Get over here!" he said to the little wolf, who completely ignored him. He watched the pup jump, seeing Victoria sprawled on the ground and turned to whine at Urich. "Oh what now?" he said, standing up and putting his goblet down and going to see what the matter was. "Shoo, get back to the rug," he said and saw Victoria sprawled on the ground just outside the antechamber door.
"Gods," he said, only slightly alarmed. He dragged her by her feet and pulled her inside, closing the door to keep the wild winds out, locking it as well. He then picked her up, cradling her in his arms and moving into the greathall by the fire place, placing her on the bearskin rug. She was sopping wet, tracking mud and dirt everywhere but for the moment such a thing was secondary to him. Urich knew she'd freeze to death if he didn't get her out of these ridiculous clothes. And no doubt his face would be met with an endless array of slaps because of it. If she was still alive that is.
He worked at her corset, thankful he knew enough about them to undo it with little trouble and prying it from her still form after he worked off her dress. She was left in the last layer of skirt she had, though he even considered removing that as well. Lastly were her boots and hosery, sprawled out and suddenly in the teeth of very awake, very playful pups. Two were tugging it between them to see who could win out.
Urich put another log in the fire place and stoked the flames until they roared enough to withstand the rain. He looked at Victoria, slightly worried and brought the wine beside her. Good gods, this woman must have walked all the way here to meddle in his business. And it showed in the swelling around her ankle. He sat beside her and tried to wake her with the sudden smell of alcohol so close to her nose.
Exhaustion had taken it's toll. She was out like a lamp, but the alcohol had a mean kick that, once inhaled, she suddenly found herself snorting, face scrunching as she punched her arms out into alarm.
"Good Gods!" she said, now erect, panting heavily within a moment of panic as she suddenly realized, with a shiver, she was .. almost naked and..
very close to a certain man she despised.
Jolting at the sight of him, she gave a gasp.
"Mister Renqvist!" she shouted suddenly, placing a hand across her heavy and exposed cleavage as her face gave way to a burn. "What on earth are you doing!? What am I doing here!?" ANd she blinked, looking down at her ivory colored under garments with another cry. "And where are my clothes!?"
A puppy ran by wiht the victorious, shredded ends of her hosiery.
Her eye lids went from wide, to narrowed as she sighed.
Then another pup raced past with the other end of it, a third one trailing, tripping over it's little puppy feet as it gave a yap in attempts to make claims of it.
She buried her face into her hand.
"Tell me this is a dream. I'm just dreaming this all happening," she grumbled into her palm, but felt too exhausted to fight any of it, but when she went to stand, she made a noise, a jolt of pain shot through her as she collapsed back into whatever remains of her skirts he had left her in.
Wincing, she looked down at her leg.
"Oh, I almost forgot I tripped down that bloody hill,"s he muttered, resting a hand over the swollen skin and winced.
It was too late to regain any shred of dignity she thought covering her breasts would claim. He already had plenty of time to take her in. But he was still a man as much as he was an animal and good sense told him he was already in enough trouble as it was. He couldn't help a mischievious grin however and took a sip of the wine in the goblet before setting it aside.
"Miss Armani," he said, getting up when she tried to stand. He caught her in time before she landed backwards in a heap, helping her settle against the softness of the rug. "Here have a drink." He offered her the goblet. "As much disgust as you hold for me, I'd prefer if you could save it until after you were well enough to travel. You look like a heap of bones.
"You fell just outside my door and I dragged you in. Look, I may be a wolf. But I'm also a man. And I'm smart enough to know you won't make it back to town in this weather. For now it might better if you stay here." He grinned, glancing at her chest. "I can help take care of you ankle. It looks pretty bad."
Victoria's face flushed when he caught her. It was a most scandalous situation, but as he described it, it seemed she had little choice.
She made a face.
"That still doesn't explain my clothes,"S he glared up at him. "You always seem to take a fancy in destroying my clothes. Don't you find that a tad bit more wolfish than man?" she had to point out. "Really, who sneaks into a ladies home to tear up her dresses!"
Bark! Bark!
Blinking, Victoria looked down at her leg where a little wolf puppy was smiling at her, tongue lulled and it's fat back side wriggling about as exuberantly as it's tail. THe it began to chew on the under skirts as she gave a start.
"Really now!"s he tried pushing the puppy away, but it only barked and playfully licked at her fingers. She turned away, trying to ignore the thing but it only continued to prod at her, barking even when she continued to ignore it.
"Can you ask your beast to desist?" she inquired, not wanting to pay the puppy the time of day. Really, did it not know she was exhausted!? Frowning, she found herself wilting into him, her head still dizzy and feeling a bit more light headed at the wonderful scent of his natural musk.
"So you say I feel just outside your door?" She pushed herself up warily, realizing hiding herself awy into his chest was an awful idea for a lady to assume.
Also, the idea seemed preposterous, but... sadly it made some sense.
And he was right- she had lost much weight int he pass month- having given up many meals for her research. Unfortunately, her bust hadn't suffered the effects, but her cheeks seemed a bit more boney, evne her arms perhaps. Not that it mattered-
but her skin- HEAVENS. she might even have appeared the color of bone! Normally she dawned a rich tan, a tan she loathed, but feeling and looking sickly, well, her skin seemed to finally don a more suitable hue for a proper lady-
She placed her hand to her head, still struggling over the idea of her current situation. But that's when the pup jumped into her lap and she gave a start, an din her motion, she jerked her leg and gave another cry of pain-
but then the puppy went about, pushing her over onto the rug and starting happily lapping at her face-
and soon all of the other puppies had seen this..
and there was an entire HOARD of puppies upon her, excitedly lapping and licking at her with glee!
"Ooff! Ugh!" she would have enjoyed this had she not bee in such pain and exhaustion.
"Mister Renqvist!"s he called, waving a hand out between the mass of happy pups. "Your dogs! Please!" But they liked her too much to stop! and kept kissing at her nose and face! Even chewing happily at the discards of her dress.
She would need more than that mead after she was done with... well, whatever it was she now had to do here!
Urich was grinning with amusement as the wolf cubs had their way with Victoria. He never thought he'd actually have a real smile with this dreadfully annoying woman around, but he did and felt much better for it. And when all the pups suddenly started to gang up on her he waved them off. "Okay, okay! Away you little devils! I'll have your hides!" The pups yapped at him but scampered off as the headless ghost of Robern led them away with a floating tray of treats.
Urich turned back to her and grinned. "See what you turned them into? They were better off as killing-machines. Now you've got them as little more than scampering little imps. They get into everything! But...I like them. They are mine after all."
He pulled away from her and reached for the jug that held the rest of the wine. It was strong and smelled sweet of fresh grapes, the perfect fermentation. He poured himself another goblet then proceeded to sit beside her. "Look, so you don't go getting any ideas about me, I stripped off your dress because they were soaking wet. You'd freeze to death. And furthermore you might bet better off taking off that last layer if you want to stay warm. Here, you can have my jacket for now."
He took off his coat and placed it over her shoulders. "Just don't poke too many holes in it. Now...is there something more I can do for you before I tend to your ankle? Would you like some more wine? Would you like something to eat?"
Victoria's face turned more red at the idea when his coat as tossed over her shoulders. SHe quickly hugged it tight.
"I say! That would be hardly lady like of me, indeed! To go galavanting about your property in mostly nothing at all!"
Though when he began to offer her things, she wasn't sure how to respond, feeling squimish and awkward that he was suddenly catering towards her.
"No, you shouldn't fuss over me,"s he began, trying to push herself up right, but found herself only sighing with exhaustion.
"I don't know if I could eat. THough I haven't slept in days, ugh, all of that damned research,"s he mumbled, rubbing irritably at her temples. "You really shouldn't be fussing over me. And I really should be heading back to-" but when she tried to stand again,t he damn foolish woman jsut fell right on over again, giving a yelp of pain.
"Ugh, I should not have walked on the damn thing after all,"s he groaned, one eye closed as she winced.
Urich sighed, knowing it would come to this. "Look, Miss Armani, let's face it. You're a stubborn mule. It's true. And I'm an arrogant asshole. I'm not trying to cover up the truth, it's too plain as day to deny it. But another clear fact is that you're in no condition to be going anywhere. Now, while I'll admit, I'd like you out of my home sweet home as soon as possible...I think this is the least I can do. And now that you're finally a guest in my house, you can see what a great host I am!"
He smiled with pride at that and got up to the table and took off a plate of cheese and a chicken that he had planned to eat. It was a little cold, what with all the ruckus and everyone constantly opening his door, letting cold air inside. "Here," he offered, sitting beside her. "It's cold but it's ready to eat. No worms, no maggots. A fresh chicken. Don't ask where it came from. And have some wine! I'm sure you're freezing. Please. You're a guest in my home. For now at least."
Urich got up again and disappeared down a corridor and after five minutes he reappeared with a kettle of water and put it on the rack by the furnace to warm. As it did so, he dunked a clean cloth in it to soak in warm water and folded it over, before carefully kneeling beside her swollen wound. "This is pretty bad. What possessed you to walk on this in the miles it took to get here?" He slowly wrapped the warm cloth over her ankle. "Just relax."
Victoria stared down at the food.
And stared, her face growing long.
"Why are you-" she began to ask, but the man was already off. Her cheeks swelled in a flush. What was going on here!? Didn't they hate one another!?
So he admitted all of their faults, but he wasn't kicking her out..
he could have just left her to rot and he'd be all the better.
She stared back down at the plate.
"I suppose I should be thanking you, but I also think I might be losing my head!"s he admitted, still not having touched her food. But when he drew near to her, moving towards her ankle she gasped.
"What are you!?" but when he moved to wrap a clothe around it, she tensed, a hand braced against her face in defense.
At his question, however, her eyes narrowed.
"They wouldn't let me tag along. But I had to get the upper hand!" she informed him, dropping her hand away from her mouth as she slammed it angrily into the ground, sending some of the chicken to the air before it settled back onto the plate.
"All they talk about all day is rules and regulations, and all I get to do is read and they sent me on this one assignment-"s he stared at him, almost indignantly as she went on with a red face. "AN assignment they sough tto ignore, then pressed the issue when I failed and wanted to have nothing ot do with me for my errors- but it wasn't my errors I was interested in, it was theres! To show them I was just as capable as the rest of the lot and well-"
she realized she had been going on and turned her face shamefully away.
"And well here I am, left to my rash fate. My leg injured, clothes torn off, in the home of the man who hates me, in a place full of-"
she saw a puppy had snuck in and was lickin gat her chicken.
"YOu scoundrel!" she swatted the air towards him to shoo him away, but hte pup made off with her chicken as she made a sigh.
"And now i'm homeless, disowned and without chicken." her lips sagged in a frown as she wilted. "ANd I suppose you're allt he happier for it. At least they can't come back here. I know I've prove them right! They'll see it all in the paper work!"s he began, getting all fiery from it again.
Urich nodded as he listened to her ranting. He was gentle with her ankle, an act that surprised even him. But he thought nothing of it and pressed the warm cloth to ease the swelling little by little. Urich nodded here and went 'mhmm' there and let the warm cloth sit after dipping it in the hot kettle again. He removed it from the rack and set it on the floor. It wouldn't do anyone any good to have it boiling. And he was trying to help her, not scald her. He could save that for later.
Urich sat beside her and pushed the plate a little closer, keeping the goblet in one hand and his other on the floor balancing. "Now you see all the good talking and so-called paperwork does for anyone?" He sighed. "You don't have to thank me. As happy as I am to watch you suffer and die, it's a half-hearted suffering. I mean you're not even awake when it's happening. And no doubt if you went missing, that crow-aunt of yours would be knocking on my door again, since this was the last known place you were seen, thinking I'd gone and killed you. No... I've decided if I'm going to kill you, I at least owe you the courteous having you awake while I'm doing it."
He couldn't help but afford her a grin. "Relax. You're so tense. You don't have to be such a 'lady' here? Why don't we call a truce for now? Have a drink...and some cheese." He frowned at the plate. Little devil.
He looked at her skin...staring at its palor, feeling the magnetic spark pull his eyes across it, down to her neck. He could hear the vulnerable blood coursing through there. Too easy...so close. But now was certainly not the time. He grinned at her, a wolfish smile at best. "Maybe I could do you a favor... I certainly didn't ask for you to come here. And I know I don't want you to come back. You know YOU don't want to come back here. I could try to talk things over with your aunt...maybe get her to keep you. It's a sad thing, a woman with no home."
He leaned his head back and took a long drink from his goblet. His clothes were soaked a litte from her wet clothing and his shirt clung to his chest. A head reached up to work at the sticky collar and opened it a little to let some air. "Is the fire a little too hot?" he asked, looking over to the furnace.
Victoria donned a dreary expression.
"You ask me to relax, but there's no reason to," she sighed, lowering her head as her dark hair began to fall into her face. The elaborate bun it had been tightened into, spiraling apart in pretty little messes about her face and shoulders.
But then at his mention to go after her Aunt, she sat up in alarm, suddenly grabbing onto his arm.
"No, you mustn't!" her eyes were so terribly wide now. "Do you not think of the consequences! Just wait until word gets back about this!" she nearly fainted away at the thought! "I do not need my name tarred any further so. To be backed by a man in such conditions when I am not even wed yet! You might as well kill me now. THen I'd be homeless and unable to marry!"
Not that she had any suitors before! but he didn't need to know that!
Sighing, she dropped her head.
"No," and shook it. "Do not trouble yourself over it. I'll find a way to manage." but she sulked, not knowing really much of what to do. Her eyes only opened, staring down at the plate of food tiredly. Yes, unfortunately for Urich, she was too tired to eat, despite her stomach twisting with hunger- it was also twisting in knots of distress.
She sighed, defeatedly.
"Is it too much to ask at least for a bed for the night?" she said wearily. "I'm afraid my temper will grow only more coarse, and my eyes, too weak to remain awake any longer."
"Don't go dismissing it all so quickly," he said, feeling offended at her reaction but recoiling easily. "I know it's a stretch, especially for me...but I feel partly responsible for what happened to you. Your aunt is a horrid, horrid - HORRID - woman. She must have never married or had something else to preoccupy her mind with herself. Which is a shame. But she obviously puts business before family. And I don't think quite highly of that. What good is a reputation when you don't even have a bed to sleep in?" he asked, serious and drank the rest of his wine.
His head was spinning, the effects quite strong. He sat straighter and drank the wine which she did not and shoved both goblets away on the plate. "You're a guest in my home. I'm obligated as a host to see that you are treated well. It's the least I could do...after putting your very livelihood on the line for me. Well, for you mostly, but partly to help me. It...is a little annoying. I could have killed them all very easily. And probably spent the rest of my days in an iron enchanted collar. That wouldn't have been much fun at all. So as much as I am reluctant to do so...I do owe you a great deal of thanks. Maybe I can pay you back sooner rather than later."
He grinned at her at talk of a bed. "I do...But the only good one is my own. I don't suppose you'd be keen on taking it since it smells like a werewolf...and you don't care much for me. I wouldn't be much of a hose if I let you sleep on a hay stack on the ground. Now come on, up into my arms. Don't worry I can carry you." He leaned down and put an arm around her back, underneath hers and another underneath her knees. "You need to kind of scoot near me for me to carry you. It's not like you can walk without crying out in pain."
"W-what are you doing!?" she blushed as he moved to scoop his arms around her. "Carry me!?"
BUt she was hardly a dainty creature, heavy curves and chest aside, she was a tall one as well. Perhaps not as tall as him, but even still..
She tensed in his arms.
"Really! I this the only way!?" she cried, pushing back from him slightly. Honestly! he was being a bit too friendly for even her own liking! She just wasn't prepared to be scooped and carried off and away by..
by...
by this werewolf!
Urich sighed and raised an amused brow at her. Of course, what did he expect? Nothing with this woman could be easy. He pulled his arms back and crouched beside her. "Look, I'm not expecting a kiss or anything," he laughed. "I'm just trying to help. Unless you'd like to sit here on this rug and got to sleep. But I promise you...the bed is much, much more comfortable.... Not to mention supported."
He laughed a little and offered his arms again. "If you please. It's not like you can walk anyway." But before she could protest too much, he pulled her up. It was a little too fast and the motion made him dizzy and he paused to keep his balance before heading off down the corridors. She was a large woman, but her weight was just about nothing, not when he had his wolf strength to keep him supported at least until he got drunk enough.
"I told you you should have relaxed. But you have a real hard time listening." He followed the same corridor he went down to fetch fresh water though moved in the opposite direction. The torches that lit their path automatically lit as he passed near them, carrying Victoria despite any resistance on her part. "You act as if you've never had a man carry you before?" he said as he reached his chamber doors.
He waved a hand a little and the doors opened of their own volition and a grand bedchamber opened up before him, two candelabras in two corners. A candle chandelier at the top, all alit with blue ghostly fire. The bed was rounded, and clearly more comfortable than the bear rug by the furnace.
Yes, for a man with no real job, he lived quite comfortably.
Victoria gasped as she was suddenly hefted into the man's strong arms.
"Mister Renqvist!" she exclaimed. "Really! I could at least try to walk!"s he began to protest, shifting uneasily within his arms and finding herself needing to hold onto him, bringing her much more intimately closer to him than she would have liked as she huffed her hot breath upon him.
"Really! I can't say that i have been carried by such a man! And here I think you must be rather enjoying yourself! To see me squirm so uncomfortably!" she declared, still flushed, but then upon seeing his room she gave a start, drawing a hand to her lips.
"Why, for a man living in some run down old place, you sure have found yourself a handsome bed!" she exclaimed, eyes still wide from it as she took it in. Why, it seemed even more robust than her bed at home!
"Oh please, enough with the formalities, Miss Armani. I mean, Victoria. What an interesting sounding name. Vihk-toor--eeeee-uh. VIktoireuh! Hahahaha! I digress," he said, walking around the bed. "Call me Urich. At least for now. When, you're well enough to leave, feel free to call me whatever you like after that."
He approached the side of the lofty surface and set her down, very gently, as she was still wearing his favored coat. He moved over her, pulling the silkened sheets from their folds and pulling them from underneath her legs, mindful of her injured ankle. He made enough room for him to sit beside her and he smiled softly.
"I apologize if this is a little much for you, but old habits die hard and I like to make my guests feel as close to home as possible. Are you sure you wouldn't like a drink, Victoria? It'll help you sleep. And ease the ache of your ankle."
Victoria made a face at his statement. "Urich?" she said, repeating the name, but the frowned as he went about butchering hers up. "Hmph!"
Though when he set her down gently, she did her best to remain calm, after all he seemed ONLY to be trying to help and well...
"Sounds like a fantastic idea!" a little alcohol would let her forget about all of these shenanigans!
"I'll talk a little something of whatever you got." She clutched the jacket and leaned forward upon the bed, peering at him almost desperately before she remembered her manners.
"If only to help me to forget where I am momentarily. for the pain, really."s eh said, using her ankle as the excuse as she showed off her dainty, swollen ankle and foot, ad perhaps a bit more leg than she ought to have when she showed it off beneath her skirts.
His eyes truly had a mind of their own. They wandered over her but he only raised a curious brow and smiled at her acceptance. He always kept something a little bit stronger in his personal quarters than in the great hall. He had a cabinet just across from the bed and leaned over opening it up and pulling out a fine black bottle. He had glasses here instead of goblets and pulled out a pair of shorter glasses.
He popped the cork from its top and poured it. "This is a fine madeira," he said. "I bought off a merchant passing through from Adela. He made all his own wines. It's excellent, I think even someone of your fine breeding will enjoy it." He gave her the first glass and took the second to himself when he approached the bed and sat down.
"I understand you'd like to forget. I'm sure there's a lot of things you'd like to forget. Hm...maybe I could..." He stopped there, looking at her leg and then busied himself with a drink. "Maybe I could leave you to get some rest."
Victoria gladly took the glass and nearly down it all in a few quick gulps. ONce she was done, she sighed, rather loudly, and made a face as the wine burned on it's way down.
And of course it went straight to her head, but it was hardly enough.
"Here, just give me that bottle,"s he said, snatching it from him and taking it to her lips. But after a long sip, she sat up suddenly, spilling some of the drink upon her face and lap.
"Yes, here, leave the bottle here, lest you want to stick around to hear a drunk Armani woman rant!" she said, waving the bottle about angrily and wiping what had spilled off her face iwth the back of her hand. "After all, WHO does my Aunt think she is anyways!" the woman started, face growing red from not just the booze as hse let out a hot breath. "Kicking me out of my own home just for showing her up! I deserve a title, a position at least, really! For all the things I've done!" She threw her head back, downing more of the buttery wine. "And really now, NOW I find myself at ends with a man who tried to kill me, laying in his bed of all places!" she was telling him this as if he didn't know! THen blinked to realize as she gave a giddy laugh, patting him upont he chest. "But you are a most amusing host, indeed! Offering me chickens, but.. but-"s he was laughing again, nearly doubled over in the bed, spilling more wine. "But the little wolves, oh how htey ate it up!" she hiccuped once at the end of another laugh before looking down at the wine bottle in her hand in question. "I say, perhaps I've had enough here." she said, trying to recompose herself, slicking back some of her hair as she tried to set the bottle aside, only she slipped and fell right before Urich.
"Oof!"
The madeira was strong to be sure, but he was beginning to see it didn't take much to get her out of her head already. Urich watched with amusement as she snatched the bottle from him. It was a good thing he had another stashed away somewhere, where even he couldn't find it unless he used his nose. For now, he just watched her. That was until she went on and on and drank more and more.
"Okay, perhaps you've had enough," he tried to interrupt only to be patted on the chest. He was taken aback and kept his mouth shut, as she continued her rant. Still she drank until she figured she had finished. The bottle landed with a wobble on the bedside table and as she fell out of the bed. His arms barely caught her in time before her face kissed the floor.
"Well, yes, I think you've had enough too," he agreed, both laughing at her and with her. He smiled and helped her back into the bed. "You don't hold your liquor very well, I see." Urich got up and walked around the bed, closing the chamber doors as he passed them. Without saying a word, his hands reached below and pulled up his shirt from being tucked into his trousers and he pulled it up and over his head, placing it on a chair beside him. He leaned aginst it and took off his boots. Soon his trousers went with it, and while he wasn't completely naked - still in his underclothes - he climbed in bed beside her and laid down, facing the ceiling.
He closed his eyes, preparing to go to sleep while the candles dimmed a little, as if by thought. "Oh, sorry, but I hope you didn't think I was going to let you have this bed to yourself," he said, looking at her. "Well, we've both had a long day..and night. Perhaps its time to get some sleep."
Victoria stared at him soggily after he made his comment.
"My stomach is empty, my mind is reeling and I just put fine wine into it." she retorted.
Of course she wasn't going to hold her liquor!
But then as he moved to change, she gave a gasp.
"Mister Renqvist!" came a sharp cry. "Why are you-" And then he was in BED. In bed..
She blinked..
IN THE SAME BED AS HER!
Her entire face burned a cherry red.
Her head suddenly shot his way.
"MISTER RENQVIST! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" she suddenly exclaimed, feeling both the confusion, weariness and alcohol escalating as her voice came out shrill, her face, burning even redder.
"Need I remind you I'm not married! I couldn't possibly share the same bed as-" and as she tried to fight through the blankets, she gave ahuff, a cry, then tossed them down defeatedly.
"And what is WITH these things!" she said, somehow having tangled herself amongs them, feeling as if the blankets might hold her prisoner right htere in that bed with both of them in nothing but...
GASP!
Their under garments!
Urich raised a brow at her indignation and looked around. Turning to lay on his side, he propped himself up on his elbow and waved a hand. "And I don't see any reason for me not to sleep in my own bed? It's nice to know you're not married. Neither am I. Never have been," Urich grinned at her struggled and moved forward to wrap his arms around her, holding her still. "You keep fussing like that and you'll worsen your ankle. Just relax all right! I'm not going to hurt you...so long as you don't hurt me!
"Mister Renqvist was my father. Call me Urich. Please before I have to find some way to silence you."
"Let I remind you I'm drunk, not stupid," she pointed out in a huff, then grew quickly red faced at their near contact.
"Mister Renqvist, er, Urich," she winced at having to say it, such propriety being forced off of her tongue was painful at best- and only would a lady dare call a man by his first name if they might be sweethearts or family. Urich was neither. "If you were such a gentleman, you'd see there would be no way for us to share the bed! Just because no one is around to see it, does not make it any better! I did not come here for this sort of scandal!" She turned away, sighing hotly.
"Perhaps it would be wise, indeed, if I were to sleep elsewhere. Have you no other beds?"
Urich sighed with resigned shoulders at her incessant ranting. Yes, she was drunk he understood that. And he supposed that only meant more fuel for her mouth. Now he regretted letting her drink nearly the whole bottle. As she persisted in her futil statements, he suddenly lunged over her and caught her mouth in his, kissing her hotly but persistently himself until her mouth ceased to make further noises.
After several seconds, he pulled away, lips sore from their work and tossed the other way around. "Now be quiet and go to sleep. If you're ankle's healed up, I'll send you on your way in the morning. Thank you and good night."
The kiss was overwhelming, crushing and desperate and took her breath away-
so when his lips pulled away from hers, all she could think ot do was...
well, what any other lady in her situation might do, and at the extent of her exhaustion, drunkenness and finesse.. well...
Victoria simply did that.
She fainted.
But more than that.
The faint lent itself towards her tiredness and the tiredness is what she succumbed to, and soon was off and away to a fitful night's rest. Inadvertently kicking her bed partner along the way as her once tamed black hair now came undone and about her in an exotic array of twists and tangles against her slumbering form. Yes, perhaps she might have even looked pretty, exotic even with her tanned skin and dark lashes, full lips (that she, of course, considered flat and awkward)- and a long, but strong face, appearing gentle as she slept with little sound.
It wasn't until some hours int he morning that she work with a start, gasping and tossing off the blankets as she realized.
"Goodness! This is NOT my bed!"
Urich hadn't slepped as well as she did, after being kicked a few times, but managed to get enough rest as it were as his head was swilled with wine, wine, and more wine. His sleep was uneventful and he didn't dream of anything at all. When dawn arose, Urich was startled the the sudden movement of the sheets. He jumped up and looked across at Victoria.
"Could you keep it down?" he said and smashed his head back down on the pillow, which fluffed out and he looked at her, slowly recollecting what happened. He felt like a hammer was knocking at his head. "Oh...I didn't drink that much last night," he said, turning over on his side and leaning up.
"Well, good morning to you to, Victoria. What would you like for breakfast?" he said, glancing over at her.
Victoria was still far too taken by their situation as she stared at him and.. and.. his clothes.. and and.. his bed .. and and...
"Goodness, but one of us MUSt have drank too much!" she exclaimed, inching away from him, face as red as an apple. "This will not do, not do at all! And breakfast, who can you consider such a-"
and suddenly she gave a yell. She had been fussing and inching herself clean away from the other man in the bed that she suddenly fell off backwards, clean off the other side!
With legs to air, she gave a start, skirts scattering everywhere and sheets entangling her within their grip. It was only then she gave another cry of alarm as she twisted about-
and the damn ankle..
her ankle..
Her hand went to it as she seethed, dark hair about her face in wild locks.
"Goodness, I had almost forgot I twisted my ankle,"s he groaned, nursing it by stroking the skin, but was soon wincing again.
"Ugh, tell me this is some awkward dream, Mister Renqvist."s he began, rubbing at her tired eyes with the heel of her hand. "Tell me we did NOT just share a bed."
Though, the evidence was more than clear!
He couldn't help the chuckle that came bursting from his mouth as he watched her fall off the otherside of the bed, clearly too repulsed by their current state to realize she had been inching to the end of the bed. She took most of the blankets with her and Urich scooted over to her side. He climbed off the bed, half naked as he was, and knelt down beside her.
"We did," he said, honestly and laughing at her predicament. "Though we didn't do anything else. I promise you... At least I don't think we did." He put an arm around her waist and lifted her back on to the bed. "But even if we did, I promise not to tell if you won't. You'll still be marriageable, don't get your skirts in a twist."
Urich rubbed his sore head and walked over to the chair he left his clothes on and reached for his trousers and slipped them on, notching up the buttons along his crotch and walking back around toward her. He sat down beside her ankle and frowned. "Look, I told you to relax, now it looks like you've made your ankle worse. Doesn't look like you're going anywhere anytime soon."
There was an abrupt whining and scratching at the door as the pups were eager to come in. He rose and approached it, opening one of them and seven wolf pups came scampering through, rushing at Victoria.
Victoria gasped when he lifted her to her feet, but only let out a short 'hmph' when she was settled back on the bed. SHe looked down at her ankle, sighing, face still carrying a blush.
"Yes, I seem to not be very good at keeping myself off of it," she grumbled, smoothing a hand down her face, only to glance between her fingers, glaring at him at his comment about what they could have done.
She would have commented, but then soon the pups were rushing into the room and over to her. Gasping in alarm, she tried to draw back, but the puppies wriggled excitedly as they jumped at her skirts.
"Gosh, they're so many of them! And they look like wolves..."s he commented, but then soon realized with a start.
"Oh my goodness!" she sat up suddenly. "Are these the same wolves that attacked me before!?" she cradled a hand over her lips. "They're still... PUPPIES!"
Urich frowned at the mention of the magic that had transformed his hounds. It had taken him years to harvest these wolves into a proper pack. He'd had them since they were pups once...he supposed he'd just have to do it all over again. Since the already knew him as their alpha...now he was alpha and mom. But at least they were potty-trained and didn't have to be given milk anymore.
Urch crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged. "And they would have succeeded had it not been for your magic powder stuff. Exactly what do they teach you in that negotiator's school of yours, other than meddling in other people's business? I suppose a strange form of alchemy is one of them. But whether they're pups or full grown wolves, they're still mine and I'm inclined to take care of my own."
One of the pups, a white one with a grayed nose and stripe on his forehead approached Victoria's nose and promptly stuffed it in his mouth. This tail wagged and he gave a puppy yap and did it again, licking her cheeks, shoving everyone else out of the way that tried to follow suit.
Urich chuckled in amusement. "I think Draegr likes you. Well, that's what I call him. It was my father's middle name. It means moonflower in some language he knew. Well...what do you think? Do you want him?"
"Yes, well, it's not a magic all can learn. It requires a certain blood line, though the blood line has since been thinned over the years by reckless breeding, I'd assume." she sighed. "There aren't many of my kind left, which is why it has irked me that my Aunt wouldn't allow my to be more properly trained." she sighed, but stared down at the puppies who worked as a marvelous distraction.
"Really now, do mind your manners, puppies. I am in my undergarments and can not possibly remain at play in such a state. Especially," Victoria eyed Urich cautiously, "Int he presence of your Alpha."
But then as he went on about how the pups were his, she blinked and bent over towards them, allowing them to nip playfully at her fingers.
"Now, now, now, here this,"she said, wagging a finger at one as it began to tug at the lace of her under skirt. "Lace is NOT for puppies to chew." but what was a lady to do? The pups were too excited that they were nearly bursting with it, and finally she scooped the one up that was lickign up her face.
"Oh, alright. I suppose i could coddle you some."s he said, smiling down at the one Urich so graciously called Draegr." She raised a brow and peered over at him.
"So you've raised them all yourself? Don't you have any werewolves in your pack? Just these wolves?" she looked down at them, but then gave a cry of alarm, a gasp, when he mentioned she could have one.
"Mercy, what would I do with a wolf pup?" she said, then looked down at the little rascal as it licked her face. "Really now, I suppose they DO look an awful lot like you." she commented, a bit of a play and jab at their owner as she smirked, and then proceeded to try to hand off the pup to him
"But I couldn't take one of your dogs. He's part of your pack," she replied. "And really, I'm a cat person." But Draegr only barked, howled even when she tried to pass him off. She sighed.
"Now really, what is this fuss about." the puppy squirmed and she sighed, and brought it back into a hug against her chest. It began to lick at her neck as she laughed.
"really now! He DOES seem to like me!" and the licks were ticklish, too! She continued to laugh and laugh before she fell back onto the bed, puppy kisses all over her face.
"Really now!" she pulled the thing away. "It's like he doesn't know who the alpha is here."
He scoffed aloud and walked closer to them, two pups tumbling over one another and falling off the bed with a thump and another jumping up at him. He picked up the small gray wolf with a black scruff and cradled her against his chest. She laid there lazily before yawning and laying against his arm, closing her eyes.
"I'm not too keen in having any other werewolves in my pack. And suffer competition? I think not. These wolves were a handful enough. I don't need other werewolves coming around here thinking they own the place...." His eyes drifted to her curiously. "Speaking of which...how is it that you have the wolf's blood? Father? Mother? Grandparent? Can you change with the moons? At all, even?"
"My, aren't you the nosy sort," and Victoria wasn't talking about the little puppy that was licking at her unruly curls, either!
She shuffled the weight of the pup in her arm.
"I couldn't say, the genes are suppressed because of what I am. It was several generations ago, however.I remember it brought out quite a scandal. People still talk about it, saying my Armani blood line is no longer 'pure' or some such, but I can tell you I can smell human in a lot of them; and my blood line is just as 'pure' as there's. But, as your nose might inform you, there are traces of it in my blood, but there will never be a transformation or anything of the like. The Negotiator genes will always keep it back."
She sighed, "But some dare to claim it's why the Armani family appears restless."She gave a shrug. "I wouldn't know. My parents died when I was rather young, and my Aunt saw fit to raise me."
The puppy then drew her attentions away as it bit at her curls.
"I say! That is enough of that!" and she placed the puppy onto the bed, watching it bark and wriggle about. "Really now, behave. You can not eat my hair. It is not proper and will most likely give you indigestion."
The dog just made a noise, cocking it's head as one ear poked up higher than the other. Victoria only laughed, one strap from her under garment falling over her shoulder, but the woman seemed not to notice as the pup's distraction kept her well occupied.
"Oh, alright!" she bent over hte bed, the other strap on her shift falling down the other shoulder as she went about ruffling the furr about the puppy's cheeks.
"Who's a good boy! Who's a handsome good boy!" she told him- and the puppy bark, barked knowing "It's me! It's me!" so proudly and dashingly romping about upon the bed. Victoria couldn't help but giggle.
"Oh, you are such a trying boy! Too bad I have no where to take you to and you would surely miss your pack if I were to go and take you away." Victoria was now on her knees before the bed, resting her arms across it and resting her cheek across those arms. She sighed and the puppy wagged it's tail excitedly, barking at her and pouncing about, trying to goad her into play.
"Come now, I told her, I am hardly dressed to wrestle with pups!" that's when she turned to Urich suddenly. "Oh! Mr. Renqvist! My dress! Where ever is it?"
Urich grinned at the play. "Few people get along so well with my wolves. They can sense the wolf's blood in you, maybe that's why they like you so much. Now, pack, you sit and wait. Robern will bring you your chops shortly. I'll have no biting, no nipping, no stealing...and no whining." All the pups' eyes were glued to him, as if they understood every word he said. "Now go on! Chops are waiting! While they're fresh!" He clapped his hands and they all bounded off toward the kitchens that were clanking with ghostly activity. Draegr was quite reluctant to move from Victoria's embrace but after a playful nip goodbye, the wolf followed his brethren and gave Urich a defiant and rude scraping of his backfeet before leaving the room.
Urich laughed aloud and moved to help Victoria out of bed. The fact that her straps had fallen from her shoulders had not gone unnoticed and he eyed her with a devil in his gaze, but said nothing more on it. "Here, let's go to the great hall, I'll have your dress and skirts all cleaned and dried and you can finally put some clothes on again. Althought I do have a few dresses left over from...a ladyfriend i used to have. She was about your size. Maybe a little more petite, but it wouldn't be any trouble at all to let you borrow it for now. Since you're concerned with being decent.
"And then I'll see to your ankle. Up now, c'mon. Easy does it."
Victoria was more than happy to have Urich guide her, but then he mentioned the dress was not clean, and then he went onto mention she'd have to borrow clothes from a lady friend.
SHe gasped, a hand to her chest.
"Really now, I mustn't be seen around your manor like this!"
Then she looked down, face reddening as she worked at fixing the straps of her dress. Really now, she was already having a hard time keeping her figure in check with the straps up, let alone down!
"And further more, it would be rather outlandish for me to wear the wears of a former mistress! Really now, do you have any idea of propriety!?"
Urich made a face at her and actually laughed outloud as he led her down the corridor to the great hall. "Who exactly is going to be looking at you half-naked?" he asked sarcastically. "Everybody here is dead! Except you and me and the pups of course! And I think I'm being nice actually, offering you a clean, pressed garment other than the one you brought it I'm sure is still filthy from the rain! Don't you think it'd be more courteous to except? Though," he added, looking her over and grinning to show that he was pleased, "I wouldn't mind you walking around like this. But it is up to you of course."
Victoria gave a thought to his expression.
"I suppose you might be right,"s he grumbled, but then his eyes began to roam her after his remark and she gasped, pushing away from him.
"Mr. Renqvist! How uncordial of you! Really, such a remark is best left unsaid! Especially in the presence of a lady in such a condition! Really now!" Really, indeed! ANd her face was red from it. "Just fetch me the gown, if you'll please." she said, averting his gaze as she gritted her teeth. Really now! Why on earth was he being suddenly so.. so. so flirtatious! it was making her head spin, amongst other things!
"But that still does beg one question- as to why you're being so kind to me." she lifted her eyes to his, appearing much more soft and sincere, even a bit sad and uncertain.
He chuckled and nodded to her, letting her rest and balance near a wall and moved toward his wardrobe. He opened a drawer from the bottom and pulled out a neatly folded dress. It was violet, a deep one with hints of crimson woven in, sleeveless and showed plenty of cleavage.
"I suppose, you might answer your curiosity with the answer that you are a guest in my house and I'm trying to make it as comfortable as possible. It's the least I could do since you let me keep my house. I'm partly grateful and while you're still not on my list of trusted associates...it wouldn't be too fair of me to leave you lying out in the rain like you were. I proposed a truce...for now, until you leave and then we can go back to being the enemies we were born to be."
He smiled at her and presented the beautiful dress to her and held it out. "I don't suppose you wouldn't need help climbing in would you? I'd be more than happy to oblige you. Besides...when there's a lady in my house...I'd like to see to it she's as comfortable as possible." He grinned wickedly.
Victoria listened onwardly to his lecture.
"Right.."S he frowned. "A truce." but she herself, knew she couldn't just go back to bickering when they've already shared such... interesting circumstances. SHe sighed sadly, but didn't press the issue, but upon seeing the dress, she outwardly frowned.
Then he made the comment and she gave a huff, snatching it away from him.
"I can manage on my own, but the corset ties.."s he gritted her teeth. "You can do well of yourself to wait outside and help me when I am modest." She gestured for him towards the door.
"Now, if you'll excuse me."s he said, hobbling over towards a mirror with the dress. "I will take this oppurtuninty to simply thank you and see about getting myself into this dress." THough as she peered at it , she frowned again. She feared she might tear the poor thing. But she supposed it might be better than nothing.
He put his hands on his hips and eyed her accordingly. Raising a brow, he nodded and bowed to her. "As you wish, my guest," he said, smiling. Before he left he reached for his shirt he left on the chair and pulled it over his shoulders. As he left, he closed the door behind him. Though he had serious reservations she could do it on her own, he left her to her own devices and just listen from the otherside as he worked at the buttons on his shirt.
No doubt she'd fall any time now. And that's what she'd deserve for her own silly judgment.
Once left alone, Victoria wilted and dropped the dress onto the bed. It was bad enough she was still exhausted, and a tad bit irritable from the wine the night prior (and not having eaten much of things in days), but now she had to deal with Mister Urich Renqvist being polite to her, of all things! A host!
And his manners were astonishing, but also trying, at best. Really, she stared at herself in the mirror. She looked a ghastly mess! With a hand to her hip, she surveyed herself. Of course he was a wolf, she had to remind herself. She probably looked like a leg of lamb to him!
Sighing and ignoring her faults, which she often times dwelled upon in the mirror, she went about trying to untie the lace on the back of her attire, and fumbled around clumsily, making a bit more rude choices of phrases than she would like, but eventually she got the ribbon untied and loosened and dropped onto the bed with a groan, her dress now half hanging off of her body.
But she was still to prideful to ask for help. After all, it was not proper for a man to do such things!
And did he need reminded a third time she wasn't married? Perhaps that was his goal, however, to help her mind up and send her on her way as unmarriagable goods! Not that he'd try something dastardly, she hoped, but the mere fact they found themselves in such conditions, and the man had no servants to speak of (minus the ghosts..) she gave another sigh and began to slip out of her chemise and stood up, allowing the loose garment to fall and pillow at her feet.
She shivered, then moved to grab the dress upon the bed,-
then felt her ankle twist in the most inopportune way, at the most inopportune moment.
Giving a brief cry, she found herself falling onto the side of the bed, feet catching against her fallen skirts and taking most of the blankets with her when she fell and landed in a ripe mess upon the floor.
"Confound this bloody ankle!" she shouted.
He hadn't quite finished the buttons on his shirt when he heard a sudden loud thud and a roaring curse of her ankle. He was laughing as he opened the door and...not expecting to see what he was about to see. "Are you all...." he stopped there, breath taken a little. "Wow," he muttered, chuckling a little. But nothing could tear his eyes away from her in all her glory.
"Ahem," he said, only politely averting his gaze away from her, directly. And instead turned it to the mirror, seeing the rest of her reflection. "Are you all right? Can I help you? I'm not looking I promise!"
Victoria gave a gasp, eyes going wide as coins when she saw Urich come into the room. SHe snatched hte bed sheets, hugging them to her chest and wailed, "UUURRRRICHHH!!!" and appeared almost to be transformed into some sort of monster in her rage.
That at his comment of not looking, she gasped again, following his wolfish gaze as she turned around to see herself, backside, fully exposed in the mirror.
Her face went redder than an apple as she yanked the other side of the bed sheets around her form.
"Really, Mister Renqvist! Do you mind!?" she shouted, and it almost seemed as if steam was shooting from her ears and nose as she cried out in rage. "Can you not see I am still not decent!?" She grabbed something nearyby, anything, -a comb- and hurled it at him "I do NOT need your help! I need you to get out!"
Urich...was hard-pressed to tear his eyes away from her. He ducked as the comb went flying across the room, almost nabbing him in the head and laughter burst from him as he did so and took a step closer. "Look you really can't stand on that ankle. You're only making it worse!" he tried to reason...but couldn't stop staring at her chest. "And if you make it worse you'll just have to stay here longer, which I know you don't want to happen!"
He took another step closer, looking up at the ceiling. Suddenly it felt as if the room had become very small and very hot very quickly. His grin had faded as he looked into her face and he couldn't quite be sure what he was thinking or why he did or what even happened... He moved forward, closing the distance despite her rage and suddenly felt large and dangerous, cornering her as he advanced.
Everything felt slower and faster at the same time and all he could hear was the pounding of his heart knocking into his ears, deafening him to all else. His arms took her into them and he pressed his mouth to hers hard, almost instinctively.
She saw the look. She saw him move. And her mouth fell open, body braced, for all the good it would do to her as she let out a gasp.
"Mister Renqvis-"
SMOOCH!!!!
Her eyes went wide, pupils drawing small as his lips sealed over to her, taking her breath away. It was a warm and bubbling and a heart pounding moment, as she was suddenly captured into his arms, captured beneath his lips with little more than the blankets from the bed to clothe her-
and they weren't offering much support as they began to slip away.
And it was in that motion she gasped suddenly, pushing away from him, giving his face a hard slap, her hands scrambling desperately to keep the only piece of decency she had between them at her finger tips as she screamed.
"MISTER RENQVIST!!!" she was nearly dropping out of his arms, squirming, heart pounding in her ears. "What on EARTH on you doing!?"
Her screech - and really it was a SCREECH! - came roaring into his ears and snapped him out of his reverie. The slap did too, but some women like to slap just for the fun of it, and made it seem like they fought for a decency they were trying very hard to find a man to take from them. He didn't take Victoria as one of those kinds of women, but it certainly brought him back to earth.
"You've yet to be kissed properly," he said.
And when he realized what he was doing, well, he really didn't care and brought her closer to him again and kissed her neck possessively, trailing them up to her mouth until he captured her lips with his own. And he didn't let her go until he was good and ready. His lips were wet with slobber...more hers than his he wagered and wiped his lips with a hand he tore away from her.
He pulled away and fixed the collar of his shirt. "Well, I'll leave you to it then." He grinned and a bowed and headed for the door.
Frazzled, Confused, red faced and dizzy; Victoria now sat there, on her bottom and on her knees, just staring, simply staring as she clutched onto the limp piece of blanket that was no longer really covering her body. And she stared, and stared and stared as her heart pumped blood heavily into her head and ears.
What had he just-
what had they just-
She couldn't calm her heart, her head in a tizzy when she suddenly shouted.
"YOU SCOUNDREL!" and tore off the floor, hefting the blankets along with her as she seethed with rage, hunching over, which, only served to direct her anger towards him in a more menacing, and perhaps, more provocative position as she growled, eyes glaring hot and mad.
"YOU ANIMAL! How DARE you take advantage of me in such- such an indecent position! I'm naked!" she wailed. "Now get out of here before I sick your own dogs on you!"
Really, what ELSE was a woman to do after an act like that!?
And my! How her mind still reeled over that sort of a kiss!
Urich's expression was clearly taken aback as he whirled around to look at her with mocking eyes. "Oh, I'm the one taking advantage of you... You're the one that came barging into my house and started barking order at me. Then when it was all said and done, you had the nerve to fall on my doorstep like some kind of damsel in distress. You're in my house! Petting my wolves! And you don't even have the courtesy to appreciate what I'm trying to do for you!"
"You've got some nerve on you. But don't get me wrong...I can respect it, but that doesn't mean I like it. Now if it would make you feel any better, you can go ahead and put that dress on, and I'll strip naked and cloak myself in blankets and you can be free to kiss me. That should make us even. Hmm, is that a no?"
He leaned on the iron knob and looked at her expectantly, as if half serious on his own claim. And who knows! With all that's happened, he might actually be.
Victoria's face paled, then reddened even more.
"You ghastly man!" and she tore after him, bed sheets trailing behind her in her rampage- only to forget about her ankle at the last minute and before she even got he chance to pummel the man (for it clearly appeared as if she wanted to pummel him) a shot of pain went through her leg and she found herself flying forward, smashing into Urich as he stood against the door.
Urich had not expected her to come rushing toward him like a raging bull...and boy, she wasn't pretty when she was mad. He didn't have much time to react, even to slam the door in her face as he would like, when she came tumbling toward him, her ankle getting the better of her. She knocked him down, his legs failing him and buckling underneath as his arms were caught around her.
He landed on his ass with a hard thump and his arms were around her back. He turned his face away and scrunched his features, fully prepared for a fist to the face and knew it was coming any minute now. "Uh, are you okay?" he still managed to ask, still prepared for the blow.
Oh how she WANTED to punch him! And just may have had she not suddenly let out a call of pain, crumpling on top of him.
"N-no,"s he panted, twisting about upon his body as her hand went to her leg as she drew it nearer to her chest with a wince, shooting an angered expression up towards him, cheeks pink and eyes angry as she huffed. "I think I've gone and made my ankle worse."s he lowered her head, her body shaking from the pain as she let out another groan of pain, her hair a mess and her body and bed sheets splayed across him. She felt so angry, but because of her leg, she also felt defeated.
So she wasn't going to hit him...? Urich turned his head to her, peeking one eye open and blinked when he felt it was safe enough. He frowned at her and reached a hand down to inspect her swollen ankle. "Yup, you're right. I told you not to get worked up," he chided and tsk-tsked. "C'mon, you'll need your rest. You should have let me help you dress when I offered," he said softly.
He carefully stood up, and helped her up along with him, letting her balance on him as he led her to the bed. "But instead you were too busy worrying about what was proper versus what was practical. I'm not some kind of beast who just goes around ravaging women, despite what I may have led you to think with all the kissing. I'm trying to help you. But if you don't help me help you, how can you expect to get any better? Here, let me help you get dressed. And I promise I won't tell anyone I saw you naked."
He picked up the dress and held the opening so she can slide her feet through it. "Well, c'mon. Breakfast isn't going to eat itself."
Victoria was using all of her will power to keep herself from having a fit. But this was the single most wretchedly terrible predicament for any a woman. And to think if anyone found out of such a thing!
She would perish at the thought.
It wasn't until the dress was placed before her that she finally gave way to a second, fiercer and more vulnerable blush.
"Urich, I.." she merely stared at the dress, almost trembling as she looked at it, her face glum and worried. He was just asking her to expose her body to him. She wasn't even sure what she was to him anyways, perhaps just some fun toy who has found herself thrust hopelessly into his estate.
She swallowed the growing knot inside her throat and grew quiet, dreadfully quiet as she lowered her gaze.
"I know you're trying to help me, Mr. Renqvist, but you must understand I just can't.. can't allow myself to become so willingly exposed before you." She lowered her head even more, feeling defeated. "If you.. you could at least look away so I could save some face, keep some of my pride, I would be grateful."
Urich could see the defeat in her face and something peculiar piqued in his stomach. Was he feeling...bad for her? He was aghast at the thought! He, of all people! She almost ruined his home, his life, and his hounds! He had no reason to feel sorry for her. But he kept his focus and raised a finger telling her to wait one moment. He looked around, setting the dress aside and found a handkerchief in a drawer and wrapped it around his eyes before feeling his way back to her.
He felt the bed and knelt down, darkness taking his vision as he held out the dress for her. "I hope the blindfold suffices," he said, the snugness of the cloth on his face making it impossible to make out anything but blurry shadows in the spots by the bridge of his nose but he could see nothing else.
"I'm really sorry by the way. I never thought I'd say such a thing to you," he admitted, the word feeling strange on his tongue. He spat a little to the side, away from her. "And can we please stop with the Mr. Renqvist? We are not in your council chamber addressing land laws or whatever it is that you people talk about in there. Let's just keep the formalities to a minimum, okay, Victoria?"
VIctoria was taken back by the idea of a blind fold across his face, and perhaps, slightly alarmed, even a bit charmed. Her cheeks remained pink however as he knelt before her, her hand, not realizing she had drawn it to her lips, lowered slightly as she looked at him. THough she didn't trust him completely, she tested it by waving her hand before him and sighed.
"I'm sorry if you don't like my formalities, it is not customary for a lady to use a man's first name unless they are more closer acquaintances." And she was most certain he did not, and should not, fall into that category. Though her face went long as she mulled over the apology and lowered her head.
Sighing again,s he moved towards the dress, but tensed as she looked at him, then sighed after a moment.
"This is ridiculous! You look like a fool!" she said after a time, but shuffled about before him. "But I suppose the gesture is appreciated. "She said against a bitten tongue. "I'll just turn my back here and we can be done with this." And turned around she did, working with him, though clumsily as she stepped into her dress. And with as much speed as she cold, she sealed it to her body and hugged the loose fabric across her breast.
"Ugh, it is a bit tight and we haven't even tightened the lace,"she complained, huffing as she struggled about to keep her hips from tearing the damn thing and well, from also having her breasts nearly burst out. Sighing, she finally tuned to him, but held a hand to the front o fher dress, fearing he might get a show before they tightening the back. Then she lifted a hand, though cautiously, towards his blind fold and curled her fingers into it gently.
"I suppose you ought to be able to see me by now,"s he said, daintily peeled the blind fold away from his eyes, and at this close proximity, she began to realize he had quite handsome eyes. And a quite handsome face to match.
Urich was pretty helpless in helping her while he as blindfolded. Dresses were hideously complicated creations, much like those that fancied wearing them, with straps here, folds here, pleats here, corsets here, threads there! He was on the verge of offering her some of his own clothing until he felt fingers prying underneath the blindfold that were obviously not his own.
He blinked a few times, hazel-green eyes adjusting to the light again before he fully stood. He leaned back a little and looked her over. He smiled in approval. "You look better in that dress than she ever did, that's for sure," he commented. He then moved behind her and reached for the corset laces and proceeded to tie them. He kept them comfortable, but snug enough to keep them on.
He had a stray hand on her waist and slowly - not to mention reluctantly - pulled it away and motioned for her to lend him an arm to help her down the hallway. "Shall we? Food's getting cold. The ghosts have it ready and everything. I'm sure the pups are done with their chops by now."
At his reaction and statement, she felt her cheeks heat. Especially as she considered, with some melancholy, it was meant for another woman, or, had at least been hers and she had no idea why a man such as he would keep it- or for that matter, make such a comment about it towards her.
She wasn't aware she was wearing a dreary smile until she turned her head, moving to accept his offered arm whens he caught a look at them in the mirror.
If she didn't know better, she'd say they looked like a handsome couple-
only because the dress made her look a bit too scandalous and well he?
She didn't know why she was starting to find him attractive now of all times. Really!
She turned away, ignoring the growing blush as she fussed at her hair.
"I suppose after we eat I can work at my hair,"s he mumbled. "Lead the way, Urich."
"After we eat, the only thing you'll be doing is taking a warm bath because, my painful guest, you look like you need it. Not that I couldn't use one. I'm about as sharp as a letter opener," he quipped, both at her and himself and led them down the corridor to the great hall.
Being haunted, Sul'Gulthan had a constant chill to it. The tables were cleared from last nights spoils, silverware polished and candles relit. Though her aunt Millicent believed the ghosts were against the presence of a werewolf living amongst them, the truth of the matter was that they were happy, at least most of them, to be given purpose again. Most of them were unseen and went about their coded routines like cleaning and washing, as most of them had done in life. There were few soldiers that wandered the place, other than Robern, whose own spirit remained separated from his head long ago. The skull remained perched on the arm rest of the throne at the head of the large table and smiled at the both of them.
"Good mornin, Master Oorick. And Miss Armani," the ghost said. "We have a continental breakfast this morning. The eggs are fresh. Enjoy."
"Good morning and thank you Robern. You're a doll," Urich said. He led Victoria to a seat at the corner of the table, beside the head of it, and pulled out the one diagonal from her. "Now, my wretched guest, what would you like to drink? I think it is a bit early for wine, and you nearly drank all of my madeira, but I can fetch some tea for you if you'd like."
Victoria took the time to admire how the place had come alive. It was almost like he had servants for him, but the air was pleasant- though chilly. It was rather an amazing thing to see. But then at his comments, her face flattened as she looked, quite unamused by his uncivil charm.
"Thank you, Robern,"s he said to the skull, then cast a haughty look towards Urich before taking a seat. The mention of the wine had her shaking her head.
"No, I rarely drink. Last night was an exception," she said contemptuously. "Tea will suffice." she added with a flick of her wrist.
"So.. about these eggs.." she went on, smiling devilishly over at Robern. "Did you make them yourself?"
Urich smirked at her smart remark and walked down a little ways from the table. From the sound of it, the rain had done little to let up from the night before, though no doubt took some rest in the early morning as small showers pelted the fortress in the cloudiness of dawn.
"Oh, no, no, milady," Robern said. "As you can see, that would be quite impractical. I did go and get them though. My body is independent from my head as you can see, fished them from a coop on a farm a little ways down the road. But no, Farilda made the eggs! She's an excellent cook! If you ever have a birthday, please come and visit, she makes an excellent pound cake...or any kind of cake you like!"
He kept an eye on her as he pulled a kettle from the rack in front of the furnace, filled with fresh water, and burning with fresh logs. Afterward, he brought it to the table and pulled a cup from the middle of the table with fresh leaves and poured the hot water into it, fishing the leaves out with a spoon afterward.
"Well, I'm afraid, Robern, that may not be a possibility," Urich interrupted. "I don't think Miss Victoria here would be too keen on visiting this place again. And such a shame that would be." He smiled, a little triumphantly at that as he slid the tea toward her and began to prepare his own.
"Oh?" the skull muttered. "And why not?" Looking at Victoria with ghostly eyes.
Victoria had to smirk when the talking skull talked about his body procuring the eggs- no doubt scaring the daylights out of the chickens in the process,a nd perhaps the owner of the farm. She was even charmed at his invitation of cake. And she would like it- but then Urich interrupted and made his comment and her face fell just a little.
She then felt the gaze of Robern upon her.
"I suppose your Master would have told you he and I are enemies,"s he said with a casual shrug. "But even a lady could make an exception for cake."S he said, taking the tea and staring at it, then over at Urich, she stuck up her nose. "And where is the sugar?" she inquired. "I like my tea sweet."
Urich's expression grew morose at her reply. But at least her answer just about covered everything there was to cover according to whether or not she'd be welcome here again. He sincerely doubted she'd go for the idea and at her remark, his expression softened just a bit. "Well, if she doesn't mind, then I suppose I can make an exception sometime in the future. Distant future," Urich added, continuing to work on his own tea.
At her comment he felt his teeth involuntarily grit but he gave her a trying smile anyway and tried to be polite. He twtiched his head just a litte bit and reached across to a tiny porcelain jar and opened the lid. Inisde were tiny cubes of sugar and he grabbed one with a spoon and plopped one in her tea. "Would you like some creme with that too?" he asked, quite sarcastically.
Victoria looked down at him from across her nose.
She smiled a little, quite pleased that he obliged her with sugar and began to stir it in nonchalance.
"Oh, do you carry such things in your manor?" she teased when the idea of cream was brought into subject, still keeping a flippant attitude about her- though it was one that seemed more natural on their pairing, so at least she thought.
"I can carry all manner of things in my stronghold," he corrected with a spiteful glare, hating as she starred down on him with her 'pious' nose. "Would you like some?" But before he let her answer, he reached for a smaller ceramic teapot where he suspected the cream was and opened the lid to make sure. He poured a few seconds worth of a drop into her tea.
"Anything else before I have a seat and begin to enjoy my meal, your higness?" His tone was sarcastic, but partly playful. He didn't much care for her airs, but at least her attitude had risen from its former misery mongering.
"Yes, stronghold," she spoke, amusedly as she twirled her spoon about within her cup. "So, you do have cream here." and she took the tea to her lips, drinking it down with petite grace before sighing in satisfaction. "A marvelous tea, Mister Renqvist," she complimented, dark eyes sparkling wtih an almost predatory mirth. "And no, this should suffice. Do take your seat so we can enjoy the eggs."
And she leaned back some in her chair, head still held proudly, shoulders square as she looked over at her host.
Really, this was really something she could not help herself but relish. Urich Renqvist, a host to her every demands..
and here he tried to kill her less than a month ago. She leered him wickedly before going back to her tea, but her eyes still held a sparkle of that mischief about, though she pretend to be transfixed on something else as she cleared her throat and turned to address the skull.
"So, Robern, was it? How long have you known Mister Renqvist?"
Her propriety was really starting to get on his nerves. He'd seen her naked, almost naked, gave her wine, gave her his bed, gave her is patience (which was slowly running out), his table, his roof - even his ghosts to give her a comfortable breakfast! He frowned at her and grit his teeth again, taking his tea to his side of the table and having his seat.
His food had lost its fresh heat and was lukewarm as he began to poke at it with his fork, stuffing his face until half his plate was already gone. Behind him Robern answered, "Oh, for about thirty-five years. But he only took residence for 30. It took him five years to fix the place up and finally settle in. All this furniture has been assembled from bits and scraps which he put together himself. Master OOrick is a genius with his hands."
Victoria took in what Robern had told her with a blink.
"Oh," she looked around, mighty impressed. "He did, did he?" She eyed Urich a moment, though knew it only made sense now on how he would defend such a place. She looked around again after having some eggs.
"He has done quite a lot to the place, I imagine. I think I'd be angry too if someone asked me to leave a place I cared for with such tenacity." She took up her tea, sipping it gently. "Yes, it looks rather nice, doesn't it. And to think, from outside, most only see it as ruins."
She smiled over at Robern, but stole another glance and smile towards her host, nose and mouth hidden behind another sip of tea.
Urich paused and poked at his eggs in silence, staring at their yellow scrambledness. He felt his stomach turning inside at suddenly being made the center of attention. He managed to control his palor and didn't blush but offered Victoria a small, shy smirk. Clearing his throat, he regained himself and took another bite of his eggs and the strips of ham beside it. "The outside matters little," he commented. "In fact that's usually what keeps unwanted people away. Though, that did little to keep you at bay."
He grinned, but there was a fire in his eyes as he took a sip of his tea. "I'm not nearly done, there's still much more I'd like to do with this place. Most of the former residence here have taken to him. Though that isn't to say they all have. The most fearsome and troublesome reside in the lower levels of Sul'Gulthan, deep underground. Just don't go down alone. I wouldn't recommend it. Robern!"
"Yes, sir?"
"Have a bath drawn would you? For the lady here and myself. Um, not together, mind you. And go all out, use the spring and make it nice and warm will you?"
"Of course, Master Oorick." The ghostly face smiled and within seconds his headless form passed through the great hall to an open hall opposite the one that held Urich's bedchamber. "Well, I know you can bathe yourself...but that ankle...it doesn't look good," he said, taking the final bites of his meal and giving her an expectant look. "Are you sure you won't be needing any help?" He grinned a little like a wolf.
It was Victoria's turn to try to ignore the blush on her face, though she didn't do as well to hide it as her eyes narrowed upon him.
"Really, a bath at this stage? Didn't we just get me into this dress with such a hassle?" she replied simply, diverting her eyes with a bit of irritation to them as she lifted her cup daintily and sipped at more tea. She was also diverting the other half of his question- after all... to get naked infront of him again!? And she did not much care for that wolfish grin he was wearing, either...
OOC: Short post first thing in the morning 8D
He usually lived for opportunity and the cusp of the moment. It wasn't often he found himself with what was once an annoying intruder only to have her as an injured houseguest. It wasn't like she could really run away from him without making it worse and while...advances were partly the furthest thing from his mind, he didn't see any reason why he couldn't enjoy the moment.
"You were the only one that made it such a hassle," Urich replied, sipping his own tea, the strength of it compounding on his senses. "I offered to help you then but you were too prideful to refuse. I'm the only one around here with a solid form so, as practicality would have it, who else will help you undress?" He grinned and pointed a hand to wait one moment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the handkerchief he'd substituted for a blindfold.
"I won't look, I promise. I mean...not that I haven't see most of you anyway. But seeing as you are a 'lady', I'll oblige you."
VIctoria's face went red. Really, did he just keep that kerchief on him to use against her? And now, because of him, she'd never look at kerchief's in the same light. And because of it, she frowned.
"Yes, well, forgive me for trying to keep my modesty and pride," she simply retorted, then went back to her tea with an even bigger frown. "And just because you'd be wearing a kerchief, how do I know your hands and lips won't find themselves occupied with something they should not."
"Robern," Urich said, keeping his eyes on Victoria.
"Yes, sir?"
"Leave us."
"Oh...all right?"
After a few minutes, Robern's body came striding through the hall and plucked the skull from its place at the armrest of the throne, and passed the opposite way it came through. When it was gone, Urich sat back in his chair, raising his tea to his lips and holding it there for a moment, shielding his wolfish grin.
It faded al ittle as he set it back down. "Only if you want them to be," he finally retorted. There was a long moment of silence and his hazel-green eyes bored into her. "Are you afraid of me?"
Victoria raised her brow skeptically at her host as he ordered the headless man away. When the body came to retrieve the head, she stared at it with a bit of alarm and watched as his form disappeared behind a door. Then, after he was gone, Victoria let out a small sigh and went back to her tea. Her cup raised as her eyes went to his, watching him raise his own tea to his lips.
She went to drink, but then Urich made a comment and she nearly sputtered it out. Then her eyes narrowed, and his second comment was made and she was taken back.
"Afraid of you?" she repreated, making a distasteful expression. "Why on earth should I be afraid of you, Mr. Renqvist?"
He smirked at her comment, unable to help it. But while his grin faded, the one in his eyes did not. Urich took another sip of his tea and held it gingerly in his hands, all the while keeping his eyes on her, like a wolf to prey. "Oh, I never said you should, my dear Miss Armani," he said, his tone was low. "I merely asked if you are. You seem...stirred at the mere mention of being alone with me, particularly now that you are, shall we say 'vulerable'. Is something wrong with me? You know you have the ability to sap my powers at any given moment, especially those when in close contact with me. Yet, you seem often 'preoccupied.' But perhaps that isn't the right word."
He took another sip and leaned forward, squinting his eyes at her as if he could see right through her. "Well, are you?"
Victoria stared at him, seeming unamused with where he was going with this.
"It's not your powers, I fear sir,"s he informed lamely, setting down her tea. "Only your manners towards a lady in distress. Now, do not take it all personally and do not assume I do not appreciate what it is you are doing for me, considering you and I had started off this relationship on the wrong foot, but I for one, am not a woman to be trifled with. As far as I can tell, you are just a hungry wolf, biding his time on a victim who has little ability to fight off his charms."
She gave a soured smile. "And you sir, seem not to be able to keep your hands off of me. Really, what is a girl to think of a man who simply wants to breed? Even if you are an animal.." She turned her nose up towards him. "And don't think I don't know of your intentions sir. The wolfish expression is written all over your face." She sighed, haughtily, fussing over her hair. She was bothered. "And I'm not about to let myself become some mistress on a man who lives out in the middle of no where who only aims to choke me the moment my leg might heal. Honestly, what sort of woman do you take me for?"
And she really wanted to know. Did he honestly think she was just some common whore, who, upon first sniff of another alpha, would bend over and just mate? And she also did not care if she was being blunt or forward with her feelings. He had, after all, kissed her and felt her and well...
She had a pretty good sense to deduce his mannerisms to the obvious.
And kissing and groping was blunt enough!
While she remained unamused, Urich was hard-pressed to hold back his laughter. He only smiled at her, his eyes lighting up as he looked down at his chest then back up at her, grinning from ear to air, looking a little charming with an inquisitive brow raised, expression as if to say, "Oh, really?"
"You think I only want you for your body? Lovely as you are, my guest, I have plenty who are willing to sate that desire. I never said you couldn't take care of yourself. In fact, that was, indeed, what I was implying. You're more than capable, I saw you doing pretty well in fending off that werewolf in the alley way. You didn't need my help at all, and i was quite close to leaving you to your own devices. I like that in a woman, to be completely honest. Most men like those that wilt with ease, but I know most of your wilting is forced by mere lack of experience... Of course, I'd love to enlighten you if you like."
He grinned pleasingly and dranked the rest of his tea.
"I never thought of you as a lady in distress," he added softly, looking at her through long lashes.
"And to make it clear, I have sex, not breed. Breeding is for beasts. I'm a man. One of fine tastes, I might add, but a man nonetheless. Being half-wolf, just gives me the right, hm, kick I need, when it comes to finding suitable lovers...and pleasing them as well." He looked over at her, reaching forward to grab an apple from a bowl nearby and taking a large, powerful bite from it.
OOC: I don't know how I missed this post XD thought i replied last and checked to see you had replied since my last one ;_;
oh well XD
IC:
Victoria kept her lips flat.
She wasn't sure how to respond to that.
He was.. complimenting her and she felt.. awkward for it as she moved about, reweighing the way she sat and looked down at her nearly empty cup of tea.
"Yes, well, I suppose my independence as a lady is something I like to keep well guarded. Not many in society may live so freely, I suppose." She still stared at her tea, sighing. "Though not many would find a good way to use a woman such as I." her expression became more forlorn as she lifted her spoon and idly stirred it in the nearly empty glass. She wasn't sure she had much more of an appetite.
"And I suppose it doesn't matter who it impresses, as it seems when I tried to impress those I wished, it's broken my ankle, taking away any promise of a career, and made me homeless."
She let her spoon fall back into the cup.
"Well, not that I ought to complain, mind you."s he cast Urich a wary glance. "I wanted to do that research to prove a point. I'm not some woman than can cast off to simply read books all the time. My Aunt, I fear, believes I shouldn't follow a career there, but in the same time, she dragged me to those meetings." She sighed gain, resting an elbow at the table and that fist pressed to a rest against her cheek.
"You hve no idea the travesties a woman must go through,"s he said again. "I do not fancy trivial things like most women do. Sewing and music and songs and all that are well and good, but they, however, are pointless. I mean, what is the point if you can sing and dance if that is all you are good for? Surely the counsel will see I have dedication through my ambitions and perhaps askf or me back, but, I suppose my methods were a bit outlandish, so, I daresay, you're only here to witness the aftermaths of a woman bent on ruin."
She shrugged.
"So, as much as your compliments are... rather nice to hear after such a situation, forgive me if my mood seems most foul."
And she would also like not to make a comment about the idea of er..
sex and breeding right now. So that thought was left to the dust.
His expression softened and that wolfishness only slightly left his gaze as he peered at her. He finished the apple quickly, bites being large and making quick work of the fruit, leaving the core as scraps on the plate. He got up and wiped his mouth with his napkin, setting it neatly beside the plate and eyed Victoria with a different gaze even he wouldn't recognize.
"I'm sorry to hear that," he said, sympathizing. "What is life worth living if you feel worthless yourself right? I told you I'd help you get better. If your ankle is indeed broken, you may need more care than I am able to provide you, so perhaps it would be best to take you back to town. Unless-" he felt his guts turn sour at the thought "...you can stay here, for as long as you need until you get better."
"I feel partly responsible for what's happened to you, even though you were merely trying to prove yourself. If I can help you get your job back...as well as smooth things over with your aunt, I'll do it. With your permission of course, my lady."
Victoria simply studied the man with interest.
Well, well, this was quite the surprise. As much as he had mentioned similar things before, now she was starting to partially believe him. She looked back down to her tea.
"Well, walking on a broken ankle is not really all that wise,"s he said bitterly, recalling the trek she made up the hill. "If anything, you should be yelling at me for being a fool. I was the one who chose to continue my pursuits after knowing my ankle hurt like the devil."She gave a sniff, then another sip at her tea. "But still I persisted, and look where it landed me." She frowned, staring down at her now empty cup of tea, then over at Urich. "And I couldn't ask you to bother yourself on my account. You are already doing well enough for me. You owe me nothing. I chose to do what I wanted to do." And here she finally smiled. "And it felt good to do it. I just need to accept those consequences."
His voice echoed outward, bellowing through the chamber of the greathall like it was a cavern. He couldn't believe it, she actually said something that made him laugh that wasn't of her own foolish doing....like buying him boots out of spite. "Oh, my you are a sweet girl, Victoria, aren't you?" he said, recovering from his laughter. "You act as if you had a choice Miss Armani! Of course your fate is your own doing, and I'm sure whatever gods may be had it in their cards that you would end up here. Whatever consequences you've had regarding your ankle, you've already faced them."
He smiled at her and leaned on the table beside her. "Now, it's my job as your gracious host," he said, gesturing to his chest. "To help you in your time of need. It's not a moral obligation, I'm not sure how many of those I have...but it's the right thing to do in this particular situation. And might I add...whether you like it or not."
He rubbed his hands together mischieviously. "Now I do believe it is bath time. You look like a ratted mess."
Victoria's eye lids lowered as she stared at Urich, unpleased.
"I'm glad you find humor in my failed endeavors, Mister Renqvist." Though she, for the time, did not.
But as he pressed on, reminding her of HIS moral obligations, her face went long as she simply stared.
The he brought up the idea of the bath again and she gave a huff as she gave rise from the table.
"Mister Renqvist, I thought I told you about my opinion of a bath so soon."
Though at his comment about appearing a mess, she sighed.
"I do not find myself being pleased with the idea of fussing over my leg and dress for a bath, even if one would be most wanted at this time, the idea is still rather shameful at best. Do you honestly think I need a chaperon for such a thing?" SHe frowned outwardly towards him at the thought.
Really, did she appear so useless and weak?
Urich's expression grew suddenly stern and his hazel-green eyes became hard and no-nonsense. "The intention is make sure you not only don't make your ankle worse, but also to make sure you don't get it infected! I'm not trying to baby you. I know you can bathe yourself. It's your ankled that's handicapped not your hands. Now will you or will you not take a bathe? This is your final chance to cooperate. Like I said, whether you want to or not. You smell. If you really are a lady, you'll take it. Particularly while you have a chance to have someone carry you. Unless you just want to be a baby about it."
Victoria stared at the man indignantly, and if steam could escape from her pretty, angry face, it would. But she held her tongue.
"Unfortunately, you bring up a good point," she sighed, feeling defeated. "Alright, if you insist."s he said, offering out an arm for him to take.
"But I don't see how well you can be of any assistance wearing a blind fold and carrying me into a bath, but I suppose we shall just have to make do with what we can. I am not entirely useless, mind you, and I shall ask you to respectfully allow me to do what I can with what resources I have at my disposal. After all, I am a clever girl. Perhaps we can devise a bathing situation that's a bit more, hrm, modest to our situation."
Or rather to HER situation, but now, it seemed, it had become THEIRS.
"I think I know my house well enough I can navigate it wearing a blindfold," Urich said hotly. He nodded to her and gestured for her to give him her arms. He helped her up and put an arm around his waist and one around her shoulders so that he could help her get up from the table. "Not sure how long ago, but this part of Sul'Gulthan, on the western side, was actually built above a spring as luck would have it. Aqueducts were bult to channel the water to well, a pool, and working baths. It has to be heated of course, but that's what Robern is for."
Urich chuckled as he led her to the western section of the stronghold. Torches were alive and bright here and lit the way toward the bathing room. As they entered, Urich opened the chamber door with his free hand and helped her through. It was fashioned of stone, a broad chamber with a swooping ceiling, and three handbuilt small pools, two of which were filled with steaming water. An aqueduct carried the water through the room on the opposite side, clean, fresh, grated over to keep people from falling in, while another underneath the pools was used to drain the water.
He took her to the pool in the middle, with a small block of soap and a brush beside it. "Here you go," he said. "I suppose you'll be wanting to undress yourself." And with that he pulled out the blindfold and slipped it over his head.
Victoria found herself having a hard time resigning to such luxurious accommodations has having her newly formed enemy wait on her hand and foot. One would think a woman like Victoria would relish over the idea, and most women would, but Victoria was a significantly more difficult woman indeed. No, she prided herself and her independence, and would most certainly not have been as polite towards him had he been in her shoes- though, with some resignation, she eventually realzied she probably WOULD be inclined to at least help him- though much more bitterly.
It seemed, despite their differences, he almost enjoyed her company, and she tested her thoughts by quietly admiring his face as the blindfold was slipped across it. She only sighed at his comment and turned away from him.
"If only it were so simple. I need to remove that blind fold and help unlace this dress."
"Oh, right, I forgot," he said, slipping the blindfold down to his neck. "I'm so used to most women already having it undone. But that's another story for another time." He smiled at the thought, stepping forward to help her undo the laces. Thankfully, he hadn't pulled or knotted them so tight in the first place...which she was ready to pop out of the dress without them.
He felt his teeth involuntarily clench, though it wasn't for reasons he might have expected. He reached down and carefully undid the knot, hands working expertly until the threads were loose and he pulled them a little to give her plenty of breathing room. But his hands still spread themselves on her back and he stared at them for a while, idly asking, "Now the blindfold?"
As tense as she was, it always felt wonderful to have someone's fingers fussing over your back. She recalled her aunt whom Victoria had asked many times in her youth, to simply stroke her back, or even run her fingers across it. It gave her delightful chills that were relaxing.
Now was hardly the same, but it gave a similar impression as she sighed.
She held onto the fabric in the front as she felt the lacings coming loose and sighed when she was able to breath more freely.
Really, women's clothing could be so trying.
At his question, she peered over her shoulder at him, but didn't make eye contact as she gave a fluff of her black hair.
"Now the blind fold."s he informed.
Urich took his time pulling his hands away, palms feeling hot where they were splayed against her skin. But he soon remembered himself and said, "Right," and slipped the blindfold up and over his face once more. He stepped away from her, feeling a little wobbly at not being able to see where he was stepping but was nonetheless prepared to help her into the pool while it was hot.
"All right. Go on then! Just reach for my hands or something when you're ready to get into the pool. But I warn you if you so much as try to get in there yourself and hurt your other ankle, I swear I'm just going to leave you in there to drown! You stubborn woman!"
Victoria sighed and rolled her eyes. Not that he could see it, before rising, wobbly, almost as much as he, as she moved about to step out of her dress, then quickly into the steaming waters.
She made a noise,a small gasp at the temperature, but quickly sunk into the waters with a start, almost slipping into it as she splashed some of the waters onto the stone floors nearby.
After a moment, she sighed, then groaned and let herself just melt away as she closed her eyes.
Despite it being a very uncomfortable situation, she found time to relax herself at the sensation she was not only getting clean, but also the temperature did quite a number on her tense body.
She sighed again.
"This would almost be perfect if you weren't so close." she mused almost sadly with a sigh. CLosing her eyes again she sighed for a second time and relaxed. "It feels like heaven."
As she went about getting herself into the pool, Urich took a step back and got a sense of his surroundings. While behind her, he took the time to carefully undress, setting his old shirt on a hook and beside it was a bar for his trouers that he neatly folded over, and placed before getting completely naked. And navigating solely by touch, he found his way to what he thought was the second pool.
He yelped loudly when his foot collided with the ledge and in a massive splash, he fell into hers. He managed to surface, the pool being chest-deep, and breathed laborously, holding his head as he leaned over the side, groaning from a massive, pounding headache. "Ouuuch."
Victoria's eyes went wide, then quickly let out a yelp as the man crashed into her pool, hot, steamy water going EVERYWHERE! Then a moment later she peeked through one open eye only to find the blind folded man just inches away.
She cringed and let out a huff.
"Mister Renqvist," she said between her teeth. "What ARE you doing in my bath?"
and she tried to keep her face on his, her's growing ever redder with a fierce blush.
After all, they were both now naked in the same pool of water...
and even though his blind fold might have seemed secure, her hands instinctively went across her heavy chest and her legs, drew more closely towards her body.
"GET OUT!"
"Huh? HA! WHAT DID I DO?" Urich said, obviously unable to see her as he clung to the side of the pool, trying to sit opposite her. "Look at me!" he bellowed. "It's not like I can really just get out and find my way to the other pool! And it's not like I can really take the blindfold off so that I can see, Miss Protective Innocence!"
Urich made a pained face, holding his pounding head and feeling it moisten with warm, in what only could be blood, but it was more of a scrape than a major wound. He held his hand to it and groaned. "I'll get out, but I can't see a damned thing." He got off from his side of the pool and walked ahead, wading through the water. As he did so, being blindfolded, he only walked straight into her!
HIs collision, only made him loose his footing, and he slipped, headfirst into her chest.
At his exclamation, she gave another cry, fists out at her side as she clenched them furiously.
"I SAID GET OUT OF MY BATH!!"
But it was only then she noticed with a start, the blood on his face.
"Oh my goodness!" her eyes went large in alarm. "Your face!" She whitened. "You'r bleeding!"
But then as he fussed about to move, she was still too jarred from his injury to notice what he was doing until it was too late.
Gasping as he neared her, she tried to warn him- but it was TOO late!
"Urich, do watch where you're going! You are heading straight for-"
SPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!
Water went everywhere and her limbs shot out to protect herself from him, but could NOT save her from his head smashing into her chest.
"MISTER RENQVIST!" her voice went up several octaves as she screeched. "Do untangle yourself from me and desist these shenanigans!" she cried, grabbing for his blind fold and throwing it off as she glared at him, eyes furious and raw and made like the devil, and her face was a red as the devil's, too.
Baring her teeth, she started again.
"NOW YOU CAN SEE! SO GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY BATH! GET OUT!!!"
She was furious, hands pressing over her chest, barely clothing them form his view as hot waters blushed her glossed breasts with a tantalizing allure.. she pushed at him.
"OUT!!!!" her words echoed. "OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
He had absolutely no time to regain himself as one moment, he was walking, his head bleeding, the next his face was smooshed against her chest and then there was a bright flash before his eyes as the blindfold was removed and a whole lof of screaming somewhere in the middle of all that. Where he tried to be decent, calm and patient, all of that suddenly went out the goddamned window in a flash.
He stopped as she pushed at him, ready to grant her wish, when something snapped inside him. His eyes suddenly narrowed and he reached for hands, pulling them from her body and gripping her wrists in a stony vice. "CALM THE HELL DOWN!" he cried, suddenly enraged and shaking her violently against him.
"YOU ARE IN NO POSITION TO BE TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!" Urich was livid, his face burning red hot, much like the blood that was dribbling down his face, his eyes wild and savage. He pressed his body close to hers, cornering her at the edge of the pool, leaning over her and holding her wrists by his chest. "IT WAS A GODDAMNED ACCIDENT!"
Victoria stared wide eyed at him, fear flashing through her as he suddenly snapped.
It was a terrifying picture indeed, and all of the hotness in her body went to her face and neck as she stared at him.
But he wasn't the only one now livid. She struggled and pushed back.
"You ask ME to calm down when you're standing over me, holding my wrists while we're both NAKED while in MY bath!?"
She paled at the thought, the idea of it paralyzing her in fear..
Yes..
the words finally caught up to her.
She was naked
He was naked.
They were both hot and angry..
and they were BOTH
IN
THE
SAME
BATH
"ANY WOMAN WITH ANY SENSE ABOUT HER WOULD SCREAM!" She shouted, words tearing and echoing through the bath in despair.
He gripped her harder and leaned in closer. "AND WHAT SENSE IS THERE IN BEATING ME WITH ALL YOUR LIMBS AND SHOUTING AT ME LIKE SOME KIND OF SCREECHING BANSHEE?" He shouted back with all his might. His face and body were burning and the water did nothing to cool him off. He was just about ready to tear her arms off.
"THE LAST TIME I CHECKED THIS WAS MY HOUSE AND MY WASH ROOM AND YOU ARE MY GUEST!" His face was an inch away from her, and he could feel the tension in the air congeal like molasses in winter. He could hear the beating of his own heart quickening, reasons he could only explain as from his anger.
"And last time I checked you were trying to be a respectable host! Not someone out to dishonor me by presenting himself in the bath, now I ask you again, with the same exuberance as before- PLEASE GET OFF!" Victoria shouted.
"This isn't a war about who's right or wrong, you silly man! This is about you removing your naked body away from mine! Really!" she squeaked. "I've never really properly kissed a man until you came around and now I find myself in situations like these!" she almost sobbed. "WE ARE BOTH NAKED IN THE BATH!"
Lest she remind him again of this plight!? And her face and body burned fiercely, and part of reasons she could not explain,t he tension as hot as the water.
Her words were slowly starting to sink in, but he couldn't pull his mind away from the heat that emanated. Slowly he remembered himself and his grip loosened just a little. "I'm...I'm sorry," he murmured, carefully releasing his grip on her wrists. Instead he held them loosely in his palms and placed them gently on his shoulders.
"I'm sorry," he repeated, "I don't know what came over me." His hands were still on hers and he looked down to her wrists. There would be bruising there shortly and it would have been his doing. To a guest. And she did nothing to deserve it. At least not yet anyway.
"There's no such thing as dishonor. It's a lie they feed you when you're young to keep you from experiencing things that make you feel good. There's no sin with being naked with another, and no shame, especially when you're with one as beautiful as you..."
Victoria only stared at him, considering his face was more proper to look at than anywhere else. She felt her chest was going to explode from her chest, or the skin on her face might burn off in that moment. So for a moment, she only stared, thankful when he released his grip but his words startled her, naturally making her face redden more and her loins burn. She moved uneasily beneath him.
"Mr. Renqvist, might I remind you that as a lady, I DO find it dishonorable and I can not find it flattering you'd claim beauty against me when I'm in no condition for such acceptance."
Not only was it not proper for him to admit, but she also did not believe in what he said.
Really, if she was good looking at all, she would have been married some time again-
but perhaps there was something about her that was; after all, she appeared vulnerable in that moment, eyes sweet and almost fearful, even glistening a bit with an unknowing lust and admiration for the man still very much bent over her, and very much naked.
She swallowed the knot in her throat, eyes still reading his, cheeks still burning like fire.
But it wasn't fair for him either to make any claims. After all, he lived in the middle of no where- he was probably only lonely for attention and it wasn't fair for such a man to waist it on her own- lest she remind him again... were they not enemies?
Urich's hands reached down to her shoulders and he steeled himself against a fire that burned in his gut, to no avail. His eyes drifted across from her, studying her face and finding little to critisize there. He smiled a little, a softened wolf smile with no predatory instinct. But it faded and he found his hand had drifted to her hair.
"You're right," he said. "You may choose to find it 'dishonorable' as you claim. But in the same turn, I'm free to give it, whether you accept it or not. And despite what I've called you on past meetings...you are beautiful. But only you keep you from realizing it." And without another word he kissed her softly on her lips.
Victoria didn't have a chance to figure out her feelings as they were suddenly pressed for her.
Hot, hot was definitely one of them. And forgetting to breath as she let out a soft moan against his lips as they kissed. She hadn't even realized she had been kissing him back until she pushed away to breath, panting, "U-urich."s he felt herself flush to use his first name, eyes staring at him, appearing desperate, but in two different ways.
In one hand, they were hardly in an appropriate situation.
On the other, she liked the kiss, and was finding the man pressed over her much more agreeable now that he admitted something that made her feel so vulnerable, but int he same time, she hated it and fought internally over the matter.
Propriety.. Propriety.. Propriety........
"Urich, please.." she pressed a hand delicately against his chest, barely with enough force to keep him back as her eyes remained half lidded. She was still in a daze, but the kiss- whatever it was- had calmed her, but other emotions brewed.
He out a frustrated groan and grit his teeth when she pushed him away, but in a way he was glad she did and opened his eyes to her, fully, realizing yet again what he was doing...and what he shouldn't be doing. Regardless of the situation, she was still at quite a disadvantage. He blinked at her and nodded. "I'm-I'm sorry!" he whispered, shaking his head as if his bleeding skull was the cause of such an action.
"I didn't mean to disturb you," he quickly recovered and turned away from her to the side, pushing himself up and out of the pool. He was hardly cleaned, but he didn't find any way he could stay in here longer without doing anything else. Water dripped everywhere off his body as he reached for one of the dry cloths on the side and proceeded to wrap it around his waist.
He grabbed his clothes with his free arm, holding the cloth with the other and nodding to her. "My apologies, lady. Enjoy your bath in peace." He smiled at her and walked out of the chamber.
In the after math of all of that, Victoria was left stunned. She didn't protest when he left, but felt her insides twisting in protest. She then dropped her gaze towards the water, staring at her distorted reflection. She looked a mess. Was hardly pretty, and although she had ample assets, ok MORE than ample assets.. was it really enough to warrant such a compliment?
Her mind reeled, and she found herself soon forgetting that it was propriety holding them back from something.. perhaps a little more.
And at a time like this, how could she concentrate on a bath!?
She was trying to soap up her body, when she finally realized.
"URICH!"s he gave a cry, splashing her hands angrily into the water.
"Are you really going to just abandon me when I can't climb out of this bath!?" She sulked, splashing off the remaining suds on her body. "If you leave me in here I'll shrivel up into a prune!"
If her head was reeling, Urich's was spinning and he kept chiding himself about what he had done, what they were about to do. For a moment, he'd forgotten that he hated her, and wanted her out of his house as soon as she was well! It had all been her fault! She saw him as beneath her, obviously and it was clear she would most likely continued to be that way. Not that he really cared. Besides, why would he if he did?
His body burned in frustration and shame and a hundred other emotions that confused him and he sighed when he got to his bed chamber, drying himself off. He was muttering to himself incoherently and tossed his dirty clothes to the side and dressed in a fresh set of trousers and under clothes, polished black boots and a clean white shirt, tucked into his belt. He brushed his hair back when he heard a voice bellowing out from the washroom.
"Gods damn the acoustics in this place," he murmured and wasn't sure he even wanted to go back there. "Well, what host would I be if I left her there?" He rolled his eyes to himself and strode to the wash room. The great hall had been cleaned and cleared from all breakfast dishes, save for a few apples left in the bowl. He entered the chamber and averted his gaze.
"What do you want?" he asked.
Really, this man's manners had suddenly become atrocious. What did he mean what did she want!?
"Did you forget,"S he began, eye brow twitching fiercely, hands and arms covering her chest. "That you dumped me into this bath and I have no other way out?" Her eyes narrowed. "And then you just leave me so I can prune!" Her lips sagged into a frown. "Well," she sighed. "I am quite done with this now. So if you please, I'd like your assistance to be done with this affair!"
Urich's expression was none too impressed and he turned his gaze to her. "Okay, sorry, I was getting dressed. C'mon I've got you," he said. He approached her from behind to keep her 'honor' she was so pressing to maintain. He reached down and held her underneath her shoulders, helping her step out from the pool, despite her wetness ruining his dry shirt. He pulled a dry cloth from a nearby rack and wrapped it around her shoulders.
"My apologies," he said, feeling awkward. "You haven't pruned...much." He grinned at her, tryingly. "And how could I forget, when I had such an attractive woman in my house." But of course, it was a terrible time for flattery as he turned around to let her dry off.
Victoria pointed her nose at the air.
"DO not try your flattering with me,"s he warned, hugging the towel tightly and most protectively around her body. She gave a sniff, then peered over towards Urich with a growing frown.
"So,"s he pushed her wet locks from her face. "Where are my under garments? And is my dress cleaned yet? Or do I have to find myself squeezing back into that small excuse of a dress?"
OOC: Short posts are posts, but I'm going to be watching a movie soon so wanted to post something real quick before hand 8D
He chuckled gently, amused by the airs that always seemed to come at the most opportune moments. "That's not what your body was telling me only moments ago," he said fleetingly before leaving the room for a few seconds. The ghosts were wonderful, helpful presences...well, the ones that liked him anyway. And he didn't even have to ask before he had returned to his chambers and found Victoria's dress and petticoats pressed and cleaned. They were fresher than the old dress he'd insisted she borrowed and thankfully fit her better. No breasts popping out this time.
He held the gowns across both arms as he returned to the washing room and presented them to her with a bowed head. "See? I told you they needed to get clean. Unfortunately that bath didn't seem to do much for you, but well, we all try our best now don't we?" He smiled at her and set the gowns on a dry table. "Now, about your hosery. I'm afraid the pups have had their way with it and you'll just have to do without."
Victoria's face went beet red at his comment.
"You'll do well to keep those thoughts to yourself!" she called after his form, but he had already left. Sighing, she wilted somewhat and stood around, growing fidgety as she tested the weight of her ankle and winced, then looked down at it. It was only then she recalled the injury he had sustained to his face and wondered if he'd be ok.
WHen he returned, she stared at him,t hen to the dress. But at his comment about the bath not helping, she glowered.
"I shall survive with out it!"s he snapped at the comment about the hosery and turned away from him to approach the table with her clothes and stared down at it, then glanced over her shoulder warily at him as she held on fiercely to the towel with a single hand as she pushed back some of her wet hair from her face.
"Where is that handkerchief?" she pressed, staring at him with lowered lids in a stale and wary gaze. Just because he had a free show before did not MEAN she would willingly let him have another!
Frankly his head was still pounding, but the former moment had done much to take his mind away from it. The bleeding partly subsided and the wound was starting to scab. While his human blood prevented him from healing at remarkably accelerated rate, his wolf's blood made his wounds so much easier to bear. Of course, the best thing to do would be not to get hit at all. But from this experience, one quickly learns that when it's them versus the floor, the floor will always win.
Urich shook his head at her. "No, dear, no blindfolds. There's blood all over it and I just changed into fresh clothes," he said. He turned around and held his hands behind his back. "There. Just dry yourself and change. I'm not looking. Stop being such a prude, will you. If you don't watch yourself, you might end up like your crowish old aunt!"
Victoria shot him a sharp look at his comment about her being like her Aunt.
"Maybe it would be for the better if the Armani bloodline ended with me," she replied childishly, and mostly under her tongue as she frowned at his backside then moved to slip off her towel, just letting it drop at her feet. Climbing into her own dress was a bit easier than the other one, and once the sleeves were all the way to her shoulders, she erected her posture and approached him, clearing her throat.
"My laces,"s he said, simply turning away and waiting for him to oblige, holding her hair up in one hand and the front of the dress in the other.
"Ah, you're walking on it. It must be feeling a little better than," Urich commented, turning around when he noticed her behind him. "Maybe it would be better if you didn't worry so much about your appearance and decided to wear something a little more, hmm, practical if you will. I'm sure there are some lady trousers out there for you to wear. Maybe not too much on the Connlaothian market, but I can acquire some from a few traders who pass through here, and are brave enough to approach."
Urich grinned a little, but felt it turn a little sour at having to put his hands on her again... He held his breath, and reached his hands forward and quickly knotted the back of her dress. His hands moved quickly and expertly, as if he knew them too well and when he was done, he turned her around and opened the door. "Go on, then. Let's see how well you can walk."
Victoria kept her nose to the air. She was too prideful to tell him how much it pained her, and when asked to showcase her ability, frowned a little before turning away.
"Alright,"s he said in a huff, moving towards the door, only to find she put too much weight on her leg by being too eager to test it again and she let out a sharp cry at the sharp pain and began to stumble towards the ground in a most unceremonious manner. Had she been more careful as she had been a moment ago in her movements, her objective might have been more fruitful, but it seemed the angle she hit her leg stemmed a shot of pain through her as she cringed.
OOC: eh.. special post is special XD heading to bed cause I got things to do in the mornin'~
"Ouch," Urich said, a little sarcastically as he swooped down in time before she made violent contact with the ground, it had already claimed a little pride from the both of them enough for the day. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up in one fell swoop, cradling her like a child in his arms. "Gods be damned, what in the world possessed you to walk on a bloody ankle through rain and mud! You could have killed yourself, you stubborn woman," he chided, feeling embarrassed for both of them.
He carried her through the corridor and out to the great hall again, resting her on bench on the side. "Gods, this is terrible," he said, kneeling before her and delicately inspecting her ankle. "I was only teasing you. Why would you walk on it if you knew you couldn't? Why does your pride come first before your good sense, huh, Miss Victoria?" he asked, looking up at he with frustrated eyes.
Victoria let out a soft noise as she was caught. Embarrassed, she simply closed her lips in a frown then looked away from him as he guided her away. Once seated on the bench, she let out another noise of frustration and a sigh.
"We've been through this, Mister Renqvist," she replied through her teeth. "I know it was a silly idea after the fact, but I had something I wanted to proof." Nose to the air, she looked away from him, still frowning and too prideful to look him in the eye.
Yes.. she did come from a rather proud family..
and how many women could boast on having such successful careers?
Well.. apparently she would NOT be one of them.
"Yes, we have," he said through bitter teeth. "And it seems we'll be through it again and again and again until you stop trying to prove something to me and to yourself and let good common sense guide to the obvious fact that - YOU CANNOT WALK ON THIS DAMN THING!" Urich was clearly irritated, smoothly gliding over the fact that it was indeed he that asked her to do it in the first place. Well, the choice had been hers and now it looked all the more worse for wear.
"It doesn't look broken," he said, inspecting it. "But it does look very very sore. Try to move it a little? Just a little. Can you at least feel my hand on your foot? If you can, that's a good sign. It means we won't have to cut your ankle off." He held her ankle delicately in his hands and carefully massaged around the nasty sore, hoping that it might relieve some pain. "I'm sorry if this hurts, but it's the least I can think of. It's not often I have a stubborn broad slip and land on my doorstep with swollen ankles. I can fix you some more tea if you'd like, something to help you relax. You may have to spend a week or more in bed."
His frown deepened, looking more sympathetic than angry. "You sure as hell aren't going anywhere on this. But...I'll take care of you. It's the least I could do since you let me keep my house. That means...you'll be wearing that dress for a week. And I suppose you would have anyway since your whole wardrobe had been destroyed." He gave her a sarcastic smirk.
Victoria had been watching him with an ever growing frown. She would have put in her two cents, but figured herself better not to do it. She had to, as he put it, resign herself to this fate as she sighed and rubbed at her temple.
"At least I won't have to worry about my Aunt carrying if I'm home or not,"s he griped, but then at his last comment about the dresses, her eyes narrowed.
"It just so happens I ordered some more. Perhaps I can use your assistance to pick them up," she informed him with a sniff, nose to the air. "And tea sounds fine. Anything would be better than dwelling on the fact I was a 'stupid broad' who hurt her leg."
His grin widened, turning a little wolfish, massaging around the sore. His hands slid along her calf, feeling the freshness of her skin from contact with the bath. He let her go and focused back on her wound. "I'd be much obliged, though I doubt the members of your council would be very happy seeing me in town. How soon should I depart? Tomorrow? Or tonight?" He grinned at her as he left her on the bench and returned to the table, fixed another cup of tea and handed it to her with a saucer underneath.
"I suppose you want an apology for the dresses," he said, smirking.
"Who said I would let you go retrieve them alone?" she said, taking the tea with a thoughtful 'Thanks' and went about sipping it. "As far as I can tell, I can get around just find with the help of my new escort." She returned to sipping her tea, staring at him expectantly. "And helping me pay for my dresses would be unnecessary. I've already put out the coin."
OOC: Shortness
"I never offered to pay for them, you presumptuous sparrow," Urich hastily added. He glanced at her leg and quirked a brow at her. "And just what makes you think you're coming with me? Do you expect me to carry you all the way? I'm not some battle horse you can just jump on the back of and ride at your particular whim. And...it might serve you good to have a night or two alone in this place. It would teach you something about my world...which, as it would seem, is very much your world too, in a convoluted manner of speaking."
Victoria gave a sniff.
"And you think I'd trust you to pick up my dress? The seamstress would need my body present, to ensure the dresses fit accurately."
Really, what a barbaric idea. To ride the man like a horse!
Though..s he couldn't help but let her lips smirk a little at the idea...
But now look at her! Mind turning into the devious wolf who stood before her!
"And I doubt I need to learn very much about YOUR world,"s he stated, hands to her hips. "It's only evident what sort of scandal you've got running here." She gave another sniff, nose still towards the air. "Besides, what sort of host would you be to abandon your injured guest?" She gave him a rather challenging stare,t hen returned back to her tea.
"But if there is one thing I need to make clear about you, Mr. Renqvist," she began after her sip. "It's you do make lovely tea." she afforded him a rare, playful smirk.
"So.. what about my hair?" she inquired, raising one sharp brow at him.
Really, was she to wear it all mattered in wild, waves? Heavens, no. But she doubted this man had a hot iron or curlers to set to it, so she merely sighed and sipped again at her tea. "I suppose it might be too much to ask for roller,s but how about a brush of some sort. Or a comb?"
She was a trying one wasn't she, Urich thought with a savage satisfaction. But that was all right, he'd already begun to see that taking care of his injured guest was going to be more of a chore than anything. She was not only stubborn, arrogant, and would carry herself with airs even if she was covered in mud and slop and could only hop along on one foot.
He had to respect her tenacity. Delicacy was overrated and a tiring ploy found in women of marriageable age. And one men all too often fell for. He couldn't help but grin for this rare find in her and merely sighed at the compliment at his tea.
"I kind of like that wild woman look of you," he said, teasingly. "It suits your true nature. Not that primped and proper woman walking on clouds with her nose so high to the sky its practically turned completely round and shoved into your behind! But if it pleases you, I can supply more than a brush. Come along...yet again!" He rolled his eyes.
Victoria raised a sharp brow at him over her tea cup, sipping it slowly.
"We can go once I finish this delicious cup of your world famous tea," she spoke, her joke dark as she narrowed her gaze at him, then hid her smile behind the fancy tea and took it back to her lips, sipping it small and slow.
"Really, where are your manners? Tea first, fussing over hair second."
His expression skewed into one that was clearly less pleased then it had been moments ago. He watched her take her time, sip by sip until he felt his patience being drunk away much like the tea. "Okay, you can finish this while we go. C'mon before I leave you with your hair like a bird's nest. Hold on to that cup. If you drop it, so help me, I'll have to take something of yours that you might not like."
He crouched on the other side of her and carefully picked her up again. His back was starting to feel quite sore from all this heavy lifting, but he doubted she'd much care to hear about what he thought in regards to that. He treaded carefully back to his chambers and though he hadn't quite revealed it before, he walked towards a corner of the room and dropped her softly, propping her against a wall beside a tapestry. He uncovered it and behind it was a door that he carefully unlocked and inside was a smaller chamber that led to a small treasury room.
"I'm sure I have what you're looking for in here somewhere. There's all kinds of valuable junk that I jsut never bothered to sort through it all," he said upon entering, rummaging through a shelf on the right until he pulled out a small box, dusted with an ornate coat of arms engraved on the leather lid.
He came out and closed the door behind him, locking it. He placed the box on the dresser and revealed a set of jeweled brushes and curlers. "Is this the kind of stuff you were looking for?"
Victoria gasped when he scooped her up suddenly.
"URICH! REALLY!" she shouted, though couldn't help but smile a bit, though she tried to hide it behind a huff and found herself distracted by trying to keep her tea from falling everywhere. Once placed safely down, she sighed and looked down at her tea, then, with an extension of her finger, she returned back to sipping until it was nearly gone as she peered over at Urich between long, dark lashes.
"What is that you've got back there anyways?" she stared interestedly through the open door. He seemed to own a lot of interesting things, then when presented with the curlers, she couldn't help but smile as she sighed satisfyingly and set down her tea.
"Well,"s he smoothed her hands across her skirts, cheeks dimpling, eyes warm, if not playful. "You do surprise me, Mister Renqvist."S he lifted her eyes towards him, giving him a more devlishly grin as she lifted up a curler. "So are these for your fur when you transform?"
She grinned wider at the thought of a poodled-curled were wolf... and the ends of her lips became just as curled when she held back a laugh, but it still was evident in her eyes.
He frowned at her and spoke curtly at her, "No! I kept these in the event I may ever need some quick gold. They also serve to please a woman when she's in dire need of hair treatment, as you are. Though I have had a few thieves to deal with in the past. But I've become quite better at deciding who ought to use them and who shouldn't. In your case. You might be more in need of it than I. Since you have basically nothing now, why don't you take it as a parting gift? I have no need of it, as you can see."
Victoria's lips curled even more as she leered at him through long lashes.
"I don't know, Mister Renqvist. Perhaps if you ever were to grow out that nice color of your hair, a few curls might look dashing." She smiled, quite pleased with her awful sense to flirt before returning her eyes back to the curlers before her as she stroked a single finger across it.
"Though, I suppose you're right in that department,"S he sighed a little, returning back to the solemn thought once before-
After she left here, she was, after all, homeless.
"I suppose once my ankle is healed, I will have to reassess what assets my parents had willed to me before their untimely death and make use of it to purchase a place of residence or rent."
Urich looked at her with a slightly annoyed gaze at first but one that quickly softened upon the mention of something personal. Parents weres something rarely discussed and certainly not one to be in the presence of almost complete strangers and enemies.
He looked at her with a softened gaze and pulled out the jeweled comb. He sat her down beside the mirror, mindful of her ankle and turned her so that she could gaze at her reflection as he brought the brush gently through her knotted hair, removing them little by little. "Did you know them long?" he asked. "Your parents I mean. When did they...pass?"
Well, wasn't this something? Mr. Renqvist, combing her hair? Not that she would complain. It always felt good to have a brush run through it and made her relax and sigh with ease.
The next sigh, she gave, however, was much more tense when he posed the question.
"I was too young to really recall," she admitted, keeping her eyes closed at the thought. "They died while on call for the counsel, but my Aunt doesn't like talking about it much, and neither do I." Though the next sigh might have informed him that was untrue. She was rather unsatisfied not knowing all of the details, and knew very well it was the reason her Aunt protected her so.
But really, she was old enough! She did NOT need protecting!
"That's understandable," he said as he continued to carefuly untangle here hair. "I lost my parents when I was young too. But I suppose twenty years old is not quite young for you than it is for me. And that gave me plenty of time to know them. But I've had a hundred years to miss them. And for a time, you learn to move on, but you never really do. It still stays with you."
He was silent for a moment longer. "Do you ever think you were better off not knowing them? You can't miss what you've never known. But I suppose it might be different with parents. They are your blood after all..and without them, you wouldn't be here."
"Indeed," she replied, listening carefully to his words before sighing. "I suppose I always think of it. I always saw them on this pillar. It was always interesting to see and hear what they could do. I suppose you could say I aspire to be that image of perfection I see of them."s he frowned. "Though it is evident I am not." Not perfection, really...
"I can't even make myself a useful assets of the very counsel that uses my powers for any good. And if I were to foolishly rogue-out my powers, it would be high treason and a noose. Not that I have any of those ideas, but.." She sighed. "I was just so bored growing up in the protection of my Aunt. She barely let me have any real inch of freedom and kept me plastered on books, and for it, I had a silly, unrealistic romantic outlook on the world. Now? Now I simply itch to just get out of what's become of me. I'm bored, really. And as I stated earlier, useless."
She frowned again.
"To think of what my parents would think of me now."s he slowly shook her head, but not too much. After all, he was still tending to her hair.
Urich listened with care and nodded here and 'm-hmm'ed there as he tended to her hair, brushing out the knots and tangles. It was sorely in need of attention. Of course where men were concerned, they might just brush it back...well for those that liked to keep their locks above the neckline. Thoughts on hair gradually dissapated as he stopped brushing and laid his hands on her shoulders, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
He smirked, but with no predatory intention. "Then it seems fate would have you fall flat on the doorstep of the right man," he said, grin widening. "I can think of a few things that might...free your mind if you have the inkling for it. So, what do you say? Want to have some fun?"
Victoria raised her head, staring at their reflection in the mirror, and could not help herself but allow her eyes to widened and her cheeks to blush at the idea.
"Really," she began, tempered and ready for an argument as she turned to him, but upon seeing his face and well, her temper faltered in her throat, lips remaining open as she didn't breath another sound for another moment. But after a few seconds, her lips pressed together, then shyly, she turned away.
"Surely there can not be too many activities that you could find fun for us to share while I remain an invalid with such a trifling pain on my ankle."
Really.. what could he possibly mean?
Her cheeks pinkened more at the thought.
His grin only grew, a little wickedly one might add and set the brush down on the dresser afterward and leaned back over, staring at her reflection. "I could teach you to walk on your hands, but we don't have that kind of time. No, what I mean is, let's go out. There's a nice patch of woods nearby, and perfect for a walk...or a hop, in your case. It's right by the old far where Robern got the eggs.
"And if we're lucky maybe we can catch the old farmer trying to plow the feilds drunk as a skunk. And if we're luckly he'll fall down into the pig's pen. It's hilarious to watch. You'll enjoy it. And if you don't no harm done. We'll come back. Let's get out of this stuffy place."
Victoria flattened her lip at his statement, fussing over her hair. "I wouldn't try to walk on my hands if you tried." She was haughty, again, but not for long. He.. surprised her with his idea as she blinked.
"Urich," she turned to him suddenly, almost appearing to giggle as she went on,"What a wicked idea." She eyed him up with some fancy fun suspicion. "Your ideas are most childlike." THough her eyes might have danced as much as his. "I don't think I've ever been invited to such a feat." She extended out her hand. "But perhaps I could chance such an event on my leg." She gestured. "Mister Renqvist, if you please." and motioned to him to help her rise. "We have a drunken farmer to bare witness to and I don't aim to be late."
"Yes, my lovely, most odious companion," he said, rising and helping her up. "Let me just get my coat." He snatched it from its spot beside the bed, remembering how he cloaked her in it to shield her from the cold. He paused for a moment and carefully put it over her shoulders, remembering she had nothing to give her warmth from even dayliight chills. "Just wear it."
He moved away from her for a moment and grabbed another from a rack, throwing it over his shoulders and moving back to her to help her out of the room. "My idea might be child-like...but, I did have another that isn't so childlike," he grinned at her and held her side a little too tightly. "But I'm sure you're too ladylike for that. Now lets watch some drunk bastard fall on his face in pigshit."
But something quickly struck his mind. "Your feet. Damn, wait here." He left her by the grand dining table in the great hall before quickly returning to his bedchamber. He returned with a pair of old softened boots that would help her tread quietly and ease the ache on her ankle. They had buckes and opened up down to the arch. He knelt before her and presented the boots. "Your shoes most likely won't do and these are old and used to mud and dirt. Here, slip your foot in."
OOC: *snicker snicker*
IC:
VIctoria made a slightly bitter face at his initial comment, then turned as he brought her his coat and hugged it around herself once it was secure. As he went about fussing over her, she began to realize a few things however... he made it a bit more clear to her what his true intentions were when he drew near, and her face reddened.
"Mister Renqvist!" she shouted. "Really now!"s he pushed his hands away, staring at him in dismay and a glare. But then he went off to fuss over a pair of shoes and she couldn't help but thing...
For all the good he's been doing for her- a little bit of his sort of fun might be... deserving.
Though only a more chaste kiss, really
Not that she'd grant that right here and there as she fussed over her hair.
"What about my hat?" she asked after a moment, straightening her shoulders.
"Or did that get ruined when I feel?"
Clearly she could not go out without her hat!
After all.. it was enchanted!
And might prove useful if he.. well...
he was a werewolf after all.
and she..
just the tiniest bit of wolf as well.
And she recalled, just slightly, tot he story and romantic flavor of it's past...
Yes.. her cheeks heated over it.
How would it be if she were to ever add more wolf blood to their line?
But goodness! Such things not to think about now!
Urich clearly frowned at the mention of a hat and put the boots on a little roughly. "I think the pups are ripping it to bits as we speak. I didn't find a hat on you when I dragged you inside. I haven't the faintest idea," he said with a bit of bitterness. "And even if I did, I wouldn't let you bring it along. How could I transform if you just sapped me with it? How would you like to get sapped? It's not very nice, especially since I need the strength granted by wolf's blood to lift you around as you cannot walk."
He buckled the last of the boots, keeping them loose enough for her to wear without it hurting her ankle. He remained knelt however and looked up at her from her skirts. Something flashed in his expression, a fleeting heat, but was quickly discarded as he stood up. He reached out a hand for her to help her up and peered at her squarely. "You can do without your hat, right?"
"I don't see what the big problem is. My ability to sap your ability is no more natural than you having your wolfish bits, now, I wouldn't use that power on you for obvious reasons, but if I do not have my enchanted items on my person, I'm more or less without a weapon or means to protect myself. I could create another, perhaps enchant this coat.." She smirked wickedly at the thought but simply shrugged. "How am I to know you alone can protect me if something went wrong? I'd like to at least have my ability and to use it for defense only."
Really, was it so difficult to explain? If another, bigger werewolf came along..
really, did Urich think he was protected from all odds?
And even still...
with her powers she was vulnerable-
it didn't sap the normal strenght of men, and she could attest to that. After all, Urich did try to kill her.
"Ha!" he laughed. "And who said I would try and protect you. You've already demonstrated, time and again, that you like to take care of yourself. Why don't you enchant your dress, since I know for a fact that if something stronger came along, that's what they'd go for first. Don't you think? And if you enchant that coat, I won't need my wolf's blood to have your head on a pike." He growled at her and shoved her through the great hall door.
"Stop stalling, anyhow. I thought you were bored and wanted to have some fun! Now, c'mon, woman! Stop being such a stubborn broad."
Victoria's cheeks heated.
"Well, I never!" THough apparently, HE would! And then before she knew it, she was being pushed along as she made a noise.
"Really now, patience is a virtue!"s he retorted, clumsily walking along his side with a bit of a labored limp. It was irksome, but the idea she was getting out lent her enough strength for her to ignore the pain. Once outside, she took in all of the surrounded, reveling in them with a childlike bliss. It shouldn't have felt so good to just be out walking, but where they were walking to and what they were up to..
wlel it was simply scandalous!
and delicious as well.
"I hope you know if we get attacked out here and I don't have my enchantments, I leave you to blame for my death."s he pointed out as they walked about through the woods.
"And I'll bury you in the backyard with all the other pets," he quipped sadistically and gripped her side a little harder. "I'm sure we'll be fine. I know these lands well enough, I've been living here for more than thirty years after all. The only thing we'd truly have to fear is a garden snake or two, and maybe the farmer's dogs, but they know my scent. They won't go near you with me around."
He made sure the lock both doors behind him. He'd had enough trouble with unwanted visitors coming to his home while he was there, he didn't need any sneaking in while he was gone. "Perhaps we should have taken the pups. They would love to go outside. But I know it would be too dangerous for them. They're not old enough to defend themselves," he said, mostly to himself as he hobbled down the road.
As they neared the copse, a little thicker than he described, he pulled them off the road and into the brush. "The farmer's not too far up this way."
Victoria pressed closely. She was out of her element and it was exhilerating. The pounding of her hear was reaching her ears as they moved about in the bushes, and she found it a little easier to crawl around on all fours at their approach. Peering through the foilage, she noticed some movement at the bottom of the hill.
"What's that? Is that him?" but then her eyes went wide as she noticed the old farmer had no pants! He had a bottle of whisky in one hand and his pants tired around his head.
Victoria had to slap a hand over her own mouth to keep from screaming-
and for some reason... SHe. Could. Not. Look. Away.
It was GHASTLY.
And her eye sight, thankfully, wasn't as keen as a werewolf's as she pinched her nose and looked away.
"Gods, if you brought me all the way out here for an anatomy lesson, I'd let you know I'd prefer that fiasco in the bath."
"Oh, you did, did you?" he replied sarcastically. "I'd be happy to oblige you again. But I have to be honest...I wasn't expecting this. He usually wears pants Oi, it's awfully cold to be going bare-assed to the wind." He laughed lightly, between the two of them. He watched the farmer stumble about, trying to keep his balance as he walked out to the field. The old man started to wail in an old drinking song, pulling the plow from its rack and rolling it into place.
The man sang louder and as he did so his movement worsened and his anatomy swayed as drunkenly as he did. "Didn't I promise you a show?" Urich said, laughing. "Gods, I hope I don't look like that when i get old," he said, watching the old man spin around and fall into the soil, pale buttcheeks reflecting light in the sun.
Victoria couldn't help but laugh, snort even as she buried her mouth into her hand.
"I suppose you didn't disappoint," she commented, naturally leaning against him as she sighed and watched the show. Then she began to wrinkle her nose, still smiling as she watched drunken farmer.
"If you do turn out like that, I'll be sure to clobber your head with my rolling pin." she promised. "Just hard enough to keep you sane." And barely conscious!
"You would. But I know at least I'll keep a full head of hair!" he snapped, scowling a bit before grinning. "That should be enough to cushion the blow. My father had long beautiful hair, black as midnight that he always kept tied back and looked like prince wearing it too. I never fancied myself with long hair..." He kept his focus on the farmer as he tried to climb back up to his feet only to bury his face in dirt again.
Urich's smile slowly faded. "You...mentioned if I got that old you'd hit me with a rolling pin... Are...you trying to say we're going to grow old together?" he said, looking at her wide-eyed and clearly taken aback.
Victoria gave another laugh.
"Why, of course! I think I owe you at least that," she replied devilishly, the back of her hand pressed beneath her chin, pinky pointed outward. "Who else could keep a man like you in line except a woman such as myself and my enchanted hats?" Her grin widened and became more catlike as she added. "I could see me enchanting other things.." she moved closer towards him, leering at him as the ends of her lips seemed to curl, eyes wicked. "Such as rolling pins, your pants, no.."s he corrected herself and went on. "All of your clothes." Her grin remained as she leaned in even closer, their faces a few inches apart. "All of my clothes." she added, a bit more quietly, and devilishly beneath her breath.
"Could you see it now? A punishment far worse than death," she mused, seeming quite pleased with herself and these wicked words that teased!
Really, she never knew it could be so fun to flirt so darkly before!
Of course, she never really thought realistically on the actual probability of, well, staying with a man like him the rest of her life, but part of her expression was true...
It would be fun and well....
Also, as it was duely noted, a great way to tease...
for it had evidently shocked him thoroughly! About as shocked as she was to see the naked farmer without his pants!
"I don't need to be kept in line," Urich said bitterly, giving her daggers and scooting away a little. In the distance the naked farmer kept trying to regain his balance, and though he fell he never let go of that whiskey bottle. He found some balance on the plow and used that to hoist himself up, taking yet another long drink from the bottle.
"And certainly not by a woman like you. Pigheaded, snotty, always looking down her nose? No, thank you. Besides why would you bother enchanting all of those things? It's not like I need it to tame someone like you. I'm surprised a man hasn't staked his claim yet, but then again you probably just sapped his manhood and he skedaddled away. I don't think you could handle me anyway. I'd be too much for you."
He turned back to the farmer and saw an old woman coming out of a farmhouse not too far from the fields. "Harold! Harold! Have you forgotten to put your pants on again!?" she cried out shrillly. "HAROLD MCCAY! YOU GET IN THE HOUSE THIS INSTANT OR I'LL TAN YOUR HIDE SO BAD, YOU DEAD MOTHER WOULDN'T EVEN RECOGNIZE YOU!" She was a shrivelled looking woman, might have been pretty when shew as younger, but those years were long gone.
Urich turned to Victoria. "That's you, right there."
Victoria elbowed him in the gut.
Really! What atrocious manners! Though the idea amused her.
"At least I'm the one who would grow old with a level head,"s he pointed out. "And would be wearing pants."
Or, skirts, for that matter.
"And who said I need or want to get married? The idea is over rated and I've hardly the time to consider." THough truthfully, any men charmed by her were.. boring, and well, she never paid much mind to people outside her circle. Yes.. perhaps she was a snob, but she wasn't goign to just marry whomever asked first!
Not that.. well, anyone had asked, but still.
"And besides, marriage is different for a woman. I'd have to resign myself to a worse fate than that,"s he pointed out dully. "At least she was probably happy once..."
Maybe...
"You'll have plenty of time for marriage now that you're out of a job," he said, his bitterness leaving and turning his gaze from the old man as he cowered before his scolding wife.
The farmerd drank what was left in the bottle and quickly tried to bury the evidence in the soil, not too successfully either. "HAROLD! IT'S ELEVEN O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING. HAVE YOU BEEN DRINKING AGAIN?" she asked, but it was obvious she did not want an answer as the old woman strode over to him and dragged him up by the shirt collar, then by the ear, saying many rude and horrible things as she tried to drag him off. He pulled away, trying to justify his state with little success however.
Urich turned his gaze back to her. "What worse fate would that be, Miss Victoria? I'm sure a man would have to be out of his mind to marry you. Further more it's no doubt you would run the household, not he. But I suppose you'd find a way to suffer somehow."
What had turned into a rather sporting event quickly turned into a soured memory.
"Apparently no man would want to marry me,"s he replied hotly and also ignorantly, pretending not to care one way or the other. "But I've seen enough here and that naked farmer and I don't care to see anymore. We should head back to the estate."
But really, his words hurt her, but her pride would not let him see it, even as her eyes burned with some semblance of tears.
And without his help, she forced herself up off the ground, with just a bit of a wobble and sharp pain shooting up her leg and began to simply walk away.
Urich be damned! She could do just fine on her own!
"Your defiance is precisely why you would be a nightmare to any man who would fall for the likes of you," Urich said, standing up, watching her try and limp away. "It's not having an independent spirit that would be so bothersome. Why any man that would want a woman that can't think for herself is not much of a man at all in my opinion. It's about doing something that is clearly stupid like walking away on a swollen ankle when you obviously can't. And carrying your head high when you know it's too heavy to do so. Victoria some men don't want to lord over their women, some men just want to stand beside you." He finished just as he caught up next to her, looking at her with a friendly smile.
"Can I please help you before the farmer finds us?"
Victoria averted his gaze before huffing and halting in her tracks, arms folding across her chest.
"Well I only see one man beside me and he took me into the bushes to watch a naked farmer get cowed at by his wife," she moved a hand, picking some of the leaves and twigs from her hair and dusting them from her skirts, then turned to him.
"Although.. I thought we were suppose to steal eggs,"s he smirked.
Urich grinned at her and took a step toward her. "I thought such things were above a lady of your station," he admitted, reaching for her hand. "But I did promise you a good time and what's more fun than getting into a bit of trouble. No doubt the woman will make the farmer put his pants back on and tend to the chickens. C'mon we have no time to lose!"
Urich grabbed her hand and threw it on her shoulder and put another, tying them around his neck and hoisted her onto his back like a ruck sack and pulled her legs around his waist before bounding off to flank the hill. In the distance the farmer could be seen being dragged off toward the house by his wife, his face red with rage and liquor.
Victoria smirked.
"You forget, as of right now,"S he gave a light, playful shrug of her shoulders. "I am without station."
When she was hoisted onto his back, she held onto him fiercely, smiling all the while the man ran with her down the hill. The feeling was exhilarating, wind whipping into her hair, the scent of his body mingling with the fresh green of the land. She could grow to rather like this. As they neared the chicken coop, she held her breath, eyes darting around carefully as she whispered into his ear.
"Do you honestly think we can get away without them noticing us?" she kept her grip around him tight, but not chokingly- she didn't want to fall, after all.
"If we're careful,"Urich whispered back, "We might get away with more than." He chuckled seductively and ducked around the side of the coop, watching as the man walk into the farm house. The dogs were away, most likely in the barn off to the western edge of the farm. When the coast was clear, he went around to the entrance and crawled on his belly into the tiny entrance. Once he was inside, he shot out a hand and motioned for her to crawl in.
"C'mon, I can't hold all these eggs by myself, and the coat I lent you has bigger pockets."
Victoria could NOT believe she was doing this. Then again, wasn't it Urich she was meant to hate?
Smiling, her eyes became dazzled as she moved forward, holding onto her skirts as she crept inside and was immediately gagging at the overwhelming stench of bird, bird feces and feathers dust.
She pinched her nose and looked over at Urich.
"These eggs better be worth it," her voice came in mute retort, though her eyes still held a smile as she stood beside him.
"So how do we go about fetching up the eggs?" she asked, glancing around towards all of the chickens who clucked and fussed about, scattering a few more feathers into the air that began to collect onto their clothing and hair.
"Simple," he relied. He approached the hen nearest him and plucked the bird up by its feet and snatched one of three eggs in its nest. "Just one from each, should do. We don't need a whole lot of eggs and don't need them spoiling quickly. C'mon, just pluck the bird up by its feet and shake (http://youtu.be/vWXgtJP1IPs) them a little, they'll settle down and whatever you do, don't smell your hands, you'll regret it."
Urich repeated the same process with four other birds, yanking his hand away just when they were about to peck him. "Ouch. You're lucky if I don't make you my dinner, goddammit!" And snatched another egg from it.
"What!?" Victoria's eyes went wide.
"You expect me to do what!?"
She flinched when one nearby chicken fluttered about, white feathers carrying about in the chaotic wind.
"You can't expect me to just.." and when she tried, a chicken pecked at her, and she found herself stumbling back Urich with a start and a laugh before she pressed herself against him, holding his coat with a smile.
"Oh my goodness, I just can't! I can't!" she said, eyes tearing up in a fuss of laughter, hands going ot her mouth as another angry chicken fluttered past them, sending her skirts fluttering at her feet and feathers snowing down upon them in leisurely discourse.
The chickens really were making a fuss about them, squawking and fluttering about as Urich plucked a few more eggs from nests and put them into his pocket. He couldn't help but laugh along with her. A chicken ran out of the coop, bawking and looking at them with disdain, just then he heard steps coming toward them, Harold the farmer saying aloud, "Oi, these godforsaken chickens. I tells ya, ye can come and collect yer own goddamned eggs. Ey! Chicken! Get back in the coop." The voice was still distant but Urich immediately froze.
"We got enough eggs, quicky let's get out of here before we get caught." Urich poked his head out of the hole and saw the farmer was busy trying to get his pants put on right, hopping on one leg. He crawled out of the hole, careful not to crush the eggs, and held out his hands to help Victoria out as well. "C'mon, hop on my back, he's coming!"
Victoria smiled and nodded.
"I must admitt, I don't feel I'm very good at egg stealing."she informed, and took his hand and stepped out carefully from the coop and with a nod, she moved behind him, climbing onto his back and hugging onto his neck tight, smiling at his warmth and smell.
"My, Mister Renqvist, you do smell awful handsome this morning," she informed him, grinning wickedly at her sudden bought of flirtation when the old farmer gave a start.
"Wh-what!?" he fell flat on his face and Victoria's eyes went wide as he gave them a show. Then he pressed his hands to the mud and gave a yell.
"YOU! YOU ARE CHICKEN THIEVES! HOW DARE YOU!" and he picked up a nearby hoe, running after them clumsily with only one pant leg on.
Victoria gasped, a hand shooting over her lips.
"Oh my, God!" she tugged on Urich's coat. "Run! Run, you fool, silly hearted man!!"s he said, but couldn't help but laugh. "Lest that half naked farmer catches us!"
"Oh, you smart ass, I smell like feathers and chicken ass!" Urich muttered to her in reply only to pause for half a second as the farmer tried to retaliate at them with a farming hoe. He only laughed aloud and goaded the farmer to drunkenly swung at them only to fall over his pants. He did run and as the farmer shouted for his hounds.
He heard the wailing of the dogs as they howled and yowled and made chase at Urich and his companion clinging to his back, but they were no match for his speed. He ran, very much like the wind, bolting up the hill like a spooked horse, the dogs at his heels, barking madly. He pressed up the hill, dirt slipping beneath his boots, but crawled his way up and into a stretch of trees on the otherside of the farm.
A few brave dogs managed to follow him and when they came to close, his face changed and he looked to the hound and growled, showing all his teeth. Immediately they yelped, turned tail and ran, tucking it between their legs as they made back for the farm. Urich skirted his way around the farm back to the main path and when the farm was well and out of sight, he slowed to a walk, not bothering to set her down.
"Well, that was fun," he said, smiling.
"If by fun you mean nearly eaten by dogs and almost beaten over the head by a hoe," she reminded him, breath against his ear. She leaned forward some, breath panting, but no where as deep as his as she clung around his neck. "Did any of the eggs break?" she asked gently. What a waste it would be if they had!
"And I wasn't lying when I said it before,"s he smiled wickedly, almost like a snake. "Despite the distinctive odor of chicken shit, you have a nice smell about your coat."S he leaned in to take in that musk. "Whatever do you scent it with?" she asked, fingers gently stroking the lapels as she playfully leered.
His face heated up at the compliment and it was his turn to blush. He only looked at her, her breath hot against his ear and he successfully suppressed a chill and rolled his shoulders to shrug it off. Still smiling, he kept walking down the road toward Sul'Gulthan and pulled an egg out of one of his pockets. "Nope, still in good condition, at least this one is. It would be a shame to steal these and just have them break like that. But the pups love eating yolk, so I can give it to them, if only it doesn't make them sick," he admitted, checking the other pocket.
"Nothing. Maybe sweat I suppose," he answered. "I don't wear any kind of aromatic. I don't have to. Wolf's blood gives me all the phermones I need."
"Oh?" Victoria was intrigued. "Perhaps I'm just smelling your wolf musk?" she teased, grinning with as much smugness as she could. "Wolf musk and chicken shit."
OOC: Short 8D
DOn't hurt me, I'm DRAWING lol *goes to post Victoria pic to dev. art*
[No worries xD]
"Why are you flirting with me?" he asked curiously but keeping a pleased grin on his face. "It seems so...out of character, but then again, we don't really know each other. I promise, I'll be sure to bathe and have my clothes washed as soon as we get back to the stronghold. Maybe you should to."
To be called out on her game she gave a short laugh.
"Maybe I just like the idea of making you feel uncomfortable," she grinned coyly in return. "And it's not like everyday I get to have a man carry me about to steal some eggs." Her grin grew a bit wolfish. "And as much as it would appall me to consider another bath, I bet we both smell godawful after all of that." She sighed, staring towards the manor as they began to approach, tightening her grip on him as she rested her cheek to his shoulder.
"And in all honesty, I don't care for the smell." She sighed. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time. So long, in fact, I wouldn't mind rolling in that stuff if it meant I could stay longer out here in the fresh air."
"To which smell are you referring to? My wolf musk, the chicken shit, or both?" He laughed as he approached the gates and set her to lean against the wall, unlocking them and helping her through until they reached the antechamber door. His eyes squinted to the bushes there, and he leaned down to pick something up, feeling immediately weakened. He cursed a dropped it on the floor.
"I suppose you did bring your hat with you. There you are," he said pointing to it on the floor and using his boot to shove it beside her. "I have no intention of touching that thing." He rubbed his wrist and let them through into the ruins before locking the massive doors once again.
Victoria smiled, bending over at just the right angle and with enough slow grace to give him a small show , then she rose up and twirled the hat between a finger.
"I say, Mr. Renqvist, it seems against your character to be afraid of such a thing as a hat." Her smirk grew wider, as she pressed the charmed object to her breast. Following him inside, she leaned against him for support, smiling as she hugged onto his arm.
"I say, I do wonder how you will ever survive without me around here." she pointed out. "What if another charmed object shows up and you have to touch it? Whatever will you do?" she teased.
"You're a tease," he murmured, rolling his eyes. "Why would you do that to me? Are you trying to make my life even more of a living hell than you had in the last month? Do you know what it was like trying not to think of the fact that slowly the day was coming before you were to loose your home? I couldn't take the agony...and now you tease me with taking away my powers. You're a cruel woman Victoria, truly. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some eggs to put away and a bath to take."
Urich left her in the great hall for a moment before returning with a dry cloth and an extra set of clothes. "Separately this time," he said to her. "This way I won't tempt you with your seductress ways."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"As if I'd be interested in sharing the same bathing room with you again if I can help it," she informed him, hand to her hip. "But if I really wanted to be mean to you, all I have to do is do this."s he said, smirking as she pressed the hat against his skin and leered his face.
"Oh,"S he leaned in closer, lips growing wide like a cat's. "So that's what your face looks like when it's human." She teased, pressing herself flirtatiously against his chest.
Then she pulled away, stuffing the hat aside.
"And you don't need to tell me about losing your home." she reminded, simply walking away from him so when she spoke, her back was to him as she continued. "At least you have one. And hopefully, my efforts won't be wasted and you can keep it." She sighed a little at the thought, staring down at her ankle as she delicately lifted up just enough skirts, then sighed as she let them drop again.
"Just go get your bath. I can make myself busy."
ANd she simply strolled away. "But do tell me where you keep the library. I could use a good book."
Urich pointed to the left where the bedroom corridor was. "Down the hall and keep going past my bedchamber, and made a left at the spiral staircase. Go up it, not down, mind you. The library is there. Don't get lost, I might not have the decency to find you." He smiled at her and turned to the washroom, entering and closing it behind him.
He drained the water from the previous paths, using a lever on the side to open the drains. He closed them again and stepped into the bath that he'd meant to use and didn't get to. The water was cool, as he needed it to be with the way she'd made him blush. In a way, it was a little infuriating...but it was even more confusing. Wasn't she such a prudish woman? How did she come to feeling so comfortable around him in such a way.
He pushed such thoughts away as he leaned back and relaxed in the water before scrubbing the putrescent smell of chicken shit off of him.
Victoria easily followed his directions and made herself feel at home in the study. Glancing around, she found a book to her liking and made herself good and cozy by the hearth, starting a fire with the help or Robern. Once she was all settled, she nestled in with a blanket across her lap and a few playful puppies at her heels. Eventually, they had nestled into bed, and eventually Victoria found herself bored of her book and somehow, she too, had drifted off to a gentle slumber beside the fire, book pressed lightly to her chest.
He'd never been one to linger in the waters of a bath and when he was done, he shook himself dry, much like a dog and dressed in his fresh set of clothes. He smelled his old ones and immediately shrank away. "That won't get out for weeks. Robern!" he cried, and the ghost passed through the door with his skull, which was solid and clunked against the wood.
"Uh, yes sir?"
"Take this away. It's foul...well, fowl as well. But take it away to get cleaned. And if it doesn't get clean, burn it. And mind your head! That skull is solid!"
"I know sir, but my body!"
"Get it done."
"Yes, sir."
Urich put his trousers on, knotting his belt tightly and just loosely hung his clean shirt over his shoulders, not bothering with the buttons. He came to the study, finding Victoria sleeping there. Coming carefully to her side, the pups looking up at him and only wagging their tails when his finger went up to this mouth going 'shhhh'. They looked as if they were smiling.
He leaned over Victoria until she was litle more than a breath away. And slowly grazed his lips across hers, kissing her gently before pulling away. His other hand came up and gently slapped her across the face. "Okay it's your turn."
Victoria pressed her lips together, murmuring after the kiss- but the slap..
She sat up with a start.
"U-urich!?"
a hand went to her face, cheeks going red as she wiped away some drool.
"Oh, dear.. how long was I asleep?" SHe blinked at him, then down at the puppies, who wagged their tails happily and began to jump at her skirts.
The kiss didn't register, she had been asleep, but the puppy kisses to her fingers did as she laughed softly. "Now, now, puppies, do calm yourself. I bet you only like me now because I smell most foul."S he slowly raised to her feet, staring at Urich with a sniff.
"You have the most cruel ways to wake a lady," she said, turning away, nose to air.
Urich smiled at her and only reached out to hold her waist to help her get to the washroom again. "Oh I doubt they are that cruel," he said and paused outside the door to peel his coat from her shoulders. It would have to get washed too, thankfully getting rid of the stench of chicken feces and feathers...and her scent as well.
"I hoped you were planning on giving this back to me," he said playfully. "But then again my musk is hard to resist isn't it?" He tossed the coat to the side and began unlacing the back of her dress. "Let's just make this as painless as possible."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Just unlace me and get out. I'll crawl on my hands and knees like a dog to get into the bath if i have to in order not to strain my ankle." She peered over at him though, hoping he'd oblige. Really, he didn't need to be around her every waking moment over a silly ankle! Even if it hurt like hell.
OOC: Short post is short :T
"I intend on doing the very thing. The last thing I need to see before this day is over is you naked, again. Though, that I was displeased, mind you...but for deceny's sake." His tone was obviously sarcastic as he unlaced her dressed, but his touch was gentle and he paused before he unlaced the last part of her dressed and slowly pressed his lips to the nape of her neck, kissing her softly there before pulling away.
"Enjoy your bath," he said haughtily exiting the room, closing it behind him.
OOC: Oorich WOULD do that XP
IC:
Victoria narrowed her gaze at him and turned away, only to feel his lips suddenly against her neck as she gave a gasp. Whirling around, she struck out at him, but only hit air, and glared at him, red faced as he left. Grunting, she fussed out of her dress and slipped into the waters, sighing as she was finally alone.
But the waters were frigid this time and she shivered as she adjusted.
It didn't help that she actually had to climb in like a dog, now she shivered inside the waters and went about with chattering teeth lathering up her tanned body in sudsy white soapy suds. Once she was done, she made a hasty retreat, wrapping her towel around herself swiftly while shivering and looking down to her dress with a frown. She picked i tup between two pinched fingers and wrinkled her nose.
"Perhaps it's best left unworn,"s he said, then crept slowly towards the door, clutching onto her towel as she debating whether or not she ought to call for Urich, but figured, she had little to no choice and called out, "Urich!"
her voice echoed through the bathing chambers.
"Urich! I need a fresh dress!"
Goodness, her voice could bring down armies! Urich jumped from his place in the study, the pups looking at him with a quizzical turn of their head, as most pups do when they don't understand what's going on. But only wagged their tails and followed him down the steps as he walked back toward the washroom for the fifth time in that day. Good thing evening was comng soon. Dinner would be served shortly.
He burst open the door and looked at her, pups bouncing with excitment and watching them. He stared at her with daggers in his eyes and stalked forth to take the dress from her. "Robern!" he called.
The ghost appeared shortly. "Burn this. Until the ashes turn to ash." The ghost nodded and carried off the dress. "I'm afraid I don't have too many dresses. I don't wear them myself so perhaps you'll have to be more accustomed to a robe, which, thankfully I do have for you. Unless...you wanted to put back on that mistress dress?" He only glanced at her with a wicked grin before moving out the room and pulling a robe he had at the ready, soft and silky to the touch.
He held it out for her. "We'll go into town tomorrow to get your dresses."
Victoria looked down her nose at him.
"You would like seeing me again in that dress," she retorted with a sniff. "Just give me the robe. It will have to suffice for now." and she took it and stared at him, then began to tap her foot.
"Well, I need privacy to dress." she gestured towards him with a wave. "You may be off now."
He gave her a wicked chuckle. "Of course, your highness," he said softly, taking his time in giving it to her. He looked up and saw the pups scampering to the pool she had failed to drain. "Pups no!" he said, but he was too late as three puppies jumped into the used water and began to paddle around.
"Bad wolves! Out!" Urich snapped, walking past Victoria. Two got out but Draegr remained, leaning on the step with a puppy smile and wagging his tail. "Draegr, no chops for you if you don't get out! Come on boy, the lady says she wants her privacy."
But the wolf pup only yapped and growled challengingly. Urich reached down and plucked the wolf by the soft skin between his shoulder blades as a mother wolf would. Draegr only smiled and shook the water off before waddling off after his siblings. "Damn pup," Urich said, barging out of the washroom.
Victoria only smiled at Draegr and petted him when he come out of the water.
"There's a good pup," then she smiled devilishly as Urich went to leave, holding her towel tightly against her body.
"Yes, be off with you both. A lady does need her privacy,"s he said, fussing slightly at her hair.
As soon as he was gone, she closed the door and slipped out o fher towel, drying off quickly before slipping into the robe. For a moment, she held it against herself, becoming overwhelmed by it's soft texture and the smells of Urich all over it.
"Really, one would think I'd never smelled a man before.."s he quipped to herself. Though smiled a bit at the thought. "Though he does smell rather handsome." She couldn't place while. Wrapping the robe more tightly around her body, she slipped out from the bathing room and was greeted by a scampering Draegr.
"My, aren't you the rambunctious sort!" she said, bending down to scratch behind his little puppy ears.
Urich had all the pups mesmerized at the egg he was holding in his hands and they watched him as young pups do...all except Draegr as he waited with due excitement for Victoria to emerge from the washroom. And when she came, enveloped in his clothing, the pups' attention was immediately broken and they all swarmed around her.
He grinned a little, eying her with a soft glow to his eye. "My...you fill that out better than I do. And that's not a complment I give freely. Much better than before," he smiled at her and offered his arm to her. "Dinner has been served."
Victoria stood up more erect, clutching the robe closed so he wouldn't get more of a show as she tested him with a glare.
"Dinner?" She smirked, smiled, even. "I like the sound of that." She fussed over her hair, which was curling naturally by it's dampness into a pretty wild bit of curls. "What's on the menu?"
OOC: Such short posts this hour of the night 8D
He took her arm anyway, leading her down the corridor. "Tonight you have the pleasure of roast beef with some greens and a side of deviled eggs. To drink, I have wine of course...or water if you prefer. I'd offer tea, but I'd like to save that for morning and afternoon." He grinned at her and glanced at the pups.
"And Urich Renqvist for desert if you're lucky."
"Roast beef?" She raised an approving brow. "And of course eggs." She smirked, following along with him to her seat, though she wasn't even seated when he mentioned the idea of having himself for dessert and her eyes went wide, face went red as she was suddenly thrown into a mighty choking spell over such an idea! It took her a while to compose herself before she elbowed him in the gut.
"Mister Renqvist!!! Might I remind you you ARE int he presence of a lady!" Victoria could NOT believe what he just said before she moved away from him.
"I shall seat myself!" and took her own chair with dignity, nose high in the air as she folded her napkin across her waist.
Really now! How uncivilized!
The breath was knocked out of him from the blow and he only grinned at her. "Ouch..." he said, trying hard to contain his laughter with no success. "As you wish my most gracious guest." He sat himself at the head of the table. Robern's headless ghost came in with a platter and two goblets on it, with a jug of wine in the other hand.
"Thank you Robern. Very much. And please see to it that Miss Victoria is as comfortable as possible. The pups are antsy, please take them out and feed them their chops."
"Yes sir."
The ghost left his side and bowed to Victoria, pouring her some wine and and bowing as he gave it to her. "Milady."
Urich poured his own and raised it. "Here's to...new guests and new beginnings. And may they both find...their power and pleasure."
Victoria smiled a bit sourly at his choice of words, but raised her glass anyhow.
"And here's to hoping your guest doesn't sap your power too quickly from your wolfish clutches," she reminded. "Lest you enjoy this feast with a simple, mortal tongue."
Moving her glass towards him, then away, she drew it to her lips and took a dainty sip before moving in to enjoy the savory tastes and smells of her food.
"Robern is quite the cook. How on earth did you manage to procure such a ghost?" She just had to know and perhaps, someday, she could get a ghostly cook of her own?
Urich only smiled like a devil at the prospect having his powers taken from him. She was a tease, true to the core. The prospect was far too tempting, to see how far he could push her before she would actually do it. Perhaps later.
"Robern doesn't cook. He was a soldier in life, and still very much so in death. He's been here for two almost three hundred years and knew nothing else. He used to live on a farm around here, his parents having very high hopes for him and though they didn't have much they scraped enough together to send him to the college in Uthlyn. But it turned out the sholar's life wasn't much for him and enlistened just after he graduated. I don't know much else after that, he's hard-pressed to talk about it. Perhaps you might get more out of him."
Urich raised his wine to his lips and drank a little more before digging in to his meal. "Robern isn't even his name. He never told me what it really was, but he wasn't opposed to me giving him one. I found him when I first moved in, well, his body that was, just wandering the halls looking for his head. I found the skull in the rubble of one of the lower levels, shortly before being attacked by a wraith there. Those are the spirits that still don't take too kindly to my presents. I suppose in the years before I made this my home, they say mages used to make these halls as their sanctuary, necromancers most likely and had carved ornate marking on this particular skull. Robern told me supposed that was what woke him up in the first place.
"I've made him my secretary since he was one of the few soldiers here that can read and write...well his body can, not his head obviously. Farilda is the one you should be thanking for this delicious meal. She's one of the ghosts from the lower levels, but she was tired of their constant moaning and groaning and decided she was better off up here. She doesn't talk much, but I think she fancies Robern, if you don't mind me saying. I suppose even death can't stop such desires," he said laughing.
"What about you...your valet was most interesting? How do you keep his face from falling apart?"
Victoria listened to him intently, carving her meat.
"Interesting. It must be nice having ghosts work for you. Do they get tired?" She popped a piece of her meat into her mouth, chewing slowly before swallowing and thinking over his question about Frederick.
"Oh, it's not that difficult for someone in my position. We do dabble into preservation magics a little, to negate the effects of decomposition, however, decomposition of flesh is a natural trait, but being alive with it is not, so it can be a bit trying, but Frederick, I think, is well worth it. You see, he wears an enchanted pin on his breast and if it were to cease it's functionality, why, he'd turn into a much more quickly decomposing monster than before and would, well, probably try to eat your brains."
She then realized her manners with a short laugh.
"But I do believe this is not appropriate dinner conversation." She smirked.
"Why the sudden interest in my valet? Frederick has excellent qualifications, he was actually the valet of my grandfather before they had both passed and has remained in our family ever since."
Urich grinned at her, glad the mood was lightened as he was close to finishing his meal. He covered his smile with his wine goblet however, though she could see it in his eyes as he peered at her. "I was only asking because I'd never seen such rotten help before. Not that I mean any offense by it. He seemed very well-mannered for a dead guy. You didn't think of wanting somone a little 'more-alive' as your servant? Or does your family get a kick on maintaining a firm control on the supernatural?" There was some bite in his tone, but it was more directed at that crone of an aunt she had, than to her directly.
"I'm...I'm sorry," he said, shaking his head, taking yet another drink. "I shouldn't have said that, but...it's hard to get over such first impressions. Just like you probably still have hard feelings about me trying to strangle you to death. Which was nothing personal mind you! I mean...I suppose it wouldn't have been all the different the other way around."
"Yes," Victoria sipped her wine sourly. "I do believe it puts a soured taste in one's mouth to know a man could so easily try to strangle a woman."
And perhaps it was that fact she needed to keep her own emotions towards him in check. They were, after all, still enemies. He only called for a truce during her injury, and for all she knew, the second she was well and attempted to leave, he'd clobber her over the head and gut her and make her work as another ghost slave in his house.
Heavens, what an idea! Sometimes she wondered how her imagination comes up with such things!
But really his question implied she'd consider the same thing. Hardly! There were rules and propriety to think of! ANd as much as her papers demanded he leave his home, why, she wouldn't have sat there and pushed him out herself!
Sighing, she felt herself no longer hungry.
"And my family just likes to keep those employed who wish of it. We didn't make him the zombie, but when we realized he could be of use and asked him his choice, he obliged, and was very much excited he got the change to continue his career with us."
However true that was, seh didn't know, it happened before her time.
"But if you wouldn't mind,"s he began with a sigh. "I feel quite exhausted after today's excursion. I'd like to take some time to simply relax in the study and perhaps retire early."
Urich drank his wine. "You may. And..." he sighed, feeling the difficulty of the words lingering on his tongue and not ready to jump off just yet. But he felt he had no choice but to push them off. "I just want you to know that I'm sorry about...how I treated you. Please, make yourself at home. Go on pups, follow Miss Victoria, make her warm with your cuddles and kisses."
Urich rose to help her from her seat. "You know the way. Please watch your step. There's a chaise lounge across from the desk, if you're tired feel free to sleep on it." And returned to his seat. That apology left a sour taste in his mouth. He needed to drink it down. And poured more wine into his goblet.
Victoria only stared at him, taking in the apology as she bowed her head.
"Thank you." Then she rose to her feet and made a hasty but careful retreat, pups happily following at her heels.
It didn't take too long for her to return to the study, a fire lapping in the hearth and a cozy place was secured upon the chaise lounge as she took up her book again to read. Her page had been lost, and she began to flip through it and once finding where she had left off, she found herself smiling a little she had found a romance novel amongst his things. The smile only faded slightly as she continued to read, comforted by the gentle crackle of the fire and her fingers gently stroking the ears of a certain very protective wolf pup while the others had made their way beneath her chair and fell comfortably to sleep, only one remaining awake to chew at the fur rug upont he floor.
"You've had enough sir," Robern said, the skull cradled in the headless ghost's arm. "I think it's time for bed. Tomorrow night is the full moon. You'll need your rest when you change you know."
"I-I think you might be right," Urich slurred slightly. He gently rubbed his face, feeling hot and sweating just a bit despite the galing wind that howled against the stronghold walls. "I think I need to head to bed."
"You might need to check on your guest first. She's still in the study, sir."
"Oh, crap... I forgot about her." Urich got up, trying to maintain his balance. He went upstairs. grasping on to the rails. His belly was warmed with wine and he needed to catch his breath before he waddled up to the room. "Miss.." hic "Miss Victoria."
He walked into the study and couldn't help a warm smile, the pups all asleep around her. Save the one chewing the rug, but he too eventually tired and threw himself aside, basking in the softness. "Victoria," Urich said, kneeling beside her. "You should go to bed now. If you sleep on this lounge, you'll have the worst aches, that I promise you. Come now, up." He leaned over her, pressing his head to the side of the lounge, head still spinning from having moved so much so quickly, his hand running through her hair.
Victoria could have drifted off to sleep herself, but the sound of stumbling footsteps roused her. SHe raised her head when Urich approached, his face well red from drink.
"I say, Mr. Renqvist, how much wine did you drink?" but then he was stumbling over her, offering to help her stand.
"I sh-should do well to see myself to bed," she started, blinking at his close proximity. Really, his musk was intoxicating, though any bubbly sense it stirred was soured by the breath of his drink. She was only begin to wonder if this scent was something stirred from her muted werewolf side, but would have to think more of it later.
"But I do appreciate the offer." She stared at him for a moment, robe hanging a little loose as she held her book against her lap, the puppies all yawning and wagging their tails sleepily, at least the ones who had awoke.
Draegr was already on his feet, stumbling over Urich's folded legs as he began to nipa nd chew at the man's sleeves.
"If anything, in your such condition, would it be not unsafe for a drunkard to send a lady to her bed?" she smirked at him a bit playfully, but really, what scandal they'd already have involved! If anyone were to know of all of it, well, she supposed her reputation was already tarnished enough- after all, she would be homeless soon and careerless, and for the most part, probably unmarriable at best.
"Enough," Urich answered with a moan, closing his eyes, trying to keep the world from spinning before them. He felt the small pup called Draegr pulling at his shirtsleeve. "Naughty wolf! Bad!" But he was already laughing too hard to resist. He carefully climbed to his feet, brushing off the front of his shirt, and holding on to the side of the lounge for support.
"Nonsense, I'm fine. But...if you don't mind, I'd appreciate some help coming down the stairs," he chuckled. He turned his breath away to cough. "And why would it be unsafe? The only thing I'm afraid of is falling to my apparent demise. But thank gods I made those railings strong. I'm not going to hurt you. I hold my liquor well, enough. I'll most likely just fall straight to sleep anyway." He hiccuped again and extended his arm. "If you don't mind, please, one of use needs help getting down these stairs."
"And you call me stubborn and demanding," Victoria quipped with a snort. "Very well, let's see what I can do." She stood up, dusting off her robe before looking to him, nose still pointed.
"Well, let's be getting you to bed before you drink any more of that wine." She wrinkled her nose. "And I'm not sure who told you you held your wine well, but they're a horrible liar." Taking his arm, she guided him carefully down the stairs, then the hall, trying her best to keep him juggled in his drunken state, her upright with her swollen ankle.. and well..
the damned robe kept wanting to slip open, giving Urich a bit of a show.
By the time they had reached the room, she was panting and red cheeked.
"Here we are, the Renqvist suite,"s he stated, though the humor was dry as she lead him to the lead. "Come now, off to bed with us. Tomorrow will be a busy day retrieving my skirts."
"I know when I've had enough...and believe me, I know I'll be feeling it in the morning," he laughed as she helped him hobble on the stairs. Remembering her foot, he minded his weight and held onto the railing as they crept down the spiral stairs bit by bit.
As they moved he looked across to her exposed cleavage, eying the loosness of the robe there with all the jostling they were doing coming down the stairs and to the room. He said nothing, only grinned and was thankful at last when they finally reached his room.
He flopped on the bed, not bothering to take his boots off. "Oh yeah? Maybe I don't want to go into town and pick up your dresses. Maybe I just want to see you walk around in my robe for a week. Or you could wear my clothes, but they'd be too big... And of course, you would say that wouldn't be fitting for a lady."
Victoria put her hands to her hips as she glared down at Urich who simply collapsed onto the bed.
"Look at you. A drunken fool. Maybe you WILL turn out like that old farmer,"s he said, draping a hand over her face with a sigh. "Now where is my parasol so I can clobber you with it?"
She was only partially jesting, but then saw a pillow and recalling his comment about the robe, she went about and hit him with it, smacking it off of his head.
"Really now, you should be more kind to me. I did just help you down those dreadful stairs. To think,.. "she smirked a bit. "I could have left you up there all alone." Then she sat upon the bed. "DO mind your manners, however, I'm going to bed." she said, and then tossed the pillow at his face before she moved to slip underneath the blanket. "Goodnight, Mister Renqvist."
"I think you like to be teased, I can see it in your eyes," he said, holding his head from the pillow blow. He scootched up on the large bed, resting his head against his pillow. "Or else you wouldn't do so much yourself." He hugged the pillow she threw at him and when she laid to rest, he wished her a slurred good night bofore looking at his booted feet. Well that wasn't going to be very comfortable.
Urich grunted as he struggled to sit up, throwing his feet off the side of the bed. He struggled a great deal pulling the first boot off his foot, the motion of which sent him reeling a little forward. "Whoa..." He tossed his boot to the side and began to pull at his other boot. "C'mon, goddammit," he muttered. He sat up a little further and gave a final mighty tug, the force of which sent him reeling forward completely off the bed and smashing into the chair in front of him.
"AH!" he cried, colliding with wood and floor and his head to stone.
Victoria gave a simple 'Hmph' a this comment, and pretended to sleep. THough it was IMPOSSIBLE with all of his irritating shuffling and fussing over his boots. Sighing hotly, she smooshed her face deeper into her pillow, but that wouldn't stop the man.
What did, was him foolishly falling off of the bed.
SHe winced and threw off her covers and turned about.
"MISTER RENQVIST!" she shouted, fire in her eyes as her nostrils flared. "DO YOU MIND!? I AM TRYING TO SLEEP!"
OOC: She's so kind.. lol
Urich groaned, holding his now pounding and bleeding head from contact with the floor. Her voice wasn't making matters any better for him or for her. "I'm ...ugh," was all he managed to say, his head bleeding out. "M-my...head."
[short! xD she's a wonderful guest]
Victoria's face grew sour.
"Really!" seh tossed the rest of the blanket aside, feet to the floor. Standing, she moved to the other side of the bed. "If I have to drag your werewolf ass back into bed-"
but then she paused with a gasp and rushed to his side.
"You're head!" she was on her knees. "You're bleeding!"
And before hec oudl stop her, she was shouting at the top of her lungs. "ROBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRN!" Frantically, she scrambled or something, anything as she grabbed his pillow, tore off the case then smashed it onto his head, applying pressure.. somewhat gently with the palm of her hand.
"I hope your ghost has some needle and thread about." Victoria winced as she examined the wound more closely after having pulled Urich into her lap. "Your head is bleeding." her eyes narrowed. "Really, Mr. Renqvist. You are most clumsy today! And here, I've been berating myself about my ankle, but what were you to do if I was not here to attend to this!? Look at it! SO much blood!" She smashed the clothing back onto it, growing impatient.
"ROBERN!" she screamed. Where was that ghost!?
"Woulda...done what...I always do," he groaned. "Fell asleep...on my throne."
His head was pounding, he could hear his heart in his ears and still she kept on screaming. He made a face, unable to fend for himself, nor her shrill voice as it called for the ghost that came rushing through the door.
"Good gods," the ghost cried. He set the skull on the dresser nearby and rushed to another dresser across the room. "No, not that one! Stupid body! The drawer underneath! Thread and needle! And a bowl of warm water... And get some whiskey!" The body rushed back out of the room, ghosting through the wall and back through the door after a few minutes with some whiskey and a bowl of water.
"Quick, Miss Victoria, wash the cloth with water and clean off the wound. Then use the whiskey to clean it. He'll scream but don't worry he's just being moody. And sew it right quick." The headless ghost handed off the objects to her, but worried about threading the string through the eye of the needle and dipping it into the alcohol.
"Don't you worry about it. As a woman, I know how to stitch well. THe only problem here is this damn werewolf sitting still." she cast a stink eye towards Urich, warning him. "Now, Mr. Renqvist, do hold still." She proceeded to press at the wound, and once it seemed most of hte blood was subdued, she took to the whiskey and hesitated, staring down at his face.
"Now this will burn. Though I'm sure you'll deserve it anyways for all that drink," she said, shaking her head before pouring some gently over the wound. She would have used the clothe, but it was far too red with blood.
Cringing at the sight of the wound, she reached for the needle. "Robern!" ad fetched it up, twisting at knt at the end and moved forward, pausing a moment before she looked down at Urich with a frown.
"You WILL stay still, won't you now?" she inquired, a hand firmly upon his shoulder, though gently all the same, "I don't need you thrashing about and me accidently sewing your eye ball shut."
"If you want, feel free to sew his mouth shut," Robern said smartly and laughed, only to be met with a pained glare by Urich on the floor. But when the whiskey came over the wound, exactly as Robern predicted Urich gave a mighty wail and clutched to Victoria with powerful hands, burying the clean half of his face against her stomach.
"Just do it," Urich moaned softly. But just in case, Robern's ghost pressed itself on Urich's limbs, knowing quite well he'd thras around anyway.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist! Do desist!" the woman chided, prying his hands off of her with some force. Sighing, she brushed her dark hair aside and went about readying the needle, then looked down at him and frowned as she smoothed back his hair.
"Now, stop being such a big baby." She shot a gaze to Robern. "Pour some more whisky into his mouth. Maybe if he's more drunk we can deal with him better." She narrowed her gaze at him, lips puckering a bit without satisfaction. "Really, you are a man and you need to understand these consequences. Now, drink the whisky.." She helped Robern. "MAybe a little more.." she helped Urich to drinka bit more before gesturing for Robern to place it away. "Now.."s he released a breath, studying hte man in her lap and ignoring the consequence of the robe, bent over and began to pinch his skin together, ignoring ny of his groans or winces or wails and pulled the first stitch through.
He let go only to grip again. The whiskey went down strong and burned in his stomach when it was forced down his throat. He kept his eyes closed as the needle went in, hands gripping her hard, steeling himself against the needle as it went in. Each stroke brought more pain but he kept his mouth shut, biting his lip so hard he could taste blood.
And when at last he was done, he let go of Victoria, breathing hard and keeping his eyes closed. "Is it over?"
As the last thread was pulled through, she bit the thread, cutting it off with her teeth and handed the needle to the ghost.
"Thank you, Robern. I can take it from here."
Smiling to him, she then glanced down at Urich and sighed.
"Yes, you foolish man. It's all done."
Though, sighing again, she looked down at the mess of skin and thread, then to his face still fresh with a blush. She shook her head disapprovingly. "Now that you've already banged yourself up, I suppose we ought to get you back into bed before you try to harm yourself again." She went to move, gently lifting his head from her lap before giving way to rise and helping him to his feet, but not without consequence again to her robe as part of it slipped down her shoulder, exposing some skin. She grunted, but managed to get him to the bed with a gasp as she slipped, falling into his lap with a short yelp.
[Blood is slippery, yes. P:]
At long last, he opened his eyes and was thankful for the helping hand. "Please, call me Urich," he said groggily, struggling to climb to his feet. He was thankful for Victoria then, thankful for Robern, thankful for his bed, for his bloody ruined boots, for the whiskey that made him feel all nice and warm. And he made sure to let his thanks be known out loud and with many groggy slurs inbetween.
"Goodnight sir," Robern said, plucking his skull from the dresser.
"Guh'ni't Robern," Urich said with a grin, laying down until a weight came crashing down on his lap. He jumped up, arms entangling with hers. He pulled her up beside him. "I'm convinced you're trying to kill me," he managed to say, eyes half-lidded as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Good night Miss Victoria. Thank you for saving my life and my house and my pups and my boots...and my hair...and my whiskey.....and........" He rolled his eyes, laughing quite suddenly for no reason, and certainly feeling none to let her go.
Victoria ignored his request for using his first name.
Really, they were barely acquaintances!
But then she gasped as she was suddenly dragged into a heavy hug, nearly choking her around the neck as she blinked. The man was quite the happy drunk, now wasn't he. She moved to push his arms away, but it seemed he was hugging her something fierce. THe kiss be damned! THough she blushed at it, still.
"You will have no more whisky tonight. Nor this week, if I get a hold of it. Now, Mr. Renqvist, please do unhand me now so we can get to rest." She sighed. "Lest I have to sleep out there on the carpet with the pups."
Urich's smile faded at the mention of the pups who had followed the ghost out to sleep by the fire in the great hall, where they could huddle together with warmth as the ghost read them a story they did not understand.
He looked at her, eyes warm and mellow. "Kiss me first, and I'll let you go," he whispered, head propped up by a pillow and an idle hand came up to brush the robe that had fallen off her shoulder. "Oops. But then again...I am quite drunk and clumsy. You saw...what i did to my head." He laughed nonetheless.
Victoria looked at him sourly. "You will do well to just release me from your grip, sir." she warned him, a hand moving to fix her robe as she attempted to push away. "You won't receive any kisses from me. Lest you forget, I am not the one who is drunk." She eyed him sharply, warily. "Now let go of me before I find ways to give you more stitches!"
"Then I see...I'll have to steal one," he said and slowly drew toward her. He pressed his lips softly to hers, a chaste kiss quite unexpected of himself and he let her go then and there. "Okay, you can get off me now," he said and closed his eyes and it didn't take long for his drunkeness to seep through and take him off into slumber.
He was a quiet sleeper, glad to be out of his boots, up from the floor, and just glad to be alive... But he'd wonder why his pillow case was ruined in the morning. Things that were just better off to be dealt with by those with hangovers.
Victoria's eyes went wide, her heart to her throat, but then the man was..
she gasped.
He just fell asleep!
He stole a sweet kiss to her lips AND JUST FEEL ASLEEP!
She felt her nerves broiling, but merely gave a sniff and fluffed her hair.
"Well, good night to you, too." and pried herself off of him and slipped over to her side of the bed, falling asleep almost as quickly as he had, but thankfully she awoke before him, finding herself already leaving the bedroom to leave the drunken man snore.
She crept out into the study, the pups all excited to see her, tails wagging about as she spent some time playing with them on the floor then took to reading on the chaise again while tending to a cozy fire.
Her leg seemed to be feeling better, though was still sore, so she had to be careful about it-
but there was a certain glow to her that day, and she appeared, well, quite happy and content as she settled into Urich's manor, reading the juicy novel she had started the day before.
Robern's skull took its usual place on the armrest of the throne overlooking the great hall. The headless ghost was busy fixing the table for breakfast, the young Farilda right behind him, smiling as she took a glance to his rear setting the meal on the table. The ghost was setting down the platters and jumped suddenly when there was a roaring that echoed through the hall, dropping the platter.
"MY PILLOW CASE! MY CHAAAAAIR! AHHHHHHH!"
"Oh, the Master is awake," Robern said happily. "Farilda, do you have anything stronger than tea?"
The cook only smirked and returned turned to the kitchens. "I'll see what I can do."
Urich sat up in bed, holding his pounding head that throbbed and knocked against his skull relentlessly. He cradled his head and looked at the mess on the floor that wasn't bothered with clean-up. "Ugh," he moaned.
"Sir. There, drink this," Robern said holding a platter and a cup filled with something strong.
"What is it?"
"Just drink it."
"At the table, thank you." After the ghost set it down, Urich pointed to the stain on the floor. "What happened here? Did it finally happen? Did I eat her?"
"Oh, no, sir...you drank a little too much and had an accident. You broke your chair and ruined your boots and cracked open your head."
"That would explain the headache," he groaned. "Where's the woman?"
"In the study."
"Right, right. C'mon, help me to the table."
Urich emerged in the great hall, holding his head with one hand and the cup of whatever it was in the other. He sat down at the head of the table, breakfast before him, bacon...and more eggs. "I need to steal better food," he groaned. He looked at the liquid in his cup and took a small sip. Upon tasting it he spat it out. "ROBERN WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?"
"Coffee sir"
"Never heard of it," he shrugged and took another sip. It was disgusting but it made his heart jolt up as if it had been struck by lightning. He could get used to that. "Where did you get it?"
"You don't wanna know," Robern said smiling.
The novel she had been reading had just gotten to something juicy when she heard the cry of alarm. She quirked a brow and all of the pups looked up at once. Sighing, she folded the book over the end of the chaise and sat up, wrapping a blanket around her body, which was still cloaked in the robe before making her way towards the dining room.
She stood at the entrance for a while before clearing her throat and making her way over towards her seat on the far end of the table away from Urich.
"I take it you slept well last night?" she inquired, taking her seat and keeping her eyes averted of his as she waved to Robern. "I'd like some tea. Extra sugar, if you please. ANd honey if you still got it."
Yes, something sweet would be nice after she took in the bitter look of her host and tried to suppress a smirk.
"Hm, how did you guess?" Urich replied, ducking his eyes from the candle chandelier that made the room all that much brighter, not to mention hotter in here. He took a sip that of that black vile liquid, which seriously needed something extra. Maybe a shot of whiskey...but no isn't that how he got into this trouble in the first place. He took a bite of his eggs as Robern tended to Victoria's request.
"How..ugh, my head, even my breathing is loud," Urich moaned. "How, uh, soon should we depart to town? The sooner the better...gods...my head." He slumped his head against the table, feeling the cold wood do wonders against his forehead.
"That feels nice."
Victoria frowned after accepting her tea.
"That will be all, Robern. Though some bread would be nice, if you have some."
Her eyes returned to Urich as she eyed his face planted to the table.
"I think I'll go into town myself today," she simply stated, and went back to tending to her tea, stirring it up before taking another delicate sip.
He perked up immediately at that. And slipped a look under the table to look at her ankle with squinted eyes. "And why do you say that? How's your ankle? Are you well enough to depart?" He gave a healthy smile at her, watching Robern from the corner of his eyes as he brought her a small plate of warm bread, butter on the side if it pleased her.
"It's a long walk, are you sure you can handle it?" Urich asked, feeling his appetite subside.
Victoria stared at him sharply, then turned her face away to avoid his gaze.
"IF you had a more appropriate dress to spare, I can go in myself. The ankle hurts immensely, but I don't want you going into town to cause a scene." She sipped gingerly at her tea. "And there's still the fact my Aunt probably has no idea what has become of me."S he frowned at the thought, realizing.. or wondering, if her Aunt even cared. She shrugged the frown away and went backt o her tea. "I could drop off a letter and have my things fetched while inquiring as to a place to stay." She sipped her tea again then stared through half lids at Urich, as if uninterested when she added, "And it seems you're well to get rid of me. I might be injured, but I'm not helpless and I'm probably over staying my welcome the more we speak."
"I'm not trying to be rid of you before your time," Urich said with narrowed eyes. He downed the last bit of that vile drink so that he wouldn't have to drink anymore of it and pushed his plate away when it was just about cleared. "Why would you assume that I'm trying to kick you out? Truly it would be a blessing if you found a place of your own, but if you're not well, you're not going anywhere. You have a hard enough time walking around here. I told you that you were welcome to stay... I may not remember much of last night, but I know I said that."
"Now if you're finished treating your gracious host as if I were nothing more than a dirty peasant, I'm going to have a bath. We'll go into town soon. Robern, search through my spare wardrobe. Find, Miss Victoria a suitable dress if there is one."
"Yes, sir."
VIctoria sighed across her tea.
"Be sure to get a cold bath,"S he told him sourly. "You'll need it." and she stared unsympathetically at him from across her cup, then had another sip. Turning to Robern she nodded to him with a sigh. "I suppose I could help you with that chore?" She raised a single brow at him, then rose from the table herself. "I'm not entirely all that hungry, but the tea was lovely. Come, show me the way towards the wardrobe." and she raised only a single sharp brow at Urich before departing after his ghost.
What the hell was her problem? Urich hadn't the faintest idea why and took his time in the bath. Slowly his headache was subsiding and he leaned back in the water while Robern helped Victoria find something suitable to wear. After he was clean, he climbed out and dried himself with a towel before wrapping it around his waist. He'd forgotten to bring fresh clothes and desparted to his room to look for something to wear.
Victoria had followed Robern off to a farther corner of the keep with idle interest. SHe appeared bored, listening to his idle chatter and making little of her own, simply stating 'I see' here and there, before a wrack of dresses was presented before her.
Her fingers traced over the material, giving way to a blush whens he pulled out black hosiery and a pair of lace panties that were sewn in and attached.
"I guess this answers my question as to why Mister Renqvist would have any dresses here at all,"she said with a sniff, and proceeded to push her way through the clothing. All of it was either too small seeming, out of fashion, or a bit too... provocative for her own tastes.
That was, until she came to a very fetching and low cut, royal blue dress.
The color was stunning, and found her eyes going sad when she realized it might be too small for a figure like hers. Beside it was an ugly, black frock. Frowning, she pulled it, and hesitated, snatchign the blue dres as well, and another in pink before glancing over towards the changing panels.
"IF you don't mind, Robern, my privacy? I'dlike to try on these dresses alone. PErhaps you can see to Mister Renqvist." And she slipped behind the paneling, slipped off her robe and tossed it over the top to let it hang.
She put on the black dress first, and naturally it fit, a bit snuggly, but it appeared as if she was going toa funeral.
She felt as though she were going to a funeral and he rlips sagged at the idea.
Then she peered over her shoulder, eyes catching to the blue dress.
Still not ready for it, she slipped out of the black dress and into the pink.
It felt more comfortable and she studied herself i the mirror, taking her time and smoothing down her hands across it.
Still rather tight. Sighing, and ripping it some when she took it off, she turned back towards the royal blue dress, feeling her fingers itch for it as she sighed.
"Oh, might as well."
Slipping the dress on, she instantly fell in love, staring at herself adoring, despite well, too much cleavage was revealed but it hugged her form, made her feel slimmer, pretty..
beautiful even as she took a step out and stared at herself in wonder at the mirror.
"Sir, she's dressing!" Robern said as Urich barged past him, naked save for a towel and hair dripping wet. He turned back to the ghost and motioned him off. "This is my house, I can dress when I want how I want, when I want. Please don't bother me about it."
Robern said nothing more as Urich opened the door, paying no attention to Victoria as she changed behind the divider. He tore off the towel, and reached for his own clothes, back to her. He grumbled to himself trying to find something suitable to wear, that was clean at least, walking back and forth quite naked. He finally found a matching shirt and trousers as well as a fine silk waistcoat to go with it. It was a little old, but Urich wasn't in any position to discard anything that still fit and wasn't worn away. He slipped on his trousers and boots and shirt and waistcoat before tucking in the tail ends and buttoning the crotch.
He turned around, sighing seeing as she occupied his mirror and he frowned. "Well, are you ready?" he asked.
Any hint at the dress charming her was thwarted the moment Urich barged into the room, and there, she found herself staring at him, red-faced as he was- well, naked and then, peering away.
"Really, your manners are atrocious, Mr. Renqvist. Do you have no decency?" She sighed hotly and fussed at securing the black bow that bond round her waist, pausing to sigh at herself in the mirror.
She supposed it didn't matter much how good she looked. Not that she had anyone who wanted to consider her as a bride.
So, she figured she'd just settle with this dress, despite how flashy it was and simply walked past Urich, looking about inside the closet again as she found a thin, black shawl and drew it over her shoulders and arms, shivering slightly, but feeling a bit more comforted she had that before turning around.
"Yes, I'm ready." She stated coldly, clutching onto the end of the shawl with one hand and gestured with the other.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to bring my parasol and hat."
She stared at him expectantly.
Any annoyance he might have had with her sudden, and as far as he knew had no cause, change in attitude, slowly faded when he noticed her dress. He smiled approvingly and gave a nod. She'd chose wisely and it was a fine dress he'd bought for a cousin of his down south but never had the opportunity to deliver it. "You fit it well," he said, grinning charmingly. And noticed her discarded hat.
He was hesitant to touch it and instead looked to a cane leaning next to the side of the dresser, he pulled it out and carefully plucked up her hat and handed it over to her. Urich twirled around, looking for her parasol...not remember if she came in with one and mysteriously found one by the wardrobe and grabbed the handle delicately and handed it to her. "Milady," he said, handing it over.
Urich kept the can in his hand, a black one with a silver colored rim, though not actual silver. He reached for his crimson coat, which had successfully been cleaned, unlike the rest of his clothing that had to be burned from the smell of chicken waste. He threw it over his shoulders and bowed, letting her lead the way. "After you."
Thankfully, the parasol offered was hers, as was the hat. Fitting it upon her head, she turned her nose to the air, kept her shoulders squared and walked forth through the halls.
"So, are we to take your private carriage?" Obviously, she assumed they would! And hadn't considered the consequences that.. well, perhaps Urich had none! "We should make haste if we wish to be back by night fall."S he walked and continued to fuss at her hat and boots, frowning since the shoes were his and not hers, but the ones he had to offer were far too small. Perhaps she'd have to fetch another pair in town?
OOC: I was going to post more but realized.. I DON'T THINK HE HAS A CARRIAGE D:
Victoria is screwed lol
Maybe they can steal a horse? <3
"Ah, yes indeed we should," Urich agreed and fixed the lapels of his coat. He almost wanted to laugh at the insinuation of taking a private carriage, but he managed to keep a straight face, at least with the exception of a wry smirk that curled at the corners of his lips. He tucked the walking stick underneath his arm and walked her to the door.
"Um, about the carriage... I don't have one. Never bothered to get one. Where would I put it if I did? Um, we'll have to walk. Perhaps we'll find one in town that we might rent. Well, like you said, we'd best be off if you want to make it back by nightfall. It is the full moon tonight so we'd best hurry." He opened the door and made sure to lock them behind him.
"W-walk!?" Victoria's arms were set to flail, then she clutched her parasol and followed after him, needing to hold onto her hat. "I say! You expect me to walk all the way to town in my condition!?" she complained, hobbling a bit at his side to make a point, however, it didn't seem to deter her from keeping speed as she huffed along. They were barely outside of the grounds and her cheeks and chest were already flushed, which did a number on her figure in how it fit in the dress. With the cut rather low, and the sleeves draped off and away from her shoulders, much skin and bosoms were to be had, which moved nicely while pressed together behind the restrictive confines of the royal blue dress. And the black ribbon and lace added a nice touch as she kept to his side.
"And once we get my dresses, how ought we to carry them?" she asked, sighing as she popped out here parasol, the fabric blooming over her head before she crooked it against her shoulder with another sigh. "Really, this day is going to end up being bothersome." And she fussed at her hair, which, remarkably had a wild yet charming quality to it that seemed to go with their motif-
They were an interesting pairing, after all.
OOC: Poor Urich 8D
She cut more than an attractive cloth from the blue dress she took from his wardrobe. And he only smiled admiringly and looked a little less than pleased at the fact she hadn't realized she'd be walking the entire way. It was a long walk to be sure, one that Urich didn't make too often, and only when supplies were low. There weren't too many bandits along this road and certainly not with Sul'Gulthan in such a close proximity so Urich guessed their chances at making it within the next few hours to be very high.
"Look, my dearest guest, you were the one that insisted on going. And with some attitude I might add after all my generosity. I'm sorry you came to that decision but you'll just have to deal with the consequences. I said we'll figure it out when we get to town, now come along." Urich stole her arm and bound it into his to give her support as she walked and down the road they went. It would be a while before they came back anyway. Maybe they'd have a carriage, maybe they'd drag all her stuff in them mud.
The clouds didn't look to forgiving this morning.
OOC: Lol, you WOULD make it rain 8D
"IT GONNA RAIN!"
IC:
Victoria sighed.
"Well, I suppose this is what I get for assuming. It seems I've been a rather bad judge of character as of late, so I'm not surprised."S he shrugged, then found herself beign pulled closer towards Urich as they hooked harms, her breasts pressing impossibly close together by the gesture as she fussed at her hat. It was becoming a pain and the winds that were picking up were hardly helping.
She groaned.
"I swear if it rains, I'm going to eat these boots!"
Urich gave a sigh as the road stretched before them. Well, in a way it was his own fault for putting himself in this situation, he could just as easily have left her to die at his doorstep. But the consequences therein might have been worse than dealing with a moody Armani woman. He raised a brow at her and couldn't help but grin. "You know, if worse comes to worse, I'll let you ruin my suit and I'll carry you the rest of the way... Unless..." he stopped suddenly.
There were quite a few farms out here, all spread out in considerable distance from the ruins of Sul'Gulthan, for obvious reasons. He pointed out to the pasture with his cane, a small farm visible in the distance. "If you'd like we can 'borrow' a horse. We'll get there in no time. Can you ride? Of course you can. What do you say?"
"Well, I can ride, but surely not on my own horse in my condition." Victoria stared at him skeptically. "And when you mean borrow, do you mean taking without asking and then returning them in hopes they won't notice by the time we return?" she had to ask, a slight playful rise in her tone as she smirked and twirled her parasol over her shoulder.
"But of course...or keep it. Who knows. Maybe I'll build a stable and paddock for the beasts of speed and burden," but even Urich knew he wasn't half as serious as he thought he was and gestured them to walk toward the farm. When it was in visible distance, Urich handed his cane over to her. "We can ride together on one horse, that would be enough I think. One horse is certainly easier to steal than two and we won't have to worry about the other one getting lost."
There was another small copse and long grass that could conceal their presence if they ducked. He crouched down beside a tree when they were close enough. There was a paddock nearby, and no one within sight. He didn't trust that however as on a farm it was always customary to rise early. A stable was beside the paddock and he could hear the lively, playful neighing of young fillies within.
"Wait here. I'll be back with the horse, then we run for town. We'll bring it back before they notice," Urich said.
OOC: I'm sorry, this is going to be another short post 8D
SO distracted right now with this documentary I'm watching >>
IC:
Victoria gave a snort. Of course she had guessed correctly as she waved the man off.
"Just be quick about it." she said, ceasing to twirl her parasol. "I do hope this farm doesn't have naked farmers." she said, blasé, but then gave a smirk towards him, spinning her parasol again. "Unless, perhaps this one is handsome and young."
Urich only turned and flashed a clever grin at Victoria over his shoulder. "The farmer here I believe is a gorgeous young woman," he said with raised brow, before bolting off for the stables in a low run. The clouds, as he suspected were looking impatient and moody, much like his houseguest's attitude. And he felt one droplet sprinkle on his head, but it had yet to thicken just yet.
The farm's furthest wooden post was a hundred yards away and when the coast was clear, Urich crept quickly to the fence and easily vaulted over it, landing with a soft crouch. The stable was in sight, but he could hear the noise of voices nearby and it seemed the farmer wasn't inactive that day. "Ugh, i've got to plow that field before the rains come, it's yet to be seeded. Gerry, if you don't help me, I'm not giving you any money for beer! I swear to it!" the farmer said to her a young man beside her.
As he crept closer to the stable, keeping to the side of it, he could see through the splits in the panel that the man was actually a little older than her, and shared her features, most likely a sibling and grumbled to himself with a reluctant nod. Well, that was enough of the eavesdropping. He pulled back around and from a distance Victoria might see his small form moving into the stables, disappearing into the widened door.
Urich stood and carefully saddled a black filly next to him, which neighed softly and happily at his approach. But the horse trembled at his touch, sensing something more to the man the closer he got. "Shh, dearie, I'm not here to hurt you. I just need to borrow you for a second. You have my word as man and beast," Urich whispered to the horse. He pet her softly and finished saddling her as the animal visibly relaxed.
"Did you hear that?" the farmer said, visible through the slits as she turned around back and forth, looking for the source of the noise. "I think it's coming from the stable. Gerry, help me. Grab that ax!"
Urich quickly but gently led the horse out of the stable and quickly vaulted into the saddle. His clothing wasn't proper attire for riding but that was the least of his worries. He pressed his heels into her side as the horse quickly bolted ahead, heading for the fence. "C'mon!" he said. The horse complied just as the farmer rounded the stable, crying at the top of her lungs.
"HEY YOU! STOP! THIEF!"
But already Urich was over the fence and riding hard for the copse. He held out his hand for Victoria. "GIVE ME YOUR HAND!" He screamed.
OOC: They have't killed one another and it's been 17 pages 8D
IC:
Victoria stood idly about, seeming bored as she continued to twirl her parasol (which seemed to have turned into a bad habit that day). Needless to say, her Aunt Millicent wasn't about to correct her, so as she waited, her eyes only watched with half interest as she puffed out her cheeks, released a breath and continued to do so until Urich disappeared.
She gave a snort.
There better not be a pretty farmer inside..
but of course she quickly fastened her attention to nails. Really, was she becoming jealous? She sighed and began to think more on it...
thinking back to the day he had kissed her..
and more than once and felt her body beneath her skirts heat, as did her cheek. Sighing, she turned her face away in a huff, fussing over her hair when she noticed the droplets of rain barely collecting ontop of her dark parasol and frowned.
It was in that moment she recalled him trying to kill her and gently touched her neck. The bruises had since faded, but the reminder was still present... but then..
why HAD he kissed her?
No doubt he just was lonely, and while Victoria never thought of herself as pretty, well, she wasn't a fool to think her body was completely horrid. But...
Most men fancied the ladies with the skinnier waists, and despite corsets, she could never get her waist nearly as slim as the waist, no matter how hard her maid's had tried.
And one time she had...
why, she nearly passed out immediately after the fact, waking up with the bindings loose as he lay on the fainting couch....
She had been taken away so long from her thoughts she had nearly not noticed the thundering of hooves approach as she gave way to a gasp, quickly shutting her parasol and stepping back enough so she wouldn't not be rushed over- and at his words, she thrust out her hand and felt herself become take, airborn and was suddenly pulled onto his lap within his arms.
Witht he horse hooves beneath her thundering, and his strong lap and her arms sealed around his, she found her heart nearly in her throat when her eyes met briefly to his, then away, glancing back over his shoulders as her hair and skirts fluttered wildly in the sudden mist of rain.
"I say!" She held onto her hat and noticed the blond farmer girl come out in a fury. "I guess she IS rather lovely." The she peered up at him skeptically, arms still clutching around him, though it seemed almost effortless to her, despite her knuckles turning white. "I guess you've stolen more than horses from her before?" she tested, raising one sharp brow at him but really-
for some reason..
SHE HAD TO KNOW!
As soon as her hand was within reach, his powerful arm plucked off the ground and into the saddle in front of him. He held the reins with his right and held Victoria with the other, laughing triumphantly as they battered down the field the horse chuffing as it turned and was out of sight of the angry farmer. Urich glanced at Victoria, shifting between focusing on riding and her speculative gaze. Something was different but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
He was too busy grinning, to think more on it. He shrugged at her and slowed the horse to a trot once they reached the road. "She has really good, ripe tomatoes," Urich answered. "I stole some from her once, but...I realized her farm was really small, smaller than that drunk Harold the Farmer, so I took them back. And I bought some from her instead. She's a really nice lady who lives with her brother Gerry. Well, it's a good thing she didn't get a good look at my face or she would have been beyond livid. But I suppose stealing a horse of hers doesn't make things any better."
"Why do you ask?" he said catching his breath from the exhilaration.
Victoria kept her nose to the air, eyes lightly averting his.
"What a lovely story," she replied, sharply, as if she didn't really care. But she did, and found herself jealous none the less. "And I was simply curious." It was her simple reply, and she would say no more, feeling herself jostling uncomfortably across his lap and her arms remaining tight- well... she was proud, but not suicidal. She wasn't about to start a fight to make him livid- not that he'd care if she was jealous or not and in fact, why SHOULD she be jealous. She began to internally berate herself, eyes going off into a distant stare of fury, her cheeks puffing just slightly at the internal conflict she was now brewing within.
Urich held her closer to him, readjusting his grip so she wouldn't fall off the saddle and slowed the horse to a walk. Even walking the horse would get there faster than they would on foot, and with the rain coming down on them in a soft mist, Urich knew the faster the better. He stopped the horse for a moment and took removed his jacket from his shoulders, shifting hold on her as he did so and loosely placed the jacket back on her shoulders to shield her from the rain.
He liked the water anyway. But as he nudged the horse back into a walk he looked at Victoria peculiarly. "What's wrong with your face? Were the eggs bad?" he asked curiously.
Victoria released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, deflating her cheeks.
"No,"s he replied, and it came out sourly. She felt silly for feeling this way, especially as he moved about, jostling her some as she was forced to hold on tighter as he removed his jacket, and then placed it over her. She blushed, feeling her heart beat harder within her chest. Why did she have to like his musk? It made her heart flutter everytime. And he was so warm and strong and....
"N-no," her eyes fluttered, averting his gaze as she looked down towards the grasses. "Breakfast was just fine."
Her mind went numb as she chewed over the hot air collecting back inside her cheeks. Really, WHAT had gotten into her!? She sighed and nestled into him. "Perhaps I'm just tired," not realizing her hat was touching the skin against his neck.
"Well, that's to be expected," he said. "We've both had exhausting last few days... I-" Something touching him and suddenly he felt faint. The blood was draining from his face and he felt his strength sapping from him. Urich's grip on her side suddenly loosened and he felt faint and suddenly fell back from the saddle, slamming into the ground of the dirt road, unconscious.
OOC: I kinda took the idea and ran with it XD Feel free to yell at me if it's too much~
IC:
Victoria let out a start as they began to fall. With her arms around him tightly, she found herself gripping him eve harder when he crashed onto the ground, cushioning her from the fall.
The beast had been startled, naying as it trotted off and away from them, only managing to trample on Victoria's skirts and thankfully, nothing else.
It took her a moment to realize what had occurred, as she sat up, suddenly dizzy then turned to look down at Urich, to whom's stomach she now sat upon.
She saw him lay there, unmoving as she gasped.
"U-urich!?" she scrambled to move before him, taking the lapels of his coat and shaking him light. "Urich!?" WHat.. what had happened!? He just suddenly fainted!
She was desperately, searching his body, then his face, hair spilling across his chest as she pressed an ear to it-
His heart was still beating.
She lifted her head, breath hesitating before her lips as they trembled, her fingers trembling to as she moved over him.
"Urich!?" she brushed a hand across his face, staring wide eyed down at him, then lightly slapped him. "URICH!?" she grew a bit more frantic as the rain continued to fall down around them. "Urich, wake up! Urich!" She took him by the collar again, shaking him frantically before frustrated tears came to her eyes. "Urich Renqvist, wake up this instance!" She tried more haughtily, but when he still didn't stir, her lower lip trembled, face growing long, eyes even wider.
'Oh my god..' she thought. 'What if he's sustained a concussion!? What if he had brain damage!? What if he never woke up!'
"Urich!" her cry came more shrill and desperate as she continued to shake him. "Urich, please wake up!" She even sobbed a little. "Please be ok!" before she threw himself against him, sobbing into his neck.
She would never forgive herself if he were to die... How could she!? Not after all he had done!
Collecting herself, she realized what had to be done. If he was injured, he needed a doctor. and well. they were heading into town, where they not? So to town they would go!
Standing up, she made her way over towards the horse, whihc took some force (and frustration) as she collected the reigns and lead him back over towards the man. It took her some time, and great effort, but she eventually managed to throw Urich over the saddle before climbing on herself, hurting herself with strain along the way, but ignored it as she got onto the saddle and dug her boots into the horse's sides before it rushed off towards town.
It took her a good time to get there, but by the time she did, she was ringing the bell and frantic. The doctor came and gave a start, seeing Miss Victoria Armani in such dissarray.
"Why, Miss Armani!" he said, blinking, then turned to the horse with the man draped over it.
"What on earth happened!?"
"Please!" she pressed closer to him, eyes desperate. "This man needs your help. He fell off the horse when we were on our way to town.. he... I don't know how it all happened, but one moment we were talking and the next-"
"Now, now, calm down Victoria, let me have a look at him." And as he stepped forward, he gave a start. "YOu brought a werewolf here!?"
Victoria's heart went to her throat. "Don't try that on me! He's as human as any other man!" she gripped onto his shoulder, desperate, "Can you help him!?" Her eyes were large as the doctor looked up at her, and he sighed.
"Yes, but we have to be quick." he looked up at the skies, though it was still raining. "Tonight is the full moon. If he were to recover..."
She held onto his arm fiercely.
"Just let me handle that. I'm a negotiator, just please.." she peered over at Urich's form, then back to the doctor. "Just see that he is ok."
