A Darker Secret (open)

[nightray]

Raven

I walk out of the castile loathing running through my mined at what I did to one as innocent as Lilly. I look out in to the night the dark trees ruselling slightly in the breeze. I begin to run strait in to the woods as I run I pole off my clothes hair forming allover my body as the last of my clothes drops to the ground behind me I drop to the ground my body contorting grossly as it changes in to a wolf.

I stand on all fours shaking violently. I lift my head sniffing at the air searching for some thing to hunt to take my mined off of what I just did. I catch the faint smell of a dear that past an hour or so ago. I lift my head and I howl up at the blinking stars before charging in to the dark woods after the pray.

As I run I let all my feeling drain away letting go of who I am for now letting the mind of a wolf on the hunt take over. I revel in the feel of the wind over my fur and the sound of the night all arund me. I doge trees and jump brush with ease. I run until I catch up with the dear drinking at a stream. I crouch down on to my stomach and I begin to move silently closer making sheer that I’m down wind.

As I move in another sound brings my ears up the sound of a human stoking the dear. I snarl as anger at some one not only hunting my pry but also hunting on my lands. I focus my attention on the new pray slowly moving arund the dear closer to the human.

I move behind him not bothering to be as careful as when hunting the dear for humans don’t pay nearly as much attention to there surroundings even hunters. I move threw the brush like a shadow coming up behind him. My lips curl up showing my gleaming white teeth as I let a low menacing growl rumble from my chest.

The intruder turning fear in his sent as he lets the arrow go wide of it’s target casing the dear to bolt its white tale disappearing in the darkness. The man stars franticly in to the night his feeble eye’s trying to pears the darkness. I slowly move in to his sight my hair standing on end and my lags stiff. All the man sees is an unnaturally large wolf with red eyes moving closer. The smell of urine feel the air as he losses control of his batter with the fear of the unknown.

I lung at him my jaws snapping savagely casing him to squeal like a gutted pig. I snarl as he runs in to the woods the fear rolling off of him enticing me on to the hunt. I move fast keeping on his heals making shear he new I was always right behind him. I revel in the chaise running the pore mortal in to the ground always popping up just in front of to keep him from reaching the rode or the village. I run him until he finely drops to the ground egzosted and unable to move. I walk up to him changing back in to my human form. I look down at the pathetic man lying on his face panting for breath the reek of fear rolling off of him.

I kneel down next to him a disgusted grammas on my lips both for what I did and for his coward’s. I flip him over on to his back his eyes shout tightly expecting the killing bite. I curl my nose at the sudden smell of his excrement as his shits his pants.

“Open your eye human.” The man opens his eyes reluctantly I catch his gaze with mine drawing him in to my eye’s. “You will never hunt in this woods agene and you will spread the roomer of being chased by a pack of raved wolfs threw this woods.” The man nods slowly dazedly as if he where sleeping. “You will say that the Lord of the castile saved you from being eaten.” The man nods agene slowly.

I smile grimly standing and lifting him to his feet. I then guide him to the road back to the town. I send him on his way when he is found the roomers of evil wolfs infesting this woods will spread and that the lord of the land saved a man from them. I turn back in the woods fading in to the shadows walking back to the castile.

I fined my clothes spanned some but other wise wearable. I dress and walk back in to the castle sensing that Lilly is back in her rooms being tended by her new maid. I walk back to the den to see to some more biasness feeling mare able to control my self now.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I smiled, nodding my head after sipping the cool water. I rolled to my side, curling up a little towards her body.
"Feel cold?" I mumbled, still tired and not sure why? I don't even remember anything after looking at Raven's messy den. What happened?
"I had a dream.." I moaned softly, remembering the feel of lips on my neck. My hand lifted and rested against the curve, caressing lightly as if to brush away those lips still teasing my senses.
"But now.. I don't remember?" My hand gripped her for only a second before the weakness came back. Sighing, I lay there in silence, letting her warmth lull me into sleep.

 

[Merelan]

Merelan

First I replaced the brick then made sure she was sleeping. If I was to care for her i needed to know more. Leaving her side to find Sir Raven.
I wandered a bit, seeing no one. Room after empty room. Almost desolate. Such space and belongings, and yet. Not a home. My crude hut with my family had been cramped and poor, but full of living and love.
Here was nothing but dust and emptiness. Finding my way downstairs. hearing noises.
A light shown from the end of the corridor. Peering in, there he was, shuffling papers back and forth. Unconcerned with her at all!

I knocked and entered, my head down. Calm yourself merelan.