The doctor nodded and the two brought Urich inside. His clothing was removed except his undergarments, and his chest exposed as the doctor listened to his heart. He had only treated a werewolf or two in his time, but it seemed this man was somewhat human. He sighed.
"I can't do much for him until he awakens, if he awakens." Just wait here while I get the smelling salts to see if we can't rouse him.
Victoria nodded, growing nervous as she took a seat on the fainting couch nearby, and watched as the doctor took the small vial, uncorked it, then moved it past the werewolf's nose...
[I think a good shaking and maybe a hard slap would have woke him up but okay. xD No worries]
And with this, it was obvious that Urich would die. There was a lot of jostling and moving, but nothing would register in Urich's mind. Something was touching him, but his body felt cold and numb, little more than that came through. And where he was, wherever he was, he was certain this was death. The nothingness that came with it.
But something stung his nostrils, burned even and after a strange tickling stirred in his nose, his body heaved back and suddenly he gave out a mighty sneeze that sent even the doctor reeling back. He rolled on his behind, looking like the wind took him. Urich sat up with the motion of the sneeze and held his aching head. He rubbed his eyes then after a few minutes looked up and around.
"Why the hell am I nearly naked?"
OOC: XD sorry? I COULD have just clipped the post to be shorter XP
IC:
It was at his sudden erection from the bed and proclamation of his predicament that had Victoria gasping and nearly in tears.
"You're alright!" she shouted, suddenly thrusting her arms around him in an embrace, then.. of course, recalling his predicament, she coughed petitly and pulled away, averting his gaze as she informed him, "You had fainted from the horse." She gestured to the doctor. "I.. brought you here. Doctor Merrick has seen to you. So it seems you are alright." And when her eyes returned to his, despite her voice going back to arrogance, she couldn't help but smile.
The doctor also excused himself with a cough as he approached, and Victoria naturally stepped out of the way.
"Now, it was hard to assess if there was any brain damage, so just follow me like this- with your eyes to my finger, that's good.." the man dictated, moving a single finger between the werewolf's eyes, back and forth, then forth and back again.
"Seems you can follow instructions rather well, ern- but let's see. How are you feeling, sir? What matter and state are you in? And oh, forgive me, but your clothing needed to be set aside for proper examination to ensure you had no broken bones."
"I can fetch them once you are done with the exam. They are in the other room, Urich."
The doctor nodded, then pressed the question again.
"Werewolves tend to heal rather quickly, so I'm surprised to hear this tale. Please, if you could inform me what has happened, in your own words..." he shot Victoria a look, and she closed her mouth, remaining silent. "Then tell me how your head feels and I can assess you better."
Urich nearly fell back from the force which she hugged him and he pushed her away, feeling smothered. "Gods, what's wrong with you woman!?" he cried, trying to regain himself. He felt like a child, staring at the doctor stupidly following his finger with his eyes, half-naked, cold in this strange place for no apparent reason. He was fine, or at least he felt fine. Hm, something smelled like good cheese. Or maybe it was old milk. Or maybe he was having a stroke. Or maybe he was FINE! and this was a complete waste of time.
"I feel like a rockhead," he said plainly, glaring at the doctor, who only gave Urich a quizzical look. "This is ridiculous! I'm in perfect physical health! Mental health is questionable but so is Miss Victoria's! I just remember ...uh, yes, riding down the road, and I guess her stupid hat touched me and sapped me of my strength, then I guess i fell then. I don't remember anything between then and now. What else do you want from me?"
The doctor only stared at Urich questionably.
"I... see..."
He turned to Victoria who sighed, folded her arms over her chest and began to explain.
"I suppose that would make sense."s he glared up at her hat and muttered a few things as she unpinned it from her hair. Brushing it off idly, she went on,"You see, Doctor Merrick, as you are well aware of the powers I possess, you must realize the effects it may have on a werewolf, though it does beg the question, as to why he fainted suddenly."S he eyed Urich suspiciously. "My powers are meant to negate powers, not sap all strength away. You would still be human."
The doctor nodded, digesting the fact.
"Well, considering he is not a full breed, perhaps he was in a weaker condition when your powers erm, affected him and lead him to faint?"
Victoria studied the doctor. "Mmm, yes. I suppose. He has been tending to me since my ankle had been injured."
The doctor gave a start. "You're injured?" The woman sighed.
"Yes, though Mr. Renqvist here has been aiding me. I had twisted my ankle on the way to his estate and it has been healing ever since." Though, she paused a moment to realize the burning pain in her leg when the doctor moved forward.
"Here, le tme take a look at it since you're here."
Victoria blushed at the sudden burst of attention her way. "Well I.."
"Really, please sit, Miss Armani and let me have a look."
Frowning, she sighed and obeyed, sitting her hat aside as she slowly lifted up her skirts and the doctor gasped.
"Goodness, what on earth did you to do it!? It's all swollen!"
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Well, I had to drag him all the way here.." she muttered, avoiding Urich's and the doctor's gaze.
"What!?" the doctor looked appalled. "Miss Armani, you should not be walking on this thing for weeks! It will never heal properly if you don't!"
"Weeks!" Victoria sat up more erect now with a ghastly gasp.
"Well, yes- if you don't want to strain it any longer..."
"But weeks!?"s he shook her head. "I don't have weeks!" Really.. she had already spent enough time at Mr. Renqvist and needed to get on wtih her hunt to find herself her own place to live- not waste more time being.. inconveniently injured! SHe gave a disgusted sigh and raised up and the doctor gave a start.
"Don't stand on it! Please! Let me find something to help with the swelling!"
But Victoria would have none of this.
"I can deal with that later. Mr. Renqvist and I have an appointment-" she began, turning away nad picking up her hat. "So long as he is well enough to travel, we should be off."
"Oh, no, don't mind me, I'm just sitting here half naked," Urich said with a sigh and shake of his head. He let the doctor tend to Victoria as he slipped off the bed and went to the room where they indicated his clothes were. He didn't find it necessary to go through all this. He just fell. Geeze, you'd think for someone who's lived for nearly a century and a half, they'd know how to deal with stuff like dizziness and broken bones. He didn't know what caused the fainting, maybe it was the lack of his powers that came as a sudden shock to his body and he fell over.
At least, he finally found his clothes and quickly dressed into them before at last turning back to the room. But he saw a blue cat scurry across the room and his eyes narrowed at it. Blue cat? Cats weren't blue unless this doctor had a familiar of some sort. He watched the animal grin at him and then disappear through the wall.
He returned to the main room and leaned against the wall. "You don't happen to have a blue cat by any chance do you Dr. Merrick?"
The doctor tended to Victoria's ankle, easing the swelling there before turning his head a little, curiously. "Blue cat? Of course not, what kind of person has a blue cat?" he asked, laughing a little. "Unless of course you suffered a severe head injury and you're having a hallucination!"
"Hm...maybe," Urich said. "I do feel a little lightheaded...but then again, it may just be all the hot air in here. Oh wait, that's just Miss Victoria."
At his comment, Victoria glared daggers at him. Really! Such disgusting manners! But at the comment of a blue cat, she turned up her nose.
"Perhaps YOU should remain bedrested. I could beg my Aunt Millicent to care for you until your brain and manners return to normal."
Well, if his manners could ever BE normal!
Rising after the doctor fussed over her leg, Victoria sighed and fluffed back her hair, hat and parasol in hand. "Shall we get going, Mr. Renqvist? Or do you insist on remaining cooped up in here for longer?" Really.. the room was feeling rather stuffy and she just wanted to move on with this.
"We need to get my dresses before the tailor's close for the day and will make for a wasted trip." Though as she turned to leave, she twisted her ankle at the wrong angle and let out a noise, barely managing to catch herself against a side table near the door.
"I'm fine, honestly, woman. When did you start giving a damn about me anyway?" he asked but knew she'd just give him the run around. Her kind always did, trying to play off inquisitives with defensive remarks and generic answers. He only scoffed at the thought and watched her yelp as she tried to stand. The doctor caught her in time, his grizzled face looking at Urich with widened eyes. "Aren't you gonna help her?"
"I suppose so. And I'm certainly not going to waste all morning with its beautiful rain. I've got a full moon to catch tonight and I'm not going to let you ruin it for me. And I certainly don't want any help from that witch-crone you call an aunt. Now, let's get going, my sanctimonious invalid."
Urich approached and took her arm and threw it over his shoulder and held her weight. His head was spinning a little, but then again it was this morning. He'd have a drink of something strong enough later. The morning was waning the longer they were in this stuffy place.
Victoria looked away, her face going sour when the doctor asked if Urich was going to help. She even blushed a little. His reply only made her flinch and before she could protest,s he was thrown over his shoulder.
"URICH!" she wailed. "URICH! PUT ME DOWN! THIS IS UNCONVENTIONAL! DO YOU HEAR ME!?" her scrreams continued as they exited the place, the doctor only staring, becoming red-faced as they left. When they were outside, she still had not desisted in her persistent flailing of her limbs. "Really! Before I stuff your mouth full of my hat!"
He groaned in frustration and plopped her on the ground. "Fine, have it your way woman. Like I was going to carry you all the way to the shop. You must be out of your mind." Urich said with a great deal of disdain but he couldn't help his grin of amusement. At least they were already in town and the hard part was getting closer.
"All right, where is this dress shop you were headed to? Let's get this over with."
"On Fifth and Westin." and as they hobbled along, awkwardly together, the shop quickly came into view, but not quickly enough as she sighed, pushing away from him as they approached. She smoothed down her dress beneath the jacket, drawing in a breath as she stared at the doorway.
"It's funny, but this might be my last time buying some nice dresses for a long while." She smile da little, looking at him, but never connecting to his eyes before stepping inside the shop as the bell jingled and the tailor turned with a start.
"Victoria!"
Victoria smiled slowly as she entered, and the tailor Melissa's eyes went to Urich and a smile tugged coyly across her features.
"Here I was getting worried about you, Miss Armani, but turns out you are ok. And who is this fine gentleman you brought with you?"
Victoria could see the way Melissa was eyeing Mr. Renqvist and gave a frown, but went on, as if bored, "This is Mister Renqvist. He is my, er, acquaintance and has decided to help me pick up my dresses."
"Oh? Your dresses?" Melissa blushed.
"Yes, Melissa, my dresses." Victoria repeated, hands to her hip. "Really- do I have to explain myself-"
"Oh, well, you see the dresses are ready but... well, I thought you might not come to return them. Your Aunt she..."
Victoria narrowed her gaze.
"My Aunt.. what?"
Melissa paled, looking from Urich to Miss Armani.
"It has gotten through town, why, just the other day- she had feared you had gone missing."
Victoria blinked.
"Missing?" Her face twisted. "Nonsense. She didn't seem to care when she left me to my own devices, I can't see her caring now. So if you'll please.." Victoria sighed. "I'm growing impatient." Her eyes flickered to Urich,t hen back to Melissa again. "The dresses, if you please."
The dresses were brought forth, a good many of them stuffed inside wool bags. Victoria stared at the bags, then over to Urich, quirkin a brow expectantly.
"Shall I go get the horse?"
The shop was a nice one, quaint and comfortable. It seemed the owner saw quite a bit of business, enough to keep her afloat at least. He wondered if she did tailoring for men as well. He'd have to ask when there was a proper opportunity.
Urich eyed the seamstress as she had trouble focusing on Victoria. At first he was unnerved by the attention but it wasn't long before gave her a warm grin himself. His head was still spinning and he could have sworn he saw that blue cat again, come out from behind the counter and fly, literally, up to the top, sauntering tauntingly and grinning. The tail swished and swayed and then grew wings and turned into a beautiful butterfly with an ugly cat head. Urich shook his head and turned back and watched the interchange between her and Melissa.
So her aunt thought she was missing, eh? This piqued at his nerves and frankly the news didn't bode well for either of them. Urich could only imagine just what that aunt of hers was going to do about the notion. Then again he did remember that her aunt had expected her to return home shortly after delivering her house-saving papers. And...that never happened. Good gods! Urich was lost in thought and only jumped to attention when she offered to call to the horses.
"I thought I was the horse," Urich said with a wicked grin. His eyes flashed to Melissa and she blushed considerably but took two bags for himself. "Where did you put the horse anyway?"
Victoria snorted at Urich's joke.
"Don't tempt me," she stated, unamused and took the rest of her bags. "Just follow me." and she left, the bell at the door jingling as they left and as they moved about, they passed a familiar pair of boots in the window. Victoria stared at them, then cast a small smirk in Urich's direction, but kept her eyes averted of his.
"It's a shame you returned those boots.."s he said, and pressed onward, halting infront of the horse that was tethered in the back alley by the doctor's.
"It was a shame you wasted all that money on them," Urich said, honestly. He chuckled at her and was glad he decided on equipting the animal with a saddle instead of going barebacked as he originally planned. It certainly would have been quieter pulling the blooded filly from the stable, and would have kept the farmer's attention at bay. And maybe he wouldn't have fallen off and hit the ground so hard.
He tied the large woolen bags onto the saddle, one on each side and out another one around his chest. "So what are you going to do about your aunt?" he asked curiously. "Would it not be wise to let her know you're alive and well?"
As Urich was binding the horse up with her dresses, she let out a disgusted sigh.
"I suppose you're right, but I'd rather not have to deal with her." she admitted. "Perhaps I could just send a letter at a postman station." She looked around, contemplating where one might be when she noticed a carrier. "Ah, over there. We can send a letter and perhaps stop for some tea. Then head out. I could also check at the bank to see where my er.. assets have been funded." She turned to Urich. "So how much would I owe you for your troubles." She shook her head and added, "After all, it is only fitting that I at least pay you for your time in housing me during this past week. It was obviously not by your choice and it's the least I could do."
ANd pride would not dictate other wise. If he did it for free well...
that meant a whole different thing entirely that she wasn't ready to accept, even though he had given up to hosting out o fhis own civility.. it was still so hard to comprehend.
The notion of sending a letter by post honestly didn't sit well with him. Urich knew there was no telling how her aunt would react to something like that. It would come, what...a week later? No doubt with shrill witch screams to boot. His expression softened, looking at her with solemn eyes. Even after what happened between them, they were still family. They were still blood.
When the conversation moved to payment, Urich just blinked at her. "Are you really saying what I think you're saying?" he said rhetorically. He shook his head, chuckling as he clung to the saddle. "You're kidding right? Honestly, payment for helping you never even entered into my mind. You're a guest in my home, I should be insulted for the insinuation but I can't stop you from doing what you feel needs doing. You wasted your money on those boots, why waste more of it paying me back for something that doesn't need to be repaid? I helped you because it was the right thing to do. It's just...what I do."
Urich climbed into the saddle and held out a hand for her to take. "Honestly, I would just rather be on my way. My head is killing me. But if you want tea..." He sighed and rubbed his sore head. He could have sworn he felt blood.
She felt awkward at his comment, blushing even as she kept her gaze averted.
"Yes, well.." after composing herself, she turned around and gave a pretty smile, though it was obviously forced. "Would it not be rude of me to at least offer? After all, you've already done so much for me already." Then when he offered her his hand, she frowned and looked away. She felt ashamed for being so selfish, on many accounts but because of her nerves and pride, she just couldn't let it drop. "I'm sure these errands won't take very long. I can also acquire a paper. See if there is any news on a place for me to rent. After all, I can't very well assume my leg will be injured forever, and I bet you can't wait to be rid of me. The brief stop will only do us both a favor. And to get tea.. well, if you let me buy you tea, it will also make me feel better. And well.." she was rambling now but kept at it. "In case your head is still not well, we are close to a doctor."
ANd of course, she was ignoring the fact there was a full moon that evening and here she was, dragging her feet! but atleast the rains had stopped!
Urich sighed but a sudden smile crept up on his lips. He slipped from the saddle and the filly neighed uncomfortably at the added weight but otherwise made no further complaints. He held his head a little and rubbed his temple. He stepped over to Victoria and put hand on her arm. "Well, it is morning...and I suppose the farmer won't miss her horse too badly. We can grab some tea...and we'll talk about your living arrangements."
And without giving her a chance to protest, he quickly swooped in and pecked her lightly on the cheek. He offered her the crook of his arm to help support her. "Shall we?"
At his sudden advance, she was shocked, to say the least, that he would so openly steal a light kiss to her cheek. She blushed and flinched away, eyes scouting the area to see if anyone had seen before looking back towards him with a frown. Did he not care if anyone would see his public display of affection? It was rather bold of him, but then she began to realize, perhaps he wanted it that way and her heart sunk to the worst. As much as his affections might be nice to consider as real, she, however, had a much different opinion on the matter and of herself. Despite being very strong minded and opinionated, she had very little self esteem on these more intimate affairs. So naturally, she would assume he was just trying to now publicly mar her reputation.
"What do you think you're doing? Don't you think someone would see?" Really! Scandal! But perhaps he hadn't a clue...
Sighing, she grumpily accepted his arm. "We shall so long as you keep yourself in check. Perhaps we're too close to the evening the wolf side of your is forgetting how to be proper with a lady."
Then she jerked him along, seeming to forget she needed the support as she winced. "T-To the post man, than the bank, than to the paper."S he began, and lead him all around to each place, arm hooked around hers and eyes ever skeptical towards him in case he tried another incident like that!
"You like to put on airs, but I think you and I both know that you favor the thespian's mask," he whispered, grinning wickedly. But it quickly softened. "I apologize, my delicious invalid, I was only trying to lighten the mood. A person shouldn't go too long without a good kiss to brighten their day. At least from my own experience." He shrugged as she yanked him away and made sure to support her as best he could so that her leg wouldn't get any worse than it already was.
As they left the paperstand, Urich held her arm snugly to his and looked over. "We'll see the doctor again before we leave. He'll be able to provide you with better care than I will, possibly give you a support or a crutch to help you get around. In any case, shall we be off for tea?"
Victoria made no real comment to his claim-
Thespian mask! Ha! if that's what he wanted to call it, so be it. But it did not mean she had to humor him. In fact, his idea of brightening the mood only kept her tempered in her stubborn ways of professional grumpiness, something that seemed to have stemmed off from her Aunt. But at the sound of tea, she nodded at the idea.
"Yes, I think I could have great use for it now." she rubbed at the side of her head. "Forgive me if I seem irritable, for I am." Sighing, she spotted a cozy little tea shop and gestured towards it.
"There, that place is known for a good cup. It's very high quality for having an afternoon tea out."
He only shrugged. "It's nothing knew to me," he admitted and led them to the tea spot. For really that's all it seemed to be. It was small, quiant was too generous a word for it and he made sure to get them a seat by the backwall, but near a window. He opened the chair for her, allowing her to sit first and scooted her in when she was seated. A young woman came by, eying Urich a little and tilting her eyes over to Victoria.
"Well, fancy seeing you here, Ms. Armani? And who...might this be?" she asked, trying to hold be a grin. "Well, what can i get the pair o' ya?"
Victoria sighed as she took her seat.
"Thank you, Urich." She didn't realize she had let his first name slip, and then when the lady approached she smiled, though warily when she noticed the tea server eyeing the werewolf.
"Hello, Gretchen. This is my friend, Mr. Urich Renqvist. A recent acquaintance, I might add. He is no local to the town."
Gretchen nodded.
"I see." She smiled over at him. "The usual for you, Miss Armani?"
Victoria nodded, keeping her head held high and her eyes nearly closed with how heavy she lowered her lids.
"Yes, naturally. And a little extra sugar this time, if you please."
Gretchen nodded, took Urich's order and was off, smiling at the pair as she left.
Victoria took the moment to sigh again.
"I can't believe it's only afternoon." And she also couldn't believe it only took Gretchen a few seconds to bring the tea. "Goodness!" Victoria sat more up right, blinking. "How quick of you!" she exclaimed. Gretchen blushed. "We were rather slow today due to the rain." She bowed to them both and was off. "My.." Victoria gently blew at her tea before enjoying her first sip.
"But as I was saying.."s he started again. "The day seems to be positively dragging, considering all of what we have done." Btu she shrugged, sighed, and took another sip.
"The same as hers," Urich said, gesturing to Victoria. And he didn't touch it when it came, only nodded to Gretchen as she turned away, but he gave her an appreciative glance. Still looking at her when Victoria came to attention. As if by an unseen mechanism, his hands reached for the creme and sugar and automatically placed them into his tea, his eyes still taking in the other patrons...and Gretchen of course.
Then dead silence. He turned to Victoria squinting. "I'm sorry did you say something?"
It was only then Victoria began to realize the stares Urich had been giving to Gretchen and she felt her face pale. Gretchen was a pretty little thing, much slimmer than Victoria with fair hair and complexion and a little dusting of freckles all over her skin and kind, light green eyes. If she didn't know Gretchen she'd hate her for the way Urich was glancing on her, but said nothing and sourly returned to her tea. It seemed there wouldn't be enough sugar to make her mood turn around today.
"You know she's engaged," Victoria informed him flatly, not even bothering to look at him as she sipped her tea. "Not that it matters to a wolf." She added with great distaste. Then suddenly she rose from the table. "Excuse me. I need the powder room." Before she exited the table to leave him to his own devices. Really! She would rather not deal with him now in this condition during the one time of the day she sought to relax.
The nerve of him! Admiring Gretchen!
And all she could do was find herself staring in the mirror, her frown growing deeper and deeper as she looked at her plain face in the mirror, envy making her heart sink deep inside her chest.
She didn't give him much of a chance to reply as she excused herself for whatever served as the washroom in this establisment and he gestured her to go on, musing to himself and sipping his tea. Good gods, it was hot. What was her problem? Well, now that he thought about it, he couldn't really blame her. It was quite distasteful of him to admire another in the presence of his guest. But she was almost acting like she was his wife or something! Gods, didn't she hate him?
And with that thought came another in mind. The matter of her living arrangements. Now as much as he wanted her to leave, he thought, he felt some guilt in having her live on her own with her life basically in tatters. He knew she was the kind of woman to make the best of it; besides what other choice did she have? And another thought considered, what kind of host would he be to just kick his guest to the curb the way he might have on their first encounter. She wasn't an...overwhelmingly rude guest. But, as long as he could keep things civil between them, he supposed it wouldn't hurt to extend her stay until she was better and could either patch things up between her and her aunt or find a place of her own...
Speaking of which, where was she?
Victoria had spent much more time in the powder room than she had wished. She didn't know why her spirits were was ragged as they were. Perhaps it was a bad idea they had come to town. Especially considering how much her leg throbbed. But she refused to complain. Sighing, she continued to fuss at her hair, staring at herself once more in the mirror before making a soured face. Perhaps if she had been more vain, she could have asked to gather her make up and things and when she moved away from the powder room, she was stopped by Gretchen.
"Are you alright, Miss Armani? You've been in there for quite some time."
Victoria raised a brow at the girl. She really was a sweet thing. WHy, if she was Urich, she would have chosen Gretchen over herself any given day. But she simply shrugged off Gretchen's sweet claim.
"I am quite alright. Just exhausted from the day and I fear I have left my powder and rouge and lipstick at home." She sighed, but then was surprised when the girl suddenly lead her back into the powder room. "Then come, we must! I always have make up on hand. Please do not hesitate to use some. Infact you must, Miss Armani. I insist!"
"Well, I-" but Victoria was in no place to really protest, and only felt slightly better when painting color to her face.
"There now, you look lovely. I must get back to tea. Don't keep your friend waiting." ANd Gretchen left with a knowing smile.
"Oh but he isn't-" but the woman was already gone
Sighing, Victoria fussed over her hair, then giving up on it and just settling for her face at least looking a little better, she returned tot he table and back to her tea, which made her frown.
It was cold..
[Isn't it bad to share make-up? Disease is everywhere!]
"You were gone long," Urich said with a matching frown. "Look, I knew it'd be too cold when you came back so I took the opportunity of buying you another one. It's the least you could do after taking me on this wonderful trip to town. Well, you know its not that wonderful, but it's nice." He smiled at her, kindly and took the cold cup, shoving the hot one that had been placed in front of him and exchanged them. "I took the opportunity of putting honey in it for you. So that it can be sweeter."
Urich downed the cold tea like it was a whikey shot and shook his face at the taste. But his expression changed as he laughed at himself. "So there was something I wanted to talk to you about. Your current living arrangements... I've decided to...uh," the words were choking him as he wanted to say it but his subconscious certainly didn't want to.
"I mean, you can stay with me for a while longer if you'd like. You won't be imposing, trust me...there's plenty of room. I mean, who's going to complain. It's just me and a bunch of ghosts. Robern is nice and all, but you begin to question your sanity when you're just talking to a skull all day. It's refreshing to have live company, a real person to interact with for once. I'll ask that doctor about tips on how to keep your ankle from worsening. And if in the end, you want to pay me, I'm no going to stop you. Mind you, I'm not asking, but I have a feeling your pride won't allow you to be a charity case. I can respect that.
"So, what do you think about that then?"
OOC: yes but.. clearly they live in the dark ages 8D
Victoria only stared at him. It wasn't like she was going to ASK Him to comment on her make up, infact hse'd rather not, and found herself feeling a little less anxious as she thought on it, only half listening to what he said.
At first, she was going to complain, but just let him go on about it, barely making a peep as he spoke and she, sipping at her hot tea.
It was rather nice of him to do that...
Not that it mattered as she sighed.
"I do realize you seem to be alright with me staying as a guest, and I won't disagree to staying as long as necessary, but I hate to bring it up again about propriety.. "s he rubbed irritably at her temple. "I sound like a broken wheel." she griped, sighing, then sipped back at her tea. Becuase it was hot, it did perk her up a bit.
"We... can discuss more o this later. I'm obviously not fit to be going anywhere since I think I've strained my ankle again this morning, but no bother. I will look into other accommodations as quickly as possible, though I suppose it won't matter on my reputation at this point. I might even have some cousins on the other side of Adela, or even Connlaoth." She sighed her tea again and went on. "Though it will take some time to contact them. However, they might not take kindly to my current accommodations, you must understand, considering you and I are not and have no plans to wed." Again, she sighed. "And by now you must know a woman of my station is not meant to be kept under such accommodations, so it makes things a bit tricky."s he rubbed her temple yet again. "Perhaps i"ll stick to a place to rent." Though she knew it would be far shabbier than anything she was used to...
she would just have to swallow her pride, she supposed.
"Come now, we shouldn't waste any more time here." she began, moving to rise. Really, she's had quite enough of this tea!
"Now wait a minute," Urich said, reaching over and catching her arm as she was about to rise. He pulled her down a little, motioning for her to sit. "You talk as if I care about things like 'propriety'. I wasn't born into money and titles and positions of power, so it really has no store on me. And as for you being a woman of station, are you forgetting that you said yourself that you have none? I might be a wolf but I have pretty good memory about most things."
Urich looked around, looking irritated with the rabble in the shop. "You talk as if the rules you know are the only rules of the proper world. Good sense and practicality are just as good as your inclination for what you consider is proper. I'm going out on a limb for you. You know you don't want to stay longer than you need to, and you know I don't much care to have a person who tried to shove me out of my own house, live for beck and call. But, what do you think that says about me? About you? I'm willing to let you stay as long as you need to. If you want an apartment for yourself, that is fine. I won't fight you on that. But don't you go saying that it isn't proper for someone to help another in need, which basically is what it feels like you're saying."
Urich stood then, indicating now it was time to go. "There's nothing more to discuss on it. You're staying with me until furher notice. Who gives a damn what other people think? In the end, all that matters is what you think. Now, let's go."
OOC: You CHEATER! Posting after I've gone to bed! *shakes fist*
His opinion was well and good and all, but at the end of the day, Victoria was a victim to her own society.
"You wouldn't understand," she told him bluntly and moved to rise. "But we ought to leave it at that. You and I are from different world's, Mr. Renqvist. ANd it's best we do not dawdle, as I grow weary." ANd as they walked out of the tea parlor, she stared up at his face. "How is your head? Shall we see if the doctor has any medicine to help you with any aches before we go? You did suffer a rather nasty fall." And she stared at him with genuine concern-
and well, to be honest, she'd rather worry about him than her crumbling reputation in this town.
Urich felt oddly hurt by her refusal to stay. But it was a futile battle, even though he knew she understood him less than she did, and perhaps the other way around as well. He may not have been from high society, but it wasn't difficult to understand. The rules were simple enough even for a werewolf to slip amongst them. But there came a time when such rules only served to chain a person from doing anything else. But he supposed Victoria had been chained all her life, and she'd come to rely on those chains.
"No," he said, sighing and looking solemn. "I understand perfectly." He left and held the door open for her as they did so and helped her back to the horse.
"It's distasteful of a woman to show concern for a man who isn't a relative or her husband," Urich said flatly. "I'm sure the doctor has already told everyone he knows about the young Armani woman and the mysterious man she saw half naked in delirium. Besides, I doubt you really care anyway. We're going for your ankle, not my head, so start limping."
Victoria was becoming quite ill-tempered now. Really, their situation in town was! It was well! It was... was.....!!! ARRGH! That man was IMPOSSIBLE!
And then he had to go on about her leg, and that's when she kicked him. She hadn't meant to, not literally anyways, inside her head would have sufficed, but there she was! She kicked him and she found herself staring at him after the fact.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist!" she said with a huff. "Do not add salt to my wounds, lest we both end up limping back to the doctor's! I can ask the doctor whatever I want! You fell from a horse!" And she studied him, more closely and angrily. "Perhaps the fall did mess with your head!"
"I think the fall only did wonders to clear my head," Urich said blandly, but holding his leg where she kicked him. "Surely people have seen your violent display and are already talking. By now, I bet your aunt knows you're still alive and well, and have a werewolf to lug you around all day like tattered luggage. But enough talk. Get your ass to the doctor's now."
OOC: We're already at 19 pages... somehow he hasn't killed Victoria yet :U
Victoria glared daggers at him.
"I could make an even bigger public display,"s he warned, then huffed off towards the doctor's.
And he was surprised to see the pair again, but glad to be of service.
While she sat on the lounge and he tended to her leg, Victoria went on about other things- such as Urich's condition.
"And I do think Mr. Renqvist might do well with some medicine. It seems the fall might be jarring his ability to think correctly." she said, not even shooting a gaze his way, in fact, the entire time, she had become rather cold to him. And quite intentionally. She was in a rare mood and it could not be shaken so easily.
The doctor was binding her leg, pinning the wrap in place when he peered over at Urich.
"I suppose i could get pain medicine for the both of you. But be wary. This serum tastes most foul and is quite potent."
He walked away, producing a clear glass jar full of a clear liquid.
"Here," he walked past Miss Armani and handed it to Urich.
"Just a few drops a day if either of you is suffering with pain, but be sure there is bed rest after. The affects, as I mentioned, are potent, but the suffering will subside under it's influence."
Victoria bit her tongue, keeping her thoughts to herself but a scowl remained. Really, why trust that man with their drug?
"Well, I suppose if that is it, we shall be on our way. I will have to see about payment next time I am in town."
The doctor bowed respectfully.
"I have no doubts on that. Is hall expect to see you soon."
Victoria nodded then gestured to Urich. "Come now, we should be off."
[He just might soon enough]
"Is a whole jar really necessary?" Urich asked, but it was too late before Victoria was ushering them out. Urich pocked the bottle, throwing the crimson coat back over his shoulders and adjusting the lapels. He pulled a small sack of coins from his belt, and shook it a bit before taking the opportunity to tossing them at the doctor, who caught the payment with a solid oof.
"She'll be back sooner than I will, that I can promise you. Consider that a down payment," Urich said. "Don't spend it all at once."
Urich moved to the horse in the alley and untethered the animal, who was happy to finally be going again. He climbed into the saddle and motioned a hand for Victoria to climb up. "Afternoon will soon be over. We have to be back before the evening."
Victoria nodded and took a seat in front of him, positioning herself uneasily within his arms. Really, it was... well, did she have to explain it to herself the way she felt when she was near him? But really! It wasn't well for a woman to be attracted to such a man.. especially one that would rather have her dead... which brought her back to another series of confusing sorts of feelings all together.
And then her mind returned tot he idea of tonight.
"Urich.."s he said suddenly, and curiously lifted her head. "About tonight.." She frowned a little, looking at him with worry and concern. "It's the full moon and... well, obviously you're a werewolf." she shifted uneasily over the saddle. "And I must admit, I know only very little about the constitutions of a transition and all that it entails." She blinked. "Being of the wolf, must you... you know... change every time the full moon comes out?"
It sounded silly, but...
she was curious... and hadn't he expressed he was only partial breed?
Yes but.. well..
She still wanted to ask, despite the lameness of the question- and part of her did worry for him- the idea seemed like it might be very much painful indeed!
Urich shrugged indifferently at the question, wondering why she was suddenly so curious about that particular part of him. It wasn't like he planned on sticking around when he changed, he kept his eyes away. It didn't matter if she was particularly interested in learning more about him, she was too busy filling herself full of hot air.
"Like you said, we're each a part of two very different worlds. And maybe there are just some things we wouldn't understand about each other. And maybe such things we're better off not knowing. Besides, you're only trying to make conversation while we ride. Do what you do best and be useless and quiet."
Urich dug his heels hard into the horse's side and they rode fof down the road and out of town.
Really! What a trying and terribly rude man!
"And what if I really were to be so interested?" she retorted, giving a huff. "I only know what I've read about in books about werewolves and they intrigue me as would anything else." She snorted then, growing angry and offended at his last comment.
"And if I were so useless, well, I could have just so much as left you back there in the mud, with your head unconscious! Or I could have dragged you back to that farm! Dump you in the pig's squalor!" Her eyes were blazing, the anger seeming to come from no where at all.
"You would have been well, I'm sure! The pride in that thick skull of yours probably saved you from any brain damage had I all but ignored you!" And angrily she looked away, falling into the brewing silence he wished.
Really! Such a trying man!!!!! Could a lady not show any interest or concern!?
Urich remained cold to her heated tone as the horse bolted off with clopping hooves. He held on to the reins with a tight tense hand and to her with another and he kept his hazel-green eyes coldly ahead, clenching his jaw. He begged for silence and at the risk of beating her skull in, his teeth hurt even more as he tried to contain his growing rage.
It was difficult, but he managed to pass it into the same apathy she was content with giving him. The roads were slick with rain and the horse was getting antsy at the moisture underneath.
"Then why didn't you?" was all he said, keeping his eyes ahead. If only the horse could get him home faster.
Victoria bit her tongue, almost to the point to make it bleed. The question made her visibly flinch and also swallow down all of her hot breath.
For it was a simple answer, without simple reasons.
"Because you would have done the same for me,"s he admitted, feeling defeated. Really, despite all of her hot air- she wouldn't have left him- and she knew neither would he, and the thought tickled her heart but made her feel guilty. She sighed and settled into a wilt against the saddle.
"And because you asked for it, I'll be quiet the rest of the way."
it wast he least he deserved...
And also, she suddenly felt ill after speaking so harshly without real warrant.
She was just so very unhappy as of late, but at the same time, there was happiness in this trying times. And as much as she'd hate to admit it, it was because of him.
It was true...in a convoluted manner of speaking. And it made Urich sigh with a cold defeat as well. As much as he despised her, and the emotion was still quite strong within him, dying in the mud was a terrible way to go. If she were to die, would it not be better to feel the life slip by his hand? Certainly more satisfying than from pneumonia. But for now, he'd care for this little hot-headed sheep like the pups that eagerly awaited his return.
And when Sul'Gulthan came in sight, he finally gave a smile and dismounted from the horse with a jubilant jump. Urich helped her down and began with taking the baggage off the horse who was already tired and red-nosed. He set two of them aside and when the horse was alleviated he slapped her on the ass, sending her back to the farm where she came from. "Git!"
He plucked her bags off the ground, well most of them and burned to the door of the stronghold. The doors were unlocked, and he promptly passed through, dropping them in the antechamber hall and proceeding into the greathall. But something was amiss and Urich knew it when he saw the candlelights were out and the table had been all but destroyed.
A shadow lazily sat on his throne and immediately Urich felt the hair prickle on the back of his neck. He set the jar of the pain suppressors aside, practically throwing it as he stepped forth. "Who dares defile my home!?" he screamed, daring the shade to stand.
And it did, almost inhumanly tall, broad-shouldered, more powerful than he. And slowly it stepped from the throne. There was the sound of metal moving, and a chained ringing in between. "Are you the werewolf Urich Renqvist?"
"Who's asking?"
"Someone has paid me a lot of money to find you."
Victoria remained quiet as promised, and even more so as they approached Sul'Gulthan, a place she had come to call her temporary 'home'. The sight was welcoming, but also chilling all the same, and the dark, dank smell from the rain only aided in the unknown feelings brewing inside her chest.
She never liked to dwell on the pity she felt for herself, always being prideful first, doubtful later- but she couldn't help but feel all the more lack lustre in tht moment- as dreary grey as the day itself.
When the horse was smacked off and away, she was jarred from her somber expression with a light blink, and set about to carry her remaining bags and followed in silence, Urich to the front gates and away in inside.
Though she had missed the foreboding presence until it was all but too late, she paused at his side with a light huff. Though as the other man rose himself from the shadows, her eyes went wide and her chin craned upward. The man's presence sent a cold shiver through her veins, and one up her spine, bristling the hairs at the back of her neck.
She kept her lips flat, body tense as she dropped her bags, missing the table- for what was left of it in the mess.
The chains rattled just slightly as the man stepped down from the throne, but the action did nothing to level his height. He was a human tower, whoever this man was. He came through the shade and Urich could feel his hackles rise further. He stepped away from Victoria. "Who are you!?" he bellowed.
"I'm suprised you haven't heard of me. But no matter, it seems like you haven't heard of a lot of things. I'm a certain hunter of your kind. And I'm looking for a specific young lady who's last known location was this stronghold," the man said. "I am Venaede Kaiser. Where is the girl?"
"What? What girl?" Urich said defenisively before moving out of the way and looking at Victoria. "Did you have anything to do with this?"
Victoria felt her stomach twist, body growing uncomfortably fearful in this new man's presence as she visibly winced. But at Urich's inquiry, she shot him back a quick, fiery retort. "I should say not! Wouldn't it be more suitable for you to be of such an acquaintance rather than I?- Unless.." she blinked, realizing... "Aunt Millicent." She pressed her lips together, eyes widening at the claim.
She turned towards the man.
"Did Millicent Armani send you!?" She was rattled by the idea, but really- this was far too much-
the room, as she observed, was in ruins. If her aunt wanted her to return, why not simply ask instead of go all the way to hire some man who'd cause a fuss!?
She set her jaw, eyes now glaring defiantly at this man as her hands clenched into fists.
"I demand you tell us all of the details. You need to speak up of who directly you are searching for, and from whom you were sent. How do we know how to answer properly if we are just to assume?"
Though, it was obviously the man was after her- but she was still tried by it-
Really.. what was Aunt Millicent thinking!?
"If she has sent you, than I m the woman whom you seek." Though it still pained her to admit it as she continued to glare, cheeks held with breath.
"If you are the Armani bloodline, good. Half my work here is done. Wait outside, I'll be out shortly to escort you back to your aunt. She's been worried sick. Go, woman, his doesn't concern you." Venaeade came close enough in the gloom to be visible. His expression was hardened, grim and Urich felt small by not only the size of him but by what he sensed would come next.
"What do you mean...half done?" Urich said, backing away, hating the fear that was steadily growing inside of him. He could feel his claws slowly unsheating and as his face passed between the gloom and what light was there, it grew hairier and hairier, more and more wolfish in appearance, as he backed away from Venaede.
But the man with the chains only quickly closed the distance between them with a flying axblade that came flying out like a whirling whipe. Urich yelped and fell backwards, but the fear of being cornered suddenly transformed itself into rage. Yet another invader of his home and as the pull of the full moon drew closer as time dragged on, Urich tore away from Venaede and made a powerful leap back to his throne feeling his body draw into the change. He tore off his coat as his body grew, larger, longer, and hair the same dark auburn of his head spread all over his body. His clothes ripped as his body turned powerful and his face morphed into a snout and ears elongated. Pained cries emerged from his body, clinging to the stone of his throne and he let out an angered roar as Venaede lunged forth again.
The twisted blades of the ax-whip whirled around his head and slashed through the headrest of the throne, smashing it to bits as Urich leapt just in time to dodge the attack. But for a mere mortal man, Venaede was fast and strong and showed know fear as he used the moment to launch the opposing head that clipped into Urich's shoulder as he clung to the rear wall behind the throne. The silver and steel burned into his flesh. Urich grabbed the throne, tearing it from its base and flung it at the vampire hunter, who rolled out of the way.
Urich saw Victoria from the corner of his eye and growled hungrily, angrily, knowing this was all somehow her fault. He charged for her but suddenly felt another blade come across his side, the force of which knocked him to the side and sent him reeling into the wall. And that was how it went for the better part of an hour. He was too fast, that human, and it was painfully obvious the man had trained his entire life to fight creatures of his kind. Urich was smashing and thrashing against the walls of his own home and he watched as brick by brick the fight was sending it tumble to the ground.
Venaede had not gone entirely unscathed as he managed to cut his claws deep into the leather of his cuirass, and another across his leg, but the pain seemed only to drive the hunter to attack him with even more determination. At long last, Urich felt the strength afforded to him from his wolf's blood was being sapped from him in exhaustion as he slumped in his wolf form, crawling on his hands and knees, looking at Venaede stand over him with wolfish eyes.
"Time to finish this game," Venaede said, clutching the bloodied axes one in each hand and he raised them both high above his head, ready to deliver the killing blow.
Victoria blinked ad was taken back.
"I'm not going anywhere,"s he began to angrily retort, though as the scene unfolded, she began to wish she had.
The two men were vicious towards one another, the ceiling and walls crumbling beneath their might as she let out a gasp, trying to hide beneath the table as stone collapsed and crumbles into pieces and dusts about her skirts.
"This is madness! You must both stop! There is no reason for this! If I'm part of the reason than I command you to-"
but then she gave another start as Urich lunged for her.
"Mr. Renqvist!" she screamed, pressing herself up against a wall now as she paled. She could have been killed! The wild beast in his eyes and body- the transformation-
was this how it was meant to be to be a werewolf!? He was terrifying! An animal! A monster! I twas absurd!
It was only then she was thankful the strange Kaiser man had stopped him, and her heart beat returned, thumping loudly within her chest. She glanced around, blood was staining everywhere as the chaotic battled continued. She didn't even know if she wanted to escape or what possessed her to suddenly act out when she realized the hunter was going in for the kill.
"NO, STOP!"s he shouted, throwing herself suddenly between man and beast, arms thrust out at her sides in a protective manner as she braced herself, shoulders hunched as she glared at Mister Kaiser.
"I IMPLORE YOU TO DESIST THESE ACTIONS NOW! BEFORE YOU TEAR THIS ENTIRE PLACE APART! ARE WE NOT ALL CIVILIZED MEN WHERE WE CAN DISCUSS THIS!?" she screamed, forcing herself to be heard as she panted, heart trying to beat out of her chest. "Please, lower your weapon now or you'll have more than an angered werewolf to deal with!"
Really, nothing was worse than a woman's scorn! And the belligerence in her eyes made promise of that!
Venaede feared nothing living or dead, for he'd lived through enough fear to know that all it served was as an impediment. He felt no mercy or remorse as he watched the Armani woman throw herself in front of the wolf. His expression turned grim and he looked her squarely in the eyes. "He is a wolf. He's a blessing to no one, a monster. If he didn't kill you now, he would have later. You should know better," he said with a stirring tone and without further adieu he smashed a backhand hard across her face and kicked her aside.
Venaede approached the defenseless werewolf and used his boot to turn him over. The hair was slowly receding from his body, and a clawed hand came up to hold the foot that threatened to crush his throat. "I give up... Don't kill me. I give up. Take me to wherever it is that you want... Please," Urich croaked out, weakly pushing against the foot.
"Let this be your tomb beast. One less monster from the face of this earth," Venaede breathed.
The blow hit her hard, drawing blood that spilled from her face, and she lay still for a while, paralyzed in that moment by fear. It was only when the rush, the fear of the consequences of her inadequacies that she gave rise again, tearing across the floors, skirts be damned, as she snatched up whatever she could, anything she could, as knuckles went white as she gripped onto a heavy stone brick.
And with a heave ad cry, she swung her arms out with all of her might, smashed the stone against Vaneade's head.
"And that's.." Victoria began, panting as she remained, trembling over Vaneade's form with a swollen cheek and bleeding nose. She rubbed off the blood idly on her sleeve. "That's what you get for assuming I'm as worthless as all other girls." She gave a sniff, righting her shoulders before simply dropping the brick clutched in her hands ontop of the unconscious bully.
Turning, she noticed Urich's form upon the floor, and stumbled over Vaneade to reach him.
"Oh, Urich.. Urich, you poor, man!" she shouted, tripping and falling nearly to her knees as she approached him, pulling his broken form onto her lap. "I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Are you alright? Can you even move!? Oh, gods..."S he noticed all of the blood and scrapes he sustained and clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wavering. "I don't know if you can ever forgive me for this. I'm sorry. I never thought my Aunt would ever hire someone. She.. she said she disowned me! She had wanted me out of her house! She-" Victoria went on, tears falling hotly from her eyes as she just held him, sobbing just slightly short of hysterics.
Urich's head was pounding, much like it had been at the doctor's but this time, everything was hurting and there was nothing he could do about it, watching through half-lidded eyes as the looming form of his would-be killer suddenly move out of sight and the boot was removed from his throat. He gave a cough, too tired to fight another force suddenly moving him. He cried out at the motion and saw Victoria sobbing uselessly.
"This is all your fault," Urich said. "If only you'd just stayed away." He groaned and turned away, blackened eyes suddenly filling with tears and he sobbed as uncontrollably as she did. "OH LOOK AT MY HOUSE!" he cried. "My houuuuuse.... My home!" And he cried like a baby, his hair vanishing completely and he was just a naked man crying in her lap.
Victoria couldn't help but continue to cry.
"I'm so sorry, Urich! You don't ever have to forgive me for this. You shouldn't, Gods." She shook her head, just holding him.
" I'm just so glad you're alive, and oh. Oh! The puppies!" her face cracked, paling as her lips trembled.
" I.. we'll- we'll have to find the puppies, and I'll help you. You can have the rest of my money. I don't need it nor want it. I'm already ruined, and this- this place.. Gods, it's ruined." she was in hysterics, shaking her head as her body was racked with sobs.
"I'm just so glad you're alive!"s he repeated, throwing her arms around him tightly as she sobbed against him. "I'm so sorry for ruining your life, Urich. You never deserved any of this! I never deserved you being so kind! This never should have happened!" Her shoulders shook, her breath hiccuped as she continued to sob and wail.
"And all you've done to me was to help me and this is all the thanks you get!" She shook her head, sobbing before pulling her face away, blood still lightly spilling from her nose, which had stained her face and lips and although her eyes weren't bleeding, they also turning red with tears as they remained hot and glossed over her large, brown eyes.
"After I help you clean this, I'll leave. I swear it," she spoke, barely in a whisper, barely containing her choked sobs. "Then You won't ever have to see me again." She promised, staring down into his face, his imagine a blur as she shook still, sobs forming more hot tears that ran down her face. "It's the least I could do." And she fell to sobs yet again.
How was she ever to live with herself, knowing she just ruined this man's life! His home.. and almost his body...
He could have died!
He didn't know how he managed it but he wiped his tears away and stopped croaking, finding strength enough to pull away from her. "You're so selfish," Urich said. "You always find a way to make things about you!" He growled at her and slowly stood, bruised and bloodied. He stopped to reach for his crimson jacket, glad at least one thing could be spared in the midst of ths destruction. He slipped it over his shoulders so that he might be partly clothed and limped to the other end of the great hall, stepping over the rubble.
He found the path to his room had not been entirely blocked and it was there that he put on some fresh clothes, well, at least some trousers. His room had not entirely suffered as the great hall had did, but some stones had been misplaced and a dresser ahd been toppled over. Urich limped as he finished dressing himself. Something peculiar was making a noise behind his locked door and when he broke open the lock, he saw the ghostly form of Robern hiding behind there, the pups all huddled around his treasury.
"Sir! You're alive!" The skull said and the pups wagged their tails furiously in excitement, whining, too happy to contain themselves.
"Come, now, Robern...there's nothing left for us here," Urich said solemnly and reached for the skull. He cradled it in his arm and motioned the pups to follow him. They did so happily and he led them over the rubble and through the ruined great hall.
"Good gods," Robern said, his ghost following him. "What-"
"Don't ask."
Urich limped to Victoria, bloodied and bruised as he was and sighed. "Stop feeling so goddamned sorry for yourself woman. I told you to talk to your aunt in town. Family's family, but your stupid stubborn pride gets in the way of any good sense you could ever have. There's no use in cleaning up. It would take me ten years to get it back to the way it was. C'mon pups, let's go."
Victoria was shocked at his comment and it went about as well as a slap to the face.
She hadn't meant her words like that, but perhaps it was just as well. There wasn't anything she felt she could do not to fix any of the ruination around her.
And not only was her former life ruined, but this new one as well. She had been spoiled rotten for so long and now, she felt her pride dwindling away. She had never been faced with such a catastrophe in all of her life. And now, despite her assuming it before, she knew it now. Mr. Renqvist was livid with her. And clearly that would lead to his hate.
While he had been able to wipe away his tears, she, however, could not.
When Urich approached her side, she was barely able to compose her sobs as she rose from her feet, her eyes averting his. She only nodded, brushing back her tears before looking at him, but the tears were still brewing. And although it looked as if she might say something, she did not and simply lowered her gaze.
"Whatever you would have of me. If you'd like, I can return to my Aunt's to explain this mess." Her words were soft as she blinked back more tears, but they just wouldn't stop as her lips trembled. "I'm at your disposal. If you want me to leave, just say it." After all, she was defeated. There was nothing more she could do. She understood completely now why he hated her, for she hated herself, too.
Urich stopped, the puppies sitting and looking up at him curiously. He sighed, which hurt too and he held his side as he did so. His face was too pained and his ears rung loudly from all the boxing they'd had. He kept his eyes to the ground, stopping at the doorway and holding himself there. He was silent for a long time, before the tears came again. But he kept his back to the ruins of the great hall, unable to bear the sight of it again.
"And just what do you suppose I have you do? And just where are you going to go? You can't go anywhere on that useless ankle of yours. But...well, it's not fair to blame everything on you. I was stupid to let you stay here. I should have taken you to town as soon as you were awake enough and given you to your aunt, so that at least she'd know you were alive. Well, no use in feeling sorry for yourself. Can't go back in time now."
Urich was about to head through the door when he heard the stirring of the vampire hunter's groaning. The large man sat up, rubbing his head, shaking himself and the dust off of him. He looked over at Urich and the girl. "Well, girl, are you ready to go back to town?" Venaede asked, standing up as if nothing had happened.
"Wolf, you're coming to. I know a place for the likes of you aside from the grave. I'd rather be paid for saving her than not for killing you. No time to waste, let's go."
OOC: 20 pages of 'special' XD
Victoria kept her eyes averted his, just listening to him, despite what he said as she welled up in shame. It was only the sudden rise of the vampire hunter that she was broken from her spell, as she turned to him with a gasp, flinching away as she recalled the pain still throbbing on her face and nose when he backhanded her and gritted her teeth at his request.
Brushing at her tears, she tried to square off her shoulders and act strong, for all the good it did for her.
"I will go with you but only on one condition." and here her eyes raised, meeting sharply to the hunter's. "You promise to deliver him to my Aunt, and my Aunt alone, and then you never interfere with him again. If you were employed by my Aunt, which it is more than obviously presumably so, " she continued, wiping away at more tears as she felt herself growing so angry she began to shake. "Than I will personally find a way to make you sorry for ever interfering with an Armani woman." She kept her head high, but only towards him. The hunter couldn't steal her pride, even if Urich broke it. She would not let this ruffian just be off with Urich after she had just tried to save his life. "Then you can have your money, and any extra so long as you rid yourself under these conditions. I have connections to the counsel, and it's in my blood, so help me. I will find a way to bury you beneath this earth if I must!"
OOC: Victoria has a death wish and like- has a flare for the dramatics, apparently XD
"Spare me the dramatics, I'm off at midnight," Venaede said sarcastically. But his eyes never left hers, even as his hands zipped the chain from the center of the whip back together, and locked the weapon tight, which made Urich wonder how such a small weapon could cause so much damage, and the hunter placed the ax-whip back at his side.
"You'll go with me because I said so, and this werewolf will go, also because I said so. You're aunt thought you were dead, most likely at the hands of this beast and hired me to find you...or your remains. I don't care about what happens to either of you frankly. And you cannot tell me where to take you. You're only lucky that i just so happen to be taking you to the older Armani woman in the first place, but not because you decree it. She's very worried about you. I'm sure you'd make a nice rug for somebody werewolf."
Urich only hung his head in shame, the pups scampering behind him and he left the ruins, standing outside the gates with his limp, clutching the skull under his arm. The wolf pups followed him, scurrying as far away from Venaede as possible. The vampire hunter had grabbed Victoria roughly by the arm and 'escorted' her out.
"And where do you think that money is coming from, Miss Armani?" Venaede asked. "The counsel pays very generously for one of their own...well in a manner of speaking. I hear you're about to get ejected. But I suspect they wished for you to sign the final paperwork. You know how those types are. Everything is paperwork."
"Geeze, tell me about it," Urich agreed, rolling his eyes. "So how do we get back to town?"
"I've got a cart. You promise not to bolt?"
"I've got nowhere to run to, and I'm not in any condition either thanks to you." Urich shrugged and followed to the wagon, parked to the side not to far up the road.
Victoria felt somewhat deflated by the man's retort, but said nothing, keeping at least her pride as a front to him as she moved towards Urich and the puppies. She bent down, scratching their ears affectionately.
"They will have to come to,"s he muttered to the hunter, not caring much for him and glaring him daggers, then with a sniff of her bloody nose, she moved to Urich's side.
"Do you need help getting in?"s he offered. Despite her busted leg, he looked worse for wear, and she'd be damned if she would't at least offer him some help and comfort.
"I could go back and get you a pillow for your back."S he winced at the sight of his wounds. "Those look very painful." her eyes went to his a moment as she kept her lips pressed together. It was only then she was finally showing herself without levels, without bars, only honesty shining in the brown colored depths. If she had put fronts on for caring before, she was more earnest now. ANd she didn't care. She owed him enough to be more level headed, and without airs.
The hunter, on the other hand-
He could eat her middle finger.
"Bring 'em, leave 'em, it matters not to me," the hunter said, climbing into the wagon. Of course the pups had no intention of leaving Urich behind nor he them and he carefully bent down plucking them from the ground one by one and behaving surprisingly well, particularly Draegr that clung to Victoria's side like a magnet to steel.
Urich only looked at her with empty eyes. "I think you've done enough damage to my home as it is. Get in. Hunter, you, in the front. We have some bags can we go back and get them?"
"Make it quick."
"I could use some help."
"Big bad wolf asking for help." Venaede scoffed but came off the buckboard and went back to the bags of dresses that Victoria had ordered. Once they were all on the cart, the hunter slapped the horse with the reins and they were off, the moon rising over the hills.
Victoria felt hurt by his words, but merely fell back into silence, wishing she could become as muted grey as the skies had been. When they were all settled on board the wagon, she diligently kept her eyes averted from Urich's. She was too ashamed to speak to him directly, so she refrained from starting any dialogue. After all, she felt unworthy of his tongue.
The puppies sensed the melodrama and began to whimper, a few pawing at Urich,t hen glancing at Victoria, then their ears would pin back when they saw the hunter, and they'd repeat the cycle a few times before a few brave pups decided to join Victoria's side.
But she never lifted her head, merely lifted her other hand that was not preoccupied in stroking Draegr who now remained at her lap. She needed the comfort, even as her own heart was breaking during this tragedy. The pup new it, whimpered too and nuzzled her arm before looking over at Urich then away.
Urich was exhausted from all the events of the day and it had taken a toll on him. His face was bruised and bashed, nose dripping with mucus and blood and he whiped it away and cleaned his hand on a handkerchief. He laid down on the long seat, the pups trying to get his attention but he kept his eyes averted, falling asleep as he did so.
By the time they awoke, they were in front of a familiar house and fence. And all Urich could think about was mud. He opened his eyes and found something on his chest. "What the hell is this goddamned hat doing on me?" he asked, giving Victoria daggers.
"Shut up, back there. We're here," Venaede said, and met by an undead valet.
Victoria had only remembered about his transformation after he had fallen asleep. Fearing he'd do it again, she had unpinned her hat and rested it on him, and the small disturbance lured a few more pups to her side, so that when Urich awoke, almost all of them were sitting on the opposing side with Victoria, staring at him with wide, puppy eyes. To see Urich awake, most of them wagged their tails and jumped off the bench to be near to him, licking at his face, one even pawed at the hat, nipping it lightly.
Victoria smiled sadly.
She would miss them.
All of them.
She only glanced briefly at Urich, seeing the anger in his eyes and looked away.
"I was afraid you'd transform. The moon is full and you are weak, and we are in no condition to deal with you if you become an animal."s he replied softly, tired, weakly before noticing the wagon had slowed.
Peering out from the side, Draegr perked up, noticing her house, he made a little noise.
Victoria only felt ill, and probably looked it as she visibly blanched.
But the sight of Frederick was indeed, a sight for sore eyes! It was only then her dismal face broke a little to afford a small smile after all thta had happened, though the first thing that came out of Frederick's mouth shocked for- for he was always rather composed, but when he noticed her face, still smeared with dry blood, and he gave a gasp, one of his eyes popping out of his face as he blinked.
"MIss Armani!? What happened!?"
Victoria sighed and took the valet's hand as she stepped out of the cart.
"You don't want to know, Frederick." and she bent down, picking up his eye and brushing off the dirt. Handing it back to him she went on, "Please tend to Mr. Renqvist. He had been injured when the hunter came to his house." and she said nothing more, simply passing him as he blinked and turned to Urich. Noticing hte bags, he simply nodded. "Spare no strain, I can collect the bags." and he managed to grab all of them, despite losing his eye again as he hefted clumsily with them in tow.
Victoria tried to keep her distance from Urich, her back to him, face towards her house, body wilted in defeat. She couldn't stand to look at him any longer- but she had to save her face.
The worst was yet to come. That's when she felt a tug at her heel and turned to look down at Draegr. And she felt more tears in her eyes. Gods,.. the puppy..
She would have to make sure Urich took this one with him, too.
It wouldn't be fair to separate him from the other pups, nor to drag him off with her to some confining apartment...
not to mention, it would break her heart knowing who the pup had come from when she wanted to wash her hands of everything here, if not just for herself (which it partially was, for she was still a selfish being) but she truly believe Urich would have wanted it, too.
But for now, she patted the dog and continued onward, barely keeping herself balance as she hobbled off towards the front gate.
"Let's go wolf, we have business to attend to. Don't think I spare your kind willy-nilly, because I do not. For the sake of the woman, I'll let you go. This time," Venaede said as he leapt from the buckboard. Urich had trouble sitting up and the vampire hunter pulled him to his feet, even going so far as to slump the injured werewolf over his shoulder and carry him like a sack of potatoes. He certainly felt as useless as potatoes. Urich didn't complain and the pups followed Victoria at her heels as the hunter followed her in tow.
The gates opened the group passing through and at the door, it swung open an older woman standing at the foot of it holding in her hands a tightly wound handkerchief, so tight it nearly drew blood from her hands. And when they came closer, a shrill desperate voice picked up in the air.
"Victoria!? Victoria is that you?! Oh, dear gods, you're all right!" And arms went tightly around her. "Miss Victoria Armani! You had me worried sick to the bones!"
Victoria flinched as her Aunt approached, and felt nothing until her breath had been squeezed out from her. She then pushed away suddenly from her, staring up at her with contempt scorching in her eyes. It was only then Aunt Millicent noticed her face.
"Victoria!?" SHe would have been offended by Victoria's sudden defiance had she not been so consumed with this new concern. "What on earth happened? You're-"
As her Aunt reached a hand out, Victoria slapped it away, and averted her gaze.
"You can thank the man you hired," Victoria spat.
Millicent turned to Venaede with a start.
"And of course I'm alright. Mr. Renqvist had cared for me after I had collapsed outside his home. My ankle had been too swollen to walk on, and instead of turning me out, like you had, he took me in, despite his obvious distaste for my presence." Keeping her head high, her Aunt looked almost made enough to hit her if she were not to happy to see her at least alive.
"You wretched child, your poor Aunt has worried sick about you, yet you come back here with that smart mouth equipped."
Victoria stared at her with dull eyes.
"I have nothing to lose, Aunt Millicent. The man cared for me better than my own blood may have. He even shared his food, his servants, even his bed-"
At that, her Aunt gave a start.
"Good heavens- I heard the rumors but-"
"It wasn't like that-" Victoria began.
"But the stories are still there!" her Aunt continued, then she turned to Venaede and waved him off. "We shall have your payment in due time. But you must realize the negotiations are on the table. You were not meant to harm Victoria by anyways." she snapped, eyes glaring.
"And as for you," Millicent turned to Urich, eyeing him up. He was worse for wear. Her eyes flickered to the hunter, then back to the wolf, whom, she noticed, had Victoria's hat pinned to his chest. She supposed that was enough to keep the dog inside him at bay. Releasing a breath, she continued. "Is it true you took Victoria into your care?"
Victoria went to protest, but Millicent held up a hand.
"Answer me."
Venaede had every mind to strike this bitter old crone too if she didn't watch her tone, but the hunter had had enough violence for one night and even felt a little deprived that he didn't get to spill this wolf's blood. And at the mention of negotiation of the gold promised to him Venaede was forced to bite his lip as the old woman turned her attention to the werewolf on his shoulder.
Urich just looked at her, hair and face being pulled by gravity as he was upside down. His arms hung uselessly toward the ground and he raised a brow at Millicent. "Um, yes," he said, feeling little more than an idiot. "And Victoria don't talk to your aunt that way. And you Mrs. Witch-Queen, please treat your family with some respect. I didn't take care of her for nothing. I was gonna return her to you as soon as she was well! In fact she sent you a letter from the post this morning. I guess like with all paperwork it takes a while to process." He rolled his eyes and let out an oof! when Venaede dropped him to the ground before plucking him back up to his feet.
"Can we please go inside, the rains are brewing?" the hunter asked. "I'll wait in the hall while you handle these two."
OOC: Warning- this post may be FULL of typos.
FULL OF THEM
IC:
"Yes, you can wait in the hall while I draw up your check." she eyed the hunter warily then sighed to the rest.
"Come, all of you inside. ANd Frederick, do tend to Mr. Renqvist, will you?"
It had taken Frederick a while to approach, considering he had lost his eye and he blinked now, at a loss for his hands were tied with clothes.
Sighing, Victoria moved past him.
"I can help Mr. Renqvist," and despite any protests, she helped him as best as she cold into the house, only muttering a weak . "I will forever be sorry for this." in a sad tone along the way. Other than that, she was silent.
Inside, she helped him into a chair, and as she fussed over him, her Aunt approached witha hawk like glare.
"So, I've attended to Mr. Kaiser. He will be out of our hair shortly. But you, look at me Victoria.."
Victoria looked up from where she had been at Urich's side, making sur ehe was comfortable on the sofa before sighing and rising off the floor.
"There is a certain matter we need to discuss." and her eyes darted towards Urich. "About his intentions towards you."her eyes then went to her niece's. "And of your future in this Armani house hold, an din the counsel-"
Victoria went to protest, but Millicent held up her hand. "Do not interrupt, please."
Victoria clamped her lips shut, before MIllicent sighed and gestured to Frederick, who had finally put away the bags.
"Please, bring us some warm water and kerchiefs. These two need to clean up a bit."
Frederick only raise dhis brow, but moved off to obey- but hten she caught his eye- or, in this case, his missing one and furrowed.
"But first, find your eye."
Frederick turned around and bowed before he obeyed."Yes, Miss Armani." and he left.
Millicent rolled her eyes and continued.
"Now, there are quite a few things at stake. First and fore most, I have to bring up the idea of staying in a man's home- let alone his bed, unchaperoned."
"Aunt Millicent!"
But she held up her hand to quell her.
"Now, hear me out. You have little options on the matter, for you'll bring shame to your name, and to this entire family. Moral dictates that you ought to marry him, and marry him at once."
Victoria gasped.
"But being as there seems to be little choice on the matter-"
Victoria stepped up defiantly.
"I will not!"
Millicent raised a sharp brow.
"I refuse to marry! To marry him!" her eyes were wild, hands clenching into fists. "Have we not done enough to harm this man? To try and take away his home, then destroy it!?" Victoria shook her head. "I refuse to chain this man to me as any further obligations, Aunt Milli-"
"Victoria."
and then her niece shot her a gaze, taht even surprised her gaze.
"Please, Aunt Milli, understand. It is not fair to him and what he has gone through and done for me. It is not right to force such a responsibility on a man, especially one who can speak for himself- but I will refuse, in good graces, an just live in some form of excommunication I suppose." she sighed and turned away. "Let the man go freely." It was a man's world after all "As I stated, he has been through enough to warrant him freedom from me."
Millicent bit her lip, brow twitching as she simply pressed on.
"Then I suppose that settles the rest of it. The counsel would have accepted you back,a nd gladly, taken you were to have married, but now with this looming over head- I suppose there is little choice for anything else." She sighed, then turned to MR. Renqvist. "And I suppose we owe you significant money due to the damages. The paper's Victoria had drawn up in your defense have won your negotiations." she smiled, albiet, sadly. "With it, I'm sure you can buy yourself evn even greater manner as you deserve."
It was only at the conclusion of that little diddy that Frederick had showed up, with a slight limp in his walk, eye ball returned to it's socket, and bucket and rags in hand.
Millient gestured to him and he set the bucket and went to work.
"Excuse me for this, Mr. Renqvist, but might I attend to your face?"
Despite his condition, which was not much of a condition in the first place, Urich refused to be treated like a child. And furthermore he hated having to listen to this conversation as if he weren't even in the room. For all her airs and fake earnestness, Urich knew she still couldn't be level with him, not even in his pathetic state. Urich found the energy to sit up and when the corpse came with the bucket and rag, he snatched the cloth from his undead hand (nearly ripping it off) and shoved the valet away with his foot.
"I can take care of myself, thank you very much," Urich said. And looked at the hat on his shirt, which at this point was actually keeping his lycanthrope from healing himself and he angrily yanked it from him and tossed it down the hall, feeling his strength at last return like a warmth after standing in a long cold winter. He dunked the rag and tended to his own face, holding it to one eye, giving hazel-green daggers to her aunt.
"You don't seem to have a nice time listening. Why do you have to be such a stubborn old witch? Nevermind, I suppose it doesn't make any difference. Stop treating your neice like she's some kind of child. Like she can't make any decisions for herself, and you Victoria, you will show your elders some respect. What has gotten into you? Don't you know how to be a normal person for once in your life? I'm the beast with a broken body and I'm more human than the both of you combined. Negotiators be damned."
His face was sore and he wiped it off slowly. It would take some time but he trusted his body to make a full recovery after a night or two of good rest. And good whiskey. Urich sighed and shook his head.
"You seem to be content with making a lot of decisions without even so much as consulting the consent of others. Let me put it simply, in lamens terms so the both of you might understand. Nobody's getting married to anybody in this room. Nobody is paying anybody any kind of money except that rotten hunter. Millicent, you're an old woman, act your age, and treat your kin like you ought. You will take your niece back into this house. She has nowhere to go. You're the closest family she has. If you don't when I recover, no matter what you do or say, I will make it so that all three of us are homeless. Level this place to the ground. And you know I can.
"Victoria you will shut up and live with your aunt in relative peace. Millicent you will see to it that Victoria's actions are seen as a first and final warning and give her an acting seat on that rat trap you call a counsel. There will be no ifs, ands, or buts about this. And as punishment for both of you so-called ladies, I will now become a residence of this place. And nothing you do, or say, or how much paperwork you throw at me, I am staying in this home. As will my pups. And my skull. That will be payment enough. Money is not the object here. If you two don't shut the fuck up and start acting like reasonable normal adults, I'll rip both of your goddamned heads off and stick them on a pike. And I know for a fact I don't need my wolf's blood for that.
"Are we clear?"
Despite her entire life being ruined, Victoria was surprisingly pleasant. Hobbling about, she helped Frederick bring in her things and ushered the puppies and Urich to his room. There was a few spare bedrooms, but the Armani manor was tall, rather than wide, so she had to use extra efforts to climb all the way to the third floor of guests rooms multiple times.
"You'll be staying in the green room, named after, the obvious green color," Victoria went on, never ceasing to move. It was her turn to impress, her turn to wait on him hand and foot and well, her turn to repay him. Though her leg was still throbbing, she never let it show. After his things and the pups seemed all but settled, she sighed and gestured for Urich to follow her. The room he had been offered was gracious indeed, with a large bed full of green ruffled bedding and layers upon layers of pillows, all decked in hand stitched embroidery. And it was all to himself and the room even offered a window with a view of the small gardens.
The green room, as Urich might observe, had a lovely painting of Millicent's great aunt when she was younger- framed in an ornate wood and bronze carved frame . She was quite a beauty, with pale skin, dark eyes and hair, and only could some traits be evident in both Milli and her niece. On either side of it were scones, unlit, but still held with decadence. On it's opposing wall, lesser paintings of that appeared washed, even a bit crude, were framed in bronze.
The walls were painted in the color of mint, the air, smelling of the fresh plants that hung just beside the window and a quaint, wooden desk in one far corner to the left. There was also a jade colored lounge beside a small query of books and a small, fireplace that was already crackling and filling the room with warmth. The rain brought in a draft that needed to be quelled, so now the draft remained in the hall while Urich's room would remain pleasant. Victoria adjuste dhte screen after poking the fire, ensuring the pups did not get in that way.
"I figured you might want to read,"s he said, when gesturing towards the library of books that sat on black, lacquered shelves. "And there is a closet for your things," though she cleared her throat, leading him into the hallway. "But if you wish, I can accompany you into town to find more clothing to tyour liking. The only things we can offer are clothes from my deceased father and shorter clothes that would not fitting you from my cousin, Gerard." Leading him across the wooden hallway, she stopped before another room.
"The bath is in here if."s he drew in a breath, catching it as she had been walking about on her feet for nearly the entire hour. "You can wash up, clean up the blood, freshen up as you like. Frederick is at your disposal, and if you should need him, simply ring the bell."s he pointed to a brass lever in the hall.
It was on the fourth floor Frederick and the other servants slept, which was odd, considering Frederick was the only living dead servant in the entire Armani manor but he wasn't treated as if he were just the living dead, but an integral member of their family.
For he was.
"Now, is there anything I can get you to make you feel more comfortable?" she asked, her eyes finally meeting to his after all of her fussings about and there was a simple pink flush to her cheek from the exertion. She even had a lovely sparkle to her eyes, making her appear inhumanly beautiful, though despite it, she was not.
He couldn't help his mood. Despite the former display of irritated rage, Urich was trying to keep himself from shattering in front of these two infuriating women. This was a temporary move, no more and despite the generosity of his former guest, Urich made no plans to stay her permanently. He considered perhaps he'd spent enough time in the Valley; he'd learned all he could from this place and maybe it was time to move on. The Riverlands were beautiful this time of year, certainly.
He kept his eyes to the ground, following her, only paying silent attention to the vague descriptions she gave. After all the grandness he had, he was now reduced to...this. Not that it wasn't decadent, or comfortable, but if circumstances were different, he might be in a better mood to appreciate it. He could only frown at Victoria who tried her best to play hostess, looking bitter.
"Closet? Things? What things? Does it look like I brought any of my things here? No, because I don't have anything. Just keep your pride and your money to yourself. And leave me alone," Urich said, and returned to the green room, closing the door behind him.
Victoria had left the room with led in her belly. Surely things couldn't be that bad between them? Then why would be choose to live here? Wouldn't the wilds be more soothing if he hated her?
But why did she care? And why did she find herself in her room, ignoring her Aunt and disappearing back to her room. It was the sobs that alerted her Aunt of her distress, and she slowly knocked on her door.
"Might I come in?"
Victoria, who was still crying, brushed away her tears and tried to compose herself.
"I am in no mood for visitors."
"How about visitors and tea?"
There was a pause and sigh.
"Come in, but do not bring the tea."
Millicent gave a small smile and stepped in. Just as she suspected, Victoria was on her bed, eyes still red and glossed with tears. She took a seat beside her.
"Now, now. Now's not the time to cry. You have been through alot."
"But have I!? I can't stop feeling sorry for myself, and for Mr. Renqvist, and for all of this mess and I-"
"Now, now, don't worry about it. It's perfectly natural to feel so heart broken after you've shared a bed with a man."
Victoria's face went hot.
"No! It's not what it seems! I couldn't walk well so he lent me his bed and- and-" she couldn't even go on, falling back to sobs as she threw herself at her Aunt. "And why do I care? the man hates me! He hates me!"
Millicent only did what she could, gently stroking her back and made soothing noises.
"I'm so sorry, Aunt Milli" Victoria sobbed. "I.. I just wanted to do the right thing and I- I've gone and messed everything up."
Millicent shhhed her, and used a finger to push up her chin.
"Do not worry about it now." she sighed. "I've become so mixed up in the Council that I've forgotten somethings might be more important than laws and school."
Victoria blinked. Aunt Millicent smiled. "I too, am sorry, Victoria. Had I but known the consequences, I wouldn't have let you go to that place by yourself."
Victoria shook her head.
"It's not just that, Aunt Milli," she began, pushing back her tears. "He actually does hate me! And I owe him my life, and now a home!"s he shook her head.
Aunt Millicet gave a coy smile.
"Well, I don't know how much he can hate you if he chose to room here, but.."s he sighed. "He did refuse to marry you."
Victoria looked glum.
"But.. I.. I have a bit of news that might cheer you up."
"I don't know if I even want cheered up," Victoria replied lamely. "And I don't care if I ever get married. I never said I wanted to marry Mr. Req-"
"Your cousins, Gerard is coming for another visit."
Victoria blinked.
"What?"
"He...." her Aunt began, but it was hard for her to compose her face. "I know it's been a few years, but he's grown up."
"And hopefully out of his silly crush for me. Really, Aunt Milli, could his visit come at a worse time?"
Aunt Millicent sighed. "You don't have much of a choice... if he still has affections for you, you should at least entertain the thoughts to submit to him. Other wise.." she hesitated. "Victoria, you are becoming too old to be a bride, and if word got out on what happened.."
"Then what?"s he shot her Aunt an angered face, tears still sparkling her eyes. "You never married, why should I?"
Her Aunt sighed. "Victoria, really, this conversation is getting old. But Gerard is coming out. Please, at least be kind to him. I know you don't hate him."
Victoria griped. "But we've got nothing in common. He merely feigns interest in any books that i like-"
"It's because he loves you."
Victoria made a face. "He's a cad."
"Victoria!"
Her face went even more sour. "And you dont' even know the half of it." Really, she didn't! He was probably in trouble from drinking and hoped to win her hand and take her dowry, which, Victoria wasn't even sure if she still had. Shaking her head, she requested, "Please.. leave me be. This is trying news indeed."
Her Aunt sighed.
"I was just hoping to distract you from Mr. Renqvist. Really, you can do much better."
VIctoria shot her a look. "And I never said I loved him."
Her aunt frowned. "You don't need to. Rest well, Victoria. If you wish to come to tea, it'll be ready soon."
Though she refused tea, and refused breakfast the next morning. She could barely sleep last night and had spent most of her time hauled up inside her room, refusing to come out and refusing to leave her bed. She felt miserable, worthless, and was agitated that damn cousin was coming out! Really! Gerard, of all people! Perhaps she would have liked him had she been any other person but herself, a woman who just liked a pretty face. So they could make pretty children, that was abou tit, but the idea of children made her almost gag.
Rolling around in her bed, she had called for Frederick, ordered him to bring Urich some clothes, whatever clothes he could find to offer, then left it at that
She doubted Mr. Renqvist had wanted to stay there in her company, so she remained in bed until she actually made herself become ill- and had to stay in there for the rest of the day, her Aunt pacing through the house with worry, calling the doctor for both her- and for Urich. She should at least see to the wolf's wounds! Though when the doctor came, Victoria refused him and ordered he see Urich, and with a sigh, the doctor went to look for the wolf.
"MR. RENQVIST PLEASE OPEN THE DOOR! I'M HERE TO INSPECT YOU!"
"I DON'T NEED ANY INSPECTING, OR SOME MEDDLING DOCTOR STICKING ME LIKE SOME KIND OF FARM ANIMAL! DEAL WITH THE COWS FIRST!" Urich held the door shut, leaning against it with all his strength. His body had healed faster than he anticipated and while he was still a sight for sore eyes, they were mostly just cosmetic wounds and would heal in another night or two. The hunter sure as hell gave him a thrashing, but Urich was used to dealing with his wounds on his own and he didn't need some doctor poking him all over like an alchemical experiment.
"GO AWAY! OR I SWEAR I'LL EAT YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY AND YOUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN!"
At that the doctor ceased to pound on the door, but Urich still held against it fast. He wasn't particularly dressed for inspection, but he wasn't entirely indecent. He kept his trousers on, having slept in them the night before and throwing anything Frederick gave him into the fireplace and made it roar and sizzle. They didn't fit him anyway, and he didn't need anything more from that wretched woman.
The doctor turned away from the door and back to Victoria's chambers. "Miss Armani, if nobody's getting inspected today, then why was I summoned here? I better be getting compensated for the journey out here, it was a long ride and my bottom's sore!"
Victoria frowned when she was approached, then sighed and just let the doctor see her.
"My goodness, Miss Armani, if I may say so, you look TERRIBLE!" the doctor gaped. Victoria frowned, but stared at him blandly.
"If you're here to scrutinize my looks, I can see for myself how horrendous I am by looking in a mirror."
The man shook his head.
"I say ten days of bed rest, and here, take this medicine. It will help restore color to your cheek." he felt her face. "And this..." he opened his case and took out another vial. "It will help with the fever."
Victoria only nodded, letting the man do his work as she looked away.
"So Mr. Renqvist was alright?" she asked idly.
The doctor hesitated. "As I said.. he refused to see me."
She nodded and looked back to him.
"Thank you, Doctor Merrick. You may be off. Aunt Millicent will have your payment,"
"Right." he said, gathering his things and placed on his hat. "Well, do rest well, Miss Armani. Take care of yourself."
And with that, he bowed out, leaving Victoria back to her miserable mess. She refused to take the medicine, leaving her Aunt in more rare form as she paced about the house with much complaint.
"Not only do I have a niece forcing illness upon herself, but a house guest who also refuses to leave his room. This is an outrage. I'm going to town." and with it, she took her things and left.
Once the house settled into silence, Victoria sighed and pressed herself back into her bed, but was having a hard time sleeping, as she had slept nearly 17 hours already and fussed in the bed.
She couldn't stop thinking over all of the terrible things that had occurred, and the thorn in her side was staying just the floor above her.
She couldn't take it any more and had enough. Throwing off her blankets, she tore out of the house, wearing nothing but her sheer, ivory night shift and a pathetic attempt to wear her robes and tore off across the yard, pass the gardens and towards the grove of trees.
The cool air felt marvelous on her skin, and did well for her complexion. She was naturally tan, and had become sickly white the past day or so. Stress had done a number to her, tearing her inside and out, and she swore she had seen a grey hair in the mirror.
And then finally, she came to her secret grove of trees and let herself drop down into the sweet grasses as she stared up at the graying skies.
It looked like rain again
She sighed, taking in the smells before suddenly finding herself thinking towards Urich, then to Gerard, then to...
Well after a time, she had fallen much to sleep...
So when her Aunt returned, she was ina panic, storming through the house shouting..
"VICTORIA!? VICTORIA WHERE ARE YOU YOU FOOLISH SICK CHILD!?"
And really, where had she gone!?
When Frederick was asked, he merely lifted his decaying head, his neck ripping some at the gesture and blinked.
"I have not see the young lady," he informed her, and she only sighed and stormed up the stairs, suddenly fearing the worst.
If that damn werewolf had bedded her or killed her- SHE'D HAVE HIS THROAT!
slamming her knuckles against the door, she shouted
"Mr. Renqvist! Mr. Renqvist!" and she knocked again. "I have a question of urgency. Please open your doors at once! I can not find Victoria and if she is in there with you-" she began, but chewed on her temper. "Just open up so I can be certain she is not!"
Urich kept to himself the rest of the day, and he at whatever had been delivered to him shortly before tossing the diningware outside his window just for kicks. The pups enjoyed it too and messed a little on the fine rugs. Which he too tossed out the window into the garden below. It looked so much better now than with all those boring ol' flowers in it.
He fell asleep, the pups all around him, cuddling for warmth and playing when it was playtime. Evening was falling just when he'd gone to sleep again. Something was bashing against the door and he awoke with a start. Draegr was pawing at the door and growling, obviously smelling old crow just underneath. Urich swung his legs from the bed and threw his old shirt on, tucking it into his pants as he did so. "I'll be right there," he said.
He opened the door, waving a sarcastic hand for her to enter and rolled his eyes. "And you tell me all this like I'm in some position to care. I've been in here all this time and so have the pups... Well, there they go, so not anymore. But I honestly haven't the faintest idea where she is," Urich said uncaringly, leaning against the door. "Can I go back to sleep now?"
Aunt Millicent glared daggers at the man.
"And here you yell at me and chastise me for all the wrong I do to my own blood. You, your a despicable excuse for a man. Good night."
Really! And people had to wonder why she had never married. Men could be so trying!
Leaving the man behind, she fetched Frederick and the other maids and went by torch light out into the gardens, then ever still, to the yards. Growing frantic, a few neighbors had been awakened and it was only when they came upon the grove of trees did they find her, feverish and asleep that Millicent had the old man next door carry her home.
In her spell, Victoria opened her eyes to him and asked, "Urich?" but he was not there.
And with it, the candle snuffed out.
She remained most of the week to herself, and when she felt better, she came out a fresher, cleaner person by presentation, if not, a little skinnier for not having eaten, her cheeks sinking some and her face well set. But the tears had long been cried, and her heart, well concealed as she presented herself back at her Aunt's side.
Aunt Millicent couldn't have been happier, sipping her tea and enjoying idle chatter. It was in the study they were enjoying tarts and she, embroidering while Victoria, she was not. She had propped herself before the piano, idly clunking out a tune with a bit of idle disgrace. Really, it had no effect on her what so ever, even as her Aunt abhorred it. It was, perhaps that, that kept Victoria going, laughing even after so many days without as she struck the tune on purpose, wrong note after wrong note and even carrying the tune, sweet on song on her voice, and then purposely taken the notes to being soured and deep.
Her aunt only shook her head, and tried to sing along, just happy things seemed to be getting back together as the mismatched tune carried in airy grace up across the stairs and all the way to the third floor and beyond....
Pianos were annoying even when played well. And when misplayed? Well, Urich used the drapes to dry his ears that bled. He hadn't done much in the week since he'd been there, rarely opening the door, only when he needed to piss or get food to eat. Meanwhile the pups enjoyed exploring the strange house and had learned the hard way that carpets were meant to be lavatories. The gardens sufficed enough for that. And slept with Urich when the nights grew too cold.
Urich had to retailor all the clothes given to him by hand. Thank the gods his mother had been a seamstress and taught him the finer tricks to the trade. He still would never be as good as she had been, but he knew enough and his own body measurements to make sure the clothes (as out of fashion as they were) were cut to his form. And he made them look good, as always, though they didn't look too good themselves. One thing was for sure: The fashion taste of Armani men could definitely have used something more than a little TLC. It needed divine intervention.
The moment of his destroyed home had long mulled over and Urich was devising ways to fend for himself all over again. He wasn't sure going back to Sul'Gulthan would solve any of his problems and certainly the two witches downstairs would try to find some way to push him around with their so-called power and money. But that didn't fix everything and it wouldn't fix him. He was no longer as angry with Victoria as he had been. He'd considered perhaps it was in her nature to destroy things. It seemed to be the only thing she was good.
Especially since piano playing was not one of them.
Sick and tired of being cooped up in the room, Urich confided to Robern, the lone skull that sat on the bedside dresser, looking a little more forelorn, that he was ready to into town and try to find some way to make money. He dressed well, having pressed his own clothes and even asked for wax to shine his own boots. He took his first bath in a week and was clean cut, having needed a shave since that time.
As the piano clanked on in sour notes, footsteps were heard, heavy, languid, nonchalant as usual as Urich fixed the lapel of his coat, walking down the steps, looking sharp as always. "Good afternoon ladies," he said. "I'm heading into town."
Despite Urich having made entry, Victoria only made eye contact with him scarcely, barely hearing what he said over the soured notes of her music And she kept at it.
Her Aunt, annoyed, sighed and sipped at her tea.
"Really, enough, Victoria, I've got the point." Sighing, she turned to Mr. Renqvist and waved him off. "Do take your time. But if you want supper, it shall be ready by four. We're having duck. Mr. Henry, the neighbor, shot five of them yesterday. Can you believe that?"
She tried to be pleasant and make small talk, but it was hard when Victoria kept mashing her fingers into the keys. Aunt Millicent nearly choked on her tea at the noise.
"Victoria, really!" She shot her niece a look and Victoria merely shrugged her shoulders and played and sang quieter, ignoring them both as she turned the page and continued her song.
Sighing, she returned her attentions to Urich.
"Let us know if you need anything. Really, we're apparently at your disposal."s he said wit ha shrug, then glared a little more at Victoria for having kept at her game and sighed, taking a bite of a tart, then more sips to her tea.
"Do you need an escort? Frederick could accompany you if you like," Milli suggested, brow twitching. Really.. Victoria's song was HORRID, but.. with a sigh, at least the girl was smiling again, at her own expense. She waved at Urich. "You might want to hurry before she deafens your ears, too."
"I'm afraid it's a little too late for that," Urich responded plainly but he watched Victoria with her nonchalance. It was nice though to see her smile for once and at least she was almost done feeling sorry for herself. He didn't respons to the escort question for he didn't need one and as the girl kept on ignoring him Urich stepped over to her side, silently, like a looming shadow before standing beside her.
He didn't say anything and instead paused her hand for a moment, before reaching over with the other and pressing the proper keys. He didn't like pianos but that didn't mean he didn't know how to play them. At least that was a little better. He let her hands go, and only nodded to her before heading to the door. "I won't be long. Don't wait for me."
[Aaaand short time skip later!]
Victoria, of course, ignored him when he approached, still purposefully playing the keys wrong and watching her aunt with a cat-like grin when she would sigh. Though Urich's gesture could not be ignored. And it wasn't just her rotten playing he stopped as she stiffened and let him guide her fingers to the right key. THen as he slipped away, she merely tossed him a coy, wicked stare and just before he reached the door, she had been quietly, almost silent as a whisper, playing the song properly, then the second his foot began to step outside she called after him, digging her fingers sourly into the ivory keys, "Have fun in town, Mr. Renqvist!" then went back to singing, loudly, and just as out of tune as before- the notes carrying with him- Probably into town!
By the time dinner was ready, Victoria had long since ceased her piano abomination and had fetched herself a book. She was tired of study and wanted something with a bit more bite. She found some wild adventure novel she had entertained as a child, and was twelve chapters in, gobbling up the story when the bell had rung and it was time for dinner. Placing the book down, she rose and began to make her way towards supper...
Damn humans for not needing anything from anybody. Of course he hadn't realized it before he left the house because he was too busy putting his gameface on to realize that finding work, even in town was going to be harder than he thought it wood. Things were high-strung as of late as he turned to talk to even the mill foreman if he could chop wood for a few coins a day, but of course, the man refused him, saying strange things have been happening around town and nobody could put too much trust in just any stranger coming in looking for work.
So Urich resorted to a few cons he knew best and gathered up a small batch of gold for the taking and before returning to the Keep, he'd gathered a bouquet of flowers, a small batch as it were. They were half wilted by the time he returned to the Keep and came in to an empty hallway. He looked around, searching for them but was only met by the rotting valet.
"Where's Victoria?" he asked.
"Dinner, sir."
"Could you summon her to the door please? I need to speak to her in private."
Frederick blinked at his request.
"But they are eating dinner." But it seemed the man was persisent, so he bowed humbly and quite by accident, lost his eye in the bouquet.
"So sorry about that," he said, helping to fish it out. He popped it back in and grinned at him, exposing raw, black rotting teeth set against an even darker color gums and grey tongue.
It was only then the valet had taken notice of the flowers and smiled.
"I shall get the lady at once."
Though the lady seemed not to want to be got.
Arrogance was a hard thign to crack, so when Frederick approached her, she simply waved off the idea.
"We just sat down for supper. You expect me to rise again to meet someone at the door?"
Frederick was clever to leave out who.
"He insisted."
Victoria threw down her napkin and rose.
"Fine, I suppose I ought to humble this gentleman. And if it's Mr. Renqvist-" and as she stepped into the hall she gave a start.
Why, it most certainly was! and she forgot all else, except to remember how to breath as she pressed a hand to her chest and started.
"Why, Mr. Renqvist. Whatever did you ask our valet for me to meet you in the hall? Supper is ready and I'm pleased you're back in time, but we should hurry. Aunt Millicent and I had just sat down. We should eat it while the food is hot. They say lukewarm duck makes for poor luck, or, in truth, bad flavor."
"It doesn't take five seconds for food to be cold," Urich said with an obvious eyeroll. He pulled the half-wilted flowers up from his side and awkwardly held them. "I just wanted to say I was sorry that was all. I thought these were nice so I bought them for you, but if you don't want them I understand, toss 'em if you want. Just here, take 'em." Urich practically shoved them at her and took a step back, feeling ashamed at the action and looked out to the hall, where the food was waiting.
"Well, I guess I'll eat now," he said and walked around her toward the dining hall.
Victoria was taken back by the sudden presence of flowers and made quite the awkward expression as her body lurched internally with emotions. But before she had a chance to even react in proper (Well, unless her gasp counted as a proper reaction...), the flowers were shoved into her hand, making her lose a bit of her balance as she took a step back, blinked and held them awkward.
They smelled nice, and despite the slight wilt to them, she found herself smiling, though hid it behind the flowers as she lifted them cleverly, at that time, to her nose.
Had Mr. Renqvist just apologized to her. AND bought her flowers?
Good Gods! Whatever was the world coming to?
"My, I didn't know you were so impressed with my singing you felt I deserved such a trophy." she said, then beckoned to their valet.
"Frederick, if you please, do take these into the kitchen and trim the bottoms of the stems, but be careful, the flowers are delicate, and then place them into the crystal vase. I'd like to have them set at the table while we eat."
Beaming, she turned away, and strolled back into the dining hall and took her seat, smiling broadly, then even more so when Frederick had returned a moment later witht he flowers in tow.
The crystal vase did a number on them to make them seem all the more pretty, but Aunt Millicent gave a start, eyes immediately scrutinizing the browning ends.
"The flowers are courtesy of Mr. Renqvist," Victoria stated, still smiling as she went on to eat her meal, since it had been served round the table a few moments before the flowers had arrived to adorn it. Then, turning her attentions to the wolf, she smiled again and asked, in most polite conversation, "So, how was your trip to town?"
Millicent looked from Victoria, over tot he wolf, very skeptically before repeating the verse, "Yes, how was town?"
Urich felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment as the flowers were brought into the dining hall in a beautiful crystal vase. He put his hands in his face and gave a silent groan, keeping his eyes averted from his two irritating hosts. He felt the burning grow. And when he forced himself to smile, looking up, he gave Victoria a narrow gaze.
It was just like her to rub his nose in it, like some kind of pup that messed on the rug. He turned his eyes back to her aunt and shrugged. "It was uneventful. Nobody's hiring anybody these days. I'd have to put on a dress and apron and serve drinks at the local tavern, and have ample assets as well," Urich said with a depressed sigh.
But that was quickly replaced by the LOUD growling of his stomach as he looked at the duck. It looked delicious and except for that weird green stuff around he, he was starving to the core. He dug into it and took a satisfied bite, groaning loudly as he did so. And looked up at the both of them, face burning again. "I...apologize. So, did Victoria's playing improve any?" he asked idly, bored and in dire need of some good wine.
But nothing could replace that wonderful bottle of Madeira and he cast Victoria a knowing glance as he reached for his goblet, taking a drink of water.
Victoria took his blush the completely wrong way, and her smile grew ever brighter. She had never known Urich for such things, and it tickled her to no end to have recieved it and well, he had hardly ever seen her smile- except, perhaps at the chicken coop. Her eyes cast away at the thought, and her cheeks riped with a blush as she returned her attentions to the duck.
But at the statement about her piano playing she looked up from her food, just as her Aunt gave a snort.
"Hardly. She's been purposely playing that foul music all day. Be glad you left when you did."
Victoria's eyes looked from her aunt, to Urich, then down to her plate.
"Well, it's not always fun to play it the correct way." she commented, then placed more duck into her mouth so she wouldn't have to speak-
and if Urich wanted a drink, well, he was actually goign to get one of his wishes as an elderly maid brought out some wine- thick and rich, deep maroon in color as she poured it about in each glass.
"Just half this time, thank you," MIllicent ordered, the servant obeyed.
Victoria, however, welcomed the cup and turned her attention to Urich.
"So.. you were looking for a job in town?" she asked, still perky from the flowers. Really, they shouldn't have made her quite so happy but...
really.. did a man give a woman flowers if he really aimed to kill her?
Perhaps not, and well, she could afford herself some silly childishness for a change. It did her color a world of good, for she had been so dredfully pale, but the blush still remaining on her cheeks seemed to make her all the more lovely. Too bad she still had a slight hint of the remnants of her sickness that made her appear a bit too thin for her frame, but still, the charm about her, the radiance she was emitting seemed infectious, well, at least to her stale Aunt who even cracked a smile once or twice in her presence.
While her radiance was busy infecting her aunt, Urich furrowed his brows, cup half raised to his lips as he looked over to Victoria with a narrow-eyed glare. Something was coloring her face, and he doubted it was the flowers. Maybe she got laid while he was away, fewer things could make a woman glow. But Urich did look at the flowers and his eyes got grimmer and meaner and narrower and he drank the rich wine, sucking the liquid until it was but a few droplets in his glass.
He gave an audible sigh of satisfaction and kept eating, hoping Victoria could stop blushing and stop making it seem like he was some kind of sap. He nodded to her question. "Yes. I don't have a proper means of income and even if I'm taking residence here doesn't mean I can just live on a whim. I'm not a charity case. Even if it is all your fault that my home got destroyed in the first place." His voice was nonchalant, almost playful and he looked over to Millicent.
"This duck is delightful! Wherever did your neighbor hunt it? I might take a visit to a lakeshore soon. I need the freshness and breeze of water. Perhaps even go for a swim. Which brings me to wonder, just what do you ladies do for fun around here?"
Aunt Millicent was happy to comply as she sipped daintily at her wine.
"Why, Mr. Henry owns a lot of land. We only own just past the first ten rows of trees in the forest past the meadows, but his takes over the rest. He likes to keep most of his property, wild, you see. He has a lovely lake there and well, that's where he hunts and fish."
Then at his next statment, Millicent was becoming just as much of a blossom to her blush as she was about to catch onto some more lucrative conversation- when Victoria suddenly chimed in.
"Well, for starters. We go to town, shop for dresses, then, if you're me, you're sent to your room to study. ANd if you're lucky, you can come out to play horrid music on the piano." Victoria smiled at her own sarcastic joke, flashing some teeth. Her Aunt, however, did not.
"Really, Victoria, he means for men."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
Her Aunt cleared her throat.
"If you like, I could introduce you to Mr. Henry. He might let you use his pond. It's rather large,a nd the fish are plenty and the ducks, well, apparently they were good this year." She shrugged and had more wine, and Victoria, well, she had already had hers as well and the servant had returned to pour more into their cup, and Aunt Millicent raised a sharp brow, taking notice.
The awkwardness had set in at her comment about what Victoria did for fun and for the first time in this house since he'd arrived, he actually smiled, almost laughed as he was two-thirds of the way through his meal. He'd always been a fast eater but at least this time he hadn't made himself more beast than man. There was plenty of time for that later. Without having to ask his cup was quickly refilled once again. He thanked the old woman and gave her a gold coin as a tip, flicking it too her, but she only awkwardly let it clang to the floor.
He took a drink, shrugging it off. "That, ahem, would be nice. Perhaps he might offer some work as well. I don't care what it is really," Urich said. "But...well, I didn't mean just fun for men. Hunting can be fun for women too. Especially egg hunting," he said, grinning widely at Victoria as he took the final bites of the duck.
"Um, Miss Millicent," Urich said. "I hope you don't get the wrong idea about what happened between me and Victoria because nothing happened, no matter what rumors might say. I was just helping her recover. And you saw the state of Sul'Gulthan during your surprise visit. There are some sections I'd yet to rennovate so the rooms were unfinished, nothing but rubble and bales of hay. So, the only sensible thing to do was to give her, as my guest, the most suitable bed in the house. Which just so happened to be my own. Nothing happened, I swear on my mother."
"You want to work for Mr. Henry?" Aunt Millicent blinked at the idea, then looked down at her wine. "I suppose I could ask."
Victoria also blinked, but that was because she had been staring at Urich with rather large eyes. What was his aim now, anyway? He forced himself into their home, bought her flowers, wanted to work next door...
If Victoria didn't know any better (and in her current state of mine, she did not) she could have sworn it seemed he was looking for reasons not to leave the Armani's presence.
It was a very strange feeling she recieved indeed as she digested over it as she went to chew on her duck-
but then at Urich statement-
she choked on it, face turning blue as she doubled over and beat her fist against her chest, desperate for air.
OOC: 21 pages in and he FINALLY DOES IT. HE KILLED HER! :O
It wasn't a question of whether or not he should remain seated. Not this time, however. He could enjoy the satisfaction of her choking to death some other time, but for now it might be more prudent to do something about the fact that her face turning blue was sucking the blush from her face, and that was satisfaction enough. Urich said nothing and only burst from his chair in a rushing blur.
In less than a second he was beside her and put his arms around her without warning, he felt just below her chest and just slightly above her stomach, remembering something his father had done to him when he was younger and it certainly had saved his life. And when he felt he found the right spot, Urich wrapped a hand around his fist and pushed up hard against her chest. He did it once, twice, three times until he heard something spitting out against the table.
He held Victoria against him for a moment and looked at her with wide, concerned eyes, hoping her face would return to its normal color. "Victoria! Are you all right?" Urich said, setting her against her chair.
It had all happened so fast. One minute she was enjoying the soft, savory flavor of the duck-
the next thing she knew, the savory duck was lodged in her throat, and her mind was going white.
Strong arms moved around her and the next thing she new, she was hoisted up, again and again, her chest being hit and squeezed and finally- the duck piece propelled across the table, landing just beneath the twinkling glass vase.
Millicent raised a brow, then peered over as Victoria wilted into the chair. she was gasping, throat raspy with breath. She tried to talk, couldn't at first as she clutched at her throat, eyes stung with tears as she composed herself. It wasn't until she lowered her head, furrowing it, tried to collect herself and calm her breath that she finally spoke against a rough sigh.
"I... I'm alright now." and she trembled slightly, shivering before licking her dry lips, swallowing then raising her head up to him. She still looked deathly pale, her eyes weak and half lidded as she spoke again, informing him gently, "Th- thank you, Mr. Renqvist, I- I don't know what came over me-"
Yet after she spoke it, she recalled she did- as did her Aunt as she gave a sharp retort to that statement.
"It was only fitting one of us should choke on our food after such a statement," Aunt Millicent said, sighing as she ignored her wine. "After all, that was hardly appropriate dinner conversation." Her aunt gave a narrow glare, but then after i twas said, she went back to nursing her wine.
And at the comment and recollection, Victoria's cheeks heated as she averted Urich's gaze.
"Really, if you wish to explain yourself on these technicalities, it could have waited until we were done with the duck. Not that it matters, rumors will be rumors, and since we're on the topic I'd better explain it to you since it's apparent you don't seem to understand. We are from a civil community, a rank of people who abide by certain rules. A woman's rule is to merely act in accordance to what is civil, and well.." her face went long as she stared at her wine. "Unfortunately, despite you making it sound chivalrous, if you both were to share the same bed, Victoria would still have to marry, and since that is out of the question, well," She shrugged again. "She just won't marry at all. Consequences against the rules are still consequences." She sipped her wine bitterly. "And don't be upset at me, I didn't make them." SHe shot Urich a narrowed, nasty gaze, knowing full well the man was hot tempered enough. "For those that live in this society, you either abide by them or become shunned by them. ANd I for one think it's not questionable that either I or Victoria would actually, realistically, shun our noses to the fact. Either way, it's quite upsetting for a woman, but you wouldn't understand. So, perhaps, for Victoria's sake, and for the sake to keep gossip down, we simply live in ignorance. No one needs to know the full facts, and no one does. We can simply keep it that way, though I'm afraid, Victoria, it doesn't bode well if you had any dreams to marry." Sighing, she finally turned to more fully face her niece. "And as such, I'll continue to keep you under my custody for as long as I live. There is really no reason to throw you out into the street, just because you out did me at the Council."
Victoria had kept her head lowered, feeling horrible to be at the center of attention in such a way. Her stomach was twisting into a terrible knot, but then at the last statement her aunt had given, she raised her head, blinking at her. But then, she appeared defeated after the fact and her gaze went crestfallen.
"I suppose that is alright. Now every woman is meant to marry."s he said, though her forlorn expression was un-erasable as she sighed, rising from the table and turning to Mr. Renqvist. "Thank you, for saving my life again." She said, curtsying to him, then turning rigid, and did the same for her Aunt. "But I must excuse myself, I feel unwell. You can drink the extra wine for me if you wish."s he tried to smile at her statement towards Urich, a failed attempt to lighten the mood and reason for her sudden departure, but the effect was only at half as she rushed away and out of the room, making hasty steps up the winding set of stairs towards the second floor as tears began to burn across her eyes.
Her Aunt sighed after her form disappeared behind the door and she stared down ta the half finished plate of duck, then towards the flowers, wilting, but beautiful at the center of the table.
If anything would have kill the mood, it would have been Victoria dying. Well, that and that little speech that Aunt Millicent had given at the expense of a nice dinner. Thankfully his meal hadn't gone to waste and it was mostly finished before Urich decided to play hero for a final time. He wasn't accustomed to such a tense nature around eating, as it was supposed to be a time of light, delightful chatter...and maybe if anybody had ruined the moment it had been him, since he started the discussion in the first place.
But while he was more than prepared to argue his point, the old woman seemed set on keeping the discussion closed. After all she was right, silence was truly golden. That was until Victoria had opened her mouth a week earlier upon their arrival. Nobody would have known what happened had she not said a word. But as it were, rumors would be rumors.
He watched with a solemn expression Victoria walk away but apart of him knew she had to get away from them before the tears were shed. When she disappeared Urich looked over to Millicent and gave a wry smile. "Well, you are right about one thing. Best to keep things quiet. Rumors cannot be stopped. But you're wrong about me. I do understand. I understand quite well. My father was from such society but turned away from it because it just wasn't for him. It's just that, I don't care," he said simply shrugging as if they were discussing little more than decisions for wall paint.
"However, I am glad that you've decided to let her stay here. Family ought to stick together, even if one is a little more short-sighted than the other. And I'm sure your as impressed as I am as to how strong a woman Victoria is, and I think we can both trust her to make the right decisions for herself. After all, the world is much bigger than this squat little town."
He gave a bow and took Victoria's half sipped cup and downed it in one gulp and swooped his side and did the same for his own left over wine. There was no need to let such wonderful wine go to waste. He gave another bow and smiled graciously to her aunt. "Thank you for such a lovely meal. And be sure to thank Mr. Henry for me as well. I'd love to see where he hunts," Urich said and bounded up the stairs.
And as he walked up to the Green Room, he could hear faint sobbing coming from Victoria's quarters.
Aunt Millicent sighed, shaking her head, but she couldn't deny she wasn't happy with their guests, after all, Urich brought a certain something to their tall manor, and if perhaps not for him, her and Victoria might be stuck in an idle cycle. She'd have to discuss with her niece later, the possibilities of her future in the Council. It seemed she was rater adept at research, but she had an idea Victoria might not settle for a desk job. Either way, she fetched Frederick and ordered herself some tea and tarts and found herself back in the study, where the piano lay asleep.
Upstairs, on the second floor inside her room, Victoria had found herself, yet again, embarrassed and angry by her own tears. But really, was it necessary? She sighed into her arm, but didn't much care. It seemed all she did lately was brew over things- really! Did they all have to keep pointing out her potential never to marry? Did it really matter anyway?
But apparently, it did, and with it came her sensivity to cry.
Upstairs in Urich's room, Draegr could hear the noise and it's ears perked up, titled his wolfish head to one side and just listened. Then, catching on to the familiar voice, he gave a bark, a wag of his tail, then barked at Urich and pawed him. Then rushed over, pawed at the door, and went in cycles. Victoria! He could hear her! The poor woman hadn't even spent a single effort to come see them since Urich had been staying, and the pup had NOT forgotten her,a nd was excited to realize she was close by. He barked again, wriggled his butt and tail, then proceeded to start chewing on Urich's boot.
"Calm yourself pup or I'll make short work of your pelt. See how much I can fetch for it 'cause gods know I could use the money," Urich said, bending down ad picking up the wolf pup from the ground. He didn't need to ask what was wrong because it was more than plain to see. The little beast wiggled excitedly in his arms and went between whining loudly and licking his face and back again. And even went so far as to growl and tug at the lapels of his shirt.
"All right, All right!" Urich said with irritation and set Draegr down. He opened the door and the pup went scampering down the steps and straight to Victoria's room, the others just watched as their brother made their way to his favorite human. And just huddled together at the foot of the bed, keeping warm before the fireplace. When they reached her door, the wolf pup snarled and growled eagerly, scratching at the foot of her door, whining and giving a light yap.
Urich fixed his collar and softly knocked on the door. "Miss Victoria? May we come in?"
Victoria hadn't expected any visitors, and rose with a start, brushing back her hot tears that were still forming.
"Just.. just a minute!"
She took her fingers, wiped at her face, pressing them away from her eyes before wiping the snot on her sleeve. Not very lady like but still- she was trying to look presentable, and much less evident that she had been crying. Giving a sniff, she frowned at her reflection in the mirror and smoothed her hands down her skirts before stepping over towards the door.
When she opened it, the dog bolted in, slamming into her and knocking the woman onto her ass and was immediately assaulted by puppy kisses. "D-draegr!" she said, but soon the pup was licking away her tears, and the last ones that had fallen, well, he licked those, too, and she found herself even laughing. Glancing up, she peered curiously at Urich.
"You.. you can come in if you want."S he said, giving a sniff before moving to rise, taking the puppy with her in her arms as she held it close to her chest, it's warm puppy body feeling wonderful and well, she didn't mind for it's kisses either, even though they were a bit slobbery.
He couldn't help but smile as Victoria fell prey to those puppy kisses. But wolves were not always keen to give loyalty as dogs were, and Urich knew that it was best she enjoy her time with Draegr now that he was a pup before he grew up into a vicious man-eating machine. That was if she decided to keep him of course. Urich had every intention of giving him to her if she wanted him. And if not, the wolf would be depressed for a great deal of his life.
He walked into the room his hands behind his back and carefully closed the door behind him, leavingly it slightly ajar if need be. No need for the old woman upstairs to think they were doing unsightly things behind her back. "He was going insane, he hadn't seen you in so long," he commented, smiling. "Also...I thought he might bring you some comfort. Your aunt had no right to speak to you that way."
Victoria peered over at him, but as the dialogue changed back towards the conversation at supper, the light in her eyes faded and she averted his gaze, holding the pup in her lap as she seated herself upon the edge of her bed. Sighing, she simply said,
"She was right, though." Victoria shrugged. "I suppose she needs to stop being so blunt." She brushed her hair away from her face and shifted the wriggling puppy in her lap, letting the dog now have free run of her bed. It started to sniff about at her pillows. "I am fully aware of my faults, Mr. Renqvist. But again, thank you for taking the time to bring Draegr to me." She forced a smile, then looked over at the wolf. "I .. apologize I haven't been much of a host." She added, her voice hitching some at the end, lips curling into something awful of a smile as she kept her gaze averted of his. "You've been so kind to me and I've been nothing but spoiled." She finally turned her eyes back to him, feeling herself more composed and less likely to start crying again.
"So tell me, are you really that interested in a job from Old man Henry?" She had to smile, the idea was silly to her, but charming. "Was nothing at all available in town?" It seemed silly, but perhaps so. There had bee a lull, or so she was told.
"It's okay. I'm sure you get guests all the time. I lived in a foreboding ruined, haunted by spirits of the dead, and most of it was rundown, I didn't get guests as often as you might think. So, I figured I'd make the best of what I had and tried to make you comfortable. Really, why don't you consider us more as neighbors than me being your guest. It makes me uncomfortable to think i have you waiting on me hand and foot."
He made a face and moved closer to her and sat on the armrest of a large puffy chair. He smiled at her, threading his fingers together. "What reason would I have to lie about there not being any work in town?" Urich asked with an amused grin. "There was nothing. I suppose I can't blame them. I would doubt me too. And I have no real skills aside from sewing. I suppose I could tailor people's clothes, but I'm not all that good and there are better shops in town, like your friend Melissa. In addition, working for your friend...or maybe your aunt's friend it seems, might me more convenient since it's so close.
"Really, anything would do. Like you, I just want to be useful. There's nothing I hate more than just sitting around doing nothing when I could be doing something worthwhile. Why do you ask? Afraid I'm going to overstay my welcome?" he asked grinning.
Victoria had to smile when he spoke of Sul'Gulthan. "Well, they were most charming ghosts. But what of Robern?" she had to wonder. Then listened as he spoke of town, nodding her head a bit at the thought and lowered her gaze across his attire at the mention of being a tailor... interesting. She then lifted her head back up to him, tilting it when he mentioned they were similar. The idea brought some color to her cheeks as she stared, but she cast her eyes away at his last comment, trying to hide her smile, but the dimples were there.
"No, no," she shook her head. "I'm pretty sure my Aunt and I can see to that." She raised a brow at him inquisitively. "We've entertained many guests, I'm sure, but none so interesting and none quite so.."s he studied him, almost devilishly so before adding. "Wild." She smiled up at him, then itched at the remnants of a tear as she glanced away.
"So how have the pups been fairing?" After all, perhaps it was wise to change the subject as she turned, watching Draegr nibble at the corner lace of a pillow. "I know that room isn't quite big enough for all of you. I could check with my aunt to see if they can have more run of the house." She sighed, then thinking. "However, I believe she's expecting a visitor in a few days, or a few weeks, I can't recall."S he shrugged it off and looked over towards Draegr again, distracting him from eating her pillow by scratching his ear as she scooted a bit closer towards him on her bed.
"Robern has been depressed. He's waiting for his body to catch up with his head but I suppose it might take a week or two more for that. Or maybe he'll never be reunited with his body. He just asks for books to read all day. Which normally wouldn't be a problem except that he reads too fast!" Urich laughed and actually kept his smile going.
"The pups have been all right thought. They've been learning not to mess on the rug. They got the hard end of a stick by Frederick when he caught them doing their business on the floor of the kitchen. Now they know to go outside. They're curious about the house, but most of them still too scared to leave the room. Excepting that one of course," Urich said and rubbed the little wolf's head as he tugged roughly on the pillow.
But his face skewed itself in confusion as he peered at her once again. "A visitor?" he asked. "Who's coming to visit?"
Victoria sighed.
"Yes, one of my cousins is coming to visit. I'd rather not have to entertain, but my Aunt insisted he come out. Although, I haven't seen him in a few years, we sort of grew up together."S he shrugged. "Closet relative I have to a brother, I suppose. We used to climb the trees in the back and he'd get me in trouble. He was a horrible child." And she left out the part he might be a horrible adult, as well.
"I think Aunt Millicent arranged this prior to your stay here, but I'm not sure. She normally only ever entertains such whims unless she is desperate or bored."
She assumed her Aunt might have been both, considering what had recently occurred...
He? Urich's smile visibly faded at the thought of having another male in the house. It was bad enough dealing with these two all day - and certainly more of Millicent than Victoria - and now to have another male to conted with for his place in the house? The alpha in him stiffened and he threw his shoulders back, tilting his head at her.
"Oh, and who is this cousin, I'll have the pleasure of meeting? Is it Gerard? Sorry, but these halls are so drafty and the acoustics carry like the wind, so it wasn't difficult to overhear. I'm not much for eavesdropping, mind you," Urich said, looking away with a shy blush. "Well, maybe he's charming enough to sweep your old aunt off her feet. Why did she never marry?"
"Marry my Aunt?" Victoria couldn't help but giggle. "He's barely older than me, by a year, possibly. He was a winter baby, somehow that boy managed to survive, for all the good it's done him." And she shrugged. "And yes, Gerard,"S he studied him none to discretely. "I tried to offer you some of his clothing but I dare say you're far too broad shouldered and tall for him." she idly waved the idea off. But then she recalled him asking why her Aunt never married and she shrugged.
"Perhaps she was as stubborn as I am? Or perhaps more picky." She shrugged again. "Marriage does limit a woman. My Aunt does like her independents. I know she's had a few suitors she's had to reject but... "S he frowned, casting her eyes down to her skirts. "I dare say she's had to do it for me. I know it sounds silly but.. I don't know, I never really liked any of the stuffy suited men that did take the time to court her. But I was young." She glanced over at Urich. "Still.. I do wonder. Things may have been different having a male figure in the house."
A glow turned to Urich's eye, as his smile turned to normal and his blush deepened. "It's true. I can say every young child needs a positive male figure in their lives, a father, a brother, even a cousin or an uncle. It provides a balance to things. I know I wouldn't be the same if I was just raised by my mother. I'd like to think I've achieved the right amount of balance to my character." He realized then, bringin up the subject of parents and went silent for a time.
He looked at Draegr who threw himself on Victoria's lap and closed his eyes, drifting off there, breathing softly and snuggling into her skirts. "Looks like I'm not the only dog that likes the touch and feel of a soft skirt," Urich said wickedly. "Well, I suppose, I ought to call it a night then. Draegr will stay here with you. He is yours after all." Urich smiled at her.
Victoria had bee listening placidly to his statement, never once feeling offended or out of place, just listening, perhaps with slight envy, over the idea of what it must be like having two parents when growing up.
But then when the conversation turned to skirts, her face turned red and she gave him a scowl.
"Yes, perhaps you should." she said, eyeing him then looked down at the dog. SHe sighed.
"I am awfully fond of him, but is it fair to take him from his pack?" she raised her head to look at him. "You wolves are pack animals. Would they not mourn it if he were to leave, and would he not miss the others if he were to stay?" Frowning, she shook her head. "WHen the time comes, you should take him back with you. I won't lie, I will miss the little pup but.." here, she sighed, watching him sleeping contentedly o her lap as she stroked his fur.
"Well, for starters, he might eat my cat. And that would just not do." She reached down, giving the dog a quick kiss to his muzzle as she held the puppy tight. "But I do appreciate the offer." SHe glanced up at him lazily as she nestled on the bed beside the dog. "You really have been too kind to me. For all the good it's done you." And she looked up at him, the guilt more than evident in her eyes.
"Some day I'll find a way to repay you."
"Eat your cat? Please! He's just a pup. The only thing he's ever tried to hurt was your lace pillow and your aunt's skirt! I'd be more afraid about the cat hurting him," Urich laughed, but it was a short-lived laugh as he actually sat in her armchair and scooted closer to the bed. He reached over and put a hand on hers and pat it lightly.
"It's not an act of kindness. It's what the young pup wants. He's always been more of a lone wolf. His pack will miss him to be sure. But Draegr chooses his pack. And you're his pack now. I told you that you could keep him." Urich smiled at her and stood at last, feeling tired enough to lay down on his own.
Before he left he paused at the door. "I'm glad you liked the flowers," he said, closing the door behind him and retiring to his room.
When he left, her cheeks turned pink, and she slept well that night, if not, having dreams of things that couldn't be- but what dreams they were, thinking towards being held safely in the man's arm she was only beginning to realize she might be in love.
Who knew how long her tranquility would last, but Victoria had more color to her skin, more bounce to her step, and had taken the flowers soon to her room to admire them when she was writing in her journal. She normally kept one, just to get her thoughts down, and most of it was very personal. She'd feel devastated if her Aunt were ever to read it- for most of it was abou ther, and well, other such foolish things. Even a page or two she half scribbled out after realizing her silly, child hood crush on her handsome cousin Gerard was to have a crush on a cad!
But those pages were left ignored as new pages were written and explored.
The next day was such that Victoria wrote in great detail how elated she was Mr. Henry took a shine to Urich. She wasn't sure why or how, but the old man took to him like a duck to water- and was already plotting all of the things a strong, young man could do. Perhaps it was alos that Urich would be close, that she was excited, but even she left out and ignored these little clues in her diary.
And days came and passed, and Mr Henry suggested a fishing trip. But Aunt Millicent had been called back to the Council that day, and Mr Henry had taken to a cold. So it was left that Victoria and Urich decided to merely entertain themselves by taking the offered boat and mule and dragged it to the pond, set against tall pine and oaks and a tall willow tree who's branches draped across the silver waters in leisurely beauty.
It was a chilly day, and Victoria wished she had taken her other coat- for she ahd dressed lightly, considering how hot it was the day before. And the winds were what made it so dreadfully chilly, that as they paddled their way to the center, she found herself chattering slightly and drawing her shawl closely across her body. She decided to wear white that day, a new dress her Aunt had purchased for her for the end of summer. ANd now she was hoping she would have wore her dark green one as she idly kicked her feet about and tested the temperature of the water with her fingers, which rippled her reflection as she stared down at it as if it were some liquid mirror.
and she was a bit surprised to see the face she had seen-
She had never thought of herself as really beautiful, but somehow, her own reflection made her blush. Yes, her nose was a bit large, her lips a bit flat, and her face and jaw, strong- but her eyes were lovely and her face, framed in dark hair, made her appear almost ethereal in the sparkling, moving waters of the pond.
Urich was tired from the rowing, and of course Victoria would make him do all the work. His stomach felt funny and his head felt a little light. Pulling the oars in once they reached the center of the lake, fishing poles in place, he felt it again and made a discomforted face. Urich was not as bundled as Victoria was against the brisk wind and he looke dup to the cloudy ugly sky, smiling nonetheless. This was sure as hell a lot better than being cooped up in that stuffy old manor. He always liked water, but when his stomach stirred again, his expression changed.
Urich bolted for the side and held on the ledge of the boat, tipping it just a little as he dry heaved over the edge. He stayed there for several seconds, heaving and coughing but nothing came up. He wiped his forehead when he was done, having broken a sweat from all the work and rubbed his face, running a hand through his hair. He looked over at Victoria and shook his head. He picked up a fishing pole and strung bait on it.
"I'm sorry about that," he said. "But I haven't been in a boat for about fifty years. Swimming is entirely different. You're already in the water, not bobbing in a boat. But it's nice to be out nevertheless. Here you go. Have you gone fishing before?"
Victoria, like always, hadn't even seen the signs of her companion appearing ill as they rowed out and bobbed mindlessly in the center of the pond. It was too small to be considered a lake, but almost too big to really be a pond, even still, it settled well with her and when it did not with him, she frowned.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Renqvist, had I but known you had a poor stomach for boating, I would have declined the event." She tipped her hat, this one, not charmed this time, as she had taken it easy on such things. After all, her aunt figured it was wise to give her a break from Council work, and so she enjoyed herself being outside of that element.
"And no, I cna't say I have fished much, but fish before I have. When my cousin was here, several springs ago."S he rolled her eyes "It has been some time, so perhaps you could show me? That is, if you do know how it's done?" she peered up at him curiously. Her hat was much larger than normal, shading her face fromt he sun, well, if htere hd been more sun, it would be shading it, as she blinked up at him expectantly.
"It can't be that hard. It's been a few years, I'll be honest. But truly, I think it should be easy. It's better if you stand, don't worry I won't tip it over," Urich said and carefully stood, holding out a hand to let Victoria do so as well. He'd taken his boots off as soon as he'd gotten in the boat and rolled up the cuffs of his trousers. It made it easier to grip the wood in the even water got inside the boat as it inevitably would with splashing fish.
He baited his line. "Just follow me and do what I do." He drew back the pole and cast it out far then wrapped the rope tighter around the line a little. "Aaaand we wait. The rains from the few days ago would certainly stir up the fish here." He notched the rod by the side of the boat, making sure it wouldn't fall off and he turned to face her smiling. "Do you need help?"
Victoria had watched him from beneath her hat, needing to crane her neck up at an extra angle to do so. Then she blinked, watched, studied and then let her eyes follow the hook as it sunk out far into the water. When he asked if she needed help, she simply giggled, and nodded and handed her own rod to him.
"I suppose even I'm too lady like to handle this. IF you could bait, it, " she asked sweetly, batting her eyes. "I would be forever grateful."
"Darling, you need to open your eyes. What do you think's been squirming at the end of that hook for the last fifteen minutes? Your virginity?" he only chuckled and moved around her. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, moving her hat to the side so that it wasn't in his face and put the rishing pole in her hands.
With him guiding her, he pulled the line back and cast it out farther than his had been, then twining the line around the rod. "Casting it is half the fun. I think calling yourself a lady is just an excuse to be lazy. You want to be useful, so make yourself useful. Get some sandwiches from the basket! And the wine!" he said as he set the rod down, locking it to the side of the boat.
Victoria blushed. She had been a trifle distracted, lest she admit her aloofness now, either way, it gave way to a blush as the man stood and put himself behind her. It didn't help matters at all on his terms as she gave a gasp and sharp look to him. Virginity! Really! How tasteless!
ANd she let him know her thoughts on this for sure, but straightened her shoulders and just enjoyed the moment, the sensation tickling her as the line soared out into the waters.
But then at his last comment, she huffed, stuffing indignant fists to her hips.
"I just didn't want to hook you with that thing. I've heard some trifling stories of the damage a fisherman's hook can cause!"
But to the basket she went, and sat back to her bench, white skirtsa nd lace pillowing around her body like a cloud as she delicately ate at her sandwich and enjoyed a few sips of wine, enough to rosy her cheeks.
"So you are enjoying yourself then?" she inquired, striking up nonchalance in conversation. "To be employed by Mr. Henry?" She daintily chewed, then swallowed and asked, "Though, what is it all that you do?"
He sat down on the opposite side keeping a smart smirk on his lips as he took a sandwich for himself, drinking the wine a little from the bottle, though didn't put his mouth on it. He ate carefully and even ripped the crusts a little to toss into the water, watching as fish snagged and nibbled at it from the surface, throwing it farther and farther away until it got closer to the line.
"Chopping firewood mostly," Urich said. "The nights are deathly cold. The pups huddle all around me just to keep warm. Though sometimes I get so hot I have to get undressed just to keep from sweating through my nightshirt. Not naked mind you, but you get the picture." Urich couldn't help giving her another grin. She looked beautiful in her dress and his smile showed it. And with it being so cold...well, let's just say the fine white of the dress did little to conceal how cold her body was.
"I help him with daily chores, most of the stuff he probably did when he was younger. Tended to his hounds, help keep his garden tended to. He pays well, too, remember to thank your aunt for me. Sometimes he just sends me out to get some fish. But i stick to the shore, not the boat. Or run into town to retreive something for him. He really is a nice man. Almost reminds me of my father."
"Has your aunt talked about you returning to the council yet? I think after what you've done for me, you deserve it. You obviously know how to use your reading to your advantage."
It had been a long day, and despite Urich doing most of the rowing, she was growing tired as the afternoon rolled on. She was thankful for the sandwich and wine, and it made her drowsy and content as she nestled her back well against the lip of the boat. It was bad posture, but she felt cozy and did not care, having kicked off her shoes and let her toes curl a bit at the chilly freedom.
As he went on telling his story, she nodded, smiling here and there, cheeks dimpling and just reveling in the moment. It had bee sometime since she could just chat idly with a man in such a fashion. Why, perhaps, it was the last time Gerard was here she was ever granted such a privilege, but her aunt must have supposed Gerard young enough to just be considered a safe enough chaperon. After all, he wasn't a full blown cad as he had heart yet, and Victoria always had to shake her head disapprovingly at his stories. Really! He had begun gambling at such a young age!
She supposed the only other time to consider was with her other cousin Antony, but he was so round faced and body and so pig nosed and red haired that even she knew nothing could become of a nice walk through the wilds. Gerard, on the other hand, knew he was going to grow up handsome and gained confidence by it, arrogance really, with blue hair and strawberry blonde hair that curled just enough at the ends. He was intriguing to say the least, and the last time she saw him he was trying to grow out a moustache- hwich looked silly and blonde and uneven in growth on his youthful face- one she was so accostumed to seeing as smooth as a baby.
She wasn't sure why she was thinking to Gerard, but her mind came back to Urich as she continued to smile, tossing a crumb or two into the pond as well as it stirred up ripples and nibbling lips of fish. However, as Urich talked about sleeping and sweating, her face turned that much redder.
"Yes, a bit much of information, is it not, Mr. Renqvist?" she informed him, raising a single, sharp brow. But as he went on, she simply nodded. Then the questions returned to her and hse sighed. "She has, but she has let me remain on leave. By next month, I will begin again with more studious efforts." she shrugged,"Though I would so muhc prefer work int he field, I suppose women tend to stick to their desk with quill and ink, noses in the book." she gave a short indignant sniff at the idea and turned away, just with enough time to give a gasp, noticing the pull on her rod.
"A bite! A bite! I think I've got a bite!" she scrambled excitedly to her feet and latched onto it, giving a tug and pull. "Urich! Urich! What do I do!?" she said, realizing it had been more than half her lifetime since she had done this and found the pull quite heavy as she was suddenly jerked forward with a start.
"U-urich!" she began, her hands not yielding from the rod as she tried to fight it, only to not realize this merely upset her balance as she began to lean forward and suddenly toppled with a splash outside of the boat!
He watched with amusement as she wrangled with her line, using all her strength to pull the fish that nearly yanked her out of the boat. He laughed along with her and it was nice to laugh for once when moments between them had been tense in the last few weeks. Moments like this reminded him why he loved the Valley, and why he'd lived here for so long.
But the boat rocked and roiled against the waters when she really was pulled over board. "Victoria!" he cried, rushing to the edge when the boat steadied. It didn't take more than a second before he dove into the waters, swimming and seeing through the murky water, wrapping his arms around her middle when he'd caught up to her and pulling her up to the surface.
He shook his hair out of his face, clutching onto her with one arm and the side of the boat with the other. "Victoria! Are you all right?"
Her hat had been lost, suctioning against the top of the pond as it floated away while the pair sank beneath the water in a mighty splash. Though as his arms wrapped around her, bringing her back to surface, she merely gasped, coughing and sputtering out water as she held the rode fierce, black hair plastered over her eyes as she looked blindly about.
"U...urich!?"
Her heart fluttered, the she felt the tug of the rod.
"The fish! THe fish!"s he gave a laugh, realizing that, despite being toppled over the side, she had managed to keep her hold on the pole, and the fish to the line!
SHe couldn't help but keep laughing as she blindly fell back into Urich, splashing the scummy pond water about them as she kept trying to reel the fish in.
"We can't let the fish get away! Not after what the scoundrel did! Now help me, you foolish man!"s he said with another laugh. "Before the fish makes a fool of us both!"
"Hold on to the rod then!" Urich said as he grunted with some effort, hoisting them both up and rolling into the boat, which rocked and swayed with the motion. They were soaking wet and could as hell but Urich just brushed his hair back and with his arms still around her, he put his hands by the handle and helped her pull the fish.
As it was slowly reeled in, the creature was actually quite small and flopped around they pulled it out of the water. Urich laughed out loud. "That tiny finy pulled you out of the boat! Hahahahaha!" He put the fish into the bucket nearby. He was beaming, laughing still and looking at the both of them, then at her in particular. "You had to wear a dress didn't you?"
Urich didn't need to tell her twice as she held onto it fiercely and suddenly found herself falling back into the rocking boat with a gasp. Then, as the man helped her- she was nearly smacked in the face by the fish as it flopped about them on the floor of the boat.
Blinking, she looked down at it, and couldn't help but laugh.
"But at least I caught something, hrm?"s he said, trying to rub it in, but the he had to go and look at her that way, and her face went long before it warmed over in a hot flush.
Looking down, she gasped at the way the white dress clung to her body.
"Mr. Renqvist! Do divert your eyes!" she exclaimed, forcefully shoving his face away.
"Now, handle this fish!"s he said, shoving the pole into his hand before moving away and fussing over her skirts.
"Now, where ever did my shawl go?" peering out, she noticed it as a soggy mess in the pond and made a face. "Well there goes my chance of decency." she sighed, wilted even and embarrassedly folded her arms over her chest. THe she also noticed her hat and sighed again.
"And there goes my hat."
"Oh, you'll be fine," Urich assured her. "Look you can see through my shirt too." He shook his head and climbed to his feet. His fishing rod had yet to catch anything even as he tried to tug on the rod. "Hm, nothing." He pulled his shirt over his head and rung it out, hanging it over the side. He crouched low and looked out to the water.
"Would you like me to go and get them for you? I mean, you'll drown in that dress. Unless you wanted to take it off," he grinned at her wickedly, but waited on the side anyway.
Victoria gasped, cheeks pink.
What a horrible, ghastly man! And without even thinking on the consequences she merely shouted as she approached, "Yes!" and shoved him off the side of the boat. It left her with some satisfaction as she smiled down at his splashing form in the water.
"Whoof!" Urich yelled as he said, being tossed backwards over the edge of the boat and he smacked his head against the side of the boat as he hit the water. It just stung a little bit, but he let himself lay still in the water, letting his body sink below the surface, disappearing into the depths below. Thankful that he could hold his breath for a long time.
Victoria gave a huff at his form.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist, you expect me to believe you're going to just let yourself sink into the water like some silly sort of lead fish?" she teased, watching him as she leaned over the edge, but after some time when he didn't stir, her smile slowly faded, teeth disappearing behind a frown. "Mr. Renqvist?" She blinked, studying his form as it disappeared below. She held her breath, rising and planted hands to her hips. "Really, Mr. Renqvist, if you are going to play pretend drowning.." she continued in a lecture, but when he still didn't return tot he surface, she began to actually worry.
"Mr. Renqvist!" her voice became even more shrill as she leaned more desperately over the side, and then finally decided she ought to at least try something more useful, and called again and again, leaning over the side before finally, when he was just out of her view, disappearing completely into the murky depths she gasped.
"Mr. RENQVIST!?" and she tore off the side of the boat in one great leap, diving into the water below- though it made for quite a chore, as the puff end of her dress ballooned up with air, and she gasped, squirmed and wriggled until the damned thin deflated , then she kicked off, reaching forward, stroking faster, stretching reaching into the murky dark-
MR. RENQVIST!?
Was he ok!?
When the darkness thickened at the bottom of the pond, Urich felt his form had vanished from surface view for sure, he grinned wickedly and began to swim away, crawling on his belly at the bottom of the pond, dragging reeds and weeds and other bottom feeding plants along with him until they just about coated him completely.
He surfaced on the other side of the boat to get a fresh breath of air when he heard the splash on the otherside. What a stupid woman? Her skirts would drag her to the bottom. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time that Victoria had a special moment. She certainly didn't mind injuring her ankle to drag him onto a horse and rush him to a doctor.
Urich dunked his head below again, covered in dirt, mud and reeds, still capable of seeing just barely. And he saw Victoria's form swimming, searching for him. Urich moved along the bottom of the boat, blending in as he did so and when he was close enough, he launched his reed covered body at her, grabbing her waist and taking her below.
Victoria could never, and would never, be able to claim that she was the best swimmer in all of the world. In fact, she knew just enough of it to keep herself at the surface, so diving below into the despicable and murky depths would have been fruitless indeed. Even if Mr. Renqvist WERE drowning, she hadn't the slightest clue if she would have been able to drag him back up for air.
But the woman was proud and stubborn, and cared enough for the man to at least risk a try, so as she reached forth, fingers brushing into silt and gooey reeds, she began to panic, and grasped desperately for something- anything when something caught her around the waist and she let out a start, nose and throat burning as she took in muddy water instead of air.
Urich held her promptly. But he only turned from his hold behind her, adjusting himself so that his head was over her shoulder enough so that he could face her. And when air bubbles came out, he put his mud and reed covered face to hers, lips sealing around hers and gave her his breath of air. His own lungs were burning furiously as he pushed off the bottom of the pond, kicking utnil they broke the surface, though much slower then before as dresses and reeds didn't make for speedy swims.
He threw her over the edge of the boat, quite hard before, clamping on the edge of the boat and peering over it. "All right, now you can choke to death," he said.
The air kiss underwater was a bit much, as she took in both that and the not-so-tasty remains from the pond water. Once thrown 'over board' (or rather.. onto board?), Victoria began coughing and sputtering again, gasping for breath as she blanched, the nasty taste of the pond, with it's raw fish and muddy tastes, rang sourly on her tongue. It took her just a few more times to clear her breath, hair once again sealing across her eyes before she looked over at Urich with a start.
"Mr. Renqvist! Really!"s he gave a shrill cry, hands clenching so tightly into fists her knuckles turned white. "I thought you had drowned, yet here you are, rescuing me!" And then with an angered, demanding thrust of her fingers, hoping to save some dignity over her tears she demanded. "Now go fetch my hat and shawl!"
"Already did, my happy companion," Urich said. He reached into the reeds on his shoulder and pulled out something muddy and white that resembled a long slip of cloth, well maybe if it was clean it would be. He scrubbed it in the pond water until it was whiter and threw it over the ledge and pulled the hat out from the reeds as well. At least this one was unenchanted for now and he smiled as he repeated the process.
He slipped the dirt and mud and reeds off of him as he climbed over the ledge of the boat awkwardly and shivered. He shook his head and body off like a dog, spraying water everywhere. Well, she was already wet so what did it matter. Urich sat down beside her, smiling sweetly, "But in all seriousness, are you all right?"
Victoria glared at him, making a small gasp each time one of her articles of clothing was returned on board the boat. And then he proceeded to climb on board, unsettling her balance as she fell back onto her bottom with an 'oof' and sprayed all over her his water like a wet dog. Her entire face wrinkled in reaction.
She bared her teeth at him then squared off her shoulders, throwing her nose to the air. "Do I look alright?" then her glared narrowed. "Don't answer that, I know I don't." she snapped,t hen proceeded to pick off a hanging pond reed from her sleeve, then hair, wrinkling her nose in disgust before casting it away over the side. Shaking her head, she went about fussing over her hair, twisting it to one side to wring it out.
"Really, this pond water is positively filthy, just look at my dress!"
And indeed, her dress was a magnificent thing to behold- water suctioning it tightly to her form, exposing not much to the imagination and at one point, it might have been white, it was now covered in dripping colors of browns and greens from the algae, scum and mud that infested the entire lake. Reeds were sticking out of her hair, a few even stuck inside the small ribbons adorning her skirts and another, larger one was sticking out of the back of her collar, which was making it unbearably itchy as she wriggled her shoulders at the sensation, then reached backa nd yanked the thing out with a sigh. Throwing it into the pond, she wilted and drew up her knees, teeth chattering.
"And now I feel miserable and cold." She rested her cheek against her skirts before peering over at Urich, eyes narrowing at him.
His smile only widened as she went on and on about the current state of her dress. His eyes wandered, peering over at her in a kind of languid curiosity as he leaned back on his arm and watched her, smiling and chuckling. There seemed to be no end of that today. He scooted closer to her when she huddled her knees and he put an arm around her shoulders.
"We're both shivering and wet from this bloody lake. Say, I have an idea, if you want to have a little, unorthodox fun. But...you might not like it. Your aunt would think it absolutely scandalous no doubt. But...if you're up for something a little more thrilling than fishing, why don't we go for a swim? A special kind of swim. And you can have your revenge on me for making you think I drowned." He chuckled a little and surprised himself with a blush.
But it quickly faded as he turned to look at her again. "I mean, what more harm can it do? It's better than freezing to death. Our clothes are already wet. We can set them on the edge to dry and just go for a quick dunk. No one's looking anyway! We'll be fine."
Victoria had been off in her own little world, wallowing about being cold and wet and uncomfortable when Urich moved closer. Her eyes narrowed again with some contempt, but then they quickly widened as his proposal before she slapped his arm.
"Mr. Renqvist! How absurd and unorthodox!" Even though she gasped, a small smile came out of it that she quickly forced away, shaking her head angrily and placing her hands to her hips as she glared at him. "Really, what sort of woman do you take me as? I would not be caught dead, swimming in a filthy lake, let alone do it while naked!" She shivered again. "It's so frightfully cold!" Yet, even she new the water was much warmer, but still! That did NOT warrant the solution!
Really! What was wrong with him?!
He looked at her with a raised brow, not buying her argument for one minute. "Do you really want to be a woman who's so conservative that she has to ask permission before breathing? And honestly, just how many chances will you have before you're chained to a desk in that Council hall for half your life? Might as well do something with the life you have while you have it. And you're wrong about the pond. It's only filthy on the bottom! It's nice on the top."
Urich shook his head and removed his arm from her shoulders. "Geeze, what a stick in the mud you are. I should have brought that annoying piano so you could clang uselessly away on it." He looked away, huddling his knees as well. Urich didn't make eye contact with her but he nudged her shoulder. Once...a few seconds. Then twice. Then a third time, before looking at her, grinning.
Victoria could not believe him, and leaned forward, working at her boot, removing it before allowing the mucky silt to dribble out, then she tossed it at him suddenly with a smirk.
"If I get in the water, I expect to be wearing some of my clothes, Mr. Renqvist, now,"s he turned about fussing over her second boot for tossing that one precariously into his chest and leaned forward.
"Please do unbind me from this restraining corset. The least I can do is get rid of the first layer of clothes." She tried to hide her smile, but he still might have been able to catch it against her cheek as she looked away, back to him as she lifted up her hair to allow him a view at the strings that bond her clothes. Yes, shedding her first layer could at least be appropriate.. considering she was already terribly wet and dirty! And... well, it WAS sort of a challenge, after all! ANd well.. it WOULD be rather fun to just go about and swim!
Urich laughed as she tossed her boots at him. "That's all I ask," he said, but he didn't even bother to hide his smile. At last he convinced her to do something that was outside of her comfort zone. He gladly obliged her, moving behind her to loosen the laces of her corset. The thing was awfully tight and he tugged at them hard until they were loose. "My, my, it's almost literally hanging by a thread," he said, implying something dark and vulgar, but saying nothing more. That v-word really seemed to get on her nerves.
Urich moved away from her and stood up with their backs facing each other as he moved to remove his trousers. Of course skinny dipping wasn't what it was without nudity, but if she at least wanted to be half decent, her underclothes would work. He looked around the edge of the lack, making sure nobody was watching them. As he hung his pants on the bench, spreading them so that they could dry, he quickly turned around and offered Victoria a smirk.
"Last one to the water has to row us back!" he yelled as he ran and dove off the ledge, splashing gracefully into the water.
The man was horrible, and now also a cheat as she gasped, hanging on to the remains of her clothing as it was held loosely over her shift. She could not believe the man! Glaring at him, she stood up, wrestled out of her skirts and once she was stepped out of them, she stood at the edge, gave him a cold stare before moving herself to sit at the edge of the boat. She wore a lot less now- just a simple top that loosely fit her, that was moist and nearly translucent as it clung to her torso, especially more so around her heavy breasts that still offered ample cleavage, despite no longer being restrained and her bottom was still relatively clothed and prude, with tight, white pantaloons going to her knees that puffed out with frilly lace at the ends. She simply stared at Urich as she kicked idly at the water with her bare feet.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist, that was not very sportsman like."S he said, still too hesitant to join him just yet. The waters were warm at best, but still, she remained shivering as she looked him and the water skeptically.
"How do I know if I join you you won't see me drown?"
Urich swam back a little as she sat on the ledge, the boat tipping just enough to dip her toes in. He admired her form, couldn't help it really since the water did most of the work to expose, in minute hints, just what was underneath. But it was enough to make him grin, but he immediately averted his gaze and looked her right in the face.
"Oh, please, Victoria," he said, rolling his eyes. "To the victor go the spoils. But I could be in a position to forfeit my win if you get in the water. And do something else t0o." He chuckled wickedly, unable to help it as he swam forth and tugged at her leg, quickly moving to the side lest she kick him. "Come on in, the water's FINE!" And yanked her in with a mighty splash.
He laughed roarously, pelting her with waves.
Victoria gave a start when he reached for her leg.
"Really! Mr. Renqvist!" she swatted at him with a huff. "Do desist these antics, I can get into the water just fine on me own." Though it seemed Urich had other plans as she gave a start, splashing into the water with a gasp, staring a thim before fluttering her eyes as she began to flood her face with waves of water.
"URICH!" she wailed. "Urich! Stop!" but he seemed not to listen as she growled at him and began to splash back, keeping her face turned with cheek side to water as she laughed, and continued before finally lunging towards him and snatching onto his wrists.
"Really stop! You're getting water up my nose!" she informed him, laughing and coughing all the same.
He finally stopped when she latched onto his wrists, but he couldn't stop laughing and when she was close enough, he slipped an arm away from her and wrapped it around her waist and planting a quick kiss onto her cheek before slipping away. "I like to see that look on your face," Urich said, referring to her smile. "It's a rare find. But everyone looks better when they smile. Especially you."
He swam away a little, swimming onto his back and floating there, as he looked at her. "You finally learned to call me Urich. Really, Mr. Renqvist is gettting old."
Victoria's eyes went wide, much like a fish, before her face softened as a blush settled in. Really, what manners! She threw her nose to the air and smacked the water so a small wave crashed towards his face.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist, I only used it because I was mad." She eyed him, smirking wickedly as she bobbed about within the water. "Why, you should know by know you'll always be Mr. Renqvist to me,"s he teased, nose still high in the air as she lowered herself into the water, just enough so her head remained bobbing out and occasionally, her shoulders would show as her teeth lightly chattered. My, yes.. it was a lot warmer beneath the water's surface!
"I think you only say that because you don't know me well enough," Urich said, swimming over to her, circling her like a shark and smiling like a wolf as he leveled with her and swam closer. "I could help you get to know me better if you'd like. Especially since we're going to be living together for the better part of a few months. That is until I can get some money saved to find a place of my own." His smile faded a little. "Maybe Sirantil Valley has enough werewolves to last it a lifetime. I'd like to travel a little, maybe move south. What about you? Have you ever thought of it? Leaving this place?"
Victoria raised a brow skeptically at his statement.
"I think I know you well enough." she said, seeming to sniff as she continued to bob int he waters, staring at him as he came down to her level and tilted her head curiously to one side as he went on. She thought over his question, seeming to go long in the face before giving a sigh and subtle roll of her eyes.
"Please, you ask such a silly question. What I am, what I was born as, I mean, as a Negotiator, my place as already been settled. There really aren't many of what I am left and, well, being my Aunt never took to marrying, perhaps that's why it seems all of the weight falls to me." She shook her head, but smiled a little. "Not that it matters, I can still dream, perhaps, and getting away from here could be fun, but even I know I've been bred for stability. My job does dictated I would watch over the section of land this Council runs, and once my Aunt is gone.. "She shrugged as best she could. "It is only natural I would take her place. Leaving here doesn't seem like much of an option for me. I've already resigned myself to this fate, and this area is rather comfortable. I Know, and I know it well, and there is nothing wrong with familiarity."
"That is true. And you're right, there's nothing wrong with stability," Urich agreed with her, unable to keep from smiling. "But well, some people like to see the world. Other people just aren't built for it. I've always preferred versatility over stability, myself. Just because you've lived here all your life doesn't mean you should let yourself fester and grow stagnant. It is the reed that bends that doesn't break."
Urich looked down at the water for a moment, thinking of her cousin that was coming to visit. "Do you really look forward to spending the rest of your life with someone like Gerard? I haven't met the man, but he sounds devilishly charming, I'm sure you'll have your hands full by the time he arrives. Speaking of which, is that him I see now?"
Urich pointed out to the shore, hoping to get her to turn her head. Especially to the fact that there was actually nobody there. But by the time she would turn back, he closed the distance and crushed his lips to hers.
Victoria laughed at his mention of stability.
"I suppose I'm not always sated by my present state, though I tend to blame my great ancestors for it- after all, it was one of my great grandmother's who fell in love with a werewolf?" She made a gentle noise of thought, leering him playfully before she pressed on. "It seems there's always one wrong one in every family." She had to tease. "But the wildness, that freedom you tend to crave, to see the world, it runs in my blood too." She informed him, raising her hand as if he could see it in the veins herself. "Though some say our blood is tainted but I simply keep silent and laugh. Really, I'm still as much as a negotiator as the remaining few."
Then at him mentioning her cousin, she wrinkled her nose.
"Gerard? Heavens, no, that boy is ghastly. He's about as reckless as you are, perhaps more so.."s he studied his face, turning nose away. "And yes, I will have my hands full." she gave a sniff. "He is quite the rascal, like I mentioned before, more like a brother than-"
"Did you say he's here now!?" she blinked and turned away, only to look back at him, lips open in reprimand and before she knew it, he stole her breath away.
Urich massaged her lips softly, kissing her with a gentility even he didn't know he was capable of. His right arm went around her waist and the other clasped on the side of the boat. Urich craned his neck, deepennig the kiss, fire spreading throug his whole body even through the coldness of the pond and the chilliness of the air.
And when he pulled away, he looked her over, eyes landing on hers and he smirked, still holding her close to him. "A proper kiss, from someone who knows how. Before your lips are taken by a fool."
When his lips tore away, she couldn't help herself but release a groggy moan, cheeks pink and heated, her mind in disarray. What- what had he just-?
SO many feelings rushed through her body, bubbling and expanding and swelling within her breast.
Then he spoke and she blinked, narrowing her eyes at him and struck him, slapping him hastily across the face.
"How dare you!" she shouted, baring her teeth. "How dare you mock me! We are in no proper condition for.. for.." And she looked him over with wild, wide eyes. "For such intercourse! Really, Urich! Might I remind you we are both already under scrutiny." Her cheeks burned. "The last thing I need is for even more gossip against my dignity." And she turned hotly away. "We should return to the boat to Mr. Henry." and she moved towards it, hands gripping onto the ledge of the boat.
The slap was not unexpected, and it certainl woke him up. He might have only been biding his time until that slap came into contact with his face. It amused him and made him laugh harder and he hugged her tighter to him. "Victoria, do keep your voice down," Urich said after a while and deciding to let her go. He hid himself by the boat and looked around. His breath came out in heated clouds and he moved to the other side of the tiny vessel before hoisting himself over.
He shook himself dry, well, mostly dry. He sat down to put his trousers on and then proceeded to help her into the boat. "Besides, you better get started if you're going to row us back to shore! It's tiring work and the air only gets colder. Besides, I wasn't trying to have 'intercourse' with you. I just wanted a kiss. I'm sorry." But his face only laughed all the more.
Victoria stumbled in an unorthodox lump at the bottom of the boat. Sighing, she went about fussing over her hair, than snapped to attention when he brought up intercourse. Her face reddened as she let out a huff, hands to her hips.
"Mr. Renqvist, I did not mean that intercourse, you wolfish man!" she bared her teeth. "I meant the social kind!" and she reached out, pinching his arm fiercely. "And you cheated! I refuse to row!"s he said, and slumped down onto the bottom of the boat, arms folded angrily across her breasts as she glared at him.
"You ought to do it." Andshe turned away, proceeding to fluff at her hair. "Especially after that sort of kiss. If you can all that any real sort of kiss." she huffed. "Really, men are not to toy with women so!"
He remained amused and crossed his arms over his chest. He knew she wouldn't row and neither would he. That was until...
"All right then, I'll make you a deal. I'll row us back to shore if you can how me what you think a real kiss is? Hm? Show me how you'd like to be kiss and I'll row us back as the infidel and cheater I am," Urich laughed again and turned his nose up like she did. Two could play at this game. "Well, if you're not going to kiss me. You might as well start rowing. We haven't got all day. Well, I do, but you don't."
OOC: *snickers at typos*
IC:
Victoria stared at him indignantly.
"Me show you a real kiss?" She jutted out her lips, eyes burning with a new fire. She snorted. "You would try to steal a kiss. But I would't waste the efforts on my lips."s he waved it off and grabbed one of the oars, then shove it into his chest.
"Now, get over to your side of the bench. We'll row together."S he said, and huffed as she took a seat on the bench in the center, picking up the remaining oar as she peered over at him skeptically.
"Well?" she sat there, poised with the oar out and ready to stroke- but she was hardly going to do this work alone!
And really, what was with this man- showing such outward affections towards her-
Her face was still red, and she felt herself heat up when she recalled when he had kissed her before...
She turned away, blinking away the thoughts.
Those had been very.. rather. really nice ways to be kissed...
and she couldn't deny the one in the small lake was more than acceptable, and in fact, made her lose her breath at the thought. But did it matter? This man hated her, and probably only did it to toy with her since he was bored. Really now... he had already told her he didn't like her. Now what was he planning to do? What a woflish man!
And to think she was finding herself believing him to be agreeable!
He caught the oar, the end of it nearly hitting him in the face. But Urich just sat there, grinning and eventually crossing his arms over his chest, setting the long oar in his lip. He even breathed on his nails and wiped them against his still wet shirt. He took the oar up in his hand and inspected it as if it were a spear or a javelin made for battle, holding it up to his eye to test the design. Then carefully placed it back in his lap and cross his arms over his chest and gave a massive yawn.
"Well, what? Don't expect me to row," he said, shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, if you're not going to kiss me, you can start rowing. Shore's back that way," he pointed out to the left of him. "Deal's been proposed. You still have a few seconds in you want to change your mind. Otherwise, start rowing. It's getting chilly out here."
Victoria glowered at him.
"You impossible man! Why do you keep insisting on a kiss you will never receive from my willing!" She huffed angrily and pointed. "Just pick up that oar and help!" and she dipped her paddle into the water a few times before realizing he was doing nothing and grew angry.
"URICH!" she pulled her paddle out and whacked him lightly with it.
"I am not strong enough nor do I have the endurance to paddle us back to the shore! Now, stop being ridiculous and help me!" and she went back to paddling, furiously so and glared over at Urich, expecting him very much still to help!
"What are you so afraid of?" he said, shielding his head from the blow of her oar. He was having trouble containing himself with bouts of laughter as she was getting madder and madder. But he still refused to row. A game was a game, and he'd made it to the water first. She'd have to row alone. "All you have to do is kiss me, is that so hard?" he said. "But fine, fine! If you want to be stubborn, you can be prideful and stubborn. There's nothing wrong with that. So, go on then. I'm sure they're expecting us."
Growing angered at his indifference, she threw her oar down into the bottom of the boat and glared at him.
"Really now! What sort of man are you in letting a lady row! And still diligently asking for that kiss?" She stuck her nose up, but found herself staring at his lips then looked away, folding her arms across her chest.
"Then it looks like we'll just be stuck out here on this pond all day! I do hope you're happy about it because I refuse to row and refuse to kiss you."
Really, he didn't play fair and she was not about to give him the satisfaction of well, her probably giving him a much clumsy of a kiss!
"I guess so, then," Urich shrugged indifferently again. He stretched his limbs out and turned his body to lay longways on the bench, putting his hands underneath his head, relaxing. He yawned again. "You know, if we both catch pneumonia out here, it'll be your fault. And if you're aunt complains as to why we're both sick...and late! - it will still be your fault. But no matter. All that rowing I did taking us out here has worn me out. But it's okay," he shrugged again, "I understand if you're chicken. So, isn't today lovely? Why I could just fall asleep out here!"
"Oh, you impossible man!" Victoria growled, glaring daggers at him as she remained, unmoving and stubborn for a time, before finally taking up the single oar ad beginning to row, and row she did, until she realized the fruitlessness of her efforts and gave a sharp cry of annoyance, tossing the paddle out angrily into the pond. Really, rowing on one side merely proved to put them in circles!
"WHY MUST YOU BE SO DIFFICULT!?" she shouted, finally snapping from her stubborness and rage. " I JUST NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS ONE THING AND there you are, sitting as content as a kitten in the cream! Now use those man arms of yours and help me row!"
Though it was only then she realized what she had done, and what she had asked of him as she threw herself onto the bench in a dramatic heap as she wilted against the side, keeping her back to him. She was positively miserable and his cockiness was not helping!Really, the joke about them kissing was getting old!
He watched the oar soar into the air, spin a little and make a splash. She had a good arm on her, she did! And here she was complaining that she couldn't row! Pish posh! He bit his lip however in an attempt not to laugh and managed to stifle it. He was getting a little annoyed, he had to admit, but he wasn't going to be the one to buckle first. And when she turned her back to him. Urich, slowly sat up and sent daggers of his own into her back.
"I'll use my man arms for something," he said lowly and moved foward, wrapping them around her waist and pulling her into his lap. He twisted around, facing her awkwardly, and pressing his lips fiercely to hers.
Victoria gave a start when she was suddenly pulled into his arms and found herself on the other side of the bench in his lap, and though she tried to wriggle to protest, there was little time for such things when suddenly his lips sealed to hers.
Her eyes widened and she found herself at a loss of breath, tensing suddenly before the heat swelled inside her body, dizzying her head before she moaned and pushed away, gasping for air as her dark hair hung ragged and wet about her pink cheeked face.
"Urich!" her tongue snapped. "What on earth on you doing? Your intentions here are most inappropriate, considering our situation!" Really, and the way she was dressed, still soaked in her undergarments. And really, she would find this a lot more intoxicating and appropriate were it not for the fact he had made it clear he did not wish to marry her, did not care for her and, well- so what if he gave her flowers! That still did not mean a thing! She only assumed now he was trying to kiss her as he had before- when she was in the bath and barely wearing clothes! Really, what sort of man becomes to riled he can not contain himself as a gentleman infront of a lady who has but no choice but to find herself in such ridiculous predicament?
"Let me remind you I am still in my undergarments, so if you please, release your hold on me so I can put my dress back on at once!"
His face was just as flushed as hers as he held her close, arms like a vice as they gripped her. He laughed at her insinuation and just pressed his cheek to hers, nuzzling her face a little and grinning wickedly. "Okay, I'll let you go, but first, you have to do something. Not kiss, I suppose I could say this counts for it," he smiled, satisfied at this small triumph.
"First, you'll have to get the OAR!" He yelled as he suddenly hoisted her up, keeping his balance in the boat and tossed her over the edge in a mighty splash. "I just thought you needed a little cooling off!"
Victoria had no idea what to make of the sudden gesture of nuzzling. She felt awkward for it, the man showing more affection, though she still couldn't help but assume he was just being a wolf.
"Really, I think I'm through with these favors of yours. And why is it that you seem to become so forward with me when I'm always indecent?" she pressed, gritting her teeth, cheeks flushed red, but then she wouldn't have an answer as he proposed what she ought to do and she blinked, eyes widening as she stammered, "The oar? but it's-"
SPLOOOOOOOOOOSH!
Suddenly bubbles were roaring at her ears and dark waters surrounding her. With a few flailed strokes, she gasped after breaking surface of the water, hair slicked over her face as she gave a wail.
"URRIIIIIIIIICH!" and it was probably loud enough to be heard all the way back to the Armani Estate! "YOU!"s he would have hit him, but instead, hit angrily at the waters around her
"YOU IRRESPONSIBLE MAN! Really! Such an impossible man with an impossible quest! I bet you are enjoying yourself here just to make my life turn to hell! NOw look at me! All wet again!"
Urich's expression turned wry and he leaned a foot on the ledge of the boat, leaning on his leg nonchalantly. He raised an irritated brow that she had the gall to mention he took joy out of making her life hell. "Well, now consider it payback for all the hell you've put me through darling!" he said back, expression turning all the more grim. He pointed out to the water. "No go and get that oar! I'll row us back. Happy now?"
He turned and sat back down on the bench, reaching into the basket, pulling out the wine and taking a long swig of it. If anything, he might as well just down the whole bottle!
Victoria glared at the man, but really she had little choice. Giving a growl, she hit the water again then fetched up the oar and threw it into the boat, purposely making sure it hit the floor as load as it could before she began to crawl into the boat like a monkey. Her arms were grasping tightly tot he sides, legs and bare feet digging into it as she tried to pull herself in, but made the boat rock a bit more than she'd like as she splashed, unhappily, back into the waters again.
Urich put the bottle back in the basket after having his fill and waiting for her to give the oar back. "If you hadn't thrown it out there in the first place, this wouldn't have happened!" he said, picking it up and locking it into place on the side of the boat, and putting the other one into place here as well. He held out a hand to her to help her get into the boat, yanking her in quite unceremoniously. "Are you all set?" he asked with a satisfied grin.
Sitting at the center bench, he slowly began to row the back to shore. "Why must you make everything so difficult, Victoria?"
"Oof!" she said as she tumbled almost onto her face as Urich pulled her in. She gave him a nasty glare, but sighed and went about fussing to get back into her skirts and messing with her hair.
"You know, there are going to be a lot of questions why it looks like we both were romping in the mud," she began, one brow twitching as she stood up, trying to tie the bow at the bustle of her dress with hands behind her back, facing away from him. She sighed again at the idea. "My Aunt will only be able to accept so may excuses as to why she always hears about us in such unceremonious circumstance." Sighing, after tightening the bow, she turned back to face Urich, then blinked at his question giving a huff.
"I could ask you the same question." she said, hands to her hips as her eyes narrowed upon him. "This was a fishing trip and look!" she pointed down at the single, limp fish on the floor. "This is all we can account for for this mockery done to our clothes." she sighed and noticed the wine bottle,picking it up and took an unceremonious swig.
"And I might as well enjoy this unceremonious action while it occurs." she stated, taking another burning swig of the drink, then wiped off it's remains on the back of her wrist before glancing over at Urich and taking a seat at his other side.
SHe eyed him suspiciously, nursing another drink before sighing and setting down the bottle.
"And I'm really not all that difficult." she said prissily, fussing backa t her hair. "If you were a woman in my conditions, you might be able to understand, but .."s he sighed, wilting slightly. "We are what we are, and if a woman has to put up a face, she has to put up a face." Sighing again, she offered the wine bottle. "Any more wine, Mr. Renqvist?"
"Your explanation is trying at best. And if you want me to make an honest woman about that, we can roll around as soon as we hit the shore," he said, offering her a chuckle. His clothes were only partly dry and he shivered against the wind, but at least the rowing made him warm up all the more. He was still a little flush from the kiss, but that was a thought he would store at the back of his mind.
He watched her idly dressed, only partly obvious, and smirking nonetheless. "You enjoy that bottle while you got the chance," he said, shaking his head. And turned away from the bottle when she offered it. "No, not at all. If you got me drunk, your aunt will only use it as more ammuntion against me. But I'm sure you'd enjoy me getting scolded like a child with his hand caught in the cookie jar!"
And soon when they were close to the shore, Urich stopped rowing and jumped out of the side of the boat, walking up the shore and pulling the boat up the sand with little effort. He walked over to the side again and offered a hand to her. "So a lady may make her glorious exit from a roughed-up raft. Can't have you falling into the mud now."
Victoria gasped at his statement, choking on her own spit.
"Urich!" she snapped, face reddening at the thought. She shook her head of it, and any.. ideas that would linger and sighed hotly, fussing over her skirts. "And I think I will enjoy that bottle," She said, having a bit more to drink than she wanted, so the flush she now adorned was because she had gotten herself a little drunk, so when Urich offered her a hand and she accepted, her foot got caught on the edge of the boat and she spilled forward, giving a yell as she crashed into Urich's chest. Well, she supposed, righting herself with a bit of a wobble, perhaps it was better HIM than the mud!
"Oh, what a trifling thing-" Victoria began bitterly, pushing herself with a sigh off of Urich, even if he would have tried to hold her fast. Really, someone could be watching-
"Well now, when Aunt Millicent mentioned I'd find you hear, I never thought I'd find you in so lush a dress." The voice was distinctively her cousins's, so at the voice, her head snapped in his direction with a gasp, then she drew back as she stared, appalling as she examined her quite obviously in her white dress.
"Might I offer you my coat, dear cousin?" Gerard said, throwing it off from his shoulders and holding the blue coat out to her, one that was lined with intricate, gold embroidery and matching buttons along the front. "It would not do well for you to erm-" he cleared his throat. "Catch a cold while I was here visiting." She accepted the coat, face burning, only because she hardly had a choice as she stood there, looking at him with a soured face.
"Why would Aunt Milli tell you to come to the lake?" Victoria snapped.
Gerard's pale blue eyes brightened as a smile wrinkled his cheeks in dimples.
"Why, Victoria, really now, I haven't seen you in all of these how many years? And this is how you greet me?" He held his arms out invitingly. "My favorite cousin ought to at least greet me with a sweet hug and chaste kiss."
Victoria glared at him now, sticking her nose to the air, but obliged, stepping forward and hugged him lightly, almost rigidly before pecking a cold kiss to both of his cheeks.
Gerard flashed her a wicked grin as Victoria stepped back and scrutinized him.
He seemed to have done well for himself, wearing fancy trousers, black, oil slicked boots, and an ivory blouse and a mustard colored cravat that probably matched handsomely to his jacket she now wore, that smelled of cedars and the faint smell of his musk. He had grown up well, filling out the image she had last seen of him, definitely forming the qualities of a man, as the outlines of a solid frame work of some muscles could be conceived as they pressed enticingly at the form of his clothes. And his blonde hair was much loner before, working with bangs cut to his cheeks and collected into a ponytale at the base of his skill, the length reaching down between his shoulder blades. It seemed the blonde had darkened however, as did his brows, for before they had been nearly transparent in their blondeness, where as now they seemed almost red. Even his hair had a bit more strawberry to it, but also a lot more blonde, seeming bleached at the top while scraggles of red littered throughout.
His jaw line now seemed to suit him, or so she imagined, considering before he had never been ugly, but then again, he came from a well breed of family, both his father and mother being very handsome and both ever so blonde, his mother much more fairer than his father, so the red, she assumed, came from his dad. Had she not been so turned away from the idea, she wouldn't have mind the idea that was pressed a few years back to hers and Gerard's marriage-
but everybody knew about him and the other flings.
and hsi gambling..
and his ridiculous addiction to certain drugs.
Yes, it was quite easily made there would be no marrying that. Yet, as those things had come to fruition, the visits from Gerard completely ceased. It had been said he joined the military, and she studied the jacket now, realizing, it might have been one such thing before she turned back to him.
"Now before you ask, I was discharged honorably, I assured you, as I am certain you have heard i joined the military not too long ago. The councilman need all the men they can get." he flashed her a toothy grin, though Victoria kept her head held high, seemingly unimpressed. Though she really was and lamely informed him,
"That's good to hear you are finally trying to make something of yourself."
"Yeah, there's a lot of that going on and I've been doing a lot of thinking, but oh, where are my manners," Gerard turned around, putting out a large hand to Mr. Renqvist. "I am Gerard Regnold, first cousin to the sweet lady Victoria that stands before us. A pleasure to meet you Mister?" and he raised up his brows, waiting for the man to reply.
Urich caught her unexpectedly and there was a mirth in his eyes he found was in no connectioin to his mocking amusement before. He gave a grin that matched which slowly faded when she turned away from him and walked up the shore alone, while he worked a pulling the boat back to shore. If only the Old Man Henry had a dock of his own instead of having to take the mule all the way to the estate, just to go fishing! It seemed so impractical. But well, perhaps if time permitted he would go out of his way to build the Old Man one himself. It was certainly better than having to haul the boat all the way back by land.
Urich was caught completely by surprise when her cousin made his approach. He'd had his back to them, busying pulling the damned thing up out of the water and obviously the 'lady' wouldn't deign to help. He'd been smiling in his musings and only turned when Victoria took her time to address him. And that smile quickly faded as he watched her talk to the man. It didn't matter if she gave him the cold shoulder, because it certainly did nothing to keep the hot pangs that snapped in his chest when he looked at them.
But he kept his composure. Having not expected to see her cousin so soon, Urich did his best to smile. He was a fine looking young man, obviously younger than him - by a long shot no less, but he was sure he looked good for someone who was a hundred and thirty. In any event, the man was well-cut, well-dressed, and well-fitted. He looked distinguished and certainly went out of his way to be a gentleman. or so he would have it seem.
"Ah, so you're the cousin," Urich said, graciously stepping forth and shaking the man's hand. His grip was hard and powerful, no doubt a show of the wolf's blood, and he watched Gerard's face squirm in discomfort, but gracefully recover by the time he let go. "Miss Victoria has told me so much about you, Mr. Regnold," he continued. "As for me, I am Urich Renqvist. A, uh, friend of the family. I know we must look in quite a state to you, but we were fishing...and had some trouble with a few unruly basses." He smiled graciously and held his hands behind his back.
"So, how long do you plan on stayin in town?" Urich asked, pulling the rope at the end of the boat and securing it around the base of a tree beside it. He bothered himself by pulling out the objects they had brung, basket of food, sandwiches and the bucket with the one small fish in it as well as the poles in the other hand.
Gerard had only been briefed by Aunt Millicent about Mr. Renqvist, so he had forgotten his name, or so had done it on purpose. Sometimes it paid to feign ignorance as he flashed his cousin and her friend a well polished, toothy smile.
"Well," he began, pressing his hands together flat. "For the entirity of the month, if Aunt Millicent could survive such a trying session." He said in good humor, chuckling as he went, then turned to Mr. Renqvist who seemed to be doing well for himself in handling all of the work, leaving poor Miss Victoria, his cousin, all but alone!
Approaching her he offered an arm.
"It seems you have both had a trying day. Come, allow me to assist you in walking back to Millicent's. We can play catch up on the way." And she graciously accepted the arm, but as he began to mve away, she gave a start, "But oh! Mr. Renqvist!" She turned about, eyes going wide as she held onto her soggy hat and shawl that was still damp and hanging against her body.
"What about Mr. Renqvist? Does he need your presence before he returns to work?" he noticed her questionably stare and his face brightened. "Oh , that's right, I regret to inform you that is one of the reasons I've come out!" he cleared his throat, appearing a bit selfish and turned to address Urich. "It seems Mr Henry requests you to return immediately. Aunt Millicent requested I escort Victoria back myself so she would not have to make this trek alone." He bowed a bit towards Urich and said, "It was a pleasure to meet you." before swiftly turning away before Victoria even got a chance to get two words in.
"Really, Gerard, just hold on a moment! Mr Renqvist still has some of my things."
"I'm sure he can bring them back when we all have supper," and as they walked off, most briskly, he waved a hand back towards Urich and called, "OH, and Mr Renqvist, er, Urich was it, shall I call you that?" he said, blue eyes charming. "Aunt Millicent asked you to be on time for supper this evening. We're having your favorite, she says. Roast duck!" and before Victoria might have a word of it, she was whisked away back towards her manner...
Urich waved them off as they departed back to the manor. Yes, if anything a woman like Victoria deserved a man like Gerard. They were cut from the same cloth, snooty, rich blue-bloods. It was only natural chemisty after all. Then why couldn't he shake that burning ache that broiled in his chest. He felt like he wanted to puke, but managed to keep his lunch down despite himself. Yes, they definitely deserved each other. Urich shrugged and walked off to the Henry estate.
When daylight waned and the time for dinner came, Urich walked back to Armani Keep, in a set of new clean clothes. After taking a dive in the pond, which he came to understand wasn't the smartest idea in the world, Old Man Henry gave him his pay for the day and he went into town to buy new clothes. Which were his first new set of clothes since he moved in. It was nice, and he cut a clean look in burgundy and brown boots, returning with the basket that Victoria had left by the boat.
"Oh, hello, Mr. Renqvist. Dinner has started. They are eating in the dining hall now."
"Thanks Frederick. Here take this will you? You know how absent-minded young women can be when around a new young man in the house." He smiled at the rotting valet and gave him the basket, before heading forth into the dining hall.
"ANd I told the captain and the cavaliers that I just don't work with horses, those piggish things, and you know what?" Gerard was going on, talking with a flail of his fork. "I sure surprised them! Showed those troops how to ride a real man's horse." and if he could have hiked up his pants he would, but he had been seated and it was then he took notice as the werewolf had come home. A smile flashed across his face as he rose from his seat, taking in the new polished look of his competition, and by the looks of things, he appeared as competition indeed.
"Well, now, Mr. Renqvist, so good of you to finally join us!"
"Yes, I apologize but we could not wait. Gerard was just telling us how famished he was from his travels. I hope you are not upset, but please do have a seat," Millicent informed, gesturing to the vacant seat at her side, and where Urich would normally sit when dining, Gerard remained perched in the chair. And Gerard, who had once again taken his seat, returned his attentions backto his story-
But Victoria was only partially interested, her eyes becoming glued to Urich, and it wasn't until her cousin had asked her a question that she had become broken from her spell.
"I'm sorry, come again?"
Gerard laughed.
"Really, Victoria, Mr. Renqvist does clean up rather nicely but you don't need to gape. He is a wolf after all."
Victoria turned to him, appalled, but her cousin went onward, as if he hadn't noticed
"Now, I was telling them that shooting bullets is a skill to acquire, much like arhcery, but you see, a lot of the poor boys in that regiment were recruited outside Connlaoth, so they were not familiar with such contraptions. Anyways, the point of it all was that I had showed them all up, being quite the excellent marksman."
"Yes, I see.." Victoria went on, humoring her cousin with a smile as she went about picking at the remainder of her meat, and stole a glance towards Urich. Her cousin had dominated the conversation since she had left Urich's side. And he had much to say, though she assumed most of it was hot air.
Turning now, she found a moment to intrude as she addressed Urich,
"How is Mr. Henry? It seems you had enough time to get some new clothes." She blushed, thinking back to what her cousin stated nad with held the compliment that had been at the tip of her tongue and looked away, going back to picking at peas, one of which popped onto the table as she blinked. Gathering up her wits, she tried to start a conversation again- but this time, Gerard, again, stole the show.
"Ah, so Mr. Renqvist, what is it that you do anyways for the neighbor? You are his hired hand?" He raised his blonde brows in question, the chandelier seeming to make the array of freckles on his face, glow.
Urich had quietly entered the room, completely ignoring any jib-jab that came out of Gerard's mouth. It sounded like the scrape of claws against slate stone, but the wolf was far too hungry to notice. He bowed his head to the meal and quietly thanked Millicent for the duck and ate and drank in his own private peace.
He felt like a background piece, a paper bush on the stage of an actor's play. And the actor truly was making quiet a show of himself as he flourished his arms along with his words trying to hold the attention of all in the room. Frankly, Urich could only feel sorry that Victoria was relate to him, and no doubt would have to marry him sometime soon. He smiled at the notion for all the trouble the woman had brought him, she would finally be getting her just deserts.
And his smile remained as he brought the cup of wine to his lips, drinking heartily, and continuing to eat away at his duck. Urich only gracefully rolled his eyes to Gerard, mid-munch and swallowed with a nod. "You could say that. There's not much too it, really. I just tend to his house, fix what needs fixing. And he pays me quite well for something so easy. But do go on. You were heavily in detail about marksmanship." He only looked up at Victoria, returning his attention to his meal, but he locked eyes with her for a moment and winked at her. Then took another sip of wine.
Which had been quickly emptied and quickly filled. He'd need a lot of it if he was going to have to listen to this drivle all night.
Gerard's talking hardly ceased, and had continued as they were all dismissed into the parlor, where Gerard made himself cozy in the largest, stuffed chair beside the fireplace and busied himself with a glass of dark wine. Millicent was humbly perched nearby, working at a needlepoint on her lap.
Victoria, however, was becoming gravely tired by all of his talking. Sure, it had been sometime, and she knew her cousin liked to talk, but it was beginning to become even too much to her as she fiddled at the piano, idly playing a song but become distracted every now and again as she'd lift up a single hand to hide away a yawn.
Urich was easily the most tired of all of them and would just as well have retired upstairs. Gerard went endlessly on about his feats in the military, supposed tales of heroism and was basking in the attention of his listeners. Well, for as long as he could hold them. It became quite clear that he was having difficulty doing so as Victoria unleashed a massive yawn.
Urich chuckled and soon joined her by that wretched thing of a piano. He didn't look at her, just sat to her left, and took his hand and gently played a key that intermittenly went with the one she played. It was idle at first but he smiled at her and nudged for her to scoot over a little. His playing became a little louder, then louder as he began to pound at the keys, like an artist in the making.
Soon the piano became so loud it actually drowned out Gerard as Urich began to instinctively play something he'd learned in his youth. It was powerful, dark, foreboding, and his fingers moved like lightning over the keys.
Victoria gladly scooted over, her fingers slowly drifting away to let Urich take complete control over the keys. It wasn't until Gerard's stories were well drowned out that Millicent looked over at the pair, then finally, Gerard. He raised his brows, laughing some at the song as he raised himself up off the chair cushion and onto his feet. Crossing the way, he leaned against he piano, pretending to admire the song while Victoria cast a glance towards her cousin, still smiling as she remained at Urich's side.
"Impressive, what sort of-" and then he paused, realizing he was trying to speak, but the music suddenly crescendoed, so he paused, gritted his teeth, smiled, then tried again as hse leaned over, being careful not to spill his wine.
"THAT SONG IS IMPRESSIVE. WHAT SONG IS IT THAT YOU PLAY, URICH?"
Victoria's eyes darted again to her cousin, her small bit of laughter lost against the sound of the music. Instead, she smirked most coyly as she glanced over at her piano partner.
"Yes, IT IS RATHER LOVELY!" she teased, shouting into Urich's ear as she was right beside him, so her voice projected quite well over the noise. "DID ROBERN TEACH YOU IT!?"
The power of the song became overwhelming and Urich continued, quite literally, to pound away on the keys. He didn't even give a second's worth of a glance to Gerard, who hung carelessly to the side of the piano and did his best to be heard over it. Frankly, he'd heard enough of his voice. Honestly they all had. He only looked to Victoria when she shouted at him, and he still played as loudly as he could.
"IT'S CALLED 'THE FALL OF THE DARKENED THRONE.' MY FATHER TAUGHT ME TO PLAY IT. IN FACT, HE WROTE IT," he answered and continued to play until the song carefully came to its solemn, somber end. "There are no exact words to it. But it's about a young, ambitious man's rise to power using lies and deceit. And at the height of his power, he commits unspeakable act of cruelty. It is only in the crescendo that he realizes the terrible things he's done and wishes to repent for them, but it is too late. The people have rebelled against him. They slay his wife and his child and hang them on pikes for him to see and when they seige his castle, he watches all he has built burn around him and they impale him to the throne from which he ruled."
Victoria couldn't help but smile, the smile reaching well past her eyes as her mouth fell open, cheeks dimpling and glitter casting like gold across the warm brown color of her eyes. Though as she listened to the story, she couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed for Gerard, for even she was well aware of some of his painted lies, though obviously not all of them.
"Well, Victoria began, her eyes still sparkling as she held her mouth open in pause of thought. "That was um, very interesting. Your father must have been a very creative and artistic man. Though, that makes one beg to wonder, has he composed any other ballads as well? Perhaps one about silly women trying to steal land from men?" she teased.
Gerard couldn't help but laugh. His cousin being flirtatious was enough to warrant it.
"Your father was definitely a man with a dark sense of humor." and as the man spoke, he tossed a gaze to Urich, then away, clearing his throat, but before he could speak, Victoria had a chance to interrupt. "Yes, did he have any lighter ballads? Or ones about the more epic conquests of war?" Gerard pressed the question, leaning casually with his hip to the piano, legs crossed before him, one set of fingers curled as he examined the nails- a ripe glass of wine in the other.
"Indeed he does," Urich answered, playing lightly with the keys now. The sound of the piano was like nails in his ears. He never did get used to it but the fact that he'd learned how to play despite his hatred of the instrument was astounding even to him. "He wrote most of his own material. And they all have stories attached to them. He was a very great piano player in his day. Played for royalty or so I've been told.
"But he never bothered writing about war. It's such a useless, tasteless thing. Everybody dies and nobody really wins. And even when you win, you still lose." Urich shrugged. "That was his opinion anyway. He preferred to write about what went on in people. Betrayal. Love. Happiness. Anger. Sometimes all at once."
Urich had kept his eyes on the piano, a little embarrassed that he'd become the center of attention but eventually took his hands away from the keys and stood up, walking past Gerard with no acknowledgement. "I think I'll be going to bed now. Good evening all," Urich said, feeling cold and bereft for reasons he didn't care to get into. "Miss Millicent, thank you for the lovely dinner. Ladies, gents," he said bowing and taking his leave upstairs.
And as he walked up them, his face turned grim and bitter. He knew having another male in the house was bad news. But he didn't think he'd kill every moment.
When Urich left, Gerard was positively beaming, and Victoria didn't quite know why. Flipping up the tails of his coat, he took a seat on the piano next to his cousin.
"Now, I can't claim to be one of any sort of musical talent, but I could play a more light hearted tune if you wish."
Victoria gave way to a yawn. "If you wish, but I really must retire myself."
"Oh, but just one more song," her cousin begged, fingers pressing into the keys as he studied them.
Victoria yawned again and waved at him. "Fine, if you must. This is your first day back, however, do not think I'd be most obliging the next time you feel a need to play a song."
Gerard beamed again, and his fingers played smoothly over the keys, though there was a sense of force and sterility. The song seemed forced, and was basic, at best, and could not hold a candle to the emotion to the song Urich had once played.
When he was done, Victoria had already leaned herself against the piano, eye lids drooping with sleep.
"Well, what do you think, my dear cousin? Are you impressed?"
Victoria yawned again "Yes, you play much better than when you did the last time you visited, which, ws to say, you rarely played at all if I recalled." Sitting up, she stretched her arms above herself. "Now,i f you forgive me, I really must retire. I am awfully tired from the day."
Her cousin nodded and rose, offering an arm.
"Then allow me to escort you."
Victoria raised a brow questionably at him.
"I do not think I really need to be-"
"Nonsense, let your dear, sweet cousin guide you back to your room-" ad before she could rightfully object, he hooked arms with her and was guiding her out, and by the time they passed through the door, Victoria chanced a desperate glance back at her Aunt, who barely lifted her eyes from her needle point.
Down the hall, then up the stairs they went, Gerard still working at his polished act.
"So did you really enjoy my song?" the man asked.
"Yes, if only to be blatantly pleased by your progression," Victoria replied, hoping the man would be satisfied with that, but it only fueled his fire as he went on.
"I have practiced, even while at war. I was thinking, you know, back to those times you out shined me on that machine."
"Machine?" she scrunched her brow. "You mean the piano?"
"Why yes, and do tell me, how ghastly was that man's song? So haunting and full of despair. Really, not appropriate for light play before bed. His notes will be sure to give you nightmares, it's why I felt the need to rescue you with a more simpler song."
"Yes, a song the young school kids could play." and hse ignored commenting about Urich's song. She rather liked it, but feared stating that would only keep this man's tongue going! Really! She just wanted to go to bed!
Gerard blushed, lowering his head. "Yes, well, anything to make your sleep be more sweet." he said, lifting her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. Victoria did not look amused. Really, he was trying her patience. "And Victoria, if I may be so bold.."
VIctoria raised her brows, replying sharply, "I'm sure nothing you could say to be would be bold, cousin."
Gerard hesitated, but only laughed it off.
"Well, I must let you know just one simple thing before you go to bed."
Victoria looked at him tired as she waited his answer. "Do go on."
Gerard smiled when she pressed the issue.
"All I wanted to say was how beautiful you look in that dress. You should wear something in a similar color tomorrow." he pressed his lips to her cheek and pulled away. "After all, I heard you were not married. It might do you well to keep trying in outfits like that. it might catch a certain man's attention." then he took her hand and kissed it before bowing away as he left.
"Good night, Victoria."
Victoria only stood there, red faced as he left.
"Er- good night, Gerard." Then slipped back into her room, mind trying to untangle what that man just said..
but as she sat there upon her bed, puppy in her lap, she could only but deduce he had meant that he were searching to marry her!
But what a ghastly thing indeed! Perhaps it was just a joke, and it was just as well to let it drop as she fell onto her pillow iwhta groan.
But then she allowed herself to think on much sweeter things, as her mind drifted back towards their fishing adventure... the kiss in the water, and she felt her cheeks burn.
"Urich.." she whispered softly, but only loud enough for herself to hear. Peering up at the ceiling, she wondered what he was doing now. The music he played..
there was something haunting, powerful and beautiful int he way he played that song...
and she found herself yearning to be with him, to ask him more abou tit as she tossed and turned about her bed before finally resigning herself back into her night gown before tossing nd turning again as she began to pace.
Her mind was racing and thinking over most wicked of thoughts-
and the most wicked of thoughts over her and Mr. Renqvist into she could not endure it anymore as she tossed her agitated body on the bed and tried to shove all thoughts of it away-
Really.. it would not do for her to start to think of Mr. Renqvist in that way...
though she could not deny she wished of it. ANd as she paused, staring back up at the ceiling- she had to wonder.... because of those kisses...
could he.. actually wish of it, too?
It was said there was no rest for the wicked. And for Urich it couldn't have been truer. The pups had all huddled around the fireplace, laying on each other and clearly not missing Draegr's presence as the flames flickered and snapped and sent warm all throughout the room. Urich had thrown himself on the bed and had quickly fallen asleep. But he was not quite as rested as he would have hoped. He tossed and he turned, body feeling hot and quivering and he tore off his night shirt right into the fireplace in frustration. He wore loose, old trousers underneath and he looked down at the pups who didn't even pay attention to him.
"At least you can sleep," he muttered, putting his hands on his hips. He looked over to the window, out to the darkness that covered the gardens... His breath left him for a moment. He walked over to the window , opening it up slightly and looking below and without thinking he slipped out of it, hanging on to the ledge. He could see Victoria's window below, just hovering over the garden's remembering how he'd coated himself with mud and clung there just waiting to destroy her dresses. Apart of him was amused by such a juvenile action. It truly had been a waste of energy...but there was fun to be had in certain destruction.
Urich clung to the window with some difficulty and shifted little by little until he got to the roof, vaulting himself over. He walked over, then dropped down to the lower second floor roof before dropping down to Victoria's window level. It was slightly open, if by an inch or two and carefully, slowly pulled it ajar before slipping inside. He watched her still form on the bed, his heart pounding in his chest.
His approach was silent, but within moments he was on her, kissing her hard then softly then hard again. His arms wrapped around her, held her fast, pushed her night gown up and off, gripped every part of her until he felt her flesh was on fire as well. Moans escaped him, as he took his mouth to her neck and to her chest and smashed her will against his own, until his ears rang with roaring blood and bliss and heaven and hell and everything in between.
Urich awoke with a start, covered in sweat. "Gods!" he breathed. His heart was beating a mile a minute, his nightshirt completely soaked. " Gods, it was just a dream... But why that dream?" It was a question he could not answer. His eyes looked over to the window which remained closed and untouched. He could only cradle his head in his hands and stare blankly into the dying flames of the fireplace.
It was a late hour, and thankfully everyone had gone to bed. Slipping into her robe, she left her room with only but a single candle to guide her. The floor boards squeaked softly as she moved down the hallway, then the stairs.
She had made her way into the study, made herself a bit of tea and settled into a lounge to read a book. There was no sense in trying to sleep when her body refused, so she set about to read a story-
a journal, actually, one that enticed her long ago..
It was her grandmother's, and had her Aunt actually knew she had been reading it- or had read it more than once, she would have tossed the thing into the fire.
But the romance intrigued her still...
Really.. a woman falling in love with a wolf....
There was no sense in trying to fight the fact that he wouldn't be sleeping tonight. Urich pulled the sheets off of him, changed his shirt into what he'd worn for that day, and threw a robe over it.. It still smelled faintly of pond, but he would wash it sometime soon. At least it was dry and not soaked in sweat. He could use a few sips of wine to calm his nerves and warm his blood.
He made his way down stairs and walked passed the study door, which had been ajar. Furrowing his brow, he spied Victoria in there, back to him in an armchair and he slowly approached, leaning over the stop of the armrest, and eyes boring into the pages of the book she was reading. It appeared to be a journal from its hand written notes.
"A werewolf? Really? How...unexpected!" Urich said, laughing a little and grinning as he kept reading the journal from behind her.
Victoria's eyes went wide in their sockets, heart sinking deep within her chest.
Suddenly she slammed the diary closed, turning around with a most repulsed expression.
"MR. RENQVIST!" she hissed, the orange glow of the fire blazing from the fireplace making her seem even more angry as it lapped across her form, rolling her in colors of hot orange while the rest of her remained cold and dark in shadow. "Have you no manners? What are you doing, snooping over my shoulder!?" She hugged the book to her breast, panting almost from being caught in such a scandalous read! And a read HE had been reading about, too and the very idea of it had her heart racing, pounding and nearly bursting out of her chest. "And why did you not announce yourself!? You scared the daylights out of me!" she said, and proceeded to him him with the book. "What if were to faint!?"
"I ...didn't want to scare you. That's why I didn't announce myself. And I knew if I did, you'd close the book in very much the same way that you did," Urich said smiling at her. He came around the side and sat on the armrest, folding his hands in his lap. His grin widened a little at the way she protectively clutched the book. "Interesting... You're reading something you're not supposed to?" he asked with a raised brow. "And whose dark and dirty secrets are we divulging in this evening, eh, Miss Victoria?"
Victoria's eyes went wide again as she gasped, then looked around to see if anyone else was watching before she bared her teeth at him then moved forward to pinch sharply his leg.
"It's one of my great-grand mother's journals, so she's not around to scold me for reading it. Now if you could please remove yourself from the arm rest, I can continue to read in peace."
but even after she said it, she sighed and looked up at him.
"Though how come I get he distinct feeling now that you're up, you'll seek ways to keep me distracted?"
"Oh, I don't know about that," Urich said, amused. "I can't sleep anyway. I just came down for a glass of wine. I'm terribly tired but..it just won't come. So if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to you dastardly sultry read...and just grab the decanter from the shelf over there." He gave her a wicked grin did as he said he would, keeping his back to her as he poured himself a glass and even added a bit of whisky in it, letting her go back to her read.
And as he made his way toward the door, he paused before exiting and turned, carefully creeping to look over her again, reading from the journal. He gave an audible gasp. "My, my! She did that with him? I don't think I've ever had a woman do that to me... But now I think I might try it on them first. Could be interesting. My she was a naughty, naughty girl, eh?"
OOC: Just slightly mature content in this post XD *snickers*
IC:
Victoria's face went white.
It was a sad misfortune that, when she settled back to read, and read she shall (since she had gotten to a really juicy part in the diary until Urich initially had interrupted), the werewolf had been reading to! THE WEREWOLF of all things! Right when she was reading the detailed descriptions about her great grandmother enjoying being mated by her werewolf lover as part dog!
Slamming the book shut she let a ferocious noise tear out from her throat as she leapt off the lounge chair and began to beat Urich viciously over the head with the book.
"Mr. Renqvist! You obscene man! I'm going to beat those words out of you for destroying a ladies privacy! Really, I have every right to be nosy when I was the one that found the book and- and-"
her face flushed to an even deeper shade of red. "I wasn't aware of the consequences of the read!" she further shouted, probably loud enough to wake the living dead, or Frederick who pushed open the door with a creak.
Terrifying, Victoria turned around with a scream, robe falling off her shoulder to expose some flesh and the lace of her nightgown.
"Frederick!?"
"Just checking to see how you are doing my lady."
And before she could answer, she saw Gerard's head pop up behind the valet as her eyes rolled back inside her head as she gave way to faint.
Urich was knocked back with the force of her assault but managed to hang on to his wine despite her abuse. He fended her off with one arm and kept his glass in the other, sipping from it and setting it down and then proceeded to more effectively block her blows. All the while he was trying to contain his laughter and calm her down at the same time. But she was wailing like a hungry banshee and no doubt just as pissed at a life unclaimed.
Just when he almost had a grip on her wrists, Frederick opened the door. And before he knew it she fainted in his arms. But before she had done so he saw the reflection of Gerard in her eyes. Instinctively he grabbed the journal she'd been reading and stuffed it into his robe, concealing it impeccably in his clothes. He lifted Victoria up as her cousin came in, charging full force, fully prepared to protect his cousin's honor.
"What did you do to her?" he demanded, trying to pry Victoria from Urich's grip. But the young man was having difficulty tearing away Urich's hands.
"Nothing," Urich sighed. "She was yelling because I frightened her is all. Now stop trying to be a hero and just help me get her on the armrest. Get the glass of wine from the table."
Urich nudged Gerard away, almost possessively so and cradled Victoria before placing her gently back in the puffy armchair. He took the wine himself as her cousin was completely useless and held the strong alcohol underneath her nose. "That ought to wake her up. Nothing quite like whiskey to give one a kick in the seat of the pants."
"The lady doesn't drink whiskey."
"Right. And you taught all those boys to shoot muskets," Urich said, but wouldn't give Gerard the satisfaction of starting an argument, only hoping the whiskey would do the trick.
Gasping, glubbing and thrashing about- Victoria sprung back into consciousness with a bit of a start, head cracking off of Urich as he bent over her.
She reared back with a wince, gritting her teeth before she realized she was suddenly at the center of attention in the room.
Blinking, she heard someone else at the door.
Her Aunt.
"Really now, what's all the fuss about?" he AUnt inquired, tucking back her hair, that was wrapped tightly in curlers as she hugged her robe.
Frederick, their zombie valet, turned with a groan. "Miss Victoria had a spell. Mr. Renqvist was just tending to her."
"And I made sure they were properly chaperoned," Gerard chimed in.
Millicent sighed. "Really now, and at such an hour?" She cast a scolding gaze towards Victoria from where she was standing at the doorway, holding a candle in hand.
Victoria, beyond mortified, shuffled uneasily and rubbed at her head.
"Yes, I.. I couldn't sleep." she cast a glare Urich's way, then noted, with some alarm- the diary was missing. Her heart was leeping in circles as he was trying to be discrete as she turned back towards her mother, catching a glimpse of Urich and Gerard along the way-
Did one of htem have it?
"I was just reading her ein the study," Victoria said.
"Yes, then you fainted when me and Mr. Regnold appeared."
"ANd I should say! You both gave me quite a start!" she said, hands to her hips.
She studied Frederick. Did he take the book?
Then she watched a bug crawl like a booger from his nose. Hrm.. perhaps not.
Sighing, she went to stand- "Really, if we could all just be off to bed, I hadn't meant to wake you all this evening-OOFF" and she found her feet tripping over her robes as she spilled forward from the chair.
Urich watched as Victoria tripped over herself and spilled to the ground. Before he could even make a move Gerard was by her side. He clenched his jaw tightly and sipped the alcohol he'd fixed for himself while it was still fresh and letting it buzz in his head. He didn't know why, but it bothered him to watch Gerard help Victoria up off the ground and put an arm around her shoulder.
And without further notice, Urich took one of the thick-glassed decanters and smashed it over Gerard's head and proceeded to stomp his back as the man fell to the ground. And he did so repeatedly, with a satisfied grin on his face -
"Mr. Renqvist!"
Urich snapped out of his fantasy, looking at Millicent, who closed the robe tighter around her and gestured toward Victoria.
"Would you please help my niece get back to her room please? Gerard, thank you for your assistance. Now if you all are done with these late night shenanigans, I'd like us all to return to their proper bedrooms at once. Gerard, thank you again, you are dismissed."
"My dear aunt, I can take Victoria to her room--"
"That is quite all right. But I asked Mr. Renqvist to do it. It is after all, his fault that she fainted in the first place. Go on then."
Gerard blanched a little but bit his tongue and smiled and made an illustrious bow before making his exit. Urich held Victoria against him and escorted her upstairs after everyone had cleared the study. Outside her room, he let go, looking around to make sure the coast was clear. "The next time you decide to unleash your vengeance upon me, Victoria, you could be a little quieter," he whispered.
OOC: lol, Urich's fantasies make me lol 8D
Victoria was numb to the progression and when she was finally offered over to Urich, she gave her Aunt a sidelong glance then turned to Urich and promptly put her nose to the air. As soon as they were at her room, she paused at the doorway, sighing before speaking- but it was Urich who spoke first.
And at his comments, her hands tightened into fists.
"Mr. Renqvist, really! And here I was about to thank you and put this all behind us, but it seems like I must chew over this for the rest of the night." She threw her arms up at him and turned away.
"Good night, Urich." was all she said, closing the door promptly in his face.
Except she hadn't realized Draegr had snuck out and was happily wagging his tail up at Urich, before giving a growl and tugging on his pant leg.
Urich picked up the wolf pup and nuzzled him against his face. He'd gotten fatter then last he remembered and smiled. At least Draegr was getting all the proper love and care he needed from Victoria. He knew he could trust the woman to take good care of the wolf. He seemed happy to see Urich, and didn't appear at all to be missing his packmates, who were no doubt still huddled upstairs on the rug, napping...or tearing his room apart in antsiness.
He promptly knocked on the door she'd just slammed in his face. "Victoria, I believe you forgot a few things," he said, holding the happy wolf in one arm and reaching into his robe with the other, remembering the journal he had there. There was the temptation to hold on to it. It was certainly something he could use to his advantage over her should he ever need it. But he supposed the knowledge of it was enough.
But he couldn't help his wicked grin as the door opened again.
Victoria let the door creak open, only wide enough for her to let her head peer out as she gave Urich a nonplused stare.
It was then she noticed the happy, tail wagging puppy in his arm.
"Draegr! What on earth-"
and she rushed forward, not caring her robe wasn't covering her nightgown as she swept the puppy up into her arms. Making kissy faces at him, Draegr's tail wagged happier and happier, inadvertently hitting Urich's chest in the process.
"Who's a good wolf. Who is? You are! That's who! Draegr is a good little wolfy he-" it was here Victoria paused, realizing she had an audience and she clamped her mouth shut, clearing her throat with a blush.
"Well, now, since it seems I've procured my puppy, I suppose it's time for us all to be off to bed."
Urich put his foot in the door before she had a chance to close it on him yet again (though his foot might be sore late about getting smashed even just a little). He grinned at he as she made puppy talk with young Draegr who took to licking her face in adoration, absolute worship.
"Before you hit the pillow, darling, I thought perhaps you'd like a little...light reading. I thought you'd want this back before your aunt and delightful cousin Gerard find it just sprawled open to the juiciest of details." He pulled the worn leather bound journal from his robe and presented it to her, pulling it back just a little before handing it off. Urich's smile faded just a little as his hand made contact with hers, fingers warm to the touch.
He smiled again. "Good night Miss Victoria." And departed to his room.
Victoria blinked at the book, gasping as her face went read. With her other free hand, she reached out for it, grew angry hwen he drew it away, then paused, blushing more so when she felt his warm hands press against her own. But, then realizing what was going on, she snatched it from him and made a face, glaring at him with her lower lip jutting out some.
"How did you-" but then, he bid her good night, and was gone.
Sighing, she merely whispered after him, hugging on to her wolf pup and the diary.
"Good night, Mister Urich." she smirked at the name, then disappeared back into her room.
By morning, Urich awoke with a dreadful back and head ache. His forehead in particular was pounding, but he doubted it was because of the alcohol. And then he recalled it was that dreadful book beating he'd been given the night before. And all the memories of it came flooding back. His back was stiff, no doubt from sleeping in bad positions.
"Good morning Master Urich," Robern said, speaking for the first time in weeks since they moved in. "I see you're not feeling well today."
"How did you guess?"
"Call it a sixth sense," Rober said. The bodyless ghost's voice was a little grimmer than usual and he looked downcast. "Could I be so bold as to ask you a favor, Master Urich?"
"What is the matter?"
"I'd like to be outside today. Seeing as my body has gone missing yet again, I can't really accomodate that for myself. I think I'd like to see the garden's today." Robern smiled.
Urich nodded. "That's a good idea. Let's go down for breakfast. I'm sure, you'd love to meet our new houseguest."
The house was alive with smells-
Eggs, bacon, tarts and tea wafted through the house in luxury. The day was golden, the sun warm, but the morning crisp, with blue skies and barely a cloud in sight. Frederick was already attending to the table as the family began to gather about for the affair.
Millicent swayed her hips, making her way towards the banister at the base of the stairs and called up-
" URICH! BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED SOON!"
"AND VICTORIA, DO HURRY UP!"
Gerard smiled at his aunt, rushing down the steps with a bit of skip to his stride, and fussed over his cravat. When he reached the bottom, he kissed his aunt upon the cheek and offered her a dimpled smile.
"Why, it's a magnificent morning, Aunt Milli. I hope it's been just as well for you as it has been for me."
"My, you are in a cheery spirit. Dare I ask why?"
Gerard beamed
"I was going to surprise Victoria by taking her to the Opera this evening."
Her aunt gasped. "Oh how lovely, what is playing?"
"The Fox Club."
Aunt Millicent smiled. "Oh how lovely, I'm sure you two will have a good time. Now, come along, let us sit down for breakfast,." then she frowned, realizing- "VICTORIA! GET DOWN HERE! I KNOW YOu ARE STILL IN YOUR ROBES! GET DRESSED AT ONCE!"
Groaning, Victoria rolled over in her bed, smashing her pillow over her head.
Why couldn't her Aunt just let her sleep in? She knew she was up late!
But it seemed Draegr had similar plans as he lept onto the bed and began to lick her face.
Letting out a slight scream, Victoria began to laugh as the puppy began to attack her face with warm, wet, puppy kisses!
Robern's skull was clutched underneath Urich's arm as he made his way down the steps. he hadn't bothered to dress just yet, still wearing his sleepwear from before, but as he did so, noticing that Gerard was already dressed and ready for the day. But he wasn't really in the mood to deal with mealymouthed cousins this morning. Let the bastard beam for all he was worth.
"Good morning Miss Millicent. It is nice to see you again," Urich said, smiling.
"Good morn - er, what is that underneath your arm?"
"This is my friend, Robern."
"Good morning, Miss Armani," the ghostly face said, smiling. "It's nice to see you again under more pleasant circumstances."
"Oh...um, yes. Right this way..." she said, still a little distracted from the talking skull.
"Thank you, madam." Urich just smiled and headed into the dining hall. A smile that faded as soon as they laid eyes on Gerard.
Gerard stared, scrutinizing the skull with one finger planted across but beneath his nose.
"A talking skull.." he had to laugh. "You're about as bad as Aunt Millicent. Perhaps that is why you are such good friends?" he smirked and nudged Urich on the side after Aunt Milli had left.
"By the way, it seems the old broad rather likes you. Is that why she let's you stay here? Do you aim to, you know, marry her?" Gerard whispered, but before he could get an answer, a very groggy Victoria came down the steps.
"Victoria!" his voice beamed.
Victoria glared at the top of the steps, her hair still set in curlers and a basic dress had been tossed on. "Why, you trying that medusa look wiht those curls?" But when he noticed the venom in her eyes, he waved off the idea. "A joke, really, come now. Come to breakfast with us all. You had a most trying night." and he moved to her side the moment she made it to the bottom of the steps and offered an arm.
She stared at it, then walked past.
"I can see myself to the dining hall, but thank you." and then here, she paused and gave a start, staring at Robern.
"Oh, Robern!" she blinked, smiling suddenly as she looked up at Urich.
"Well, if I would have known we'd have him as our guest, I'd try to look a bit more appropriate for breakfast." THen she took a sniff, sighing satisfyingly. "Ah, eggs- though, I am not sure our cook was as good as yours was, Urich."S he said, playfully nudging him before walking past both of the boys-
Gerard eyeing the way her ass swayed in her black, sheer gown.
"You know, if you marry Aunt Millicent, I could marry that cousin of mine and we could hav ea double wedding!" the man said with a laugh, patting Urich on the shoulder before rushing off into the kitchen before Urich might be able to get a quick quip in on his suggestion.
The fact that Urich and Millicent were hardly good friends seemed to be lost on Gerard, but Urich couldn't really blame him. Years of inbreeding could do that to one's intelligence and when he left the room, he only raised a brow at Victoria as if to ask her: 'You're going to marry that?' And started on his breakfast with a humored grin.
"Good morning, Miss Victoria," Robern greeted, genuinely smiling. "It's nice to see you're still in fairly good condition. How is your ankle?"
"She's fine, Robern, enough with the semantics. Please, I'm trying to keep my breakfast down," Urich said, laughing. He gave her a wink before taking a sip of his tea. He leaned back in his chair, a bit nonchalantly before looking back to where Gerard had left the room, gesturing his head in his direction and glancing back at Victoria.
"I'm curious, Victoria," Urich began. "Why a cousin? It seems a little outdated, don't you think? I didn't think cousins married each other anymore."
Gerard had been making his usual breakfast conversations when he left to excuse himself- figuring since Victoria was in a good mood, he could surprise her with the opera tickets.
It was after he left however, Victoria sighed, happy for her ears to have a moment's rest when suddenly Urich leaned over and presented his question.
She had been sipping at her tea and suddenly had it caught in her throat. Coughing, she gagged and sputtered and eventually turned to Urich with a surprised glare.
It was Aunt Millicent that broke in.
"It is not uncommon, considering what we are," her Aunt started simply, "But Urich, please, there has been no request for marriage between the two. Unless there is something I missed.." She stared at her niece skeptically.
Victoria almost choked again.
"Why on earth are you two to assume I'd marry Gerard?" she said, and as if to answer the question, the man returned, a single rose in hand and an envelope as he presented to Victoria.
"I wanted to surprise you with this later, but I saw you were in such good spirits, I'd try my luck now. You see, my dear cousin, I've purchased us tickets for tonight's Opera-"
Victoria gasped, and Gerard beamed, knowing, well, hoping she'd like it- after all, it took a while for him to win a gamble for them...
"The Fox CLub?" she said, opening the envelope and reading the tickets. "Really?" she had to shake her head. She and Gerard used to sing the silly songs together in their youth. She rolled her eyes, seeming to ignore the single rose as it was left on the table.
"So you will join me then?" Gerard asked.
Victoria only shook her head.
"Why of course. What silly question is that? It would be rude not to."
And Gerard simply BEAMED.
And at his beam, Urich's grin had faded. He looked into his food and suddenly didn't feel so hungry anymore. But he ate nonetheless and drank his tea and managed a forced smile, gracious as it were. He forced himself to be relaxed and grinned at Gerard.
So she was going off to the Opera, eh?
"Exactly what is the Fox Club?" Urich asked graciously.
"You've never heard of it?" Millicent asked, only raising a brow at him.
"No, I don't believe I have. Is it good?"
"Well it's about-" Victoria was about to start, when Gerard cut in. With one leg over the other, he sipped at his tea and explained.
"The Fox Club is about a gander of ladies, all gaggling about over who they ought to marry and why. There's one mischievous women of the bunch, cleverly known as 'the fox', who tries to flirt with every man in town, but refuses to marry, seemingly unsatisfied, though destroying other relationships in her path. It is only when a man she can not have appears in her life that she falls in love."
"And it turns out he is a fox as well," Victoria added.
"Yes," Gerard nodded. "The two were so much alike, they had fallen in love."
Victoria seemed to ignore the implications Gerard was making as he leered at her as she excitedly went on to tell Urich more about it.
"The music is really silly, but still traditional, but well enough that many children can know the songs. We used to sing it along when we were younger, playing out the silly chase scene of fox against fox." Victoria laughed. "Oh, to be young and silly again."
"Yes, I think the song 'A fox for a Fox', was always my favorite," Gerard mused.
As he listened to it, a small wry grin played at the corner of his mouth. The story certainly sounded silly and upbeat. Perfect for someone with a juvenile intellect. Then again, he considered, he and Victoira had a blast stealing eggs and watching an old man try and farm naked. Which was still a memory worth laughing at. As Victoria went on and on, he finished most of his breakfast and pushed his plat away when he was done.
"It sounds absolutely delightful. I'm sure you and Gerard will have a lovely time. But from the sounds of it, it doesn't really seem like an opera. More like a musical ripe for children. But then again, that's the fun of it I suppose. Perhaps there are still tickets on sale. I might be interested in some evening entertainment this night."
Millicent visibly frowned, stiffened even.
"Oh, no, do not presume that I mean to intrude on you. But I met this lovely lady a few nights ago in town and I'd like to treat her to something this evening. Victoria you remember her don't you, Melissa? We bumped into each other when I went shopping for a new suit and she asked to get together some time. I don't think that would be a problem would it?"
Millicent wasn't the only one who visibly stiffened as Victoria simply stared at Urich, not even able to answer his question.
"Well, I, wouldn't see why not?" Gerard began, fussing over the words and ending with a laugh. "I'm only sorry I hadn't thought you'd want to go earlier. Perhaps i could have procured you your own ticket."
"The show is probably sold out." Victoria snapped.
Blinking, Gerard turned to her.
"I don't know about that, but there were a few seats still available when I-"
"But if Mr. Urich wants to attend," Victoria added more harshly, eyes suddenly glistening like daggers. "Then he should do as he pleases. Now, if you'll excuse me," she said, rising suddenly.
"I have an opera to prepare for."
And before either men could complain, she was already out of the door.
Gerard blinked, chuckled even before looking over at the envelope and rose she left on the table. He picked them upand idly twirled them between his fingers.
"Should be an interesting night. Perhaps we shall see you there?" he looked to Urich, a wicked grin on his lips.
Was his aim to have games of it? If so, surely this werewolf had to realize he'd lose.
Urich only met Gerard with a grin of his own and got up from his chair after his meal had been done. He took Robern's skull underneath his arm and shook his head. "Oh, I very much doubt that. I plan to finish my night early if you know what I mean. I've got to take a bath now. Thank you Miss Millicent for breakfast." He bowed and took his leave.
As Robern had requested, Urich took him out to the gardens after his bath and set him there in the soil as he wished, viewing the flora there. It was a beautiful thing, certainly one of the few things of beauty in this dreadful place. Though there'd been many smiles to be had since Gerard's arrival, Urich was finding the Keep to be nothing more than a drab building filled with dull grim colors, and not the kind that usually accented his style. It was more like how Sul'Gulthan was when he found it. And nothing could go about making it brighter.
As he'd planned, he returned to bathe and dress, wearing his new suit and going into town to go about procuring some tickets. The opera no doubt was set for sometime early in the evening. And though the full moon was coming sometime in the next week, Urich would at least let himself enjoy something without that infuriating cousin ruining everything.
The tickets were nearly sold out, as he had thought, but with a certain golden conviction he'd been able to procure two tickets for the evening. Box seats over looking the western flank of the stage just right above the action. Urich had everything he needed by the time evening came around. Flowers in hand a gift to Melissa and they cut quite an attractive couple as they walked through the doors of the town operahouse.
This would certainly be a night to remember indeed.
Pissed, Victoria wore her elegant and best-
a velvet dress of black layers and deep, rich blues, which accented her form and had gold clasps around the cuffs and decadent ivory lace on the wide bells on the cuffs of her sleeves. The corset was drawn tight, as tight as a woman in her form could get it, and it was painful, she could hardly breath, but forcing herself to stand more erect, she found it plausible. With fan in hand and pearls draping her body, and a single, blue brooch pinned about the scrap of fabric and lace tied around her neck, she set out, hat worn high and boots worn with tall, black heels.
Gerard cleaned up nicely, with those cool eyes of his and cleanly shavened face. His hair was worn back, as usual, and his ensemble, a deep, royal blue with gold cuffs and buttons, to match the woman on his arm. As they strolled into the opera house, taking their box seats, Victoria couldn't help herself but feel terribly ill and sapped out her black lace fan and used it to cool off her face.
"We shall have a lovely view from up here! And oh, look at that!" Gerard stated with a laugh. "It seems the old werewolf did procure seats after all. And box ones, to boot!"
Victoria did a double take, finding her face going ghostly white, then her form wilting back as if in despair....
Urich and Melissa were a perfect couple- and it was only then lightning graced through her form about as angry as a hawk and wicked and deathly as a vulture as she glared at them.
"What a nice couple! And here I thought he would pair well with Aunt Milli! But it seems he's taken a shining to the tailor!"
Victoria bit her tongue, but it could not hide her scowl. Snapping her face open again, she went back to fanning off her face, the angered flush seeming not to subside, despite her efforts.
"Yes, well, it seems that werewolf cares not for Armani women."
"Oh?" Gerard inquired, rather intrigued.
"Yes, he said so himself he would never consider marrying my Aunt or I, but tis for the best, I'm sure." She went on, despite how disagreeable she felt.
Gerard laughed.
"How absurd! And what a fool!" he clucked his tongue. "But if he likes the working class, good for him. they're a perfect match."
Victoria kept chewing on the insides of her mouth after already hurting her tongue.
"Indeed." was all she said, glaring daggers at the pair, then turning away, towards the curtain of the opera.
"Why it looks like they're about to start!"
Thank God, was all Victoria could think. But as the lights dimmed, her entire being was struck, fear gripping her as she watched Urich and Melissa vanish in the darkness.
It would take time for her eyes to adjust, but really-
for all she knew they could be doing scandalous things!
She continued to chew at the fat inside her mouth, unable to think of anything else before snappig her face closed and resting it in her hand- holding it tensely in her fists as she tried to enjoy the first act.
Neither Urich nor Melissa made no mention of marriage, only that they wanted to enjoy one another's company. Melissa glowed on his arm as they took their seats. And it was obvious that Urich was intent on showing her a good time. It was the least he could do after all she had done to help him with the finer points of sewing his suit for him.
As the darkness spread upon the audience and the show began a loud pounding number feature the said "fox" of the show. It was lovely and bright and loud and exactly as Victoria had described to him. From afar, Urich could see Victoria and Gerard together. Though they were several feet away, he could feel the sting of her gaze from so far away.
But his attention was soon taken away as Melissa leaned over and whispered something in his ear. He visibly chuckled, smiling as he leaned in and whispered something into hers. He turned his attention back to the show, surprised a little when Melissa planted her lips softly on his neck.
Victoria was barely enjoying the show, only laughing as the audience did. Her hands were clammy and layered with sweat, her heart beaitng heavily inside her chest while her stomach twisted into a wretched tight knot-
but after a time, she finally got lost in the show-
It was hard not to fall in love wit the song that was played-
The silly love ballad brought back so many memories, but as the curtain dropped at the end of the second act- the lights went on and Victoria froze in shock at what she witnessed across the way.
Standing up suddenly she dropped her fan but snatched up her purse.
"I need to go powder my nose."
and without a second thought, she rushed out of her seat and hid away in the powder room, locking her own private door shut, pressing her back against the wall and wondering, why in the gods names was she crying!? Calming, she worked at fixing her face, flushing it with water and staring at her dismal reflection.
She looked wretched and ill, if even still pretty in her gown-
But it did not matter to her as she suddenly let out an angered cry and smacked her purse off the mirror and collapsed back into her skirts, crying into her arms.
Damn that werewolf! Damn him!
"She was watching?" Melissa asked, blushing a little. "I really hate to do this. She is my friend after all. She'll hate me forever."
"No she won't. I'll explain everything to her when I get home. I'm not asking to sleep with you."
"You know I wouldn't mind," Melissa admitted with a humored grin. "But still, she is my friend. I feel terrible. If she hates me, I'm going to spill everything. I swear it."
"All right, all right. Just pretend you're enjoying yourself. Oh...wait, she's leaving. Go, quick. Follow her!"
At the end of the second act, Melissa squeezed Urich's hand and curtsied before taking her leave and heading toward the ladies' powder room. She opened the door quietly, stepping in her burgundy gown, her shawl delicately draped over her shoulders. But it was the crying that caught her attention first.
"Hello? Is there someone in here?"
Victoria heard the voice and a sob gripped at her throat. Grimacing, she swore inwardly to herself.
It was Melissa.
She felt heat and madness become her, tearing her insides apart as she remained upon the groun din a crumpled heap. Thank goodness she was in her own personal water closet, lest this moment she be caught embarrassed.
She drew in a breath, let her tears remain haunting, bitter and silent as she did not even attempt to lift herself off of the floor.
Then, after a time, she realized she could not trick the other woman into thinking no one was there as Victoria wiped at her tears with a quick motion of her hands.
"Oh, Melissa, it's just you! Here I thought I might find myself alone in here, but these powder rooms get awfully busy." she said. rising from the floor, she fussed over recomposing herself in the mirror, and frowned at how her eye slooked puffy and red now and sighed.
drawing in a deep breath, she opened the stall and feigned a broad, fake masked smile for her friend.
"It's good to see you've finally gotten out to the Opera!" Victoria went on, flashing her teeth. "I do ever so enjoy this one. You chose a good one to attend, though, did you come alone?" she pretended to be ignorant to the fact she very well knew who she had come with as her date.
And still, inwardly, she was fuming made, and perhaps just the sharpest sparkle in her eyes might have come through as the mask she wore was very well and rigid, but welle nough to hide her shame and left over tears from Melissa.
"Oh, I have! It's been a lovely show. I did come with an escort. You know him. He was your friend, remember you brought him around that time?" Melissa smiled charmingly, but it was clear to her that Victoria had not been well. Her eyes were red and sore no matter how she tried to hide them. And concern could not be disguised on her face as well. Melissa's brow furrowed delicately on her face and she stepped closer, gently putting a hand on her friends arm.
"My dear, is something the matter? You look as though you've been...crying? Oh dear..." Everything in her threatened to spill the beans, but she did her best to hold her tongue. Urich said he would tell her! Oh, but she didn't know if she could hold out.
Victoria's eyes prickled sharply, as did the feeling inside her gut when Melissa tried to be homely towards her. Though she sucked it in, turned away and fussed over her-
OH, it was only then she noticed the feathers in her hat had bent.
"I was- er... just a trifle upset my hat's feathers had gotten ruffled," she began, wincing at her own, lying in words. And it wasn't her hat's ruffled feathers that were... really ruffled.
She fussed over her hair, avoiding Melissa's gaze as she touched at her eyes, playing it off as..
"Oh, dear, lack of sleep last night has done a number on my eyes. How dreadful I look!" but then she turned to Melissa, smiling and taking her hands, squeezing them.
"You look so lovely with your chaperon-" and then she corrected herself, "Well, that is to say I bet you both look like a striking couple."
Her lips twitched, she felt some bile rise within her throat, but she swallowed it down, breathing hotly through her nostrils.
"But I really must be getting back to my seats. My cousin, Gerard, I'm sure you may remember him? He was kind enough to surprise me with the tickets for tonight's show and well, I can't leave him waiting."
Urich waited in his box seat during the intermission. His playbill was worn and folded over; the consequences at having been folded over a dozen times and then some, waiting for the seamstress to return with news of Victoria. Looking up, he saw Gerard standing and fixing his cravat from across the way. If only looking at him could suddenly cause his hands to jerk up and choke that cravat tight round his goddamned neck.
But Gerard only smiled, not even deigning to look his way. And Urich watched him turn to leave his seat, when he accidentally bumped into another man's shoudler. The other patron was knocked several feet into another aisle, then he abruptly turned and grabbed him up the by collar, shoving him back. Gerard tried to explain, to defend himself from the red-faced man. They argued for quite some time, the more livid patron only becoming even more belligerent with Gerard's futile attempts at reasoning. those around them parted, making way as two other men tried to intervene but the red-faced man grabbed Gerard again by the collar and shoved him toward the rail of the opera box. He let go just as Gerard lost his balance and fell backwards over the rail and came smashing down onto the stage below, breaking his neck upon impact.
Urich couldn't help his satisfied smile, even as other patrons screamed in horror at the dead man below.
"Wine, sir?" a server asked.
"Huh?" he replied, snapping back to reality.
"I asked if you'd like any wine, sir. It's complimentary with box seats."
"Oh, um, yes, please. Thank you."
He nodded and left. Urich clutched the wine in his hand, gripping the cup with white-knuckles and brought it to his lips, looking across the opera theatre to the box across. There Gerard sat, pompously fixing his cravat. Yes, strangulation was far too good for him.
Where the hell was that damn girl at?
~~~
As Victoria prepared to depart the room, Melissa went after her, touching her arm lightly and hoping to coax her in turning around. "We're not a couple, Victoria. We're just friends," she tried to explain, but had a feeling it would only serve to put fuel on the fire. No doubt she saw the kiss she'd planted on Urich's neck. She gave a sigh... "I can explain everything if you give me a chance." And was fully prepared to spill the beans.
They were overcooked anyway.
Victoria tensed at the contact, rearing away as if the woman's touch were fire.
Her eyes glared back at Melissa.
"Really, do I need to press it again how I must return to my seat? There is nothing to explain," she went on, coldly walking away....
----
All the while her cousin still fiddled in his seat, enjoying his wine, and hers, as he lounged back in his chair and caught a glimpse of Urich. Smirking, he waved to him, wondering if the werewolf would take notice while also he fiddled over his cravat again-
Really, what was taking his cousin so long?
He peered over his shoulder, sighing before resigning his lips back to his drink.
He hoped Victoria came soon- she was so much more amicable if he could get her drunk...
and well, he hadn't been ignorant to how distracted she was- no doubt thanks to the werewolf having shown up.
His eyes leisurely drifted back towards Mr. Renqvist as she enjoyed another long drink of wine.
If Victoria didn't come back soon enough- why, he'd just have to drink her wine for her!
OOC: Not sure if you wanted Melissa to do anything now so I just left my post at that XD
"Perhaps not then," Melissa said, knowing she could full well make everything worse if she spoke further. Victoria was already heated as it was, there was no reason to stoke the fire. "I hope you enjoy the rest of the show. It was nice to see you again," she said and curtsied as the other woman made her leave. She returned to her appearance in the vanity mirror, checking her hair and dress before leaving herself, just a few minutes after Victoria.
She returned to her seat beside Urich. He looked at her with squinted, irritated eyes. "That took you long enough. What happened?"
"She's upset clearly. She may think she's a smooth one, but she can't fool another woman. Especially when her eyes were so red as they were."
"She was crying?"
"Yes! She nearly ruined her face the way she'd been bawling. I heard her screaming too... Well, not all of it, but I heard a yell. A clearly upset and angered yell! I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to use Gerard to spite you in return. You're a very cruel man, Urich Renqvist. I hate to see a friend of mine so upset..."
"Well, i didn't know she'd cry. I didn't think she even liked me. So goes on and on with her snooty airs, you would think she was a balloon! She doesn't let me know one way or the other how she feels. But I guess that doesn't matter. She was right; we're from two different worlds. And after all she's done to me, she deserves that bastard of a cousin of hers."
"Mr. Renqvist, she's a woman. Of course she's not going to tell you directly how she feels. But it's plain to see she didn't like the thought of you on the arm of another woman. Besides, I thought you hated her guts?"
"I did, I mean I do! I just want to make her squirm is all. She tried to run me out of my home! Do you know how that feels? Some stranger walking into a place you'd lived most your life and just telling you that you have to pack up and leave? I should have killed her when I had the chance...but I suppose now I'll just have to watch her hang on the arm of an inbred half-wit with little more good-looks than he does charm. But if he thinks I can't see right through him, he can kiss my ass..."
"Hush, the show is starting soon."
When Victoria returned to her seat, Gerard was excited and set his nearly finished goblet of wine aside.
"Ah, you have returned!" Though his eyes noticed the reddened look in hers as he cleared his throat- Now it was more evident that something was wrong. He shot a look over at Urich and Melissa before offering Victoria her drink- figuring it was best not to press the matter. When Victoria was upset, it was best to avoid ruffling any more feathers...
"They served us the wine. I made sure they didn't forget your glass." he said, pointing to it, and Victoria picked it up, appearing sour and irritated as she guzzled it almost all down in one unlady like move. Gerard blinked, and tried to stifle a laugh, but soon the lights were dimming. He cast a wicked gaze in Urich's direction-
Yes, perhaps that damn wolf would work to his advantage.
And as the curtain raised, Gerard scooted nearer towards his cousin, nonchalantly placing on arm on the back of her chair- plotting to inch his way closer to her.
Victoria only stole one glance intot he darkness at Urich and Melissa from afar, glaring daggers before dipping her head back to finish the rest of her drink.
"Might I have the rest of your wine, cousin? I fear this wine is not potent enough for my tastes."
Gerard only smiled.
"Let me go get you some more." he said, placing his own, nearly empty glass in her hand as he disappeared.
Victoria chewed on her tongue, fingers gripping the glass goblet tightly before downing it in one quick gulp. She was so infuriated, so full of contempt she could feel herself nearly breaking hte glass in her hand, though that's not why her glass broke as it dropped from her hands as a ghostly figure, moving int he shadows, placed a hand around her neck, fangs moving in for the kill.
Victoria's eyes went wide, bewildered she was suddenly assault as she bucked her head back defiantly that her cousin would try some ghastly act!
"Gerard, really! How fiendish of you to-"
But when she turned back, her enchanted hat (that yes, for some sick and twisted reason, she enchanted, if not for only the reason to torment the man who was NOT her date) when it moved back, the enchanted piece touching the vampire who was hungrily moving over her shoulders, fangs just pressing into the skin of her neck when suddenly the teeth disappeared and the vampire fell forward, lips and teeth falling helplessly about her neck in some sort of awkward, slobbering kiss.
Victoria sat back with wide eyes and a jump.
"Wh-wha-!?" She drew a hand back in horror. "You're not Gerard!" And at her motion, the enchanted hat was removed from the vampire- and his fangs returned.
Confused, the vampire licked a tongue over his teeth, but shook it off, leering down at the woman as he grabbed her roughly around the wrists.
"The shows over. It's time for us to eat."
And the vampire lunged forward again, mouth opening, fangs ready and glistening wtih hungered drool as he set about to sink them into her neck!
And he was so powerful, she tried to push him away, reaching for her hat, but she and the vampire spilled over within the chairs- only arms and legs precariously sticking up in a mess of limbs- which would have looked ghastly and despicable in the dark.
The vampire was hungry, as it growled, purred really as it stroked the hair and dress away from her neck.
"Mmmm, you smell so good." and he lapped his cold tongue against her before reaching out again, fangs ready-
Only to have the hat smashed onto his face, fangs shrinking as he moved back with a start.
"You- you,.. you're!?" the vampire started, then grabbed the infernal hat-
Victoria looked surprised as the vampire gave it a sniff, growled angrily before tossing her enchanted item over the rail.
"So you're a Marchioness?" the vampire hissed as his fangs slipped back into life.
Her eyes went wide from where she remained beneath him on the floor, but then she grew indignant. "The modern term is negotiator!" She spat, kicking at his gut with her boot.
The vampire lost his breath, but only laughed, grabbing onto her skirts and throwing them upwards as his face sunk down, disappearing within as his cold breath caressed against her inner thigh.
And her entire face went red as she felt the fangs slip dangerously across her flesh.
"Yes, a Negotiator. It'll be even more delicious to eat you."
Urich no longer paid attention to the opera as the third act began to start. The theater darkened as torches were snuffed out few and far between to keep the lighting down. The 'fox' began to belt out her soprano tone as the curtains opened, but Urich's eyes were too busy being locked onto the opera box across from him. They furrowed as they watched Gerard leave, holding something in his hand, a wine glass most likely, while Victoria busied herself with downing her cup.
Hm, she would need it.
But something dropped into his stomach, something was intensely wrong and he knew it. Though many other patrons were blind to it, he saw the blur that suddenly came upon Victoria. And several more blurs that came alive. There was a sudden scream that pierced the air and Melissa became alerted. "Melissa!" Urich commanded. "Run! Get out of here!"
"What are you going to do?"
"I have to help Miss Victoria."
And before she could protest, Urich got up from his seat and approached the railing. Without a second thought, Urich planted his feet on it and transformed half way (hybrid form) as he put all his strength into his legs and vaulted himself clear across the entire audience below and unleashed his claws, long and jagged as plunged themselves into the sides of the beast that overthrew Victoria before he bit her.
He slashed the vampire clear across the chest and face, growling and pushing him back savagely. "Get away from her!" Urich growled and felt his body grow larger. He wasn't completely transformed but even a hybrid form was stronger than nothing at all. And he stood between the vampire and Victoria.
Before the creature could speak, he lunged forth and sunk he jaws clear into the monster's throat, tearing it out, blood splattering everywhere. People were already screaming and running as more and more vampires appeared everywhere. And the actors fled the stage themselves. He tore the vampire's head off and got off the motionless body covered in blood, coming over to Victoria.
He held out his hand to her. "Victoria, we have to leave quickly! There's no telling how many there are!"
The vampire was torn off of her in a gush of wind as her skirts settled back against her leg, and she peered up just in time to watch the gruesome act.
She had only seen Urich partially transform before, (and even then she had forgotten about it until now) and was horrified but also in awe of the gruesome strength he possessed. And without further adieu, she reached out, shaking her head meekly and took his hand- thankful for the salvation, if even by this beast as she released an anxious breath.
She didn't know where they were going, but the entire Opera House was in disarray, vampires lunging, feeding everywhere.
Victoria had no idea what to make of it all, as she turned around to witness as Melissa was caught up into the arms of a vampire that flew into the air, carrying the poor woman, up, up into the chandelier.
Gasping, Victoria pulled away from Urich and the safety of his hands and screamed-
"NO! MELISSA!"
as the vampire reared it's head, exposing a nasty pair of fangs.
Hitting Urich she pleaded.
"GO! SAVE HER!"
Urich whirled around, watching Melissa being taken to the air. "Oh, shit," he cursed and did as Victoria bid him. Climbing on to the railing yet again, Urich surged power into his legs as he launched himself upward toward the massive chandelier. The vampire clung to the clanging decoration with Melissa in his other arm.
"URICH! HELP ME!" she cried.
Urich grasped onto the chandelier and slashed his claws out to the demon, clawing at his face and body. The chandelier swung back and forth under the opposing weights until the supports began to crack and loosen from the ceiling. Urich managed to snatch Melissa away as the chandelier came smashing down upon the stage, candles flying everywhere. The vampire was trapped underneath it, impaled in the chest by the spike at the end of it. The candles made contact with the stage curtains and quickly took to flame.
Urich held Melissa against him and she cradled her head into his neck as he flew back up to the Opera box. But already the entire theatre was going up in the thickness of smoke. "Victoria! Where are you!?"
OOC: I Hope this post makes sense XD too lazy to edit it D: just yellat me if it does not or if you want me to crop it shorter XP
The entire place was in chaos.
A vampire that loomed in the shadows hissed at all of the fire blooming, and the smoke.
"This is not how it was supposed to go." He looked around to his other vampires and gestured to them- and tht's when one approached.
"Sire, there's something you need to know-"
but the man back handed the other man, eyes wild as the demon's that possessed them.
"You impotent fool! How did this happen? We were supposed to be in and out before too much fuss was had. How come nobody warned us there was a werewolf?" the man growled.
"Master, I am sorry I-"
The man strukc the other again, but then heard another cry from the balcony- this time a woman's.
His ears perked up, and somehow he smelled...
"One of my vampires he.. he's turned human." his face paled at the concept, than bared his teeth. "He brought the damn marchioness here.."
Leaping across the way, he made his way though the darkness and to his one vampire's side-
For Victoria had not been spared the wrath of the on coming vampires, for as Urich leaped away to save her friend, she turned around and realized out of this chaos..
She had to do something.
So she pulled out her things, made quick work at some incantations and enchanted a few pieces in her purse.
Then into the hallway she went, dark gown fluttering in her wake as she stumbled across another vampire, feeding off a mans neck. Blood was gushing down his neck, staining the man's blouse until the man stiffened suddenly, eyes rolling back unto death.
There was a woman screaming at his side- and the vampire wiped the blood off on the back of his hand, then hungrily lunged at her- fangs ready to feed-
just as Victoria let out a scream- slamming her purse into the vampire at full force and pining him against the wall.
the vampire instantly felt his body drain, his fangs recede as he gasped, staring up at the woman.
"My.. my powers.."
Victoria glared and pressed a sharp hat pin to his chest.
"Do not move, or I'll ram you through, vampire."
But then a shadow loomed behind her, and suddenly, hands as cold as death wrapped around her mouth, the other secure around her wrist as she was tore off the other vampire, and brought up against another-
The leader had found her.
The man smiled, his teeth pressing lightly against her neck.
"Do not move, Marchioness, or I will feed off of you all night until your body deflates."
She grimaced.
"I say, and here, we haven't even been properly introduced, and you aim to suck out my blood. It seems rather scandalous, don't you think, Prince Adelram?"
The vampire hissed against her neck.
"So you recognize me?"
Victoria made a sniff. "How could one forget a vampire who stared at a lady with the rudest, most cold of stares?"
Adelram grimaced, then his lips curled cruelly.
"Too bad I do not have the pleasure to fully remember you, but ah, if my sense of smell tells me anything.." and he leaned forward, taking in her hair and neck. "I say you are of that rare Armani blood." He purred, breath chilling her neck as she shivered.
Baring her teeth, she kept her head strong, persisting in dialogue.
"Yes, well, I hate to be the one to ask this manner, but I know the COuncil will be very unhappy to hear you have disrespected their laws and broke a peace treaty-"
"They broke it first," he hissed into her ear, fangs elongated with the faintest dribbling glimmer of drool. "And you only have your own family to blame. After all..." he said, kissing suddenly of her neck.
Her cheeks heated at the sensation of cold death against her.
"It was not entirely you the reason we are here."
"Then.." she began, breathing heavily, breasts heaving as she did. Adelram purred as he admired the sight of a woman in restraint. "THen why are you here?"
The vampire prince turned her suddenly, kissing her lips fierce.
"To collect my rewards," he told her, then moved in to devour her neck, just at the same moment her purse came crashing into his face, his deahtly white skin turning mortal at just the right moment for her boots to connect between his legs.
The man let out a grunt, a huff, then keeled over.
Pushing the remainder of the vampire off of her, she stumbled over against the wall in a huff, fussing over her hair.
"And here, I thought you wanted to negotiate." she said, slipping on her gloves that were freshly enchanted, then stormed off after the vampire who had remained, bewildered at his master's side.
Fetching at his hair, he gasped as he withered into a normal human and blinked up at her, forced on his knees.
"I demand more information. This matter is not settled!"
"The prince just came to collect on his late payment!" the man cried.
Victoria eyed her gaze upon him. "and is that it?" she said, grip tightening on his hair.
The man yelped.
"Y-yes, not p=please="
But then Adelram birthed back into life, blooming forth from the shadows of a wicked flame as her enchanted powers subsided.
Turning to the prince, she held her gloved hand out and demanded, "Halt right there, Prince Adelram!" Only to find the man did not wish to obey as she suddenly snatched her up, and in a fury of black magics, he and Victoria bounded off and out through an open window, both now perched upon the roof as storm clouds rolled over head and their feet clattered against the roof tile
He knew the werewolf would be after them- and he would be prepared. He would not let this incident go so uneasily.
Gasping, Victoria fought against his restraints and reached forward again, gripping onto him with her enchanted gloves- that being all that was left during her abduction as her purse was left discarded by the window sill.
Urich had directed Melissa to the door, and she bounded down the steps to the exit. People were still screaming piling onto each other as they fought to flee for their lives. Demons were hurled left and right, tearing out throats until the entire opera house was little more than a burning bloodbath. Urich searched for Victoria through the smoke, but couldn't find her. One vampire came rushing his way but he plunged his claws through his chest and threw him over the opera box railing.
He called for her again, the smoke thickening and choking him as the flames took to the rafters. "Victoria!" he called again, nearing something that resembled a struggle. He heard voices. Someone said Adelram, but the name didn't register. And as he neared it was clear that the voice was Victoria's as she was suddenly lunged out of the window. "Victoria!" he called, chasing after them.
The vampire minion that lingered near attacked Urich cutting open his coat arm. "You'll get nowhere near the Marchioness! Run for your life wolf, it'll be all you have left."
"I liked this jacket," Urich said, backing away, gritting his teeth. "And now you'll have to pay for that."
"How?" the vampire laughed.
"With your head."
Urich felt his body grow larger, tearing through his clothes as the wolf took over. He roared and clawed through the vampire with ease, tearing his limbs off and beating him with it until his form was nothing more than a bloodied heap. The wolf took to the open window, smoke billowing out through the open space. He saw below people running around, panicking and could not find a single sign of Victoria.
He looked up and saw Adelram's face peering below. Urich clawed his way up, bounding up to the roof and crawling on all fours, tail swishing as his ears turned back and his hair rustled around his neck. "Let. Her. Go." Urich growled, literally, voice morphed from his transformation.
"Gladly," Adelram said, holding Victoria over the opposing ledge, holding her by the neck. He kissed her goodbye before flinging her body off the roof of the opera house. "I'll see you again wolf." And vanished in a puff of black smoke.
Urich bounded for the edge, not even hesitating before launching himself off the building. He could only hope he could catch Victoria in time.
Victoria let out a gasp, barely registering Urich was even present until she was suddenly pulled into a kiss, then dropped into a free fall over the edge of the roof.
Her eyes went wide, there was even time to think on a scream as her body fell-
and she suddenly was captured into Urich's arms- enchanted gloves sealed desperately to his body.
"What? Victoria! NO!" Urich cried as he felt his powers sapped from him. They plummeted toward the ground at an alarming rate. This would be the death of them surely. His body was pained as it transformed back to its human state. All he could do was hold onto her as the ground came rushing back up to them. He closed his eyes bracing himself.
And if his brains would become scrambled eggs on the cobblestone, he could have a side of branches to go with that.
They crashed painfully through several branches of a tree that lined the gardens below. And through the branches, each breaking upon impact, they fell into a deep pond of water that had been dug out for the garden in the rear of it.
Urich thought he was dead for sure, opening his eyes as they struck the water. And he looked up and broke the surface, having changed back to a naked human even if victoria took those wretched gloves away. He swam with one arm and pulled Victoria along with him, pulling her up and over the mortared edge.
"Miss Victoria," he breathed, brushing his wet hair out of his face and blowing out water from his nostrils. "We made it. We're okay."
Victoria barely had time to register a scream, though she did but moments before their limbs and her skirt began to tear through the horrid tree branches.
Scrapping at her body and tearing at her clothes, both she and Urich seemed to fall to their doom-
and the most suprisingly-
she crashed, felt herself smacking intot he waterse as her skirts ballooned around her, cushioning her before carrying her under from the weight of her and Urich's fall.
She took in water and air and pain and was suddenly gasping as she wheezed, clutching onto Uric desperately as she sputtered out mouthfuls of water.
Then, after a moment, she groaned and wilted into him, and suddenly, and very securely, she wrapped her arms against him so tight.
"Oh, Gods." she was shaking sobbing, uncertain what to make of it all as she tore her eyes up at him, smiling at the realization they were alive.
"We ARE alive. ANd you saved me! You saved me!"a nd before she knew what she was doing, she threw her arms around him, sealing her body against his naked one as she knocked them both back into the water with a heated kiss.
It was only after the moment she she realized what she was doing and gasped, pulling away by pushing her gloves against his chance.
"Oh my god!" and then she went on to say- "I'm so sorry. My gloves they are- and you! YOU are and we... WE are-" she noticed the nudity and flushed. "Gods.. but.." her eyes welled up in tears. "Just thank the Gods we somehow survived!" and she hugged him fiercely again, burying her crying face against his shoulder.
"Thank you, Urich. Thank you." was all she could managed to whisper between sobs.
She almost drowned him with the force of the kiss, knocking him back in the water, his arms flailing to keep him balanced, but lost it anyway and they both crashed into the water with a forceful splash. He audibly moaned against her, trying to tear his mouth away. Of all moments to have her kiss him, he had to be naked and cold...in public. As she embraced him again, he wrestled her away despite her sobs and him nearly sobbing himself but managed to contain himself with the sheer reality of his - well, sheerness.
"Victoria please!" he said, pushing away from her but holding her shoulders. "We survived a fall, not the last two survivors of a bloody war! We'll be okay. We have to get you back to Armani Keep and tell your aunt what happened. And I need some clothes -"
Suddenly Gerard's voice came booming out from behind them as he was crashing through the brush. "Oh Victoria I heard a great splash and I came as quickly as I could when I heard your voice! Are you---" Gerard stopped in his tracks, staring at the two of them, particularly, Urich. "What is this!?" he said, trying to straighten and started towards them with his shoulders thrown back. "Unhand her, you foul cretin!"
Urich stepped back and put his hands up, well, just one, as the other was covering his exposed flesh. "Enough with the heroics, all right? Can at least borrow a coat or a shawl or something? I'm awfully cold."
"I can tell."
Urich rolled his eyes.
When Urich pushed her away, she fell back into an awkward reality.
Stiffening, she understood, partially, what he was going on about but-
She felt they were warranted enough as she tried to compose herself with a sniff.
But when her cousin returned, she gasped, mortified at his expression.
"Gerard, really! What sort of woman do you take me for! He's a werewolf! He simply came out of his unfortunate transformation because I touched him with my enchanted glove. Now- if you please.." she huffed, so red faced and ill-tempered that she tore off her own shawl and shoved it into Urich's hand.
"Make yourself decent," she commanded to Urich, then to her cousin she glared. "And you, see if you can't fetch him some clothes, any clothes might help. We need to return home at once. Aunt Millicent and the Council must be informed. We'll have to raise an emergency meeting."
Sighing after saying a mouthful, she turned to Urich, flushing slightly before turning away.
"And I suppose we ought to be getting out of this pond now," she began, moving to push herself out, though it was a bit difficult with her skirts all stuck to her leg. She figured she'd live, however, she was still reeling over the fact she had just kissed Urich on the lips, and her heart somersaulted over the memory-
No, no.. it wasn't a kiss that meant anything-
they could have died.. yes... hopefully Urich would realize the same..
but... did she?
It was then Melissa found them.
"Oh, Victoria!" adn she rushed to the woman's side, hugging onto her tightly as she fell into a fit of tears. Victoria tensed. "I was afraid you might have died! All of those awful things that was going on and Urich he-" she gasped, hand going over her mouth when she saw his face.
"Melissa, please, do calm down-" VIctoria began, finally resume her own composure as she sighed when Melissa made a fuss over the mostly naked man. "GERARD!"s he barked out. "DO HURRY WITH SOME PANTS AND SUIT!"
Urich immediatly snatched the shawl away from her and wrapped it around his waist, covering his private parts at least that provided some sense of decency. He frowned at Victoria. She might want to burn the shawl if he ever had the opportunity to give it back to her. It wasn't worth keeping. When Melissa came by however, he couldn't help a sheepish grin as she made a big deal about his state.
Gerard however was enjoying his humiliation and didn't bother procuring him some clothes. "I think he's fine," he said plainly. "Don't you agree Mr.Renqvist?"
Urich only frowned at him and rolled his eyes as he went. "Don't bother Gerard. I'll dress when we get back to the Keep." And he led the way, eager to be free of the choas. But as they got a considerable amount of yards away, a loud cracking could be heard as Urich suddenly turned and watched the flaming opera house collapse on itself.
Victoria glowered at both of the men. Really! How impossible of them! Sighing, she was just as well to oblige them when suddenly the entire place collapsed. Gasping, she backed away, nearly hitting into Urich as she witnessed the scene- though it seemed she faired much better than Melissa, who fainted suddenly. Gerard instinctively caught her and Victoria sighed with relief.
"Come, let's get her home, then off to the manor!" Victoria pressed, and ushered them all away. As soon as Melissa was safe and secure, and Victoria (who needed to do a lot of soothing), finally calmed the girl and returned to the carriage, where the trio- her, Gerard and Urich, all sat in awkwardness while the carriage rocked and bumped down the cobblestone path.
ANd of course, Victoria did all she could to avoid the fact that.. well...
Mr. Renqvist looked very hot without his clothes.
Gerard, of course, was relishing in the moment to keep his cousin detained, seeming as she was trying to keep her eyes on anything else but Urich, but also seeming impatient with conversation as she eventually asked Gerard to cease his ramblings, and the carriage fell silent again.
It wasn't until they were back at the manner that she finally felt a little less tense, and allowed her rotting valet to take her hand.
"I'm so sorry, Frederick, but could you fetch Mr. Renqvist some clothes? We cna see ourselves in."
And boy did Frederick's eyes go wide at the sight. He couldn't even speak, simply nodded as he rushed into the house.
Victoria couldn't help but smirk a little.
"Why, I don't believe I've ever seen Frederick so silent," she said, leering Urich playfully.
Urich was silent the entire ride, keeping his eyes to carriage window as it pressed on down the road. In the distance he could still see the opera house smoke billowing up into the evening sky. And maybe if he listened hard enough he thought he might be able to hear the screams of the people inside. He frowned visibly, but still kept his face pressed to the carriage, shivering some from having been wet by the garden pond.
He could only momentarily feel eyes on him, head turning slowly to meet Victoria's then quickly turn away. And as always Gerard was full of hot air, and exhaled that air through constant yammering of his jaw. No wonder his jaw muscles were so well formed; all great talkers had powerful jaws. Not as powerful as his of course, but that was for an entirely different reason altogether.
They reached the house, and Urich was just glad to be back. He just wanted to retreat to his room, to check on his fat puppies and see if they were all right. He almost bolted in when the corpse stopped them in his tracks. Sighing tiredly, Urich leaned his head back and rolled his eyes at Victoria. "He's dead, of course he's silent," Urich said before pushing through and moving up to his room to dress.
It took a great deal of explaining, but finally Millicent had enough for what she needed. Ordering Victoria to stay behind, however, gained a bit of anger from her niece.
"And why can't I join you? I'm perfectly capabale of handling myself. I-"
"I know that, Victoria." her Aunt interrupted, giving her a hug. Victoria tensed at the sudden embrace. "But it's dangerous right now. Please just stay here."
Sighing, Victoria nodded and watched from the window as her Aunt left, and once she did, Gerard was up to his old antics again, prattling on about how he had to fend off a vampire.
Unamused, Victoria feigned a yawn.
"Good for you." then moved away towards the stair case. "I think I need to lay down. I suggest yo do the same. It has been a long day. I will inform Frederick we will lock up for the evening."
Urich kept to himself for the duration of the evening, tending to his pups. He did manage to dress himself more properly but seeing as he most likely was going to go to sleep soon anyway, night dress was just as appropriate. The Council business was none of his business. He may have saved Victoria's life but that was the extent he would have with his involvement. Whatever caused those vampire's to attack, well, he couldn't have cared less.
Urich resigned himself to laying before the fireplace with his pups around him, snoozing as well, as the fire warmed his form. He still shivered on occasion and curled a blanket over him. He'd neglected to close his door all the way, but he didn't think the pups like their new guest well enough to wander the house on their own. They were content to sleep on the soft, fluffy rug, just as much as he was.
With the house to himself, Gerard helped himself to some liquor- and when he found himself proud enough, he walked up to his room, cherry faced and knocking at Victoria's door. After about the third time of knocking, an irritated Victoria opened her door, glaring back at her cousin.
"Oh, Gerard, what do you want? And at this hour?"
"Why, it's barely past 8." he grinned charmingly.
Victoria made a face when she realized he was drunk.
"Did you mange to help yourself to some wine?" she chastised.
Gerard shrugged. "Millicent wasn't going to drink it all."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Well, if you please, I really must be getting my rest I've had a trying day-"
but Gerard stopped her from closing the door. Blinking, Victoria simply looked up at him with a sigh. "Really, Gerard, if you need to ask me something simply spit it out."
"I just.. wanted to make sure you were ok."
She blinked, flushing a little at his statement.
"Really, it is obvious I am fine-"
"Yes, but you could hve been killed." He frowned.
Victoria sighed. "Yes, but I did not." And tightened her robe as soon as she realized she was showing a bit more than anticipated in her night gown to her cousin. Of course, he didn't miss the details. "As you can see, I am honestly fine-"
but then he pushed himself clean into her room- causing Draegr to bark from where he had been laying on the bed.
"It's dangerous- what if those vampires come after you here? I should stay in your room to protect you. With Aunt Millicent gone-"
"You willd o no such thing!" she snapped. "What are you? Foolish!"
"No, just very wary of my dear cousin!" he defended. Victoria rolled her eyes, not believing it as she folded her arms over her chest, her angry wolf puppy still barking constantly.
"Well, the way I see it, you don't have much of a choice if I order it! As the man now in this house-"
"Man in the house?" Victoria sniffed. "There hasn't been a man to rule here in years-"
"Yes, but laws dictate the eldest relative rules the roost when the matron is out. And... Aunt Millicent has flown the coop." He made himself comfortable, propping his boots onto her desk. She simply growled. "My, my, calm down, Victoria and have a drink." he said, offerin gher part of the bottle.
"REALLY GERARD, GET OUT!" she stated, finally taking to draggin ghim out by his ear, then pushing him out of her door.
He held onto his ear, still throbbing from the pinch but grinned.
"Why, Victoria, I do say it's your temper that I love."
Victoria looked at him incredulously.
"What!?"
And then he leaned forward, kissing her suddenly.
"And someday, that temper will be mine." nd then he kissed her hands and moved off.
"Think about it, Vicky," he winked at her as he left. "We would fit well together! Do well togethera nd get far! And we can keep those genes of yours running strong."
Victoria went red faced.
"Just-" she didn't eve know what to say to that!
"JUST GET TO BED, GERARD!"s he wailed at him, and he simply waved from staircase, blowing her a drunken kiss, all the while Draegr barked angrily at her heels.
Once the man was gone, she groaned and wilted off to her room, rubbing at her temple from the headache Gerard had giving her and slumping back into her bed and burying herself well under the covers. She was so well snuggled in that Draegr had to whimper and paw at her, afraid she had gone.
Urich could hear the commotion down stairs and rolled over on his stomach, holding himself up with his elbows as he watched the door. Aunt Millicent may have been gone, but that didn't mean Victoria was alone. It was too easy forget about a nuisance like Gerard. But it was quickly becoming apparent, the cousin was not going to be a force so easily forgotten. Not if he could help it.
Urich got up, leaving the pups to watch him. They had grown quite large in the time they had spent here, eating well, fattening up, and were not longer quite as small as before and no longer had small spirits as before. They stood, watching him go, almost eager to follow. "No," he turned to them, sternly. "Stay. Good wolves."
He slipped on his robe and turned down the steps, slowly, looking down the corridor before approaching Victoria's room. Carefully he knocked on the door, rapping his knuckles lightly across it. "Victoria...open the door."
Victoria let out a frustrated sigh. What was it with these men and this ungoldy hour? So what if it was 8 at night- she could sleep then if she very well pleased!
Groaning, she shouted through her blankets.
"Mr. Renqvist, if you please, I am trying to sleep."
Perhaps he would oblige her and leave her alone, after all, she did not intend to come out of her snuggle strong hold of blankets anytime soon and felt positively irritable.
But then sighing, she finally added in response, "But if you must, you must."
After all, he did save her life and sighing, she threw off hte blankets from her head, spilling her dark hair in a wild array about her head as she stared, unamused, but expectant, at the door.
When the door opened, Urich burst through, moving past her. Yes, he'd heard the argument between her and Gerard. Frankly he could have cared less about the last half of it. Gerard didn't stand much of a chance...but then maybe Victoria didn't have much of a choice. Marriage eligibility aside, Urich knew Gerard had a point in something perhaps returning to claim her. He saw how the vampire's had targetted her specifically.
He slowly walked through the room, not even giving her the time of day (or night) as he searched around. Shifting around the furniture, looking under the bed, checking the dresser, the dresser drawers, her fireplace, her shelves, the wardrobe, anything. He kept his movement frantic and quiet at the same time, like a wolf stalking prey.
Growling, Victoria threw the blankets aside.
"WHAT ON EARTH ON YOUR DOING!?" and she was quick to her feet, hands to her hips as she glared at him. "What has gotten into you?! You're tearing my room apart! Look at my clothes! ALl over the floor- Eh! Draegr! Stop that now!" as she rushed forth, snagging her hosery from him eating it again,t hen turned back and began to wail at Urich again. "Really! Urich! What has gotten into you!?" And she rushed after him, catching onto his arm. "I must ask you to desist! How am I to rest with you clamoring about- and what on EARTH are you looking for?"
Urich stopped, side facing the window, but he turned to look at her when she caught his arm, face stern and no-nonsensed. He raised a hand to her lips to silence her. "Unwanted guests," he whispered softly, very softly with just a breath of his voice into it. And gently pried her arm from his. He walked toward the window which was unopened and viewed outside with nothing abnormal in its wake. He stood by it, leaning by the side before carefully reaching across and unlocking the bolt. He then thrust it open and reached with his clawed arm out to the side. Something shrieked as he dragged it inside of the room, holding by the neck, a scrawny vampire, hunger burning in its eyes as he fought against Urich's grip. He slammed it hard into the ground before unleashing his strength upon the creature, bashing its head open and the demon lie still.
Draegr hid behind Victoria's leg, peeking from her skirts.
"U-Urich!" she blinked, about ready to yell at him again when he approached her window. SHe snorted.
"You know, most men would have the courtesy to ask a lady first, before going through her things."
Her brow twitched a little as he went at her window-
"Oh, fine, just let the cold air in," she grumbled beneath her breath, but when suddenly, he was pounding at some unknown creature she gave a gasp, hand to her breast as she stood there, frozen in terror before realizing...
"Goodness! Was that a-?"
"Yes," Urich said, quickly rising to close the window. "I heard everything that Gerard said... He may be an inbred fool, but he had a point about something coming after you." He stood over the dead form of the vampire, fangs unleashed the pale pathetic creature with its head smashed in. He leaned over the creature. It was a minion no doubt, thin and starved and would have devoured Victoria if given half the chance. But why had it targeted her room specifically.
"It begs the question...how did Gerard know...you would need protecting?"
Victoria blinked at his observation.
"I don't know."
But then she made a face, hand to her hip.
"He always tried to play the suave, hero type. But I know better."s he shook her head. "He probably wanted to just pretend he had more honor than he usually does." She sighed. "As if I need to tell you that." she said, raking a hand through her hair, then staring down at the beaten from the vampire, wrinkling her nose. "So.. what do you plan on.. doing to that... er.. thing." she said, waving at it as if she wanted it out of her room. "It can't very well stay in here."
Urich grabbed a spare blanket from the floor and tossed it over the body and carefully wrapped it into a snug bundle. He looked over to her motioned to her drawers. "You should probably get dressed. If anything, I believe this is important and should be immediately brought to your aunt's attention. We should get this to the council as soon as possible. I'll take this down stairs. I'll tell Frederick to ready the carriage."
Victoria frowned.
"You want us to go to the Council?" She hesitated, recalling the last time both of them had addressed the Council. Thy were on the same side, only still enemies- and their friendship had transpired awkwardly along the way.
"Now?" she blinked. "At such an hour?" but the man, perhaps, was right as she gave way to a sigh. "And here I was hoping to get some rest. Go ahead, inform Frederick and I shall hurry with my things. I can't very well go unprepared, so.. please be wary I'll have to take a few enchanted items with us." After all, if they were dealing with vampires.....
and apparently ones stalking outside of her window, who knew what else to expect!
Urich had already loaded the body into the back of the wagon, wary as the night grew long. Frederick had the carriage, waiting by the door, holding it open as Urich too waited beside him. He didn't know it, but his face was littered with signs of worry and trepidation and the rotting valet inquired as to what it was that bothered him and why."
"Because vampires don't just hang outside of your window waiting until you are vulnerable and creep in. Not normally at least. They usually get in close, get personal, then take your life. I'm afraid for Victoria. Even with her powers..." He stayed silent and visibly stiffened and softened his features when she appeared.
"Ladies first." And he bowed, climbing in behind her.
Not knowing what to properly wear at such a hour, she slipped into a dark grey dress with subtle black lace, then went about, quickly enchanting what items she could. It always started off with a soft prayer, then a prick- just a simple droplet of her blood to connect her body to the item-a nd as if by magic, the blood would fade, whispering into a mark of smoke before drifting casually up and away into the air. She shivered, her body turning cold, as the feeling rushed through her and away. It happened everytime. It's how she knew the enchantment was completed.
Sighing, she lifted a pair of black gloves that were now charmed, her hat, and a simply black kerchief she stuffed inside her dress, nestled between her breasts.
Then, fitting on a necklace, which, she too, made sure was enchanted, she cuffed it around her neck (for that's what it was, a cuffed necklace of black lace and held droplets of black gems that shimmered from the lamp light in her room) and felt herself grow weary-
It always took an amount of effort, but she did not have time to recoup, she could rest it off in the carriage.
Fussing over her hair, she threw on a veiled hat and headed for the carriage, parasol and a new black purse in hand.
"Careful, Urich, the hat has some enchantment, though it's old- so be sure not to touch it, or my necklace, if you'd please. I also have a few other items of use but... I'll keep my gloves off for now." She frowned, but then nodded as she took his kind gestured and entered the carriage, skirts gathering around her as she sat nad released an anxious breath, giving one final look up to her family's manor, and a brief look to Frederick before they would be on their way.
She was positively stunning when she came forth and Urich did stare at her for quite some time before remembering just what they were doing out here in the first place. He wondered why she always had to worry about how she dressed, no matter the occassion. But he supposed that was part of what made them so different...yet so alike. Even he dressed in proper, clean cut attire and wore his familiar crimson jacket. It was old, but well worn and kept out the bitter evening wind. It was only bitter because it wasn't half as beautiful as Victoria was in this moment.
Urich shook the thought from his mind as he shut the door after him and clicked the latch, locking it into place. He gave her a wry grin and making it quite obvious he was staring at her chest. "I don't need my wolf's blood if I wanted to touch you, darling," he flirted the moment they were alone. "But now's not the time to egg on a tired old wolf. We've got other more pressing matters to attend to."
Victoria threw her chin up.
"I did not feel my words were pressing you on, Mr. Renqvist. More over, just a simple warning." she tilted her head to one side, not amused by his flamboyancy with words. Or the flamboyancy of his eyes. Blushing, she turned away, adjusting the shawl she brought with her to cover her ripe cleavage.
"And I.. well, I wanted to thank you again, for earlier," she stated, eyes turning back to his. "Despite my room now in chaos, you saved my life. Though, it begs the question as to why a vampire was lurking outside my window. It's rather strange. Our council is on very good terms with vampires, especially organized ones though this one... the ones I ran into, they have always seemed rather cold to our cause. Prince Alderam always just spitefully agreed, and it was evident he has been growing weary of us. I never met him properly, only saw him from a distance and it seemed when I was grouped with the council, even in my youth I thought I could feel his scorn. It was very unusual, and when I asked my Aunt, she just said it was the way of things and I never pressed the issue."
She bit into her lower lip.
"Though I guess, damn it," she sighed, growing irritated. "Now it's more than evident she must've been hiding something from me." She shook her head. "One of these days my Aunt has got to trust me. I know I'm not even officially part of the Council, despite their acceptance of me, but that ceremony was to take place at the end of next month, during the vampire ball."
Her eyes wavered at the thought.
"Though.. that begs more questions as to why they're suddenly focusing on our household now." she turned to Urich. "Do you suppose they oppose me joining the council?"
THough in all honesty, she had no idea why.
"But that can't be it. Why such a grand spectacle after one insignificant woman they do not even know?"
"You're young, Victoria, but I know that does not make you naive. What seems out of place usually is. What did I tell you back when I first nurtured your ankle in Sul'Gulthan? Use common sense, practically is just as good as propriety. It's more than obvious these vampires are targetting you specifically," Urich went on, staring out the window for a moment then turning to her.
His eyes became hard and his expression grim. "I think if this Prince would not want you to join your Council, I think there are more formal ways to go about it than to kill you. If that were the case, it would do better to humiliate you and make you disagreeable to the eyes of your peers. You would be removed without shedding a single drop of blood...which would not look so good for his case. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"But it does press the question as why they would target you... I don't know. But I'm afraid I cannot recollect this Adelram of which you speak. Who is he? What concern did your council have with him before?"
Victoria sighed.
"But I have done nothing to warrant vampires to scorn me specifically." She wilted a bit into the bench, rubbing at the new formed throbbing at her temple. "And Prince Adelram, well, he was the vampire that dropped me from the building. " she said with another sigh and a nonchalant shrug.
"All I know about him is he's a very old vampire who started his hive perhaps a few decades before my Grand-Mother Eleanor, the one who, erm, I was reading her diary early.." She added, awkwardly before clearing her throat. "had been born. " Glancing away, she fidgeted, recalling Urich had read with her a very, VERY awkward journal entry.
"My aunt had erm, an interesting love life, needless to say. It seems this Prince Adelram might have been fond of her at one point, perhaps even had loved, but disappeared from her life soon after she was married and had children to her husband, a werewolf who.. well, it was said such nightly creatures could never produce, let alone with mixed blood of the marchioness in her, but well, they sort of had a lot of children, so that begs a lot of questions behind the myths of what I am as well and what I really have the potential to do, and what I can not. Though there are not many left of our kind. Some sort of irradication, or a rare disease had taken it's toll on the negotiator race a few centuries ago, and there might have been a few thousand of them only at that time, now there are only perhaps 20 of us that are around, or, at least, announced."
She kept her gaze averted of his, picking hastily at her skirts and a piece of lint that wasn't quite there, looking irritated as she did so.
"Other than that, I can't see any reason I'd be pointed out." She shook her head. "Who would hold a grudge against an entire family because he couldn't get the woman to fall in love with him?" she folded her arms over her chest, sighing with a heavy, heated huff. "But I somehow doubt this is about some old, lovers quarrel. After all, his hive is still following our laws and.. well, until this evening- they had shown no real reason to have any animosity towards us at all. Sure, we were aware some things made them irritated, but something specific must have set them off."
Her explanation however long shed some light on a few things and made Urich stare curiously at her. That and because her shawl slipped a little from her bosom revealing much to appreciate. But his mind remained focused as he came to the conclusion. "It's possible that perhaps he's trying to avenge a spurned heart. But an easier explanation might be that he's trying to wipe you out. Imagine a world without Negotiators. What would it come to?"
Victoria sighed, growing hot and irritable as she dropped her shawl away.
"And I forgot to mention, but, well.."she fussed over her wrist. "Negotiators also used to use their powers to kill vampires and werewolves in the darker ages." but then she waved the idea off.
"But that was like, several millenia ago. Really, an ancient thing. We are not that vulgar these days to simply run after your such kind for the sheer thrill to kill."
"Then it would deem fitting to want to kill your kind til their utter extinction," Urich said grimly and his eyes were made sad at the idea, though he didn't know why. "Revenge only begets revenge. But it still doesn't explain why they've singled you out. Why not Melissa? Why not Gerard? Speaking of which, I saw him leave shortly before the attack began... That seemed far too...coincidental did it not? Gerard plays the suave hero coming in to try and sweep you off your feet but its apparent to all the fool he really is. And the timing. None of this happened prior to his arrival to the Keep. Why is it that this happens now that he's come to visit? This doesn't seem to be adding up correctly."
Victoria's brow twitched at the idea.
"I know you don't care much for my cousin, but really, blaming him without real evidence is petty."
She was at least somewhat fond of her cousin, if not for purely the reason they were related and had grown up together, even if they never entirely got along-
and well, as she shifted uncomfortably on her bench seat, she couldn't help but have her own doubts however...
Gerard's reasons for being a cad were purely monetary, and she even knew somewhat about his gambling addictions, but not the entire scenario-
He was a slave to his sins of man, not... well, Gerard and vampires did not entirely make sense to her. BUt she couldn't shake the feeling she got now in the pit of her belly as she remained in agitation and silence within the carriage as they slowly made their way towards the Council building.
At her words, Urich felt himself burn with offense and he looked at her sharply. "Victoria, I'm not blaming your cousin! The evidence is circumstantial at best! I'm worried for your safety! I don't want you to get hurt! I--" But it was too late when he realized he'd said too much and he turned away to look out the window. "Thank goodness we're here. And it doesn't look like they've left. I can't say I have fond memories of this building. But I doubt many of my kind do. Well, let's get on with it then."
Urich's door was opened and he helped Victoria out with an offered hand. The driver closed it and helped Urich pull the bundled body from the storage area until he could handle the weight himself. Giving Victoria a nervous look, he bit his lip. "Maybe it's better if you go in first," he gestured.
Victoria could only stare at Urich as he went on, cheeks a bit pink from it, but she didn't have a chance to retort as they approached. She released a breath, and followed him out, staring up at the council building with a frown. And at his request, she nodded.
"Yes, it would be wise not to stir any more trouble than usual."
And she daintly held the edges of her skirts and strolled up the short staircase and entered into the building.
She could hear it, the voices of men on the other side of the door:
"Yes, Prince Alderam will be addressed on the matter. We know he was never really happy with us, but he never broke his oath before."
"Yes, but why now? It begs so many questions, and why was it that my niece was placed in danger?"
Victoria froze at her Aunt's voice, remaining just on the other side of the closed door.
"Yes, that does beg a lot. She will have to be interrogated on the matter. Perhaps she knows more about it."
"That's the thing, I'm sure she would have told me if-"
"Either way, the information will need to be presented before us, and directly from her lips."
There ws a silent pause before Millicent added. "I see."
Victoria didn't know why she was hesitating rather than entering as she chanced a glance back at Urich.
"Let us just hope your niece isn't involved with these vampires, or provoked this. We don't need another-"
And Victoria walked away, not wanting to hear any more of it;
she had simply come here to warn them and what was this on about-
they were..
they were blaming her!?
Assuming she would provoke those night creatures!?
Though they might have good reasons to question anybody over this grave matter- it was still not right for them to just assume so much against her when she had been so dedicated all of these yeasr- and she wasn't even an official member yet.
And she couldn't help herself, flying away form Urich and the room towards one of the back room libraries where she paused, bracing herself against a book shelf and fond herself shaking and trying to stave off tears...
Why was it that she worked so hard to impress these people, yet they trusted her so little!? What did she have to do- scream at them? Yell like banshee- parade through town to show her worth!!?
What was the matter? Why didn't she just opened the doors? But the answer was prevalent on both her face and from the voices that came outside. And the grim smile he wore suddenly faded and he watched as Victoria bounded off away from him down the corridor. He called after her but didn't expect her to answer. Setting the bundle down at the foot of the door, he stepped back and laid a hand out. "Stay. Good boy," Urich said before following after Victoria.
He almost missed her in the back room library as he walked through. He doubled back and peered through the door, watching her form wrack with sobs to the rear of the library. He quietly stepped through, seeing no one else was around. He slowly approached her. "Victoria," he said. "It's all right, Victoria. They don't know what they're talking about. Please don't cry."
Victoria shook her head, her shoulder trembling with sobs as she turned to him.
"N-no, I.. I should not be this upset. I... I... I should be more used to these laws, their silly redundancies, their mistrust....everything is a question, there is always doubt." She turned away, shaking her head, sighing hotly as she tried to wipe back her tears.
"But it still hurts. No matter how hard I try, it seems they go at great lengths to see I don't fit in."
She stared at Urich, then gritted her teeth, turning away and smiling pathetically at herself.
"Gods.. I just.. look at this mess I'm in-"s he tried to brush back her tears, draw in her breath. "I.. I can't address the council like this, they'll just use it as another excuse to chastise me like a child."
She leaned a shoulder against the book shelves, lowering her head, but sadly, only more sobs came out.
"No, no, Victoria," urich tried to comfort. You musn't be so hard on yourself. You're just new. Everybody makes mistakes...even grand Councils like. Perhaps these make the biggest mistakes of all. Listen to me, Victoria," he said putting a hand on her shoulder. "When people feel important because they sit around a big round table all day talking about semi-important things, you have no idea how quickly the power goes to their head. It's easy to forget about what's really going on outside when all you do is sit behind a desk all day. Don't let them get to you, because they don't know - what they're missing."
And without her permission, he pulled her into an embrace and held her close and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
OOC: They finally made it to 30 pages 8D
and they're STILL not officially a couple yet and/or Urich hasn't killed her 8D
IC:
Victoria heard his words, but said nothing, so when his strong arms came around her she choked, feeling her chest heave as more tears spilled out from her eyes as she clutched onto him tight, pressing her tears into the clothe of his shoulder.
"It's just so infuriating," she commented between sobs. "But I need to get a hold of myself." And here she pushed away, shaking her head and trying to brush away her tears before looking up into Urich's eyes.
"I have a job to do. We need to give them the update."
No matter if she was about to be thrust into a series of judgement and prejudice from the Council.
"They have to know about the vampire at the house."
But then she heard her breath, body going cold from a chill as she heard someone else enter the building.
Holding her breath, she heard the series of footsteps, the noise of a man gasping int he other room-
Her eyes widened as she looked up at Urich, then dashed out into the hall, only to find a portly gentleman wearing glasses suddenly fainting at the sight of a wrapped body on the floor.
Cringing, Victoria hesitated before approaching, standing over the gentleman with a frown. He was a man she did not recognize, but the wrapped body, she did- the man had peeled awy the face before fainting-
and from the sounds of it on the other side of the door, it seemed the Council was beginning to awaken like a swarm of angry bees.
"What was that!?"
"Sounds like it was from the other side of the door!"
And before VIctoria knew it, the doors were swung open and the whole of the Council was perched before her, staring at her as she remained, poised and frozen in the 'head lights'.
Urich had a hard time holding back his laughter at the man that suddenly fainted and when the doors swung open, the entire Council staring back at them, Urich only smiled sheepishly and waved a hand at Aunt Millicent who stood to the side. She was red in the face and positively fuming. "What?" she shrilly cried. "What is the meaning of this!?"
Urich went to the wrapped body and covered the face before plucking it up from the ground, cradling it like a child. "The sooner you let us through the faster I can explain," he said and carefully and gently moved between two councilmen. "Excuse me, pardon me. Thank you sheep. Now if you'll let Ms. Victoria through, thank you."
Victoria cringed, feeling the burn of shame upon her as she moved through, following Urich as the crowd moved aside. If she had wanted a proper introduction to announce things civilly, it seemed she had missed out on that oppurtunity, and the attention she had gained was only lost when some of the men moved forward to explain-
"Why, it' Mr. Simon Gloust! The man from the scientist guild."
A few gasps were heard, but Victoria tried not to pay much attention to them, and although the fainted 'scientist' seemed to have grabbed their attention, it was only momentary before an olderly man stepped up from his desk, slamming a hand upon it's wooden surface before demanding-
"Miss Victoria, please inform us as to why our guest, Mr. Simon Gloust is a crumpled mess and passed out on the floor. ANd also, please explain the reason for you dragging a werewolf here onto the Council property, and a body in his hands!"
Victoria's brow gave an irritated twitch, but she supposed it could not be helped.
"I am here, ladies and gentleman, on behalf of what had transpired earlier today. As you must be well aware, vampires had attacked, Prince Adelram's clan, I'm afraid, and merely half an hour after my Aunt had left, there was a vampire stalking outside my window." She turned to Urich. "If the werewolf wasn't a present guest in our house, I might have been killed, or worse. So.."s he fidgeted over what hse must present next, but steeled herself, chin raised high.
"So we brought the vampire's corpse here. Just as further proof that there has been a breech on our peace treaty with his hive." She heard the audible gasp from the crowd. "And that it is obvious that since there were two distinctive attacks on me this evening, that somehow I've fallen onto their target list, now, before you jump to any conclusions, mind you all, that i have nver in my life been properly introduced to this vampire- so I have no further explanation as to why there would be a need or warrant on this attack."
The grumblings moved through the council as everyone came to life to discuss, while Victoria stood there, shoulders scare, eyes solely upon her Aunt before they swept out across the crowd.
"Might we be able to see the vampire?" the older man pressed, pointing to the wrapped being Urich held.
"But of course," Victoria said, and gestured to Mr. Renqvist. "Please show them the body, Urich." And her eyes met to this.
He couldn't help a smile when she used his first name. The first time in all the time that they'd known each other, she actually used his first name in a formal occasion. Urich obliged her happily and set the body down at the center of the Council table, and carefully unwrapped it for all of them to see. The entire council gasped with surprise at the gnarled appearance of the vampiric creature before them.
He was small and thin and had a sunken face like a beaten goblin, nearly nude save for some tattered shorts that were tied around its thin waist with nothing more than a rope. As Gloust was coming to, he had to blink several times before stepping forward, the first to do so, and cleared his throat. "Why, my eyes! I don't think I've ever seen a vampire in such a horrid state before..."
Millicent Armani made a face at it, then stared over worriedly at her niece before the elder man from earlier proceeded on with his analysis, furrowing his shaggy, white brows.
"The vampire seems worse for wear." he shook his head. "This is even unlike Prince Adelram to be so careless with members of his hive." Frowning, he turned to Mr. Gloust. "Please, have a seat, Mr. Gloust. I regret we were not able to greet you any better than this, but an emergency has transpired, and I know the scientific community might also be pressed on the matter- considering the high rise of tension at the presentation of your organization in these past few years."
It was evident Mr. Simon Gloust sweated at the idea, but nodded, moving forward into the room until his eyes swept over Victoria, and he froze, only able to stare at her.
But even as he gaped, the council went on, and Victoria, of course, hadn't noticed.
"This is a very grave concern of ours. You two.. must understand we will need you to stick around for questioning. We've already sent a summon to the vampire Lord, and we can only hope he obliges in a timely manner however, it pains me to admit this but the two of you will need to remain for questioning- and yes, that's right- the two of you, MIss Armani and Mr. Renqvist. If you could cooperate on this matter, you can return home, but as you realize, procedures are erm-" he cleared his throat and gave a wave of his hand. "Well, procedures are procedure, and it would be rude to the party as suspect to have the woman in focus not remain in custody of our agency until this has cleared. But do not think we are singling you out without good reason, you know the laws, and the Prince will have to remain under our careful watch as well, that is.. to assume he'll comply."
"So.. what is it that the vampires have done, exactly?" Mr. Gloust finally piped up as she stood forward, nervously rolling his figners over his hat. "I was summoned from my bed chambers to get here immediately. What is this startling news? I heard there was a vampire attack."
"Yes, indeed, and we seem not to know much more than that, but please, do take a seat Mr. Gloust. You might have questions here as well and perhaps could help us. However, MIss Armani, Mr. renqvist.. if you could both take a seat- we can begin the process of questions so as to start off this analysis with a clean slate."
Victoria hesitated, but she knew she had little choice. Nodding, she turned behind her, seeing the chairs vacant on the other side of the room- reserved for those placed in judgement before the council and reserved to sigh, taking a seat and waiting for Urich to oblige....
Maybe Victoria didn't notice Gloust's stare, but Urich sure did and he didn't like it one bit. His expression turned glowering at the man and he was deaf to just about everything else they said in the chamber until they called his name. He jumped to attention and looked wide-eyed. They expected him to stick around, did they? He put up his hands, not liking the idea one bit and shook his head.
"I don't want to get involved more than I have to. I was here to help Miss Victoria get some answers as to why that vampire attacked you. I think I've had enough council business to last a lifetime, if you understand my meaning. Now, if you'll excuse me." He turned to leave but several men blocked his path, looking stern and more worse for wear. Urich tried to pry his way through them but they stood strong.
"Fine," Urich said indignantly, adjusting the lapels of his coat. "I'll take a small interveiw. SHORT! But I've got better things to do." And he joined Victoria at her side.
OOC: He's got better things to do.... right X3
IC:
The elder man sighed, frustratedly at Urich's antics, but once he was seated, he gave his thanks.
"Now, as you both are well aware, we make pacts, peace treaties amongst the super naturals- vampires, werewolves, spirits and demons alike, now, it pains me to have to say this but, the conditions on this attack are very suspicious. Prince Adelram isn't foolish enough to try something so rash, and in public, it is just inconceivably not his style, however, we find ourselves at a loss-f or not only did he try to harm this woman in public, but he had his men follow her to her home where-" Here, the man gestured to both Urich and Victoria over the matter and Victoria stiffened, glancing over at Urich before turning to the councilman.
"Urich, I mean, Mr. Renqvist here was merely seeking to protect me. Perhaps he could go home after these initial questionings are through-"
"Just answer the question, Miss Armani. We will decide what is best at the conclusion of this questioning."
Victoria frowned and sat more erect in her seat.
"Very well, but I don't know what much there is to tell. You see, my cousin, Gerard and I-"
"Gerard?" the councilman asked.
Her aunt intervened. "Blood relative on my side," she confirmed. "He is staying at our manor for the week."
The elder nodded. "Very well, go on."
"He and I were attending the opera showing last night when suddenly I was attacked- ad the entire place was suddenly being ravaged by those fanged creatures."S he shivered at the memory, recalling the sharp teeth on her legs. Her cheeks flushed. "I know not why they were after me, I.. it was all such a trying day, - but it almost appeared as if they hadn't expected me to be there, and when I was, it was only then the chaos seemed to get worse, and I nearly found myself killed after having been dropped from a rooftop." She gestured to Urich.
"It was Mr. Renqvist's quick reflexes and his supernatural ability that had saved my life. And twice in one night, if you count this evening, when he grew suspicious and inspected outside my window, to find the vampire you see here on the table."
She frowned at the body- wondering how this all could have come to be-
Needless to say she had no idea of the complexity behind it-
and that she might only be partial to blame, if only for her heritage, and the blood that ran through her veins....
"I see," said the stuffy old man. Urich could see he had a hard time buying her story and he looked at Urich, not saying much but expected him to immediately corroborate.
The werewolf nodded. "It is true," he answered, crossing his legs and nodding. "I find it hard to believe this was all a result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We were at the Opera, enjoying a night of drama when the vampires almost literally came from nowhere. Mind you, I did not change entirely in public. There is no need to further frighten the populace with a werewolf in their midst. I was across the theatre when I first saw Victoria being overthrown by a vampire that attacked her first. I intervened and killed it before it could kill her."
"And how did you get across so quickly to intervene?"
"I jumped."
"Excuse me?"
"I jumped from one opera box onto the other. If i hadn't I wouldn't have gotten there in time to save her. The entire place was a bout of chaos. People were screaming left and right and there were bodies in the middle of aisles and vampires were flying around. As a result of another vampire attack on the chandelier, it broke, sending burning candles everywhere. I suppose one must have caught flame to the curtain and soon the whole building was billowing up in smoke. I was returned to the Opera box and proceeded to search for Miss..ahem, Armani when I saw her, vaguely through the smoke, going out the window. Following them there, I saw this...what did you call him?"
"Adelram. Prince Adelram."
"Yes, him. He had her in a grip about to kill her when he threw her off the building. I jumped -"
"Of course you did."
Urich rolled his eyes. "And saved her before we splattered to the ground. Though Victoria nearly killed us with her pair of enchanted gloves, sapping me of my strength before we made it. Luckly we landed in a nearby pool of water and managed to crawl to dry land in safety. Shortly thereafter, Gerard came running from round the building towards us."
There were whispers shared amongst the crew. Millicent's eyes on them were heavy, but it seemed she was barely uttering a voice among them. Victoria itched under her gaze, fingers crawling at her skirts and clenching them.
And in a breath, a voice only he could hear- Victoria spoke, "Thank you for supporting me." was all she could say, not even able to look at him as the dreadful council returned it's attention from itself back to them.
"We will need to speak with this cousin. Just because of the circumstances, he will need questioned, if at least as a witness. Now, we have not heard back from Prince Adelram, but if the two of you would not mind residing in the chamber rooms-"
Victoria sighed and simply stood.
"If you wish for us to spend a night int he prisons, fine, let us just be done with it."
The elder councilman set his jaw, and the scientist, Mr. Gloust, gave a gasp.
"Surely you would not subject a lady to such unrefined conditions!"
But the elder man kept his jaw firm.
"The laws re the laws." he gestured to a few of his fellow council men. "Please show these two to their rooms."
Rising, Victoria only stole one glance to Urich before the two were lead down a narrow, twisting pair of stairs to the underbelly of the building. I twas here, two adjacent cell doors were unlocked. The rooms were much better than a prison- with nice beds and furniture- but really nothing more than that, and a thick wall that would separate them, but open bars in the front hwere the two rooms would meet in a hall.
There were six rooms in all, and once all six were vacant, Victoria now occupied one and..
if Urich cooperated, he'd be joining her in the cell at her side...
Victoria, however unfair it might seem, was too warn to fight it, and just elected to have her fate be carried out-
After all, what else more could be said? She was hardly guilty, but everything was just so circumstantial that she began to itch from it as a man lead her into her cell and she peered up at him- and the man slowly slidng the bars shut across her face.
"I am truly sorry for this, Miss Armani, but hopefully the vampires will cooperate so we can have you out of here soon."
Victoria nodded. "Thank you, Cedric. That'll be all."
"No, tea or anything for the lady before bed?"
She made a face.
"No nothing. I just wish to be alone."
OOC: If these events went too far, I can crop out hte last bit if you have a better more appropriate response to Urich realizing the two are meant to be celled there over night XD cause I imagine he won't be as complacent at Victoria-a nd if he wants to cause a scene- I can back it up or what not XD
[XD it's totally fine with me. Urich isn't too happy, but he doesn't have a choice.]
He visibly stiffened at the idea of being confined to a cage, even for overnight. What did these stuck-up arrogant bastards think they were going to do? The damage had already been done. His home was gone, Victoria was in danger, and now they wanted to speak to Gerard... Like the pompous gasbag would be any help to anyone but himself. But he wanted to talk to the man as much as they did. And they were more fittting to squeeze the answers out of him than a lone werewolf.
Urich looked at Victoria and knew she'd already had enough to go through with the council. There was no reason to make it worse with trying to resist. They would expel her, or worse...if there was anything worse than that. He only nodded in compliance and followed them down the twisting corridor to the six cells below.
Victoria had been locked onto the cell beside his, he after her. And when Cedric turned to ask him if he wanted anything, Urich only glared at him and he shortly departed. He held the bars, testing the metal first for traces of silver. When he felt they were safe he leaned against them, sticking his face part way out and looking at her. "Well, this is pretty comfortable. They really went all out!"
Victoria sighed after hearing his voice, rolling her eyes, though he wouldn't be able to see it.
"They didn't have much of a choice," Victoria said, though it seemed the tone in her voice begged to differ. Sighing again, she gripped onto the bars, feeling herself at a loss before finally pressing her forehead against it and peering over at Urich.
"I'm sorry you've got tied up into my affairs again. I really don't know how to make that up to you, and I honestly can't say I understand while you stick around me. It seems I only afford you trouble."
"Ain't that the truth," Urich said, his turn to roll his eyes. The truth was, she was right. But it wasn't like it was an easy question to answer. He could have just as easily said no...and he didn't want to be involved with the council any more than he had to. What with their laws and paperwork and unnecessary formalities. And he knew his problem wasn't her...it was them.
"You don't have to, Victoria. I'm here....I'm here because well.. I guess I kind of like you. In a convoluted sort of way," he had to admit, just glad he didn't have to look her in the eye. "I could hate you. I mean it was your fault my house was destroyed. But perhaps that's just fate's way of telling me it was time to move one. Don't get me wrong, I'm still pissed off about that. But, it's no good holding it against you. You didn't know your aunt was going to send a vampire hunter to 'rescue' you and kill me."
Victoria sighed, feeling guilt grip at her heart-
Even if he did not want to hold it to her- she could not shake that feeling of blame.
"Perhaps, after all of this is cleared up, it.. it might be wise for you to make way on your own."
After all, what good would it do him to stay with her? Did he really need another incident to be involved in? Surely his life was much easier without her in it- after all...
did he not hate her?
though.. he had just admitted to liking her...
Liking her...
The idea made her blush and grow awkwardly quiet.
"I'm afraid that's out of the question," Urich said, leaning against the bars and trying to get a good look at her, but failing. "Why would I leave you here alone? After all it was my idea to come. Of course I didn't know then that that was just going to get me thrown into a luxurious prison cell next to you. But all the same. What kind of man would I be if I left you behind?" Urich smiled and sat down on one of the chairs. "I said I would help you. So here I am. Besides, stop feeling so sorry for yourself, Victoria. Have some gumption."
"I meant after," she pressed, flatly. "I know you are respectable enough man not to abandon me now, but don't you think staying around the Armani Manor for much longer would only bring you more grief? Either way, I just hope this matter does not draw out. If we have to wait on vampires that don't show up... "s he grumbled at the thought. "I'd hate to see how long they'd aim to keep us."
SHe sighed again and began to pace.
"And to think,t hey're up there discussing our fate and we have no say about it. It just unnerves me that they're being more strict to code. This is technically all very unnecessary if my aunt were to press fo rour cause, we could merely remain under house arrest, but I digress, they are all hoping for this issue to be resolved before the morning."
Urich bit his lip and only sighed. "I understand you're eager to be rid of me," he answered regarding living arrangements. "But I would love to move away, and I plan to as soon as I have enough money to do so. With what Henry is paying me right now, I'd have enough by the end of the month, to at least get to the north of Serendipity. I'd need at least another four or five weeks pay to make it to the Riverlands. I think that's where I'd like to go. I'd like to see the water again."
At her discussion of being under house arrest, Urich only scoffed and tried to relax in the chair. "Then I suppose we both ought to get to sleep then and just see what they can do about it. I doubt too many things are going to happen to us while we're in these cells." He put his feet up on a cushion and reclined, closing his eyes to nap a little. Several minutes passed, nearly an hour when his nose wiggled as it picked up on something unusual. It smelled a little like smoke but it was finite and too thin for a human nose to detect.
Immediately he perked up as he opened his eyes, the smell only getting slightly thicker. "Victoria," he said. "Victoria, wake up! Do you smell that?"
"It's not that we're trying to be rid of you I-" but she sighed, and just left it at that- Hearing him want to move away, and far from here, made her tense up, her heart tightening at the idea.
She knew, however, it would be better for the both of them if he did this-
and despite she being the one to bring it up, the idea was still jarring to hear him speak of it.
So it took her a lot longer to fall asleep, tossing and turning and anticipating someone coming- but no one did- hours had past.. nothing-
and Victoria began to worry, but eventually, even she had fallen asleep, waiting, knees on the ground, forehead pressed against the bar.
So when he spoke, she grumbled, made a noise, "No, Urich.." she mumbled, in her sleep. "I don't.. I don't hate you, don't go..." and went back to sleep, snoring a little, perhaps even with a bit of drool.
"What? Don't go?" she confused him! She didn't smell that!? He was astounded and the odor was becoming thicker in the air. Or perhaps it was just his wolf nose that was picking it up better than she was. That was the most logical conclusion he could think of as he got up from his chair, neck and body stiff. He came to the bars, looking out to the hallway but could see no one. And nobody was coming would they.
"Victoria," he hissed. "You stubborn girl! Wake up! It's getting thicker. Smell it! It smells like smoke!"
[...You MUST draw Victoria sleeping like this, grumbling and drooling! xD]
OOC: Epic drool and like, Urich's face in the background going -WTF- WAKE UP YOU STUPID BROAD'
IC:
She continued to sleep, and drool continued to collect as she nuzzled her face against the bar-
and despite Urich's pleas- they did not rouse her-
However, becuase of the way she was propped, she eventually lost her balance and awoke with a start.
"OH!" and her eyes fluttered as she registered what was going on as she turned to examine her cell-
"I.. I feel asleep I.."
that's when she smelled it.
And made a face.
"Is that.. is that smoke?"
And then she felt something else and made an even BIGGER face.
"I say, how repulsive.. did I just drool on my dress?" and she went about , fussing over it with a kerchief she pulled from her chest.
OOC: You see where her priorities are >>;
"Oh, I could slap you if you weren't so slow in the mind!" Urich spat as he pulled at the bars. The smoke was thickening and his heart was beating faster, nervous at what it indicated. It smelled like fire, but he couldn't hear anyone outside, not even the roaring of flames. But it was pouring through the lower levels, perhaps this was where it started. But it was too soon to tell.
He yanked on the bars, yanked in an attempt to pull it from its bearings but it was reinforced and built strongly into the stone. "Victoria! Do you hear anybody coming for us? I'm going to try to break these bars. Yell for someone, scream if you have to!"
[LULZ everywhere! xD]
Victoria sighed at his remark, but was soon reminded of their plight as she glanced around.
"Well some body should be around- they wouldn't just leave us locked up like this without warning." but then she blinked, noticing a note at the bottom of her cell.
"What's this?"
Lifting it up, she opened it and peered at the letter inside.
"What? The vampires wanted to move the meeting to their hive? What a foolish thing! ANd here they believed it!? They left us here to be killed!" Victoria stammered, putting all of her evidence together in one solid breath of thought.
Crumpling the letter, she cast it aside and threw herself at the cell, shaking it as she called.
"ANYONE!? IS ANYBODY INSIDE THE COUNCIL! ANYBODY!?" but she knew it was hopeless- it was impossible for anyone to shout through that much stone that was above.
Her yelling did much to annoy him and he used that irritation to set himself into a rage. His breathing quickened, his body was made more powerful as he did so, feeling hair brow further on his face and his hands turned to terrible claws. He nearly burst out of his clothes yet again. But at least he took off his jacket and yelled as he tugged on the bars. But no matter how he pulled, it wouldn't budge. Perhaps if it wouldn't be pulled, it could be pushed.
"Curse at me Victoria! Insult me! Make me angry! Anything! I can break these bars! Just do it." And proceeded to undress so that he'd at least have something to wear afterward. He bashed his body against the bars, his shoulder aching from it, but dust began to fall from the ceiling. Perhaps it would work after all.
"W-what!?" she gasped. "You want me to just.. just berate you for no reason!?" she shook her head at the logic, not fully understanding what he requested. "Come now, why wold I do a foolish thing like that, Mr. Renqvist? Now is not the time for bickering!"
"You're a stupid broad who drools on her own breasts because she's too stupid to sleep in a normal bed! And you're going to marry you're stupid cousin with his stupid ponytail because of your stupid rules of tradition! You stupid...silly, conniving stuck-up bitch!" Urich yelled, trying to egg her on. "And you're too stupid to insult me either!"
Victoria was taken back by his first comment-
"Mr. Renqvist- really.." but then he persisted, accusing her of marrying her cousin-
"I say! The only reason I'd marry him, is if he were ever to be foolish enough to ask and I, foolish enough to agree. But at least if he were to ask, it's more than I could say about some stupid werewolf who would rather chase me around, call me names, belittle me and date some hussy from town and take her to the Opera rather than.. than.. make any sort of claims on the foolish kisses he wastes on me!"
ANd at his last comment her eyes narrowed as she seethed.
"I'll show you stuck up and bitchy you ungrateful man! I hope this place really does burn down, than I can finally be rid of you and your nuisances! All you ever do is mislead me, tease and torment me! Well I'm well aware I can't get a husband, sir!" she said with an angry stamp of her foot, tears hot in her eyes. "And I don't need a werewolf to make it worse. I know I won't ever marry but you don't have to keep rubbing my nose into you.. you... You ungrateful man, I hate it all! This damn propriety, your ignorance and pride, your prejudices against me! IF you hate me that much, then... then I can hate you too! Just stop interfering in my life and making me feel worthless! I know what I am and I don't need a man to tell me it you horrible, despicable man! I'll never understand you! Nor do I want to! You're.. you're so impossible!"
OOC: loooool
Her words were doing wonders to piss him off and he no longer felt the need to reply as he finally transformed fully and gave the bars one final, powerful ram that it knocked the bars completely from their bearings and had them bent and gnarled on the ground. It broke off Victoria's bars as well, as they were connected. Urich crawled out and stood before her, growling, almost ready to eat her, but his teeth turned into a smile as he crouched and transformed back, completely naked in front of her. "Thank you, my dear," Urich replied before stepping back into his cell and pulling his trousers back on. "That's exactly what I needed. And don't talk about your friends that way. Melissa is a very nice, lovely lady and she didn't want to do it anyway. I only asked because I wanted to make you jealous. No big deal." Urich threw his jacket over his shoulders and pulled the rest of the bars away from her, holding out a hand to help her out.
Victoria cold not believe this. She felt wretched and horrible and upset and used, so when he put his hand out to her she did the only thing she could-
striking him hard in a slap across his face.
"You planned that!? To make me upset?!"
And just as her words were coming out like fire- the ceiling above them suddenly creaked, billowed and suddenly burst forth with flames of it's own, the debris aiming to strike them all down in it's fury.
He was sick of the slaps, but it did nothing to pull the smile from his face as he looked at her with a pleased grin. But when the fire came bursting from the cieling, his arms instinctively went around her and pulled her away from it, his arms being singed from the fury of the flames. He gazed over her shoulder and offered a smug grin. "You really must watch your temper darling, or you'll bring this whole building crashing down around us! But it looks like something else has already started the party without us."
He gave her a hearty kiss on the cheek before sweeping her up and over the debris, his coat smouldering a bit as it glanced over the ashes, the smoke billowing up. He dropped her by the steps to the chamber door. It's wooden exterior couldn't hold him back as he rammed through it, to be met with clouds of vicious smoke.
Victoria felt her heart flutter inside her chest as Urich wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and protecting her from the flames.
But then he made that jest about her temper, and her eyes flared up.
"Urich Renqvist-" she began, arm moving as if to slap him again when he kissed her cheek suddenly, and she became dazed, body tingling from the sensation- and she hadn't even realized she had been scooped up until she was set aside, more safely by the door.
And she flinched back as he rammed through the door, smoke suddenly consuming the air around them as she flinched again, gasping and catching smoke into her lungs before dropping down low.
"Mr... Mr. Renqvist.. it is nearly impossible to see through all of this smoke!"s he stated, trying to cover her mouth the best she could with a kerchief, but still, it was difficult to move along the stairs with so much of it thickening the air rather quickly all around them, especially when she kept falling prey to fits of coughs.
If she was having a hard time coughing, his sense of smell was getting the brunt of it. He coughed so hard until his face was read and put up an arm over his mouth and nose to shield him from the smoke. Without saying a word, he knelt down beside Victoria and proceeded to rip off a chunk of her dress tearing it into a long bundled strip before wrapping it around his face, to shield him from the smoke. He took off his jacked and shirt, as it was pretty useless now, and moved behind her to wrap it around her face as well, just below her eyes so that she could still see. He threw his jacket back on. There was no other choice but to brave the flames.
Urich cralwed through, pulling Victoria behind him. The entire hallway was filled with smoke and by the time they reached the main chamber, the entire area was in disarray, chairs thrown over, tables smashed and the temperature was rising like a pit of hell itself was opened up in the building. There was no way of telling at this point just how the fire started.
He rushed them to the door, but it was blocked somehow and he pulled and it and pushed but it wouldn't budge. "How are we going to get out?!" Urich screamed through fits of coughs. "Is there a second floor window of some kind?"
By the Gods, the fire was hot and the room- stifling, as the flames roared around them. Gasping, she pulled closer towards him as a board over head broke and crashed into the floor nearby. She turned her eyes desperately to him, gritting her teeth as she peered over at the stairs. They seemed ok, but smoke filled the air around them.
"Upstairs, each room contains a window. We could try that but.." she looked back up at the ceiling, hearing another creak as a fiery wooden beam began to crack and whine before giving way, crashing down towards the pair below.
Urich only saw the debris coming down on them a little too late to save himself. He'd managed to shove her out of the way in time, but in the thickness of smoke and the lack of air to his brain, his reflexes were far too slow to move out of the way in time. The piece of ceiling that cracked and crashed, fell upon him and crushed him to the floor, trapping him their was the entire building burned in savage fury.
OOC: Poor Urich~
The woman always finds a way to get him into trouble!
IC:
Victoria let out a noise as she was shoved aside, falling onto her ass as she watched in horror as the flaming wood fell upon him.
ANd for a moment, her entire being froze.
Panic seized her and all she could do was stare, hot tears coming to her eye before she let out a terrifying cry and rushed after him, tearing away the flaming wood without much hesitation to the burns she might sustain as she was frantic, desperate and afraid.. afraid that Urich might have been killed underneath.
"URICH! URICH!"s he wailed, tossing one board away after another, ignoring the fact her dress was becoming singed and the flames growing taller around her.
It was when the third board was removed that she was able to get to him, calling out again as she grabbed onto his hand. "URICH!" and she shook him, pulled him- hoping and praying to whatever god she could that she'd be able to move him out of the rubble in fast enough time to save him...
And thus, this was the end of Urich Renqvist.
Ha! Just kidding.
He was unconscious from the debris falling on his head, limp and completely dead to the world without. A crashing sound reverberated throughout the building, the sound of glass breaking. It echoed down the hallway and sounded like it was coming down the hall from the library. Men's voices echoed through, and two men came bursting through the main room.
"We saw the fire and we came in to see if anyone is inside! Come with us!" one of the men said. The other man bent down while the other helped Victoria up and out to the escape they made. The man pulled Urich with some difficulty, draggin him through the burning building, despite everything falling apart around them.
Everything was a mess and it was crazy, but she refused to leave his side. The men, desperate, could only oblige as they followed her out, her hand holding onto Urich's as they went outside, and she even helped load him into the carriage. They had to get him to the Dr. Merrick's residencel. The burns he sustained were tremendous- and they feared his head injury would not due well to suffer elsewhere-
So as he was stripped of his clothes and taken into a sterile, plain room-
Victoria paced for hours until she was eventually allowed in.
Thanking the doctor, she moved inside, eyes taking in the sight of the silent Urich upon the bed, head and chest bandaged, but the rest of him lay beneath cold, white linen.
Hesitantly, she approached, fingers gripping at the brooch against her neck as she stared down at him and gently, took a seat at his side.
Stroking his hair away from his fore head, she leaned forward as he slept, kissing him gently beside the wraps on his forehead before squeezing lightly his hand.
"Oh, Urich, I am so sorry." she whispered, her voice weak and hoarse. Her fingers ran through his hair again as she shook her head. "I'm so sorry." Burying her head against his chest, she found herself choking on a sob and when the doctors returned, telling her she ought to go home- she refused, but they sent word to her Aunt to inform her Victoria was alright. Dr. Merrick merely obliged and left the pair alone.
And there, all night she remained, diligently at his side, even falling asleep with her head nested at the side of the bed, her body leaning over, arms resting at the edge, while she still remained, seated in her chair, hand in his, finger entwined.
Though she woke up once sobbing... whimpering...
"Urich, you fool. Don't you see what I do to you? What happens when we are close? And Gods...Why.. why is it that I love you? Why is it that I can't escape these feelings. Oh, Urich. Please, just don't die on me and I promise I will never bother you ever again. " but her whispered whimpers might not ever be heard as she slipped off again to a world of sweet and restless dreams.
His hands flickered in movement, and Urich uttered a groan. His body was cold, intensely cold as it were, undressed and covered over with nothing mroe than a thin blanket. A groan escaped him, and he wasn't yet brave enough to open his eyes. His head moved just a little, but even such a minute action caused his head to pound relentlessly against his skull, throbbing. And he groaned louder, frowning.
Slowly his eyes did open. "Ugh," he managed to mutter. "Why does it feel like I got runnover by a clydesdale!?" His vision only blurred, coming in and out focus, but squinting as his vision slowly came back into focus.
His words brought her back, somewhat at first as she let out a soft noise of her own, gently breathing. But then as he continued to speak, his groans getting louder, she lifted her own weary head and noticed, with a shock, that he had awoken.
"U-urich!?" she said, eyes blinking, body pressing forward, his hand held to her chest. "How.. how do yo feel?" but then- he sort of gave her the answer as her lips quivered into a smile. "Would you be upset if I told you the floor of a burning building landed on your head? Well, technically your whole body." she went on, eyes sparkling happily as she looked at him, hugging him suddenly and tight.
"Oh, thank the Gods you are alright! You had me so worried!" she breathed, nearly melting against him. She was just so happy he was ok.
"Um...I don't know. Should I be upset? Is it your fault?" Urich moaned a little, only able to swivel his eyes at her. But before he knew it she threw her whole body upon him and he actually let out a long whimpered scream but could do nothing to push her away. He whimpered and shook and trembled, trying to brace himself, face turning red from the pressure. "Okay, Victoria, I get it. You're happy," Urich breathed. "I'm happy too. But my body just doesn't feel that way right now."
"Goodness!" she tore herself away from him, face flushing and kept her distance.
"I.. I apologize, Mr. Renqvist," she turned away,fussing over her hair, which was frayed from her awkward night's rest. "I.. I don't know what came over me." Her hands fidgeted in her lap. "It's just... well," She turned to him again, giving him sad and most serious eyes. "You saved my life again. If it weren't for you, I might be the one in this bed."
Or worse...
Urich managed to smile at her. It was weak and tired and pained. But at least he was amused and the smile was genuine. His eyes gleamed unusually at her. He squeezed her hand and weakly tugged it for her to come closer. "You know that's a lie," he murmured. "You'd be dead, most likely. Would have crushed you to dust. But...I'm glad to be alive. And glad you're alive as well..." He smiled again. "Would it be too much of a request to ask if you could kiss me? I just want to know if my lips hurt."
At his words, she couldn't help but smile, and her smile so pure, eyes only for him-
but then, naturally when he asked for a kiss, her mouth dropped open, uncertain what to say and clearly surprised by such a forward request that when her cousin suddenly entered the room, she jumped and cried in alarm and was taken back by the sudden bouquet of stargazer lily's in hand with their beautiful, blazing hot pink centers and soft white, pink freckled petals.
Victoria was overwhelmed, and jarred by the sudden and very forward notion now presented by her cousin that she had no idea how to respond as he stood there, sheepishly smiling.
"I.. I heard you might have been hurt. I didn't wait to hear the details and came rushing to see you," Gerard said in earnest, the wrapping around the flowers crumpling as he removed his hat. And then, he nervously cleared his throat as he realized Victoria had not said a word, her mouth still dropped wide open. Then he presented the flowers to her.
"I.. well.. er, they are for you, Victoria. I... I am glad, and relieved to see you are well."
Victoria's cheeks turned red as she finally closed her lips, eyes going down to the flowers- but she still was not sure how to react.
They were the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen- her favorite...
and here was her cousin, presenting them to her-
and all she could think about was Urich..
and the beautiful bouquet he had brought her so long ago..
and her stomach felt rotted as she lowered her gaze away from her cousins.
"I.. er, thank you, Gerard, but... it might do you well to take those back to the manor. I.. am not sure how long I shall be staying here. You see, Mr Renqvist got injured rescuing me and I-"
Gerard raised his blue eyes to Urich.
"You saved her? Then perhaps these should be for you," Gerard said with an awkward laugh.
Victoria felt even more queer at that comment, but then Gerard offered them back to her.
"please, at least take them. They... they are for you. Even if you stay here, you could at least keep them with you. The doctor might have some water and vase...."
Victoria kept her lips flat, eyes averted to the flowers, then opened her lips to speak, but said nothing.
That's when Doctor Merrick arrived, another interruption.
"I've come due to all of the noise- ah, I see Mr. Renqvist is well," and his smile broadened on his face. "Glad to see you awake." Then he turned, noticing the flowers and raised his shaggy brows in question.
"These are erm, for Victoria," Gerard informed, awkwardly.
It was then Victoria finally smiled.
"Here, I shall take these and get some water." and she left, leaving the Doctor to tend to Urich while Gerard stood there, even more awkward since he realized what he had interrupted-
he.. had been listening for a time and...
knew now more than ever how strongly his cousin felt for the werewolf.
Swallowing away the cold lump in his throat, his eyes went to Urich's as the doctor approached.
"Well now, let's see to this bandage on your head, hrm?" Doctor Merrick inquired, smiling bright.
Urich grinned at her, but it was one that quickly faded when he saw Gerard suddenly burst into the room, bouquet in hand. Frankly, Urich quickly lost interest in the exchange and closed his eyes to half-lids, fiddling with the bandages on his chest. His arms were in relative good condition save for the flesh that was singed or missing altogether in parts. He was surprised he hadn't broken too many bones.
When Victoria at last left the room with the beautiful bouquet, the doctor came in, Urich's frown only deepened. With plenty of rest and care, he would heal up just fine. With too much meddling from others Urich only knew that his healing would worsen or slow down tremendously. But he couldn't do much to stop the doctor's approach.
"It's fine," Urich said with some fuming, ignoring Gerard's presence altogether. But obviously, the cousin knew just the right tricks to fix that.
The doctor fussed over the bandages with a frown.
"You're lucky you're part wolf," the man said, lowering his brows as he studied Mr. Renqvist's face with some concern. "And I hate to admit it, but after Victoria told me what happened, she probably would have died were it not for you. Your blood allows for you to take a beating more than that girl could, not to say Victoria isn't tough in her own right."
"You can say that again!" Gerard said, admirably. "Why, I thought my heart was just about to turn to stone at the very mention she could have been in danger. But she's lucky to have a friend like you, Urich. You really have out done yourself this time." he said, approaching Urich and patting him on the shoulder, then as the doctor moved to fuss on something elsewhere inside the room, Gerard lowered himself so he could be closer to Mr. Renqvist, and he hid his mouth from view behind his hat from the doctor as he whispered to Urich.
"Really, I owe you a lot, Urich. Here, I was worried that Victoria would be in danger, and if she were to die, I realized who would I ever ask to be my wife? Victoria's the obvious choice, and you've made me realize that now. ANd I need to ask her before I regret it-"
"Before you regret what?" Victoria asked, flowers in hand as she raised a civil brow at her cousin.
And it took no effort for Gerard to drop to one knee suddenly and blathered-
"Victoria, look, I can not wait any longer to ask you this," he began, taking her hand into his as she awkwardly balanced the vase in the other.
"What do you mean? Ask me what?" and she was handing off the flowers to the doctor so he could set them on the table but when she peered back around- Gerard produced a large, diamond ring from his pocket, and Victoria's eyes went wide.
"Victoria, I don't know why it's taken me so long to ask you this. But will you-"
THUD!!
And all Gerard could do was stare as Victoria fainted, landing quite loudly upon the floor.
"V... Victoria?"
THe doctor stood suddenly.
"Dear God, she has fainted! Here, help me get her to the fainting couch!" the doctor commanded and Gerard wasted no time as the men gathered her, Gerard fawning over her as she lay now on the couch- groaning as she stirred back into consciousness.
"What.. uh?"
Gerard held up a finger to his lips.
"No, no, do not over exert yourself. You just fainted."
"I FAINTED!?" VIctoria sat up suddenly, cracking heads with her cousin as the two winced in pain.
Gerard drew back, blinking annoyedly but licked his lips as he smiled, brushing the agitation away as he moved forward taking her hand.
"Yes, and I must apologize for that. It.. it was very forward of me to ask you-"
And it was the the moment rushed back to her-
the man, the knee, the rock-
THE DIAMOND-
Sweet Gods of the Heavens, how had that man ever purchased such a large ring!?
But then he had it out again, her eyes going wide.
"here, just take it. You don't have to answer me just yet" and he crammed the thing into her stiff hands as she blinked awkwardly.
"O... ok.." she croaked, not sure what was really going on.
"Just.. give it some time. And I'll know your answer if you decide to wear it." and he kissed her hand and rose himself off of the ground.
"But I must depart. Your Aunt will want to hear the news."
and then he stole another kiss on her cheek before leaving. "I just hope you'll say yes."
ANd all Victoria could do was blink as Gerard strolled out, head held high, chest puffed-
And she had NO idea what to make of any of this, her face crinkling as she stared at the ghastly large ring in the box now resting int he palm of her hand.
"Gods, what the devil am I supposed to do with this?" and the Doctor only chuckled at her comment, but then recalling where she was, and then remembering Urich- her eyes went wide as she stuffed the ring aside, in anywhere she could, hiding it beneath the pillows on the fainting couch before peering over curiously at Urich's room.
And now she felt more awkward than ever. She moved to rise, but the doctor stepped before her, shaking his head, and her face fell.
"No, Miss Armani. YOu really should let Mr. Renqvist rest."
She felt her lower lip tremble, then she lowered her head and nodded.
"Oh.. alright.." and moved away, pacing slightly before turning to the doctor again, then averting her gaze. It was no use arguing with him- he was right-
and she always made things worse for him.
Perhaps.. perhaps it was only right to leave him alone. She was probably the last person he wanted to see anyways....
but really...
why was it he was so obsessed with kissing?
Did he really.... like her? Or was he merely attracted?
And if so, why wasn't he the one offering her diamonds?
In fact, she'd take a ring made out of hay stolen from that damn farmer if he would just ask her..
frustrated, she returned to the fainting couch and drew out the ring, studying it and sighed...
"Oh, Gerard, that fool,"s he whispered, then closed the box and tucked the ring away. SHe'd have to return it to him in the morning. But for now, she'd have to settle for staring at his room from a distance and chewing at the inside of her cheek with worry.
Urich's blood hottened and boiled inside at even Gerard being in such close proximity to him. The man was pushing his luck. And soon he'd know just how quickly it could run out. For truly it was only luck that kept Urich an invalid and incapable of much movement lest he would lash out, claws unleashed, and peel away the flesh from his face like a wax-skin mask. And he'd tear it nice and slow too, to see every inch of the room covered in nothing more than his blood and screams. He vowed then. If he ever had the opportunity. He would. And nothing would make him happier than to watch him suffer.
But when the words came...as he knew they would, Urich only could look down, at his own bandages, dead to the world even when Victoria fainted on the floor and all of the others made a fuss over her. The words just echoed inside of him, hollow as a cave. But he supposed it was for the better. The woman always made a damned fuss over not getting married time and again. Well, now she'd have her dream. It was what she wanted, no doubt. She deserved to be happy. Though he doubted someone like Gerard could make her very happy for long.
The very thought of it churned in his stomach when they left the room and before he knew it, he was leaning over the side of the bed and wretching into a bowl. Yes she deserved him very much. And Urich leaned back to close his eyes, a tear staining his pillow.
Victoria was having a horrendous time sleeping, and Gerard's proposal did not help. It was an arrogant display, and if anything, as tasteless as he was. SHe had already made her mind up to refuse him, but she supposed she could do so in the morning. Thankfully the damn rock was already put away as she got up, frustrated and began to pace. However, after some time had past, she finally got the gall to approach Urich's room, and crept over, peering in quietly as she watched him-
was he asleep?
Perhaps she should just leave him to rest...
Indeed he was asleep, but a wolf's ears were sharp and alert and at the sound of the creaking door, he opened his eyes, and carefully managed to turn his head. His eyes were swollen and sore, very unlike when she first saw him. He gave her a trying tired smile. "Are you okay?" he asked. "I saw you took quite a nasty spill. Maybe you should be in a bed too. It's all right. I'm not sleeping anyway."
Victoria held her breath, her heart tingling at the sight of his face.
He looked beyond tired- and much worse than before.
She frowned.
"I.. I just wanted to ensure you were ok. So much fussing was going on." she shook her head. "I... just wanted to apologize for my cousin. He can be.."S he tried to think of the right word, but simply sighed out. "Trying." She frowned, realizing he must've heard everything. She diverted her gaze.
"I'm not going to marry him, you know."s he tried to persuade. and she didn't know why. "I've decided it's silly anyways." She gave a sniff, looking over at the flowers, which were ironically in his room. She felt her heart breaking. "I.. just feel foolish, you know? He made such a spectacle." she frowned. "As did I."
Gerard could't be serious....
But he seemed to be the only man that was..
he was the only one that asked...
Her hand idly went over the finger that should wear the ring...
and felt her heart ache again. It had been her dream-
why not marry him?
but when her eyes returned to Urich, she knew the answer.
Too bad it hadn't have been Urich....
"Would you like me to get you anything?" she offered, smiling slightly, hoping to change the subject. "A glass of water? Another pillow? More blankets? I could even see if I could get you something to eat." Her smile brightened at the idea to be useful to him- instead of just laying around feeling silly and useless and restless.
"I had a mother once, you know. She was a beautiful woman. Gorgeous. The most beautiful woman I will probably ever see in my life," Urich began, finding some strength to sit up. "She was a seamstress. Owned her own little shop that she had saved money to open herself. Business was fairly well. She used to read to me at night, she would tuck me in, cook...she was wonderful cook. Gods Farilda could never make a meal quite like hers. But she was a good woman, she had a beautiful heart. But she's dead now. Unfortunately. But well suffer the cold touch eventually."
"Anyway," he went on. "I had a mother. And you're not her. So why don't you come here and tell me what's truly on your mind? I want to listen."
Victoria felt embarrassed, almost ashamed by his comment as she felt her teeth, that slight overbite she had, dig into her lower lip as she looked down at the floor. Is that how he viewed her? As a mother? Yes.. perhaps it made sense now. Or perhaps she was just tangling up her own memories over the confusion she now bore.
Shaking her head she looked to him, forcing a smile politely.
"No, I do not wish to bore you with my details, Mr. Renqvist," and here she met his eyes, but had to look away. "I... really, I just wanted to see how you were." she cleared her throat, her voice becoming scratchy and constricted the more she spoke.
"You really are in no state to hear about the silly woes of women." she forced a smile, her cheeks swelling, but again, it was evidently forced.
"Are you sure there is nothing I can get for you?"
Really.. she did not want to be the center of attention. She felt weird- why was Urich suddenly so attentive to her? And why was she so weird to it? And why was she denying it so? She really wanted to talk, it itched at the end of her tongue, but yet... here she was... at odds within herself, and she could only refuse.
But she knew if she were to talk, she could not remain the strong image- and image, sadly, was all she could scramble to maintain at a moment like this.
Now he was getting angry. Urich frowned at her, scowled even. "Victoria Armani," he growled at her. "You will come here. You will sit beside me. And you will talk to me about this thing that has been gnawing at you for so long. It's important to me. Because if we do not talk about it then it will grow and fester and rot and destroy you from the inside out!
"You owe me goddammit! I saved your miserable life! And you would deny me this...if you don't, then don't bother seeing me again. I need this. Come and sit beside me! Now!"
Victoria seemed to jump at his sudden change in tone. Her eyes met to his at his demands.
"Mr. Renqvist, yes, it is true that I owe you, but you must realize I do not wish to have you carry my burdens, internal or not. Yet, you act so... so strangely towards me I just..." she lowered her gaze again, sighing, frustrated and confused. "Perhaps this is a talk better left for another time. You could have been killed today and I just-" she found her voice cracking, even as she tried to keep herself composed. She looked away, tears suddenly filling her eyes. "I just don't want to add any more frustrations in your life. It... it's just not fair. You've already been through so much and I.. I feel that my presence merely taxes you when you could be happier elsewhere. And all I can think about is how I owe you much more than .. than this request of yours, to just simply hear me prattle." She cringed at hearing herself.
"And now I've made you listen to more of my pathetic words."s he tried to smile, and shook her head of it. "I truly am sorry, Mr. Renqvist," she said, sighing as she finally looked up at him and into his eyes for the first time since the tears began to sting.
"How stupid and pathetic of you. No matter how you claim that you fear you so-called 'prattling' is taxing on me, you cry these tears of self-pity, in selfishness, if only to spare you from spilling that which is crawling in your gut like an intestinal worm. Your tears cannot save you. Only the truth, Victoria. If you walk away without sitting beside me, then you'll truly have destroyed everything I ever had because you'll have destroyed my heart."
Urich's face burned with impotent rage unable to move from his bed and knock some sense into her. "OH YOU STUPID GIRL GET OVER HERE! I want you beside me! Can't you be beside me? I want you here with me! I want you! I love you, goddammit! I'll kill you if you don't move here this instant. I'll rip your throat out and make you eat it! And then I'll devour you whole! Come here!"
White-
If there was a sound for it, it would be that deafening sound of reason, when logic strikes as a pillar, tall and strong and imposing to all other forces of the world- casting shadows away, piercing into their depths and stinging hearts with it's reality.
It's pure, it's overwhelming, and it can blind.
And white was all she was seeing, feeling, - that of which burned her eyes, mouth and throat. COlors could be seen yes, only after her eyes fluttered momentarily, that the shock was broken- but just so that fear would grip her soon after words as she clutched her hands to her chest.
And how wide must her eyes have been, staring at the man, appearing truly white as a ghost before reason buzzed in her ear, heating her face to every shade imaginable of red as her stomach lurched and roared and twisting and exploding into a fury of seething acid.
Urich Renqvist-
He just admitted to loving her-
and in the same breath he just demanded and threatened to gobble her all away-
She was so touched, but in the same breath, nearly repulsed by the way he presented himself that her mind was fighting to figure out if she wanted to faint or not-
So instead, the woman's mind went blank, as did her eyes as she suddenly keeled over, knees going weak as she dropped to the floor. But it was with enough force she caught herself during the confusion, the chair, blasted thing, and fortunately so, was it nearby so that she hadn't hit the floor-
and in that instant, the catching of herself upon it was jarring enough that she turned to him, staring at him with such wide eyes that all she could sputter was for him to say it again.
"Mr... Mr. Renqvist. Do.. do you know what you just said?"
And my did her brain pop with such expressions and colors that she was all but in a daze-
and if she could go to him she might, but all reality was lost upon her-
Never did she dream him admitting to such feelings such as this in such a situation that-
as a slight smile crept across her lips, her legs gave away again, but this time she made a more clumsy drop, face hitting suddenly at the end of bed.
Well, she was never a woman with much grace on love anyways...
but with a gasp, she pushed herself up, face looking up into his- eyes hopeful, wanting-
Oh to hear that again so it was not a dream!
"Urich Renqvist, do you honestly mean to say that you love me?"
"Yes, you stupid deaf girl. And I know you want me to say it again, yada-yada-yada. Just get your bearings on yourself woman and stand up and have a goddamned seat. Be a lady, be presentable, watch where your fucking stepping," Urich said, still pissed. "I don't need you as an invalid partner. Sit your ass down, please."
He sighed tiredly, almost couldn't believe that he'd said it himself, but really the words coming out, they felt as easyy as if they were air. "I swear I'll kill you if you don't sit down in the next fifty seconds."
She couldn't help but bear a crooked smile at his comment-
but really, it was a most unromantic come back, but one truthful none the less.
She closed her lips, but still smiled, but at this last bark of orders, she slammed her hands against the bed and stared at him.
"Oh, you impossible man! As if it needs to be said how I love you, too!" And suddenly tossed herself at him, eyes stinging light with tears while kissing him fierce.
And perhaps she was seeing and feeling that white again as she held him, hot and needy before gasping suddenly, and pulling away.
"Oh, I.. um.."
and recalling his orders, and propriety, she sat down again at the foot of his bed and began to fuss over herself..
making her appear a bit more er.. 'presentable' even as her cheeks flared prettily with color.
"Ahhh! I said sit down!" Urich cried out when she kissed him, throwing herself on his whole body. He weakly tried to push her away to no avail as the weight of her body crushed him and brought tears to his eyes. "Okay! I gert irt. I carn't breaf!" Urich moaned, trying to speak from beneath her lips.
And when she did pull away, he had to catch his breath, looking at the ceiling. Even as she tried to fix herself up, Urich only glared daggers at her, face red and eyes blood-shot. "Are you trying to kill me?" Urich scowled and threw himself back down against the pillow. "Well, I guess you said what you needed to say then."
Victoria gave a start and glared daggers back at him, then guiltily lowered her eyes.
"Well, if that's all there is about this then, why even bother in all of the fuss?" she said, breath hot as she sighed. "Really, you.. you are acting no better than my lame cousin who attempted to just throw an engagement ring at me." SHe pouted almost, feeling so ashamed she was sitting here, even having this conversation- and really, the man seemed not to care she had just admitted to the truer feelings of her heart.
"Why do you want me here if I'm merely a nuisance? Why even bother making me spit out how I feel if you're going to just lay there in indifference and agitation? I-" but then she stopped herself, clamping her lips shut as her eyes went hot as she rose from where she had been seated upon the bed.
"I suppose it is what it is. I shall leave you to your rest. You obviously need it. I see I'm only serving to harm you, anyway. Goodnight and sleep well, Mr. Renqvist."
"You're kidding right?" Urich laughed. "I was only mad because you threw your entire body on top of me. I had a roof fall on me. I think if you were in this position and I jumped on you, you'd be mad too! Victoria, sit down!"
Urich sighed tiredly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." He looked her in the eyes and smiled. "I do love you. I don't know how or why such a thing came about...but it did. But..about that engagement..." He didn't know what more he could say.
Victoria stared at him incredulously when he asked if she kid, and her eyes sparkled in hot tears, her face crumpling. But as his words, she still hesitated, her entire being swaying from one emotion to the next-
Oh how easily she could spoil something with her own self doubts! How much she had strived to become something that so sinisterly tore her in two.
But at his last bits of words, she fell, bottom to his bed, skirts blooming around her as she tried to choke back one pathetic sob, and instead, turned one into two. She shook her head at such things.
"You must be a foolish man to admit such things towards a woman like me, a spinster, and someone who has all the power to sap your strength. Someone who had once tried to ruin you." Though she pouted now, and it turned wretched at the thought of engagement and she lowered her head, feeling the back of her neck hot.
Idly, she pressed a hand to the empty ring finger, eyes burning at the notion. She knew not what to say, and grew agitated, so much that she couldn't even clear her itching, burning, swelling throat before finally, she dare raise her eyes to his.
"I never said I wasn't foolish," Urich said. He found some strength to sit up, but could do little more than that. He looked at her with tired, sore eyes. "You know. There are times I thought I wanted to kill you, and I gave it plenty of thought too. Skin you, feed you to the wolves, let the wraiths below tear you apart. But, what would have that achieved? Nothing, I guess. But I suppose none of that really matters."
He averted his gaze, unable to meet hers, thinking back on her cousin and what he'd done. "You should say yes, Victoria," he said at last. "You should accept his proposal."
OOC: I hope this isn't too over the top.
But then I remind myself it's Victoria, so anything rational would be very much out of character~
She had not expected his retort in such a manner, and it was obvious in the expression in her eyes and the wide gape of her mouth. How was it that he could say such a thing? Especially after both had confessed their love! What an impotent man! Was he so determined to destroy her that'd be bleed her from the inside out? Make her go raving mad the cast her aside so she was useless to all, even herself?
She sat up suddenly with such alarm that she could have slapped him had he not looked so pathetic and been in such an inhospitable state. No, instead her hands curled into fists that would remained strained at her sides.
"Of course I should! For the man who claims to love me says that is all I am clearly worthy of. From the man's lips who baited me these past many months we had become acquaintance, who scowled at me, belittled me, hated me then somehow professes that it's love!" she stomped her foot iwht such a rage.
"Damn you, Urich! For all the good your confessions pulled out of me perhaps I will, you foolish, conceded man! IF you were aiming to upset me and to make me rot, to make me hate you, you have very well succeeded in such simple a tone, in such simple a suggestion it makes me wonder if you know me not! At least my cousin has the galls to consider my own feelings, knowing the chains on propriety I can not shake! He understand the madness I have endured for far too long and is the only man who had entered this room with any back bone to care if I'm even seen after! The good any of this will do, this silly love I thought I must have felt for you! DAMN YOU!" she screamed, grabbing the nearby vase of flowers and thrusting it at the ground, where it shattered into a million, tiny crystal pieces in glittering dissaray against water and pink and white lily petals at her feet.
Then she stormed out, sobbing in fits-
No! No! She was through with this! No more games! He wanted her to confess love then marry another! How foolish of her to believe him that he would love her so! Then he could rot in this doctor's office himself!
and blinded by her rage and inability to think, she raced into the other room, threw out the box with the ring and thrust it on her finger before rushing back, showing it to him as the diamond danced wickedly upon it.
"There, I will see it now to see myself home so my cousin can know it to. That you told me to marry another after toying with my own heart for what gain!? I do not understand you, Mr. Renqvist but I hope you understand my feelings now! That I will hate you for all of this and I will marry not for love but rules, becuase at least they can protect me from a broken heart!"
And before he might be able to stop her from her wails of despair, she was already out the door, calling for any carriage, any valet....
Urich only smiled at her departure and slumped his had back into his pillow. She was getting smarter. At last he didn't have to tell her to do something to better herself. She was able to learn on her own. Gerard would be able to take care of her, and at least make her happy for about the first five minutes of their life. He wished her the best and closed his eyes to go back to sleep.
"Finally, Victoria," Urich muttered. "You grew some brains at last. And some guts too. Not bad for a mortal. Not bad at all."
[xD She did everything he was about to ask her to do.]
SHe hated him! She hated him so much that by the time she had made it back, she had vomitted three times on the way home. Her entire body was shaking.
How could he be so cruel!?
Was this his plan all along?! To trick and deceive her- and then in the end- to make her his fool?
She could not stop sobbing and when she got home and Gerard saw the ring- her Aunt was flabbergasted, but still delighted she finally would be wed!
However, as their happiness and curiosity and Gerard's persistence around her, she suddenly blew up, shouting irrationally then sealing herself to her room where she crumpled onto her bed and sobbed.
ALl the while Gerard was pretty happy with himself, already fussing over the details on the verbal plans for their 'wedding'; and Victoria had no idea of the chain she now wore, or the vile plan Gerard even had in store-
For as amicable as he was towards his new 'fiance', there was always that grand plan-
ad now he couldn't wait to marry her, if not to continue his pursuits in the field of gambling.
It took a week for Urich to fully recover at Dr. Merrick's. With insistence that the doctor not fuss with him, Urich slept and ate and slept and ate and did little more than that. Within that time he became well again, to walk on his own, and managed to stand and walk on his own. And a few days after that, Urich made his way back to Armani Keep. The welcome was warm, but he felt only cold inside as he greeted Aunt Millicent and Gerard, and congratulated him on his engagement. "You're a very lucky man," he said. "Give her my regards for me, I believe I shall return to my quarters now. I've been away too long."
Millicent smiled at Urich. "Mr. Renqvist, I am glad to see you are well. But can only thank you for saving my niece's life. Please allow me to throw you a banquet in your honor. And to welcome you back."
Urich smiled politely. "Thank you kindly, madam, but I don't think that will be necessary. You see, I've made arrangements with Mr. Henry and he's kindly decided to let me stay at his manor. It will make it easier to help him around the house that way. I just came here to collect...well, whatever effects of mine remain."
All week she spent in mourning, bitterly uncaring towards the gay plans her cousin continued to concoct. She agreed to anything he could ever wish for- even an advance in the wedding plans, much to even her Aunt's dismay.
But she didn't care!
How long she had waited to hear Mr. Renqvist, dreamed of hearing him speak those words, only for him to damn her to this fate! Asking her to do it! She would never forgive him for it, and would force herself to become as miserable as possible. Her cousin noticed it very little, assuming she was just being 'herself'- so when he was asking for the night out- he was surprised when she agreed to come along-
and when he sheepishly informed her it was to go to the gambling halls-
she became even more fervent to join him. When he tried to press women should not come, she didn't care- so a date was set and she, to accompany him to the Gambling House on the other side in town.
So when Urich arrived, it was all the better he had already sealed plans with Victoria- for as muhc as he realized he had 'won' on the matter of wooing Victoria, he wasn't stupid. Women were, and for it he would have to be careful.
"Well, that sounds mighty grand. I bet you'll do swell and well, I'd offer to help but Victoria and I have plans." he said, and that surprised his Aunt.
"Oh?" Millicent asked, raising a single brow.
"Yes, we're um.." Gerard hesitated over the exact location, knowing he couldn't very well announce it as he stated. "We're um, going dancing."
"Oh.." Millicent made another face, it seemed very... unlike Victoria. Sighing, she shook her head. "Well, glad she'll be finally getting out of hte house."s he said with a smile. "You have been pushing this wedding thing a bit too hard that I think she's turned introvert. Getting her out might do some good. After all, a wedding by the end of the month? It's still absurd, Gerard-"
"Not really in the least!" Gerard pressed, kissing his Aunt. "But oh, here comes Victoria now-"
And if Victoria had ever wished herself to become pale ad thing, she was appearing so now as she graced herself pridefully down the stairs in a regal, blus dress, black, bustled lace swishing at the steps behind her- only to have herself pause at the end of the stairs, staring, almost indifferent towards Mr. Renqvist, before turning away from him and ignoring him all together
"Are you ready to go, Gerard?"s he said blandly.
There was an awkward air to the room, but her cousin moved to her side, offering a crooked arm.
"Why yes. Yes. Come, let us get the valet." and Frederick groaned, but was already waiting at the door.
"The carriage has been ready for the past hour."
And Gerard simply laughed at that and ushered her outside.
All Millicent could do was stare, a bit alarmed at such atrocious behavior from her niece as she turned to Mr. Renqvist.
"You must excuse Victoria's rude behavior. She has been ill all week." However, she had a feeling it was not that.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Mr. Gerard," Urich said. "I only have maybe one or two suits and my pups. I think I can handle that on my own." As he watched them prepared to leave, he only offered a kind smile to Victoria, unbothered by her indifference and merely shrugged at her aunt's comment as she suggested her being ill.
"Probably. You know pregnancy does that women," Urich said in a ear-to-mouth whisper. He chuckled playfully before moving back upstairs and collecting his things. The pups were much larger than he remembered and they were beyond excitement to see him. Urich collected his clothing and his boots, for he had little else that truly belonged to him here and bid Millicent a final farewell before closing the door behind him.
Aunt Millicent went white- what did he mean?
And if Victoria was-
it.. it couldn't be Mr. Renqvist's, could it? Or..
OH! If it was Gerard's, no wonder he was so set on marrying her so early......
OH And how the town was alive that evening. On the other side of town there must've been some sort of celebration going on, and Victoria hadn't the thought as to why, when she suddenly spotted Melissa int he crowd-
"Yes, my cousin is finally getting married!"
Victoria looked apalled. "Little Mary? But she is barely 15."
"I know, but she was offered, and my Uncle accepted."
It was only then Melissa noticed the ring and her eyes went wide.
"Oh my goodness, when did you get that? And who- when.. when did ... let me guess- Mr. Renqvist?" but at the dark expression worn on Victoria's face, Melissa's smile faded.
"No."
"N-no? B-but how? He.. you.." and she looked around, noticing Gerard was busy and dragged Victoria aside. "How is it that he proposed and you said yes? Urich.. I thought he-"
"Yes, he said he loved me."
At her indifference, Melissa's eyes went wide, face white.
"But then he told me he wanted me to marry Gerard." she threw out her chin. "So I did." By then, Gerard had called her over, and Melissa, still appalled, had no idea how to make of this-
except she could tell the expression on her face....
and Melissa could not help but become angry...
Was all of that fanfare for nothing!? But then she noted- as Victoria was suddenly lead away, that she was swarmed by a large group of men- all of them being Gerard's friends- as they boarded a carriage that lead them further North...
and it was then Melissa realized where they were going- and why she recognized the one man staring at Victoria like a wolf and his prey...
the man was a known criminal- handsome maybe-
but a womanizer all the same- Charles Butler.
What on earth was Victoria doing!? Not only was she engaged to her ignorant cousin, but now the pair was heading off to the gambling halls with Charles Butler,- the criminal!
Urich supposed it was all for the best anyway. What more was there to be done? Well, he knew Victoria was better off. She'd have her blood and her money and somebody who could dote on her give her all she needed. He still planned to move south when the time came, and he was close too. Just a few more weeks and it would be time to pack and leave.
He settled into Henry's the man giving him a splendid room of his own. A few of the younger maids were happy at having him so close. He was almost like a son to the old man and he welcomed him with open arms.
It started out as a beautiful evening, but as the carriage neared the thriving glow of the Gambling House, it started to rain, the winds changed, and the air had become dreadfully cold. Her cousin, pretending to be chivalrous, took off his coat and offered it to her. And she accepted it with indifference. STaring up, parasol over head and peering up at the building before her-
Little did she know on this rainy day her entire life would change forever.............
Guided inside, the entire place was alive with piano music and the voices of men, all seated at card tables and playing alike. Few women were observed, mostly 'chaperons' or rich women who did not care for the scandal but thrived on the aliveness they felt, for the thrill of the game.
Cigars and cigarettes in hand, the men all were lead to a back room, which was lush as the rest of the plcae, with thick, plush red carpet and gold, gilded wood furniture. Then at the table they all sat, being perfect gentleman as drinks were ordered and soon passed around.
Victoria ignored her seat at first, wanting to stand and fan off her face as she paced- though every once in a while, Mr. Charles Butler would look up from his cards and admire her- sneak a whisper in when she had wondered far away, and he had Gerard would talk on more than just business, but women as well.
"So how fresh is this engagement?"
"Why she just accepted at the beginning of the week," Gerard beamed.
"And I bet she was stupid enough to buy into all of your war stories too."
"She's my cousin," he sniffed, wiping off some lint from his sleeve. "She has to humor me. Besides, she's a spinster. The only other fool who would consider marrying her was this other chap, but he seemed rather stand offish of hte subject. I assumed he would have run me through, but I suppose I had him all wrong. I think he was only there to torment her and not actually man up to the call of marriage." He said with a grin. Charles rolled his eyes, admiring Victoria from across the room as he puffed on his cigar.
"So this woman can only attract men that toy with her? Interesting." Charles rubbed his chin thoughtfully, grinning at the idea then turned to Gerard. "Do you recall that debt you owe me, Gerard?"
"What bet?" Gerard only laughed, but once reminded, even his face fell.
"How much can your precious cousin drink?" he said, and soon rounds upon rounds of alcohol were soon shared- though it seemed Victoria was hardly interested, sipping at the same cup from earlier- Charles Butler used this moment as an excuse to get up- procuring a fresh glass of wine, before sprinkling something into the mix.
He knew a prized woman when he saw one, and he enjoyed the short banter the two shared while in the carriage, and knew that well, if he didn't try something on this woman now, he never would - and he was in the mood for such a lady. Not only was he planning to cheat Gerard out of more money, but to cheat him out of his first 'night' as well. ANd if Victoria was as tight in personality as she might be for a lay, he was at least going to try it.
Though Charles was hardly an ugly man as was his heart, he was actually rather handsome- and similar in stature to his good friend Gerard, with broad shoulders, only slightly taller than he, with a larger nose that hooked slightly, a sharper forehead and thicker, darker brows. even his blonde hair was darker and tied back in a similar pony tale as his friends.
"So, Victoria was it?"
Victoria looked up at him sharply when he approached.
"Don't pretend to have forgotten my name since we left the carriage," she retorted hotly.
Charles only smiled.
"But I have not, I just... wanted to ensure it was ok if I used that over Miss Armani. I just like the name."
Glaring up at him, she noticed the wine that he offered out to her and she yanked it from him, drinking it down. "I see no difference. I won't be Miss Armani for much longer."
"Oh?"
"Yes, oh." she made an agitated breath through her nose, and took another long drink from her wine. Charles only smiled. He didn't expect it to be this easy to get her to drink it... "Gerard wants to be married at the end of the month, so I merely obliged."
Charles smiled at the fact.
"Oh is that so?"
A month.. that was more than enough time......
clearing his throat he offered her an arm.
"Might I take you out for some fresh air? You seem to be pacing and Gerard seems well immersed into his game, and this air is thick with smoke."
The two turned to scrutinized him and Victoria only nodded, feeling herself become suddenly bubbly in the head as she was led out and away....
-----------------
Melissa, feeling all of the pangs of guilt , could not properly enjoy her cousins wedding, and so- excused herself, blaming it on feeling horrid, and when she went to the Armani keep, she was surprised to hear Urich had already left- and left for good.
getting directions to Mr. Henry's, she soon set out and as she approached, it had already begun to rain. Shivering, she hoped he would answer the door-
she didn't know why but....
She feared for Victoria's life.
And in truth, she had a vested interest in her friend. Not many could call themselves her friend, and she knew the woman was difficult but....
Well, she wanted an explanation none the less. After all, was it not Urich's own doing?- had he not admitted he had liked Miss Armani? What had changed?
So there, she waited patiently and when a servant answered the door, she pleaded with him-
"Please, I need to speak with Mr. Urich Renqvist. It's urgent."
"Oh," said Sally the young maid, she blushed and turned to the older one next to her. "It's the wife. Angry with Mr. Renqvist for leaving. It seems urgent." She turned back to Melissa, "Please come in."
After a few minutes, Urich came down and met Melissa in the drawing room. He looked at her with concern. "Melissa," he said, smiling and reaching out to shake her hand. "How are you? I wasn't expecting you tonight. Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"
Melissa hesitated, not about to step inside as she blushed at their words.
But then when Urich appeared, her eyes implored him as she remained at the door.
"There really isn't time for that. I'm worried," she said, clutching her cloak and looking at him. SHe understood why Victoria was in love with him as she felt her own heart flutter, but pushed it all aside, touching his hand gently.
"It's about Victoria." and the concern and worry was obvious in her eyes.
-----
And the worry was very real, as the drugs in Victoria's system were working fast- for she hadn't eaten a thing all day, or even most of that week- and soon found herself giddy, and laughing, even arguing some with Mr. Butler, as Charles peered over his shoulder, seeing if anyone was following as he lead her farther and farther away-
and somehow the pair got to talking about love.
"Love!?" she said, throwing her head back in a terrible fit of laughs, before leaning forward and laughed so hard she was in tears. "Oh, if I were to believe in love I would not be engaged to my cousin. Though he does pick out a fine rock."s he said, stepping up to him and showcasing the ring.
Charles merely took her hand into his own and kissed the top of it lightly.
"Perhaps you do not believe in love because no one showed you?"
And all Victoria could do was blink as Charles pulled her into his arms and captured her into a fierce embrace, lips meeting to hers as fires and colors exploded throughout inside her body-
and all she could do was fall prey to these silly emotions, the world a dizzying scene as the man kissed at her neck, pushing her up against the building and hefted up her skirts.....
and all the drugged woman could do was laugh, every bit of sense of hers forgotten as the man kissed her again in the rain.
Urich didn't need much more than that as Melissa explained everything she was worried over. He felt his heart drop into his stomach and it felt sickened at the thought. He knew the name, Charles Butler [:D Like I don't know where THAT name came from! xD]. And exactly where the gambling house was. From the sound of Melissa's urgent tone, it was obvious they didn't have a lot of time. But Urich wasn't a normal human. A horse would be too slow, even if it tore down the road at breakneck speed.
No, all he did was tear past her and begin bolting down the road toward town. And as the rain pelted on him, Urich could feel the full moon overhead pull at the wolf within. His form changed as he ran, legs growing longer and more powerful and his entire body growing. Soon his clothes were torn away and he barrelled down the road, tearing dirt everywhere. Within minutes he was in town and tore from rooftop to rooftop until the very building he sought was in sight.
His wolf's heart beat along with his hunger and he leapt toward the roof of the building, hang on the edge of it as he peered down for an easy access point. He crawled across it until he spotted an open balcony on the side of it. And leaning on the edge were two people, more specifically, two people deeply immersed in one another. And from the smell, he knew them both. Victoria and Charles. His vision shot red at the mere thought of her being in a position with another man...and a man of this caliber.
Urich jumped down, a dark shadow behind Charles as he tried to hike up her skirts, feeling along her thighs, groping her. It was about all he needed to see. Urich's massive clawed hand reached out and snatched Charles by the head yanking him back. The man, realizing what had happened, turned and screamed but before it could reach anyone's ears, his throat was ripped out and Urich flung his body out across the town, several buildings away. It was only then that he shortly turn his attention to Victoria.
She wasn't even sure what had happened, but the prude in her had all been but absolved as the moment happened- skirts up high, his pants front dropping, hips crashing together-
but in the same hot instance of confusion and certainty (for it was hard to tell if that devilish man had even been successful before his grim fate)-
the world was cold and returned to grey rain-
Bubbly and light headed, the world whirled around her as she laughed, not knowing what was going on as she stumbled, full force into another man- skirts barely proper, before she slipped away, falling into a heap upon the ground-
and it was here eyes lurked from the shadows, crawling across buildings-
knowing full well this was where they could claim their prize...
Prince Adelram's vampires knew Gerard owed them-
and the price had suddenly changed. Gerard had been ignorant, or chose to be ignorant, that they requested the pay back in his dear cousin.
Now was time to collect- he had traveled far enough away from the protection of that damn wolf- and weren't they all shocked now as a vampire came down, fangs drawn, hands moving forward to yank Victoria into their clutches when they realized, in surprise, the werewolf was already there!
Just when he thought he could take Victoria safely away from this place, another bastard came from the ledge of the roof. Urich roared at him and attacked before the vampire knew what hit him. He slashed the beast from stem to stern and his body dropped like a dead fly. Only to be sprung upon by two more.
Urich snatched Victoria up before they had a chance to move in upon him. He tossed her over his shoulder, and gave a powerful jump off the balcony and back up to the roof. The other two vampires immediately gave chase as Urich turned to face them on the balcony and sooner than expected, five more poured from the darkness and they had him surrounded, but Urich wouldn't give up so easily. With one arm cradling Victoria's limp body to them, he quickly rushed at them, and broke their ranks, forcing an opening as he leapt from the rooftop and landed on another building beside it.
And so it would have, eight shapes streaking across the moonlight, leaping from roof to roof as the vampires gave chase.
The drugs had done a number on Victoria, making her feel as if she were able to fly- she could even feel it, the radiant air upon her face as she was a meek sack of person barely able to hold onto reality as Urich rushed with her, off and away. She made barely a noise, a squeal, her world reeling into despair and delight as she noted the figures behind them- looming in shadow- rains falling down, soaking the pair to the bone.
Urich might have been quick, but it seemed these vampires were quicker, as one quickly reached their side, fangs glistening beneath a snarl as they approached.
"Give up the woman, werewolf. This matter need not concern you!" the vampire demanded, quickly catching up, but making no move to fetch Victoria from the wolf's grip. "We're simply here to collect what's ours. Do not turn this into a war. We were promised payment, and she will be it and the Prince will get what he wants."
"You so much as touch her," Urich growled in a deep tone that made even the vampire quiver, "I'll suck the marrow from your bones, and gnash them to meal. You tell your Prince to find another prize...like her dear cousin from the building... I'm sure he'll be just as satisfied with him!" He backhanded the vampire and launched him clear across the building, off the roof and down into the street below, before bounding off yet again.
But three others quickly cut off his path and wrangled with him, throwing themselves on his body. Urich smashed them to the floor of the roof, grinding their face to stone as they sunk their fangs into him and their own claws tore at his flesh. Urich beheaded one, while another attempted to pull Victoria from his grasp. He batted him off, just as the other three were catching up to him.
Urich bounded off again when he was free.
The dancing against vampires seemed to unphase her, and more or less she seemed to like it as the world sparked dangerously around her-
and most inappropriately, Victoria gave way to a laugh, moving suddenly and most awkwardly within his possession that it was hard to tell what this silly woman wanted to do.
Not that any of that mattered as the vampires were in hot pursuit, not about ready to give up just yet, but keeping far enough away so Urich could not strike- after all, he was in a rather.. compromising position- and as he neared the end of the roof top, the same vampire from before showed up, casual... calm and cool as he looked at him.
"Then we shall at least talk. There is a vacant warehouse to the south road," the vampire gestured. "If you want us to cease, we can perhaps reach negotiations." But the vampire sneered down at Victoria, raising a brow.
"Is she drunk?"
and Victoria only replied with a sudden bark of a laugh.
"Love is for fools! And skirts for those who are chaste!" and she tossed herself back gaily, laughing into a fit as her chest was raised, chin back, head and arms extended to the rain- the glittering, pretty, colorful rain.
And the vampire's face twisted at the woman's madness as he shook his head.
"Prince Adelram doesn't want more blood over this. The payment isn't that great and he's becoming angered. We... we were not expecting you to intervene again, so I propose a parlez. Let us simply speak our requests and come to an agreement. That is, if you will take the time to listen, wolf."
Urich skidded to a halt, ready to leap again. He only growled at the vampire's request, clutching Victoria possessively to him. "And just what is there to discuss!? Whatever it is, relay it here and now or I'll kill all of us, including here and what prize would there be then!" He turned and saw the others had surrounded him, but he was more than prepared to hold true to his promise. He might have loved Victoria but he wouldn't have blinked if killing her would save her from the clutches of these fiends.
The vampire stared at him placidly.
It was almost as if he rolled his eyes, but he did not and remained calm.
"Her cousin owes us.. a favor. We normally don't deal with their kind, but the other night, at the Opera house.." he studied Victoria sharply, exposing one fang as he frowned. "We changed what we wanted as payment. But now we're seeing she is becoming a lot more trouble than anticipated. So a bargain. We can make that, yes? If not the woman, something else. She is a marchioness, after all. I am sure something could be arranged so the Prince would be satisfied with payment. After all, she is not as enticing now after that fiasco with the man who took her from. And now we see how you cling to her possessively, we realize how... difficult it is to steal a wolf's mate. But come, let us discuss it outside of the rain. Not out here, if others were to listen."
And as if to spite the whole situation, Victoria laughed.
"Oh, how delicious it would be to mate with a wolf. ANd the skies- oh the skies.."
"....." the vampire merely stared at Urich, expectantly after clearing his throat.
Really, he had no idea what his master saw in this.... woman.
Urich wasn't about to acquiesce so easily. He didn't know the details, frankly he didn't want to know. He was more than prepared to kill them all. And at their insistence to go to a place of their choosing...he only knew things would go from bad to worse. Adelram didn't seem like a guy that liked having his will defied or his authority questioned. But nobody had any authority over Urich Renqvist. He was tired of those that tried to bully their way into their own pleasure and he already knew he despised this supposed Prince among vampires.
But he also knew that no matter how long he ran, where he'd try to hide them, he would find them. And send legion after legion. "Lead on. All of you in front. And if you lay a single claw on me or her, I rip her to shreds."
The vampire merely stared at him. He would have made a comment, but knew it would be fruitless- after all, werewolves were animals. Vampires... were not.
He simply gestured for the man to follow, leaping off the rooftop and along the way, he had to ask-
"So you would really kill that woman whom you just protected? It seems a waste of blood and effort," the vampire said casually. "Besides, we're not here to kill her. Though it seems for her sake, maybe should would be better off with vampires... After all, she is worth something alive."
Shrugging, he continued down a narrow ally way and opened the door to a vacant building that seemed dark and long forgot by time.
Urich followed them wordlessly, uninterested in answering the question as he did so. He only glared at him and gave a soft growl. "If she's worth more alive to you then all the more reason to take the life so she would thus have no value to you. It doesn't matter to me," Urich said honestly and followed them inside.
Dust and darkness filled the place, but still Urich buried Victoria in his fur, holding her close as he followed the lot of them. The ceiling was almost nonexistent it was so high and when they came to a partition that opened up to something that resembled a shrine, it was there that he saw him. Urich bared his teeth as Adelram sat casually in a corner.
"Well, well, there werewolf strikes again." Adelram's voice came out pleasantly amused.
"But don't you find it strange, my dear wolf, we are vying for the same female who is part of a lineage that had once been bred to kill us?"
He smirked, exposing his fangs as he approached, wearing nothing but the fanciest of suits as she extended a hand to the fury animal before him.
"But forgive my manners, we haven't been properly introduced," again, he flashed his fangs. "I am Prince Adelram, keeper of the vampire hive in Cloisendale."
He bowed humbly.
"And might I have the pleasure to know your acquaintance before we.." and here his eyes sparkled as he looked from wolf to woman, back to wolf again. "Make a bargain?"
Already he didn't like the look of him. He was no better than that inbred idiot Gerard, putting on airs in an attempt to divert them from the main point. Urich only snarled to him and backed away, keeping a fair distance between them only looking at the hand with pure disdain. The very look of him brought disgust to his stomach and he looked around at the others that emerged from the shadows as well. Then his yellow eyes flickered back to the Prince.
"Just get to the point already. I don't have time for this."
"Animals.." the prince said admirably as he studied Urich. "So simple. Well, to get to the point, I have taken an interest in the girl. She, being of the cursed variety, blood being able to negate our super natural powers and all, it... brings a certain spark of... interest amongst our kind. You see, the man she was engaged with this evening asked for help, but we only offered it at a price. He wanted a few people to vanish.." and here, he snapped his fingers. "So they did." Shrugging, he turned his eyes back to Victoria appreciatively.
"Those types are a rare find indeed. And I believe having one at our disposal would be most useful." and he looked at her, almost longingly, lovingly before Victoria rolled over, groaning in her drugged state-
"I smell dogs and peaches," she muttered with a bit of unappetizing drool.
Then the prince's face twisted, repulsed as he snapped his eyes to the werewolf, then gave a sudden sniff to detect-
but what he detected was NOT what he was expecting as he reeled back-
"Did you drug her and mate with her!?" the vampire was obviously appalled, hissing after posign the question.
And at the words, Victoria clapped her hands and laughed.
"Drugamuh!" and of course, the words made no sense as he laughed. "The rain! The rain! Oh, let's dance, Urich!" she said, pressing herself into his fur. "Draegr.. mmmm."
"If you ought to know, I don't need drugs to convince a woman to sleep with me. Phermones do well enough on their own. I also know that I found another man trying to rape her. Perhaps he succeeded, I do not know. But she is in a state and I would protect her from even herself." Urich knelt and felt himself change back, in the nude with nothing more to cover him but Victoria's skirts as he cradled her in his lap.
"I figured Gerard would be involved in this somehow. But what use could she be to you?" Urich asked. "Did you intend to wed her? She would steal your power the moment you came close to her. Her blood doesn't make her anymore special than any other woman, perhaps even less so because of it."
Adelram took a moment to digest, not only the wolf's words, but his body as well.
After all, he was known to swing both ways and well- the werewolf was just presenting himself to him-
pity the woman had such ungodly long skirts.
But then at the mention of wedding her, the vampire tilted his head to one side.
"Goodness, why would I wed her? Especially now.." he crinkle dhis nose. "If she's been soiled." He shrugged then eyed the beast appreciatively again. "A soiled woman to wed seems useless, don't you agree? But enough about that, I think you don't realize what a treasure you have, yet you protect her as if you do. Pity." he clicked his tongue, shook his head once then shrugged.
"If you must know, there are certain things that even this cursed woman can offer to a specie such as myself."
and here, his eyes softened as he recalled...
"A vampire can never see the sunlight..."
But that was only one reason of many....
"Though, you confuse me werewolf. If you are so ready to kill her to keep her away from us, why not do it already? I mean, what is to stop us from actually killing you?" The man frowned. "You do realize you cost me many men. I am just fortunate us vampires are more immortal than you werewolves give us credit, or I'd be down a lot more men from this trying woman."
Sighing, he stared at her drooling lips then looked to Urich.
"Do you even know her history?" he said, sighing, as if bored.
"And what is your relation to her anyways? A hired body guard or something? Surely, if it was not you who mated her, then you must have other reasons. Unless you ... " he tried to repressed a smile, but failed. "Unless you are fond of her, hrmmm? Though it is silly, a werewolf falling for.. such a thing. Though I think her bloodline reeks of wolf still. That bastard." the vampire visibly growled, but let his growl subsided into a flat frown before he looked at Urich.
"What is she worth to you if I drop our... desires against her?"
"If we both die, then nobody wins, true. Though perhaps only in the solemn knowledge that there is one less wolf and one less Marchioness in the world, and perhaps it might even be better for it. It's already riddled with filth as it is. And we are apart of it. Nothing more than an infection on a gaping wound, but excuse the self-loathing if you must, I don't fair well in the presence of strangers that try to take something that is rightfully mine. I did find her first after all. And you had eternity to do it. But I got her first."
At that Urich smiled smugly as he held Victoria and even went as far as to wipe the slobber that dribbled from her face. He looked at her and gave a softer grin. He'd never realized before just how beautiful she was. True it was kind of a soft, unspoken beauty. But in his opinion, that was the best kind.
"Why do you care? She was never yours in the first place and she never will be. She's mine. I'll make her mine someday," he whispered, almost forgetting that Adelram even existed. "She's worth more than you'd ever truly know. I love her."
"My, my, so possessive," the prince vampire stated with a coy little smile. He was intrigued, though as the man went on, the prince could not help himself but shed a little tear that he flicked away with a graceful motion of a kerchief before repocketing it to his breast.
"Really, we are not here to discuss love. We are here to discuss business and well, forgive me for saying this wolf, but you might want to calm down your passions. You are, after all, holding a woman while you are rather.. erm, compromised."
He studied Urich again most appreciatively, then noticed the woman still drooling and muttering over the drug.
Reaching into his pocket, he tossed something to Urich.
"When you wish to wake her, those smelling salts might draw her from the clutches of the drug."
But then on the other hand he smiled. "Or, if you wanted, yo might want to breed with her before that vile seed of another man gets to her first. I.." the vampire sniffed and frowned. "Yes, she might have just had sex. That, or the man was a poor aim." The vampire said with a laugh, then waved it off.
"Suppose I drop my desire for her- after all, if the council she is apart of were to hear of the exchange, they might be displeased." he made a face at the idea, exposing his fangs.
"Not that I care much for that rude organization, but..." his eyes went to the woman, faintly seeing her great grand mother there and sighed.
"It is a pity you got to her first." he said, smiling a bit. "Or I might be more... obliging in a duel to possess her. And a duel I would win, I might add." ANd his fangs seemed a bit sharper as he smiled.
"But, if I drop my claims to her- really, I need some other form of a price. The man who's scent is all over that gaudy ring she wears owes em quite a lot. Though perhaps.." he grinned a bit. "Perhaps if I were to obtain another in it's place- a new vampire at my disposal.." he leered Urich, as if almost considering him.
Urich understood at the insinuation and his wolf's blood boiled at the prospect. Not that he would have minded as much in his younger days. But men never completely satisfied him as the touch of a woman did. There was a softness in their moans, in their breaths, a beauty in their motions that a man could never capture as far as he was concerned.
Urich only smiled at Adelram and shrugged as nonchalantly as if he were wearing clothes. "I'm afraid not even that is an option," he replied. "Your debt lies with Gerard... Since your payment is denied and so is its possible replacement, as any good business man will tell you, you must take the matter up with the one who sold it to you in the first place. Gerard I'm sure would be more than willing. And if the coward hasn't run yet, I'm sure you'll find him back at the Gambling House. And if not...I may know a few women who would be more than interested in being transformed into your bloodline."
Urich finally did open the smelling salts and waved them in front of Victoria's nose to stir her into consciousness.
Prince Adelram was finally silenced by words-
For the werewolf was right, and he shifted uncomfortably.
"You do realize I speak for peace? A solution? Surely, you would prefer I relinquish my tries for her?" he said, gesturing to the woman just as Urich drew the salts past her nose.
And that's when Victoria sat up with a lurch, kickin gout one foot hard, then grimaced, face turning green as she pushed away from Urich suddenly and vomited violently onto the floor.
Prince Adelram only curled his lips at the sight and even took a step back so the vomit would not get on his shoe.
And the woman, her stomach now as empty as it could be, was coughing and gagging and dry heaving until finally, so tired of it, she withered back some and sighed- appearing so weak and frail and sickly, almost like death in one moment- and in the next, she gasped, realizing-
"By the Gods, where am I!?" and Victoria shot up, almost appearing her old self again.
"Some warehouse in town," Urich said, not pointing out the painfully obvious fact that he was stark naked and only had her flowing skirts to cover him in any sort of decency. But he was more than ready to depart them, with or without having come to a proper conclusion. Urich looked at her, holding her tightly to him still.
"Victoria, I'm sure you remember your good friend, Prince Adelram and these are his cohorts. They planned to take you as payment of a secret exchange him and your precious cousin made behind your back. The debt apparently was very high, and you were the one that they bargained for in the end."
Victoria made a face as she turned to Urich.
"Some warehouse? I do not understand," but then she noticed, with wide eyes the fact he wasn't wearing any clothes and tensed, at about the same time Urich continued to hold her protectively close. "Urich, your clothes.."
Then her eyes followed his, peering over her shoulder back at the vampire prince.
Prince Adelram only gave a charming wave as Victoria's cheeks turned even pinker as Urich explained-
"My cousin did what!?" she said, her head snapping back to him.
"Payment to him?" she turned her head back, snapping it to Adelram as she pointed to the vampire. THe vampire, smirked, rather amused as one of his cohorts handed him a goblet of blood as the vampire gave it a casual sip.
But then her head snapped back to Urich as as surprise and horror twisted across her face, soon rage consumed it as her eyes burned like hell.
"YOU DESPICABLE MAN!" and suddenly she was clobbering Urich- not caring if he was naked or what the story was behind whatever gallant rescue it was this time. "Let go of me! I don't want you ever to touch me! I'd rather go willingly to these vampires than to listen to a man who'd feed me willing to a wolf like my cousin! You cad! You lout! All you ever want to do to me is watch me squirm! Just let go of me!"And she continued to hit on him. "I'll walk home! I don't care! I don't care for any of these things because I hate you, Mr. Renqvist!" she bawled. "You and your cruel ways to break my heart!!"
Adelram rose a single brow nad could not help but expose a single, sharp fang in a smirk.
"Oh, a lover's quarrel I see."
Victoria suddenly turned her vicious gaze at the vampire.
"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!"
The vampire only smirked.
"Well, if you don't want to be rescued by your handsome werewolf companion, I wouldn't mind the company of one so fair." the vampire tried to state suavely with a simple fluff of his hair.
Victoria could not believe this as she sat up.
"And you!" she began, but lost her footing, spilling over Urich's legs before she had a moment to right herself with a growl.
"ANd you sir!"s he said, now on her feet- pointing an accusing finger at the vampire.
"You will answer to the council about this! I will not tolerate being treated in such a way! We have an oath! You signed the treaties yourself and- and-"
she turned back to Urich and pointed angrily at him.
"Can somebody get this awful man some clothes!?"
In a swift motion, almost on the breath of a laugh, that tickled as the vampire moved past her- he had his fancy coat off and was holding it out towards Urich.
"Here, to keep the lady quiet, you might want to wear this," he said with a wink and admired, briefly, Urich's assets at their close proximity. " She does seem to squeal a lot."
Victoria gasped, eyes burning at the vampire now as she began clobbering him suddenly.
"Do not objectify me, Prince Adelram! You and I are barely acquaintances, and do not think I will not use my powers to see you squirm! Breaking a treaty is like asking for war!" she roared, furious, mad, and every bit as vicious as either of hte creatures before her.
Or, at least so she thought.
Adelram was so thoroughly amused, his eyes were glittering before he grabbed on dangerously to Vicotira's wrist that she had been hitting him with and pulled her suddenly to him, eyes wild and savage as Victoria could only gasp and press her hand to his chest, leaning away as he leaned forward towards her.
"Yes, if you do not like the wolfish variety, I'm sure we at the vampire hive would love to have a woman around to freshen up the place, to keep it so lively." the prince stated, stealing a kiss at her neck.
Victoria gasped suddenly, shoving the vampire prince away, though he held her fierce, then smirked over at the werewolf.
"After all, it doesn't seem she wants you wolf. What's the matter if we take her for a while, hrm?"
"Take me for a- wha!?" Victoria was burning mad, and this time she managed to shove an elbow to him as she pushed away, fuming made, or rather, beyond fuming, as she stormed off, hot tears streaming in her wake.
"I'm through with all of this! You will all answer to the council!"
Adelram merely purred appreciatively, moving as if to give chase.
"Ouch! Hey! RELAX!" Urich actually shoved her away and snatched the offered jacket from the man and shredded it a little more to extend the cloth before wrapping it around his waist. He needed a better way of transforming without ending up stark naked in front of people all the time. Of course, it wasn't all the time, but it wasn't really convenient to constantly be going through so many clothes. And at that thought he missed his wardrobe immensely left in the rubble and ruins of Sul'Gulthan.
Urich watched the exchange between them and felt a hot boiling squirm when Adelram snatched up Victoria's wrist, yanking her to him. He almost wanted to pounce on the man and tears his face off. Animal indeed, but at least he wouldn't be touching his territory anymore. And when she stormed off, Urich chased after her, following her out of the door of the warehouse and into the alleyway.
He grabbed up her arm and pulled her toward him. "Now you wait a goddamned minute! You don't understand a thing that's going on, and you have the nerve to be angry! I just saved you...again! In case you didn't notice! Somebody drugged you. You were in such a state and perhaps he might have even raped you! Goddammit Victoria, you don't even give me the chance to explain! You can't look down from your blue-blooded high horse for just a moment for me to give you the answers you deserve."
Victoria had barely gotten anywhere in the rain when Urich grabbed her, spinning her around and forced to face him.
ANd she had so many hot words on her tongue, but at his words, all that came out was hot air and tears piercing her eyes as her face went white.
"Wh-what!?" Her mind overwhelmed, reeling back towards the Gambling House- the drinks.. the walk the- she panicked, feeling her heart lurch within her chest as a hand came over her trembling lips as her legs gave way, skirts fluttering as she began to fall towards the ground, hot tears now running down her eyes to mingle with the cold rain now dancing across her face.
Adelram appeared behind them, studying carefully, but keeping himself beneath a parasol to keep off the rain.
"Yes, most unfortunate. Are you two quite done here to come back inside? We have yet to come to any decisive conclusion on my payment." he said, boredly.
Urich whirled around on the vampire and snarled at him. "You've wasted enough of our time! I told you to take the matter up with Gerard! It's his fault anyway. Leave us be, swine," Urich growled at him and pulled Victoria close to him.
His hand reached up to wipe her tears away, his attention completely on her. "Let me take you back to Henry's. Victoria, let me clean you up. Let me take care of you. Please." Urich himself fought back tears as the rain poured down on them.
Adelram simply sipped at his cup of blood, wrinkling his nose that by now, the blood had gone cold. At his suggestion, he sighed and simply waved to his hunchmen. "Yes, fine. Please get that troll of a man." And with a fluff of his hair he turned around, but paused at the door.
"You know, if she is pregnant, I.. have resources if she wishes to get rid of it painlessly." and with that, he said no more and was gone.
Victoria, who had a sudden fear for her cousin (despite what he did) felt new fear at the very real idea that- not only could she have been raped, but a child could have been conceived as well.
And she was so overwhelmed by it, all she could do was nod at Urich's request, too stunned to do anything else.
Urich kept the thought in mind and only nodded to Adelram as he left and closed the door behind him. Urich turns his focus back on Victoria and held her in an embrace for a moment before setting down the road. By this time of night, no doubt most people had gone to bed, especially with the torrent of rains that were pouring down from the sky. He was careful to avoid anybody that remained in the road, ducking into alleys and shadows and when they were safely at the outskirts of town, Urich carried her the rest of the way, up the long road back to Henry's manor.
He didn't dare go through the front entrance and instead went out to the back. The servants were asleep and Melissa had been escorted home. He was a silent shadow moving up the stairs to his room. It was there that he laid her softly upon his bed, closing the door behind him. He sat down beside her and didn't say anything as he sat down and began to remove her muddied boots.
Victoria remained quiet during most of their travels. Except on occasion when she'd let a faint sob out, but for the most part, she remained quiet by the horror of what had taken place. She had known it was foolish to accompany her cousin to such things, and she was the one that pressed that she wanted to go-
Doing anything was better than wallowing over the heart ache she endured from Urich- and despairing at times, she would recall she was in his presence, and that's when she would tremble and break.
He was always there for her...
what would she do without him?
And her cousin-
OH!
What has happened to her life? Every since she struck out on her own to prove that bloody point- what was it? Nearly a year ago? And now...
she just felt like a husk, devoid of this world and grey-
so old, even beyond her years and fearful when she used to stand so strong-
So when they snuck inside, she had almost not noticed they hadn't gone in through the front- and remained quiet even after she was set upon the bed, boots plucked from her feet as her brown eyes stared out defeatedly at the man before her-
And nothing came to her- no matter how many words were balled up inside of her head, begging, screaming to come out-
She could say nothing, trapped in somber fear.
Urich didn't know what to say. Or if it was even right to say anything. From all the fighting he'd done, from all the running, he was mroe than tired. Urich wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed beside her and hold her. After he moved her shoes, he went about removing her stockings, careful and shifted her carefully to remove the rest of her soaked dress. He too wasn't fairing much better, as he shivered as he tended to her. But he was careful to remove each article of clothing.
When he got down to the last, he hesitated and moved away from her to his own armoire, removing the torn coat and fitting himself into a dry pair of sleep trousers. Moving to to the fireplace, he started a fire to warm the room, which spread as the fire roared to consume the three logs that had been placed on the rack.
He strode back to Victoria, holding a blanket. He bit his lip, looking a little ashamed and certain to avert his eyes. He held it out for her. "I don't want you to catch a cold. You should remove that final petticoat. You'll freeze to death if you don't. The blanket's fresh and dry."
Vacant.
Empty.
Cold.
Dispirited.
Unhappy.
Confused.
Desperate.
Incomplete.
It was all how she felt, sitting there, trembling, not realizing she was even cold as the rain fell and coated the windows in thick sheets. The sound, soothing in harmony with the crackling and snapping from the yellow fire that now lapping inside the room. Soon she could feel the heat, and shivered again, staring at the blanket but never once lifting her head. Never once meeting his eyes. Too ashamed, to confused, too cold.
She merely nodded her head, removing her last articles of clothing and just let him clothe her in the blanket, as her eyes remained poised with tears.
Urich frowned at her expression and pulled her in close to him. He held her and kissed at her tears, feeling tears of his own come along. "Don't cry Victoria! Please...I'm here for you. Just let me hold you. Please."
He moved to pull her in a tighter embrace, kissing her forehead, then kissing her all over her face, soft kisses and just braced her head underneath his chin as he helped her walk toward the fireplace to get the best of the warmth. He crouched down on the soft rug and coaxed Victoria down beside him. "Just let me hold you. I just want to hold you."
When his arms came around her, the tears began to stream down her face. She was so shocked, so confused, she had no idea what to even think or do. There were too many maybes, too many things toppling down in her life; and the last thing she needed was this.
As he pulled her in closer, she crashed against him, finding herself unable to stop crying now as she became blinded by her tears. And when she was swept away, set down beside the fire, he didn't need to ask her if he could hold her as she sobbed, pressing her face against his chest.
Urich's arms wrapped easily around her, in fact his whole body did, holding her tightly to him as tears swam down his own face. "I'm so sorry Victoria! I'm sorry for everything. I only wanted to see to it that you were protected, that you had the things that you needed, that you deserved. That I thought would make you happiest."
He held here there quietly, kissing her hair and brushing it back. "I love you. I'm sorry for being such a fool."
She wished she could talk. She wished she could say anything, but her sobbing would not cease and she merely wrapped her arms around him, holding him fiercely and just let herself fall away into even heavier, more violent sobs.
"Why?" she finally croaked, finally words able to be forced from her throat as she peered up at him. "Why would you do that to me? Say you love me? Why would you do that, then let me go?" A few more hot tears slid down her cheeks. "Why would you hurt me, you foolish man. It only made me want to hurt you. I only accepted his offer to spite you. I hated you. And now.." she sobbed. "Now I'm engaged to that impossible man! My reputation is ruined and for all I know-" and she could barely even utter the words before they cracked from her lips. "And now my body is ruined." Here, she wilted away from him, sobbing more quietly now, eyes down cast, feeling so ashamed.
She was finally no good to anybody right now. Even if she was engaged to her cousin, it would either be pushed up to hide the possible pregnancy and hide the incident, or she'd have the child alone. Perhaps Urich had been wrong- maybe it never happened, maybe..
"Please.." she said, burying her face back into his shoulder. "Just tell me this is all a bad dream."
"Because how would I be able to take care of you with nothing, Victoria? My home is gone, my money, my clothes! Everything I could have given to you, it's gone. But it wasn't just that, my darling. Your blood, your ancestors. What about your children...diluted by more werewolf blood? Your aunt would never approve. That was why I let you go. I'm sorry I came to that decision. I'm sorry."
He didn't let go to her even when she tried to pull away.
"Victoia, this is a dream, one that's over. It's all over, Victoria, because you're with me now. I'll protect you. It's okay to wake up because as long as you're in my arms, I'll not let any harm come to you."
Victoria choked more on her sobs, unable to speak at first as she clutched onto him, but still- nothing, just more violent sobbing and tears.
And then anger, fear all collided as she sat up, looking clear into his eyes and shouted.
"I wouldn't have cared for those things, you foolish man! I only thought myself as unworthy, the reason for your pain, and then to find out you actually felt as I do and in the same breath, you'd wnat to take it away. It was just too much. You broke my heart, Urich. And now.. and now.."s he choked.
"What if I'm pregnant!? That foul man.." she shivered, felt ill and pushed away from Urich as she dropped heavily onto the floor, clutched at her chest so desperately to keep the blanket around her as she nearly puked, but only dry heaved and remained there, lips almost on the floor as she tried to calm herself down and breathed.
And soon she went back to whimpering and more tears.
"How can you still want me after all of that?" she finally asked, staring over at him defeatedly. "If I'm pregnant, I'm no good to you, I won't be good to any man! And even if I'm not, my body will be tainted anyways! And I Haven't a reputation anymore now! But oh, what doe it matter!? Oh, Urich, don't you see? It does not matter to me what you are if you were to love me. I still love you."s he shook her head, lips trembling, tears still streaming down her face.
"I just wanted it to be you. I even prayed that you did."
"Victoria," Urich laid beside her, propped up on his elbows, peering at her imploringly. "Victoria, I don't care about reputation or your money or your status... But I had thought it was important to you. I suppose I tried to imagine what it would be like for you. I guess I just wasn't successful." He sighed and shook his head.
"You're not ruined for me. I don't care if you've never been with a man or have been with a dozen men. I just want you Victoria. I don't care." He smiled at her, though it was a saddened one. "Perhaps...perhaps we could see if he really did penetrate you," he suggested after a silent moment. "If you're bleeding a bit down below, then he did. If there's nothing, then you're okay. He was grinding against you, but he could have just as well have been trying to get off on your hips."
Victoria cringed at the vulgarity of the statement, her eyes cut with fresh sparkling tears.
"No.. no.." she said, shaking her head and curling up against him. "I.. I don't want to look. If I don't look.. maybe.. maybe it'll go away. You said it could be a dream. This nightmare is over. Gods.. I.." she clung onto him. "I'm such a fool! I never should have been there! I never should have went. I never should have accepted this ring!" and in anger, she tore the damn diamond ring off her finger and hurled it into the flames, then crumpled, deflated, defeated against him as new tears ran down her cheeks.
"Victoria," Urich murmured as he held her, petting her hair. "You can waste the night feeling sorry for yourself, saying you shouldn't have, wouldn't have, couldn't have. We can't go back in time to fix what went wrong! Oh, if we could, I'd still have my home! But, please, Victoria, for your sake, let me look for you. It is better to know, than to live in fear and darkness for the rest of your life!"
Victoria tensed at his request. Though there was truth behind his words, she did not comment on the fact that if for whatever reason she was pregnant, she would know soon enough. But the idea she had been so disgraced in her deflowering made her stomach twist and her blood run cold. She only leaned against him, still too afraid.
"Please.. I... I don't want to think about it." she stated, closing her eyes and just laying herself against him, cheek against his chest. "Please.. let me just have this one night not to know. I...." she was just too afraid, and not only was the truth a fearful thing..
but the fact Urich would.. well...
He had see much of her but if anything, wouldn't that part of her be the one thing she could have kept, at least, until perhaps one day wanting him to see, reveal it to him?
but oh, perhaps under other circumstances as she fell away to sobs, pressing her hands to her face.
"Please Urich, just not tonight,"s he begged, taking his hand nad gripping it tight.
Urich had hoped that she would give approval, but he couldn't blame her when she pleaded for him not to. His arms wrapped around her tightly and he presses his chin to the top of her hair, smoothing it over since it had become so disheveled with the rain.
"All right then. We can just sit here," Urich said, agreeing with her. "Just warm up from that dreadful rain, eh? Goodness, but you look beautiful all wet." He grinned at her, trying to change the subject, trying to lighten the mood. "It makes me think to how you fussed at me when I had to help you bathe back at Sul'Gulthan. Remember that? You made me wear that terrible blindfold. Then I couldn't see my way and then I accidentally tripped into your bath. Boy, you really let me have it. I don't think I've ever seen you as mad as you were then. Not even when you woke up." He laughed a little.
She warmed at his words, her tears fading a little, and as he talked, she began to smile. But it was an awful smile as she closed her eyes, holding him fast.
"Oh, Urich. Why can't be how it was back then?" she whispered. "It felt so right to be there, even when I did not deserve your hospitality. And gods.. the dreadful things I have said to you, about you!" and she choked on a sob and just held him.
"Truthfully, I was only afraid. I... I never met anyone like you before, Urich and I.."s he blushed, arms still clinging to him, eyes barely open, though what she could see was still through tears.
"But I always imagined I'd fall in love with a man as hard headed as me." And hse tried to smile again, but only found her lips trembling, trembling the smile away as she began to cry again.
"Oh, and you were so handsome when blindfolded!" she tried, but found herself crying through tears yet again.
Her musings soothed him and he couldn't help a smile of his own amidst his swollen, tired eyes. He patted her back, slipping a hand underneath her blanket and wrapping adjust it so that it wrapped around the both of them. He kissed her forehead lightly as she spoke and just leaned against one of the armchairs that resided by the fireplace.
"You know...it's a guilty pleasure of mine, but I think I like to make you mad just because of how beautiful you look when there's fury burning in your eyes. You almost look as if you want to take my head off. But I have to admit, it is fun to watch you blow up in rage. You do it so gracefully!"
And he leaned in and took her lips into his own, kissing her softly and generously, hoping her to warm her face as well. He pulled away, smiling and pecking her cheek. "I didn't think it would take me a hundred years to find a woman I really loved, Victoria. Just please in the future...please don't enchant my pants."
Victoria couldn't help but blush over the compliment. She knew she was quick to anger, especially around him. And he had.. had he truly done it on purpose? Did he truly like the way she looked when mad? Oh! But how awful of him to be that way! But she couldn't help but smile and adored the kisses he gave her now.
"Well, if you keep riling me up, I can not make any promises your future pants will not be enchanted,"s he informed, and stole a kiss of her own, and it was in that kiss that she realized, suddenly, as she pulled away.
"A hundred years!?" and she eyed him with a blink. "Dare I ask how old you actually are?"
Naturally he didn't look much older than she, but she seemed to have forgotten he was a werewolf and well, those beings didn't exactly just easily die.
Urich blushed a little at the fact that she was so keenly focused on his age. He swallowed and smiled cooly, just raising his brows nonchalantly at her. "Don't give me that look, I'm not ancient like that pompous vampire in that warehouse. I'm only a hundred and thirty years old. That's not that old by the means of supernatural standards. My father was almost three hundred years old when he met my mother. And I don't think it fazed her too much," Urich said.
"Why!? How old are you?" he teased and leaned in to kiss her cheek and her neck, mouth lingering there to smell how her flesh did from both sweat and rain.
"Oh, that is rather old," she stated, blinking at the thought. "Not arthritic yet, are you? " she playfully replied, but then when he mentioned his mother, and 300 years... she gasped, hands to her lips.
BUt as the question shifted to her, she felt her cheeks turn pink, especially as he leaned in so close to her that she made a soft noise.
"I.. I'm only 24," she panted, trying to repress a shiver at how she was affected by this close proximity. He wasn't the only one, after all, enjoying the smells. She always loved his musk, his natural smell, and it mixed with rain was just as sweet.
"Hm, what's with the shyness?" Urich murmured against her skin, nibbling on her chin for a moment. "24 is a perfectly young age. Perfectly, hmm, ripe" He chuckled wickedly and took her lips again. "You smell like some of my two favorite smells...rain and blood. But more rain than blood, so it's sweet, fresh, makes you seem as though you just came from a bath."
Urich brough the blanket tighter around them to trap in the warmth as the fire roared beside them. "So...tell me a little bit more about that great-grandmother of yours," he teased. "Did she always like to make love to her mate while he as a werewolf? And when they did it, was he fully transfromed or just halfway? 'Cause you know there are different stages to it. Sometimes I can only just be a little hairy, or I can just -BAM- go all the way at once. It's quite interesting to watch in fact, though you can only imagine how it feels. It can be quite...painful, especially to the newbloods."
Every time he kissed her, she made the softest of noise. Her mouth would hang open, and be soft again when he'd touch his lips back to hers. She was dizzy from this spell of words and kisses, and was never a woman use to such advances nor intimacy, and she felt her entire being heat.
But then he mentioned the bath and smells and she gasped.
"U-Urich!" she tried to chastised, but then she was brought closer to him, the blanket drawing them near and it was then she was realizing she was without much clothes and now only a mere blanket was spread between them- and even that was a bit debatable at how close he was.
Yes.. he was hot too, and she gritted her teeth, eyes going hazy. But then when he began to talk about her great grandmother, her brows raised slowly. "Eh?" and as he continued, her entire face turned red and he kept.. kept persisting on these awkward elements, that of which, dare she admit, had read.