"Sir, I beg to disturb you. It is about her Ladyship, Lili."

 

[nightray]

Raven

I look up as Merelan walks in to the room concern obvious in her poster even though she keeps her eyes turned down. I smile slightly “Come in.” I say softly “Your wondering about Lilly aren’t you.” I motion her to a set in front of my desk. “Sit down I won’t hurt you.”

I lean back in my set my eyes fixed on Marelan taking her in fully. Not missing a thing “You think I did something to her don’t you?” I say not expecting an answer. “I ashore you I did nothing to harm her nothing at all. I’m sheer she’ll be feeling better soon with some rest and maybe some sop.” I smile thinking not exactly a lie, I didn’t really hurt her she will be better sooner then she thinks. I didn’t take to much blood just a sweet taste.

I lean forward trying to catch the girls eyes with mine so I can make her believe that all is well. She looks up at me for a seconded and that is all I would need but Manwell appearing in the door way distracts me long enough for her to look back down. I grimace slightly before asking “What do you want Manwell.”

“Sir theirs some people at the door wanting to talk to you, some thing out saving a mans life tonight in the woods.” He looks at me cerisly.

I sigh aeration plane in my voice “Tell them to go away I should have let the wolves kill him he was the one where he shouldn’t be most likely pouching.” Man well nodes understanding coming to his eyes as he turns on his heals to go send the people away.

I look back at Marelan “Is there any thing ells you would like to discus with me?” I cock my head still hoping she’ll look up at me agene.

 

[Merelan]

I broke from his glance and stared quickly at the floor. My heart was pounding. Control yourself woman. He isn't some man paying you for sex. This is a gentleman, a Lord perhaps.

Is there anything else.

"Yes, but." Swallowing hard, lifting my eyes halfway, but not daring to meet his.
"Is there anything special I should know to care for her? You say she will be fine, and just needs rest, and a restorative. Is Manwell the cook? or shall I go make her something?" Swallowing again and daring myself to look in his eyes, without shaking so.

"I don't want to be bothering you, but..." my voice frozen as they meet.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I smile slightly relieved as she looks up in to my eyes I quickly draw her in to there depths. “You will tend to Lilly when this happens make shear she drinks enough water and soup. You will not ask me any more questions about her fainting spell and you will not remember me putting you in this trance.” I lean back slightly letting my eye’s reles her.

I watch her as she blinks slowly coming out of the trance. I raze an eyebrow. “Are you ok?”

I watch her putting a look of concern on my face. “Should I have Manwell take you back to Lilly?” I ask putting the sound of cunsern in my voice as I lean back slightly letting the high back of my chair put my face in to shadow.

 

[Merelan]

merelan

Shaking my head I hear him, as if from a distance. Manwell?
"No, I, I am fine. Thank you miLord. I didn't mean to disturb you it is just." But my voice fades off.

'Nevermind MiLord. Is there anything I can do for you?" But he is back to his papers.
'i turn and leave, yet, pause again at the door. No, leave now, get back to her. And I do, but stop first in the kitchen, gathering up some hot tea and broth. Manwell isn't to be found so I help myself and hope he understands better then I.
Every instinct screams at me to leave, run from this place. But then, a core inside me won't let me leave her, to him.

Once back in the room, she looks better. Quietly I set the tea near the fire and rouse her. Making her sit up so she can sip the broth.
It is strong and nourishing and i too have some.

"Feel better my dear? You frightened us a bit."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I sat up as Merelan came back into the bed room carrying a tray of something. I tried to smile in welcoming but she looked too worried?
"I am well merelan, no need to fuss over me.. I'm fine. Not sure how I could swoon for no reason, but perhaps it's the weather change?" I shrugged it off, cuddling into the blankets, I was feeling better already but was certain she wouldn't believe me if I said I was, so I remained silent.
She fussed over me like a mother would, it was endearing.
"Come sit with me, I am well and hearty normally. I am sure it's over and done with now." I patted the bed beside me, if I had stay in this bed at least I could talk with someone.

 

[Merelan]

I curl up with her and we take turns sipping the tea, I had only brought one cup.

"I went and found MiLord Raven. He was.." sipping and passing it back. The warmth felt good, I had felt so cold before.
'He is, considerate of you." Watching her carefully, she really did look fine.

'I hope you don't mind, while you were gone earlier i did some major cleaning, all there is.." But the pile of junk I wanted removed was gone.