"U-Urich!" she said, suddenly pushing him away, hands to his chest. "Must I remind you- these.. these conversations. I mean.. we.. we are not eve wed!" she exclaimed- and she wasn't even sure if she could speak of them if they were!
Urich actually laughed out loud and held her despite her pushes, in fact drawing her in even closer. "Urich, nothing. I'm just trying to make some idle conversation. I mean you were the one reading it after all." He chuckled again and leaned in to kiss her cheek, just on the corner of her chin. Urich moaned a little from the contact, a shiver going through him.
"Maybe I'll just read it myself one day," he smiled at her and adjusted himself so that he could lay down. He pulled the cushion from the armchair and set it on the floor to cushion his head. "Honestly, I'm tired. I just want to lay down. Just close my eyes... Besides, it's not like you'd be brave enough to even kiss me on your own if you wanted to." And he smiled smugly as he closed his eyes and laid his head to rest.
Somehow, Victoria felt very cheated at the way he spoke.
Frazzled, she came after him suddenly, snatching him up by his shirt collar and drawing him into a nice, hot kiss.
Then she drew back, lips still pursed and eyes hazy.
"I think you have forgotten those few times I did, Mr. Renqvist." Her eyes danced. "And let me remind, we would not be having this conversation if you hadn't have read any of that journal yourself!" And she was positioned over him now, the clothe barely covering her form, exposing skin in a thin sliver between her breasts, almost all the way down to her belly, though it was shielded in mostly shadow, the fire's glow gave away some of it's tantalizing flesh as it became illuminated in a warm, orange glow.
Urich's eyes looked lazy and he licked his lips after she'd kissed him. It was a commendable effort and he couldn't help but offer her a congratulatory smile. Indeed it was one of the better kisses he'd had. But of the times she mentioned, he could only remember one. That by the burning remnants of the opera house after he'd saved her life.
"Well, we also would not be having it if you weren't reading naughty books you weren't supposed to be reading in the first place," he commented, grinning and admiring her form. "But need I remind you, we are as of yet, unwed, so do well to control yourself if you can." And he closed his eyes again, turning on his side and getting comfortable.
"You horrible, fiendish man!"
Quick to anger, Victoria snatched up a nearby pillow and smashed it onto his head- and quite a few times before tossing it away and embracing him swift.
"Oh, Urich!" she said, kissing him light and soft on the lips.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." And she nuzzled against him, resting her head against his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Her spirits had been lifted, her heart filled with new hope, distracted by what could be, or what may have happened last night. Then, after a time, she grew very, very quiet before opening her eyes and looking at him.
"But would you ever?" she asked, eyes glossy, hopeful, cheeks lovely and pink as her arms remained around his, even as they stiffened slightly. "Consider to marry me, I mean."
His arms instinctively went around her and that was enough for him. He met her lips with soft, gentle pecks and caresses and rolled around with her just a bit. Urich grinned, but when she posed the question, it visibly faded just a tad. Still he kept eyes with her and his smile widened yet again.
"I wouldn't consider it, honestly," he said. "It is not a subject that would require thought. The answer is obvious of course. I would, of course. But I've always wondered, why is it that the man must decide if he is ready to propose to his mate? Why can't the woman ask him if it pleases her to do so?"
Victoria felt her heart swell so that it might even burst from her chest. Her brown eyes reflected that, her body being lapped in warm light of the fire. She looked almost as if she wanted to cry.
But at his question, she simply shook her head.
"The world I live in dictates it is not proper. A man is meant to approach a woman, only after he realizes, through courting, if he would like them to become a pair." though her eyes studied him, playfully so as she leaned in, but did not kiss him.
"Though if you persist with me in this manner and do not ask me out right, I might just be asking you the question then myself. Propriety be damned. I would marry you if you'd have me. And much before I become too old that you'd be tired of me! Oh, Urich, must we always act this way? Can't you simply just ask me instead of toying with me? Or.." she hesitated. "Do I have to beat some more sense into you to ask? I can be very dangerous with a pillow"
"Hm, we shall see," Urich said tiredly and yawned as if to feign disinterest. "I mean, why ask you, when I can get you all riled up and squirm in your skin and make you writhe and wriggle until you beg for mercy? Or it could just as easily be the other way around." He smirked at her and kissed her nose before plopping his head back down on the cushion.
"I would have you in the breath of a heartbeat, where it flows hottest and fastest and deepest," he whispered to her. "Why do you always ask such demanding questions Victoria? Can't we go to sleep? Or...if you don't want to sleep, we could do a little practicing. Just for fun. Just a graze here, a touch there." Urich grinned playfully and reached into the blanket, a finger grazing her skin between her breasts and down to her belly. "Or we could just go to sleep." He laughed and slumped back down.
"Oh, Urich! You're so horrible!" she said, but couldn't help but smile at him. She too, could not help but recall, so fondly, on their bickering. They did share rather unique love...
Nestling against him, at his words, she melted. And she knew so much in that how he loved her.
But at his mention to sleep, she curled her toes, but then just as she was about to nestle in, she let out a yelp and found his hands teasing her.
She promptly slapped it away, rearing back from him and clutching the blanket tight.
"Might I remind, you, Mr. Renqvist, I would rather not be caught in such a scenario." nd her eyes went crestfallen, recalling the one thing she had sought to forget. "I.. I don't want to think about those sorts of things until I know."
And she was so ashamed, she could not look at him.
Urich's smile faded and turned crooked in a corner of it and he looked at her. Despite having his hand swatted away he reached for one of hers and pulled it toward him, squeezing it close. "I understand, Victoria. Let us rest now. I've had a long day and I'd like to be able to return you safely to Armani Keep come morning. Unless you'd prefer the bed, I could just as well sleep here. Good night Victoria," he said. He smiled at her and laid his head down to rest, pulling some of the blanket from her to keep him warm as well.
Victoria tensed, but was thankful for his company, thankful they were finally at an understanding- even if it took so dramatic and incident to do it. Sighing, she nestled against him.
"No.. here is fine." she closed her eyes, tiredly. "Anywhere with you is fine."
And despite all that was on her mind, the day had been long and trying, and soon she was drifting off to sleep, and if it were possible, it could have been the most peaceful night she had ever had. Too bad there were dark thoughts lingering within her dreams, that, on occasion, would make her shiver and tremble as she slept.
He couldn't wait and he couldn't sleep despite his tired state. He waited until Victoria was asleep, an hour or two perhaps and the fire died low, giving little more than a soft glow as the embers slowly burned, simmering and warming the room still. He moved away her from her, slowly and gradually, slipping his body away until he was out of the blanket. He was careful and quiet, moving it over her legs. Reaching out he grabbed one of them and pulled her knees apart, looking closer between them.
His face turned into a frown, seeing dried blood had lightly sprinkled her thigh. And he almost felt tears well up in his eyes. He let her go and moved away from her, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes, trying to stave off his sobs.
Victoria murmured in her sleep after the clothe had been returned to her, restlessly moving, stretching an arm out before her head as she grumbled..
"Mmm... Draegr, really... mmmm.. I'm trying to sleep. Be a good dog and just sleep on the floor... Mmmmmm..." and she softly released a series of puffed breaths and moans, before a hand, now cupped outward, away from her face, rested against her cheek.
And then she sighed, toes curling as she moved away, moaning a bit as she pressed her face into the cushion they had been using as a pillow on the floor.
Then she shivered, and it was only then she realized, blinking, opening her tired eyes..
"U.. urich?"
Where had he gone?
Lifting her head up, she saw him sitting away from her and blinked, dark, messy curls hanging about her face.
"Why are you over there? IT's freezing in here."s he asked softly through a yawn. "Get back into bed, er. well, the blankets here on the floor, you foolish wolf before we catch our deaths."
At the sound of her voice, Urich quickly wiped his eyes. He was thankful for the darkness as they were sore and red and swollen. He groaned a little and turned to Victoria, clearing his throat audibly. "I'm sorry, it's just that my side hurt a little. You know, sleeping on the floor," Urich answered and did as she asked, crawling back to her side, climbing into the blankets with her.
He kept his back to her however, sleeping on his other side and pulled the blankets tight around them. But his eyes just glittered, glazed over as he stared into the dying embers of the fireplace. "Good night."
At his confession he was sore, she simply nodded her own tired head, stiffling a yawn and not realizing she might have been giving Urich a bit of a show. Then she nestled back down into the sheets, sighing contentedly, and then doing so a second time when he had joined her and soon she was closing her eyes.
"Mm... if you're not comfortable here we could move to the bed," she suggested sleepily, though it was evident she was only half there as she spoke, face half buried within her pillow.
"If we move to the bed, we're going to make love. If you wish to keep what's left of your virginity, then we ought to stay on the floor," Urich said irritably. It was evident in his voice but he kept his back to her and said nothing more. He stared at the fireplace, his eyes burning, and his gut burning too and he desired to take her, so that maybe there might a chance his seed would take, and not the other man's. But he wondered then if it wasn't already too late for that.
Victoria only made an agitated growl and did not waste her breath on barking words at him. more over, she turned even further away from him, nearly pulling the covers clean off his body as she hugged them tightly to her own and snuggled in.
"Fine. If that is the way of things, good night, Mr. Renqvist." she said with a hot sigh, pressing herself deeper into her pillow in hopes to just fall back to sleep-
after all, she was having a most interesting dream-a nd was not ready enough to face her reality.
"Oh, no you don't!" Urich turned around and pulled what she'd taken from him and yanked it back from her, until she was left completely naked, rolling around until he had all the blanket wrapped around him like a burrito and he then laid back down with his back to her. "Now you can go to sleep!"
OOC: Burrito Urich 8D
IC:
Victoria gasped.
She could not believe he would DO such a thing!
Turning around, she gave a cry, covering herself with her hands.
"You HORRIBLE MAN!" she screamed, beating on him now with her fists when suddenly- to her horror- the door suddenly was thrust open just as a very naked Victoria was beating on a seemingly mummified sack of Urich- right infront of Mr. Herny!
And all the old man could do was stare before Victoria screamed again, covering herself embarassedly.
"My heavens! Mi-Miss Armani!" he turned away, red faced. "I h-heard a scream and I-"
Victoria's face flattened.
"Yes, and now you've seen enough! Please do get out of this room at once!" the woman screamed.
The old man hesitated, but nodded and obliged before closing the door after him.
Then, after a time, the old man voiced through the door, "Miss.. Armani?"Victoria sighed, glaring at the door."Will you be needing the valet to escort you home?"
Victoria felt her blood boil and merely shouted.
"I shall return on my own accord in the morning! Please, good night, Mr. Henry!"
and with that,t he man departed entirely from their room- completely and utterly bewildered-
but after a time, even he couldn't help but chuckle when he explain things to his wife- all Mrs. Henry said was-
"Well it took those two long enough- so when is the wedding?"
Urich got up, hopping in the blanket, but soon he got up from it after Mr. Henry tore away from the door. His face was red with anger, and a hundred other emotions. He glowered at Victoria, through her and around her and if he could set everything on fire with just his gaze, he would.
Without hesitation, Urich threw down the blanket and flew at her, wrapping her up in his arms, smashing his face to hers in hot hungry kiss, lifting her clear off the ground. He kissed her long and hard enough, in a way that spread fire throughout his whole body and he carried her toward the bed. There was a frustrated look evident in his eyes. He clenched his jaw tightly, speaking through a hardened jaw. "We're going to make love. So help me. If anybody is going to give you a child, it's going to be me."
Victoria, for a brief moment, was fearful. Urich had a dreadfully angered expression captured within his eyes and she found herself backing away a little, even bracing herself as if he might strike when he suddenly threw the blanket down. She flinched, and in that brief moment he was upon her, stealing her breath away.
She was dizzy, and very confused, and was certainly enjoying those passionate kisses,though when he pulled away, she gasped, clinging to him as she he scooped her up, taking her to the bed.
"U-urich!" she tried to protest, but he was already upon her, and she stared up at him, eyes wide in fear. But then she heard what he said, and suddenly her eyes began to water, hot tears prickling in their brown depths.
"Oh, Urich!" she began to sob. "Please.. please.. don't.." and hse couldn't even bare to look at her, needing to pull her eyes away in fear he would not listen as her hands shot out to push him back. "Not on a night like this! And we don't even know if I'm- if.." and she opened her eyes, feeling as if she already knew the answer as she finally turned to look at him, lips slightly open, simply staring as tears ran down her face.
At the welling of her tears, his also followed. At that moment, Urich could no longer contain himself and he almost dropped her because of it. He hugged her to him instead, lifting her and burying his face into her chest, sobbing there.
"I saw Victoria, I saw. He did hurt you. You could very well be pregnant... But I don't want it to be his. I want it to be mine. I'd rather it be mine." Urich reached up to kiss her again, arms still like vices around her, arms powerful and strong as they held her against him.
"I love you Victoria. Be mine. Be mine."
Victoria stared at him; shocked and white as a ghost. Not only did the fear of the situation grip her, but the fact Urich had took it upon himself to check made her so angry she was suddenly pushing away.
SHe had to see, she had to see for herself, and once she managed to look down between her thighs..
She knew.
She knew the awful truth.
And it was then the tears returned, welling up hotly within her eyes. She had forgotten she had hated Urich for checking, forgotten any other thought that tried to congeal within her mind as she began to fall faint, no longer able to support herself as a coldness rushed over her while she nearly gave way to a faint.
urich rushed to her side when she began to feel faint and he pulled her over the edge of the bed, making sure she laid there herself. Without another word he brought water to her side and some smelling salts that he'd kept from Adelram. After another moment, Urich brought the salks underneath her nose and waved them about until she woke up. He set them aside and reached for the water instead.
"Victoria," was all he said, his own eyes tired, sore and looking almost ancient as he gazed upon her, sitting by her side, holding her hands tightly in his, until his knuckles were white. "Oh Victoria, I'm so sorry." He didn't know what more there was to say and only squeezed her hand some more.
Victoria almost retched from those damn smelling salts. Coming too, she blinked back, tears stinging her eyes as she peered up at Urich, her face and his both twisting in grief. She couldn't look away from his haunted expression, but somehow, staring at him, she found the courage to let a small smile itch across her lips.
"It...we... well, now that it's known what happened, I need to go to the doctor's in the morning. No sense in waking him now when .. when it's not an emergency. Maybe... who knows, maybe it won't be anything..." though as she tried to act brave hot tears began to spill down her cheeks as she covered a hand over her lips and before crashing her eyes into her hands and began to sob.
"Oh, Urich! I'm so sorry! I mustn't be any good to you know! I'll understand if you'll.. if you'll want to keep away from me if I am- oh!" she began to sob. "Why was I such a fool!?"
Urich grinned at her but his eyes remained downcast. He squeezed her hand all the more tighter and leaned over her on the side. "Victoria, you had no way of know it was going to happen," he tried to comfort. "You couldn't have known no matter how you tried. More importantly, why didn't Gerard do anything about it? Why didn't he think you couldn't wait in the carriage while he tried to busy himself in the gambling housel.
"If you want to see the doctor tommorow we will...but if...if all else fails, there is another proposition," Urich took a drink of the water for himself. "Adelram said...he said he had a way to fix this sort of problem. He said he could help you. Help us."
Victoria shook her head. She still couldn't believe herself and it would take a life time for her to forgive. As he spoke, she merely peered into his eyes, clutching his hands and squeezing them tight.
But then when he mentioned the vampire, her face fell.
"What.. what does he have to do with anything? How can he help?" she stammered, brows raising in confusion.
"I can't say exactly what he meant or how he meant it but I think maybe he knows a way to...to help women who get pregnant in ways they didn't intend, didn't want to happen. He spoke of it in the midst of you waking up and getting angry and storming out and him trying to come to a proper bargain and me getting caught in the middle of it all, I couldn't catch everything he said...but I know, that was one thing that resonated with me. I saw, what that man did to you. I didn't give him very long to do it, I don't think. He might not even have came...if he didn't, perhaps you're okay. But...all I remember was grabbing him by the skull and killing him before throwing his body out into the street..."
Urich grew quiet and drew a hand to his eyes, trying to steel himself from his own sorrow.
VIctoria listened, hands gripping his tighter than ever, then when she realized what he had said she gasped, looking horrified.
"Are you suggesting if I'm with child to kill it!?" her face went deathly white at the idea. It wasn't a child conceived out of love, or even within wed lock; but it still was something, an idea that turned her heart to ice.
"I.." she didn't even know what to say, simply shaking her head. "And.. and so you killed him?" was all she could mutter at the end, fresh tears now slipping down her face.
So if she had a child, the father was already dead-
and no matter how she looked at it, she'd be alone.
She felt herself begin to shake. And that was all she could do.
Cry, Shake and Sob.
Urich was quick to kneel before her. "I-I don't know," he tried to explain. "I could only assume that is what he meant. Maybe he meant something else. But I think it's an avenue worth exploring...perhaps." Urich's face fell and he looked down at the floor.
"Yes, I killed him," he said letting go of her hand, and moving away. "I killed him because he raped you! And he didn't deserve to live. He was a monster and a terror and would only torment you anyway he could! Charles Butler...maybe you didn't know him, but I knew him. I wasn't his friend... We were acquaintances. But even from short associate I knew he was a many vices...and among them was having women at his disposal. He had lots of children, and he didn't give a damn about any one of them."
Victoria looked into Urich's eyes, reading his face...studying him with a gentle pout.
"Yes.. an option." she said, lowering her gaze and peering down at her lap. Her frown continued to sag, even into his next statement about the man. She bristled a little, visibly flinching as she grit her teeth. Then her brown eyes went to Urich.
"T.. thank you." she told him lamely, her voice shaking. "For.. for always being there for me." she squeezed his hand. "For loving me even then, when I might have been too stupid to have seen it before." This time her smile was more real as she looked a thim, but there was still a sadness there.
"Can we sleep?" she said, after a moment. "I.. I don't think I could stand being awake anymore I.." she trembled. "This is a lot to bear." she shook her head. "And not much can be done until we speak with the doctor. So for now, for all we know.." her smile brightened. "There is nothign to worry about except.." her lips twitched. "Except now I hold one less virtue than before."
Which, at least, would be a bit better than carrying a child.
At that, Urich turned to her, face burning a little at the prospect that she could be not be saved for marriage. He grit his teeth. "I understand it's your...tradition to be a virgin for you love upon marriage, but Victoria, virginity doesn't necessarily bestow virtue! A virtue lies in your soul. The body is merely a vessel, that contains who you really are. If your husband cannot love you and hold you as truly to your soul as he does your body, then he does not deserve you. I would hold you, no matter if you were a virgin or a harlot. I know you're a good woman, and that's all that really matters..."
He said nothing more. And simply pulled the blanket up from the floor and climbed into bed beside her. She was right. They needed rest. He would help her in the morning. He put in a fresh log in the fireplace as it had threatened to die low and warmth spilled throughout the room. He pulled the blanket up and around them, even the sheets upon the bed and wrapped them around both of their cold tired forms.
Tomorrow was another day to carry to load.
"Thank you," she whispered, and leaned in to kiss him soft and sweet. "Please, just sleep with me and hold me close."
ANd as the two would lay back into the bed, she sighed contentedly in his arms, but also releasing a lot of her pent up tension in one, long hot breath. She closed her eyes and just enjoyed the feel of his arms around her, and just before she was drifting off to sleep she asked, "And.. if it's possible Let's.. try to leave before we have to explain everything to Mr. Henry. I.." she wasn't sure how to say it, but being caught in such a situation was mortifying!
"I just want to be out of here as soon as possible come the morning."
and she sighed again, and when things grew quiet, she was reminded that there was rain, pelting the window in constant sheets of water.
Urich couldn't help but laught at her comment, and squeezed her playfully against him. "But if we don't explain anything to him, he'll then ask me about it later on...and what am I going to tell him?" He chuckled and didn't expect her to answer. He just pulled the covers further over them, until the warmth completely enveloped the both of them, the rain playing a soft song outside.
He fell asleep, softly and deeply, until the dawn came. It feathered through the drapes, tickling his vision until he awoke. The rains had stopped momentarily, but from the look of the sky, overcast even in dawn, there was no telling when it would start again. Urich gave a stretch and turned away from her in the bed. And when he looked down, his face instantly turned red in embarrassment.
"Oh gods!" he cried and his hands shot down to his crotch as he turned around. "This is so embarrassing."
Victoria made a soft noise, her face visibly flinching when his warmth had left her. Still half asleep, she made a noise of irritation at Urich's exclaims.
"Urich, please, I'm sleeping,"s he gently growled, still half asleep as she turned to him, nuzzling against his back. "Just come back to bed, my love." And a hand gently touched his arm, she murmured, still not quite away as she let out a gentle snoring snort and went back into a lulling breath, nearly taking away back to sleep, but mumbling, she found herself unable to get comfortable and prodding Urich again, rising up on her hands like an animal as she yawned and leaned against him, breasts hanging heavy, squished and nearly exposed as the blanket barely clothed her, hanging open in the front.
"What is wrong?" she had to inquire, rubbing at her eyes. "Really- what on earth are you going on about that you would wake me up at such an-" But then her eyes, in their half sleepy state, noticed the bit of tent in his pants and her face suddenly went red as she suddenly went quiet.
"Mr.. Mr. Renqvist!" and suddenly realizing her own predicament, she clutched the blanket around herself tight.
But then, trying to be.. erm, mature about this, she fluffed back her hair and gave a sniff.
"Really now, I've heard of these things. Is it not only natural that a man attracted to a woman to get a little stiff?"
Morning wood aside, since she hadn't really known THAT much about men, just that they rather would rise to the occasion when they deemed it necessary and well.. could she blame him? She was still naked beneath the clothe sheet.
"Really- is that what all of the fuss is about?" She squinted towards the window, despite it being over cast and gave another yawn. She had mentioned wanting to leave earlier before, but now she was so tired she almost wanted to abandon that idea as she went to stifle yet another yawn behind her hand.
Urich's blush deepened even with back to her. And at her psuedo explanation, he growled a little and shot a glare her way. "You don't understand. I rarely get it when...well, after I've had my pleasure. It's been a while since I've slept beside a woman. And sleeping beside a woman who won't make love with me kind of makes it a little frustrating," he said with a great deal of irritation. "Unless of course you wanted...well, just roll around a little bit?" He launched himself at her, pulling her more out of the blanket and kissed her softly but hungrily on her lips.
"Gods, you still smell like rain," he said laughing, pulling her over him and just holding her fast. "Just kiss me. Just a little. Please, please, please. Don't make me beg."
Victoria was sorta, almost, not quite listening to him as she was yawning again and about ready to resign herself back to the bed sheets when Urich suddenly was upon her. Gasping, her entire face turned red, but her gasp was soon stifled beneath his kiss. So she made a series of muffled noises, and when he removed his lips, all she could do was lay there in a dizzy stupor and moan.
And then she was upon him, blushing even more, well... because of certain things! ANd then he was begging for kisses and it was then his ramblings from earlier caught up to her and she gasped again.
"What.. what do you mean it's been a while since you've slept beside a woman!?" She looked appalled. "You've.. you've been with other women before!?"
To her, the idea was ghastly, but then again.. he was over a century old....
but it was still jarring for her to realize this. SHe didn't know why- she always.. well, in her mind, people were virgins unless scandalous gossip stated other wise.. (and marriage)
and perhaps a part of her knew he wasn't... but still, it wasn't quite expected as she stared at him in wide eyed shock, and almost hurt.
Urich pulled away from her a little and stared blankly at her appalled expression, almost unable to believe she was so dumbfounded. He thought it was obvious and didn't need explanation. He pulled away from her and sat up beside her and nodded.
"Well, yes. I have. I-I thought you know," Urich said, shaking his head and shrugging nonchalantly. "Is that a bad thing? Did I hurt your feelings? I mean, you said it yourself when I was nursing your ankle, you didn't want to wear a dress a mistress of mind wore. But...well, honestly, I don't have mistresses. I never did. I've just had...good ladyfriends who've enjoyed my company, and I've enjoyed theirs. I'm...I'm sorry." He said, feeling awkward.
Victoria didn't know what to think as she blinked, clutching the blanket around her.
"I.. I just don't know what I thought," she admitted, feeling bitter inside, and stupid for neglecting on that detail. Very, very stupid. Shaking her head, she sighed. "No, you don't have to apologize." ANd he wasn't the only one that felt strange. She squirmed a little beneath the blankets.
"I guess, for some reason, I held you on a higher caliber than what you presented to me,"s he said, sighing a bit disappointed, but not so much in him than in herself. Yes, it had been painfully obvious he had been with.. several other women and she had no idea what to think of this now that it actually meant somethign to her. Before it was... well, they weren't where they stood now, and it was as if she pushed back those thoughts inside her mind and sought to ignore them.
Sighing again, she finally turned to him and touched his arm.
"I.. I suppose that just means, at least, if we were to be married, I'd have a practiced husband."s he tried to smile. "I.. I've heard some dreadful things about men who are virgins on their wedding night." ANd here she smiled a bit more genuine as she sought out his eyes.
Frankly, he didn't think he'd be this embarrassed about the fact that he wasn't as 'inexperienced' as she'd hoped he was...assumed he wanted to be. Urich's face burned like fire and it felt hot to the touch as he rubbed his face as he hoped to try to divert attention away from him. He almost felt offended by her last words as if his experience suddenly damned him to nothing more than a soul of sin.
But she quickly redeemed herself with her last statement. He turned to her and blushed from her sheer charm instead. He smiled and looked down at the bed. "You know, you have some of the most beautiful breasts I've ever seen," he said, looking her over, quite pleased.
Victoria was taken back by his comment, which caused her to clutch the blanket tighter against her body to hide what he was looking for from his view.
"You would say that, Mr. Renqvist!" She sniffed, putting her nose to the air as she looked away, avoiding his roving eyes. "A man has no idea of those vices his eyes seek to appreciate."
"Better I say it than that, red-nosed cousin of yours," Urich said, moving closer to her, putting hands on either side of her waist as he leaned in toward her until he was just an inch away from her face. "No offense to your family. But I'm not going to hide the fact that I really, really don't like him. He wouldn't have made you happy. All I can do is hope that I can live up to your expectations. Perhaps if I'm lucky, I'll exceed tthem."
At his comment, Victoria's face blushed even more, her blood going cold and her stomach lurching.
She made a huffed noise, a brief, broken gasp as she stiffened.
"Thank the Gods I am not. Not marrying him, that is!" she stated, eyes wide and fearful. To think, he is truly to blame for her circumstance and her eyes welled up as she shook her head.
"No, no, of course he could never make me happy! Oh, what a fool I was- so angry, like a wasp, not carrying to accept it but oh-" she turned to him, blinking through her hot tears as she almost laughed.
"I think I could only be happy with a man like you!" and before she knew what she was doing, her arms were around him, lips crashing into his.
The force of the kiss knocked him back and bent his leg awkwardly. He gave a small yelp but obviously became more focused on leaning his head toward hers, kissing her softly and with a great deal of hunger. He pulled away at last to get some air as his arms went around her and he smiled, laughing a little. "You know, you're very good at kissing. Did you practice much on other people? With that cousin of yours? Oh, don't be upset, I'm only teasing." He pecked her lips again. "But however, you learned, I'm glad you did." He kissed her again and slammed his body down on the bed, holding her over him.
"Weren't we supposed to be doing something today?"
Victoria would have hit him for that comment had she not been stunned he'd even say it. But then he was laying on the bed again, she over him, not even aware she was giving him a show as she frowned forlornly at him.
"Yes," her voice replied, gloomily. "We need to see Doctor Merrick." She paused. "To at least know what to make of my condition."
Urich sighed and laid his head to rest for a moment, thinking what the doctor might say. No doubt he'd give the news to Millicent sooner than they could. Or if not, there was already a bunch of speculation going on already as to the whereabouts of her niece and one particularly suspicious half-werewolf. For all he knew, Henry could have sent news shortly after finding Victoria in such a predicament.
"You know," Urich said, looking at her. "We have all morning. We don't have to go right away... But if it will make you feel better, we can. If we could just...wait...just..."
Victoria chilled at his reluctance. His stuttering, deflating any of her strength to leave as he let out a choke, trying to stifle a sob.
"Oh, why put off the inevitable?" She shook her head, her lips and body trembling.
"It.. it will serve none of us any good to wait." She tried to draw in a breath, tried to recollect her strength as she returned her brown eyes to his as they shimmered with freshly brewed tears.
"And the sooner we get this done with the better."
Or so she wanted to believe.
"Victoria," Urich said, looking at her. "If it turns out that the news is not what you wanted it to be, what are you going to do? We...we don't have to stay in the Valley. Come with me to the Riverlands. We should see the world, together. Whether or not the Council takes you back, I will always keep you. Say you'll come with me."
He smiled at her and kissed her cheek. "I love you..."
Victoria couldn't help but shed a few tears.
"Don't be so dramatic!" She tried to laugh, smiling at him adoringly but she cold not hide her sadness and fear. "Let us not jump to any conclusions. And goodness, if I were to be with child, how would you expect me to travel so? Oh, Urich. I do love you, but let us not fret over this any longer. Just take me to the Doctor's before I become hysterical to this fear. I was afraid of not knowing, but now I do not wish to wallow in this state of unknowing!" ANd she sat up suddenly, shivering as the sheet slipped from her body, exposing her for him to see and she froze up, blushing and pulled the blanket back to cover herself.
"If.. if you could be so kind as to gather my dress..." she tucked back some hair instinctively, eyes avoiding his. "We.. we can just be on our way and we..." but it was hard to speak, and hard to see as hot tears blinded her fast.
He laughed a loud when her blanket slipped from her again, leaving him to admire her form. And again when she shyly tried to cover herself. But he could only laugh so much in the moment, for the heaviness of the inevitable soon weighed down on him. "Darling, your dress is soaked with rain. I forgot to hang it by the fireplace to dry, while it was burning. I'm sure Mr. Henry has a dress his wife may let you borrow. You're about the same size, aren't you? We'll get going soon enough. If not, perhaps one of the maids. They're slim, though not nearly as buxom. I think the fit will be good. I'll go get one."
"Oh!" She clamored after him, nearly losing her sheet along the way as she latched onto his arm. "No! We should not alert them! This situation is most embarrassing and then they might know of it and-" but then she paused, blinking and remembered..
and her cheeks instantly flushed.
They had seen... MORE than she wanted them to
OH! How was she to face them!?
Dropping his arm, she stood back, clutching the sheet and hung her head shamefully.
"Though I suppose after what they had already seen..." She winced, not even wanting to go on more about it. "I suppose it does not matter." She sighed; wilted and defeated.
"The maids will be more discreet. The help usually sticks to each other," he said. "I'll be right back. Don't wander too far." He took her dress down to the washing room and exchanged them for something cleaner he found on the side. He matched it size for size, though the color was a little duller and lacked the lace Victoria seemed to be so fond of. Well, they weren't going to a ball. They were going to a doctor. He took the dress and ran back upstairs, going quietly back to the room, laying the fresh clothes out for her.
Victoria had been pacing since he had left, wringing her hands and fretting. When he returned, she released a trembling breath, observed the dress before lifting it up carefully, her eyes meeting to his.
"Thank you," then she turned away, moving towards the other side of the room, only to realize.. he had no privacy screen. He probably had never needed one. Appearing defeated, she clutched onto the blanket before eventually, her fingers loosened and she let the blankets drop away from her form, back to him.
Then, as quickly as she could, she got dressed, holding her hair up and pressing the front of the dress against her chest as she approached Urich.
"Can you help tie me up?"
Corsets were awfully difficult that way, and the lacings were hardly something a woman could do on her own.
Urich stood back, turning his head to let her change. But his gaze could only be averted so long as they turned when she had, observing her form, admiring it as he did so and didn't look away when she requested to be bound up. Urich approached her and quietly obliged, taking his time as he was wont to do. But knew that no matter how long he took, he couldn't stave off the inevitable. They had to go to the doctor's sooner rather than later. It wouldn't change the answer that was given to them. And for some reason, Urich already knew what it was.
He finished up her lacings and dressed himself quietly, buckling his shoes and tossing his jacket over his shoulders as he looked at her and nodded. "Are you ready then?" he asked, but didn't need to hear the answer. "We can get some warm breakfast when it's all over. It's a long way into town anyway. Would you like to take the carriage?"
But no matter how much or how fast he spoke, he couldn't stop the knot that was turning in his stomach.
Turning to him, she released a breath and nodded. She didn't say much then, just held his eyes worriedly within her gaze before the pair departed in silence. The carriage ride faired much the same, neither speaking before the carriage slowly crawled into town and the pair was before Doctor Merrick's office and home. It had never seemed like such a foreboding sight before- and the carriage right seemed endless, as did the walk up the stairs as she held onto her skirts and remained close to Urich, but at enough of a distance for her to fill the chill inside the vacant room before the Doctor came to greet them- flashing a friendly grin, evne making a quip about how he seems to get more business from this pair than most of the town.
But that smile quickly faded as he heard about the story-
and Victoria was strangly blunt.
But he knew why.
Nodding, he took Victoria in to a back room, and she held Urich's gaze for a time, and knew it would not be well for the man to share the same room as her as the Doctor was prodding her in such an intimate way. Giving Urich the smallest, meekest of smiles, she afforded him a soft kiss upon his cheek before disappearing into the room in the back.
And the results were as they assumed, but pregnancy was hardly a thing ruled out. The man had obviously penetrated, and whatever was to be would not be know, the doctor reported, for at least a month when she began to show signs, if any.
This sort of information only turned her grey, and she nodded solemnly, but thanked the man before rising and entering the other room, her eyes seeking out Urich, before slowly, her eyes lowered away.
He probably knew- could hear-
the Doctor had spoken low enough..
but she had a feeling Urich had heard everything, and as her shoulders raised in anticipation, a breath rising in her chest, all she could do was sigh, unable to start a sentence before peering up at him, gaze returning to his.
"Let's go back. To Armani Keep. Aunt Millicent must be worried."
If Urich could think taking Victoria to Doctor Merrick's would make him feel any better, he was wrong. The knot that twisted in his stomach only curled and writhed and wiggled around uncomfortably as he tried to think of other things as he waited for them. His mind was too busy thinking of other things as he waited for Victoria to finish being examined, trying to keep his mind occupied, thinking of the pond, fishing, Henry, Adelram, Sul'Gulthan, the vampire hunter, Gerard. Anything that would help subside the knot that curled in his gut.
When she emerged, he wiped his tired eyes and stood up, smiling at her. He didn't have to ask, he could see the answer in the expression on her face. Urich's smile turned sour and he felt the knot take its final strangulation of his gut. He knew the news wasn't good. But he didn't expect it too. He only held her arm as he led her back to the carriage.
"Before we go back to the Keep, let's get something to eat first," Urich said. "Please. Just some more alone time between us. You're aunt as waited this long. She can wait a few hours longer."
Victoria paused, frowning and thought over his request. She couldn't eat. but she could not tell him no, so she simply nodded.
"Yes, perhaps something small. I.. I could go for some tea." and she forced herself to smile up at him, allowing her arm to remain with his as they entered the carriage. She wasn't even thinking about places to go, nor that little cafe they had been at earlier, that one time so long ago.....
All she could think about was the icy chill that they would have to wait.
Urich nodded to her. But he didn't want to go to a cafe. There was a tavern closer and provided good tea and hot meals. He needed something to settle his stomach, something more than boiled leaves and water. He directed the driver to take them there. It was a little rundown, simple, but comfortable.
And he helped Victoria out of the carriage and helped her inside and to a table, pushing the chair in under her. A server came by and Urich ordered a stew with a small mug of ale, and a cup of tea for Victoria. But inside he didn't know what more to say. He stared at his hands as he folded them on the table.
Victoria idly stirred her tea, the tinkling of the spoon fading to her thoughts. She had hoped for more of an answer, even dreamed that perhaps her and Urich's conclusion had been wrong. But as it remained, she was no longer a lady, her most precious jewel taken from her, and she hadn't even got to be apart of it. How did she even know how it felt? Perhaps it had hurt. Perhaps it was best she hadn't been all there for it. And perhaps she should not be thinking on such petty things when she could very well be pregnant with that rascal's child.
It was probably a good ten minutes or more by the time she realized she had still be stirring her tea and she paused, looking at it and only then realizing how quiet it had become.
"Urich?" she said, blinking as her eyes lifted to his. It was only then she smiled.
It was then her mind drifted to what he said back in the room, and her cheeks burned a little. He had wanted to make love to her. SHe felt her entire body heat at that.
She wished, with all of her being, that things had been different. She would hve liked her first time to be with him- perhaps it stillw ould be. After all, her mind was still a virgin, still ignorant to whatever pleasures the body could contain. She didn't know why she was thinking about that, and at such a moment, nor why she commented.
"When we go back.."s he said after a time. "I want us to make love."
And here her eyes met to his again, a most serious of expressions.
What if... what if they tried?W hat if.. what if he could get her pregnant over the other man? It.. it was possible but.... she did know very little about all of this as it were.
then she lowered her gaze, shamefully.
"I'm sorry, I should not say such things in public." she whispered, a frown sagging on her lips, but then, she looked back up at him, raising her chin, her eyes no longer full of shame.
"If I'm going to be ruined, I might as well be ruined with a man who I wish to enjoy it with."
ANd enjoy it she shall! Many times she had dreamed of just tearing off Urich's clothes, of pushing him against the wall- of slipping under the bed sheets with him, bodies moving in harmony, in union.....
She smiled broader towards him.
"Who knows. Maybe if we are lucky. It will be you that gets me pregnant."
She could only be so silly and wish!
"Though perhaps.."s he began, clearing her throat, feeling awkward, but the notion settling her back into her priorities. "Perhaps I shall make you wait until we are wed."S he said simply, and began to sip at her tea in nonchalance and grace.
Urich ate and drank in silence. He felt the knot loosen ever so slightly with the addition of food. And the drink only relaxed his nerves over so slightly. But he couldn't stop chewing his lip as he did so. He could find nothing to say. In fact he wasn't sure if there was anything too say. All he could hope to do was get through the meal without feeling as if he were little more than a cause of awkward feeling. But perhaps it was all too late for that anyway.
Urich turned to look at her and listened to her offer. But at the thought of it, his expression only soured. His brows furrowed and his frown deepened. He suddenly lost his appetite and he pushed his meal away mostly finished but nonetheless wasted as it were.
"Perhaps you could wait until the earth falls into the ocean as all things are destined to do," Urich said morosely, taking a drink of his ale. He stared at the food, unable to even look at her. "But when we get back, I'll leave you to Millicent. She'll be able to take care of you better than I can. I suppose now is as good as time as any to tell you that ... I am no longer living at Armani Keep. I've moved my quarters to Henry's. He said I could stay until I have enough money to live on my own for a time."
Victoria bristled at his statement. Where she had been trying to lighten the mood, he deflated it.
She could have hit him. SHe could have threw her tea cup at his stupid head, but instead, she said nothing and felt herself, her stomach, curdle up into a swell of illness nearly gave way to rise. SHe looked away, closing her eyes to calm herself and still the illness,a nd with as much grace as she could, she pushed the nausea away, burying deeper into her belly until she felt numb.
It was also just as hard to repress the emotions that had followed.
For those she was much less successful as she found herself suddenly giving way to tears. But she didn't want him to see and felt foolish, so she excused herself in but a whisper and made her way to the back, whereever there might be a powder room and she just hoped her legs could get her there before she collapsed and made a fool of herself on the tavern floor.
Urich nodded to her excusal and watched her depart hurriedly, but it wasn't until she fell that he jumped from his feet. They'd overstayed their welcome in this place and he rushed to her side, as several people moved aside for him to do so. He pulled Victoria up to her feet and pulled an arm around her. "Let's go Victoria," he said. "Let me take you home. Please, we've spent enough time here in the tavern."
He lead her from the tavern and out to the carriage, but he didn't help her in just yet, he looked at her. "What's the matter?" he asked softly.
"Oh, Urich," she clutched onto him, sobbing pathetically. "I can't stand this anymore. I don't want to be apart from you. Not now. Not ever." She was too afraid to look at him, too ashamed as the tears ran down her face. Where had the woman gone who had been so strong? Who know, under so much fear and oblivion, could not even lift her head. "I.. I just don't know what is to happen and I want you near." She finally looked up at him, bracing herself as if he were to scream.
"Please.. won't you stay near me?" ANd her eyes begged him. Please.
"Please, Victoria, don't make a scene out here," Urich chided her, but he held her close to him, hugged her and wiped away her tears. "Please, calm down. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm not far away. Henry's is just down the road from the Keep. Victoria you're talking as if I'm going to disappear from your life forever. Let's talk in the carriage, c'mon. You're aunt is worried about you. We've kept her waiting long enough."
Urich opened the door to the carriage and waited for her to get inside.
Victoria felt embarrassed by what she said. Perhaps she had just been so spoiled having him so close that the fact he would be the next property over still scared her. She shuffled uneasily in the carriage, unable to look at him as she mumbled her apologies. She didn't know what else to say, and was angry tears still burned within her eyes. Oh, why was so so emotional? If only this had never happened.
"Let's just hurry back to the keep, I.." she tried to wipe at her tears then gave a sniff, eyes finally meeting to his. "I... I don't feel much like talking. If I talk, I'll just become weak again and cry." and here she lowered her eyes to her lap and stared down through her long lashes in sad silence.
He couldn't help but pull an arm around her as she spoke, pulling her close to him. "Victoria, I'm sorry," he said. "I'm the one that should apologize. I-I...It's just that...you made me so goddamned upset when you said to make love to you, I almost wanted to throw my ale in your face. I asked you last night. I told you I wanted to, that maybe it could be mine instead of that bastard's but you refused. I understand why you refused. But you made me feel like such a fool to ask for me when it was right before you only moments earlier. It's too late, Victoria. You ask for me too late."
Victoria welcomed the comforting embrace, but at his last comment, she merely pushed away, seating herself well on the other side of the damn carriage in a tear-fitted rage. Her stomach felt cold and twisted at his statement, and she resented him so much for it that she began to sob.
"Then stay.. stay away from me then!"s he wailed, so upset and emotional she could not even keep herself in check. "I don't want your comfort or pity. I.. I just want this all to go away. For all of this nonsense to cease!" She shook her head. "If.. if I'm not good enough for you anymore-" she began, not realizing that that might not even be the case, but all sense was lost on her as she continued to spit at him like an angry cat. "Then you can just stay away ad travel to the valley by yourself! I would only keep you back from travel, and oh.. oh Gods.. I just.." and she buried her face into her hands, hating herself for being so weak and pathetic, especially infront of him, where all she seemed to do was come to radical conclusions in her hysteria.
Urich looked away, cold to her tantrum and feeling ashamed that he'd spoken how he felt but said nothing more. He let her have the last word. There was no comforting a woman bent on wallowing in her own misery and while his eyes burned with the threat of tears, he swallowed them back and just looked out the window as Armani Keep appeared in the distance. It rose high piercing the young dawn.
Urich just readjusted his seating and was quiet the rest of the way as they finally came upon the building. "Well, all right then. Frederick will help you inside, and I'm sure your Aunt will be able to provide you with a plan of action. Good day, Victoria," Urich said.
The door was opened and the rotted valet indeed helped her out of the carriage and looked at Urich expectantly as if wondering if he was going to make exit here as well. He only shook his head and reached out to close the door as the carriage took off down the driveway again.
When Urich said nothing, it broke her heart again. She could not believe after all they had been through that this is how it would come to be. Getting out of the carriage, she watched him roll away without a word, and once he was out of sight, she fainted, leaving the poor rotting valet and Aunt Millicent to carry her inside.
It was like that for a good deal of the month. ANd scandal had already unfolded and Victoria was denounced (again) for an undetermined amount of time from the council. It only served well into her depression, as well as the illness that soon followed. At first she was ill because she refused to eat. Then she was ill because the pregnancy had kicked it and she was vomiting so many times of day that she was sick of being sick. She had become deahtly looking, so thin for herself, worse than ever before, and even though she as pregnant, she had lost nearly 20 lbs within the month and the doctor, who had come, and found out and confirmed hse was pregnant, frowned in worry.
It was in the confidence of her aunt that the doctor revealed the nature of her depression; which wasn't rare in her cases and mentioned the options she might have.
"She looks ghastly ill. Perhaps if you get her out some. A vacation. Far from here at some place warm?"
Her aunt only nodded at the suggestion, knowing that might have been one of hte reasons, the other being wht scandal Mr Henry had instilled. So, it was after she had taken her time to comfort her niece she had set off on her own to talk to Mr. Renqvist. And it was a very nice day indeed, and despite the nature of her request, very unlike herself, she had to, at least, if not for Victoria. But even she wasn't sure if this would fix the atmosphere about her. Perhaps the two had finally broken off whatever it was? Either way, Victoria refused to talk- to anyone really and refused to leave her room.
So, without further adieu, she approached the great door and gave a knock and when the help came to the door she simply asked, "Mr. Renqvist, please."
In the month since he'd last spoken and seen Victoria, Urich had kept himself busy. He'd grown quiet around the estate as he helped Mr. Henry around the grounds of his land. The old man didn't ask him too many questions, as he quickly learned that such only gave few answers from the half-wolf he'd become very fond of.
The maids that used to shamelessly flirt with Urich only gave him shy glances, attempting to get his attention, but he only gave them empty smiles and turned away. Perhaps it was for the best. He'd grown tired of the Valley and so little it offered. And he figured Victoria would be keen on keeping the child. It was hers after all and she deserved it if she wanted it. But what more was there to do or say. She didn't want him or need him to be happy. She would be fine on her own.
So one could see how surprised he was when young Sally said there was someone at the door for him. Urich's stomach gave a hopeful jump, maybe she'd come after all. Maybe she'd come to wish him goodbye. But that faint grin quickly vanished into bland boredom when he saw that it was Millicent coming to call him.
She'd been shown into the drawing room and Urich appeared in the doorway, looking tired and old. "Hello Millicent," Urich addressed her, taking her hand before sitting across from her. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes, there is much you can help with, indeed!" Millicent began. "Now I won't sugar coat why I am here. Now, I know I am no professional at love, but I know for certain Victoria has been mad for you these past many months now, and just this last month you decide to up and leave, which is fine since it is of your own will, but it is also that will that urks me. You see, I find it too convenient that Victoria has left out all of the details about what has transpired and still has yet to divulge the reasons, but I think I know enough to realize what is going on. Sir..."S he began, rising up from her chair nad staring down at the man defiantly. "I must say you are a cad. To leave my niece when she is pregnant with your child is beyond scandalous, it's down right damnable in my own book. And to think how sick she has become from it, wallowing away into nothing and she won't so much as confide in me, evne now when I know the truth. ANd here I stand, before the very man who would dare leave my niece behind. I saw the way her eyes glowed wehn you gave her those flowers. I notice the way she looks at you, Mr. Renqvist, now,now, don't iterrupt me!" She snapped and went on thoroughly. "You see, just becuase my daughter is as foolish as her great grandmother was to fall fo ra wolf does not mean you can treat and court her like an animal. SHe is in love with you, for who knows why, and now she seems fit in killing herself with this foolish depression and she has lost so much weight it is not only unhealthy for her, but the unborn chidl as well. What sort of man are you, really, to leave a woman's side when she is pregnant? She is but a woman and it breaks my heart to see her suffer so. So I had to come here to know, since by the Gods I know how my niece feels, even if she will not tell me, what your intentions are to her, sir. Do you plan to just up and leave her like this when she is in such a state? Or are you going to be a man about it and take charge when a woman needs a man in her life more than ever? Victoria is a stubborn breed, perhaps even stubborn than your wolfish line, and I don't think the poor dear can take much more of it. But if you are to act like a dog with your tail between your legs, state that now so I can personally wallop you with my parasol myself before bidding you here good day!"
Urich could have sworn he felt his hair sweep back as if he was face to face with the force of a gale sweeping throught he house. He had to squint his eyes to shield them from the wrath of the old woman before him. He didn't even breathe so loud lest Millicent turn up the force of the hurricane she presented before him. Urich just listened to her entire barrage of words as if they were a hail of arrows coming down on him in the heat of a soon-to-be-bloodied battlefield.
But he understood everything she said and at the very news that Victoria was sick, quite literally, with grief, his stomach grew cold. He stepped forth, determination burning in his eyes. "I don't know what she's told or how you learned of my involvement. But there are many things you are right about and many things you are not. If what you say is true, then there is not time to explain. Please, let me see, Victoria. Perhaps i can help her. I didn't know she could be in such a state. But please, wait to hammer in the nails before you crucify me."
"I think I know enough by the way you cower. What makes you think I'd let you go to her now? You haven't made your intentions clear and I will not let some animal into my house unless I know he is worthy. I am not about to feed my niece to some.. to some wolf if he's just going to go in there and make her more ill. She's.." And here was the only time Millicent's strong voice wavered. "The doctor pulled me aside he.."s he swallowed back her fears, or at least tried to as she blinked back some tears and returned another hot gaze onto Urich. "I'm sure he would have said nothing if there was nothing to be said." Her eyes stung at the phrase.
"Now you listen to me and you listen good, I just want your intentions so tell me now and perhaps we can both return to help her." She gave a hot sigh. "After all, I came here hoping you might be some help." ANd then her gaze softened. "I just worry for her. Like a daughter." And then she brushed back her tears, righted her shoulders and forced herself to look stronger.
"Well?"
"My-my intentions?" Urich asked her incredulously. He took a step back and rubbed his face, a slight beard growing in, but mostly from lack of attention...and lack of interest to keep up his features. "I don't know what you mean by intentions. I love her, Miss Armani. But...it's been hard to think that she was hurt by that man... I wish that it were mine. I don't know how to answer such a question since my own place has long since been put into question. I thought I might marry her, but...it doesn't sound like Victoria wants to see me. But if she's sick, I have to try. She was...she was raped, Millicent. And perhaps the man that did it might have gotten more of her if I hadn't arrived in time. But what he took...it was enough." Tears welled up in his eyes, but he fought them back. "Millicent, please let me see her. At least before I leave."
Millicent was growing irritated, but when he mentioned the truth, her mouth fell open, a hand draping over it.
"Raped!?" Then she looked around as if someone might here, then strolled forward, eyes reading his. "Is that true?" she asked in a ghastly low whisper. She could not believe it as her stomach curdled in fear. She shook her head. "And she's kept this from me!?" Millicent sounded hysterical, tears reaching her own eyes. "Oh that poor fool!" she shook her head, then after thinking it over, looked to him and steeled her eyes. "You.. you knew she had suffered such an attack and you.. you just walked away from her and then dare to tell me you love her?"
She slapped him, hard.
"That's for Victoria, YOu cad!"
Then slapped him again and snagged him byt he wrist.
"Come, you both are fools and we are going back to Armani Keep. The least you can do is prove you love her." She snorted, then dragged the man out the door.
"I - Miss! - Milli - But - you - don't - under - stand - But - I - just - I -"
SLAP!
His face stung and his cheeks were visibly red from the strike and before he could say anything in protest, she snatched him by the wrist and drug him off toward Armani Keep. But inside his stomach was curled in knots. He was worried over what state Victoria would be in. She didn't want to see him. She didn't want anything more to do with him! She said it hersefl. Or so he thought she said.
But he was actually silent the entire time as the carriage she arrived in took them all the way to the manor across the way.
The quicker they got back, the better. She didn't like leaving Victoria alone after hearing the news, but Victoria wanted to 'rest'. The doctor even agreed and after she knew her niece had drifted off, she had run after to fetch Urich. She didn't know why, but she trusted this man. On more than one occasion he had saved her niece's life; and even if the pair of them could not ever meet us, she had a feeling they were both in love. They were both fools, after all!
Now with them approaching the manor, Frederick met them outside, but she didn not wait for him and rushed outside.
"Hurry," she hissed,a nd rushed into the manor and up the stairs.
The commotion did not wake her as Millicent approached the door, hesitating only once before turning the nob as the door slid open- revealing to them a world of grey, and a woman laying in bed as silent and still as death. And for a brief moment, Millicent had thought she was as she placed a hand over her lips, tears coming to her eyes.
Urich's stomach knotted further and further in anticipation as they neared the great manor, rising up in distance. He didn't know what would come, or what to expect and it was that aspect of the unknown that made the knot bond tighter and tighter all the more. He only wished they'd hurry. But as if some unknown force had heard that wish, suddenly it was granted and they stopped in the gravel driveway and Millicent burst out of the carriage.
Urich followed after her, bounding up the stairs four at a time. He waited with his heart beating in his throat behind Millicent as she slowly opened the door. And at the moment, his stomach dropped down into his guts. The room was cold, deathly so as he slowly entered, but immediately came to Victoria's side. "Oh, Victoria, please, forgive me. I'm here, Victoria, I'm here."
She didn't move. Not at first as Millicent's eyes welled up in tears fearing the worst-
and it was at that moment a horrendous howl came from outside, vicious and beastly as Draegr sensed the commotion in his mistress's room. Millicent had chained the beast outside, but he was howling and frothing at the mouth, barking up a storm as he leaped up and pawed at the air, then turne dhis nose towards the skies and howled. He wanted blood! That man! He was going to harm Victoria! HIS Victoria!
It was at such a commotion that even the sleeping dead could be stirred, and at present, that's what Victoria had seemed as she made a noise, eyes moving beneath the leads and lips pressing softly together as she let out a gentle noise-
But hten somehting broke outside, the chain snapped and instantly the wolf rushed into the house, thundering up the steps before baring it's fangs and leaping furiously at Urich; just moments before Millicent slammed the door in the wolf's face.
And Draegr smashed into it, whined and then fell into a whimper before shaking it off and leaping at the closd door, pawing at it and barking viciously through it.
But this time, Victoria had awakened, her eyes shooting open as she gave a gasp, uncertain what to make of the man above her.
"U..Urich?" and her breath only made light of her uncertainty, and it appeared as if hte very breath she used to make his name she was in pain as she began to breath heavily, hurt thumping painfully in her chest. "Wha-.. uh?" she had no idea why he was there, and what all of the commotion was about, but she was too weak to get up and too dizzy to comprehend anything than what was right before her in that moment.
Urich didn't expect the wolf he'd given her to come rushing to her aid so quickly. But he supposed like how he was as a pup, the young wolf was eager to defend the only thing he'd come to know as the one he'd sworn himself to protect. The wolf was hungry for blood, Urich's blood to be more specific - but really any substitute would suffice.
Urich turned to Victoria again and sat down by her side. He squeezed her hand. "Victoria, I came when I heard. I'm so sorry," he apologized wholeheartedly. "I-I...Oh, I can't stand to see you like this. Victoria, I should be the one like this. But...after what happened, I didn't think you'd ever wanted to see me again. I thought you meant it."
Victoria looked at him, so confused, so uncertain that she had no idea in that moment why she was crying.
But the dog continued to howl into a storm and she winced most painfully from it, baring her teeth.
And then it hit her like a ton of bricks.
His words.
What had happened.
how he had left her that day without so much as-
SLAP!
Her slap was harsh despite her condition, and sent her wilting back into her bed sheets as tears streamed down her face.
"You awful, horrid man!"s he squealed through tears as she painfully sobbed from where she lay as a pathetic heap upon the bed. "Oh, how I've hated you for leaving me that day! I've hated you all this time with such a broken heart! And now the truth is here and you dare come ot me now? I'm pregnant, Urich! I'm going to have his child!" She sobbed. "And you come here now? NOW!?" She was in hysterics. "Are you here to try to hurt me again? To break my heart because there's nothing left to break you wicked man!" and then she began to sob, and her sobs appeared as if they could break her body with how frail she was and how violent the tears were.
"Why?" She finally broke away, gasping for breath. "Why would you ever leave me if you loved me? Why can't we ever just be together? Why? Why? Why do you hate me so? Torment me so?" And she looked so frightened, so hurt, so afraid, so terrified that that was all he was here to do-
to love her then leave her again.
And she knew she would die if he were to do it again as she fell back into fits of tears and despair.
His face was burning with all the slaps he seemed to recieve from these women and then some. But more over the sting of it was made numb against flesh already seared with his own shame. He could find nothing more to say to her and kept his head down, facing away from her even as he gripped her hand. All her words seemed to jumble into one and he looked over to her at long last when she was done.
He felt angered by her words, by her constant need to make herself the victim, but there was no use in arguing with a fool. "Victoria, why must you be so selfish?" he said. "You speak as if you were the only victim in the situation. You weren't just hurt. It hurt me too. To watch you so broken, but there was nothing I could do to help you. Not even being by your side seemed to do you any good. Why must I leave you?" He gripped her hand hard in that instant, almost crushing the bones within.
"Victoria! Why must you always feel the need to push me away!? How could say that I don't love you? How could you say that I want to hurt you? Why do you insist on being so stubborn when I only want to be there for you? If I wanted to hurt you, I wouldn't have come at all. I love you Victoria. Look at me. Look at me. I thought I was giving you what you wanted. You told me to leave so I left. You tell me to come and I'll come. You tell me to move a mountain, I'll dug underneath until the earth topples away! I love you, you foolish, stubborn oafish woman. I only want to make you happy. I only wanted to help you. I still do. Please, don't tell me to go away. Don't tell me to leave if that isn't what you want."
Urich let go of her hand and slid down the bed, and looked over to Millicent. "What did the Doctor say? How can I help Victoria?"
OOC: 40 pages 8D
Millicent wasn't sure what Urich wanted her to tell him. This was not under the doctor's orders, and infact, she knew not what to make of this-
But it was Victoria that spoke- or rather acted as she suddenly clutched onto the lapels of his coat and yanked him down into a nice, hard kiss, then pushed him away, gasping, wheezing, hurting from it all as she cried.
"Gods.." she panted, finally finding herself. "I'm so sick of being sick of this."S he looked up at him and held onto his hand. "Just promise me you'll be with me always, even if I tell you to leave. Just stay with me. Don't ever leave me." her voice begged, her eyes pleaded. "Why would I ever want the man I love to leave me? Women speak such foolish things when they are angry, and I, the biggest fool of them all would say only the most foolish. You have no idea. Oh, Urich.." her eyes welled up. "All of these months I wished you would have come." and she sobbed but could no longer move from the bed, and she hated herself for it. "Please don't leave me. Please don't hate me for everything. I'm sorry I got pregannt. I'm sorry I got mad I- I-"
Urich gave her a tired, broken smile as she tried to explain herself, but it was one that gradually faded. He looked down and pulled his hand away from hers before turning to her again. His shoulders felt heavy, as if the weight of the world were upon them. "I won't leave you Victoria," he said. "But I am leaving the Valley. I'm leaving tonight at the earliest, tomorrow at dawn at the latest. All of my bags are packed already, though rather it really is just one bag.
"But don't start again. Hear me out. I want you to come with me. Pregnant or no. It would do you good to get out of this place that has only been the source of all your misery. Come with me. It will do you plenty good." Urich reached for her hand again and brought it to his lips. "I asked you before. Now I ask you again."
"You are so cruel to me, Urich," she spoke, tears hot in her eyes. "I will come with you. I will. But you see me now, you ask me to come to you in such a condition? I am a wreck. I haven't eaten in weeks, I can barely walk and I.." and her lips quivered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Oh how i'd love to travel. But why must you ask me most impossible things? I want to see the world, to be at your side always but how can I?"
It was here Millicent cleared her throat,a nd Victoria went pale. Had she always been there!?
"The doctor... had mentioned to get her out of here," Millicent began.
Victoria panicked, uncertain what she meant as her eyes sought her, but her aunt merely looked to Urich.
"But it would be ... improper if you are not at least engaged.." her aunt prodded.
Victoria's eyes then went to Urich's, desperation, confusion, and even hope welling within.
"But how, Urich?" she spoke again, her voice so fragile and weak."How am I to go with you?"
Millicent only smirked.
"Oh, he's a wolf. I'm sure he could carry you." And she made a face, staring over at the door in which Draegr seemed ot be nearly clawing through. "Now are you two done already with these dramatics? Yes, Victoria you are ill, and yes, Urich, you are a fool, but the doctor thinks a change of.. well. a change of anything might do her some good. So if Urich can manage to tend to you in your.. erm.. invalid form as we see you presently, then, well, who am I to argue if he asks for ..>" and here she cleared her throat, kicking Urich lightly, seeming to almost dig her heel into his leg. "Perhaps if you were engaged it wouldn't seem all that bad."
Victoria looked from her aunt, then to Urich, then to her Aunt and back to Urich again.
And she didn't even give him time to ask.
"Urich Renqvist, if you don't ask me this instance to be your wife I'll find a way to clobber you, I swear it!" and here she smiled, kissing him hungrily. "Oh, just ask me." she squeezed his hands. "Don't make me beg."
Even as he melted into her kiss, the question he dreaded found its way into his ears. Urich's stomach dropped again and his blood turned to ice. But it wasn't the prospect of marraige tat made him grow so trepidatious, but the uncertainty of a prospective child to be born by the very woman he held dearest to him.
It was no question that he would wed this woman, but his instinct told him that he could not in good faith say yes, while at the same time knowing he could not love a child that was not his own. And no child deserved to grow up without a positive male presence in their life.
Urich felt his tongue trapped inside his mouth and he could not answer Victoria as immediately as he'd liked. And he knew with every second of his silence that the light of life that grew within her, bringing her from the door of death, was quickly fading away.
"Victoria," he said, keeping his gaze averted. "Do not trap me with such a demand. You know there is more at stake here than us to consider. I love you, you know that I do. It is not a question of whether or not I will marry you; you already know the answer to that question. But Victoria, how could I say yes to you, but no a child I cannot love? I cannot take them as my own, when they are not my own. I just cannot. But I want to marry you...but...you have to understand." Urich pulled his hand away and stared at the floor. "If I marry you, I also promise myself to the child. How could i be so cruel to something not yet born? How could I be so cruel to you? It is not my intention, but those are my honest feelings."
Victoria was taken back by his answer, not even sure what to say. So she said nothing, merely staring at him, and hating him, and hating herself, for both of them being so selfish. And she wanted to hit him she wanted to tear the thing clean out of her belly as she turned away from him, trying to calm herself from more tears.
"Then.." Victoria began, as calmly and steeled as she could. "Let's call the doctor back."
Her Aunt gasped. "Victoria?"
"He can still have me be rid of this child-"
"But you know the risk. He said he can not possibly in your condition. You could die."
"Yes, and quite frankly, I don't care,' VIctoria sighed, impatiently. "Just call him and do it quick. If I'm going to die, might as well do it today."S he said, tossing off the blankets from her bed. "Urich, get my things. Would you? If Aunt Millicent won't see to it, I know you'll have the sense to help me there."
He paused, suddenly realizing what his words had caused. Urich didn't know what to say, and couldn't really say anything as he stared at her with little more than incredulity. He exchanged glances with Millicent, in pure disbelief himself. Then his gaze turned back to Victoria. "Victoria! Think about what you're doing... Are you sure about this? If you kill that child...I...." Urich turned away from her, but as heavy as his eyes were, he squeezed her hand, nonetheless.
"What?" she stared at him flatly, then rolled her eyes, pushing his hand away. "You both seemed shocked but I have a choice and I aim to make it and we're going to do it today if it kills me or not. Nobody wants this child, who says i have to live with it and the frustrations it would entail? "
"Victoria, be reasonable," her aunt snapped.
Victoria gave her a lame gaze. "Really, you act as if it's the end of the world. Well, this child is the end of my world whether I have it or not, so I see it as I have little choice, not that I had a choice to begin with. Being a victim of rape and all. Now, my things." she began, trying to stand but found herself too weak to do so, despite her strong tone of voice as she held onto the bed post for support.
"I just need those boots over there and a robe," she siad, not caring tht she looked positively stupid hanging onto the bed post with no real strength in her body for anything else.
"And can somebody restrain that beast outside? Draegr's barking is giving me a headache!"
When Urich saw the anger and determination in her tone of voice, he knew there was no stopping here. This was what she wanted, this was what she was going to do with or without his help. And she would only hurt herself if she did so without. He rose from her and collected the things she requested, even despite the protests of her aunt that tried to pry them from his hands. He only nudged her aside and dressed Victoria wordlessly, putting them on her feet and throwing her robe over her shoulders and helping her cross the threshold in their weakness.
But Draegr continued to howl and claw at the door as he did so, eager to get into the chamber. "Millicent. Please get the wolf. This is what Victoria wants. And she'll do it either way."
MIllicent glared daggers at him.
"How dare you ask me to get the wolf. Perhaps I should let him in to tear you into pieces. At least he'd be the only wolf here with some sense to protect Victoria's life!" the woman spat, refusing to as she folded her arms over her chest, but crawling over the idea to simply open the door- and then after thinking it over, she moved as if to do so-
and Victoria, growing mad tried to protest
"Aunt Millicent you had better listen-" but then the door did not NEED to be opened, as Draegr finally SMASHED the door open and roared across the room, mouth frothing, jaw open wide, fangs glistening, hungry with hate to dig into the man's skull that would hurt HIS mistress! And all Victoria could do was gasp and scream, "Draegr!!"
When the door was smashed open, Urich was as surprised as she was when the wolf, now much larger than a pup but still barely into adulthood, crashed through the chewed, gnawed wood and lunged himself at Urich. Urich tossed Victoria aside and the wolf came crashing into him, jaws piercing into his arm.
At that moment, Urich transformed, half way at best, but it was enough to send the wolf catapulting across the room. Urich held his ground but did not charge, though Draegr climbed to his feet and ran toward him again. "DRAEGR! STOP THIS INSTANT!" He roared, but they went on deaf ears as the wolf lunged for his throat. Urich grabbed him by the muzzle and held his maw between his hands, roaring back and throwing the wolf down again.
Victoria let out a noise and wasn't able to catch onto anything as she crumpled to the ground. She hadn't realized how much her illness had effected her until she realized she couldn't stand and her entire body ached, her head was reeling- but all she could see was teeth and blood and wolves.
"STOP IT! DRAEGR! STOP!" she shouted, but the pup would not listen, but then two wolves were attacking one another as she tried to sit up.
"Urich! Urich don't hurt him!" ONly to find the dog suddenly wriggling otu of Urich's grip and leaping towards her, then before her it stood, hair bristling on the back of it's body as it refused to let Urich get near Victoria as it bared it's teeth, eyes shining with madness.
And all Victoria could do was gasp.
"D-Draegr!" but she felt too faint to do much else as she stared between the dog and Urich.
Urich's hair bristled on his face as he stared Draegr down. He no longer attacked but he wouldn't let the young wolf get in his way. His eyes bored deep into the wolf's. Draegr's growl got a little weaker over time, but tried to stay brave for Victoria. He stepped forth, but Urich stepped forth too and growled deeper.
"Draegr," Urich said, staring into his eyes still. "I'm going to take Victoria to the doctor. I'm going to help her. But you will stand down. Or I will be forced to thrash you." His eyes got more intense and the wolf found himself quivering and his teeth no longer showed. He whined helplessly and his ears went back as he nuzzled himself against Victoria, trying to be brave but no longer had the will.
He whined again, tail between his legs as he approached Urich on his belly before rolling over on his back, exposing his vulnerable throat and belly to the werewolf. Urich only transformed back to his normal self, standing over Draegr. He looked angrily at the wolf's eyes until he knelt down and scratched his belly softly. Draegr's foot instinctively began to kick in pleasure at the belly rub, but stayed on his back until Urich came past him and helped Victoria to her feet.
Victoria sighed with relief when Draegr was finally calm, but then when Urich went to help her she let out a noise and fell against him suddenly.
"U-urich, no, wait! Please!" she said, clutching onto him with a pant. "I.. the room is spinning. Please, I need to sit down."
Draegr whined again at the sound of Victoria panting. He lifted her from the ground and lifted her back onto the bed. He sat beside her and looked at her with worry. "Victoria, what's wrong? Millicent, get her some water!" He motioned for Millicent to do something, but the old woman remained frozen for several seconds before doing as she was asked, pouring some cool water from a pitcher.
"You ask what is wrong but can't you see she is not well?" Millicent snapped before offering Victoria something to drink, but Victoria only flinched away, clutching at the bed. "And you want her to travel in this condition?" Millicent was upset as she slammed the glass onto the table between the two. "And here I brought you, hoping you could help her but it doesn't seem like you're fixing a damn thing!"
Victoria groaned and lifted her head.
"Aunt.. Aunt Millicent please-"
"No, and I'm sick of listening to the lunatic ramblings from my niece. You are not going anywhere. You still belong under this roof and so long as you do, you are still under my protection. I forbid you to go. Now," she grabbed the drink again. "Drink!"
Victoria only stared at her Aunt angrily.
"YOu can not force me to stay!I don't want to deal with this plague any longer!"
"Well then it's your own fault for getting so upset over a god damn wolf! A wolf who makes you dillusional on love! Ha! What sort of man IS he to so willingly offer you onto a silver platter to your death!"
"Do stop talking about him as if he isn't here, Aunt Milli! And it is my choice! If I die, well-"s eh turned away, not able to look at either of them. "Then that's just the way of things. It's.. it's just not fair you all don't think I have a choice on this matter I.. I..." and then hse began to sob.
Aunt Millicent sighed and wanted to comfort her, but did not know if this was her time or place with Urich sitll in the way...
"Of course, you have a choice, Victoria," Urich said. He adjusted his seating and sat beside her and pulled her into this embrace. "Millicent, leave the poor girl alone. She's been through enough as it is. Don't argue with me! Leave the room at once, i say!"
"Oh, don't you go talking to me as if I'm some house servant!"
"Millicent, please!"
But eventually the message sunk into that thick skull of hers.
Urich bent over Victoria and met her eyes. "Victoria, what is it that you want to do? I'll help you do it."
OOC: Yeah um.. it totally never showed me that you made a reply.. so.. uh.. I reply now XD
IC:
After Millicent was out of the room, Victoria felt herself break down into more sobs as she clamped a hand over her face. She shook her head, not even sure how to answer him.
"I don't know. But I know I should not have this baby. I'm not fit to be a mother. Look at me! Look at what a mess I am! and it's from such a nasty man. Oh! I don't know what I want, Urich, butI just want this thing out of me and to actually have a chance.." she sobbed. "A chance.." and she finally looked up at him, a weak hand touching his face. "A chance to finally be happy with you." Her lips trembled as she smiled. "Nothing.. nothing is ever easy between us." She smiled a bit more. "Though, I think that's why I like it." but then she grimaced. "But not this.. I.." she cringed and lowered her head. "I.. I just feel so useless, so worthless... so used. ANd what am I to do with this child if I have to keep it!? You would hate, so would I, and oh! How unfair and cruel that would be to hate one's own child!" she sobbed, burying her face into her hands.
"Oh, I want to be rid of it! Rid of everything! Urich please!" She grabbed onto him, latching on desperately to his hands. "Please.. please.. please help me through this."s he trembled. "I'm frightened and I can not do this alone." she swallowed the knot inside her throat, looking at him desperately. "Please.. I.. I just can't."
"I'm here for you, Victoria," Urich tried to assure her, tears falling down his face himself. He held her hand tightly in his grip, knuckles white, nails digging in to her skin. He smiled at her even as they streamed down his face and he looked at her with glassy eyes. "I'll always be here. I'll always hold your hand in your hardest moments. Victoria, if this is indeed what you want, then I'll help you get to the doctor. We'll leave at once. He'll know what to do."
"Please wait a moment, let me get your things. Please drink some water. You should keep yourself hydrated." He pushed the glass of water closer to her just in case as he collected her coat amongst a few other things around the room, putting some into his coat and then moving over to her side. "Come along them. Draegr, you can come to, but you must promise to be good. That's a good young lad." Urich bent over Victoria before scooping her up against him and lifting her off the bed.
He pushed open the door that had been slightly ajar and walked through it, before heading for the stairs. Millicent rushed to his side once more. "You're taking her? I thought you were going to talk some sense into her," she exclaimed, furious but impotent at the same time.
"Millicent, the best thing you can do right now is to stay put or to come along. But either way, you're going to keep your mouth shut. Please, Millicent, you couldn't have picked a worse time to be opinionated."
"Well, I never-!"
"Millicent...please."
She nodded and ushered them to the door, opening it as the carriage rolled around to the front. "I don't think i could bear to go. Please, take good care of her, Mr. Renqvist. The carriage will get you there posthaste. Hurry."
Urich moved toward the carrige and helped Victoria inside before climbing in himself, Draegr at their heels.
The carriage was taking forever,a nd Victoria grew anxious and impatient and was moody, quiet, noisy all at the same time as she moved restless inside the carriage. Truthfully, she was terrified. She did not want to die, but told herself she would live. She was stubborn after all, and just because she was ill, had made herself this way, did not mean that should hamper the effects of her recovery on having the child removed and...
at the sight of the doctor's she blanched. but then steeled herself, turnign to Urich as if impatient, "Come. Let us hurry inside." But what htey would find would be most unexpected, as the crying wails fo a woman in labor could be heard about the halls.
The very noise terrified Victoria and nearly made her faint as she clutched onto Urich, lest she fall.
"Oh, URich.." she turned to him, uncertain what that was- but then when she realized, her face burned and her body turned clammy with sweat.
"Please.. please set me down and fetch the doctor I.. I feel faint."
The sound of the woman in labor screaming only made the knot in Urich's stomach grow tighter and tighter and he felt like he wanted to puke rather than Victoria who looked more sick than either of them. When the carriage finally stopped. He opened the door and helped her out before carrying her once more. He felt weakened from the strain of all this and felt as if his mind as well as his back were going to snap.
But Urich pressed on, chewing his lip. Draegr at his feet, tail between his legs, ears back. He sat back by the entrance to the building as if knowing he couldn't go inside anyway. He waited for the doctor as he walked inside, waiting for the doctor to come.
Of his own will, he moved Victoria into a vacant room and laid her down on the clean bed. It seemed very much like the one Dr. Merrick had held him while he rested back to health. And perhaps it was. "I'll get him now," he said and left to do so. Doctor Merrick was surprised to see him but Urich made the conversation quick. "Victoria needs you. She isn't feeling well."
Doctor Merrick had been washing off his face. He was sweaty and very, very dirty.
"Yes, I know," he said with a sigh, toweling of fhis hands before letting his eyes return to Urich. "I tended to her this morning." then he frowned. "Has she gotten worse? SHe hasn't-?" and he hesitated, then heard the woman scream from the other room, labor pains becoming her. He frowned.
"Look, I'm tending to a difficult birth right now. This mother is in a delicate position. She's got a large baby and small hips. I'm afraid she won't be able to pass it." And this last part he spoke in a hushed whisper and frowned. "But.. but do tell me, what can I do?" but then the pregnant woman screamed again and Merrick wished Urich would hurry and get on what he was asking about- that would be the doctor's luck, to have TWO patients die on him in one day- both over pregnancy.
"Victoria wants to get rid of her baby. She wants to get rid of it now... But, Doctor, please, I'm afraid she's in no condition to be having such a thing happen to her at this moment." Urich felt tears well up in his eyes again but he quickly wiped them and looked up at the Doctor. "She could die...but I suppose you already have one woman to worry that about right now, don't you."
The doctor's face fell at Urich's comment.
"IS she here?" he peered over towards the other room, catching a glimpse of her then pulled Urich aside, sighing.
"Yes, she is in no condition for such a thing and.. and you brought her here?"
The man gave Urich a stern look before drawing in a long, deep breath,a nd sighing again.
Pushing up his spectacles, he went on.
"She has barely eaten anything or drank much of anything in over a month. Her entire body is deconditioned. I... the best thing for her is to get her to eat again, to drink- then if she gets well enough that her spells past then maybe.. maybe I could try it but." He shook his head. "Why did you bring her here?" he hissed, just as the pregnant woman gave another wail of pain.
Gritting his teeth, he looked to Urich.
"Look.. just... just wait for me to be finished I..." he sighed, pushing up his glasses again about his nose. "This woman is going to die anyways. but it might not be good to have Victoria listen to this. Perhaps.. " he sighed again, frustrated the man would have brought her here!
"Look, Victoria has been depressed. I've seen it happen before. I think she could do well to get out of it if.. if something prodded her back. If.." he frowned, looking at the man. "A change of scenery, I told her aunt. Something but... but to get rid of the baby now?" he shook his head. "If hse was healthy I would oblige. But I'm goign to have to flat out refuse. Now excuse me.." and he pushed past, rushing to attend tot he woman screaming in the other room.
All the while Victoria had to endure it- listen to the woman's wails in fear, her entire countenance going white.
"Doctor Merrick, she asked to be here. She insisted and when me and her aunt tried to stop her, she refused to listen to reason. Doctor, she's going to do it anyway, with or without our help. She wants to be rid of it... But, doctor wait!" But it aws too late before Merrick pushed passed him and out to help the other woman screaming in pain.
Urich returned to Victoria's side and moved the chair closer to her so that he could hold her hand. "Victoria," he began. "Merrick said that he doesn't feel it's safe for you to perform such an operation now... He says it's in danger of your health." He squeezed her hand. "Victoria...it'll be okay. I'm here for you. When this is over, I'll marry you and we'll have a real family of our own. We'll live anywhere you want...but...please don't endanger yourself. I-I..." Urich held his head in his hands and looked away.
He pulled his hand away and looked up suddenly. "Adelram," he whispered. "Adelram said he could help us. Help you. He can help us be red of it."
When Urich returned Victoria clung to him, too frightened to speak at first.
"U.. Urich.. that sound.. that woman.." she wasn't even thinking of herself, but at the same time, she was.
The sounds of labor- the woman in so much pain. She paled, felt so violently ill that she began to feel she could not breath.
"I.."s he tried to fan herself off, swallowing, but it ws such a chore. She could not swallw and felt her tongue tangle up and she tried again, blinking back tears when she finally got it down as her teeth began to chatter and her body began to sweat.
"I.. I need air.."s he choked out, pushing away from Urich, trying to move towards the window before merely collapsing pathetically onto the table, another dizzy spell rushing over her.
"Victoria!" Urich could only watch helplessly as she pushed him away and he didn't have any clue how to come to her aid. He could only think of perhaps getting her a drink of water, but he didn't know what else. He rushed out of the room and called for Doctor Merrick. "Please, come quick! Victoria has collapsed. Please Doctor! MERRICK!"
OOC: This is a slightly MATURE theme - if only cuase it is sad :(
When Urich rushed in, the Doctor was well between the other woman's legs and blood seemed to be everywhere. It was in that chilling, cold moment he drew back, holding a child in arm that was bloody, gucky, and still...
The woman, who had been wailing before had grown still herself, panting lightly as she lay there as Merrick slowly, ever so slowly wrapped the still born in a gentle clothe. He hadn't meant to ignore Urich, but.. the wolf would probably understand why. Sighing, he set the child aside, it laying there, seeming otherwise healthy, but blue. It was a beautiful child too, but it just didn't make it ...
and the woman...
Merrick didn't even have a chance to speak to her as the woman looked up at him with tired eyes that slowly closed..
before she too, slipped off unto death.
OOC: Gucky is now a word
Urich stopped his crying out in complete shock and awe of the sight before him. His stomach grew cold. His whole body as he watched the doctor pull the stillborn child from the mother's loins and even moreso when both died shortly after the other did. The strain was evident in her eyes and before he knew it they were closed and soon and she laid still.
He collapsed into a wall and held his mouth closed, taking a heaving sigh. Looking at Doctor Merrick with trembling, watery eyes, he gulped and straightened himself. "Merrick. Victoria needs you. Please. Come quickly."
Merrick lifted his sad, tired head and nodded.
"Yes.." At least perhaps he could help someone this day. Quickly washing, he moved along with Urich to the next room, only to be taken back when Victoria lay still upon the bed. His eyes went to Urich's and he was fast at Victoria's side. And as he came to realize something, his eyes went even wider in shock.
"She isn't breathing!"
Quick as he was, he cut the bindings of her corset, pressed her back down upon the bed and listened over her heart...
Frantic, he moved. How long had she been in such a state!? Had shock done this to her? Or the weariness? The travel? The child? The stress?
There was no time to think of the why as his hands pressed into her chest, lips sealing over her with breath until finally.. finally after tears jerking at his eyes, frustrated breaths puffed into her, she began to breath, coughing, wheezing at first, but she had come back and the Doctor stood away, amazed that he could at least save one life (For now) as Victoria came around.
Wiping off his tears across his sleeve, he turned to Urich, then back to Miss Armani and was gently at her side.
"Calm, calm down, Miss Armani. Everything will be ok." he gestured to Urich. If the man wanted to comfort her, that was as he sighed.
Then, testing her vision, he had her slow her breathing, for she seemed somehwat in hysterics, but he tiredness from the last month of strain had just about done her in. So he had her eyes follow his hands, checked her heartbeat, her pulse...
monitored her breathing for a while before shaking his head.
"I think you'll be ok for now, Miss Armani. I'm afraid you must have collapsed out of shock."
It was only here Victoria began to remember as she stiffened, then turned to Urich, then back at the Doctor again as she realized how silent the building had become.
"OH, Doctor Merrick! That woman is she.."
but when his face fell, so did hers, and there was grief on both of their faces as they realized the situation.
Victoria clung on more tightly to Urich's hand than she ever had as she trembled. Not even at full strength to ask what she would like to- that she wanted the baby to be gone. It was now replaced with a very real fear...
A very real fear of death. And then she began to sob.
Doctor Merrick had done all the panicking for him, but thankfully he was quick to move and quick to act upon Victoria when she was still and pale upon the bed. Before he knew it she was taking breaths and Urich was quickly at her side. He might have cried himself but there was a sudden fire that burned in his gut that told him tears could help no one any longer. Now was the time. If not now, then never.
Urich moved over to Victoria's side and clutched her hand tightly in his own. His eyes were reddened, bloodshot, tired but determined and when she turned to him after asking if the woman died, Urich grew angry and hoped some of his own fire would stem into Victoria. He gripped her hand tightly and the other reached out to hold her arm. "Listen to me Victoria Armani!" he said through grit teeth. "You listen good! That is enough crying! You're not going to die today! I'm here! I'm not going to let you die if I have anything to say about it! You've saved my life many times over and now it's my turn to save yours again! VICTORIA, BE STRONG! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"
"Oh.. oh Urich!" She said, her entire face wrinkling more in tears. "It's just so horrible that think that- that-"
ANd it was here Doctor Merrick slipped out of the room. It was about time for some different medicine on her.
"I'm so sorry. I just.. I'm just so afraid. Oh, Urich!" she clung onto his hand desperately. "I've changed my mind. I don't want to die. I don't. I mean, I've barely begun to live.. I.. I... oh, gods. What choice do I even have?" Her eyes went warm as tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Gods, I'll be stuck with this child I'm too weak now and and and.. what if I become stuck with the child later and and.. what if it kills me then? Oh.. oh Urich." She shook her head. "I'm trying to be strong, I am but I.. I..." She shook her head. "I'm just so afraid." Her eyes looked into his. "I'm not like you. I can't live to wait 100 years for a lover. I'd be in the grave."s he shook her head. "Oh, Urich. Can we not just forget about all of this and just live and be happy?"
"Victoria! Please, just stop rambling. Stop! Worrying like this, you'll only kill yourself faster. If you want to keep this child...that is your choice. We don't have to do this. You came here because that was what you said you wanted. Just stop, please. Calm down, relax. Just breath. Nothing's happened yet...if this is what you want, we'll leave here. I'll take you home."
Urich sighed and sat beside her, thinking about what had just happened. He didn't know what more to say, what more to do. But there was nothing he could do or say to change her mind, to make her come to a decision. It wasn't his to make. It was hers. And whatever she decided, that was what was best for her.
OOC: Yeah, Victoria. Only *I* may ramble XP
IC:
Victoria paused, staring at Urich as she took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself but her face fell back into tears.
"Oh, I just don't know what I want." she whimpered pathetically. "I'm so dreadfully afraid, Urich." Her eyes tried to seek out his. "I'm so afraid- just.."
Doctor Merrick cleared his throat as he stepped back into the room. Victoria's eyes went to his. He smiled for her.
"My dear, if you want to be rid of the child then get yourself healthy and I will be glad to try when you are well. There is no sense in risking your life now. You still have time. So long as you are not too far along, I can perform the deed to remove the unborn child, but for now, you must realize I will refuse to do any such thing."
Victoria's eyes hoovered with tears. She turned to Urich, then back to the doctor.
The Doctor took her hand and squeezed it.
"The best thing for you, I think, would be to go where ever this man can take you.You need a vacation as soon as are you well enough to travel, then, when you are back in your old spirits again, then we can discuss this." He patted her hand then. "A healthy woman is at much lower of a risk, my dear." He nodded to Urich.
Victoria flattened her lips, thinking it over before breathing out a hot sigh.
"Then... then perhaps I shall wait." and her eyes went timidly to Urich's- hoping.. praying he would be ok with that.
When she looked at him, as if her answer depended on him Urich only gave a feeble nod and got up beside her. He gave her a tired smile, but it was an honest one. At least then they had an answer. Urich wasn't sure about it all, but at least Victoria would be alive and well. He was here by her side, held her hand and would continue to hold it for as long as both of them would live. He leaned over her and bent to kiss her forehead.
"Let me take you home," he said. "You should rest in your own bed. I'll come and visit you in the morning, Victoria. I'll take you south with me. It's much nicer there. You'll come to better health then," he smiled to her kissed the back of her hand.
Looking up to the doctor he gave a nod. "I'll be leaving to the Riverlands soon. Victoria is coming with me."
Victoria smiled only when he did, and when he made his offer, she simply closed her eyes and shook her head.
"That sounds wonderful. I'm so dreadfully tired."
Then, turning to the doctor, she waited for Urich to be done and also added, "Thank you, Doctor Merrick. I am sorry we have wasted your time."
The Doctor only smiled.
"Do not worry yourself on it. Just come see me when you are well. I refuse to see you so ill. Mr. Renqvist here offers a very suitable solution to your condition." he chuckled then turned to the man, smirking as he lit up his pipe.
Victoria smiled warmly at that, then looked lovingly at him.
"Yes, yes he does." She squeezed Urich's hand. "I'm ready to go home now."
Ready to go home with you.
Urich nodded to her and shook Doctor Merrick's hand, thanking him once more. He turned to Victoria and helped her up from the bed. He pulled her up from the bed and cradled her in his arms. When they got to the door, he heard scratching from the other side, Draegr whining eagerly, worried and desperate. Urich pulled it open carefully as the wolf was on all fours, tail between his legs wagging feebly and his ears back as he looked up at Victoria, worried.
"Oh, Draegr, she's fine," Urich assured the wolf, kneeling a little to let him smell her. His ears went up, satisfied a little and followed them to the carriage as Urich then helped her inside and leapt in after her. The wolf laid down on the opposite seat as Urich held Victoria in his lap, holding her close and laying her head on his chest.
"So, which home would you like to go to?" he asked, knowing full well that if he parted from her once more, she may yet go into another state of despair.
Victoria was thankful for all of his help and efforts, feeling, at least, somewhat renewed in her illness, despite still feeling a little dizzy as they walked. SHe was thankful when they were both secure inside the carriage, and Draegr, helping himself inside, sealed a puppy kiss to ehr cheek that she smiled warmly about before petting him as he likced her fingers, then moved to lay across Urich's feet.
Sighing, Victoria entwined her fingers into his and melted against him.
"Just take me where ever you are and I shall be happy."
"Then to Mr. Henry's it is. Again," Urich said as the carriage lurched on. "Are you sure you don't want to go back to your own bed? The last time you stayed it caused perfect scandal and I woke up a little too happy." But he only laughed as he held her against him. The young wolf whined and got a little restless but nonetheless went still.
He told the driver to turn to the Henry estate instead and he nodded, taking them there instead of back to the Armani Keep. "Tell Aunt Millicent not to wait up for us. We'll see her again in the morning," he told the man, giving him a coin before helping Victoria back to the door of Henry's manor. They were met by the old man but ushered and welcomed in nonetheless.
"Is it too much trouble to stay for the night?" Urich asked him.
"Not at all, Urich, not at all. Please we can set up a room for her in one of the guest rooms. There's plenty of it," Henry said.
"No, no. She'll be staying with me. I have plenty of room. Please, we won't be any trouble."
"Oh...all right then. Welcome Victoria, dinner will be served shortly."
Victoria only smiled tiredly at his comment. She was thoroughly exhausted, as she usually was these days, and it wasn't until after they were int he room that she took Urich's hand suddenly and squeezed it lightly.
"Please.. please tell Mr. Henry I won't be down for supper. I.. I'm just too tired. I need to rest. I couldn't possibly eat." She squeezed his hand again, finally lifting her eyes to his. "You go ahead down and eat. But do bring me back some of Mrs. Henry's delicious cake. I can smell that she had made some. Lemon cake is my favorite." She forced a smile but sank back into the bed, still holding Urich's hand as she closed her eyes.
"Urich.." she said after a moment, her eyes openly lightly. "Thank you."
Urich couldn't help but laugh. "Though you haven't an appetite for regular, healthy food, you certainly have plenty of room for cake," he retorted sarcastically and laughed again. He was glad for the lightened moment and before he departed downstairs to eat, he leaned over Victoria and kissed her cheek, lips lingering there for a good long while. "I'll be back in a moment," he said.
He came down, though he too didn't believe he had much of an appetite himself. He ate in relative silence, feeling sick but knowing he'd need his own strength if he was going to be strong for Victoria. But the Old Man was keen and speculative and knew that there was something on the wolf's mind, and asked such after a sip of wine, his wife sitting on the side, but said nothing as she knew the answer even before Urich said a word.
"I'm...I'm worried about Victoria is all," Urich expressed, muscling down a few more bites if he could.
"What about, Urich?"
"She...she's going to have a child. It isn't mine. But...she wants me to marry her. I love her... I want to...but - I can't knowing she would have a child that I could never love, that I couldn't call my own. I wouldn't want to subject her to that, nor the child. I don't know what to do."
"Urich," Mrs. Henry cut in before her husband could say anything. "The answer is quite simple. If you love her, then marry her. You have many months to think about it before the child gets here. I'm sorry to hear about what happened to her, but I know you'll take care of her, Urich. You're a good man. And you'll be a good father, even if you don't think so."
Urich nodded at the answer, watching Henry come into agreement with his wife as he took her wrinkled hand and kissed it, nodding to Urich. "You're a young man. You've got your whole life to get old. If you worry like this, you'll be sicker than Ms. Armani. What good then would you be to her if you cannot come to her aid when you are ill yourself? Now, my advice is no different than Mrs. Henry here. You'll cross the bridge when you get to it, Urich. You'll know what to do then."
He nodded again, and drank the rest of his wine. They didnt understand. They were not of the wolf's blood. They were not of his culture. But their minds could only draw from what they knew and with that he understood. Maybe they were right, but not just yet...not quite yet. "Mrs. Henry, I'll take my desert back to my room. Thank Hildi for a lovely dinner for me. I'm feeling tired and will retire along with Victoria, I've got to see to her." He nodded to her and took his lemon cake back to the room, along with a cup of warm chocolate with the tray.
He knocked lightly on the door and slowly pushed it ajar. "Are you awake, Victoria?" he asked, coming into the room and closing the door behind him with his foot.
As much as Victoria had wanted to sleep, she was restless and still fearful and pale from the Doctor's. She couldn't help but think about the woman screaming- then nothing. Nothing at all. she shivered at the idea of death.S he never thought much on it, nor cared really, just accepting it as another part of life, as easily as getting married was, and just as naturally (though for her, it seemed getting married was a much more difficult affair).
So when Urich knocked at the door, she sighed then smiled towards it.
"Yes, I'm still awake." her eyes glittered. "I've made sure to stay awake so you don't eat my cake."
OOC: yeah- that would be me. I could be at death's door and my last meal would be a piece of chocolate cake with the fudgiest frosting EVAR
[Good, because lemon cake is gross.]
"Oh, no, I wouldn't do that," Urich said, smiling reassuringly. "I can't stand lemon cake. But I won't let Mrs. Henry know that. She's far too nice and my stay won't be much longer. Certainly now that you're coming with me." He set the tray on her lap and put a pillow behind her back. "There we go."
Urich sat down at her feet. He looked at her with smiling eyes. "Victoria, are you feeling okay? Did that woman scare you with all her screaming?"
OOC: Yeah... I am not much a fan myself, but I'd assume someone like Victoria would be 8D
and tea *wrinkles nose* I'll never understand the appeal
IC:
Victoria smiled when he mentioned lemon cake.
"Well, I'll be sure to make you that cake for your birthday." Not that she knew how to cook, but the joke was soft, as were her eyes as she sat up and took her first bite of cake, moaning softly. "As good as I remember." Licking at her lips, she studied Urich for a time, then slowly nodded. "I'm feeling as well as I can be. Thank you." But when he went on about... the woman, her face fell and she looked away. Her stomach knotted up and she feared she wouldn't be able to finish the cake- as delicious as it was.
Sighing, she simply nodded.
"It.... it scared me. To think about it and all of the risks involved." she sighed. "I.. I was never one to think much into pregnancy, I suppose I was naive but..." She grimaced a bit. "Well, and death. I never thought much on any of them until recently." She sighed. "I.. I suppose it's nothing to worry about now but.."she looked down at her stomach. "It's hard to digest how something like bringing a child into the world, new life can be so... so dangerous and compromising on a woman and..." she sighed sadly again. "I.. just suppose I'm still shook up about it."
She turned to Urich,a d tried to force a smile.
"Men don't have those sorts of things to fuss about, I suppose. And I was fine to be ignorant on them until these past few weeks."
"Men like to think they don't, but, Victoria if you knew everything that was running through my mind right now, you'd be driven mad at the slightest." He grew quiet and looked down at his hands. "I know you want me to marry you...and soon, but...but I just feel like all of this is happening so fast. You're only a month pregnant. You're not even showing...but... Well, that's not why I'm feeling this way. It's hard for a man to realize the woman he loves has been given child by that of another man. With or without your choice, I suppose it doesn't change anything.
"My stomach churns at the thought of what he's done to you, but there's nothing I can do to help you. There's nothing I can do to change anything! My whole world turned on its head...but there's nothing I can do. I'm not trying to make my plight any worse better than yours...I just...i don't know what to do."
Victoria smiled a little.
"And you wouldn't want to be in my head." She smiled, then eyed her cake. "I.. suppose I ought to finish this lemon cake lest it go to waste." She tried to smile again, took down a few more bites before sighing and turning back to Urich.
"You know, you and I are in the very same boat. I don't think either one of us really knows what to do. I.. suppose we'll just have to see. And... well, you don't have to marry me if it becomes an inconvenience. I... it... well, it's something I've always wanted but I can understand the need not to commit under the circumstances. They are most unfortunate and we can not continue to wallow over them. Perhaps that.. that vampire migh tbe able to assist, but for now.." she looked down at the cake. "For now I'll eat cake."
"I don't want that vampire to lay his goddamned paws on you! He's a slimey piece of undead filth if there was ever one that I've seen! I don't like him, not a single bit and I know he's set his designs upon you. He'd would've had you too had it not been for me. I know that look in his eyes. But maybe he was just looking at me." Urich sighed though, knowing full well they might very well end up having to go to Adelram for help in the end.
"Oh...I'm tired," Urich said, sighing. "I'm going to sleep on the floor I suppose. You won't sleep if I'm in that bed with you." He pulled a blanket from the wardrobe and spread it out over the soft rug, and pulled a cushion from the chair as a pillow, spreading out over it. Urich took off his coat and threw it over the arm, getting undressed for the moment and putting on a pair of spare old trousers that he'd had and laid down upon the makeshift bedroll he'd made. "Good night, Victoria."
Victoria couldn't believe how defensive Urich was getting, but she couldn't help but smile anyway.
"Perhaps we will not have to, Urich. We can wait for when I'm well and consult the doctor then. I suppose I'll just have to be more patient."
Smiling then at his suggestion to sleep on the floor, she simply nodded.
"Good night, Urich." ANd she moved the remainder of the cake and set it upon the table and attempted to fall back to sleep, though she felt more at ease, she could not help but still think about that poor woman at Doctor Merrick's and lay awake for a time before eventually, sleep became her.
Sleep came to her easily, but for Urich it did not. His eyes remained opened, glittering at the wall for a good long moment. He felt terrible, a sense of dread coming over him. He'd planned to leave that night, perhaps early in the morning, but now those plans had changed. He couldn't understand how all of this happened...but perhaps there were forces at work that were beyond their control. Urich never did put much stock in faith, not in the sense of praying every day and night to some unknown being watching over them. But it there were gods watching over them, he prayed that they could come through this all right.
The floor proved fruitless for Urich and he got up from the floor, fisting the pillow in frustration. He looked over to Victoria, nuzzled in his bed. He slowly rose to her side and leaned over her, before gently kissing her lips, coaxing her lips in hopes she'd kiss him back.
OOC: He's so mean waking her up!
IC:
She had been lightly sleeping, her brain drifting over this thought and that- so when his lips sealed over hers, she let out a noise a breath and lightly kissed back. But then her face scrunched in irritation, groggily coming to from her sleep. "U...Urich?" she looked up at him, his body cast in heavy shadows from the night. "What.. what are you doing?"
"I want you to kiss me," he breathed against her skin. He leaned over her, pressing his weight down slightly, but remaining partly seated all the same. "Just kiss me, please. I feel like I can't breathe. and the only way to give me any relief is if you kiss me." He kissed her again, her cheek and her jaw and let his eyes give a glow in the darkness. But it was a soft glow and they were as enticing as they were foreboding. Of course, he knew Victoria would know better than to be afraid of them. And only hoped she would oblige him.
Victoria made a soft noise, a gentle noise; enjoying his kisses as her eyes hung heavy with not just sleep. Her body seemed to awaken, to tickle, to sparkle to life by his kisses. Then her eyes went to his as she lifted a hand up, cupping his cheek and leaning forward.
"You've woken me from a dead sleep for a kiss?" she asked, keeping her lips at just enough of a distance to tease him before she smiled. "Only you, Mr. Renqvist."she said, and leaned forward, obliging him with a sweet, soft kiss.
"Call me Urich," he said as she kissed him. But before he'd give her a chance to pull away, Urich wrapped both of his arms around her and lifted her from the bed, kissing her hungrily and with a great deal of possession, exploring the hollows of her mouth. He pulled away at last to get a breath of air but he looked at her, holding her still. "Victoria...let's make love... It'll make you feel a lot better..." He kissed her again, but kept it breif as his hands explored her body, sliding down her arm and softly gripping a breast against his palm, feeling its warmth even through the cloth of her dress. "Just...let go in all abandon."
She supposed she'd be more irritable had his kisses not felt so good. They prickled at her senses, tickling at her blood and made her make short, soft noises as his breath and lips explored her. Had they also been in any other occasion, she would also deny him outright; though... even she, had not things transpired differently, felt very attracted to him in that way and had always considered the options..
and now that option was before her.
And when he asked for it, her eyes opened suddenly as she looked at him.
And then his hands were over her, kisses returning and her eyes went half lidded. Oh, how unfair it was she could fall prey so easily to him, and how easily it was he could ignite such a passionate flame inside her, one that should have been all but sleeping away- after all, she was still so terribly exhausted.
But tension.. anxiety...
So much energy had been pent up inside her these past many, many weeks so that she could only but arch her body at his advances, only breath softly in reply to the warm feeling brewing within as she moaned.
"Oh.. Urich. If I had more strength I would just take it from you. But you come at me when I am so weak." But she sighed, but it was a contented sigh as she smiled, blushing even as she looked into his eyes. "But if we did.. I.. I do not know how to... to make love.." but she kissed him, letting her stupid words fade away, for that's how she felt, stupid for saying them. "What if I am no good at it?" She hung her arms around him, staring at him with some fret of worry, for really-s he had not much a clue as what to do, despite having read some scandalous claims and stories in her great-grandmother's journal and a few books-
and ok, she wasn't entirely naive, but naive all the same. Her eyes sparkled at him, her body burning. Would he still love her if she was not so very good at it? He had.. after all.. had plenty of experience where she.. well, she had fantasies, but what good were they? To never have felt touched by a man (and although she was no longer a virgin, she had no memory of that claim-) so really...
It would be her first time, and..
If she had to choose, and choose she shall, she wanted it to be with him.
A time to actually remember, to let herself go and to slip away into the blissful sensations of love.
Body encased in liquid fire, shooting down from every limb and through his skin, made breathing even more difficult. Suddenly it became very hot in the room and Urich was breathing hard though they'd only kissed. He smiled and couldn't help a chuckle when she said she wouldn't be any good. "Victoria, I wasn't any good on my first time. But that's because I had no idea what I was doing. It's okay though...just let go of what you think would be right or not. I'm here to give you my love and all that it entails. All you have to do is do the same. I won't let you go," Urich whispered to her, pulling her in close to him, not daring to let her go, his hands burning as he reached behind her dress and undid the lacings shifting it down.
"What did you fantasize when you thought about it? Now don't pretend you didn't, every young person thinks about it, has their own idea as to how they imagined it would be. What was yours, Victoria?" Urich asked, feeling against her lips, smiling. "I want your first time to be everything you dreamed of...and if it isn't, I can spend the rest of my life trying to make it come true. You'll be my wife after all. I said I would marry you...and I have every intention on doing so. Now, don't get distracted now...what did you dream of?"
OOC: Erm- slightly mature content a fooots !Just a trigger warning~
Oh, how skillful his hands were, how wonderful they felt through her clothes, against her skin, but then he was laughing at her and she had to yell at him.
"Urich!" And she pouted a bit even as she was held within his gaze, within his arms, within his power. And then his voice was at her ear. Her lips fell open, she gasped, eyes rolling back as she murmured. "Oh, Urich." How can it be they were not even having relations yet and her entire body was melting beneath him, her entire skin was on fire, sensations burning within her as she released another gentle noise, a gentle hot breath of pleasure.
She hadn't even noticed, nor cared, that he was pulling off her dress, and infact, breathed a subtle sigh of relief as the lacings came loose.
And she was about to reach out, about to do the same of his night clothes when she paused at his question, her eyes hanging heavy and low.
"Fantasize?" she blushed, curling her toes as her mind swarming with so many thoughts that bubbled and tickled and heated her that she began to squirm beneath him, especially as a fire between her legs was brewing and her body awakening to the true desires of sex. "Urich, you wicked man, do you really expect me to explain to you the complexities of my deepest desires the first time we bed?" Though her smile was coy and playful now, hands twisting into his hair. "I'm afraid I'd be too embarassed to just tell you what I dream." she admitted, though smiled warmly at him and kissed him soft. SHe liked being kissed, especially by him, but her kisses came much tender, softer, sensual as her lips gently massaged against his, hands cupping his face as her head would move from time to time to arch in and out from the climax and feeling of each kiss as her body set out and melted into a deeper feeling of heat.
"Then you can tell me after, when I've helped you relax," Urich managed to snicker in just before she stole his lips for her own.
Her kisses were intoxicating and maybe she was still tecnically 'naive' on the subject, but she was more than talented with her lips. Urich felt himself slipping away from reality for a moment and a helpless moan escaped him. He had to pull away just to get a breath but immediately dove back in. His entire body felt like it was being crushed underneath a massive weight, the nature of which was as thin as clothing.
Urich long since, pushed his troubelsome trousers down, out of the way, getting some relief and leaned over he to slip out of them the rest of the way. He pushed her dress down, peeling it away until she was finally free of its confines at long last. He guided her, pulled her up on to his lap as he knelt. "I only want to give you everything you hoped it would be," he whispered to her, his hands holding her, roaming over her, before pushing inside, undulating his hips slowly to allow her to explore every pleasureable stroke as possible. "I love you, Victoria, I do," he moaned against her lips before kissing her once more.
OOC: Ok- now it's mature >.>
Seriously, Urich- you can't make babies with her DX she's already pregnant
*slaps on a mature content label*
IC:
Clothes were gone, shed aside, only sending more of an exhilarating thrill through her body. And oh how she ached for him, and as she was drawn near, she could only express her desires through gentle breaths and moans. His warm hands felt so good on her body, her chest aching and feeling so good when he'd touch as no man has ever touched her, feeling the softness of her flesh, tasting the sweetness of her lips, and before she knew it, he was feeling the sweetness inside her body as they joined and began to mate.
She hadn't expected it at first, but the swell of his sex between her legs made her gasp, her entire body set in a flush and before she knew it, he was pushing against her and she was so tight that it hurt, it still hurt but int he same breath- the burning sensation felt so wonderful that her gasp of pain quickly went deep and husky into a pleasurable moan. Instinctively her body clamped around him, the muscle so tight and uncertain she knew not what else to do with herself when a man's foreign object was staking it's claim. But oh, the tightness of it made it allt he more pleasurable as she felt his long, hard length lap deep within, sampling, tasting, stroking her with lust and love.
Gasping, she couldn't help but smile as she held onto him, uncertain what to do except move the muscles within her, the velvet walls sampling, tasting reveling at the new sensation of sex.
And it was beautiful and wonderful, even a little awkward for her, but she did not care. The man she loved was making love to her- Gods! They were making love!
And it was here her brown eyes finally opened to his, and such a smile was never more beautiful on her face.
They explored each other in this most intimate of moments and Urich was sure to be gentle with her but did nothing to hold back. She deserved all of him and he gave her his all, as much as he could until she had her pleasure and more. Urich laid in an exhausted heap next to her as the hours of sweat and love had come to a close.
It must have been early morning, but still many hours from the rising of the dawn. Urich laid down on his belly amidst the pile of disheveled sheets and tossed pillows, dripping with a mixture of his sweat and hers - among other things. Rolling over on his side, he turned to look at Victoria, hoping she had been satisfied. But he couldn't hide the smile on his own face.
Propping his head up on his elbow, he did grin at her and reached out a hand to cup her face. But he couldn't find any words to say. He could only touch her face in the soft glow of their aftermath.
When they were done, there was certainly a lot more color to her face and body than before, and certainly a lot more breaths heaving beneath her heavy and exposed breasts.
And there was much to say, or could be said, but in that instance, she merely basked in every thought and expression of pleasure as she could. Never before did she feel so satisfied and excited all at once, causing her cheeks to glow even more rosily than the rest of her body, and when his eyes met to hers, her grin broadened as she simply stated, "So this is what I have been missing all of these years? To think it is proper to wait, but oh, how messy I have become! I'll be needing a bath, a nice hot bath to get all of this sweat off my body and the mess out from between my legs and oh- oh, to think it would feel... so... so..." Her eyes had drifted off as she was set to rambling, but hten she turned, sitting up even, finding some reserved bought of energy, despite her condition as her eyes sparkled when she took her lover in and drew a blanket to barely clothe her form from his view.
"You'd better watch it now, wolf. Now that i've had a taste.." she began, smirking as she curled her fingers into his hair, her expression going most coy. "We might find ourselves many nights in such a predicament." ANd she leaned forward, kissing pleasurably at his neck and ear, moaning just softly against his lobe.
Urich laughed at her words leaned in closer to her as she clothed herself in the blanket, considering after all they had done. He moaned at her kiss, the pressure on his neck sending chills down his spine as he laid down. His hands coasted down her back, feeling along her spine as he pulled her in close. He was glowing as much as she and his smile grew nearly ear to ear.
"You know, if you're not careful," Urich said, catching her in his arms. "We might be up all night going at it. But don't you feel better? I told you you would. You were amazing...you were wrong to doubt yourself." He smiled again and kissed her neck in return, licking at the sweat that rolled down there. "So...," he began again, grinning wickedly at her. "About those fantasies..."
Victoria braced herself against the wolf.
"You naughty dog. You would spin lies about me being any good." she said, sighing hotly, even tensing a bit in indignation at his kisses but was soon softening to them as she released a gentle breath.
"I don't know. It might not be so bad. Though I'm afraid you might kill me with pleasure if we were to go at it again."S he turned to him with a smile. "Lest you forget I'm still ill,"s he reminded, though it didn't seem to hamper her from moving forward and beginning to kiss and nurse against his neck, even nibbling a little bit at the taste of his skin.
But then he went on, pressing the issue from earlier and she tensed, frowned even at the very question.
"Oh, my love, it would be still far too embarrassing to admit them now," she started, her cheeks flushing at the idea. "After all.."s he began, moving her lips back to his neck, moving upwards, before pressing her lips softly against his ear. "Let me enjoy you as a man, first."
"Oh, dear gods," Urich said, grinning and laughing underneath her attention. Her kisses gave chills all over his body, his breathing quickened and his heart sped up even in the midst of winding down from the intensity of ther passionate frenzy. He groaned and felt a chuckle escape him. Twisting his head he tried to look at her.
"You're a bit like your great-grandmother aren't you?" he chuckled again. "I'm not trying to make fun of you, darling. I'm only trying to make conversation. But perhaps...in the future, I might oblige your deepest, darkest desire." He smiled at her and kissed her cheek before laying back down.
Victoria gasped. He was horrible. But she wasn't through with him yet.
"Urich Renqvist!" She began in a tone to let him know he was most definitely in trouble as she slipped her small body over his, straddling him as she leaned over, her messy hair almost tickling his face. "No one said I was done with you yet, wolf." Then she leaned down and kissed him softly, sighing through it before lifting her face away. "I.. I never got the chance to ever really enjoy kissing a man." She smiled. "Not like this." She leaned down, softly kissing his lips again. "It's.. nice." she moved forward, kissing at his cheek then neck again. "But I must say, you do taste good. What on earth sort of scent do you have? This musk it's.." she breathed hotly against his skin. "It's intoxicating."
Urich laughed again, challengingly almost but he had to admit his blood ran hot when she took to straddling him. He looked at her with dangerous eyes. "It's called sweat, Victoria," he whispered to her between her kisses, breathing hitched underneath them. "We just soaked the sheets in it not too...oh....long ago." He opened up his neck for her, moaning softly underneath her attention. He squirmed visibly underneath her touch but couldn't help it. "You're awfully possessive, Victoria," he said as his hands came up upon her thighs, sliding up them her sides and cupping underneath her breasts, massassing them softly. "You don't seem so very ill to me."
"Perhaps we found the antidote?" she seemed to purr, teeth against his ears and body shivering, nearly squirming at his touch. It felt so nice. "And I'm only possessive because I like what I see." SHe lifted herself up now, so that she was sitting upon his belly, eyes shining affectionately as she looked down upon him. "And it took us many long months of arguments to get here." She leaned down, kissing his lips again. "And far.. far too many years for me to find someone like you." ANd her eyes appeared more tender, more sweet as she cupped his cheek. "I always just assumed I'd die old and alone someday. Now, I think I should be happy to live out the rest of my days at your side. Perhaps seeing the world." Then her tender smile twisted and became more wicked. "Or perhaps not." She leered him very narrowly, her eyes almost predatory as she took him in. "My, my, Mr. Renqvist, to think that someday I'll get to claim you all to myself and to call you mine."
SHe moved to nibble at his neck again.
"How do you suppose Mrs. Victoria Renqvist sounds?"
"Oh, Victoria, you make me feel like an old man when you call me Mr. Renqvist. My father liked to be called that. And my mother obliged. Just call me Urich," he said, smiling up at her, as his hands worked before sliding down her belly and gripping her bottom. He laughed again. "I'll make you my wife soon enough, Victoria. And I'll tell you one thing for sure. Victoria Renqvist sounds a lot better than Victoria Regnold. If anything...that's the sound of an old maid. And you'll not be that, not if I have anything to say about that." He lauged again and turned his head to capture her lips with his own, kissing her sensually.
"Tell me then, why hadn't someone married you sooner? There couldn't have been nobody that wasn't interested."
Victoria's heart fluttered to hear his words.
"Well, perhaps I will call you Mr. Renqvist when I am mad?" she said, pointing her nose up towards the air with a bit of a smirk, but then she moaned softly to feel his hands upon her again, and even smiled through a kiss, which turned to a frown when she recalled-
"Yes, I am very much glad to be rid of that obligation." Really! What on earth was she thinking!? She must've been VERY angry to have even considered! And oh, how she was! And it was all done to spite the very man she had trapped beneath her.
And then at his last question, her face fell.
"It... well," she pouted a bit, not sure how to defend herself. "There might have been opportunities, yes, but most men like the silly girls who fawn over them, have hair as bright as the sun and just as cheery dispositions. I could never fake my emotions so, not to say there wasn't a few men who may have been interested, but I was not, and would not allow them to pursue me." She wrinkled her nose. "I seemed to attract old men." but then she realized, with a start as she looked down at Urich. "Oh, and to think- my husband will be the oldest of them all!" She would be appalled, but she knew better, it was just more of a shock than anything else.
"And I'm also not as pretty as most other women. But, " she sighed " I was always told it was because how much I scowled. But really." she gave a huff. "Why wear a fake smile to impress a man I might not even fancy? Oh, you just don't understand the obligations of being a woman- and I.. er, perhaps you could say I was picky, but I was always stand offish. So not much would come out of outtings. And well.. there was always a girl who would be prettier than me. Skinnier than me. Not many men of my time like a woman.. so full." Or with so heavy a breasts or curves-
Little did she know...
Urich listened to her without interrrupting and grinned near the last of it. He admired her 'full' form, taking in the grandness of her curves and the rounded weight of her breasts. Leaning up, he pressed his lips to the tips of each of them, trailing his kisses up her chest, her collarbone then her neck and nibbling on it for a moment before looking her in the eye.
"Those aren't men. Those are foolish who haven't an idea about what a real woman is what what they want. Maybe i don't know everything, even if there is a lot you can learn in a hundred years. But I know a lot more than they do. I love your body...your skin...your smile. You're beautiful, Victoria and only a blind man couldn't recongize it. But there are many ways to be blind. I'm just glad I opened my eyes in time. Yet...something else bugs me: What took you so long to tell me you loved me? Why did you wait so long?"
She shivered. He had a way with his lips, but oh! At his question she was taken back and looked up at him, frowning.
"Well, why did you? I.." she felt her breath catch in her throat, her expression deflating a little as she looked away. "I suppose I was afraid of it. Afraid to admit to it. Oh, you know how stubborn I can be!" she said, blushing and looking away and fussing over her already fussy hair with a sigh. "I... I just didn't think you could ever love me back." She turned to him most serious, her eyes almost sad. "I don't have very much confidence in love. Love for me was always just a silly dream."
"Honestly," Urich admitted. "I didn't think I loved you until I realized I might lose you. I was terrified if you married a man like Gerard. But I also think I should admit that I was still quite mad at you for all the crap we've been through...least of all destroying my house. I thought your marriage to Gerard would be the perfect punishment...so I went along with it before the whole fire in the council building.
"Victoria, we're too stubborn for each other. But nobody could understand us but us." He laughed and slumped his head back against the pillow. "I do love you, you foolish woman. And I suppose I'm just a horny ol' wolf who got lucky enough to fall in love with one such as gorgeous as you." He sighed and closed his eyes.
"Love is funny that way," she admitted to his claim. "But most could say we are funny." She smiled down at him as he settled into the bed, and lowered herself down beside him, kissing lightly across his chest before looking up into his eyes. She sighed softly at him calling her gorgeous and threaded her hand into his and rested it across his chest.
"Say it again."s he said, squeezing his fingers against her own. "That I'm gorgeous." The very idea sent a thrill through her and ... really, she just wanted to hear it again. To confirm, that yes, a man could see her as beautiful.
"You are the most gorgeous woman I've seen in my life. Your beauty will be immortalized in our children. In our children's children and their children and for generations to come. No Renqvist man in the future nor in the past will ever be able to love a woman of as beautiful as Victoria Armani," Urich said smiling against her, wolfish teeth showing through in pleasure.
"And in being able to love a woman as beautiful as you, I'm the luckiest Renqvist man that has ever lived... I love you, Victoria. I must admit, you've worn me to the bone. We should get as much rest as we can."
Victoria sighed and melted beside him, squeezing his hand again and curling her toes.
"You sir, are a cunning liar,"s he smirked. "But I'll buy it this time." She kissed his neck, then breathed against him as she nestled at his side. "And yes.." she began to yawn and had no way to stifle it. "Let us get some rest. That is why you've brought me here, was it not?" she smiled and he might have been able to feel it in her lips as it stretched across them as her face remained against his neck.
"I love you, Mr. Renqvist,"s he spoke into his ear. "Sleep well."
He did sleep well, more relaxed after months of pent up tension. He was sprawled out all over the bed, which were cool with the early morning draft that came up from underneath the door. He opened his eyes saw Victoria beside him. He smiled and slowly got up, body sore from their passionate frenzy, but otherwise in relatively good condition. "Good morning, Victoria," he said softly, not sure if she was awake yet. But something else caught his eye as he looked down at his stomach and was shocked to find it covered in a layer of red.
He pushed down the sheets and saw blood had trailed from between Victoria's legs and all over the bed. "Gods Victoria, wake up!"
Victoria was so exhausted she hadn't heard Urich until he began to exclaim.
"Mmmmm... mmm?" she lifted her head, but noticed, in a slight daze the red on the bed. Then something snapped inside her head and she sat up, appalled, terrified...
There was blood.
There was so much blood.
"U-urich- what!? WHat is that- is that-?" she went ghostly white, nearly fainting at the sight. Blood..
THERE WAS BLOOD. And it was coming from her...
Her stomach lurched, her mind whirled and it didn't take much for the burning sensation to reach her nostrils as she panicked and began to see stars before collapsing back onto the bed, gasping for breath-
she couldn't breath, she couldn't..
She gripped at her chest..
Gods.. what!? What had happened!? What was happening!?
"Urich- I can't.. I can't breath I-"
She was pregnant! She shouldn't be bleeding! Menstrual cycles were null and void but..
unless...
Was she losing the child!?
Urich quickly got to his feet. Despite still being stark naked, he didn't care and jumped up to her side plucking her up from the bed and setting her off to the side. The mattress was soaked, feathers and all and the blood coated Victorias thighs. He didn't know how so much blood could have gotten out of her.
"I don't know Victoria!" he cried, pulling her away. Setting her down for a moment, he grabbed the clean blanket from the floor and covered her to make her decent. "Let's get to the doctor's now!" Urich threw on some trousers and threw on his coat. Shoes and a shirt could wait until a more opportune time.
Victoria didn't know what to do. She simply clung to him, finding herself in a dizzy, in a frenzy. And somehow she was partially dressed, hurdled into a carriage that lurched and roared as the horse thundered into town. She couldn't even tell if she was in pain, she was too busy hyperventilating to know what else to do with herself as she clung onto Urich's hands until the entire skin on them was ghostly white. The, finally, as the doctor's office pulled up into view, she thought she might faint as she leaned into Urich and soon the pair was somehow in the doctor's she didn't even know, she was still seeing spots, their foot steps echoing hauntingly within her ears as Urich and her rushed up the steps.
It was at the commotion Doctor Merrick came out of his room, stunned to see the pair.
"Good Gods, what has happened!?"
If Victoria was at a loss for words, Urich had his tongue trapped in his throat. He could do nothing but breath and try to remain calm as the carriage lurched and rumbled at breakneck speed down the road into town to Dr. Merrick's. He had a feeling of what was going on but he wasn't going to come to any conclusions just yet.
As the doctor finally came to see them, the question was answered with Urich's stern gaze as he helped Victoria back into a bed and pulled her covering open revealing the blood underneath. "I don't know what's wrong...or what happened," Urich admitted, his voice breaking.
"What did you do!?"
"We...we made love! And when we woke up...I found this on her thighs, all over the bed. Doctor what's going on?"
The doctor's face paled s he looked from Victoria to Urich,t hen back to her again.
"Gods, she's lost the child!" was all he could stammer. "I'll need water to help clean her out, and to place on her skin. She's.. she's really cold." The doctor's heart went to his throat as he turned to Urich. "Please, if you could assist me, we need to get her temperature upa dn her body cleaned. There's hot water int he kitchen. We can heat some towels in their steam and apply them to her. Be quick about it. I need to clean her out, examine her."
Victoria made a groan, a noise, appearing about to faint.
"I.. I what?" she wasn't sure if she heard the man properly. The doctor frowned. She was delirious now. He took her hand and looked her in the eyes.
"You lost the child Victoria, but I need to to remain conscious. We're going to clean you and get you warm. You need to eat. You're severely malnourished." he fearfully looked over his shoulders at Urich. "And grab anything you can find for her to eat!"
Victoria was seeing spots, her head was so light she felt as if she were drifting outof the room.
The doctor noticed the signs and swore, splashing water at her face. "VIctoria! STay with us! Don't faint! Gods... she's lost so much blood!" He turned to Urich, fearful he might lose another mother to be if the man did not hurry.
Urich was torn between helping the doctor and staying beside Victoria. But as much as it pained him to tear himself from her side, he knew that if he didn't help or bother to move fast enough he might lose Victoria altogether. Without so much as a word or a whisper, Urich bolted from the room and found his way to the kitchen in the rear. There was a kettle with water steaming in the fireplace. And he plucked it with a pole, pulling it and wrapping a towel around the handle and grabbing several cloths from a wardrobe area.
It was a lot to carry as he found a tray of food, freshly cooked fish and some veggies beside it with a muffin as well. Urich didn't know how much of an appetite she would have in her delirium, but it was worth a shot as he brought all of the needed materials back to Merrick who was busy inspecting her below.
Setting down the supplies by his side he immediately began to steam the towels, holding the towels over the kettle. "Now what do I do?"
Doctor Merrick worked quick to clean out Victoria as best as possible, realizing, with some dread, there had to have been more blood than what he was presented with and held his breath, and held a prayer and moved over to Urich, taking the towels and resting them over Victoria's nearly nude form.
"Just help me get these towels on her- and see if you can't get her to eat. Mash up that fish. See if she can't get that protein down. We need to make sure she stays awake." he frowned, looking at Urich most serious. "If she passe out, there's a good chance she won't ever wake up. Her body needs the energy, especially after all of this blood lose. She's.. well, let's just work fast, shall we? SHe's not lost yet. Just get the food. I have the towels." and he continued to placed them gently over her form, resting them gentle over limbs, neck, body and head, hoping to bring her body some heat and energy.
He did as the doctor instructed him without question and pressed what towels he could on her then moved over to the food, mashing it up and removing the bones and scales. He moved over to Victoria and leaned over her prodded her attention, holding a bite of food for her to eat. "Victoria, please open your eyes. Please eat! Oh gods! Victoria! Stay awake!" He shook her face and slapped her a little to get her attention. "Victoria, eat this! Chew it and swallow!" He shoved the small bite into her mouth.
Despite all of their efforts, it all came in vane, as Victoria's eyes rolled back, her breath deflating of her as her body went cold, without life...
AND SHE DIED.
Poom! *pooms lion for reading post*
JUST KIDDING
OOC: The above trolling HAD to occur
*goes to write real post*
IC:
Victoria found herself coming in and out of a blinding light, her head seeping with tickling heat and chills. She was barely there when Urich asked her to eat, but his voice, the tensity, the anxiety, the fear there was enough to bring her back, just slightly as she murmured a few indistinguishable phrases and found herself making a face, blanching as she was forced to it. Se shivered, the sensation of fish on her tongue none to pleasing as she gagged, but did not vomit, then shivered as she sat up, almost all of the towels having fallen off of her body.
The Doctor's eyes went wild and he moved fast, grabbing for the towels and trying to reapply them.
"Victoria, you must eat!" he pressed, then turned to Urich. "Try again, or give her something- anything to eat. What else is on that plate? Any vegetables. Maybe she can get that down with some water. Then we can try the fish again."
Urich had mashed all of the food on the plate into easy-to-chew bites and as Victoria sat up, he felt some relief upon his shoulders and gave a sigh of relief. But it was short lived as he reached for the vegetables and begged her to eat once more. "Victoria, mash this down! Eat it! It's for your own good," Urich demanded, shoving the food into her mouth with a mix of worry and desperation.
He worked at the muffing as well, mixing parts together on the fork and presenting her with another bite as well as a glass of water. "You terrible woman, i knew I should have dragged you down for dinner! Lemon cake be damned!"
Victoria's eyes rolled some, but each time food was forced into her mouth she was brought back, her cheeks puffing and the food coming out like an infant's, expelling the unwanted mash as she coughed. But then the second try, she took some in, gasping and swallowing it down and guzzling as much water as she could before choking on it.
The doctor held his breath, watching the pair before moving away to get more blankets, then he came in and draped them around her.
"I'm going to bring in some more kettles. The steam might do her some good. Keep trying to get her to eat."
Victoria moaned, grimacing again before swallowing down some more food the turning, dazedly towards Urich.
"But the lemon cake.. was good."she told him weakly, attempting a smile, her words barely there, but there all the same. And when he'd offe rher more food, seh wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "No.. water.. please.."
"No, you'll eat as the doctor said. Just bits at a time. Here, take my coat." Urich wouldn't take no for answer and slipped his jacket from his body before placing it over her shoulders and rubbing her back to warm her. It might even provide her some shred of decency but that was really the least of his worries.
He grabbed up the plate of mashed up food and held it before her, handing off the glass first. He held the fork in a trembling hand and plucked a piece of muffing forth and held it before her mouth. "Eat Victoria. Please. You haven't eaten any real food in months and if you don't you'll die! Eat it!"
VIctoria tried to chew the food, but it seemed hopeless. SHe grabbed onto his hand.
"PLease, just some water. I.. I'm having a hard time swallowing it down,"s he panted.
The doctor returned, this time carrying tea.
"I heard her call for water, but tea might fair better. Here. I've put extra sugar in it. She'll need the energy." he handed over the cup to Urich before turning to his patient.
"Eat as much as you can, Victoria. Your body is in shock and the better off you can fight it to get food down the better. None of us want you dieing on us here. Just eat. Eat! Eat!"
Takign the tea, she did as much as she could, almost gurgling on it before trying a bit more food of this than that, then when she felt hse couldn't take any more, she shook her head and collapsed back onto the bed.
"No.. no more I.. I just can't.." she trembled, tears coming to her eyes.
The doctor motioned to Urich to stop, then he turned to Victoria.
"How do you feel?" he asked, leaning in real close.
Victoria moaned. "Like death." The doctor bristled, but Victoria smiled, eyes searching for Urich. "But I think I'll be ok. I just.. some more tea. If you would. I twas delicious."
The doctor nodded,a nd poured some more, adding sugar. "Here, give this to her, Mr. Renqvist. I shall ready some more. " His eyes met to the werewolf's for but a moment before sighing and nodding his head. "She might be ok. Let's see what she can keep down now."
Urich sat back helplessly, just watching and looking positively ancient as he peered down at her. She looked terrible, though was otherwise alive. He sighed, feeling tears well up even as he wiped them away and forced them back into their ducts. He held his mouth, watching the doctor as he met his eyes and gave his final conclusion.
Urich moved over to Victoria's side and reached for her hand, handing over the tea. "Why are you so foolish, woman? Why would you do this to yourself!? The food...eating, making sure you're rested..." Urich sighed and shook his head. "Victoria...that blood...the child is gone. You miscarried... And it's all my fault. I shouldn't have had sex with you..."
At his words, Victoria closed her eyes.
She didn't know what to do.
She didn't know what to say. So she simply frowned.
Then, after a time, she sighed and opened her eyes, looking right into his.
"I didn't care what would become of me. A life without you hardly seemed worth it." she tried to smile over it, but it fell flat. "Would you forgive a girl for being so stupid?" she said, croaking into tears as they began to stream down her face.
ANd then at his words, the baby was gone, she looked away, and all she could do was whimper and cry.
She supposed she should have felt relieved, but apart of her felt horrible, ghastly and worthless.
"I forgive you, Victoria. But you have to be strong. I want to help you be strong!" Urich fell silent and looked at her as she cried. But something inside of him stirred and without saying a word, he came to her and wrapped his arms around her, burying her face against his chest as she sobbed, knowing those tears came from the prospect of the child she'd just lost.
"It's all right, Victoria! It's all right... We'll be okay," he tried to comfort.
She wanted to be strong. She wanted to be happy, but all she could think about was all of the blood, the unborn child.. her inability to keep it, her inadequacy and she continued to sob and sob.
Doctor Merrick let them alone, silently cleaning the room and bringing in a few fresh blankets that he set nearby. Victoria had taken her time to cry her eyes out and eventually they faded into gentle sobs.
When she stopped, she continued to cling onto him, squeezing him desperately as a few more hot tears slid down her cheeks.
"Oh, Urich. I know I should be happy but I'm terrified. What if-" and she couldn't even speak it as she choked on another sob, her lips trembling as her eyes flittered back more tears.
"What if that happens every time!? What if I can't keep a child!? What if- if.." and again, she fell back to more sobs, unable to control them any longer, her whole world falling into despair.
"Oh, Urich how can I be so strong when I am so terrified?"
"It's all right, Victoria. It won't happen again because I won't let it. It was my fault...not yours. You were in poor health to begin with, I shouldn't have made love to you...You should have told me to leave you alone! Oh, Victoria, I'm so sorry... I'm sorry. It'll be all right. It'll be all right," Urich breathed, clutching her all the more.
At long last he pulled away from her for a moment and turned to the Doctor. "Merrick, would it...would it be all right if we leave now?" he looked at him with swollen eyes, returning to Victoria's side and putting an arm around her.
He sighed but gave a nod. "It would to for her to rest. Whether that be here or back home. It is up to you, Ms. Armani."
Victoria's eyes searched Urich's. SHe listened to his words through tears as she clutched onto him suddenly.
"Is.. is it wise that I should move?" she was so afraid.. what if more blood...
But when the doctor nodded his head, the grip she had on Urich eased up somewhat but she was still pouting as she averted his gaze.
"I.. I suppose it does not matter to me," she stammered, squirming lightly within his arms before her brown eyes met to his. "If you wish to take me home, I trust you'd treat me well and get me there safely."
Urich sat down in the chair beside her, pulling away just enough to remain seated. His hand clutched her until his knuckles were white and finally he shook his head. "No, Victoria. We'll stay here. Until you're well enough. I'll be beside you the whole time. You need your sleep and your rest and to EAT plenty of food. And if there's something wrong, Doctor Merrick will be right here to attend to you."
Urich at long last pulled his hand away from her and sat back to sigh. It didn't help that today he'd planned to leave... He didn't know if postponing it was truly the best thing to do at this time. But it was the only choice to be had. Victoria wasn't well enough to travel, and he felt the longer he stayed in the Valley the more things would go wrong. He would never leave if he didn't leave now.
"Victoria, are you sure you want to come with me? I think maybe travel would put more strain on you than you can bear... You've already been through so much."
OOC: Phsh, like a true gentleman, always trying to leave her behind XD
also, so long as he does not feed her the pizza I couldn't eat last night, she should be fine XD
If he were to feed her that, she'd be a gonner D:
IC:
Victoria wasn't quite sure what Urich meant, her mind hazy, her body so tired, her heart still beating so fast.
"Of course I'll eat,"s he tried to smile for him. "So long as you sneak me some more of that cake.." but her attempt to lighten the mood seemed grey, and she merely nodded her head and turned to the doctor, then back to Urich.
"I told you I trust you," she said, squeezing his hand. "Who better to trust my life with than the werewolf who once wanted to kill me?" She tried to smile again but her eyes were so tired, seh had to close them. She also had no idea what he fully meant-
She did not know he was asking about leaving for the valley.
[He wants to see if abandoning her once again will really kill her!]
He put the plate of mushed food before her once again, hoping she would at least pick at it at best. If not it would be terrible to have to find a place open this early in the morning to provide a proper meal for an ailing woman. Urich's shoulders felt heavy and he pulled his hand away again. He shook his head, "That's not what I mean, Victoria. How can I take you with me when you're in this condition? You'll die before we even get to the Riverlands...and what good would that do either of us? I need to leave this place. I'll go crazy if I stay a moment longer. I love you...I don't want to leave you behind. But I don't think I can wait longer than another day."
OOC: LOL
He probably will at this rate. XD Urich = most selfish lover evar
oh well, guess the thread lasted for as long as it could 8D
IC:
Victoria tried to search his eyes, but as he went on, she began to know, began to realize what he was saying and the light dance inside her eyes began to dim as she turned away.
"Oh, I see." was all she said quietly. She had no idea what to say to that, especially at a time like this, and she was too tired to even cry, to weak, so she merely closed her eyes and said nothing, barely able to swallow down the knot that sealed inside her throat.
[I guess so! 8D They were nice together for the moment]
Urich leaned over Victoria when she closed her eyes, he just stared at her, standing up. As he did so a small smirk began to play at his lips. Was she dead? Was she really dead? He was almost to afraid to see, but he knew better. His grin grew as he drew back, standing over her still. He drew his hand back and before he knew it he slapped it across Victoria's face to get her to wake up, just in case she really did die.
"Victoria!" he cried. "Come to your senses! I was only trying to press your buttons."
OOC: Well if they keep on like this.. lol
IC:
Victoria's eyes opened with a start, tears rolling suddenly down her cheeks as she cried.
"Oh, Urich. You dreadful thing. Please, I am in no condition for any of this."S eh turned away from him, face hot with madness and sadness and if not, she also knew not what else to do, unable to look into his eyes as she felt her heart still breaking. Joking or not, he had done it before and it was a very real fear of hers he'd simply live her behind again.
And if anything was proven here today, it was that she was unfit to carry a child, and for all she knew, this meant she could never carry one-
and then what was she to him?
More useless than her mortal blood was...
"Indeed you are if you think for a moment that you'd believe that I would leave you behind!" Urich went around the bed and leaned over her on the bed, sitting on the edge of it and looking down at her with an amused grin. "Victoria! Look at what just happened to us...you miscarried...but it's not the end of the world. I have something that i think will make you feel a whole lot better...and if it doesn't, then you'll have to get over the initial shock of it all."
Urich pulled out something from his pocket, it was small and round, with a glimmering blood-red ruby in between two diamonds to the left of it along the band, and two small sapphires on the opposite sides. It wasn't very big, but big enough to to make that diamond ring she'd had green with envy.
"Go on, then, take it," Urich said. "But just know that if you do, you'll be chained to my side forever."
OOC: He's so horrible XD
ANd yeah, I still think he's trying to kill her! *wary*
IC:
Victoria listened as he spoke, but refused to look at him, feeling ashamed and uncertain and upset all at the same time. Then when he grew quiet, she heard him fumbling for something, and released a hot sigh. then upon hearing his words,s he finally looked at him, eyes hot and angry, face glowing before her eyes looked down at the-
And then she began to choke, gripping at her chest as words, air, spit- all of it became congealed within her throat and was sucked into her wind pipe, and left her sputtering into the most horrible and violent of sobbing fits that the doctor had raced back into the room- only to hear just in time for Victoria to wail out once she caught her voice.
"You ARE trying to kill me, Mr. Renqvist!" Victoria shouted, hands into fists, hitting him, beating him- much to the surprise f the doctor who only paused awkwardly in midstep to watch as Victoria was suddenly thrashing Urich across the chest. "Oh, how I hate you, you wicked man! Give me that ring!" she said, hotly grabbing it with a huff then shoving it onto her finger, with a grunt at first, the damn knuckle, and then admiring it just before her vision clouded over with tears.
"oh.." she whimpered, eyes sparkling at the color as tears ran hotly down her face. Then she turned to Urich, staring at him, not sure whether to kiss him or slap him-
So she did both, slapping him hard before throwing herself upon him.
"Oh, why are you so cruel to me?" she spoke into his ear. "But you do realize this means you are chained to my side forever, too."
Urich couldn't help the laughter that came out of his belly and came billowing out of his mouth, wide and happy at the anger she presented. The slap was a given, he'd slap him too if he was in her position. But the kiss, just about took his breath away. His arms went instinctively around her, pulling her weakened form up from the bed as he melted into her kiss.
He laughed again. "Darling, if I was trying to kill you, I'd use my hands. You know what I'm capable of first hand anyway," he replied, kissing her neck. "And I want to be chained to your side. I would have given the ring to Melissa other wise. Don't slap me again." He pressed his lips hard against hers, hunger and rage and sadness all bundled into one sensual kiss.
When at last he pulled away, not letting her go still, he smiled. "Victoria, does this mean you'll be my wife then?"
Victoria lay within his arms in a pool of pleasantry. Really, he just need kiss her like that a few times and she'd gladly sink into the grave a happy woman. Sighing, she looked up into his eyes, grin smug, though tired.
"We shall see, Mr. Renqvist."S he said, a gentle hand trailing up his cheek. "I wear it in hopes that I can, but we shall see if you can survive the engagement." And she leaned in, kissing his cheek, then whispering hotly into his ear. "And perhaps someday, if I am not entirely broken, I might be a woman healthy enough to bare your children." She then kissed at his neck.
Urich laughed again. "I'll find a way to survive. I always do. My home was destroyed. My wolves were turned into puppies! My whole life was systematically dismantled before my very eyes! I think I can handle an engagement. Just as long as you can handle being married to a moody wolf-man who likes to make you mad." He laughed again and kissed her.
But at her last phrase, he gave a coy smile and gave a nervous laugh. "Well, you know, we don't have to have children right away. I think we can go a few years...before trying for children. They always say once the child comes along, you grow old by ten years a year!" But he couldn't get over the knot growing in his stomach at the prospect of having children... What if this all happened again? He would never be able to forgive himself.
"Maybe we won't even have children at all,"s he said honestly, and across a cool breath she exhaled upon his cheek. Sighing again, she just held onto him tightly the finally moved her face so she could look into his eyes and cupped his cheek, kissing him softly for a long, gentle moment-
only to realize, through a murmur, the doctor was present as she tore her lips away suddenly from his and gasped, clinging onto the blankets that barely clothed her nearly naked form.
"Goodness, Doctor Merrick!" Her face went red and the Doctor could not help himself but laugh.
"Do not mind me. It seems you are already on the mend, and engaged I see. Congratulations, Victoria." He nodded to her. "And Urich, you too." He smiled.
Her blush hastened to grow across her face.
"Erm, yes, thank you, Doctor Merrick." she said, moving a bit uneasily before looking down at the various jewels that glittered upon her finger. She smiled, her smile touching her eyes before looking back to him."I migh thave to agree. It seems conventional methods might not do for a woman like me."
"I won't lie, the Armani women were always difficult." he said with a laugh. "I rememeber your mother very fondly. She was as stubborn as you are. Though I am glad to see you ar ealright. I will, erm.." he cleared his throat. "I shall leave you two alone for now. You need rest, Miss Armani, and do try to eat as much as you can."
Victoria smiled warmly and nodded.
"That I will."
And then as the Doctor left, she gave a rather coy, foxish grin towards her fiance.
"Well, Mr. Renqvist.." she said, fingers curling into the collar of his shirt, one he only half wore from the urgency of their situation. "I do think I would very much like something real to eat. Ah.. perhaps some rare stake, or stuffed flounder or..." her mouth was drooling at the prospect. She gave a dreamy stare up at him, a warm grin. "Would it be silly to request such a thing at such an hour?" she asked, sighing softly, sweetly and most contentedly before looking down at the ring she wore and blushed again.
A ring from Urich...
Yes, she would be Mrs.Victoria Renqvist someday, and it sent a flutter of excitement to her heart.
Urich smiled at the exchange between the doctor and Victoria. It was nice to know somebody had known her family so well, for Victoria didn't know much of it herself. It seemed stubborness seemed to run in her blood. Well, that definitely explained a lot! He at least was a werewolf and an old man set in his ways...and maybe his mother was a little stubborn too...but that was beside the point. He could only be proud that some day...maybe in the future, their children would be just as strongwilled as they are.
Victoria pulled at his shirt and he turned back to look at her. His grin only widened. If he didn't know any better he might have thought the pregnancy hungers were already kicking in. "I don't think that should be a problem. Now you don't go anywhere. Get some rest. I should be back within an hour." He leaned down and quickly pecked her lips before departing to the nearest tavern.
"Keep an eye on her, would you Doctor Merrick?" he asked. And the doctor motioned him to go.
Urich walked down the street, looking a little more like an urchin, with old wrinkled trousers and a tattered shirt covered in a bit of the blood that remained. Shame he left his coat back with Victoria. But she could hold on to it while he was gone.
[Not sure if you wanted to throw in any surprises or anything while Urich is away, so I left it open for you just in case.]
A coldness came like the quietness of a whisper, starting from the shadows nearby. When the werewolf was in view, the man made himself more known, brushing his side in an obvious gesture before pausing and tipping his hat at the man and exposing a sharp fang.
"Goodness, Mr. Renqvist," the vampire prince purred as she leaned in near to him. "Is that blood I smell on your body?" He leaned in even closer and his eyes went wide and if possible, his skin went a little whiter. "My and it's not even yours!" His eyes flickered to Urich's. "So you've killed her then?" He wondered with a toothy pout. "It's a shame.I bet her blood tasted good when fresh." he stated, moving a finger across it and barely getting a thing of it on the tip of his finger. He sighed and licked it anyways, sucking it into his mouth before realizing, as he made a face. "Wait-" his eyes went to Urich's. "This blood is.. So the child is already? Are they both!?" THe man looked terrified beyond words as she asked, leaning away from Urich rather than into him like he had been but a moment ago.
Urich was just as surprised to see the man and froze, hair bristling on the back of his neck when he came nearer. His claws retracted, ready to slash open his throat, but he just waited tensing and watching him with narrowed eyes. The blood... Oh, right, he'd almost forgotten about that and when he reached out to get a taste of it, Urich felt air burst through his nostrils in laughter, but he held his tongue.
It wasn't until Adelram leaned away that he burst out laughing. "You just tasted uterin blood. You really are disgusting vampire. Why don't you find another opera house to burn down? Or some poor cousin to settle debts. Or if you insist, why don't you just be a gentleman and just go to Merrick's and visit with Victoria. She might even be glad to see you."
The vampire smirked at Urich's invitations.
"The pair of us could do something else together. more at our own leisure?" The vampire purred.
"And I've already done all of those things, well, except visit that enchanting woman. So I suspect she is in town?" he tilted his head curiously at the wolf, eyeing him hungrily. "I'm surprised you offered me to go to that woman of yours. I can taste that you've breeded." His grin went wider before he waved it off. "But none the less, I suppose you won't be in need of my services, seeing as you've already killed off the child. Ho hum, suppose we can find other things to do to entertain ourselves now? And speaking o fher cousin, he's making a rightly fine vampire." The prince grinned most proudly. "He screamed a lot at first, don't you worry about that. I saw to it that his death was immaculately horrid. BUt shall I notify the woman? Miss Armani? She might be delighted to hear such news in her condition."
"I think you can tell that to my fiancee yourself, Adelram. You're all grown up, I'm sure you can manage for yourself," Urich was really in a hurry and didn't want to waste anymore time talking with this man who suddenly seemed to have a knack for standing in sunlight. Well, he supposed the cloak and hat he wore helped shielded him from its harmful rays.
"I'm really in a hurry, so if you don't have anything important to say, I would call this little meeting over, eh? Nothing else then? Good, then I'll be on my way. Good day to you," Urich bowed and bashed his shoulder into the vampire as he stalked away.
OOC: Yeah I was imagining him garbed in something ridiculous to keep his skin off the sun lol
IC:
Prince Adelram only grinned, sharp fangs showing against his lips as he waved off cheerily to Urich.
"Perhaps I will go to her later! You know, in the spring time when she bears you a litter of pups!"
The vampire smiled with delight. Oh, this werewolf was awfully fun to tease!
OOC: SHORT POST IS SHORT
Urich only shrugged, unimpressed by the thought. "You could try, but I wouldn't worry too much about that. We're not planning on having children anytime soon. And I doubt your semen could provide any light of life, being dead and all. Look, Adelram, why don't you just leave me and Victoria alone? All you've been since we've met is a nuisance. You already have her cousin, what more could you possibly want from her?"
Adelram's smile was so wide that it reached his ears.
"Oh, you silly wolf!" the prince laughed. "That is hardly what I meant. I merely meant that I would inform her later about her cousin." and he giggled. This was so delightful. How ruffled the feathers were of this wolf. And so delicious he was when ruffled. Adelram leered Urich from beneath the heavy shade of his hat, but he was feeling tiresome and weak being in the sun.
"But there will be puppies at one time, I am certain," he commented , then tipped his hat ad spoke across a breath as he disappeared. "Goodday, Urich. Good day."
"Yeah, yeah, see ya, never hopefully," Urich sighed and rolled his eyes. Why did such an annoying man have to live forever? Well, the most deserving rarely got what they deserved. The good died young and the evil lived forever, it was the way of life.
Urich moved on to the tavern and took Victoria's meal as she asked for it, taking it in a small box with a wax paper cover over it. Of course it was far more expensive to cover the cost of the crate and for having it 'to-go' which they didn't seem to understand so easily. And just as quickly returned to Doctor Merrick's.
When Urich would arrive, he'd hear the warm, soft laughter of his fiancee. Her and the Doctor were talking in the other room. Their conversation died out the moment Victoria heard Urich approach as she smiled.
"Oh, Urich. You've brought it?" Her eyes were dancing at the prospect of meat, then she turned away from him to Doctor Merrick, who stood up from where he was sitting at the foot of Victoria's bed.
"Thank you, Doctor."
He patted her hand warmly. "It's my pleasure. Always a pleasure to talk about them." he chuckled and moved to depart. "I'll leave you two to be alone for a time. I need to be off anyways. I've had a house call." ANd he bowed to Urich. "See that she eats most of it." he said with a grin, then was off.
Victoria, sighing satisfyingly, reached a hand out for Urich.
"Oh, please tell me they had something sweet to offer for dessert?" she said, taking his hand and squeezing it.
Frankly, he didn't know she wanted dessert. Or maybe he just hadn't been paying attention. Adelram was awfully good at getting people sidetracked from more important things. Damn that vampire. But at least he was out of their hair for now.
Urich set the food aside and went into the kitchen for a clean plate and utensils before returning them to Victoria's side. He pulled out the freshly cooked steak and whatever the hell else it was she asked for on it and set it before her, placing the wax paper back over the cover. "Oh, dear, I think I have forgotten it. All they had was was some chocolate cheesecake. But I'm sure you don't want that."
Victoria smiled.
"It does not matter. This will suffice." And she worked at her food, eating just about all of it before pushing the empty crate aside and sighing as she rested back into the pillow. From there, she smiled up at Urich, then lifted up her hand, fanning out her finger to admire the sparkling jewels.
"So why this ring?" she asked, turning to him and smiling tenderly. "Any specific reasons for the colors and these jewels?" She curled her toes, leaning a bit towards him and eager to know if there was any special reason behind surprisingly her with such a pretty ring.
"Come, you can tell me all about it, or not all about it while laying beside me on the bed." She smiled tiredly at him. "I'd like to hear your voice, to hear you talk to me before I fall asleep. I'm so tired, but Im afraid to sleep.. afraid to fall asleep here alone."
"oh, calm down, Victoria Armani. Where else am I going to go? I don't have a house, I'm leaving Henry's, you're coming with me. You worry enough for the both of us," Urich said chuckling. He sat beside her and held her hand, squeezing it, watching her admire the ring.
His smile immediately faded and he sighed, knowing she'd come to ask about it. "I didn't get to pick the color," he admitted. "I didn't get to pick the ring. I...I got it from Henry's. I stole it."
Victoria blinked, observing him for a moment before leaning back with a start.
"Stole it!?" She looked down at her hand, drawing her other hand's fingernails to her lips. Then she looked back to him. "You stole an engagement ring from Mr. Henry to give to me?"
She wasn't sure if she should be happy at the intention, or appalled at the process. Shaking her head, she closed her lips and only smiled at him.
"You know I'd love even a ring woven out of grass so long as it was from you." She stated, kissing his lips softly. "but you do realize we'll have to either pay him or give it back." She said sadly, sighing. "Unless of course.." her fingers itched as she thought ove ra wicked idea, blushing. "It would take him some time to find out, of cousre and by then, we may already gone." She cast her eye shamefully away from his- but she hardly wanted to part with the ring..
It already meant so much to her..
evne if it was stolen.
But it had been stolen.. for her.
Urich laughed at her blushed cheeks, smiling from ear to ear. Oh, it was quite easy to believe that he would steal such a thing since the very home he'd owned was practically stolen, all his money was found or stolen, even the clothes he wore on his back weren't even his own. "Oh, my, Victoria, you're coming out to be quite the grand jewel thief aren't you? You naughter girl," Urich laughed again, leaning over her.
"But you see, I think that would hurt Mr. Henry's feelings quite a bit. Me, working for him for all these months and then suddenly steal from him. The man practically treated me as if I were his own son, took me into his home, gave me work when I needed it. He's a good man, an honest man that stands by his word. But indeed, it is the perfect plan. Weave my way into his home, gain his trust and his confidence, then rob him blind of one of the most valuable things he owns. Why this ruby alone could easily fetch a few thousand gold, as the crow flies that is."
Urich reached out a hand to admire the ring. "Well, this does look quite good on your finger. You have a lovely hand, my lady. It would sure be a shame to give this ring back. But you know, honestly I feel bad. The Henry's are good people and don't deserve to have such a thing taken from them, even if they wouldn't notice. We should definitely give the ring back. Mr. Henry would be so crushed."
He laughed again, pulling her hand up to this lips and kissing it softly. "Oh, Victoria, I'm just kidding. I didn't steal the ring. Do you really think so low of me that you would believe that I would steal from good people like the Henry's? Oh, but those of few morals have extended career paths, darling.
"The truth is, that ring was a gift. It was from Mrs. Henry. We made love and she didn't have anything to pay me that day, so she gave me the ring, with a hearty wink of course. Lovely old woman, lot of energy too. OH, don't look at me like that. I'M KIDDING! I'm kidding!" His stomach hurt from all the laughing. "Mrs. Henry did give me that ring. When she learned that I was in love with you, she knew that buying an engagement ring would cut into my funds, and I wouldn't be able to travel. So she gave me that ring as a parting gift, and a gift to start my new life with you, Victoria, in case I finally decided to propose. It was her engagement ring. Mr. and Mrs. Henry both wanted you to have it."
Victoria's face twisted each time he lied.
"Oh, you fiendish man!" she said, hitting him,but sighed, too tired to it up as she sunk back into her pillows and closed her eyes. She wasn't about to oblige him with any sort of response to that. So she remained, ignoring him, arms folded over her chest, which erm, pressed her heavy breasts together exquisitely (she had the best cleavage, after all), and kept her nose to the air, eyes closed.
"Let I remind you this woman nearly died. Now if you please, before you give me a heart attack, I must get some rest!" And along with it, she hurled a pillow at his face and turned her back to him. Really! Of all the devilish things that man could do or say!
Urich caught the pillow and set it behind his head, relaxing beside her as she laid on her side to rest. He was busy admiring her barely covered back, which fit nicely into his coat. Without a word he leaned forward and pulled the jacket from her shoulders and set it over her side in a sort of blanketing fashion, in addition to the blankets.
"You get some rest darling. You'll need it for the long road ahead. And just remember, I'm right beside you if you need anything," Urich said, patting her hair and kissing her on her temple, before taking his chair, putting his feet up and laying back himself. Yes, he could use some much needed rest too.
Victoria awoke the next day in a slobbering pool of her own drool. She had slept through nearly half the day, for it was nearly two in the afternoon when she asked. Freaking out, Doctor Merrick informed her that her Aunt was on her way. And when she did, Victoria thought her Aunt was going to faint. When the situation was explained, her and her aunt shared a quiet moment together as they hugged, then together, the three of them, along with Draegr, (who had slipped inside during the night and had slept beneath Victoria's bed side); began to make their way back towards Armani keep, Frederick manning the horses in his undead slump.
Once inside, it was only then her aunt seemed reluctant to have Victoria leave, but after she explained it and saw the ring, she smiled and wished the two of them luck. So it was to begin, and there was much to be done, for Victoria had a lot of clothing.
Draegr remained at her heels, her cat on it's bed, purring contentedly, until Urich would come near Then when the werewolf was within range, the little grey feline would swipe at him and hiss. It wasn't very found of the man.
Sighing, Victoria went about packing up her things.
"Oh, which dress. Hrm.. Perhaps this yellow one wiht the stripes? Though I like yellow, I think it makes me look dreadful."S he made a face, sighing. "Oh, but there's a nice velvet one." She turned to Urich. "What sort of things shall I pack? And how long shall we be away? I'm afraid i'm uncertain on the weather. I suppose I could pack two parasols to be sure, and a few things for enchantments. Oh, and we should stop in town. I could fetch us some money from the bank. I'm sure we'll need it if we're going to be traveling so far."
Urich had to wonder how they were going to travel with all of her clothing in tow. Of all the dresses he destroyed, they only seemed to multiply like demon-spawn, and in all various colors, sizes, shapes, and designs. The gods only knew how two of them alone would manage to fit into one travel bag. And in a small flicker of his old home, he'd forgotten how much fun it was to dress up, and he then mourned the loss of all his wardrobe, his jackets and cravats and waistcoats and slacks and leathers and boots and rings and amulets and pocketwatches and the gleaming buttons that he'd twist together and shine with unbridled perfection.
He had to wipe a tear away, ignoring the cat he didn't know she had for three whole months. That was until it tried to scratch him. He bared his fangs and scowled at the fluffy beast, but it was clearly unimpressed and slapped its tail on the bed with fervent irritation, making a low moan of feline displeasure.
"The weather is magician's bag of uncertainty," Urich answered, sitting across the room, finally dressed in a simple beige, if dull, suit and boots clean and polished. He looked up at her and offered her something of a glare but it was quickly followed by a wry grin. "We'll be going to the Riverlands. It'll be much warmer there by the time we make it. But you'll need something warm for the snow when we pass through the mountains of Northern Serendipity. I'd take a coat, a thick one. Or, alternitively you could always skin that hand muff you call a cat. That should warm you nicely."
He laughed outloud and the cat only hissed at him.
"We'll be away a few months and we could always buy more dresses. If we combine our money, we'll have enough to live comfortably while we travel. Mr. Henry was kind enough to sell me one of his better carriages. It's sturdy and should take us a good deal of the way. Though I don't know how it'd fare underneath the weight of all your dresses."
Victoria turned to Urich, face going long and appearing most unamused.
She gave a sniff.
"How is a lady meant to travel if not with her dresses? I do need to be clothed, Urich, despite what you may wish. Oh, and lest we forget my hats," she said, leering him with a mischievousness smirk. "Perhaps an enchanted one, just incase?" She had leaned in so close to him, it looked as if she might have stolen a kiss.
but she did not nad whirled away, leaving him to eat her scent of vanilla and cinnamon before she went back to her closet.
"And shoes. Perhaps some boots for travel?" she peered out to him curiously. "Oh and curlers to set in my hair, and a few ribbons I'm sure. And shawl, hrmm.. perhaps just one shawl. Most of the ones I have are rather ghastly old things."
"Victoria, Victoria, please! You're going on a trip for a few months!" Urich laughed and leaning back in his chair. "Why don't you demonstrate a few outfits for me and I can help you decide? But please, nothing yellow, you'd look like a pineapple just about ready to pop, considering how big your breasts are." He laughed again. "Why don't you put it into one of two categories. What you need to survive (http://youtu.be/G1CYg0vIygE), and what you don't."
[Sound familiar!?]
Victoria sighed, but smiled over towards Urich, throwing herself against him suddenly and kissing him long and hard upon the lips.
"Oh, I suppose you are right. I was never really good at making things concise. Perhaps just a dress or two and a few things for travel then?" She smiled up at him warmly, then leered him like a fox. "What color would prefer to see one me, my love?" Her fingers traipsed up his chest. "If pineapple is so hideous, what do you think can.." and here she purposely squeezed her breasts together to give a fuller effect. "Make my assets look more desirable?" She kissed softly at his lips again than at his cheek. "I used to think red looked charming on me, scandalous even but oh.. it would not be appropriate for travel." she spoke, kisses moving towards his ear.
OOC: Yay, space balls XD
Urich laughed again against her lips, the moment of flirtation too infectious to pass up. He liked this. He only wished he could demonstrate the same for her, but it was too bad such a thing was quite impossible, seeing as he had no real wardrobe to speak of.
When she squeezed her chest together, he went in and kissed each one as if they were the crowns of children's heads. "Well, darling, if we are getting anywhere with this, then I'm going to have to say, let's try on all the scandalous ones first, and see which ones are the best amongst them. Let's try a dark, dark....deep, luscious, scintillating, dripping with sex, dark red."
Victoria smirked and leaned into him, her eyes locking onto his gaze with saucy intentions, especially the way she was positioned just so across his body, hip to hip, chest to chest.
"You would want to see me in something red," she told him, kissing softly at his neck. "But would you really wish to waste so muhc time helping me lace up my dark red dress? The one I have has laces up the front and back," she informed him as a purr into his ear.
"Oh, I won't worry about the lacing up, Victoria, you'll do just fine without the lacing. Besides it'll make it that much easier to slip you out of the dress and into the next one." Urich smiled mischieviously at her and shrugged his shoulders. He felt awkward, just a little, being like this after what had just happened. Even if they were getting married, she seemed so ready to drape herself across him like some blanket, but the very thought of it had him squirming and not in a good way. He could only hope she would stick with the dresses. But if he played his cards right, maybe she would.
Victoria smirked but merely sighed, yawning a bit as she nestled herself ontop of him.
"All of this excitement has made me exhausted. Would it be alright if I took a nap before we left? I fear packing frugally, well at least the idea of it, has already wore me out." She sighed and closed her eyes. "After all, are we in such a rush?" she asked, idly playing with the collar of his shirt.
But in truth..
a part of her was a bit anxious for this adventure. She was excited for it yes, but just the slightest bit afraid. It was certainly opening a whole new chapter in her life; and hopefully a chapter to help her forget a few of the things she did wish to leave behind.
Urich sighed and turned his head away to look out the window. While it was all nice to play these games and certainly the thought about having Victoria dress and undress in front of him had his blood running hot, indeed he was in a hurry. He'd stayed here long enough and they were just wasting time sitting here when he already wanted to be well on his way.
"Why?" he asked. "Are you scared about leaving? Don't you want to go now? We won't be gone forever, just a few short months and we can come back to visit, to see how things are going. Maybe we'll even have a house here and one in the Riverlands and we can come between the two of them... Maybe when you come back, you'll have work with the Council. They have to make up their minds about you sometime."
Victoria grew quiet. She wasn't sure how she felt about all of this. Scared? Yes, a little.
And then the Council....
Victoria sighed against Urich's chest as she kept her head nestled there, her other hand to his shoulder.
"I do not know what the Council will think of me now. As much as my types are rare, they have strict rules to follow." Peering up at Urich, she looked into his soft, green eyes. She smiled at him, albeit sadly. "I'm only a little scared if you must know." she told him, leaning forward to softly kiss his lips. "But it's only at the prospect of uncertainty. I mean, what are you and I to do in the Riverlands? Do we plan to cause some mischief?" she said, smirking in good humor.
"The council is filled with nothing more than stuffy old people who have nothing better to do than to run the lives of others, and if they can't run them, then they'll do all in their power to ruin them. I wouldn't mind if you decided to leave them altogether, but I understand, Victoria, that you can't. It's been your life's work for so long." Urich sighed and brought a hand up to brush his fingers through her hair, tired but anxious, empty but filled.
"Oh, darling," Urich said, turning his head to look at her again, smiling. "You know that wherever you and me go, trouble seems to follow. Maybe it's just in our blood, maybe it's in the water we drink. But I do believe the Valley has cursed us, in a way that we would never find peace. Would need to die first, but as long as I'm around, I won't lt anyone just take you away from me. Whether or not you knew it, you belonged to me. I saw you first after all. And you know what they say: finders, keepers."
"Oh, is that so?" she said, smirking down at the devilish wolf. "Are you taking possession of me, Mr. Renqvist?" she teased, her hands moving up his chest, only to smooth over it and sighing, her eyes keeping to his. "Is that the real reason you wish to marry me? To have me all to yourself?" Smiling she sat up. "But I suppose enough of this teasing. I am dreadfully tired but our flirtations will hardly get my bags packed and it seems you will not leave me to any rest." She shrugged it off, smiling at him. "But in all honesty.." she went on, growing more serious. "I have more clothes than I'd need for such an expedition and I hate to admit it, but in all truths, I know not what would be proper for extended travel. And as much as it would be fun to travel in red, I suppose something more erm, prudish would make more sense, my love? After all, it's not like you are taking me to a ball so we can go dancing." She smiled at that. "Though I would love to go dancing." She leered him. "I have never danced with a wolf before."
"You're right. And when you're right you're right. I guess I better get used to that. My father learned quickly that my mother was never wrong, and even when she was wrong, she was right. It's the unwritten law of marriage. But I digress. We'll talk more about balls and dances later...perhaps sometimes soon. But for now, we pack. I hear there's a ball happening this evening in the town's council chambers. I heard it was a festival of some kind. Perhaps, if you're good, we can go dancing and leave in the morning...yet again."
Urich laughed and prodded her to get off of his lap so that he could stand. And with that done, he got to work on helping her sort her better dresses. And secretly hid the luscious red dress underneath the ones she'd chosen.
OOC: Lol, quoting space balls again?
Also one must wonder why Victoria has such a dress |8*
IC:
SKirts in the back, hosery stuffed away and a few hats and this and that and before they (finally) knew it, Victoria was neatly packed. Wiping off her brow, her face, somewhat flushed from the exertion, she turned to Urich and smiled.
"I suppose that ought to do it. It feels.. exciting to be moving again. But I won't lie. I am still feeling quite exhausted after all that has been happening. But I suppose I'll be able to rest up in the carriage." Smiling, she leaned forward and stole a kiss from her lover, pressing her hands against the warm skin just beneath his neck.
"Let me get on my riding boots and hat and we can be off then?"
And as she fussed over them, there was a knock at the door, just as Draegr decided he wanted to be playful.
"D-Draegr!" Victoria gasped as the pup (well, almost full grown wolf this point, but it still had the puppy lithe ness to it) stole her boot! "Give me back my boot!" she started, just as Aunt Millicent opened the door.
"Well now, I see everything seems to be in order?" her Aunt began, looking at the room which was in some dissaray.
Victoria blushed, nose to air.
"Yes, well enough to travel," she began, primping her hair then turned to her aunt and asked, "Would you mind retrieving my boot? Draegr, I fear, thinks that he is helping by slobbering all over it and I feel too exhausted to stand." She moaned, reaching into her pack and drawing out a fan to fan off her face.
Her Aunt smiled and shook her head, turning to Urich and, expecting him to retrieve the boot, she stole a moment with her niece.
"How are you fairing?" she asked, but Victoria only smiled.
"I m fairing alright, considering.."
Her Aunt nodded, and stole a brief hug, then sighed and turned away. "Well, you take care of my niece, you hear?" she turned to Urich, giving him a stern, but affectionate gaze. "She's in a delicate condition, so travel slow, not fast. I know you are both eager to be out of this place but-" And here, Aunt Millicent had to paues and turn away, turning to tears. Victoria gasped.
"Really, Aunt Milli!" She rose from her bed. "You act as if I'll be gone forever." And she hugged her Aunt fierce. "We'll be back before you know it."
"I know, but I can't help it,"s he stammered, brushing back some tears feebly, for only more seemed to collect. "Now.. are you sure you have everything? Brush?"
"Yes"
"Your fan?"
She held it up. "Yes."
"Some money and supplies?"
"Yes, yes, we'll be getting those in town!" Victoria pressed, sighing impatiently as she tried to usher her Aunt away.
"Oh, Victoria, it's just that.. well.. it won't be the same without you around this old house."
And now it was Victoria's time to.. well.. almost cry as she two shared another rare embrace before Aunt Millicent finaly let her go.
Victoria pulled away and turned to Urich.
"I suppose I am ready.."
But then her aunt cleared her throat, and Victoria's eyes went down to her foot- the one missing the boot.
"OH! Well, heavens! I'm almost ready." Snatching up her boot, she fell back into the ruffles of her dresses as they heeped around her as she sat on the bed and tugged the lacings on her boot real tight before tieing it shut. Then, standing, she was quick to latch onto Urich's arm.
"I suppose it is finally time to be off?" she said, only to find her Aunt clearing her throat again.
"I.. forgot to mention one thing. You.. you'll need a valet."
Victoria raised a questionable brow.
"A valet?"
Frederick moaned as he lurched out from behind Aunt Millicent.
"Where are your bags, Miss Victoria," he said, head hanging low and green, lips puckered and gaping open as a cochroach curled inside, and the valet shut his jaw, idly crunching the cochroach until it was no more. Then he swallowed him away. "Allow me to take them to your carriage." ANd he bowed properly as Aunt Millicent rose with a broad grin.
"I have instructed Frederick to go with you."
And all Victoria could do was stare.
"Yes, he will work as your valet. Should you need him, that is, and he doesn't eat.. well, much of anything. SO it would do you well not to protest and simply take him."
[Because every woman has a dress she dreams to be ripped out of]
At long last Victoria was finally packed, her suitcase ready and Draegr made off with one of her boots, scurrying past her aunt when she opened the door. Urich couldn't help but laugh. He wondered if the wolf would be happy to reunit with his siblings sometime off in the woods. They were not quite grown, but had grown attached to the forests surrounding the Henry estate and only came inside when convenient for them. It was difficult to sleep on cold hard ground when you were so used to sleeping in front of a warm fireplace on a soft rug.
That and they wouldn't dream of leaving Urich or Victoria behind.
But nor would there be room for the other pups to travel with them in the carriage. It was small and sturdy and would barely be big enough to hold all of Victoria's travel gear that she apparently required. But at least he snuck that dress in there.
When they were finally downstairs saying their final goodbyes, Urich raised a brow at the prospect of having Frederick along with them. Not that having a valet wasn't a nice idea, but it would make for an awful scene to have such a thing rotting and following them through their journey. But he could't help a smirk. It'd be awfully interesting to see how the corpse fared in snow.
Draegr was waiting in the carriage, holding Victoria's boot for ransom. Urich helped her in the carriage. But then his expression changed completely, face going white as he suddenly closed the door without coming inside. "Wait here!" he commanded, running off. Then yelled behind him, "I forgot someone!"
He rushed to the gardens, and knelt down into the dirt. It took a little digging but eventually he found the skull of Robern and pulled it from the soft soil. He dusted it off and smiled at the thing. "Hello Robern," Urich said.
"Hello, Master Urich! How long has it been since you put me out here?"
"Two months."
"Oh...my. Well, are we leaving again?"
"Yes! And you're invited."
"Oh good. I was wondering how long you were going to leave me in the dirt!"
Urich laughed and cradled the skull under his arm as he usually did and returned to the carriage, climbing inside.
"Hello, Miss Victoria!" Robern said, smiling at her.
OOC: D: how did you-
*makes no comment* |8*
---------
Victoria blinked as Urich dashed away, puffing out her cheeks as she gave him a lame glare.
"Who could he have possibly forgotten?" she said, scratching angrily at the back of Draegr's ear and the wolf pup loved it, lulling out his tongue, but just as he began to return, her eyes went wide with surprise.
"Oh, Robern!"
The skeleton head was ever smiling at her from where it stared at her through empty sockets.
"Hello, Robern. How have you been? It's been.. how many months now? Quite a few too many." She seemed pleased and turned back to Urich, nodding to him as she scooted closer to his side affectionately. She might as well enjoy the fact she had a made, and cuddling up beside him was quite nice. He smelled good, after all.
"So, my husband to be, how long will this journey last? But we should take a moment to be in town. We should travel at least in style. I do have money, after all."s he reminded.
Draegr's tail began to thump against her legs, his tongue out and panting, eyes happily taking in Robern before he began to paw at the man, then leaned his muzzle forward, lapping at the skull with a hot tongue. It seemed the pup was glad to see Robern, too.
OOC: Short post is short |8*
and you know Victoria is totally going to find the dress, try to wear it to seduce him , only to find herself in some sort of trouble and stuck wearing such a erm, revealing piece lol.
[*pokerface* |8]
"OKAY! OKAY! I GET IT!" Robern cried out as the pup licked off the remaining dirt of his skull. But having no body he was helpless and Draegr only stopped when Urich slipped a hand in to pull the head away from him and set it across on the side of him. The wolf pup bared his teeth a little at having it taken away but otherwise relaxed and wined, licking Urich's face in one sloppy kiss.
Urich laughed and wiped it off with his free hand. "Oh, didn't you teach that wolf of yours any manners while in your care?" Urich asked as he looked over at Victoria, smirking and laughing loudly. He was happy to say the least, to finally be on their way.
"Darling, we already talked about this, we will stop in town. Just for the night to rest up and have a little fun before we set off South, okay? We'll go dancing and have drinks and for once you can finally be a normal lady, instead of hidden away from the world in that dreadful manor, like a caged bird? Is that all right with you?" Urich asked.
OOC: OH I SEE WHY HE BROUGHT THE DRESS NOW
|8
He can't do that while they're dancing! That would be scandalous!
IC:
Victoria blushed a bit.
"Well, I... " she began, then clamped her mouth shut with a smile as she sighed. "I suppose I forgot." But then at the idea of getting out and dancing, her smile grew. "That sounds like a marvelous idea, wolf." she cooed, leering him. "But what shall we do with all of the pups? I suppose we could keep them out by the carriage." She thought it over, always worrying about the tiny details rather than just relaxing for the moment. " I suppose Robern and Frederick could take care of it. Suppose that might have been one reason Aunt Millicent decided to let us bring Frederick."S he smiled over at Urich, then her eyes softened as she leaned against him, entangling her hands into his. "Wake me when we get there, won't you?" She smoothed her hands down her skirts. "I'm still so dreadfully tired. I wouldn't want to be a tired bore while we're supposed to be enjoying ourselves this evening." And here she stifled a yawn and nestled against him contentedly, giving his hand a light squeeze to silently let him know how she felt for him as she breathed softly with her eyes closed.
Urich let her sleep beside him, pulling her into an embrace to let her sleep, brushing her hair away from her face. "Just rest darling, we'll be there in a bit. Oh, Frederick, my friend, take it slow please and gentle, the lady needs her rest." He smiled at the rotting valet. It was about an hour or so before they arrived into town. It was still quiet as usual, and it seemed they were only just here hours ago. Well, that's because they were.
When they pulled up to the inn, Urich nudged her a little, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "We're at the inn, Victoria, C'mon. We'll just stay a while. The gala will still be there. Let's go."
Victoria released a soft noise before she stretched against her fiancee.
"We're there already?" she stifled a yawn the feather of her hat tickling Urich slightly before she rubbed at her tired eyes. "Well, I suppose I ought to fresh up after we unpack our things?" She smiled up at him a they stepped out of the carriage, looking over at the Inn with a warmth to her dark eyes. She adjusted her hat, then smoothed down her skirts some before turning around to instruct Frederick- only to halt in mid-sentence to realize the valet was already hefting up the bags.
"Erm.."s he blinked, but smiled. "Thank you, Frederick." she stated, then turned to her fiancee and linked her arm into his. "Come, let's go check in and see what sort of amenities this place has." she said, leering him playfully.
"Frederick, please. Just one back will be suitable, each. We're only staying here for the night. Thank you again," Urich pressed and the valet nodded, taking only the bags that were necessary as he'd left Robern in the seat of the carriage, leaving Draegr a little antsy but otherwise content to keep the skull company.
Urich led Victoria into the inn, helping her up the steps and leading her to the front desk. It was quite a respectable place, not quite like the shoddy taverns he was used to frankly. It was nice to finally a clean place to sleep for once, a place all their own even if it was just for a night. He walked over to the front desk and asked the clerk. It was a nice looking woman, perhaps a little older than Millicent and she gladly handed them a key to a suite, for the fine price of a few gold pieces.
As they headed for the stairs, Urich grabbed Victoria up suddenly, cradling her close to him and bounding up the stairs, as if they were just married. Well, then again, it was only a matter of time.
And Frederick was slowly, stalking in their wake.
Victoria remained as a primadonna on the arms of her lover. Yes, she felt like quite the bell of the ball, nose high in the air and proud to have scored herself such a handsome man to be her husband. And her grin widened even further as she thought over all of the fun arguments and make up sessions they could have. SHe was carried off with her own dream before she released he had ordered just one room and she gasped-
"But Urich, one room?" and before she knew it, she was blushing and being carried off and away, her heart fluttering like the ends of her dress as the pair disappeared up the staircase.
"Really now!" She said, clinging onto him nice and tight. "What is this new sense of urgency?" But she was still tickled, and it excited her none the less-
but even still, part of her still worried for her reputation-
yes, it seemed already tarnished, but to be so bold in public?
For now, she didn't care, it was fun being carried away by such a man and very exhilarating.
Yes, this was exactly what she needed.
"I'm just...excited to be with the woman of my dreams, in a room...alone. Now that we are to be married, you didn't really think we were going to be having separate rooms did you? What good would that do anyway? We're leaving town, we're going far away for a little while. I'm sure people will forget about whatever sour reputation they may think you have by then. Honestly, Victoria, I know what you were thinking. And you worry far too much for the both of us, my dear," Urich replied, leaning in to kiss her softly.
"Besides, we'll be able to rest, to have plenty of food and drink, and have a grand last night in town. You just need to relax," he said. When they finally got to their room, he set her down and unlocked the door.
"Well," She shuffled a bit within his arms, holding her breath a bit before sighing. "I suppose you're right." she gave a sniff, and when he placed her down, she smiled at him coyly, and moved as if to enter the room, but instead, grabbed him suddenly by the button seam of his shirt and pulled him forward, locking her lips fiercely to his.
Pulling away, she breathed.
"Yes, or a hallway all alone," she told him, tip toeing fingers up his shirt and smoothing the other one underneath it, feeling the muscles there with a noise of appreciation.
Urich moaned beneath the force of her kiss. He pulled away a little and licked his lips afterward. "My, my, Miss Victoria, aren't we a little pent up? Wouldn't you rather wait until we had our honeymoon? What do you think people are going to think when they see us, kissing so hungrily in the middle of the hallway? We should just go inside. We'll have plenty of time for that later. C'mon now, I'm half starved."
He pressed on her to enter the room, forcing her a little even as he closed the door behind them as Frederick delivered their bags. He nodded to the valet and thanked him again before locking it at last.
"But Urich, I think we've already created quite the scandal." she said, winking to him, but let him lead her back into the room. As Frederick lumbered behind them, she thanked him as well and began to go through her things.
"Perhaps I ought to freshen up for dinner? Maybe a different hat?"SHe said, contemplating sifting through her hat boxes and not realizing she partially exposed the red-dress in her suitcase, but moved away to sit over by the vanity. Her ass slid across the long bench before she perched herself infront of it and leaned over, looking at her face and playing with the dark puffs beneath her eyes.
"I say, I look so dreadful. And my cheeks are not nearly as full as they had once been."S he sighed. Starving herself for a month out of 'mourning' for this man's unrequited love seemed to have a horrible effect on her. Too bad she was too stubborn to care at the time.
Sighing, she turned her head this way and that, frowning at the sight of her nose. It was a bit crooked, but if hse tilted it, no one could really tell. And her lips.. She frowned. So they might be full lips, they were rather flat and she wondered what Urich had seen in her. Pulling out a stick of lipstick, she went about painting a bit more on. Maybe she just needed to have some more color to look more presentable for him. After all, he was a good looking man she might as well try to make herself look half as good as he.
And although she always wanted to lose some wait, she had a magnificent hour glass figure and curves, and her chest well... most women would die to have such lovely breasts, but also, she would die to have the more flatter chested women's flatter belly as well. Corsets rarely did a thing for her, if only boosting her ego just slightly so that she thought she could pretend to be thin. SHe had to wonder what men saw in those types of girls. They were sticks and she probably break them in half. Though, she supposed she looked more healthy.. well.. healthier when she was actually... healthy.
Sighing, she pinched at her cheeks, fuss at her hair before turning around to face Urich.
"So when will the meal be served?"
Urich watched her for a while, knowing she'd decide on something on he own eventually. She was quite a beautiful woman, indeed, though not nearly as beautiful in the conventional sense of the word. Such beauty was rarely worth waiting for. Worth fighting for, even. But Victoria was unique, she held her own and it was a wonder how Urich fell in love with her at all. She was after all, quite an infuriating woman. He smiled nonetheless, standing behind her in the mirror.
Afterward he moved toward the bed and took off his coat, laying it on a chair and throwing his body on the bed. His suit was tired and old, and need to be changed (or burned better yet) before they would be off to the town gala. "I do believe they are serving food at the event," Urich said, crossing his legs as he laid down. "But you can either eat here, or there... As long as you eat. You do need your strength after all." He closed his eyes and cross his hands over his belly. "But do wear something absolutely scandalous...I'd like to tear it off you when we get back. But for now...I'll just close my eyes... I haven't slept in ages."
Victoria turned back to Urich, looking unamused while her lips were more puffy and red now with her lipstick.
"Hmph. If you wanted scandalous you should have asked me to bring one of my red dresses. I only packed what was practical." She said with a dignified sniff. But then upon seeing her husband to be on the bed looking so cozy, she gave a warm smile and moved over and sat beside him, smirking at the way his clothes looked so worn on him. She imagined she must have looked that dreadful not but a day ago.
"Well I hope they have something decent. Oh, and some treacle tart." She smiled over the idea of it, almost swooning. "Or even creme brulee or some form of devil's cake." She leered Urich, eyes slipping across his body before shifting over closer to him on the bed and nestling in beside him, her hands wrapping over his wide chest and then sighing contentedly against it.
"I wouldnt mind another nap,"s he admitted, not bothering to stifle a yawn. "And if there's to be dancing, I aim to dance with you all night." she said, giving him a devilish grin, despite the tiredness in her eyes and the yawn that returned.
"OH Gods, Devil's cake!" Urich groaned with a grin. He put an arm around her, pulling her closer to him. "We both could use a good helping of devil's cake... I'm probably weight at least twenty pounds less than I normally do..." He leaned in to slowly kiss her lips. "I'm probably just a little pipsqueak now, too skinny to bring you any pleasure. You ought to have a gorgeous husband to be to show off at the gala...Hm, we'll eat pheasant, and pie, and turkey and all the food we can muscle down!" He stole her lips again, too tired to kiss her further, letting his lips linger for a moment longer. He laid down and actually started to fall asleep.
Their nap was peaceful, but she woke up with a stiff neck and a groan. Sitting up, she cracked her neck and rubbed at her back before standing and wiping the sleep from her eyes.
Groggily, she moved over to her bag. She supposed she could get ready while Urich continued sleeping. She was beginning to get hungry, after all. But as soon as she opened her bag, she noticed a scarlet red piece of clothe. Blinking, she tugged it out, revealing the scandalous red dress with lacings going all the way up the front, back the sides..
Her face turned about the same shade as the dress as she let out a short temperamental scream and turned towards Urich.
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Renqvivst!? she said, beginning to beat on him with the dress and her fists. "You snuck this dress into my inventory, didn't you!" she accused, shaking it infront of his eyes. "Of all the things! After telling me to pack lightly, though I tried my damednest to, here I find a dress not fit for travel or really worn outside of this room, I mean the slip is not even.. is the slip here!?" her face was getting redder as she fumed. "Really! Mr. Renqvist! What on earth has gotten into you! I mean what sort of shoes would I even have to match this!? Or a hat!?" SHe hit him with the dress again. "And now it's going to get all wrinkled and ruined inside my bag! THis is made out of expensive material!" She went on, her rant seeming un ending
He'd been sleeping quite fine until he felt small fists begin to pound on him. She was quite strong for someone so small and he jumped up defensively as he saw a dress being smashed into his face. His cry was muffled by the fabric and he pushed her away a little as he tried to fend off her assualt! "Oh Victoria! Relax! I...I was only trying to help!" Urich got up and trapped her wrists in his grip, pulling her close. "Oh, Victoria, you overzealous worrywart! Just shut up and put the dress on, we've got a dance to go to!" he said. With that he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her hard and hungrily on the mouth, worming his head left and right, tasting her softly. When at least he thought she was satisfied, he pulled away and smiled. "Besides...I knew you'd look beautiful in red...and you know you would too."
Victoria melted beneath his kiss, her rage temporarily quelled. However, at his mention how she'd look in the thing, she visibly blushed.
"You want me to wear that tonight?" she said, drawing a hand to her lips. She shook her head, blushing, despite her smile. "I.. I couldn't possibly- I-" but as she looked over the fabric, she turned back to him and threw it at his head. "You know that's not fair." She said, forcing herself over him and pinning him back onto the bed, her body half lying over his. "you put me in such a predicament. It's now the prettiest dress I have. Why else would I even wear anything else?" and she looked so crestfallen, like a deer caught in a trap with no other choice.
No one ever said Victoria wasn't the type of person to play up her dramatics..
"Then why did you own such a dress if you were never going to wear it?" Urich asked with a sly grin. "I'll wear my best suit for you, something tight, and more revealing than yours," he offered, leaning over her shoulders. His eyes consumed her, ate her up. "Besides, I know you're just looking for an excuse to wear it. Now here it is! What more could you care about what people think? We'll be the best looking couple there...all of those damn broads will be jealous to see me on your arm. And the men...well, they'll try to steal you away, but few can stand up to the grin of a wolf. I've already set my mark on you after all."
Victoria reveled at the praise. She was floating on cloud nine and it was all she could stand to life her own spirits as she sighed.
Looking down at her ring, her heart melted a little, then back to him, placing her hands upon his shoulders before smoothing her hands flatly across them.
"I suppose you are right. But you still need to make those vows so no one can honestly dispute that claim, my love,"s he said, moving forward, kissing at his neck and breathing, panting int his ear before nibbling on it gently.
Urich shivered and bit his lip at heat of her breath on his neck and ear. He had to physically restrain himself from taking her then and there, knowing it wouldn't take much to throw him over the edge of control. She was so beautiful, and smelled so good, so wonderful that it was too tempting to taste her. He couldn't possibly think of having sex with her, not after so soon after what had happened. But he knew if he rejected her, it would only break her heart, only make her upset after all the ups and downs they'd been through. So Urich reached up and grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled away just slightly, smiling slyly.
"Nobody would dare dispute our devotion to each other. Let them question, let them whine and stare and cry and squirm, but it doesn't change what we feel about one another. I fully intend on making you my wife. But we only just got engaged but this morning..." Urich smiled at her and kissed her cheek softly. "We don't have to rush, we're young. Well, you are. We can take our time. Let's make the most of every moment."
Victoria smiled at his comment, sighing between her nose.
"Yes, I suppose you are right."S he gave him a lopsided grin and leaned in to kiss his lips softly. "But don't you worry my husband to be,"s he said, leering him and giving him an equally woflish smile. "I intend to drink up every single moment with you like a fine, red wine."
She leaned in, kissing his lips long and passionately. He always tasted so good, and it made her moan. She tried to control herself, but more hot breaths, noises and kisses soon followed before she controlled herself enough to put away.
"But I will need some help getting into that dress," she began, sitting on her knees beside him on the bed, her night dress falling down her shoulder. "Lest I remind you all of those horrid laces..."
OOC: Sorry, short but just trying to post real quick before I start the day XD
Urich grunted in feigned revulsion, trying to get her to let go underneath the assault of her lips. He tilted his head this way and that, only to have her lips hungrily meet him there. "Victoria, please! If you can wait until our honeymoon at least!" he begged and pulled away when at least she let him go.
"Darling, you're a little overzealous, I think. Like I said, please. Let's just take things slow. Now let's get you out that drab little thing into this hot little number. Oh, darling, you're going to positively sizzle on that dance floor. I don't know if I'll be able to keep my hands off you. But I promise, I'll be a good boy," he smiled at her and helped her take the dress off, carefully pulling it up from her legs and over her head.
He set the red dress aside and helped slip it over her head, before teasing his fingers along her skin and retracting his hand as if she burned him. "Sssss! Scorching darling...scorching."
OOC: Sorry it's short, my 's' key is sticking ;_; and I want to go back to bed *does so*
IC:
Victoria rolled her eyes at his comment.
"Really, if I wanted to be showered in such comments I would have wanted to marry my cousin," she replied, nose to the air. But she was still smiling. She did like this attention, after all, even if she was not use to it. Turning to the side, she reached her hands down, keeping her attention focused on her dress and the laces. Sighing, she peered over her shoulder at Urich.
"Well, are you going to help or not?" she said, raising a single eye brow at him while holding her dark hair up and off her shoulders while staring at him expectantly.
"You say that, but I know for a fact that everyone likes to be wanted. It's a fact of life. I'm sorry if the flattery is a little too much....but well, I am a wolf after all. Sometimes my appetite can only be sated so long. But I'll do my best to control myself." He gave a teasing laugh before reaching down to fiddle with the laces of her dress. He pulled them tightly one by one until she was positively going to pop from the seams. And knotted it off at the top.
"I'll leave you to fix your face, Victoria. I'm going to take a quick bath. Since you wore the dress I wanted. Feel free to pick out something of mine you'd like to see me wear." He bowed to her before departing into the washroom.
The idea of following Urich into the washroom seemed like a fun idea, but she simply ignored the notion and smiled at him, kissing him once before nodding.
"I'll see what I can do,"s he replied playfully. "And do not worry about the flattery." her smile grew a bit wider. "I don't entirely mind it." she pressed, leaning against him and stealing another quick kiss. "Take your time getting ready, I might take a walk around the hotel."
She only spent a quick moment readying her face and hair before slipping out as discretely as she could from their room. A lot of people turned their eyes to stare at her as she was quick to leave the hotel.
"Frederick, if Urich asks, simply tell him I'll be back before dinner." She told her valet. Naturally, she wasn't about to give away her secret-
After all, there were a certain pair of boots she had paid for..
and she wanted to get a nice black suit for her fiancee. If she was going to look sizzling that evening, she wanted the man on her arm to match. Knowing he had lost everything, she tried to recall the old clothing he had once worn. He had quite a nice taste in style, so when she approached Melissa (who was happy and surprised to find out they were engaged)s he eagerly helped her pick out the clothing. Lucky for her (and though it made for an awkward moment), Melissa already knew Mr. Renqvist's sizes, so she made quick work to hem the finest suit she had and once presented to Miss Armani, Victoria was impressed as she sighed through her nose.
"Beautiful workmanship a usual, Melissa." she siad, affording a quick kiss to her friend's cheek. I twas here Melissa caught her by the arm and Victoria turned with a start.
"So you do not hate me?" Melissa had to ask, clutching onto Victoria's arm tightly.
Blinking, Victoria only stared at her for a moment.