'Manwell, he either has help, or he works quick. He has removed a bunch of stuff I had piled aside. He didn't wake you? He is so silent, you never know when he is coming near you do you?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I smiled, sipping the tea and passing it back to her.
"I have only been here but a few hours before your arrival.. I don't really know Manwell that well, but he does give that impression. Silent and thurough as well. M'Lord is worried about me? Why ever for?" i was a little perplexed at that statement. It wasn't like i had ever been ill a day since he purchased me...
I grimaced at that thought in my head, I hated the sound of it. Purchased. It meant owned, slavery. I bit my tongue to keep from ranting about that one issue again. Instead I smiled and leaned back further on the bed.
"I think it will take some getting used to for both of us." I glanced around the room, feeling eyes on me a moment. Glancing at the wall, I figured it was the picture that hung there of some woman that gave the impression of being watched. Cold chills raced up my arms and down my back.
"This place is a little gloomy isn't it?" I whispered, my attention drawn from the protrait to her face. I shifted a little on the bed, the gown heavy and contricting me a little, but my eyes kept going to the portrait again and again. Why is it bothering me? I ignored it as best I could and sipped again from the tea cup.
"Raven wishes me to marry, find a suitable man I guess and settle down... " I flushed a little and peeked at her as I asked, "What is expected of a wife? umm you know? The 'duty' part of it.. I heard girls whispering at school often about this and one girl got married there at the school. She was terrified the whole week and day of her wedding.. I didn't see her again to ask her about it, but do you know?" I handed her the cup back and tried not to sound too stupid with my questions.
Perhaps if I knew what was to come I could deal with it better? The thought of some stranger touching under my clothes was not appealing in the slightest.

 

[Merelan]

I blushed. Now would be the time to tell her, but how much?

'I was married once. He was handsome and sweet, gentle and kind. " taking her hand in mine and stroking it without thought. My eyes fixed on the wall.
"It is a duty to please them dear, but oh what a duty! He was older then I but he taught me loving. For if with a man of patience and skill it is loving. Though others treat it as a chore, an act a woman shouldn't enjoy. But darling." Blushing. "It can be so much pleasure, without it, life seems flat and stale. That is why there are such ladies of the night. "
I shivered as another chill ran through me, we were being watched. I felt it. No merelan. You were being foolish. I remembered back to when I tried to explain it to my sister, and how it as. words did not express the joy, but I had tried. Then she had died, in that awful sinkin way. First pale and weak, and weaker as the nights progressed. Finding her a week later, alone in the woods. Cold dead. As if her blood had been drained. I had felt eyes on us then too.
Whispered rumours had reached my husband's ears, but he did not believe such things. Vampires indeed.
I pulled her close suddenly and hugged her.

Lili had been pale too.

"This house brings me foolish thoughts. And I need to prepare you for bed now. Did you wish a bath tonight? Or shall we wait till morning and you are stronger?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I listened to her sad tale and gripped her hand tightly with my own.
"I am sorry about your sister.. Your husband sounds wonderful.." i smiled gently and stretched a little.
"I would like to bath tonight.. I can not sleep feeling dirty." The sweating skin under the corset was definately making me feel dirty.
"I only hope that some day I find a man like your husband." I wistful sigh and longing within. That dream sparked something inside me, made me want something, but not quite sure what that thing was?
"Think Manwell will have a cow having two baths in one day?" I chuckled a little and rang the bell. moments later Manwell showed up at the door, "Yes miss?"
"Could I get a bath brought up please?"
"Yes miss. Anything else?" His eyes didnt meet mind, instead he was staring at Merelan strangely. I studied him and then peeked at her and back to him again, Why was he staring?
"Manwell?"
"Yes miss?" His eyes snapped to mine finally.
"Nothing more than the bath please."
"Very well Miss.." He paused a moment, looking at her again before leaving.
"He is a very strange man.." I mumbled before I crawled out of the bed.

 

[Merelan]

I shiver at his look, and move away, but keep her behind me and away from him. I do not like him.

"Let me help you out of your things." Starting to undress her of all her layers. I too need a bath, may I use your water, after you of course. I would not want to bother him again. he is a busy man. Is he really the only servant here? No wonder he acts like he does."
Had it been him listening? What did he know about me. Vowing to talk to him sometime when she was not around. But to tread carefully.
"I should ot have let you sleep in all these." Peeling them away one at a time, then turning and handing her a luscious robe. Cotton so soft, and so full it was like a summer frock. Tying it at her waist with a blue sil scarf and then settling her at her table. Brushing out her long curls.