"Yes, yes, how could I hate you?" Victoria began, giving a tug at her arm.
"Well, about that night at the opera.." Melissa started, looking down, ashamed.
Victoria frowned.
"Well, I am mad at you for that, but hate is a strong word." Melissa raised her head and Victoria smiled. "Besides, he's a wolf. I'm sure he conned you into it." She winked at her friend, who simply blushed. "And could I really blame you for finding him attractive?" Here, Melissa blushed fiercely, but VIctoria only laughed. "Do not trouble yourself, that was eons ago. Besides, if I wasn't so stubborn, none of this would have happened."
"Well, I'm glad," Melissa said with a smile. "I've never seen you so happy before."
"Yes.." Victoria sighed dreamily about it. "Neither have I."
With a nod, Victoria departed the tailor shop ad realized she had taken much more time than anticipated. Even still, she took her time to leisurely stroll back towards the hotel, catching most of the attention of the town on her way over, and smiling all the while.
It felt good to have everyone stare- and it felt good to know the reasons why. For once in her life she felt pretty, proud and confident- and now, with the suit box in tow, her wolf would be at her side like a dashign prince, and as handsome and posh as when she first met him. After all, he deserved some of the finer things in life he seemed to enjoy.
[xD He meant a suit from his bag but I guess a freshly tailored one is just as good]
Boy did she know how to be persistent, but he supposed it only added to her charm. Afterall she didn't have many men chasing after her, other than bloodsuckers or inbred fools, so what was a few hungry kisses every now and then. Urich smiled at her departure and told her not to hurry back. It was nice to be doted on for once.
Urich took his time undressing, ordering some warm water for their room and pouring it into the tub and relaxing back once she'd left. He needed one of these. It wasn't the same trying to bathe in a lake with ducks and reeds floating everywhere or using the small but modest bath in servants quarters. He'd actually fallen asleep and began to prune by the time he heard the door open and awoke with a start, jumping up from the now cold water and stepping out with care. He shook off most of the water and wrapped a towel around his waist.
"Oh, Victoria," he said, throwing a clothe over his head and drying his hair. "How was your walk? Did you find anything good?"
OOC: I Know what he meant but Victoria had other plans XP
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Victoria was wearing quite a pleased grin, especially to see she didn't miss Urich in a towel. Slipping the box onto the bed she simply dusted her dress off in nonchalance and afforded a short shrug.
"Well, I picked you up something on my travels."s he began, moving over towards the vanity and unbinding her jewelry roll and beginning to press earrings into her ears after taking a seat.
"Just a little something for you," she stated simply, not bothering to tel him what it was in the box. he could open it and see for himself. The earrings she put in were decadent, and she was glad she brought htem, as they hung in layers , like tiny black jeweled chandeliers, and she had a matching necklace that fell in laced layers from a tight cuff she was now securing around her neck.
"Please dry yourself and take a look,"s he said idly, seeming disinterested in whatever it was the box might contain, but she was secretly watching Urich from his reflection in the mirror while opening some red lipstick and slowly pressing it across her lips, making them as hot red as the color of her dress.
"Huh," was all Urich managed to say as he tossed the towel he'd used to dry his hair back into the washroom and approached the box laying nonchalantly on the bed. He carefully took the lid off, his back to Victoria, expecting something like flowers or something cheesy. But when he saw the suit, he was absolutely floored, and he looked back at Victoria in the mirror, looking at her with wide eyes as he plucked up the suit from the box.
"You...picked this out for me?" he said in half-disbelief. "You...you want me to wear this? It's um... the inseam seems a little tight doesn't it. I'm positively going to be popping out of the seams if I even try to bend down. But you know what? I love it. Thank you, darling." Urich laughed and gently laid the cloth down on the bed as he approached Victoria from behind and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, kissing her cheek repeatedly. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!"
Victoria was reveling in the moment, but kept her chin lifted, nose a bit pointed in arrogance as she wore the subtlest of smiles.
"Really, it was just something simple I figured to pick up. But why don't you check the bag beside the bed?" After all... those boots.. he might remember those...
She gave a smug smile, and simply went back to finishing painting her lips red.
Urich kept his arms around her and his teeth went to her lips, biting it just slightly as his teeth just spread out in a wide grin. "Oh, whatever you got me I'm sure it's beautiful, you have wonderful taste, my love," he said. "But if you insist...I suppose I can find the strength to tear myself away from you."
Urich did pull away and approached the bag by the bed, pulling it up and finding the boots and frowning. He looked up at her and the light in his eyes vanished. "Why did you get these? I thought the old man would have ruined them by now."
There was a sparkle of mirth in her eyes. She wasn't sure how he would react to them, but she simply shrugged.
"The man needs to make money somehow. Buying the boots a second time seemed ridiculous but.."S he sighed, setting her lip stick down and turning to him as she casually leaned against her vanity.
"Even if you don't want to wear them, I like the idea of the memories they represented. I never meant them to be a gift out of spite, even though I realize at the time when I initially bought them, that's how it might have seemed. I... well, it's more of an apology, now, really. You would look good in those boots and you know it. So here's your chance to prove that to me and to let me make it up to you for all of the selfish acts I've subjected you to. But if they offended you that much, you can always throw them away. But even then, it won't erase that memory." She smiled warmly, thinking back to that day. Really.. it had been such a silly argument.
But it had been their argument that she admired.
While it seemed to bring back bright memories for her, Urich only frowned and placed the boots back in the bag. "You're a fool to bring that up," he said quietly and threw them down on the floor. "They are not good memories. They are bad memories. I don't want them and I'm sorry you wasted your money yet again. You seem to have a bad habit of trying to throw your money around just to please others. I don't want to remember myself when I really did hate you, when I wanted to see you die and watch the life slip from your eyes. Why would want to remind me of that!? I hate that you've done this. Take them back. I don't want them."
Urich angrily grabbed the suit and took his old boots that he'd worn and some polish from the bag and moved back into the washroom, slamming the door behind him.
OOC: lol
oh mantrums XD
also it's funny Victoria would assume he'd be able to laugh over those memories as she did. Though she can kind of be caught up within herself so yeah.. XD
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Well, that wasn't entirely what she had expected. When the door slammed, Victoria visibly jumped from where she sat.
"Goodness.." She felt her cheek flush that she had found herself beneath his anger again, and at first she didn't understand. Hadn't they gotten past that? She slowly raised from where she sat, staring over at the wash room, then down at the boots. Did he honestly not want them? She lifted one up, staring at the fabric. They were so nice.. and quite expensive. How could he be so selfish and not want such a gift? She felt angry herself, but inwardly tried to wonder why he would be so upset. She was over (most of) their petty fights. Yes, it had seemed real,t he hate was there but..
It was still apart of their history, the good and the bad.
She looked over at the door and frowned. What did he expect her to do with the boots now? Jus throw them out the window. Feeling soured,s he figured perhaps she should. If they had made him that upset, it was just as well, she supposed
But honestly! He would look good in such a pair!
Sighing, she lifted them out of the bag and went to toss them out the window, only ot hear an audible 'OOF!' when the boots collided with someone outside the window.
Victoria's eyes went wide and she thrust her head out the window, surprised to find herself staring face to face with her cousin.
He gave her a nervous smile and she noticed the vampire fang inside his mouth.
"Oh, hello Victoria." he said, and all Victoria could think to do was to begin beating him with the other boot in a tantrum of fury.
"GERARD! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU YOU LITTLE ASININE LITTLE PRICK! WHAT IN THE DEVIL ARE YOU DOING OUTSIDE MY HOTEL WINDoW! AND WHEN DID YOU BECOME A VAMPIRE!?"
Gerard cringed at the clobbering, but fetched onto her hand suddenly and smirked again, exposing his toothy fangs. And he was in daylight! Though he wore a most ridiculous get up to protect himself.
"Your friend gave me a second chance, and for good reasons.." he announced, eyes staring to her ripe, round breasts nearly bursting out of her lacy red dress. and that smirk was just about all she could take before clocking him one across the jaw and sending him tumbling off the roof.
Really! Gerard! A vampire! This was something she did NOT expect nor welcomed, especially after such an atrocious moment she had with Mr. Renqvist! but oh.. that vampire.. the one from the opera. She'd have to find him and question him on this matter. She could not believe it. GERARD REGNOLD! OF ALL PEOPLE! TURNED VAMPIRE!
She could have fainted, damn these laces as she itched uncomfortably at her dress, only to turn from the window to feel a chilly breeze, and feel the soft lips and teeth of her cousin against her neck.
"Come on, Victoria.. I came back to apologize.." the man began.
Fury became her as she turned around and snatched up the boot again, bashing him over the face.
"GET OUT OF MY ROOM! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! GET OUT! GET OUT!!"s he roared, but all her cousin could do was shield himself with his arm as the boot kept at him.
"Ouch! Ooch! Really, Victoria! Calm that temper down before-"
[I think his reasons are quite valid and he would only hope that Victoria would forget about them. He made it clear multiple times that he didn't want them. And no matter how she puts it, they'll forever be a symbol of negative feelings, of being belittled and pushed around and as if he could be bought. Not mention wanting to rip her throat out. That didn't help either.]
Urich was half-dressed when he heard the sudden commotion outside the washroom door. He knew that voice, had heard it so many times before that when he thrust it open, hair had already covered his arms and face as he transformed yet again. Hybrid was always quite useful when it came to quick moments of needed strength and he burst out of it, tackling Gerard to the ground. Really, of all moments, why did the little bastard have to pop up now!?
He yanked Gerard off of Victoria and held a clawed hand around his neck. "What the hell are you doing here!? I thought Adelram reserved you for his own ridiculous appetite! Get the hell out of here unless you want to be eaten piece by piece! I haven't had my dinner yet and I'm very hungry!"
OOC: I am aware, Victoria is not. Despite him having told her, she can be quite stubborn on her own opinions sometimes >.> but hey, at least she made the boots useful? XD
She'll get better with time,- she's also never been in a relationship where she actually cared how the other person feels so yeah~ everyone makes mistakes 8D Victoria will probably make many >.>
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Victoria gasped and stumbled away when Urich returned, half dressed and full of fur. As much as she hated her cousin, she wasn't sure if she wanted to watch him be torn to shreds, placing a hand on Urich's arm, she pressed.
"Let him go. We can question Adelram later about this." she said, squeezing his arm lightly. "After all, I would hate for you to stain your new suit in his blood."
Though those boots...
Perhaps Urich had been right. Those boots should have been as well forgotten as Gerard ought ot have been, and her eyes glared at her cousin.
"Be off to your master's hive. And if I see you following us again, don't think I won't use my magics against you, Gerard. You're vampire now, that makes us enemies."
Gerard laughed nervously. "Enemies? Yet I see you rooming with a werewolf."
Victoria's patience thinned.
"Keep that up and I'll turn you human now and let Mr. Renqvist here tear you to pieces,"she warned.
Gerard held up his hands helplessly.
"Alright, alright.I'll concede to your wishes." He turned to Urich, waiting or the man to release him while sweating at the idea that.. well, this wolf would not listen.
he could only hope his cousin had her wolf well trained.
[Well, trained! xD Urich just tears up the furniture a little bit! And pees on stuff that's his!]
"Oh, don't worry, I'll be sure the lick all the blood clean. No reason for such a delicious looking morsel to go to waste," Urich said. "My suit will fare better than those wretched miserable boots will, that i can promise you.'
Urich wasn't so sure he wanted to obey Victoria's claims. He knew Gerard couldn't be trusted, no matter what it came down to. His grip only tightened on Gerard's neck despite his acceptance of leaving. "You watch what you say to her," Urich said, his claws digging into flesh. "That's my fiancee you are talking to. But if she doesn't want to see such a ghastly fool like you ripped to shreds, for once I might obey. But take this as a warning. Next time, I will not hesitate if you ever come back again and I'll paint the walls red with your blood, and I'll chew the marrow from your bones."
He got up from the vampire. Gerard took a moment to brush himself off and held his neck with his other hand. His eyes turned back to Victoria and gave her a grin. "It's about time you got a ring around that witch's finger of yours. So when's the baby due!?" He said smugly as he headed for the window.
But Urich was quick to lash out at the bastard, his claws coming right across his face, slashing it open and Gerard gave out a bloodcurdling cry as the force of the blow sent him hurdling from the window. In addition to that, Urich snatched the bloody boots angrily away from Victoria tore the supple leather apart with his claws before too throwing them out the window.
Victoria snorted.
"I'd hardly call him delicious,"s he commented with an unamused roll of her eye. She was thankful when Urich seemed to obey. But the way things ended left her sour.
"Well that puts a damper on the mood," she sighed, moving away from him and not wanting to look him int he face. She was not only upset over the fact Gerard had appeared back into her life, and as a vampire, but mad at herself at those bloodied boots he so angrily cast out the window. If only it were so simple to be rid of all of the memories...
Gerard, after all, still assumed she was with child, and she found her eyes welling up with hot tears as she collapsed onto the bed, keeping her back to Urich.
"You should see to room service about your suit," she commented, trying to compose herself and brush away those damnable tears. "It's torn in the back." Oh, thank the heavens he did not fully transform. What a waste it would have been on such a beautiful jacket if he would have destroyed the entire thing!
Urich felt his anger subside, especially after the destruction of those wretched boots and his hair dissipated as he transformed back to his normal state. Urich checked his clothes, and though they were still quite snug, they were in fair condition. He hadn't changed all the way after all anyway. He approached Victoria after plucking his shirt from the rack and throwing it over his shoulders, sitting beside her.
"Darling, please," Urich said with a sigh. "My clothes are fine." He shook his head, brushing his hands through his wet hair and clicking it back. "Do I need to shave?" he asked, brushing over everything as if it never happened.
Victoria sighed. Glad to be done with all of that, but she couldn't brush it aside as easily as Urich, no matter how much she tried.
She only nodded, still avoiding his gaze.
"Well, it would be proper to be clean shaven for the evening."
Rising from the bed, she closed their window and locked it, then remained there for a moment, staring at it, half expecting to find either Adelram or her blasted cousin staring back at her before taking a seat back at her vanity.
"I need to fix my hair again anyways." she said with a sigh, working at untangling one earring that had gotten caught in some ringlets of her dark hair while keeping her eyes averted from her fiance.
Urich was stung at the way she got up from the bed and moved to sit in front of the mirror. He could tell she could not forget so easily. He couldn't either, but perhaps he'd had more practice than she did and he didn't know what it was that made him do it, but it had just come some natural for him. Urich got up and walked over to her.
He leaned beside her, putting his head on her shoulders and looked at her reflection the mirror. "Listen, Victoria," Urich said, eyes downcast. He went down one knee and leaned on the side of the vanity. "Please look at me. I'm sorry darling. I shouldn't have done that. I...was just...I don't want to be reminded of the time when I couldn't even fathom the thought of loving you. I know we'll have good and bad times. But that was a time I'd prefer to never have surfaced. I love you, darling. I shouldn't have treated your gift in such a way. I'm sorry."
Victoria too, felt stung, as she kept her face proudly away from his.
"You do not need to apologize." She sighed, finally turning to look down at him, combing a hand through his wet hair. "It was an insensitive gift, though I didn't mean it that way." SHe drew her hand down Urich's face now, cupping his cheek as she looked down into his face. "As much as we both had things to regret, they happened. We weren't always in love."
Though even the topic was sensitive and something forlorn, she found herself able to smile now at him.
"But that is not entirely why I am upset, my love." she sighed and looked away from him, blinking back tears as she rested a hand uneasily over her belly. "I'm.. still nervous about what happened when I lost the child."
She would have loved to forget that, but her damned cousin..
and the fact that he knew, it broiled her blood.
Urich smiled when she did. He embraced her hand when she cupped his cheek and he leaned his forehead against her shoulder just for a moment until she moved a hand over to her belly. His arms instinctively went around her shoulders and he put a hand to her chin to coax her face towards his. "I understand, Victoria," Urich said, holding her close. "I'm scared too. I'm scared that I hurt you. But I think with time, everything will be all right. We'll have lots of babies on our own. And they'll all be as pretty as you, maybe more. We'll have a large family, a small family, whatever you want. And we still have the wolf pups too to think of. They'll have to learn not to eat the babies, but I think Draegr will protect them. Besides, I think your stupid cousin was talking about us having a baby...you know a rush wedding, trying to keep you from being disgraced. But he's disgraced himself. He would have ruined you, Victoria. But I'll protect you, I won't let you be disgraced or ruined, unless that's what you decide in your own mind to be. I only want you to be happy."
Victoria turned to look at Urich, not only because he coaxed her, but because she wanted to look into his eyes. Sighing contentedly after he spoke, she smiled and shook her head.
"Yes, but let us not talk about it anymore. It's a dreadful subject." She smoothed a hand over his face, admiring the slight bit of scruff that was still there.
"It's a shame you must shave. This wild look about you in this clothing is rather intoxicating," she admitted, turning to him to kiss his lips softly. Wrapping her arms around him, she kept her face locked onto his, her gaze loving and affectionate. "Whatever the future holds for us, I'm sure I couldn't be any happier no matter what life throws at us. Children, evil cousins or other wise, so long as I am with you, I will be as happy as I could ever be." SHe smiled even warmer, blushing at her sentiment.
"I always wondered what love would feel like." she began, blushing again as she looked away bashfully, arms still hung around his neck. "I suppose I never realized it would feel this way, or that it would be with a man like you."S he studied him a moment, her smile widening. "And I'm happy for it." She leered him a bit playfully. "Ever since I read those diary pages of my great grandmother's, I was always... intrigued." She leaned in some, but did not kiss him. "You'll have to explain to me someday how it feels to be part wolf. I'm rather interested to know."
She was right. There would be other times to talk about dreadful things, to discuss moments of the bad and good that would come through their lives together. Urich smiled when she wrapped her arms around his neck and he leaned in closer to her, smelling her perfume, intoxicated by it and he leaned in against her neck for a moment to smell her all the more.
His eyes met hers at last and waited for her lips to meet his but they did not. He laughed and grinned. "Is that so, Miss Victoria? My, you are a terribly naughty girl. You're curious about all sorts of things aren't you. Someday we'll be able to...explore those certain curiosites," Urich chuckled as he leaned in and stole a powerful kiss, turning his head this way and that to better explore the hollows of her mouth. He pulled away at last and licked his lips sweetly. "But first we have a dance to get ready for, hm?"
Victoria was a bit drunk off that kiss and nodded,but hten when she noticed something, she gasped and pulled a hidden kerchief from her cleavage.
"Urich! Your lips!"
His lips were now stained red from her lips stick as she moved forward and helped him wipe it off. It made her grin however, as she playfully kissed at his cheek, admiring the mark it made on him, then in the mirror, before helping him wipe off that spot as well.
She nuzzled her nose against his cheek, keeping to him close as she sighed.
"Yes, I suppose we ought to finish getting ready, wolf. " she teased, though sought out another kiss, despite the lipstick, but by now, she had all but had gtten rid of most on him anyways as she sighed.
"Perhaps i should forego the lipware?"
"Hmm," Urich said. "We'll have fun removing that lipstick when we're done with it all." He laughed against her and frowned playfully at his reflection the mirror. "Darling, don't you think that color looks just as good on me as it does on you? Why I think we should have ourselves a competition and see who sports the best lips at the dance for the longest? Hm?" He smiled as he reached for her tint and let go of her for a moment and began to apply a light coat of it on his lips before he smacked them together and began to fervently kiss her cheek all over, ruining her blush.
He stopped when the color just about vanished and he laughed out loud. "No, darling. You look gorgeous in it. Apply just enough and it'll really make your lips pop. And then you can get rid of it by kissing me again and again." He smiled and kissed her once more, unable to help himself.
"And here I thought you were going to eat it," Victoria stated, pretending to be unamused as she retrieved the lipstick from his clutches. Fluffing at her hair, she gave him just the slightest grin.
"Red is too dark a color on your wolf It would make you look like you had infact, gobbled up my cousin." Turning back tot he mirror, she sighed at her reflection, admiring herself a moment before blending in the lipstick smudges so that a more even rouge graced her cheeks. Though at the sight of Urich, she couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, I do think I look much better in it."she admitted. It was rather silly, after all, to have seen a man in so red of lips! Though, she knew she'd be seeing more of these lipstick fiascos as the night went on, and slipped the make up into her kerchief and tucked it back inside her dress. Fluffing at her hair she gestured towards him.
"Really now, go get yourself ready. If we keep this up, we'll never see the outside of this room!"
Urich gave a disappointed sigh as he leaned against he and stole yet another kiss, but it couldn't be helped she was just far too intoxicating. "Very well," he whispered, pulling himself away at last. "I'll go and flaunt around your wonderful suit like a proud peacock. You'll see." He grinned before standing up and tearing himself away, returning to the washroom where he quickly dressed, wearing his shirt with an open collar as he adjusted the lapels and walked over to the bed to brush off his boots, freshly polished and smelling strongly of leather.
"Well?" he said, turning around and round. "What do you think?"
Victoria was already done fussing over her hair, pinning the curls high up on her head and was smoothing down her dress when she heard him returned. Her eyes drank him in like a fine wine. her grin went smug.
"My, my, the wolf does clean up good," she said, her eyes undressing him out of appreciation before she commented. "Though to be honest, you'd look good in half of that clothing, or none of it." Her leer was more evident now before she coughed away her appetite with a blush.
"So what do you think of my hat?" she said, striking a pose and lifting her chin up so the black feather piece could be seen. "I promise only the feathers on this one are enchanted."
Urich laughed and grinned wickedly underneath her attention. "Now, now, Victoria. You want to go to this dance remember. We must both be on our best behavior, or I'll eat your hat, and you won't like that very much will you?" He grinned again and held out a hand to guide her toward him. "Gods, you're beautiful," he managed to say. "Looks like my competition is fiercer than I imagined. Woman, spin around!" Urich held her hand high and twirled her around before hugging her to him, hand too tempted to fiddle with the laces of her dress, but pulled his hands away just in time. "Good gods, I hope we can make it to the gala in one piece!"
He held out his arm for her to take, to hook into his. "Shall we?"
Victoria tried to feign indifference, but she was positively floating while she basked in his compliments. Keeping her eyelids hanging low, she jutting out her chin, stuck up her nose and gave just the subtlest, smug grins towards him.
"I don't think you'd very much like to eat this hat anyways, Urich. The feathers have just the slightest bit of enchantment." Her grin pulled leftward as she secured her arm hooked into his.
"Yes, we shall." she said with a dip of her head, and the pair made their way out into the hall and down the grand staircase, where the double doors were open for them by head bowed servants.
Victoria was tickled, grin reaching her eyes as she and her fiance stepped arm in arm into the grand room where guests began to gather in wait.
The meal would be served soon, as servants were dashing about, one even approaching them with a bow and inquiring, "Might I take the ladies hat?" seeing as she had no coat, it was the only thing he could offer in assistance. Blinking, Victoria simply nodded. She knew Urich would be pleased she'd be rid of it as she unpinned it from her head and offered it up to the gentleman. "See to it that it does not get crumpled. The feathers are very fragile and expensive."
The servant nodded and was off while Victoria turned to Urich and found themselves standing int he center of the room, eyes fixated upon them as the glow of the chandelier candles illuminated them from above.
"I say.." she leaned in to whisper, breasts nearly bursting from her gown. "I do think we have attracted almost all of the eyes of the guests."
Urich blushed at finding himself the center of attention in the room. But at least he had Victoria with him and as long as she didn't seem to mind, neither did he. Urich laughed and grinned as the guests had their eyes pinned to him and the lovely specimen on his arm and he could positively feel quite a few of them burn with envy.
But the music had already started and Urich would be damned if his attention would be torn away from Victoria. At least for the time being. He took her to an empty table on the side and allowed her to sit down first, helping her in her chair before taking the seat beside her. It was a small table, and in beside a corner, giving them the greatest vantage point with which to survey the entire floor, as couples came back to themselves and twirled away.
"Shall we get something to drink? Or would you like to be wisked away first onto the floor? Personally, I'd like a bit of wine in my stomach first before dancing the night away. Makes me so much more graceful."
Victoria couldn't get rid of her foxy smile as Urich guided her away to their table. Once seated, she smiled up at him, her smirk smug and his eyes narrow.
"Yes, some wine would be lovely. I could do well for some before I dance, too. It's.. been sometime since I've bee on the dance floor. But hopefully I'll remember enough of the steps not to step on your toes."
She nodded her head to him and settled back within her chair.
"A dark, red wine, if you please." she added and fussed at her hair where her hat had once been as her eyes went from Urich's back to the crowd.
"Hmmm, indeed," Urich said, laughing just a bit, though he couldn't say why. It was probably that ridiculous smile on Victoria's face. He would never be able to take her seriously as the lovely seductress, even as she tried to wear it well on her face. He got them their drinks, wine for her and a sweetened white for him. He just needed a bit of a buzz, nothing too strong.
"I doubt you've been away from the dancefloor for long," Urich teased. "You've got the body of a dancer...and the grace of an acrobat. I'm sure you've turned qutie a few heads on the floor in your day. I might have some competition this night, my lady." He winked at her then took a sip from his wine, a good long one.
Victoria rolled her eyes at his comment, then rolled her wine idly in her glass.
"You have a way with your lies, wolf," she said with a grin, then lifted her wine to her lips and took a long sip. "I have the body of a log. Perhaps we should attend more ballet so you can study what a real dancer's body looks like? I'm afraid I'm a bit to.. fat,"S he said, bluntly, sighing as she gave a shrug. "To have the dancer's body or grace. Yes... grace is something I always strive for, but it takes constant practice for me not to hit my hips off of every doorway I come through or table I pass by." She studied the wolf a bit, then added more playfully. "Or knock them into any old werewolf who comes into view."
Taking up her goblet, she took another sip. "So tell me, Urich, how are you at dancing? Surely you've been to a ball or gala or a dance during your life time."
"Hmmm darling, I don't know what mirror you've been looking into, but I see nothing more than the shape of a woman. And the women i've seen dance...you'd blush at the thought," he teased again and drank his wine again. There was no end to his grinning as he turned his head over to the side, leaning off as he surveyed her in that red dress.
"I've done my fair share of dancing," he said, modestly. "I used to go to all manner of balls and dances when I was younger, even those I was never invited to. Nothing quite like the thrill of disguising yourself as a cook or a server to move in the crowd. Steal a stray coat, remove any frills you might have, slick the hair back and I had twenty girls waiting to dance with me and me alone. We danced till dawn."
Victoria blushed at her comment. She never much cared for her body, though she couldn't deny men found it attractive. After all, skinnier women had less.. well, oomph. Her hour glass figure was, well, perfect for what it was, but in a world of corsets where women strove to be skinny...
But then Victoria's blush went even deeper when he mentioned other women's dance.
"I can't say I could imagine," she replied lamely, forcing a smile. She felt awkward for it, but then again, she was rather naive on the terms of courtship and mating and all of that. She'd like to have thought herself better at it, but she was always so stand offish and hte men that liked that.. she openly loathed. She wasn't playing hard to get, despite what they'd believe. Ad the men were always so old or young and ratty. She wrinkled her nose, downing a bit more wine before observing her fiancee.
"Oh, if only I were a fly on that wall," she said, leering him playfully as she rested a curled hand to her cheek. "Though it would have been fun to meet you then. When you were so young and adventurous. Though, I dare say, I'd hardly be your type of girl then. Though it still begs the question how I'm even your type of girl now." She took another sip of wine, eyeing her husband to be before sighing contentedly. "Perhaps you can show me your waltz skills. but ah, this song is no waltz."s he sighed, staring off at the fluttering couples on the floor. It was a slower, simpler beat,one that was easy to dance to. It only took a sway of the hips.
Urich chuckled as he took yet another sip. He leaned back in his chair and surveyed the colors and swishing skirts of dresses and their partners. It wasn't exactly high society, for many of the people in town made little more than a modest income, but one could tell everyong saved for this event, saved to make beautiful dresses from whatever they had, some hand-made some tailored by the likes of small seamstresses. They were a beautiful sight to see and for a minute Urich actually felt ashamed for dressing so gaudily.
But only for a minute.
He turned back to Victoria and held out a hand to her. "The next song will begin shortly. Care to test that observation?"
Victoria already drank half of her wine, so she was feeling he effects more easily on her empty stomach. Easily enough that her confidence supported her decision to take his hand and to rise modestly at his request. She nodded to him. "I'd be delighted. Though hopefully the wine will not give me two left feet."
OOC: Short posts are short
"Less talking, more waltzing," Urich said with a devilish grin. He stood and took Victoria's hands delicately into his own. He brought it teasingly to his lips, letting their warmth linger there for a time before he placed them in the crook of his arm and led her out to the dancefloor. As they did so, the next song was beginning and the couples on the floor were changing out and others were going in. They took the space at the center and soon all were ready just as the song began.
Urich bowed elegantly to Victoria and extended a hand out to her. When she complied he pulled a presumptuous arm around her waist and held her close, hip-to-hip, but relaxed after a moment just to tease her. Right when the fiddle began to strike its chord, Urich swept Victoria away on the dancefloor.
Victoria was startled by the friskiness of her partner, but then after thinking on it, she wasn't entirely that surprised. What else did she expect from a wolf?
The pair moved with grace and ease, and moments into the dance it was easy for Victoria to forget they were not the only people there.
"You dance wonderfully, Mr. Renqvist," she stated with a proud lift of her jaw. "Was it your mother or father who had taught you? Or did you just learn to dance here or there? Either way, you dance divinely, my wolf. And I will keep that in mind as I try to keep my heels where they ought to be."
It would be painful to step on his feet in the heeled shoes she wore anyway, but well, they were nice and were the only pair she had that suited her dress. "I still feel rusty, but you make it seem like we've danced together for ages."
"The wine helps you relax. Keeps your mind from worrying where you are stepping. THAT is how you step on your partner's feet. And that's not how you get engaged. But you are lucky you've found a man who knows what he's doing at least when it comes to the dancefloor. I'll not let you step on my good boots if I can help it. I'd sooner eat your hat," he laughed loudly and smiled at her, kissing her cheek as he spun her around the room.
They moved in tandem with the other dancers, gracefully like mist on water, barely touching it but not at all. They almos seemed to float on the waxed floors, like ghosts...like phantoms of an elder age.
"Just lean against me. Don't worry about anything," Urich said as he led.
(50 pages XD woo! THEY SURVIVED THIS LONG :U )
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Victoria smiled and sighed happily through that smile.
"I suppose you can lead this time, wolf, but just realize, just because I wear a dress, does not mean I am not the alpha here," she teased, leering him with affection. "But yes, you are correct. The wine does an awful lot to boost one's confidence when they forget they have the ability to have two left feet." She smiled and let him whisk her away, her red dress fluttering against his legs as they moved about. The evening was enchanting, as was her partner. If she wasn't so.. terrified of the possible consequences, she would consider bedding him again that night. It had been fun. But she was still squeamish about it so she tucked any of those thoughts away.
"You still never told me who taught you how to dance."s he asked, batting her eyes at him.
"I learned from my father when I was little," she smiled through her teeth, recalling the memory fondly before pressing her lips back together. "I was so small, I use to be able to stand on his boots. I remember hoping to find a man who could dance and smell as nicely as he did." She eyed Urich. "Though I wonder how he'd feel to know his daughter had fallen in love with a werewolf. He might have considered chasing you off into a field and hunting you down." She smiled, most amusedly at the thought.
"Trade secret, I'm afraid, darling. If i told you, I might have to kill you...but I'd probably play with you first just for old times sake." he laughed again and squeezed her tighter to him as he twirled her round and followed along. They were quite the sight to see and Urich was beginning to feel the space around them widen and a few couples had slowed their dancing to watch as Urich led his fiancee around the floor, looking like a ball of fire dancing in tandem.
"Oh, he would would he? Oh, that would be such a lovely welcome to the family present, wouldn't it!?" Urich said laughing. He stared into her, focusing his attention into her eyes, his smile fading just a bit. "Do you have a lot of fond memories of your father?"
Victoria smiled.
"I have enough. He died when I was young, but I can still remember him and my mother well enough to cherish those memories." SHe took Urich in for a moment. "Though perhaps he wouldn't throw you out entirely. It's his side of the family the wolf's blood is on."S he pointed out, smiling as they continued to dance, not entirely aware they were drawing a crowd.
(OOC: Another short post :T )
"Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho," Urich laughed. "Then I think that would give him all the more reason to throw me out. He would know how wolves are. Doesn't need another chasing after his only daughter now, does he?" He chuckled. "Oh, it would have been nice to have met your family. And I think you would have liked mine too. My father was a very kind man, and he would have welcomed you with open arms... Even if you are, what did that vampire say? A marchioness? Is that just a fancy name for a crazy broad with power-sapping powers? Well, in any case, I suppose your father was the grandson of that infamous great-grandmother of yours...the one where you get your peculiar tastes from."
"Yes," she smiled through a sigh. "It would have been nice to have you meet them. I would have liked that. And to have met your parents, too." And as he went on about what she was, her grin broadened. "Marchioness, negotiator, power-sapper, I go by many names," she confirmed with a barked laugh. Shaking her head, she continued, still dancing with him as the music was nearing a close, but his last words made her blush. "Well, we can't all be normal." she replied, pathetically in her defense.
"Oh, how right you are. But I suppose only ordinary men could be satisfied by ordinary women and vice versa," Urich said. He spun her the final few times just as the song ended with a great crescendo, and Urich pulled her right up to him for a long warm kiss as it finally ended. When he pulled away, he grinned softly and set her on the ground. "That was lovely. You're quite light on your feet. Let's get back to our table shall we. I'm absolutely starving."
Victoria looked into his eyes, but then was suddenly spinning about at the end of the dance, and being pulled back into his arm as her hands braced against his chest, lips and body melting underneath his kiss. She felt her legs nearly go out beneath her. So she simply nodded at his request as the pair headed back to the table. She had quickly found her legs again, and was again at her seat, taking up her goblet of red wine and holding it out to him.
"We should toast," she suggested, giving him a coy smirk. "To a .. unique future and a unique bond." Her eyes strayed to her ring but once, glittering against the candle flames from the chandelier before her gaze fell back to Urich. She smiled warmly, eyes only averting from him as she noticed the servant beginning to arrive, serving some appetizers to all of the guests in as regal of a fashion as they could. But the her eyes returned to Urich as she studied him.
"So, you mentioned your father took a while to meet his wife. Had your father had many wive before her, or did he only marry just one? I know werewolves can live for quite some time. I'd imagine the need for lovers, but... well, I am just a tiny bit curious." She gave a small smile, the nodded as some food was placed before them, giving a gracious, "Thank you." before letting her brown eyes go back to his.
Urich chuckled midst his sip as she went on to ask if his father had ever married before. Leaning back in his chair nonchalantly, an appetitzer was set down before him, a plate of fried cheese steaming with herbs and spices.
"I don't think so. I do remember my father said he wasn't the 'marrying kind'. I'm sure my father had plenty of lovers; even a wolf needs someone to keep them warm on cold nights. He was a free spirit, much like myself, and only had met my mother by accident. I think he married her only because she was pregnant, but I'm sure he loved her a great deal. She was the only woman who could handle him, so to speak. He was full-blooded you know, wild. He did tell me of another, twenty years before my mother, another wolf he'd met in the wilderness. Their relationship was...steamy to put it lightly, but she'd made her mark on my father, and he remembered being quite depressed for the longest time. That was...until he met my mother.
"What about your parents? Do you remember how they met?"
Victoria nodded at his story.
"I'd like to believe there was more romance to the story, but their marriage had been arranged. They were both negotiators, carrying the marquis gene. That is normally how these things are arranged, I am told, but, well, there are not a lot of negotiators that are left, or, who have been identified. So by the time I was of age, there wasn't even a man open to be considered someone I could be betrothed to. Though.." she wrinkled her nose over the thought. "I do not know how well I'd fair in a pre-arranged marriage." She turned to Urich, smiling warmly. "I kind of like knowing I stumbled into it by happenstance and a stroke of bad luck. After all, it makes for a much more amusing and romantic story, don't you agree, my love?"
"I think happenstance and bad luck is how we came together, isn't it?" He was able to laugh about it, taking an appetizer from his plate and shoving it into his mouth. It certainly was delicious and helped balance the intake of his liquor. He took another sip of his wine and reached for her hand. "I want to talk about Sul'Gulthan for a minute, Victoria. Now...I know it's a touchy subject, particularly for me. But...I have to ask. If it still stood, the great hall, the bed chambers, even that gorgeous furnace...would you live in an old ruined fortress with me?"
Blinking, Victoria was take back by his question. But she already knew her answer.
Smiling, she tucked back some hair and merely replied, "Why yes. But we've already done that."S he replied, playfully. "That place was crying out for a woman's touch. I would have had my work cut out for me, Council or no Council." Smiling,s he studied Urich. "Though I must admit, if you would have asked me that earlier in my life, I'd consider you a crazy man. But I... well.. " she sighed through her nose. "I suppose I have a place for that old fortress in my heart. After all, there were some pretty good memories there, even if there were some pretty bad ones, too. It.. well, it will always be known to me, as the place where I fell in love." SHe blushed a little smiling at him and moving to eat some of the seasoned cheese. "The food here is pretty good,"s he went on, sipping some more wine.
"Nu-uh!" Urich insisted as she stated that last statement, he laughted. "When did you fall in love with me at Sul'Gulthan?! All I remember is some female invalide trying to boss me round in my own house, playing prude when you clearly had nothing to be ashamed of, with a lead pipe far too up your behind to be removed without blacksmith calipers... Oh, but you have made a small point, there were some good times. But when did you fall in love? How?"
"It is possible to be in love and not realize it,"she went on, smiling and avoiding his eyes as she sipped at her wine. "I... became a bit too reliant on you then, I think. I rather liked the idea of the man who despised me taking it upon himself to still help me, even though it was obviously against his will. I thought, though much later, how you could hardly be an animal to put yourself through such torture. Only a man could." She smirked and held up her glass, swirling aroudn the remains of her red wine. And there wasn't much. "Men are fickle that way," she said coolly, brushing back some of her curly dark hair away from her shoulders. "Besides, who's to say I'll tell you all of my secrets just yet." She finally looked to him, smirking. "You probably couldn't be ready to be rid of me. Especially all of that trouble I put you through to get those eggs..."
"Damn right I couldn't. But I don't think you'd like to see the exact nature of my thoughts just as much as you'd hate to divulge your secrets, I'm sure. They were quite vile concerning you, but that's putting it lightly. I didn't grow to love you until your damned cousin moved in. You were mine then...you see, and his very presence was a threat to my...well, you get the point. But it only took the thought of losing you to make me realize what I had."
Urich laughed and downed the rest of his wine. "You really don't know what you have until it's gone, after all. And the thought of you marrying Gerard... HA! What a laugh that was. He would have made you miserable, ruined you and would have had at least a dozen children outside of your knowledge. He's that type, you know. I know you'd like to see good in him because he's your family. But I saw him for what he really was right from the start. He would have ruined you."
Victoria smirked.
"I'm sure you hated me thorough." She fluffed at her hair. "I suppose I can be difficult enough for the both of us. Though, it still begs the question as to why you wouldn't simply let me die. Hrmm, you would have easily been rid of me then. Then you might have had Sul'Gulthan." She frowned. "You know I am still sorry for that. I.." she sighed. "I never meant any harm to come for you." She downcasted her gaze. "I was very foolish then." Bt then she thought it over and looked at him. "Though I suppose not much as changed."S he sighed through her nose, smiling, but at him mentioning Gerard, she was taken back.
"Yes, I know I'd be miserable, but I never had much of a future. If I hadn't have met you.."S he wrinkled her nose. "I'd hate to think of the consequences for my inadequacies to secure a real husband. And I am aware how horrible my cousin is."s he added bitterly. "Need I remind you I could have been baring his friend's child had I not.. well.."S he lowered her gaze sadly. "You were there." She went quiet again.
"Yes, I am well aware of the consequences," he said, staring at the food on his plate as he took another bite. But that was all he would say about that. Instead, Urich leaned forward and grabbed her hand, holding it warmly in his. "You don't seem to understand about how I felt about you back then. You were my enemy, true. But don't think I didn't entertain the thought of leaving you lying helplessly in the rain of that night that I found you. You would have died of pneumonia, or worse. Look at what happened when you're aunt thought you'd been killed. If you'd have really been killed, I would have been strung up by my neck or worse! I was doing us both a favor. That...and it's kind of my thing to entertain guests. I've always enjoyed it."
Urich grinned at her and kissed her hand. "Where shall we live after we get married? Do you want to return to the Valley?"
Victoria smiled at him as he expressed the truth.
"Don't think I had fallen for you right away, either, wolf. I wasn't exactly entirely appreciative of what you had done for me until it all came apart. Though, I suppose I started falling in love with you the more I hated you and the more difficult things became." She sipped at her wine, finishing it. "I think I just love things that are so difficult."
As he took her hand, she blushed a little when he kissed it.
"I never considered that far ahead. Too bad Sul'Gulthan is in ruins. It might have been a bit of a romantic destination. A little place out in the middle of no where with only the ghosts to keep us company." Then she paused to consider. "Oh, and let's not forget the pups." She thought about that over, too. "It's odd. Now that I think back to it, Draegr.. I wonder if he was the first pup to attempt to maul and kill me. And now he's my faithful companion."S he eyed Urich. "He even defended me against a rapscallion like you." She smirked. "He's a good wolf. I'm glad he chose me. Though I still feel bad for turning them into pups. That wasn't entirely expected from the enchanted powder, though I suppose we should be glad they didn't turn into something repulsive. Like a snake or something." She wrinkled her nose, but then thought back to his original question. "Perhaps.. while we are traveling we might fall in love with some spot along the way."S he shrugged. "But I guess only time will tell. We've gt plenty of time to think about it."
That's when a servant came and inquired.
"Would the lady like some champange?"
Victoria's eyes sparkled as she smirked.
"Why yes, champagne does sound wonderful about now." and she watched, sighing satisfyingly once the bubbly liquid was poured.
"Oh, a rapscallion, indeed, huh?" Urich replied smirking. "Oh, you and your filthy language, you naughter girl. Wait until your aunt hears about this!? She'll tan your hide and turn you into candle wax. But I wouldn't mind burning you in the dead of cold, winter nights." He smirked and drank whatever was left of his wine, a few sips little more than that.
When the server came around to the table, offering champagne, Urich nodded as well and thanked the man, offering a slip of coin as a tip for his generosity. The champagne was golden, beautiful and bubbly, cold and felt wonderful against his hands as he lifted it up to his nose to smell it.
He paused and his expression soured as he smelled something peculiar that didn't smell like champagne at all. Something was terribly wrong at this instant. And he set his glass down and he watched as Victoria's glass rose to her lips, Urich immediately stood up and smacked the glass out of her hand, sending it shattering all across the floor. He said nothing and only stood beside her, as all eyes fell on them. But it was only for that moment before there was the sound of shattering glass again and a man at the table across the floor from them suddenly fell face first into his food, limp and lifeless.
And the older woman beside him suddenly stood up screaming in terror, trying to shake him. "Harry! HARRY! OH SOMEBODY HELP!"
Victoria was about to down some of the delicious smelling champagne, when suddenly it was knocked clean out of her hand, smashing against the wall.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist," she started, but then quickly came to realize as another scream was heard. Gasping, she shot up from her chair. "We have to help them!" she started, peering over at Urich, then rushed over to the table. By the time she had gotten there, the man had been turned over on his belly, with foam coming down from his lips. Victoria drew back at the grotesque twist to his face, the unkindly spell that death was tolling on him as she exclaimed, "Why, he has been poisoned!" And the whole place was gasping, even a few women fainting, the man's wife included as Victoria rushed forward to catch her. Peering up at Urich, her eyes pleaded with them. "We have to stop anyone from drinking any of the champagne!"s he implored. Then she turned her attentions back to the woman. "And I'll be needing my bag. I have smelling salts. I might even have a poison counteractive though.."s he frowned."He ingested it. It's not lik ea snake bite, for which the serum was intended." She sighed, her heart beating frantically within her chest. "We must figure out the source of this and why someone would try to poison the guests!"
With the sudden commotion, the music was stopped and most people were stopped from drinking their own champagne without any effort on Victoria's part.
"Screw your salts. Now's not the time for you damn bag," Urich said frustratedly. He reached for the fainted woman and found some water on the table beside the wine they had bought. He splashed it onto the woman's face, ruining her paint, and she awoke with an abrupt gasp. But not before a hand came hard across his cheek.
"How dare you, sir!" she said, gasping, and pushed herself away from him.
Urich rubbed his cheek, "So much for thanks." But he thought no more of it and moved to the server that had given him the champagne, but he was too frozen at what happened and jumped when he saw Urich step closer to him. "Where did this champagne come from?"
"The-the cellar! Where all the drinks are!" the man stuttered, dropping his tray. He pointed the way and looked at the empty bottle of champagne from the floor. Urich leaned down to pick it up, and brought it up to his nose. He sniffed it for a long while before helding it delicately in his hands. "Red Nightshade," he determined. "And if not...a very close cousin of it."
OOC: So when I first read this, I thought he called her a damn bag.. X3
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Victoria turned, only to observe Urich's swiftness of the water, flinching some as the water splashed a tad onto herself. And then the woman reacted, and she flinched again at the crack to her fiance's cheek. Frowning, she raised herself to her feet. There was not much to be done with the woman, nor her dead husband as she sighed. She moved swiftly to URich's side, digesting what the waitor mentioned mentioned turning her eyes about. Then she looked back to the waitor, fetching onto his arm.
"You will tell me where the cellar is immediately. We'll need to inspect the other drinks. And tell the kitchen staff to hold off on serving any of their food. We don't need the entire staff and guests to keel over dead. We've got a murder on our hands. The poison was used intentionally and we've got to find out why. Now, direct me to that cellar at once!"
The man shrunk back, shaking a bit as he pointed towards a door that lead to the kitchen.
"Through there, mum."
Victoria's eyes narrowed to a glare at the word 'mum'.
"I mean, ma'am, er.. miss. Through there. You have to pass through the kitchen!" he called the last part after her, as Victoria was holding onto her skirts and storming across the dance floor. "Come along, Urich. I need your nose." Then back to the waitor she barked out the order. "See that nobody leaves. Even the servants. Anyone is a suspect."
[Ha! She needs his nose! Also, when is Mr. Mummy Detective Dude going to show up?]
Urich, frankly, was quite impressed by how easily Victoria took charge of the situation. But he was just as concerned that he wasn't getting in over her head. Urich would just as well not bother to get involved and returned to their quarters. however, he had an inkling feeling that the man that died was not the intended target for the poisoning. And if that were the case, they'd have a true conspiracy on their hands. And that didn't exclude neither him nor Victoria from being possible targets.
He only nodded to he as he followed her through the kitchens and to the cellar that, following the scent of the waiter they came to a staircase that led below. The kitchen staff just stared at them as they passed through but Urich only stared back that told them to go on about their business as if they didn't see them.
Urich walked passed her as they entered into the dim lightning, his night vision kicking in. He sniffed the air, tracking where the server had gone through and found the case of champagne and moved the pried lid away from it, revealing a dozen minus one bottles in there, all sealed and fresh. "This is the case...but there's only one missing, probably the bottle he'd been serving."
Victoria leaned over, gloved hands on her knees as she blinked, examining the champagne bottles. Then she looked up at Urich. At the angle she was bent over, she was nearly bursting out of her dress, exposing so much of her assets it was rather curious that she seemed unphased by it, or even got drafty.
But she simply blinked.
"Are any of these bottles poisoned?" she inquired. "Or any other ones here?" She eyed the empty location, noticing a hair and examining it. It was a long, black curly peace of hair. Though she wasn't sure if it was of any consequence she turned back to Urich. "What do you make of this? Shall we have you sniff out the kitchen?"
Urich had sniffed the crate and was carefully examaning the other bottles when Victoria's bosom clouded his view nicely. But he only furrowed his brows at the distraction. He needed to focus if they were going to figure this out, and he immediately regretted making her wear that silly red dress.
"I don't smell anymore poison. It was just that one bottle. But how could have they known that that particular bottle was used...? It doesn't add up. Unless they switched them... Perhaps they poisoned the bottle after it was opened. Perhaps the server is the culprit this whole time...and he's just a well-trained actor."
He stood up and stared at the hair Victoria managed to pluck from the crate. "No....I don't think scouring the kitchen will be necessary. Have you seen that chicken!? I'm glad they gave us cheese. But this hair...it smells.....it smells undead."
Victoria blinked.
"Oh, do you think it's one of Frederick's?" she asked, though his hair was more of a dark brown- though this couldn't possibly...
"CONFOUNDED! What do you mean I can't leave? Don't you know who I am? Who ordered such a ridiculous arrangement? What do you mean some woman? What!? She's int he cellar!?" bellowed a voice from upstairs. It was so loud it made Victoria jump and turn around, her eyes seeking towards the cellar steps. She turned to Urich.
"Seems one of the guests are getting antsy. I wonder if he's the culprit?" she thought outloud, a smug grin stretching across her lips. Moving quick, she held onto her skirts and raced upstairs, just as the man was racing down the steps and the pair quickly collided and soon Victoria and the man was tumbling down teh last pair of steps in some peculiar, painful looking dance until the pair of them both seemed to grip onto the railing at the last second-
And Lord Amalin was hanging over her, curly dark hair across his raging brown eyes;
and Victoria leaning back, barely gripping onto the railing while her own, equally raging brown eyes were looking back at him. And her chest was heaving angrily beneath it's confines, that of which was only a momentary distraction for the Lord who bent over her and quickly righted himself.
"Who are you to give such orders against the Hotel?" the man demanded.
Victoria was taken back by his rudeness.
"I say, not even an apology!"s he started at him with a sniff. "I'll have you know we have a murder on our hands and anyone, even yourself, my good sir, could very well be a culprit!"
"Culprit!?" the man looked at her as if she were mad, fury broiling inside hsi eyes but- GOD'S BE DAMNED! Why was she wearing such an attractive dress!? His eyes kept going down and he found himself havin ga hard time keeping focused on her. But God's, she was infuriating. "I'll have you know I've been working on this case all week and-"
"And what!? If you were plotting to kill someone we already have incriminating evidence that you were the one promoting such atrocities!" Victoria spat back.
Lord Amalin blinked.
"What the devil has gotten up your skirts, woman? My fingerprints would be all over this damn place. I've been here the past week chasing after a man dabbling in some severely acute poisons! Now I asked you a question!" he pressed, angrily backing her up against a wall. "Your name, madame!?"
Victoria gave a start when she found her bare shoulders pressing against the cold stone of the wall of the cellar, but when her lips went to speak- she couldn't say anything as this man's eyes were now glued to her chest. Anger flooded through her as she begna to suddenly clobber him with her purse.
"I am Miss Victoria Armani, and I'll have you know you can not just publicly stare at me like that or I'll have my fiance clobber you once, then twice to the moon!" she shouted, smashing her purse into his skull again and again.
At first, Lord Amalin had cowered away as the purse was painfully smashed into his head, but then thrust his hand outward, latching onto the purse and yanked the woman forward, his hair a dark, moppish mess about his face as he held her fiercely within his grasp so that NOW her breasts were bulging eve more beneath their constrictive confines.
"CONFOUNDED WOMAN! STOP THAT!" he roared,a nd threw her damn purse aside as it clattered open and the contents scattered about across the floor. Then he shook her. "Do you have any idea what you're even dealing with!?"
"And apparently neither do you!" the woman cried, realizing all of a sudden why the hair smelled like undead- THIS MAN! He reeked of embalming oils! And suddenly her purse was too far away, her enchantments too far out of reach and her hat- OH HER HAT! If only she had a means to be rid of this despicable man-
But instead of waiting for Urich to do something, she tried to beat on the man with her fists.
"UNHAND ME NOW!" she roared.
Lord Amalin growled as her fists smashed into his face.
"LORD, WOMAN!" he bellowed, grabbing onto her wrists and yanking her forward, so that Victoria was forced to press her hand to this man's chest lest they...
well.. let's just say they were in too far of an intimate looking and compromising position that Victoria began to wonder what had become of her fiance... whens he suddenly shouted.
"URICH! GRAB THE LIPSTICK IN MY PURSE! AND BE CAREFUL! IT"S ENCHANTED!" she commanded. "He's an undead! I can simply use my powers on him to render him-"
"Wait- what do you mean powers.." Lord Amalin began, when suddenly he was clocked again.
"URICH!" she wailed, stumbling but Lord Amalin still held on fast to one of her arms.
Wait..
His mind began to think back, to deduce when suddenly-
"GOOD GODS!? You're the Victoria Armani!?"
Frankly, Urich was taken aback by the entire display. He just watched, with some fleeting fascination as Victoria tumbled with another man and proceeded to pummel him and give him all the mouthful she could handle in that one heated moment. He just stood back, leaning against a rather large cask nonchalantly, grinning wider just a little each time Victoria got more and more angry. Oh, how lovely it was to watch her become so frustrated.
"URICH! GRAB THE LIPSTICK IN MY PURSE! AND BE CAREFUL! IT"S ENCHANTED!"
He visibly laughed. "Like hell I will. I'm not touching that thin," he said and scoffed. "You're doing fine all on your own, darling." He was surprised as well, just how calm he was during the whole situation, considering the other man's hands were all over his fiance. But for some reason he didn't find any reason to believe this man was any particular threat to Victoria. She was more than capable of defending herself after all.
Even as the other man had her in a rather - well, compromising position - Urich said and did nothing, not even bothering to touch that enchanted purse. And when at last the man that grabbed onto her realized who she was, it was only then that Urich finally nudged himself off the cask and waved his hands as the mediator, carefully prying the strange man's fingers off of his fiancee's wrist.
"All right, now, both of you need to calm down," Urich said. "Now, sir, first off, who are you and what are you doing down here? Perhaps instead of complaining about being unable to leave, maybe you can be of some assistance to us. I don't know if you saw the dead body lying on the floor in the middle of the dining area, but we are trying to figure out the precise reason for his untimely demise. I imagine since you've said you were investigating a man who had a taste for poisons, perhaps you could lend a hand instead."
Victoria glared at Urich for his impotence! This was a serious matter and her blood was boiling.
"Yes, I am Victoria Armani and we've had yet to be introduced to you!" she spat. Though as Urich went on, she felt her irritation only growing and prickling throughout her entire body as she glared daggers. Whirling around, she glared at her fiance. "Like hell we'll have him help us! He might be a suspect, or even the murderer himself!"
At those claims, Lord Amalin barked out a laugh.
"Please.." he adjusted his lapels, smoothing back his hair as he gave a shake of his head. "If I were a murderer I'd be far smarter than this gentleman I've been chasing down. I've been tracking him these many months for conspiracy against the Council, dabbling into poisons and the likes and-"
"Wait- you know about the Council?" Victoria asked, taken back.
Lord Amalin grinned.
"Why yes. THough I suppose now I ought to introduce myself, yes?" he bent down in a bow, then took Victoria's hand and kissed the top of it softly. "I am Lord Amalin."
Victoria was taken back, yanking her hand away, disgusted. "The mummy!?"
Lord Amalin visibly flinched, wearing a soured grin. "Yes.. the mummy." Then righted himself, he continued to fix his suit, eyes going to Urich. "And I presume this is Urich Renqvist?" He tilted his head. "Considering he hardly looks like your fiance, Gerard Regnald... was it? Your cousin... I believe the rumors said? Though from what I hear he's now a pawn for Prince Adelaram. Though you know how gossip goes." He waved it off in nonchalance.
Urich grinned at the man before them, completely amused at the situation and that Victoria was becoming even more appalled and infuriated than before. She almost couldn't believe that another related to the Council could find themselves here. But it was nice, for once, to finally deal with someone who knew what they were talking about it seemed than to have strange mortals that knew nothing of the reality of the wider world but their stupid, stuffy, intrusive laws.
He would more than welcome the aid of this... Mummy, was it? Urich wasn't quite sure what an exact mummy entailed but it must have been something dead and otherworldly. And it was enough to piss Victoria off.
"Yes, sir," Urich said, extending a hand and pulling it into a strong shake. "I am Urich Renqvist. And Victoria here is my fiancee as you ought to know by now. I'm sure you know the details of the little fiasco with Gerard. Quite a nuisance really. But, sir, if you are willing to help, I'd more than welcome it. Even if Victoria here does not."
(Would be funny if they became best friends XD)
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Lord Amalin raised his brows at the man's introduction. He pressed his lips together curiously, looking from him to the fuming Victoria, then back to Mr. Renqvist. Tilting his head, he cleared his throat with a brief cough, "I do apologize. I hadn't realized she had retracted her engagement. Though I try not to stick my nose into gossip unless it pertains to something important."
'Something important indeed,' Victoria thought with a growl as she stepped up beside the men.
"Well now-" Victoria began, but was abruptly cut off by Lord Amalin as he turned his back to Victoria, now addressing her fiance as she was taken a bit back by this rude gesture.
"Well, I suppose I could use some help. Wait- did you say Renqvist?" he though the name over and was taken back, and was actually laughing. "Oh, so you're the Mr. Urich Renqvist. So, perhaps her tarred reputation did chain you two together after all?"
Victoria's face was red as a cherry.
"I say!"S he began, stomping an angry foot forward. "We hardly did anything so salacious as you might be implying, sir-"
"I guess I have picked up on some of the gossip,"he said, pickign at his ear with a wriggle of his pinky finger as it dug in- Victoria's short remark was more like a bark and stung at his ear drums. Shaking it off, he shrugged. "So you're a were wolf.." He rubbed his chin.
"Yes, he's a werewolf-" Victoria began, but was cut off yet again as Amalin continued.
"We could definitely use a good nose. There's a few things I might want you to look at. Though my bag was left in my carriage and the infuriating hotel staff won't let me pass."
At the remark, Urich boiled but he managed to maintain his composure. He still smiled at the confirmation of his wolfish state. Why did he have to mention the fact that Victoria had a 'tarred reputation' as if that were the only reason any man might take pity on her and propose? As if this had all been done because she couldn't find anyone else. It was an insult even if it was merely gossip. But the very fact that he would believe it didn't instill much confidence Urich's thought of the man.
"Yes, of course," Urich said, nodding to Amalin. "We'll get those things for you as soon as possible. But first things first." Then Urich's fist slammed hard into the jaw of the strange mummy man that called himself Lord Amalin. He struck him hard, with enough force to knock him back.
"You seem to be a man of decent intelligence, so I'd ask you, kindly to please refrain from believing such nonsense. Gossip is gossip, I understand. But it wouldn't hurt to show a little more respect in front of a lady, particularly one of the council," he said, dusting off his hand. "Now, I apologize for striking you, Lord Amalin. But that is all I ask, and if it is too much, then we have no reason to work together. With all due, respect, sir."
The shot to his jaw was enough to down the man to his knees, causing Victoria to take a step back, but her grin to grow as wide as the ocean and as content as the sea as she could have purred over this sort of victory. But instead of rubbing his nose in it, she simply remained quiet and folded her arms across her chest, still smirking. Well, that was one reason to add to many why she loved her werewolf. She gave Urich an appreciating glance while Lord Amalin began to rise.
Lord Amalin rubbed at his jaw, shaking it off as he got to his feet. That would smart tomorrow- oh no wait, it probably wouldn't. But it would certainly not do well for his decomposing..
which had begun a lot earlier than he would have liked. At least nothing was visibly showing- for now.
Smiling up at Urich, he simply nodded.
"I can't say I didn't deserve that. That's what I get for taking to gossip." he worked at setting his jaw. "Though one can never be too certain if some good information might not come from it." he bowed slightly to Urich. "I apologize for my rudeness."
Victoria angrily cleared her throat, and bristling, Lord Amalin turned around nad forced himself to bow to her.
"I meant no disrespect," he stated, but Victoria hardly looked amused.
"Calm down, Victoria," Urich said, putting an arm around her waist and stepping in close to her. "The man apologized and it seems he means it. He could really help us, if you're dead set on solving who's trying to poison the guests! Think about it. Listen to reason. I'll make it up to you later."
Urich sighed and shook Lord Amalin's hand once more. "Apology accepted, sir. Now, to those pieces of evidence you were talking about. We have work to do."
[Short! D8]
Victoria held a breath and looked angrily away, nose to the air. That wolf had better be good on his word or he'd be sorry!
Keeping her arms folded, she simply made a noise and just waved them on.
"Well, then be about what you want to say then." she said impatiently, still refusing to look at the man.
Lord Amalin only smirked and looked from Victoria to Urich, raising his brows at the man and seeming to ask him a silent question. After all, this man claimed to be her fiance....
He must like having his hands full.
Clearing his throat, he continued. "Well, there's a lot of complications with the evidence. It's in my carriage, which is conveniently outside and the hotel staff refuses to let me retrieve it. That, and well, I think we have a ghost on our hands."
Victoria was taken back.
"A what!? What do you mean a ghost?!"
"It's exactly as I say it. The murderer is dead. And he's intending to kill again from beyond the grave."
"Well, let me just get my things! This looks like a job for the council. I just need to find my things and enchant a few items and-"
"Really, no- the Council should not interfere..."
"And why is that!?" Victoria asked angrily, hands to her hips, bosom thrust out.
"Er- b-because this was a private paid investigation!" Amalin pressed. "And I will not have my client's will marred by the reputation and laws of the Council-"
"What do you mean marred!?" Victoria snapped, growing furious.
Amalin groaned, rubbing his brow. "I knew this would happen!" and he began to storm away. "I'll just see to this case myself! Please tell your woman to stay out of my hair!" Amalin said, glaring over at Urich before he began to race up the steps.
"HIS WOMAN!?" Victoria was pissed, and tore off after him- fully intending to raise hell.
His WOMAN!? Ha! As if he'd ever be able to tell 'his woman' what to do! Urich almost wanted to laugh at loud but had a little too much tact to just burst out in laughter when Victoria suddenly stormed after him. Oh, he had to see this! As much as he wanted to intervene, the very thought of Victoria raising hell on someone else was a much relieved change and it would be fun to witness yet another argument between the two.
Yet, good sense told him that he really ought not to let his fiance make such a scene, not when she was trying to present herself as something of a profession in front of the guests upstairs. He quickly grabbed Victoria's arm and yanked her back to him. "Now, Victoria, you said you've been trying for years to earn the respect of the Council and now here comes an opportunity, literally, sprawled at your feet. Don't squander it by humilitiating yourself out there. Calm down. You can take your anger out on me at a later time."
He moved passed her and ran up the stairs after Lord Amalin. "Sir, please wait! Now, look. Personally, I wouldn't give two shits about solving this crime, not with a ghost involved. I've had enough of those to last a lifetime. But for the sake of these people, can we at least find common ground? We don't need anymore victims and as long as Victoria wants to help, I'm going to do whatever i can for her. And that means making you come to your senses...as well as hers."
Victoria gave an impatient huff, as did Lord Amalin. His eyes flickered between the pair before settling back to Mr. Renqvist.
"The ghost we have on our hands is no ordinary ghost. I believe they are allied with vampires. I'm sure you might both be familiar with a certain Prince Adelram?"
Victoria gasped.
"That vampire, again?"
"Well, the rumors are speculating he's dabbling in affairs outside of vampirism, but one can not say why or for certain. He might just be growing bored," Lord Amalin rolled his eyes. "Damn immortals can never be satisfied." He shook his head and studied the pair for a moment. "Before we procede, I need your word you wont' drag the Council into this unless it is necessary. I won't get paid other wise and well.." he shuffled uneasily. "I'd rather not ruin the alliance I've worked too many years to gain. After all, aiding me would, in effect, benefit the Council anyway, so we'd be doing one another a favor by snuffing out the presence of this ghost together. Now, I don't normally condone working together, however.." he sighed. "This ghost has been rather... evasive, as most ghosts tend to be. But this one is more clever than the rest. At least she doens't moan about like the others do." He rolled his eyes, recalling some of his other assignments before shaking his head. "Look, just.. do something to get them to allow me to go outside, or .. you know.. distract them with your breasts or something." He gestured to Victoria. It was obvious the woman wanted that sort of attention- or why would she wear such a scandalous gown?
Victoria gasped in offense, hands clenching into fists as if ready to sock him one, but instead, turned to her fiance. Really, the wolf had better do something about this arrogant man or she'd pummel them both with her parasol.
"Understood, Mr. Amalin," Urich said, nodding to their new acquaintance. "Do you hear that Victoria? The the Council doesn't always need to stick it's irreputable nose into other people's business. And I believe we can still help out here without bringing all that extra baggage along, Victoria. Now, think about it for a minute here before you lose your skull over this. You've been trying for years to accomplish something that would impress the Council, and just think what this would do for your career. Finally, something found on your own and you can be quite proud of yourself for it. It'll be all right, Victoria and you'll need our help as much as we need yours."
Urich smiled at her and gave an appreciative smirk. "Besides, I see the man has excellent taste. As do I," he said, shrugging off the comment about her breasts. They really were glorious, if he could say so himself. But now was not the time for such nonsense, they could worry about that later.
Quickly he kissed her cheek before moving back through the kitchen, walking through the door and out to the staff that were preventing people from both entering the hotel and from leaving. "Now, if you please, allow this man through, he's an inspector of sorts and is helping us investigate the matter of the recent death inside. However, he needs to be let outside to retrieve his things to help further this investigation. Including particular pieces of evidence that need to be diagnosed."
The man saw the look in Urich's eye, that he wasn't playing games and immediately opened the door for Lord Amalin to pass through. "Victoria, you stay here," Urich said, as he would follow Lord Amalin outside.
Victoria had the nerve to run a fist through Urich's face, but held her breath instead, glaring at her fiance after he kissed her cheek and left, and just as the pair were heading out the door, she turned around and began barking more orders, sending the hotel shaking beneath her command.
Lord Amalin shook his head and glanced over at Mr. Renqvist as he loosened his collar.
"I've met many difficult women in my time," Amalin began, chancing a glance back at the Armani woman. "And I don't think many could compare to your fiance." He smirked, and gestured for Urich to follow him. "Come, my carriage is just around the corner."
Throwing open the door, he began to rummage through his stuff.
"So, dare I ask how you've gotten yourself entangled with a council woman?" he asked, still keeping his head inside the carriage as he groped about, gathering boxes and bags and a sachel from inside. "I would think a werewolf would be wise enough to stay clear of those types, though I don't blame you if it was purely attraction, or.." he paused, laughing. "If you're the sort that enjoys that sort of challenge. Or torture."
Urich laughed at the prodding question. "You could say I'm a glutton for punishment. But I do believe that is every man worth his salt is, wolf or not. But it's quite a long and...aggravating story. To make it quick, I suppose, she came into my life quite unwelcome. In fact, I tried to kill her. Well, she was asking for it, believe you me. However, fate would have it that she would leave me homeless and I ended up making my home in her house as punishment to say the least.
"I honestly didn't think i could love someone as insufferable as her. I know how frustrating she can be. But what fun would there be in a woman without a little fire to her? I'm sure you can only imagine the kind of passion contained within her." He grinned a little, in a small pride that he could call a woman like Victoria his own.
"However, her...being a Marchioness, does put a damper on things sometimes. I hope she never enchants my pants."
Lord Amalin was only half listening, fiddling with this thing and that before he turned around, blinking - one eye larger than the other through a peculiar set of spectacles now upon his face.
But then he quickly barked out a laugh, and kept laughing, shaking his head.
"That would put a damper on things indeed," Amalin agreed, adjusting his pants as he lifted the spectacles off of his face, btu then something caught his eye as he lowered them again and blinked, clicking something on the side while he examined a few things on Urich's shoulder. He plucked off a long strand of hair, then furrowed his brow and looked up at Urich through uneven eyes through his glasses with a blink.
"What floor were you two staying at in the hotel? Or more importantly.. what room?"
Urich was confused for a moment, as he plucked the hair from his shoulder. Odd, he hadn't seen it on him! He stared at it for a good long second before blinking at Amalin. "Third floor. Room 112, I believe. Why? That hair looks a lot like the one I found on the case of champagne in the cellar!"
"Gods, what does our room have to do with that hair? Perhaps it belongs to a corpse. Perhaps the body of the ghost that you hunt."
"No.." Lord Amalin scrunched his nose. "What bothers me about the hair is that it's mine."
His expression soured as he sighed. Shaking his head, he looked back up at Urich.
"Room 112 you say? Perhaps I should start my investigation there. It was one of those rooms on the third floor where I began my investigation anyways. Might as well start in one of the room's I can gain easier access to." Throwing a few bags over his shoulder he moved towards the Hotel.
"Though I'm assuming your fiance won't mind if I have to scourer the room for clues?"
He smirked at the thought. But then again, Mr. Renqvist could take the brunt of that from his woman. Though.. he had to think about the statement. Having a woman like that would be awfully fun. Though tiresome. Shaking off the idea, he stepped inside the hotel, staring around at the guests and taking out a quill and paper and stuffing it into Victoria's arms.
"Here, make yourself useful and gather a list of the guests within this room, then compare it to the guest list at the front desk."
Victoria blinked, and looked from Lord Amalin to Urich.
"What's going on?" she expected Urich to give her some sort of an update, after all.. she gave a peculiar stare to the spectacles Lord Amalin was wearing. The man looked like an idiot.
Well, some idiots were geniuses in disguise. But he didn't know why geniuses had to wear disguises in the first place. But Urich supposed it wasn't a matter of importance, no matter how strange this 'detective' was.
When they faced Victoria, Urich smiled sheepishly. "I've graciously granted permission here to Mr. Amalin that he can search our room for any clues connecting him to his ghost. And you're going to agree with me. First, let's get those lists, shall we. Mr. Amalin, here's my key."
Victoria was taken back.
"You let him - what!?" but her wolfish fiance was already pushing her away. She was fuming, but int he same breath, she trusted her husband to be (for only God knew why). BUt really- did he trust this complete stranger with their things? She gave Lord Amalin a glare, not that it could do much, and the man only smiled with a bow and accepted their room key. "Thank you for being so obliging. Hopefully I shan't be long."
Scowling, Victoria whirled around and readied a piece of paper.
"Let's get on with this then." then she move dout into the center of the room and shouted. "I need everyone to work with me here! I need the names of all whom are present to create a list in order to help deduce clues for the investigation. If we'd like to go home any time soon, I expect you all to cooperate easily."
Though no one put up a fight, and soon Victoria was scratching down everyone's name. When she was done, she dotted the last 'I" and turned with a sigh to Urich.
"I suppose we ought to check on Lord Amalin now."S he made a soured face, recalling the trust in her room and well..
She just hoped he wasn't rooting through her things. What a scandal that could prove to be! Hrmph!
In truth, Urich couldn't say he really trusted the man. He'd only known him for what was it - five minutes? But already he could do they were going to get along like Sul'Gulthan on fire! Not only that, but it was quite fun to watch Victoria squirm so underneath his insufferable attention, and that Urich was bending so easily to his wishes. But she'd come to understand that he was only doing it to make her angry.
Oh, he'd get it in the morning. If they made it to morning.
For now, the night was young and Urich sighed as they made their way back to their room. Their door was ajar, and as to be expected, the room was quite in disarray with clothes thrown here and there as if a pair of strangers had stolen the key, stole their clothes and proceeded to get naked and sprawl around on the bed a few times before quickly vacating.
Only it smelled better.
Urich slowly pushed the door ajar, knowing Victoria would give him hell for the mess Lord Amalin had made. He called for the man to appear, stepping in with an angry brow. "What the hell did you do the room!?" Urich bellowed.
Lord Amalin looked up from where he was on the other side of the bed, the silly spectacles still adorning his face as he blinked behind them, one glass making one eye larger than the other, but both being magnetized. Despite Urich's angered expression, the man smiled.
"I think I found some clues!" he began. "Right underneath your bed seems to be some sort of door way and-"
"WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU DONE TO MY ROOM!?" Victoria's voice boomed.
Victoria had finally found her voice, her entire being having frozen in pure shock at the disaster before them.
Lord Amalin blinked, but other wise seemed unphase and tried to continue- "You see, I've seen these chalk drawings before and-"
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY THINGS!? MY DRESSES!? ME JEWELEry!?" her brown eyes flared with anger, her entire being seizing up, her glare going to Urich- but when Lord Amalin tried to speak- she heard his voice and it was just about all she could take.
"Oh really, you can live with a mess for the sake of an investigation-"
WHAM!
and her fist connected cleanly with his jaw, sending the man clean to the floor.
"And I expect you to clean up after you mess when you are done with this investigation, Lord Amalin!" she said with an indignant sniff.
And then she gasped as she noticed the man nursing his jaw, that right around him was littered all of her under garments. Her eyes sparkled into tears, and just as Lord Amalin tried to stand up, she socked him again and stormed clean out of the room.
THe nerve of him! And the nerve of Urich for letting him just pry into their things!
Good gods, this was only going to get worse... Urich, while livid, wasn't nearly as upset as his fiance. He just figured if someone was going to be mad first, it might as well be him since he was the one going to get beat by that damned parasol later. He clenched and unclenched his fists, watching Victoria storm out of the room, but he stayed behind and glared daggers at the mummy man.
"Gods, man, can't you at least make it seem like you hardly touched anything! It looks like a goddamned monsoon passed through here!" he hissed at him, pulling him up from the ground and giving him a proper shake. "Fuck! Never mind that. What the hell was it that you found? Some kind of doorway, you said? Quick, help me lift up the bed."
Lord Amalin was still nursing his jaw and seemed unconcerned that Urich was pissed. He simply stared, then lifted the spectacles so they rested up within his curly hair and moved over so that he and Mr. Renqvist were pushing the bed aside. Once it was away, he stood over the ground, staring own at the door way and rubbed thoughtfully at his chin.
"Interesting.."
There was indeed a door but...
"It seems the ghost drew a lock on this door, but no handle."
Very interesting indeed!
But then he felt something.. and shivered, his eyes going over towards the hallway.
"Say.. what happened to your fiance?"
He couldn't have known that, at the same time they were investigating the drawn doorway beneath the bed, Victoria had stormed off down the hall, but had found something herself. There was a picture frame, slightly tilted to the side and something was drawn on the wall behind it. Curious, she pushed the picture aside and stared at the chalk drawing. It was a window. A window with bars-
And as her fingers graced over it, she felt a chill- when suddenly something reached out-
she didn't even have a chance to scream before she vanished from this world, entering into the next...
It wasn't long after Amalin said that that Urich felt the chill too. The hair on the back of his neck stood up and there was a terrifying chill in the air. He glanced to the window, which was locked quite shut. "Gods! Victoria!" Urich suddenly cried out. He pulled Amalin along with him. "Come on!" And ran for the hallway.
When he appeared, he saw a flash of light that blinded him, it happened so fast it was easy to confuse it with a blink of his eyes as the portal opened and immediately closed, a flicker of a realm opening within another realm. He ran for the part of the hallway he saw the flash and saw the chalk picture there of a window. His heart immediately sank into his stomach and he felt his nails and facial hair begin to grow in rage. But he had a sinking filling that tearing into this wall wouldn't make her come back.
So he did the only thing he knew and turned back to Amalin, grabbing him hard enough to sink his claws into his arms, shaking him fiercely. "WHERE DID SHE GO!? THERE MUST BE ANOTHER PORTAL!"
Lord Amalin was much slower to follow Urich out into the hall, and watched, though briefly, as the red dress disappeared into the wall. He cringed. So the ghost was planning to-
but his thoughts were jarred when Urich grabbed him and began to shake him fierce. Lord Amalin grit his teeth and gripped right back onto the other man's arms, this time finally showing some strength.
"Calm yourself, Mr. Renqvist," he said, yanking himself free of his grip with a sigh, then smoothed down his lapels and his coat. "Really, you act as if you haven't a clue how the supernatural work, and you yourself are one of them!" He shook his head. Though most supernatural beings were of their own variety, he figured it was their duty to be more knowledgeable of the other kind.
"She was pulled in through the gate- though I guess the ghost didn't want to toy with a werewolf." he eyed Urich, sighing again as he smoothed back his dark hair.
"There are other entry ways, but we'd have to be careful when tampering with a ghost." He sighed, staring upwards at the ceiling, only then noticing that- there was a keyhole drawn on the ceiling above them.
"By the Gods, this bloody ghost is quite the trickster." he sighed, then turned to Urich. "How good are you at hide and seek? Because we need to find the key. If we can find her key, we can open that door beneath your bed and get to her plane." Though he frowned at this and winced a bit because of the force Urich had placed onto his arm,a nd had to pull back his arm, revealing some decay and bandages littering up the side.
Sighing, he worked at fixing it.
"Damn rotting bandages," Amalin grumbled.
"That is disgusting," Urich commented upon seeing the bandages. "You really need to see a sorcerer or something about your particular condition." Well said, from the man with a facial hair problem as more of it began to grow on his face out of sheer desperation alone. But thankfully he hadn't changed into his full transformation. There was no need for a killing machine in this hotel and it was bad enough with the threat of a ghost lurking around every corner.
"All right, a key," said Urich, trying to think. "Back where I lived in Sul'Gulthan, there was an increasing number of ghosts that lurked those halls, all people who used to live there, soldiers, staff, even a few wraiths here and there. In the lower levels, those were the most haunted. But I do remember there being a portal of sorts, opened by some necromancers that used to live there. The key was a particular object inscribed with strange runes. At the time, a thigh bone with carved runes and painted in with blood. I imagine the ghost here would have such a key crafted in personal connection with itself. What more do you know about this ghost? Is it male or female? How is it related to this hotel?"
"Well if you want the truth," Lord Amalin began, rolling back down his sleeves, though giving them a one quick itch before replacing his glove over decaying fingers. "Most extravagant acts of these are do to petty vengeance. The ghost was a woman, the daughter of the former owner of the hotel, but before her untimely death, the hotel was losing money and her family was starting to get desperate to sell. Not wanting the hotel to fall into another family, their daughter, Suellen Raquelle, tried to get herself married to a wealthy man from a familiar stock- I'm sure you recall the Armani family." Lord Amalin cleared his throat even giving his neck a quick crack as the pair walked down the hall.
"He had quite a lot of money and connections, and she was hoping he would save her family's hotel by a marriage. But well, he was promised to another, and Suellen's dreams were shattered. So, if you must know, she might not like Victoria very much, after all.." His eyes went to study Urich's face a moment. "She wanted to marry Victoria's father. Hrmm." He frowned, but just before he could add two more cents into his story- another scream from the guests down stairs was heard and suddenly, all of the lights went out.
"I suggest you keep that wolf blood of yours in check. Come on, Mr. Renqvist, let's go see what the old ghost is up to this time." Lord Amalin began to walk away, shaking his head. "Really, turning out the lights. So juvenile." he muttered.
Everything that Urich feared could go wrong, did. Victoria was gone, locked in some strange other world. And now the ghost wanted to avenge herself from losing Victoria's father to another! Gods he knew they should have just left the damned Valley when they had the chance instead of worrying about money, dancing, galas, ghosts, portals, deaths and vengeance! He only hoped Victoria had enough sense to check her temper. It had done so little to make their situation any more fruitful.
Urich did his best to remain calm as he walked beside Amalin. The candles being snuffed out was hardly anything new. Thankfully he was a creature of the night and his vision was just as good, if not better, in the dark than it was by the light of these meager candles. He could feel his claws itching for blood, for something, anything tangible that he might tear into to show that his possessions were not to be trifled with!
Urich raced down the stairs, going ahead of Lord Amalin and froze as he saw the spectre before him, manifesting momentarily as it held a waiter by the throat. It was wretched, gnarled and white, fraile and gaunt as her thin, ghostly face hovered over the young man's and she seemed to suck his very essence from his mouth. And not shortly after doing so, did the man's lifeless body drop to the ground and she shrieked at the pair upon sight then vanished shortly into thin air.
Lord Amalin quickly followed after Urich, and paused just behind the man to witness the spectacle. But after the ghost disappeared, he simply blinked.
"Huh. I'm surprised the ghost showed her face to so many. That puts a whole other perspective on this investigation." he said, rubbing thoughtfully at his chin as he began to walk around the room, studying the area in the dark.
"Let me know if you see anything useful, wolf." the man said, and flipped the spectacles back over his eyes, fussing over this setting and that as he tried to deduce what happened and why.
Well, one thing was for sure: Lord Amalin really knew how to put light to a situation right away. Damn mummies. Why couldn't they just stay dead and buried? But maybe life really was wasted on the living however and this was the mummy man's way of getting his kicks. He'd proven quite useless so far save for the clever remark here and there.
Urich glared at him for a good long while but eventually resigned to searching the area in the dark. The most obvious place to look was the second corpse fo the waiter that had been drained of his life. So Urich knelt beside him and inspected the man's body. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary save for something unusual that seemed to protrude from his pocket. It was a small object, hardly bigger than a ring box but when he plucked it out he found it had a small turning knob.
He fingered it gently and wound the knob, the little box twinkling a light lullaby as he did so. "What was he doing with a music box? And why did she feel the need to kill him because of it? What else could it have been?"
Lord Amalin studied the box with interest, eventually taking it into his own palm as he furrowed his brow.
"It's a child's lullaby." He frowned. "A child, but we're not dealing with a child, unless it's meant to mean something else." He drew his finger down his lower lip a few times in thought, then dropped his bag to the ground before pulling out something to undo the screw. Then carefully, ever so carefully, he began to open the box.
"Ah ha, I thought something was in the way. It wasn't hitting all of the appropriate notes." He pulled out a small piece of paper- though it was empty. Frowning, he sighed.
"Well that seems to be a waste of a spectacle-"but then he paused, considered something and began to fumble through his bags. He took out a small clear vial and unscrewed it, dumping the piece of paper within. The paper swirled around inside before it began to bubble and hiss- and black ink began to form on the paper. Stepping back, he sighed, shaking his head.
"It seems we're dealing more than just the woman. I think she's haunting us with her child. Or a child, perhaps a sister or dead cousin or something. Looky here." he held up the vial to Urich, showcasing the letters that now showed in the vial.
"I am the keeper"- Lord Amalin said, reading the words. His lips puckered into a frown. "The keeper, she's more like a nuisance. And her damn parlor tricks are costing too many lives. First at the old Armani Keep in the Villa, now here, at the hotel. I'm surprised she's kept it up this long." He rolled his eyes. "It's like she enjoys mocking me. clever girl. She might have even used the damn music box to lead me off her trail." Tapping his hands against his arms, he ho hummed a few minutes before glancing down at the music box again and gave it a light crank, humming along and studying the music, but at the end, the same damn note kept striking off key. He furrowed his brow, checked inside, then tried it again, humming along- just as a wicked crack of thunder clapped, and the lights flushed back on-
but this time they were red, red lights- and a wicked hand came out reaching for them- and Lord Amalin screamed just in time-
"MR. RENQVIST! BEHIND YOU! THE GHOST!"
"No, I think you're wrong," Urich said, staring at him working on the music box. "Just because it's a child's doesn't mean it belongs to a child. I doubt she had any children from the sound of her. What man would waste his time with such a wretch, unless he just couldn't satisfy himself any other way? In any case I doubt this has to do with a child. Most likely it belonged to her as a child. I thought you'd have more experience in this, Lord Amalin, or so you'd led me to believe. Ghosts may manifest in any number of ways, even assuming a form that they wish to project themselves as to others, but is not their natural form. Your suspicions most likely are incorrect. Perhaps her ghost is connected to the music box because it was probably a happier time in her life. And as for the keeper..."
He couldn't finish his assertion before the ghost reappeared yet again. Urich whirled around and saw the ghostly spectre before him, lingering close to him, face to face. He froze, staring at her eye to eye but she did not screech in terror, though he certainly was filled with fear. At least for a moment before anger took him. Urich glowered in his expression and snatched the music box from Amalin, gripping it in his clawed hand.
"Is this what you want?" he cried out, hold it just out of her reach. "Let her go! Let her go and it's yours!' It was only then that the spectre screeched and clasped her hands around his neck, lifting him clear off the ground. HIs hands fumbled with the music box and he spun the winder furiously, the music ticking rapidly.
The ghost's expression wavered, as did her grip as she seemed to throw her head back in pain and her grip disippated, Urich falling to the ground, the music box falling from his palm and as soon as it impacted upon the floor, the box alight the ground in a series of blue glyphs, the ground wavering just a moment, rippling like water just shortly before swallowing them whole.
As the world whirled around them, bleeding into an eerie wailing of ethereal ghosted water and supernatural powers and forces, the ticking chime of each note from the music box curdling, striking and ringing true, even as cold darkness settled around them, twisting them within and consuming them whole.
Then darkness, then light- and the two would find themselves, standing there, still in suits and tie, hair, slightly disheveled as the ground beneath them seemed to light up- then pulled away, moving in this direction then that- Lord Amalin losing his balance and barely catching himself before the rock and roll of the floor stopped, then twisted, and propelled them upwards- smashing the pair against the ceiling with the final crackling ping of the music box-
Then darkness, darkness again.
It was the striking of a clock, cast in a single blue light that made him realize where they were as Lord Amalin sighed and craned his neck up at it, the grand father clock seeming to stretch on into eternity towards the ceiling above.
"Hrmm, maybe you were right? It seems I've greatly miscalculated this ghost, and, it begs me to wonder if it's even just a ghost we are dealing with at all." Then, turning to Urich, he stuffed his hands in his pocket. "So, up for a stroll through the ghostly plain? Cause it seems like we don't' got much of a choice." He half smiled at that shrugging. "And who knows, that fiance of yours might be here if we look hard enough. Gotta keep our eyes peeled-" he said, then promptly stepped on something, glass breaking beneath his heel.
Stepping back, he blinked and stared down at a picture frame-
"That's odd.." he picked it up, staring down at it. "A picture frame without the picture." Though when the picture frame began to bleed, he dropped the damn thing and hopped away, appearing sqeemish.
"Gods, I've forgotten how strange the purgatorial realm can be." he sighed, then gestured forward. "Shall we? I believe we have a ghost to catch, and your fiance to find."
"Whoa..." Urich breathed, watching in fascination as the room changed. While he'd become accustomed to supernatural surroundings, this was one thing he wasn't quite prepared for. But it was not quiet unwelcomed. Slowly, he found the strength to climb to his feet, as soft and sinking as the ground had become. It felt like sand, or soft soil, shifting to his weight with every step and leaving impressions when he stepped off, the floor slowly forming back to his original shape with the absence of his weight.
He didn't know what kind of specter they were dealing with but it was quickly becoming quite clear that they were both in over their heads. It was a relief to know however that Lord Amalin seemed quite unfazed by the abrupt change, so that least they'd be able to keep their heads in all of this. As strange as it was, now would not do to panic.
As the grandfather clock streched out before them, Urich saw it'd door had opened and the pendulum inside stilled within. It beckoned them and Urich tugged at Amalin's arm. "This way I guess. What other way is there?" He didn't wait for an answer before passing through the mouth of the clock. And when they did, it closed shut behind them, the ghostly realm of the hotel floating, dreamlike, timeless, wading through water. Portraits sifted as if under a flowing stream, the floor slanted, dripping, melting through time.
Doors, countless doors littered the hallway before them, all wavering, all possibly containing the soul of his fiance. "Which ones to we check first? Do we split up? There has to be a least fifty doors here. Maybe more."
Lord Amalin nodded to Urich.
"Well, splitting up would certainly allow us to cover more ground. Though whose to say the pair of us won't get lost in this labrynth." Sighing, he kept his eyes square down the hall, thinking-
but it seemed the pair might not have to split up, as shouts in Victoria's distinct voice came echoing from further down the hall. Lord Amalin's eyes went to Urich.
"That certainly sounds like Miss Armani. I suppose we ought to follow the sound and-" though as Lord Amalin went to move his leg was caught and the man went down, though when he spun around, he was staring in horror at the ghastly, black bleeding eyed and bleeding fingered woman, who's hair was ratty in a black, greasy knotted mess down the sides of her face. And his breath hitched into his throat as he tried to fruitlessly pry his leg free, but she had such a wicked, nasty grip on it.
"Confounded!" The man continued to struggle, but the damn woman wouldn't let go, and infact, had such a hold on him as she began to crawl, her legs seeming useless, as she moved up Amalin's legs, using them to pull herself clean out of the broken, bleeding picture frame he had dropped upon the floor. And once she was positioned over top of him her sharp, bleeding fingers reached down to him and her dry, powder white lips opened, revealing black, bleeding gums and pointed wicked teeth as she howled and moved in, jaw opening wide as if to bite off his face.
Urich honestly didn't like the idea of splitting up, but it seemed logical to propose the idea. If anything bad was going to happen to him, he certainly wanted the same to happen to this pompous disrespectful mummy inspector. He was far too calm in a situation like this. Of course, it was quite helpful to have such an outlook considering their situation, but in the same turn it might even the score of all the diry looks that Victoria had given him.
A chill passed through his spine at the sound of her voice and nearly rushed down the hall when the black-eyed bloodied woman appeared and began to crawl over Lord Amalin as he stood there stock still. Urich stood back for a moment, thinking of what to do when he saw the picture frame she was craling out of. Immediately he lunged for it, snatching it up and bashing the frail rotted frame against the wall, smashing it tiny bits and pieces, wood splintering everywhere.
The woman shrieked terrifyingly as suddenly she was sucked back into the shards and splinters, leaving Amalin with only traces of her sharp nails that dug into him. Urich leaned back against the wall of the hallway, nearest the first door and looked at Amalin. "Stop dawdling and let's find Victoria," he snapped.
Lord Amalin scrambled away the moment the damn ghost woman was off of him. He visibly shivered, shaking his head before moving to stand on his feet and smoothing down his coat and hair.
"So, my best bet would be to head for those screams."
And as if on cue, Victoria screamed again. Lord Amalin visibly began to sweat, moving swiftly down the hall. "Come, and let us hope none of these bloody picture frames keeps us from- OH MY GODS, MR.RENQVIST LOOK OUT!" he exclaimed, just as a bloodied hand came out from a side long mirror, one hanging precariously against the wall.
He gritted his teeth and moved around the thing as it snatched onto the collar of Urich's shirt, then Amalin tumbled just beneath and removed his shoe, then began to beat at the rusty nail that hung the mirror into place until it came loose, and down went the mirror as well as the hold the ghoulish hand had on Urich before the mirror smashed into a million pieces upon the floor.
"Well, I guess if we want to be more specific as we venture forth, let's be careful the picture frames and mirrors don't try to grab us." he licked his lips and then moved onward, Victoria's screams seeming to become more apparent, but the hallway never seemed to end.
THe hallway did infact seem to stretch and bend and even moaned around them as it stretched on into eternity, Victoria's wails coming and going, and the farther they went, it became increasingly difficult if the voices were now infront of them or behind. Lord Amalin paused, turning around a few times, but looked puzzled.
"Her screams had been coming from his direction a second ago, but now it seems as if she's all around us. How strange." But then he caught the eye of a picture frame and when he went to move, it followed him. So he paused and began to move in another direction, furrowing his brow at it before moving away, turning to Urich.
"Your fiance might not be on this floor.Perhaps we ought to find the stairs and check up the hall or down the..." but a door at the end of the way began to creak open, and the rattle of chains was evident as thick white smoke came pillowing out from the void.
Licking his lips, Lord Amalin drew in a breath right before Victoria's voice came out sharply from within. This time it was muffled, hard to distinguish, it was as if she was trying to say something but something were stuffed inside her mouth. Blinking, he turned to Urich.
"It sounds like your fiance is trying to swear up a storm but she's got marbles in her mouth or osmething, or at least that's what it sounds like. Come on, let's check inside that creepy room."
But upon taking one step inside, Lord Amalin gave a scream, and fell clean through the ground and disappearing into the oblivion beyond.
As the ghostly fog began to dissipate, it was revealed the room had no floor, and in no way could the human eye see to the bottom. Heavy chains in many sizes, some as thick as human legs, clattered around the room, hanging limply and some were strewn together, creating a weaving like jungle vines. ANd as more of the ghostly fog would part, off in the middle of the room lay a figure of a woman bond in chains. Her body was nearly squeezed by it, the chains pressing roughly int her skin. A gag was around her mouth, her eyes blind folded and her body seeming far more pale and grey-
But if there was one distinctness about the woman, is that it was clearly Miss Victoria Armani bound in chains. Even Lord Amalin could tell as he was clinging to a set of chains below her. After all, her damn rack was jutting out for all the world to see. It was like the ghost or some such, whatever ghoul had bound her, wanted to pop her breasts clean out of her body. But at least it made for an interesting view, with a chain pressed between her breasts, then another set on either side and hugging all around them, while her arms were hung upwards, hands limp and facing down, legs unmoving and more loosely hung than the rest of her.
Then she had a tight, thick chain about her neck.
But yes, it was definitely Victoria. Who else would be caught in a ghost world in such a bright red dress- and it was odd, but it seemed the red of her dress was the only color about her- the rest seeming so washed and faded.
Urich stood back in horror as Amalin fell through the floor and frankly was glad he was standing back as the room suddenly became alit with chains that seemed still and frigid when at last he saw his fiance dressed in chains that wrapped around her red dress, he panicked, but remained in the door frame, bracing the wood, clawed hands gripping the structure digging into the wood there. He looked down and saw Amalin was still quite capable of holding on himself.
"Victoria!" he cried out, but when he got no response his heart sank and he fell a little against the wall. But he wouldn't give up, not yet. Not unless he knew she was really dead. He recalled the shoe Amalin had left on the floor and picked it up in his clawed hand. He gripped the leather, bending the nails therein and drew his arm back, taking keen aim until he threw the shoe long enough and far enough that it would have hit Victoria squarely in her chest, hard enough to wake her up.
"Victoria! Answer me if you're alive! I'm coming for you." And Urich was poised right at the edge to lunge for her if need be. He didn't care if he slipped and fell himself.
The sound of his voice had her stirring, but it cut gently, pulling her back into the world of the wake. Urich? Did the wolf come for her? Her blood began to stir, reality began to come back when-
THWACK.
Something- was that SHOE!? she smelled, hit her squarely on the chest. She made a noise, a squeak beneath the confines of her gag and shook her head, trying to shake it off, or atleast the blind fold, but it seemed to be of no avail, so she continued to struggle, at least in hopes to let Urich know she was alive and well.
But consequently her chains had awakened the dust from within, and the fog began to grow all around them, growling almost as it started to pillow out around them. Blinking, Lord Amalin observed it with mild interest for a second before craning his neck up.
"Hey, I think we ought to get her out of here as quickly as possible. Whatever brought her here.. I think it might be waking up!" ANd then further realizing...
"Hey- did you hit her with my shoe?"
"You're stinky dusty foot woke her up, mummy, not the shoe," Urich bellowed. And as the fog began to thicken, Urich lunged for her, wrapping his arms around Victoria as the momentum of the action made the chain waver and shake with the newly added weight. He held onto her tightly, wrapping his limbs around her and when he came to her face to face, he grinned a wolfish grin. "Hello there darling? How are you hanging?" he asked. But it was then that the chain began to falter and before he knew it it was about to break from the ceiling.
Urich inspected it's hold on her and cut the chain with his claws, feeling his nails sting with the steel there, hurting his nails, but as it became loosened, he held onto Victoria, bracing her against him as he held onto the chain that remained using the momentum to swing back to another chain and vault himself at last to the door's edge. The chain began to fall then. Even the one that held Amalin began to slip from its slot in the ceiling. Urich turned back, settling Victoria on the ground and reached out for Amalin.
Victoria let out a yelp through the gag when the chains around her began to waver, the heavy weight and warmth of Urich present and the momentum peeling down her blind fold, so that as his grin stretched across his face, she blinked back in response, glad to the heaven's it was Urich and not Amalin, or something worse. She was barely settled onto the floor when she felt her fiance pull away, reaching for Amalin as she turned to look down the hallway, her gag coming loose as she shook her head- only to find herself staring face to face with one of the most hideous ghosts of all.
And she did all that she could do. SHe dropped her mouth open, and screamed.
Lord Amalin had barely made it to the landing when he too, took notice of the massive, gruesome beast who reached a large hadn out and snatched up the half chained woman and rushed off with her down the hall. Blinking, Lord Amalin didn't even know what to make of it before sputtering.
"God! I think that think was a demon! After her before it eats her whole!"
Down the hall the beast went, something twisted and gnarled, but definitely not a man. With a mouth cut back wickedly against a distorted face, and rows and rows of teeth set within teeth and a slobbering black tongue. It's eyes were red and bleeding lights of fire, and it's neck muscles were thick and meshed in well to it's broad, hunched over chest. It's arms were massive,w ith smaller legs, and it seemed the arms were keeping it lurching forward, though one arm was preoccupied thusly with Victoria over it's shoulder as it raced down the hall, the end turning into a pendulum and swinging against a wall of black
And it was into this wall of black the monster went and completely disappeared.
Urich made chase after the beast that had snatched Victoria. He was undeterred, for he'd seen uglier creatures that this monster. And as the hallway transformed into a black pendulum, he leapt headfirst, braving the darkness though perhaps it might mean his death and he grabbed onto the brass knob of the pendulum and jumped off of it, using it to vault himself further into the darkness.
"VICTORIA!" he cried out as he slipped into the void, not knowing where it would take him.
Massive gears were moving, tick-tick-ticking of a thousand clocks and clock faces and hours and minutes moving and swaying by. It was ridiculous, at least to Victoria as she was being taken away. SHe struggled against the chains. If only she could get out of these blasted chains! Then she would clobber this damn beast for all it was worth.
And as the beast crawly much like an ape, further and further up into the grinding gears of a clock, she heard Urich's voice against the darkness.
Hope swelled within her chest as she thrust her chest out and bellowed.
"URICH! I'M UP HERE! UP here WITH THE-"
At the sound of her voice the beast grew angry, her voice irritating him as it whirled around and shook her like a doll.
"I say, cut that out!" Victoria snapped after a time, but then the beast vanished suddenly, and it was only then Victoria realized she was left stranded on a single massive gear, that lay,far, far away from the rest and kept moving,l ike a glacier in the ocean. But at least the chains had loosened, and she began to wriggle her way out of most of them.
Peering over where she say her fiance say she sighed.
"Gods! This place is impossible! If only I had my enchantments I could be putting all of these ghoulish things into submission!"
Really, it grated on her nerves she was so useless! Ugh!
Lord Amalin was at Mr. Renqvist's side as he peered up at the massive clock work tower that stretched above them- most of it blending into a background that appeared a pit of black.
Sighing, he caught the tail end of Miss Armani's whining and then realized..
"Say.. why can't she use her powers in here?" Amalin thought out loud, then licked his lips.
"Miss Armani!" he called out. "Is there any way you could try to do an enchantment in this realm?"
Victoria puffed out her cheeks with a breath. What an absurd question.
"Well, you see it might be a bit difficult, Lord Amalin, as I'd have to cut myself to bleed, have an object to enchant,a nd would need to remember all of the words of the enchantment first. And for starters, I have nothing to cut myself with in this land of ghosts. And further more, I'm not even exactly sure if we can bleed here. Ghoul realm theory and all."
Amalin nodded at that, then turned to Urich.
"We have to find something to cut Miss Armani." he stated. "If she can just snuff out the ghosts as we go, we can then find our way out of this mess and get back into the hotel. I should have known the poison had demon piss in it. But each demon piss is queer, you see, so it's hard to trace it." he blathered on, his words carrying to Victoria nd grating on her nerves.
"JUST SHUT UP!"s he wailed, her voice echoing through the moving cogs. "And fetch me a knife or something, broken glass, anything. But oh- blasted! I forgot one thing!"s he called over to them, sighing. "I can't get down! I'm too far away to simply jump!"
Lord Amalin sighed. "That does pose a problem." he said, scratching his head. "Are you sure?" he called back to her.
"I'm SURE!" came Victoria's angry reply. REALLY! How foolish of him to think she'd simply jump to her death! Ghoul realm or not, she was not about to commit potential suicide!
"I'll cut her," Urich said, looking over to Amalin. He couldn't be sure about his decision but it was infinitely better than listening to the two of them bicker over the vast distance inside the churning gears of this grandfather clock. He looked on his person, for something for her to enchant and though he hated to lose anything of his that meant anything to him since he'd lost Sul'Gulthan he knew it was their only chance.
He backed away, waiting for the closest gear to to turn before them. As it did so, he took a step forward and lunged toward the brass, feeling his claws dig into the metal and he vaulted himself up before the two gears smashed together, throwing himself across the vast distance and swinging on a chime that intervalled between up and down. He carefully threw himself again to another gear, which carefully spun and ricocheting back and forth, turning once back then twice forward. He counted the clicks before lunging forth, careful to ensure that each jump was carefully executed before going on to the next.
Slowly but surely he was making his way to the top of the tower and soon was only a leap away from Victoria. He lunged for her, grabbing on to the gear and looked at her intently. "Here," he said, pulling the necklace he had on his neck and slipping it over her head. He then took a claw and cut the part of her neck just a scratch that would bleed over ther necklace. "Hurry! Chant the words!" he pressed. Just then a howlish growl filled the air and the black beast lunged from the darkness, snatching Urich from the gear and taking him down into the darkness below.
Victoria couldn't help herself as a smile of pure pride swelled across her face. But just as her fiance came to her rescue a second time, it seemed this place was fated to play cruel tricks on them, and just as quickly as Urich was beside her, he was torn away.
"URICH! NO!" she cried, reaching out for him, but her hold on him did not catch as she watched him slip through her fingers. She stood there a moment, completely at a loss of what to do, but internally slapped herself back into reality as she dropped to her knees and clutched onto his necklace so tight her knuckles whitened. And she began to chant, feeling the familiar buzz within her blood stream, the rise of her power as the entire world began to waver.
She felt the enchantment settle in, her body growing weak as she wilted over for a moment, catching, just in time the protesting wails of the ghosts from within.
It seemed all of them were beginning to wake up.
Lord Amalin hesitated from where he stood down below, craning his neck up into the vast clock work world and frowned.
"Miss Armani, I think your powers are calling out the ghosts. The world feels agitated. Are you able to climb down from there? And did you see where that thing dragged Mr. Renqvist to?"
It took Victoria a moment to realize Lord Amalin was still there as she peered down at his form below.
"If I could just jump without my bones breaking this would be easier. But yes and no, the beast came back and simply hauled him off into the darkness and-"
a flutter of white stepped towards her and she gasped.
And like the swing of the pendulum, after a beat, the white figure moved closer again, long ratty hair hanging down the side of her face as the ghostly woman crept closer and closer, seeming to have come from the exact direction Urich had been.
And the ghost looked pissed. As soon as the next beat came around she was nearly upon Victoria- but if the ghost thought she was pissed, she had another thing coming- and just as the ghost came rushing towards her, Victoria pressed the enchanted necklace clean against the ghosts's forehead. THe ghost burned, it's body turning solid for just a brief moment as Victoria reeled her hand back and slammed it straight across the ghost's face.
"That's for my fiance, you horrible creature!" she spat, watching as the ghost went down, it's body flickering and burning and curling in on itself before it turned into nothing more than white vapor. After the ghost was taken care of, Victoria stood at the end of the moving cog and screamed out into the blackness.
"URRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIICH!" and realized, with much elation, a nearby cog was coming her way. She hestiated where she stood, licking her lips and then made the jump. She barely caught onto it, knees clanging into the metal floor as she pulled herself desperately to her feet.
"URICH!"s he called again, hands gripping fervently on her skirts. "I'M COMING!"
But then again, so was the beast, for as Victoria chanced another leap to a second moving cog, she could see the beast looming in the darkness. It was so large and terrifying it froze her in place. But she clutched onto the necklace, eyes narrowing in rage as she shouted at the beast.
"GIVE ME BACK MY FIANCE!" she roared, voice echoing in the dark.
The beast was fiercer than Urich could imagine and his full transformation kicked in by that time, his clothes tearing away as the beast sunk its horrible teeth into his shoulder, nearly taking off a massive chunk of flesh. Urich cried out in horror and in pain and sunk his claws deep into the creatures hide. He slashed and clawed and roared himself, snapping his powerful jaws into it's neck and opening up the flesh there.
But this creature was strong, powerful and sent him rolling to the floor when he through him. Urich felt his strength wilt. But at the echo of Victoria's voice, he looked up for a moment and saw a small shape from what visible light there was and felt his strength renew because of it. As he stood, the beast paused, bleeding its black blood onto the clock floor. Urich only growled before lunging at it a second time, jaws unfurled and claws aiming for the center of its chest, fully prepared to tear it open.
Victoria found herself frozen a moment and watched as her fiance tore into the beast. She felt pride swelling within her chest, but then realized this was no spectacle and that she needed to actually move forward and do SOMETHING. So she tore off into the darkness, the creature and her fiance coming into view as she held on fiercely to the necklace and waited for an opening, then latched onto the creature's powerful hand as it moved out to strike.
The necklace sealed against it, but merely caused a small burn to strike at it's flesh and the blackened creature let out a noise and turned around in one heavy motion and knocked Victoria onto the floor, pinning it against it's weight as it's teeth came down upon her, aiming to bite her head clean off.
Urich growled fiercely when the beast pinned Victoria to the ground. Just as it was about to bite her face, he tackled him away and turned on Victoria with an angry snarl. He dug his claws into her arm, cutting her open though that was not his intention, and the black blood from his claws, dripping with this beastly substance, splayed all over her. Urich didn't have the time nor the patience to pay further attention to Victoria as he lunged at the beast again, determined to keep between it and Victoria as he clawed at it and felt its claws sink into him, howling piercing the air.
It was only when she noticed her own cuts on her hands bleeding and mixing with the demon's blood that something clicked. There was a part in literature, a heavy book to read (of course), about a negotiator's blood being able to repress a demon (not kill it) but to send it straight back to Hell at a simple touch of blood. Well, a simple touch of a lot of blood. An almost sacrifice if she remembered correctly. SHe looked down, seeing how the black demon blood on her seemed to creep away as her own blood spread near to it. And she sat up suddenly and roared out to Urich.
"URICH I NEED YOU TO CUT ME UP!"s he called out across the fury of their battle.
The beast was lunging this way and that, it's massive jaws seeking to tear Urich to pieces. She knew she didn't have much time and snatched onto her skirts and rushed forward, just as the demons massive paws came down to slash Urich in half she threw herself in the way, only to be batthered aside and gashed open, a huge wound opening within her chest as she fell tot he floor ina bleeding heap.
And when the blood had stained his claws, the beast roared out and as Victoria lay there, she hugged the enchanted necklace, chanting more, pressing more of her blood into it and calling, askign for more of her powers to press into it, all the while she was loosing a terrible amount of blood.
But it was all part of the plan, and as she moved to rise, the beast was already rushing towards, rage bleeding from it's eyes, froth streaking from it's teeth.
It was hungry, and it was ready to tear Victoria apart.
In an instant it was upon her, and Victoria didn't even let out a cry, just let it slam into her, smashing her into the floor as it's body tore into her with such fury-
all the while she was clutching onto it, muttering incantation after incantation to awaken the deeper spirits within her blood-
and it wasn't until her eyes glazed over red, that her blood ignited with color, appearing as hot as molten lava.
The demon was too much in a rage to stop it's assault, giving Victoria the perfect opportunity to scoop her hands across the gashes on her battered body and the shove her blood soaked hands on the demon's chest-
and steam hissed out from the blackened flesh as the demon tore it's head away from her shoulder and roared out in pain.
It looks like Urich wouldn't have to be the one to tear her open after all.
Urich couldn't have been caught off at a worse time as Victoria cried out for him to tear into her, to slash her for all she was worth and all he could do was give sudden pause as the massive demon somehow slashed her open, sending her reeling to the floor across from them. The demon took the opportunity of Urich's shock and sent him reeling with his other hand, knocking him back and leaving him wounded on the floor.
Urich could only watch with waning, weakening breath as the demon suddenly set upon Victoria despite the sudden wound on his hand, realizing what her blood was doing to him. But he was helpless and could only keep watching when it cut into her. He hadn't the strength even to cry out. He tried to get up when at last the demon was roaring in pain from the molten blood around her.
The demon howled and couldn't stand the pain any longer when every orifice from stem to stern suddenly exploded in a rupture of blinding light sending him back into the Pit. Urich ducked back, shielding his eyes from the light and keeping away from Victoria who's very blood seemed to ward him away.
But he called her name desperately from where he was. He could only hope she could hear him.
Victoria flinched at the blinding light, keeping a blooded hand across her face, her nose wrinkled as she blinked after the thing had vanished then lowered her hand. She was breathing heavy, her entire body shaking as she collapsed to her sides.
"Gods.."
But upon hearing a weak voice, she turned with a gasp. "Urich!" But Lord Amalin had arrived and moved between them.
"No! Stay right where you are, Victoria. Don't move! Don't come near us! Your blood is like poison now to our kind!"
Blinking, Victoria lowered her hand down and looked at it, her other hand holding her open wound.
"But I-"
"The enchantment you did, you called upon your deeper powers now and with your blood now flowing all over the place, I'm afraid we can't assist you. The pair of us will be warded away, perhaps even killed from the touch."
Victoria's eyes widened.
"What!?" Her voice echoed sharply around them as she tried to rise. "But U-urich- he might have got some of my blood on him. URICH!" she called over to him. "Are you alright?"
But Amalin stepped forward, imploring her.
"Please, keep away. We need to keep our distance from one another while we figure out how to get out of this thing before the demon comes back or that ghosts aims to keep us here. And we're running out of time. The longer we stay here," he said, drawing in a long breath. "The harder it will be for us to ever leave."
Then he turned to move to assist Mr. Renqvist as he knelt beside him, while Victoria wrung her hands at a distance.
Urich held his sore sides, his body bruised and beaten but otherwise in stable condition when Amalin came to tend to him. He nodded to the inspector and held his shoulder for a while as he gained his balance. "Victoria! I'm fine," he shouted across to her. "Amalin. We can't leave her there." The fur from his face began to dssipate, vanishing from his flesh as his claws shrank back slightly.
"Amalin, we have to get out of here as soon as we can. Wait...I have an idea! Look above us. Can you see the chimes above? I think I can reach them if I jump. Remember the music box, how it got us in this realm, perhaps it might get us out!" Urich braced himself against the ground before letting his powerful legs vault him up and he reached the ledge of a gear, hauling himself up before he was crushed as it turned into another slot and he leapt and bounded up to the chimes of a grandfather clock.
He tested each chime, striking them with his fists, each one clanging loudly and reverberating through the entire structure. As he tested each one, making sure the sounds went up from highest first then lowest on the bottom, he then looked over the edge and could vaguely see Amalin on the bottom. "AMALIN! DO YOU REMEMBER THE TUNE FROM THE MUSIC BOX!? TELL ME WHICH ONES TO STRIKE! IF I CAN PLAY THE TUNE WITH THE CHIMES MAYBE THAT MIGHT BRING US BACK!" He could only remember the first three notes and struck them accordingly, hoping Amalin could remember the rest.
"The music box?" Amalin blinked and nodded. "Of course I remember. The notes were from a song, one most Serenians are aware of as it's a classic, a famous song from this past century that parents used to sing to their kids at night, though I'm uncertain why. The lyrics are simply ghastly. About cruelty and the deception of magic and all of that." He shook his head, clearing his throat as he began to sing it.
"Daytime song turns to night, Passing, flashing moonlit plight. Caving the clouds and sounds of rain, crumbling down in massive pain. Skin that crawls and wind that sweeps, magic and blood, beyond skin deep."
Victoria's eyes wavered at the music, listening and shivering at Amalin's baritone as she stared over at her fiance who was clinging and working at the chimes. The song was familiar. She recalled singing it as a child as well, only because it was so absurd, and the older she got,t he more absurd she realized it was.
"Daytime songs turn into night, Passing, flashing moonlit plight. It comes in waves and comes and goes, like sheep and wolves, they exchange clothes. Then into shadows it disappears, laughing and dieing as the wolf was sheared."
Yes, she remembered it, taking up the third verse and singing once Amalin had been done with the second verse.
"Daytime song turns into night, Passing, flashing, moonlit plight. For all the days that have come and gone, the witches and mules will sing this song. And into darkness days gone past, into the light he'll take a lass."
"Daytime song turns to night, Passing, flashing moonlit plight. Caving the clouds and sounds of rain, crumbling down in massive pain. Skin that crawls and wind that sweeps, magic and blood, beyond skin deep." The last part both Amalin and Victoria had sung together, louder still in hopes to help aid Urich to strike the right chimes and end this miserable clutch the ghost world had upon them and even as she sung, Victoria clutched a first to her chest, anxiously holding her breath as she prayed silently within her head.
"Goddammit you miserable wretched mummy, I need the melody not the words!" Urich seethed, gritting his teeth after he hit the first three chimes, but as they kept singing [because some how Amaling MANAGES to sing two voices before Victoria chimes in? Who's the other singer?] Urich listened for the proper flow of notes and jumped the the next chime, striking it in succession with the melody, playing in tune.
The first verse was done and with the melody in mind, he found it easier to follow. Urich jumped from one chime to the next one and the next, striking it as he went, until the flow was seamless and when at last the last verse was sung the entire grandfather clock began to quake and the gears slowed to a grind. They began to slip from their bearings and fell down from the highest point first. The walls began to melt like paint doused with thinner, dripping until the ground itself opened up into a portal.
He watched the portal begin to swallow Amalin and Victoria whole, but he was still up on the chimes above. But as gears came crashing through, time pieces, they slammed into the chimes, knocking him from them and sending him plunging down into the portal below.
OOC: Way for my typos to kill an idea :T
I meant to type 'third verse' not voice, and Victoria only sang the third VERSE but oh well >.>
and he'd get the melody from the song, lol. Considering if Amalin wasn't singing it THAT much off key. XD oh well
------------------------
It was terrifying. The entire room was screaming, morphing, changing, raging into what seemed almost like a gaping mouth. Then in flooded the white lights of exchange, and before she knew it she was swallowed whole.
And she felt hot. She felt cold.
And an instant later, she was on the ground, red skirts all about her, and her wounds seeming to have closed. She was shaking terribly, uncertain as to what happened as she lifted her head. Spotting Urich, her eyes welled up with tears as she crawled over to him, throwing her arms around him tight.
"By the Gods, you're a clever man!" and then neither could talk or breathed for the next moment as she was kissing him with all of her soul, lips wrestling his as she cupped his face, her other hand gripping onto the lapels of his suit jacket with such ferocity her knuckles whitened.
It was then Lord Amalin cleared his throat, reminding the pair they were hardly alone, as the trio of them had reappeared in the hallway, and the remaining guests of the hotel were peering back at them from down the way. Victoria, startled by this blinked sheepishly and raised off the grounds. "Goodness."
Amalin rolled his eyes. "Yes, goodness is right. But it seems we've conquered the ghastly ghost for now. The dead can be wicked as such. I never thought such a petty idea would breed a demon, but alas, women's hearts can be wicked."
Women's hearts indeed, for despite the awkwardness of being at the center of attention, Victoria's eyes were only for Urich in that moment, still pressing against his side. SEeing the pair together, Lord Amalin blushed embarassedly and placed on his hat and smoothing down his jacket took a step forward.
"I suppose I shall go ahead and explain this to the hotel staff?"
But it seemed, at least Miss Armani, was hardly paying attention, she was already working at her fiance's lips yet again, a hand smoothing over his chest and seemign to threaten to undone the buttons there. Yes, Amalin's blush grew even deeper at that as he drew in a breath and turned around to look at the hotel patrons and staff.
Young lovers. Hmph.
It took a good long moment for Urich to register all that had happened. It felt like he'd been lying on the ground for an eternity when in fact it had only been a few seconds when the ghost realm at last spat them back out into reality. His entire body ached, the results of the demon's attack on him when at last he recognized his surroundings. And before he knew it she came over him and took his mouth in her own, bruising his lips, tearing at the torn lapels of his coat as his transformation nearly tore everything he wore.
He came out looking as if he'd been through hell, felt like it too. And for a good long time he believed it. Urich pulled away from her long enough to breath, listening to Amalin as he went on about the ghost and the demon. Yes for now they thwarted it. And now it meant that they could move on at long last, away from this place and move away.
"Gods am I sick of the Valley," Urich replied, tearing away his lips from Victoria's hunger. "Goodness woman! Please, did we or did we not just survive the spirit world!? People are watching!"
Victoria blushed a little and simply shrugged.
"Yes, but I've never had a chance to survive such a thing. And with a man wearing so little." her eyes went over his tattered clothing as she coughed once and looked away, blushing slightly as she offered Urich an arm.
"Come, It seems Lord Amalin can handle this affair. You, on the other hand, look dreadful. Let's get you back tot he room so I can tend to those wounds and we can get you another outfit." ONce she had him securely linked arm and arm, she moved forward. "And do not worry, my wolf, tomorrow we'll be out of this place at first light. I think we could all use a vacation from this vacation."
Urich grinned at her, having momentarily staved off her advances. Once he got a grip on himself, he sat up and eventually climbed to his feet, leaning on Victoria as he bid Amalin farewell and led them back to their room, limping all along the way. It seemed the ghost had been expelled for now and as they stood before their door, Urich could even sense the entire hotel felt lighter, felt better, as if an entire weight had been lifted from them.
As they stood before the door, Urich grinned at her and shook his head. "I'm just happy to be out of there. Let's get inside." He opened the door and limped in and as he looked in he found the room had been arranged nicely, everything put back in it's proper place. The room too felt light, felt right and everything at peace. Urich smiled as he moved and sat on the bed, but just to be sure he knelt down and looked under the bed. "Oh, good, no chalk symbols. Maybe we can sleep with no poltergeist actvitiy."
Victoria smirked as her fiance went to check under the bed. She was just happy the room was in one piece again.
"Well, I suppose the only poltergeist activity you might get is from me." And she leaned over the bed, half lying upon it while grabbing him by the tie on his suit and pulled him forward, kissing him softly.
"I'm sorry," she told him after a time, her dark eyes meeting to his. "It seems you keep finding nothing but trouble when you are with me." Here she sighed, but was smiling all the while. "I can only imagine what the valley might bring."
He moaned against her kiss, lips sore from all the kissing she did back in the hallway. "Hahahaha!" he laughed, grinning against her lips and slumping back against the bed. "Well, you know, my life wasn't all cuddles and giggles before you came along. I did live with ghosts after all. And they're really not all that hard to understand," Urich said with a sigh. "But I can't wait to get out of this place. At this rate we'll never leave. Maybe it's just trying everything in it's power to keep me here."
Victoria's smile broadened.
"Goodness, I wonder whatever for?" she kissed his lips again. "Why ever would the world want to keep you here?" Another kiss. "After all.." she threaded her hands into his and gave a tug on his arm, urging him to come into bed. "I could give you reasons.. but.." she smoothed a hand over his chest. "Let's just get to bed. I am exhausted. And I want to leave this place as much as you do, but perhaps when I am not quite as tense as I am now. Rest would do us both some good." Sighing, she let herself collapse back onto the bed, her arms fanned out, as were her legs, her hair, having come undone over the ordeal, now spilled in dark curls across the wake of the bed.
He thought he was on the bed. But he supposed it just wasn't enough for her. Urich managed a pained laugh and nodded to her. Mustering what strength he had, Urich ripped off that ridiculous tie and threw it on the ground, also what remained of his shirt. His jacked, fared a little better but was stetched and torn at the seams where it'd need to be tended to in the morning. He dressed down, nearly nude save for some underclothes that somehow remained unscathed and crawled into bed beside her, squirming under the sheets.
He shoved her aside playfully and rolled over on his back. "You're tired? Pfft! You weren't the one trying to slash that demon to bits and hitting chimes to make the notes just right. All you had to do was blow him up...and scream."
Victoria rolled over on her side when her fiance tried to wave off what she had done.
"You have no idea what a negotiator's powers do, do you?" she raised a brow at him, giving him a blank expression before sighing and scooting to the end of the bed.
"Here, help me get out of this ridiculous dress. It's a shame I might not be able to wear it ever again." she sighed and traced her fingers over the tears and blood stains all over her, only then noticing the massive wound on her side. She wondered why it wasn't really hurting her, though when she touche dit, she flinched.
"I suppose I might want to get a doctor to look at this tomorrow before we head out." She sighed again and lifted up her hair, waiting patiently for Urich to help undo her corset. "After all, being nearly torn to pieces by a demon was nothing compared to leaping at wind chimes and playing music to serenade back to this reality." She smiled at the thought, giving Urich a playful glace over her shoulder. "
"Right, because I wasn't being torn to pieces at all," Urich said, looking over the slowly healing scratches that graced his entire body. He sighed and sat up from the bed, ashamed that he couldn't tear her out of it like he wanted to, but he shuddered to think that the evening could have led to that other than what happened. But that couldn't have been the furthest thing form his mind. He grinned and helped undo her corset, carefully undoing the laces before pulling them loose. He leaned in and kissed her shoulder, sighing tiredly against it.
"We'll see the doctor in the morning. Your wound will heal, don't worry, Victoria. Let's just get some rest."
Victoria let her dress slip away, casting it carelessly aside on the hotel room floor as she turned to her fiance and smiled.
"You should have your wounds looked at as well," she said, smiling back at him, admiring his face before averting his gaze.
"But yes, let us both be to bed. We've got quite a long day ahead of us."
And they did indeed. Frederick, her gruesome zombie valet, had woken her up earlier than expected. She tried to argue with him, but realizing they would have to pay more to stay longer prompted her to finally get out of bed. "Alright." Shutting the door in her valet's face, she turned over to Urich and stifled a yawn. Then she moved over and tore the sheets from him. "Come now, darling. It's time to get up. Apparently we'll have to pay another 200 gold if we want to stay the extra hour." Moving away, she began to pick up her things, moving with a lot more haste than normal, but still carrying herself with casual finesse as she seated herself before her vanity and began to run her brush through her long, dark hair. Staring at herself in the mirror, she found herself pushing on a bruise on her cheek and the drawing her fingers over a cut on her lip.
"I say you and I are both worse for wear." she smiled though and looked him over. "My, if only we hadn't been gobbled up into some ghostly world, what I wouldn't have done to you last night, wolf." she said, leaning against her hand as she stared appreciatively at her fiance.
Urich awoke with shock at the sudden cold that was thrust upon him when Victoria tore the sheets off of him. He sheilded his eyes from the sun and groaned, wrestling with the sheets and throwing it back over his head. "No, tell them they can have to two hundred bloody gold pieces! It's only 7!" Urich said, but when he couldn't get comfortable again, he pulled the blankets off of him and rubbed his eyes and eyed Victoria as she yanked the knots out of her impossibly curly hair.
"Oh, Victoria, you do speak with such boldness. But I know the kind of girl you are. You wouldn't have the stomach to take me even if your loins were on fire," Urich boasted with a laugh. He slowly got up from the bed, his wounds more or less healed and he reached for his bag, pulling out a clean set of trousers and a shirt and heading for the washroom. "I'll be out right quick, darling," he said before closing the door behind him.
Victoria cut him a harsh look at his smart remark and put her nose to the air, pretending not to care what he was up to as she went back to fussing at her hair.
"The things women have to do." She sighed again, once her hair was brushed well enough she pulled most of it up, pinning it to the top of her head. It was here she noticed the necklace still around her throat, one that Urich had given to her in order to enchant and use against the demon. She stared at it for a time, and decided to just keep it there. You never know when one might need an enchantment. Rising, she slipped into her dark blue dress for travel, and began to finalize the packing of her things when she turned to Urich.
"So, do I look exceptable? I wish I had a chance to bathe, but perhaps later we can deal with that." she waved the idea off. "After all, I had enough of my perfume to douse myself in it. Hope you don't mind, wolf." She smirked, then moved towards the door and called for her valet.
"Frederick! Do ready the carriage. We are just about ready to be off!"
Urich sniffed her putrid body, reeking of her perfume. Nothing in excess, certainly not aromatics, were good. "Well," he said nasally, pinching his nose. "If you don't think anyone will notice. Let's be on our way then." He coughed and breathed out of the window, dry-heaving when at last they got to the carriage. With the room paid for and everything in order once again, they were off down the street to the doctors. And when they pulled up to the front, Urich opened the door for her first and let her step out on her own, holding his nose the entire time.
Victoria, growing impatient at his antics and ground her heel into his foot.
"You can stop that now. I get the idea," she said with a huff. "If you're so upset by it, you should have give up the extra 200 gold." Giving a sniff, she went inside, where the doctor greeted the pair with speculation.
"SO.. you two again?"
Victoria simply sighed.
"Yes, it seems we can't get enough of your services. But the pair of us had been through a terrible ordeal last night and well, we need sought after and perhaps some medicine."
then glaring over at Urich, she added with a huff.
"And if it would be possible, I'd like to be able to chance a quick bath. If that would be acceptable of me to ask."
And she looked embarrassingly away from Urich. Way for him to make her feel more insecure. Hmph!
Urich smiled sheepishly at the doctor as he glared at the wolf. Urich shrugged and walked into the offices. It seemed like only moments ago when they were here tending to Victoria's bloodied form, the baby she'd lost, and the realization they might never make love again finally hitting home. He almost felt sorry for himself, only to feel sorry for her in turn. But he loved her and perhaps that might be enough. Perhaps...
"Right this way, Miss Armani," Dr. Merrick said, leading Victoria to a washroom in the back. "I've got fresh water in a few pails always ready just in case. Let me warm one up for you. Mr. Renqvist would you mind bringing Miss Armani her water when she is ready. And then we'll take a look at those wounds of hers."
Urich nodded and after a few minutes in the hearth, the warm water was ready and he took it with him to the washroom, knocking softly on the door to be allowed inside.
Victoria had a mind to clobber Urich. Did he really have to treat her so poorly after all they've been through? When she was allowed her own room, she didn't even give her fiance the time of day. Simply sniffed and disappeared within. Though she was prideful, she could only loosen so many laces of her dress before she grew irritated, then heard the knock on the door and snapped.
"What!?" Upon realizing it was Urich she sighed and rubbed her temple irritably. "Yes, yes. Do hurry up and get in here, Mr. Renqvist. I need some help with delacing."
"Oh, Victoria, why must you call me in that dreadful way?" Urich said as he came into the room and closed the door softly behind him. He didn't look at her and just poured the water gently into the tub, letting it swish around back and forth to make sure the warmth was spread evenly between the cool part of the water from the other pails.
"We are engaged now are we not? You act like I did something wrong, which I clearly didn't. You're just to prideful to admit it." Urich turned and looked at her with a raised brow, expectant and crossing his arms over his chest. But he couldn't help but offer her a wicked grin. "Need help with something?"
Victoria kept her nose to the air, arms across her chest.
"I did ask for a delacing," she repeated with some irritatation, though as she peered over at him from over her shoulder, there was a sparkle of mirth in her eye. "You should know how confining these corsets are." She sighed, and waited patiently for him to undo the lace. It wouldn't do for her to bathe with her dress on, anyway.
OOC: Short post is short :T
"I do not believe you asked. I do believe you demanded, and demanding things is not very nice for a lady so well-bred as you. But because i think I'd rather just wait in the carriage while you are being examined by the good doctor, I shall do you a small kindness this once," Urich said with a nonchalant shrug. He stepped forward and undid the rest of her laces. "Take your time. Please wash off as much of that perfume as possible, I swear. And I'll meet you in the carriage."
Victoria gave a snort.
"YOu are impossible," she said, planting a hand to her hips but then nodded with a smirk. "I'll try to remember you have a sensitive nose, wolf. And you might want to see the doctor yourself."
Though after he had left, she enjoyed her bath and tried to scrub off as much of herself as possible. She didn't think her perfume was THAT bad. Damn wolf and his nose!
But after a time, she finally realized she was thoroughly pruned from the water and finally left, handing herself over to the doctor for some bandaging before moving outside to the carriage. Once she spotted Urich, she smiled.
"Well, I suppose we're finally on our way?" she said, hugging onto his arm and squishing her chest together. Not that her wrack had much of a choice where it could go anyways as she pressed it against Urich's arm.
"Come, let us be out of this dreadful place and onto something more relaxing and perhaps less dangerous of an adventure." And she nodded to her valet as Frederick opened the carriage and she stepped inside, smirking over at Urich as she nestled into the seat. Once they were both inside, her grin only grew more devious as she drank him in.
"So how long of a ride is it to this valley you'd like to go?" she asked, her hands fondling over the buttons of his shirt, undoing the first one and lightly kissing at his neck.
Urich recoiled from her breasts, almost in disgust and scooted himself further away onto the other side of the seat. He looked her over with a sidelong glance and crossed his legs snootily, throwing his nose in the air. "Oh, darling, you act as if you've never been with a man before in your life. One would think you'd have some kind of strange spell cast over you?" Urich shoved her away with some force.
"Please, it's a long journey ahead of us. I'd like us to be at the border of the valley with enough time to each lunch. I'd while you were with the doctor, I've already gone to the bank. They just need your signature for some paperwork, we'll be stopping there shortly."
OOC: 55 pages~
-------------------------
Victoria blinked and folded her arms over her chest.
"Forgive me for wanting to catch a small moment with my fiance. Or did you forget I had some strange attraction to you?" she looked away, offended by his rejection and simply looked out the window with a sigh.
"There would be more paper work. Let's get on with it then. I'm in no more mood for play now anyways. Might as well stuff more paper work before me before we're out of this dreadful place."
"I forgot you existed for a moment yes," Urich admitted, but he couldn't stop his grin. He stared out his own window as they stopped in front of the town bank. It was a small building but quite clean and well organized inside. The banker inside was a well-dressed man in his sixties who clearly had a taste for the finer things in life, including women and would stare at Victoria's chest for long pauses when she entered the bank at last.
"Hurry on then, my little coin cow," Urich said, smacking her ass as she would exit the carriage. "You know I'm only with you for your money and you're only with with me for my ass."
Victoria elbowed Urich in the gut. "I am in no mood for your games, wolf. And besides, if you wanted a woman for money, I'm sure you could do much better." Sniffing, she simply looked over the paper work, scribbling a little bit here or there, all the while the banker kept staring at her, erm, chest. She found herself simply cutting the man a look before huffing, "On top of these checks, I'd like an additional three hundred, please." And she tapped her foot impatiently as the man went off to get it.
"It figures the only men who want to give me the time of day today are those too old for me. But heavens, I must have forgotten, you've got to be seven times THIS man's age."S he looked over Urich as if she was repulsed. Well, TOO could play at those silly games!
"Of course. One can never live a full life just once." Urich just grinned at her and fixed his collar gently, even rubbing his chin thought. "Though of course, what does that say about you? You must have very very distinguishing tastes, good lady." He laughed and shrugged. "If you're so repulsed then, perhaps this man might be preferable to you. He obviously knows how to appreciate your assets."
She'd had just about enough from her fiance, so once she got her money from the teller, she turned to Urich, glared at him once before socking him clean across the face.
"And apparently wolves do not!" and she stormed clean out of the place. Really! The nerve of her fiance! Must he be so rude and cruel?
OOC: lol
Urich groaned when the fist collided with his face and held his nose as he looked over to the teller. The only man only blinked at him with a prospective raised brow. "Wife?" he asked.
"Fiancee," Urich corrected, grinning with satisfaction.
"Ah," he said with a nod. Urich turned then and exited the bank and joined her at last in the carriage and closing the door with a soft click. He made sure to sit on the opposite side of the carriage and reclined with his feet cross over the other seat. "Really now, you should learn to relax a little Victoria. Find other things to occupy your mind," Urich went on, rubbing his nose.
Victoria looked over at him sorely, her hands folded across her chest.
"There's not much to occupy my mind right now other than to debate over whether or not I ought to hit you again." She raised a sharp brow at him, looking him over with a sigh. "I'm just glad we're out of that dreadful hotel. ANd away from that dreadful Lord Amalin- GOODNESS!"s he gasped, clutching a hand to her lips. "Speak of the devil, there's that dreadful man now!" She glared daggers at him from the window, and it was then Lord Amalin caught their gaze. Grinning, he waved to them both, removing his hat with a bow.
"Have fun on your trip, Miss Armani." then he nodded to Urich. "Mr. Renqvist."
Victoria chewed on the inside of her cheek. REALLY! Just when she thought she couldn't get more riled up!
"Yes, I'll be glad to be rid of this town AND of Lord Amalin," she huffed, turning away and staring out the forward facing window now as the carriage pulled them along. Sighing, it was only as the city moved past them that she began to relax, seeing the trees pull by, replacing houses with the wilds. A small smile came about her lips, she even grew quieter as she studied the landscapes.
"It is rather beautiful out this way, is it not?" she said with a dreamy gaze out the window.
"Hmm, only about as beautiful as your behind," Urich remarked sleepily. He had closed his eyes for a moment, stretching out the way he did and when at last they were leaving town for the first time, it seemed all he could do was sleep. He dreamt of Sul'Gulthan, of his ghosts, of Robern and the pups and the wolves that ran alongside the carriage as it went. He couldn't wait to leave the valley, and it seemed like the day would never come.
Urich felt the call of the wild tinge in him and he dreamt of running through the trees, howling to the moon in darkness, hunting like the savage beast. And then he opened his eyes and the smile that had grown on his lips slowly faded as he looked at Victoria. He said nothing and turned his eyes to the window yet again. "Yes, it is beautiful."
Their trip went on in relative silence. Victoria sensed there was something amiss with her fiance, but figured he just wanted some peace and quiet. After all, she knew she could be quite the handful and after a time like they had spent in the hotel, well, just about anyone would need to recover from that.
Damn, Lord Amalin.
Dam, ghosts.
So it was quite exasperating when the path had become less solid, the carriage rolling over tree roots and rocks, and holes dug out in the dirt from winter. Victoria was getting sick, even looking a little green, but when a sharp 'snap' came from outside, she sat up suddenly.
"Goodness, what on earth was that?" She peered out the window curiously, watching her zombi-fied valet sit up from the buckboard. Then she glanced over at Urich.
"That sounded like something broke." She frowned a bit and scooted over towards the carriage door and pushed it open, and upon stepping outside she needed to shield her eyes from the sun that cut through the trees in the late afternoon hour. Snatching up her parasol, she leaned it towards the sun and moved to the other side of the carriage to see what was amiss.
Urich fell from his slumber across the two seats, having been quite comfortable before, or as comfortable as he could be with a vengeful banshee sitting across from him. He knew his words had stung her, but perhaps in the scheme of it all he'd spoken out of love rather than disdain. He knew she didn't take kindly to his insinuation that she ought to sleep with such an old crusted man, but he knew even they couldn't sleep together without culmination of something terrible happening. He wanted her, and she wanted him, but perhaps it was in their best interest to ignore such feelings
As Urich fell to the ground, he tumbled and smashed his elbow on the wooden floor, stinging him awake at last. "What the fuck was that?" he cried out in as much confusion as she did. He lurched toward the angled side, pushing himself out the door and nursing his elbow. As he crawled outside, he realized at the sight of the wheel that it was broken, and there really was no hope of fixing it without the proper tools.
"Well, this is fantastic," Urich groaned. He rubbed his elbow and looked over at Victoria. "Well, i guess we better start walking. The wagon isn't moving any time soon. This looks like the road we had near Sul'Gulthan. Those farm should be nearby too. Maybe we can ask for help." Without further adieu he spun on his heel and started down the road. "C'mon then."
Victoria gripped on tightly to her parasol at the name Sul'Gulthan. Many good and bad memories from there would haunt the couple.
"Say, if we're so close to your old home, would you want to pass through it? For old times sake?" she smiled a bit at the idea as the two pressed down the road. Though, perhaps, before Urich might have a chance to reply, Victoria was gasping and gripping onto his sleeve.
"Is that the same farm we had stolen eggs from?" her face paled, especially when the barn snapped open and the old man from earlier came out. At least, she thought, he had on his pants. But it still didn't stop the burn from heating Victoria's cheeks as her grip upon Urich tightened, and just as she had hoped it would NOT happen, the old farmer looked up and noticed the pair.
"Good Gods, do you think he would have recognized us from before?" Though the idea was doubtful, Victoria had never well.. STOLEN anything in her life, let alone eggs from a farmer before. Urich had turned her into a god damn thief! She pressed nearer to him, almost seeming to try to hide behind his shoulder as she leaned down her parasol.
"Should we approach him?" she wondered. "We do need the help.."s he looked up imploringly into Urich's eyes. Clearly he was more of the expert at these things then she.
He could see her shame and instinctively his arms went around her. "Oh, do calm down, Victoria," Urich insisted, hiding her against his chest, but he couldn't help but laugh at the memory of watching the naked farmer trying to plough his fields while stark drunk, not to mention his wife nagging him near death. Urich laughed aloud then and just hugged Victoria to him.
"I doubt he'd remember us, he can barely remember to dress himself," Urich said. "And if he's the closest one to helping us, then we have little choice. And if he does remember us, I'm sure we have more than a few gold coins to make him forget again. C'mon then."
He nudged Victoria to start down the path yet again.
Victoria held a breath as the pair of them moved down the path, flinching slightly beneath her parasol as the farmer took the pair in, hands to his hips.
"Howdy strangers. What brings the pair of you to my farm?"
Victoria felt like there was a rock stuck to her throat, and when she opened her lips to speak, nothing seemed to come out. So instead of speaking, she lightly kicked Urich.
"You can do the talking," she hissed under her breath, hoping the elderly man did not hear.
Urich grunted when she kicked him. He smiled at the farmer and whispered to her through grit teeth. "Do that again, I'll bat you with your own parasol!" he said. He reached out a hand and shook it warily of the farmer's.
"Hello, sir. Uh, I'm terribly sorry to bother you at this moment,"Urich said, holding the lapel of his jacket. "You see our wagon wheel broke up there and we don't readily have a spare. I came down here just wondering if you happen to have a spare wheel or perhaps some supplies we can use for proper repairs. And if you please excuse my, fiancee, here, she's quite shy."
The farmer scratched his head for a moment and turned round to scream for his wife. "Ey, Lize! Get supper ready we got two vistors on our hands!"
"YOU GOT YER PANTS ON RIGHT HAROLD?" the voice came calling back.
"OH, DON'T WORRY BOUT ME! I'm sorry, my wife is quite the pain. Name's Harold and yer welcome to stay for supper and we'll take a look at your cart as soon as I can. Got pleny 'o old junk round the farm."
Victoria made a soured expression towards Urich, but quickly replaced it with a plastic smile. This.. Harold.. she looked him over. How positively filthy! Keeping her chin up, she nodded towards him with grace.
"I am Victoria and erm, this here is my husband," she said, latching onto his arm. Really, they had to make sure not to scare these folks away. If they were to only presume them fiances, it would seem a bit skeptical the pair would be traveling alone together, and if it were true (which it were), it might be perceived as scandalous. "Alfred, my husband, seems to have forgotten we were just recently wed. It is quite new on his tongue." She figured she might as well give him a spiteful name to get back at him for earlier.
That, and well, tehy really shouldn't go parading around the pair are unmarried and visiting about the valley! Then again... she probably had enough to scandalous her into the next life.
Married!? Goddamn, Victoria was in a hurry wasn't she!? What was she afraid of that he'd leave her and run off with some horse!? But at her words and the way she gripped him, Urich only knew then that she didn't want the farmer to think any less of them because they were yet to be married. He really didn't see the problem, but it was so like Victoria to think that her reputation was in jeopardy when it was already nonexistant as it was.
But Urich only shrugged and smiled, knocking his head a little. "Yes, right, married," Urich said. "It's so easy to forget, it was only the day before tomorrow. I swear time goes by so fast, doesn't it ...Kibble? Oh, it's just a little nickname she has, that she prefers I call her. Kibble, it's cute." He grinned sheepishly and leaned across to peck her cheek before nudging her to follow Harold.
The old man stumbled his way back to the house, taking off his hat. "Oi Lize, the guests are here. Some newleyweds...er,.. Mr. Alfred and a Mrs. Kibble."
Kibble!? What did her fiance view her as, some sort of feed? The wolf WOULD think that, wouldn't he? She cast him a sharp look before moving forward to follow the farmer into his house, blinking as she stared at it and it's plainness.
Lize, the wife, had approached the, grinning and showing off her remaining teeth, those of which were rotten. Victoria did her best not to cringe, but the woman smelled repulsive. Did she even bathe? Her skin was glistening still from the sweat of her labor- and she fought the urge to be polite and NOT pinch her nose. Sometimes it was annoying to have partial wolf's blood. She could only hope her 'husband' was also suffering.
"Aye, look at the pair of you. Ah, young love. Well, come in, come in. We've got a chicken in the oven, that we do. If the pair of you wish it, you could help yourselves to a meal with us. I can even add in some spare beans to the mix, eh? And say, would the pair of you like some water? Or some mead? I must say we ain't got much of the mead left. Harold's been drinking it all all morning." She cut him a glare, but the old man only laughed.
"Yes, mead would do well for our new friends. Then we can look to see what can be done with your carriage wheel, eh?"
Lize rolled her eyes at her husband. "You mean to say you're trying to help them fix a carriage wheel? You mean I will be fixing it, you bloody ingrate." she shook her head at him then looked at th epair of love birds. "But don't you worry," she said with a satisfied smile. "I'm sure I ought ot be able to help the pair of you out." Then her grin widened. "For a price."
Urich forced himself to breathe out of his mouth and smiled graciously despite the stench of the house. It was presentable enough in its plainness and comfortable enough for the pair that occupied it but no doubt the amount of junk and trinkets lying around made it difficult to traverse throughout the house without making it a health hazard. It was a wonder neither hadn't broken their necks trying to come down the stairs!
Well, from what he could tell.
"We'd be happy to join you for a meal? Wouldn't we my lovely Kibble? Darling, you do look gorgeous in gloom and grime. Oh, it's hard to resist such a creature with flesh like porcelain and hips like a sheep!" Urich laid it on extra thick just for her enjoyment. Lize only laughed and showed them to the table. Urich pulled out the chair for her and allowed her to sit first before taking a seat himself across from her.
"Some mead would be good, thank you," Urich went on. "Don't worry, we'll be able to pay for your all your services. Believe you me, your help is more than appreciated." He grinned when a cold glass of mead was set before him, though the glass was wiped cleaned only recently.
"Yes, some mead might be lovely," Victoria added sourly.
Lize was in her glory, enjoying the conversation and the attention for Urich as she went about, rushing around to fuss over the meal. Though when she had asked for mead, Harold only stared at Victoria, eyeying her up.
"Are you sure you should be havin' a cup, lass? It's not good when carrying a baby to drink on mead."
Victoria was taken back, her face turning scarlet.
"I say! I am NOT pregnant!" she snapped. Really, where did that comment come from!? She knew she wasn't skinny, but to think she looked PREGNANT! She could have clawed off that mans' face if it weren't improper, and the fact that they honestly needed their help if they wanted to get out of this place.
She began to think stealing their eggs wasn't enough. These people should have suffered more. Hmph!
[I don't think people knew drinking was bad for you when you were pregnant in medieval times. Just saying.]
"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Harold, Kibble here would love a glass. She wouldn't want to be rude to her hostess of course. And not to worry, good sir, we are trying for children, but nothing has come up yet. I might need to see a specialist about it soon. It is me of course." Urich smiled again and drank at his mead, it was sweet and good and washed away the nonsense about to leap off his tongue.
"Well, how d'ya know it ain't her. Ye ain't foolin' round on such a nice guy, are ya?"
"Watch your tongue, sir. We mean no disrespect...but well, Kibble, you don't have to answer that if you don't want to. Mrs. Lize! Where is that chicken you promised would be so delicious!" Urich howled and hooted, complimenting Harold on his fine mead and they both laughed as conversation resumed on women and their foolishness.
OOC: he's clearly just sayin' that cuase he wants the mead to himself 8D but yeah, I'm aware
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Victoria still remained sour as she took her glass of mead. Part of her realized how cruel it was for them to joke on such a matter. Children? What of it? THey couldnt possibly if they never even tried..
but oh, they had and the result..
She moved about uneasily on the chair, recalling all the blood. She was never squeemish about blood normally, however...
It was just a frightful thing to happen to anybody, and it wasn't even that long ago...
Taking to the mead, she remained silent, simply drinking it down and letting her mind drift far away from the conversation.
At long last the chicken did come and not without Lize coming around and giving Harold a good pop on the back of the head, making the old man wince and reel forward. She only smirked at Urich and Victoria as she each served them a portion of fresh hot food ripe for the eating. Unlike the rest of their house at least the food was well done and looked delicious to eat. Urich could feel his stomach growling furiously as he dropped his mead glass on the table, half-full.
"This looks absolutely delicious, Mrs. Lize," Urich went on. "Oh, I can't wait to dig in to be sure." He grinned at her and bat his eyes adorably and the older woman blushed as she took a seat by her husband. She popped him one again, grumbling about elbows on the table in front of guests when at last they bowed their heads, saying a form of grace. Urich bent his head out of respect rather than anything else and soon it was time to eat.
The beans were a little watery, but he didn't mind as he carefully dug into his own piece of chicken. "Gods, goodness, gracious!" Urich cried out. "This is the greatest chicken...I've ever had in my entire life. I swear to it on my death. Don't you agree, wife?"
Victoria still felt out of her element here. While Urich worked on keeping up his charms, she kept prodding him with skeptical, sour pussed glares. Though she had to admit the food smelled good, the beans were hardly to her liking, but she was surprised the chicken was so savory.
So when Urich turned to her with enthusiasm, she simply blinked with a fork full of chicken inside her mouth.
Swallowing it down, she forced a smile of her own.
"Yes, it is very good. The meats quite succulent." As Lize's smile grew, Victoria took a moment to glare back at Urich. She wasn't going to say anything, but my my, wasn't he trying to be the charmer. And to think just hours ago he was being so cruel to her. Hmph! Well, no matter, at least now they had food in their bellies and there wans't much time to waste, so as soon as the food was eaten, Victoria inquired, "So about that wheel?"
"Ah, the wheel yes. Well, we got plenty o' tools in the shed. I'll be needin' some help of course. My good for nothing husband here can't be bothered to help!"
"Oh, Lize, for once, would ya calm down!? We got company. Please!" Harold scowled and drank the last of his mead. "I got to tend to the fields again." He got up from his seat, excusing himself as he went, stumbling toward the door, fixing his belt to make sure he had it on right.
Urich chuckled and looked over to Victoria, then back to their hostess. "Not to worry," he said. "I'll help you, ma'am. I'm quite useful with my hands, in fact, if we had a spare wheel, I'd be able to fix it myself. But I'm sure you expertise is unquestionable. C'mon then, let's get started on that wheel. Kibble? Would you like to ...supervise?"
"Yes, but first.." Lize began, putting out an expectant hand. Victoria looked over at 'Alfred' before turning to Lize and forcing a smile and opening her coin purse. "A few gold ought to do it."
Lize's eyes shined.
"Aye, that it shall."
Then to 'Alfred' she glowered, before the lot of them went out to the shed, fetched up a wheel, which Lize kindly asked Urich to carry, before the group of them pressed onto the road. As they moved, Victoria caught a glimpse of the chicken coup, giving a soft smile at the memory, but saying nothing.
Urich lugged the massive wagon wheel on his shoulder and when they got to the carriage, the rotting valet got off the buckboard and bowed to them. Lize stopped in her tracks, staring at the zombie, clearly confused and not expecting such a thing. "Is that? Is...is that?"
"Oh, don't worry about him. He works for MRS. KIBBLE!" Urich said, looking over to the Zombie and motioning to Victoria. Frederick seemed to understand and bowed his head.
Urich set the wheel down against the carriage. "Well, this is going to be quite tiring. Here, hold this, love." Urich took off his jacket and set it around her shoulders thoughtfully, smiling at her as he did so. He unbuttoned his shirt, just the collar of it loosening it before rolling up his sleeves. "All right, Lize, if you can, I'm going to lift the carriage on three and you slip the remains of the old wheel off and slip the new one on. Kibble, you help her, just put it back into it's bearings."
Urich stepped behind the carriage, placing his hands underneath it. Thankfully the axle hadn't yet broke so all that needed repair was the wheel. After three, he gave a grunt and lifted the carriage, his face turning red. "Go on then! I can't hold this forever!"
"Yes, our valet is quite unique," Victoria said, hoping to sooth the woman's nerves. She hadn't considered how unique her valet was but.. oh well. It was too late for that now and well, both he and Robern were there for the trip, Robern, of which Victoria had almost forgotten had been with them, as he gave a light cry inside the carriage when it was turned on it's side, the poor skull toppling onto the floor. Having heard the cry, Victoria gasped.
"Oh! Robern!" and she flung the carriage door open and scooped up the skull, only to find Lize staring wide eyed at the thing...
and then she fell over into a faint upon the ground.
"Oh, shit." Victoria swore.
"Oh, dear. Such foul language, Miss Armani. But thank you for rescuing me." The skull said, seeming to smile.
Victoria frowned. "Yes, well that's all wella nd good but- OH! URICH!" she gasped, rushing over to the wheel after having rested Robern in the dirt. "I am sorry, wolf but.. heavens, how on earth am I to put this wheel on? It seems Lize could handle a zombie, but not a talking skull." Victoria frowned and tried to move the thing, but the wheel was a lot heavier than expected as she grunted and moved it before the axel.
"GOds, what on earth am I doing here.."s he muttered, trying to push the thing in place, though seeming to take her good old time, but really, she had never done this before and was swearing up a storm as her skirts began to take on mud and the wheel was giving her such a hard time. The damn thing was too heavy!
Urich's face continued to turn red as he struggled with the carriage and just when he needed them, of course Lize had to faint. "OH VICTORIA! Just...JUST GET THE THING ON THERE! Just slip the damn thing into the hole!" Urich breathed carefully, trying not let his temper get the better of him. "Unless you'd like to switch places, but I hardly think you can manage even this simple thing! PLEASE!"
Urich felt his grip slipping then and nearly dropped the thing, only to readjust it once more. "VICTORIA!"
Grunting, Victoria felt her poor fiance's frustration and gave it her all, finally aligning the heavy wheel into place and slipping it on.
"THERE!" she shouted, backing away.
Robern smiled in admiration.
"Say, you were able to do it! Good for you, Miss Victoria!" he said, his voice seeming to smile.
"OH, shut up, Robern!" Urich hissed as he set the carriage down at last. "You just had to pop out of the carriage at this most particularly convenient time." He leaned against the side of it as he moved over to the wagon wheel, easily placed there at last. It wasn't that heavy... well, Victoria was a woman after all, and much smaller than he was.
"All right Victoria, hand me those bolts down there," Urich said, pulling up a small mallet and pounding the wheel in snuggly against the base. When the bolts were in hand, he slipped them in their respective holes and smashed a nut on the otherside to keep them snug. "There, that ought to do it." Urich suddenly dropped his ass to the floor in exhaustion, then turned his eyes over to Lize.
"What are we going to do with the body? Oh, forget it. Let's just get in the carriage and go. We've lingered here long enough."
Victoria simply stared down at Lize with her mouth gaping open. Though she supposed Urich was right. Fetching up Robern, she sighed.
"It has already been a most eventful journey. I wonder what else will happen now." she said, though she couldn't help but smiled as she stepped into the carriage, setting Robern aside then frowning at her muddy dress. "I guess I should get used to this,"s he said with a sigh, though again, there was that damn smile again. She tried to hide it behind a curled first as she leaned her cheek into it and peered idly out the window.
Robern sighed and exchanged glances with Victoria as Urich busied himself with setting Lize on the side of the road and proceeded to roll her down the hill. The farmer was still in the field and had somehow taken off his pants in the middle of his ploughing. "Shh, hurry!" And Urich threw himself into the cart beside her. "Frederick! Get us out of here."
The carriage rolled away then and soon they were out of sight, with only mild yellings coming from the farm of the farmer calling for his wife, no doubt coming to her rescue a naked drunken mess. Urich couldn't help it then and burst out laughing. He glanced over to Victoria and put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.
"That was some fine acting, Mrs. Kibble."
Gasping, Victoria fell into his lap as he captured her in an embrace.
"Oh!" she puffed out her cheeks, trying to look angry, but was soon smiling with him, taking his hand and looking up into his eyes, her own shining.
"I could say the same to you, Alfred." she cooed. Smiling, she just let herself be within his arms, enjoying the fact all tension within her had simply vanished by that simple act. "But my, to think what a silly conclusion that was, and all for a silly carriage wheel."s he shook her head, then thought about something and rapped a hand against hte side of the carriage. Frederick groaned and turned around.
"Do be careful this time on the road, Frederick. If you see any more decieteful holes or tree roots, let us know and we'll perhaps simply scout around it." And she smiled, collapsing back in her fiance's lap and appeared to be positively beaming. It was definitely a night to remember, that was for sure, especially as she caught a glimpse of the naked farmer down in the valley, rushing towards his wife and tripping over his dropped pants.
She held a hand to her lips, but she couldn't hide it. She was laughing too hard.
Urich brushed a hand through her hair, unable to contain his laughter as well, clutching his belly as he rolled back and forth. Eventually he quieted down and looked down at Victoria, grinning. "I hope we never get like that when we get old. Speaking of marriages though, just when do you think we'll have ours? When we come back to the Valley? Or before we leave entirely?"
He leaned over her and cupped her cheek with his free hand and kissed her sensually as she laid in his lap. "Why are you so impossible?" Urich said, smiling at her.
Victoria sighed, her smile still gracing her lips.
"I don't know." she let her eyes flicker a bit in thought before peering up at him. "I suppose when we feel it is suitable. A long engagement would not be bad, though who knows.."s he drew a hand down his cheek, admiring his face. "Who knows if I could wait very long to make my claims official on you, wolf." She leaned forward, leering him with a playful expression. "After all, I am the alpha here." But then at his last statement, she was taken back a bit, peering up at him curiously before she looked away, thinking it over then sighing as she watched the world roll past them outside the window.
"I suppose I have a knack for making everything difficult. I suppose I've always been that way, though more notably so after my parents had died." She shook her head, smiling sadly. "My poor aunt. Why, I was so rebellious. I just wanted to do what I wanted to and nothing else. Running outside in the mud without shoes on, stealing my cousin's pants and wearing them just to make my Aunt upset." She smiled more fondly at the memories.
"What about you wolf?" she studied him. "What makes you so.." and here she positioned herself a bit more 'willingly' upon his lap as she leered him, a hand cupping his face. "Impossible?"
"I'm impetuous and dashing and women find me irresistible," Urich laughed against her lips, kissing her once more. "I like the idea of watching you run through the mud in bare feet and making your cousins so upset by being a complete nuisance. What changed you? Why were you so stuffy when we met? I couldn't stand the thought of being in your presence any longer than a minute at a time. But I have to tell you something, you grew on me...kind of like a fungus, but in a good way. You drive me insane with your stubbornness sometimes I want to smack you over the head with a frying pan! It's a shame almost...that no other man can have you... I guess you're stuck with me too."
Victoria smiled through his kisses, but found herself pulling back from him as she studied his face at his questions.
"I would think it's obvious. I grew up. I had to follow the rules and I didn't want to have my family's name disgraced. I suppose I did it to myself. And I more or less became more like Aunt Millicent than I'd like to admit." She shook her head.
"I just.. after a time, I realized how much I was hurting her. I didn't want to see her still suffering because I was being childish and rude. So I tried to mimic how she was. I did look up to her, despite being a horrible child. I wanted to be a negotiator when I realized it would give me purpose in life, and.. well, a part of me wished to believe it would bring me closer to the parents that have long since left me."
Then, as she studied Urich's face more, her lips tugged into a smile, her expression going coy.
"Yes.."s he moved in to kiss at his neck. "I suppose I might be stuck with a dashing and irresistible wolf." And she continued to kiss and nurse at his neck as she murmured, "And to think, I used to dream of marrying a werewolf someday... who knew such dreams could come true?"
"Wait a minute? You dreamed of marrying a wolf? ... Why would you ever do that?" Urich's eyes fluttered closed, his eyes rolling back in his head at the attention she gave to his neck. He released a stifled moan one that came muffled through his lips. His body didn't want he to stop, but his mind knew that if she kept it up, she might become pregnant before the night was over. And that thought only sent shivers of fear down his spine.
"Oh, Victoria, stop, please."
"Well, maybe not marry," she breathed hotly into his ear, slipping a little tongue around the lobe. "At first I thought a small fling would be... interesting." But instead of ceasing, she did quite the opposite and worked her kisses in the place between his neck and shoulder.
"You know it's quite a long carriage ride.. we ought to find something to entertain ourselves with.." she pressed on, hands smoothing across his chest before her lips moved up his neck to cheek to chin to lips. Then she smiled. "I do have a certain journal I used to read when I was... younger."
And that she sort of still reads now...
Urich was becoming breathless and groaned loudly from her attention. "Victoria please. Stop..." but he found his will breaking down with each kiss, the warmth of her breath spreading across his skin. Urich pushed her away weakly. "You already had a werewolf, didn......'t you? I mean....I-I don't know what I mean. I mean...you get all of your fantasies from novels, but have little experience to show for it. Surely you've had a roll in the hay with somebody before... Unless you only ever fantasized about it."
Urich was starting to dodge her kisses now, moving his face this way and that. "Besides, i still know you have that journal packed away underneath your petticoats. You thought I wouldn't find it."
Victoria pulled her lips away from his and blinked.
"Why would you assume I'd ever been with someone? Sadly, my first was that cad who raped me." She looked away from him, the moment lost before she slipped off of his lap and merely looked away.
"And of course I brought that journal." She watched the trees pass by, lost in thought. "It's one of the few things I have left of my family that's been kept. The other thing was my mother's necklace, though I wouldn't dare bring that on such a journey,"s he added with a sigh and leaned against the side of the carriage.
Urich sighed with relief and leaned on his side. He moved away from her, turning to sit on the opposite bench and just leaned back, looking out his own window. "Way to kill a moment, Victoria," Urich sighed, rolling his eyes. "You know as well as I do, that bastard didn't count. You were lucky not to bear his child. Nothing more than demon spawn. Why your cousin even let you into that his presence goes to show he had nothing better in mind for you? You don't deserve to be even remotely related to a man like him. I should have torn his head from his shoulders the second I saw him."
Urich shook his head. "I'm sorry I let him take you away. I should have taken you away from this place the moment I knew I loved you."
Victoria turned to Urich after a moment and gave him a small smile.
"It's quite alright. Life isn't always going to go as expected. We just have to take it one day at a time. It's.. unfortunate, yes. But there's nothing we can do to change what has happened." She took his hand and squeezed it.
"And I should have told you the moment I knew I was in love with you."
but then she thought about it.
"Of curse, you probably would have run for the hills to know it." She smiled a bit, blushing even as she leaned against his side, sighing.
"But for now, we can just enjoy this moment." She entwined her hand with his and sighed. "Because at least this moment in our lives is perfect."
Urich nodded to her words, keeping his eyes to the trees as they passed by. Soon, he saw a familiar pile of rubble he once called Sul'Gulthan, but said nothing of it, not wanting to think about the home he cherished, had lost. He wished he could have given his home to her, instead of leaving it behind. He didn't show it but his heart broke a little again as they strolled by until it was no longer in sight.
"No, Victoria," he said, feeling saddened in that moment. "It's not. We can't pretend like it didn't happen any more. We can't pretend like we don't wish it didn't happen. I love you, I want to have children with you... But I fear that can never come to fruition now. If we can't have children, why are we getting married? I don't even want to think about touching you because of what happened. I can't stand the thought of never making love to you again. But if we can't...why bother?"
He couldn't bear looking at her as tears welled in his eyes again, even a few of them spilling over his cheeks. But he deftly wiped them away.
The smile on Victoria's face slowly began to fade. Her eyes studied him, studied his words, listened to them carefully before a chill rushed through her.
"What do you mean?" she asked, after a time, not completely understanding him. "I don't think I understand. What happened... it was dreadful, yes, but you don't suppose it would happen every time? I.." her voice trailed off, she closed her lips and glanced down towards the carriage floor.
"Miscarriages can happen. It's true, and that time was extremely terrifying for us both." She sighed, not wishing to think on it, but it was evident they both needed to talk.
"There will be other times," she told him, turning to him and placing a hand upon his cheek, wiping away a remaining tear. "DO you really think I'm such a frail woman that I couldn't handle a wolf again if I tried?" She tried to smile, knowing, well, hoping it might perk up his spirits, but he seemed so sad, distant even.
"Wolfs blood is in me. I.. I believe it was just meant to be when that happened. My body had already gone through too much. It obviously could not handle a child in that moment. But I.. I am much stronger than that now. I am embarassed I had ever gotten so weak."
She shook her head, sighing.
"But..... even if we can't, what is wrong with sharing a life time together? We could see the world, you and I. See what there is to be offered. You, yourself, said you didn't necessarily want to stick around this place, after all. But really, is that all you're afraid of? Hurting me? Why shouldn't we try? After I'm well again. I'm sure it would be alright." She took his hand.
"Believe me when I say I am stronger than that. I can feel it. ANd I know I can be much stronger than you think. Especially knowing that I have you. I've got child rearing hips, after all." She tried t make lgiht of the situation, but who knew if that would really work. SHe just didn't like seeing her fiance so distraught.
"Besides, I'm sure you brought that red dress for a reason.."
"That's just what I'm afraid of, Victoria," Urich went on, wiping is face, the tears cooling for now. "That it will happen again, and again, and again until there's no life left in you. Until you're gone and there's no more blood to spill from you. I just...I just wish I could rewind it all. Everything. I'm just...scared of everything. That I did that to you. Because I did."
Urich didn't feel comfortable under her touch any longer and writhed and squirmed to get as much distance from her as possible. He felt a powerful itch underneath his skin that made him want to tear it off and run through the forest like the wolf he was at heart. He wasn't accustomed to being boxed in a carriage for so long. And the hours had quickly fallen into night and the day faded away.
"I am wolf. I cannot choose a mate that cannot bear me children. I have to have progeny or I'd best live the rest of my years as I did before, or a eunuch. I am an alpha. I need descendants. I can't bear the thought of you dying because of me."
"Do you honestly think I will just die?" she quirked a sharp brow at him. "Really, Urich, as I said before, I'll repeated it again, I am no frail creature. Believe you me. My line isn't constructed out of that frail and silly stuff. If you want heirs, apparently I am fertile, and it is not impossible for my line to bare werewolf children. I do have it already in my blood, laying dormant somewhere. It's just.."S he sighed. "I fear, too, having to miscarry again, but I do know it isn't unnatural for it to happen. They say women under stress may suffer such things, but I do not know more than that. ANd before any child was concieved, I was in quite a dreadful and unhealthy state. Definitely not something a woman should be in when trying to have a child, I'd guess."
She frowned, but continued.
"It, perhaps, would have been wise of us to speak to Dr. Merrick about it before we left if we had such concerns. I do not like the idea of you worrying for me so. I can handle myself. I do not feel ill as i had before, and I find myself already feeling better having left town and am out here, traveling all this way with you to create something special, something more."
"But I hardly see a need to be so dramatic over one incident. If anything, child birth should be feared more greatly than conceiving the child itself. But, I digress, never has it been in my lineage that a woman was ever so vulnerable during pregnancy or during labor. It is what it is, and I don't think we can rule out the fact I can conceive so readily. That, apparently, is not a concern here. I, however, would like to wait. TO make sure I am in top health before we try again. It would be wise to do so, and is the reason we are traveling, after all. TO make us both happy." She smiled a bit, sweetly and took his hand.
"But perhaps we shall see? At the end of the trip, if neither of us are happy and it seems I might not be able to be your mate, perhaps.."S he sighed, sad at the thought, but remained predictable. "Perhaps we should consider disbanding an engagement if you are so fearful of me. So fearful of this. I would never want to force you to stick with me if I am not what you really want or need. You would resent me for it if I did. And what sort of wife is that?"
Urich sighed at long last, relenting to her point. And unluckily for him, she had many of them. As much as it hurt him to think about it, he knew she was right and his swollen eyes were sore and red as he turned around to finally face her. He laughed and shook his head, burying his face into his hands. "Gods, I'm such a fool. Victoria. There's nothing I can do if it does happen again. I'd just like to think I would be more careful than I was, than we were back then, during our first time. I should have known better than to sleep with you in such a state. But now I do."
Urich relaxed a little then and leaned against he carriage back. "I just... I only realize how much it is that I love you at the propsect of losing you. I want you, always. Sometimes, I think you want me more than I want you. You act as if you want to tear my clothes off sometimes."
[GAH, GODDAMN SHORT POSTS]
Victoria gave him a crooked, sly grin as she leered him, fingers tip toeing up his chest.
"That's because I do. And why wouldn't I? You're handsome and I haven't had my fill yet of you, Urich. Though, I suppose I could control myself. It's just.." SHe sighed through her nose. "It was beautiful when we made love. I would so like to try it again." She said, kissing him softly on the cheek before nestling in beside him.
"But at another time." She sighed again, nestling in. "We've got such a long road. But do you suppose we ought to find a town soon? It's getting rather late and it would be unsafe to travel at such late hours."
"I love you, welp," Urich laughed, holding her against him. He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly, letting his lips linger there for a long time. "You still haven't lost your charm. We'll know if we're really meant to be if we can still stand each other by the end of this trip. I hear there's a town about a mile or two down the road. At least we'll have a proper bed to sleep in and good food to eat. That is unless you wanted to sleep in the carriage? It is quite cramped in here. And I'm not sure the new wagon wheel could take all the jostling if you know what I mean."
Urich laughed and sealed her mouth with his before she could say anything, pulling her up to eye-level. "Hmmmm, I don't know why i denied myself the flavor of your lips for so long. What is that...chicken? Kibble? Ah, look out the window, there are the small lights of a town coming up now."
"Mmm, I guess I love you, too," she jested as she gave him another leering grin. Though at the mention of the carriage and what would happen if.. her face suddenly went red, and just as she was drawing in a breath to reprimand him for it, her breath was smothered away by his kiss. SHe squeaked and moaned and writhed beneath it, gasping when he finally let go. And she was still catching her breath when his words came out to tease her.
"Hrmph." she snorted through her nose. "I could say the same thing about you, wolf." And here she pinched her nose. "Good, I hope hte town comes quickly. You need a bath. You're starting to smell like a dog."
Urich chuckled at her jest. "You forget, I nearly am a dog, but I'm only half-tame. You're more wolf than I. You're appetite quite insatiable. All right sit up then, you're making my legs numb." Urich pushed a hand through his dark hair and sighed as the carriage pulled into the darkness of the small town. It was dimly lit and even as they passed under the street lantern of the nearest inn.
It was a small building, but to be expected this low in the Valley. The air was drizzling slightly and despite the rain, Urich stepped out first and opened the door for Victoria to follow him into the inn. She still had his coat as it were. Frederick followed behind them with a few night bags as they entered into the building.
The innkeep was a short woman, hardly tall enough to see over the counter as she peered at the pair of them with overly thick bifocals. "Oh, dear me! Two guests at this hour? Well, darlings welcome to the Pony's Pantaloons. Excuse the name, it was my husband's idea, bless his soul. In any case, how can I help the two o' ye tonight? One room or two? We got the Imperial Suite for only ten percent more! Blankets and fresh hot meals included, no extra charge."
"Just one room, please. And the Imperial suite would be nice. Ten percent more is fine," Victoria said, sighing as she settled into the warmth of the Inn. The temperature had dropped considerably o utside since the new bought of rain, the winds kicking up from the west and drawing in some cold air from the far away mountains.
She looked around the place. It was quite cozy, with a hearth that was made of quaint, interlocking stones, a fire glowing within. One side of the place lined with barrels, another lined with large sacks, indicating the place had to use every ounce of space afforded to it. THere were also a few wood carved statues here or there, and squat tables and chairs, that despite being plain, each had a tiny carving of a crude horse in one corner along with a fat, white wax candles on porcelain plates that were not lit sitting in the middle.
Though not many candles lit the wall, the fire in the hearth and scones on the walls lit up the stairs well enough, so as the woman guided the way, Victoria was able to follow without tripping over her skirts. She felt exhausted by now, the toll from the 'ghost' from the hotel still on her mind, as was the brief encounter with the farmers. Yes.. the farmers reminded her a lot of when she began to care for Urich Renqvist, and as the woman passed over the key, Victoria bowed her head in thanks and retreived it, slipping over some coin.
"We would like not to be disturbed. Our travel has been long."
The woman nodded, understanding before departing the couple. And Victoria slipped the metal skeleton key inside the knob before pushing the creaking door open and stepping inside.
OOC: I really hope this makes sense. T_T I had to like, keep rewriting parts but instead of just abandoning the beginning of my post and just going ot bed, I figured to plough through it so I could at least have it done since I had an idea for the post and yeah..
but now I think it's bed time T_T
"Wow, they really go all out for their guests of the Imperial Suite. You know for such a small cheap place. Huh, not that I mind," Urich smiled sheepishly at her and followed her inside. When Frederick had settled their night bags on the floor and they bid him parting, Urich closed the door behind them and carefully locked it. There were lanterns on the nightstands and Urich went over to light one carefully and set it on the hook on the ceiling spilling light everywhere. Urich also managed to get a fire started in the tiny hearth that was really only smaller than the one in the parlor room downstairs.
"I think I could sleep for weeks after fixing that damn carriage wheel. No thanks to Mrs. Lize. Who knew the farmer would marry such an impossible woman with a queasy stomach? She couldn't handle a talking skull, I'll say! I lived next door to them for all that time and I wonder if she ever saw Robern go into her coop and steal her chickens. You'd think she'd never seen a ghost before! Well, I suppose that would explain her reaction. I'm just glad it's over with and we can get on with our journey at last."
Urich sighed as he carefully undressed and pulled the cleaned sheets of the large queen bed in the corner of the room, between a small breakfast table and the fireplace. Rain patterned calmingly on the pane and soothed Urich as he looked over to her, smiling. "You look beautiful," he commented before tiredly crawling into bed, half-nude but entirely ready for the sleep he desperately desired.
Yes, the suite was much more to her liking. Not quite as extravagant as the hotel had been, but it was cozy and had enough space it wasn't confining. Something, she was sure, both of them were enjoying. She strolled across the room, standing before a mirror by a small vanity off to one side and began to pluck the earrings off from her ears and placed them back inside her bag. But then at his statement, she paused, fingers poised against the clasp of her enchanted necklace, the necklace that had once been Mr. Renqvist's.
Her lips twisted. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks were flushed, and she had dirt smudges all across her face. She turned to look at him, quirking a brow at him skeptically.
"You do realize you're saying that while I'm covered in mud?"
Her skirts, and from head to toe, all of her was covered in some sort of dirt. She went back to fussing over the necklace, and once it was unclasped, she set it aside and turned to Urich.
"Can you help me with these lacings? Women's attire can be so cumbersome sometimes."s he said and waited for him to help, her eyes drifting back towards the mirror.
Urich had thrown his body into the bed, and had even gotten comfortable when at last she asked him to help her undo her laces. He smacked his fists upon the bed frustratedly and gave a reluctant groan. "Oh, all right! If you INSIST! I swear, I'm going to buy you a proper suit so you don't have to worry about all of these laces anymore! Or better yet, a dress with laces in the front," he muttered as he crawled out of bed.
Urich stepped behind her and his hands worked deftly at the lace, pulling them loose as if he'd done it so many times before. And he did actually. He grinned at the thought of all the women he'd 'helped with their laces' and realized then the only woman he'd be helping now would be Victoria's. His grin grew wider and when that was done, his hands reached up and pulled the bundle of hair loose from its bearings and let it spill out over her shoulders. He ran his fingers through it's luxury.
"Even covered in mud, you still have gorgeous hair, Victoria. How ever do you manage to care for it?"
Victoria felt the back of her neck grow hot, and her cheeks, at his statement. She puffed them out as she held an awkward breath.
"I've just maintained it over the years. Being a respectable lady means you ought to maintain your hair." She nervously added as she shuffled about where she stood. "You know, brushing it every day and such. Adding oils and keeping it clean." She didn't know why she felt suddenly awkward by his flirtations. It's not like she hadn't been flirting with him all day, but well. She stole a glance towards him in the mirror.
As confident as she could be at times, she did have that streak of uncertainty at times. Though she supposed she ought to feel much better, and she did, especially when her eyes landed upon her engagement ring as she smiled.
"THough a lady should not keep mud about in her hair or her rings," she siad, moving to fuss over the ring and polishing the dirt away with a sigh. Turning to him, she smiled.
"Thank you for helping me, my wolf."S he said with a playful smirk before moving away as she began to peel off her dress onthe other side of a privacy screen.
"My pleasure," Urich purred, but his eyes were tired as they watched her walk away to the privacy screen on the other side of the room. He grinned just a little before moving from the vanity mirror. The day had been long and his back was still a little sore from carrying the carriage to place the wheel back onto the axel.
He threw himself back onto the bed and threw a pillow over his head, laying spread eagle over the mattress and groaning tiredly. "Y'know you take this lady thing awfully seriously? Is this because of your aunt or did your mother want you to be this way? I'm sure your mother would want you to be yourself, comfortable in your own skin, happy. Not that I'm implying leather and lace make you unhappy, but you get my point. Sometimes, i wouldn't mind just walking around naked if it meant not worrying about my clothes."
When Victoria came out from the other side of the changing screen, she was wearing little more than a silken robe. It was half tied as she slipped into the bed beside him and gave a sigh, a smirk and shake of her head.
"You would want to parade yourself naked. Perhaps we will get old and you'll become like that farmer. I could see you becoming drunk on a fine glass of wine and trekking out into the woods to howl a the moon." SHe leaned near to him, giving him a playful smirk before kissing him softly on the cheek.
"I am exhausted. ANd thank you for helping me with my dress. Perhaps it is I who should parade around naked."s he jested, then kissed him again.
"But let us not fret over things. We live in an age where thisis how things are. My aunt taught me how to be a lady, and well, my mother would have wanted me to grow up this way. Besides," she sighed. "I told you the consequences of how I felt when I did try to be more selfish and free spirited. I would rather become stuffy and refined than to remain carefree and harming my aunt. So I suppose the philosophy simply grew on me. "
Urich turned to look at her with a sad grin. "You worry far too much about what other people think," he said pressing a finger against her nose and pressing it like a button. He smiled wider and laughed. "Reputation and money seemed so important to you. When I met you, it seemed like the only thing that you cared about. I came from nothing, I'm a nobody really. What did you want with someone like me? Sure I had fine clothes and fine shoes and a beautiful ruin all my own, but I earned none of it. A wolf in man's clothing. Hollow and empty."
Victoria blinked when he poked her nose, her eyes going cross before she looked up at him, Smiling, she shook her head.
"I didn't see that. I saw a man, er, well, a wolf-man, making something of himself. Not many could take something like Sul'Gulthan and turn it into something as beautiful as you made it. So the outside was crumbling." She smiled fondly at the memories. "Inside, you really made it your home. ANd just think.." she stared over at the desk. Robern stared back, ever smiling. She smirked. "You made so many friends."
"Yes. We really had a grand time there." Robern replied.
"And besides,' Victoria said, rolling over and nestling against his side as she hugged onto her fiance's arm. "No one ever said I had to marry a man for money. That's just what propriety dictates. That I either find some male negotiator, and that sort of person is rare enough, let along gender specfic, or atleast marry someone well to do." She grinned like a fox. "I don't think I would be happy with either as I am happy with you." SHe kissed his cheek sweetly. "And I don't think any one else ever will."
"That's a beautiful sentiment, Victoria, but honestly slightly misplaced. I've never been well to do. In a way, I was putting on airs, because I like to live comfortably and if i don't have to work hard for it, why should I?" Urich laughed. "Now one might argue that I'm marrying you solely for the money and you know that's not true at all. I'm marrying you for the sex of course." He laughed and pecked her cheek, pulling her into an embrace.
"You drove me so damn crazy! You and your high horse and your snooty ways. You know I never stop enjoying knocking you off it once in a while. Makes our relationship quite fun in that way. I never expected I'd get to do it more than a few times. Now I get to do it as often as I want." He laughed again and rubbed her arm.
"Face it Victoria, you married a bum with a mean streak."
Victoria smirked and leaned over him now, her dark eyes studying his face.
"You must think yourself so clever, wolf." Her eyes continued to take in his face, her chin jutting out just enough to help keep her nose pointed towards the ceiling. "But you'll be marry a stiff woman in a dress who's not afraid to clobber you with her parasol." She chuckled a little and let her fingers curl and rest against his cheek as she sighed. "A woman who also as a mean streak." ANd she leaned in to kiss him softly. "And I haven't had enough sex with you for it to be that, wolf."s he said, lightly chewing o nhis lower lip. "But perhaps someday I will take all of the sex I want. And you.."s he said, placing two hands upon his bare shoulders. "Will not be able to stop me. You'll be so exhausted. I'll force you to make love with me all day long, and well into the night."
Urich laughed haughtily. "Yeah right!" he cried out. "You're such a stick in the mud, Victoria. I find it hard to believe you would ever have the gall to kiss me on your own, let alone claim me like some kind of love slave. Besides I have more wolf's blood, I could outlast you, outrun you, outsource you. Okay, I don't know about that last one...but well, you get the point!" Urich rubbed her side again and just hugged her. "But it's an adorable gesture though, Victoria, I'll admit that. You've been horribly deprived all your life. And now you're trying desperately to make up for it."
Victoria gave a slight laugh through her nose before shaking her head.
"Yes, I have much time to make up for," she said, leaning in and stealing his lips for her own. "And don't think you're so much better than me, wolf. I'll have you know I've made many plans for us on the night of our honey moon."
Urich chuckled against her lips. "Oh, you have have you? More ideas from your great-grandmother's diary? Well, when at last i can call you truly mine, I'll look forward to your creativity and we'll be able to put it to the test at last. That is...unless you want to experiment a little tonight?" he flirted against her. "The room is paid for after all." But he was content just to hold her, though he smacked her behind anyway just for good measure.
"You would try to flirt with me now, wolf."s he said, smirking but found herself soon yawning.
"We could fool around beneath the sheets if you wanted, but I am dreadfully tired. I'm afraid you'd win at any game far too easily." Sighing, she studied him, a few dark curls spilling over her shoulder as her robe came open just a bit, exposing cleavage from her heavy breasts as her nipples raised out from the silken fabric, the rest of it hugging her curves.
Urich laughed, unable to keep from grinning ear to ear. "I'm afraid that makes two of us," he admitted, sighing and throwing his head against the pillow. "Werewolves get tired too you know. Sometimes i wish I was full-blooded, though self-control would be far more questionable. At least then I would get so tired so easily." He looked over to Victoria and let his eyes linger down to her breasts. He couldn't help himself as a hand came up and gently cupped her breast. He only grinned at her as he came down and gently took his face down to her cleavage and kissed her chest for a moment, taking her nipple into his mouth through the cloth. He continued to kiss her softly, trialing his lips up her throat and resting just underneath her earlobe. "I guess we are too tired to continue."
Victoria tensed as he kissed her body through her clothes. Feeling his breath against her made her heat up,and shiver. Her nipples became more erect, her cheeks and breasts alike flushing. The skin was just far too sensitive. ANd his touch,... she shivered agian.
It was only at his voice that she came around. She had been falling pray to his affections whens he let out a whimper, then an indignant little sniff.
"You would start to play with me just to toy,"s he said, but instead of just laying beside him so both of them could fall asleep, she lay beside him, but let her robe slip open, tilting her shoulder just enough so that the clothe slid down, exposing full one breast.
"Yes... perhaps you might be too tired for anything, wolf."
"HA! Me? Me toy with you! Darling, I hardly think I'm game enough to play with you in such a manner. In fact I think you are indeed a cruel mistress at heart to...show yourself in such a manner and expect me to keep my hands to myself." Urich laughed again but true to his words he couldn't keep his hands to himself as his left hand moved and pressed his palm against her breast. He moved over her slightly, twisting his body as he took her breast into his mouth, kissing it softly, delicately, smoothing over its roundness with his free hand, gently massaging it on the side. He found his lips between her breasts then, moving to shift his arms around her and take her into his embrace, kissing her neck, each side until he found his lips just hovering above hers. "Oh, you do tease me, my love? Why are you so cruel to your good and loyal wolf?" Urich said, softly claiming her lips.
Victoria couldn't help herself but to smile. She reveled in his attentions and even leaned her neck in silent obedience as he moved over her, kissing at her soft flesh. His breath and lips felt good all over her as she panted. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him as she kissed him back.
"I thought you knew.."s he kissed again. "My intentions from the start ,wolf, were.." She breathed and stifled her own breath as she crashed her against his, moaning through her lips, then gasping again. "They were not so innocent when I decided I wanted to have you." She even slipped in a little tongue, stifling all conversations as she held him loosely, tongue wrestling against his.
"Your intentions, madame," breathless panting as she kissed him whole-heartedly. "Were question....able at the -" He broke the kiss to breathe. "moment! It's hard to - believe when - all you - do is- threaten - clobber me over - the head!" But at long last he just let himself become tangled in her arms and let her mouth claim his own as they kissed hotly and passionately and Urich could no longer find any resistance in his limbs.
It was sensual, the way she kissed his lips. Her own becoming palpable against his, softening and melting against his skin. No longer were they talking, but simply kissing. Occassionally, she tried her tongue again and would gasp as the end of the experience, having found herself become quite aroused by all this kissing. And she was also growing quite hot. It felt like a scorching summer day as she moaned softly against his lips, feeling her skin begin to sweat. She simply peeled the blankets away, keeping herself pressed against him as the two lay within the bed and as she continued to kiss him, her kisses grew slightly weaker, becoming more delicate before she moved a hand to entwine with his.
Urich felt his own body wilting and resistance becoming futile as he melted to her embrace. She might not have kissed many many but she sure knew how to kiss properly and she was certainly was learning fast, that was for sure. Urich wrapped his arms around her, shifting her nightgown up a little as his hands moved up her back. They were speaking with more than just their mouths now, but their bodies as well. Her gown stuck to the thin layer of sweat that was spreading across her skin and when at last she bound her hand in his own. Urich pulled away from her just a little, to get a breath, smiling at her. "You learn awfully fast," Urich whispered against her. "That was very nice. Practice really does make perfect."
Victoria quirked a brow at him before giving him a more daring smirk.
"Oh, is that so?" she said, moving as she began to crawl over him, legs straddling over his as she took his hands and pinned them playfully on the bed above his head and leaned down, her dark curls tickling about his face as her lips met to his.
"But there are many things I have yet to practice," she said, breath hot against his neck as her lips moved down to nurse upon it, before moving kisses up against his ear, her own loins now perched above his, a fire rapidly brewing from within.
He moaned again, unable to help himself at the addition of her weight over his. He opened his neck for her to get a better vantage point and chills swept all through his body. "You know, my neck is probably the most sensitive part of my body...after y'know." He laughed. "A wolf that exposes their neck and belly to another is a sign of submission." He sighed against her touch, but quickly cleared his throat and turned his head around hers when he looked down at her leg, where their hips were meeting. "Victoria, I thought you were too tired. Perhaps we shouldn't...erm, go any further." Feeling hsi body react to her attention and he tried to cross his legs underneath her to no real avail.
"Oh, submission you say?" Victoria said, working at his neck with more vigor as she grinned. Her kisses and tongue and breath splayed and lapped across it, though when he tried to cross over his legs, she paused and felt herself bounce around as she suddenly gave way to a laugh. She couldn't help herself. To see Urich seem so defenseless was a sight to be seen. Her face was already turning cherry red from her fit of laughs as she shook her head down at the wolf, unable to speak before she rolled herself off of his body and wilted into a pile of laughs within the bedding.
"So your neck is a weak point,"s he said between chuckles. "I'll have to remember that!"
Urich's face burned in embarrassment at her sudden laughter, but moreso from the fact that he couldn't control himself as he prided himself on being able to do so. He shook his head. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," he murmured, turning over to lay on his side. "I thought you knew that. Unless you're just that dense I have to tell you?" He grinned and shook his head. "Well, that was fun while it lasted. But I really am tired, Victoria and if you have no further plans, perhaps we should get some sleep."
Victoria grinned in response.
"Perhaps you are right. If we keep up with these antics I'm afraid I might not be able to control myself, wolf. And then where will we be?" Sighing through a smile she met his lips with her own and sunk back into her pillow.
"But we already spoke about this. We ought to wait until I am well." She curled her toes a bit beneath the bed at the thought. "And then you are all mine." She gave a contented sigh, finally closing her eyes.
"Broke and pregnant," Urich answered for her. "Broke and pregnant. Not a very advantageous position at all. Let's just get some sleep." He chuckled and pulled an arm around her, nestling his face into her hair when he too fell asleep, sleeping well into morning. The birds chirped happily outside and he awoke to find the space beside him empty and he immediately looked up and around them. "Victoria?"
Her voice came in soft hums from another room, one that was connected to the one they had rented for the night by a small door way. Victoria had procured herself a nice warm bath, whihc sat behind a privacy screen, a nd wasn't about to waste it. She felt positively filthy and was scrubbing away at her limbs until it was sparkling clean. Her hair was pinned up on top of her head, which, after having just finished scrubbing down her body, she reached up and pulled out the pin, her dark curls spilling down about her shoulders before she drew in a breath and submerged herself within the bath.
A few bubbles escaped from her lips, and when she resurface, she was brushing the water away from her face, scrubbing bubbles thoroughly into her hair and beginning her soft humming again. THe bath felt nice, and the fresh air coming in through the window made her skin feel refreshed. The chirping birds was an added bonus, as was the soft flutter of sun light catching in through the window and catching across the bubble waters and her skin.
Urich crawled out of bed with mussed hair and a powerful yawn, only partly panicked that Victoria was nowhere in sight. He slipped on a robe over his shoulders as he heard the soft humming coming from the next room. He grinned then and shook his head over the fool he was when he made for the room, silently opening it and slipping inside.
He moved quietly around the partition as he slipped off the robe and the wrapping of his underclothes and dropped them to the ground. He peeked and saw that he was behind her and slowly crept around her before suddenly pouncing upon her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and holding a hand over her face and pressing teeth gently to her neck. "Go quetly," he whispered to her. "Or I'll take a great big bite, you tasty morsel."
Victoria gasped, hands instinctively struggling beneath. But she tensed, feeling the strong arms and teeth upon her as her chest heaved within the waters.
"U-urich!" she flushed, realizing she was in a most compromised state as she blinked. "Oh, you terrible man! I thought my heart was going to leap clean out of my chest!" She said, digging her hands into his hair and yanking his face from her neck. She held his face before her, staring at him as her curly hair was piled about her head, lathered in lacey bubbles. She pouted.
"Really, and here I thought I could have had a free moment to myself." She sighed. "But I suppose that has been thwarted." She grinned now, admiring herwolf with a sultry leer. "So how did yousleep lastnight, wolf?"
Urich grunted with some displeasure when she pushed his face away. But his grin didn't disippate. In fact it grew at her state, bubbles dripping down her head as her hair was soaked and was in dire need of being cleaned. He returned her leer and took her hand gently in his own kissing the back of it before turning the palm over and tracing the lines of it with his free hand. "I slept like a lightning rod if you know what I mean," Urich said with a nonchalant shrug. But his expression betrayed his humor.
His arm slipped in and swished the water, playing with the bubbles here and there. "Hm, this tub seems a little empty. It needs more bubbles. Or maybe it's missing some company. Do you mind if I join you?"
Victoria made a face, hiding her chest from view beneath the water as his hands dispersed the ones that had been keeping her modest, then looked up at him curiously before she frowned.
"Do you really think you can fit in here, wolf?" she said, eyeing him up with mild scrutiny. "These are not like your sinister baths in Sul'Gulthan when you tried to seduce me with your blind fold." She smirked and tip toed her fingers up his chest, tilting her head to one side as she studied him. "Though it's not to say we could not try.." she added, her fingers finding their way up his neck where she wrapped her arms around him, her eye lids lowering as she leaned in to steal a kiss.
But hten she pulled away abruptly.
"Yes, I don't think you could fit."S he said, nose to the air, but was having a hard time hiding her smile, and her breasts, beneath the less bubbly waters.
Urich blushed at her proximity and grinned even when she pulled away. She teased him, oh how she teased him. "You cruel woman!" Urich protested. "You would make me beg to my own fiancee to share a tub with her. I'll have you know I'm already dressed for the occassion! Or you might say undressed. And you'd leave me with nowhere to go. You're a cruel woman indeed!"
Urich grinned at her nontheless and leaned in to kiss her chin softly and let his teeth press to her skin as he smiled against her. "You wouln't let me share this with you even a little bit?" he murmured to her as his hand trailed up her chest between her breasts, dripping water from his cupped palm, washing bubbles away. He played small circles over her flesh before dropping both hands into the water and pressing them against her ribcage, cupping them beneath the swell of her breasts.
"You would leave your poor, devoted lover out in the cold?" he whispered.
Victoria gasped beneath his ministrations, arching her back up just enough that the tips of her erect nipples protruded from the water, rippling and wavering the sudsy waters about her wet skin. Her cheeks were flushed, amongst other things, but as he continued, she reached a hand out, firmly wrapping one around each of his wrists before plucking them from her breasts and moving them down to her rib cage,. Coaxing his hands to lay flat, she then smoothed then down across her wet flesh to rest lower still against her hips.
"I suppose there might be... a little room for you, wolf," she managed to speak, though her voice was husky since it was difficult for her to suppress the moan she had been holding. Her eyes lids were hung low, dark lashes staring at him, her entire body sensitive to everything around her, even the feel of the warm waters that she was laying within. It all felt so sensual and powerful, but then again, she was suddenly in heat.
Damn wolf and his hands.
Damn wolf and his naked body.
Damn wolf and her attraction.
Urich grinned still against her skin, looking at her with warm eyes. "That's good. I'd thought I'd gone through all this trouble for nothing," he murmured to her. He spread his hands warmly against her flesh, spreading them across her hips, letting his fingers dig into her skin, massaging her hips a little. "I do love you, darling," he said, turning his head over to the other side, kissing her neck softly before turning upward to meet the side of her lips. "Would you be a dear and scoot over just a bit?" he said.
His arms slipped underneath hers, pulling her up against him as he slipped into the bath behind her, then seated himself, wrapping his legs around her in the water. "You're right, it's very tight in here," he said, holding her against him and placing her in his lap. "Is that enough or did you want a little more room?"
Victoria was in a haze, silently obeying as she shook her head.
"And I, you, wolf." THough as he moved behind her, she tried to shake herself of her spell. She knew they ought to wait before trying again, but it was driving her crazy. She did feel well enough, and why should she not? She had survived a deadly game with ghosts, a small visit with the farmers after having gained a broken wheel on their carriage. It seemed almost wrong to wait much longer, but Urich had a point when he mentioned earlier. If they were to have at it again, surely they would find themselves in a curious predicament indeed. And Victoria wasn't quite sure when she might be ready for children. But she was certainly ready for her wolf.
So as the wolf drew her into his lap, she felt her entire body heat up, especially her face.
"Not really," she said, smiling at him and leaning in to kiss his lips. "But if we remain this close I'm afraid their might be dire consequences."s he told him, lips now moving to bite and kiss at his neck.
Urich laughed at her insinuation. "You're right, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy each other's company. Besdies I'm about as filthy as you are!" he insisted. "Maybe more. My hair has been itching quite a bit! I might have fleas!" He laughed louder and rubbed her sides, washing water over her. "Oh, don't give me that look! I'm just kidding! I'm kidding. I wouldn't get near you if I had fleas!"
"But since I don't" He hummed against her lips as he took her into his arms, kissing her roughly and hungrily, hotly and with need.
Victoria gasped, rearing back as her face twisted in repulsion. But then he was laughing and smashing his lips into her, stealing her breath away as she growled irritably through it. Pushing away, she gasped and held onto his shoulders, panting and trying to glare right in his face before giving away to a defeating pout.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist! Such a crude sense of humor. Do you honestly think I would even allow myself to fraternize with a werewolf who has fleas?" Smirking, she grabbed the soap and began to work a lather in her hands, then taking the froth, she leaned forward and began to massage it into his head, grinning at him with a playful scrunch of her nose. "We'll just have to wash it all. Wash all of the filth off of you. But really, you should have waited your turn. You'll get my water all filthy with your wolfish germs and muk."
"No, I don't think you'd fraternize with a werewolf who has fleas. But you would have sex with one who doesn't," Urich pressed, laughing as she lathered at his hair. It was dirty and the soap did wonders to wash it clean. He cupped his hands and doused it over his head, the dirt washing out and leaving it soft and silky to the touch. He blew bubbles that dripped down his face and blew them at Victoria playfully.
"I think you forget the finer points of what makes us such a sexy and beautiful couple. You bring the propriety and manners and I bring the sting and the style. And by sting, I do mean whip...Hmm, I knew I had one around here somewhere." He laughed again and gently kissed her neck. "I'm kidding, Victoria, you must honestly learn to relax darling. Just shut up and kiss me."
"Yes, but if I simply just kiss you and relax," she protested, wriggling some within his lap to get more comfortable. "You might be biting off more than you can chew." Though she obliged, kissing him as she spread her legs open just a little, intentionally finding something interesting beneath the waters held now between the intimately her legs that she held close to her body, just enough that two fingers held against the more sensitive side of his flesh. Though she seemed not to notice as she then moved to scooped up water herself and began to rinse out the suds from her own hair, grinning, but avoiding his eyes as she rinsed at the remaining bubbles again. After all, she didn't need her hand to keep that where she wanted it.
"Well, wolves do get hungry, love. And sometimes we do get a little overzealous when we take to snacking" Urich jumped up suddenly, a chill passing through him as if he were suddenly struck by lightning and he moved anstily underneath her. He gave her a cornered look, but couldn't stop his grin from spreading ear to ear. His arms loosened themselves around her and he leaned back in the tub, watching her with a curious gaze. "What was that!? I thought you wanted to wait?"
Victoria smirked, remaining quiet for a moment. But that didn't last. She finally turned to Urich and the grin spread more widely across her lips.
"Perhaps, but,"S he said, leaning forward, purposely teasing him as her body rubbed against other parts of his as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I do feel a bit better."s he sighed, smiling at him and looking him in the eyes, her own full of such love and affections. "We've already been through so much and our journey has only begun." She kissed him softly on the cheek now, but kept talking. "ANd with so much stress.."S he continued, breath moving hotly against hsi cheek as lips met to his ear as she began to chew on it. "One might yearn for some stress relief."
Urich relaxed physically under her touch, but knew that if she kept it up they might get out of the tub dirtier than they entered in. He arched at her touch, pulling back a little, afraid she was only joking and would no doubt pull away from him when he tried to take it to the next level. But he couldn't stop his body's response to her ministrations. "If you're looking for stress relief, are you sure you wouldn't prefer a nice shoulder massage, Victoria?" he muttered, moaning a little as she bit onto his ear. He just couldn't help himself when he turned his face toward hers and took her lips into his own, biting her lower lip and pulling on it a little, before turning his head and going in again.
Victoria smirked, enjoying the tangled web she was weaving. She liked the idea of making Urich want her, and part of her did want to proceed. Though a part of her still was hesitant, though it didn't stop her from continuing to kiss him, and continuing to apply just a little bit pressure down on his body, just enough to remind him how hot she was between her legs.
"Do you think a shoulder massage would suffice?" she asked through nibbles against his lips. Her voice sounded cool and collected, even as her breath was warm against his skin.
His will was becoming brittle and he grumbled when she pressed down on him. He couldn't stop his temperature from rising - among other things - and he groaned against her, trying to focus on her lips with need instead of that other thing. "Maybe a full body massage would be a little better?" he said, trying to laugh. "I think you'd agree. Because you know...it's only a matter of time before - um - the tension becomes a little too much, y'know?"
"Yes.." she breathed, shifting her weight over him in the bath, lips sealing to his. "The tension might be too much." And perhaps it was, for both of them. THey had played this game before, only to come out empty handed for some time, and despite not completely knowing what she wanted from him in that moment, her body was sure. And as she moved, he would feel something around him far hotter than the warm bath that floated around them. And she, she noted something else as well. It sort of just happened, and she gasped, just a tiny breath as she came to realize that...
perhaps the tension had won.
Urich moaned and whimpered when she suddenly slipped herself around him. And all the hesitation that lingered in the back of his mind suddenly melted away with the softness and fire of her flesh. He grunted to adjust himself easier underneath her, holding her hips before he invited her to press further down on him. He was breathless, biting his lips before looking down at her eyes with languid vision, eyes hazy and completely taken with her. He scooted forward in the tub and coaxed her legs around him. "No," he breathed against her, "I think it's just right." He kissed her then, hotly and chewing on her lips, slowly undulating his hips.
OOC: Kinda late but a mature trigger warning |8*
ALSO they made it to 60 pages~ woo!
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Victoria grunted as she adjusted herself within the tub. It was a tight fit, but she was able to move her legs more openly around him, though his torso was pinching them, it leant for a more interesting angle to their sex, and soon any pain in her legs were ignored as the fire inside her was stroked along with each motion of his hips.
"Yes.." she found herself replying huskily, her own hips moving along with his naturally. "I suppose it is." The sex kept him so tightly inside her, she was having trouble breathing, speaking or even thinking. Her hands gripped the side of the porcelain, knuckles going white as she tensed all over, closing her eyes as the sensations of their union seemed to reach every corner of her in pure, raw, untrainable pleasure. She was still without skill on the matter, just knew how to move her body, how to make it feel better, and being so twisted and tight and knotted together within the bath tub had just the right amount of oomf for her.
"Gods.." She clawed a hand down his chest, finally remembering to breath, her body moving against him, so slick and ready with need, there was barely any friction except when he'd become buried deep within. And when that would happen, when the tip of him was swallowed all the way to the point she was feeling it within unknown and deeper, unexplored territory, she found herself gasping, unable to even moan. And soon she was pausing, the muscles of her sex clamping onto him and spasming with excitement as her insides burned and grew and their sex lapped at the building sensations of her need.
"Gods, Urich.."S he moaned, her face collapsing against his shoulder and neck, a hand inside his hair. But then the need to draw her arms far beyond him struck, she wanted to pull herself close to him, to hold onto something more stable. So, gripping onto the porcelain side he was resting against, she began to drag her body against him. "Gods.. uh..." And each time she moved with him, it was slow, sensual, but still potent, each motion like the thrilling strike of a match, each moment a long, palpable lap of their bodies moving together, moving in unison as she tried to figure out just how to sate the burn, the feeling, and the yearn.
Urich whimpered again, shivering all over as he felt himself slid deeper into her. She was so tight against him, not just from this being their second time making love, but from the tiny enclosed space of the tub, he was doubly aware of it. It was nearly too much to be borne and he threw his head back, mouth open in a gasp. But it was caught in his throat and came out only in a shuttering breath. "Gods, Victoria," he moaned, voice hoarse and rough.
Perhaps she didn't have much skill but the tightness alone was making him lose his breath. "Ohhh," he whimpered again, when she began to grip the tub and move against him of her own will. "Victoria," he breathed. "Just move to your own whim. Take it slow." He moaned louder, smiling even as he took it upon herself to find her way around it. She didn't need his help, though he was there to guide her if need be. "Like that," he murmured, breathless. "Move your hips gently, like so." He moved as best he could in the confined space, circling his hips against hers. "Better?"
Victoria simply breathed against him after tensing up, the entire wall of her sex all consuming around his member. It was too much for her to take in, to feel him in her entirely, she didn't even need to move. Little breaths were spilled across his shoulder, little kisses and murmurs tickling at his neck. And she clung onto him, feeling so desperate, she did not know what to do with herself.
"By the Gods, Urich," she whimpered softly against him. "This sensation is so hard to describe. It's.." but a moan took away her breath as her sex was moving, lightly sliding him inside her, but in a delicate motion, and she found herself gasping each time the tip of his hard cock was reaching in as deep as it could go. "Gods, Urich," she moaned. "You feel.. this feels..." and she shivered, holding him tightly as she spoke the last part into his ear. "Perfect."
"Hmm," Urich groaned, trying to contain himself. The sensation was unbearable and he found his breath hitching again and again as he rolled his hips harder against hers, moving in a little deeper and deeper, a little faster and harder. "I guess you could say that," he smiled against her. He held her tightly to him, knowing if he let her go she might float away, might disappear from him. He turned his face against hers, kissing her cheek lightly. "It'll get much better," he said with a grin. "Practice makes perfect after all."
"Better?" Victoria released a breath, gasping as her heavy breasts heaved over him as he moved within her. She whined, it felt so incredible, like a twisting burn within her, stabbing, thrusting, pressing against all walls inside her, and soon she was moving with him, water slapping around them as she began to moan, her breath hitching, almost at a scream.
"I guess we'll have to keep..." she gasped, shivered and moved more quickly as she held onto him, kissing at his throat. "Keep.. keep.. practicing."s he groaned.
Urich took more control then and took his claim against her, moving with need, with all his passion as he thrusted harder, moving so that she'd feel him as much as possible and his moans grew louder, splashing water when at last he cried out for her. "Gods! Victoria!" he said, shuddering against her, spilling out inside her at last as he held her in his arms. He turned to face her, smiling. "I guess it wasn't so bad after all...in fact it was quite invigorating!"
"You can say that again, wolf," Victoria grumbled against a moan as she collapse against him, nestling into his shoulder. She felt so content, so perfect in that moment.... She could have laid with him all day... and all night if he wanted.
But then after a moment, she realized with some delay... "Goodness!" She sprung up suddenly, blinking and looking around with exasperation. "Most of our bath water is now on the floor!"
"Oh, it is!" Urich exclaimed with a sudden bout of laughter. His face was red from their ministrations and considerably less strained than it had been in the last few days. Turning to face Victoria, he laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "That's all your fault you know. Now we have to clean that up and clean each other again. You and your terrible hunger. Well, now we can wait again before we try this again...or we'll be cleaning up water and splintered wagon wheels all over the place. It won't make for a very progressive journey."
Victoria pressed her lips together in a haughty manner but said nothing. Turning her brown eyes away from him, she stared out across the room with a sigh.
"I suppose you might be right this time, wolf." She turned her face back to him, arching a brow before moving to grab the soap. "Let us clean up and be done with this bath. We have a long road a head of us."
And so, even with only half a bath left, the pair managed to get clean, wiped up the floor of their spills and were out to the carriage after having enjoyed a very satisfying breakfast. Victoria never thought she had eaten so much in all of her life. And the food was rather simple as well, but it was good. She had been famished, so as the pair re-entered hte carriage and struck out on the path again, she turned to Urich with a warm smile, her hand finding his as she held it.
"Ugh, I feel as if I might explode," she groaned, leaning back within the carriage bench. "We had quite the morning and I think I might have eaten too much for breakfast."
Urich patted her hand when her fingers threaded into his. He laughed and grinned at her statement, rolling his eyes. "Didn't you know? Sex makes you hungry. Well, really good sex does anyway. You're grunting and grinding and moaning and just plain worn out afterward, you need a little something to pick you up. I guess that little uh...escapade in the tub was just enough to bring an appetite." He laughed again and patted her belly.
"Oh, but you have nothing to worry about. We'll work it off somehow. Maybe we'll go for a run. Gods knows you could use it," he quipped with a sly grin.
Victoria cut Urich a sharp gaze.
"I say, you are not very flattering with your words, wolf. ANd maybe you need to run too." She said, jamming a finger into his belly. Smirking, she closed her eyes and nestled into the bench some more. "But yes, a full belly makes one tired, and we have a long road a head of us for sure. Perhaps a small nap might do me some good. It would make me less irritable, anyways. Id on't think I travel well. After all, when I had met you that first time at Sul'Gulthan, I had traveled on foot."
A sharp bark outside the carriage reminded her about the pups and she smiled.
"It's funny to think those wolves were pups not too long ago." Her smile broadened as she looked out the window. "They sure do grow fast.."
"Oh, but I'm a wolf, darling, by this time tomorrow I'll have all my muscle showing back again and plenty for you to gawk at up and down all you like," Urich said with a satisfied smile. He leaned back and there was no end to the grins that stretched ear to ear. "And I do remember you arriving to Sul'Gulthan rather irritable, yes. You demanded to speak with the master of the house immediately and were in no way a guest deserving of my legendary hospitality. In fact, I recalling very much wanting to eat you in that moment. Maybe I'll have my chance when we are married and I can inherit your fortune. Your bones will be found in some troll's cave nearby. Nobody would be the wiser. I'm JUST KIDDING. Relax."
Urich patted her hand and brought it up to his lips, kissing the back of it and holding it against his chest. "That they do. In a way, they're almost like our children. Well more mine than yours, I raised them first after all. But Draegr picked you and he's yours. Right now they're just gangly young things, trying to be adults. And if you look out the window, you can see them running alongside the carriage as we speak."
Victoria's smile broadened at the mention of Draegr.
"Yes, I suppose you might be right." She lifted up the curtain on the carriage as she watched the wolf's run and play, her eyes warming at the sight. But as she was studying the young wolves at play, something caught her eye, but not just something, the whole area seemed familiar. It called back to her memories, dragging them from the darker recesses of her mind. Just a fragment here or there, nothing clear, but feeling familiar all the same.
She furrowed her brow, leaning closer towards the window and studied the path. There was a fork in the road, and she knew it before they even approached. SHe held her breath, staring up at the path ahead before pushing her head out the window and calling up to Frederick.
"Frederick, do take the left path up ahead."S he said, holding onto her hat, lest she lose it. The valet groaned and obeyed, jerking the chains as the carriage began to lean in that direction. While she was studying the path, she leaned out some more, taking in the details of the road. It was all so familiar...
considering this was the path she took back home from her parents when she was little, their little manor in the woods...
Yes, it was all too clear to her now. This was the road home, the road to a home long since abandoned. She never questioned why she couldn't go back, just that it wasn't appropriate, or some such, and her heart burned to see it again, to see if the place was still there, if the memories were still alive, to see if she could recall those faint echoes of her parents yet again.
And as the carriage pressed onward, Frederick let out a familiar groan.
"It's the Armani Manor..." and as if on cue, as the carriage crested a hill, a tall and prominent structure came out from within the woods, set off in a valley deep within with tall oak trees lining the path. Victoria leaned out the window even more.
"Yes, to the Armani Manor, Frederick. I'd like to see it. Take the path with the oaks."
And again the horse was directed down the path, the shadows from the trees flickering off the carriage as they moved onward and Victoria's palms grew sweaty in anticipation.
And the place was massive, with many sections to the old stone and wood building, like a small castle sitting enchantingly and proudly within the meadow. A small stream babbled and a small stone arched bridge moved over top, and Victoria looked down towards it, recalling her times fishing with her cousins in the stream. The laughter echoed inside her mind, but the meadows and forests here were vacant of any human noise. In fact, the only noise at all were the chirping of birds, the running of the wolves and the rustling of leaves in the heavy canopy of trees overhead.
"This is the Armani House," Victoria said, voice barely above a whisper as her eyes remained glued upon the structure. "This was my home so long ago, a place my grand father built and gave to my parents when it was their time to raise me." She smiled fondly at the memory. "I had once called this place home."
And now it appeared no one called it home, as it sat old and abandoned, though still pretty, even as all doors and windows seemed ot be crawling and sealed over with vines.
The wolves were happily nipping and playing with each other as Urich's gaze followed them as they lurched down the path. But when the carriage made an unexpected turn, Urich was flung to the side of the carriage and made an ,"Oof! What the -" as he glanced at Victoria in bewilderment. This was why he wanted to drive the carriage himself, not have some mindless zombie to take them on sudden detours. Yet Aunt Millicent had insisted, and it seemed Victoria couldn't live without the rotting corpse.
He didn't know what the big deal was as they came over a rather large hill. No words came as awe took him over and the breath was stolen from his lungs as the old manor house rose from the meadow before them. It was beautiful in its antiquity, though he didn't understand why'd they had come down this way, he didn't even have to ask.
"The Armani Manor?" he mimicked. He looked at her then back to the house.
When they finally approached, Urich slipped out of his side of the carriage. It looked even more grand and magnificent up close. He opened her door and helped her out. "I can see why he gave it to them. It truly is glorious," he commented, leading her out to the front courtyard. "Why did it fall into disuse? Someone should have stayed behind to take care of it. C'mon, we should take a look at it. This was once your home after all."
"Yes.. The Armani Manor, or as some called it, simply the Armani house." She sighed at the memories, a certain sadness and longing reflected in her eyes. She had taken a few steps away form the carriage but paused, drawing back, almost flinching at Urich's request.
"I.. I couldn't possibly," she said, clutching onto her parasol until her knuckles were turning white. "There are reasons it was meant to be abandoned. "They said it might be too dangerous, even after the other negotiators had a look around after the incident." She sighed. "We shouldn't linger here." Even though she wanted to. "We should go." But she did not move.
"Oh give me a break Victoria," Urich said with a grin. "I'm sure it'll be fine. Why would it be dangerous? This was once your house. I think it should be safe to say that you can walk on these grounds. Whether you know it or not you belong here? Just like I belonged to Sul'Gulthan. I'll help you be brave, we'll go together. Take my hand." Urich gripped her hand and tried to tug her along. Perhaps it was because he lived with ghosts that this place didn't seem nearly as foreboding. And his smile remained forever hopeful.
Victoria's grip tensed within his hand.
"I.. it's just that.." She closed her lips and stopped dead in her tracks. They had only made it a few feet. She frowned and peered up at him. "My parents had been killed. On some mission and I... well.."s he sighed, figuring there was no secret in it, and it was silly to be so paranoid after so many years had passed...
"They said it could happen again. They're not even sure how they had been managed to kill,but they said that I or my family could be in danger. They might link it back to our family, some silly none sense about that but.." She sighed again. "Truth be told, I think Aunt Millicent was afraid of the memories enjoyed here rather than any danger of a future attack. I... it's just..." she sighed. "I never understood why we couldn't stay here. It's not so far from the city, Aunt Millicent could have practiced her work. She didn't even want to have anything to do with it. But maybe she had no choice."
She stared at the manor in wonder for a moment before finally righting her shoulders and setting her jaw.
"Though I suppose now would be as good a time as any to have a look around. Perhaps the deed is still in my name, but I'm not sure what had become of it. I presumed everything was handed over to my Aunt." She turned to Urich and smiled. "Who knows.." she squeezed his hand. "Maybe we'll start a family here someday?"
And the pups seemed to like that idea, they were already barking and playing around the house, Draegr rushing between the pair of them, leaping at VIctoria as she gave an audible 'Oof' before he licked her cheek, barked once and rushed off to play with the rest.
She pressed a curled hand to her cheek and shook her head.
"Oh, those silly wolf pups."
"I think maybe she just might have been afraid of what those memories would do to you. She loves you deeply, you know. And wouldn't want to see you saddened by what you've lost. But truly, there's no helping that. You feel what you feel when it comes to you," Urich soothed, knowing what it was like to lose a parent.
He understood her reservations of entering the place, when her parents had been killed and no one left to care for her but her stuffy old aunt. But he also knew that perhaps there was something useful they could find here, a memento of sorts perhaps that might help her get some closure, before they moved on for some time and wuoldn't be back until well into next season. Now was the time.
"Perhaps," he said at the call of a family. He liked the house, admired the design, and it would require a great deal of fixing up before definite plans were made. "We'll have plenty of time to think about it when it comes to that. But a house in the Armani name, should stay in the Armani family, don't you think? Why if my father properly left me a house of my own, i wouldn't let anyone have it. C'mon, Victoria, let's just take a look around. It'll do you a world of good. Maybe the door is open."
Victoria smiled at Urich and simply nodded.
"Yes, perhaps we should." She turned back to the house, her dark eyes studying it before moving forward, using her parasol to guide her along. "Oh, the gardens would need trimmed, and there's so much ivy here," she said as they reached the door. She lifted ahand up, began to pull enough of the ivy away before turning to stare at the gryphon shaped door knocker that stared back at her. Her eyes went distant in thought, recall the memories of so many people coming to knock at their door... the echo of laughing children in the meadow.. and the warm smell of strawberry cream flowing through the house. Now, as she pulled the door open, the hinges squeaking and echoing inside the dark house, she stepped into it, squeezing Urich's hand before they were both taken into a world that smelled of mildew and dust. She pushed the door open even further, the light flooding in, showcasing the piano, still there in the center of the room, the book shelves, nearly picked clean, but predominantly sooted in dust and cobweb tails.
but everything seemed different...
much smaller than before, despite the house being so large But hten agian, the last time she had stepped foot in here, she had been little.
Takin ga few steps forward, she paused when something scurried past, causing and drawing her parasol near, then wilting slightly and shaking her head when she realized it was a mouse.
"We ought to open some of the curtains. It's dreadfully dark in here." She said, ad moved across the room, boots clicking against hte marble floor as she approached the massive bay windows on the opposing side of the room, and with a thrust of her arms, she threw them open, yanking them aside, and the room soon flooded with light.
Urich coughed out clouds of dust as soon as they entered into the manor house. It was run down and beat as to be expected. Sul'Gulthan was in much the same way when he found it, except for the ghosts. It was nothing more than rubble and dust and not a useable chair or stool in site. For this place, there was much left untouched, not even so much as a fingerprint left it's trace amdist the dust. He stepped carefully, unsure if even the floor might not have rotted out underneath them, lingering behind Victoria, watching her mindfully.
He was blinded momentarily by the sudden light when she opened the curtains and glared at her through it. "This place has seen better days," he commented, observing cobwebs hang even from the chandolier, the wind slightly dancing through them. "But Sul'Gulthan had seen war. This...this isn't so bad." He smiled at her with a great deal of confidence as he stepped forth. And just as he suspected he heard the floor creak and suddenly give way underneath his weight.
He yelped as dust billowed up from the hole and he fell into the darkness of the basement, crying out as he'd broken his wrist in the landing. "Uh...Victoria? What kind of things did your parents do in their spare time? There's ....chains and other such stuff down here," he called up.
Victoria whirled around, gasping as Urich vanished through the floor. After a moment, she rushed towards it, and peered down, though at his words, she glared sourly at him.
"Mind your tongue, wolf. My parents had to chain up a few unruly wolves in their day." She smirked at the idea, her eyes visibly glittering, even from where he was upon the floor. "Don't think I wouldn't use them on you. You're breaking the floors of our house, after all. What have you been eating? Perhaps you're gaining weight?" She smirked. "Now wait there, I'll be down in a moment. Let me see if I can find a lantern."
"I am NOT gaining weight," Urich said hotly as he picked slinters off of his clothes. "This house is rotting beneath your feet! No wonder people left it behind!" He stood up and dusted himself off, nursing his broken wrist against him when at last he saw a lantern light coming down the stairs. The basement was nothing unusual of what he expected for Negotiators. Victoria had a point after all when it came to that and he expected nothing less.
But as whe looked over a table in the dark with peculiar looking tools on it...saws, hand-drills, skewers and other such pokey-pointy things an unpleasant chill went down his back. "Are you sure they only used this chamber to hold unruly wolves? It looks like somebody did more than that. And these tools...look rusted.. Wait" He gave a sniff. "That's not rust. That's blood I do believe."
Victoria visibly frowned.
"What are you implying? And why on earth would there be blood? I'm pretty sure I would know if my parents were torturing people beneath our very floor boards." Though the tools looked questionable and she gave a hard swallow tot he knot forming in her throat. Were her parents leading some secret life!? Goodness, how scandalous and horrid that would be!
The instruments were circumstantial at best, even Urich knew that. He bit his lip and looked at Victoria with a raised brow. "Just because it's here in your basement doesn't necessarily mean it belonged to them. Perhaps they had some very questionable friends that had peculiar interests. What's more is that these tools look fresh. Maybe not recently used but they aren't quite as covered in dust as everything else here. Look at the table, dusty, but the tools, quite clean by that standard. Come, let's look around, there's got to be something around here to explain it. Hurry, my wrist is killing me."
Victoria held up the lantern and noticed that he was right. The instruments looked hardly as dusty as the rest, even with the blood being dried. She frowned.
"You don't suppose someone has broken in and has been using this place for something sinister?" Her frown deepened at the thought. As they pressed onward, she kept the lantern held out, sweeping it along the room before she noticed something off in the corner. "Say, look, there's the coal shoot, but it appears something is in it. " And as she walked forward, she wrinkled her nose and paused in mid step.
"Oh, what is that foul odor. Urich.. did you...?" but then she gasped, realizing as she jerked the lantern higher and more light flooded across the room. "Oh my god, is that a body?"
Urich lingered behind her, feeling quite uncomfortable in this basement altogether with nothing more than a lantern for protection. And he was starting to get the feeling that the place hadn't been abandoned after all. And he was glad that Victoria was coming to the same conclusion. Something was more than unsettling here, even when they found the large sack hanging out of the coal shoot. It certainly was long like a body and body shaped.
It was he to neared it first, quite wary and not even wanting to touch it. There was his wrist to consider after all. But it seemed he didn't have to do much more than look at it when it abruptly moved and started to wiggle about. There was a moan coming from it and Urich wasn't sure what to do. In a moment of braveness, he knelt down and reached for where he suspected the head was and tore it open with a clawed hand, his only good hand to boot.
"Gods!" he gasped, unable to even describe what it was he found. His stomach turned then, finding the grotesqueness of the face far too much to look at, but his eyes couldn't even look away. It was am an underneath the head sack, his face had been torn and dissected and sewn back together, his lips cut off, cold and pale and he wiggled as if still fighting for life but there was no real life in him.
Victoria could only stare, just as repulsed as Urich as. The face was so twisted, bizarre and grotesque. And this THING was in her family's basement! And then when the thing moved, as if animated, somehow, something inside Victoria blanched, and most unlike her, she suddenly dropped away to a faint, the lantern smashing out as she fell, encasing them back into darkness.
Urich paid no heed to Victoria and approached the wiggling man. It stopped, trying to gasp for breath and looked at him with pale, blanched eyes. "Negotiators," was all he said before he stilled completely, still staring at Urich, but it was blank and empty, for he was truly dead then.
He moved over to Victoria and plucked her from the ground with his good arm, throwing her over his shoulder as he moved back up the stairs, calling for Frederick and they helped her back into the carriage, laying her on the bench. Frederick produced smelling salts which Urich waved under her nose before putting them away.
Victoria sat up with a lurch, and with it came a spell of dry heaving.
"Gods!" She pushed the smelling salts aside, cowering back within the carriage seat. "Keep those things away from me!" She gagged again, the shivered, her entire face going sour, then worried a moment as she looked around.
"Goodness! What happened?! What on earth- smelling salts?" There was no way on Gods' green earth that she fainted..
but then her mind went back tot he corpse and she gasped, sitting up.
"By the Gods. I fainted!?" she looked utterly repulsed at herself, and her mind went dizzy. She placed a hand upon her face, groaning before tearing clean out of the carriage. "Enough of tht.."s he cast a mean glare back to Frederick, who was only groaning his usual groans as Victoria began to stlak back towards the house. "Something is wrong here and I intend to find out what!" Fainting spell be damned! She must have just been.. startled, but truth be told she was embarrassed. She was never a woman to just simply faint! How mortifying for Urich to have seen her in such a state! No bother, she was now set on figuring out what the hell was wrong with her family's manor, one way or another.
Urich didn't stop her when she went back in the house, quite all right after having just hit the floor with a great deal of force. He just watched her leave and took a seat in the carriage leaning out the door. He looked over to the rotting valet and motioned for the zombie to come near. "I'll need you to set this for me and see what bindings we might have in our baggage. Just grab it and pull when I say so."
After several muffled screams, Urich's face was red and he set a make-shift slint around his wrist and bound it tightly as he waited for Victoria to find whatever it is she intended to look for. As far as Urich was concerned, he didn't need to set another foot back in that house.
OOC: I still have things I wanted Victoria to find/ do in the house, so she might be a while 8D
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Victoria couldn't stop herself, something possessed her, pressing her onward as she proceeded to walk through the house. Something was off, something she could not put her finger upon, all the while she was taking a walk down memory lane. A hallway here or there sparked the memories of her parents.
The piano..... her father and mother were sitting, playing together, laughing as their daughter tried to chime in, playing a soured note from time to time before the three of them were in hysterics, fingers ramming intentionally into the keys and signing as off note as they were playing.
And as she went past each room, she recalled tears, crying into her mother's skirts for comfort after a nightmare, or running into her father, laughing and happy that he had finally come home after months of being away. He always smelled good. A light scent of mint and bourbon, always a polished mustache, dark hair slicked back and a smile.
And when she came to the study, she paused, noticing how vacant it was. Almsot all the books plucked from the shelves, the mahogany desk still in the corner, with the chair half turned open as if waiting for her father to return.
And he never would.
She moved across the room, wary of any weak floor boards that groaned as she went, and eventually took homage in the desk's seat, her dark brown eyes going distant as they traveled about the room in wonder. More memories, more ghosts, all of them fading in and out of her mind.
She was glad they stopped here, despite her poor fiance's injury. It made her feel at peace, even knowing something peculiar had happened in the basement. It was at that memory she frowned. Had someone broken into their house and did that despicable act to that corpse? And why do that here of all places? It was hard to swallow, and she shivered at the thought. Thankfully, Urich was not around to see her fretting over it, but she sighed it away before finding herself mulling it over again. There hand't really been any other clues, and as she leaned against her father's desk, her foot idly tapping, she listened to the sound..
And tapped again.
The wood sounded hollow.
Glancing down, she noticed nothing different with the floor board, but as she bent down and ran her fingers over it, she realized she could pry the board loose, and as she lifte dit, she gasped when she realized that inside, there was a silver box, well rusted from age and dusted, and as she lifted it out, the cobwebs clinging to the ends broke away.
Holding it up to the light, she felt entranced, completely transfixed, but when she moved to open it, she realized it was locked. Frowning, she worked at it agian, but it was to no avail. Sighing, she brushed her hair away from her face and began to look around, when she noticed something beneath the desk.
Setting the silver box aside, she crawled beneath the desk on her hands and knees, huffing only lightly on how irritating it was to climb about on the floor in a bustle and skirts, and the confining lace of a bodice, before peering up. Yes, she was right. There had been something there, for stuck between a recess in the wood was a silver key. Plucking the key from it's hiding place, she turned around and fetched the box, slipped the key int the hole and heard a click, and the box came open, and as it did, music began to play. She could hear the spinner inside clinking over a familiar tune her father used to sing...
A song he had dedicated to her mother. The song of winter flower.
and Victoria was reminded of the time she and her father and mother all danced in the study, her feet upon her father's as he swept her around the room, her mother clapping and singing off to the side. So it took a moment for her to come back, the music notes fading as she peered down inside the shallow box.
Only a few things rested inside. Another key, a dusty, worn journal that seemed more ancient than the one of her great grand mother's she still held onto and read on occasion; and some sort of clock work compass.
A creak in the floor boards had her raising her head.
"Oh, Urich you must have a look at this-"
Though hwen she turned her head, she realized it wasn't Urich at all who approached, but the creature from the basement. The silver box fell from hr hand, clattering to the ground as the music kicked back on with a glitchy lurch, playing once more as the creature swept over her.
'There was a flower that bloomed in winter time..' the music played.
'There was a flower that lived through spring. Even in the waters of ancient times, this flower would grow and sing.'
Somehow she must've fainted, even to her it was unclear, as the creature picked her up, hefted her over her shoulder and carried her away. All the while she could hear the incessant ticking of a clock, where gears or some such must've resided within the cold, clammy flesh of the undead being that was no carrying her off and away.
And in still the music played....
'There was a flower that bloomed in winter time..'
'There was a flower that lived through spring. Even in the waters of ancient times, this flower could grow a ring.'
What the hell was taking that woman so long? Urich gave a sigh as he glared toward the open door of the manor house. He really didn't want to have go back inside after her, though he didn't want to press her for time, he didn't like the idea of her falling through yet another hole in the ground. Stop it, Urich, he chided himself. This is her family's home, you can't dictate how much time she takes here. Imagine if it was your father's house... You understand such nostalgia better than anybody.
Urich sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He stepped away from the carriage and paced back and forth. He put a hand on his hip, seething as he grew more and more impatient. It wasn't long before he told Frederick to keep waiting for them when he moved back through the doorway and carefully avoided the hole in the floor.
"Victoria!? Where are you?" Urich asked, unable to find her. He moved in a little further, past the music box, studying lightly when at last he heard some ruffling upstairs. "Victoria! It doesn't do to ignore me. The least you can do is answer back! Oh, by the gods!"
The creature had been slow at first, making his way up the stairs and by the time Urich had entered it paused, standing just at the top, it's form encased in shadow. It made no noise, and neither did Victoria, remaining limp over it's shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Though after a moment, it's body turned, eyes slightly glowing like slits, before it moved a lot quicker, heavy metal boots stomping across the hallway floor, disappearing further down the dark halls of the Armani house before it made it to the end, to Victoria's parents former room and flung the door open. At the other end of the room a tall window was open, tattered, grey curtains fluttering about as an evening wind carried through. The creature paused to look at it, a symbol glowing on its' forehead.
Victoria began to stir. The cold winds were enough to draw her back into the world of the wake, and as she turned, groggily furrowing her brow, she came face to face with the creature. It was a man. A very hideous man. A man with stitches all over his face.
There were stitches on his lips, agaisnt a seam down his face that ran down the length of his nose, stitched going vertically up his cheeks, one across his chin, two zigzagging across the clammy, cold white skin of his forehead...
and then across his eyes...
sewing them shut where there was evidence no real eyes lingered beneath, but then, his eyes DID open,- and they were simply red, glowing lights residing in the holes.
Victoria paled, taking one look at his hideousness, and screamed. The creature did not flinch, merely moved an arm in a mechanical gesture and lifted it's clammy, deathly hand upon her face, trying to suffocate the scream out of her.
Victoria went cross eyed, flailing beneath, but the damned thing reeked of death and ammonia, and she was feeling dizzy and light headed again...
and this man was strong, her flailing doing little to deter him from continuing to smother at her face.
A chill ran through Urich as he suddenly bolted up the stairs. His instinct was to protect his mate, despite his injury. He could withstand any other damage he might endure as it was already starting to heal. One of the perks of being a werewolf, and he was going to use it to his advantage if this creature, whatever it was hurt Victoria in anyway. And much to his horror as he watched it try to suffocate the breath out of her, Urich lunged forth, screaming as his claws came out and he slashed at the waxy flesh of the creature.
He tore open fresh wounds but the beast didn't even seem to flinch as it suddenly turned on him and sent him flying across the room. Urich landed in a wardrobe and completely shattered the furniture to pieces as it turned its attention back to Victoria, raisings fists to smash her head in if possible. Urich wouldn't go down so easily however as he lunged forth again with all his strength and wrenched the beast from her side.
He needed all his anger to give him the strength he required to keep the beast down. His own clothes were torn and ruined from the scuffle as he slashed savagely at the creature. It's strength matched his own and sent him flying around the room. But Urich was like a bad flea that kept throwing itself back onto the creature.
OOC: Oh, Urich, the mighty flea! <3
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Victoria gasped, completely frazzled after nearly being suffocated to death, but was thankful she could breath. Groaning, she tried to catch her breath and gasped when she noticed Urich crashing into the wardrobe.
"U-urich!" BUt then the creature was smashing a hand over her face, as if going in to crush her skull. She struggled with the creature, digging her own finger nails and scratching into his arm, but it dind't even draw blood, she merely collected the waxy flesh beneath her nails, and cringed at the sensation, before kicking forward with her foot and letting out a cry as it hit the thing, and clanged, as if hitting off of something heavy and metal.
But then she was dropped suddenly when Urich tackled the thing again and she 'oofed' as her bottom smashed into the ground. She then had to roll out of the way, the creature-man-.. thing! nearly stomped on her as she gasped and scrambled to her feet.
"U-urich! I think there's more to this man than we can see! Underneath his flesh feels like metal, and I thought i heard some sort of gears working on the inside!"
At the prospect of dealing with something less than human as it already was made Urich blanch just when he was thrown across the room yet again, yelping like an injured wolf. The creature turned on him just as he was collecting his bearings. He looked over to see a fireplace beside him and a set of old iron firepokers.
As the creature lunged at him, Urich reached for the poker just as it came over him and shoved the fire poker as hard as he could through it's chest. The creature's expression changed eyes widening and froze over him. He paused in motion, unable to move anymore as it suddenly fell over Urich, crushing him beneath it's weight.
"Urich!" Victoria cried, dashing over to his side and grabbing onto the thing and grunting as she tried to pry it off. But it was to no avail. "Ugh, what is this thing made of, solid iron?" Growling, she worked at it again, her entire body tensing beneath the weight, even her finger nails might have seemed sharper in that moment, her eyes glinting slightly wild, like a wolf's, before she collapsed over in a heep above it, panting and groaning and shaking her head.
"It's too heavy. I can't get it off. Perhaps I can see if Frederick can assist." she said between pants.
Urich could feel the creature crushing him and he managed to shift his arm around it's shoulder and eventually with a powerful grunt, he shoved the thing off of him and it rolled over to it's side, still and staring blankly at the ceiling.
"What the hell is that thing?" he murmured, holding his bruising ribs with his good arm as he looked over to it. With it's flesh torn and revealing the metal underneath, Urich crawled closer to get a better look and saw that the creation seemed almost like a golem with an iron frame underneath. "No, not solid iron," he said as he stuck his fingers into a wound and peeked underneath the waxy flesh.
"But an iron frame, much like a human skeleton. I can also see, he has plenty of organs, though they are dormant as it were. Whoever put this thing together is quite clever," he muttered.
Victoria blinked, leaning over with Urich as he examined the thing.
"Interesting," she said with an appreciative hum. " And very clever. But who do you suppose could have created such a thing? Creating an iron skeleton would take some impressive and most meticulous skills. Now, I've heard of flesh sculptors, but those sorts of people reside in Thanatos, and this seems like something completely different than that." She frowned thoughtfully over it, her eyes moving, as if reading a book as she set curled fingers against her lips.
"And this thing, this creature, this man.. whatever you want to call him, he smells peculiar." And then she looked down at her fingernails, recalling the waxy skin beneath and made a face as she began to pry the little chunks out. "And it has wax skin, or at least, waxed skin. And no blood." Once they were clean, she looked back to her fiance. "But it was strange. It's in the basement of my parents house,a nd when it supposedly went dormant when we saw it the first time, it said 'negotiators', as if it knew what I was. You don't suppose it..." Her brows scrunched together as she shook her head. "But it's impossible to say, I mean... " she sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know, this is all very peculiar indeed." Her mind was in a whirl from it, still frazzled from nearly being taken away, or suffocated to death.
Urich noted her frustration and scooted beside her. "Relax. I'm sure there's a very simple explanation for all of this. Unfortunately there's nothing I can think of right this minute, but if it's any consolation, I can help you search the house. Perhaps the best place to look might be the very place where he found this abomination. The basement. It's our only real chance to find some answers."
He climbed to his feet with some difficulty and inspected the creature one last time before helping Victoria to her feet. He carefully stepped down the stairs, feeling the motion quite strenuous as he paused by the side and lifted his shirt to inspect the purple bruises forming along his abdomen and made a face at the sign of it. "I just hope I didn't break any ribs," he groaned.
Victoria followed him, frowning at his bruises. "Yes, it would put a damper on this little holiday we're taking." She sighed, her eyes searching down the steps before she leaned in against Urich gently, not enough to apply too much pressure, but jus tenough to feel his warmth, his skin, his clothes, his support.
"There's so much I don't understand here. But oh!" her eyes widened. "I found something in my father's study." She turned to Urich. "We'll have to be sure to retrieve it before we go. But come, let's press on." She offered out her arm to him, a reassuring smile on her lips.
"And thank you." she said, leaning in and kissing him softly. "For all that you do for me. And I suppose I'll owe you for those bruises, later."
Urich couldn't help his blush and grin as he came down the steps with her and followed her into her father's study. He saw the silver music box that had ceased to play anything more as they entered into the room. He had heard the tune faintly, but if he hadn't been so concerned with finding Victoria, he might have had patience enough to recognize it. He walked into the room and carefully graced his fingers of his good hand over it, too afraid to touch the silver.
"Is this what you wanted to show me?"
Victoria took a step forward and nodded in reply.
"Yes.." She noticed his hesitation, then recalled the effects silver might have on werewolves before she picked it up, dusting it off and looked down at the floor. The peculiar compass had fallen out. She bent over to retrieve it, brushing off the dirt and polishing her fingers across the glass surface.
"I wonder what this thing is. It's almost like a clock,but not quite." She furrowed her brow and then turned to Urich. "Perhaps we can.." but in that moment, she caught his face, his handsome face and felt her heart flutter. Although he was disheveled, his hair all a mess, clothing torn, skin showing...
he looked beautiful, handsome, and she felt her heart wanting to fly out of her chest. Her cheeks burned a moment before she came back to her reality. "Erm.. I mean that is to say, er, we can figure this thing out... out together."
Damn Urich Renqvist for being so damn sexy! She kept herself in check though. It would be unkind for her to try to take advantage to him n such a state. BUt well...
No, no. She had to turn that off. Like a light switch as she sighed.
"There.. there was also a journal. Perhaps it might tell us about this thing, and a few things about my parents I.." Though should she really read it? She internally shivered over the idea of finding out something knew. But she was curious, and well... Perhaps it was fated to be found by her.
Urich looked at her curiously and frowned just a little. She was acting quite peculiarly and he stepped closer to inspect the compass she had dusted off in her hands. He looked at it curiously and even reached for it, finding it was nothing more than polished steel and didn't sting his hands when he gently pried it from her fingers.
"Look at the journal," he said absently, his fingers prying gently at the metal, inspecting the compasses arrow and noticing that it didn't point north but spun around here and then like a mental patient. He turned it over and found a small circle around it, engraved in the back of it with a peculiar symbol of a language he did not recognize. As he turned it around, trying to turn it upright, he found it was a strange looking arrow that was curled in on itself and his hand traced it. Upon instinct he tried to twist the bottom of the compass and found it unscrewed and out came a piece of old paper, yellowed with age and falling to the ground.
He carefully picked it up and found unfurled the note. "Look at this...I think you should read it before I do."
Before Victoria really had a chance to inspect the journal, she heard the paper fall from the device. Blinking, she took the paper from him and glanced down at it.
"To find the way, open your eyes. The seeker knows..." She wrinkled her brow, pouting slightly as she tried to read the rest, then shook her head. "The rest is almost indistinguishable. But it doens't make much sense. The seeker knows... something.. I think that smudge here is the word gears, and maybe below this dials, and aligning to directions, or some such." She sighed. "What sort of note would this be if it's kept inside the device? I mean it doens't make any.." but then her eyes went large as she considered. "Unless this is a note about THIS device, and it means this THING is a seeker. but... I.. "s he frowned again, thinking it over. "I've heard about seeking devices before. They're unique to negotiators, but most think they're just a silly flim flam, nothing to amount to anything but parlor tricks than our real magics. But it was said that negotiators can even tap into the presence of the unseen forces as well, those that are like ghosts, but not quite. The spirits, and you can seek out ones that can answer the questions that riddle you, and can show you the way. So for instance, if you wanted to find Robern if you had lost him, you'd simply hold the thing out, align the dials.. to.. well, do something with them nd just htink about hima nd it would work."
Urich only half-listened to her as she went on and on about the Seeker. He'd never heard of such things but from the very name of it, he found it hard to imagine how it didn't work in such a way. He wasn't stupid and he wondered why she felt the need to over explain things. He kept quiet and moved away from her as such, taking the compass with him. He moved like a shadow and walked back up the stairs as she continued to talk to herself.
He stared at the unscrewed bottom half of the compass and studied it's peculiar design and in doing so he moved back upstairs toward the room with the creature. He found it where they'd left it and moved over to stand by it. He pulled out the poker, wary that it might move again and when he found it didn't he leaned over it and peeled away the waxy flesh, leaving the iron frame underneath. Urich discovered that pierced what must have been the creature's 'heart' and stopped it's motion.
It was a real human heart that ceased functioning it might normally would. Instead it seemed to have been pumping a strange gaseous chemical through the body that powered it. Steam billowed out from where the poker had been removed and as Urich wound the back of the compass, he stuck it into the chest of the creature and gave it three wounds to the right. And just as he did NOT expect, it began to move suddenly, much like a machine except for the fact that it's head seemed to suddenly slip from it's stitching at the neck and rolled off to the side.
The body moved about, standing up and paused, feeling for something - anything that might give it some direction. It was Urich that stood and held the body's hands. It paused, feeling for him, confused - very as it's head was gone and he gently guided it down the stairs, one step at a time.
Victoria blinked when she turned around and Urich had disappeared.
"Urich?" She looked about,t hen heard something up the stairs. She slowly rose to her feet and approached the steps, journal and silver box in tow, but when she saw Urich with the creature, she gasped, frozen in place as the thing was being guided down the steps..
and that's the only thing that put her at ease as she released a breath, watching her fiance guide the creature down the steps.
"What on earth are you doing?" she stammered, her eyes blinking as she remained where she was, since her legs had refused to move.
"I am guiding this thing down the steps," Urich pressed, frowning at her as he did so. "What the hell does it look like I'm doing. It's a shame it's head rolled off, we could use some answers from it's own mouth. Maybe Robern could help us out." Urich led the creature to a chair he found by the study and trained it to sit down, and left her alone with it for a good long while as he went back to retrieve Robern's skull.
"Okay Robern, you're dead, and this thing is mostly dead, so...try to translate or something," Urich instructed as he placed the skull on the shoulders of the iron golem thing. The body jumped upon contact with the skull and felt around for it, feeling the bones there as Robern's ghostly face made a similar expression.
"Oh my! Where to begin! This body....has been through quite a bit!"
"Yes, but.." Victoria took a step towards him, and frowned herself. "Is it really a wise idea?" Though at the mention of Robern, her expression changed. "Oh, what a clever idea! Yes, perhaps he could help!" Though she wasn't entirely sure how that would work, she could only smile as his skull was placed between the shoulder blades of the contraption of a body, trying to hide it behind her hand as she suppressed it, her expression then going more serious.
"Well, is there anything you can tell us about it, Robern? It seems you are making yourself quite at home there on his shoulders."
"I can only get faint recollections," Robern admitted. "I feel....lightning going through my limbs, shocking everything, especially the skeleton...but that's because it is made of metal. But my arms aren't my own, and neither are my legs. They're made of different pieces, some to fit better together, some to give me better strength and leverage. They were fashioned to fit onto my iron frame and all the muscles are made to work in tandem with each other. Hmmm, there are strange voices around me. Sayin' all manners of strange things. Talk of Negotiators? I am given purpose...to harvest them."
Victoria's face twisted as she listened to Robern.
"Harvest them?" She furrowed her brow, then gasped and looked to Urich. "You don't suppose who ever made this thing was after my parents? Perhaps it was something involving their last mission, before they died. But then why.. perhaps that's why Aunt Millicent felt it was unsafe to come back here. She knew the dangers. But..." She glanced around, staring at the empty place. "If my parents were already dead, why bother coming to an empty home." She sighed, eyes going dejectedly to her feet when she noticed the leather journal and the box. "Perhaps if I look into my father's journal, it may hold more clues."
Robern's expression turned sorrowful as Victoria went on. "They made me wait here, told me that they'd come back for me when they needed me but they never did. Said the people who used to live here were vile creatures that needed to be punished. But somebody did come back, yet it was not those that made me... These were Negotiators that had been sent here. They turned the house upside down looking for something. They did not venture into the basement, but their voices carried down below. It was a book, leatherbound...much like the one in your hands. Said they needed it for...I didn't hear that part."
Urich looked unsettled by this and looked over to Victoria for some answers to who those "Negotiators" might have been. "I think we both better take a look at it," he said, leaning over her shoulder.
Victoria flattened her lips as she digested what Robern had said. Then at Urich's words, she nodded.
"Yes, perhaps we should." She stared down at the leather journal for a time, before sighing and moving over towards the piano and, after sitting upon the bench, she opened the journal to the first page.
'October 1st...'
Her eyes roamed over the handwriting. It was her father's alright. She stared at it in silent reflection, before sighing and finally beginning to read.
'Today I met the love of my life. I would never have guessed I'd fall in love with one of my own. There are not many negotiators in the world, and most of the women I met were stuffy. This one was no different, but she was.. less so.... and also, very sweet. I never met someone as sweet as her, and just this afternoon, I picked up this journal so I could write all about her and the life I ought to share with her. Although I think it's too early to tell, I'd like to marry her.'
Victoria went silent, smiling over the words.
'Her name was Arissa, and I hope one day to make Arissa my wife.'
Urich sat beside her on the piano bench, looking over her shoulder to inspect the leatherbound journal in her hands. He leaned back to get a better look, reading along with her while Robern was getting a feel for the strange body his skull sat upon. The body was much larger than he was used to and moving seemed almost a chore for it was considerably awkward.
As she read, Urich gave a nod here and a smile there. "Maybe...you should just skip to the part that is relevant. We've spent too much time here already. Oh, don't give me that look. Fine, I'm sorry. This is your parents house after all and that is your father's journal, blah blah blah. Go on then, we're all listening. Stuffy negotiator...nothing new there."
Victoria turned to Urich, quirking a brow at him and contemplating elbowing him.
"You're right, it is my father's journal," she said, but smiled none the less. She thumbed through the pages. "It seemed he wrote a lot." but then a piece of paper fell out of the journal, landing on her lap and she blinked. When she opened it up, it had another drawing of the device, the seeker. She looked it over a bit then glanced up at Urich, but said nothing and handed it to him if he wished to look at it a bit more thoroughly while she went back to glancing through the pages of the journal.
"It seems these first few pages merely go over his obsession with my mother."S he gave a light snort through her nose. "Love and work really. Just seems to be the usual Negotiator stuff here, though, my, there are quite a number of pages about my mother in here. Especially in the beginning." Her voice trailed off. "It seemed she was the only thing on his mind." She blinked, staring. "Well, at least for well over half of this journal it seems."
Though the paper with that seeker device fell out, and while thumbing through, she HAD noticed other things written inside. So she continued looking, thumb falling against a certain page.
"I met a bunch of scientists today, men who were completely enthralled with technology," at first she was considering turning the page, but hen she paused to consider the strange creature they found, and so she wrinkled her nose and decided to read onward. "They had many interesting theories about the super natural, many things pertaining to similar research I have made and had an interest in Negotiators as well. They were all young men. Young men like myself. And very smart. Even the wife was intrigued and they invited us to come over to view their research. We'll be dining with them the Friday after the next. It should prove exciting. This new technology might help me to better do my job. Sometimes I do feel as if the magics we negotiators possess are ancient and out dated, though it does the job well I suppose. Either way, I am very intrigued."
Urich made a face when she handed him the note, wondering why she wanted him to do anymore work than he already did. She wasn't he one bruised with a broken wrist! He snatched the paper from her and nearly opened it when she went on and on about her father's apparent obsession with her mother. "Sounds like he needed to get out more if you catch my meaning. I doubt she was as glorious as she seemed, few women really are," Urich said rolling his eyes. "Oh they pretend to be to catch a man's attention, but once they get over that, it's all down hill from there."
He made a whistling sound but just smiled as she read on. Negotiators and scientists... That didn't sound good in the best of circumstances. If that piece of work standing stupidly beside them was any example of that then his suspicions were more right than he'd like them to be. "Stop," Urich said as he opened the note he'd crumpled in his hands. He carefully uncreased it and held it out before them. It was a little burned at the edges and it seemed like something somebody had tried to destroy.
"Tonight is the night. We strike now...there is no room..." Illegible. "We need them alive..."
Victoria blinked, her face twisting at the words he read.
"What is that you're reading?" she hadn't noticed much scribbled on the pages before. "And my, doesn't that sound a bit horrid." She tried to peer over his arm, to the paper to get a better look and noticed the burnt portion of the paper. Her face scrunched even more.
"Isn't that peculiar," she said, thumbing the burned edge.
Urich looked across to the open journal. Though the writing was slanted and difficult to read, he could tell immediately that the handwriting on the note was in a different sway. It didn't say much more than that and even the signature at the end of it seemed smooshed and illegible. "It looks like it says: Devan Danridge. But it's hard to tell," Urich said, furrowing his brow. "Check the journal to see if the name is familiar."
Victoria frowned, but as she went on, sure enough, the journal entry depicting the dinner had a mention of a certain Davin Danridge.
"Ah, look here. It seems he was the son of the head scientist. A young fellow, barely 20 years of age, but very smart. Or so my father said." She chewed on her lower lip as her eyes still scouted across the pages, turning it again before another slip of paper fell out of the journal. Picking it up, she blinked.
"It's an address." she unfolded the paper and looked at the location. "The Lancaster House. Looks like it's located in Reajh. Though Connloathian scientists make sense. They seem a dime a dozen." SHe recalled meeting a few herself, back at that counsel meeting when Adelram was stirring up trouble, as was Urich. It was a mess at the time. And even before then, she had met a few while growing up. She never quite liked them. If Negotiators were stuffy, scientists almost seemed cold.
"Scientists rely on their brains to sort things out rather than their hearts and Negotiators? They're all sticks in the mud. Which you are delightfully growing out of darling, I'm proud of you. But still, if this address is in the heart of Connlaoth then what does that suggest? That we move north? I've done a lot of waiting to leave this place, to move on from the Valley. Don't think I won't know how I'll be treated there. And don't think that I'm going that way. In fact, I'm quite sick of being in this house... We should leave."
Urich gave a sigh and gave a stern look to Victoria. He couldn't help but feel like he was drowning in something much too deep to swim and the current was threatening to take them away to dangerous territory.
Victoria closed her lips and mulled it over.
"No, I'm not about to go chasing after something just because I found some address in my father's journal." She sighed, closing it up and holding it against her chest. Her brown eyes moved around the room, taking in all the minute detail, and remembering the things that might be missing.... How this house had once been.
"Would it be alright if I just had another look around?" Her eyes wavered a bit, as if she might cry, but certainly she would not let herself. "Then we can be off and never see this place again if you do not wish it." It had gone to ruin anyways. It was a shame, but even she had gotten the creeps from the peculiar mechanical person they had found in the basement. One who did try to kill her, after all. (or do some form of kidnapping, she wasn't sure). She turned to observe where Robern's body resting upon it's shoulders. Her lips twitched, almost to a smile. It was an interesting thing to see, especially with his skull like smile. He seemed rather content to dwell there.
She certainly looked pathetic, with the way she clutched her father's journal against her chest and there was something about her look that just made Urich feel sorry for her. In a way he nearly wanted to cry and he would have as he thought about his father and his unnatural end. But there was nothing to be done with that. There were no politics in his death. Nothing so complex as the web that was slowly revealing itself before them. They had nothing solid to go on anyway, only a strange name, slips of paper that her father never bothered to adhere to the old moldy paper of his journal.
"Very well, but I shall go with you. The last time this thing nearly murdered you and where would you be then. Go on, I'm right behind you. And Robern here looks like he's taking that new body of his, aren't you Robern?"
The skull just smiled and Robern's ghostly face vanished for a moment as he moved cumbersomely toward the door.
Victoria turned to him with a smile. She moved slowly about the house, doing her final rounds when she paused along a hallway. She was just about ready to leave when she noticed a painting had been left behind. It was one of her parents.
"I wonder why this one is still here." It was tilted, and she moved forward to adjust it so that it hung properly, when suddenly the painting fell off the wall and landed with a loud clatter to the floor. Victoria nearly jumped out of her skin, and as she moved forward to pick up the painting, she paused, her lips falling open as she spotted a small keyed door cut out of the wall that had once been sealed behind the painting.
Urich ad been observing the other details of the home when the painting suddenly clatterd on the ground. He jumped too and swirled around toward Victoria with a saucer-eyed gaze. "What the hell is-" But his words were abrutply caught in his throat as he saw the door so discreetly cut into the wall, the keyhole hidden behind the paining. He stalked forth and gently touched the keyhole only to wince in response at the sting of silver.
"Wow...I don't suppose you know where the key for this is do you?" he said wondrously.
Victoria frowned at the question.
"The only key I found was the one hidden in the draw that opened the silver box." She removed it from where she stuffed it inside the box and lifted it out and approached the door. She held the key up to it, but when she inserted it, it was evident the key was just a tad too small. She sighed.
"Well, it's not this one." Stepping back, her foot hit off the painting. Turning around, she moved to lift it off the ground when she noticed the wooden frame had come loose. She was about to fix it when something glittered and caught her eye. Furrowing her brow, she lifted the loose wood frame up and a small key clattered to the ground.
Hidden keys and well hidden doors, it was almost too much for Urich. He kept his distance, just observing when she found the key to the door that was cut so discreetly in the wall. It was obvious nobody wanted it to be found so easily. "Who knew Negotiators had so many secrets," he breathed curiously when at last he watched her open the door. He didn't want to touch anything else lest he burn his fingers. They used an awful lot of silver and there was no telling just what else was coated in the stuff. It was mostly gilded, but even the slightest contect sent a sting to his flesh.
It was obvious that whoever set up these hidden chambers, either her parents or the people that came to inhabit this house afterwards, did not want anything supernatural to come into contact with it.
Picking up the key, she examined it then turned to Urich.
"Negotiators keep many secrets. We used to be known as hunters of your kind before, well, in more recent years when the agency was formed and we would work together. Though I know many of the old vampires and werewolves still hold grudges, so some old habits are hard to kick, even when carried through different lines of blood."
Then with a sigh, she turned towards the door, examining it curiously as her fingers moved against it.
"I wonder why there is so much silver. I know silver doesn't affect me as much as it would with you, but I wonder if it was meant to keep werewolves out?" She glanced over at Urich, smirked, then gave another shrug. "Perhaps my family thought werewolves were evil after all," she teased, then turned her attentions back towards the keyhole. She held up the key and slowly inserted it, and without much effort, she twisted it, and it unlocked with a click, and as the door slowly creaked open, she was surprised to see it lead to a ladder disappearing to another portion of the floor above.
"A secret area,"s he furrowed her brow, wondering where it could possibly lead to as she peered inside and up into the darkness. "I wonder where it leads?"
"Well, your family is just full of surprises, isn't it?" Urich offered a smile. "I don't know what prejudices your family would have against my kind, but it's apparent a few are willing to make exceptions." As the door was finally opened Urich stepped forward and gave Victoria a pat on the rump as he stepped toward the ladder, scaling it with difficulty from his weak wrist.
Victoria puffed out her cheeks and gave Urich a sharp look at his comment.
"Yes, a few foolish women in our line, most certainly!" she agreed, and gave a small cry of alarm and a sigh after the man patted her rear.
"Should we really be climbing up there, wolf?" she said, though found herself beginning to climb up right on after him. And the place at the top was small and confining, barely her bustle and skirts fitting as she grunted and kept her hands pressed agaisnt the wall.
"It seems there's two ways to go. As if this runs parallel with the halls." She looked down one way to the right, then turned to glance over her shoulder to the left. "But which way to explore.."
The fit was indeed tight and Urich had to slow his breath in order to remain calm. The last thing he needed was panic to set in and for him to get a sudden attack of being in confined spaces. And with Victoria's bosom taking up half of that space all by itself didn't help with anything. "Hmm," he muttered, preoccupying his mind. "Left looks as good as any. This looks a bit like a hidden attic space, perhaps just underneath the existing attic space. Are you sure your father didn't participate in any unscrupulous activity that you didn't know about? Perhaps he was in league with those scientists."
Victoria gave Urich a soured look.
"I can't confirm or deny that. I told you I was young when they died." Scooting along, she sighed, frustrated at how confining the place was as they took the hallway tot he left. "If this hallway were meant for walking, it was clearly not meant for walking with women in such a dress." Sighing, she pressed onward, crawling agaisnt the wall until she approached a corner, and took the turn only to sigh, realizing the hallway continued down even deeper into the dark.
"It almost seems to lead to no where,"s he muttered, but continued onward, pushing herself along, skirts gathering dust and cobwebs along the way.
Urich scoffed. "If you're going to complain about your dress, why don't you just take it off? Nobody's making you keep it on but you. Besides, I like a woman who's not ashamed of her body. And you have few things to be ashamed of. Suddenly, he heard the strange creaking of the floorboards underneath her and reached out a hand to pull her back. "The floor, check the floor. It sounds like there's something underneath it, a slit perhaps."
Victoria stared at Urich dully.
"You would like to see me naked and pressed up against a cobwebbed dark hall."
But then as she continued to move, she heard it too, and gasped, taken off guard when Urich drew her near. She stumbled over her own two feet and fell against Urich, frowning before peering down at the floor.
"Yes, that did sound quite peculiar," she said, pushing any stray hairs out of her face before attempted to get to her knees. She wasn't used to crawling, so her knees cracked as she bent down, then her hands felt around in the dark, that was, until she felt a metal rung handle and dug two fingers into it and pulled up.
"Another secret compartment." She blinked and looked down, her eyes not nearly as good as Urich's might be as she searched the darkness below, but when a pair of beady eyes looked back at her, she gasped and drew back, smacking into Urich.
"Oh, for heaven's sake! It was just a rat," she said detestfully. She made a face and shooed it away, and the rat squeaked and scurried off. "Let us hope there's at least something down there besides a rat." But as hse observed, there was in fact something, and as she scooped down to pick it up, she frowned, observing it was a set of keys upon a ring.
"More keys."
Which meant more doors to find and unlock.
"Gods, really!? You're father really must not have wanted anyone to find where his goddamned hidden chambers was... What have I gotten myself into... I just wanted a vacation, but instead we head a murder mystery, and now a family mystery and a goddamned mindless fool to worry about, and then there's the headless body. This just keeps getting better and better."
Urich clutched at the keys feeling at least that they weren't silver and bounced them in his palm. "Just how big is this house anyway?"
Victoria gave a weary sigh.
"I wanted a vacation as well," she said, looking up into his eyes with a frown. "Perhaps it's best if we just leave now before we find something else unscrupulous." Her disposition soured greatly. She was in no mood for a wild goose chase. "Come, let us just get back to the carriage. We can report these findings to my Aunt later. But for now.." she leaned forward, stealing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Let us be off."S he took his hand and squeezed it, managing a smile. "The road is still a long one, and we should get a move on before we find ourselves needing to stay here for the night."
"I wouldn't stay here even if you gave me all the gold you had!" Urich said defensively. His face was flushed, not just from the stuffiness of the hidden corridor but from the sheer uncomfortableness of the house itself. There was much too much to explore and not enoug time. He didn't know what more there was to find here and he wasn't sure he wanted to find out.
They came back down the ladder and Urich closed the hidden door discreetly behind them, avoiding the silver keyhole as he handed it back to her. Robern's skull had fallen off the monster's body and the body stood there lumbering back and forth, trying to find it's way back to it's original head upstairs.
Once on the main floor, Victoria locked the door and asked Urich to help her re-hang the picture. She sighed, staring at the painting before turning around with a shake of her head. "We should be off, as quickly as possible. This trip through nostalgia has got me worn." She shook her head again, then turning, she frowned, spotting Robern on the floor and the moving waxen figure. "What should we do about that body?" She asked, picking up Robern and cradling his skull head in her arms.
"Let's leave it here, I don't think we have enough room for another extra body other than what we're already lugging along and the last thing we need is for those fools that made it come back and find their creation gone. Just get to the carriage," Urich said and ushered them through the door. He was back inside the carriage with some difficulty, his wrist protesting any force or weight. At least he had his nightbag in here and he could change his ruined clothes from his tangle with the machine.
Victoria nodded and set Robern into the seat beside them, then turned to Frederick, "We move out at once, and with haste, to the next town." She sighed and moved to sit on the bench inside their carriage, tossing her hair out of her face as she closed her eyes. "I think a night in a bed ought to do us some good. I think the next town is just a few hours shy of here. We can get there, rest up, and travel again come the morning." Then she opened her eyes, spotting Urich nursing his wrist and frowned.
"Are you alright? You got beaten pretty badly back there by that thing."
Urich was shaking though he didn't know why. "I'll live," he muttered. "You didn't show much concern when it snapped anyhow." He frowned and flexed his weak fingers before changing out of his jacket and shirt and slipping the new one on. "We should just skip the next town over. We'll sleep in the carriage. Don't listen to her Frederick!" Urich was getting frustrated and was fuming as he leaned his head out of the carriage window.
"Sir, please calm down," Robern pleaded in Victoria's lap.
"What's there to calm down about!?' Urich barked at him.
"You're acting like a child."
"NO YOU ARE!"
"Master Urich, please."
Urich's face was red and his wrist sore and wouldn't heal properly for a few days. "Gods, we're never going to leave this place."
Victoria frowned, hurt by Urich's words, and feeling awkward as the skull and werewolf argued.
"I'm sorry I hadn't noticed earlier," she said with a sigh. "Sometimes I forget how to interact around other people. I'm normally by myself, so I'm still new to all of this, needing to care about anyone else other than myself and my aunt. Not that that is any excuse for it, but I don' t know if traveling past the next town will help us at all. Do you really want to sleep in this stuffy carriage? And perhaps we could have your wrist and wounds saw to if we stop. I know you're a wolf, but even human treatment might help you. A doctor could provide some medicine and a splint. Perhaps we could even get you a new coat, as I'm afraid the one you had been wearing is ruined."
Urich gave a frustrated sigh and shook his head. "I already put it back in its place and splinted it while you were busy exploring. And then the monster attacked you and you already know the story," he said. "Look I'm sorry I'm acting so childish. This is all happening so fast. Do you might think it best if you just left you family's demons lie? Do we really wanting to opening this closet full of skeletons? Maybe your aunt was trying to do you a favor by not telling you what happened to your parents. It could be more than you could bear."
Victoria sighed. There was so much to take in, and soon she was feeling miserable.
"Well, I'm not delving into it. At least not now. Perhaps when we return my Aunt might know something about it and she can handle it, since you're probably right." Sighing again, she turned to Urich, studying him before finally finding herself able to smile. "I feel as over whelmed as you do."S he placed a hand upon his shoulder. "This is not something I expected when we went inthere. I.. I just wanted to remember them, to stand in that house just once more." She then glanced down to her feet, staring at her muddied shoes. "I'm sorry it turned out to be some sort of ordeal." She sighed. "Will we ever catch a break? I hope this holiday will prove to actually relax us and not place us into some other sort of ridiculous predicament." She shook her head. "How far do we plan to travel anyways?"
"I understand I suppose. I've wanted to know what happened to my father for a long time. it is difficult for werewolves to die of natural causes y'know. My sentiments would be no different. So I'm the one that's sorry, Victoria. Family is hard to let go. It can be hard to hold onto as well. And you're my family now. Come here," he said. He opened his arm for her to scoot underneath and pulled her into his embrace. "I love you, you tenacious bloodhound. And I'll do what I can to find the answers that you seek. And don't count the miles. All that matters is the journey. And I've got money, I can get a new coat in the next town."
Victoria felt her heart flutter, her mind comforted at his expression of love as she sighed and leaned into him. But then when he talked about his coat, she smirked.
"Did you forget you'll be marrying into some money? I could always produce the coin," she teased, leaning in close to kiss his cheek before nestling at his side with a sigh. "But you know.."s he began,fingers fiddling with the ripped material of his suit. "You do look rather dashing all scuffed up like this."S he said, kissing at his neck, then cheek again. "Are you sure you don't want to stop in a nearby town for some proper rest? After a day like today, it would be nicer than sleeping in a moving carriage."
"If my father taught me anything it was two things. One never let your wife eat off your plate because you might accidentally take her hand off. And two, a man should at least be able to carry his own weight in a relationship. I appreciate you wanting to be my rich sugar mama, but it would be nice to let me actually buy something for myself once in a while. I know my own tastes. I'm a grown man, not a little boy." Urich looked out the window and watched the trees just roll along. "Yes just keep traveling. Let's just enjoy the road like this. I like to see my wolves run beside us like this. Maybe we can have an outdoor camp. That would be nice."
Victoria smiled, leaning against him as she sighed.
"Yes, that would be interesting. I've never had the chance to camp out before." And she too, peered out the window, admiring how the young wolves ran happily withint he woods near the road, yapping and barking at one another, even Draegr giving a howl after he paused at the end of the way once he noticed Victoria had been watching.
"Yes," she leaned against the window, and against a curled hand. "I think the pups would like that, too." Then after she thought about what Urich said, she turned to him with a playful smirk.
"Would you honestly consider biting of my hand off, wolf?" she teased, nestling against him and drawing a hand down his face. "What else did your father tell you? Seems he gave you some sound advice."
"Then camping out it is!" Urich said enthusiastically. "I'd like to see how well you fare rolling in the dirt. But I digress. It would do us good to spend some time in the fresh air and save us money on getting a nice comfortble room with a fireplace for two and plenty of room for Draegr to sleep at your feet." Urich laughed and huugged her tighter rubbing his hand along her arm. He let his other hand play with the bunch of her hair, entangling in her curly locks and grining as he went. "I would only bite if you tried to take my dessert away. Wolves are quite possessive if you didn't already know. I'm no exception. My father just schooled me in the finer points in controlling my...urges."
"Yes, well, I was only warned about wolves, but I'll try to heed your advice about dessert, but I can't make any promises," she grinned playfully, fingers tracing over the collar of his shirt. "Though I don't know how I'd fare out in the wilderness at night. Suppose there is a first time for everything and I'm sure my wolfish companion wouldn't mind keeping me warm."
"Oh, is that so?" Urich raised a brow at her as he nuzzled his face against her hair. "I think I could find a few things we could do to maintain our bodyheat." He chuckled as he leaned down and tickled her face with a few kisses here and there, on her cheek. "Have you ever danced with a werewolf in the pale moonlight?" he grumbled, seeking her lips.
"Why, I should certainly hope not!" she grumbled back, kissing him. "It sounds rather dangerous."
OOC; This is officially my specialist post of the night |8*
sorry lion >.>
Urich laughed and smiled against her lips. "What makes you think it'd be dangerous!? You certainly didn't mind dancing on the floor at the gala. People practically made room for us just so we could show off! Oh you're a beautiful dancer, Victoria. You were taught well. Maybe Frederick can sing us a zombie song and we'll dance until dawn."
Victoria couldn't help herself, she began to shake as she laughed. She pushed Urich away, still giggling.
"Oh, stop kissing me! I'll just squeal! You've made me quite giddy and I'm afraid any romancing you wanted to accomplished has been killed off with my need to laugh!" She held a hand to her ample bosom and tried to catch her breath.
"Really now, Frederick had once been a good dancer. But oh.." it was then she recalled the music box. "The box I found in my parents home. It was a music box." her eyes lit up at the idea. "We could dance to that, wolf."s he said with a leer.
Of course he didn't stop his pursuit of her when he leaned forward and grabbed her up around her waist and proceeded to gently jab his fingers into her side. "I don't think I could let you go after you led me on so. You tease me and make me beg, but I think I'll have the upperhand this time, negotiator! I think Frederick would make wonderful music...and if all else fails we can dance to the music box." urich laughed and he pulled her down into his chest and kissed her fully on the mouth, laughing with every breath before he let her go from his bearhug.
Thankfully by the time he was kissing her again, her ticklishness wasn't as horribly sensitive as it had been but a moment ago. But she found herself laughing as he drew her closer, and when he kissed her, she simply moaned.
"My, my, wolf, do you honestly think it would be so easy to get the upperhand? I suppose we shall have to see in the moonlight, and I think soon it will be the full moon." She leered him, fingers trapsing up his chest before she leaned forward to kiss him again. "Are wolves not more prone to their animal instincts when the moon is full?" she asked, pretending not to know as she nibbled against the flesh on his neck.
Urich shivered, knowing she knew his spot well and he laughed against her lips however, playing with the laces of her dress in the back. "Oh, who said anything about it being easy? What makes you think I would ever do anything just because it was easy. I got you didn't I? That wasn't easy at all. Hmmmm." His lips tasted of the flesh of her own neck, licking along her flesh and tasting the salt of her skin. "Yes, the moon makes things a little more...primal, but doesn't everyone?" He laughed against her skin, letting it rumble into her body. "But you're too much of a lady to take your wolf by the light of the moon, I wager."
"Who said I wasn't?" she responded, her voice throaty as her eye lids hung low. "Though would that not only add to our growing list of scandal?" But instead of pressing the issue, she simply pressed her lips back to his neck, kissing at it, breathing against it and dragging her teeth lightly across where she found his flesh the most sensitive.
Urich gave a light breathy moan. "Oh, Victoria, do stop. Or that list of scandal will just fall in on itself and explode! We'd be the most infamous couple through the whole valley and deep into Connlaoth no doubt," he murmured. His hands were busy working at the lacings of her dress. "Oh, my, my, Mrs. Armani, your dress seems a little tight isn't it? One might think you're trying to compensate for something."
Lifting up her face, she growled lightly down at Urich.
"What are you implying, wolf?" she said, keeping her hands upon him, pinning him down submissively beneath her.
OOC: woah.. another.. very specially short post..
Just for a special lion 8D
Urich allowed himself to be pinned underneath her, laying sprawled on the bench and exposing the vulnerable flesh of his neck. He laughed and pulled open the back of her dress when he fell back. "I'm saying your breasts are suffocating and they want to breathe!"
Victoria gasped as she felt the strings loosen on her dress, forcing one hand to grab the front part of her dress that began to open up, nearly spilling out her breasts.
"U-Urich!"s he chastised. "You horrid man!" Though she herself was being no better, leaning over him with a leer as her lips worked at his neck, biting and kissing the soft warm skin there.
"What if someone were to see us and I were with only half a dress?" She growled, lips vibrating agaist his neck.
"And who exactly is going to discover us here on this lonely path? Your dear cousin? Your aunt. You're lucky your not blushing yourself to death my prudish wallflower. I'm sure you feel more than a little something on your leg. If we don't stop now you might end up being sore in more places than you know!" Urich laughed up to Victoria and just as he said she'd feel his "happiness" at her attention, unable to keep his body from shivering harshly.
Victoria was blushing all over, and naturally reacted to the erection pressing against her through his pants.
"Knowing my luck, it would be all of them that would show up, discovering us sinning inside this carriage," she spoke, breath splayed across his flesh,but she was hardly letting up on any of her administrations, and infact, was digging her teeth in a little deeper, and sucking a little harder upon his skin. She knew his neck was sensitive, and smiled as she continued, even adjusting herself so much so she could sit on top of tent in his pants as she moaned.
"And who's to say YOU won't be the sore one, wolf?" she growled.
"I won't be without my own wounds of course. Werewolves rarely remerge from such endeavors without a scratch. I'm just a little more resilient that most. Oh ..." His breath hitched and he moaned beneath her kisses shivering so much his legs began to shake much like a dogs. His groin only hurt all the more. "We should ....ohhh...really stop Victoria.... I mean what ...gods... if we break the wheel again...ugh, don't stop. I mean! I mean please stop! Ugh...I don't know. That just feels so damn good."
"I hear yes, and I hear no," Victoria mumbled against his neck. "Keep this up and we will break the wagon wheel." Her tongue slipped out, hot and wet against his neck before a trail of kisses lead her to his ear. "But nobody is out here. We've got no real place to go, no real place to be other than to be with each other.. perhaps some short, erm.. amorous activities might suffice? And quell the urges rising in us both. It would be cruel if we were not to at least sate the fire that's already beginning to burn. Think of how much longer the journey would seem without some sort of release." And hte last part was spoken as her teeth sunk lightly into his ear, a hand smoothing across his chest while the other hand.. working at the button of his pants as her skirts ground into him, forcing the erection pressing agains this pants to now press and grind against her own body, and even through her layers of skirts, she could feel it and moaned. "After all, what's really stopping us but ourselves?"
He bit his lip, feeling his teeth draw blood from a small incision. Unfortunately it wasn't nearly enough to sate the growind fire squirming around in his belly. He wanted her the longer she spoke, the longer she stroked at his neck and now his ear. He moaned loudly, louder than she did as his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. There was little could say with him mosly under her control as she ground herself down on him. "I-I would b...but you see there are these incessant layers od skirts in the way. Gods! Oh Victoria I think maybe your desire has gone a little beyond your control, don't you think. You've been reading your great grandmother's journal too much." He managed a stifled laugh that turned into yet another shudder and he moaned yet again.
"Wait." Urich moved his hands down to her hips and paused her for a moment hands shuffling through her many skirts to move them out of the way of his trousers and pushed them up and over her head now that her lacings were loosened and dropped the dress off to the side. His hands coaxed her to drop onto his groin once more. "There isn't that much better?"
Victoria grinned and moved over top of him, lips meeting to his, then to his cheek and ear again. She was only wearing her slim layers of under garments now and stockings, and well, her traveling boots, but the woman seemed not to care.
"Oh, but I haven't read that silly journal in weeks," she explained, her body aligning itself over him, sitting ontop but not daring to let him enter, only allowing his throbbing sex to feel her heat and the slick slit of sensitive skin that rested over top before she began to move across it with a moan.
"Besides, you would blush knowing what she wrote in there, wolf," she told him, teeth dragging across his ear. "No, this is perhaps the werewolf genes in me begging to come out.. begging to be united with my alpha mate." and she bit at his lips, ground her body against him, when just the tip of his sex slipped inside. She shuddered, eyes fluttering closed and it wasn't before long her body was swallowing the length of him inside her hot and soaking wet sex. And nothing could stop her from crying out and moaning in pure ecstasy.
"Gods, Urich!" she said, bracing herself against both him and the carriage door. It was a tight fit for such activities inside the carriage, and also a tight fit inside of her.
"Gods," Urich cried out. It was his turn to exclaim to the heavens when she completely enveloped him. She fit him so well like a second skin and as tight as a slave's bracer. He moaned breathlessly, his mind lost to the sensation of their lovemaking. Yes the space was tight but it only made it all the more powerful. "Victoria," Urich laughed. "Why are you so eager to make love all of a sudden? Trying to get practice for our honeymoon?"
"Last time I checked, you were the one unlacing my dress," Victoria spoke simply between kisses and moans. "But less talking, more love making." She told him, hands pressing him down against the carriage bench as she moaned and move. "And unlike you, Mr. Renqvist," she teased, "I haven't got as much practice as you. Would it not be wise for me to ensure I'm good at making love to my husband prior to our ceremony?"
"One would think a woman as hungry as you would give little care to the pleasures of her husband. But as it is he just so happens to want you to learn as you go... GODS, VICTORIA!" Urich was beside himself with pleasure and undulated his hips as best he could in the confined space. His hands braced her hips and guided her into the proper motions. And it only made his eyes roll deeply into the back of his head.
"What's the matter, my husband to be?" Victoria panted, kissing him and inserting some tongue. "Does it feel acceptable?" Though she knew quite well it was beyond that, but she wanted to hear the confessions from his own lips. Moans and groans just simply wouldn't do as she continued to ride ontop of him the best she could, considering their limited spaces, her body gobbling up his entire length and gripping it tight.
His entire body trembled when she asked for his submission. Few things could make a werewolf expose his vulnerabilty as much as he did to Victoria. But this was beyond his control and he threw his head back, falling off the bench of the carriage as she rode him hard. "Words," he choked. "Cannot describe... Gods, Victoria...you're amazing... It gets better everytime. I love you so much...."
The motions grew wilder, the woman, insatiable as she writhed and screamed and moved her hips in tune with his, and took him well into exhaustion and paradise. Soon she was nothing but a sweaty heap upon him, moaning and shivering in ecstasy.
"Gods.." She groaned, drawing in a long breath. "Urich.." her toes curled around them as she took his hand and held it. "Gods, how I do love you." And she closed her eyes and just let herself melt against him contentedly.
[When the carriage is a-rockin' don't come a ...well y'know. |8]
The carriage rolled along the path, Frederick driving them along, completely ignorant of the screams in the back. The carriage lurched and squealed from more than just the road and there was a culmination of cries to respective gods that slowly turned into murmurs of sweet nothings. Urich's chest was heaving rapidly, slick with sweat and his shirt that hadn't come off clung to his skin. "Oh, Victoria," Urich breathed, wrapping his arms around her. "Maybe we can find a nice stream or a pond to swim in, now that we've effectively ruined our clothes for the night." He laughed and kissed her neck softly. "That was lovely, darling..."
OOC: LOL
Also, I thought I posted my reply here but accidently closed the window on it and lost it when I had to reboot my computer this morning ;_;
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Victoria groaned.
"I'm not going anywhere. As far as I'm concerned, I could sleep here all night," she mumbled against his chest. Sighing, she nestled into him, keeping her eyes closed. "I'm too exhausted to even think." And her body felt heavy as it begged for sleep. "You wore me out, wolf." And then after a moment, she smiled. "Yes, you were lovely as well." Her hands played across the collar of his shirt before she sighed contentedly again. Though she felt sticky and messy after their ordeal, her entire body was sated and calmed, and there was nothing she wouldn't give than to just live in that moment for the rest of her life.
[Aww that's sad. LOL!]
Urich laughed at her words again and ran a hand through her disheveled hair, running through knots. "I think with the sun coming down so soon we should probably find a place to camp soon," he mutttered. "I never took you seriously when it came to your desire...but I've learned my lesson now. Gods if your aunt knew the kinds of things you were doing you would never be able to live it down." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and reached low enough to pinch her behind.
Victoria sighed, but grit her teeth from time to time when he came across knots.
"I'll have to be sure to brush my hair soon," she said, then lifted her eyes up to him, smirking at his accuasations but then gasped when he pinched her behind.
"URICH!" she hit his chest and gave a 'hmph'. "Perhaps she wouldn't let us marry either, but who said my Aunt were to rule my life all the time? After all, soon we'll belong to each other, living off our own whims." She smiled at that. The idea was rather nice to be ... free, of sorts. And she didn't mind creating such a life with him- even if he were.. ahem, a werewolf.
"Then I suppose it's a good thing you are a grown woman indeed and she can't tell you who you can or can't marry. Granted I think she'd be fairly disappointed if you had chosen to marry that rotten cousin of yours and he left you completely broke and destitute. An old widow. Becasse we both know sooner or later somebody is going to wisen up and murder that stupid fool. I almost feel sorry for that bloody vampire Adelram." Urich cupped her face and kissed her lips softly and gave a soft grin a said, "I'm a crazy man to call you my wife. Lucky but crazy."
"I would rather forget about my cousin and that whole mess," she said with a sigh, though smiled when he kissed her, calling himself crazy "But of course. Who would be so foolish to claim a negotiator as his wife? And a super natural, a werewolf, no doubt," she said, kissing him back. "But I consider myself lucky as well." She then kissed at his neck. "To think, I get to have a werewolf all to myself..."
"That does beg the question, love," Urich said, turning his head to nurse at her neck. "Why did you pick a werewolf as a lover? Do you have a preference towards hairy men? I'm only a half-breed myself, but am I fulfulling something of your strange fantasies?" He was joking as he said it, but even half-joking, he still wondered at the thought. Why fall in love with a werewolf? They were messy, aggressive and scratched up the furniture. He was a little more refined than that, but that was beside the point anyhow.
"Hrmm.." she thought it over, lips still against his neck, then shoulder. "It was probably something as simple as I shouldn't have you," she murmured against his skin.
OOC: SHORTEST POST EVAR
but I'm so tired ;_; I'll post in my other threads tomorrow ><
*goes to bed*
"Well that's a lovely sentiment. Makes me feel perfectly lovely, nothing like a piece of meat at all. I mean you do like to spend all your money on me and buy me fancy clothes that I don't ask for. I think I'll keep you around a little longer than I planned." Urich chuckled against her skin and took his teeth at the crook of her shoulder just before her neck. He slid his hands up her back and wrapped his arms around her.
Victoria shivered at his ministrations and leaned in against him as he held her.
"Oh, what a lucky girl am I," she replied with playful sarcasm before sighing and wilting against him contentedly. "And it seems like we actually might have an uneventful night."s he said with a chuckle. "Though it will be evening soon, we must have traveled for a time.. Gods.. how long had we.." but she didn't press it as she peered out the window, out at the endless stretch of wilderness all around.
"So.. shall we make camp soon?"
Urich shook his head, shrugging as he motioned her to sit up and he followed suit, leaning out the window's edge to view from the side and watching the sun had already slipped mostly beneath the trees. There was still plenty of light left to see and make a proper camp, but it wouldn't last long. "Now, would be as good a time as any," Urich replied getting dressed. "Tell Frederick to pull over on the side of the road will you. And putting your dress back on might do us both good too."
Victoria blushed. She had nearly forgotten she wasn't dressed, which was odd, considering how she was (somewhat) prude, or rather, the world was meant to view her sort of lady as prude. Victoria never minded showing off her assets- after all, she knew her breasts had been one thing men tended to gawk at, an asset she could be 'proud' of.
"Yes.."s he said, sitting up and gathering up her dress. "That might be wise." She smiled through her blush, and after slipping the dress back on she turned her back to Urich. "Though some help would be necessary. I can't exactly lace this up myself."
Thankfully he had an extra shirt in his bag and pants and quickly slipped into them with little difficulty. "Well I suppose I could help you. I mean I did get you out of it I might as well help you get back into it," he grinned at her and turned around, lacing her up with deft hands. He added a soft kiss at the base of her neck and licked his lips. "Miss Armani, The Scandalous Negotiator. You'll never be allowed in any respectable home again." Urich giggled, finally climbing out of the carriage.
"I know," she turned around with a smirk, fussing over her hair as she eyed up Urich. "Too bad we couldn't keep that shirt pressed. It looks handsome on you but it's wrinkled." Stepping out behind him, she began to brush at the wrinkles, (as if that would do any good) before sighing and looking around the forests. "The trees are so dense here,"s he murmured. "I suppose if it were to rain, we'd be protected enough from the canopy." Though her eyes roamed over a clearing off in the distance, she wasn't quite sure where her companion wanted them to camp. "So what ought we to do to prepare for hte night,"S eh said, working at her hair again. Ugh, it was such a mess. She supposed she could deal with it later.
"First things would be to gather things to make a fire after all. And that sounds like a lovely job for Frederick. Frederick! Be a doll and gather some kindling for a fire would you? Plenty of twigs sticks and small logs, please! And do make haste," Urich said. He went around back to the trunks and pulled off a small suitcase filled with miscellaneous things he'd packed himself and pulled the heavy bag around toward them.
"There's all kinds of things we can do. Maybe if you really want to make the experience authentic, we can sleep outside instead of in that stuffy carriage. And you're lucky I've packed just the right gear for the occasion. Not that I assumed at any point we were going to camp out, but well, I try not to forget anything if I can help it." He opened the bag and revealed all manner of miscellaneous junk from candlesticks to ropes and canvas clothes and extra blankets and small rolled pillows, nails, hammers, and other such things.
Victoria was impressed with all of the things her fiance could cram into that suitcase. She plucked up a nail, examined it while scrunching her nose before turning to Urich with a grin.
"Yes, you seem well prepared for just about anything. Perhaps even building us our own little house in the middle of the woods." Though it was a jest, it would be a rather endearing, too bad that wasn't practical, nor did they have time. This was a vacation, after all. Frederick's groans brought her back to the present, as she smirked while the rotting valet was carrying an arm full of wood.
"I say, I'm impressed Frederick is being as useful as he is. Not saying I didn't feel he would just.. I never considered asking him for assistance on such things. He used to maintaining our household and does a fabulous job of it, as well as his primary duties as our escort." she sighed, moving about and fussing more over her hair. "Is there anything I should be doing?" she inquired, wondering if she could be more than ornamental in this affair. She did so love to be involved with things. Perhaps she'd learn a thing or two on this 'camp out'.
"Well, obviously darling. The only one who can afford to sit here and look pretty is Robern of course," Urich replied with mild irritation. "Here, grab this end of the cloth and help me extend it over this frame I made. Hold it tight and don't let go. Okay, now here take a nail next to you and when you have a corner of it down on the ground smack the nail in with the mallet! Not hard at all. I'll hold it when you do that." Urich finished packing the nail down into the ground before tossing the small hammer over to her.
Victoria blinked as she stared at the nail.
"I.. see, so you trust me with this thing?" She smirked though. She wasn't THAT incompetent, but she had to admit, she had never really used a mallet before, but had seen it done enough times, and had observed Urich use it that she aligned the nail and steadied the hammer. "So the nail ought to go right here?" And then she began to smack it into the ground with a laugh, just a few times so it looked the way Urich had done it on the other side of their make shift little tent.
"There, nice and solid int he ground." And she rubbed her chin as she inspected her handy work.
"Very good, wild woman," Urich said with a grin and shifted over to do the same to the other side. When the last nail was positioned, he motioned for her to throw the mallet over to him before he knocked it into the ground. His grip was a little sweaty as it were and his hand slipped and smacked his thumb hard on the wrist he'd splinted. He screamed loudly and doubled over, cradling his hand and started sucking his thumb like a baby.
Victoria cringed. That had to hurt.
"Are you alright, Urich? You should have been careful." Then studying him she asked, "Is there anything else I can do? You know, before you injure your hand any further."
"Why must you talk down to me, even in my pain?" Urich groaned and finally got up, whining like a kicked dog. "I'm all right. Just nail that last peg in for me if you don't mind. We'll make a fire now. Maybe we can have some of those little fluffy squishy things that Mrs. Henry made one night. They were delicious. She called them candy pillows [he's totally talking about marshmallows by the way]. She gave me some before I left. They're in my bag with all the other gear. I hope they're still good."
OOC: How come I have this impression the pair of them will end up just wearing the marshmellows or something |8*
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Victoria rolled her eyes at Urich's gripe, but nodded at his command.
"Very well." ANd so she helped secure the last peg of the tent before turning around, smoothing down her dress and tilting her head curiously at Urich. "Candy pillows? Can't say I recall ever eating them, though I'm sure I have." She nodded to him. "Well, what more has to be done? It seems Frederick has gotten us,.. erm.. a lot of wood." And it seemd the entire time Urich and Victoria were putting up the tent, the valet had been collecting wood.. and far more than the pair could ever consider using in just one night camping beneath the stars.
[Because every other thread there's been a food fight xD]
Urich eyed the massive pile of wood the rotting valet had been collecting and walked over to the pile. "That's good now, Frederick, thank you my good zombie. Now if you please, stop now and Victoria and I will take it from here." He smiled at the zombie who just groaned and shuffled away. "All right, next is to make a campfire. Preferably at the center of camp away from the tent and Frederick, we don't need to set him on fire now." He grabbed a few twigs and collected them together with a few dried leaves. As he was busy gathering stones to put around the fire he looked over his shoulder to call to Victoria, "There's a stone in there and a folding knife. A good flint stone, bring that here and I can show you how to start a fire proper. I don't have any magic so this will do."
Victoria nodded, moving over to collect the flint and knife. She stared at them for a brief time before moving over to his side. "So how exactly does this work?" She had never made a fire on her own before. "Do you simply strikes the knife across the flint?" Most of the time she had men to do this for her. Yes, even Frederick had prepared fires in his time. Though she had never thought about it, but she supposed he was flammable.
Yes, whatever embalming fluids lingered in his rotting flesh, didn't have good prospects for making a fire, though perhaps as fuel, yes, but not as someone who should light it and wanted to remain nothing resembling ash. So Urich sat closer to Victoria once the stones were set and nodded to her evaluation. "Don't know if you'll be stuck outdoors too often, but it's good to learn every once in a while. But you've got the gist of it. Just strike the flint against the steel and it'll make a nice spark. Don't be afraid and be sure to aim the spark at the kindling, not me."
"You worry about me catching you on fire, yet you hand me a knife?" Victoria smirked at her fiance, then turned, bent over and got real close to the firewood. She eyed up the flint, and the blade, then struck the knife across it, gasping as it sent hot orange sparks into the air. though they quickly dissipated, she was fascinated by it.
"Oh!" And she tried it again, it only taking her about four strikes before some of the kindling and dried leaves began to take flame.
"AH, there! I've got it! Urich, look! I've started the fire!" she exclaimed, eyes dancing along with the glowing flames, but the her smile quickly faded as she realized the fire started to go out "Oh no! It looks as if the flame might go out!"
Urich was grinning like a young boy when he watched Victoria try to light the fire. On the fourth attempt when the kindling finally took to flame, he laughed out loud and moved closer to her. "Quick, just blow on it gently," he murmured, leaning down on his good wrist and began to blow on the flame and guarding it with his wounded hand to keep the air from blowing it out. "There, there, see!? You catch on quickly! Now we can roast those candy pillows."
Victoria squatted down beside Urich, helping him out in blowing on the flames. The orange glow from the fire danced across her face before she sat up on her knees with a contented sigh.
"Yes, and perhaps we could even heat some water for tea?" she suggested, smiling as she smoothed her hands down her skirts and tucked some of her curly dark hair aside from her face. "Is there anything else that must be done?" she glanced up at the sky. The sun had almost set by now, stars and the moon already in the sky, and the world cast in long stretching shadows.
"No, I do believe that is it. There's a small pot in there for tea if you'd like. I think I'll set out the bedrolls now, go on and set it up and make some tea for us, I could use some of that." Urich smiled at her and went setting that up.
It was rather cozy, setting a kettle full of water over the fire. A small spring was nearby, bubbling out from the hillside, and Victoria even took a few refreshing gulps herself of the cool waters. It tasted fresh, naturally filtered by the mountains minerals as she now worked at tending the fire beneath the kettle as it began to let out puffs of steam. She waited a little longer, until some water was spurting out from the top before removing it from the fire and pouring the steaming waters into cups prepared with tea leaves. She stirred them, and set them aside to soak as she reclined back agaisnt the ground, sighing and looking out at the world around them.
"It sure is beautiful out here."
"You can't get a view like this from inside a stuffy manor, even from inside Sul'Gulthan, bless that place," Urich said, settling down beside her after the bedrolls were laid out. He propped the pillow up and laid out by Victoria. "The stars are beautiful, and if you think about it, it makes you realize just how small we are amongst all the other stars out there. What do you think is out there? Other worlds? Other people like us? Are we alone here?"
Victoria stared up at the stars. There had always been questions posed about them, and she, from time to time, would let her mind drift over thoughts and theories, but one thing was for certain, something else was out there, some sort of sparkling guide that stretched forever in the deep vastness of the skies of the night.
"I never knew what to believe about the skies," Victoria admitted. "They were always just too beautiful to question. Much like the oceans and rivers, and fields, that seem never ending. It's just another connecting force in the world, and who knows."s he shrugged. "Perhaps someday our mountians might even be able to reach those stars so that we can see. but for now, I suppose we'll have to deal with viewing things through looking glass and the likes." She turned to Urich so that she was laying on her side and studied him.
"Why do you ask?" she looked into his eyes. "Or more importantly, what do you believe, wolf?"
"Oh, not much," Urich laughed, keeping his eyes glued to the stars. "Sometimes I wonder what's out there. And I guess ever since I lost Sul'Gulthan, I've been doing a lot of that kind of thinking, but I've never been the sort of man that thought much of faith. I'm too busy being fabulous, as you know. Life is my religion, in sense of words. To drink, to make love, to be happy. That is all I need to believe in."
He felt at ease with is admission and turned his head to look over to Victoria. "What about you?"
"Well, I'm not surprised to hear that sort of philosophy from you, wolf." Victoria grinned. "And I don't know if I'd agree about you being fabulous, perhaps scandalous, but not the other." Her grin widened as she leaned against him, sighing as she stared up at the stars, their lights' reflecting in her warm brown eyes. "And I don't honestly know. It's hard to say for certain. I think I'm normally too involved in my own life that I haven't much thought on anything beyond it." And she laughed a little at that. Shaking her head, she thought it over. "I don't know. I'm not too keen on religion myself. I never was a Gods fearing woman, but at times.." she thought it over, drawing in a breath. "At times the world just seems so beyond me that it is almost impossible to deny something out there may exsist. Though, that's not to say I think it's there to take hold of my fate. I think we all make our own mark in this world, we all steer our own carriages."
"Well, I wanted to steer our own carriage but somebody wanted to bring along their zombie valet! But that's all well and good. I needed him to splint my arm anyway. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug, smiling as she spoke. "I don't mind there being no gods or gods. I don't think it's our place to say. We belong together and if it was written in fate or not, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that we're gonna make it."
Victoria smirked and melted against him.
"And you do not think we are an awkward pairing?" Victoria mused, chuckling softly before sighing and glancing back up at the stars. Gods, did it feel good to have his arms around her. "I suppose it does not matter. It feels too natural to be with you, as if our coming together feels right, over wrong." She turned to him, her eyes trying to read his as a smile tugged against her lips. She curled her fingers and gently stroked them against his cheek.
"It seems you might need to be shaving soon, Urich," she said, before leaning forward and pressing her lips against his.
Urich grinned, pulling away a little. "It doesn't seem you mind very much," he murmured. "But I don't think I have a decent razor out here. You'll just have to suffer for the night." He laughed and rolled over her, taking her shoulders in his arms and kissing her neck softly, scratching stubble against her flesh. Finally he laid back and stared up again. "This is nice," he said. "We should do this more often."
Victoria sighed against him. Her hair had since come undone from where she had it pinned up upon her head,a nd now was resting against her shoulders, and his, in dark curls.
"Yes,"s he agreed, nestling against him. He was warm and felt solid and strong beneath her arm that now wrapped around his chest. She sighed contentedly. He even smelled good too. She wasn't sure what it was about him that made her senses tingled, but every time she smelled that scent, her toes would curl within her boots.
"When we eventually settle down into what we desire to do with our lives, we ought to make sure we get a house with a decent lot of land. That way we can make certain we can find time for moment's like this." And she slipped her hands into his and squeezed them together tight. "It's so peaceful and relaxing." She sighed again. "To just simply sleep out beneath the stars."
Urich trained his eyes to the stars, watching the plethora of colors, a splattered black velvet laced with diamonds. He studied them as she spoke, and he could have sworn he saw the stars take the shape of a dragon and they glittered out. Then another set looked a bit like a lion dancing, running and leaping, and then another of a wolf howling out to the bright moon that hung over head.
"Where would you like to live?" Urich asked idly, comforted by her warmth. "Would you like to live here in the Valley? Would you like to reclaim your family's creepy old silver-ridden manor?" He laughed at the prospect but would not begrudge her if she chose such. It was her family home after all and he'd understand. He'd feel the same way if it was his family.
"Or would you ever think about giving up all your frills and dresses and jewelry and boots to live in a cave? Ten tiny pups hungry for your breast."
All of Urich's ideas seemed pleasant. Well, until the last one. She gave him a soured glare.
"You would bring up my breasts, wolf," she siad, pinching his arm, but smirked as she sat up, staring up at the stars one last time before looking to him. "I could say I honestly don't care as long as I'm with you, but I'm no cave woman, Urich. I suppose.." she thought it over and her smile brightened. "It would be something to begin a new life with you. Buy our own manor, our own home, make our own memories there." And she leaned forward, kissing at his neck. "And what do you mean about ten pups?" She stared back at him, her expression rigid and flat. "I hope you're not expecting such a big litter of children from me."
Cause he certainly had another thing coming! Raising children was one thing,s he wasn't sure if she could raise an entire pack of them! Especially knowing they'd have his blood in their veins. THey'd be rambunctious, no doubt!
"I have no real expectations in that department," Urich muttered with a tired grin. He sat up a little and turned his head to nurse at her neck for a moment. "You can have as many or as little as you'd like. Whether it's just one, or none at all." He leaned against her shoulder for a moment and wrapped his good arm around her waist, pulling her close. "They say it's bad for a groom to see his bride before the wedding....does it say anything about the groom sleeping with the bride before the wedding?"
Victoria rolled her eyes at him.
"I think we've broken all of the rules already." And here, she sighed contentedly, searching his face before cupping his cheek with her hand. "Does it matter if you sleep at my side?" She tilted her head curiously, eyes dancing a bit to question him. "Besides, we've already shared a bed before. Or did you forget that time in Sul'Gulthan?"
"I remember caring for a grumpy invalid with a bad attitude and kissing her in order to get her to be quiet, but that didn't last long as I recall. Besides that bed was glorious. A lot of fond memories on that bed," Urich said with a grin.
Victoria eyed Urich warily.
"Remind me to burn that bed if we ever set foot in that place again," she said with a sniff.
"You're just jealous because we never made any memories on it. Or your bed for that matter. Envy green is not a pretty color on you."
Victoria dug her elbow into his side sharply.
"Keep your thoughts to yourself. Besides, it wouldn't have been appropriate at that time." she turned and looked away, nose to the air. "Love making is meant to be an art, not just some moment of wild passion."
Well.. ok, sometimes it could, but she wasn't about to admit that now. In fact, she'd rather they not have this conversation at all as she got up and simply walked away.
Urich cringed at the point of her sharp elbows and even laughed a little when she got up and walked away from him. "No you've got it wrong, Victoria," Urich grumbled. "Making love and having sex are two different things and if you have any sort of patience you'd let me explain that, but like any woman trying to make her point - no matter how ignorant - you just walk away to keep from hearing what I have to say." He gave a sigh and stood up. "Oh Victoria come back I'm sorry. I just ...well I want to make those memories with you."
Victoria paused and turned around, arms folded heavily across her chest. She glared over at him.
"It seems a bit late to want to make those memories, Mr. Renqvist," she huffed. "Your bed is probably destroyed by now and mine? Well, I highly doubt Aunt Millicent would let us roll in the sheets in her own home. At least not while she's still breathing." She gave Urich a most serious look. She was not about to let him off the hook so easily.
As he mentioned, she was stubborn after all. Might as well prove it to him how stubborn she could be!
Urich walked beside her and gently graced her side with his hand. "I'm talking about new memories. Out life together. And your Aunt is just a worn out old woman and has no alternative but to meddle in our lives. I suppose it makes a difference now that she's sort of my family too. Oh Victoria you completely missed what I was trying to say. Sex is sex, fornication, breeding. Animals making more animals. And while I am a werewolf I am also a man. A man who wants to make love to you. You are half right. Lovemaking is a very personal and intimate thing that should only be shared between two people to whom it means something. The only woman I've ever really made love to was you."
Victoria kept her back to him. While she felt satisfied by his admittance, she was having trouble letting him know that. So she finally sighed and turned around, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and drawing her to him.
"Oh, come here, wolf,"s he said, kissing him upon the lips. "I know you care for me, it's just hard for me to accept what you had before me. I know it seems selfish but.. that's what I am." and she looked at him sheepishly before looking away. She felt embarrassed but well, he ought to know his fiance well enough before calling her his wife.
Urich gave a grunt when she grabbed his shirt collar and blushed when she kissed him, he couldn't himself. "Oh you don't need to be sorry. I don't mind a little selfishness. In fact it's kinda hot." He grinned and placed his hands on her hips and pecked her lips gently grinning at her. "Would you like to make memories with me?"
Victoria just stared at him, her cheeks heating into a flush. She glanced around, up at the moon, to the moonlit trees, then back to him.
"Here?" she squeaked, her lips remaining open. "Didn't you get enough in the carriage?" Though in all honesty.. she probably could go for more, too, but still.. was it natural to be so...hungry for breeding with one's fiance this much? She couldn't tell, but his grin spoke volumes as she set her jaw and shook her head. "You would want to create those sorts of memories in the wild with me, wolf." Though she had a feeling, he wanted to create alot more than that.
"Oh, that?" He laughed and blushed even more. "I-I meant just in general. but if you're so eager to try out here I'd be more than willing to oblige you," he said as he pulled his arm even tighter around her, a stray hand even lifting up her skirt. "My you are hungry aren't you...Of all people I would have thought you had had enough in the carriage."
Victoria blushed.
"U-Urich!" she shouted, pushing him away with a huff. "You would take advantage of me when I'm vulnerable, and accuse me of such things." She pouted and looked over at him. She felt weak and ridiculous, but she had no idea how to react to such things. She was intensely attracted to this werewolf and there was no denying it. But he didn't have to go and tease her every minute about it as she turned away with her eyes averting his.
"I was just kidding darling," Urich said and laughed when she shoved him away. He moved behind her and put his arms around her waist, kissing her temple softly. "Why so jumpy, darling, do I give you the shivers?"
Victoria sighed when she was captured within his arms. There was no sense in fighting him.
"I don't know," she said, leaning against him. "This is still all knew to me, and I feel out of my element here." She grew silent a moment and thought over everything they had gone through.
"It's not to say I don't appreciate any of this, I'm glad we're finally on our own. It's a chance for me to finally get away from everything that i felt has oppressed me over the past few years of my life. It can be rather cumbersome to have to memorize all of those laws, then to top it off, I'm always in a constant battle to see if I'll even become a part of the agency my Aunt works for it and it's.." she sighed.
"Everything can be so frustrating."
But then again, he probably knew that better than most.
"I know," Urich sighed against her skin. He leaned his head over her shoulder. "Don't forget your cousin and that infuriating vampire that keeps turning up at the most inconvenient of times. Besides before you didn't have someone to lean on. To carry you but you do now. Do you still want to be aparrt of that stuffy council anyway?"
Victoria wished to forget all that as she glowered. But then at the mention of the council, she sighed.
"I'm not sure."s he turned to face Urich now, looking up into his face, reading his eyes. "It was always a part of my life. It's one of the few options a negotiator has as far as utilizing their powers for what we had been bred to be. I do still feel a sense of duty towards them but.."s he sighed, lowering her gaze and simply leaning into him. "As of right now, I care not to think about any of those such things. Especially that wretched cousin of mine."
"Very well. There will be a time and a place for all of that in the future. For now let's just enjoy this moment together. Didn't we have a dance to do before the night was over?" he said with a wry crook to his grin. He moved over to her bagsaand shuffled it about finding the nice music box from her old damily home. He covered his hands with his sleeves and moved the box out before winding it up in much the same way. It was then that the soft tinking began to play and he extended a hand to her. "May I have the honor?"
Victoria didn't quite follow what he meant, but when he brought out the music box, her face went long as she stared at it. And as the music began to play, she couldn't help herself and found her eyes sparkling with some tears. Smiling towards him, she took his hand and stepped near.
"Of course, but please note, the last time I danced to this tune, I had to place my shoes ontop of my father's while he guided me along in the dance."
"Why don't we just try a nice and slow waltz." He laughed a little and grasped her hand gently pulling her into proper formation. He held her close to him and began to dance around the fire nice and slowly. "Is this all right?"
Victoria felt a bit embarrassed. She was no child, and no stranger to the waltz, though she was not nearly as graceful as some, and inadvertently stepped on one of Urich's feet.
"Er, Sorry about that," she said with a blush, but found herself smiling all the while. "I don't know why I feel so anxious. I need to learn to relax." And she let Urich guide her around the camp fire to the music, her smile growing larger as they went. "And of course it's alright." she dipped her head to him. "You dance divinely."
"That's why we're out here. To relax find ourselves and what we'll need to learn to survive on our own. Just think we are in our own manor, in our own ballroom, throwing fabulous parties and galas and we are the event of the season. And you get to dance with your gorgeous husband and I get to dance with my beautiful wife," Urich smiled and whirled her, spining her out and then back again. "I'll teach you to be an angel on your feet."
Victoria blushed, and gasped when she found herself tripping over a rough patch of grasses near the camp fire. Thankfully, she caught herself against Urich and shook her head.
"You might have a long way to go before that," she said with a smirk, and leaned up to kiss him, just as the music box was clanking to a halt.
He laughed just as she kissed him and moaned into it when the music finally stopped. He wrapped his arm entirely around her and lifted her clear off the ground, spinning her around as he did so before finally setting her on the ground with a grunt. He licked his lips. "I'll take that challenge."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"I suppose we have a life time to work through that." And she leered her fiance. He looked rather dashing in the moonlight. "So what was that you were mentioning earlier," she said, leaning forward and kissing at his neck, then nibbling at his ear. "About wanting to make memories?"
"Oh nothing serious-serious," he managed, suppressing a shiver and leering at her with the same crooked grin. "But I mean if you're not too tired...I don't mind a memory rehearsal."
At his words, Victoria bit a little harder at his ear.
"Do you think I need a rehearsal?" she asked, her voice hot against him, her hand, smoothing down the growing bulge in the front of his pants.
Urich shied away from her touch for a moment, reaching down and grabbing her wrist as she touched the front of his pants. "I think you're quite eager for opening night. But there's nothing wrong with getting in a few hours practice. Sometimes however, I think you're too eager."
Victoria set her jaw and looked him square in the face.
"Perhaps, but.."s he said with a click of her tongue. "Or perhaps I'm just insatiable." She smirked and leaned forward to kiss him, though she did not. "Come, let's lay down beneath the twilight. I'm exhausted." And hte pausing to consider, she eyed him. "And I do believe you owe me some of those candied pillows you had gotten from the Henry's."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Urich admitted with no small hesitation. "A wolf can only do so much." He chuckled as he led her to the bedrolls and the fire and helped her down, taking a seat beside her. He pulled out the little baggies by his case and pulled out one of them. He offered it to her and another for himself.
Victoria looked the candy over, squishing it lightly between her fingers.
"These candies were always strange." then she peered over at him, then to the fire, the back to Urich again. "So.. you mentioned we could cook these?" She wasn't quite sure where to begin.
"Oh yes, all you have to do is this. Follow suit," he said as he demonstrated it by grabbing a thin stick and squishing one of the pillows onto it and hovering it over the flames. "All you have to do is just let it get nice and golden and then blow it out! See!" He gave her his cooked one and took the unroasted one did the same.
Victoria blinked, staring down at the toasted candied pillow warily. But she was never one to turn down a challenge, so she popped it into her mouth as the crunchy outter layer was chewed away, and the warmer insides spilled out in a melted gush inside her mouth.
"Oh wow!"s he stated, wiping at the marshmallow goo that had gotten caught on her lower lip. "Those are rather good!"
"I knew you would like it!" Urich exclaimed. "Oh they're like little bit sized pieces of heaven. Aren't they?" He took a bite of one himself and moaned loudly at the taste of it. "This is better tha sex."
Victoria quirked a brow at her fiance.
"Apparently I'm not good at it then,"she stated grumpily, grabbing one of the untoasted ones from the bag and throwing it at his head.
"Oh why would yoou doubt yourself in such a way?" Urich took the candied pillow and popped it into his mouth. "You take things far too personally. "
Victoria wrinkled her nose with a frown.
"And perhaps you should learn not to tease."s he said, pinching his arm, then smirked. "Besides, you ought to make me another one. Those things were better than your sex." And her grin grew devilishly wider at her counter. Take THAT Urich Renqvist!
He laughed at her quip and made her another. He tossed it over to her with a nod. "Oh I don't doubt that one bit. I'm not exactly the wolf's howl but I do okay when it counts. But really how could you even say such a thing with no othe comparison?"
Victoria took the candied toasted pillow and quirked her brow at his phrasing.
"I don't, but I could just assume well enough." she said, then grinned and took a bite of the candy, just enough to allow some of the gooey insides to spill out before she leaned forward and smashed it against the side of his mouth and cheek. Sitting back, she gave a triumphant smirk and a taunting look of her eyes.
"There, I feel much better already. These candies really are amazing." she said and went about,f ussing over her hair.
"Oh must you be so cruel and childish!?" Urich exclaimed as he wiped his face off and and laughed, eating what was left off the pillow. He took another and held part of it in his teeth and leaned over to her. "Just kiss me dammit."
"Kiss you?" Victoria's face twisted as she laughed. "And risk getting that sticky stuff all over me?" SHe shook her head and backed away. "No thank you."
He still laughed and held the candied pillow in his teeth nontheless as he leaned over her and growled a little. "C'mon, kiss me! You basically emasculated me and I didn't even get mad. You know you want to. " He lunged forward and tried to smash the pillow into her mouth, laughing as he did so.
"Wh-what?" But as much as Victoria tried to sound repulsed, she couldn't help but giggle and screamed even as Urich lunged for her.
"URICH!"s he wailed, and that's all it took for Draegr to come rushing in barking, lunging at Urich and giving HIM a big old kiss as he lapped off the candy from his face. Victoria couldn't help herself and was laughing up a storm. "Gods.. Urich.." she finally found her breath, waving at the air as tears met her eyes. "Oh.. and Draegr, stop it, stop it, please leave some kisses there for me, too." She said, pulling her wolf away, though with only half the energy she could potentially exert as the pup wagged it's tail happily and licked at the candy now glued tot he whiskers on his face.
Urich was redfaced from his own laughter and rolled onto his stomach and hid his face in the crook of his arm, trying to contain himself. "Good boy Draegr! Now git you ruined the moment!" he complained but was still smiling when he saw that at least Victoria was laughing.
Victoria shook her head at all of these antics as Draegr continued to lick at his snout. He gave a whine as the pair were still laughing. The wolf wasn't sure what was going on and he turned to Victoria nad whimpered again.
"Oh, calm down, we're just laughing at you, you silly young pup," she said, ruffling the hair upon his cheeks before scratching at his ears, making him lull out his tongue happily.
"You know," Victoria began, drawing in a breath before she sighed and looked over at him. "I'm glad I had met you. I think my life would have been so muhc.. more boring without a werewolf to call my lover." She smirked and looked down at the ring, then back over at him. "We should get married ou tin the country like this. Wouldn't that be romantic." And Draegr seemed to agree as he slipped a long wet kiss against her cheek.
Urich laughed in agreement. "Well, wouldn't that be something," he said, laying on the grass beside her. He was starting to feel hot in his jacket and took it off, as well as his shirt. "You come up with the loveliest ideas, darling. That truly sounds wonderful. I'm guessing you'd want an outdoor ceremony. Small and intimate or shall we bribe a whole mess of strangers to attend and just party it up!" He chuckled and looked over her, taking another candied pillow in hand.
OOC: They survived to 70 pages 8D
Victoria shook her head and smiled.
"No, a small, quiet ceremony would suffice," and she sighed contentedly, and continued to pet her pup. Draegr was nearly drooling over the attention before Victoria moved from the wolf to lay beside Urich.
"You know I've been thinking. As creepy as your family home is...it might be nice to fix it up and have our wedding there and...we can live there after our honeymoon maybe...if that sounds like something you'd want to do." Urich welcomed her into his arm and waved Draegr away. "Go on! Git! Go take the pack and bring us a kill!"
Draegr's ears perked up at the command, he made a noise, then a snort, and gave Urich a defiant chuff as he pawed at his arm. Whining, he crawled in closer to the pair, wagging his tail lightly and raising his brows as if in question at the order, and he looked from Urich to Victoria, then back to Urich again.
"I promise you can have the scraps boy. And you'll get most of em I mean it. Now go on!" He patted his paw and the pup gave a playful nip at his hand before bounding off on his awkward teenage legs.
Victoria sighed and ran a hand through her hair when the pup rushed off.
"Ah, children," she said with a smirk, and scooted in closer to Urich's side as she wrapped an arm around him. "Now.. where were we before the little scoundrel showed up?" she asked, wrinkling her nose devilishly at him as she leaned in to kiss him fully upon the lips, uncaring that he sort of tasted like dog. Or rather... wolf.
Urich laughed when she took it upon herself to kiss him despite Draegr's taste and pulled away just slightly. "You'd still kiss me after the wolf licked my mouth but you wouldn't kiss me when I had a candied pillow in my teeth. What's wrong with that picture?" He laughed harder. "Oh what am I complaining about! I'm just glad you're kissing me." He gently massaged her lips with his, softly and sensually running his tongue along hers, unable to contain his smile all that time.
"Yes, well, dog slobber is less sticky," she said, laughing through their kiss before pulling away with a shake of her head. "Life is so good right now," she stated, staring into his eyes with nothing short of love. "I hope it can always be this way."
"You and I both know that that's wishful thinking," Urich said laying on his side. "But we can only make it as good as we want it to be now can't we?" He sat up and leaned over to softly kiss her cheek.
Victoria smiled up at him, her cheeks blushing softly. "Yes,"s he said, kissing him back. "I suppose you're right."
OOC: Omgerd, short post :T
He shivered and giggled at her attention to his neck. "You'll always exploit my weaknesses, don't you?" he murmured against her, taking his own mouth to her neck.
Victoria smiled and leaned in towards his kisses. "And I could say the same thing about you." Her hands smoothed down the front of his shirt,chest, lips still tracing against his soft skin as she smiled against him. "So.. what other things can I get you to do when I kiss your neck?" she idly wondered, breath hot against his skin.
[Consistency, Spice, consistency! Urich isn't wearing a shirt anymore. |8]
He shivered again. "Not as much as you think, you wicked shrew. You'll make me want you and trick me into taking care of it myself," he laughed and teased her flesh with the edges of his teeth. "But if you have any ideas, I'd be more than open to them."
"No ideas you haven't already professed," she admitted, her tongue now lapping hotly at his neck before her lips began to suckle at the skin where his neck met to his shoulder. "But I'd be open to some more thoughts about-" But before she had a chance to continue seducing her fiance, the howl from the pups had her leaping off of him. Turning around, she paled as the entire pack of pups was charging their way, the dead caucus of a deer in tow.
Gods, if she kept this up, he'd have up throw her over and have his way with her. Dammit if that wasn't her plan all along when suddbely the entire pack was upon them. They stopped just before trampling them and there sat Draegr, lean and proud, looking at them as if he'd come just in time. "Good boy Draegr," Urich mutter with mild disappointment. "Well looks like we have some deer to eat if you'd like Victoria! do you want it cooked or do you just want to dig in?"
Victoria made a face, then an indignant sniff.
"Of course we ought to cook it. I'm no animal." She said, though a smile came to her eyes as she looked over her shoulder at him while she patted her proud wolf pup upon the chest.
"Fine, fine, have it your way," Urich shrugged at her and moved toward the carcass. Thank his good foresight that he'd had the nerve to prepare a case of miscellaneous things he might need in such an event and took out a buck knife he had in the suitcase and began to skin the beast, cutting off the choicest cuts of meat and when he felt there was enough for them to eat he waved it off and let the wolves start devouring it to the side.
"All right, we don't have much salt, or spices, unless you have them in your skirts somewhere I wasn't aware of, but we'll have to just suffer it plain then," he said, taking sticks and poking it through the meat.
"That is fine with me," Victoria replied simply as she waved the idea off. "So long as it's mostly cooked, I'm sure it will be fine." And she smirked and noticed the blood now staining Urich's clothing before giving a shake of her head. "Those pants of yours might need to get washed before you can wear them. Lest the pups get to them and chew right through. Why don't you have me was them up for you while you tend to the meat? I'm sure there's a stream or something nearby and we can let them dry over night. Besides, it's not like you'll have much need for those pants soon." And she had the most devilish grin upon her face as she leered her most delicious fiance.
OOC:.. lol.
"Hm? Whatever are you implying?" Urich said with genuine confusion. He looked down at his pants and saw they were covered in blood and made a noise of disappointment. "Drat, I liked these pants too. That blood's not coming out no matter how many times you wash it. I have a fresh pair in my bag, I'll be right back." He set the meat out and gave the pack a stare of dominance before he departed, to let them know if they even tried to eat it, they'd have to answer to him. He quickly changed, slipping into something cleaner and much more comfortable, and brought the pants back to the fire. He laid them beside, Victoria. "You can wash them if you want, or burn them, but like I said, it's not coming out."
"Well," Victoria began with a sigh. "I could at least try. Since the blood is fresh, these pants might still have a chance." So she rose from where she was sitting, knocking off the dirt from her skirts with a brush of her hand and gestured to Draegr. "Come on, pup. Let's see what we can do about your father's pants." And she smirked at the jest and Draegr seemed to like it as well as he gave a furious wagging of his tail and happy bark. Laughing, Victoria walked away, heading for the nearby stream. She had a concentrate on her person for such an occasion, to get rid of stains on clothing- something Frederick had always used so they could save clothing, even under the most dire of stains. Finding the stream, she pulled out the small bottle of concentrated soup and poured it over the pants acrosst he blood. Though it seemed there was a lot more than anticipated, so she had to use a bit more of her serum than desired. Either way, she was out to prove something, and as she dipped the pants intot he water and began to scrub, slowly, but surely, the blood stains were coming out. She hummed as she went, Draegr remaining neabry and keeping watch. Though when he heard a twig nearby snap, his ears swiveled around, then pressed back as he bared his teeth at the darkness.
Blinking, Victoria looked up from the laundry and wiped at her brow. "What is is Draegr? Do you seem something in the woods?" And his growling continued, despite Victoria being able to see or sense nothing. So she simply wnet back to washing the pants. Draegr wouldn't let any danger come to them, so she let the wolf pup do what he did best as he remained on guard at her side.
["concentrated soup" 8D]
"Father's pants," Urich laughed. "As if these are our children. But I guess in a way they are. Hey! Stay away from that meat, that's not yours!" Urich growled and snatched the cut meat much closer, waving fire at the pups, proving that he meant business. "You've got your scraps, now go and see where your brother's gone! Hey! Don't just lay around getting fat." But it was too late when he saw that at least half the pups were already laying happily on their sides with full bellies, hanging, while the others kept watch.
"Lazy wolves," Urich grumbled, as he went about cooking the meat. But something was raising the hackles on the back of his neck and he frowned at the sensation, not knowing what could cause it. But it bothered him enough to stand up and leave the meat unattended, but well out of reach of the wolves, somewhere on top of the carriage, and began to walk through the woods toward the direction, he saw Victoria go.
OOC: Aaaaaaaaaand, I think I had an idea where this was going but now I totally forget ;_;
so much brain failz
but on another note... I'm totally leaving my SOUP typo in there 8D
TOO amusing X3
also the wolf pups are TOO adorable, even in their lanky teenager state XD
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Once the pants were done, she wrung them out and shook them out in the moonlight.
"There, all clean."s he smile down at them triumphantly. "You see, Draegr, the secret is to use a lot of soup and to catch this sort of stain early on."
Draegr paused his watch to glance up at his 'mother', cocking his head to one side curiously as if he didn't quite understand, before he turned his attention back into the forests, baring his teeth as he started to growl. Blinking, Victoria peered back out into the forests, but could still see nothing. She crouched down lower towards the wolf pup and whispered, "What is it, boy? What do you see?" But still, there was nothing she could see, and the dog continued to growl, it's hair bristling.
As it did so, Urich crept quietly through the trees and listened, hearing Victoria up ahead and seeing her outline faintly through the trees. He grinned wickedly and stalked quietly again until she was in range. He waited, patient and looking upon his prey before he suddenly burst through the trees, pouncing on Victoria.
Victoria let out a scream. Draegr let out a howl, and whatever it was that might have been watching them vanished into the night.
Victoria nearly had a heart attack as she clutched a hand to her chest.
"U-Urich!" she said, then smacked him across the face. "You startled me! Why on earth would you-" And then Draegr was all up in his face, baring his teeth, ears pressed back and hair bristling, threatening Urich through his growls.
"Oh, calm down pup. It was only Mr. Renqvist," she said sourly and frowned up at Urich. "And it would be wise of you to get off of me before I order Daegr to bite off your nose."
Urich rolled off of Victoria laughing and shoving Draegr away. The young pup still wanted to fight, but he wouldn't be goaded and merely pat the wolf on the head until he calmed down. "Oh, darling, I just wanted to surprise you! Far too easy, if you must know. You're too unsuspecting. And when you are suspecting, it is much too late. Even Draegr was ready to kill, when you were still busy screaming. But I just wanted to see if you'd gotten that stain out."
Victoria shoved the sopping wet pair of pants in Urich's face.
"There's your pants," she said sourly.
Urich laughed and clutched the pair of freshly cleaned wet pants against him. "Oh don't be upset it was just a joke. Fine stalk off then like you normally do..." He giggled boyishly and looked out to the forest. His smile faded. Yes he felt like something was watching them too. But kept its distance. Urich waited a moment longer before walking back to camp.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Some joke. What if you would have given me a heart attack, wolf? Although maybe that's your plan all along?" Gathering up her things, she followed Urich back and turned only once to realize Draegr wasn't following.
"Come on, Draegr, let us get back to camp!"
The wolf then turned back to Victoria with a furious wag of his tail and bark, and was quickly at her side. Shaking her head, she patted him upon the head.
"What am I going to do with you? Or all of you? I feel out numbered. One negotiator against a pack of wolves."
"Hey don't go blaming my wolves," Urich said defensively. "We didn't drag you with us. You wanted to come along. It was your choice. You made your bed now lie in it."
"Yes," Victoria said with a sigh and smile. "I was always a woman who liked a good challenge."
"Yes, I do remember that's how we met," Urich laughed at her and unfurled his washed pants. He looked them over and nodded. "That's a fine job. I'd have just as easily discarded them and moved on. What did you use anyhow?"
"Just a heavy concentration of lard soap," she replied, giving Urich a wary glance. "So if you think about doing anything funny while we're on this vacation, don't think I won't clean your fur out with it." She gave a nonchalant wave of her hand. "It's so strong of a cleaner, its already dried out the skin on my hands." she siad with a sigh as she looked at them, but shrugged it off as she settled down back on her bed near the camp fire.
Smiling, she admired the pups napping, the turned back towards the fire.
"So what else do you have in store for me before the evening is up?" she inquired, giving Urich another wary, but more playful glance as she smiled.
Urich gave an unconscious shiver when she spoke of the soap and made a face to boot. It really did make her skin dry. It'd probably make his hair fall out too. There was no way he'd let her touch him with that stuff. He settled down beside her on the bedroll and leaned back. He remembered the meat and resumed cooking before he glanced over to her. "In store? For you?" Urich laughed and turned the meat over. "Oh there's plenty we can do, but it is not like we have much privacy with which to do it." He glanced over to the pups.
As if on cue, all of the wolf-pups were wagging their tails. Victoria rolled her eyes, but smiled none the less as she moved to sit nearer to Urich.
"The meat smells good," she said, leaning forward to take in the smells. "Looks like we'll be eating good tonight. Thanks to them," she gestured to the pups. "Though, I suppose a quiet night beneath the stars is in order. Don't want to scare the pups with any of our amorous activities,"she said into Urich's ear.
He shivered at such close proximity but smiled meekly at her. "Good thing too, because we both know what a screamer you are. You'd terrify the night birds!" He laughed and ripped a hunk of meat off the stick and took a bite of it. "Hmmm, juicy. Take a bite yourself."
Victoria sampled the meat with a soft moan.
"Oh, that is rather good. I can't say I've ever tasted meat like this, though we rarely have deer, but it's the way it was cooked. The fire creates a nice, smoked flavor and crispness to the outside of the meat, and keeps the juices well preserved within." Smiling over at Urich, she went in to have another bite. "I must say I'm impressed. I was a bit skeptical at first since there was no seasonings involved, but this sort of food is to die for." She leaned in against his side, eating a bit more as she was famished. It had been a long day, after all. "Mind if I have some more?" And she did need to replenish her energy. Once she ate her fill, she felt more at peace and relaxed, while sleep hung heavy in her eyes.
"Ugh, I think I could sleep all night and day after a meal like that."
And from the noise from the wolf pups, it seemed they agreed, some of them already fast asleep and snoring, except Draegr, who continued to look off into the woods with his face perched atop of his paws from where he lay.
Urich closed his eyes and stretched out beside Victoria, holding her close when sleep came over them both and soon he was fast asleep. But Draegr was right to stare at the edge of camp, and growled when he felt eyes come over them as the brush began to softly move. And he looked up from his paws as he saw the shape draw closer. It was large and burly, with awkward flaxen skin, stretched over an iron frame and it's head remained in the crook of it's arm.
[Frankenstein]
Victoria had just fallen asleep, her dreams beginning to take fruition of a time in the not too distant future- laughter, colors, warm winds and happy grins... a life together, a life as Mrs. Renqvist. The very idea sent a flutter to her heart. So when she heard a groan over top of her, she laughed in her half-sleeping state and turned away. "Oh, Mr. Renqvist. Really, you are quite the cad!" she teased, but then as the figure lurched forward, Draegr was suddenly barking and howling to warn everyone to wake.
Gasping, Victoria shot up from where she slept, her eyes widening in time to watch as the waxen-franken-man thing was lunging straight at her pup.
"Gods, it's that strange creature from before!"s he exclaimed, then snatched onto anythign that was nearby (which happened to be Urich's clean pants) and slapped them hard across the beasts face, in hopes that it would deter him from harming Draegr. It had a vice grip on the pup that was trying to chew him to pieces (and in doing so, the thing had dropped his head) and groaned and kept a hold on the pup. But upon sensing Victoria, it dropped the pup, Draegr landing with a yelp- as it's hand lurched out and latched onto her wrist and yanked her forward.
Victoria could only stare in horror before screaming out, "U-Urich!" before she was suddenly tossed over the things shoulders in heap.
Urich was in much less of a state when he woke up, watching the creature they'd found in the basement of her family home suddenly appear before them again. He backed away, taking in a sharp, surprised breath and sat in disbelief for the longest time. A delay that was all that was needed as the creature bounded off with Victoria over his shoulders.
He cried out and stood up immediately running after then, as the creature disappeared into the trees. Damn the beast for moving so fast, for taking such long strides with each step, getting further away from him. The fat-bellied pups soon realized the peril their mistress was in and followed Urich as he gave chase.
Pissed and upset, Victoria's limbs were flailing, hot and mad as they beat against the creature as he stalked.
"Let go of me!" she cried. "Let go! I'm not some waif you can just scoop up and run away with!"
But no matter how much she beat on the thing, it kept on running, the metal in it's bones clunking as it walked. Draegr, being the fastest runner of the pack, shot ahead of the rest in a fury, whizzing past the creature and stopped righ tin front of it with a snarl. But the metal man cared little for the wolf, and smacked it aside with a yelp, as Draegr went down, unmoving after he yelped.
Urich couldn't be bothered by Draegr for his stupid bravery, but while he would go after him if he could, what remained on his mind was getting Victoria safely. His legs were tiring and adrenaline burning hot. He felt his transformation coming on and soon he felt his clothes tearing away and fur covering his body as completely transformed. He lunged out and tackled the creature, clawing it thoroughly. But it became motionless when it's head suddenly fell off again.
Victoria gave a cry as the beast was tackled, and down she went with it, skirts and all. The damn thing had her pinned down,a nd her arm was twisted in a most awkward and painful way. And she was pretty positive she had just eaten some grass. Spitting it out, she tried to sit up, but ending up slipping off the stupid franken-creature with a yelp. It was there she finally got herself onto her hands nad knees, her hair a mess about her face before she lifted her eyes up to stare over at Urich in his full wolf form. ANd she hadn't expected it, so it took her by surprise as she gasped and backed away, then recalled his eyes with some familiarity as she wilted with a side.
"Oh.. Urich!" she said, throwing her arms around the wolf as she held him tight. "Thank the gods you were here!" but hten she glanced over at the fallen head and made a noise and grit her teeth. "It seems our mechanical man friend here has lost his head again." she said, contemplating poking it to ensure it wasn't to move, but thought against it and sighed. But then as he recalled what happened with Draegr she looked frantically about.
"Draegr!?" she called, but a sharp turn of her head jerked the muscles of her hurt hand and she let out a cry, gripping onto it as she flinched. "Oh, this bothersome metal man is going to be the death of me!" she spat, sitting thereand staring down at her home. She hoped it wasn't broken as she tested moving her fingers with a wince.
Out of man, out of mind. Urich felt arms being thrown around him, but that moment only made him pause and he looked over to Victoria, busied with her hand when she should have been more worried about the beast beside her. He growled low and looked at her hungrily, predator to prey, hungry and thoroughly ready to devour her in that moment.
It wasn't until Draegr leapt forward, limping on an injured shoulder and growled at Urich, trying to stare him down as Urich was just about to pounce. Urich snarled viciously on salivating teeth and looked at both of them like lunch.
Victoria turned to Urich, realizing the feral look in his eyes. Glaring daggers, she turned back to him.
"Don't you even think about it, Urich. Put that drool and teeth away before you slobber all over the grass." though as much as she was quick at making a sharp quip over the situation, she was wary that, in this state- was Urich able to decipher it was her? Then again, with his keen sense of smell... was it possible for him to even realize, before either of them could have known, that she was with his child? Either way, Draegr was keeping himself between the pair, all the while Victoria was trying to be quick to think of something. She needed an enchanted item if she was to subdue him and turn him back into a man... but most of her items were in her sack. So if she needed to, could she get there in time?
[Isn't it too soon to tell? They've only done it twice in like two days. Or you've already decided?]
Urich was rabid, hungry for flesh and that nearest flesh was Victoria's. He didn't recognize her voice, not in his wild state and would tear through her without hesitation to pluck the meat from her bones, feel them crunch in his teeth like breaking glass. He looked at her with such hunger. Draegr only grew more alarmed and the other pups stood back, unsure what to make of it. But they were never more loyal to any one in particular and naturally fell in lieu of the most dominant of their ranks. in this case, it was Urich and they stalked around Victoria as if trying to hold off any other means of escape.
Urich moved closer only to be snapped at by a limping Draegr. He swiped him away all too easily, batting the werewolf aside and rolling him over onto his back, exposing the soft flesh of his belly. He raised a hand to slash open his throat.
OOC: Well, they have rotten luck? Why not? 8D
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Victoria gasped when Urich had turned over the pup.
"Urich! No!" Fear struck her, but she ahd to keep a level head. Her handkerchief! Stuffing a hand down her shirt, she drew one out, the white clothe fluttering against the air, muttering something over it while pricking her thumb. Just a tiny dab of blood was all it would take, and soon she was tackling the werewolf away from Draegr.
"URICH, STOP!"S he said, stuffing the enchantment against the fur of his chest, while her arms smashed wide around him, hoping, praying her half assed attempt to enchant something on the fly would work.
If not..
both she and the pup were dead.
[I still think it's a little too soon, myself.]
The enchantment only seemed to burn him, hurt him, and he howled in pain. If only he'd seen it earlier, the full moon that crested overhead. He threw Victoria off of him and snarled at her, batting her away like a feather before beating his fists over the young wolf. He felt enraged then, trying to contain his senses, wild as they were. Something seemed to register through and he shook his head, and looked back at Victoria with fear in his eyes. He bolted off then, vanishing into the darkness.
OOC: Well, to be fair, her 'last' pregnancy was like revealed after a day 8D but yeah >.> I could always edit it out if you'd rather it not be there. XP
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Victoria lay in a heap upon the ground, groaning as she felt herself in pain. But she pushed herself up, just in time to watch Urich strike Draegr again, then take off, as if in fear. Blinking, Victoria tried to calm herself, calm her breathing as she looked around. "What.. what was that?" And she moved over ot Draegr, cradling the whimpering dog within her lap before peering out into the darkness again. "U-Urich!?" but truthfully, she oped he wouldn't reply, because she was so afraid o him she could have pissed her skirts. She felt herself trembling, then glanced downa t Draegr again, who was bleeding.
"Oh, Draegr, you poor thing!" she said, stroking him and holding him tight, all the while fightin go ff tears as she peered back into the forests, back into the empty, menacing dark.
[I think logically her body is still in recovery. I don't think she'd even be physically prepared to carry a child. I think it'd take a least a few months. But I dunno. I think it's too soon.]
Urich fought to quell the animal within, he ran as far and as fast as he could. His mind was a blur, he didn't know where he was, or what he was doing, or how he'd ended up in the heart of the trees covered head to toe in mud and blood and breathing as if he'd killed an entire village. He'd long since transformed back into a mortal, naked and cold in the early morning sun.
He crept out of the mouth of the cave, tired, confused and wondering what and the hell happened last night.
OOC: Well alright :T we can just ignore that portion of my post from before then XP
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Victoria had spent the night with the wolves. They were testy at best, but eventually warmed back up to her as she was tending to Draegr. She wasn't sure what to make out of what happened, but ordered Frederick to clean up camp, and was disturbed to find that morning, not only ws Urich still gone, but the mechanical man as well. She frowned and chewed on her finger nails, not quite sure what to do with herself.
"Frederick, I need my parasol, I have to find Mr. Renqvist." He was her fiance, after all. Man or beast, or both,s he had known what she was getting into. So as she ordered Frederick to remain int he carriage, she went out searching the forests for clues, a few of the pups following hesitantly behind her.
[Or you can not be lazy and just edit it. It's just a tiny button on the corners of your posts]
Urich crawled out from the darkness, confusion setting in and he moved off toward the trees, wobbling, wandering, stepping sideways here and there again as if still drunk from the stupor of the night before. "hmmm... Vict...Victoria?" he called out, not expecting an answer.
She could have no idea where the werewolf had gone. Her only clues would lay within the ability of the wolf pups to sniff him out. Though it had been way past an hour, maybe two hours, of traveling on foot before Victoria was beginning to worry, and grow frustrated over her predicament, but still, she persisted, drawing in a careful breath to steel her nerves as she pressed onwards, calling out the name, "Mr. Renqvist!" which echoed across the valley. Making a sharp turn around a corner, however, had her nearly screaming when she saw a man. At first, she thought the worst, but upon further notice, the gentle man was dressed in fine attire, carrying a small sack (and a book) as well as spectacles hanging off the bridge of his nose. Victoria released her held breath, especially when the man noticed her, and he gave a blush.
"Oh, hello there. I hadn't known anyone was out here in the woods." He said.
Victoria quirked a brow. "And my shouting through the woods did not give it away?"
The man's face went long, he seemed to be sweating. "Well, I just assumed some lady was calling for her dog." And upon seeing the pack of pups behind her, he grew even more uneasy at the sight. Victoria merely stared at him, enthusiastically. Sadly, she could say she was looking for a lost dog- or her werewolf fiance, to be exact. She planted a hand to her hip.
"No, I'm just hunting for a man," she said, before sighing frustratedly, her eyes scanning across the forests. Where on earth had Urich gone? He had a lot to explain when she DID find him, but when she glanced over at the gentleman, she noticed something not too far off, laying in the ground. And it took her a moment to realize, as her lips fell open, it was that metal man from before, laying face down within the dirt. Her eyes then shot to the man's, and he looked at her with genuine concern.
"Miss, are you alright?"
Victoria backed away, uncertain how to respond to that question, after spotting the man in the dirt, and the other fellow followed her gaze. THen he gasped.
"Oh! I bet this looks bad. But that's not a real, gentleman, I assure you. He can do you no harm now, he doesn't evne have a head. But oh, that does sound odd now doesn't it, but if you would like ot join me for some tea, I can explain."
But it seemed the wolves had other ideas as their fur bristled as they bared their teeth at him, growling softly in warning.
Victoria set her jaw, drawing strength from the pups behind her. "I do not think it would be wise. I'm searching for another gentleman, after all." she said, adjusting her hat. "Though I thought I had seen that gentleman from earlier. but not explanation will be needed. YOu have a good day sir," and she tipped her hat and moved forward, her pups growling back at the man before turning away and following behind Victoria. THeir ears and nose ever alert to the danger, in case that metal man were to wake up, and appear once again... somehow alive.
[You are so LAZY]
He slowly but surely was able to trace his way back to their camp, using his sense of smell to find out where he'd been, what he'd done, following the trail from a small farm not too many miles up the path, to the trail of slaughter where he'd ate a cow, and down to where he started to smell aromatics that were not his own, something that distinctively reminded him of Draegr and Victoria.
There were traces of iron there as well, one that made his nose crinkle up at the smell. Blood. Wolf's blood. There was a flash of an image, it coursed through his mind, batting away a small young wolf in a defensive stance. But defending who?
It hit him then, and he stayed by his place at the tree in mild horror at the realization that he'd attacked Victoria. After all, there was only one person that the wolf pup had any interest in and that was her. Urich had to make it back to camp, and followed her smell all the more. It meandered between trees, and he saw the camp on the other side.
He smelled it growing stronger, as if it just recently went passed him, and he bolted off in the opposite direction again. It grew stronger and stronger. He really hoped he hadn't killed her and soon saw her in the distance in the trees.
"Victoria!" he cried out.
OOC: ..... then why are you bothering to rp with me for like 70+ page threads? XP
Stop being so mean D: *sad in a corner*
but seriously, I fixed the problem by using strike out, what are you griping about now? All I had to do was get rid of one stupid sentence... >.>
-----------------
Victoria was barely a few yards away from where the metal man rested with the other gentleman, and at the shouting, both Victoria, the pups, and the gentleman turned around.
"There's a man over there screaming and running about- and he seems to be... erm," the man blushed, not finishing his sentence. Mr. Renqvist was naked, after all.
Victoria gasped at the sight of her fiance.
"Mr. Renqvist!" her own face went red at the sight, and the pups rushed towards him, yapping happily and sniffing at him, though a few bristled at the smell. Eventually she found her legs again and rushed forward towards him as well, but kept a bit of a distance as she frowned and looked him over. "Goodness, you look like shit."
[Oh relax! I'm just teasing you. I thought you knew that. But you are in fact lazy, A fact that you've acknowledged yourself in the past.]
Urich too kept his distance, unsure if it would even be safe enough to be in this close of proximity to her considering what happened last night. His eyes wavered to the other man across the way who stood near the fleshy abomination and mad apparent conversation with her. His gaze turned back to Victoria and he nodded to her. "I'm sorry," was all he could manage in that moment. His eyes were sad and they looked at the ground, Not knowing what more there was to say or even if there was anything at all.
OOC: *kicks*
----
Victoria simply stared at him, drawing in a careful breath before wearing a careful smile.
"There's no sense in apologizing. You are a creature of the night and the moon. I was aware of that long before we took this journey together." and she pressed her lips together, clearing her throat before handing over her parasol. "Here, you can use this to erm.. keep yourself decent before we head back to camp. I'm sure we can find you spare clothing then. There are those pants I saved, after all. And I suppose it's a good thing I cleaned them. I didn't think we'd need to use them so quickly." And she cleared her throat again and approached him, looking down at him while her features softened.
"I'm just glad you're ok."
"Ahem," Urich breathed, shaking his head. "No thanks, I'd rather be indecent thank you. I wouldn't touch that parasol to save my life. My chest still hurts from that enchanted napkin or whatever." He pursed his lips and stood closer to her, standing at her side and gesturing to the man behind them. "Who's he and what's he doing with the creature?"
Victoria narrowed her gaze.
"This one is not enchanted, well, some of the insides might be, anyway, and if you don't take something to cover yourself, I might have to force you to wear my bustle." Her lips twitched at the thought, quirking into a subtle smile, but she sighed after she peered over her shoulder, following his gaze.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I had just stumbled upon this gentleman when I had been looking for you," and her eyes narrowed meanly upon him.
The man with the glasses blushed.
"I'm.. I'm sorry to interfere.I hadn't meant to intrude. I was simply passing through."
Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Just passing through, and with a mechanical man?"
The man looked baffled that Victoria knew what it was (well, sort of) and he paled a little. "Well, we had it on record that it was dormant, but something recently had woken this one up and they sent me to investigate." He pushed up his glasses looking over at the pair. "Are you in need of assistance, sir? I might have a clothe for you to wear to erm.. help keep out the cold."
Victoria glanced down at Urich's assets, then back up to his face with a smirk, but the smile faded whens he looked back over at the man and sighed.
"I'm not embarrassed, why should you be, a complete stranger?" Urich said softly with a narrowed, speculative gaze. He looked him over, inspecting his clothes as he peered over to the creature in the iron frame and knew something was a little more than suspicious but made no note of it, well, not physically at least. He grinned at the man and raised a hand in departure.
"Let's just get back to the carriage. I need a bath, good and proper. There's a pond not too far this way, please bring my clothes," Urich said so that Victoria alone could hear. As he kept walking back to camp, he turned a little towards her and said, "And that didn't seem strange to you at all?"
Victoria gave only one glance towards the other man with a shrug, before following after her fiance. Then as he spoke to her, she simply sighed and rubbed at her temples.
"Why it does, yes, but so does my fiance trying to kill me last night." she looked him over, seeing he was worse for where. "What happened anyways? I know... that you turned but... you didn't seem yourself. You had become more animal than man and seemed to have forgotten who I was. And Draegr.. "s he hesitated, before sighing again. "He should be ok, but he's mending after last night." She studied his face. "I'm more worried about you, Urich. We can think about that creepy man and his mechanical partner later. We're on vacation, if we hve forgotten that, so let us get you some soap and water and you'll feel as right as rain."
Urich had nothing to say for himself concerning the night before as she spoke to him about it. He felt ashamed as it was about it. And honestly, he didn't know if he could explain it either. It had all been a blur and happened so fast that he only had vague recollections. But the shame couldn't have come at a worse time. Urich came back to camp and found the soap and took some fresh clothes. "I'll head out to the pond," he said solemnly, with his head down.
"Would you like some help?" she inquired, peering at his back. "You seem to have some cuts about you. After you wash up, I could help apply some salve." SHe also could sense the tension, and didn't want something like this to grow and fester into something ugly. She had kept her own emotions reserved for too long, and delayed their chances at a relationship before. She didn't want one time on an incident like this to break their trust and understanding.
Urich chewed on his lip for a time in consideration before nodding. "I won't be long," he said to her with a forced smile and soon about faced and slowly walked toward the pond just about a hundred yards toward the east of their camp. "Stay close," he yelled out. "I might get lonely."
Victoria rolled her eyes at his comment. Of course it wouldn't be long for the pair of them to joke over things like that. Sighing, she went back to the carriage, fetched up a few supplies and moved closer to the pond's bank. She sat on the shore, watching as Urich bathed and took out a journal and began to sketch him. She wasn't much of an artist, but the quick sketch of the man half in the waters, lathering up his body in the daylight looked rather good, if she did say so herself. Then resting the journal down, she peered over at him.
"Need any help?" Though she doubted he needed it, the idea of it,a nd her more intimately close, might do the pair of them a world of good after such an incident, even if she did feel a bit afraid in his presence.
[Titanic all over again! Except she's sketching him! Hot! xD]
Urich waded through the waters and scrubbed himself as thoroughly as possible and the muck slowly washed away. It was nice to have a real bath without bothering with the confines of a tub. And out of the corner of his eye he could see Victoria scribbling something in her journal, though he didn't know what it was. he was just about to ask when she posed her question. He blinked and then nodded at her, wading closer. "I can't really reach my back," he said. "Would you mind? You don't have to get into the water if you don't want. I'll stay close."
OOC: Lol.
Victoria smirked, closing her journal as she set it aside.
"I thought you'd never ask." Grinning, she stood upa nd rolled her sleeves back, giving a shrug at his questions before removing her boots. "Don't worry, I'll bend over from the shallows." And she hefted up her skirts, binding them to either side and unclasped her bustle from the back. Now, feeling a lot more freedom since her legs were exposed, she moved forward and reached out. "The soap, if you please."
Urich laughed sheepishly and blushed a little. Not at being naked in front of his lover, but from the fact that he actually needed help bathing, something he'd been so used to doing on his own. "Here you are," he said, handing the wash clothe over to her along with the block of soap. "Be gentle please. I've had a rough night."
Victoria took the clothe and soap, lathering it up real good before pressing it lightly against his back.
"I know," she said, speaking into his ear as he leaned forward, and them pressed her hand against the clothe, working it lightly, delicately across his back until a light foam formed. She made sure to pay extra care around any of his wounds, and frowned when she noticed there was some small pebbles sticking into some of it. And other such dirt. At least she had salve for this, but she'd have to be careful to clean them out real good.
And she also noticed how tense his back muscles were, and began to work her fingers in gently to his skin and asked, "How does that feel? You're all tense and stiff." She shook her head and felt the muscles of his neck, gently massaging one hand there in a light, but firm vice grip.
Urich tried not to shiver but he just coulld't help it. And to make matters worse he knew she couldn't either. He couldn't trust her not to tease him or lead him on though he didn't neecessarily mind the attention. "That feels divine," he admitted with a grin. "You always did have beautiflly skilled hands. You could charm a bee into giving you its honey." He managed a laugh.
Victoria scoffed.
"You only say that because you're so tense. These muscles feel impossibly stiff!" And she worked a bit harder into them, but still being careful of his sores. "I doubt this is all from last night. I suppose being a werewolf takes a lot out of a man."
"Well sleeping in a dark cave didn't exactly help either," he said with an eye roll. "I think something must have cracked out of place." He grew even more tense at the mention of being a werewolf and would say nothing on the subject not after what happened the night before.
She simply nodded at his statement, breathing slightly as she worked, and then visibly frowned when she realized he had gone quiet. Well.. it still was a sensitive subject, she supposed. Leaning forward, she kissed at his neck, then moved from there to massage at his shoulders before cupping her hands and beginning to rinse off the soap from his back.
"Urich...." she started, not sure what she wanted to say, but after having rinsed off most of the soap, she moved forward and gently wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin against his shoulder and just held him, not caring her dress was getting all wet.
Urich smile when she just wrapped her arms around him and he raised his to pat at her arms and turned his head ever so slightly to kiss her cheek. "I love you, darling," he murmured against her. "I know I've asked you before but I can't help but wonder...why did you pick me? You only giiive me vague answers that confuse me."
Victoria smiled, her cheeks raising against his as they rested together.
"Oh, inquiring now about a woman's secret? But to be honest.." she said, sighing. "I don't know. It's just a feeling I have, as natural as breathing. Ever since you've become a part of my life, I can't imagine a life without you. Well,.. I could, but then it would be dull and miserable." She kissed his cheek. "I'm not sure if that satisfies your inquiries, but I'm not exactly a romantic woman, so don't expect me to woo you with some flowering tongue. Though, I suppose you could also say I like the idea my husband to be is a little feral." She grinned. "Though to be fair, you seem more.. free than me. And it's something I hope to strive for. As if you complete a part of me I've always wanted but could never have."
Urich was satisfied with that answer and chewed on his tongue for a time, comparing everything she said. "You love me for the qualities you lack in yourself," he muttered to her and himself. "But you could always be free if you wanted to be. Freedom is a state of mind. You don't need me to teach you that. I shouldn't complete you. I think I brought to light what was inside of you already."
"Well, if you want to dissect what I said, then sure, I agree," she said, nuzzling against his cheek while still holding him. "But someone, somewhere told me love never made sense, and that your soul mate often times was the closet person to you, one whom you can share your soul with, and mind. And well.. someone you do not mind picking arguments with," she added, with a grin, then sighed. "But why all of these questions now? I suppose I could ask you the same, but I'm simply content on being happy with what we have. I have no reason to question it when life has become so good. You know, broken carriage wheels and strange mechanical men aside."
Urich nodded, in understanding. "I question because it is in my nature to do so. Things have been different since Sul'Gulthan. I feel different. I feel...older. I'm not as wild as I used to be. You've tempered me. But while I do not regret the time I've spent with you, you've made me wonder what it really means to be human. And I reallized that I was just an animal play-acting the man. I'm scared, Victoria. Scared that when I attacked you apart of me wanted to kill you, And would have meant it." He felt his eyes grow hot at the thought and he dropped his head once more.
"Humans are really no much better than animals, except we're more 'proper' and 'civilized' animals, if you want to call us that." She gave a shrug. "You could just say we're animals in clothing." But at his words about killing her, she sighed. "Some men are no better than dogs, and I think you fall into a category above the rest." She rested her chin against his shoulder, saying nothing for a time as she stared out at the water. "You're not the only one here who's got super natural powers. THough yours are more honed towards one animal, I myself, am from a hunters breed, though I think those abilities have been harnessed over the years so many times by humans, they're almost tame."
She shook her head, sighing again and hugging him tight. "Do not worry yourself over this Urich. I knew the risks well before we took this voyage, and I believe it is worth it. Perhaps your animal side can never be tamed, so what of it? Am I not educated enough to make a decision on how to deal with it? I accepted this engagement knowing it would be work. Knowing full well what you are. So part of me might be naive, even still, I do not think for a minute this can't work. After all, it has worked in the past." She reminded him. "I do carry the slightest bit of a werewolf's gene."
Urich's ears burned in shame from her reasoning, trying to find logic where there was none, none that he could see at least. Though he understood what she meant, what she didn't understand was that it wasn't about her. It was about him. And that part of him that wanted to see her inaa pool of her own blood, the savagery that he could not contain. For years him and the beast had been one and the same, he never lost control, never lost sight. But when Victoria had come into his life, he wanted to be more than just a man. And had thusly denied the beast within for so long. Even forced transformations were because he wanted to save her in some way. The familiar thirst, the hunger had not been sated.
But he only nodded to her and patted her arm. "I better get out before I prune up!" He laughed and moved away from her to climb out of the pond and grabbed the drying cloth he'd brought with him, drying off his hair first.
Victoria frowned when he had laughed. He had said nothing to constitute he was doing much better over his feelings, though she assumed he no longer wished to talk. It was alright. She was never very good at these sorts of conversations and merely smiled over at him before joining him at the shore, keeping silent as she moved to pick up her stuff, thought noted, with a frown, something was missing. Her journal.
"Now where on earth could it have gone?" she mused out loud, and began searching through the reeds.
"What did you lose this time?" Urich grinned! It was nice watching her panic attempting to search for her lost journal. He mindfully dressed himself and stood there with half-buttoned trousers and his shirt hanging on his shoulder as he flipped through the pages of the journal, scanning racy entries and finally settled upon the sketches with a curious grin. "Oh my, Miss Armani who knew you admired the male form so...gratuitously."
Victoria whirled around and narrowed her eyes and set her jaw ad with her hands to her hips, she put her hand out and demanded, "Mr. Renqvist, do give me back my journal before I beat you with my parasol over your head. That is a woman's personal journal. Haven't your parents taught you any manners?" Though her tongue lashing was hardly going to rid her of her blush, she moved forward, shoes unlaced, but hanging agains ther feet as she kept one hand firmly gripped upon her skirts while the other reached out in attempts to snatch back her book.
Urich giggled childishly and maneuvered out of the way by spinning around her grasp and dancing around her as he traced the sketches with his free hand. "He looks so glorious doused in water," he read the inscription beneath it. "The way the water trickles down every crevice of his muscles. And how powerful his groi...oh, Victoria your aunt would die of shock if she ever read desriptions like this. Myabe I should give this to her just so I can see the look on her face!" And proceeded with his hand as if he were about to tear out the page.
Victoria's face went even more red, but she persisted, continuing her attempts to grab for it when Urich slipped away and appeared about ready to tear the page out.
"URICH RENQVIST! IF YOU DON'T GIVE ME THAT NOW I'LL USE MY POWERS TO BURN YOUR EYES OUT!" she threatened with a stomp of her foot, then leaped for in attempts to grab itm only to trip over her unlaced boots, falling into the dirt and reeds with an 'oof'.
Urich giggled again when she tripped over her laces and fell into the reeds. "Oh, hohohohohoooo! Masturbation! Victoria Armani! Your parents would be rolling in their graves!" But he couldn't stop laughing when he bounded off at a run and began to high tail it towards camp.
"Confounded!" she shouted, slamming a hand into the dirt. "URICH RENQVIST! DO DESIST THIS CHILDISH BEHAVIOR!" she shouted, voice carrying across the way as she struggled to get back onto her feet, only to trip over her boots again.
"Whoaare you my mother?" he called back with a laugh and still ran for camp. He'd made it halfway there when he stopped short suddenly and peered out toward the trees. His breath was caught in his throat and he stared out beside a trees, almost as if he completely forgot about the journal in his hand.
Snarling, Victoria fixed her boots as quickly as she could, then rose up with a scream.
"URICH RENQVIST! NAME CALLING WILL NOT SAVE YOU FROM THE EAR LASHING YOU WILL RECEIVE ONCE I GET HOLD OF YOU!"
But he didn't have to do anything to save himself from his tongue lashing, as a waxen hand lurched forward, snatching Victoria around the throat. Gasping, all of the breath was knocked out of her as she clawed at the hand, trying to breath. And it was only then she heard another voice carry over the field.
"Oh my goodness! I am so sorry about this!" and the man from earlier was red in the face as he rushed her way, but merely stared in bewilderement, uncertain how to exactly get the waxen-metal man creature to stop.
"Get... Get.. this thing... off... off of me!" she cried, legs flailing and body shaking while her face was turning blue.
"I would but you see, the thing is I can't. This creature seems to think that you're a.." but then he blinked and was taken back. Maybe she WAS a negotiator! He hadn't thought about that! Shaking hte thought away, he tried helping to pullt he arms off of her, but it was to no avail. The creature had already secured Victoria and she was simply being choked to death.
The man and the machine were gone, not near camp, but clearly from where they'd once been before and it didn't take Urich but two seconds to whirl around and see through the trees just why that was. He saw the creature had taken it's powerful hand and wrapped it around her throat, strangling her to death. He rushed back, dropping the journal as he came back to the shore of the pond and looked at the man with wild eyes.
"Tell that thing to let her go! It'll kill her!"
THe man paled.
"I c-can't! That part of the machine has been broken! I was trying to repair him when he woke up and suddenly took off into the woods after the pair of you. It's not like a human. It's programmed to listen to specific commands! But now that it's broken, it seems the off switch is not working!"
"If we can't turn it off," Urich cried out, "then we disable it! It worked last time. It must work this time." Urich looked up and saw a long branch of the nearest tree one thick enough to cause decent damage. Or at least he hoped it would. He snapped it off and with enough velocity, he thrust it as hard as he coukd through the creature's back, piercing its heart and hoping it hadn't gone all the way through into Victoria.
THe light in the creature's eyes faded, though it was frozen in it's hold upon Victoria. Her eyes were so terribly wide, skin so terribly pale, that all could be seen and sensed upon her was the very near and real fear of death. It was only then did the other gentleman respond, moving forward nd grunting, trying to pry the creature's hands free.
"Here, come help me with this! It seems his hands are locked like this around her throat!"
Of course he would help him, the stupid bastard. Urich grabbed the creature and as strong as he was, he was having trouble budging him, but threw all of his weight away from the beast, finally yanking him back while the other man was prying his fingers loose, sending the creature to the ground, crushing Urich underneath.
Well, who was the stupid bastard now? He was certainly feeling like one.
Victoria collapsed to the floor, coughing and gasping for breath. Her entire neck was visibly bruised and strained, though after a moment, color finally began to return to her face. And once her breath returned to her lungs, she was demanding, "Get.. Help get... that thing... off of my fiance!" And try as she might to stand, she found herself too dizzy to walk as she fell over, and was caught by the strange man as he blushed.
"Er... Miss, I'm afraid you're too weak to stand. Do sit down. I will see what I can do for this gentleman."
Victoria tried to fight his grip, but eventually caved to his whims and fell back to her knees int he grass, her skirts pillowing around her.
"Just be quick! That damn thing is heavy!" Though she probably didn't need to tell Urich that.
He couldn't really roll the damn thing off of him and felt it's weight slowly crushing him and sinking air out of his lungs. Urich gasped and flailed his arms outward as he clawed ground and grass.
Unfortunately when the man tried to push, the damn thing wouldn't budge, and he kept trying until he was blue in the face. Victoria rolled her eyes and managed to get over to him, and helped him until finally, they were able to roll the damn thing off, but then both the man and Victoria ended up spilling on top of Urich with a pair of yelps.
And that was the story of the death of Urich Renqvist.
Well, not really. But he had no consciousness left when they spilled over him at last and laid quite still all that while. Barely breathing with bruises all over his body.
Victoria lifted herself up and looked down at her fiance. Gasping, she scrambled to get off of him, beating the other man along the way.
"Get off of him! Get off! Can't you see he's nearly blue int he face? He probably has cracked ribs." she said as the pair scrambled to get off of him.
The man frowned. "You look as if you fair no better. Why don't the pair of you come back to my estate? I can at least assist you if you have any broken bones. I know a little about the human body," he added, sheepishly.
And Victoria grumbled, not enough for the man to hear, "Yes, but do you know that of a werewolf?"
Sighing, she accepted his offer, and the group helped carry Urich back to the carriage wit the help of Frederick (whom Victoria had to explain to the other man). It was only as they were heading otwards this man's estate did Victoria look over at the gentleman and quirk a sharp brow at him.
"I don't believe I caught your name." she said warily.
The man blushed.
"Oh, that's because I never gave it. The name's Simon. Simon Alistaire."
"Interesting.." the name seemed familiar, but she couldn't put a finger on it. "Well, Mr. Alistaire, thank you so much for helping us. Though do forgive me as I'm goign to have to ask you what the hell you're doing with that waxen fleshed man. He seems like some sort of metal man."
"Yes, a machine."
"A what?"
The man shrugged, but smiled. "Well, at one point he was a man, but the gears inside him make him work like the gears in a mill."
"Interesting.." Victoria said, musing over it. "Though... that also begs the question as to why you know all of that." And then the carriage roleld ove ra bumpy hill side and she gasped, clinging onto Urich so he wouldn't fall off the bench.
OOC: I really hoep I didn't give the man a name. NOw I worry XD *goes back to re-read*
[You didn't, so don't worry.]
And Urich nearly did, half toppling out of the carriage with his ass almost over the rail, that was until Victoria caught him, able to hold onto him somehow.
This Mr. Alistair seemed a bit too trusting of a man, indeed. He was professing about how he was part of a research team, and although he hadn't created the metal man, he knew of the folks who did. Victoria hesitated to reveal any information about herself, but she did reveal they had run into this creature before at a run down estate (leaving out that the estate was her own). It was only after an hour into their conversation did the man ask her name.
She hesitated.
"Erm, you can just call me Victoria." Though she didn't like being so formal, and the fact the man blushed over it made matters a bit worse. Either way, she didn't want to reveal she was an Armani. If this man mde those machines, and all of that paper work pointed towards some sort of negotiator hunters, she didn't exactly want to be apart of something like that.
Sighing, she looked down at Urich who was now on her lap, sleeping away.
"How much further?"
"We're just about here." And she peered up at a manor that came out from behind a copse of trees.
Urich awoke with a groan by the time they rolled to a halt in the dirty, branch-ridden driveway of this different manor house, far off the beaten track that the pathway was nearly overgrown with grass and weeds. He reached a hand up to feel his head, which pounded, thought not nearly as much as his body and he looked up from where he laid on Victoria's lap and squinted his eyes at her. "You're trying to kill me aren't you?" he groaned.
"Oh, good, you're awake." But at his words, Victoria frowned flatly. She shook her head. "You and I both know I'd be a lot more clever than this if I were to be off with you. But we're almost at Mr. Alistair's manor, it's just up the way." And she gestured towards the house that appeared to them behind the trees. "He offered to help. Now come up.. chin up... though I doubt you'd need to really lift your chin.. considering the view." And the comment made the other gentleman blush as he stared at... Victoria's... assets..
"I don't know about that. Who's Mr. Alistair?" Urich moved painfully, after all he did just have a giant mechanical man laying on top of him, smashing his bones. "Where's the bag of iron and organs?" he said, grunting in an effort of some motion.
Simon Alistair frowned.
"We left him in the woods for now."
Victoria folded her arms over her chest. "As if I'd let him drag that pile of metal bones in here."
Simon blushed. "Yes, well, I am Mr. Alistair. And you're Mr. Renqvist? Victoria has erm, told me some about you."
Victoria gave a snort at that remark. "Yes, Urich, the man here is a scientist, or of some such. He said he had some supplies at his manor and wanted to help."
"Yes, I was feeling guilty over this ordeal, and well.." he lowered his eyes sheepishly. "I didn't realize our experiment was still programmed. Or rather, was reading one of it's older programs, that is to say."
"And you still need to enlighten me on that, Mr. Alistair. You say some sort of group of men just banded together to create such a thing?"
Simon simply nodded, but decided to change the subject as he noted Urich a moment. "How are you feeling? Does any one part of you hurt more than the other? I'll just need to know for the treatment. Different pains equal different methods. And though I am no doctor, I migh tbe able to come up with some sort of solution to help." Ad he smiled humbly. He liked finding solutions. It's what he was good at.
Urich didn't like being asked all those questions, it made him uncomfortable. So he just glared over at him and gave a pained shrug, the likes of which he didn't let know his pain. Urich just kept his eyes to the sky. "Just give me a bottle of whiskey and I'll be fine. You've got whiskey don't you?"
Simon nodded and stopped the carriage on the gravel driveway, jumping off the other side and coming around to help pull Urich from the top of it. The man could barely stand and he slumped against Simon like a ragdoll, groaning in pain.
"My guess is you'll be needing whiskey all over," Simon laughed and motioned for Victoria to help him into the house.
Victoria and Simon helped get Urich into a chaise lounge in the parlor room. Once he was seated and (mostly) comfortable, Simon left for a moment nad brought back a bottle of wine (a fine wine, too) One from Reajh, then moved to close the partition in the room.
"Here, rest up and I'll go look to see what sort of supplies I have. And oh,... do help yourself to a drink. There are glasses in the cabinet near the settee." Mr. Alistair said, and left hastily.
Victoria glanced around, spending a moment to pick up two glasses for the pair of them before takin ga seat beside Urich.
"Fill them up to the top, if you'll please, Mr. Renqvist." she said with a sigh. "It's been quite a long day."
Urich had barely settled into the couch when Victoria plopped herself beside him. He raised his brows and looked over at her with a glare and roll of his eyes. "If you think, I'm pouring these glasses for you, you can just kiss my behind. You weren't the one smashed underneath that thing. You pour the damn glasses! And I want some whiskey dammit, not this sorry excuse for alcohol."
Urich moved with much difficulty to the edge of the cabinet where the glasses were and opened up the door just underneath it, and sure enough there was a decanter of whiskey. He just took the whole bottle out and took a swig from it, not bothering with a glass. He gave a sigh of pleasure and smiled. "That's much better."
Victoria stared at him sourly. She had nearly been killed, her throat almost crushed him but did you see her complaining? Instead, she simply rolled her eyes at him, thankful the collar on her dress hide the ripe purple and black bruise now finger printed on her neck.
"Fine, I can enjoy this wine myself," and she poured herselfa glass, downing nearly half the thing before finding her own lounge to throw herself upon. Gods.. it's been too long of a day.
Urich took another shot of the whiskey, holding the decanter in his lap. He shook his head and sighed, rolling his eyes at her. "I'm sure you can. You can enjoy lots of things by yourself. You don't need me to pour you a freakin' glass," he grumbled to himself, hoping he could numb away the pain and the ringing in his ears.
Victoria kept her gaze upon her fiance. She was not amused by his souredness. He needed to man up at some point, but she suppose it could not be helped. It seemed they were not fated to enjoy this vacation.
"Perhaps next time we decide to go on a trip, we ought to rent a dragon scout and fly there. And perhaps next time we ought to go to a beach or something. I heard those places are lovely. I've never been." She stared towards the ceiling as she though tit over.
"Then we could avoid this sort of mess. Though I must say, I am at least enjoying this time with you, outside of my home and on my own, despite all of the..er.. situations we keep finding ourselves." She sighed. "It seems our troubles have no end." Shaking her head, she studied Urich.
"Is there anything I can do to help? You were the one that rescued me again from taht contraption anyhow. I could offer to massage you, you look tense, though I think your flesh migh tbe to sore for that."
"Hmph! As if the bruises didn't give it away? You really are blinder than a mole sometimes Victoria," Urich said rolling his eyes and taking another swig. "I'm fine and I'll be fine for a long time, I don't need you touching me, thank you." He didn't like the taste of whiskey all that much, but it was a good hard drink, and just what he needed in this moment. His head was killing him, and just thinking about that blasted machine just got it set to pounding again.
Or were those feet coming back up the stairs? As he looked up, he gave a sigh of relief to see that Simon had returned.
Simon smiled.
"It seems the pair of you are mending well. I came back with this drink, though perhaps you can try taking it after you enjoy your whisky?" he said, offering a glass bottle to Urich.
"This drink is special, in that it should help you heal faster. The trick is.." he said, giving a jovial smile and gentle elbow to Urich's side, one that didn't actually hit him. "That it's laced with silver."
And before Urich would hav ea chance to even get a taste of the thing, Victoria let out a cry and smacked the bottle clean out of their hands.
"Silver DRink!?" she stared at Simon as if he were mad. "No thank you, Mr. Alistair, don't you have something else? Or, at least in this Gods' green earth, some sort of medical supplies? You were telling us you were a scientist, after all!"
Simon gave a sheepish look.
"Well, I er.. yes, I do," he said, producing the purse he had been carrying. "Though neither of you seem to be suffering from any real wounds. Bruises, but no real wounds. Unless you wanted me to cut you open-"
"Stop it at that, Mr. AListair," Victoria said with a sigh. "We don't do well with special drinks, so the whisky and wine will suffice for now. And as far as cutting us up, good heavens, what are you, morbid?" And she gave him a bit of a bitter look, before Simon stared at the pair and mumbling his apologies, looking like a child.. and defeated.
Urich eyed Victoria suspiciously and then back to their host when she knocked the drink out of his face. He took another sip of the whiskey before setting it on the side and reaching down to look at the bottle. "I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure drinking silver isn't heathly for anyone," he mused as he looked it over and then set it on the table. "I'm sorry for my fiancée's sudden outburst. We're thankful for your hospitality, please forgive our rudeness. I think the whiskey will suffice, thank you. You wouldn't happen to have something to eat would you? I'm so famish, I could kill something."
Mr. Alistair paled at the questoin, his mind numb.
Victoria sighed, rolling her eyes. "It was a joke, Mr. Alistair. Where are your servants anyway? Shall we order something now? That is, if you do not mind entertaining us for dinner," Victoria said, batting her lashes at him and clinging onto Simon's arm, squishing her boobs up against him.
That got him to get color to return to his face real quick as his eyes shot down to her massive cleavage, than back up to her eyes.
"Oh, oh! R-right. I only have but one servant, and I sent her home for the day."
"Really?" Victoria looked puzzled. "I suppose we could cook something up ourselves? Could you be a dear and show us the way to the kitchen?" VIctoria asked, giving another extra push to her cleavage. There was no way Mr. Alistair could say no.
Now, that was his girl, using her assets to get what she wanted. Urich grinned and raised the bottle of whiskey at them. "Go and do that," he nodded. "And have a grand ole time. I'll just look around here." When they were gone, he stood up from the lounge and limped to the side of the house, eyeing the decorations therein. It was quite peculiar for someone who just so happened to be working on a machine in the middle of the forest.
He wandered around the sitting room, seeing strange paintings and one in particular of a house that seemed all to familiar. One that looked an awful lot like Victoria's family manor.
The kitchen was rather large, though Victoria was more surprised by the fact the pantry was so bare.
"What do you do for food?"
Simon blushed. "I eat simple foods, really. It doen't take muhc to feed just me.."
"And you do not entertain?" VIctoria inquired.
The man shook his head. "I am afraid I have no one to entertain."
"With suhc a large house?" she looked around, tsking. "Well, "she drew in a breath. "I suppose we can start somewhere. That meat I saw hanging, perhaps we can use that and just fry up some seasoned pork?"
Simon only blushed, Victoria still latched to his arm and giving him an eye full. ANd te two disappeared into the meat cooler of the basement, leaving Urich to his own devices in the large kitchen.
Urich knew what she was trying to do and the smile he gave to Victoria was to let her know it wasn't going to work. At least not in this woman. Let Simon fumble awkwardly in the presence of such bountiful assets. If it got them good drink and good food, Urich wasn't going to argue with her logic. So at the mention of seasoned pork, Urich perked up and watched them head down to the cooler before looking around the kitchen himself, finding various instruments and plucking them from their bearings to set them on the island at the center. And pulled some spices from the spice rack as well.
Victoria's laughter signaled their return, and Simon's face was so very red upon re-entry to his kitchen. Stumbling ove rhis own two feet, he rested the raw pork upon the table.
"I think this ought to do it. Miss Armani here insisted on meat of this and um erm.." he was fussing over the collar of his suit, at his cravate.
Victoria leered. "Yes, meat of this size and quality is very suitable for those you wish to entertain." she said, batting her long lashes at the man, who's ears were now red. THen to Urich, she grinned, placing her hands upon his shoulders and peered over. "Find any good seasonings?" shes said, pressing her breast well into his back side, to let him know she hand't forgotten him.
Urich laughed and nodded to his fiancee, feeling her breasts against his back. "I did in fact. Some salts and pepper and this stuff. It smells like basil, though I'm not sure how you'd use it on pork. So darling your in charge here, how shall we get started making this pork?"
"Me?" she began with a frown. She wrinkled her nose. "I don't know the first thing about seasoning a pork roast, Urich. If anything, I might mess it up. But if I were to wager a guess.."
But it was Mr. Alistair who cleared his throat, butting in.
"Might I suggest this?" he said, picking up a jar of oil, full of seasonings and floating piece sof crushed red peppers. "We normally roast er.. our pork in this."
Victoria raised a curious brow at it, then smiled. Patting Urich on the shoulder she gestured, "There. You see? We can just use that, then add some salt and pepper that you found." And she grabbed the basil like thing and gave it a sniff.
"Yeah. no thank you to this." She said, setting it aside, but Simon picked it up.
"This would actually do well to season some potatoes. We could make some of those as well. They cook well over the stove, alogn withs ome freshly churned butter."
"I know who's churning the butter. If you'll excuse me," Urich bowed and when Simon showed him where the churner was, he went about it in the corner, minding himself as he watched them out of the corner of his eye."
As Victoria continued to flirt while her husband was churning some butter; Simon Alistair was red to his ears (and maybe toes) by the time the food was ready. And all through dinner, his blush never went away, as Victoria was all smiles and leers, leaning over the table in just the right manner, he almost got a peek of too much breasts.
"So, tell me, Mr. Alistair," Victoria began, finally ready to cut to the chase. "Do tell me about that mechanical man that tried to kill us. I'm very interested in what it is and what it does."
Simon nearly choked on his food, going pale as he looked up at her, looking from Urich then back to Victoria.
"Well, er, to tell you the truth, I'm not really allowed to talk about it. At least not inthorough detail," he said, clearing his throat. "But the one I found is from an older study, definitely before my time." And then he looked down at his plate, uncertain if he could even take another bite.
"Oh, really?" Victoria asked, leaning forward. "But it seems two people already know about it, so what harm would it do? After all, what would he Council think if I were to report some metal man attacked me and there was no good alibi?"
If it was possible, Simon paled even further as he looked up at her.
"Oh, please, Miss Armani, I beg of you not to report this. It is my terrible judgement that has placed me in this predicament."
Victoria could have rolled her eyes, but staved it off as she sighed, glancing over to her fiance.
"I don't know, you almost could have killed my fiance, and at more than one point today." She sighed. "It certainly would be nice to know why, but I suppose I can wait for a report to be filed by my Aunt..."
"Oh.. M-miss, I... but I can't reveal it I.. err... that is to say, this portion of the project has been closed for years, so this mechanical man should have been destroyed as well.:
Victoria eyed him over.
"Interesting.." and hse leaned forward more, placing her gloved hand upon is. "But I would like to know more." And she gave him just the right amount of boob to coax the color back onto his face.
Urich sat back and watched the exchange with nothing but air and whiskey passing his lips. He could see Viactoria's growing interest, and grew alarmed at this, at revealing the fact that she was in lieu with Negotiators by revealing association with the coucil. He shot forward, sat up in his chair and loudly cleared his throat.
Simon momentarily turned his head to him before blanching underneath the wolf's gaze.
"Ahem, what I think my lady here is trying to say is that as your guests...and having come into contact with such a strange contraption, we were just curious as to know its surrounding details. Because between the two of us, we won't utter a word but if you don't I'm afraid Victoria is more than curious enough to make her own wild tales about it and tell the story to her group of friends called The Council, which is just her pet name for her little circle of pamphlet writing buddies. Isn't that right...darling?" Urich pressed widening his eyes at her to keep her mouth shut about Negotiator business.
Victoria caught the look, and realized her mistake. She then turned to Simon and batted her eyes prettily at him.
"Yes, you see, I'm a author by nature. Perhaps you have heard of some of my writing? 'Men, Sex and Machines'." And that was enough to get Simon to go red faced and forget anything she said about her council. Glanicn gback to Urich, her eyes spoke volumes on her thanks.
"It's quite a marvelous piece of work," Urich complimented with another shot of whiskey and took a great big bite of the pork roast and smiled wolfishly. "It's quite...expository wouldn't you agree? But she's gifted truly." Urich ate another bite triumphantly and looked aack to Simon. "If you wouldn't mind, perhaps you might enllighten us on the details of this mechanical man? Who came up with such an impossible idea?"
As the group all sat down to enjoy their meal, Simon was feeling terribly out of place, and terribly red in the face. He swallowed down the knot in this throat at the man's question.
"Er, to be honest, all of the research was done before my time, so I could not tell you the origins, and well.."s he shuffled uneasily from where he sat. "It's classified information anyways. The public was not meant to know about them." He frowned, staring down at his food. "At least not yet."
"Honestly, I think this is something the public should never know about," Urich admitted. "You know how strong it is. You know what it can do. In fact...what is it's exact purpose, I wonder."
"Yes, I too, am interested in such information," Victoria began, still leaning over the table, her assets now resting, perky an pressed together, with extra support, from the table ledge.
Simon felt himself begin to sweat.
"Well, they're mostly for research," the scientist replied lamely, his eyes going down to his lap.
Victoria frowned. "Why, Mr. Alistair, you haven't touched any of your food.."
"That's because I'm more thirsty than I am hungry," he admitted.
"Ah,.. perhaps more wine then?" And before he could protest, Victoria was refilling his cup.
Damn she was good! Urich couldn't hide his smirk as he watched Simon hesitatntly drink his wine. "Mr. Alistair, I'm sorry if we're pressing it too much. Maybe we can talk about something else. How long have you lived out this way? Do you like the Valley?"
Simon was barely getting his wine down, his throat felt so restricted, but he was relieved for the subject change. Smiling to Mr. Renqvist, he answered, "Oh, I loved the valley, but I'm originally from up north, from the duchy of Allar; though I spent most of my years studying in Uthlyn, amongst other places." And he cleared his throat, muttering smething about ,"Oh, my throat is still kind of dry.."
"The more wine it IS!" Victoria said excitedly, topping off his glass as Simon sighed.
"So what about the pair of you. You say you're engaged?" and he looked from Victoria nad back to Urich, and when his eyes were upon Mr. Renqvist, Victoria gave him a look, hoping he'd answer this one smartly.
"Yes, yes, we are," Urich answered with a sip of the untouched wine glass by his plate. He took another bite and cleaned his mouth with his napkin. "We are set to be married very soon, here in the valley even. Well, maybe, details aren't settled yet." He smiled at both of them. "It was a rough start and we still have our disagreements every now and then, but then who doesn't. Tell me, Mr. Alistair, are you married?"
Simon blinked once the conversation had turned back on him.
"Oh.. who me?"
Victoria bat her lashes at him. "Yes, you, Mr. Alistair.. Do you have a Mrs. Alistair?"
The man blushed and stared down at Victoria's breasts before looking away. They were still presented upon the table like two freshly picked melons, melons that were apparently about to spill out from her clothes. He adjusted his cravate.
"N-no. I'm afraid I am not married," he admitted, feeling himself sweat a bit at his smile.
Victoria gasped. "Really? I would think a smart man such as yourself might have found himself a woman. After all, you have such a lovely home, though I suppose at your lack of servants it makes sense you do not have a wife yet. Thigns will change when you find the right one." And she winked at him. "Too bad I'm already engaged," she outwardly flirted.
"Yes, too bad," Urich said, eyes shooting to her momentarily. "Is that something you had planned, Mr. Alistair? Do you want children? What do you do for a living?"
Victoria grinned back challengingly to Urich's look, before batting her eyes back to Mr. Alistair. He was redder than a tomato. And he shuffled about uneasily at the question.
"Yes, well, er... that is to say, m-marriage would be nice but er.." and his eyes went down to the heft bosom still presented before him, and the long-lashed look Victoria was giving him. Gods! Did his pants ever feel tight! He was just thankful he was sitting. "I.. I haven't had the time to really.. er.. look." And he stared at Miss Armani's bust again before glancing away, muttering out his own question, "So er.. what about the pair of you? Are you er... to be married soon? Going to have kids?" Hopefully they'd go on their own tangent so his blush could cool off.
Urich chewed on his lip and sat back in his chair, watching the continued display of Victoria putting her breasts on display. At the turn of the conversation, he began to feel himself sweat and grow continuously uncomfortable. He didn't know what to do other than to smile and laugh at the question. But his gaze fell on Victoria and turned almost despondent.
"I don't know, Mr. Alistair," he said, taking another drink of whiskey. "I do believe that would be up to Victoria, wouldn't it? I mean, as the woman, she would be bearing the child. We haven't made any definitive plans yet. It's all quite up in the air."
Victoria flashed Urich a look, before leaning back in her chair, properly.
"Yes, getting married first would be ideal. I suppose Mr. Renqvist and I could speak on children, later." Then rising, she smiled at Mr. Alistair, "Do forgive me, but you have been a wonderful host. Though I'd hate to remain a burden to you any longer but my fiance and I ought to be going. We are on holiday and it seems we haven't even begun the journey. So many peculiar circumstances keep getting in the way and I was just reminded that we had best be going if we are to make it to the next town before nightfall."