"You have such beautiful hair."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

"Yes of course you should bath, and you dont have to use my water.." I sighed as she began undressing me. Taking away layers and layers of clothing and relieving some of the heaviness on my slender frame. She pulled a robe around me and sat me down, her hands working magic on my hair and untangling it from my crown.
I groaned, my eyes closing as her fingers grazed my scalp. The brush began to pull gently through my hair, relaxing me further.
"Ooh that feels good.." I smiled, eyes closed but hearing Manwell enter with the water and filling the tub. I felt more tingles shoot down my body as her gentle hands sent me closer and closer to a numb state of mind.
"You bath is ready Miss." He bowed as I peeked out at him and smiled, "Thank you Manwell, you may go." I caught Merelan's hand and gave it a squeeze, "Thank you for everything." I rose from the chair and smiled again, moving over to the tub, I tested the water with my fingertips.
"MMm just right.." I pulled off the robe and draped it over a near by chair. Stepping in, I stood for a moment and then glanced at Merelan, "Think M'Lord will find me a suitor soon or I have time?" I let out a groan and a slight hiss as I sank into the tub, the water warmer than I thought, but still felt heavenly!

 

[nightray]

Raven

I finish my paper work leaning back in my chair looking at nothing as I think of what I did to day. I shake my head thinking that can never happen agene never. I rise and passé in front of my desk well as much as the pills of books and papers will let me. I cents that she is ok now but what if I do it agene will I beadle to stop my self.

With out thinking I move to the door and out in to the hall way moving to a seemingly unassuming portrait of a girl driest in old finery. I look at her for a long time as old memories surfs and prick me mercilessly. I blink as my eye sting trying to shed tears that they will never shed agene. I shake my head forcing the memories of my wife away violently.

I reach up pressing a hidden lever on the side of the frame causing it to swing open silently on well oiled springs. I move in to the dark space in-between the walls the picker closing behind me. I move in the darkness easily the walls pressing agenst my shoulders an occasional opining breaking the constant presser. I move to a tightly spiraling star case stopping on the landing to Lilly’s floor. I move down two openings and taking a right. I stop in front of two small holes perfectly lined up for both of my eyes.

I look in to her room as her new made undresses and helps her in to the tub. I lesson to the conversion as I long for what I can never have some one to share my curst life. Lilly reminds me so much of my long dead wife she refused to join my in the night she never left me thoaw and died of old age with my by her side. She refused to except the dark kiss that was thrust apon me by chans.

I shake my head slowly not knowing why I kept torturing my self by bringing these girls in to my life. But yet I do know for every one of them reminded me of Teresa. I blink agene forcing the memories down not wanting to think of the pain that has not eased on bit I just learned to push it away.

 

[Merelan]

merelan

I felt the eyes on us again, and willed myself not to turn. I was being paranoid, and letting this house get to me.
'You wanted to know about loving? Do you know about the act itself?" Washing her gently. Reveling in the sweet scent of her perfumed soap, the softness of her skin.
"What do you know about it?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

I thought a moment and replied, "The nun's told us some of it, very little actually and a few friends whispered about what they knew, but all in all it wasn't much information." I soaped up the wash cloth and attacked my foot as I thought it over in my head.
"I would guess the act part of it? I was told that the woman lays in her nightgown, her husband will mount her, do his business and then leave." I made a face again that did not sound appealing at all to me.
"Of course we aren't to complain or move, just lay there and wait til it is over." At her look on her face I blinked a few times and then giggled.
"What??" She looked like she would either laugh at what I said or she swallowed something nasty?

 

[Merelan]

"Nuns, what have they to teach of the joy of loving. The simple touch that can bring so much delight." Running my hands over her back.
"Has no one ever touched you here." Letting my fingers trail along her collarbone, or here?" They run up her neck. Then I pull away.

"It may be thus for some woman. But I am sure with your beauty, your husband, whomever Lord Raven chooses will be unable to keep your passions hidden long. May I be blunt Lili? There are things you should know about men, and this desire, and yourself, before that night comes."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

Her touch gave me shivers and a warming inside that was a little unfamiliar to me. I shivered a little, I smiled faintly and shook my head.
"No, no one has ever touched me anywhere like that.." I sat forward in the water a little, my arms wrapped around my knees as I thought about it. Something teased my memory, as if I had felt that before, but I did not recall where and when?

"Things I should know?" I turned and glanced at her behind me, more and more curious by the minute. "What kinds of things should I know? And just how do I learn of it?" I was more curious than I should have been, but I wasn't getting any younger neither!

 

[Merelan]

merelan

"You know that they are built different then us, right?" Blushing a bit. Trying to remember she really was shy and innocent. "Between their legs." Leaning her back and rubbing her shoulders, to ease her, she was tense, nervous maybe.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lillianna

"I know they are different..." I flushed again, having never seen a nude male aside from the statue of "David", I knew. I recalled laughing as well when I seen it, and being scolded and punished as well. The crop that was taken to me that one time had taught me a lesson never to do anything the 'sisters' wouldn't approve of!
"I seen a statue once, so I uhhh, do know." I stretched a little, her hands working out those nasty kinks in my back. Resting my forehead on my folded arms, I felt relaxed.
"And I do know that all the commotion about it hurting and being a 'duty' is a little hard to imagine.. I mean you would think that to cause alot of pain they would.. What I mean to say is..." hell! I was flushing worse and worse. "Never mind, I don't know what I mean!" I sighed heavily, confused royally!


ooc: I swear! I can not keep this character's damned name straight!!!!!!! lol *shaking head* Sorry, I fixed it.

 

[nightray]

Raven

As I watch Lillianna and Merelan from behind the portret of one of the girls I had taken in much like Lilly I feel the persons of another intruder at the gates. I frown moving back threw the passage wais coming out behind Manwell.

“Theirs some one at the gates go and bring them in so I can fined out what they want.” Maywell jumps a little still not used to my quite ways. He terns to me bowing slightly before hurrying out to do my biding.

I walk back to my study frowning at all that I’ve herd and seen wondering what I’m getting my self in to. I sit behind the desk letting my face fall in to shadows as I wait for Manwell to bring me the girl. My thoughts scattered back in time as faces emerge from the darkness of my mined haunting me. I shake my head trying to banish the images so I can think on what to do next.

Manwell moves to the gates of the castile looking down at the girl laying their apparently asleep. He opens the gate shaking her gently to awaken her before leading her in to the castile with out a sound or a word. He opens the door to the study motioning her to go in before shutting the door behind her.

I look up at the doors open and a pretty girls walks in looking arund abit nervously. I catch her eyes smiling slightly at the spark I see in them she’s plainly not happy to be hear. “I’m Duke Raven William Devlin the 3rd, and who are you to be pounding on my gats so late.” I say in a soft almost cold voice.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I frown slightly as she tells me her name then it clicks recognition coming. I frown she’s a decedent of my beloved’s family after her death I swore I would look after them. A way to Make up for the evil with in me. “So fine I believe you now why are you hear?” I say my voice still soft but not quite as cold.

I wave for Manwell to leave absently he bows looking at the girl with iration knowing that she was just one more moth to feed. He then moves out the door slightly. I look at Arianna my eyes not blinking my face giving absolutely nothing away.

As I watch her I think why would they send her to me? She’s of marriageable age why not just marry her off. I look in to her eyes comprehension coming she’s a wild one by her posger a brat. Then add the fact that she’s the youngest and so not worth wasting a dowery on a marriage. But I sit passionately waiting to hear her story. Who knows I could be completely wrong though I doubt it.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I look down on Arianna as she grovels at my feet. I grammas with diskust and retch down pulling her to her feet. “Stop that you’re better then that I know.” I look her in the eyes for a moment then say. “You may stay with me and depending on your behavior I may even fined you a suitable husband but if you anger me.” I pose for a second “Well you won’t anger me will you.” I say softly no menus in the tone but she still shivers just the same.

I lean back in my chair looking her over slowly my eyes noting every thing about her. “I have another girl living hear that I’m going to marry off you may as well stay in a room near hers.” I frown slightly wondering if I should take her up to meat Lilly now or if I should wait. What am I doing I’m tempting the best with in grittily by letting her stay with two dutiful girls already staying hear.

 

[nightray]

Raven

I narrow my eyes a trace of anger showing in them. “Don’t ever lye to me believe me I can tell and it will do nothing but put you on my bad side.” I look in to her eyes seeing that she is hiding some thing ells from me but not charring what it is as of yet any way.

I wave to the chair saying “Sit we may as well get acquainted once agene before I must leave to my work in town.” I look at her steadily. “How are your father and your siblings?” I say softly looking for any traic of her lying agene.

I look up as Manwell comes in to the room agene anticipating my need for blood to keep the best at bay. I smile nodding slightly in thanks taking the goblet. I look back at Arianna “Do you wish some thing to drink or eat?” I ask softly knowing that she must be hunger and thirsty after such along gurney.