Urich nodded to Simon and stood up, setting his glass down and his half-finished plate. "I suppose so, Mr. Alistair," he said with a nod of his head. "Though if it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you mind giving us a tour of the house? I'd love to see the rest of it! This place is beautiful. Isn't it, Victoria?"
"Yes, hrm, I suppose it is," she replied. And although the place was lovely, as Mr. Alistair began to take them around for a grand tour, Victoria seemed hardly in the mood for it, and remained a lot more quiet than she had been at dinner. Though as they made their rounds upstairs and into his master bedroom, Victoria found one of her hands lacing with Urich's.
"I am so glad I'll be marrying to you," she whispered, but hadn't looked up at his face as her eyes took in the room. "To think, had we not met, I could have lived such a lonely life like this."
Urich looked down at her hand that threaded itself into his. He took in a quite and wanted to smile but couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he cast his eyes out to the room as Simon was talking about his tapestries. His eyes grew blank and distant as he gave a forced smile. "Yes, to think of such a thing," he said softly. "That would be sad wouldn't it."
Victoria gave another squeeze to his hand as the group was lead through the last bits of rooms inside, before Victoria turned to her fiance, smiled to him, then back at Simon Alistair.
"Well, you have quite the lovely home. But we'd best be going. We wouldn't want to keep you detained by having to entertain us longer than necessary," Victoria began as the group passed by the kitchen again, and inadvertently, the basement stairs. And Victoria felt a chill coming from that direction, but tried to ignore it, even after she had lightly gasped and turned her eyes in it's direction.
Yes.. thank goodness they'd be out of this house soon. She was beginning to feel claustrophobic and began desiring to be out on the open road once again.
"No, it wasn't any trouble at all," Simon assured them, and Victoria was surprised when the man took her hand and lightly kissed the back of it. "I assure you, the pleasure was all mine."
And Victoria gave an uneasy smile in return and nodded, before glancing over to her fiance.
Urich too smiled uneasily and held out a hand to Simon and shook it vigorously. "Thank you, sir. You were very kind to welcome us into your home. And to share with us your hospitality." He laughed and looped and arm with Victoria's. "We'll have to share drinks properly sometime, sir. Perhaps ther'll come a time when I cnn welcome you into my home. But yes, we'll have to head back to our camp now."
Victoria gasped suddenly as she recalled, turning to Urich. "I almost forgot! How are you feeling. From your injuries?" she pressed, a bit of a pout on her lips as he hugged onto his arm, though not too tightly. "Do we need to inquire about any more supplies to help you before we bid our proper farewells? It would be prudent to ensure we have the right supplies... considering what happened today."
Simon perked up. "Oh, yes! If you need anything, anything at all. Please let me know, Mr. Renqvist."
"Like I said once before and I'll say it once more, I'll be fine," Urich assured her and gave a sigh of annoyance. But he smiled nonetheless and nodded to Simon. "Mr. Alistair, you've been a generous host to the both of us, I'd hate to impose on you further. I think it's best if we just leave. I'm sure we have all the supplies we need. Except for that decanter of whiskey, if you don't mind me asking. That's all I would impose upon."
Simon glanced at Urich with raised brows before shrugging and gesturing for him to take it. "Please, feel free! You already drank half of it and I've always felt whiskey was too strong for me. I'm more delicate I suppose. I prefer a fine wine. There y'are. Well, if that is all then, shall I see you two to the door?"
Victoria snatched the whisky.
"No, I'm sure we could show ourselves out." And she gave Urich a stare before turning back to Mr. Alistair with a bow.
"You are most generous. Perhaps we'll all run into each other sometime? Take care." And she wasted no time keeping her looped arm hooked onto Urich as she began to drag him towards the door.
"Geeze!" Urich grumbled. "What's the rush? And be careful with that whiskey, would you. Ow!" He rubbed his sore arm as she ushered them out of the front door and to the carriage. "What was that all about?"
Victoria collapsed onto the carriage bench with a sigh. She didn't answer Urich at first before she sat up and looked over at him with a frown.
"I just had a sudden itch I couldn't scratch," she found herself saying, her frown deepening. "It's just.. this was meant to be our vacation. As curious as it is what is going on with that metal man and this scientist fellow, I'd rather find a way to enjoy this vacation. It seems we've found nothing but trouble since we left town." And she looked away, staring down at the whisky bottle before tossing it out the window as the carriage rolled away.
"Hey! What the hell's the matter with you? That's a sixty year old bottle of Alhambric Casamir Whiskey! The bottle alone is worth It's weight in gold!" At her action, Urich instinctively threw open the door and himself with it, rolling off onto the road with a grunt and a groan as gravel scraped against his skin.
He crawled to his hands and knees, sore and a little scraped up as he stood at last, staggering toward the bottle and picking it up gently.
Victoria laid lazily upon her belly on the carriage bench, elbows infront of her, palms resting beneath her chin as she stard back at her fiance through the open carriage door. Her eyes were half lidded, and she wore a subtle grin.
"The things a man would do for whisky," she teased, and lightly waved a hand. "Frederick, do slow down the horses. It seems Mr. Renqvist has fallen out of the carriage." And with a groan, the carriage stopped. Sitting up, she grinned back at him.
"Still worried about money? I thought you realized by now your fiance is rich." And then upon further examination of his clothing, full of dirt and gravel now, she frowned. "And shouldn't you be keeping off that arm?"
Urich cradled the bottle against him and glared at her. "Be quiet, woman. You don't know nearly half as much as you think you do. So it'd do to keep your opinions to yourself for the duration of our trip," he said lowly before climbing back into the carriage and holding onto the bottle of his whiskey. He looked it over as if it were a diamond, a gem he'd likely never find an a thousand years even if he tried.
Victoria rolled her eyes and signaled to Frederick.
"It seems Mr. Renqvist and his child are ready to go."
And the valet groaned and the carriage lurched forward, and they were off and running again.
Staring over at Urich, she raised a single brow, but said nothing as she leaned back into the plush cushioning of her side of the bench.
Urich too said nothing and tucked the bottle off into the crook of his arm, not long before closing his eyes to go to sleep. He was tired anyhow from all the bullshit that had compounded thus far. Nothing could do him better than a good nap.
It had been many hours since Urich had drifted off to sleep. But Victoria let him. He needed it, and she found herself shaking her head as the man cradled the bottle of alcohol as if it were some child.
And though the wooded path they took was long, it was peaceful, so long after Urich had taken to sleep, they were already pulling up to the next town. She instructed Frederick to go ahead through it, and they parked the carriage nearby an Inn; to which the name made Victoria laugh.
"The Loose Goose..." she shook her head and turned to Frederick. "Please do watch over Mr. Renqvist as he sleeps, Frederick. I am going for a stroll."
And the zombie valet turned to her with a groan, one of his eyes falling out with made her smile as she stpped forward and well, helped him push that eye back into it's socket before she patted him upon the shoulder.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to pay out extra once we return to Armani Keep." And with a smile, she took off down the cobblestone way, securing her hat upon her head (for there was quite a lot of wind in this little town) as she began to take her stroll with, long, carefree strides of her boots.
There were a lot of quaint little stores; a barber shop, a doll maker, a black-smith tinkering away at new pairs of swords, a dress makers hut, a baker (who's bread smelled divine and she found herself purchasing a loaf to snack on as she walked), a hat shop, and a tailor's (that of which she found herself purchasing a new suit for Urich, and ordered them to deliver it back to the carriage at 'the Loose Goose' before she found herself pausing before a quaint little tea shop that was perched near an arched, stone bridge that made it's home over a meandering stream.
It was upon the bridge she found herself leaning against it's wall and staring down, studying the fish swimming at leisure. This made her smile as she recalled the time she and Urich had gone swimming in the small lake in the middle of the woods, using old Mr. Henry's fishing boat.
'Oh, how far we've come..'
But it was only then her expression began to fall away, recallng back to when Urich had transformed against his will and well....
she rubbed at her neck. He had tried to kill her. She tried to play it off as something that just happened, and was the risk she ran while being engaged to a werewolf. But she had seen the look in Urich's eyes when he had returned to a man, and guilt plagued her heart.
Breaking off a piece of bread, she tossed a few bits into the stream.
Was it fair to keep Urich engaged to her? He had asked her, after all, hadn't he? But...
She threw in a few more crumbs of bread into the stream.
Were they being hasty? She didn't like to think so but...
She couldn't help this guilt she now felt as she lamented back to that moment, playing it over inside her head again and again.
She had never seen Urich so frightened in all of her life, so distraught....
Was it she who had caused all of that distress? Perhaps she was thinking too much about it.
The liquour gave him a pleasant enough sleep and Urich awoke with a snort from the rear of the carriage. Victoria was gone and he gave no question as to where when he emerged from the carriage. He found his way to the inn they were parked in front of and bought a room for them, leaving a spare key with Frederick after he brought their nightbags up there. Dinner would start in about an hour and that was plenty of time for him to fall abck asleep upstairs.
As the day lulled on, a storm began to brew over head. Dark clouds were rolling in, and despite that, (and the fact it was getting nearer to dinner), Victoria remained perched above the stream along the arched, stone bridge. The cool winds coming in from the north ruffled through her dark hair and skirts, and felt wonderful on her skin.
And then it happened, a few fat raindrops fell down from the sky And despite having her parasol, she did not use it, but remained there on the bridge, letting the waters that were now pouring down from the sky soak into her clothing and skin. It felt nice, and reminded her again of all the things in life she had taken for granted. She had lived a life stuffed away from the rest of the world, never knowing the full potentials of life. Or even the real joys of it in these simple moments. And it was awakening within her, this simple moment in the rain.
Urich awoke in the dark, the bed cold and empty except for him. "Victoria?" he called back, but got no response. While no worry came to him, not enough to panic, he did become quite concerned with the fact that she'd been gone for quite some time. He crawled out of bed, quite disheveled. He cleaned up quickly before departing the room, looking sharp in the new suit that he'd discovered Victoria purchased for him.
It was an exhausting prospect, considering he had clothes in fine condition as it were. But he didn't want a repeated boot incident and exited from the inn and asked locals if they'd seen a woman around with a particularly large bosom. Soon he was pointed in the direction of the brook.
Urich did find her there and stood in the rain underneath his umbrella, watching her stare out at the water at the edge of the bridge. "I never thought you'd like rain so much," he muttered, staying where he was.
By now the rains had soaked her blue dress, turning it black,a nd it clung to every curve and detail of her body. And while it had been pouring sheets earlier, the rains had lightened somewhat, so when he spoke, his voice carried over the pattering drops upon the cobblestone.
She smiled, eyes still dreamily gazing at the rising waters of the stream.
"I've always hid underneath a parasol from the rain," she began to say, and paused a moment to look out at the world just beyond the town. "It feels good to remember I am not bound by laws all the time and propriety." ANd she turned towards him finally and her smile brightened. "That suit.." she gestured towards him with her closed parasol, before resting it at her side as a crutch. "It looks good on you. I think the color brings out your eyes."
But then as she watched him, she flattened her lips, thinking back to the other day.
"Urich... please tell me something and I want you to be honest with me." Her brown eyes tried to read his as she grit her teeth through a fading smile. "How impossible am I, really?" SHe raised a hand, brushing away her soaked bangs to keept he rivers of water from tickling over her nose.
"I know I tried to ignore your warnings from earlier...t hat time you transformed. I tried to play it off as it were nothing, but I think I haven't fully come to terms in what we have, what we are..."
She paused a moment, the rains still soaking into her body, into her skin.
"I know I've loved you for a while, Urich, but I also know a lot of that initial love came from a fantasy. I've been sheltered for a good long while, kept away inside a stuffy house only able to read stuffy books. I... I'm not very good at this sort of thing.... at a relationship, and I cna't help but feel a bit guilty for you that you've chosen me over the freedom I know werewolves most crave. So please realize how much I respect you for being able to deal with me, to deal with this, to deal with everything we have gone through, the good and the bad." And here, her smile grew a little bit, before she turned away, blushing.
"I know it's silly for me to say this in the rain, I guess we could have this conversation inside but.." she glanced back over at him. "I really am grateful to have someone like you in my life. It makes the rain feel sweeter, and it makes me realize that rain can be enjoyed."
"Wolves always enjoy rain," he commented idly, staring out toward the brook. "It connects us to the sky, to a hidden power present in all things. The heart of the earth, of the wild. Though we may not realize it, the earth is a tremulous thing, powerful and vicious and knows not stagnancy. It changes constantly. If you cannot change with it, it swallows you whole."
Urich kept the umbrella over him and watched the water run over the rocks ceaselessly, relaxingly, mulling over her words. He was expressionless and his eyes smiled only at the water, knowing that in time the stone would shape themselves from the passage of the stream, wear away, smooth over, or become nothing at all.
"You're so selfish," He said quietly after a while. "You feel sorry for yourself even after all that's happened. For something I chose. I wonder if you ever truly realize that there are other people around you and not just you inhabiing the world. As if it is some story being told through your eyes." He smiled despite the situation and clutched the rain in his gloved hand even tighter. "You don't really respect me. You say it, but your eyes reveal the truth. You think of me as little more than a brooch you can pin to your dress. You're capable of many things. I always knew you were. But fooling a wolf is not one of them."
Victoria stared over towards him for a long while. The rain carried on, the wind fluttering through it, even tossing some into her eyes. And then she too, smiled in spite of their situation.
"I never was good with other people," she admitted. "But I never meant to come off that way to you. I... they don't teach this sort of thing in books." She paused, frowning a bit and brushed her hair aside, the rain still running through it. "Wolf or other wise, I'm just not good at a lot of things, Urich, and I guess I... what I'm trying to say is... I'd like to learn." Her eyes tried to find his. "I'd like to make myself a better person.." and the rain continued to drum off her hair and shoulders. "For you. At least you know.."s he tried to smile, in spite of the situation. "To try to anyways. I did come out here hoping to learn with you."
Urich's eyes never wavered from the stream even as she spoke to him. He just watched the watwwr and listened to the sound of the rain pattering against his umbrella.
"Do it for yourself, not me," he muttered. "If anything lasts forever it's what you give to yourself."
"Dinner is starting soon," he said idly. "We should get back don't you think? You'll catch a cold out here in the rain."
Victoria sighed and turned away from him, staring at the small brook as well.
"I don't think I could eat anything now. You can go ahead without me if you wish." She frowned. THis conversation hardly resolved anything that had been gnawing at her, but she felt as if the conversation had come to an impasse, considering she was just too dense to see what he had meant. Or too dense to know how to formulate the right words that needed to be said.
For most of her life she had to fight to get any sort of respect, and even then, it ended with her only finally getting somewhere and accepted in the Council she seemed to now be running away from. She was just so used to being cooped up inside of herself that indeed, he was right. It was hard for her to look pass things through her own eyes. But it was also one way she coped with her own weaknesses. If it was just her, who else could she affect? She hadn't realized how this affected her towards another, and perhaps it was truly that reason why she had never found love before. Somehow, for whatever reason, Urich Renqvist had managed to find a way to love her. And she... was she honestly loving him back?
Books and reading and learning these rules and fighting against politics,... it had become quite tiring but left her about as hollow as every other stuffed shirt person there. Of course she wanted to better herself. She felt so much more pathetic before, but she also wanted to do it for her husband to be. Why did he make it sound so shameful she actually wanted to do things for him? THis she did not understand. It was just the way she saw things. Though yes, making him ornamental was a sad result of it, she hardly meant anything by it. It was just the part of her that had been repressed. She never had a chance to experience what she ought to do in such a situation. SO she was a dud of a duck for that.
She stared down at the ring and all of the colors collected there. Could this really work? It was all so wonderful when they were simply kissing, simply loving on one another. But then she smiled. If she liked things easy, she supposed she wouldn't have fallen in love with him at all.
A bell from a nearby church rung out, catching her attention. Her eyes drifted towards the street where a man and woman were laughing, carrying on as they rushed out from the doors in their wedding suit and dress and splashed childishly through the puddles before the man, dipping the woman down low, gave her a deep and love impassioned kiss.
A smile crept across her lips. It was a sweet moment, one captured in the rain; and they were so in love with one another the rain did not matter; nothing did but just the two of them.
Could she ever find herself loving a man in that way? To love Urich without restraint?
She'd like to think so, and moved to turn away from him. She needed a longer walk to clear her head,a nd by now, the rains had turned into a fine mist that clung at her face, and inside her dark hair like small jewels.
"I'll meet you back at the Inn,"s he said, and paused after taking a few steps and looking back over her shoulder. "That is, unless you wish to join me for a stroll. I heard there's a lovely path just on the other side of here, through some dense woods."
For she couldn't go back now. SHe was crawling beneath her skin and felt as if she ought to run until she was exhausted of her breath.
It was far too easy and tempting to abandon her again. Urich set his jaw and smiled out to the brook and thought for a moment that she might walk away indefinitely and that smile slowly faded into nothing and his eyes appeared almost sad.
The least of it all, he could give her credit for bringing the problem to light. But if she thought she could just fix everything with a simple apology without being able to acknowledge where she truly went wrong for herself, she had another thing coming. It was not his male pride speaking, that a man ought to able to support himself in the least of his needs. #ut in the way Victoria often treated him, her money was enough to keep them both afloat, leaving whatever he earned to shrivel up into meaningless dust. He could not help but feel inferior as her mate, that there was little more he could provide her other than a ring and a child. And if he could not be her equal, then he saw no reason to be with her.
Urich looked at her at last at her invitation to walk and gave a small smile. He nodded to her and stepped from the bridge, waiting for her to lead him on.
OOC: Poor Urich fell for a trifling woman 8D
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Victoria smiled, feeling somewhat relieved when he decided to come with her. Though she waited for him to approach her side, her eyes studied the umbrella he now held.
"Why don't we just enjoy the rain together?" she said, gesturing to the umbrella, insinuating if he wanted, he ought to put it away. She tried to smile, to make hers more genuine, but Victoria was never good at hiding her emotions, or dealing with them at all, so it came out forced and fake. It was a sad attempt at her to scramble to figure out what was digging into their relationship's side like a thorn; or rather, her own ineptness of which she had not quite opened up to. It was sad that her only way she thought she could toss out love was how every other relationship she saw had done it- through money. ANd she hadn't realized her flaunting what she had always used all of her life was suffocating the very man beside her.
But like the rain, the feeling was unstoppable and was building up inside and like before, she was floundering. Before when she grew terrible with jealousy, and meek with sickness when she couldn't just bring herself to say or do anything to quell the feelings inside her. So she felt grey, and had no idea how to find it in her to see colors again, and this worried her. She did not want to become so pathetic again.
Urich's presence seemed to bring out her colors, in more ways than one.
Urich sighed and looked at his umbrella. He shrugged and gesture to it with a hand he now stuffed into his pocket. "Why don't we share the umbrella?" he asked solemnly. "I'd hate to ruin the new suit you bought for me." And he motioned for her to just walk along with him.
"If I was concerned about the shirt, I wouldn't have asked for you to walk with me in the rain, but if you insist on me walking near to you, then I suppose I'll use that excuse." It was a lame attempt to jest at their situation, she, hoping to break the grey mood brooding between them, but truthfully, she'd rather not be so close to him feeling so... at unease. But she didn't fight it, forced a smile and stepped in under the umbrella with him. And it felt as if only the sound of rain upon the umbrella was the only thing welcoming her here. It felt... strange. Awkward, and she felt out of place.
"The path is just over there," she pointed to the other side of the bridge. "There's a bit of stone that lines the way. I heard there's a sanctuary of trees at the other end, reaching so far up you can not possibly see the tops of it. It wouldbe a sight to see such a thing, would it not? To think, trees could grow so big."
"Yes , I believe it would be," Urich said simply. He gave her a soft smile and looked back at the path, where the trail disappeared around the bend and the trees.
He held the umbrella on the arm nearest her and slowly reached down with his other hand to place it softly on his forearm and put his other hand away in his pocket.
"I like the color," he muttered, talking about the suit. "It suits me. And you bought it out of the kindness of your heart right? So why would I want to ruin it? Where did you get it?"
"Kindness? Goodness, no, boredom really," she joked. "But what else is a woman to do with herself when going into town? Even I'm a glutton to the feminine drive to purchase things, and you, well, you were passed out drunk." ANd she looked away, pretending not to be bothered by that. Buying him clothes was one way to forget they had interesting quirks between them, even if that did not fix any problem. "And it was a small tailor shop. Called Jessem's."
Her eyes traced over the trees, taking int he detail of the raindrops hanging off the lower branches until they became so fat with water, they expelled even larger drops ontot he ground into heavy 'plops' of mud puddles that littered and pocked the trail they now walked upon.
Urich gave a frown. "I wasn't drunk. I was sleepy. Don't you sleep when you're sleepy?" He gave a forced laugh. "I can actually drink quite a bit before getting drunk, I think maybe I'll show you sometime." He looked up at the trees and appreciated the views with a genuine smile.
"Maybe we can visit Jessem's and get the sleeves taken in," he said, examining the coat.
"I'm sure you could," she replied sorely to his drinking statement, but at the comment about the sleeves...
"Oh, goodness, I thought your arms were longer. I asked the tailor to put his arms around me so that I could measure from memory all those times you've embraced me. Hrmm... Perhaps Jessem has longer arms than you," she said coyly with a playful grin.
Urich gave a genuine laugh at her jest, but didn't look at her. "I bet it was quite a feeling to have another man's arms around you," he laughed. "What was that like for you?" He adjusted the umbrella in his hands and leaned it more over to her side.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"As if I'd let some man just touch me," she said with a sniff. "But really, I think the man's arms were a lot longer, albeit slimmer than yours. I swear his limbs were made of noodles." She chuckled and leaned in a bit closer towards him, before she sighed, her eyes still cast out to the forest trail. "It is rather pretty, isn't it? The woods.. and the smell of the pine in the rain."
"I'm sure it sent thrills through you," he laughed and gestured to the trees. "It is quite nice. We should have a nice walk way like this when we have a home of our own," he said with a shrug.
He smelled the pines and the fresh wet grass. He squeezed the umbrella and just smiled. "We should do this more often."
"Oh, yes, you know how I adore men who, if I were to sit on, I could break their bones." She rolled her eyes, but it was all in good humor, and at his comments she smiled and looked up at him, rain water still rivering down her face from her hair.
"I think I would like that." And then her expression warmed. "Maybe we can find our own little run down manor off in the forests somewhere, or even the valley, a place hwere we could have the wolf pups scamper about in, and where Robern can find another body even? Perhaps one near a grave yard?" And she leaned in a bit closer to him, hugging onto his arm. "A little place we could fix up together.. to call our own."
He chukcled at her musings. "That would be nice," he agreed. "Quaint even, but nice. It sounds just like something you would write about in your journal." He looked at her for a moment and paused. "Here." And handed the umbrella off to her. Then slipped the coat off his shoulder and slipped it over hers to keep the shiverings low.
"There," he said with a crooked grin before taking the umbrella back from her. "The rain is getting a little heavy... Much like your bosom."
Victoria blushed at his gesture before smiling.
"And like your skull..." she said, taking his arm and leaning into him sweetly. They were passing through the thicker grove of trees here, so that the umbrella only had fat drops of rainwater fall upon it that had filtered through the trees. She looked up. These weren't the trees she was looking for, but they were still pretty, and she could not keep herself from continuing to smile.
"All the better to suffer you with," Urich replied with a sigh and a shrug. "I was thinking of buying you a new dress. Would that be all right or were you set on buying one yourself?" He pursed his lips and looked down at the ground as they walked.
"Buy me a dress?" she repeated as she blinked and peered up at him, but his face was cast away. Her lips were then drawn into a coy smile. "Should I even dare ask what sort of dress?" she said, bumping her hip lightly into his. "But why are you asking me permission? You are free to do as you like, and I... well, I can't say I've ever had someone buy me a dress before, well, aside from my Aunt. So, I suppose as long a sit doesn't make me look frumpy, or any fatter than I already am and accentuates my curves rather than amplifies them, then perhaps I wouldn't mind a gift." She smiled over towards him.
"And no, I hadn't really had anything in mind. I hadn't done any shopping for myself today. I was just browsing the area and had thought of you when I got the suit. It was int he window and well, I thought it would look rather handsome on you. If anything," she sighed. "My only powers seem to be to be able to buy things. I don't think I'm too good at words of flattery. And I was also thinking.." but she halted, not finishing her sentence as she looked to the ground.
But it was then, as they walked, she noticed a curl and rise in the trail, and a little wooden post that labeled this section as 'The Forest Sanctuary'. And the arrow pointed the way.
Her eyes followed along a row of wooden steps pressed into the dirt. And she found herself smiling.
"Looks like we've made it." she said and turned to him, grinning.
Urich found himself turning his head as if to look at something and rolled his eyes as he did so. He should have known such a simple question would cause her to prattle on and on and on about herself. She couldn't just merely accept the gift, thank hin and be done with it... It was too much work, he suspected, to realize that he didn't know her measurements by heart and would obviously need her to get measured for anything to fit her properly. That spending any time together aside from walks and dinner was more of a chore than a joy. "Oh never mind. Don't worry about it," he muttered to himself.
Urich sighed and once they'd reached the wooded area, he looked around them with genuine appreciation. "Yes, it's, uh, very nice. Very nice indeed. I'm surprised more couples aren't out here."
OOC: Victoria's so self conscious so yeah, it would be hard for her to just accept clothing as a gift 8D
Poor Urich
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Even though he muttered it to himself, she still heard it and could feel the roll of his eyes. She wasn't born yesterday, and Urich himself, was no good at hiding his emotions from her either. So with their moment lost,s he felt awkward again and grew quiet, though at his last comment, she peered around.
"Well, it is raining," she stated, simply.
"Then more people ought to be wolves," he said with a widening grin, peeking his head out from under the umbrella and letting a few droplets splash onto his face and hair. He giggled and brushed it through his hair, slicking it back.
"Hmm," he mused. "The air is getting quite cold."
Victoria smirked, noticing him playing with the rain and simply took the umbrella from him and closed it, her brown eyes staring up at him as fat droplets of rain water filtered down upon him from the trees. Other than that, they were mostly kept dry. The forest was much denser here and her smile widened, and she said nothing, simply continued walking forward, a hand to her skirt, her other hand hooked around his.
"I hardly noticed," she said as they trekked up the trail's steps.
He frowned at the umbrella in her hand, now closed and shook his head at her. "We should get back, shouldn't we?" he asked again, looking up at the trees. "I don't want to get soaked. I just came out to look for you."
Victoria paused to look over at him, frowning. "You don't want to see the forest sanctuary? It's just over the hill."
And she moved a hand to swipe at the waters still running down from her hair.
Urich gave a shrug and turned his eyes to the trail, watching his feet as he stepped lazily along, trying not to scuff his shoes. He gave an awkward smile and said, "Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do."
His words grated on her,a d as she made her way up the path, she froze, turned around and sighed hotly.
"I asked what you wanted, not for you to repeat what I wanted,"s he snapped. The problems still warring inside her were getting the better of her nerves, and after he said it, she grumpily turned from him and kept on going, walking a little bit faster.
Urich gave a sigh and watched her walk away from him with his umbrella. Well, she wanted to go her way, so he let her. "Since when do you care what I want," he said with a shrug as she kept going. He put his hands in his coat pockets after pulling his collar up and began walking back slowly.
OOC: Lol. I didn't write she took his umbrella 8D she only opened it (though I guess if I mis-typed, whoops?) but yeha, she didn't take it XD
SHe's already soaking wet, she wouldn't have walked off with it XP
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His words urked her again, and for a while, she simply ignored him until she walked all the way to the top of the staircase before huffing and turning around. Both hands on her skirts now, she looked down at him.
"What on earth are you talking about, Urich? You're the one who came here obliging me for this stroll. I didn't drag you along with me. ANd of course I care or I wouldn't have asked." And although she knew he probably meant more than this incident, she was upset and easily let her emotions get to her. The rain was doing nothing to cool her temper either, as it continued to splatter down upon her from the tall trees that worked as a canopy over head. But they could only do so much to keep out the rain.
[Yeah she did. You explicitly wrote that she took the umbrella from him. And you never wrote that she gave it back, so I assumed she still had it. And he was walking away from her, so she's talking to thin air.]
Urich slowly walked back to the brook and leaned on the edge of the stone bridge, looking out to the water as the rain battered down on it's once serene surface. Gods he hoped he wasn't making a mistake, but he wouldn't know that until it was all over and done with. He frowned at his disturbed reflection.
OOC: Ugh I have too many threads XD
also rushing posts inbetween be getting ready to leave tonight ain't helping 8D
oh well :T
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This wasn't working. This wasn't working, it wasn't working. She was tired of feeling like this. It was so trifling to deal with things, and she hated not knowing what was the solution. They had gone on this vacation to get away from their worries, had they not? And here she was floundering with her own temper, and their relationship. It was only when she turned around to bark back at him that she realized he left, and her expression slowly faded.
No, this wasn't working indeed. Sighing, she made after him. Being cranky over this was not the solution, and by the time she found him, she poked him lightly on the butt wiht his umbrella.
"I do believe you forgot this." she spoke, and paused a moment to catch her breath, once again soaked in the rain.
OOC: ok was going to write more but gotta leave >_>! so I'll just leave it at this I guess
[Yeah, yeah.]
Urich turned at being poked on the rear and peered at her with expectant brows before reaching for the umbrella and tucking it underneath his arm. "Thanks, I guess," he said with a nod. "Did you enjoy the rest of your walk? This area really is beautiful. Maybe I'll come back here on my own someday. I guess I don't mind the rain so much anymore."
Victoria sighed.
She was going to make a comment, but let it fade from her tongue. She needed to stop sounding petty, for even her remarks were irritating to herself.
"Not exactly, but I feel a bit better that I've found you. I'm sorry if I.. keep coming off short. Maybe it's just the time of year." Or something else, but she wasn't going to push any issues now. "Why don't we head back to the hotel? We might still be able to catch the last calls for dinner if are quick."
Urich opened the umbrella above him once more and shook off any excess water. He smiled to her and gave a nonchalant shrug. "I think I'll skip dinner," he replied. "I think I'm better off taking a walk around the town. See what it has to offer. You should come too. You do with skipping a few meals. We both could."
Victoria raised a sharp brow at Urich. What was he implying with that comment?
((OOC: lol, that he thinks she's fat 8D))
"I suppose a walk through town might be nice. The rains seem to be letting up."
[He doesn't think she's fat. He knows she's fat.]
"Good, let's go," Urich gave a tight-lipped smirk and began to walk back to town from the tiny stone bridge.
Victoria moved in closer to him underneath the umbrella, as she asked, "And what are you implying about me needing to walk, wolf?" She pinched his arm lightly. "Let's just keep this walk civil or I might have to use my powers on you," she threatened, albeit a lame attempt to sound playful.
"I will refrain from implying anything else in the future, seeing as how it so easily goes right over your head. But instead, I will state very plainly that you need to walk more and eat less," he said quite sternly and jerked his arm back.
They were soon in town and most people had gone inside for their dinner and the streets were fairly vacant. Urich walked along in silence until he felt the rain stop hitting his umbrella and gently closed it and it's clasp. He walked along with it in silence.
Suddenly a voice peeked out from the side and something hit Urich hard on the back of the head, knocking him down to the cobblestone. Three voices, men called out and whooped and demanded that Victoria hand over all of her jewels immediately.
Urich groaned and turned over, seeing blurry shapes. He tried to get up, climb to his feet to stop the men, but two were quickly on him and began to wail on him savagely, kicking him hard in the face and ribs and even rifling through his own clothes to pullout what gold and valuables lay within.
OOC: YEAH TAKE THAT, STINKY LION
I mean, Urich
XP
I mean.. oh dear?
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Victoria's patience was wearing thin with him. What was his problem anyway? He seemed to be in a mood as foul as her own. And to think, the rain had been lovely at the start.
"You know, I think I'd rather we head back towards the hotel now. I'm not feeling this walk," she began to say, when suddenly a voice hailed their attention, as did the sudden attack of three men.
"What on earth- URICH!" she shouted, her eyes going wide when he hit the ground. SHe was beside him in an instant, eyes terribly wide and when the men looked towards her, she furrowed her brow, angry, but also fearful.
"Stay away from him!" she shouted, attempting to shove the men, off, which was to no avail. They had already doen a number on the poor werewolf before Victoria had a chance to stop them from going after her.
"The jewels or your life," one said. And as angry and upset as she was, she was no fool, and yanked off her damn necklace, throwing it at one man's head who only laughed and looked down at her ring, glittering int he rain light.
"What's that?"
Victoria's eyes went wide as she backed away.
"Give it up or I'll slit his throat," one man threatened, grabbing Urich by the hair and pressing his thick dagger to the man's throat.
Victoria hesitated, if only because of what the ring had meant to Urich, for him to procure it. She knew he had worked hard for Mr.Henry. But it wasn't worth him losing his life. She yanked it off and threw it at the man.
"There," and she took her own coin purse and tossed it at the ground. "And there's my money as well. Leave us! We have nothing more!"
The men laughed, yanking up the coin and ring before dropping Urich back into the wet cobblestone and dashed off into a darkened alley.
Victoria watched them disappear like some sort of terrible dream before collapsing beside Urich's side, a mess of tears clinging to her eyes.
"Urich... URICH!"s he shouted, clutching onto him and hoping she wasn't too late. Gods.. there was so much blood from him and he looked a mess.
Urrich was beyond dazed and confused and his head spun and throbbed from the thrashing he'd recieved. He could register anything if he was alive or dead and all sounds seemed muffled and bounced off his ears in a distant, painful echo.
"Nhmmmmmm," was all he managed to grunt out of him, staring ay Victoria with glazed eyes and blood gushing out from his lips. He couldn't move his wrist and a soft pain was throbbing in his left arm. From the looks of it, he saw it was twisted in a way it shouldn't have. But he goraned and grumbled from the pain that throbbed all over that he couldn't pick just one. It wasn't long before his consciousness left him and he passed out on the bloodied ground.
The next series of events were quite confusing and frustrating. After she was able to get someone to help her get Urich back to their hotel, she was informed there was no doctor in this town, or anyone that knew much about medicine. Frightened at the realization she was left alone to tend to Urich, she was frantic to draw up a list and gave it to her zombie valet, her only groaned and reminded her with a gesture they were nearly out of money.
Victoria paled, finding herself completely nad utterly useless. What was she to do!? But one look at Urich's form, now laying, half mangled and wrapped in half patched attempts at wraps that she had used and ripped off from her own skirts made her shake her head. Gods, if his life was depending on her... would he make it?
But now was not the time to panic. No, she had to steel herself, keep strong... if not for her, for him, for the poor man in the bed who had suffered so. ANd she worked like a dog to keep their room, realizing they hadn't a smidgen of coin to spare to keep it and fought wiht the staff until they finally allowed her to pay with some of the jewels she had on hand. They were heirlooms, her grandmother's pearls and a brooch, but Urich's life was more valuable than that, even as she hesitated in their departure. They had been in her family for generations..
and now gone.
So finding herself back inside the room, she sat on the bed side beside Urich. She was exhausted and still damp from the rain. Urich, however, had been stripped of his clothing, a fire hap-hazardly started in the hearth and was at least keeping the place warm. she sighed, staring down at him and looked down into his face. Her face was already wrinkled with worry as she caressed a hand lightly just above the air over his skin.
"Gods... Urich..." and it was only then she found the time to allow tears to cling to her eyes, lightly rolling down her cheeks. And as she remaiend over him, sniffling at his condition, she found herself needing to become preoccupied, and worked at fluffing up his pillows, smoothing out his fine bed sheets, and then, to the water basin beside her ... she picked it up and began to lightly dab at his brow.
He had a fever, and she recalled Dr. Merrick using this technique on herself and others before. SHe just hoped she was doign alright. The wounds... she had attempted to apply pressure, and sent Frederick to at least get some ointment, whcih at least, thank the God,s he was successful. Too bad for Urich, hew as now bound up like a stiff mummy with make shift wraps of a lady's skirt.
And all throughout the night she kept watch upon him, until finally falling asleep against the foot of his bed, just inches from his heels.
Urich slipped in and out of a delirious consciousness, sweating hotly from the fever that had formed being caught in the rain and allowing his clothes to soak through on his walk back. He tossed and turned and breathed heavily, sweating though those strips of cloth.
He didn't awaken until well into the night, half-conscious and feling like he'd just been run over by a band of horses. Everything hurt and throbbed and his head pounded and he could barely move his arms. He could see something still in the darkness and his leg jerked, striking it in the face, but he instantly calmed when he discovered it was Victoria.
With what strength remained, his hands tore at the bandages that were soaked with blood and sweat. "Hot," he groaned. "Too hot."
At Urich's bumping under the blanket she awoke with a start. At his words and at his actions, she found herself gasping and trying to calm him, to still him.
"U-Urich! You mus tbe careful not to move so much! You're very injured! Oh! Especially that arm!" she stammered, pressing her hands against him firmly, but cautiously before turning away to help remove the blanket off of his form.
"Please, you'll start bleeding up again and..." she gasped, realizing he already was. "Please, stop this movement at once!" And then she reached a hand up to his forehead, then quickly drew it away.
"Gods.. you're burning up.. here.." and she moved to dip a clothe into the neearby water basin and moved forward. "Now be still! Here, here now..'and she leaned foreward, plastering the cool, wet clothe across his forehead.
Urich felt tears forming in his eyes and he rolled his head back and forth in confusion. He didn't know what to make of everything, Victoria talking at him a million miles and words a minute. He sobbed and choked on it, his face bruised and bloody. "Whiskey, please," he begged. Something-anything!- to stop the pain. "Pleeeease!"
OOC: We officially have two 80 page threads now >_>
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Not knowing what else to do, she turned around, eyes frantically searching for the whisky bottle, before she uncorked it and handed it to him, ensuring he had a firm grip upon it before letting it go.
"Here.. but drink slow. I don't need you to start choking as well.."
adn she frowned, studying his face.
[Why the face then?]
Urich frowned at her and when the whiskey bottle came back into his hand, he struck it to his mouth and gulped down three large swallows before dropping it from his lips. He set it aside and leg it lay beside him on the bed. "Why does...it hurt so much?" he said through tears.
OOC: Just reminds me I have no life 8D
*needs to get a job* ;_;
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Victoria was quick to take the bottle so it didn't spill, frowning deeper as she looked at him.
"You were... attacked, Urich. And they hurt you.. pretty badly." She stared down for a moment, wringing her hands before glancing back up at his face. "Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable? I could find more clothes to dip it he water, to help cool you down and reclean those wounds or... could I get you something to eat?"
"I couldn't eat," he groaned, feeling sick and letting the fire of the whiskey die down deep into his belly. He sniffled loudly and let the salt of his tears sting his wounds. His eyes felt puffy and he could feel the cuts on his face opening up again.
"I don't need help," he sobbed. "I can take care of myself... You don't even know what you're doing! Go away! You don't give a good godsdamn about me!"
OOC: lol phone typos
-------
Victoria was taken back by his outburst. And although his words hurt, she furrowed her brow at him.
"Think whatever you want, but you will never heal if you keep floundering in the bed like a fish. STop moving so much, you're reopening your wounds!"
At last Urich stopped fussing but laid still in the soft sheets. "Why did this have to happen to me?" he moaned, sobbing. "I didn't ask for this...I lost everything...my home, gods, my home...my father...my mother... I don't have anything of value.... I'm empty."
"It's not your fault, Urich. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time." It troubled her to see him this way. She had seen him as such a strong figure before, but to see him sobbing over himself gripped at her heart.
ANd then about his home.. his family...
she sighed, hesitantly placing a hand upon his arm, being mindful of his wounds.
"I'm truly sorry about your home, Urich. I know you may never truly forgive me for it, but I am. I had never meant to hurt you, not really. At the time, it was just apart of the job and well... I was a fool, never fully comprehending what I was assigned to do nor realizing it had repercussions so grave," she sighed again. "Had I known now when I did then, I would never had made the mistake to be so ignorant as to come barging onto your property. I never had a right to."
Looking down at her hands, she shifted uncomfortably beside him.
" I'm.. not very good at comforting words, as you can see, but I... maybe if.. if you tell me about your parents, perhaps I can understand what you lost?"
Urich scrunched his face, turning away from her and sniffling at his sobs. "You wouldn't understand," he muttered with a sore, groggy throat. He was quiet for a long time before sighing painfully into his pillow. "My father was poisoned. I know it. Killed by who...I don't know.... My mother died of grief, broken heart. I tried yo take care of her, but I guess I wasn't enough. I never did understand why, why they had to die so young...I just wish... Uh, never mind. Wishes don't come true."
Victoria furrowed her brow. She never knew this part of Urich, never knew the sorrow he hid away about his parents.
"Life never is fair, and can be quite cruel. It never makes sense sometimes, either, no matter how much we can try to force it. " She stared down at her lap, thinking over what he had said. "I'm sorry to hear that about your parents. I'm sure your mother loved him quite a lot. It must be difficult to find someone you truly love, then to realize how much they've become a part of you when they are gone. It's sad and cruel, but we are not immortal creatures, none of us are. So we'll all die someday." She paused a moment to think things over, her eyes rising at his last comment about wishes.
"Yes, I don't believe in wishes, but I do believe in the power of man. There's so much we can do, even when the world works against us, even when nothing makes sense. I suppose that's what makes people so durable.. and so.. interesting. I, myself, have never had the chance to really look past my own looking glass at life. I just wish I could offer better words of comfort to you than this." For even know, as much as she wished to hold him, she didn't feel worthy, and knew it would only serve to injure him further.
"I'm sure your parents loved you Urich. Considering how grieved your mother was, you must realize that can only mean you were conceived with love? I can't even begin to imagine what horrors your mother had gone through to find out the man she loved had died.."
She tried to consider what she'd do if Urich died...
and felt an empty space turn old inside her. Yes, she could see herself, too, falling into scuh despaira nd at the thought, finding herself blinking back her own tears.
Tears... she had never thought herself so weak before, but to see Urich in such a state, and to consider now how lucky she was he hasn't died all of those times before from all of the trouble they had run into, she found herself reachin gout a shaking hand and taking his, squeezing it light.
"I.. I'm just so glad you're alive, Urich.I know you must be in so much pain but... even I can see now why your mother would lament so." She drew in a careful breath, blinking back her own tears before looking up into his face.
"If wishes could come true, Urich, I'd find a way to be better for you. You don't deserve to suffer so, and it pains me to see you in such a troubling state. I wish I knew how to make it go away."
Then she paused to consider, before asking, "What do you wish, Urich?"
She was curious what he was going to say. Why grow silent? Why hold back?
Urich obbed quietly as she spoke, too many things running through his mind at once that it made him sick with sorrow and anger at the same time. He coughed a little, spilling blood and saliva through his lips and wiping it off with great effort. He sighed and met her eyes again. "That's just it," he whispered. "Don't you understand? You can't just fix things because you want them to go away or be better. It's not like a wagon wheel, or a house you can hammer and nail into repair. You have to suffer through... I don't need you to take it away. I just need you to listen..."
He turned away and looked for the whiskey again.
Victoria frowned and grew quiet, handing over a piece of clothe for him to use to wipe his lips as she sighed. She said nothing. What was there to say? She didn't want to upset him and speaking seemed to only infuriate him. and once she saw him looking for the whisky, she simply handed it over.
[She gives in too easily]
Urich took the drink and was just about to take another swig before setting it in his lap for a moment as his eye caught sight of her hand. "What happened to your ring?" he said quietly.
OOC: No, he was just lucky her normal formidable sentences were quiet this time :P
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Victoria had been lost in thought, and when he brought up the ring, she instinctively hid her ring finger behind her other hand, but then feeling foolish, merely rubbed at the empty space before quietly replying, "They took it. It was the ring or your life. So I let them have it."
At the very thought someone had the gall to pluck the ring from her, Urich felt the fire of rage surge in him and despite his wounds, he was more than ready to pounce out of bed and kill the fools foolish enough to do so. "Why?" he said hotly. "You know how hard I worked for that ring... I-I" He shut his mouth and bit his lip. "I guess I'll just have to get you another one..." He recorked the whiskey and gently set it on the bedside table. "We can sell the bottle tomorrow. It's worth it's weight in gold."
"Wh-what? Urich," her brows dipped sharply before she placed a hand upon his that set the whisky aside. "Calm down!"s he placed a hand against his arm, squeezing a little, and hoping it didn't harm him. "Your wounds! Please mind them! Look there, you're bleeding again! Do I need to wrap you up so tight in those wraps that you can't move?" And at her touch, well, she just wanted to bring him back to her.
"Urich,"s he continued, seeking his eyes. "I know you worked so hard to get it, but I... It wasn't worth watching you die."
"You wrap me up, I'll slap you into next month," Urich glared at her with reddened eyed. He winced and laid back, resting his sore back. "I need my wounds to get air. They'll heal better that way. I can't be tied up and chained to this bed," He coughed up more blood and threw his head back. But even he knew better than to try and get up, especially with his wrist throbbing the way it did. He felt wretched and impotent, nothing more than a bleeding vegetable.
"We'll get you another one," he said simply. "It was just a dirty old ring, anyway."
Victoria frowned, seeing him in so much pain and she, being so useless made her feel wretched. She stared at him for a good long while before asking, "I'm not so well versed in healing, but if you wish to let your wounds get air, I can help you remove what I've bandaged upon you. But some have broken over and will have to clot." She rose, moving away and fetching a pair of scissors.
"Frederick had procured us some oinment," she stated, gesturing to a jar on the table. "Perhaps, if you'll let me, I can freshen you up while you remain in bed. You're coughing up blood... that can not be a good sign. It means there must be some internal wounds."
She wrung her hands, trying to think over what to do.
"Perhasp I can see if there is anything else Frederick might be able to find, to help iwth the pain and the blood you are spitting up."
And she moved forward, beginning to lightly unwrap his hand and winced at the sight of the gash there.
"Gods.. they did quite a number to you." And delicatley dabbed a clothe into a cold water basin at her side, andthen took the soggy clothe and dabbed it over the wound, pressing it there a moment before lifting a hand to his forehead, feeling it for heat.
"You're still burning up..." And she took this moment to lightly dab a clothe at his face, careful of the gash above his eye, and paying extra attention to the swollen lump. And then seeing him still fussing over the ring, she took ihs hand, squeezing it lightly as her eyes tried to meet with his.
"I'm sorry I got rid of the ring." She grew quiet. "You don't have to get me another one. It's a gift enough for me to know you're live. But we can worry about that later." And then she offered him a soft smile, her eyes warming.
"And it wasn't dirty. That ring meant the world to me."
But not as much as his life.
"The ring could have been made out of wood and I still would have loved it. But please, you must've work yourself up now. YOu have to rest." And she continued to press the cool clothe about his face, lightly wiping up his sweat.
"Stop treating me like a child," he whined, but knew that it was only because he was acting like one. He wanted to feel angry with her, to make her feel the pain he was currently in if only out of spite. He hated her in that moment, and would rather die than suffer her presence for another second longer.
But the gods were cruel in their judgment and he dissolved any faith he had from thereon. How could Victoria not realizw how foolish she was, how futile all of this was? Or maybe he was the fool without a clue... He wondered if it even mattered any more.
"Well it matters to me," he said with grit teeth.
Victoria frowned at him.
"And you speak as if I said something that it meant it did not matter to me. What good is the ring if I were to keep it and you were killed? Hate me if you will, but your life is more valuable than a ring."
Then she paused what she was doing and sighed, lowering her hand away from his burning face.
"And this fever is as unforgiving as your mood. Perhaps I ought to leave you alone to rest so I can find some medicine."
Then she stared at is face, remaining by his side a moment longer before saying,
"Do you honestly not know how much it hurt for me to see you get injured? I thought you might have died. And then for them to ask for the single possession you have given to me without a choice? Urich, there will be other rings... get me more if you want, all I care about now is you're alright."
Urich pursed his lips and averted his gaze as if he didn't care or it didn'tt matter to him and tried against all instinct to hold his tongue. But a tear escaped his eye that faced away from Victoria's vision and he still said nothing.
"Just let me rest," was all he could manage and turned his head to the bottle of whiskey. "If you have any love for, you'll take that bottle and sell it to a local collector. There's got to be one in town somewhere. Sell it and take the money and but yourself something nice. Please, for yourself. I want to see you in something nice."
Victoria shook her head, but said nothing.
"Here, I'll leave you be once I get a nice cool clothe on your forehead." And she dipped more of the clothe into the basin, the last bit of her torn skirts, and lifted it up, spreading it out gently across his fore head.
"There.." and she moved to stand. "Now get some rest. I'll see what I can do about medicine."
And so he wouldn't pitch a fit, she snatched the bottle and placed it over iwth her things.
She hadn't gotten a chance to change her outfit when this all occured, so she was stil wearing her mud-stained dress with it's tattered under layers. She probably smelled of not bathing, for hse hadn't the time or energy to worry about herself, and her hair was in dissarray.
She glanced but once at herself in the mirror, realizing it would take too long to fix the problem and moved to exit the room.
OOC: This post- written so specially... ugh so tired. I think it's just about bed time for the Spicyspice >_>
Also 81 pages, woo XD
Urich gave a soft sigh of relaxation once she had gone from the room. But his eyes just stared out into the darkness of the room and the faint light of candles that illuminated here and there. He sobbed a little more, his wounds throbbing, but the blood seeping less than before.
"Gods," was all he muttered before passing out once more.
By the time she had returned, she had procured some medicine, though wasn't rightly sure if it would work for him. It was said to help fever, and another, to quell pain; but the shop keep was a bit suspicious and had a few cages full of toads in his shop. She had instructed Frederick to remain int he room to keep Urich company, or in case he were to wake up and needed assistance and she was not there. So once she was done, she headed through town and was passing by a dress shop. She paused to take a look, albeit briefly, and noticed a pretty, white laced ivory wedding dress. She smiled a little, but recalled Urich must be waiting, and stopped elsewhere to pick up some teas for them; and fresh bandages. She hadn't the time to squander, so when he returned, she found herself arguing with the hotel staff to keep them from getting kicked out. Apparently, they wanted money, and Victoria had to spend the other half of the day bartering.
But she didn't barter the whisky. No..
She didnt' feel right buying herself something wtih Urich's money when he was in such a state. They needed all fo the funds they could get just to get by, and would have to reconsider this trip once he was well. Though then again.. if they camped out and use smaller supplies, she wondered if htey might not be able to continue?
She shook the thoughts away and returned to the hotel, paid them the damn money for the bill before returning to their room. She kept quiet as she slunk in. It seems Frederick had let som eof the wolves in as Draegr remained at the foot of the bed, and a few of his brothers near. But Urich seemed still to be sleeping, so she quietly closed the door, nodded to Frederick and bid him a farewell before slumping into a chair, exhausted. She closed her eyes for only a few moments. The bags were half packed with supplies, and things were strewn about the room in dissaray, but it had been a terribly long and trying day, and the night before, she hado nly but an hour of sleep before Urich had awoken, and this time,s he might not fair any better in getting some shut eye as well.
Urich awoke with a terrible groan and his body was soaked through and through with feverish sweat and croaked loud enough to wake the wolves that resided at Urich's feet.
They whined at their master and looked over to Victoria. Urich shuffled restlessly through the soaked blankets and huffed heavily.
Victoria awoke with a start, then sighed, running a hand through her hair before sitting up from the chair she had fallen asleep within. Rising, she moved over to Urich's side and was quick to shoo the wolves away before fillling up another fresh basin of water and began to peel off the blankets from Urich's form and quietly went to wrok at removing any of his remaining sweat soaked clothing before beginning to dab his body down with cold, wet clothes.
She kept the fever medicine nearby, hoping he'd awaken soon so he could take it as she lay a cool clothe across his forehead and studied his pain stricken face.
The cool, wet cloths did wonders to still his fever, and Urich visibly relaxed underneath them. The sweating for now was put to a rest and Urich wanted to move from his itchy spot on the bed. He scooted over to his side, crushing the already sore ribs there and winced visibly. His eyes shot open and he moved back into his original position. "Son of a bitch!" he cried out, holding his side with his good arm.
He howled until he as red faced and the wolves whined and huddled amongst themselves at the sound of rage. "I hate this!" he growled. "I can't move. It hurts to breathe. I'd rather be dead!"
Victoria's eyes shot open wide and she nearly leaped out of her skin. But thne, once he was finished having his tantrum, she snorted through her nose.
"My, you are a trifling patient," she said, sighing and moving the bowl of water he had spilled. So much for that. She'd have to get more. She stood up, eyed him over before smoothing a hand against her hair. It was only done up ina partial bun, and was a frizzy mess.
"I'm going to get more water. You.. behave yourself. Might I remidn you you need to rest in order for your body to heal." then she looked to Draegr.
"And you, keep an eye on him."
The pup licked his lips, whimpering once before turning from his mistress to Urich and made a soft growl of a noise before sighing through his nose.
[He's such a big baby!]
Urich opened his eyes to watch her leave then looked over to Draegr, glaring at the wolf. "I almost killed you once," he said with growl of his own. "Don't think I'll hesitate a second time!" The wolf just chuffed and nipped quickly at Urich's hand before moving back to sit with his siblings, staring at him daringly.
Victoria came back in the room,t he basin now full of water..
then she proceeded to DUMP the entire contents of Urich's head.
"Don't threaten my wolf, wolf." she stated, giving him a nonplused glare.
Urich howled at the sudden sensation of cold water and he jumped up, tearing open his sides and wounds and he looked up at Victoria with a burning glare. "You left!"
"I heard it through the wall, Urich," she spoke between her teeth, then sighed and took a seat beside him. "Now be still. I have to see to those wounds. It looks like they've torn open again." And she grew quiet, looking at them. "I'm sorry."
But then, she set her face and went right back to wrok.
"Now just be still and mind your temper. You can't heal if you can't learn to rest."
THen she gestured to the pups.
"Off the bed." And they looked at her, and she glared, and with a few whimpers, they jumped off and curled at the foot of the bed.
Urich huffed exhaustedly, but there was nothing he could do about it. He just laid there, wet, on a wet mattress in wet sheets and bleeding wounds.
With her patient now 'calmed' she set to work, peeling off what was left of his clothing, and what remained of the clothe bandages from before. She assessed the wounds, frowning at the wounds that had come open and were bleeding again,a nd applied fresh clothe overtop of them, and pressed lightly, but with enough firmness in hopes to stop the bleeding.
"Those men did quite a number on you.." she spoke, never lifting her gaze. Then moved to grab up the ointment. The bleeding wounds had enough blood to keep the clothe in place now so she set to work at lathering oinment over the wounds that were beginning to heal a little nicer. But they all looked terrible. And byt he time she was doen with his torso, she moved up, staring at his facea nd leaned forward, gently applying the ointment to his wounds.
"Your eye is black,"s he stated, looking at the swell around his eye. "Would you like a wet clothe for it?"
Urich was silent as she worked. He could find no energy to muster words to say anything at all. But it was taxing enough just to breathe, so he focused his energy on that and let her tend to his wounds. The ointment stung and made him jump and wince here and there. But even minor pain was bearable compared to the entire aching mess he'd become to even just lay there.
"Why are you doing this?" he found himself asking.
Victoria gave a laugh through her nose, not expecting such a question. SHe looked him right in the eyes. "Because you're my fiance." And then she simply went back to applying more ointment to the gash on his brow. She frowned. "This one looks rather bad and swollen," she said, touching it lightly. "Here.." and she soaked another clothe and moved forward. "Close your eye." she commanded, before gingerly resting the cool clothe over top.
Urich winced again at the application of the ointment and averted his eyes to look up at the ceiling, sighing. He obeyed her comments, as there was little point in resistance. But his frown conveyed all he was feeling, emptiness, impotence, and being broken. "It's hard to believe you'd care for me like this...you haven't before," he replied. "You make it seem as if I'm a bother or a bore, and what I offer...is as important as breathing."
Victoria paused in what she was doing and glanced up at him.
"What on earth gave you that idea? And just because I never had a chance to really show it, doens't mean I don't care, Urich."S he sighed. "I know I'm.. not the most sensible woman in a romance, Urich, but I do know what my heart says, and I could never forgive myself if I were to just let you suffer." She frowned. "Do you really think I'm so heartless? That'd I'd just leave you here to rot? Urich, I left my home, the only solid foundations I have ever known to go off with you to see the world, to discover things I have never gotten a chance to see or exprience." and she took his hand just then. "And one of those things i was hoping was to get to know you. But I.. I'm not one to pry, and if it's not in a book well.."s he sighed. "I'm sorry I'm just not good with these sorts of things. I mean..." she looked down at his wounds she had began to press the ointment to. "This wasn't even the ointment I had used growing up. It's something i was unfamiliar with, but I had little choice, and I just.. I hope it works with the wounds but..." she sighed.
"Never mind that, here, I brought some medicine for you." and she moved away to take a vile, bringing back a pair of them.
"They say this one will help with the fever, and the other, with the pain. Perhaps if you take the fever one now, and the pain one later, you can get some better sleep. Though, to be honest, if you have any broken bones, Urich, Id on't know what's to be done. I haven't the slightest clue what Im doing. I've been asking around town all da y for assistance, and well.."s he sighed again. "I'm sorry, but this is the best I can do."
THen upon meeting his gaze, she found herself adding more softly, "I'm sorry. But you're more important then breathing to me, even if I don't know how to show it."
"Sometimes, I think you don't even want to try," Urich said, staring back up at the ceiling. He was through with complaining, at least for now and swallowed hard on a dry throat. "Did you sell that whiskey bottle like I asked you to? Did you buy yourself something nice? Can you at least listen to me when I speak? Do you hear the words I say or are they just background noise to the rumble of your own meaningless thoughts?
"I know you're not good at it. That's the whole point, you expect me to just take you by the hand and walk you through everything. You don't even have the guts to try for yourself, to be spontaneous, to take it upon yourself to show how you really feel... It's not book work, it's not even a mysterious science. I'm not a puzzle, I'm just a man... A man who wants to love you as my equal... But I can't if you won't even treat me as yours."
"I suppose it's not in my personality to think that way, Urich. But I suppose I could try harder. Things just have come so easily since we've come together, and I suppose I've simply taken advantage of it, and I'm sorry."
ANd hse lowered her eyes, staring down at the wet bed sheets beneath him.
"And no," she admitted shamefully. "I did not sell the whiskey."
"I didn't think so," Urich said with a sigh. "You couldn't do something I asked you to do... Because I want you to have nice things... Because I want to be able to provide for you... But I guess it was too much to ask." He winced at the application of the ointment and sighed.
Victoria grew quiet, her face heating at his statement. She rose from the bed, moving away from him to grab up a spoon and when she returned she asked, "Would you like to take that medicine now?"
"Just do it real fast," Urich said half-heartedly. He turned away towards her and waited for the vile concoction that she picked up with what limited funds they now had.
Victoria gave Urich a deadpan expression.
"Don't start acting like a child on me. Now, just pinch your nose and be done wiht it." she said, pouring some onto the spoon and reaching it forward. "Now open up.."
OOC: Just.. looool
This amuses me too much. but htat's cause it's like 430am and I should be asleep >_>
Urich frowned at her and sighed, doing exactly as she said. "Yes, mother," he muttered, opening his mouth.
Victoria glared at him before stuffing the spoon into his mouth so far she was hoping to stuff it clean down his throat.
"I'm not your mother, or I'd be making you eat soap."
Urich gagged on the spoon and turned his head violently away, swallowing the nasty medicine anyway. "You would make me eat soap!" he spat to the side. "Just to get rid of me once and for all!'
Victoria rolled her eyes, hardly amused.
"Oh, please, you know I'd find more clever ways than that. Now.. here, let me tend to your bandages so you can rest. The last thing we need is for you to be awake any longer souring up the place." she siad with a huff, then leaned in and worked at rewrapping new bandages.
"I say, if you weren't so good looking, what ever would I do with you?"
Then she thought it over.
"Hrmm.. I suppose I could make a throw rug out of you.."
adn the wolves' raised their head quizzically at the joke, even whimpering a little. She turned to them and made a face. "Oh, not you!" she said, waving them off as they began to wag their tails.
"Gods.. is this what it's going to be like raising werewolf pups?" she mused out loud before crawling in closer to Urich and throwing off the blankets so she could work at the wraps a bit better.
"Now stand still before I wrap you to the bed." she commanded.
"Anything to make me a decoration," Urich growled and stayed stock still in the bed, trying to make his body as heavy as possible. "I can't move anyway. Just get this over with already! I'm sick of hearing the sound of your voice."
If he was sick of hearing it, she wouldn't give it. Wrapping him up good and tight, she got up, opened the door and left. If anything, he asked for her to listen, she might as well oblige.
THe pups all looked at the door, and after half an hour, Draegr whimpered towards Urich before going over and laying beside it, giving the door a few wet sniffs.
OOC: looool
"Oh, leave it," Urich barked at Draegr, grabbing an ashtray from the bed side table and chucking it at the wolf, who narrowly dodged it. "She's not coming back. And if she does, it's to carry out her wretched schemes to belittle and control me. I'm not her equal. I'm a puppet on strings. Now git! Before I have a midnight snack!"
Draegr looked defiantly back at Urich when he made that out burst, growling low within his throat before he let out a bark. Then another one, then another; and the other pups all began to stir, rising up and whimpering over towards their brother who was lowly wagging his tail, half growling, half barking, his eyes never leaving Urich's, except to glance over to paw lightly, on occasion, at the door.
Urich just laid there, staring at nothingness of the ceiling and clenched his jaw, hating her more and more in that moment and ignoring the constant combined whimpers of the wolves. He closed his eyes and envisioned himself back at Sul'Gulthan, away from here. So very far away.
As Urich proceeded to ignore them, Draegr gave a chuff. Rising from the ground, he began to pace back and forth, and looked from the door, to the window, back to the door again. Being in Victoria's keep for so long, he had learned a thing or two about opening windows when Victoria was away, so after a time of pacing, he rushed across the wooden floors and jumped up onto the chaise lounge beneath the window. A few scrapes with his paw had the window coming loose, just opening enough for him to wriggle his maw through it. He chuffed, and chuffed and pawed and squirmed, until finally, the door swung open just enough; and he leaped out the window.
The other pups all rose from the ground now, staring over at the open window with a curious cock of their heads. They then turned to Urich, whimpered towards him then glanced back towards the window.
Victoria had gone for a walk. Urich was being impossible. She had no idea how to deal with him in such a foul mood, and knew if hse was in that room any longer, he'd be recieving a few more injuries.... from her. But after a time, she found herself slowing her pace, having gone and walked all the way to the bridge from before before she stopped. Her chest was heaving as she breathed heavily, and her hair, still a mess about her head.
Where had they gone wrong? And most importantly, where had she gone wrong? She was trying, so desperately, to understand what Urich was going on about. Did it really anger him so much that she wanted to spoil her husband to be rotten? She never had the chance to do such things before for anyone, nor had she ever wanted to, and it hurt her more than he could know that he did not understand.
Yes, perhaps it made him feel like an ornament, but that's not how she viewed him. It was just one of those unfortunate quirks of hers and well, everything else... perhaps the way she had been treating him... but even know, as she knew he lay in bed a miserable mess, she began to realize her flaws all the more, and as she stared down at her reflection in the creek, she found herself sighing.
So she was surprised when Draegr had shown up, the young pup howling wth glee to see her. Turning around, she gave a start, and furrowed her brow when the pup was chewing on something between his teeth.
"Draegr, what on earth..." and when she went to grab it, the thing fell clean out of his mouth-
for it had only appeared a ripped piece of clothe, but now tht it had fallen, she noticed it was some sort of sack and as it crashed onto the stone ground, she noticed the blood staining the clothe, the blood on the wolf, and the priceless heirlooms of hers that had been stolen coming shining to the surface in a clattering pile.
For the longest time, Victoria simply stared at the mess in awe and fascination, before hesitantly, she stepped forward and lifted up the last piece of clothe, and gasped, tears prickling within her eyes to see the engagement ring Urich had gotten for her, as hot tears spilled down her cheeks.
Her legs gave out and she collapsed beside the pile, scooping it up and staring at it as a cool breeze came by, relieving her cheeks, but only for a moment the hot flush that was burning.
Gods.. the ring. She thought it had all been but lost to those men. She slipped it on her finger without a second thought, her hands shaking as she looked at it, then cluthced her hands to her chest before glancing over at Draegr who was sitting and panting happily, his face all covered in blood.
Being an invalid in bed wasn't exactly Urich's idea of a good time. He couldn't move lest he risk tearing his wounds open again, couldn't breath much more than a few breaths a minute without feeling like his very chest would collapse in on itself. Urich tried to sleep, but his mind raced endless thoughts of pain and misery and tears came at the thought that he might lose Victoria along with it. He was roiling over in a sea of confusion, lost in thoughts of carelessness.
How could he have been so stupid? Could she really change for the better? Maybe the faith had been lost not in her, but in himself, that he had any strength at all to love such an insufferable woman. But she had entrapped him...and he willingly allowed himself to become trapped by her, and knew that in a deeper part of his mind, he wanted her to do so, because he wanted her to himself. And perhaps moreso, he wanted to be punished for his carelessness of his former life.
Nothing mattered before Victoria, and he wondered if anything else would matter after her.
So after Draegr had left, Urich made an effort, for he had to try in the least though the pain sent bolts of lightning to his brain as he sat up and turned red in the face. He carefully slid his legs over the edge of the bed and tried to reach for the water across the bedside table, too far for him to reach from where he'd previously lain. As he did so, his legs, too weak to carry him, slumped uselessly underneath him and sent him hurdling down on the ground. He gave a pathetic sob before using his arms to pull himself forth, feeling his ribs grow ever sorer from the impact with the ground. He didn't stop until he was close enough to the water and pulled the pitcher down to the ground with him and stuffed his face in it, lapping at the water like the dog he was.
Brushing away her tears, she got to her feet and began walking back to the Inn. Draegr was at her heels, and she had taken up the broken bag full of their things (amongst a few other stolen trinkets that had been inside); and was soon at their floor. Only the second one, so a brief trek up the stairs and she found herself halting beside the door. She thought she heard a noise from within, and drawing in a breath, she moved slow, the door creaking open before she stepped inside.
And when she noticed Urich not in the bed, she became crest fallen, her heart breaking. But then something drew her eyes to the floor, and she gasped.
"URICH!" And she was on her knees in an instance. "Urich! Are you alright!? What on earth on you doing on the floor!?"
Urich sputtered out the water as he drank as much as he could handle, coughing up blood colored water out on the floor as he tried to turn and crawl back toward the bed. He fell short of it, resting on his belly, thoroughly exhausted and knowing he'd only condemned himself to further bedrest because of his overzealousness. He laid there, waiting, watching the pup just stare at him strangely before coming along to nuzzle his cheek, whining and whimpering. One lone tear escaped his left eye, sinking onto the hardwood floor below.
When Victoria returned, Urich didn't even make a sound and when she spoke, he only reached up a weakened hand and gestured toward the chair. "Sit," he whispered. "I want to sit. Help me up."
Victoria's eyes went wide when she caught the sight of the blood and water all over the floor.
"Gods... Urich!" she was panicking, and didn't hesitate for another moment to help him into the chair. Her mind was racing a million miles a minute, hot tears stinging at the corners of her eyes as she grunted and chuffed, but got Mr. Renqvist settled into the chair. THen once he was there, she released a breath, crouched down at his side and peered up into his face.
"Gods.. Urich. Is there anything I can get for you!? There's blood... blood all over the floor. Gods.. Please... is there anything I can do!? I'm sorry I left. I..." she spoke, choking on her tears, her hands shaking as she rested them upon his arm, trying to help keep him up, and fearing he was too weak, he might simply slide out from the chair and hurt himself again.
Urich coughed on the remains of water and looked away from her as his body settled quite painfully into the chair. He gave a sigh before turning to look at her with sore eyes. "Stop being so pathetic," he murmured. "And give me a little room to breathe, please. I haven't eaten or drank anything in two days. All I wanted was a cup of water. Seeing as you were gone, I had to get it for myself. But I can't even do that. I'd just sit there and wallow in my own piss..."
He sighed and reached down with aching arms to observe the purpled bruising of his ribs and stomach. His abdomen was wrapped over but was already splotched here and there with blood. "So," he began calmly as if it was nothing more than discussion on the weather. "Did you have a pleasant walk? I see you are clutching something in your hand."
"I'll be as pathetic as I want!" she barked, her eyes growing hot with tears. "I'm worried about you, Urich! And I had just given you room to breath, and looks what become of you!" she shook her head, finding herself shaking and sniffing back tears. ANd at the sight of the bruises, the blood, she shook her head.
She ignored what he asked about the walk, simply walking away from him as she threw the torn pouch onto the vanity nd paused, observed that she had his ring again on her finge riwth a frown. When she turned back towards him, she paid careful attention to keep her ring finger from his view.
"Draegr found something on the path. Now sit still and let me look at your wounds again. It looks like you tore that gash clean open again, and that coloration looks horrendous."
"Stop, please," Urich begged. "I have a mother, and she passed away, as I've sadly recounted the tale. I don't need anymore tending to. Just let me lie in a pool of my own blood." He put his arms down at his sides defensively. "I think you forget I'm a werewolf sometimes." But even he knew in his weakened state with lack of food, fluids and sleep, he wouldn't be able to fend off a fly.
"And I think you forget I am aware you're a dog," she told him curtly. "And unfortunately for you, you're already aware I'm bad at listening. Now just sit still so I can have a look at them. You can rot away in your blood on someone else's watch."
"I think I'll take that offer," Urich held his weakened arms more protectively over his middle. "Just leave me alone! You were perfectly content to walk away from me before, just go on and find yourself someone else to smother!" He wished he had the strength to bat her away.
Victoria was becoming quite sick of his attitude, and it stung her each time he fought.
"Well, once you're healed, you can be alone all you want. But for now, stop acting like a child and let me see to your wounds."
He held his tongue then and closed his eyes tightly when he released his middle and used his own hands to carefully undo the bandage knot, saying nothing more to her, looking as lost and hurt as he felt.
Victoria sighed when he finally complied, and blinked back the tears she had forgotten were still stinging at her eyes.
"There, was that so hard?" she said in a patronizing tone. She knew it was a petty remark, but she was upset, and didn't care. She needed to tend to him, and being bitter seemed a better option than knocking him over the head and forcing him to comply (or be in a state where he could- aka- unconscious).
Looking him over, she frowned, her fingers lightly touching over his skin. "Tell me where it hurts the most..." she said. "What about your ribs.. are they?" and she winced, hoping nothing htere was broken, but if so... he was in for a rude awakening since he'd need to be bed rested far longer than he'd like.
"Broken," he murmured, knowing he just made things worse. Not deliberately, he would argue, but it didn't matter now did it? He was condemned to bed rest for at least the next two months. And at the rate of their funds, they'd be out of this inn by the next week. After drenching the sheets and ruining the mattress.
Victoria's mouth fell open, paling at his words. But then she closed her gaping jaw and looked away, down at his wounds.
"Well.. seems you're in for a long time staying in bed," she said, smiling through her teeth as she moved away to get more ointment. When she returned, she crouched beside him, her knees cracking as she did so before she gestured. "I'll tend to the minor wounds first.. then the larger ones. Please, do put out your hand so I can reapply this to the cuts there."
"My hands feel better. I wish you could so something for the pain in my head though. But I guess not talking is too much to ask," he replied solemnly, looking out the open window. "How many days of room and board did you pay for? It couldn't have been much considering we just lost nearly everything we had. Save for what remains in the carriage, if that's safe at all."
"Don't worry about that, we'll be fine," she replied, focusing on his wounds. "I'll sell some things to ensure we can stay here." And she forgot she hadn't mentioned she got some of her possessions back, but evne then... that wouldn't be enough, and this place was fancy. A bit too fancy adn Victoria hadn't realized she should have had them room at some place less fancy to save money. But Urich's comfort, his well being was in the fore front of her mind. And she was ignorant to much else in the moment.
Sighing, she said, "Perhaps I ought to go into town to see if I can't purchase an elixir for you head." And she purposely ignored his rude comment for now.
"Stop, Victoria, please," he begged more diligently now. "Just stop... I don't want to stay here. I don't want to be stuck in this sleazy hotel. Let's get out of here. We don't need to be in this sorry little squat town. Let's just go back to the Valley. We don't have any money. I can't help but worry when you're head is in the clouds instead of down here on earth where it needs to be. I don't want you to lose your trinkets. You hurt me every day when you don't listen to me, when you don't even heed what I have to say. It's like I'm just talking to the walls. I am talking to the walls."
"But why would we go back to the valley when you could help up much easier here? There's supplies,a nd fresh water and and.."
She found herself feebly scrambling over things to say.
"Truthfully... we're almost out of money." she admitted, going quiet as she moved from one of his sides, to the other, staring at his arm for a while before applying ointment.
"And truthfully... I'm afraid you'll just run away from me if we leave here."
She shuffled uncomfortably. "And I wouldn't blame you."
"But."s he began, breaking the solemn mood by hiding her own shame. "If that is what you want.." and he rose from the floor, her knees cracking again. She was definitely not use to all of this crawlin around. "I'll go let the hotel staff know we'll leave in the morning." She frowned, looking him over.
"Though I do wish you'd be easier to reason with." Ans he paused as she moved away to gather up more bandages. Though she supposed, he coudl say the same thing about her.
"Lucky for you, I can't run," Urich said, still staring at the wall and the window and all the unnecessary decorations therein. How gaudy this place was, and why Victoria thought he would enjoy it, he could only wonder. "I can't do anything. I haven't eaten or relieved myself since I've been lying there. We'd be slaves here for the rest of our lives just to pay off the room. Let's get out of here now, I don't want to be in this room, just waiting to die. And I lied when I said let's go back to the Valley. I'd rather die than go back. I just wanted to see what you'd say. Just take me wherever the road goes. I'll die in the carriage instead."
Victoria set her jaw as she ground her teeth.
"I'll see to your wounds, then see to a place to go from here. Perhaps we can find somewhere cheaper to stay," she murmured, her voice softer as she moved, gesturing for him to turn around so she could reach his back.
Urich gave a huff, knowing he'd have to turn over onto his sides for her to get his back. And with great effort he did so, turning purple in the face and finally releasing a breath as he held himself with pained breath along the side of the armchair. More tears escaped his eyes and he buried his face into the fabric of the headrest. His shoulders shuddered from the motion.
Victoria drew in a breath. His back was marked all over, discoloring and it looked anything but healthy.
"Gods.." she breathed, but then steeled herself and went to work, lightly applying the ointment across his injuries, being careful, delicate and mindful of where he looked the most sore.
"There now... now I can get your face and front."
Then seh paused to consider. "And what of your legs? How are they fairing?"
Urich didn't answer, too busy choking on sobs and blood that he spit out some more and tossed them to the side, into the nearest jug. He moved when she prodded him, the ointment turning his skin on fire. He turned over, red-faced once more and just let her apply the ointment as she pleased.
Seeing him in such a condition broke her heart. She knew only partially how he felt. She had been a miserable guest when he had been tending to her hwen she had harmed her leg on his property...
but htis was more than twice as bad.
Setting the ointment aside, she took a kerchief from her person, and moved forward, hesitant at first before lightly dabbing at the tears from his eyes.
"I know you don't want to hear it, or care to hear it, but I'll say it anyways to you," she began, lightly moving her hand through his hair. "I love your, Urich Renqvist, and if I could take this pain and suffering frm you I would. But as it stands, all we can afford is this ointment and all I can do is what I know..." and she was afraid to touch him, but wnated to embrace him more than the world. But she knew he'd only hate her for that, so instead, she kissed his forehead softly, being mindful of his wounds.
But he didn't hate her. He was frozen in that moment, and stared at her with wavering eyes. His lower lip and chin wavered as well, and another tear fell to hear her words. His heart hurt and his stomach clenched in on itself. He wanted to say it back, but when he opened his mouth all that came out was a choking sob. He reached up with his stronger arm and stroked her cheek, unable to do more than that.
Victoria looked into his eyes, finding her own eyes glossing over before she dropped her gaze and nestled her face against his hand. She lifted her hand up, touching his, before moving forward and softly kissed his lips.
Urich whimpered underneath her kiss and weakly kissed her back, wishing he was stronger to kiss her better. But his slight puckering of the lips would have to do as his head fell back down against the backrest. He gave her a pained smile and closed his eyes, trying to let the waves of pain just pass over him.
Victoria smiled back, just watching him as he remained in pain. Gods.. if only she could actually do something for him. She supposed this ought to suffice.
She rested her hand over his, stroking his finger tips before glancing down.
"Draegr he.... he found something.." she siad, raising her hand towards his face so he could see the ring. "He's.. quite the smart wolf. He must've taken it from the men who had stolen it from us. I..." she hestitated, but let the words fade away. What else was there to say? She was just happy to hvave it back, and Draegr, upon hearing his name, lightly wagged his tail as he peered up at the pair, whimpering softly with a curious tilt of his head.
If Urich thought he would be able to save face from the tears that flowed down his cheeks, when she showed him that ring, he could have felt his heart stop and nothing could have moved him more than this moment. He smiled, laughing almost at the sight of the ring, that Draegr had gone out of his way retreive for her.
"I thought it was lost forever," he sobbed. He weakly reached out and grasped her hand and brought it up to his lips.
When his lips met to her hand, her own eyes became wet with tears.
"So did I," she replied delicately.
Draegr's tail thumped as it wagged even harder. He saw the pair of them in such a state and whined and whimpered before getting off his haunches and moving to nuzzle his face between them. His warm tongue began to lap at their faces, licking at their salted tears as Victoria laughed and pushed he wolf back before ruffling the fur on his cheeks and drawing the wolf in close and kissing his forehead.
The wolf made a strange noise, cocked it's head at the attention before Victoria turned to Urich, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him fierce.
"Gods.. I'm so sorry I let them take the ring, Urich... but Gods..'" her hands were shaking as she drew her fingers through his hair. "GOds, I thought they were going to kill you Urich. I was so afraid. I couldn't bare to think of a life without you and now.." she drew her hand to her lips and couldn't take anymore, sobs choking her of breath. So instead of speaking, she kissed him again, and again, and again.
Urich gave a pained, muffled cry when she wrapped her arms around his head and began to kiss him savagely. He was in no position to fight back, or fend for himself. And through his tears of both pain and joy, he whimpered and cried out as she persisted to kiss him over and over, pushing her weakly away to give him some air in all the least.
"Okay, I get it!" he groaned, his head pounding harder than ever before.
Victoria stopped, her hands trembling against him.
"I'm sorry..." she said, growing silent as tears streamed down her face.
Urich gave her a trying smile and reached up to touch the hands that held his face. "It's okay," he murmured. "I think you forgot, I've been beaten up so bad, you went and assaulted me with your lips." He gave a painful laugh and turned his face to kiss the inside of her palm.
She smiled at his laugh before burying her face into his shoulder, but promptly moved her face into the side of the chair. "Gods..." She laughed and wiped at her tears. "How can you joke?" She then took his hand, staring at it before lightly pressing her lips upon his fingers. " I'll try to be more gentle next time." And she smiled up at him.
"I get it," Urich said with a sore smile and a sigh before he laid back and looked to the window. "Aw look, the rain's coming back. Open the window, please. The breeze feels nice."
OOC: This thread is officially the thread with the most posts EVAR on SOTE >_>
I guess Victoria and Urich should be proud they survived this far <3
I should draw another picture in celebration XD
*but just work up and is lazy/sleepy*
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Victoria nodded, rising from the chair and moved over and blinked. THe window was partially open and she peered back at Draegr, then to the other wolves who simply wagged their tails up at her, tongues lulling. She rolled her eyes and moved forward, pushing the window open the rest of the way and smiled down at the village below. The winds did feel nice, so did the spots of rain that were coming in.
"You should sit over here." she gestured to the chaise lounge she was kneeling upon that rested below the window.
"The breeze and the spray of rain feels good."
Urich smile when at last she opened the window wider and a cool breeze from the rain crept inside. It swept over him like a refreshing blanket and he didn't mind that a few droplets made it inside. theey were harmless in the least. He shifted in the chair he was in and would have gladly sat beside on the lounge if his legs had the strength to hold him.
He smiled at her motioned her over. "I wouldn't mind a little help you know."
Victoria smiled, and simply nodded.
"Alright, wolf," she said, moving over to his side and positioning herself so that she could support his weight on her hip as she threw his arm over her shoulder. And with a grunt, she helped him up, and almost lost her footing, but was able to stabilize the pair as they walked, one painful step at a time, towards the window.
"I think you've lost weight," she said in a light and playful tone, her eyes on the window.
She then helped him to the chaise, and lowered him down gently. "There.." she smiled. The winds and rain really did feel heavenly. "Now you can enjoy the weather."
"I thank you lovely lady of rain and wind. Tell your mistress I had a lovely time and shall pay you double in the morning," Urich jested with a smile. He had helped her along with weakened steps of his own, until he finally was able to lean over the window sill and enjoy the sight sof the streets below. "This town ain't half bad...The weather's good. But the people could use an enema."
Victoria breathed a short laugh through her nose.
"I suppose you're right," she said, giving a sigh as she stared dreamily out at the town below, leaning a cheek into her palm while her elbow rested on the sill.
"It's at least pretty. Even in the rain." And nasty people aside...a nd quickly she found herself getting lost in her own thoughts, just watching as the rain fell down gently into the streets.
Urich sat up beside her and turned his head to watch her for a moment. He grinned a pained grin, but one of happiness in that moment. He leaned in as best he could, with a difficult grunt and kissed her cheek softly. "I'm sorry," he said.
Victoria turned to him when he spoke, blinking and nearly going cross-eyed at his words.
But then she laughed. She didn't mean to exactly, it just sort of came out before she leaned against him, careful of his wounds and sighed, contentedly.
"We both have much to be sorry about, wolf," she said, playfully curling a finger into his hair. She grew quiet a moment, her fingers traipsing over the remains of his clothes.
"Shall I fetch you something better to wear for when we have to leave here?" She knew it would only be a matter of time before they would have to leave this place They only had limited funds, but even still...
Urich's wellness was in the forefront of her mind. "And is there anything I can do and get for you? Any medicine you can think of that might help ease your pain? I could check to see what else the apothecary has but..." she sighed. "I'm sorry to sad what they did have was a sad selection indeed."
"I think the medicine is relieving some pain indeed," he said with minor discomfort. "I think what would be best is if you brought me up some proper food. I haven't eaten in about two days. Some hot stew would be nice."
Food? Stew?
She didn't mean to frown, but she did. They hadn't a lot of money, and she herself had forgotten to eat. But she only nodded, smiling then and agreed.
"Alright." She rose from the chaise and looked down to the pups.
"Keep an eye on him, Draegr." she said, adjusting her skirts. Then she looked back to Urich. "And you.. don't try to leave that lounge." And she eyed him over, a small smile upon her lips to spite her playful sternness before she turned away and left. The pups all stared at the door, and once it was closed, they looked back to Urich.
Urich laughed and looked at her before she closed the door. "I'll just nibble on them," he murnnured with a small grin. The pups wagged their tails. But when Draegr whined, he suddenly jumped onto the lounge right on top of Urich's legs. He cried out a little when the wolf peered out the window, growling softly.
She could't well afford the food served in this place, so Victoria set out onto the road, bundling her hair up the best she could and took to the streets. WHen she heard a familiar growl, she glanced up at the pupa nd made a soured face, then a showing wave of her hand.
"Get down off of their Draegr!"s he shouted, then shook her head and sighed. Pressing on,s he made her way down the street and into the open market, where she had to go through a series of vendors before realizing the only strew available was in the tavern. Sighing, she went to work, entering there, bartered for a meal to go and once it was secured, she headed back to the room.
Entering in, she laid the lidded bowls upon a table.
"Well, I hope you like pig. That's the only sort of stew they had."
Urich shoved the wolf pup off of him when Draegr was growling out of the window. "Hey! She'll be right back," he said. Draegr gave a chuff with his lips and smacked his tail into Urich's face in response. He growled himself and rolled his eyes, awaiting Victoria's return.
When at last she did, the stew hit his sense like a one-two punch to the face and made his stomach growl fiercely. "That smells delicious," he grumbled, wishing he could move easier to eat it.
Seeing her fiance struggle, she adjusted the table to move it closer before taking a seat beside him with a sigh. She was exhausted, but was glad Urich was in better spirits; and that, well, for now, it seemed their relationship wasn't in complete disrepair. Smoothing a hand down her dress, she turned to him and asked, "Do you need help eating? HOw are your hands? Are they took weak for you to be able to eat the soup properly?"
She knw it was a silly thing to ask but.. the man could barely walk. What about his arms?
OOC: Yes, WHAT ABOUT HIS ARMS DX
[I'm sure we established that he can use his arms. Seeing as he was drinking from a bottle just a day ago.]
"My arms are fine," he said with a pained chuckle. He was able to sit up gently, taking his time before he leaned forward and gently, weakly grasped the spoon in hand and took a slurp of it. All the juices filled his senses and soon his hands just took the bowl and pulled it forth as he began to lap at it like a dog.
OOC: lol true
BUT HIS ARMS, LION. HIS ARMS
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Victoria smiled at his chuckle and sat back to let him eat in peace, but made a face when he began to lap at the bowl like an animal. She drew out a kerchief from her breast and placed it on the table beside him.
"Here, when you're done, be sure to wipe your nose of the stew," she said with a grin.
[What about them?]
He was sure to do so. And no sooner than his face was out of the bowl than he soon had it in the handkerchief. He wiped it off and then observed the cloth in his hand. He inspected it's fine craftsmanship for a moment and soon found embroidered initials on the bottom of it. "A.D.A." he said softly. "Who's A.D.A? A lover?" He smirked at the thought.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Try my father, Allaircik Desmond Armani. After my parents passed, I kept both of their kerchief's clothe. My mother, she embroidered them herself. She liked doing needle work, at least from what I remember and from the things my Aunt had shown me."
OOC: I'm just being weird XP
"That makes sense," Urich said with half a crooked smile. "I would never think you so low as to take a lover. You're much too upright for that. It's admirable. And I'm also being extremely sarcastic, darling."
Victoria rolled her eyes again.
"You are already aware I never truly had any lover before you, wolf." she said. "And if you weren't sore all over, I'd go grab my parasol and prod you on the ass. Now, how are you feeling since you've had something to eat? We've got some more if you wish for seconds."
"No, I do recollect, quite fondly. That and your penchant for having a tiny, almost nonexistent sense of humor," Urich said dryly, followed by a tired laugh. "I am full. Thank you for that. Maybe this is just payback for you being an invalid in my once grand home. Suffer the winter's cold wind, for it bars aloft next summer's seeds."
Victoria stepped on his foot for that remark
"I don't know what you're talking about, wolf. My humor is fine.". She grinned. " see? I found that funny." Then settling in beside him, she gave a tired sigh and began to eat the remains of the.soup.
Urich held the pain inside of him until it felt like blood was going to burste from his ears. He leaned back and away from her, burying his face in the fabric of the sofa. "You would find ways to abuse me in my state," he grumbled to himself.
"Just how much money do we have by the way?"
"Oh, I didn't step on your foot that hard," she said, swatting at the air. Then at his question, she sighed.
"I"m not sure. I'll have to recount it. Perhaps I'll do that this evening." And she yawned, feeling exhausted. "Either way, we only have the place another night before we'd have to consider paying more, or... well, moving on."
"I forgot that Frederick brought in my bag, good thing he didn't look inside," Urich said with a laugh. He sighed and motioned for her to open it. "I knew you'd overzealous with your spending. For some reason, it's as if you need to show the whole world you have more money than the Grand Duke himself. And make us all feel the lesser for not. Thankfully I have enoiugh saved with me to help out with certain expenses," Urich said.
Beneath the bundles of his clothes and the few shoes that he could pack along, were three bags of money, and sewn into the lining of the case itself was another bag in case of emergencies. "Now we're not staying here another night," he added. "We'll either find some place cheaper or just stay in the carriage. We've stayed long enough in town anyhow."
Victoria grew quiet at his words. He was right, so there was no sense in arguing, and she was, a bit bitter, but glad he had the money. It just soured her mood, but slightly, before she was smiling again.
"Well," she gave an indignant sniff. "It's hard to make oneself appear refined enough to the Council I wished to work for, let alone appeal to them. And being a woman doesn't help either. Do you have any idea the cost of clothing? This dress alone cost more than I'd like to admit. Too bad now its in shambles." She sighed. It was tattered, worn and ripped at the edges, and was less puffy than the current style dictated, but all fo the extra 'under carriage' had gone to a good cause, and was now in blood-stained torn pieces in the trash.
"I don't know if sleeping int he carriage would be good for you in your condition. You need some sort of bed, and some sort of breathing room. Perhaps we can move onto another town, to a smaller inn?"
"My thoughts exactly," Urich said with a tone as if he was above reproach. He grunted as he moved closer beside her. "Look,Victoria, it's not about the money. I just want to be clear. It's about the principal of it. How can I marry someone who respects only wealth and the weight of it? I know that's not you. I know this is all new for you, but I don't want to feel as though I'm lesser than you because I have less than you. It's not just being a man and wanting to provide for his mate...it's you being my alpha, my equal. And letting me your equal too...is that too much to ask?"
Victoria looked into his eyes and grew quiet. Then she flicked her gaze to her lap.
"Well, I.." she began, tucking back some of her frizzy, curly hair behind her ear as she tried to think of the right words to say, but then she sighed, smiled and looked up at him.
"I do know what you mean. But I can't help but feel I always have the need to prove myself.. and, to be honest, I don't feel like I am your equal, Urich. For starters, you've got a lot going for you. So I have money.." She shook her head. "but I haven't the wits or confidence that you do, and that, I feel, is worth a lot more than the money I can flaunt. I just... always feel like I have to or there's nothing about me to appreciate. Women were meant to have their dowry's be used to persuade suitors, so it's... refreshing to think you're not after that, actually..." she said, blushing and looking down at her lap.
Urich almost laughed at her instead of with her. "It's too easy to look upon me and think I'm the one with all the charm and wit and confidence. But I get scared too, Victoria. I'm scared most of all that I might lose you," he said with a soft smile. "And for all your lack of confidence, you're braver than you know. I've seen only you stand up against that shrew of an aunt you have. Even I, a stranger in her home, could only take so much of her. But you lived with her on a day to day basis. Rremember what I said you didn't need me to bring out those qualities in you, I meant it. You had it in you all along, you just needed to blossom at the right moment. And honestly, I don't have that much going for me."
Victoria grinned as she leered.
"I don't know, you have quite a lot to show for yourself, wolf." And she gently traced a hand down the front of his shirt before glancing up into his eyes."And I don't think you have to worry about losing me. I'm like tar on the streets, impossible to be rid of." And her grin grew sharper as her eyes narrowed playfully upon him.
But hten her gaze softened as her hand moved down to rest over his.
"How long do you think it'll take you to heal? Even with your werewolf abilities, these injuries are substantial."
[I don't think they tarred treets in medieval times. The best they had was cobblestone and that's like in the real high end cities]
Urich made a face at her. "Name ten things I have going for me," he challenged. "The only thing I can see right away is that I'll at least have my hair when at last I'm old and grey." He gave a soft laugh anyway and reached up to gently hold her hand.
"Honestly, I don't know. I've never been this badly injured before. It could be as long as three more weeks to even a few months. I'll put my money on the months. I'm weakened as it is, I can't heal like this. I know I'll hate it, but I know I'll need plenty of bed rest. More than I'd want in a lifetime."
OOC: PFff, technicalities.
I was thinking more towards 'tar and feathering' someone >_> but even than... that might be well after the midevil times hrmmm
oh well! 8D
B| deal with it
--------------
Victoria smirked. "I only need to list one," she teased. But then as he informed her how long, the playful smirk on her face all but vanished, and the frown there deepened after she sighed.
"Months... perhaps we ought to journey back to Armani Keep. At least there, you will have a doctor and be well cared for. It's just a shame our first adventure together would have to end so shortly."
She sighed. So many things had gone wrong...
but even still.. she had found herself quite enjoying herself anyway.
Urich made a soured face at her. "Why would it have to end?" he asked softly. "I told you I'm not going back. I'd rather die here than die in the Valley. I was just mad at you before, upset because you're impossible a great deal of the time. I suffer you only because I love you, but if I go back...I'd never leave. And I'd hate myself for it."
Victoria stared at him, forcing herself to smile.
"I.. understand." she spoke. "I just... I feel so helpless here, Urich. But perhaps.. well, no, I know we'll be ok." she took his hand, squeezing it before lifting it to her lips and kissing his fingers softly.
"IF you wish to continue, perhaps we can make do with our situation. I'm sure there are things we can see, things we can do, even if you're an invalid." And she looked him over with a playful leer before leaning in hesitantly against him.
"Are you sleepy, my love? I know I'm too exhausted to admit. I've only gotten about three hours of sleep for the past few days while tending to you. I think it's doing a number on my eyes. There are bags there now, and I think I'm getting some wrinkles and my hair, it's quite the mess."
Urich gave a laugh and leaned in to kiss her cheek softly. "It's nothing a few well placed kisses cannot fix. Oh what am I saying...lying to you already. You've always had those dreadful bags. It'd take more than kisses to fix those. And don't even get me started on that hair!"
Where Victoria had been smiling, the next moment she gave him a death glare.
"Don't test me wolf. Remember, it's I whom has to take care of you."
"I know, and that's whay I love about you," Urich said as he leaned down toward her chest with a grunt or some difficulty and pressed his lips down to the exposed tops of her breasts, then trailed his mouth up her neck before gently resting his head on her shoulder.
Victoria rolled her eyes, but couldn't help her smirk.
"I hope you are comfortable down there. It's very difficult carrying those things around," she commented, then sighed and leaned against him, her own head resting against his as she closed her eyes.
"ANd this is why I love you, wolf." she sighed again, nestling in close. She was so exhausted, she could have fallen asleep right then and there, and for a brief moment, she did.
"I think we need to ask for a new mattress," Urich chuckled against her head. "It still hasn't dried from all that water you tossed on me a day ago. If you can do this for me, I'll let you have sex with me as soon as I'm better." He kissed her lips softly and gave a soft smile. "Pretty please? I'm surprised I don't have mold growing on my back."
"But right here is so comfortable," she said with a sigh and nestled in real close against his face and shoulder. "But I suppose you're right. Just give me a few minutes to rest my eyes and I'll go see what can be done."
Urich gave a whine and kissed her cheek. "But we both know a bed is so much more comfortable. I'm going to be sore and stiff all over and not in a good way." He played with her cheek a little with his lips and murmured lightly toward her ear.
"You are already stiff and sore all over," she commented through a yawn. Rising, she nodded to him. "Alright, wolf. I'll go see what can be done about the bed." And she moved over towards the door, pausing beside it before looking down at the wolf pups, all of whom were looking up at her from the floor.
"You all behave.." and she glanced back to Urich, her eye lids lowering. "Especially you."
Urich smirked at her before laying down fully on the lounge. The room felt hot and ripe with shedding wolf hair. Despite that, he slowly closed the window just a little, to enjoy the breeze that came through without freezing to death.
"What do you mean we can't get a new mattress? What!? What do you mean we'd be billed extra!? Is this how you treat your customers!? Why, I ought to crawl on back there and beat you with my parasol you dreadful man! How dare you try to assume- what!?"
Victoria's face was as red as a tomato. she as so upset they refused her service unless she paid extra, that it took every bit of will power within her not to beat the man with her umbrella. Stalking back to the room, she slammed the door shut.
"That's it! We're looking for another place to say!"
OOC: Sorry, woulda posted sooner but then I got distracted/sleep @_@
Urich jumped at the slamming of the door. When he saw Victoria come through that door like a mad dog, he gave an effort of a grunt to sit up. "What happened?" he asked, but was almost afraid of her response. "Never mind... I guess we'll just pack our bags then."
VIctoria collapsed with an angry sigh at the edge of the bed, her face going into her hand.
"They refused to change the linens unless we paid extra," she groaned with a shake of her head. "And you should have seen the fees they would have charged us. Ridiculous! That in itself seems like a crime."
But now what were they to do? She'd rather not move Urich in his condition, but it seemd they had little choice.
OOC: A quick post before I roll out for the day B|
[They see you rollin', they hatin', trying to catch you ridin' dirty |8]
Urich dropped his head and gave a pained sigh. He shifted himself on the chaise lounge, leaning on the armrest and using his arms to throw himself on his weakened legs and vault himself over to the bed. He grunted, red-faced with pain until he rolled out beside her.
"Then we'll move somewhere else," he sighed, holding his sides. "I don't know why you picked this dreadful hotel anyway."
Victoria was surprised when Urich moved to the bed, and gasped at seeing him strain himself so.
"Urich! Please! You should have stayed on the chaise." But then she sighed, looking down at her lap, then to his before moving closer to him and moving so that she was resting her face lightly against his neck. He smelled good, perhaps a bit overly musky, but for some reason, his scent made her calm. She sighed against him.
"I'm sorry, Urich. I'm just used to these sorts of places. But you'd think, for what we are paying, they'd offer to fix the damn bed from water damage."S he grumbled.
"I guess if I wasn'r being so impossible and you so childish, we wouldn't be having this problem," Urich chuckled. He lamely pulled his forearm up and wrapped it weakly around her back, just enough not to strain his shoulder. "It's a shame to ask for something so meager, but I think such settings are far more intimate than rooms like these. They'll let us come closer, either that or will kill each other. Either way we can't go wrong."
He laughed and kissed her forehead a little. "I have an idea that I think you'll like. How about we rent a small cabin in the next town over just for the time it takes to recover. I think I know this area, there should be quite a lovely pond just up the road and a little cabin over looking it. Is that all right? It would certainly be cheaper than this room, that's for sure."
Victoria sighed as she leaned into him.
"I suppose you're right." Then she smirked. "Though perhaps we might not have to rent... what if we could find some abandoned place to call our short term home?" She leered him playfully. "Perhaps something small, and not quite as extravagant as Sul'Gulthan?"
Urich chuckled, meeting her playful leer with one of his own. He kissed her cheek gently. "Oh that would be lovely wouldn't it,"he said, agreeing with her. "I'm sure there's something like that not too far off the beaten track. Just close enough to town for supplies and yet plenty of privacy for us. That would be quite nice. I guess we should be packing up then and checking out of this dump."
Victoria agreed, ordered the pups to watch Urich before she stole a single, heated kiss upon his lips.
"Do stay here, my love. I shall be back. Frederick ought to do well in helping us." Then she was off, paid for the room, got her decaying valet and soon returned, the grumbling rotting zombie groaning behind her.
"Our trunk is over there, and I will see to it to gather the rest of our things."
And Frederick nodded, an action that caused his eyeto fall out as it bounced onto the floor then rolled over towards Urich's shoe where it stopped and peered up at him in wonder.
Urich blinked aack curiously at the eye that blinked at him and he was about to try and use his feet to pick it up when one of the pups leapt forward and snatched the eyeball from the ground, growling playfully as it bounced around the room. "Hey! NO! That's bad!" Urich growled as the oteer wolves took to partaking in playing with it too.
OOC: omg, I was going to post the pups going after the eye too but decided to be nice 8D
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
---------------------------
Victoria gasped.
Frederick groaned, as he seemed ignorant and went about his business picking up the bulky chest himself. The wolfs were all yelping happily, chasing the eye ball around as a game.
"WOLF PUPS! NO!" she shouted.
And one pup bounced it to the other as she tried to grab it off of him, but the pup she managed to wrestle dropped it, only for another to take it into it's mouth.
"BAD, WOLF PUPS, BAD! STOP THIS AT ONCE OR I'll!" but then it happened, one pup tried to avoid her approach, and as Victoria leaped at it, the wolf leaped at Frederick, and down the graoning, rotting zombie valet went, the chest toppling over and snapping open- and their clothing.... went... EVERYWHERE...
and as Frederick lay there on the floor...
his second eyeball fell out, and a few maggots curiously wriggled in it's vacant hole.
Victoria too, was on the floor, staring over in disbelief as her bras and undergarments were now strewn EVERYWHERE, littering overtop of herself, the pups, and her zombie. One even had a pair of Urich's underware on it's tail, and was his tail wagged happily, the garments swished about like a flag.
And right behind her, the pups continued to play 'eye ball' hockey with Frederick's missing part. For now... the second eyeball was safe.
He was stunned for a good long moment, staring at the scene as it played out and roared out in laughter, echoing loudly across the room. But soon, as the play persisted, Urich was having enough of it. "All right pups!' he said. "That's enough!"
But even Draegr was pulling on a pair of Victoria's underclothes with another pup, growling as he did so. Urich felt the fires of rage give him momentary strength and he stood, actually stood, and glowered down furiously at the pups in their play. "YOU WILL STOP IT THIS INSTANT!" he roared.
At that the underclothes dropped from pups' mouths and they looked up at him with dumb smiles. Then Urich's strength left him, he stumbled back down onto the bed and the pups all sat obediently on one side of the room.
The pups weren't the only ones that had gone silent. But after even Victoria calmed down from her fiance's roars, she wasted no time plucking up one eyeball, then the next, and tsking at the pups before movign over towards Frederick and helping her valet 're-place' his eyes.
"There... how does that do, Frederick?" she asked.
The valet groaned. She smiled.
"Good." Then turning to the mess, she sighed and got to her knees nd began to gather all of the clothing and stuffed it back into the trunk. though as Frederick bent down to help her, his one eye fell out again. ANd boy did those pups look about ready to pounce it. Thankfully, VIctoria snatched a hand out, and appeared almost to growl back at the pups. They shrunk back at her gaze, curling their tails around themselves and whimpered.
Sighing, she returned the eye to Frederick and went back to the clothes.
"Frederick, if you please, stand by the door. I can finish clearing up this mess."
The last thing hse needed was his eyes to be eaten by the wolves.
Urich smiled when Victoria took charge and when the mess was cleaned up, it turned a little sad. "I'm sorry I'm can't be a better help," Urich said as he balanced on the bed. He couldn't stand without falling over but knew it would be too much to ask if she could help him along.
"Just stay where you are and don't add to the mess and you're helping good enough." Sighing, she finally got her last brassiere, into the trunk and snapped it closed. Looking up, she smoothed back a few dark, frizzy curls of her hair from her face and frowned up at Frederick.
"I do apologize for this Frederick. Do you need my help carrying the trunk?"
THe valet groaned.
"Very well then. I'll ready the rest of our luggage and then I might need your assistance with my fiance."
Frederick groaned again before leaving.
Turning around, Victoria drew in a careful breath and took in the poor sight of her fiance.
"Is there anything you'd like me to get for you, or I could do for you before we leave here?"
He watched her vigilantly as she carried out the rest of their packing. The pups too watched her dutifully, Draegr sitting beside Urich at his feetaas if second in command. Urich actually reached down and pet the wolf, who nuzzled his head into his hand and gave a playful nip to it shortly thereafter.
"Oh, help? Um, no darling. I'm quite fine. I'd hate to ask you to help me pee."
Victoria wrinkled her nose.
"You're not that invalid, wolf."
But then she smirked, her groaning, dead corpse of a valet grumbling behind her.
"So.. shall we be off them?" she asked, offering him her arm.
Urich rolled his eyes. "I cannot stand, you idiot," he grumbled, irritated. "You could at least hold me up. But fine, forget I said anything. Just come here and help me stand and I'll drag my useless behind to the carriage."
Victoria glared back at him before turning away and snapping to get Frederick's attention
"Come, Frederick. Help pme get this wolf then we can be out of thks dreadful place.."
And with the assistance of her valet, the two were able to lift Mr. Renqvist up and onto his feet, though not without some minor problems. (It was difficult to join efforts with a zombie after all.) But finally he was in the carriage and the wolf pups all waiting outside. And when Frederick turned back to her awaiting orders she sighed from her.seat and said, ".Back to the road, Frederick. We'll see from there if we can find a road leading through the woods."
Urich found a way to relieve himself shortly before they left but would keep the details of that to himself. Of course, he wasn't about to let that sour their already soured day. The rain had let up mostly as they pulled away and Urich watched the town get smaller and smaller in distance as they hit the road. He smiled. "I'm gonna miss that town," he said with a sarcastic smile. "Getting my ass kicked was quite a memory. But at least I can laugh about it, and at least this bench is more comfortable."
Once they were far enough away from the small town did Victoria finally relax. At Urich's words, she released a hot sigh.
"Yes, we'll have to make a note not to go back there again," she grumbled as she rubbed at her temples. SHe was exhausted and nestled into the carriage and began to find herself dosing in and out of sleep, barely able to keep herself awake after all that had transpired. She was thoroughly exhausted, and looked worse for wear, and was eventually completely out like a light and gently breathing as she slept.
Urich peered over at her sleeping. He gave a sofr smile and wished he had the physical strength to get up and comfort her. Or at least offer her his jacket. But instead he let her sleep and soon dozed off himself, as much sleep as he could get on a rocking carriage.
By the time Victoria had awoken, it was ten hours later and already dark, and it was awakening in the darkness that startled her.
"URICH!"s he cried, sitting up suddenly in a panic, then as her eyes adjusted to the dark, she calmed. He was right before her, and due to her screaming, the carriage lurched to a halt as Frederick groaned, but Victoria was unprepared for the stop and fell forward, face first into Urich's crotch.
Ten hours in a carriage did wonders for Urich's rest, but his joints were stiff as was his neck. He cried out when her face hit his crotch and his good arm immediately nursed at this added pain. He glared down at Victoria. "If you wanted to fool around, you could have at least warned me first!"
Victoria pulled her face from his crotch and gave a scowl.
"As if I would plan on taking advantage of an invalid." THen she looked around and opened the carriage door. "Hrm, I wonder where we are. In some sort of wooded path...a ndit's very late." She peered up at the moon. It was almost full. She wondered what that would mean for Urich, for she knew the moon's phases normally affected most sorts of werewolves, though not all.
Urich laughed and peered at her. "There's a first for everything," he said and he too peered up at the moon. "Don't worry," he said, nodding his head up to the moon. "I don't have the energy to transform. It takes quite a bit out of you. That and I can barely stand." He flexed his legs weakly and felt he could at least move them now. Though if he could walk, it wasn't far. "Do you want to go out and see what's down there?"
"It might do us some good to get some fresh air, but in your condition, and the fact we are in unknown territory in the dark, I suspect traveling by ourselves would not be wise. However, I could send Frederick out to see if he can't scout the area a little bit along with the wolf pups. Taking a break here mght be good for all of us, but making sure the area is safe and secure is all we can do to avoid something like what you have already suffered back in that dreadful town."
"Oh you are so good to me my lover, nothing like that frumpy fiancee of mine," Urich said with a laugh. "The carriage would be ideal, however." He adjusted himself with a grunt and knocked his nose against the glass saw a big wolf face peer up at him as one of the pups stood on his hind legs. Urich whislted and gestured for them to scout the area by waving his hand in a circle.
"Tell Frederick to take us down the path. Maybe we'll find the cabin we're looking for," he said with a warm grin.
"Very well, Frederick!" she called. "Take us around to see if we can't find a path through the grass. We're looking for an abandoned cabin or shack int he woods." And she grinned as her valet groaned and shuffled his way back to his post before Victoria climbed back inside the carriage and closed the door. Draegr whined at the other window.
"No, pup, you stay close. Your brother can handle scouting this time," she told him as the pup licked warmly at her hand, before the carriage lurched forward and they were moving against the more bumpy, grassy terrain of the woods.
"You love him more than me, don't you?" Urich said with a laugh. He turned and watched the other wolves disperse and take to the trees as Draegr followed them. "I guess I can't blame you. I did try to kill you on a number of occasions."
Victoria made a soured expression before turning to look at Urich.
"Yes, but you're a lousy killer. Good thing for you you're not a lousy lover." And she smirked. "How are you feeling now? I feel so stiff after getting all that sleep,"s he said, stretching out her limbs as her knees gave a crack.
Urich gave a soured shrug. "I think I'm awfully lousy," he said with a frown as he stared out the window. "But you wouldn't really know, seeing as I'm your only lover. I could do with some stretching first."
Victoria gave him a playful smirk.
"YOu bring up a good point, wolf. I suppose I wouldn't know."
She leered him, but at his suggestion to stretch, she simply sighed and wilted back into her carriage bench.
"Yes, I wish I could stretch better than this. This carriage feels too confining. Hopefully we'll find something soon." But by the looks of things, all she could see was trees, trees...a nd more trees.
"I can't help it if you challenge me to do better," Urich said with a smirk. He weakly moved his leg to touch hers and looked over charmingly. "You better be careful, you might get pregnant by the time this vacation's over. You better hope I don't get well sooner."
The carriage was slowly winding down a path however and when Urich peered out the window he could see something through the trees. The carriage rolled to a stop when he called out and saw a little house sitting in some lingering mist by a small pond. "Oh my," he breathed. "It's perfect."
Victoria rolled her eyes at his comment. "Then I'll have to make sure that you don't," she quipped. But then closed her eyes and was about ready to take on another nap when she over heard her fiance's breathed out words. She wrinkled her nose, her eyes still closed.
"You really need to stop staring at my chest. I can't help it if this is the only clean dress I've got and my breasts are nearly bursting from it." She sighed and nestled back into the bench.
Urich gave a mock laugh and nudged her foot. "Look, shrew," he said gesturing out to the small cabin house. "It's right there! I've dreamt about places like this... Frederick! Help me out of this carriage!"
"What?" and it was only then she turned and peered over, noticing the cabin. Her cheeks lightly flushed as Frederick moved to help Urich, and Victoria stepped out on her own. Her valet grumbled and groaned beneath Urich's weight, but Victoria was ignorant to it as she took a timid step closer towards the place.
"I can't believe we actually found a place so soon." then she shook her head with a sigh. "KNowing our luck it won't be vacant. Shall I go on ahead to inspect?"
"That would be helpful, yes," he said as he balanced himself against the corpse and wiggled his nose at his stench. He limped closer to the house and waited and listened. "Hey, Victoria, get the lamp from the driver's seat. I think I hear scurrying from inside."
Victoria wasted no time in fetching the lamp, and with one hand on the lamp, the other on her skirts, she made her way through the thick grasses of the forests, Draegr at her heels. SHe moved slowly, ever so slowly towards the cabin as Draegr began to let out a low growl, and as they nearedt he building, she held her breath, hesitating before peering in through a window.
Urich limped behind her, but kept his distance when she approached the window. Urich watched and waited. The rustling and scurrying got louder and something it the glass hard when Victorias's face appeared in the window. A crow cawed and out came flying a flock of miscellaneous birds from a broken window on the side, taking to the sky.
Victoria let out a scream, dropping the lamp that went out with a crack just as a flock of black birds came tearing up from the building and up into the night sky.
Victoria remained there, frozen in terror with the lamp all burned out, a hand clutching to her chest. She just about nearly had a heart attack from it and once the birds were gone, her legs went weak and she collapsed into the grasses, and only Draegr's sudden whimpering and licking of her face brough ther back.
"Will you please cut that out, Draegr!" she said, but the pup persisted, licking at her cheeks as he whined.
Urich approached the building with Frederick beside him and as soon as he was close by, he leaned against the wall and was somewhat able to hold himself. "Draegr, come boy. Frederick, do help Miss Armani," he said. The wolf scampered to him and slowly wagged his tail. Urich limped toward the door of the cabin and saw that it was already ajar. "Go in, boy, sniff it out!"
Frederick groaned and approached Victoria. It was only then she began to get her wits about herself as Frederick was helping her to her feet, but by then Draegr already slipped inside the cabin.
"D-Draegr!" Victoria called out, holding a breath as she held onto her valet's arms, and a moment later, Draegr was happily staring back at them from inside, looking out the window. He gave a happy bark, then wag of his tail. Then he barked again.
Victoria sighed, relieved.
"Gods, I'm going to have a heart attack before this is through," she groaned, then gestured to Frederick. "Do help me with Mr. Renqvist, Frederick. It seems the place is safe."
Then she cut Urich a look as she approached him. "Urich, do mind yourself. What if here was some sort of trouble inside? Sending in Draegr by himself was not a safe idea."
"You worry more about your wolf than you do for yourself, that's not a very bright idea," Urich said with a smart grin. He shuffled into the doorway with Frederick's help and sat down on the nearest seat. "Draegr is strong and tough and wants to protect you. Which is precisely why I sent him in there."
"Yes, but he is only a pup," Victoria replied, defensively as she entered right along behind Urich. She glanced around, sighing and turned to Frederick.
"Frederick, do see if you can't fetch us a few candles from the carriage." she sighed and turned to Urich. "I think I broke our lamp, so we'll have to make do with what we've got for light."
Then she peered down at Urich's side, to where Draegr was lulling out his tongue, panting happily and wagging his tail. She narrowed her gaze upon him. Who's side was the pup's on anyway?
"Good pup! Brave pup!" Urich declared proudly a he pet Draegr with his good hand. Once the candles were taken within and lit, the cabin was shown in greater glory, though it was dusty and in tender need of love and care.
Victoria glared daggers at both of them, crossing her arms across her chest. Then once they got a little light, she began to look around.
"Oh my... this place is... erm, seems a bit drab, don't it?" she moved around, the floor boards creaking beneath her boots as she lifted curtain of cobwebs out of the way as she began to explore.
"Seems someone just abandonned it... there's even a few pictures left on the walls." She smoothed a hand across the glass, smearing the thick layer of dust away to reveal a painted portrait of a man and woman on their wedding day. SHe stared at it for a time, before moving to the next picture frame and clearing the dust from it, too.
"It seemed a couple once lived here," she spoke, her words were gentle, just barely over the volume of her breath. "I wonder why they left?" She peered over at the table, to where a moldy vase resided, now laced and covered in dust and cobwebs, and a pair of old, black withered roses remained resting inside.
"They probably died," Urich mused with a laugh and chuckled at her and the picture. Sure the little cabin wasn't much to look it. But with some work - namely from Victoria as it were since was incapable of caring even for himself in this moment - it could be grand. Quite grand indeed. "Gods...I've alway wanted a cabin. This will nice indeed."
"Well, so long as we don't find their dead corpses on the bed, this place could be charming," she said, sighing through a smile as she continued to walk through the place. "Such a large open room out here by the hearth. A nice table and chair set for two, a place to cook, a place for the pups to sleep on the floor,a nd two rooms in the back; thugh I think.. "s he gave a sniff. "I think the bed sheets are moldy."
Urich peered out to Victoria and gave a small frown. "I hope you don't mind do you," he said. "I know it needs a lot of work and a lot of cleaning...and I'm asking to to take care of me in the process... I guess I just prefer fixer uppers. There's so much people leave behind, ruined or forgotten just because of a little tarnish. I know it isn't what you're used to either. But in time I hope you will see this place can be even more grand than Armani Manor."
Victoria turned back to Urich.
"Well, there are no corpses here, well, except for Frederick's."
The zombie valet groaned.
"So I see no reason to hate the place, though I think I'll have to inspect the bed before I stuff you into it. And there seems to be a lot of work to do.." Sighing, she looked around with a smile.
"But I think you're right. This place could be a lot more grand than my home. Something that I can say we found and I had a chance to work on, and actually make my own." Then she turned to him and smirked. "Wolves included."
Urich's smile broadened, glad and comforted that she was taking to the idea. He felt himself blushing a little too, at the very thought of sharing a home with her. But he knew it would be a long time coming before he could actually enjoy this time with her thoroughly. "For now, I think I'd be okay just laying on a few blankets on the floor. I...I wish I could help you out," he said with a shamed smile, then frowning and patting at the wolves that came in to investigate.
"Don't worry, I'm sure there's a way I can make you useful, wolf," she said with a smirk. "But for now, I'll have to figure out what's to be done about sleeping arrangements. I'm not sure if the mold from these sheets can be washed," she said, disappearing into the back room to reappear a moment later, coughing and covered in dust. She marchd over towards the door, before tossing them out into the yard with a sigh.
"Frederick!" she called to the valet. "can you see what blankets we have in the carriage and bring them to me?"
The valet groaned and obeyed, shuffling his way towards the carriage. It was then Victoria smiled and approached Urich, taking a seat near him with a sigh as she glanced around the place.
"As small as this place is... I think it'll be a lot of work," she commented, a smile on her lips and her hand finding his as she rested it over it.
Urich made a face when she came out coughing and dust billowing around her. Dust even fell from the rafters and he coughed himself as a result of it. He didn't much like the thought of sleeping on moldy sheets. "I don't think the mattress will be any better!" he bellowed. "Let's just sleep on the floor! I'll be fine." He stiffened at her hand, but gently turned his wrist over to squeeze hers anyway.
"You certainly have everything cut out for you," he grumbled, watching the zombie bring in their extra sheets with a groan.
"Are you sure you'll be alright on the floor?" she inquired, raising her brows at him. "You're in an awful lot of pain. I'd hate to add to it by you only be able to sleep on the hard floor. Though I suppose if we layer the blankets well enough, it could be comfortable,"s he mused.
"That will do, my lovely shrew," he smiled at her. "Unless, you wanted to spend one more night in the carriage. I will leave the decision to our sleeping arrangements up to you. I will be fine with a soft padding on the ground or the benches in the carriage. Though, I should add, that moving me from this chair will more of a chore in and over itself."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Don't worry, we'll just shove you onto the floor when the time comes to rest."
And her devious thoughts were interrupted when the valet returned. She gestured to a corner nearby. "Over on the floor, Frederick, though oh! Wait just a moment! Let me at least sweep the dirt off the floor. No sense in ruining our good blankets if we can avoid it."
Rising, she snatched a rotting broom int he corner, cleaned up the corner, then gestured to a place Frederick could toss the blankets down, and then set to work, fussing over the rest of the floor with the broom.
Urich was surprised, pleasantly so. But surprised as if her were seeing a fish dancing on land than swimming in the sea. Everything was so out of place. And he coughed out more dust didn't know quite what to say. He leaned back in his chair, limiting his movements to little more than breathing and eye movements.
[I think it's safe to do a time skip. Like maybe a few weeks later where the house is fixed up and Urich is at least well enough to walk on his own.]
The cabin in the woods cleaned up nicely, and throughout the month; Victoria had gotten the place clean from top to bottom, almost sparkling. Though the place still smelled a bit moldy, the fresh flowers on the table and the wind blowing in from the south added a pleasant touch. She had managed to fix up the bed room, learned how to hunt a bit, and even fish, though most of what they had to eat was a poor excuse for stew, and whatever Frederick would bring back from town (which wasn't a lot since not many took kindly to a zombie seeking patronage). And Victoria was too afraid to leave Urich alone, even with the wolves. His legs were still weak, but it seemed, with his help, he was getting better by the day.
That morning she had left early, the air crisp with a fresh frost, the first sign of autumn, and the leaves were changing. Many things were changing, and Victoria was now in bare feet and torn skirts, no longer weighted by the frilly layers beneath. And though it was cold, she enjoyed the moment as she was greeted byt he wolves If it weren't for the wolves, they'd never have eaten any meat, and she played with them for a time before picking some berries, though it seemed there wasn't much left to them after the frost. The days would be growing shorter as well, and they'd have to think of a solution come winter. It would only be a month away, at least at this rate if the frosts kept up, and the amount of leaves falling from the tree grew greater day by day.
Once her basket had enough berries, she returned and went about making some panned cakes with the remaining bits of flour. She'd have to consider making her way into town to get more sooner or later, and she was wondering when she might feel safe enough to leave Urich alone so she could trek out. Poor Frederick was beheaded hwen he returned with the flour, and if it werne't for the wlves following, he might not have ever gotten his head back.
The mattress, unfortunately could not be salvaged and neither could much of the bedsheets. Thankfully Frederick had found a suitable replacement that smelled a lot less like mold and even urine. With the wolves still adjusting to the place, Urich was having a hard enough time as it was keeping them from marking all over the place and he'd done it first when Victoria wasn't looking, marking around the greater area of the cabin, away from her smell and making sure the wolves knew their place.
Urich was able to walk more on his own than he could before and was already standing when the rotting valet came through the door. His arm wwas in a sling and he gestured to Victoria with his good one. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Victoria had dropped a few berries into the frying cakes and turned to smile at him.
"I suppose keeping the wolves out of here while we eat might be nice. Last time I attempted to make these Draegr ate the entire first batch." She shook her head, smiling then looked around. "And if you'd like, setting the table. The cakes shouldn't take much longer to cook, and i've added some berries to them to add some tartness to their flavor. I think we still have some of that syrup I found, you could get that, too."
"Yes my Lady Shrew," Urich said with anover extended bow and a wise grin. He stalked over to the various cupboards and cabinets and drawers as he was carefully setting the table. "So what you think of it, so far?" Urich asked as he set her place. "This place...what do you think we should call it as our little getaway retreat."
"A name? Do you think it ought to be called something?"s he thought it over, not certain what to say or suggest as she hrmmed.
"With so many wolves, would it not be appropriate to name it something like the Wolf's Den? Or..." she smirked. "The Wolf's Bane."
Urich gave a laugh. "Perhaps nothing so obvious. Keeps out the unwanted guests. maybe something campy, an ode to our new beginning," he replied. "How about something cheesy, Berry Lane! Orchid House, though it is very clearly a cabin."
"Hrmm, I would more likely think it would be called Moldy House," she said with a sigh, then smiled and gave a shrug. "I don't know. I've never considered naming a place before."
Urich gave her a sympathetic smile and finally finished setting the table before taking a seat down on his side of the table. "Don't worry," he said with a nod. "I'll think of something. I like the thought of naming this place. It makes it our own. Like Sul'Gulthan or Armani Manor. But this is someting we share."
"Perhaps a name will come to us?" she said, placing a berry pan cake on each plate before sitting down to eat. "Well, hope you're hungry this morning. I made plenty." Then a whine came from the window, and she glared over at Draegr and pointed to the ground. "DOWN."
The dog gave a snap of it's tongue on it's lips before getting down frm the window with a whine.
She sighed, shake her head.
"Damn pups.."
Urich scowled at the window and frowned at Victoria as he dug his fork into the berry cake and snapped it into his mouth. "No wolf has any business eating this!" he snapped. "They need meat! You spoil them, you know."
"You're a wolf and I don't hear any complaints from you. Besides, they've been eating plenty. There's a lot of game around here for them to hunt. So a pancake here or there will hardly hurt."
"Urich Renqvist is a practiced wolf in a man suit," he laughed. "I have manners at least. But you want to make them plump and fat to snuggle and spoil!"
OOC: 90 pages somehow D:
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"What would I need to snuggle the wolfs for? Besides, I've got you." she said with a gesture.
"Besides, you should be complaining less and more eating. If anyone is to get fat, it's the wolf in a man's suit sitting right across from me."A nd she popped a pancake bite into her mouth with a grin.
Urich almost choked on the cake but managed to swallow his piece as he continied to cut it tentatively with his good hand. "You always did have a way with words," he replied with a clever smirk of his own. His eyes smiled with him and he briefly undressed her with his eyes. "Speaking of weight," he went on, eating. "You look like you've lost some. All that hard work cleaning this place up must have taken its toll on you. You look good... Tight. I'm sure I've fattened up with all that bed rest."
Victoria's eyes went dead pan.
"And just what do you eyes think they are doing?" she asked. Her eyes narrowed. "And yes, I'd say you have." She looked down at the little bit of a belly he acquired and smirked. "And they say a woman's done her duty as a wife if her husband is fat. But.. it seems I'd have a long way to go. Good thing we're not married yet." And her smirk tugged to the left before she sighed.
"It felt good to be able to do all of that work. And then to be able ot call this place our own... Id on't know how to describe it, but it's a different sort of work than the studies I've done in books." She sighed and leaned back in her chair, pushing her plate forward since she was done.
Then she heard a wine at the window, and saw a nose poke up and sniff.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Draegr.."
Urich frowned at the mention of being made fat and ate half of his hot cakes, at least as much as he could stood up at last before taking both plates to the wash basin and placing it at the bottom of the water. He took his own left overs and walked over to the windows and just slid it slightly ajar. The wolves yapped and yelped and whined from the other side. "HEY! Relax," Urich growled at them and their bottoms all plopped on the ground at once, but they were easily anxious at the sight of the half eaten flapjack. Draegr sat too, but saliva dripped from his maw as he stared at the glory in front of him.
Urich opened the window a little further and promptly threw the flapjack like a disk and watched all the wolves try to jump into the air at once, smacking into each other and trying to get to it first. Urich laughed at the display as they ripped it to shreds and he licked his fingers of the remaining butter and syrup. "Look at them. Like children!"
Victoria reached Urich's side and poked at his belly.
"Who is spoiling them and making them fat?" Victoria questioned, quirking a single sharp brow at the man.
"You are naturally!" Urich replied hotly. "You made the cakes! I just couldn't finish them all. So I am sharing them with the less fortunate." He reached in to vengefully peck her cheek and retreated away from her with intent on doing the dishes.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Well, I've been out all morning and sweating like a pig. I think I'll spend the afternoon just soaking in the tub. I'll bring Draegr with me when I go to fetch the water. So don't miss me too much while I'm gone."
"I'll miss you like I'd miss my arm!" Urich said with a smile as he cleaned the dishes with his good arm and rinse them out in the basin. "Give me a kiss before you go."
Victoria was already beside the door as she paused, giving a huff. She already had the bucket for water in hand and Draegr, another in his jaw. The pup looked up when Victoria halted and he sat down with a whimper.
She sighed.
"You would want a kiss when I'm half out the door." but she obliged him, waltzing on over to him before kissing him, then securing the bucket over his head with a grin. It seemed her wolf was pleased as Draegr gave a happy bark and wag of his tail, which knocked his own bucket onto the floor with a clatter, startling him, and the other pups as their tails' dropped.
Urich laughed and it echoed from within the chamber of the bucket. "Damn you!" He splashed her with the water and finally took the bucket off his head. "Git!" He gave the bucket back to her and smacked her on the ass.
Flinching back from his water attack, Victoria shook her head, and her gaze narrowed after he hit her bottom.
"Come along, Draegr," and she gestured to her pup as she turned around. Draegr let out a little growling bark at Uric before he bit ontt he bucket handle and raced out after Victoria to follow along. It didn't take her long to find the spring and she filled both buckets upa nd returned, pouring them into pots over the hearth to let them heat up before she reclined back onto one of the lounges and closed her eye. Draegr moved to sit at her feet, chin resting on her lap as she scratched behind his ears. The wolf sighed contentedly.
Urich sat across from her and watched as Draegr relished the company of his mistress. His eyes narrowed and he looked at her face first before letting them linger down low to her chest. He smirked and just stared at them "If only my arm would heal just a little faster," he murmured.
Victoria popped one eye open and glared at him.
"And just what are you staring at, wolf?"
He smiled at her, letting his eyelids hang low. "I think you know what I'm looking at," he murmured. "I don't know if my eyes can really take all of you in."
Victoria narrowed her gaze.
"And just what are you implying?"
"Oh I'm implying nothing," Urich said softly, smirking even more. "I'm just stating very plainly that I'm admiring your very voluptuous figure, my good lady." He gave a soft chuckle. "Is that so bad? Or are you reserving your lovely grace for someone...special perhaps?"
Victoria slowly raised a brow at the werewolf.
"Voluptuous? Hrm, I suppose I should be grateful you're not calling me something like delicious. I know how you werewolves are," she said with a playful smirk. "It's why I keep you and the pups well fed. And if you keep eating all these cakes, perhaps one day I can render you fat and harmless." she said, walking straight up to him with an extra sway to her hips.
"You may make me fat and helpless the day I die!" Urich growled in a sultry tone. He watched her sway her hips and launched his good arm out to grip her hard on the behind. He stood up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, leaning his head into her neck and kissing her softly.
Victoria let out a noise of feigned surprise, but laughed softly, which turned into a husky moan when his lips met her neck.
"Urich! Shouldn't you be taking it easy?" she questioned, though she made no refusal of his gestures, and rather, craned her neck more, giving him better access to her neck. His breath and lips were hot and felt so good, sending shivers all over her skin as her top teeth sunk into her lower lips and eye lids hung low, the remainder of her eyes hidden behind a mask of dark lashes.
Urich laughed against her neck and kissed her deeply, even a little wet as he let the moisture of his lips pull away a thin string of saliva, just small enough. He kissed her down her shoulder and kissed down to her collarbone. He laughed again and leered at her. "I was under the impression I was taking it easy," he said. "I'm just kissing you, tasting you. And you've only sweetened with time. Like a fine wine. Besides, it's just my arm that's broken. And we don't have any other plans to put it under duress anyway. It's just a kiss."
Victoria flushed and grew indignant.
"That.. was no ordinary kiss," she said between her teeth, staring back at him challengingly. "And I fear I might be in trouble once you're all healed up. Hrmm.. perhaps I should find a way to render her useless again." She smirked.
"Have no fear, you're safe as long as you keep cooking as good as you do," Urich said with a laugh. He leaned in and kissed her cheek and then her lips, softly and sweet and pulled her bottom lip a little. "I knew you didn't miss me anyway. I'm just hanging around to look good for you," he laughed a little.
Victoria's face grew hotter.
"Too good? You think so?" she teased back, though it was becoming harder for her to ignore the fact that.. well, it had been months since they had gotten any real time to become intimate, yet here she was, still fighting it and being stiff.
Then again, she had a bad habit of playing hard to get, or rather, hard to figure out what she wants.
His smile widened and he leaned in to get a nip at her ear. He laughed at her words and let his good hand slide around her waist, his nails scraping along the fabric of her dress and he was clearly taking as much enjoyment as possible from their light flirtation. "But of course," he murmured with a deep rumbling of his throat as he leaned in and kissed her neck again. "You need a good looking man to complement your own beauty, darling. And I'm not just trying to lay it on extra thick. Though, admittedly, it can't hurt." He kissed at the soft skin just beside her throat.
She was as flushed as she ever was, eye lids hanging low as a breathy laugh came out from her throat. But she was completely at his mercy, and when she tried to talk, only a soft moan escaped from her lips.
He chuckled again and kissed upwards toward her jaw. His head came in just to the side of her mouth. He stopped and just smiled against her cheekaas he removed his hard from her waist and put it behind her back toward her corset ties. He felt along them for a moment before gently prying the knot loose. "Please, allow me to help you with this stifling dress, Ms. Armani," he said with a soft laugh. "You can't very well take a bath with your clothes on."
At the sudden loosening of the knot, she gasped, but quickly smiled. Lids still at half, her smirk grew as she placed a hand upon his chest and smoothed it across it, her other hand lifting to reach for the pins in her hair.
"Of course not, that would be silly," she said, letting a few of the pins drop to the floor.
"Good move!" he chuckled as he pulled the dress loose from her body. His hands slipped down her sides and landed just above her hips. He gripped her sides and just then leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, tasting them succulently. A small thread of saliva stretched between them.
He licked his lips and grinned slyly. "Hmmm like honeyed syrup," he growled.
"You would say that after slobbering all over me," she said with a leering smirk. She eyed him over, removing yet another hair pin as a few wild curls of her black hair came falling about her face. But this time the pin was used to jab him lightly as her smirk grew.
"What are you intentions here, wolf? Are you planning to undress me to simply let me bathe? It has been quite the trying day and the waters would feel wonderful against my skin. I fear I'm all hot and sweaty, but now, you're making me hot and something else." Her eyes sparkled as her lips stretched a bit more in their grin.
Urich gave a feigned gasp as he put a palm to his lips. "The gall," he said. "How dare you accuse me of having intentions other than what I've set to do. I assure you they are completely innocent, darling. I'm merely trying to help you get ready...for...your...bath." The last three words were spoken as he stepped in and placed his hips in close enough to grind into hers. He placed minute pressure on the small of her back, pushing her closer to him. He gave a chuckle. "Just helping with your posture."
"You mentioned something else that has piqued my curiosity. You metioned feeling hot and clammy from the day...and now because of something else. May I inquire as to the nature of this 'something else'?"
Victoria's face turned red as their hips met, and she found herself simply staring at him with no wits about her. THat was, until she pushed him away with a single heft of her hand to his chest. Then she smirked, knowing that wouldn't keep a werewolf back.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" she smirked challengingly, leaning in as if to kiss him but stopped a breath away from his lips as a hand caressed across the hem of his pants.
He was taking much too much enjoyment from this and indeed pursued her until she whispered those words to him. "You're lucky I only have one useful arm," he mumbled against her lips. "But I won't force it out of you if you don't want to say." He used his good arm to reach up and trace a finger down between her breasts which had subsequently become loosened with the loosening of her dress. "But maybe you could give me a hint."
Victoria was on fire, her cheeks heating thoroughly through. And at his question, her smile grew.
"But it would be too crude of me. After all, you'd only have to put her hand between my legs to find the answer."
And with a smirk, she turned from him and made her way towards where the waters were beginning to steam upon the hearth, her clothing loose upon her body, barely clinging on so that she needed to keep one hand pressed against them to keep them from spilling off her body.
Urich laughed and watched her part. "Oh you would still keep secrets from me after all we shared," he chuckled. He followed her to the kettle and leaned against the side of the hearth, observing her actions. He moved discreetly behind her and lifted her skirt gently enough to feel a hand down along her rear and crept softly to the briefe space between her thighs, feeling some semblance of heat. "Oh this? But why would you keep this locked away?" Dropping her dress he turned away and stalked back to his chair. "Fine then. Just go and take comfort in your bath."
Gasping, Victoria whirled around and cast Urich a glare. But soon hefted up a broom and began to hit him with it. But she couldn't pretend to be angry for long as she began to laugh as the straw began to fall out and made a mess of his hair.
"I'll teach you to lift up a woman's skirts," she said, her eyes dancing, the broom at the ready.
Urich hadn't expected that and cowered in his chair, fending off the broom with his good arm. "Mercy! Wretched woman! I was just making sure you didn't have another wolf under there!" he growled.
"You have a nose. Wouldn't you be able to smell it?" Victoria replied smartly as she used the broom to lightly hit his ass as she smirked.
Urich yelped and knocked the broom away where he could. "I just had to use my eyes to make sure!" he defended. "My nose was distracted by your pheromones, darling...I couldn't help myself!" Urich reached up and snatched the broom and used her own momentum to knock her over the chair.
Now it was Victoria's turn to yelp as she lost her balance and fell into a pile of her skirts upon the chair.
"U-Urich!"s he tried to reprimand, laughing all the while, but she was laughing too hard it made her stuck where she was and she couldn't get up.
"Calm, wild woman," Urich laughed along with her as she fell on top of him. He smiled and held her down to him. When he caight his breath, he leaned up and kissed her soflty before pulling away. He shifted her dress down a little more, just enough to let her breasts spill out. He made a noise of admiration before leaning in to kiss her again.
Each time she tried to reprimand him this time, his lips met to hers and by the last kiss, she had forgotten what she wanted to say. Now, sitting half naked upon his lap, she wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back, long and deep.
"Gods.." she breathed against him. "Keep this up and I might let you poke more up my skirts than your nose." And through a smirk, she kissed him against, pressing herself against him while holding him tight.
Urich moaned loudly and physically shivered when she kissed him. He laughed at her words and slipped in some tongue to brush along hers, kissing her harder. "Be careful," he grumbled against her lips. "My arm is still in a sling, remember? Easy, love." He played with her lips with his own and bit a little into the bottom one. He pulled away at last and grinned. "Weren't you doing something? I think it was a bath or something of that nature."
"Yes, it was a bath," she murmured against his lips as she lingered against another kiss. "But why would I clean up when I think I might be getting even dirtier?" she said, her lips moving to kiss up his neck.
Urich shivered again and lost his breath a little. But he gasped again and turned to look at her with "shocked" eyes. "Miss Armani! Are you implying that we are going to have....to have," he looked around to see if anyone else was around before turning back to her. "Sex?" he hissed, a smirk tugginh at the corner of his lips.
Growling irritably in his ear, which had turned into more of a sexually frustrated noise, she huffed.
"You would try to play a prude,"s he said, digging her teeth into his ear, hand smoothing across his clothing while her other worked at opening the buttons of his shirt, one at a time.
"Oh but dear we've yet to get better acquainted," he grunted. He started to pant and laughed a little when she but into his ear. "We've only just met after all... This is hardly becoming of strangers!" His good arm bent around her back and pulled her dress open even more and felt along the skin of her back.
Victoria mumbled something inaudible against his ear.
"I don't see your body complaining..." she said, her hand moving lower and smoothing over the bulge in his pants.
He gave a breathless sigh and bit into his lower lip. "Oh that's just the towel I put into my pocket," he said with a laugh. "See?" He produced the object and wacked her face with it. "I was washing our dishes of course... Just what were you looking for down there? Certainly not a towel."
"Apparently nothing of importance," she said, pulling away from him and moving to stand. Really, two could play at this game.
"Not so fast," he grumbled before lunging his head forward and snatching a part her dress with his teeth and pulling like a dog, pulling the rest of her dress down as much as he could. "You give up much too quickly darling," he growled and stood behind her again. and kissing the back of her neck. "Maybe I can help you find it,"
Victoria gasped and grabbed at her falling dress as he tore off the rest of it with his teeth, leaving her in her half-hiked up skirts and no more corset as her heavy breasts spilled out and were half hidden behind an arm. But as he moved behind her, she gave a snort through her nose.
"Maybe you could, but really, if anything, your teeth are too sharp. What if you had drawn blood?" she said, moving her other arm in attempts to keep herself modest, even as those heavy breasts were graced in blush.
Urich laughed and turned around to face her. He smiled and in one fell swoop, he waved Draegr to skedaddle. The wolf growled in protest and Urich turned to glare at him. The wolf gave a grumble and finally departed the room. Urich looked back to Victoria and gave a sly smirk.
It soon faded and he reached down to unbutton the rest of his shirt and gently grabbed her hand from holding her dress against her chest. He placed her palm against his chest instead and slowly drifted it along his torso. "I don't suppose it's there is it? What about here?" he asked softly, shifting her hand along his abdomen.
At his gesture, her cheeks heated pink. So did her ears as his hand guided her lower and lower. Flushing deeper, she turned away, trying to hide her smile.
"You won't find it up there," she replied, tucking back her lower lip beneath her top set of teeth.
Urich stepped in closer and dragged her hand all around him, caressing his sides. "Oh, is that so?" he murmured. "Well, let's see if we're getting warmer." He stopped her hand just along his lower belly and undid the clasp of his trousers and a few of the ties before slipping her hand inside. "Are we getting closer?"
Victoria's face grew hotter, her eye lids hanging lower as she pressed her top teeth more deeply into her lower lips. Her hands trembled as they slipped within his pants, and here, a smile swept across her lips. Gods, he felt so warm, his skin soft, and his body, solid.
"Yes... perhaps we need to look a little further south."
This was a first for Urich, actually taking a woman's hands and splaying them over himself. He felt almost as cheap as a prostitute, but he supposed with Victoria it was a long and different story.
Urich smiled softly at her and pushed her hand further down until she could feel the soft skin of his member. "I think I found what you were looking for," he whispered. "At least I hope so, or this has suddenly become a very awkward situation." He laughed a little before leaning in to meet her lips softly.
Victoria grinned smugly as his hands guided her to right where she wanted them, and to confirm his 'suggestion'; she gripped onto him tight and felt along his shaft, feeling it growing harder beneath her touch.
"I.. suppose this will suffice," she told him through another kiss, her eyes almost closing all the way.
Urich gave a surprised grunt when she pulled him and gave a nervous chuckle, half-fearing she was fully prepared to rip it off. Well, it didn't look like she needed him to guide her anymore and he rested his arm at her hip, gently tugging on her dress to fall the rest of the way down. "Are you trying to emasculate me?" Urich groaned into her kiss. "Be gentle!"
"I thought you were a wolf?" she said, kissing hotly up his neck, her hand still working at his cock, though more lighter now, with long strokes caressing it within her hand. "I thought animals liked it rough," she purred into his ear before moving to suck down at a sweet spot upon his neck.
Shivers were coursing through Urich like crazy and he felt his knees jerk as if they were about to drop and give way. He moaned and leaned his head on her shoulders as she kissed his neck. He ducked his hand just inside her dress and pushed it further down just when he ground his teeth into the soft flesh of her shoulder, growling a little. "I knew you'd throw that back in my face some day," he managed to laugh. "Let's take this to the bed, if it's not too much...trouble."
Victoria continued to nurse at his neck, making a satisfying breath against his skin at his words.
"I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble," she said, guiding him along with her, but being mindful of his remaining injuries as she laid across the bed, guiding him over her, and her eyes never leaving his. She smoothed a hand down his cheek, the other still working at the front of his pants, helping him to loosen them up in hopes he'd simply discard them. The Gods knew she had already began to discard her clothes the moment his fingers were all over them, and now she was in but nothing at all..
and a soft whimper came from the other side of the door.
"Mmm... shut up, Draegr!" Victoria barked, lips meeting to Urich's in a heated kiss.
"Hmmm," he moaned, breathless and wanting her in that moment. "Wait a minute," he grumbled against her lips. He bit her bottom lip hungrily before pulling away, trying to sit up. It was difficult to maneuver around her with only one functioning arm and the other sore and useless in it's sling. He pulled it over his head,allowing him to take off his shirt at last and threw it back over to where her dress lay. His pants were harder and more frustrating to discard as he fumbled with his boots.
He crawled back over her, leaning on his arm and lowering his face to her belly and trailing his lips up her body toward her chest, parting her legs to wrap around him.
Seeing him struggle with his pants, she grinned.
"Need some help there, wolf?"
But it seemed he got it, and once her fiance was fully exposed, she didn't waste any time admiring him before he was all over her, lips moving up her body and sending shivers to her skin. As instructed by his motions, her legs hooked around him tightly as her hands smoothed across the muscles of his back.
By the Gods, how long had it been since they were able to play so intimately?
And another whimper from Draegr made her growl and grab a nearby item. She knew ot what it was as she threw it at the window, and clung her body tightly to Urich's, always trying to be mindful of his weaker arm, but her body was on fire. And it was him that she needed.
He didn't waste any time joining with her hotly and moving with need. "Why had it been nearly three months since we last did this?" he panted against her lips. "Gods, Victoria, I wish my wrist didn't hurt so much...but I don't mind so much anymore..."
Victoria gasped, surprised by the pain and pleasure of their union as she could feel every inch of him slip inside her. She was hot, wet; and fit around him like a velvet glove; the musclar walls moving naturally to taste and sample the sex that moved within.
"Gods.."s he moaned, her eyes closed tightly as she clung onto him, breathing against his neck.
But then at his question, she laughed through a pant.
"Did you forget you were invalid?" she teased, playing around wiht the position o fhe rbody, finding just the right angle for him to hit as many sweet spots for her as possible.
Gods...
Why HAD they waited so long? This felt far too good...
As if she were in heaven, especially with each natural and long, hard thrust Urich was administering inside her.
"Oh, I nearly forgot about that. I've just...ugh, gotten used to the quaint environment for this lovely home you've built for us," he added with a groan. He shivered with pleasure, moving with as much need for himself as for her, but he reminded himself that moments like this had come few and far between for them. And turned his face to peer at her with a look of enjoyment, watching her expressions as he moved.
"But being an invalid aside, I wouldn't have been able to put up much of a fight if you think about it," he grunted with a laugh. His heart was already beating like a rabbit, but he couldn't be bothered by that. He busied himself with sucking softly on her neck, speeding up as he did so. "You feel so good, Victoria. If we ever go this long without making love again...gods, feel free to punch me in the face."
She was melting beneath his touch, her sex gripping his as he was speeding up; and she was completely at his mercy as he did so. Breathing softly, she didn't know what to say..
though taking advantage of him made her insides grow hotter, a flush deepening on her face, but then at his last words, she laughed and moved her own lips to nurse at his neck and ear.
"I'll keep a note of that, wolf," she grunted into his ear, her legs clinging to him tightly as she sweat, her own heart beating rapidly. "By the Gods.. Urich!" she gasped. "If only we could do this forever."
Urich laughed at her words, more with her than at her, but laughter came nonetheless. "I never thought of it that way," he breathed softly against her. "But I'll take that as a challenge in dexterity." He smiled down at her and pressed his forehead to hers, moaning softly with extended effort, twisting his hips here and there at different angles. Sweat dripped from his brow as he turned his face and kissed her softly, taking her lips gently. "I love you, Victoria. I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I really do love you."
The moment was already intense, her body hot and tight with need as he fucked her; but what made her gasp out and writhe to the next level was his words. He loved her. He truly did, and she clung to him tightly, calling out his name as she reached her peak, reminding him, in a gentle breath int he after math, that she too, loved him. But the games were far from over, and despite being new to all of this, she wanted much more from her lover, and bit into his ear to get him started again, raked her hands through his hair and skin and turned him over so she was positioned ontop; so now she could take the lead, and take him with all of her desire and need.
Urich came hard within her and was thankful she was already so close. He kissed her weakly, shaken and unsure if he was ready to go again. But she didn't give him much of a choice when she flipped him over and took the reins. "Gods, Victoria!" he cried. "Mercy!" But the force his nails dug into her hips begged her not to stop and he did his best to keep up with her.
Three months without, lead to three hours with, and after it was all over, Victoria lay in a panting, sweaty heap beside him. Her eyes were in a daze as she shut them lightly, a smile not able to be erased from her lips as she sighed.
"Yes, let's not wait another three months for that," she said, nestling in beside him as she tried to stifle a yawn. It was then Draegr poked his head up and peered at them through the window, whimpering as his ears pressed back, then growling over at Urich once he caught sight of the smells...
Urich just laid there with his eyes wide and staring at the ceiling. His entire body was coated with so much sweat the sheets clung to him and his chest glistened with it as it moved with breath. He was worn to the bone - almost literally. Then he turned his head to Victoria and suddenly laughed, turning to face her with a sore, aching body.
"Darling, maybe you don't have much experience in love-making but I applaud your use of imagination," he said with a softened chuckle. He heard the growl and popped his head up, reaching over to chuck a small cup at the window to keep Draegr away. "That was much better than I anticipated," he continued, turning his lips up to kiss her forehead. "Now, you may take your bath...you'll need it."
Victoria sighed lazily.
"But so will you, and I fear the water's probably long since boiled out from the hearth."
"Shit! I forgot!" he growled and got up suddenly when he jumped out of bed. He moved over her, stark naked and moved to the pail she placed in the hearth. The water was all but cold now, the fire having died low and leaving little more than soft embers. He took a poker and jabbed a little at the fire. He shook his head. "Perhaps a cool bath would be in order then. We can clean each other. But no sex. You've had enough for the next week or so.'
Victoria smirked and remained lazyily laying upon the bed.
"And here I thought werewolves could go for days. Maybe I misread that in the manual," she teased, then closed her eye and sighed, feeling quite content.
"I'm only half werewolf, darling. You have exceedingly high expectations. But a man never backs down from a challenge," he smirked a little and proceeded to pull the pail from the hearth and moved over around to where the tub was hidden behind a partition. He poured the water and set the bucket aside before moving back to her. "Your chariot, milady," he said, offering his arms to her, to carry her to the tub. Well, arm, really. He bent low and held his forearm out to serve as her seat and was strong enough to carry the rest of her without too much strain on his other arm, provided she held onto his neck for stability.
"Half werewolf, so wouldn't it be half a day then?" she said with a smirk. THen, her eyes sparkled at the 'chariot' he afforded her, and she crawled slowly onto his arm for a seat and looped her arms carefully around his neck. At this proximity, she could smell his musk, the sweat from their sex, and well, the scent of their sex itself. Her cheeks flushed pink as she gave bashful smile.
"Lead the way, my husband to be."
Gods did she ever smell good! Urich closed his eyes to appreciate it for a moment before smiling up at her. "Whatever you say," he smirked and carried her with minor difficulty to the tub. He sat her down on it's cool edge, letting her go. "I'll take care of your hair. It's all knotted up now."
Victoria eased herself into the water, hesitant at first, but she felt too hot to care the water was frigid. But hse made a light gasp at its' temperature before settling in, then glancing over at him as she raised her hands to fuss over any remaining pins in her hair.
"So long as you don't make it worse, wolf," she said with a smirk. "Then by all means, it sounds like a lovely idea."
Urich laughed and knelt down before her head. The pins dropped with a ping to the ground and the rest of her hair just billowed down like a blanket. "You'll be in heaven, trust me," he said with a laugh. "Don't worry!" He reached over for small glass bottle and used his weak hand to pour a small dot of it in his hand and carefully put it back. He spread it through her hair, a small amount being all that was needed as he carefully added small handfuls of water.
"I found that back in the city before we left, some extra supplies to help our travel out," he explained. "It's a cleansing solution, made of natural things like juices and berries. I hope you like it!"
Victoria purred at his minstrations. With his fingers massaging her scalp, she was in heaven.
"You could be scrubbing my head with piss and I'd love the feeling." She smirked then moaned softly. "But the scent is lovely." And thank the gods, not piss.
Urich laughed. He cupped handfuls of water and poured it over her hair as he kept massaging through it. "I'm glad you're enjoying this," he chuckled. "You have gorgeous hair by the way. It's not nearly as gorgeous as mine, but we'll get there, don't worry!"
Victoria peered up at him with one speculative gaze before she sighed.
"My hair is a mess. I have to fight with it everyday." And after a lazier sigh, she nestled more loosely into the tub, her eyes closing as she simply enjoyed this moment.
While he enjoyed giving her a head massage, Urich was getting close to done, and motioned her to sit up so he could rinse her hair. He poured most of the soap out until it was a dark cloak of heair on her head. "There," he said. "Now about your body...are you going to wash it or should I?" His eyes flashed at her and he playfully splashed some water at her.
Victoria naturally flinched at his splashing, but smirked at his question as she lazily turned onto her side to study him.
"You, naturally," she said with a grin. "After all, I believe I've taken care of you long enough. You've got at least one good arm on you to assist me."
Urich gave a playful sigh and splashed her once more. He moved about her and motioned her to sit up as he stood and stepped into the bath behind her. He sat down on the egde of the tub, leaning down as he took the sponge and began to gently scrub her shoulders.
"This is rather nice, you should get severely injured often so I have to tend to you. The benefits during your recovery are rather grand." And she gave him a smile that mimicked that of the kitten in the cream.
Urich growled at her. "You're far too happy for your own good," he chuckled. "I spoil you far foo much... When I'm better I'm going to even the score. Maybe I'll push you out the window and then I'll have to take care of you like you did me." He leaned down and kissed her neck.
Victoria grew playfully cold at his last statement.
"You would think to do that to me to even the score, wolf," she said, but her eyes were smiling, even as she tried to keep a most serious of faces.
"Of course, darling. Don't say you wouldn't do the same with me. You would breathe the same air if I gave you reason enough to do so out of spite," he laughed at her and took the soap to rub all around her, her back, breasts, arms, and belly until he could get a good lather where then began to scrub. Already the dirt was comin off in layers.
Victoria remained quiet as he worked, but the second she noticed all of the dirt in the water she gasped.
"Goodness, why hadn't I taken a bath earlier? I'm positively filthy!"
"I thought you liked it dirty," Urich prodded with a tongue against his cheek.
Victoria took two fingers and flicked the water at his face.
"You would word it that way to sound scandalous," she said, sounding bored in her amusement.
"But would you have it any other way?" Urich laughed as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. He stepped over a little more and began to brush her legs and thighs.
Victoria smirked.
"And just now where are your hands going, wolf?" she said, peeking one eye back at him with coy suspicion.
Urich's eyes turned to her innocently. "My hands are in perfect visibility. You can see exactly where they are and what they're doing," he chuckled. He used the back of the brush to coax her leg up so that he could scrub underneath it and he continued to smile innocently.
Victoria rolled her eyes, but obliged.
"I suppose you could say there is no trust." And she gave him a smug grin at that. "So just keep them where I can see them."
"That's fine by me," he said with laugh. He scrubbed under her leg and turned it back over, gently brushed over that sensitive flesh between her legs by "accident."
"Whoops," he said with a grin.
Victoria rolled her eyes at him.
"Get back down there and clean it out. A little light tap will hardly get your mess out of there if you just play with it," she told him with a little hmph and her nose to the air.
Urich gave an indignant huff as he scrubbed at her other leg. "Maybe I don't want to clean it!" he protested. "You can clean it yourself anyway! Now lift your other leg!"
"But you're the one who made it filthy," she reminded with a wry grin before lifting her other leg obediently. "Or did you forget?"
"And that's how I want it to stay," Urich said plainly. He scrubbed underneath her thigh and calves and brushed along her sensitive skin. "Goodness! You're positively a street rat you're so dirty!"
Victoria gave a smack to his hand.
"Mind your tongue, wolf," she warned. "If it weren't for you, I might be clean and dry elsewhere." And she smirked as she looked him over. "Though the dirt was starting to feel like a second pair of skin, it's nice that you're doing this for me." She said, sighing as she settled back into the bath. "Thank you."
Urich splashed a little water at her and took the brush to her feet, scrubbing them clean until he was done at last. "I do it because I want my lover to be clean and happy before I take you by force tonight," he laughed. "Besides now that it's my turn, maybe you can return the favor."
"Maybe," she said, turning towards him with a smug grin. "Does my wolf need a bath?" And her eyes looked him over with a playfully scrutinizing look.
Urich actually blushed underneath her scrutiny and he smiled at her. "I do, my loving shrew," he said dotingly. Carefully he moved to try and switch places with her but really just ended up sitting along the side. "Would it be too much to ask?"
Victoria tried to tuck back her smile as she gave another playful roll of her eyes. She crawled out of the tub, now cleaned and wrapped a towel about her.
"I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble, wolf," she said, picking up the soaps and looking it over, as if imagining other possibilities with it aside from cleansing before she cast her eyes his way, wild black curls of her hair framing both sides of her face as she made a gesture with her hand.
"Turn around. Let me wash that back of yours, first."
He smiled when at lasts she conceded and he did turn around after he sat restfully in the water. Though it was dirty, it would be too much work to bother cleaning it out and fill it up again. Urich took the cloth from his shoulder, carefully pulling his sling over his head and setting his arm down gently in the water.
While her fiance rested into the cool waters, she moved to stand behind him, massaging soap slowly into his back as the soap foamed beneath her touch.
"You're so tense.." she murmured, shaking her head. "Just relax, wolf. Your woman will take care of you."
Urich gave a sigh as she washed the skin across his back. Leaning forward, a pleasant chill washed over him and he smiled as she went on. "My woman," he laughed. "Since when did you start referring yourself to my woman?"
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"You'd rather I call myself someone elses?"
"I'd rather you address yourself as beast lady and wear nothing but leather straps around your breasts and a skirt of leaves," Urich quipped with a satisfied smile.
She rolled her eyes again.
"If anything, I'm a Lady of the Beasts." And she dug her hands into his shoulders, massaging in soaps and lathering it well. "So tense.." she spoke, kissing at his neck. "When you get out of the bath, I'll try to give you a more proper massage."
Urich shivered pleasantly when she massaged him deeper and added a kiss to his neck. "Lady of the beasts, huh? You sure came at me like an animal," he laughed. "I say it suits you."
Victoria smirked and continued her leisure washing, but once he was well rinsed, she stood up, offering him a towel.
"There, you're all clean. Now come out of there before you prune."
Urich finally climbed out of the tub and wrapped the towel around his face. He smiled at her and eventually leaned in to quickly kiss her cheek. "Thank you my lady of the beasts," he smiled and went about to find some fresh clothes to dress into.
Victoria gave another playful roll o fher eyes,a nd while Urich went to dress, she moved over towards the door to let the pups in, Draegr instantly jumping on her and nipping happily and playfully at her hands. She got to her knees and scratched each pup behind the ears in greeting, and a few on the belly that asked for it as she waited for Urich.
Urich appeared, dashing as usual and fixed a clenn shirt on him with clean pants. The sling went back over his shoulder as he emerged from the partition. Too bad all those clean clothes went to waste as the loose hair from all the excited pups came bursting through the room. One leapt on him and he leaned back, stumbling against the bed, slobbering all over his face.
Victoria smirked over at Urich as she scratched Draegr beneath the chin. The pup gave a happy thump of his leg.
"Do be careful of your arm..."
Urich shoved off the pup and was curled up in a ball. "I think I just broke again," he murmured, keeping his back to her.
Victoria rolled her eyes. "And who's sympathy do you want? You'll hardly get any from me." And she moved to sit beside him.
Urich laughed. "None apparently and thanks for your lovely words. I'll know now that I'll get no concern from you should I come into bodily harm again. Good thing this time I was only kidding," he laughed again and just held his arm against him, like a small child. He laid down on the bed, closing his eyes. She'd worn him out, truly. And a nap sounded like the most wonderful thing in the world right now.
"It's a good thing you've learned your lesson," she told him with a smirk, and not even a second later once Urich was nestled in, one of the pups leaped upon the bed, tail wagging and it's wet, warm slobbery tongue lapping all over his face.
Urich yelped and cried out when the wolf pup started to kiss him. He shoved his head awayaand wiped at his face. "Down you beast! Victoria! Control your children!"
Victoria only smiled.
"But she's happy to see you? Why would I discipline a child who simply wants attention?" Then with a roll of her eyes she stated, "All you have to do is scratch her behind her ears.." she said, leaning over and scratching the wolf behind the ears, and the wolf's tongue lulled out as she did so. "See? Just like that. And she becomes putty in your hands."
Of course, Draegr and another wolf came stalking up towards the bed, growling jealously that the female was getting all of the attention.
"I want to go to sleep," Urich groaned but eventually relented. He sat up and motioned for Draegr to come forth. The wolf was only too eager, though wary at the same time. He scratched soflty, gingerly before trading with the other wolf that whined softly and dropped his ears back. "Y'know I never had to do this before you turned them into babies. They were rough and fierce. Now they want all this affection," Urich said with a small grin.
Victoria said nothing as she sat behind Urich, and began to scratch at his ears.
"Oh, be quiet, you know you like it, too."
Urich rolled his eyes and pulled his head away from her. "I do not! I'm not some pup you can pamper and fatten! I'm a wolf! I'm a beast and I'm not afraid to eat yoooooou!" he laughed and turned and kissed her hand quickly.
Victoria rolled her eyes but smirked at his kiss.
"Sure you are," she said, leaning down and whispering that hotly into his ear. "If anything.." she began to say, a hand smoothing across his chest. "I think you are afraid," she said, kissing at his neck.
Urich looked at her with a raised brow and pursed his lips. "The pups are around, y'know! They'll catch on sooner or later to all the heavy petting," he said with a smirk. "Besides, I'm not afraid of anything!"
Victoria rolled her eyes and poked at a ticklish spot at his side.
"Oh, is that so?"
"HEY! I'm an invalid!" Urich howled and squirmed away from her, crawling away from her on the bed.
Victoria smirked as she stalked after him slowly, crawling on her hands and knees like an animal would after it's prey.
"It only means it'll be much easier for me to catch you, now won't it?"
Urich turned his eyes on her till the whites were showing and he laid down on his back. "Victoria!" he howled. "What are you doing!?"
Victoria only grinned and continued to slowly stalk after him- but before she had a chance to pounce- all of a sudden Draegr was upon both of them- barking and howling along with before he went in for the kill- kissing both of their faces profusely with wet, puppy wolf kisses.
Thank the gods, saved by a goddamned wolf! Urich couldn't believe he was thankful for Draegr's bad breath in his face, but he was and he laughed and turned his face away, scratching his rough grey fur and he pet him softly. "My hero!"
Victoria pinched Urich's non-wounded arm in reply to his comment as she cut him a look, but was soon laughing as the puppy kisses continued in an endless barrage of happiness.
When the puppy kisses were becoming too much, and dodging them and shoving their heads out of the way were doing nothing to abate them, Urich leaned back and tried to crawl away. "ALL RIGHT! ALL YOU PUPS NEED TO TAKE A BATHE!" He hollered and at that very word, all the wolf pups abruptly crawled away from them and took seats on the ground, lining up, and peering imploringly at both of them with their ears down. Only Draegr remained beside Victoria with his ears down, unsure if Urich truly meant his words.
Ooc: an attempt at a short and crappy post!
Victoria smirked, appearing much like a kitten in the cream once the wolf pups were gone. And before her fiance might realize he was now.vulnerable to her, she settled in beside him, snuggling close and pressing her warm lips to his neck.
"And now I've got.you..." She purred, kissing up to his ear as her hand smoothed across his chest.
Caught in her trap, Urich wiggled his head vigorously back and forth. "HUH!? Nehhhh!" he grumbled. "Woman! I'm an invalid! Get your bloody claws off of me!" Urich shoved her away weakly and crawled to put space between them on the bed before settling on his side, his shoulder above him. "Ugh, ugh,....ugghghghghghghghhhhhh!"
Victoria sighed as she sat up, appearing every bit as exhausted and irritable as she was.
"Well, that was short lived...." And she looked him over, smoothing her hair from her face. "Thank the Gods you've got the wolf in you, Urich. I know it.might not seem like it now, but you do seem to be healing quite fast." Which was generally a trait of his specie.
"I'm sorry," he said, rolling over and looking at her with an apologetic gaze. "It's not fast enough, though, in my opinion. I want to be rid of this ridiculous sling thing. It feels stuffy just wearing it. Please, don't be upset."
Victoria rubbed at her eyes and temples before leaning back and peering over at him, her hand now draped abover her eyes. It was then she smirked as her eyes caught his and her free hand, lightly tracing one of his.
"Do not fuss yourself over me, Mr. Renqvist," she teased. "I am just growing tired." She took his hand gently before she sat up and examined the sling. "Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?"
Urich smiled at her. "A pillow to prop me up would be nice," he said with a small, even shy grin. His shoulder could use some extra support. Within a week it would be at least able to move on it's own, but he could tell even now it was going to be a long week.
"And a kiss, if it's not too much..... And some sausages!"
Victoria obliged, but as she leaned forward to give him a kiss, she gasped and pulled away at the last second. "You would want sausage to eat when there are none!"
Urich settled in to his pillows and gave her a diabolical grin. "Oh, but you do love your darling so much that you'd go and get some for me right? Or perhaps we can eat one of the pups!?"
Victoria snorted then leaned forward, lightly prodding Urich's arm.
"You would be cruel.enough to suggest eating the pups. Why don't we compromise and eat your bad arm, instead?"
Urich gasped. "But I like both of my arms!" he whined and gently pinched her hand a little. "Besides I would have to rearrange all my suit jackets and shirts and it would just be more trouble than it was worth. Very well, those sausages will be saved for one night." He quickly kissed her hand and laid back. "I just want a nice long nap."
Ooc: As do I, Urich, as do I. l8*
Victoria smiled warmly with a nod as she took his hand and kissed it.
"Then sleep. I'll tend to the cabin." And she moved to stand, figuring on sweeping the floor.
Urich smiled at her before closing his eyes and turning his head, finally falling in a deep slumber that was disturbed not even by the pups. They were more than hungry and surrounded Victoria even as she swept.
Victoria left the cabin with.the antsy pups in tow. They were.excited to be outside. So to help expel their energy, she played for hours with the pups and a make shift ball, but rains from the night prior made one portion of the yard slick, and once the pups began to leap around over there, Victoria joined them but was soon coated in mud, and more thoroughly so after one fiasco with the rope ball had her slipping and landing on her knees.
Realizing that was a good a time as any to stop these shenanigans and to check on her fiance, Victoria headed back, and as she stepped inside, scolded the pups as they dragged muddy paw prints EVERYWHERE.
Urich awoke with a start at the lecturing and the pups just sat before Victoria, tilting their heads this way and that as if trying to comprehend every word she said, but just swishing their tails from side to side. He looked down at his clean shirt and the bedsheets and the pillows and even one conveniently placed paw print that somehow got on his cheek.
"What the hell are you yelling at them about?"
Victoria gave an exasperated sigh as she raked a hand through her dark hair, which was a frizzy mess barely held ontop of her head in a make shift bun.
"Just look around you! There are paw prints all over the place!" And she gave a mean look down to the pups as she placed her hands on her hips, "And I just got.this place all clean!"
Instead of seeming.detered by Victoria, the pups, in fact, were wagging their tails, and some even peering back to steal glances at Urich, as if asking, 'what's her problem?'
Urich turned to look his eyes at the mess around them and the dirt on his once clean shirt and reached up at the mud that'd gotten on his face. He made a face and pried at the buttons of his shirt. "Damn, pups," he grumbled, but he just looked at Victoria and started to laugh. "Well, don't be mad at them. They're just babies after all! You're to blame for that, with your age reversing thingy you did on them. They were perfectly tame wolves up until that point. Now we have to raise them all over again! Well, no use in crying about it. I'll help you clean up. You just take the pups a bath now."
He got up and reached for a broom and began to sweep as best he could with one arm.
"Give the pups a bath? Are you mad? It would take hours for the pack to get.clean." shaking her head, she sighed and began to shoo them out of the cabin, until only Draegr remained, stubbornly sitting infront of the open door. And although he tried to plead with her to let him stay, Victoria's glare made his tail sink even further between his legs before.he let out a whimper, and disappeared outside with his brothers and sisters.
"Then bite your tongue, Victoria. Words won't clean up the floor," Urich said with a resigned sigh. He swept up most of the dried mud and pushed it all into a pile on the floor. Once that was done, he pulled the dirty sheets from the bed and tried to spread them out, but with little success. He turned and grinned at her. "What happened to your temper all of a sudden, darling?"
"Give me that broom and I'll show you a temper," she threatened with a smirk. And she took it, but left the broom rest in his hands as she leaned lightly against it and asked, "Why do you ask, wolf? Do you wish for me to be angry? Are you one of those men who loves seeking out the red flush on his woman's cheek after an argument? Because, I can assure you, you've seen me become quite aggressive and have witnessed those consequences yourself, first hand. You must realize I am no woman to be trifled with," she added with a grin.
Urich raised a brow at her and gave her a coy, cool smile. "You don't need to remind me of your temper. If your hair blows into your face from a rogue gust of wind, you huff and puff and would just as soon blow this whole house down! And if there's mud on your skirts, you'll howl and wail like winter winds. It's not a matter of my own preference, something tells me you get a kick out of being upset."
Victoria raised a brow at his claim, a smile still tugging across her lips.
"And whatever were to.give you that idea?" She asked, feigning ignorance as she gave her fiance a lustful once.over before meeting her dark eyes to his.
"Only the very first encounter we ever had," Urich said simply enough. "I'm surprised I'm still recovering quite nicely at this rate. But I know it's only a matter of time before you beat me with the broom. But maybe I spoke too soon!" He dropped the broom and gave her a smug grin, catching her gaze, but deliberately ignoring it and tilting his head up and heading back to the bed, promptly laying on it, with his good arm behind his head.
At his antics, Victoria gave an eye roll and shake of her head. And once her fiance was good and settled, she picked up the broom and prodded him in the ass.
"Yes, perhaps you.did!" She said with a.chuckle. "Besides, you should not be informing your fiance how well you are on.the mend..." She began, eyes drinking him in as she gave another playful.prod.with the broom. "You never know. She might take advantage."
Urich yelped and turned his bottom away from her. "You're getting much to explorative with that broom!" he cried out, laughing and shoving it away. "Besides, I know I'm safe in telling you my progress. You wouldn't dare take advantage of me!" He stuck his tongue out at her and shoved a pillow over his face.
Victoria jutted out her chin as she smirked and watched her fiance act much like a child. Her own actions mimicked his as she crawled onto the bed with him, moving over him like a four legged animal and pinning him gently beneath the blankets before tearing the pillow away.
"What was that last statement you said?" she asked, leaning forward as she did so so that her lips could nurse hotly at his neck. "About what I wouldn't dare..?" And her words were spoken on a hot breath that splayed across his skin.
Urich just giggled maniacally when she kissed him and he tossed his head back and forth, trying to shake her off his neck. "I said you wouldn't dare take advantage of me!" he growled back, trying to evade her on the bed, wiggling out from underneath her. "You don't have the GUTSTH!"
[Yes, Urich is deliberately making a lisp at that last word.]
"Goodness, you trying to turn into an were-eel, Urich? Why, you're writhing like a snake! Do calm down before you hurt yourself!" she chastized, and a familiar voice chimed in from across the room.
"Yes," said Robern. "Master Oorich, you should really take it easy. You're still on the mend!"
Smirking, Victoria moved forward in attempts to pin Urich down again.
"Listen to your talking skeleton head, Urich. I think he's onto something big," she said, playfully finding his ear and nipping at it.
Urich kept wiggling like crazy and he shook his head violently. "I am NOT!" he replied hotly. "I'm just trying to keep myself from being a victim of -!" But his breath hitched when she nipped his ear and he paused for a moment. "Careful! Your big butt is gonna smash my shoulder!"
Victoria snorted into his ear, then let her tongue lap up his ear.
"Careful, Urich," she growled, digging her teeth playfully back into his ear again. "One sudden movement the wrong way, and I might tear you ear off..."
Her teeth sent harsh shivers down his spine and he quivered in all the right places. "You will never conquer me!" he growled at her, though he quietly whimpered internally at her attentions. A few more head wiggles and he evaded her head, and tried to wiggle out from underneath her body.
At his wriggling, she wasn't initially going to.do it, but then she did, and let her full weight rest upon him so they were belly for belly. She knew she wasn't some light weight girl, so her.curvy body would work well to pin down her fiance.
"And just where do you think you're trying to go, wolf? I'm hardly.done with you." Considering the game had just begun...
Her body weight had done just the trick to pin him to the bed and as a result all the air poured from his belly. He laughed anyway and coughed, gasping for breath. "To live! You shall not prevail!" he howled playfully. "Succubus! Nymph! Fiend!"
Victoria only smirked coyly at his claims before leaning forward to claim kisses over her.victory.
"And....?" Her words came out expectantly as her lips trailed up his neck. "What else am I?" She whispered hotly against his skin while her hand smoothed open the front of his shirt where she kissed ever so delicately ontop of his skin.
"Witch! Fiend! Monster! Enchantress! Demoooooon!" Urich wailed but at the persistence of her kisses, is breath hitched in his throat and he shivered like he was standing in the midst of a winter storm. "Hmmm, Victoria Armani. Your aunt is watching you! She says you must remain a l-lady at all times!"
"Well, damn my Aunt for.watching," she purred against his skin. "Because I've already given up my most precious jewel to a beast." And as she spoke, she ran her lips across the skin of his chest."It seems it might be too late for me..."
Urich was weakening underneath her persistence and he sighed softly as her lips met to his chest. He'd never seen Victoria so bold, but it was exciting and made goosebumps crawl down his flesh. He turned his head down to peer at her. "Just because your gift is gone doesn't make you any less precious. You're precious to me," Urich replied.
"I should hope so," she murmured against his skin. "Because in truth, I know my body was really given properly to you.. " she said between delicate kisses. " First."
"Then...may I ask just what are your intentions, my lady?" Urich gasped and sighed between shivers. He dug his teeth into his lower lip and took the cumbersome sling from over his head, letting his sore shoulder rest and carefully moved both hands into the forest of her hair.
Victoria's lips continued to tip toe up his chest to his throat, and then moved to where she kissed warmly at his cheek.
"I would like to think it's obvious," she said gently, her eyes opening to glance softly down into his own gaze as her one hand cupped his cheek and she leaned forward, hesitating, before kissing him fully on the lips.
"I think I'm getting the hint," Urich breathed softly against her, laughing a little when she kissed him. But finally the breath of the moment was upon him and he kissed her back, fully, tasting the hollows of her mouth and licking his tongue against her lips. "Hmm, you taste sweet. Like syrup."
Victoria chuckled at his words before she kissed him back. "That's because it is syrup." she informed him, her kisses moving back to his throat, where she nursed on his warm skin as her hand smoothed across his chest.
"So you're telling me, you chugged the syrup when I wasn't looking," Urich snorted in laughter, even as he trembled beneath her attentions. He bit his lip and explored the softness of his skin. His hands moved down and unbuttoned the rest of his shirt.
As his hands moved to unbutton his shirt, her own hand moved over top of his and rested over it, halting him from finishing. Her eyes gave off a playful flare as she turned her gaze down towards the buttons, and began to pluck them open, one by one.
"Who needs clothing in a moment like this?" she began to say. "It's merely a pesky thing but in the way." And once the last button was opened, she smoothed a hand completely down his torso, from chest to belly, where her hand now rested and smoothed across the flatter part of his waist, where his skin disappeared into his pants.
Her eyes took in this other bit of 'nuisance' clothing with a smirk, before her hand slipped down to pluck open the top button that held them shut.
"But what if I get chilly? It is fall, after all. The air isn't as warm as it used to be," he chuckled, watching her slowly, and tantalizingly unbutton his shirt and pluck at the ones just below his belly. He bit his lip and gave her a pleased sigh at her explorations. "What's gotten into you?" he couldn't help but ask. "You've never been sooo....bold. Not that I'm complaining."
Victoria's eyes raised just slightly, to give her fiance a curious look as she smirked.
"I was never given the chance," she stated simply, unbuttoning yet another one down on his pants.
"Ah, I see you're now a fine opportunist," Urich smirked at her. His eyes glittered in an approving light and he finally sat up a little, slipping his shirt from his shoulders, and moving it toward the side. "And you don't mind if the bed gets messed up again, or if we have to take yet another bath? Far be it from me to stop you. Explore on." He moved his hands into her hair and brushed it away from her face.
"Oppurtunist, nothing, I've been starved for your attentions," she said, her lips moving across his neck, then down to his exposed chest. "And who's to say when we might have another moment so peaceful?" She reminded, her lips moving further down and down his chest to were she paused at his pants, and used her fingers to pop open the last remaining button.
Then her lips met to his again as she climbed up to be closer, so they could be face to face as a hand smoothed across his groin, noticing the bulge there with a light, approving gasp through a kiss.
Urich chuckled approvingly and wrapped his arms around her when she came back up to meet his face. He could get used to this and he broke the kiss only to breathe. "You must be some kind of witch because suddenly my shoulder is feeling a whole lot better," he laughed and went back in for more, wrapping her in one arm and using the other to guide her hand across his body then moving aside to slip the rest of his pants from from his hips.
Victoria grinned at the realization that her fiance was now pantless beneath her. Too bad she was still well and dressed. But perhaps it only added to the spice of situation as she kissed his cheek, then ear.
"Not a witch, just... good at negotiations," she said with a soft chuckle. "But do be careful with your arm. Maybe you're forgetting the pain because your mind is focused elsewhere," she purred as she nibbled at his ear and let her hand explore more of his naked body with soft, gingerly moving fingers.
"Well you are rather convincing when you've set your mind to it," Urich remarked with a grin. It was his turn to lean in against her and kiss at the soft supple flesh of her neck. He was careful with his arm as it moved over her clothes, feeling along her body through the thick cloth.
Victoria smirked and released a few soft breaths as his lips and hands explored her, her eyes fluttered partially closed as she traced her fingers down his cheek.
"Would it take too much negotiating for us to make love?" she asked him, kissing him softly on the neck. "I'd hate to.. injure you further when you've progressed so much.." and her hands ghosted across the muscles of his chest. How unfair it was... for he was just about completely naked beneath her where as she...? Well, she was still fully dressed. And such a dress, thankfully, had less layers than normal, but was still a few layers keeping their bodies apart.
Her kisses continued down his neck. He tasted wonderful, and his scent- divine, and a satisfying sigh escaped her lips at just being near him. She never knew having a lover could be this good.
He moaned soflty underneath her attention, loving the feel of her lips on his neck. He shivered like he always did and turned his head in to kiss her cheek and jaw. "I-I suppose not," Urich murmured, with little resistance in his voice. He was intrigued by her offer. "I suppose one session of love making was not nearly enough to sate your appetite. I can't really blame you. I AM irresistible."
Victoria's lips smiled against him as she kissed his neck, then moved to pinch his arm, mealy, but playfully.
"How very certain of yourself you must feel.." she said, her hand moving south as it stroked over the bulge in his pants.
[He's naked!]
He gave her the satisfaction of hearing a breathy moan escape him as her hand stroked him. He bit his lip and leaned in, kissing her softly. "Only as certain as you want me to feel. It wouldn't take much to convince me to accept to some lovemaking."
OOC: OMG LOOOL
what a typo 8D
Then she is definitely stroking something that would have been BENEATH said pants 8D
LOOOOL
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Victoria grinned, and blushed even beneath his affections.
"Really... how interesting.." she said, her hands still feeling his member. It was... interesting to say the least to touch a man's pride, for the skin was soft, but he member, hard. And it was warm and she felt it throbbing within her grip as her eyes became half lidded.
"And it seems, in this moment, I might be a little over dressed..." she said with a smirk. Never mind that, however, as she began to shuffle through the layers of her skirts and bared her legs as she positioned herself over him; and once her under garments were discarded, she settled down upon his lap and looked him in the eyes as she felt the length of him, swollen and hard, resting hotly against her own hungered sex. Though even as hungry as she was, she hesitated over top of him before positioning herself so just the tip of his member began to prod inside.
And that was all it took as her lips parted open in a gasp, and a few small motions of her hips had her taking almost the entire length of him inside.
He gapped at the sensation of heee sex swallowing him, and as slowly as she did, he had trouble keeping his composure. "Yes," he agreed. "Just a little over dressed. Here let me help you." He reached up and unbuttoned her blouse and carefully pushed the rest of her skirts up and over her head. "Gods..." He breathed and grew lost in the sensation of being joined with her.
Sex was sex, but this was making love. And as her clothing was peeled away, her hands found themselves all over him as she continued to move, grinding her hips and thus burying him deeper and deeper inside her body.
"Gods is right.."s he breathed, smiling down at him as she moved. "This feels like heaven."
She still felt so tight around him, gloved along his member like a second skin that it didn't take much for him to start moaning in pleasure. He loved her hands on him, exploring his body, finding where he liked her touch and where it wasn't so good, or how to hold him as much as he held her, feeling along her skin. "What took you so long?" Urich breathed against her, moaning softly against her lips. "To finally take action?"
Victoria lips met to his as her hips kept rolling, her hands now planted upon his shoulders.
"I... I was afraid it would hurt..."
Hurt either herself, or him... or both. He was in a precarious situation of healing and she? Well, she was a woman uncertain on this sort of nature within herself. She never thought of herself as attractive, but she was in her own right, and with Urich, it brought out a side of her that nurtured her through most of her insecurities, especially during their time together int he cabin.
And now her excuse?
Well.. she just wanted him. And it seemed in that moment, there was really nothing to hold her back...
Urich was breathless from her motions and devoured her lips when she came to him. "Don't be afraid of pain, or you would never do anything again," he murmured. "Just do what makes you happy." He leaned back and let his body enjoy her, his hands holding her hips and moving in rhythm with her.
The idea of taking her lover like this had her body incredibly hot, and her sex, incredibly warm and ready. There was no resistance as they moved in tune with one another, and gently, she nursed on the feeling, the sensation of making love while keeping her eyes tightly closed.
Her newfound spontaneity drove him crazy. He was completely at her mercy. If she kept this up, he'd peak too early and all would be for naught. Even so, he allowed himself to enjoy her, where she wanted him, felt him and nursed on him. "Victoria..." he murmured, arching his back underneath her, completely under her spell.
OOC: 100 pages, woo!
And of course, it's on a sex scene |8*
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Her bold position turned into many bold positions, as she moved into different angles as she rode him. Each one she tested to find new areas of stimulation, and each one she took her time, gently letting his member move in and outside of her body, and having his tip hit the desired locations to make her hitch her breath, heat up, and become more and more wet.
He moved through her like a hot knife through her soft wetness. Everything she did thrilled him to the bone, and he arched into as she rode him out. "Gods!" he cried out. His hands reached out and gripped onto the sheets beneath him, feeling himself start to peak. It was difficult not to.
Eventually she found an angle that.drove her.crazy, and she began to.rock her hips to hit.the area again and again. It.didn't take long for her to be screaming his name as she found her own peak, and after all that hard riding, she collapsed over him breathing heavily. She was completely exhausted. And... Completely content.
Urich lay beneath her, covered in her sex and his, sweating hard and panting just as hard. "Oh, Victoria," he whimpered. "We've got to do that agiin.... That....was.....WOOOOW!"
Victoria panted as she laid across him.
"I'm glad you liked it," she said.with a smirk. "I was only testing the waters," she admitted. "And since you let.me have free.reign to.explore.. I did."
Urich chuckled and sighed contentedly. "I'm glad you had a good time," he murmured. "Don't shy next time... But, forgive me if I'm presumptuous, I hope that's not the end of it. The night is young after all."
Victoria looked up at him with shining eyes, and at his inquiry, she contemplated all the things she could try.on him, her mind going back to her grand mother's diary as her cheeks heated to a flush.
"You're right.... The night still is young..." She said with a kiss to.his cheek. "So many positions to try... So little moon light..."
And it was hypothetically speaking, considering it was still daytime as a lazy afternoon sun peaked in through the open windows and afforded them a cool, autumn breeze.
Urich was content to lie underrneath her and he just chuckled at her words. "I knew you got inspiration from your grandmother's diary. She was a filthy woman you know. But no less intruiging. I am as content to lie here with you as I am to continue. Just let me catch my breath."
Victoria could not believe he brought up the diary now of all times but she would not let it go unpunished as she pinched his arm.
"You fiendish man!" She chided. How could he have known she was.thinking of it? "How much of it did you read? You DO know those were private!" Honestly, a lady's diary was no place for a wolf's eyes!
[LOL! Whoops! I thought that was dialogue!]
"Ow! What's the matter with you?" Urich growled at her. He rubbed at his arm. "None of it! Just what you saw me read that one time! She rode him ragged too!"
Victoria shook her head, but smiled none the less.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist, you surprise me sometimes," she said, then sighed and nestled in beside him as she peered up at him and studied the forming scruff on his face. She used the back of her hand and gently stroked his cheek.
"You'll need to shave," she told him with a smirk.
Urich rolled his eyes at her and held he hand against his face. "Why do I have to shave?" he smiled at her. "You don't like it scratching against your face? Doesn't it make me seem more manly? I've been thinking of growing it out. I've already got my sideburns, but maybe I could use something a little more. No?"
Victoria's face went long at his question, but as she thought it over, she simply smirked.
"It's not that you don't look rather handsome with it, but honestly, that small beard of yours feels as if it's going to rub off all the skin on my face!"
"Maybe I'll just grow the thickest, wolfish beard I can muster and rub your face raw with it," Urich threatened playfully. He smiled at her and nipped at her hand. "Devour you whole."
Victoria rolled her eyes at him, something she seemed to be doing quite often before she flicked at his nose when he nipped at her hand.
"Who's to say who will devour who whole," she told him, playfully.
"Well you can tell me what it's like from inside my belly when I'm all better," he chuckled. "Besides I would never eat you. Not like that anyway." He gave her a mischievious grin before leaning forward and kissing her gently. "I think you need a bath, Miss Armani. You smell like fur and sex."
"At this rate, I'll never be clean," and she waved off her fiance's idea.
And after all was said and done, another bath had, more playful antics, Victoria found herself finally suitable for the day. Too bad it was already early evening, but even then, she inquired as she let the pups back into the house, "How well are you feeling? DO you think you might be well enough to accompany sometime into town? I think you might like the small village I've been traveling to, though we'd have to go tomorrow, or perhaps later this week, it's too late now."
Urich still laid on the bed when at last the pups had come in, and he was thoroughly exhausted from the events of the day, so when Victoria decided to speak once more, her words fell on deaf ears as he'd drifted off to sleep, nearly dead it would seem.
Victoria smiled wistfully at her sleeping fiance, then rolled her eyes playfully before moving over to the bed. She watched him sleep for a time before tending to the pups, giving them a small snack each before curling into bed herself and eventually drifting off to sleep, too.
When morning came, she was long gone before Urich rose, another trip outside to gather things, though there was another frost, so most autumn berries were beginning to wither. Still, she figured it was worth the efforts and continued to pick them when she noticed something moving out of the corner of her eyes..
And there, in the middle of the meadow before her, just at the outskirts of the trees she was nestled between, was a large brown bear with his nose pressed into the ground. Victoria, having never seen an animal like this so close, held her breath and simply watched it.
The bear was on the search for food. As much food as it could find before the inevitable onset of winter. Despite it's frizzled coat, cold was starting to set in and the only thing that kept it warm was it's rolls of fat and muscle nuzzled all over its round body. The bear looked through the ground for anything edible, finding a few berries here and there. When it caught notice of a strange smell, it perked its head up and saw Victoria a few yards from it.
He chuffed, cool air billowing out from its nostrils and he growled. He moved closer, expecting her to move away just as he did. Finally he growled louder, warningly just before charging at her, claws thoroughly prepared to tear her apart.
Well, this was most unexpected! Not having a clue as to what to do, Victoria took a few cautious steps back from where she was frozen in place, before turning tail and beginning to run! She must have traveled to far,' she thought. 'Maybe I'm in his territory? Do bears have territory? Wolves do? Do all animals?' and so many questions were running around inside her head that she had nearly forgotten she still had her parasol on her arm.
And whens he realized the bear was hardly going to stop it's charge, she was frantic to turn her parasol around as she groped through a narrow line of trees in hopes to deter the creature, but the bear was adamant, and was not about to let her simply go!
When Victoria pressed herself in between a thick row of trees, the bear paused before it and got up on it's hide legs, drew it's head up high before roaring at her, hot saliva dripping down it's fangs. Victoria was petrified, and in that moment, dropped her parasol clean to the ground.
"Shit!"
A word most unbecoming of a lady as she got to her knees in attempts to fetch her umbrella, but the damn fall leaves were slippery, and her hands were fussing through it, gloves already soiled - and the bear - already slamming a claw into the tree.
Bark was clawed off in one explosive strike, which made the fumbling woman frozen from where she was paused on the ground. And hten his paw struck again, just inches over her head so that she could feel the breeze of it's massive paw before the claws struck at her back side.
It was only then her hands gripped onto the metal frame of her umbrella rod until her knuckles were white, and in the fear of hte moment, she jerked the parasol up-
and the hidden gun inside the umbrella's rod fired.
[What? When did Victoria have a gun in her umbrella? how is that even functionable?]
Urich awoke with a start at the fire and sat up in bed. The shot had been loud and startled him and the few pups that had stayed with him. He called out her name but recieved not response and brushed himself off before rising from the soiled mattress, stretching his tired limbs.
OOC: I thought it was in her profile, but I might be thinking of either the 'prior' Victoria I rped at my old rp or the one in the book I'm writing XD whoops.
WELL SHE HAS ONE
and it's a fantasy rp so.. so things can happen! *shakes fist*
Her parasol is technically something she's to use to store a lot of things- and was meant to function as a weapon- either a gun version, or one with a sword~
and in some cases, ones with enchantments hidden within it to fight super natural beings and the likes.
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The bear was furious. Now it had a gaping wound in it's shoulder and the pain was intense. With a musket ball now lodged inside it's body, it grew riled. Roaring out in pain and anger, it's massive paw shot forward as it clawed at the smaller creature who he believed had done it harm, but a sit's claws smashed into her leg, clawing clean into her flesh, it felt the pull of the musket ball and the pain was too unbearable that it jerked it's paw back and reared back, in pain and confusion.
For a moment, it sat there confused, and as it tried to move it's arm, it felt the pain again, and suddenly turned tail and run...
leaving Victoria to lay there, her back side and leg, both torn open with nasty gashes oozing hot blood.
[Actually it wouldn't make sense, even in a fantasy setting. Technologically speaking, it wouldn't make sense to put a musket fitting in an umbrella. It would be cumbersome, easily detectable, it would be too heavy for her to carry, take too long for her to load, and likely the barrel would explode in her face, killing her if they decided to fix the weight problem by thinning the barrel. It would make more sense if it were a sword, since bladed weapons have been hidden inside canes and umbrellas for centuries.]
As the bear bounded away, Urich was sweeping up the floor of the cabin, tossing the dirt outside when he opened the door. The pups were anxious for reasons he could not determine and Draegr seemed to have his ears perked up in the air, whining a little. "Draegr, get back inside," Urich commanded, but the wolf pup, as ever, did not listen to him. He frowned a little and called him again, but the wolf still did not listen.
Instead he turned on Urich and grabbed his pant leg within his jaws and began to pull. When Urich kicked him off, the wolf yelped and bounded away, running in another direction, quickly followed by a few others of the pack. "Draegr!" Urich called and ran after him, the rest of the pack following.
OOC: Shhh *pets lion* shhhh
it's ok. It's MAGIC
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Gods, was it ever painful. And when she tried to sit up, she gasped out, choking on tears. For a moment, the shock kept her back from sobbing, but tears were already sparkling within her eyes. But then, as a cool wind swept over her and the reality of just what happened had taken place, she began to sob for herself until she was nearly choking on her tears.
And after somet ime, she finally collected herself, her hands shaking as she wiped back her tears, blinking back the remains as her hands were shaking and prodding through the leaves..
and whens he found her parasol again, she was surprised to see it in ruins.
"I suppose that wasn't a good idea after all," she said, tossing th ebroken parasol aside. "Damn faulty enchantments."
And with her parasol now cast aside, she found herself realizing..
She was far away from her 'home', and had no idea if she could walk back.
Her leg hurt like hell, but she might as well try. But the second she tried to move it, she called ou tin pain and doubled over from it, and clung to her lower leg in agony.
A few moments later, she was still shaking but able to stave off the pain for but a moment as she dug her hands into a nearby tree, and lifted herself, finally, off of the forest floor. It was painful, and her finger nails were digging into the bark, but she was able to stand..
but not without help.
Shit..
She wasn't able to walk, and if anything, she might have to crawl back; and that so much was obvious for hwen she did push off of the tree supporting her and took a step, she yelped out in pain and collapsed back into a pile of leaves and forest debris.
[I just think it's a sorry excuse to give her a gun. You could have just given her a gun if you wanted her to have one.]
Urich had followed Draegr who seemed to be hot on the trail of something. It was clear to the werewolf now that something was wrong, terribly wrong. In fact, Urich was surprised the little bugger hadn't followed Victoria to her current location - wherever she was - but he could only be thankful that he didn't, lest he never know where she was. His heart began to beat heavily with worry when he saw black powder stains on a tree and splinters and blood splattered along the bark. "Oh gods," he muttered when at last he saw Victoria's body.
He knelt beside her and was hesitant to touch her at first. When he managed the courage, he carefully lifted her up after examining her wounds. He knew the gashes of a bear, having owned a rug of one of them some time ago, and carefully carried her back to the cabin. He could only hope he'd make it in time.
OOC: Pfft, that's your opinion :P If I want my parasol gun, I gots me a parasol gun, beaches!
and how is Urich carrying her back? His arm isn't fully healed! tsk!
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When Urich approached, she was in too much pain and winded from the fall to call out to him. But she was thankful they had come. The pups had showed him the way, and when he moved to carry her, she tried to protest but..
He was a stubborn one, and as he carried her, she grumbled against him, "Well, if you reinjure your arm, I'll have Frederick tend to you, instead."
[Yeah, yeah. Excuses.
Of course it is. He's a werewolf, heals faster than most. And it's about time Victoria got some damage done to her. Maybe she'll die! 8D]
"I forgot about the old coot," he muttered, but said nothing more as he carried her back to the house. True it was tense and it hurt him, but Urich withstood the pain. He wasn't a child that whined and moaned at every minor discomfort, and he was thankful for at least the moment that Victoria managed to hold it in as well.
It hurt to be cradled in his arm,a nd only when he'd go over more rocky terrain and jostle her did she seeth or curse beneath her breath. But for the most part, she kept it all together, clinging onto him in silence as the pain throbbed against her back and leg. If hse could have walked she would have fought him, so lucky for him, she remained, as content as she could, to be carried in his arms, the wolf-pups running quickly around them, keeping a circle and keeping pace- Draegr in the lead.
Urich held her as gently as he could, mindful of her wounds and the blood she was leaking all over his clothes as a result of them. When they got back to the house, he laid her gently on the bed and took a cooking knife, carefully cutting her from the confines of her clothes. "You can scream now if you like. I know you want to," he muttered as he worked. She was in rough shape, but he would do his best with what they had.
"Oh Victoria, what did this to you?"
Even at his admittance, she only groaned but swallowed back her screams. She wasn't about to fall subject to that. She was better than that, even as her body sweat and her eyes stung with tears. And at his inquiry, she peered up into his face.
"Would you believe, of all things, it was a bear? Seems he and I were after the same, soft sweet berries I add to my cakes."
And although she smiled, she winced as he began to help her out of her dress, and growled, "Careful of the dress. You know I'll have to sew it if you cut it up. Couldn't you have just been civilized and untied my corset?" Though she didn't realize half of it was torn to ribbons.
"I'm afraid this one is just not worth saving, love," Urich admitted with some resignation. "We'll have to get you right cleaned up. Good thing Draegr led me to you, or youd'd be left to rot. But you're in good hands now." After removing her dress, Urich went to wipe his aands clean and looked around for a cloth, some salve bought from the village and what herbs were hanging from the rafters and put then in a pot to boil over the hearth. "Well,doesn't this bring back fond memories when we first met. Except I believ you just twisted your ankle back then." He smiled as he gently washed the wounds with the cloth.
"Oh, you would bring up such a memory," she said with a tired sigh, but a smile crept acrosss her lips as she reclined in the bed. Urich had her propped up on pillows, extra ones to ensure her back wounds had enough support so she felt them as least she could. Sighing, as the motion still stung her wounds, she sighed again and looked over at him.
"I feel less pathetic now though," she siad with a quaint smile. "At least now I got injured by some wild animal. I do recall.. I injured my own self when I was found on your property, Mister Renqvist."
"Yes, I do recall something about the rain and slippery stone of a ruined fortress and your horribly cobbled shoes," Urich laughed as he used the conversation as a distraction to keep her from wincing in pain. Wiping away the blood, Urich put some salve into it, carefully and lightly and let it set in while the water began to boil the herbs. "Here's some hot tea, to help you feel a little less pain," Urich murmured as he fixed the tea, and put a clump of sugar in it. "Here. Just a few sips."
Victoria gave him an exhausted sigh.
"You know I'd hit you if it did't hurt to move so." But she graciously accepted the tea, drinking it down before sighing again and sinking back into the pillows.
"And I think you were rigt.." she said, thinking back to it.
"Rain and those shoes made my journey such a trifling mess! And look where it's lead me!"
Though she smirked as she looked at him.
"Though I suppose... things could be worse." THough as she moved to leer her husband to be, she felt the wounds in her back and gave a wince.
"Do bears really need such sharp claws? Really!" she said with a huff, and twisted a finger through a loose curl before flicking it out of her face.
"Yes it could have been worse. You could have ended up in a bear's den than just a lonely werewolf with virility and enormous sexual appetite," Urich laughed as he tended her wounds. "Easy." The stitches would go on when the tea would mostly take effect. Because she winced, he would wait a few moments longer before inserting the first prick. "They do, I'm afraid," he replied, continuing to distract her with conversation. "Just as wolves follow their noses and protect their own. You're wolf too aren't you? Your grand mother or great grandmother and her lusty diary with her werewolf lover?" He chuckled as he worked, but continued to sew her up with steady hands.
"But don't worry. You're taken care of now."
Victoria gave him a sharp look and a pinch.
"You continue to mock my grand mother, yet you have no idea the complications behind her marriage. My kind... negotiators, we're supposed to remain neutral against your kind and well... technically, as it was seen in some historical records, we were easily considered enemies."
"I would never mock her," Urich explained. "Now you shouldn't pinch the one with a needle in hand!" And jabbed her lightly in a clean section of her back. "I was complimenting her in fact! She has good taste. As do you. And me, well, I'm a sucker for the first girl to show up unconscious at my door! And it just so happened we're going to get married as well. Speaking of which, I was wondering if you really wanted to...to wait when we came back to the Valley."
Victoria cast him a soured look at his needle jab, then lifted her nose to the air as he continued speaking, but at his last question, she peered curiously over her shoulder.
"What do you mean?"
"I was just wondering if perhaps you wouldn't like to get married sooner. Maybe perhaps when we reach the next town over," Urich said idly, as if it were little more than discussion of the weather.
"What?" Victoria's face went long. "Married sooner? But I haven't a dress, nor do we have any money. Weddings can be trifling expensive and I-" Then she blinked, and paused what she was saying as she studied him. "Why are you asking?" She looked him over skeptically. "And you ask it so.. casually. Is something on your mind?"
Urich just shrugged nonchalantly as he continued to sew her like a stuck pig and he just smiled a little. "Oh, you have lots of dresses, all conveniently packed away in your bag," he murmured. "But I suppose you pose some valid points. Maybe it's not such a good idea after all. We did just lose nearly all our money. Don't worry your head about it."
"Don't worry?" She turned to Urich and raised a brow. "That phrase coming from you makes me worry. Are you growing that impatient to call me your wife?" She gave him a smug grin at that, hoping to prod out the answer as her hands smoothed down the front of his shirt.
Urich brushed her hands away and just laughed. "It's nothing. We'll get wed in due time then, I suppose. It's nothing to fret over. Just a simple inquiry is all. You overthink everything," he chuckled at her and proceeded to put everything away once he was done sewing her up. They would need cleaning every once in a while but at least they weren't bleeding her dry.
Victoria frowned.
"You're right. I do think too much." And she looked him over.
"Suppose we did get married in town. I suppose we really wouldn't need that fancy of a wedding. I mean, out there, there's no one to entertain..."
And back at home- the ones she WOULD entertain were not truly her friends or family.
A reminder of what her cousin did to her established that.
Urich shrugged nonchalantly and cleaned his hands in the basin. "It's just a fleeting thought. No matter. Forget I mentioned it. Now easy on that wound," he instructed, drying his hands on a towel and turning to look at it again. "That's going to be a nasty heal. But I think you can manage it."
Victoria still didn'tbelieve him, but it was obvious she was getting no where with it, sof or now, she sighed and let it drop. Peering over her shoulder, her frown deepened at what she could see of her wound.
"Well, to think I'd get married all marked up like this, I suppose would be rather silly.." she commented off handedly.
"I don't know. Some scars can be quite becoming. And I think porcelain skin can be quite overrated, don't you think? We should shake up this stifling country. No reason we can't be scarred and still be beautiful. I'm sure I have my own fair share," Urich shrugged. He poked around them a little, see where flesh was most tender and frowned. "You'll probably have to sleep on your belly for a while."
Victoria frowned, but turned after she sighed and smiled at Urich.
"I don't think as grand as that, but I suppose it doesn't matter." She took his hand and guided it to her lips where she kissed the top of it softly. "After all, I've already tricked a werewolf into wanting to marry me. What more could a girl want?"
Urich laughed. "A poor unsuspecting sod that wasn't about to set you on a lifetime of inbreeding. Now that would be punishment enough. Besides you grew on me like a cancerous sore on my behind," he smiled. "I think it was inevitable."
And Victoria gave that behind a pinch.
"Inevitable, the wolf says," and she leaned in to steal a kiss to his cheek.
"Though I must say.." she began, changing the subject. "I'm not sure how well I'd like to travel with an injury. And here I was hoping to make a trip into town soon."
"Well now that I'm mostly better, I guess I'd just have to make that trip for you. Do you have a shopping list?" he asked. "You'll have the pups to keep you safe and keep you company."
Victoria looked up at him.
"But are you sure you are well enough to go? We have enough supplies here if we wish to wait a few days."
"I suppose the sooner we collect supplies the better. We should be stocked up by the time winter comes along and we don't want to be snowed in without having the proper food stock. After all, we have seven other mouths to feed besides ours," Urich commented, smirking at the pups that acted like their children.
Blinking, Victoria looked up at him quizzically.
"Before winter? Goodness, are you expecting us to remain here that long?"
"Well, I suppose I can understand you don't want to be trapped in a house with me that long, you may never walk again," Urich laughed. "Unless you wanted to continue travelling again. I wouldn't mind that."
Victoria opened her lips to protest, but quickly snapped them close, her entire face going beet red before a smile finally laughed across her lips.
"Mister Renqvist! Whatever are you implying? Should a lady such as myself assume you wish to break my legs?" she said, batting her lashes at him.
"Only to make love to you until your too sore to walk is all. It's perfectly innocent," Urich said with a satisfied grin and he leaned back on the bed, shrugging. "I mean, we would need a way to keep warm, and we can't keep an entire forest worth of firewood in here, so we have to improvise."
"Oh? Is that so?" she said to him coyly, looking him over like a wolf might do to his prey. "And tell me... how do you aim to do that if I keep my legs shut?" And here, her grin widened with mischief. "After all.. it would be dreadfully cold to keep them apart."
Urich laughed. "Oh you can trust me, you'd be in good hands. They won't be cold as long as I'm there to fill you up. And if you intend on keeping them closed, there's always anal sex, and perhaps just rub-downs would be nice. Or we could just...ahem, cuddle."
Victoria's face went red.
"Well I..." And she turned away, giving a shake of her head. "I suppose even cuddling might be nice." And she gave a delicate fluff to her hair.
"Oh, Master Oorich!" Robern replied, and the woman nearly leaped out of her skin, startled by his sudden vocal appearance as she turned around, spotting the talking skull near the window. "If you are going to town, I do believe you are out of bread. I remember your lady speaking as such. She went on about it for hours. Do not forget."
Victoria gave a shake of her head before turning back to Urich.
"He has a point. I had run out yesterday." Though did the skull have to mention she had a fit about it? She was being a bit... testy. Oh well.
Urich was just as surprised as Victoria was to hear the skull he thought he'd long since abandoned. He wondered where he was this whole time. "A fit eh?" he leered over at Victoria. "Why am I not surprised? Well then I suppose I'll make a trip into town tomorrow and get our much needed supplies and half the pups can stay here to protect you. And the other half can protect me. And Robern can keep you company."
"But I'm only recovering from a scratch. I could still go with you," Victoria interrupted.
"Oh, a day in town sounds lovely!" Robern chimed in, his skull.. eternally smiling.
Urich leaned up and flicked the skull between the eyes and Robern yelped though he could really feel no pain. He took the skull from it's perch and put it on the table. "There you go, with a better view of the pups. I need you to keep an eye on them. You were not invited outside!'
"But Master Oorich, is it too much to ask to get out of this cabin?"
"Well, I'm sure me and Victoria will have our hands full without having to lug your head around."
Victoria stood up, eyes sparkling as she smiled.
"So you'd let me come with you?" she said, all the while Robern was complaining in the background about the pups possibly using him as a chew bone.
Urich's eyes widened, since he didn't realize what he'd said before until now. "Oh crap," he cursed. But that look in her eyes made him roll his eyes and sighed. "All right, you can come! It IS just a scratch after all."
Victoria's grin grew wider as she hook her arm around one of his and leaned in against him to kiss his cheek.
"I knew you'd see things my way."
"But are you sure I can not come?" Robern piped up, and from outside, another forgotten face groaned. Turning away from Urich, Victoria noted her zombie valet at the door.
"Oh, Frederick! What is it?" But upon seeing the vampire prince behind him, she suddenly growled. "Prince Adelram." And she lifted her chin up with a glare.
"What a cozy place you've got here,"t he vampire purred as he stepped inside, depositing his coat with their valet, who only groaned again at the attention. "I see you've still got that werewolf with you.." And it was here the vampire leered over Urich with delight. "So the Armani woman hasn't run you off yet, has she?" ANd then as he stepped in, he paused, exposing his fangs. "Say.. is that blood I smell?" And he moved like a shadow and as behind Victoria before she could gasp. He examined her wounds with interest. "Ah.. your blood smells divine..."
Urich rolled his eyes and huffed when the vampire was suddenly allowed in their quarters and Urich glared up at the pale man and frowned. "Is there something you wanted Adelram, besides being annoying? I really can't imagine any real reason you'd be here? Make it snappy because you're not welcome here. Beat around the bush and I'll have to ask you to leave," Urich said plainly.
Peering up from his fiance's wound, he flashed another fanged grin to Urich.
"As much as you might not believe me, I was simply passing through. But then I smelled a familiar scent and well... hrm... anytime I smell blood.. and a lady, forgive me but I.." and here he giggled softly as he turned to Victoria and eyed her over. "Naturally I had to see what I could sniff out. I find it charming though, that I found the pair of you here. Finally tied the knot, have you? Or have you two just been mating like dogs?" And at that, he gave a curious tilt of his head to the wolf.
Urich was actually glad to see Adelram was his usual self; annoying as ever. But at least he got to the point this time. Urich shrugged and patted Victoria on the shoulder. "Both," he said nonchalantly. "As we should be. I mean, I don't know how I can keep my hands off her now. But she had a little accident in the field. I found her and fixed her up nice and good. Just gotta be careful not to ride her too hard." He laughed awkwardly and pulled Victoria against him, into his embrace and smiled at her.
"Both?" Victoria wrinkled her nose as she pushed away from Urich. "We are not married yet," and she turned to the prince and frowned. "At least not quite yet, Prince Adelram, but the engagement is on. We were.. considering looking into a wedding next time we might be in town."
Adelram blinked at the suggestion.
"Ah, so still unwed.." he said, leering over Victoria's nice assets. "That means it's still not a crime if you were to.. sample the other goods? I heard vampires can outlast werewolves anyday. After all, werewolves have such a lousy condition to the moon..."
Urich rolled his eyes and made a face at Adelram. "Honestly, I think she could out last the both of us. But I have her and you don't," he grinned. "So don't get any bright ideas, bat boy."
Victoria promptly elbowed Urich in the gut for that comment. But Adelram seemed please.
"That's good to know," he said, his eyes shining. "But don't get your fur ruffled," The prince said, giggling softly as he plucked a few pieces of hair off Urich's shoulder. "I'm only here for a chat."
"But to chat about what?" Victoria spat back, hardly seeming in the mood. "We're on vacation, Adelram. We were not expecting visitors."
At this, Adelram looked around at the place.
"So is this some sort of vacation home?" He looked amused. "It seems.. cozy." ANd as he said this, he let one finger wipe across a slightly dusty piece of furniture.
"It is and it's just how we like it. Now did you come here to criticize our home, or for a friendly visit, squirrel?" Urich got up and messed around in the kitchen a moment, fixing a spot of tea and offering it to Adelram.
Adelram was a man how naturally enjoyed his tea, and as he sat at the table with them, pups even wagging their tails beside him, Victoria looked about as soured as a cat.
"What is a vampire doing out here anyways?" Victoria finally decided to chime in and disrupt the prince's story. After all, he had been going on for ages about it and she looked sore for it. But Adelram only laughed and set down his tea.
"Oh, Victoria, always the sleuth, eh? Always a negotiator," and he tossed her a dark, sparkling look before nodding. "Indeed, I am here with a purpose besides just a stroll. Seems a few vampires of mine have disappeared. Now, don't assume the worst, already. I hardly think they are dead or have deserted, but its piqued my interest and I take care of my own. I mean, if Urich were to suddenly vanish, I'm sure you and the hounds would search for him, would you not?"
"Right, so what are you bothering us about it then? A vamp goes missing here and there, and you're going to get to the bottom of it. We're on a family excursion, and we're not interested in hearing about whatever kind of trouble your people have gotten into. At least I'm not," Urich rolled his eyes and stuffed a piece of bread in his mouth, chewing furiously.
"My fiance has a point," Victoria added, though at their comments, the vampire prince only laughed.
"It's to make small talk, I assure you. I wouldn't dream of asking for help by a half-blooded wolf and his negotiator wife to be. Though I must say it again, I am surprised to find the pair of you all the way out here. Especially in this neck of the woods. Rogue vampires, and all."
"Rogue vampires?" Victoria made a face. "We have not run into any of the sort."
"Oh?" Prince Adelram looked intrigued as he reclined in his chair, still holding his tea cup. "ANd how long have the pair of you been out here?"
Urich made a face at the mention of rogue vampires, and he rolled his eyes. Of course he wasn't just going to overlook the matter entirely, but he wasn't going to buy into Adelram's ploy, whatever it was. "Not long, I assure you," Urich replied. "Though, it is rather nice of you to come along and give us fair warning. Just how do you suggest we should handle coming along one of these rogue vampires. I mean, coming from a vampire such as yourself. "
"Ah." The vampire nodded.
"Barely over a month," VIctoria chimed in, staring haughtily across her tea to Adelram. "But I see that look you've got there, Prince Adelram. Is there something we should know?"
"Well, to be blunt," the vampire began wistfully as he twirled a loose piece of his hair. "This place would be ideal and ought to have been swarming with at least one rogue vampire or another. Unless they know what you are, whcih they can not simply sense a rare type, such as yourself,"
And this was directed to Victoria. "But I just.. find it interesting you haven't even seen one skirting to get out of your way. Most.. peculiar."
Then he paused a moment as he stirred his tea to consider what Urich inquired. But at this, he looked more serious as he stare at Mr. Renqvist. "YOu could tell them you are friends with me and they might leave you alone. THough they are not part of my direct allegiance, they still might recognize your friendship to a vampire prince and might not pay you any mind."
At all this, Victoria grew silent. Adelram had given out a lot of information and well-
the sleuth in her, the negotiator and 'Armani' part of her blood just couldn't let her curiosities become ignored.
[Because of course the woman has to start up trouble where there isn't any. 8D]
"Well, thank you for the enlightenment, Adelram," Urich nodded and waved the Prince off. "You can leave now unless there is something else you wish to discuss. I don't much care for rogue vampires either way. I'm already bored with you."
Victoria cast a glare back to her husband. She too, did not care much for vampires herself, but as much as she hated to admit it, the prince was still a prince. But she was surprised when Adelram rose to oblige as he recapped his hat.
"There wasn't much more than a hello, I assure you. But the tea was lovely. Your wife will be a marvelous host some day." And he paused to observe their little 'love nest' with a sigh and inward shake of his head. "I wish you both the best and if you ever need me, you know where I can be found." And with a graceful bow and kiss to Victoria's hand, he moved to see himself out as Frederick got the door with a groan.
Urich had fallen asleep in the time it took for Adelram to leave their cabin and he had his feet up on the table and he was lounging back in his chair, his eyes closed and snoring - loudly.
Victoria could not believe, Urich, of all things, was asleep. Staring at her husband to be with a glare, she sighed and rose from the table, and found herself pacing around until she felt too confined in the cabin that she took to a stroll outside. Her wound hurt, but inside, she was writhing with curiosity.
"Damn vampire,"s he murmured as she continued to make her walk along their property. Though there was a lovely frost outside, she was hardly enjoying it's charms.
Urich awoke when he heard the pups wine and wanted to go out. So he sat up, stood, and let them out. Seeing Victoria on the premises, Urich scowled and whistled out to her. "Woman, get back inside. You're going to catch a cold. Or your wound is going to get an infection! And I'm not cutting off your infected skin!"
"I am just fine out here, Urich!" she called back haughtily. "I'm wearing my coat! ANd my wound will hardly be compromised by a walk!"
"I don't need another bear coming to eat you. Do you mind very much if I join you? It smells like wolf piss in here anyway," Urich groaned and closed the door behind him as he walked out toward her.
"No, I do not mind at all!" she shouted back, though somehow still sounded very angry, despite her agreement.
"FINE! JUST DEAL WITH IT THEN!" Urich growled at her as he stalked beside her and gave her a devilish grin. "Well, what do you make of all that rogue vampire nonsense? You can't believe that asshole can you?"
Victoria rolled her eyes at him and turned away, simply taking his arm as the pair walked together.
"Really, Urich, must you be so loud? It's as if you want all of the Sirantil valley to hear us."
Urich smiled at her and shrugged. "Sorry about that," he muttered, and took his arm and put it around her shoulders, wiggling it out of her grasp.
Victoria rolled her eyes again.
"And I don't know what to believe, Mr. Renqvist. Rogue vampires are not unusual- especially in the untamed areas of the valley. Not much of the council's jurisdiction can be upheld there. It's why erm... werewolves, such as yourself, even got a chance to live freely without our harassment."
"Pfft! Not for long apparently. I know what your council does is for the good of both worlds. But did it ever occur to you folks, that you can't interfere with the natural order of things? People need to die and werewolves have to eat. Sometimes were wolves die and people have to eat. It balamces itself out in the end."
"You have a point, but who would eat a werewolf?" she said, wrinkling her nose.
"Oh shut it. You get my point. I guess there is a brain in that skull of yours after all. Sometimes it's hard to tell," Urich muttered.
Victoria put her nose to the air.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist, do remind yourself that it was you who wished to be in my company as we strolled." And she huffed out a frosty breath. "Though do you not find it strange what Adelram said as well? About the vampires I mean. It is strange for them to go missing, especially if the prince himself is inspecting it, do you not think?"
"Nah, it's good for the population," Urich shrugged. "I'm surethere are a few vampire hunting groups in this area... I mean what other reason would someone want to kidnap a vampire?"
"Kidnap? I'd just assume they'd been killed," Victoria mused. "But I suppose vampire affairs are not our concern," she reminded herself with a sigh. "We are on vacation, after all. And tomorrow, we do have plans to head into town." And it was only here she made a face. "Blasted, this wound on my back bloody hurts."
"Fine, I shall just make you carry all our things on your front! You're a robust, pack-mule of a woman. That's why I fell in love with you," Urich jested and he leaned into her, kissing her cheek deeply. "I really do you know. As much as I hated you...I never would have thought I'd come to love you this much. And I hope this vacation could serve as a demonstration as to how loyal we are to each other, and if we can stand to live together at all. I think so far it's been going pretty well. Don't you think?"
Victoria shot a glare his way but blushed at his kiss.
"You would try to sweet talk me after making jests towards my bosoms, wolf." But his words were really sweet, and she couldn't remain angry for long as she sighed and found herself smiling.
"And I'd have to agree on that one. I never thought I'd end up falling inlove with the first werewolf I tried to chase out of his home. But it seems our fates have become one in the same." And her smile warmed as she took him in. "I do love, you, Urich. And perhaps, someday, we can have a pack of our own." ANd at that,s he leaned in close to him as they walked.
Urich leaned in and kissed her cheek and then leaned down and kissed the tops of her breasts. "I would never dream of defaming such luscious pair as these. And our pack, whenever they come along, will be right proud to nestle in those things for comfort and refreshment," he laughed and squeezed her side, closely. "So, what do you say? Shall we get back inside and make short work of those stitches, warming each other up?"
"Really, do try to control yourself, Mr. Renqvist!" Victoria exclaimed as she blushed. "For all we know that vampire prince is watching us, waiting for you to precisely do what you just said you're going to do. I don't need two super natural beings going crazy for me!" And at that tease, she smirked.
"Oh, excuse me, Miss Armani!" Urich scoffed and feigned guilt. "I didn't realize you were so exclusive! And if those two other supernatural beings after you want to make a bid for your maidenhead, I might entertain something in the realm of say....5 grand of gold?" he teased back and kissed her neck softly. "It's nippy out here. My tits are like icicles. Look, they're prodding through my shirt!"
At first, Victoria blushed and smiled at his silly words, but as he went on to kiss her, she gasped, and gasped again when his speak went to his nipples, of all things!
"Mr. Renqvist! Do mind your tongue! And if you are so cold, my wolf, perhaps we ought to travel back inside. I do believe my temper has gone as cold as those icicle tits of yours." And she smirked at that and leaned in closer as they turned around. "Besides, we've got a lot to prepare for tomorrow. A day of going into town, after all, is to be had."
"A day of bags and supplies and all the stuff I know you're going to make me carry simply because you are a lady," Urich jested playfully and leaned in again, kissing her neck once more, making a soft moaning sound as he did so. "Let's go back inside, and let me look at your back once more, to see if the stitches haven't torn off. I need to clean them anyway."
"You just want an excuse to unlace my corset, but very well, wolf. Let us return." And with her fiance on her arm, she made her way back to their small cottage 'home' and went about fussing over some tea, first. Despite just having some shared with Prince Adelram, she needed something to fight off the chill.
Once back inside, Urich lit the hearth and started a small cozy fire. Smoke billowed up from the chimney and spiders fell down, burnt to a crisp. The pups lay by it, dozing off and a few playing with each other. Urich moved toward the bed and fixed the covers and then back to Victoria. "Let's see here..." Urich moved behind her and fiddled with her corset. "How did you even get this thing on? Adelram helped you while I was asleep didn't he? Well, at least I can help you get it off."
Victoria rolled her eyes at him.
"You would love to think me scandalous. But no, wolf, I'm only banging you."
"Banging? What the hell does that mean?" Urich asked as he unlaced her and loosened the strings that held the piece together. He was careful to not disturb the awful scratches and pried the stiff article of clothing off of her.
"Oh, as if you haven't heard what the common man calls sex these days," Victoria said as she wavd off his words. "And do be mindful of that wound, Urich. It hurts like hell."
"Yeah, yeah, don't cry about it," Urich teased as he peeled away the layers of her corset. Light blood leaked out a little, but over all the stitches held strong. He moved around her and found the old bottle of whiskey that they aad brought with them and he took a small cloth to the top of it. "Don't fret now, this is going to sting." He wiped the dab of alcohol over her wound and was as gentle as he could be.
Victoria winced as the man tended to her wounds. They stung worse than hell, and tears prickled in her eyes, but she did little more than seeth as she gripped tightly to the open front of her corset so that she was decent, while the rest of her corset hung limply at her sides.
"Stinging is an understatement," she sighed irritably. "How does the wound look?" and she peered back as if trying to see it for herself.
"It could be better," Urich admitted. "But it looks like it'll heal up well. It was bleeding in a few places, but nothing too serious. Just a bit of a cut here and there. You should be careful about hanging around vampires. They sniff blood way too easily. There we go." He patted her shoulders and motioned her to slip out of the rest of the corset. "I thought we were going to bed, weren't we? Can't sleep in that stifling thing. It'll tear your wounds open again."
Victoria sighed and shook the corset loose of her shoulders.
"Yes, but so can you, wolf," she told him coyly and remained on the bed now in nothing but her thin slip as she sighed and moved to pull out the pins from her dark hair.
"Vampires.... though I suppose we might not have to worry about them at present- seeing as the prince informed us there appear to be none in this valley... having all but 'vanished'.." she added, thoughtfully as she removed the plain pearl earrings that had once dangled from her ears. It was the few pieces of jewelry she still had left that had not been stolen in that incident so long ago, and after reminding herself of it, she stared down at her engagement ring and found a few flecks of tears stinging at her eyes, to which she tried to subtly blink away. It was a beautiful ring of many colors,a nd it meant so much to her that Urich had purchased it himself with only one thought in mind- her. And to think, it could have been lost to her forever.
"It's a prevalent note," Urich said, pulling his shirt over his head and then removing his boots. His shoulders were still sore from recovery but a few rolls of them, he moved back to the bed and sat beside Victoria. "But we'll worry about the matter after we come from town, agreed? Good. Vampires or not, I'm not going to let our time together be spoiled so quickly."
"This is true." she said, turning towards him with an appreciative smirk. He had quite a nice body, well muscled and not at all hairy like some would presume a werewolf would possess. Then again, he was only partially one, was he not? Moving in to nestle in beside him, she sighed after laying her head upon her pillow, but found herself restless and not able to get comfortable at all.
"Bloody vampire prince, I can not get comfortable at all. My mind will not still over what the vampire has said! I can not help but worry if something fishy is going on around here. Perhaps I should walk it off?" she said, throwing off the bed sheets in a huff while the pups all turned curiously her way.
"Don't you dare open that door woman! You'll let the cold in!" Urich shot daggers after Victoria and moved after her. He put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll give you a massage. That'll put you right to sleep. Sleep on my side of the bed and I'll take yours. Come here, now. You don't need to walk anymore. It's bedtime!"
"But I can't just do that, Urich! Ugh, sometimes my own mind is insufferable. I can't stop thinking about 'what would the council do'," she grumbled and evaded his grasp as she continued to pace across the floor.
"But the council isn't here right now! Stop meddling, Victoria, please! For my sake and yours! I thought we were on a trip...trying to come to terms with each other. Please come back to bed. I promise I'll make you fall asleep." He sighed and sat at the edge of the bed.
Victoria paced a few more times before throwing her hands of it.
"Oh, alright, Urich. I shall try. But if I keep you up most of this night, do not say I did not give you fair warning." And it was here she joined him in bed with another sigh, and only did she smile when she noticed Draegr's head resting at the foot of their bed and staring back at her with big, curious eyes.
"Silly pup."
"Shoo!" Urich waved the nosy wolf away and turned on hid hip to lean over her. His hands were a little cold as they moved underneath her slip and started massaging gently at her shoulders. "Just try to relax, all right? I'll be mindful of your wounds"
Victoria sighed, blowing.a lot of.hot.air between puffed cheeks.
"I told you I would try, but hrnmm, this massage does feel rather nice."
And at her soft moan from Urich's attentions, Draegr whimpered and licked his lips as he continued to stare at the pair.
"Scram wolfy!" Urich growled to Draegr a little. "This is my alone time! You can come when we leave the house tomorrow." He tossed a towel at the wolf and it just landed on his head like a hood.
Draegr let out a groan when the towel landed on his head, and sniffed about until he was able to peek out at the pair again and still the wolf was unphased as he whimpered while Victoria moaned, though it seemed the woman did not hear the pup as she was lulled into contentment. But instead of.giving up, the wolf pup suddenly jumped onto the.bed and howled, which startled Victoria as she cried out in alarm and clutched at her chest.
"D-draegr! Calm down.!" But the upup refused as he wriggled his way onto her lap.
Urich wasn't going to have the interruptions and took the wolf by the scruff though he struggled and snapped at him as best he could, to little avail. "You little turd! You stay away or I'm going to throw you out! Now settle down!" Urich stared down the wolf pup and though he tried to hold his ground, eventually the wolf whimpered and settled down by the fireplace with his siblings, resting his chin on his paws.
"Why, if I didn't know better I'd say Draegr is jealous of.you," Victoria said as she was.catching her.breath and staring down at the pup as he groaned out a whimper and she merely shook her head.
"I'd hate to see his.reaction if we were ever to have children!" Would the wolf adore a baby or become more jealous? From the looks of things it seemed he'd rather have Victoria all to himself!
"Wolves cannot be trusted around children," Urich grumbled as he fell in beside Victoria. "They'll eat them for sure. They are not dogs, which you often seem to forget. The time will soon come when the pups will be too big to keep in the house and they'll have to roam free.. Even Draegr. They might hang around outside the house, but they are wild...and it would be cruel to think of them any other way. They belong to the wild." Urich nodded to Draegr, as the pup rose and held his tail between his legs. He gestured for him to come closer and gently brushed his fingers through the wolf's fur. "He needs a bath."
Victoria frowned but understood what Urich meant.
"I know but they act too darling to be wolves," she commented, scratching Draegr beneath the chin as the pup whimpered contentedly at the attentions.
"And if he's so wild, why would you suggest a bath?" And even Draegr seemed to look at Urich with curiosity at that.
"Even wolves need to bath from time to time, but they're not out in the wild yet. And they trust me enough to bathe them. Then they can bite and nip at each other and try to get their scent back, and have fun trying. It's fun being a pup. You should try it some time." Urich smiled at Victoria and scratched behind Draegr's ears. He laughed a little at the pup's antics and as he nuzzled even in Urich's lap, though he was sure the young wolf didn't like him nearly as much as he liked Victoria.
Victoria rolled her eyes at his comment.
"I don't think there is enough wolf in me for that," she stated with a mild huff before she turned her attentions curiously to him. "Urich... How does it feel? To become.. an animal?" She never had the gall to really inquire about it.before but found herself relaxed enough that the mood and question just seemed to fit into the moment.
"Are you still.yourself when you change? Or do you find your own humanity lost?"
The question did come as a surprise but it was not an unwelcome one. Urich leaned back against the bed a little and stared up at the ceiling of their cabin. "It...certainly a change," he replied simply at first. "It's hard to describe...you have to feel it. When it first happens, when you're young especially, the change can be horrifying or thrilling - sometimes both. You feel your body alter itself, grow and bones bending - it can be quite painful unless you know how to deal with it. When you change...you have to find some even ground between yourself and the hunger of the animal inside of you. Some people have a harder time controlling it than others, sometimes you lose yourself completely to the hunger... All you see is red... Like the night I attacked you in the forest... I wanted to kill you because something in me hated the way you chained me up and reduced me to something less than your equal... If we are to be mates, we must be equal, or we cannot be at all. The wolf cannot be satisfied with a mate anything less than that."
"I suppose I've had a lot of learning to do since then," she told him, a small smile upon her lips as she admired him. "I must say, I'm not the most easy of companions, generally speaking, I'm not even an easy friend, yet somehow you claim to love me..." and at that, her eyes softened as she took him in before sighing through her nose.
"So... do I seem to treat you more as equals now, wolf?" she asked, her voice soft, in a jest, but still serious in it's sweetness all the same. And as she studied him, she brushed a hand through his hair and afforded him another gentle smile.
"I suppose I'll never know the feeling. Any were blood in me is quite muted by this point, and I'm pretty sure my other abilities would negate it anyway. Though it's still peculiar to think of it." And here she turned away to stare over at the window where the setting sun was coming in through in all sorts of colors and rainbows of gold.
"And... I'm sorry I've ever treated you wrongly before, Urich. I.... it's... I've just never had to deal with such a relationship before. Most of the times I'm used to others scrutinizing me so I'm always under the gun." And at the thought, seh foudn herself sighing. "Life was always so tiring then. I always found myself wanting to prove others wrong and myself." and here she chuckled at herself. "Somehow in the right." She shook her head of it and turned her gaze back to his, meeting his eyes.
"Do you think if you were to change now, things would be any differet?" she asked most seriously, recalling how terrble that night had been for the both of them.
"I know, I know," Urich repliedaand peered across to her. His own hands found themselves entangled in her hair and he gave her a soft smile. "I know this is all very new to you. I guess it was unfair of me to expect so miuch of you so soon. You have changed and so have I. From that sleazy hotel to this cozy little cabin, I think we still have a lot to learn, but we are making decent progress. No love is a fairytale, no matter how much people try to make it out to be... At least our love is real and true and that's what matters. Despite your flaws, or perhaps because of them, I have come to cherish your place in my life. Which is I wanted to marry you all that sooner."
Victoria found herself touched and speechless, a blush gracing her cheeks as she simply looked up into his eyes with unconditional love and affection. Her hands, finding his, threaded together as she gently held his hand and gave it a squeeze, for actions were the only thing she could find herself doing- finding herself for once in her life speechless as she stared at him, and smiled and smiled.
"But that's ways away and we have lots of time for that," Urich concluded and squeezed her own hands. "I know you're very eager to become Mrs. Victoria Renqvist, and as eager as I am to have you as my wife...we take things as they come don't we?" He smiled at her and kissed her hands, bringing them up to his lips and taking his hand from hers and up to her hair, running his fingers through the thickness of her curls.
"Yes, eager indeed," she said, feeling her own smile growing as her eyes could not part from his. "Though I suppose... an earlier wedding could be spoken of. That is, if the church in town were to suit us both."
"I thought you didn't want to," Urich replied, making a face at her. "I thought it was too soon. And maybe it is. We don't have any real money for a wedding anyhow."
"This is true," she said, smiling up at him sheepishly. "But a girl can still dream. And though I wasn't fond of it before, it seems like something more wonderful right now." And still, she smiled at him, but knew patience would have to suffice, for now.
Urich was taken aback and gave her a soft but wry smile. "If that's what you want," he gave her a nod. "Then perhaps we can arrange it sooner than later."
If Urich was taken back, so was she, but she only blushed and smiled at his reply.
"Well, perhaps we'll see tomorrow when we go into town. Too much has been going on this day already and I feel myself already growing tired,"s he admitted, stifling a yawn. "Though I suppose it would be too much to ask for my husband to be to rub my shoulders some more? I think a few more good rubs might put me clean to sleep." And she'd be much obliged for the help.
"I thought you'd never ask," Urich smiled and sat up to give Draegr a few more pets before the wolf pup was content enough to snuggle with his siblings by the fireside. He had wanted attention, and when he had enough of it, he was ready to go his own way. Urich helped Victoria lay back on the bed, stomach first and propped a pillow underneath her, so that he could straddle her back, not sitting on her completely.
His hands were warm and gentle as they tended her back, kneading through the tense muscles of her shoulders and her upper back and carefully avoiding the wounds caused by the bears massive claws. "Gods those are horrible."
Though Urich was commenting about the atrocious mark on her back, Victoria only moaned. Yes, even through the sharp pain if the bear's maul marks, the back rub was orgasmic.
"Hrmm... yes, but your fingers are marvelous. Just keep rubbing away at those shoulders and I'll do anything you want," she murmured, her face half buried in pillow as she sighed contentedly. Really, this was just heavenly.
"Then be quiet and go to sleep," Urich said with a laugh. He kept massaging her, enjoying making her feel at ease and even he could feel the tension leave her shoulders and back. He minded the gory marks and stitching. So far they held up and by the time ten minutes passed, Urich's hands were well onto her lower back.
"Hmmm," she sighed contentedly beneath his ministrations and nodded her head weakly just once.
"You might have a sound idea there," she told him through a breath, her eyes still closed her and body slacken even more, and soon it would appear as if she would have obeyed him as she softly breathed and said no more.
"Finally some peace and quiet," Urich whispered in her ear and gave her another once over with his hands before moving toward the fire. The need for sleep left him and instead he made a cup of warm tea and bundled himself in a blanket in a chair before the fire place. Two pups settled into the blanket with him to keep warm and he simply watched the flames.
It would be hours before she'd awaken, and by then, it was nearly morning, the sun beginning to rise as she stretched out beneath the bed sheets. And as she did so, she had to wonder what had become of Urich as she glanced around and called his name.
"Urich?" And it took some time for her eyes to adjust to the dark.
But Urich would not be present when she awoke. He had gotten up several hours before she did, accompanied by the pups on a hunt. They were gone quite some time before the sun had come up with little to show for it, save for a small fox that the pups devoured and a rabbit that Urich managed to save from their hunger. It was slung over his shoulder by the time, they managed to return home, and Urich gave a knock at the door. "BREAKFAST!" he happily announced. "I hope you're hungry... Because if we don't eat it, they will."
It wasn't that Victoria was worried when she hadn't seen a sign of her fiance upon awakening, but to suddenly hear his call, and the yaps of the pup, took her off guard. At the knock, she leaped out of bed and threw the door open, her dress nearly falling off as she did.
"Oh! Look how muddy they are!" she exclaimed as a few pups skirted past her and left paw-print tracks across the floor. Gripping onto her dress as she was giving Urich a partial show, she huffed and turned to him "Once you get those hands clean and the rabbit somewhere safe, do help me fix my dress. I can't be walking around naked for breakfast."
Urich laughed as she tried to keep her dress on. He set the rabbit down on the table and cleaned his hands in the basin of water before drying them on a cloth. "I'll walk around naked if you will," he commented, slapping her behind shortly before helping her secure the dress on her shoulders. He gave her a smirk and kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful, this morning. The pups already ate. Look at how fat they are! Don't let them steal the rabbit. I'm going to clean up with a quick change of clothes."
Victoria blushed at the compliment and kiss.
"And here I haven't even been properly out of bed this morning and your feeding me lies."
But she smirked anyways and took his arm, hugging it and leaning into his side before she nodded. "Very well, I shall do my best to fend off our fat pups from breakfast. Though what do you plan to do with the meat? I have some nice seasons drying out back. We could try those. It might compliment the sweet meat of a rabbit."
Urich went to change in the back by their bed and came back in a set of clean clothes. He nodded. "That would be fine," he replied and rolled up his sleeves to begin cutting and skinning the rabbit. "What do you want, a stew or a rabbit roast? I don't know if we have enough veggies for a stew but we can make due."
"A roast would be fine. Besides, these herbs would do better for a roast then stew. The water would make it lose it's flavor. Here, watch the meat, I'll grab the seasoning." And with that, she stepped outside and was gathering up a few of the drying herbs when suddenly something, or... someone grabbed her from behind. But judging by the cold finger tips digging int her skin, it could only be a certain type of human that could produce such a chill!
A vampire. And before she knew it, the beast was trying to dig it's fangs into her. But she wasn't about to let herself become some creature's breakfast! And the moment the vampire's head sought to her neck, she grabbed a nearby shovel and whacked the creature over the head, and hissingly, the creature retreated, stumbling as it held onto it's temple before Victoria whirled around to catch sight of it, and the moment they made eye contact, the vampire hissed and vanished in a blurred run, leaving Victoria standing there, trembling and wide eyed as her dress wanted to half fall off again as her breasts heaved heavily, threatening to spill as her knuckles went white as she clutched onto the shovel, not even realizing she was doing so.
Urich jumped at the sound of the racket that went on outside. The pups too were distracted from their staring at the rabbit haunches and peered toward the rear of the cabin by the garden. Draegr growled and bolted for the door, following Urich as he burst through it. "VICTORIA!" Urich howled when he rounded the building and was surprised to find her standing there in her disheveled dress. The pups immediately sniffed the ground and bristled at the unusual presence the vampire left.
"Victoria!" he breathed, half-relieved she was all right, but obviously visibly shaken. "What happened!? Are you all right?" Urich stepped closer to her, looked at the bloodied shovel that had obviously made a mark on whatever it hit.
"Gods!"
It took Victoria sometime before her wits returned to her and once they did, she dropped the shovel and found herself shaking.
"Prince Adelram was right! I was just attacked by a rogue vampire." Which, if she were to think about it, would at least confirm her fears that something had become of them. And then after some time, her haughty personality returned as she growled, "But I smacked that devil with a shovel. So I hope he realizes he ought not to come back. Or else I'll have to get out some enchantments and put that beast in his place!"
"Shit," Urich growled and rolled his eyes. "That bastard WOULD be right. If that's the case then, we ought to enchant the hell out of this place. Or at the very least get out of the area before it's too late. I guess going to town for supplies is too risky now. Are you all right though? You seem quite shaken from it."
"Do I bloody look alright?! The damn thing tried to bite me!"s he said, shivering at the thought, but then frowned at herself as she tried to sigh away her anxiety, but it did little to help.
"I'm sorry to snap. I just... I didn't think we'd actually meet one, and so soon after the prince passed though." She frowned at that thought before looking up at Urich. "And I don't think that should deter our visit. We've only seen one vampire, and we should try to figure out why he attacked me, and only now of all times. Do you think he was following Adelram?"
"Hmm, no. I don't think a rogue beast like him would be following a more powerful cohort. That would be positive suicide. But it is possible for them to have sought us out because it tracked his presence, and you were an easy target. If we go out to town, it's to find greater means of protection against them. Anything and everything, and to find their source. And snuff them out."
Victoria only nodded, not finding the right words in the moment as her mind was racing a million miles a minute.
"Yes.. but oh, is it not dreadful?" she began, finally turning to her fiance. "To think, one vampire shows up and it might ruin this place we've made for ourselves. THough I'm sure something can be done." She just had to figure out WHAT and WHAT means would follow the hand book!
Urich's eyes grew wide and he stepped in closer to her. "They will not! Not if I have something to say about it. This place is ours and we'll see it wiped clean of that scourge. They won't sully our hopes and our dreams to make a place of our own. We will head into town and ask around... After warding off the place, that seems to be the best thing we can do for right now."
"I do have some cloves of garlic left but, this might require some enchantments," she began, sighing as she realized all the work this was going to take. "At least I packed some of my books with me. I should be able to create something to ward of just the vampires so that it shouldn't affect you and the pups."
She turned to Urich, giving him a sympathetic smile before she shook her head.
"It seems we can't have anything come to us easily." But even in that moment, she was able to see how handsome her fiance was as she appreciated his morning scruff and leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Let's return in doors. I can look into those books to see what I'll need. We might have to buy certain items in town, but I think, with some thorough research and precautions, and also perhaps even instilling some law work from the agency, I should think the vampire will be of little consequence to us in the future."
As much as he wanted to, Urich found little comfort in her words. He knew she meant well, he knew she was trained for these kinds of situations. But his mind still lingered on what Adelram had said, despite his better instincts. He knew there were more than one of them out there and while wards may work on a few, Urich was more inclined to hunt them down than to sit idly by in a circle of protection. And from his own experiences, he doubted any self-proclaimed 'laws' would have any jurisdiction for creatures such as these.
"I don't know why it would affect the pups," he mused as he followed her inside. "They're just ordinary wolves. But me...well, that's a different story altogether. And I hope you realize there are more than just that one out there. He'll likely tell his buddies about the big-breasted woman he met out in the forest with a penchant for shovels, and they'll be back, in greater number and force! The sooner the better.... Though what he was doing in daylight, I don't know. There's something very odd about that. It isn't natural."
[Of course, even after getting attacked, Victoria still has time to admire Urich's devastating good-looks. L_L]
"But Prince Adelram can travel in daylight, too," she pointed out, then paused a moment to frown as she speculated over the entire situation as her brows dipped in contemplative worry. "Though you have a good point Urich," though at his expression, she nudged his side. "Not about my breasts, but the oddity of the vampires. Something just doesn't feel right anymore since the vampiric prince showed up."
Guiding Urich back inside she continued, "And further more, we still need to get supplies in town- one way or another, so perhaps we can ask around while we are there. We might be surprised with what sort of answers we get."
OOC: lol yup
Urich locked the door behind them and he ran a hand through his disheveled hair. The pups all laid around and were still nervous from the incident but were otherwise playful with each other. "Then I suppose it isn't even a question," he sighed and motioned toward he zombie valet. "Shall he collect the carriage then, and we can be on our way?"
Victoria frowned.
"I suppose, but really Urich, I see you fretting. Maybe this was just an isolated incident? I mean, my wound did attract the prince, after all." Though even she was having a hard time convincing herself that, but she had to find something to keep her mind off of how shaken she was.
"I'm...I'm not fretting," Urich protested and he took a breath, pinching at the top of his nose and peering at her with a wry frown. "What I mean is, I just don't want to leave anything to chance, isolated incident or not? As much as I'd hate for Adelram to be right, if he is, the last thing we need is a group of vampires lurking around. We should take all the precautions we can, that's all."
"And I agree, all the more reason for us to get to town as soon as possible. I'd rather be as prepared as we can than remain here like sitting ducks," Victoria reminded, her eyes searching his before she afforded him a smile. "ANd I'm sorry if I've upset you. I just.. I'm trying not to think about the horrible portions of this too much. I know the realities, but if we keep our thoughts down, then surely nothing good can come of that. We just have to remain prepared and as civil as we can. Though I might get nightmares thinking about those vampire teeth." She then added with a shiver.
"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, I suppose," Urich said with a grim pout. He moved through the cabin, gathering their things, not even thinking about the rabbit he had killed and was now half eaten in the pups anxiety. "Let's get going then, shall we? Perhaps we can pick up a meal or two in town. I could use a good stew or even a steak."
"OH, I forgot about the rabbit!" she said with a gasp, but as she moved to go back for it, she watched as the pups dragged the remainder of it onto the floor and gobble it to pieces.
Urich howled with a mix of rage and laughter at the display and he smiled at her while she treed to get the rabbit. "Let them have it. Fat pups are happy pups."
As she tried to rush back, she felt Urich's grip tighten a little, and his words (and laugh) helped draw her back to their situation as she stumbled to a halt in her tracks. With her skirts barely settling at her feet, she turned back to him with a shake of her head.
"Oh, I suppose you are right. We shall get a meal- maybe steaks in town! That will show them!" she said with a bit of humor and grin. "Come, let us make haste. Frederick! Please fetch the carriage. We need to be off to town!"
Urich was beaming at the woman he called his fiancee and his hand slid down to grip her ass when the carriage at last came around.
"Oh!" And her eyes went wide when Urich grabbed her ass. She shot him a gaze, but it was soon followed by a laugh.
"Urich, please!" she tried to chastise, but it was difficult when she was laughing. So she shook her head and turned to regard the carriage. "You know you will have to remove that hand from my rear so that I can sit down inside the carriage..."
Urich squeezed it and he slapped it before helping her into the carriage. "Nonsense! I'm just making sure your most important asset isn't too shaken from the assault! Let's see here," Urich said, stepping in after her and closing the door. He shoved his hand between her ass and the seat. "I need to inspect the other cheek!"
When Urich's hand groped her other cheek, she yelped and jumped from her bench.
"U-Urich!" she said, shoving his hand away. "Really! How barbaric of you!" But again, it was hard to yell at him when she was smiling about it. Shaking her head, she turned to look away from him and tuck back her smile, but it was difficult to do- especially since she knew her fiance was looking at her- probably with a lecherous expression. Really... would he fondle her all the way to town?
Frankly.. if he did. She wouldn't care...
Though it was fun to play she did.
"Darling! If you don't let me inspect your rear end, then it's only going to get worse! Someone else might come along and take it upon themselves to do so. So turn over and kneel before me and I'll see what I can't do to massage the knot out of that muscle," Urich said, matter-of-factly, as if he were discussing little more than the weather and what he wanted for dinner.
Of course, he wouldn't mind a little desert in the carriage. So Urich sat up and leaned over, Victoria, capturing her in an embrace that was mindful of her back wounds.
"U-urich!" she piped up, gasping as his hands seemed not to be able to keep off of her, and soon she found herself captured within his embrace. "Oh! You would try to stake a claim on your fiance while she's trapped with you inside a carriage." Though as the moment got a little more intimate, her voice got a little more quiet as she giggled, "Urich." But soon, she was enjoying herself, and kissing him and keeping close. She supposed she could let him get away with it this time.
Not that she had much of a choice. It wasn't often that Urich took part in such play, and certainly not with a woman as uppity as Victoria! So it wasn't a moment he was simply going to allow to pass him by. "Oh darling, my, you seem so tense," Urich whispered as he fondled her. "Whatever is it that has you gotten you all worked up? Nevermind...I think I have an idea." He chuckled as he leaned in and stole a kiss.
She moaned through the kiss, having tried to protest before but well now...
Now she was dazed and blinking at him as one of the straps from her dress fell down her shoulder.
Urich fondled her and pulled her closer to him. He leaned back, pulling her into his lap, kissing her hotly and when the strap of her dress became loose, he kissed at her shoulder too.
"U-Urich.." she tried to protest, but the tone in her voice became faded, and her eyes, hanging half closed and while his hands and lips moved hungrily all over her body, she found her lips falling open as she silently moaned. So much for protests, infact, she was only aiding him as she craned her neck and wrapped her arms around him.
"Gods, Urich..." And the words came out breahtily.
"The poor dainty maiden to be ravished by the ghastly but handsome beast," Urich laughed as his mouth sought hers once more. Her mouth was hot and moist and he tasted the hollows of her mouth gently but fiercely, turning his head this way and that.
What a scandalous notion! But if Victoria were to protest, she had not the breath for it, for they kissed so deeply and full of need, her finger nails began to dig into his skin as her body leaned into his.
It was an exhilarating side of Victoria that made Urich's blood roar. He laughed and giggled at their antics in the back of the carriage. He laid beneath her now, half of his own clothes pulled off as he kissed at her neck. "My My Miss Victoria, you are a lady of infamy," Urich smiled beneath her. "Gentle please, this is all new to me."
"Oh, Calm down, wolf," she said, twisting a finger into his hair as she laid overtop of him, her other strap having fallen down her shoulder and more cleavage was displayed before him, those heavy breasts nearly spilling out of her dress as her lips ran down his neck. "Besides, if you get too loud, Frederick will hear you..." And she spke the words while nibbling on his ear.
"So what?" Urich breathed hotly against her skin. He moaned loudly with her weight on him. His hands were busy untying the knots of her dress, shifting it down and tilting his head to nibble on her neck. "You're not afraid to be caught are you?"
Victoria's eyes fluttered closed as she moaned beneath his touch, her own breath growing hot and her mind a whirl wind beneath his passion.
"Oh, but wouldn't that be dreadful?" she tried to protest, but most of her words were hidden beneath long, hungered, passionate kisses they shared, and once his lips went to her neck, she was gasping and turning away, allowing him more access as her own hands were finding his clothes and more clumsily, working at peeling them off.
"Quite the contrary," Urich declared, kissing at her neck again. He needed to take a breath however and stopped her hand from removing anymore of his clothing, pulling his collar up and fixing his shirt. He smiled at Victoria, nonetheless and smoothed back her hair. "You seem to have gotten your 'do all in a mess. You look like you just lost a pillow fight."
"I think only one man can be blamed for this mess," she told him with a leer, but sighed as she nestled in against him within the small carriage bench. "But Urich, do me a favor- wake me once we get to town. I fear you've lulled me into quite a nice state and I'd hate to give up my comfortable position at your side." And with a lazy sigh, she nestled in, one arm draped around him. Though she was comfortable indeed, she was still a bit riled from all of their kissing. No matter. Enjoying this little sanctuary and moment with him was good enough for her as she leaned her head into the hand that stroked her hair.
And it was just when she was nice and relaxed that Urich suddenly jumped up and leaned down on her, kissing her hungrily and grabbing her by surprise.
Victoria let out a yelp, one that might have even startle the horses as she writhed within his clutches.
"U-urich!" Really, what a wolf! But any protests were quickly snuffed out by the hot, hungered kisses sealing over her mouth. She was easily melted by them- but damn him for this! He could be such a cruel man!
Urich stopped not long afterward and relaxed in the seat. "Something wrong darling?" he asked. "You act as if something jumped up and bit you. I'm sure it was nothing. Just relax beside me. Whatever it was, it was fun while it lasted."
"Oh! You impossible man!" And this time she would let him know how disappointed he was for all of his teasing as she pinched his arm- hard.
"Ow! I did nothing!" Urich protested, nursing his arm and peering at her with wide eyes. He soon relaxed in the carriage and gave a sigh. "I don't know what you're all worked up about."
At his smart comment, he'd find another pinch to his arm.
"Keep that up and I'll need to keep reminding you!"
"Yeah, yeah," Urich griped, rubbing his arm, smirked at her from the side of his mouth. "You're just a mean spiteful little shrew! Now quit it!"
She threatened to pinch him again, but instead, elbowed him sharply.
"A mean spirited what?" she dared him to repeat, lest his arm be full of bruises from her pinching fingers.
"A mean SPITEFUL shrew is what I said," Urich corrected and grabbed both of her hands to keep her from pinching him again. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you upset. I was only trying to tease. I'm sorry."
Victoria gasped, obviously offended, and struggled beneath his grasp.
"Don't make me use my powers on you, Wolf!" she threatened. "Once you let go of these arms, you'll be sorry!"
Urich gave an exasperated sigh and let her go. "I was just having a little fun," he said with a roll of his eyes. "I'm sorry. Geeze." He got up and sat on the opposite end of the carriage, not willing to fight with her anymore.
Once he was away, she gave him a suspicious look before smirking.
"And you thought I was being serious?" Though in their rough and tumble moment, she hadn't realized some of her stitches had come loose, as blood trickled dwn her back and began to stain the back of hte carriage bench.
Urich rolled his eyes and his hands itched for a drink and a hot meal. "Well you make a very difficult show of it," Urich pouted at her. He fixed his collar and his clothes and flashed her a smile.
"That's because I am," she said, flashing him a smirk. "Difficult," she made sure to add, just in case he might be confused. Taking him over she moved to sit beside him on the carriage, a hand smoothing up his clothes. "Though it's a shame I ruined the moment. It had been rather fun." and idly her fingers toyed at the collar of his shirt.
Urich shifted a little uncomfortably in his seat when she came to sit beside him and cleared his throat. But as she did so, he relaxed and put an arm around her shoulders, hugging her to his chest. "Well, maybe it wasn't all your fault," he quickly explained. "I mean, I did tease you and I know you don't take well to that. It's okay. I'm sure this won't be the last time we full around in a carriage." Urich laughed and just kicked back against the bench, leaning his head to the side and watching the road go by.
Victoria smiled and nestled in with him, lifting her head up to watch the world drift by as well.
"I suppose you're right, wolf," she said, her hand smoothing across his chest before lips found his neck and she began to kiss towards his chin and cheek.
Urich shrugged her attentions away from him and he just watched the road pass them by once more. But just when things seemed relaxed, his arm around her shoulder seemed idle, but it was anything but. He discreetly reached for her breast and got a handful of it before he was all over her once more.
Victoria, too, grew lazy as she remained nestled into his side. And just as her eyes began to close, she felt his hand slip over her chest. And as she turned towards him with a gasp, he'd find that two could play at this game, as her hand slipped over his ass for a squeeze, though she was much less subtle than he.
"Oh, no you don't!" Urich playfully growled when he felt her grabbing his ass. He reached down and pulled one arm up, holding her with the other and tried to pin it against the backrest of the bench with little success. "Hey! Do you think you can just be free to grab me as you please?" he grumbled against her lips, laugh. "I have feelings too, y'know. I'm not just a piece of meat."
"Urich, you are anything but a piece of meat. And I shall grab your bottom as much as I like. Or even pinch it." And she demonstrated by doing so with a smirk.
Urich jumped beneath her grasp but grinned against her lips nonetheless. "Oh, darling. Your hands are cold! You should warm them up before you do that! Or at least trim your claws." But he was laughing in amusement and busied himself with kissing along her neck.
"You mean warm them up like this?" And she hesitated not to yank open his pants and crammed her hand down the front, her chin jutting up and her grin splitting across her face as her eyes narrowed and leered him challengingly.
Urich jumped back when she did that, and pulled her hands out. "Noooooooooooooo," he griped. "You can warm them up by letting me warm you up." He grasped them together and kissed along her knuckles. "I love you so much darling. Even if your stitches did open and bled all over the seat."
Victoria jerked her face away from him as her expression twisted.
"What!?" she peered over at the carriage and grimaced. "Oh, for Gods' sake! This stain will never get out!"
And with a pout, she reached over to touch lightly at where the wound was seeping. "And here I thought not much for that soreness back there. Figures the stitches came out. And now I'll look simply horrible when we reach town. What wil tehy think to see me with blood all ove rmy dress?"
"Just give me a minute. It does not look so bad and I'll give you my coat to cover it," he said. "Lie down on your belly." He took his jacket off and took a look at the stitches. He cleaned them off with a little saliva and pulled them tighter and tried to reknot them.
Victoria winced.
"Remind me next time I'm in the forest to avoid bears at all costs. Bloody dreadful beasts," she grumbled, wincing some more as he continued to tighten up her wound.
"Oh it was most likely your fault than the bears. He was just protecting his territory when you came waltzing in probably to tell him he couldn't live there anymore because of some stupid laws that didn't apply to him anyway," Urich said playfully, smirking at her and rolling his eyes. "It wouldn't be the first time your nosiness got you into trouble."
Victoria shot an elbow into his gut. Though it wasn't a hard thrust, but she still wanted tog et his attention as she pouted up at him.
"You'll never let me live that down, will you?"
"Only when you learn to have a sense of humor," Urich said, rubbing his belly. He gave her a smile and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Besides if yu hadn't come barging in where you didn't belong we wouldn't be in this situation would we?" He gave her a leer and shrugged. "I like having you vulnerable before me anyway."
"Yes,"she told him with a playfully skeptical glare. "And this wouldn't be the first time you'd try to take advantage."
"Nor yoy, Miss Neck-kisser," Urich growled as he finished tending to her back and placing thrr jacket over her shoulders. "There. Feel better?"
"I haven't a clue as to what you mean," she said, feigning ignorance. "But yes, I do feel better, but I might feel even more so if you were to kiss me." And she turned to him with a smug grin. "On my lips."
"Really? On your lips! But that is oh so scandalous!" Urich grinned at her and obliged, moving forward and helping her on her side to wrap her in his arms, kissing her softly on the lips.
"Mmm," she softly moaned, her eyes barely closed. "Scandalous indeed." And she leaned forward, cupping his cheek and deepened a second kiss.
"I like this most scandalous side of you," he admitted with a laugh. He tilted his head, pressing his nose into her cheek and held her face with a free hand.
Victoria opened her eyes to look at him.
"You would. Now where were we before? Ah yes, I do recall it was.something.." she began to say, removing one strap. "Like this." And with a shrug, the second strap fell down.
"Really? I don't rightly remember. You'll have to refresh it I'm afraid. I'm still reeling from all the nudges and pinches and scolding," he said, leering at her as she undid her strap. "Oh? Something like that? Well, I might remember a little more."
Victoria kept her grin, even when Urich went on to tease her. Instead, she simply kept her breasts pressed together, forming a long line of cleavage between as they swelled impressively between her arms.
"I never knew you had such a terrible memory. THough perhaps this can help?" and she moved her hands froward now, her dress hanging loosely as she worked at slippping a hand beneath his shirt to smooth across his belly, then chest.
"I believe this should be removed... and any other clothing you are wearing."
And her hands moved to delicately pluck each button of his shirt until it was open.
Urich's eyes stayed challengingly onto hers as she moved to undo the buttons of his shirt. He grinned and pulled it from his shoulders a little as she smoothed her hands across him. "Oh, you do try to tease," he grumbled and leaned in to kiss her neck, sucking a little on her skin there. "Am I the only one getting naked in this endeavor?" His hand smoothed over her cleavage and gave her an appreciative once over, before his hands obliged and dropped undid the ties of his trousers.
"It's not my fault the wolf is lazy." And she smirked, watching his clothing move away. "Besides, a woman's dress is hardly easy to remove. One does not simply drop a dress without fussing over all the details there in. Though if you won't help me with my dress, perhaps I'll just hike up my skirts?"
"Now just be patient darling," Urich grumbled and fumbled with her skirts untying the corset, then helping slip them over her head and left her in little more than her birthday suit and the coat that Urich had draped over her shoulders. "Better? How do you wear that stifling thing?"
Victoria sighed once her clothing was free and gave a light stretched beneath him before pulling the coat around her nude form to keep herself modest.
"I wear it well enough in hopes to attract a certain man's attention,"s he spoke, gritting her teeth a bit through a smile. "Though seeing as you like me better without it, perhaps I should refrain from wearing anything at all?"
"I've heard stories of a wolfman running around the forests of La'marri that doesn't bother wearing any clothes at all. If you didn't like me in a suit so much, I'd be running around naked too," Urich laughed and knelt before her, kissing along the exposed skin of her belly.
"Mmm, you bring up a good point, wolf," she growled playfully. "But I like you in and without it. Reminds me that only this sort of thing is reserved for you and I." And here her lips found his as her hands smoothed softly across his back. "Just remember to be gentle. I'm still injured."A nd as she move to kiss his cheek, she inquired, "And speaking of injuries, how are yours fairing?" And her hands moved slowly south.
Urich could only grin and kissed her lips softly. Her touch was warm and made him quiver here and there, made him twist and squirm and feel good all over. "I'm feeling much better. Thanks to you," Urich replied, brushing his lips against hers. "Don't upset your stitches, I don't have the patience to sew you up again."
"Then I suppose we'll have to be careful. But can you keep yourself so tame, wolf?" she asked, lips finding his again as she peered into his eyes.
"I won't make any promises," Urich growled at her, taking her liips into his. He kissed her deeply and crawled over her on the bench, coaxing her legs to wrap around him as he laid down on her. "You are quite ravishing."
Naturally, she obeyed, arms wrapping around him as lips met to his own.
"You only say that since you wish to ravish me," she told him pointedly before her lips met to his again.
"If I don't ravish you, you're going to ravish me!" he chuckled between kisses. Urich put a hand down beside her hips and rubbed at the skin there. "At least you've been taking care of yourself. Your skin feels awfully smoothe."
"That might be from some of the bath salts. They were imported from Essyrn. It says they're to help keep your skin vibrant and youthful," she said with a chuckle, eyes closing as she enjoyed the feeling of his hands to her skin.
"Imported!?" Urich snorted. "With what money dowwe have to buy imported bath salts!? But whatever it was...it's working wonders on you." Urich's hands slid down her thighs, cupping the back of her knees and pulling them higher on his hips. "You're practically divine."
Victoria gasped when he got upset.
"It was on sale when I purchased our soap!" she tried to explain, but it seemed her lover was hardly interested in that as she found her body aligning to his in a most compromising manner. ANd as she peered up at him, chest heaving with heavy breaths, she smirked.
"Divine, mmm, I'm not sure about that, but I have a feeling what we're about to do will be heavenly."
Urich had grown rigid from all the foreplay and chuckled at her response. He let her feel his member, pressing so close to her entry but not yet passing through. His head leaned in and kissed her throat, her neck and her jaw, nibbling on it there. "Then I suppose you're preparing yourself with screaming out to the gods then," he chuckled against her skin.
Victoria moaned softly at the attentions. She too, was already slick and ready from all the foreplay (and the argument, too), and kept her arms held tightly around him as his lips tasted her.
"Then I suppose I am. Gods... Urich.." she said, sucking in a breath. "I never thought I'd have such a good lover." Sadly, she always assumed she'd be forced to marry someone, and the love would be subpar at best. but this? This was the real thing, and it lit her entire mind and body in a frenzy.
"Oh, Urich, stop teasing me and just kiss me and make love to me." ANd her hands smoothed down his backside, gripping at his ass as she braced herself for entry.
Urich groaned and smirked at her frustrations. He continued to tease her for a few more minutes before he teased her entry, pushing his member partly in and slowly easing in the rest of the way. "Gods...Victoria," he moaned hoarsely, "You feel like heaven. " Despite the number of times they had made love, she always felt wonderful upon entry, snug around him, eager and he undulated his hips to accentuate the feeling between them.
The second he made entry she clung to him tightly. Her eyes, now closed tightly, were pressed against his shoulder as she gasped out his name. She could feel everything, being so tight, as his tip nestled it's way between her opening, then her body took in more and more and soon her sex was swollen all around him, eagerly clinging to it as her heat and softness nursed on the feeling.
"Gods.." she felt her fingernails already digging into him as her sex tightened even more, bubbling up feelings from deep within that had her panting and moving her own hips along with his.
Their movements were a dance all their own, a ritual made for just the two of them as Urich began a steady rhthym and helped Victoria follow along with him, though she was quite capable of moving all her own. He grunted and moaned at how she gloved all around him as he pumped in and out of her. Urich was breathing hard with her and clenched his eyes closed tightly, blinded with pleasure.
As he moved inside her like a piston, her hands groped around for anything to hold onto to brace herself for each impact. His member was so hard and thick it cut through her like a knife, and felt as wonderful as heaven and she too, soon found herself blinded by the pleasure as she moaned beneath him, calling his name and digging her finger nails into his skin. ANd she writhed beneath him, arching her back to get him to hit at just the right angle, and then she'd move again, begging him to direct his attentions at another spot- and would moan each time he'd oblige her. The art of fucking a woman was all about her guiding him, and Victoria had no hesitation in telling Urich exactly what he liked as she felt herself growing ever nearer to her peak.
He could tell he was striking the anvil with the proper force and devastating angle. Urich had been alive long enough to read a woman's body, but he wanted to learn all over again for Victoria for her body, it seemed, was written almost as if by the gods themselves. He paid attention to her moans, her murmurs, her purrs and facial expressions. "Victoria," he grunted with effort. "Tell me you love me... Tell me you want me... By the gods."
She melted at his words, finger nails gripping into his skin.
"Gods, Urich.." she moaned. "I love you, I love you and I want you more than anything... Gods!" she gasped, feeling herself so close a thrill rushed through her. Her breath instantly caught in her throat, and she felt herself hesitating as she was so near to the edge of ecstasy that when she was finally spilling over, she screamed out his name in a throaty wail and her hips moved wildly over his- and she repeated it again and again how much she needed him, wanted him, and never wanted this to end.
Urich whimpered in her ecstasy and his own when at last he laid tired and limp over her. He was sated time and time again and groaned with pleasant aches coursing all through him. "Oh Victoria, we have to do this again," he panted over her.
Melting into the carriage bench, she simply smiled at his words but didn't bother to open her eyes.
"Yes, mmmm, we do," she said, finally peering up into his face with a lazy, but satisfied grin as she cupped his cheek and kissed him softly. "And to think, I was considering to save myself for our wedding night. Good thing I didn't, " she added with a playful grin.
Urich gave a soft grunting laugh at her chest and just listened to the soft flutter of her heart as it drummed inside her. "You couldn't resist me even if you tried," he grumbled and gently kissed at the tips of her breasts. "Besides practice makes perfect don't you think."
Victoria smiled.
"Mmm, I don't know. This time felt pretty perfect."
"Well, then we'll just have to practice to make sure we don't get out of perfect," Urich sighed against her skin. He didn't want to move from atop her and simply grabbed the jacket he had given her to blanket the both of them, at least along their waistline. He kissed at her neck and cheek and peered down at her with a smile.
"So, Future Mrs. Renqvist, how are you enjoying your life so far with Mr. Urich Renqvist? Is there anything in his behavior that you find deplorable or unmanly and should be put into consideration to remedy?"
Victoria smiled playfully.
"Yes, his penis is too small and his sex, incredible despite it." At her jest, her smile now showed more teeth. "Though I can't say, Mr. Renqvist. You might not ever know."
"You would try to hold it against me, like you really have any basis for comparison!" Urich growled and leaned into her neck, taking her ear into his teeth and moving his member that still remained inside her. "But I'll have you know I'm a well-endowed man, even for a werewolf! Trying to demean your lover."
Victoria smiled.
"You know me too well, wolf. Of course I jest." And she shivered as he moved within her. "Gods.. are you trying to go for a second round?" she asked, stretching out lightly beneath him in a lazy fashion.
"Not unless you want to take the reins for a while," Urich laughed and leaned down to kiss her lips. "I wouldn't mind at all if you did. But now...I only did it to remind you that you're lucky to have a man so physically well-made! And a man who loves you dearly and wants only to please you and at the very least has a good sense of humor."
"Physically well made?" she mused, quirking a brow at him. "But weren't you just injured for the last few months and on the mend?" ANd she kissed him for it and smiled. "Though I suppose surviving such an atrocious time with me would make you a lot stronger than you may have been before." And she kissed him again as she chuckled.
"I know right? I'm surprised I made it out with all my appendages still attached to me." He chuckled and moved his memeber within her a little more, teasing her, tasting her again in the slickness of their shared sex. "I can wager we're getting close to town, but I'm a little too comfortable to get out of this carriage. Aren't you?"
Over hearing the fact they were so close to a public place made her burn excitedly at such a scandalous idea that they'd be still making love inside the carriage as it rolled through town.
"Yes... it is quite comfortable," she murmured as her sex clenched his as she softly moaned at the sensation of his sex teasing her again.
Urich kept the motion gentle and as pleasing as he could, biting his own lip at the sensation of his member moving through her. He held himself elevated slightly above her, hands on either side of her head and gently undulating his hips. "Y'know Victoria I've realized that we haven't really talked about where we're going to live when we come back from our little trip. I've just been wondering if that was something you were thinking about and if you had any ideas."
She was reveling in the sensations he stoked, the desired he stroked and curled beneath him as she shuddered in pleasure. Though as he began to talk, she peered up at him through half-lidded eyes and dug her teeth into her lip.
"Oh, Urich, I'm sure we've got plenty of time to discuss this when we are not making love.." And she moaned through a smile before opening her eyes a little wider to regard him. "But I have considered us looking for a place together on our own. Obviously we can not live with my Aunt,... and I wouldn't want to."
"I'm sure we could live with her. But she wouldn't let me lay my hands on you," and Urich laughed. "But no I'd rather not resort to that. Perhaps we can keep this cabin for vacations of sorts and buy a house in a city somewhere, or maybe a manor. I do quite love mansions myself." He persisted in conversation though his hips continued to grind against hers and his member had grown hard from its ministrations, prodding at her walls. All this as if it were just another facet to daily conversation.
"Mmm." Victoria moaned as she felt him grow aroused again, his hard dick moving like a slow going piston and it drove her mad.
"Well, even if we were to remain there for a time, I'm sure we'd find ways to make ourselves tangible." And she began to pant and grow flushed from all the attentions of their sex. "Though a mansion? You would think I'd inherit so much to afford somehting so grand." And she smirked. She might have that sort of money - but honestly, could they actually afford that? Hrmm, she supposed she'd have to investigate.
Urich laughed and continued to move gently and slowly in and out of her, nursing her pleasure and even panting a little on his own. "Maybe not a manor if it's not in our means," he smiled down at her. "Just a great big house with lots of space to run around in. To put in a piano. A room for wine. A room for us."
Victoria kept her eyes closed as she smiled.
"I'm sure we'll be able to come up with something. You will be marrying a rich man's daughter, after all." And she moaned softly as Urich kept moving within her as they made love, so slowly, so sensually that she shivered. But just as she was getting nice and cozy, the carriage lurched to a halt and hearing Frederick approach he side door, she gasped.
"U-urich! Quick! The door! Hold it.closed before Frederick opens it!"
Urich had been so caught up in what they were doing that he hardly realized they stopped It was only at Victoria's sudden insistence and he jerked up, reaching for the door just as it was pulled open by the rotting valet.
Frederick made a groan at the pair and seemed unphased both were practically naked in the carriage.
"F-frederick!" Victoria stammered. "Please close the door!" And the zombie stared with a groan before he obliged. And now with the carriage door closed, Victoria raked a hand through her hair.
"Gods, to think the whole town could have seen us now!" And her entire.body was flushed from it, especially her face.
Urich gave a sigh of relief and started to laugh abruptly afterward. "Good gods!" he chuckled. "Can you imagine if they saw us...? In fact I think one of them did."
Despite their bodies still being connected, she gave Urich's shoulder a smack.
"Really! This is not something to joke about!" but even as she protested, she found herself laughing anyway. "Though I guess now that we're in town we ought to get dressed..." But the tone in her voice indicated she, quite obviously, did not wish of that yet, and as she lay there against him, the warm sun gleaming in through the window, she sighed.
"This is nice," she told him, nuzzling in against his cheek, and then the sound of church bells ringing made her shiver. "I wonder who the bells are for. Perhaps the church just held a mass."
"Hmm," Urich murmured as he moved back over her again, laying down against her front. "What does it matter? I've never been much of a church-going man anyway. Ansgar can kiss my ass for all I care," he grumbled tiredly.
"Well, I can't admit to being a fervent following of any church myself, I still think the bells sound lovely." Sighing, she nestled in against him and noticed his tired expression as she kissed his cheek. "Shall we get going? It seems our little shenanigans might be at a close"
"Baaahh!" Urich grunted as he lifted himself off of Victoria. They were still slick between their legs from their antics and Urich found a handkerchief in his coat pocket to help wipe himself clean. He offered it to her, wiping her legs and between them and casting it aside. "We can continue this on our way back," he laughed, kissing her cheek. "Besides, I like you dressed as much as I like you nude." He bit his lip playfully and quickly slipped his clothes back on.
Red faced with a blush, she dressed in a hurry, asking Urich to help tie up her corset, and once she was suitable, she stepped out delicately from the carriage with a none too delicate sigh to the hair falling over her face.
"I feel somewhat guilty for what we've done," she admitted, peering around the town suspiciously, then over towards Frederick. "Frederick, we shall not be long, so please stay with the carriage."
A groan from him indicated he under stood, and Victoria sighed again, fussing over her hair as she walked.
"Yes so... we're here for supplies.. right?" She had completely forgot! Then again,it was really his fault for distracting her so with... such amorous activity in the carriage.
Urich fixed his shirt front and his collar and his jacket and wiped his brow by the time he stepped from the carriage step and smiled out to the shady town where he had once been brutally attacked. "It hasn't changed a bit," he laughed and cracked his neck like it was nothing at all. "Yes, supplies. Like blankets, food, spices, a new broom, and maybe some firewood," he nodded, offering her his arm as he led them off toward the market.
Taking his arm, she moved with him through the street, her eyes scanning the wares when they moved through the market, but her eyes seemed to be elsewhere, too- and her heart hardly in it. She was a bit on edge, considering how they had left their cabin in the woods and also- the sudden appearance of Prince Adelram had her almost seeking him among the crowd. Though he was not there, she frowned and stepped forward to take the wrapped spices int the crook of her arm as she peered back to Urich.
"I don't suppose getting a few wards and cloves of garlic could hurt..." she muttered under her breath. "Though I think the pups might eat the garlic- then we'll be worse off." ANd she made a face at that.
"Bleh. Even ordinary meatbags wouldn't eat garlic. I think the pups will be fine. They only like things that smell like meat and salt. I believe the garlic will be fine," he replied, moving to stand beside her and examined a few cloves themselves. Then he peered down beside him, at her and her wandering eyes. "What's the matter? You're senses are itching? Or did you spot a familiar face?"
Turning back her head to Urich she shook her head.
"No,"s he sighed. "It's just what I think I see. Nothing is there. Come on. Let's see what other things we need,t hen perhaps we can find a place for dinner before we head back."
Urich nodded to her and took it upon himself to scan the crowd as well just to be sure. He took Victoria's arm and tucked it under his as they moved toward a small but well decorated tavern in the corner of the market. "And what would sate your appetite, Miss Armani?" Urich said as he opened the door for her.
Victoria gave a sigh and looked up into his face.
"Oh, wouldn't steak be wonderful?" Though that was clearly just a dream! Resting her face against his arm, she stepped with him inside. "Though anything with meat, really." she needed something to substantially fill her belly. They've been eating a lot of pancakes with berries lately and she was craving something more.
"I'll give you all the meat you can handle," Urich smiled and showed her inside. The establishment was fine and well made and Urich showed her to a table in the middle and opened her seat for her. "My lady." And helped push her in.
It had been quite a while since Victoria had been treated to such a meal- the dates she and Urich shared consisted of meals where they had to fight off dogs and had the pup's positively whimpering in their saliva as they'd watch the pair eat whatever Victoria was cooking and let their saliva grow. But here, away from it all, forgetting their worries and dipping back into the world she had (well, seemngly just temporarily..) left behind...
She was in heaven. The steak was perfect, the company- handsome, and there was no sign of pesky vampires.
"This town really is lovely- though I must say, I wish I had some better dresses left. The only one it seems that survived this was that red one."A nd she blushed and looked away, recalling exactly HOW and WHY it had made it's way int her luggage.
Urich took a great sip of his wine and smirked at Victoria. His hair had gotten a little disheveled from their excursion in the carriage, but his hand quickly pushed it back and he brushed it out of his face as he looked up at his fiancée with a small smile. "Well, we'll just have to make do with what dresses survived. I'm sure you will without a new summer wardrobe," he commented, downing the rest of his glass.
"Besides, we only used that red one once I think. And I didn't even get to peel you out of it."
"Well, I might be able to salvage a few, but I've been using them for when I scout the forests, and they've become a bit worn for it," she said with a sigh, though shook her head at his comment about the red dress.
"Yes, I do recall a certain mummy and demonly ghost thing getting in the way." she said, picking at a piece of bread before she turned to him with a smile. "But maybe you can get that chance at a later time, wolf. More bread?" and she offered him half of hers.
Urich smirked at her and let his goblet of wine play beneath his lips. His smirk grew and he downed the rest of the glass before filling it once more. "That was quite an adventure. I was certainly I was going to lose you more than once," he mused and leaned forward, taking the bread offered and peeling it with his hands. "I was quite tempted to leave you there. Plenty more fish in the sea." He quirked a brow at her and took another drink of the wine.
Victoria looked back at him, not amused.
"If there are more fish, you know where there is a door."
Urich sighed at his teasing going unnoted. He shook his head and reached for her hand across the table. "Oh, have a sense of humor Victoria. You're the only fish in my sea," he said, sticking his tongue out at her and drinking from his wine. He was getting light-headed, a little and feeling warm and good.
"Really, I was joking."
Victoria gave a snort.
"I think you forget it's still hard for me to believe you, though not entirely," she sighed and looked down at the table. "You're the first and only lover I've ever had, Urich. I... it's still hard to remain confident with men, though I suppose I should not be so worried with you. it's just hard to get past my own inadequacies sometimes."
He took his hand and hers and threaded their fingers between each other. "I know, Victoria," he replied, his face turning solemn. "I wouldn't ever dream of hurting you like that. I love you. I do. I know there's still much we have to work on between us, but I've never had a real stable relationship with a woman. Most of all the relationships I've had were really only one-sided or boring, or we were both drunk and made a mistake. You're the first real woman that's given me a chance, actually. And you have no idea how much that means to me."
Victoria was surprised by what he said and found herself staring at him, the loss of words clearly on her face.
"Well I.. it's just that.."
and she smiled through a breath as she looked at him.
"I'd state that's hard to believe, but I don't doubt you."A nd she smiled at him and let her fingers gently caress over the hand that held hers. "I suppose I should consider myself lucky."
Urich's smile softened and his thumb gently ran over the fingers clasped in his hand and squeezed for effect. "You know I'm the lucky one. You would have married your dirty cousin and then been miserable for the rest of your life. I stole you away just in time." He smiled at her and leaned in, kissing her cheek for a warm moment before sitting back. "We still have a wedding to plan you know. Did you want your aunt to come? I don't suppose I have any cousins I'd like to see there."
Victoria smiled warmly.
"I suppose it does not matter, but I think my Aunt would love to come, yes. But as far as others... I don't suppose I'd really know who else to invite. Besides the normal social calls."
"Oh, I'm sure the old couple across the lake from your aunt would like to be invited," he smiled and squeezed her hand. "She was the one that gave you the ring after all. I wouldn't mind a small ceremony, with a few guests and a small party afterward. It's not like we have the money to throw out on a big ceremony anyway. But smaller ceremonies would be more intimate and nice. We should likely start planning it sooner rather than later."
"Yes, but what sort of chapel should we have it? The one here is small and has some beautiful stain glass, though I'm not sure if those sorts of guests would travel so far." Sighing, she smiled and looked down at her plate, and to the cup of tea before her adn thanked the waitress for refilling it. SHe added more sugar, stirred and glanced over at him.
"What if we got married outside?"
"Um, I'd rather not risk bird poop getting on any nice clothes I actually do have," Urich replied with a soured expression. "Besides, I think indoors would at least give us the privacy we deserve. Unless, you had something more specific in mind? I mean, an outdoor wedding... I might be persuaded if you have a good idea. Otherwise, indoors might be the way to go."
"Well, I was just thinking how beautiful the valley is just north of our place. I can only imagine what it might look like early in the morning as the sun rises... though that seems silly. No one would wat to crawl out there to witness our wedding, let alone be the one to marry us." She smiled a bit and shook her head. "No, no.." and she turned her attention to her tea. "A silly idea."
Urich mulled over the idea and chewed on it until he came to a conclusive shrug and nodded to her. "Yeah, it's quite silly. It'd likely be freezing across the valley and we could very well attract the attention of wild animals. Who needs that?" He drank some more wine until he was feeling warm and good all over. He smiled at Victoria nonetheless and peered at the rim of his glass. "What about something beside water? A lakeshore perhaps the waterfront of some beach?"
"A beach?" Victoria replied with a quizzical blink. "But the beaches are so far from here- and the Connlaothian shore is so rocky, and the Serendipity coast line even further."S he frowned. "There is a lake in Connlaoth, though I'm not sure our kind might be welcome to have such a ceremony in a town."S he frowned and turned up her nose. "Connlaothians can be so priggish."
Urich stared at her with raised brows and even smirked a little. "You were quite priggish when I first met you. Kicking me out of my house because of meaningless laws," he commented idly and played with the rim of his glass. "What about a river? A stream? I'm sure we could find some place in our little valley where a babbling brook runs through it. I want to at least invite the Henries. I know they always wanted us to get together. I know your aunt did too, secretly at least." He laughed. "I can just imagine the look on her face now."
Her eyes perked up at the mention of the Henries and she stared over at Urich with her mouth agape.
"The Henries, that's right. What about at their lake?" She blushed, down casting her gaze. "THere were.. a lot of found memories shared between us and .." she smiled a bit and played with her ring, admiring all of the colors of the jewels. "And well, them."
Urich quirked his head and gave it serious consideration. "That, actually sounds like a wonderful idea," he said with a small beam. "I think that would be a nice end to a rounded vacation. I know we initially planned to head down to Serendipity, to enjoy the Riverlands. But, let's face it, we don't have any money. We were robbed. We have pups to feed and ourselves, and we have to get married sooner rather than later right? Why don't we just go back, I'm sure we can get some kind of donation or dowry for our wedding and we can use that for the purchase of a house of our own."
"Already making plans for my money?" she said, quirking a brow. But the smile on her lips gave away her jest as it grew. She leaned into the table. "Yes, if the Henries agree, I'd love to get married there." Her eyes sparkled at the thought and she peered up lovingly into his eyes. "And I agree. Leaving here might be wise, considering what has happened. We can always make travel after the wedding. Perhaps this time we can head directly south. Too much is going on north in all of the cities in Connlaoth anyway. This talk of war and that has me a bit nervous. Who's to say it won't be dragged down south here near the boarder?" She shook her head. "Yes, so I suppose it's decided then. We can finish up here, get supplies then be well on our way."
Though as they were eating, something caught her gaze and she nearly choked on her food.
"Goodness, is that-"
And before she could speak his name, the vampire prince approached the table with a gracious bow.
"Well, if it isn't the engaged couple. Negotiator and the wolf." Adelram flashed the pair of them a toothy grin before removing his hat. "Mind if I sit down? I think we have a few things to discuss."
Victoria looked over at Urich, her face full of concern.
"But of course," she said, gesturing for the prince to sit, but the was no chair. He simply took one from a nearby table that was vacant and settled in.
"As you both know, I voiced my concern about... some rogue vampires from earlier," he began, frowning as he folded his hands together and stared down at the table. Lifting his gaze, he looked back to them. "I was able to catch one not but a few hours ago. He seemed.. starved and almost crazed, which is ridiculous, considering how much food there is available." Adelram made a snooty face, his eye lids hanging low before he huffed. "But after questioning him, I found out a lot of the other rogue vampires around here have in fact, gone missing. Even ones who remain unidentified in the towns. Those that did, lived in peace here, mind you, before you start wagging your tongue," nad he gave a narrowed look to Victoria who simply shut her lips.
"The concern is- where have they gone and why have they disappeared? And why are those that are left having a hard time preying on food? Turns out, not many venture into those woods , in that valley you are staying. And it's been going on for nearly a year now. It's... strange. I've only ever seen this before when a plague hits a human town and so quickly the population died. But here, there is nothing killing off the humans they eat for food and well- the land you were staying at is great hunting grounds for humans. Lots of animals there to hunt and eat. But none are daring to venture out."
He shook his head. "No no.. I think something of foul work is at play, and I'm beginning to wonder if the new establishment might be to blame. There's some order here, one that seeks out knowledge through science," Here the vampire rolled his eyes at the thought. Preposterous! Continuing on, he looked about as soured as curdled milk.
"This is where you come in," an he peered over at Victoria, who looked at him, most confused.
"Where I come in?"
"Yes, I am well aware of what you are and what powers you contain.. and your authority over the matter. You could approach this order and question them. See if you can't get any answers."
"But why? This hardly makes any sense. I have no jurisdiction over scientists. They are not paranormal."
Adelram frowned at her wordsa nd leaned into the table, his voice lowering.
"But I think others harming paranormals might be right well within your jurisdiction."
Victoria stared at the prince, perplexed before glancing over towards Urich, then back to Adelram again.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice lowered.
"Meaning, I believe these scientists are taking vampires in and doing something towards them. Killing them, most likely, but they are scientists.. so I think it might be something worse."
"Something worse?" Victoria was taken back, confused as she shook her head. "What on earth would scientists want to do with vampires? Let alone rogue ones. It doesn't make much sense."
Adelram set his lip, his gaze never leaving hers.
"I can not say, but I believe they are trying to replicate the genes of a vampire." And his gaze then turned to Urich. "And I would not be surprised if werewolves were next. For I did some more investigation and it turns out- the werewolves in this area, an entire pack, to be precise, had all but vanished nearly a year ago. I'm sure there are others but.... I am not one to think too much on this sort of matter. Nor do I care to get involved with rogues... and wolves, but.." here he hesitated before tears began to sparkle in his eyes and a deep anger began to broil. "These scientists, whoever they are, have taken one of my lovers and I will not stand for it. I'm sure of it. The trail ends here." His gaze was hard as he went ont. "They are spreading out on their search and I have reason to believe he was kidnapped, and by them. The Knights of Knowledge."
Urich growled silently at the meddling vampire that thought it prudent to suddenly show up in the middle of their dinner. He had leaned back in his chair and had buried his nose into his wine while their conversation persisted between them, listening, but not really caring all the same. "Well, why do you care about all this? You're a 'vampire prince' as you call yourself. Why don't you just take care of them yourself? Why do we have to get involved?" he grumbled.
"I'm part of the organization," Adelram said as he waved his hand about it. "The paper work is messy if you over step your bounds. I was hoping not to have to get my hands dirty."
"Yet you think it's ok to get mine?" Victoria snapped and stood up suddenly, "I am sorry, Prince Adelram, but I am not at the moment employed but on vacation, but I will take back my findings to the Counsel and see what can be done about it. Now, is this enough to suffice so that me and my fiance can finish enjoying our food and tea?"
Adelram blinked, and looked between the two of them before giving a small smile and rise from the table.
"You're as fiery as ever, Victoria. I'm just glad you'll consider it." And he took her hand and kissed lightly the top of it. "Just please don't hesitate too long to make action. I'd.. hate to have the vampires on the opposing side of the Counsel again."
And with a courteous bow, he left.
"I really hate that guy. I hope somebody someday comes along and just puts him out of his misery. I'm sure he knows just how annoying he is," Urich mulled and grumbled over his wine and drank heartily from his glass. Then he gave Victoria a more serious look.
"You're not seriously considering his proposal are you? I mean, it's none of our business, anyway. And Adelram should just man-up and take care of it himself!"
Victoria had been chewing on the inside of her lip for a moment before she sighed and shook her head.
"I don't know what I'll do, but now I'm to anxious to finish even my tea!" she said with a haughty sniff, and pushed her plate aside.
"Well, I suppose we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Urich reasoned and drank her tea for her. "We should get back to the pups. They'd likely have torn the place apart."
Victoria sighed.
"I'm sorry it seems dinner has been ruined. I don't know if I could eat."
Urich sobered his expression and reached for her hand. "I'm sorry," he murmured, giving her a trying smile. "Why don't we take a nice walk then? Enjoy the evening air."
"Yes," she huffed, moving to rise. "That would seem acceptable." Her eyes moved to finally meet his in that moment as she frowned. "So long as we don't run into any more vampires." MAybe he could keep his nose on guard for such? Though she knew that might not matter.
Urich gave her a congenial smile and took her hand, leading them out of the place where they intended to eat but had no chance to do so and began strolling down the avenue.
Victoria kept close, her arms hooked around his as the two began a leisurely stroll through town. Though it was not at a slow pace as most would presumed, for Victoria was flustered and she was moving quickly, practically dragging Urich along with her as they took a turn and began to walk along the arching step of a nearby bridge.
"I can't believe it. Of all the luck... "s he grumbled and fussed at her curly dark hair. "Though I think a good long walk ought to do it, I still would like to eventually enjoy dinner here with you."
"I like the fresh air, I don't know about you. You seem intent on getting inside somewhere else as fast as you possibly can," Urich confessed feeling him dragged along by her massive weight. He stumbled and scuffed his shoe, but at least he still largely maintained his balance. "Gods, Victoria. What is the matter? Relax!"
Urich gave her a trying smile. "Why don't we buy a few things, some bread and meat and large blanket and perhaps a nice bottle of wine and we'll have ourselves a picnic, just beyond the bridge. We can enjoy the evening air, just right there by the waterside and you don't have to yank me along like a dog on a leash."
Victoria sighed.
"It's very hard for me to simply relax, Urich," she began, releasing a second sigh. "But yes.." she smiled up at him. "A picnic would you sounds lovely." And she hugged onto his arm and leaned into him, allowing her steps to fall less briskly than before as she closed her eyes and sighed yet a third time.
"But you might have to be careful wth me and wine. I think I should fancy the whole bottle!"
Oh such an idea!
Urich pulled her to a sudden stop. He squeezed her arm and held her hand with his free one. "Then let's go get two bottles just to be safe. If I can get you drunk enough to take advantage of you on a meadow field, then all the better," he winked at her and dragged her back to what was left of the active market. There they purchase two bottles of a local vintage, one the vendor thankfully let them sample before moving on to the provisions. "All right, we need a loaf of bread, salami, ham, and perhaps a slice of pie or two. Hmm, no, cake is better. Oh and a basked... AND A BLANKET!"
Urich lit up once they got all their needed objects and he held the basket in one hand and held onto Victoria with the other.
Victoria's face went completely red at such a suggestion, but as he pulled her off, she managed to mutter out, "Oh! You would think to take advantage of me in the meadows, wolf." Though as she shook her head, she could not erase the smile in her eyes as she followed after- and soon things were prepared for a lovely evening and they were strolling out into a nearby field. The town was still visible, but a ghostly image on the horizon. And the sun was beginning to set, setting the air to pink.
Moving about and fussing over skirts and bustle, she got the blanket all situated for them before plopping down onto her knees with a sigh.
"Picnic's can be a lot of work. Now open that bottle of wine. I'm positively thirsty."
With a loud pop the cork went flying and Urich smiled as he poured two glasses half-full with wine and offered one to Victoria. They clinked glasses. "Cheers to...uh...peaceful moments. Or what can be salvaged of them," he said offering her a smile and drinking lightly of his own wine before he got started on setting out the food.
"This is so nice isn't it. Why if the pups were here, they'd be eating up all the damn food."
Victoria knocked back a hearty gulp of her wine, letting the sensation dizzy her a little before she sighed.
"Yes, children can be so needy," she murmured, swishing her glass about idly as she watched Urich work. "Do you need any help with that? Or are you out to spoil me?" she inquired with one raised brow.
"I'm about to feed you until you burst out of that dress," Urich smiled and laughed as he fixed her plate of bread, ham, salami, cheese and fresh greens pressed together in a sandwich. "Ahh! I almost forgot the sauce!" He took out a small yellow jar and scraped some out with a knife and slathered it in the sandwich before handing it off to her. "Now try it. It's not a fancy dinner, but it's picnic worthy."
Victoria's eyes shined at his efforts, and she took up the sandwich and took a dainty bite.
"Why.."s he gave a lick to her lips and turned to him. "What a divine and simple meal." She leered him over and gave his shoulder a nudge from her own. "I never thought you could be so creative with food, wolf."
"Well, when you live alone, aside from the occasional lost guest, you have to learn to cook for yourself. Why I think the only person more enthusiastic about a fabulous kitchen than you, would be me. I like to cook and I'd do it more often if the damn pups didn't eat up everything. They're nearly grown you know, the time will soon come to let them out of the house, or I swear they'll piss on everything in sight," Urich commented idly as he fixed his own sandwich.
"Nonsense, they know they'll get a good thrashing if they dare tried," Victoria said in a huff. "But you are right, they seem less like pups now and more like wolves." And she went quiet over that thought before turning to Urich and scooching in real close. "Of course, I'll be sad to see them go, but that means the house we make for ourselves will be alone again..."
And the expression in her eyes spoke volumes of what she'd love to do with that sort of atmosphere.
"Ah yes," he murmured, a grin playing on his lips. "I had nearly forgotten that. Thank you for being so smart as to remind me." Urich scooted in closer to her and put an arm around her shoulder, holding his own wine glass in the other hand. "Oh the pups will still linger from time to time, that I'm sure. We're still a part of the pack after all. And just what do you propose we do with having a house all to ourselves when they're gone?" Though he knew, he wanted only to hear her say it.
"I don't know, probably use it as a safe haven between our lively adventures," she cooed, and sipped at her wine before gasping- and realizing she had somehow drank it all. "Oh my, I must've been thirsty."
"Failing that, you might find yourself quickly becoming in the mood to be frisky," Urich smirkedaand reached a thumb across to pinch her chin. He leaned in to kiss her cheek. "You shouldn't drink on an empty stomach. Here have another bite." Urich began to eat his own sandwich and took two large bites, big enough to gt halfway through it alone. He sipped his wine gradually.
Victoria waved the idea off as if it were preposterous.
"Really, I am fine. I can have as much wine as I like. Now if you please, I'd like some more." ANd she gav ea dainty bite to her sandwich, eating with as much grace as a lady should.
"You look famished, Victoria. Please by all means, pig out," Urich laughed and smiled at her, knocking back his own wine before refilling her glass. "If you don't slow down, I might fear for my personal sanctity. I mean I am but a gentleman after all. And my fiance wouldn't take kindly to be sitting in a meadow with a beautiful lady beside me, downing glass after glass."
"Oh, you would tease me so!" she said, plucking off a piece of bread and flinging it at his head. BUt then she went to take another bite and another drink and tipped her glass towards him. "Just keep bringing in the wine, and I'll keep up the amicable company." And she gave him a sly grin as she sipped back a bit more.
Urich gave her a raised brow, plopping the piece of bread into his mouth. "Only if you want to make it interesting. Why don't we each tell each other a dirty secret after one sip. The first person to finish their glass has to remove a piece of clothing. You game?"
Victoria paused, her lips pursed. ANd then she laughed.
"Urich! That's positively scandalous!" She shook her head. "Besides..." and she took a tiny sip. "Who's to say I even have any dirty little secrets?" And she jutted out her chin, giving him a coy smile.
"Ah and I suppose your aunt knows all about your nude drawings in sketchbook?" Urich laughed, knocking back his own glass and refilling it.
"Nude drawings?" She gave an indignant sniff. "I should say not!"
"You know the ones. Where I'm posing like this." Urich unbuttoned his shirt and took off his jacket and made a few poses that flexed his muscles and he laughed. "Ring a bell?"
Victoria's face went red.
"Oh, you terrible wolf!" And she threw some of her remaining crust at his face. "You would presume I'd ask you to take off your clothing to draw you. Though I'm alright at drawing, I would never consider attempting to draw... draw... something so... so..."
"Don't say you don't remember! We were by a pond and I was bathing, we'd had a fight remember? And I saw you sketching something in the notbook of yours and soon I snatched it from you and found all manner nude drawings of me. Some of them were crudely done, but I got the gist of them for the most part," Urich explained with a wicked grin.
Victoria's face, somehow, went more red.
"That... that's different."
Urich wrapped an arm around her and leaned in to kiss her neck. "How so is it different?" Urich murmured hungrily against her skin.
Victoria shivered at his ministrations.
"Because, my dear wolf, you hardly posed like that. And the goods were hardly drawn in- not that that's what I was trying to do..." she tried to explain, through a few murmurs and moans.
"Oh then I should pose for you. So you can get a proper first glance example," he murmured with a snicker. He kissed just underneath her earlob before he reached for his belt and undid the clasps on his trousers and shimmied out of them. "There, half nude, now you get a better glimpse of it."
Victoria gasped and snatched up his trousers and stuffed them over his groin.
"U-Urich!!" And she went red as a tomato, eyes darting all over the place in case someone were to come along. "What are you doing!?"
"I'm posing for your sketches!" Urich laughed. "Oh come off it. So what if someone comes along? We're a couple having a romantic interlude, nothing wrong with that." He smiled and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Oh fine. Then you'll have to dress me if you want me to put my trousers back on.
"Dress you? What are you, a child?" she said, indignantly. "Really now, anyone could see.. see..." and her eyes shifted down to where she still hid his manhood behind his crumpled trousers, "That."
Urich grinned and removed his trousers. "What? This?" he asked, showing off his manbits.
SHe gasped and stuffed the trousers back over him and glanced around again.
"U-Urich!" Though try as she might, it was difficult for her to hide her smile.
Urich didn't fight her about the trousers this time and instead he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up against him, his arms a vise around her waist. "Oh relax Miss Armani. I'm a perfect gentleman of a wolf. I wouldn't dream of taking advantage of you." He leaned in and kissed her fiercely.
Victoria nearly deflated at that kiss.
"YEs..." she mumbled, her face heated. "But then you go and kiss me like that." But even as she tried to chastise him, there was a hint of appreciation beneath her huffy rouse.
"Because I know that's how you like to be kissed," he smiled and leaned in to give her a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Is that one better?"
Victoria sighed and smiled up warmly into his face.
"They are both acceptable... but there is only one problem." And here she paused before giving him a knowing look. "You're still missing your pants."
"Fiiiiine. I just want you to know, I didn't plan on keeping them on for long," Urich sighed against her. But he shuffled them back on but failed to clasp them shut or tie his belt.
He wouldn't be able to close his pants up- her hand would have gotten in the way, as she grabbed onto the front of it and gave him a coy grin.
"Now... where were we? I do believe we were going to enjoy some more wine?"
"Oh so what is this? You don't like it when I take them off myself, but when it's on your terms, it's all fun and games?" Urich raised a brow at her and tilted his head. He gave a snicker and took her glass, filling it part way with wine before "accidentally" spilling it all over the front of her dress.
"Oh, gods above, I am so sorry!" he murmured.
Victoria gasped and jerked her hand away.
"Urich!" she snapped,a nd huffed as she fetched out a kerchief and began to dab away at the liquid threatening to stain her garb.
"Now you might have to take it off, to let it properly dry after all. It's all right you can have my jacket to keep decent. Here." He handed it to her and worked then at prying off the buttons of her dress.
She gasped. "Urich!" Just how many times would she have to thwart his attempts to seduce her out here? But oh, wasn't he so very determined? She shied away, her cheeks flushing, but in no means did she stop him from plucking open the first few buttons, which helped expose and nearly free her heavy breasts from the dress.
"You are a terrible animal.." she murmured, lips seeking his when her hands finally did move to lay over top of his to stop him from his antics. "Do you really intend to seduce me out here?"
Urich made a face at her. "Seduce you?" he asked incredulously. "I would never do such a thing. You are a lady after all! Why would I ever want to compromise your womanhood?" But his smile turned sly and he set his jacket onto her shoulders and scooted in close enough to put an arm around her. He laid her head against him shoulder and leaned in to kiss her gently on the forehead. "You look positively beautiful. And it's not just because I'm a little drunk either."
It took every ounce of effort not to shiver from his kiss.
"Are you sure about that? I can smell the wine on your breath.."
"Yeah, I'm sure," Urich laughed breathily and kissed her forehead again. "Though if you really want to be like that. You drank more wine than I did. I'm still on my second glass."
Victoria gave a snort, but smiled anyway.
"So is this turning into a game?" she asked, fingers lightly playing with the collar of his shirt.
"Well it was a proposal. If you're still interested," Urich smirked at her. His own hand walked across the skin of her chest and up her neck and stopping just at her chin.
"No.." she said through glittering eyes. "I mean another game."
One, really.. without much rules except where ever their silly minds took them-a nd her silly mind was certainly going to the gutter now as she contemplated his ideas from earlier-
or rather, the simplistic approach. Why play a game about it when they could simply enjoy a stolen moment in the meadow? Though she still had her reservations- she was still not sure she could willingly fool around with him in such public of an area- even if there was no 'public' to be seen.
"Oh?" Urich raised a brow at her. "Did you have something in my mind?" But that look in her eyes was any indication, it made him smile and he leaned in to kiss her. He kissed her softly first before he put more force into it and buried his hands into her hair.
"Y-yeah.." she said, breathing softly between their kisses, for it was a dizzying affair. "Something... something similar to the moment we had in the carriage.." But even daring to speak it made her blush as her voice went down into a whisper.
"My my, Miss Armani, you naughty girl," Urich murmured and leaned in to peck her lips once more. "You know what I love you most about your face? Your lips. And your cheeks. And your eyes. But mostly your lips. As delicate as they are," he said and had kissed each one in succession and settled back to her lips.
Victoria flushed all over at his attentions, her belly fluttering, too- as did her heart. She peered up into his gaze, her dark eyes sparkling- but for once in her life, the poor woman was at a loss of words.
Urich smiled and leaned his forehead against hers. "What's the matter? Wolf got your tongue?" he asked softly.
She snorted through her nose before cupping his face as she smiled.
"Not yet he hasn't.." And but the next kiss she gave him, it seemed her tongue was going after his.
Urich's breath was stolen when she kissed him. His arms instinctively went around her, holding her to him like a second skin as he kissed her deeper. His lips practically breathing fire.
Skillful as it might have seemed, she wasn't much familiar in this territory, but let her body do the talking, being aggressive in the way her tongue moved over his, wrestling and tasting the inside hollows of his mouth. And their lips became palpable in that kiss, and perhaps their bodies, as her hands moved around the lips of his pants in an idle but innocent gesture.
Urich responded positively to her aggression. His own lips drank of hers and his hand reached for hers, guiding them into the open flaps of his trousers and down toward the warmth within.
She let him guide her hand blindly, her mind on nothing else but their lips- that was, until she felt the sudden hard 'snake' in his pants and gasped.
"Don't be frightened," Urich murmured, smirking. "It won't bite. Hard anyway." He laughed a little before guiding her hand around it and his other hand reached underneath the jacket to her, feeling along her bodice. "I love you, Victoria," he murmured in a heated breath.
Victoria was gasping again at his words, but that was quickly snuffed out by what he had her hands doing and where he was also beginning to touch. But she was quickly smiling as she wrinkled her nose.
"You would say not now of all moments, wolf," she said, and leaned in to kiss him. "And I love you, too."
Urich was warmed by her words and leaned his weight into her, leaning her down onto the blanket that served as their banquet table. His hands roved all over her body and he lifted up the bottoms of her skirts, at least high enough to feel along her thigh
Victoria shivered when her skin was exposed, releasing soft sighs at his ministrations.
"MMmm... w-wolf, you do know that someone could catch us in the midst of such amorous activities..." But the continuation of soft breaths and gasps hardly lent any steam behind her argument- for she was turning into a puddle of goo.
"I know. And frankly the fact that we could be caught just means we ought to be more careful and swifter in what we intend to accomplish here," he replied. Already he was leaning over her and placing both hands on either side of her head. "Do you have any idea where you want to go with this yourself, Miss Armani? I could be willing to oblige anything you desire."
"Anywhere to go with myself?" She blinked. "Is this a trick question, Mr. Renqvist?"
"I don't know. I'm a little drunk. And so are you. You reek of wine," he smirked and kissed her chin and moved downward toward her neck.
"Mmmm.." she made a soft noise of appreciation as her fiance kissed at her neck, even lifting her chin a bit to give him better access. "Well, I think you're off to a good start... perhaps just doing what you're doing would suffice..." she mumbled contentedly.
"Yes, Ma'am," he murmured and nursed at her neck. He felt her pulse flutter against his lips. He smirked and lapped just at the base of her throat until his wet kisses brought him into the tight space between the swell of her breasts. "Hmm, these lovely things look like they could use some air," he murmured. "I hope you don't mind." And his hands worked deftly to properly free them.
Victoria gasped, and now even those freed breasts were graced with a blush.
"Urich.." she began, her voice in mild protest, but it also sounded half purred as finger tips traced the buttons of his shirt. "You're acting positively scandalous.." But it seemed as their antics continued, she was fighting those scandalous activities less and less. But by the heavens, did his lips ever feel so good upon her skin.
"We don't have to make love, though I wouldn't be opposed to it," he sighed. "We can just feel our way around and see where things go." He chuckled lightly, pausing from his ministrations long enough to shrug out of his waistcoat and loosen the rest of his shirt.
As his shirt loosened, she slipped a hand up under it, and smoothed a hand across the warm skin of his chest.
"Yes..." she said, her eyes narrowing. "Let's just see where this goes.."And her hand, purposely, slipped further south,a nd then- dipped down his front, seeking out his eager arousal as a smile crept ever wider across her face.
Urrich gasped, though half of it was real surprise. "Victoria Armani, you naughty woman," he smirked and placed both hands on her breasts, as large as they were and his hands encapsulated them both fully,
Victoria gave him a smug grin.
"Yes, well don't get too used to addressing me that way. We are to be married soon, after all."
"Yes, Ma'am," he growled and leaned in to devour her lips once more. He shuffled his trousers down past his hips and hiked up her skirts, his hands feeling along her thighs and parting them.
Victoria giggled as he moved hungrily over her body, and felt his erection throb in her hand when his hands slipped between her legs.
"Goodness... Urich..." she gasped, her other hand that was free, had been plucking open at the buttons of his shirt, when she realized what he was doing, but found herself in a state where she could hardly disagree with his tactics.
"Would you like another glass of wine, darling? Or have you had your fill?" he muttered with a wicked grin as his hands gently stroked along the skin of her sex.
"W-wine?" she asked, barely able to get the words out as he stroked her womanhood. "Heavens, no... that is the last thing on my mind.." and her grip on his cock had all but slackened, for him touching her in such a way had her positively melting and turning into a pile of mush.
His fingers found her warmth and he slipped a few fingers within, massaging her. "Oh and what might that first thing be?" he murmured, mouth hovering just above her lips.
Her breath caught well within her throat, and when she released a few pants, they'd tickle his lips as she felt his hand slip within her, fingers testing, tasting her body.
"G-Gods..." she breathed, and found herself clutching onto him, both with her hands and with her sex.
He was testing the waters, to see how far he could push her, make her squirm until she positively begged him for release. Urich was all to eager on his own as he soon replaced his hand with his member, though didn't quite removed his hand just yet as he felt himself slip within the confines of her body. "Gods you're so tight," he panted and pressed his forehead against hers.
She almost hadn't noticed the transition from his fingers to his cock, that was until the way he was holding her had changed, and his finger tips were no longer wriggling inside her- but she had a fat, swollen cock now pressing into her- and she felt every inch he was pushing into her, as her sex was incredibly tight, and hot and wet, fitting around him like a glove.
"Y-yes.."s he panted, finally able to find her voice. ANd her eyes opened to peer at him through half lids. "And you're, you're taking advantage of me out in the wilderness... Mr. Renqvist."
But she hardly did anything to protest or show she really disapproved, as her sex moved around him, sampling him as he was gently pressing himself into her- one slow inch at a time. "By the Gods, do you feel so good,"s he moaned as her eyes fluttered tightly when he was coompletely within her, and only then, did she manage to have her sex squeeze even tighter.
His eyes clenched tightly for she felt like absolute heaven. His arms went down around her sides now and he held her tightly to him as he began to undulate his hips lightly. "V-victoria!" he whimpered. "Gods...." Though it wasn't the first thime they'd made love, it was the first time they'd done so in a public place and the very possibility that someone or something might stumble on him drove him wild as he began to move with increasing force within her.
Urich wasn't the only one going mad, for Victoria was positively on fire. Moaning, she gripped onto him fiercely as he moved into her, so naturally, so free- and a cool breeze through the grasses reminded her where they were and she sighed, practically melting at their situation- and also becomng more wound up for it. It was positively scandalous, yet they were doing it anyways. At least, for the most part, both were still dressed as they continued to make love as the tall grasses above them swayed gently when another breeze fluttered over head.
Urich clothes were already sticking to him in the wake of their adventure. Or rather adventures. Urich wasn't satisfied with solely one position for he would take her in any way she wanted to as long as they had their moment in the grass. The moment was far too perfect to waste. He moved into her steadily, deeply until he found himself nearer his peak than he thought and cried out when he aad his pleasure. He jerked his body, holding her tightly to him for a few seconds.
But they were far from over. "Gods...Victoria," he murmured hotly against her. "Turn over. We've got a long night ahead of us."
Urich wasn't he only one slick with sweat. For by now, she was flushed all over, and her hair, practically falling out from it's ties. And once he peaked, she was screaming his name and nearly tearing her finger nails int him- since feeling his hot seed flood into her, she climaxed as well.
And when he asked her to turn over... He didn't need to tell her twice to obey- and like a dog, she was on all fours and panting as their sex continued, her moans becoming louder as she stopped caring who could see or hear them. All she cared about now was being pleased. And right now, her body was on fire.
"By the Gods, Urich! Take me! Take me any way you want!"
And imaging all the power a man, a beast like him could have.. it had her trembling and heating as she begged him to..
"TAKE ME HARDER, URICH! HARDER!" And her finger gripped into the grasses, nearly tearing them out as she felt him. Gods... it was such a dizzying thing- to think, to be taken by her fiance out here in a field, in the middle of no where, but still close enough to a city to be seen...
And it drove her crazy. And she was seeing white. By the Gods... how perfect was this? ANd as he fucked her, her skirts were nearly spilling over her head.
To say they fucked like beasts in hett would be a bit of an understatement. Granted Urich found himself howling in pleasure not once but four times the after the fact that he had her legs mounted higher onto his hips, straddling him as he pistoned into her like a relentless machine. He turned here here, coaxed here there, until they were both lying in a sweaty exhausted heap.
It was hard to say how long their little sexcapade in the grasses lasted, but when it was all said and done, she didn't care. She lay there at his side, she- belly up and breathing hard, as she moaned.
"By the Gods, Urich.." She panted some more before turning to him, her face ripe with a blush. "We'll... have to try this again sometime."
And playfully, she smoothed a hand across his chest before sighing contentedly and closing her eyes and just enjoying the smell of the grass- and that of hte warm, natural musk of his body.
"I told you so," Urich said, laughing lightly and reaching for the wine bottle, downing a long gulp of it before he offered some to Victoria. "I knew getting caught would soon be behind you....oh wait, that was me."
Victoria lightly pinched his arm as she took the wine bottle.
"Really, Mr. Renqvist. Such vulgar phrases."
"I apologize. I just couldn't find myself belting out the religious testimonies you were fond of screaming from time to time," he smirked at her, taking a bite of bread.
Victoria narrowed her gaze upon him playfully.
"Are you looking to get pinched again?"
"Only if it's a part of some vigorous post-sex foreplay," Urich muttered with a snicker. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I'm only jesting love. That was lovely, it really was. And the evening air feels nice."
"Yes.." she mused with a grin. "I suppose it is." Sighing, she nestled in beside him before peering up at the skies. She loved being so close to him, to smell his warmth, to feel it, as it mixed with that scent of the grass and warm breeze. Though she knew these days would not last forever, she knew, certainly this moment would.
"Shall we head back soon? To be sure Frederick and the pups are okay?"
"Yeah, we should go, but I think we can lay here for a moment or two, enjoy the evening, and finish the wine. We still have the other bottle to go, or we can cork the rest and save it if you want?" he asked softly.
Victoria smirked.
"So you don't find me sufficiently drunk yet do you?" It amused her greatly, and her eyes shined in appreciation of it. "But no, as lovely as that sounds- let us head back home."
"All right then," Urich groaned in a half hearted protest. "Fine, but when we get home, I'm going to finish the job, you light-weight." A smirk played on his lips before he sat up and made himself decent and helped Victoria do the same. "The pups have likely torn the place to pieces by now."
Victoria groaned, she hoped not, and when they both arrived home, it was eerily quiet. The pups were even being well behaved and were excited to be left out for the night. Though Draegr lingered, he too eventually followed off with his brothers and sisters into the oncoming night as Victoria turned to Urich with a soft smile.
"So you were talking about finishing some job when we return?" she questioned, moving closer towards him so her fingers could tip toe up his chest.
Urich was pleasantly surprised at the state of their household and the wolf pups were eager to get out after being holed up for so long. Urich turned to Victoria at last, holding the wine bottle in and and he gave her a wicked smile. "Of course. I intend to finish this very fine bottle of wine," he said and uncorked it with his thumb before taking it to his lips.
Victoria's lips fell open before she was shaking her head.
"Yes, well, while you drink, I think I shall begin to prepare our things. We should leave soon. No sense in dragging our feet on the matter. And I'd rather not be dragged int more.. vampire affairs," she also added with a frown.
Urich laughed and shook his head at her while she went to pack their things. "Yes, I agree. Why can't they just leave us alone," he griped as he downed another swig from the bottle. Soon he corked it and found a bag to stuff it in. He wrapped it up and moved toward his own clothes, starting to fold them up. "I know you're a negotiator. But can't you even get a proper vacation?"
Victoria groaned.
"I suppose it seems I can't. Even with my formidable tongue, it seems there is no rest." Shaking her head, she turned to Urich and extended out a hand.
"Here, give the bottle to me. I think I need a drink, too."
Urich looked up at her with one raised brow before shaking his head. "No way! Get your own bottle."
Victoria crossed her arms across her chest.
"Your bottle?" And she gave him a fierce look.
Urich held the corked bottle under his arm and stepped in closer to her. "If you want it, you'll have to come and get it."
"And if you don't want my parasol to prod your rear, you'll stop this at once!" Victoria said with a narrowing gaze. "Really, Urich! Such manners!"
Urich grinned, challenging her and finally uncorked the bottle and offered it to her. "There are you are darling. No need to bite."
She readjusted the way her arms folded across her chest.
"No one ever said you were in the clear from bites." But she smirked and took the bottle gladly, before routinely moving to pour each of them a glass.
"To a safe trip home," she said, raising her glass to his.
Urich took his glass, chuckling at her words and clinked his against hers. "I'll drink to that. To trousers and pantalettes!" And downed his own glass.
"You would toast to that," but she clinked glasses anyways, and downed a good gulp of her drink before sighing in satisfaction. "Ah, such a refined drink. Too bad it is to be our last in a place like this." And as she spoke, her dark eyes peered around the room, observing it with the utmost care. After all,s he wanted to commit this place to memory. The memories made here had been nice.
"Well, like you said before. We don't have to stay away forever. We can use the cabin as a holdiay getaway. It's secluded enough and we can come back when we want to get away from all the bustle," he suggested.
"Yes.. but if we're to be harassed by vampires..." Victoria made a face, then downed some more wine before she sighed. "Though I suppose that's not much different than what I have to deal with when I return home."
"You do have such a positive view of things don't you," Urich smirked as he came to stand beside her and put an arm around her waist. "I can't wait until we have a place of our own. A real home. "
Victoria shot him a look but smiled none the less.
"Yes, hmmm, someday," she said, moving in beside him to hold him and nestle in close. "But we'll have to be sure we have a staircase." And her playful smirk, she was sure, indicated just why.
"Why?" he asked with some mild confusion. "So you can trip over your own feet?"
Victoria gave him a nudge with her elbow.
"I'll let you figure that out."
"I figured you were more than a little clumsy," Urich sneered and poked her in the belly.
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Nothing like being farther from.the truth. If anything, I'm more than precautious."
"Even precautious people trip over their own two feet," Urich smirked at her.
"I think you're only saying that to cause trouble, wolf," Victoria said with a smirk and sneer. "But really, we should finish up this wine and start our packing. It would be unwise to linger."
Urich felt a sudden chill in his body at the mention of that last word. He hardened his jaw, remembering how convenient it was for Adelram to pop up the way he did and the mention of vampires lingering in the area gave him an unsettled feeling. He nodded and sipped his own wine before moving to finish packing his own bags. They'd come a long way to where he'd once been an invalid and now capable of doing more things for himself now, so he was done rather quickly. "I'll go instruct Frederick to pull the carriage around."
"Alright," she said with a nod. "I shall call for the pups." And she went out along with him- clapping her hands and shouting for the wolves to come in and seeing them off in the distance running about, she shook her head and moved to help Urich with the packing of supplies.
"Sometimes I think our pups are children. They never answer to be. Well, except Draegr. You might calling for them?" she asked, peering towards Urich as she tucked back some of her dark hair.
The carriage was coming around with a creak and the pups danced around one another,nipping playfully with one another, and only one or two wasn't having it and overthrew those too overzealous and put them on the ground. It was only natural for the pups to arrange some kind of pecking order as they got older. Urich whistled loudly for them and soon they came scampering on awkwardly long legs toward them. "Good pups," he beamed and winked at Victoria.
Victoria gave a sigh of relief.
"Well," she said, approaching the carriage now that it seemed to be all ready. "At least you didn't howl."
No, he didn't howl. But soon something else did and it wasn't at all like a wolf's howl. Suddenly a cry pierced the night, like a man's cry in the heart of all agony and suffering. And it cried again and again and a chill went down through Urich spine in a way even he couldn't control. "Get in the carriage!" he commanded after all their junk was stored above. He moved quickly toward the reins, snatching them away from Frederick and slapping them hard against the horses as it suddenly tore down the road in a flying trail of leaves.
A chill raced up her spine, and she didn't hesitate to obey. Though as the carriage lurched forward, she held onto her hat and peered out the window.
"Urich! What of the pups?!"
"They'll follow!" Urich called back. He turned behind him and whistled again and the pack of pups came rushing in out of the darkness, running alongside the carriage, Draegr taking up the rear.
Victoria clenched her teeth, not realizing her hands were gripping the open window of the carriage so tightly her knuckles were turning white.
"What do you think that was?" she asked, voice carrying in the winds as she nervously observed the pups then looked up at Urich.
"I don't know. But I don't want to find out," Urich called back as the carriage tore it's way down the road. The howl did not occur any time after that, but the wolves were as anxious as they were that something, somewhere was after them.
Victoria continued to fret inside the carriage in silence. What she wouldn't give to have Urich at her side, but she felt more comfortable with him at the reins, for as much as she loved Frederick, the rotting valet had years working against him in moments like this. So nervously she sat, leaning back into the cushions as she peered out into the woods behind them, but saw or heard nothing, which did nothing to stop the chill from creeping up her spine.
Yes.. perhaps it was best they chose to leave the valley now.
The decision to leave couldn't have come soon enough as the carriage went tearing down the road. The horses themselves were frightened and they neighed in dismay and anxiety. The wolves ran alongside the carriage, spanning out behind it, and yet even Draegr lingered just far enough behind until at last he saw what was chasing them.
Or the many that chased them. Draegr felt the hackles rise on the back of his neck and he whined as he darted around and bolted like hell to catch up with the rest of the pack. One pup fell behind, stumbling over undergrowth and failing to vault over shrubbery. The wolf was pounced upon immediately by three crazed vampires and the yelps and whines of the animal sent a heartfelt pang through Urich's chest.
But they couldn't stop. They had to keep going.
Victoria let out a shrill cry. She could not see the death properly, but she heard the cries and called out, "Draegr!!!!!!!"
And moments later, she was somewhat relieved to see her favorite pup rushing, tongue lulled, beside the carriage, but it still did not halt her tears. One of their 'children' had been slain, and whatever it was after them, she knew, would not stop there.
Moving frantically through her things, she began to stumble along to find some sort of item to enchant, and finding a glove, and a few of her herbs and other 'negotiator' items,s he began to set to work to enchant the glove- just in case.
After all, if she had to, it was better to be prepared than not, and if one of those damn things tried to touch her- he'd find himself without his signature fangs, that much she would make for certain, for she did not have to see them to know what it was that chased them through the valley....
vampires.
Urich had heard the yelp, the screams, the cries of pain as the vampires savaged the helpless wolf pup. But he would not turn back, no not even for Draegr. The wolves were fast, spread out around the carriage. They would have to fend for themselves. This was the lesson of the Wild and one they learned quickly. It was life or death.
Four of the wolves turned back on their pursuers, turning the fear they had felt into rage and surrounded two vampires, biting and nipping and clawing so that their pack might have a chance to escape.
Hearing the wolves turn tail to fight, Victoria gasped and threw her head out the window.
"Urich! Urich the pups!" she cried, her heart beating frantically and nearly out of her chest.
But Urich had no choice but to ignore her. The horses sped away faster in the heat of their fear, plowing down the road as if the fires of hell burned their very feet. More than two vampires fell from the four wolves that turned on them, at least three more fell with their throats torn out. But no pups came running back.
Victoria's hand gripped at her chest, fear all but consuming her as she stared back into the darkening forests in horror at the fight. She should have looked of way, but couldn't and when one of the pups was injured, it was too much. She looked away, slumping to her feet in a collapsible heap upon the carriage floor.
Urich didn't know how much longer they could keep going at this pace. The horses could only go so fast for so long and the horde behind them was closing in fast. He grit his teeth and slapped the reins down hard on the horses as they screamed in terror. "COME ON!" he wailed. When suddenly his vision went white and everything that happened next seemed as if nothing more than a bad dream. They struck a force as heavy as a reinforced iron wall. The horses turned sharply, narrowly avoiding colliding with the wall and sending the carriage tumbling behind them. The connector between the horses and the carriage snapped, and the beasts sped away in their fear. The carriage spun violently, smashing into the wall at an angle and slipping down on the road.
Urich could hear the sound of flames igniting and the cries of the horde that chased them as they were incinerated. Urich had been thrown from the seat of the carriage, which now laid in a ditch and suffered irreparable damage, and he groaned in half-consciousness. The shouts of men rang out in the air and began to surround them. "Vic...toria," was the las thing he said before he passed out.
When Victoria came to, the first that that hit her was the smell. This place smelled ghastly and as she groaned over it, she found herself gasping as the pain. Seething over it, she began to feel the prickles of pain that soon were throbbing just about all over her body, but predominantly congregated inside her head. And as her eyes slowly blinked open- she realized she hadn't a clue as to where she were.
"Uric-" but her voice caught inside her throat as she was caught by cold shackles that were locked across her mid section, wrists, ankles and throat. And as she peered around, she could smellt he wood of the table, but not see much a damn of anything- for the room was poorly lit. So all she could deduce was she was in some place most foul, and as she struggled against her confines, her cracked and dry lips split open again as she tried again,
"Urich!"
Surely her husband to be was stuck in here with her too. Though if she were to go this alone, she supposed she would-
but it would be nice to have some company in such a dismal and malodorous place as this.
The air coming into his body was forced, as if coming through a pump and bellows and when he opened his eyes he found himself submerged in a crystaline blue liquid. An apparatus was attached to his mouth, putting air in slowly in deep steady breaths. He was able to peer through the glass vase he was suspended in and saw Victora across from him. He knocked on the glass, hoping perhaps she could hear him or see him.
She heard the clinking thumping chime against the glass and her eyes darted his way. A painful gasp was released from her lips as her brown eyes grew wide at the sight.
"U-Urich!" By the Gods, what sort of contraption was he in!?
Thankfully he could hear her but he couldn't respond. He was breathing gently through the apparatus on his mouth but that was all he could do with his mouth. He knocked on the glass again and indicated to her to tell him what more she could see. The crystalline liquid of the tank blurred the room slightly.
Victoria tried to move, fearful that Urich might be in immense pain (far worse than herself, so it would seem, as she simply had a head ache (which was growing more painful by the minute) and just some roughed skin from the shackles that kept her down. But after a few futile moments of fighting against her binds,s he gave up and breathed heavily as she kept her eyes glued to his.
What could she do!? Where were they!? And should she call for help? Perhaps it might be foolish, but it was the only thing she could think of as she screamed, "Help! Help! Somebody! Anybody!" But it seemed her cries would go unanswered, at least for a good half an hour, until the woman was exhausted by it, and nearly in tears. It was only when her demeanor was depleted that the creaking of a door could be heard, and a few white-masked men stepped into the room.
Victoria almost didn't notice, but the shuffling roused her.
"Help! One of you, men there! We have been abducted and-"
"Miss Armani, you have quite the voice on you. Please, calm down. Reacting in this manner will only make things worse."
THey knew her name? How could they know her name!? For she obviously knew not who these hooligans were! And s she struggled against her ties, she heard the men sigh.
"What do you mean make things worse!" she barked. "You've got me chained to this Gods for saken bed! And the metal on my wrist and waist is cutting my skin, and my fiance is in my odd, blue-watered contraption-"
The men went quiet before interjecting-
"Fiance?" ANd both eyes glanced over towards the man in blue, before moving down to Victoria's feet.
"Yes, fiance" she spat, venom in her voice. "And if you don't let us go-"
And suddenly, one of the men were hefting up her skirts.
Urich watched in stuck silence as strange men surrounded Victoria and began to prod her and pull the chains around her. He struck the glass of the container he was in as they hefted up her skirts and all he could do was watch helplessly.
The second man suddenly grabbed the other's hand and tore it away from the woman.
"What are you doing?"
And Victoria peered up at the pair with wide eyes, mouth gaping before she began to scream. And whatever words came from her lips were colorful, and most definitely angry.
"Now you've got the specimen upset."
"Specimen? Who do you think you are to talk to and treat me in this manner!?" she growled, still fighting her confines as the two men continued to exchange low breathed words.
"Miss Armani, please calm down, it will do none of us any good if you get yourself exerted from this futile fight you are putting up.."
"Futile fight!? Exert myself!? Your man just tried to frisk me, and you still think you can just talk to me as if you're civilized!? Just wait until I get out of here! The pair of you will be getting more than a tongue lashing from me!" And when her eyes went to the blue tank, she bared her teeth and growled.
"And what is it that you've got him in? Release me and my fiance at once!"
"Your fiance just needs cool off. So we placed him in a celic oxidation tank. The liquid will seep into his muscles and reduce him to a sedated strength. We will remove him a few hours. But you missy, are towing the line," the first man growled.
Victoria glared at them.
"I'll tow more than that once I get free. Do you even realize who you are dealing with? You could be severely punished."
"It's a risk we're willing to take," the one man scoffed.
"Cool your temper," the other man snapped. "We needed distress the specimen any further."
"Specimen?" Victoria wriggled again against her confines. "And distress indeed! You should unhand me at once before-"
"Before what? Miss Armani, if you please, we are aware of your reputation so still that tongue of yours. Besides, the experiments going on here far surpass what you Negotiators strive to do."
"Surpass?" Victoria scoffed. "What what is it you intend to do, gentlemen?" But the look int he men's eyes sent a chill to her bones.
"We seek a cure to end all supernaturals. A cure to be rid of vampires and werewolves alike, and we believe the secret is in your blood. In your hereditary magic. And this experiment, which we hope you will live through, will be the first conducted of it's kind.... Well, the first successful one of it's kind int he past one hundred years."
The other man snickered.
"The last experiment didn't live through the procedure. But this time, we won't make the same mistake."
Urich watched them from his captivity within the tank. He struck the glass as hard as he could, hearing the clank of his fist against it. Gods, he moved so slowly, so painfully slowly and he wanted to scream inside his breathing apparatus. He smashed against it as hard as he could, turning over and smashing his foot against it until the glass began to crack.
Suddenly, a bolt of electricity surged through the blue liquid and Urich's vision turned white. His cries were muffled and he passed out, floating limp in the liquid.
Victoria let out a scream and tried to fight against her bindings.
"You wicked men! What have you done to him?" she growled, baring her teeth much like her wolf counterpart.
"We only subdued him, fear not, he is not dead."
The other replied with a sigh. "A shame, we needed him awake for when we start his experimentation. He needs to transform after all- to sample his blood line when it's in it's purest form...."
"How dare you all act this way! Thinking you can just do whatever you like! I'll have you know you'll be in great trouble for this for when you are found out, and you will be found out, and I'll be sure that you personally suffer for such vulgar antics and I-"
"Gemelan- can I shut her up? She's really getting on my nerves?"
The other man sighed and only nodded, and as the man approached, she wriggled nad squirmed and tried t buck free- but when a kerchief was placed over her mouth,s he could smell the acidic properties of something-
and then twilight.
She was gone.
They were moved, stripped down to little more than small clothes and moved toward a viewing room. Urich's head pounded when he came to, but at least he was more or less alive. His head was bleeding in the corner of it when he found himself awake in what appeared to be a well-furnished room. There was a fire burning in an iron hearth, and two small beds made out for them.
Perhaps well-furnished was a bit of an overstatement, Urich decided and saw Victoria lying across from him. As he moved for her, he was suddenly wary and paused just before he was halfway across the room. He reached out, his hands touching something invisible before him, but when his fingertips fluttered across it wit rippled like the surface of a pond. A magical barrier separated them and he hit it as hard as he could, screaming her name at the top of his lungs.
Groggily, Victoria turned over and nestled into the bed.
"Mister Renqvist, please!" she grumbled sleepily. She was still too heavily drugged to fully snap out- frantic shouts or not.
"Wake up! Victoria!" he growled at her, striking the barrier again. "You moron! Look at where we are! Wake up, damn you!"
Victoria wrinkled her nose.
"Moron?" she growled and lifted herself up from the bed. "How dare you take such tone with-" And here she blinked, eyes going wide as she realized-
"Goodness, where am I?"
Urich raised his brows expectantly at Victoria, an exasperated expression clearly on his face. He put his hands on his hips and shook his head. "I don't know. I haven't a clue. But at least they put us in the same room. Almost anyway."
She was quick to get out of the bed, nearly stumbling over the sheets as she moved over to Urich- but sensing something.. unusual, she held back from her physical approach.
"Something... does not seem right."
"Yeah, no kidding," Urich muttered, flicking a finger across the barrier. It glowed, rippling outward. There was a familiar sensation slowly seeping into his bones, that feeling of being caged, cornered, cramped. It wasn't like Urich to feel such a thing, being as accustomed to the freedom of the outdoors as he was.
He started to breath harder, faster, and paced along the small half of the room.
Victoria huffed at the barrier.
"What an inconvenience!" she snapped. "Who do these people think they are?"
Seeing Urich pace around like a caged animal made her sigh all the more and her eyes began to search the area as if for clues- but it seemed to no avail.
"Hello?" she went on, calling out to- whoever it was that caged them there. "If anyone is out there, please respond. I have a few questions to ask here and I am not pleased."
"You're not being pleased is what got us into this mess in the first place," Urich muttered, feeling as if the walls were closing in on them. He didn't know what to do and he hated it, but what choice did he have? So instead he laid down on his bed and ran his hands through his hair.
"If both of you have decided to settle down, we can perhaps discuss things civilly. You in particular Madame Victoria," came a voice, seeming from nowhere.
Victoria shot Urich a look.
"Are you trying to blame this on me?"
The voice sighed.
"Really, Miss Armani, are you ready to be civil?"
Cutting a glare towards the voice, she growled back.
"Civil?! Is this what you call civil? locking us in cages, to stone beds, encaging us in strange waters?"
"You are in no position to argue. And it seems from here, that the more you do, it seems your companion becomes more and more agitated. For his own well-being and your own, I suggest you do as you're told. If you are going to cooperate, this will be easier on all of us," the voice said without skipping a beat.
"Whoever said I was arguing? I was just stating the facts!" she spat back, but at his last statement, she glanced over at Urich before sighing and looking towards where she believed the voice came from- up.
"So you wish for cooperation, might I inquire as to cooperation on what, exactly?"
"For experimentation of course. Your kind are very rare, and we'd like to see what it is about your intricacies that gives you the uinque gift of negating supernatural abilities with your odd enchantments," the voice replied steadily.
"Experimentation?" She was appalled. "And just what do you think you'll even gain from this?"
"That is for us to decide, Miss Armani," the voice said and paused suddenly when Urich spoke.
"Sometimes I really hate you," Urich found himself saying, his face red with anguish, with tears. "You always have to talk tough and make things worse. You think you have all the answers, but you don't. You just can't admit when you're wrong. When you've lost, and you think you can talk your way out of this? Well, you CAN'T! We're stuck here and we're going to die here! I don't want to die in a cage, Victoria."
"An interesting reaction. I've expected as much from an animal being contained within a small space. It is even more intriguing that you've turned on your companion, wolf. Well done," the voice commented.
Victoria turned to Urich, but kept her face with drawn of emotion until she frowned.
"And I expected more of you," she told him. "You know me well enough to know I simply won't roll over." And then she glared at the voice."I'm a negotiator. That's what I do. Now, why can we not discuss this like civilized people? We don'tlive in the dark ages, you know."
[Well technically....]
Urich was at his wits end, being caged, all the talking between them and it took everything he had to keep from tearing his own hair out.
The voice however, was as calm and collected as ever. "Hm...very well," the voice said and after a few seconds the magical barrier began to dissipate. "You can start by consoling your partner. He seems...upset."
Victoria wasted no time rushing over to Urich, but sensing his agitation, she remained at a safe enough distance as she spoke.
"Oh, Urich! You look dreadful. This whole situation is dreadful." And she frowned and lowered her voice.
"But we need to keep ourselves alert. There must be a way out since they had to get us in here somehow. Perhaps if we oblige them enough..."
Urich felt pathetic, sobbing and slobbering like an imbecile. "Get me out of here," he said, and his hands reached for her and he laid his head against her breast, trying to keep a hold of himself. At her contact, he twitched, but otherwise felt himself relax and he breathed quietly. "Victoria," he whispered. "What if they kill us? What if we never get out of here?"
Victoria sighed and held him close, the gesture enough to comfort him as well as herself. And at his question she sighed and brushed her hand through his hair.
"They don't aim to kill us, I fear. They want to see what we're made of or they wouldn't have captured us alive. Though I dare say the results will be unsavory. But for now, we need to relax. Perhaps... As you put it, if we play a more.. congenial role, then.perhaps whatever this process is will be less painful."
Her words rationalized him, and he took a breath. Urich peered up at her, having wiped his nose on her dress. "I doubt they set this entire situation up just to be kind," he said with a huff. He looked up at the device that projected the voice into the room and scowled at it. "I don't have a clue as to what we could possibly do. We can't just break out..."
And that was when a panel hidden along the wall hissed suddenly and swung open, a door hidden in the creases. "Please step out of the room Miss Victoria and take your companion with you so that we might assess you more closely. If you are indeed everything we think you are, our tests can begin,"
The hissing noise made her nearly leap out of her skin, and turning to see the corridor now exposed, she looked from voice to companion before giving an irritated sigh.
"You know, we are human beings. You could have simply asked to observe." But other than that, she chewed on the other, less kindly words she was thinking as she looked over towards Urich, her eyes asking the question if yes, they should truly oblige. After all, who knows what may lie around the corner...
Urich stood, with what strength he could muster, and he pulled Victoria along with them. "Please, I can't be in this room another second," he breathed. And yanked her along through the darkness.
Victoria sighed, but knew Urich couldn't hold on much longer before completely losing himself. And as they stepped into the dark corridor, she had to wonder if that was the intent...
"Just stay calm," she told him, trying to keep her voice even. "Try not to let them see you so vulnerable.." and she gave his arm a squeeze before adding, "If you can. I'm here with you. We can get through this. Just one step at a time."
He didn't say it but the squeeze on his hand helped him considerably. Urich nodded to her, but he couldn't find it in him to step further. He motioned her to lead the way, as any conversation with their captors could have unpredictable results.
The hall they were ushered into felt endless and dark. And though fear gripped her, she tried to remain cool and in control, if not for her own sanity, for Urich's sake, at least. And as they continued to walk, she found herself keeping close to him, when suddenly there was a flash of light, and the sound of a cage door opening.
And seconds later, the pounding of foot steps came charging their way, along with the feral growls of a wolf.
The wolf came at them full speed. But when it lunged, there was a sudden yelp and the animal was yanked back by a chain that was tied around it's neck. More lights appeared before them, along the hallway that they faced, magical sconces and a few lighted lanterns here and there.
"Hello?" he called out, and a man appeared around the corner.
"Yes, right this way please. Oh, and do be careful of trying not to attack me," he said with a nod. "You see, if you do, it will not end well for you." and he was looking particularly at Urich.
Victoria glared at the man as she was still ruffled from the wolves nearly attacking them. Her heart was still racing as she stepped defiantly closer to him and gave a sniff.
"It's not him you need worry about." After all, they knew not what she could do, or what she was apart of, and a strong as she was, she was also equally as stubborn, which often times lead her to being more foolish than desired. And the man's only reply was a closed mouth chuckle as he gestured for them to follow.
"What do you want from us?" Urich demanded as they followed. He was curious, despite his anger, however it was not enough to make him eager to take every step.
Following the strange man with a huff, Victoria took the lead. Bold as it may have seemed, she wanted to put herself between Urich and this other gentleman, for she knew if she were a wolf, she'd want to tear him to pieces as well. Trying not to look at the man as he lead them along, and trying to keep her tongue to herself, when they finally arrived at their destination, Victoria was surprised to find the room quite dark and littered with a bunch of peculiar looking devices. And most of them did not look inviting. If a device require straps and harnesses, like these ones here, as well as, what she could deduce, muzzles, then naturally whomever was on the receiving end of treatment had a predisposition for not wanting to be there.
"Dare I ask what these all are?" Victoria said, finally breaking the silence.
"That is not for me to explain. You will see in time. Come, maybe yourselves comfortable." And he gestured towards two, flat stone beds- both with open chains and restraints.
At the sight of restraints, Urich immediately stiffened. He scowled at the man before them and wanted to swipe that smug look from his face with a deadly swipe of his claws. He shook his head at the stone slabs. "No. Now let us go. We have nothing you want."
"Oh I think you do. You see, Mr. Renqvist, your fiancee is rather precious. Her Negotiator blood is quite a rare find these days. And we wish to know about her and her family. In fact we know much as it, learned from people like your father, Miss Armani, but there never is any such thing as too much knowledge. As for you, you are peculiar in and of yourself, as to why, especially, you would choose to breed with one such as her. Curious things really."
Victoria placed a hand on his shoulder, to help stave some of his anger. And to the man, she glared.
"Rare or not, I doubt observing me or the likes would do you any good. And to whom I choose to mate and bed are none of your concern."
"Oh, but you see it is. Considering that from our research... you're expecting. And if that proves true, in nine months, we'll have a new creature to research, now won't we?"
There was so much to take in and all at once, that Victoria had no idea what to think or how to act. But animal instincts, she supposed, normally won during critical situations, and this, she concluded, was a critical one. For before anyone could stop her, she was coming at the man, hands ready.
"How dare you plan to steal my child! How dare you seek to use me, to use use for anything!"
He laughed at Victoria's approach and putting a hand up, she was deflected by a psionic Barrie. Meanwhile all Urich could do in the background was game at her... Just how could she be expecting... And how could he know so soon?
Upon seeing Urich's expression, the man grinned smugly.
"I bet you're wondering how I know. It's a simple test really, and when your mate was sleeping, she took the liberties to check. After all, you've already made a claim on her, and from the looks of things... very thoroughly."
Victoria's face went red.
"You have no right to do this! How DARE you conduct things upon my person without my permission!"
[Stupid phone typos.xD a psionic Barrie]
Urich was still from the observations, that somehow, so quickly too, that they'd come all this way only to have this happen. He should have been more careful, oh, he should have thought to use some sort of protection. But he'd been careless, and now, it was just as likely that they could lose the child considering their circumstances.
Urich rushed to Victoria and pulled her back. For fighting them was futile and would only lead to her getting hurt. "What more could you want from us?" he asked, his anger underneath, but at the moment, impotent to act.
"Now, now, now, do calm down. The next part of our testing will require you both awake and as calm as possible."
"Calm as possible!?" Victoria spat. "As if we would yield and become so complacent!"
Urich couldn't believe the words that were coming out of his mouth. "Victoria...maybe we should just do what they want. What could it hurt? It is clear we will not get out of here any time soon. If we resist, it'll only make things worse."
Victoria couldn't believe his words either, and the shock and hurt were evident in his eyes. But so was the cold reality as it sunk into her gut like a log of lead.
"Calm... and awake..." She fought back spitting the words int he man's face. "And just why do we need to be.... calm and awake?"
There was a silence that did not sit well with her. She wanted to wretch, but kept her chin up high through it all.
"If I revealed it all now, you would not be calm. And that would lead to us to a means that would surely not keep you awake."
Keeping stiff and rigid, she swallowed the knot in her throat.
"I see..... then.. what is it we are to do?"
"First we'll need samples of your blood, both of yours. Now that the adrenaline has been set aside, we can get better samples. The previous ones were tampered with," he said with a small smile. Urich bristled at the sight of it and squeezed Victoria's hand.
"I'll go first," he said and stepped forward. "Let her rest. Please. She's been through enough."
"Oh, but that's not entirely an option. You see, we were going to draw both your blood at the same time."
Victoria cringed.
"Oh, how very thoughtful of you."
It really was hard for her to keep her mouth shut! But she was so anxious and upset they were trapped here and to be treated like lab rats, of all things, that not cutting back at them at any time possible would just force her to keep it all inside until she burst.
"Please.. the both of you, take a seat."
And as Victoria turned to where a section was lit up in their small, confined room, the chairs that were being offered looked anything but comfortable. Though, she suspected, they were marginally better than the stone beds beside them.
She released a hot sigh and squeezed Urich's hand.
"Very well." And moved to take a seat in the left chair, only relinquishing her grip on Urich's hand when she sat down. Once she had both hands, she kept them on her lap, gripping together tightly.
"Miss Armani?"
Victoria bristled.
"Yes?"
"Your arms... I need to to put them on the arm rest." And as she grit her teeth, she looked down to where the arm rest was, and saw two pairs of attached, open cuffs, no doubt ready to confine her down once she obeyed.
But what choice did she have? So she moved her arms and rested them on the arm rest, and released a long, slow breath when, at first, the cuffs did not close shut.
It was painful, to watch even Victoria submit eventually. She was a strong stubborn woman, perhaps more than she had any reason to be. After years of being on her own, and now being stuck here... He didn't feel any better about the situation, and it killed him more and more with every drawn minute to remain captive here. Was it the man or the animal inside that yearned to be free? How could he differentiate them now of all times?
There was more at stake here than just himself. He had Victoria to consider, and now what life that grew inside her belly.
Urich closed his eyes, taking a seat in his own chair, letting the cuffs come around his wrists. The click echoed loudly in his ears, a cacophonous omen of what he could only conclude was torment to come.
The needles that came into his arm, made his entire body jerk, but he did not scream. His entire body tensed and he kept his eyes shut.
Their cuffs seemed to close in unison, the sound echoing down to her bones. But unlike Urich, she didn't close her eyes when a man approached, needles in his hands. He took a seat beside her and once he spoke, she decided she did not like his voice, or the way his mustache was trimmed, or his short, dark hair trimmed. The more on his neck was also impressively ugly in it's peculiar shape and color. It was that spot she focused on when the man proceeded.
"This may sting a little, Miss Armani."
"I hardly think it can compare to your breath, however, please do hurry up with whatever it is you've got planned."
The man sweat a little under her scrutiny. And wasted little time in inserting the needle as he began to draw blood. It only took a minute, but it filled half a flask. When the needle came out, she flinched.
"Was that it?" she laughed. "That was hardly painful, though I dare admit unpleasant."
The man gave a forced smile.
"Good."
"Was that all you needed?"
"Hardly." he picked up a larger flask. "We've only just begun."
By the time they were given some reprieve, Urich didn't know how long they'd been in there. It could've been hours, days. By the time it was over, Urich was exhausted, reduced to a pale and scarred version of his former self. He was haggard and drained, and now laid down upon a cot that was not so comfortable.
He looked across to Victoria, in the cot across from his, bars separating them. "Victoria," he whispered. "Victoria. Can you hear me?"
The 'tests' went from simple blood draws to things a bit more vulgar. She feared they prodded just about every part of her, and she felt sore, both inside and out- and mentally and physically exhausted. She closed her eyes for but a minute, just about to fade away into a dizzy, mindless sleep when Urich's voice caught her ears.
She groaned.
"Unfortunately, yes."
She turned and tried to get her vision to focus on him.
And she had only one thing on her mind, and was quick to ask through a weak, forced smile,
"So how are we going to get out of this now?"
"Who's to say we will?" He murmured s something else inaudible and found some strength to sit up. "Victoria at this rate we'll never be married."
Victoria tensed and shot a glare his way.
"What do you mean?" she went on, her lip stiffening. "How can you be such a defeatist? Perhaps this is all of it and they'll let us go."
But even after saying it, she felt the truth sit sourly in her stomach.
Perhaps he was right...
Maybe they'd never get out of here.
"But even if we die here," she went on, eyes searching for his. "Getting married isn't what matters."
"Then what does matter?" He moved closer to the bars that separated them and leaned against those cold iron barriers. wish there was a small bird chirped at their window, watching them.
He glanced up and ignored it. Yeah, stupid birds that could fly free. "Victoria, I'm sorry if I'm like this... I...I wish there was more I could do."
"Well, what truly matters is being loved and giving it. Urich, you know how desperate I am to marry you. But even if we do die here," she went on with a sad smile. "At least I know I've had the chance to love you."
"Then perhaps a little love for your friends wouldn't hurt either," a familiar voice echoed from the window and Urich peered up at the bird in the window and it looked at much more gnarled than before. "Didn't I warn you about staying in this area my dear Victoria?"
"Adelram?"
"That's my name, Urich, please don't wear it out."
Victoria gasped and looked around.
"Prince Adelram, what on earth... why.. how are you here?"
In a wisp of shadows, the man appeared on the floors before them, shaking his head and giving a tsk.
"As a vampire prince, I'm surprised you'd even ask. But as a representative of my species, you would think that you're dangerous situation would touch me as well. But since you both seem so curious to know, I found out where my missing vampires were- and something else more sinister."
Urich surprised himself when he was the first to step forward. "Look, can you help us?" he asked, eyes desperate. 'We have to get out of here. As does everyone else trapped in this vile place."
"Oh, heavens, it would be quite selfish of me not to do so! And I do hold fondness for your fiancee. However, I do need to know the details behind this current situation. After all..." he flashed his fangs. "I don't want to wind up like you."
"This is a very large facility. That much I can tell," Urich said, breathing gentle. "They have magical barriers at certain intervals. To keep the different creatures here separated. I've seen other werewolves and rabid vampires. And other creatures they likely study. They experiment on us until we are too weak to fight back."
The vampire frowned.
"Do you have any other information that might be useful?" he asked, looking at the pair. But upon seeing them in such a state, especially poor Lady Armani, he wasted not doing what he could to at least release them from their bindings. His eyes searched the room.
"We can't escape the way I had entered- not unless the pair of you can turn into something small, and no, a wolf, even a pup, would be too big." He sighed, and laid a distressed hand to his forehead.
"If only there was another way..."
"Break them out," Urich said after some thought. "Create complete chaos amongst everyone, so that there would be too many to try and capture. All of them."
Adelram's eyes lit up at such an idea, and before Urich knew it, he was being embarrassed.
"Though you smell like a dog, you are wise beyond your breed!" he exclaimed and gave a happy clap. "And I think I have the solution in getting me to slip out of here unnoticed. The men who've done this to you have to check on you sometime, and while I wait, I can simply hide in the shadows, a far more useful ability than the good site and nose of a werewolf. But now is not the time to boast, come, tell me, how long before the men return?"
Victoria frowned.
"I don't think we could say for certain. An hour? Any moment? IT's not like they have us on any schedule that I can recall."
Urich could feel his stomach growling and wondered then how long they'd eaten. They needed them a live probably, especially Victoria and had to feed them sometime. "Soon," he said with mild confidence. "Soon. Or we'll both pass out."
"That's true, but who's to say their courtesy would extend so far?" Victoria went on with a frown. "But.." she sighed. "I suppose you're right and I-"
But the excited vampire was quick to silence her.
"Oh, once you're out of here, we must prepare you a baby shower! It's not that often a woman of your standing can breed, and with such an animal! THough oh... should we keep that on the low down? That your partner is a you know what?"
Victoria's brow twitched irritably.
"What does it matter who the father of my child is?"
"Well.. considering you're a negotiator... some might take your marriage as a sign you're more... sympathetic to the werewolves. BUt don't you worry about any of that, I know how partial you are to me," he went on with a charismatic grin.
And it was evident in the way Victoria wilted how she truly wanted nothing to do with this moment, but when the door to the room began to open- Adelram gasped and slipped into the shadows unseen. And upon hearing the squealing wheels of a cart be brought into the room, she felt her mouth salivate.
"We need both your strength if we are to continue on with these tests. I hope the meal will be seen as adequate. We can only afford so much in the forms of a meal."
ANd when he went to open the dome lid, he revealed a pile of meat, steaming, but still more raw than cooked as bloodied juices glistened across them. And that was it. No side dish or anything to drink except a pair of glasses which were filled with milk.
At the sight of the meat, Urich could feel his mouth salivate and knew very well he could devour all of it by himself. He looked indignant however at being fed like a domesticated hound and he looked at the man again. "That's not enough. It won't do for Victoria. It'd make her sick. it's too bloody," he said and stepped forward.
The man steeled himself. "You'll have to make it enough," he hissed, clearly not in the mood to deal with any complaints.
"I'm telling you it isn't! If you want her healthy and that of the child you better provide something better than this slop!"
"You two are only good enough for slop, hound! Now eat your dinner like a good dog before I shock the hell out of both of you!" And with that he took the tray and dropped it on the floor, whistling as he would calling a dog to a meal.
But Urich blindly flew at the man and soon had his hand around his neck.
Victoria only watched, stunned, for but a moment before she scooped up the tray and whacked the man hard across the back of his head, bloodied meat flying everywhere. But it seemed effective enough to knock him out as he slumped over in Urich's grip.
"Come on!" Came a hiss near the door. It was Adelram. "Those coast is clear but it won't be for long!
Urich stared at the flung meat for a long moment, half considering eating it. But being hungry made him incredibly irritable. Still, meat.
"Urich!" Adelram hissed. "Come on!"
Urich blinked and rushed for the door, after taking the man's keys. And locking it behind them.
Victoria felt her heart drumming inside her ears as they rushed down the sterile halls. The entire area smelled so strange. She placed a hand over her mouth and nose.
"Ugh, what is that god awful smell?"
"Formaldehyde," the vampire said simply.
"Formaldehyde?" Victoria's eyes went wide.
"And other smells a lot more sinister."
Urich had heard of such a term before, but didn't know what it meant. Clearly it was a chemical of some sort, and if it was being used in a facility such as this, it couldn't be any good.
Urich remembered the keys. "I don't know what these open. But perhaps it might help to try them on everything as we go."
"Oh? But don't you think that would be a waste of our time?"
"We're doing a jail break," Victoria reminded. "And we're not supposed to be the only ones trying to get free." She turned to Urich with a nod. "Can you tell by that nose of yours what's behind each door? Or would it be easier in wolf form?" Though even as she asked about it, she wasn't sure how wise it was. Last time he changed...
It didn't bode well for her. And she didn't exactly feel like becoming a werewolf's lunch!
"I think I can manage in this form well enough," Urich. He didn't even want to think about what would happen should he transform now. "Let's just keep going."
There was a light burning beneath the door at the end of the hall. Victoria approached, holding bed breath.
"Who do you suppose is in there?"
Quote from: visualspice on August 28, 2015, 05:46:25 PM
There was a light burning beneath the door at the end of the hall. Victoria approached, holding bed breath.
"Who do you suppose is in there?"
[Best typo ever! 8D]
And at that Urich sniffed something and he paused, feeling himself bristle. "I don't like this door. Let's go somewhere else!" he hissed and gestured for them to move on. Though the idea was to open all the hatches, he'd rather not get tangled up with whatever was behind that door. It smelled faintly of rodent.
"We move on," he said and moved down the eastern corridor. He smelled something different here, different creatures, smaller animals, rabid and desperate. But certainly less volatile than the one behind the first door. "We save that other one for last, if necessary. Smells like a rat. A big one."
OOC: It actually wasn't a typo XD my tablet auto corrected it to that and I didn't catch it lol
Victoria grit her teeth and didn't linger. But she wasn't a woman to linger where unnecessary, and she certainly found it very unnecessary to stick around here!
"Yes, well, we aren't really here to save rats anyway," she went on, hoping they'd find something useful. If not a way to help the others trapped escape, than at least a way for the trio to escape themselves!
"We should at least detect an exit as well. Unless you have any thoughts on that, Adelram?" she turned to the vampire who looked at her with a tired smile.
"I know enough escape roots for me, but a logical one for you both I do not." He turned to Urich and patted him on the shoulder and gave him a smile.
"Though we can remedy that. Seems Urich's nose is rather smart. Just try to search for the freshest air... and while you're at it, don't forget you're also helping me to find the vampires trapped here, too."
Urich did a double take at Adelram. "Why do you want those crazed beasts? I thought you were trying to get rid of them. Isn't that why you warned us about them in the first place?"
"I know what I've said,: he went on with a tired sigh. "But not all of those vampires deserve.... this."
Victoria looked him over.
"Seems like you worry about them as if you've got a familiar. But hrmm.. I won't press."
Urich frowned deeply. "A lover then," he chuckled and shook his head. "I'll never understand you lot. Nevertheless, there's work to be done." They pressed on down another facility, and at the smell beneath the door, Urich bristled a little. He pushed the key into the lock and heard the satisfying click. The iron barred door gave way, sliding up and opening up several containment blocks, some of which smelled like vampires, except for one.
"Wolf?" He muttered, sniffing the air.
Victoria made a face and looked to Urich.
"How can you tell?"
Adelram stepped forward.
"It's a different smell of undead." His gaze hardened.
"Well, where should we start? You're the one up for rescuing," she asked, looking to the vampire.
"Female wolf," Urich said, curiosity piqued. Once they were inside, the hall, some of the subjects emerged slowly, warily. And clearly confused.
Except the wolf. She was clearly in full control of her faculties. And was the first to approach the threesome. "You here to set us free then?" she said, looking them over, smirking.
"Female?" she too, was curious, if not a bit jealous. She hadn't considered the possibility of Urich's reaction to one of his own- let alone a female, and hung back a little as she simply observed. But at the woman's question, she frowned.
"You could say something like that, yes."
"I did say it," the female wolf said flatly and looked over the trio. Then at Adelram. She gave him a toothy grin especially. "Oh, I see you brought me a snack. How nice." And she gnashed her teeth playfully together.
"Erm. Let's keep moving please. Plenty of more snacks to be had."
"Cierith," she said quickly, uncrossing her arms. "Before you ask. I'm with squirt. Let's keep moving."
"You would do well to remain neutral. He is the reason you are being rescued after all," Victoria was quick to point out. "Besides, I doubt the vampire would offer much in a sense of a snack. And I doubt he'd taste well, either."
"Oh?" Cierith turned her gaze to Victoria, smiling and looking her over. She didn't know how long she'd been in here, but she still had plenty of meat on her bones. "Just a nibble. You wouldn't mind would you? I'm famished."
"You'll keep your hands to yourself," Urich interjected and took Victoria by the arm. They pressed on back through the corridor, Cierith taking the lead and gesturing for them to follow along the way she indicated.
"You looking to kill them?" she asked. "I can smell them from here. But we'll have a bit of trouble going in, guard dogs n all."
"I don't think the idea involved death, unless you count the undead," said Adelram.
"That's a shame," she said, smirking and looking Urich over. "I was hoping for a meal to go."
Victoria frowned.
"We're in enough trouble as it is. I suggest you keep your animal instincts in check. We can't just kill anyone that we run into. Questions must be answered, and this... whatever the means of this place is, must be stopped!"
"I agree, but should any set sights on killing off the undead or the not so undead, I don't think it would be at all that disagreeable to stop them by any means possible," Adelram chimed in and gave Cierith a smile- almost patronizingly so. "I'm not exactly breaking in here so as to get my own self killed." He reminded with a chuckle.
"Oh, I never intended to pick your bones clean right away, dear," Cierith said and prodded Adelram's back with a hand that slipped down his back side and squeezed his ass appreciatively. "I like to tenderize my meat first."
She chuckled and Urich gave a chuckle at the vampire.
Urich kept his priorities on Victoria however, moving swiftly down the corridor. He didn't care about answering questions. He only wanted to get them both out of here, with all appendages intact if they could.
Adelram wasn't prepared for the ass grab as he turned to give the werewolf a look. His only retort was, "tenderizig undead flesh is a skill not many know, my lady," he told her, smile baring his teeth. "But... Being that I'm the only one here that possesses a true invincible charm, I volunteer myself to distract these guard pups ahead."
Oh it was quite endearing to watch prey squirm. Dead or not, Cierith could have cared less as to the nature of her quarry. For now, she would relent, just enough to be rid of this place. The scents here were mesmerizing and it was difficult to think straight enough to hone in on a single thing. She supposed she could, she was a Great Wolf after all, the last of her kind. And there were few that could match her strength.
Urich saw the guards that were ahead, and awaited Adelram to clear the way to let them through. He looked back to Victoria, looking at her pallor and frowning. "Are you all right?" he whispered.
Adelram left the group without so much as another word, and appeared to vanish from sight. Victoria had been gritting her teeth the entire time, and hadn't noticed until Urich's words broke her from her own thoughts.
"Oh, as good as I can be knowing we're trying to escape from the dregs of some unknown experimental nincompoops who haven't even the decency to be civil about whatever it is they're trying to accomplish. The whole ordeal here is against all laws established by Council and they will hear about this the moment we return!"
She was also livid they'd spoil her time with her man! And could she pop out claws like the wolves could, and teeth, she'd be tempted to use them. But as soon as she was out gumming about their situation, Adelram was already back and grinning broadly.
"I believe the way forward is now clear," he went on with a bow to them all.
He could understand how she felt, and he squeezed her hand to assure her of that. "We'll get out of here first, all right? I'll make sure you're safe, but think before you go busting down any doors," he said with a smirk and shook his head, recalling with a scowl the fondness of their first meeting. Or lack thereof.
Adelram appeared and Cierith just gave the pair a roll of her eyes. Urich pulled Victoria along, ducking quickly down the hallway. "Is this the way out?" Urich tossed a glance back and looked to Adelram.
"Yes, but to some degree. There are still a series of stairs to pass that are narrow," and playfully he added as he winked back to Urich, "So you two love birds may not be able to keep holding hands."
Victoria snorted.
"We have more important things to worry about." but she gave Urich's hand a squeeze to silently thank him for the support. "Like keeping my hands off all these doors and atrocities before I start stuffing official condemnation papers and a calling to the Counil Court."
"Victoria, now really isn't the time to go about flaunting your connections to the council. We don't even really know what this place is exactly. Except a prison to hold and torture creatures with supernatural tendencies."
Cierith sniffed at that description causing Urich to look back at her. She offered him little more than a wink before they reached the passage that Adelram had indicated. There were voices now, some growing louder as the guards realized some of the specimens had escaped.
Cierith paused and gave a sharp whistle, pushing past Urich and Victoria and even Adelram. "Up ahead, they're blocking the exit. I've seen it when is stumbled onto this place. It's a maintenance shaft that leads up to a narrow trap door. I'll draw them off and follow you when you reach the shaft. Go."
Victoria gave a silent 'snort' as she turned away, but at Ceirith's plan, she simply nodded.
However, Adelram caught the woman's wrist before she was off and running.
"Going alone might not be wise, my Lady. Perhaps this is another task I can take?"
"You talk too much pretty boy," Cierith just laughed at Adelram and yanked him along with her before he could protest.
Never ungraceful, the sudden powerful yank from the werewolf made it seem so. But he was always able to compose himself swiftly, as he sighed while they ran.
"I can't say I don't admire the brash and vulgar bravery of your kind. I suppose it's your animal's charm."
"It wasn't an invitation to keep talking," she said, and shook her head at him. Up ahead was a strange and bloody scene, and very unlike what Cierith had been expecting. Something else had gotten out of its cage from the smell of it. Another wolf? Not quite. Whatever it was left very large paw prints on the concrete flooring.
Meanwhile Urich pulled Victoria along with him, aiming for the exit that Cierith had indicated. The upper shaft was close by and his heart sped up at the anticipation of freedom.
Adelram grimaced.
"What an unnatural smell, and I have smelled many unnatural things," he mused, sighing as he continued to look at the bodies. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say a pissed off dire wolf had done this." But he knew better and noted the large teeth marks left behind in one of the men's skulls.
"Whatever has done this it's fresh, but not fresh enough."
His eyes went to Cierith. "Let's head back to the others."
"Yeah, maybe we should," Cierith grumbled. Shame, she'd been cooped up for too long and was itching for a fight. But just as the pair turned to go back, a gargantuan figure blocked their way. Literally. It was easily twice their height with scales covering scales, and it's alligator face dripped with the blood of a fresh kill.
And it's formed consumed the entire doorway.
Adelram, though alarmed, couldn't help his reply of, "So that's what that strange smell was."
He took a step back. He was immortal enough, but he didn't exactly want to test it in a place like this, and with a beast like that.
"Well, I suppose we at least now know who the culprit is.."
Victoria was panting heavily, sweating immensely beneath her skirts and cursing it all the while.
"Whoever invented such clothing obviously did not fashion them for running up stairs!" she huffed. But something made her skin crawl as she anxious peered over her shoulder to the shadows below. But by then they were rounding the bend and she could see the door to freedom.
"Oh thank the Gods." Her legs felt like jello, and she continued to push herself up the last few stairs and threw herself at the door, and made a frustrated noise.
"Oh, of course it's locked!" How could she have thought this escape would be easy. She turned to Urich. "Think you can take out this door?"
She'd seen werewolves do such impressive feats before!
"Did you try turning the knob?" he asked.
Victoria set upon him with a glare.
"Of course I have! Now is not the time to second guess things, Urich!"
They were so close to freedom! And she wanted nothing more than to be out of this confining hell.
He chuckled and backed up to give him some leverage. He waited a moment and thought of the other side.
And when the ebbing desperation set back in he lunged and slammed as hard against the door. With his angered thrust, the hinges on the door buckled, and he backed away and did it again until the side splintered and the door gave way.
A cry of joy escaped her as she moved towards the free air.
"Come on, let's get out of this place!"
Urich didn't need to be told twice. And he smelled the sweet air of freedom only to pause gripping Victoria's hand. "But the others! We can't leave them behind," he panted.
"Don't worry dear, we didn't take long," Cierith replied, climbing up from behind them and emerging through the broken door, covered in a green slime. "It was sweet of you to miss me." With a smirk she leaned in and kissed Urich on the cheek before side-stepping around Victoria.
Victoria cringed at the pair upon their return.
"Goodness, what happened to you?" Though she seemed to show more concern for the vampire over the female wolf.
"It's a long unpleasant story," Adelram said. Urich however was happy to be free once more and pulled Victoria along to get them going.
Victoria wore quite a soured expression, but was more relieved than anything.
"I think this entire journey is an unpleasant story. Let's just move, and move fast. I don't want to linger here." Not when there was still a chance of the group of them being dragged back into that terrifying place.
But she couldn't help but wonder back to just what happened, what did it mean, and what ought she report when they returned home?
Urich took that as his cue.
He put an arm around Victoria, only glancing at Adelram and the she-wolf for a second before tending to his fiancee. "Are you all right?" he asked, panting lightly. "Are you hurt?"
At his touch, she flinched and snapped, "Do I look alright?" There was a crack in her facade, and internal breaking of the frustration and fear she endured while in that place. She shook her head. "I'll be much better when this place is well enough behind us."
But now it was like an itch underneath her skin, and she couldn't help but roll over all of the ideas for what she could do to get to the bottom of this. The place was doing very illegal things, not to mention they were just plain torture! And who knew what would have happened had the vampire not shown up when he did.
"Next time we want to go on a vacation, we should travel a lot farther than here."
"I don't think it was my idea to stop here," Urich murmured. "But let's not try to blame each other, we've got a long way to go back to the cabin."
Cierith did not seem eager to follow them and instead have a click of her tongue. "I'll find my own way. Thanks for breaking me out." She gave Urich a wink and took Adelram by the arm. "You're coming with me."
Urich looked to Victoria."Let's go."
"Me?" Adelram was taken back when she said that, and stumbled a little as she tugged him along. Victoria didn't bother to check on the departing two, simply gave a wave and a mumbled goodbye their way as she moved hurriedly along Urich's side.
"I didn't mean to phrase it in regards to blame, I was simply stating how it was all unidealistic." She sighed and paused a moment to get a good look at Urich.
"What about you?" she asked, looking him over. "Did those barbarians do anything to you I should know about? You know, to give me more reason to want to have them all castrated and their pieces tossed into the Fell," she went on, rather vehemently.
"Other than making me watch you undergo that experience, no, none that I can think of right away," he said with a sigh. "Although I am really hungry,"
He looked off between the misty trees, still feeling the strain of that place. He didn't want to think about it and forced it from his mind.
"I just want to go home now... I just don't know where home is anymore," he said, feeling the weight of the sky on his shoulders.
Victoria clung onto his arm and leaned into him.
"I feel the same," she went on with a sigh. "I suppose I was thinking of heading back to my Aunt Millicent's. Despite how I feel she stifles me, she is the only family I have and I do feel a bit homesick." Her stomach growled uneasily.
"Not to mention sick and hungry, too."
It was then she placed a hand on her belly and recalled what had been proposed to her.
Pregnant... was she really with Urich's child? Perhaps she'd just wait to see. She felt too miserable to want to add another rock on her shoulder for her to carry.
Going back to Aunt Millicent, frankly, was the last thing Urich really wanted to do. She was not his favorite person in the world, and he would do very well with never having seen her again for the rest of his life. It didn't help that it seemed she was Victoria's only living relative. And likely wouldn't be able to do without her for the rest of her life.
However, he supposed he'd had enough of Southern Connlaoth for a time. And he supposed he could live without having ever visited the Riverlands. There was always a chance to be buried there.
"Why does it seem everywhere we go, we can't ever catch a break?" Urich said with a sigh. "Why must trouble follow us like the fucking plague? Tell me, Victoria, are we cursed? Is it just me? Is it you?"
"I'd blame you but I can't help but feel I'm the magnet for bad luck here," she muttered.
He chuckled, rolling his eyes.
"Figures you'd blame me, even if you didn't really blame me. Look, let's just get back to the cabin, that's a long walk back from wherever we are. I remember we got trashed alongside the road, maybe the remains will still be there. Then we can walk back."
"Oh.. right, but do you think our things would even be worth saving? We've been locked away for what feels like an eternity," she went on with a sigh. "Even if there were things to salvage, whose to say someone hadn't picked it clean? Highway men aren't known to let go easy pickings."
"Victoria stop talking for now," Urich sighed with a little irritation. He looked around, focusing on their surroundings.
She went quiet. She was upset- but she knew too well her complaining wasn't helping things either. Instead, she moved with more of a purpose now, trying to see if anything looked at all familiar.
Their walk took them into hours of deep silence. But Urich wasn't completely unsympathetic toward Victoria. They lost everything now and there was no telling now how long they'd been locked up in containment.
He surreptitiously reached his hand out to take hers, body tired and feet aching as he looked across the distance, seeing the dismantled cabin that had once been their home.
At the site of their cabin, her heart dropped and she found herself squeezing his hand.
"Well, I suppose we were too lucky to have found such a private location to stay; though let's see what can be salvaged. Heavens knows what might be left."
There wasn't much of anything left, truth be told. What hadn't been torn apart or ravaged was stolen and what few clothes they had, Urich packed in the one bag he found and carried it to a stray rope and threw it over his shoulder. He took Victoria's hand and held it to him.
"Let's go home, Victoria. Back to the north. We'll have to tell the Council what happened here, and prepare for whatever comes next. I won't let you stand here and stare at our suffering. We keep going. We don't stop. That is the wolf's way."
"Wolf's way or not," she went on, a bit haughty he felt the need to defend her. She was a strong woman, and retracted her hand. "I will not wallow over losses that can't be retained. But yes... it would be reckless not to report this." Her brows furrowed as she peered over her shoulder, as if wondering if someone might be there, watching them. But no one was, and the birds were singing.
"It'll be quite a long walk, but after being cooped up like some legless bird, I could use the exercise." And she took a small satchel herself, filled with much less than what he had, but it was supplies necessary, none the less, and began to move North.
Leaving behind the cabin was sad in it's own right, but she wasn't surprised to have found it in such a state. The problem now was the potential to run into those who experimented on wolves and the likes.
And also... she placed a hand on her belly, unthinkingly, as she frowned. She was with child. And she did feel a bit vulnerable for it- and a bit angry. Either way, a child of inconvenience or not would not inconvenience her.
Despite the retraction of her hand, Urich wasn't offended. In fact he was grinning and enjoyed watching her resolve come forth once again. There was the headstrong woman that he had fallen in love with. Not the moping mess of panic.
Urich followed her and watched her movements. Particularly the one on her belly. "We'll take extra care of that one," he murmured. Urich tilted his head. "How are you...How are you feeling?"
She cast him a glare, a bit irritated by his remarks.
"Just fine, Urich," she snapped. "It's not like they stole my legs." Or her tongue. Yes, she could walk away from this just as he had. Even if whatever had really happened as an unnerving fact.
He tilted his head, furrowing his brow and frowning.
"I'm sorry," he muttered. He hadn't been trying to get on her bad side, but it seemed he found himself there anyway. Urich shrugged it off and continued to follow her along the abandoned road. Despite their loss, he wasn't going to see this as the end. Sure, they had made a home and subsequently lost it.
And that's when he started to sing, a jovial tune. Even against his better instincts.
She glared at him impatiently.
"What are you doing?"
OOC: She's apparently moody and grumpers when preggo XD
[Well, what else is new? Lol]
Urich just kept singing and only bothered to pause a few seconds after she asked. " Singing of course. You're free to join in anytime," he said softly.
She continued to glare at him.
"Does it appear I'm in any such a mood?"
"No. Which is exactly why you should sing. But I won't force you," he shrugged and continued to go on in a soft deep voice. He only looked at her briefly and smiled charmingly. "You know you want to." But he shrugged again and continued on.
She was still feeling miserable, and would refuse to sing. But damn him for looking handsome in spite of it all. Her scowl wavered, a little as she regarded him.
"When we have our son I'll let you be the one to sing to him at night. I have a rotten voice, but at least you can carry a tune," she went on critically before placing a hand over her belly. It was still hard to believe it was true. But if she were to have a child..
She hoped it'd be a boy. She wasn't sure she'd care much at having a girl.
At that Urich stopped singing long enough to glance at her, eyes flicking from the hand on her belly to her face. "A son? You've already decided that?" he chuckled and softly let his song fade away. He stepped in close to her, walking in time, and even going so far as to put an arm around her shoulders.
"I hope not. Boys are rotten and full of trouble. I've always wanted a daughter myself. Something I can coddle and protect and hoist over my shoulders," he mused innocently. "Although, we'll both sing them - whichever they are - a song together. They won't notice your cacophony over mine."
She gave him a sharp elbow to his gut.
"You need not remind me of my flaws," she told him flatly. "I feel ill. I know we should keep moving, but I need to sit." And she didn't even give him the choice, she simply found a nearby fallen log that looked comfortable enough and did just that.
Somehow her being pregnant did nothing to make her elbowing any less hard and Urich found he lost some air when she moved away to go and sit.
Urich stepped closer to her, standing before her, watching her through half-lidded yes.
"When was the last time we made love?" he asked and crouched down in front of her, looking up at her, and giving her a smarmy grin.
She just looked at him with an unamused glare.
"Apparently too long ago for your tastes." her eyes narrowed. "You would give me that look when I am not feeling well." Or even herself. Had she not felt so queasy, she might actually indulge the man in some intercourse in the woods. But at that moment, her stomach was unsettled as she rested a hand over her belly.
"I'm only half-serious about the notion," Urich chuckled, frowning immediately at her apparent queasiness, however, and he shifted around her to sit at her side instead.
"Victoria, what's the matter?" he murmured. "Is there anything I can do?"
She looked green.
"I should probably eat something. Which puts us in quite a predicament, doesn't it? I heard from my Aunt that her friend could normally quell pregnancy illness by eating eggs.. but I'd settle for trying to eat anything we can find. Except maybe eggs," she made a face. "That might make me wretch."
Face green, and a child on the way and they still had many miles to go before they found any sort of civilization. If they had a wagon of some kind, anything that would give them some temporary shelter, he be able to formulate a much better plan.
"Then...my love, I'll have to hunt for the both of us," he said with drop of his head. He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead. Urich reached down and scooped her up into his arms. As tired as he was, he was willing to make the effort and plucking her up from the ground, he moved down along the road. "We'll find a place to make camp. I'll make us a fire, and we'll have food before night falls."
Victoria made a gasp as she found herself floundering in his arms. She was anything but a light weight or graceful woman to be carried bridal style.
"U-Urich! What are you doing? I'm too heavy for you to be carrying around like this!"
"You're not a balloon just yet, I'll get my kicks while I can,"Urich said. "Stop floundering or I'm going to lose my grip. I'm not going to drop you unless you keep squirming."
Victoria huffed but settled with keeping her arms around his neck. Falling wouldn't do, either.
"And just what sort of kicks would you get out of this? I'm only adding to a growing list of inconveniences."
"Victoria, just relax. Let me carry you," he murmured and kept silent while they walked. When her heft began to be too much he did meander not far off into the woods. He paused in a clearing and set her down on the ground. He watched, waited, listening to ensure nothing else was around. Urich scooted around her to get started on a fire, wishing he had access to a mirror or something much easier than trying to creation friction with two sticks together.
"This would be easier if I had my..." Urich paused and gave himself a deadpanned glare. Reaching into his pockets...and finding a box of matches. "Fuck..."
"What an odd thing you still keep. I'm surprised those damned men who kidnapped us didn't check your pockets. Or maybe they did and felt matches weren't of much consequence," she mused as she paced about, unable to just sit around, even as she was growing weary.
"This isn't my brand," Urich admitted and when he struck the match, it was a blue fire and he dropped it down onto the sticks, carefully cultivating it until a blaze took hold. He added more twigs and dried branches. Already heat was radiating from it. He nodded in satisfaction and carefully began to undress beside Victoria, folding his clothes next to her. "Night is falling soon. I'll be back as soon as I can...with food hopefully."
She gave a snort and thought back to the matches.
"If they weren't your matches... whose then?" she wasn't looking at him, but the fire.
Urich dropped his pants and was busy folding them into a pile beside hers. "I don't know. Maybe one of the scientists. These clothes aren't mine," he said with a nod. "I'll be back, Victoria. If you're in trouble, scream, all right? I'll be back as swiftly as I can."
SHe paused to admire him naked, a coy smile growing.
"Hurry back. I wouldn't want to have to fantasize over you with another man who happens to stumble across a woman in need all on her lonesome," she teased. But in truth, he looked rather good naked and she was soaking it up while she could. It was a nice distraction- and a remidner just how she got herself so... inconvenienced.
The fire would last a long enough while when the trees began to silhouette beneath the fading sunlight. Urich gave her one last smile before he disappeared into the trees, using what energy he could to change into his wolf form. And just as he did so, he kept low to the ground, sniffing, listening and waiting for any nearby movement.
Urich stalled the trail of an elk, and when the moment was opportune, he pounced and shredded it's throat, then proceeded to drag the carcass back to camp. He returned back with the elk in hand and dropped it by the head. He changed back and knelt down beside it.
"Dinner my dear, is served,"
She shouldn't have been surprised at the spectacle. SHe knew what he was. She supposed it was habit to make a fuss about it. She tutted.
"Urich, darling, you've got blood all over your lips." She went on, pulling out a kerchief and dabbing it away for him. "Really, I know you're an animal, but you're also a man," she chided.
"Right. And as a man it's fairly pointless to clean the blood from my lips don't you think?" He chuckled, patting her side. Urich was content to do all the work and stirred the fading fire, throwing more twigs and sticks atop it. He would have to use his hands to prepare the meat and frowned as he set to the bloody work.
She watched him work with a frown. She supposed a kerchief wouldn't help with any of this. She moved nearer to him, smoothing a hand down her sides.
"Do you need any help?"
She didn't want to sit around being idle and useless. At least the nausea had somewhat subsided. But the side of the bloodied meat... her stomach growled loudly as she licked her lips.
"Yeah, you can start cooking some of it as I peel it away. This way. It won't be perfect, but it's food," Urich instructed as he opened up the carcass with his claws and quietly worked away at the hide and muscle.
"Get some sticks, take some chunks and hold them over the fire."
The task was simple enough, and it kept her mind off of other things- distracted from what happened, and made the moment, the day, almost normal. Once she had the meat on the sticks, she positioned them over the fire and watched them sizzle and crackle over the heat before turning them over, juices dribbling down and making her stomach growl even louder than before.
"These are cooked well enough," she stated, too impatient really to wait any further, as she removed one stick full of meat and blew at the steam. She didn't waste muchmore time before biting into one of the pieces, uncaring that it burned her mouth. It was heavenly, and she moaned as she chewed on the hot meat as it's juices dribbled down her chin.
"Really? You're gonna eat it like that?" he murmured. Urich wasn't going to lie. It was fucking hilarious but he wasn't sure laughing at her at a time like this was going to help anyone and any laughter on his part was known to summon a few good swats against him on her part.
So instead Urich did likewise and stole a piece of meat from the fire, carefully letting the juices drip down and savoring the smell. She could eat like an animal all she wanted, he was content with tasting it and letting his tongue soak up the juices. He gave a soft whimper, licking his lips.
"This is really good. Or maybe I'm just that hungry he commented idly."
She had a few more pieces before groaning and leaning her head back to let the meat digest. A tickle of juice on her chin and her swiping it away before she licked at her fingers with a sigh. Examining her nails, she said, "not much time has passed and I already feel like I'm losing my manners. " she sighed again, resting a hand on her belly and closed her eyes and made a face. She couldn't rightly decide how she felt. Ill or satisfied.